Mother Nature's in charge

She's bearing down on Central Illinois at the moment. I woke up this morning to howling wind and a half foot of snow. Work wasn't called off initially, but an hour after we arrived we were all sent home. Driving home was a kick -- almost a complete whiteout with 1 inch of snow in some spots and 3 feet in others.

You really forget that you are at the mercy of the weather until storms like this interfere with your everyday life. They are a pain in some ways, but I think I would miss snowstorms if I lived in a milder climate. It's kind of nice to hole up at home, crash on the couch in PJ pants and with your laptop, get to spend extra time with the family, that sort of thing.

In more serious but seemingly weather-related news, Illini basketball players Jamar Smith and Brian Carlwell were in an accident last night when their car ran off the road and into a tree. Jamar has been released with a concusssion. Brian was critical but is rumored to have been upgraded to serious condition. If you are the praying type, please keep them in your thoughts today.

For Da Bears

I will preface this post by saying that I am morally opposed to praying for the outcome of any sporting event. For big football fans though (and Bears fans in particular), I thought this humorous and worth a post:

A PRAYER FOR THE BEARS

Our Papa
Who art a bear,
Hallowed be thy fame,
Thy championship come,
Thy play be run,
At home as it is away,
Give us this day our Sunday win,
And forgive us our turnovers,
Though we pounce on those who turnover against us,
And lead us not into fourth and long,
But deliver us from Manning.

In the name of Ditka,
Butkus, and the holy Payton.
As it was in 1985,
So shall it be in 2006, reign without end.

DaaaaaaMen!!!!