Week 17 picks

Last Week: 8-8

Season: 116-124

Carolina @ Atlanta (-14): Atlanta needs this to clinch homefield and their division with a win. Carolina has been uninspired for a month. After the Falcons rather mundane performance this past Monday night, I don’t see that becoming the trend. Atlanta.

Cincinnati @ Baltimore (-9 ½): This game will be interesting for 2 main reasons-first, the Ravens pass defense isn’t nearly as good as it’s been in the past. And two, Bengals QB Carson Palmer looked relaxed last week, like he finally unclenched without those two diva gasbag WRs. Palmer tore up a top 3 pass defense (San Diego) in frigid weather last week. While Baltimore will probably win, this spread is too high for my tastes. Cincinnati.

Pittsburgh (-5 ½) @ Cleveland: Pittsburgh needs to win to get the #2 seed and an extra week off. Since they know how to stop the run and every team playing the Browns has managed to key on RB Peyton Hillis, this matchup of styles doesn’t seem to play into Cleveland. While the Dawg Pound will show up, it won’t be enough. Pittsburgh.

Minnesota @ Detroit (-3): Great, just when you think Brett Favre might be done, there are reports that the Vikings might give him one more concussion test to see if he can play. Let me say it from the cheap seats-don’t do it!!! Let Joe Webb play. This game means nothing, except maybe to the fans of Detroit, who could see their team win their 6^th game. Detroit has been a sneaky good team this season, for gambling and fantasy football purposes, but not this week. Minnesota.

Oakland @ Kansas City (-3): KC really has nothing to play for in this game, just a 3 or a 4 seed. Might not mean much to some, but I’d like to see them come out, try to get RB Jamaal Charles the rushing title and take it to a divisional opponent (yes, I want to see a Jets/Chiefs playoff game). Oakland has been a tough out this year, but they may hang it up and play this one as if it doesn’t matter. I doubt it, as that hasn’t been their style all season. But KC, at home, in the weather that’s coming from Denver? Kansas City.

Miami @ New England (-4): New England may rest their starters at the end of the 1^st half, but this is Miami, and it won’t matter. Belichick isn’t about to lose at home. New England.

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans (-7 ½): Juicy matchup of the day. If Tampa Bay wins they have an outside shot at making the playoffs, if New Orleans wins and Atlanta loses then the Saints would win the division and a 1^st round bye. Not a likely scenario, but this is a game to watch. Tampa Bay.

Buffalo @ NY Jets (-1 ½): I’m picking this one for Toledo Rob, who packed up and moved to New Orleans the other day. He’ll be missed. The Jets have lost 3 of their last 4, and I have no faith in that team, not with a banged up QB and all those distractions. And Bills coach Chan Gailey will be pulling out all the tricks for this game. Buffalo.

San Diego (-3) @ Denver: It’s all about Tim Tebow. San Diego has choked away yet another season. Sure, they may have great ranks on both Offense and Defense, but they have a losing record and are like a fantasy team-great on paper and a laptop, but their actual games? Yikes. Meanwhile here in Denver, Tebow has fans finally excited about something. This could be like an old AFC WEST shootout, which would be good for the fans. To take the points or not? Broncos CB Champ Bailey may be out. If that’s the case, I see Chargers QB Philip Rivers having a nice day. San Diego.

Chicago @ Green Bay (-10): Chicago has nothing to play for and can’t really improve their playoff position, and this is probably the Packers last home game of the season. Lambeau will be loud and supportive, and Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is in great form right now. Green Bay.

Jacksonville (-2 ½) @ Houston: Jacksonville will be starting Trent Edwards. Houston could be fighting to keep coach Gary Kubiak’s job. Not sure which is the more pathetic statement. In this case, I’m going to take the current rushing leader and Houston wanting to close out the season with a great showing for their fans over a perpetual underachiever in the Jaguars. Houston.

