Well here we are. The day has arrived. The Patriots will play in their fifth AFC Championship in seven years. That is simply incredible. With so many trips to this game since 2001-02, I can kind of see why people in other parts of the country would be sick of my team. I mean, thinking back, I was sick to death of the Bills when they were going to the AFC Championship game like every year back in the 90's (also known as 'The Dark Years' for Patriots fans).
Oh well what are you gonna do? The rest of the country is just gonna have to suck it up again because we are back in it for another round.
The pressure for this game is huge. I can barely stand it as I sit here typing this. As if being one game away from the Superbowl is not bad enough, there is an undefeated season on the line as well. It's almost too much for one person to take. Of course, even though I've got the shakes, I would not trade this feeling for the world. This is phenomenal. As a Patriots fan, these are moments to savor and remember.
Two Games to Glory.
Angela has a post up that pretty much says it all. Like her, for the past few nights I have actually been having dreams about this game. Yes, it is true. Although, my dream last night was a nightmare. I dreamt that I could not get the game on my TV and that my radio would not work. I was endlessly clicking from channel to channel. Every now and then I'd get a snippet of the game then something would happen. It was a weird dream.
I've got a bunch of Pats gear out decorating the living room; The Lucky Patriots Fleece Blanket, my Tom Brady Superbowl MVP Globe (when you shake it Patriots confetti flies around), Pats pillows, throw rugs, the works.
Plus, I've got plenty of extra hot 'Victory Chili', as I called it last week, home-made guac and I've got the whole family in their Pats gear from head to toe. Yes we all have our Patriots socks on. There's a mini Tedy Bruschi and Tom Brady running around here somewhere. Positive vibes abound.
Now it's just wait, wait, wait. I'm trying to keep busy and distracted till the game starts. I'm also doing lots and lots of pacing. Yeah, it's not a pretty picture. Courtney has advised me to 'breathe' but I am finding it difficult.
It's TWO GAMES TO GLORY AND I AM FREAKING OUT PEOPLE.
GO PATS
I'm also keeping distracted by blaring some very loud and obnoxious music to fit the mood, causing my Wife to retreat upstairs away from the noise.
For example:
Black Flag: Fix Me, I've Had It
Metallica: Damage Inc
Rollins Band: On My Way to the Cage
Ramones: Surfin Bird
AC/DC: For Those About to Rock, If You Want Blood (You've Got it)
Godsmack: Timebomb, Stress, Situation (I'm finding the old Godsmack tunes to be particularly soothing)
And, of course, Meat Depressed: Here We Go Patriots.
It might be time to break out the Jack. I really need to calm down.. Seriously.
GO PATS
GO PATS
I need to go get my squishy stress relief football thingie. And I need to breathe..
GO PATS