so, i've tried to be hyper-helpful since i've been "back," and i think i'm doing a fairly good job. i don't think that my mom has emptied the dishwasher in the last ten days or so (although i'm probably overstating), and i've been good about, uh, helping out before and after dinner. but, then again, i also do nothing all day.

best example of this came friday night, about 1:30, when i made the decision to shovel the driveway. i got about two-thirds done but, sadly, could not get my dad's car up the driveway and into the garage. but still, a productive undertaking that was at least somewhat appreciated. and the background music came from the clientele, which was awesome.

and, yes, the goal here is to feel like i'm accomplishing something.

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robert pollard's from a compound eye comes out officially on tuesday. reviews have been generally favorable, and i'm pretty freakin' excited to hear it. i've not yet ordered it, so the plan is to call around, find prices, and then probably go to amazon anyway. on tuesday, which means i'll get it the following week. oh well.

i made my first "no cash flow"-related decision tonight, electing not to go to tomorrow's colin meloy concert. i'll enjoy watching 24 with my mom just as much, although my sister would have made good company. but i saw her over the weekend, anyway.

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as i look at the nfl conference semi-finals and finals, i believe i went 1-for-6 in my picks. (the only game i picked right was seattle over washington.) this is why i don't gamble. i think i would have taken the over on roethlisberger's passing yardage today, however.

i was surprised to learn - today - that i think the seattle seahawks are really, really good. i was stunned - stunned - at the way they so efficiently shut down delhomme-to-smith.

i'm also excited at the possibility of a trip to detroit. when else will a team i'm interested play in a super bowl in a city within a five-hour drive? most likely, never.