Tennessee @ Indianapolis (-10): Oh come on. Jeff Fisher bent everyone over the last time these two teams played with his lame TD call with no time left. I think Colts QB Peyton Manning wants this game over at halftime, and I will state it for all to hear to the rest of the AFC-you had your chance to beat this Colts team and make sure they didn’t make the playoffs-good luck in the 1^st round, dummies. Indianapolis.

Dallas @ Philadelphia (OFF): Why is this game off? Simple, really-Philly will be resting starters, including QB Michael Vick, and Dallas will be starting their 3^rd string QB. After last week’s pitiful showing by the Eagles, I think Dallas plays inspired to end the season on a decent note. Dallas.

Arizona @ San Francisco (-6): The last time these two teams played, only the away team showed up. Could that happen again? After San Francisco just fired coach Mike Singletary on Monday? I don’t think so. The 49ers may make a QB change again, and I’m hoping someone shells out the money to either draft a QB that knows what they’re doing or signs Donovan McNabb. Or Carson Palmer. What they have now is the bottom of the nickel candy of QBs. Arizona is much worse on the road. San Francisco.

NY Giants (-3 ½) @ Washington: The Giants can look around all they want to try and figure out why they aren’t going to be in the playoffs, and the 1^st place to look is the next two words-ball security. You cannot turn the ball over that much and honestly expect to be in the playoff picture. Add in injuries and Redskins coach Mike Shanahan doing the best to protect his immature son/O-Coordinator, this has the makings for a nasty NY Post back page headline. Washington.

St. Louis (-3) @ Seattle: Why is this the Sunday night game? I’ve heard it asked all week. The answer is simple. Whomever wins this game wins the NFC West and gets to host a playoff game. Seattle will probably be starting Charlie Whitehurst at QB. Sorry, but I have a general rule in life, once you’re past the age of like 7 you can no longer be called –ie at the end of your name. This rule applies to men in general and QBs specifically. Think I’m kidding? Joey Harrington. Jimmy Clausen. Charlie Whitehurst. Any of those names give you confidence? Joey, Jimmy and Charlie lead pee wee teams, not NFL teams. And my latest QB man-crush, Sam Bradford, will show why he was the #1 pick. St. Louis.

Did it feel like Christmas to you?

Well, there's good news and bad news. Good news, I was well received at my buddy DanO's for Christmas. Bad news, I missed Ma. And my brother.

But did it feel like Christmas? I had 3 of my friends tell me that might be the last day of their marriage, and only one of them was kidding. I'm missing something in the relationship world, maybe it's something I don't know-but if the holidays and traveling and packing the munchkins are that much work, why do it? Sorry, but when I moved to Denver my folks were stoked by the simple fact that they knew they wouldn't have to travel unless I wanted to. And pretty much every year I went home for the Christmas, the last 12 years, the answer was 'NO'. Well, more like 'oh HELL no'. Why? Why stress my family out? Why not just hang out in PJ's all day long instead of getting up, opening presents, then hustling around the shower schedules and getting dressed to see people you barely like or can stand. I'm stating it now, if I ever have a kid or kids, we're staying home and y'all can come visit us. I'll be the chubby guy in front of the stove making Heart Attack B'fast Sammiches and then throwing some type of meat/fowl in around 11 to eat at 3. Done and done.

I know the holidays are stressful, but I felt a lot less stress this year by not flying and feeling like I had to touch base with everyone. That's the part that sucks about traveling somewhere-while it's great that everyone wants to see you, I've never felt comfortable just jamming someone into my schedule like I'm playing calendar tetris. Like sure, you got to see someone, but did you really get to hang out, or were you just slammed in for like an hour? This is no knock on anyone else, we all have different ways we do things. I would rather not bother and apologize for not planning well enough than to do that to someone.

