Kid in a Candy Store

The phrase "Kid in a candy Store" is used to describe a sense of overwhelming happiness in response to one's surroundings. Last week ... I was an entire 2nd grade class in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory...

After the core priorities in my life (Amy, Family, Health, well being, career, etc), it'’s fair to say that Fantasy Football comes next. I know that sounds pathetic when you read it (and believe me, it feels pathetic writing it), but I really am THAT passionate about Fantasy Football. It'’s certainly my favorite hobby (and what I chose to spend countless hours on in my free time).

Last week, I had my most important and 2^nd most important drafts, followed by one of the best days of the year -- NFL Kick-off Sunday…..

My most important draft is of the league I have been running for 9 years now, called The Bigtime. It’s very competitive – with limited trash-talking, mostly done between teams rathmassan en mass. I've won the league once, back in 2003, and I'm hungry for that championship trophy again.

My 2^nd most important draft was for the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF) in Atlantic (Sh)city. I entered last year, but went to Vegas for the draft. This was the first year it was also offered in AC, so I was able to be joined by more of my friends -– which I found to be very cool. The entry fee isn't cheap ($1600+), but the winner can win $200,000 plus Superbowl tickets...

I'm also in 2 other leagues, which I primarily enter for social reasons. I love keeping in contact with groups of friends I don't see on the regular, so fantasy football is actually a great way to stay in touch. Of course I want to win leagues like the one with my camp friends (The Funk Air Memorial), but I try not to follow who I'm playing every week so that rooting doesn't get over-complicated.

Anyway, back to Sunday... It's hard to describe with words - but I just have this sense of excitement every Sunday morning. As the season goes on, the excitement becomes a bit more intense (and competitive) -- but it's so much fun.

So in conclusion -- if you ever want to talk to me about Fantasy Football -- I'm game... If you call me on Sunday in the next 17 weeks to talk about something other than football, wait till Monday...And if you haven't yet gotten onto the Fantasy Football bandwagon -- GET ON IT.