i may be a bird in a cage but at least it's your cage

I wish I had some good advice for all the Carolina fans I know who are grieving right now, because I know that, for some of you, it's my fault that you're grieving. I cared so much that you started to care, too, and all it's gotten you is a broken heart. I don't have any good advice. I behaved better last night than I have in this circumstance in other years -- I went outside and cried on the porch in the first half, and then I let kickthebeat ply me with distractions like dudes from Alabama singing a song about Tim Hudson, and the Zephron being orange, and the Charm City Cakes crew making Duff a meat cake for his birthday, and when it was done, well. It was done, and t'were well it was done quickly.


You may be heartbroken, but I guarantee you those boys who lost feel worse.

And here's the thing: I've been a Tar Heel fan all my life. And in 28 years, there have been three titles. Three, and one of them was before I remember. Three titles and 25 years where it's all ended in broken hearts. I've seen four Final Four losses before. I've seen 8-20. I've seen a program almost fall apart completely. And this team, this year, this was special, whether or not they're cutting the nets down on Monday. This was a special team, and it's okay that you're heartbroken by their loss. But what I've been trying to teach myself to remember all year (and it's not sticking well yet, but it will eventually) is this: be heartbroken for those boys we love so much. For Quentin Thomas, who will never play another game in a Carolina uniform. Don't be heartbroken for yourself. For QT and Surry Wood, it's over. For you, there's always next year.

And because we're Carolina, there's always next year, and it's always going to be good.

In other news, despite the departure of my best beloved Matt Wieters (two home runs in his professional debut!), Georgia Tech is still rocking two seriously above average hotties behind the plate this year. Atlanta, what is in your water? And can I borrow a catcher? I promise to return him only slightly worn.