And apparently it's a good thing I didn't travel east after seeing pictures of this winter storm y'all up in the northeast are getting buried with. But Ma was cool with it, and I only got one guilt trip out of all my phone calls.
Timestamp on that was 10:45 MST from GramGram, and she snuck it in there, too. Just when you think you've seen every backhanded compliment, every sly remark, every zing right past your ear, there she goes and chucks one right at you, when you were least expecting it. (Sigh). While I miss her and her antics, at 83, she has never listened to anyone and manages to put things on me that have nothing to do with me. My brother, for example, is who he is regardless of who I am. But not to her. Had I never moved then he might be a success. What? Gee, thanks for that appetizer of wretch. And for the main course, I'm not doing so great because I don't go to church. Yup, all I have to do is go to a house of worship and I'm all set-I'll be named Time's Man of the Year for my theory that there needs to be a lifeguard at the gene pool, Jessica Biel will become my mute girlfriend while Mila Kunis is my mistress, money will just randomly show up, the jelly of the month club is consistently grape jam/strawberry jam or orange marmalade, birds will stop taking massive craps on my car, I'll be able to dunk, my hair will magically grow back to it's luxurious 1993 levels, everyone apologizes for not recognizing my sheer genius, bacon will prove to be better for you than apples, we'll find out who killed Biggie/Tupac/Jam Master Jay, someone will kidnap Roger Goodell and Gary Bettman and there will be a cure for self-inflicted cancer (I say self-inflicted because that means the other types of cancer, the ones where the term 'victim' is true, will have been solved, and because if my old man never picked up a cigarette he'd be here now, duh). Instead of saying anything above, I just took that fastball to the cheek, shook it off and let her continue on about the rest of us heathens. God Bless us, every one!!

In other good news, my Ma, even without me, had a great day on Christmas. Mostly because she avoided certain members of her family (see: above), and the eventual wine/advil/quiet ride home concoction. Believe it or not, I do miss home. Ma went to my brother's girlfriend's father's house, and said it was 'wonderful'. Her word, not mine. She said it was refreshing that there was no yelling, no talking over one another, she felt engaged in conversation and her nervousness and anxiety went away right after she got there. She said my brother was even on his best behavior. I think that means he and his girlfriend are in it for the long term, and he'll go kicking and screaming. My brother is funny like that, he can't possibly admit that there is a woman out there that loves him for him. So he'll fight it. Yes, I've bitched and moaned about the kid, but I've come to the point where I realize I cannot change him, by either talking to him, punching him dead in the face nor shaming him. He is what he is, and instead of trying to fit him into some box filled with missed expectations, I might as well enjoy the complete and utter clown that he is. He's my brother, no matter what. And sometimes, especially lately, he's funny. Funny like Pops was funny, just off the cuff, same sighs and everything. It's hilarious and weird, all at the same time.

I moved!!
I got out of the Shire on the day before Christmas, and while there is an adjustment, it's a worthwhile one at that. I had more space in the Shire, but I'm sacrificing space for piece of mind. So far, so good. I've made the right call. I'm smiling again (shadup, it happens), and it's a little weird for me. I don't feel that heavy depressing weight that was around my previous place. I don't miss the stench of 'herbal medicine', the smelly dog or my privacy being invaded. Overall, I'll miss my own bathroom, and that's about it. I won't miss the bills not being paid or the overall uncleanliness of that place. Now I can invite my friends to my place!

I have a 2nd interview tomorrow!
It's for a long-term contract role, but I would be back amongst the working. Not a great gig, but a job is a job, and right about now, I need one. Just to feel like a human again, in the good way. I swear, getting away from HDN and all that negativity is a huge step in the right direction.

My Christmas
While I missed my family, I was welcomed into my buddy DanO's house, like I said before, and it was great. I may have mentioned this before, but he has welcomed me into his home and family so much that I'm accepted. I'm an uncle to his 3 yr old girl and 14 month old son. And do they love playing jungle gym, and I kinda like it, too. Christmas was spent eating too much (naturally), playing ball with the lil' guy and then bouncy castle with the 3 yr old. Well, more like me being horsie, then helping her fly (she gets on my feet, I lift her up and scream 'EAGLE', like on Grosse Pointe Blank) and then it was time for Tinkerbell tea. And it was a blast. Made me forget for a second who I was missing, including the Heart Attack B'fast Sammiches and the requisite smoke from the kitchen that comes along with it.

