We’re in the middle of an unusual week, with most of our routines out of sorts. There was no “Matinee Monday” or “Sunset Tuesday.” “Tourist Thursday” happened on Tuesday, so maybe a movie is in order for today. There are no real rules in retirement, so we’re free to be flexible with our days, but it’s helpful to maintain our themes so we know what day of the week it is. For my wife, bridge is now happening on Mondays, with tap on Wednesdays and Fridays. There’s been a hiatus on water aerobics due to her rib injury and pool accessibility. The cabinet guy is coming tomorrow (Friday) to discuss our office shelves, outdoor kitchen, and custom closet additions. Never a dull moment.

We’ll probably establish a new routine once the holidays are over and we’ve returned from Disneyworld. I’m already losing my enthusiasm for IU basketball after their 19th consecutive loss in Madison last night. Things looked so promising in the first half. My wife doesn’t understand why I get so wrapped up in this game played by kids – none of which has ever seen IU win an away game against Wisconsin in their lifetimes. I fear that “Game Days” on Thursdays and Saturdays will be filled with disappointment, as they have been for years now. Maybe she’s right? I’ve lost any contact with the school other than televised sports over the past 20 years, so why do I continue this troubled allegiance? I haven’t even visited the campus in five years and don’t personally know any of these kids that I rely on for a winner’s high via association. I felt it slip away in the second half of the silly game I was watching last night. 

Why does it matter so much if IU wins or loses? Why does it affect me emotionally after all these years? I enjoyed the years we were winning but lately it’s led to despair. I need to get out of sports rather than be out of sorts!