Lack of Perspective on the Home Front

12-16-92

It was a pretty good week for Cobber sports.

Christmas vacation came. And none too soon.

To say December was a struggle would be an understatement. The wrestling team is thin. The hockey team is 3-4-1. The women's basketball team is 3-4, but at least they are 2-1 in the league. Our men's basketball team, after a semi-promising start, has labored to a 1-5 pre-Christmas record, 0-3 in the league.

Among our men's basketball team's several low points was a huge loss at home last Wednesday to Gustavus, a team that came in with an 0-3 record. That loss also clearly demonstrated my wife's lack of perspective.

After failing to attend our game due to some legislative business in Bismarck, she called home. "Oh, Jerry, I'm so pleased and excited. I was named to the House appropriations committee today. It's a very big honor," she said. She had obviously not heard the score of our game.

"Barbara, we got killed by Gustavus tonight. It was a disaster," I explained.

"Well, It's just one game and I'm sure things will go better next time. Anyway, this appropriations committee will let me have some say in pre-natal health care bills and economic development issues we campaigned on."

"It's not just one game. It was our MIAC opener and we couldn't make a shot and our defense was a nightmare. It was a tragedy."

"Jerry, Somalia is a tragedy. You guys just lost a game." Clearly she didn't understand.

"Listen dear, we've been working with this team for 6 weeks now and we still had mass confusion and 19 turnovers. It's a catastrophe."

"They'll be fine. You always said they were good guys and they work hard. By the way, the Governor's State of the State speech was very good and we're really hopeful that it will inspire greater support for the education bills that will go through our committee."

Despite her off-the-wall comments, I was trying to be polite. "Don't you understand how serious this is? The full court pressure isn't working and our rotations are a mess. And we're still having trouble with free throws. By the way, have you caught any games out there. Heard of any big kids we should be looking at?"

"I'm sorry but we've been very busy working on the state budget and holding hearings on human services issues. I'll bring home a sports section. Is anything else going on at home?"

"Well, Gerald played well in a JV game. He had a lot of rebounds and took a few charges."

"How is he doing with his algebra?"

"I forgot to ask."

"Have you thought about gifts for our parents?"

"How can I think about gifts at a time like this. Our whole season hangs in the balance and you want me to be thinking about gifts? We have to play at St. John's on Saturday and then we have Carleton here next Tuesday. Besides, after the gift we gave Gustavus tonight, I'm not really in the giving spirit."

"Well, Jerry, remember, your team is young, they'll get better. Maybe they've just been a little worried about their finals next week."

"That shouldn't have anything to do with it.

And besides, that kind of excuse-making just breeds mediocrity. Sometimes it seems like players lose focus on what's really important."

"Well, anyway. What did the kids do tonight?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen them. I'm in the basement watching tape. You know any good out- of-bounds plays?"

"No, Jer, I haven't really thought about it.

Maybe I need to ask you if you remember the true meaning of Christmas."

"That's easy. Christmas means six high school basketball tournaments over three days.

Barbara, do you understand the ridiculous amount of time and effort we've put into this team being good and how important it is that we win?"

"Oh, I think I do. Take care of yourself, kiss the kids and I'll see you Friday."

It's a real challenge living with someone with such a bizarre perspective. But I'm sure, with time, she'll come around.

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