All in all, I'd call it a successful last couple of days. Those of you that got to witness the ugly side of the holidays, I'm sorry, that sucks. Some people forgot the meaning of Christmas a long time ago. For that, I feel bad for them. How do you explain being an asshole for Christmas? Yikes.

Week 16 picks

Last Week: 8-8

Season: 108-116

Carolina @ Pittsburgh (-14): Is the spread too high, or not high enough? Is Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger healthy enough after 2 days off to run around, after playing the Jets, of all teams? Will the Pittsburgh D rattle young Panthers QB Jimmy Clausen? I think I just found the point in my thought process that tells me, “there’s the rub”. The Steelers will have home field advantage and their D will take advantage of some miscues while stopping Carolina’s running game. Pittsburgh.

Dallas (-7) @ Arizona: Well at least the kids won’t get scared on Christmas. What’s that? Jerry Jones is going to be on TV on Christmas? Hide the children!!! As for the game, Dallas is better on offense since firing Wade Phillips, but the defense can’t stop anyone. Enter another rookie QB into a game, John Skelton. I’m sure the fans in Glendale, AZ will be happy to try and rattle the Cowboys, but I see way too many Rod Tidwell references, and Dallas has too much talent. Dallas.

New England (-8) @ Buffalo: Is it going to snow in Buffalo? Does it matter? New England.

NY Jets @ Chicago (-1): So the Jets beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh without S Troy Polamalu and now they are only 1 pt. ‘dogs in Chicago, with QB Mark Sanchez sporting a busted throwing shoulder and their head coach involved in foot-porn? How is this going to end well? Meanwhile, Da Bears keep chugging along, have revamped their offense into a quick passing game and could have a top 5 defensive front. You can have the point, I’m taking the QB that can play in the cold, Jay Cutler. Chicago.

Baltimore (-3 ½) @ Cleveland: This game can turn a few ways, but bet on seeing an opening montage of Ravens MLB Ray Lewis giving an impassioned pre-game speech. Yawn. I’m not overly impressed by Baltimore, but will state that they have shown quite a bit of intensity lately. Cleveland has been playing over its collective head this year, but has started to fall a little bit flat. Considering that this is the old Browns playing the new’er’ Browns, I’m saying the fans in Cleveland show up. Cleveland.

Washington @ Jacksonville (-7): This could be the highest scoring game of the week. Washington made the QB switch, and held with Dallas, who has a similar crappy pass D like Jacksonville. The Jaguars need this game to even hope to sniff the playoffs. Say here they keep pace. Jacksonville.

Tennessee @ Kansas City (-4 ½): Please, KC, and Chiefs fans, just get this game out of the way. Do not let Tennessee hang around. Kansas City.

Detroit @ Miami (-3 ½): I don’t think the Dolphins or their fans will care about this game. Detroit.

San Francisco @ St. Louis (-2 ½): San Francisco is making yet another QB change. They have 2 awful options, and St. Louis has the most likely Offensive Rookie of the Year in Sam Bradford. At home, with a potential playoff bid in sight, I see one team rising and one team falling-regardless of their Hall of Fame MLB-playing coach. St. Louis.

San Diego (-7 ½) @ Cincinnati: Cincinnati will keep it close for the 1^st quarter. Then the Chargers will remember that they have to win out to stay in the playoff picture. San Diego.

Houston (-3) @ Denver: You have to feel for Denver sports radio-they have to come up with outrageous questions about Tim Tebow and/or continue to complain about the job Josh McDaniels (note to them: calm down, you got what you wanted, he was fired), mostly forgetting that the Broncos defense is horrid. Welcome old friend and Texans head coach Gary Kubiak, a guy I can tell you some Broncos fans wish would be their next head coach. This game is interesting only for fantasy football purposes. Houston.

