GOOD NEWS STEELERS, SAD NEWS BEARS

I'm sure some of you were surprised to learn that a delicate flower such as myself is a football fan. It's true. In fact, I've been sitting around most of the afternoon worked up into an outright, almost rabid, frenzy. After watching the spectacular Steelers win over the Colts, I was all geared up to root for the Bears. When it suddenly dawned on me, if the Steelers win out and the Bears win out, I'm going to have to choose between my new home team (the Bears) and one of my old favorite teams (the Steelers). Now why it didn't occur to me to be concerned about this before now, I don't know. I guess some times the details escape my notice. (Of course, as I'm typing this, the Bears are desperately fighting to overcome an 8 point deficit with a little over 3 minutes remaining in the 4th.)

Don't get me wrong. I'm rooting for the home team right now and just as desperately hoping that they are able to spank the Panthers and compete for the NFC championship next week against Seattle. I'm not sure it's going to happen, though. I am glad, however, that these games have been early enough in the day/night that my neighbors have not felt the need to object to my very vocal enthusiasm and colorful language.

There's a point in here somewhere, if you'll indulge me for a bit and read further. (Damn! The Bears were just intercepted again.) So here's my quandry, in the very apparently unlikely event that the Bears make it to this year's Super Bowl and play against the Steelers, how do I know who to support? I've lived here 3 years and 3 weeks now, do I switch my allegiance to the home team or do I risk life & limb and cheer on the Steelers? (I've seen how vicious the local fans here can be, i.e. 2005 World Series Winners, the Chicago White Sox.) What's a girl to do? (This is a question for the future possibilities, presumably, because the Bears just burned their final time out, 2nd & 10 from their own 20 and 1:30 to go.)

Well, I know who I definitely WON'T be rooting for next week, the Pussies. Ooops. I mean, the Panthers. I'm truly sorry & disappointed that the Bears didn't win today, but there's always next season. And at least now, I can continue to cheer on the Steelers with a clear conscious and no fear of violent repercussions.