Luck

 I've always felt lucky -- going back to childhood. I knew early that I was adored -- my sisters were much older, and I came along to older parents, a first son, and my Dad was finally making it financially. I got taken on trips and never felt want for anything, and even if I was denied something, it was explained to me that I was SO lucky, I'd better not complain.

This first happened on Christmases, which my brother in law Dennis's family celebrated. His siblings Kathy and Michael would get TONS of gifts, and there was always a small "consolation gift" for me there. Once, when we were on our way home, I told my Mom this bummed out my 9 year old self. She countered that I got SO much all  year, I better not complain about not sharing in the largesse under the tree. And that was that -- she was right.

My team was the NY Mets, who were the joke of MLB, and they were my childhood love along with astronauts. The very same year, when I was 8, men walked on the moon and the Miracle Mets won the Series. Yeah -- that clinched it -- I was one lucky boy.

Of course, the Summer before my college senior year, I felt decidedly UN-lucky, when the most important person in my life, my Dad, died in my arms.

But thereafter, I developed the sense that most of what I wished for in life would come true. It got so insufferable, that each time I entered a contest, I expected to win! When I didn't, I shrugged it off as an anomaly.

And this sense continues. Today I entered a contest for Chabad of UF, my friend Rabbi Berl's group known as "The Jewish Gator." They sell raffle tickets each year, with nice cash prizes and trips. It's a major fundraiser for him, and though I haven't won in 15 years, I fully expect to each time I hit the "Buy" icon on my screen.

Earlier, I entered a Sirius/XM contest to travel to a series of contests. I fully expect that on August 21, I'll be having to rearrange my schedule to attend -- I think they're in LA and Vegas.

This optimism is MOST grating on the Eeyores of the world.  Even among my closest friends, there's a lot of negativism. I joked with Paul earlier today that our brother Barry is a prime example. If the Canes totally kick Notre Dame's ass on 8/31, Barry will be the first to point out "Yeah -- but the defensive backs looked vulnerable" as I'll be screaming the rest of the night.

I'm the worst on our Canes text chat group -- I keep saying the Marlins, thought to be among the worst teams this season, will make the playoffs. We'll see...

The way I figure it, optimism is my nature, and it costs nothing to expect the best. Plenty of times the worst comes, as I learned well 4 days before I turned 21 -- so might as well look up the rest of the time.

A young friend was saying the other day that his beloved grandmother would be dying soon. I pointed out that he's been saying that for over a year, but if one says they're dying tomorrow, one day they'll be correct.

For now, though, I look forward to the rock and roll trip, cash from Gainesville, and Canes beating hated Notre Dame.