Indianapolis (-3) @ Oakland: Can Oakland come out and run the ball against one of the smallest defensive fronts in the league? Can they stop Peyton Manning? If Oakland can use RBs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush effectively, this game could be a shocker. I like it. Oakland.

NY Giants @ Green Bay (-3): Aaron Rodgers returns for the Packers, and the Giants are still licking their wounds after Michael Vick bobbed, weaved, ran and threw in a damn impressive comeback. Green Bay.

Seattle @ Tampa Bay (-6 ½): I’m going to, very meekly, say Thank you for this one. Tampa Bay.

Minnesota @ Philadelphia (-14): Minnesota is done. Philly is the most explosive offense in the league. I don’t feel good for Vikings fans, such hope going into this season all to see their dome collapse, yup, a metaphor! The Eagles should be hyped up for the game, as they have a chance to get a playoff bye. Philadelphia.

New Orleans @ Atlanta (-2 ½): A reason to tune into Monday Night Football! A division championship, home field advantage, and to see if Atlanta can get as loud as those Saints fans in the Superdome. Falcons QB has 1 loss in his career at home. New Orleans couldn’t come out and beat Baltimore last week. Atlanta.

Week 15 picks

Last Week: AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!! 6-10

Season: 100-108

Thursday night game, San Francisco @ San Diego (-9 ½): Yeah, yeah, SanFran really whooped up on Seattle. That means nothing. San Diego is still hungry and can throw the ball, something that the 49ers don’t cover well. San Diego.

New Orleans @ Baltimore (-1 ½): Thank you. Baltimore has been good at home, but not great. So this game will come down to who will make mistakes and who will in turn capitalize. New Orleans.

Arizona @ Carolina (-2 ½): Thank you, part 2. Arizona traveling across the country for an early game? I don’t care how bad Carolina is, they are going to run, run, and then run some more. Carolina.

Cleveland @ Cincinnati (-1 ½): Thank you, part 3. Cincinnati is playing out the string, and we got the joy (as a public) to witness TO call out his own team on his show the other night. That’ll get your QB to look for you. I get it, TO has some points, but is pimping your own show and berating your team at the same time a great idea? You know what? In 2010, it totally is, and if TO hadn’t been the voice, then we all might listen to how badly of an organization Cincinnati truly is. Cleveland needs to run the ball and welcome back QB Colt McCoy. Cleveland.

Washington @ Dallas (-6): I still have no faith in Washington (no, not a knock on our politicians-another column for another time), and rumors are running that QB Donovan McNabb might be under tighter scrutiny than normal. Dallas has played well since their coaching change. Games in Dallas, so that has a huge effect, no rain to make any footballs slippery on extra point attempts. Dallas.

Jacksonville @ Indianapolis (-4 ½): Apparently there are those that think these Colts are the same team from the last few years. Afraid not. Jacksonville doesn’t win pretty, but they are far more physical at both lines than Indy. And Indy still can’t run the ball, so Peyton Manning’s play-action fakes should be considered useless. Jacksonville.

Buffalo @ Miami (-5 ½): Miami has been phenomenal on defense the last few weeks. Buffalo, well, they need help protecting the QB. I wish the weather would be a factor, as these teams used to play late in the season up in Buffalo, which makes for fun. Miami.

Philadelphia @ NY Giants (-3): This is one of the best games of the week, and it has real meaning, division/playoff bye implications. Philly coming off a win where they ran the ball to end the game, NY blasting the Vikings up in Detroit after the Metrodome roof collapsing. If this games comes down to turnovers, and it might, I go Philly. Swirling winds, hello New Jersey! Philadelphia.

Kansas City @ St. Louis (OFF): This game is OFF because no one knows who will play at QB for the Chiefs, Matt Cassel or Brodie Croyle. I’m hoping/expecting Cassel to play, so this is kind of a pick ‘em, for the battle of Missouri. Kansas City.

Detroit @ Tampa Bay (-5 ½): Could be a high-scoring game, and it hurts the Bucs that rookie DL Gerald McCoy tore a biceps last week. Detroit doesn’t run the ball all that well, but with Bucs CB Aqib Talib out, the Lions passing game should have some success. As long as the Buccaneers don’t wear those creamsicle uniforms again, all should be fine on Dale Mabry. Tampa Bay.

Houston @ Tennessee (-1 ½): Thank you, part 4. High-scoring divisional affair. There’s a chance Tennessee may have quit on coach Jeff Fisher. Houston can score, this should be fun. Houston.

Atlanta (-6) @ Seattle: All those who watched ‘Pony Exce$$’ on ESPN’s 30 for 30 and thought they were watching Pete Carroll at USC, raise your hand. Seattle hasn’t played so hot at home in recent weeks, and Atlanta can’t afford to overlook this game in order to keep their divisional lead over the Saints, so they’ll be ready to play. Atlanta.

Denver @ Oakland (-6 ½): I just read that Tim Tebow might start for Denver. Ouch. Oakland.

NY Jets @ Pittsburgh (-5 ½): Someone pinch me, this is too simple. The Jets are confirmed frauds, and I’m not even going to discuss the Trippin’ Coach. Pittsburgh plugs away, with a fantastic run defense. There’s a very good chance Jets QB Mark Sanchez gets pulled in this game. Pittsburgh.

Green Bay @ New England (-9): Whether Aaron Rodgers plays or not, it won’t matter. New England.

Chicago @ Minnesota (OFF): This line should be off the rest of the week, because the Vikings don’t know who is playing QB for them, and this game-as of right now-is to be played at the University of Minnesota’s field, which has no heating coils under the ground, a bunch of volunteers plowing/shoveling, and concessions that can’t handle below 30 degree temps. Who the hell built this, in Minnesota, of all places?? Da Bears will be looking to rebound from the home-cooked beatdown at the hands of New England. Since this is like a pick ‘em, I know who I’m taking. Although I do wish the Vikings could have some home field advantage, this just seems like piling on to a crappy lost season. Chicago.

Why, Why, Why must people cause drama that isn't there?

So infuriating. (Please note, I'm finally getting over my cold, took damn near a week).

I woke up this morning to dishes clanging-and that's not a problem. I stayed up late, woke up late, no one has to tippy-toe around me to get their day going. I didn't even notice the dish/pots/pans clanging until I opened my door.

It's been note in this space, multiple times, that I am not a morning person. Never have been, never will be. I've even told this to HDN, that until 10 or the last sip of the first cup of coffee, do yourself a favor and just leave it alone.

You would think after being so agreeable yesterday about me leaving that would be the end of it, right? WRONG!!! I wake up to have this chucklehead talk to me about moving my stuff out of the basement so he can clean it from the stench of his herbal medicine. Funny, didn't seem too worried about it when all my stuff was down there. Come on, now, I'm barely awake, haven't even touched coffee yet, and now you want me to move stuff that I'm going to move in 2 weeks? I hate moving, truly I do, but why all of a sudden make extra work for my move?

"I just wanted to get started on cleaning the basement and didn't want to wait 3 whole weeks to get started. I thought helping your stuff into the garage would be easier for you to move out."

Yeah, it's all being done for me. How dumb do I look? I appreciate the help, but back the hell up. I have a plan of attack for the next couple of days, to go thru some stuff down in that basement and see what I'm getting rid of/never moving again and what's coming with me. I'm paid up until the end of the month and plan on being out of here in 2 weeks. So in theory he'd get 3-4 days free. Why the guilt trip and potential mind-fuck? Why?

And you can add this to the list of crapola I won't miss when I'm gone.

Time to leave the Shire!

Ah, relief. That bubbling in my gut is over. I have decided to move out of the Shire and in with good friends right outside of downtown Denver. This is going to be a great thing for me. No more herbal medicine in the basement, no more sloppy kitchen, no more disrespect.

My discussion with HDN about leaving went better than I could have ever imagined. I'd rather try and keep him as a friend than hate him as a roommate. Not a good combo.

So I'm outta here before the end of the year, and I'm drawing a line in the sand as well. While the statistics I've shown you all may be considered depressing, and my discussions of HDN and the Oscar Meyer Shire may baffle you, all my discussions with other friends have dawned a light on something I haven't done yet.

When have I said that it's enough? I haven't given Denver a drop dead date. Here I am in my 17th month of a job search, and I haven't put a point on a calendar to say, 'Enough', or 'It's time'. Well, that point on the calendar is now there.

If nothing happens in Denver by the end of March (or April-hey, I haven't decided yet, let me move first!), then I'm gone. I have no idea where just yet. Could be back east, could be west. Wherever the road takes me, I suppose.

Notes from the Shire!

So I haven't written much about my living situation, mostly because it's too damn depressing and because I've managed to gain a substantial cold. Add to it that my laptop is making goofy beeping noises, and my tech guy doesn't even know what the hell it means (wicked encouraging, lemme tell ya), and I am not a bastion of positivity lately. So, stay silent.

Well, even though the Dayquil is starting to wear off, I figure I might as well share. Hell, you probably need a good laugh or at least a note that your life isn't as shitty as mine, so here goes.

HotDog Neck has finally gone and done it. I have hit my breaking point. Last Saturday I came home to the smell of Pine-Sol. He half-ass cleaned the kitchen. Kinda like a kid in a frat house would do it. And he was very proud of himself. First time he's cleaned in like 9 months (no joke). He then proceeds to ask me what I thought about us having a New Years Eve party. My answer, politely, was "I don't think that's such a good idea". Last time he had a party without me, he moved my furniture, wine was spilled on my couch, no apology, nor was anything moved back. And I don't like half of his friends-they're dirtbags.
His response to my reply was, "I'm not inviting the whole bar over"...who the hell cares how many people you invite over? I don't want a party, New Years Eve is amateur night, anyways. I thought in a living situation if one person wanted something and the other didn't, then it wasn't done. Oh, how foolish I am.

Monday came around and HDN asked me again about a NYE party. "I thought I said I didn't want to do it, because my furniture got stained the last time, and I know you will be inviting one person in particular over that I have never gotten along with." I then proceeded to tell HDN why I didn't like that particular person, mostly because she's drama and has tried to cause drama in my life and between my friends and I in particular. Why would I want that around, let alone in my house? I told HDN all of this very calmly, only to be told (wait for it)..

"I'd really like you to be at the party"

WTF??? Why ask me if I want to have a party if what I said has no bearing or merit to what you are going to do?

And that, ladies and gents, is the last straw. When I said I didn't want medical herbal medicine in the house, it fell on deaf ears. When his StankDog scratched up my couch because his fatnecked ass left treats out for the pooch to bury (never blame the dog, but the dumbass owner, uh, yeah), he said, 'the dog didn't mean it'. This man is clearly a selfish ass. Or what would you call someone who gets cash from me for rent (or a check) and yet manages to be 3-4 months behind every damn bill on his house, from the water, to the cable, to the internet, and all the way to the electricity?

Well, his selfish ass no longer has to get my rent money. Because I have options. And they go a little something like this:

I have a friend and her husband who live downtown who are willing to rent me a room, with all the other stuff, for less than this dipshit.

My boy Dan-O has offered his basement. Granted, he has a 1 & 3 yr old, but the offer is there. I won't take it because he's got a family to raise, no matter how much those kids love me and I them, it's just not fair.

The option I'm going to sleep on tonight. And this is not a threat, like a player holding out for more money in sports, this is real. I may just get rid of all my stuff, pack my clothes and my electronics, and be gone. Where? Who knows? But I just realized that I have tried for over 16 months in Denver and it's not working. I even put in for overnight work at Target and Walmart on Monday, and no one has called me back. It's Friday!! Maybe there is another town/city where I can find work, and I may have to go there.

As far as HDN goes, as soon as I see him tonight or tomorrow, I'm telling him I'm out at the end of the month. I don't owe him jack, I owe it to myself. His whole manner of being stresses me out, and has some contributing factor to me getting and keeping this nasty cold. Pray for me...or better yet-

Do you know of anyone that's hiring?

Week 14, continued

Last Week: 11-5

Season: 94-98

Indianapolis (-3) @ Tennessee: It’s time to start riding the Titans losing streak. Tennessee can’t run the ball as of late, has Kerry Collins starting at QB and Indy is starting a pissed off Peyton Manning on short rest. And I’m not in the mood to bet against Manning on a national stage. Indianapolis. Special Thanks to Jeff Fisher for screwing this pick up, royally. Nice moustache, douche!

Cleveland @ Buffalo (-1): It’s going to be crappy in Buffalo, and I don’t care if Browns QB Jake Delhomme can keep both teams in the game. I have faith in Cleveland, for some unknown reason. Cleveland.

Atlanta (-7) @ Carolina: Could this be a trap game for Atlanta? Could Carolina show up, just once, for the season ticket holders? Nah, not this weekend. Atlanta.

Green Bay (-6 ½) @ Detroit: Last time they played it was close. It stays close. Detroit.

Oakland @ Jacksonville (-4): Oakland traveling east for an early game after pummeling San Diego…this smells of a trap game, and a game Jacksonville has to have. They’re at home. Jacksonville.

NY Giants (-3) @ Minnesota: I don’t care who is starting at QB for Minnesota, it doesn’t matter. This game was probably considered a great game for TV when the schedule came out. Now, yuck. Go with who is healthier, I guess. Or the home team? Home cooking always wins, especially since I have a nasty cold and wish my GramGram could bring me chicken soup, the homemade kind. Minnesota.

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh (-8 ½): This could be trap game, I just think the spread is too high, especially after that snotknocker Pittsburgh just played in Baltimore. Cincinnati.

Tampa Bay (-1 ½) @ Washington: Last one to have faith in Mike Shanahan’s coaching decisions, please turn off the lights, thanks. Tampa Bay.

St. Louis @ New Orleans (-8 ½): New Orleans hasn’t covered in 2 weeks, and I say that continues, and Sam Bradford becomes the QB everyone talks about all this coming week. St. Louis.

Seattle @ San Francisco (-5 ½): Thank you, I will take the free money. Seattle.

Denver (-4) @ Arizona: Denver, just to prove to all the yahoos in Denver that firing Josh McDaniels was a tad bit premature, I think it was stupid. Hire the kid a competent GM and he’d flourish. Denver.

New England (-3) @ Chicago: I love all the talk about how the Bears can slow down the Patriots. They play a Tampa 2 cover scheme, Tom Brady is going to have a field day. New England.

Miami @ NY Jets (-5): Dear Jets, say hello to the hangover. Miami.

Kansas City @ San Diego (-7): KC will be without its starting QB Matt Cassel due to an appendectomy. Of course, they’re calling him ‘questionable’, but I don’t see how he can come back and play 4 days after surgery to his core area. San Diego will be pissed after getting trounced by Oakland. San Diego.

Philadelphia (-3 ½) @ Dallas: Dallas has played inspired, but have no way to contain Philly’s explosive offense. Philly will have to make some plays on defense, but that should be doable on the national stage. Philadelphia.

Baltimore (-3) @ Houston: I know everyone will take Baltimore in this one, but I’m calling an upset. Houston gets out to an early advantage and don’t choke on it. I could be asking for too much, no? Oh, and Andre Johnson has a BIG night. Houston.