Each year, with the coming of Groundhog Day, I find myself incredibly amused! I can’t think for my life how people still believe in a groundhog to predict the span of winter. I mean we know that the best equipment and technology cannot predict the weather or natural calamities sometimes. It is true that a couple of centuries ago, people actually waited for the groundhog to come out of its furrow and indicate with a shadow that winter would last for another six weeks. In case there was no shadow formed because of a cloudy sky, it did not return to its furrow and it was believed that the climate would be moderate.

This was okay then, but to believe in a custom like this even today seems a little absurd to me. I accept that people look to these occasions sometimes just as an excuse for merry-making and to break open the monotony. If that is the reason, I’m all for it. It is really sad that we are caught up so densely in our own spheres that we look for windows to let in some fresh air. Events like Groundhog Day go a long way in making people feel that once upon a time we actually had the time to watch what a groundhog was doing. Do you believe in celebrating events like Groundhog Day? Do you find them redundant or excuses of fighting drudgery? I’m all eyes to read what you have to write.

A lot of you wrote to me saying that you really like the Zen quotes and that you get inspired by them. I want to introduce to you “Editor Bob’s Inspirational Mondays”, a weekly post that I want to write. The basic idea here is to drive away those Monday morning blues. I want you guys to be ready for a new week. You can also help me, too! It’s not just me who would be digging out quotes to inspire you. You have to do the same and send them to me. Remember we are trying to build a reader community on Facebook so that we can be there for each other? This is an extension of that initiative. Write in to me with Inspirational quotes and I’ll publish them in this weekly section with your names.

Let me toss in the first hat. This one is by C. S. Lewis: “Eros will have naked bodies; friendship naked personalities.” The quote says friends do not pretend to be something else when they are with us. This trust of being true to your friends is something that is getting difficult to maintain for most of us as more hypocrisy seeps in. Even then, it’s not that bad to pull things back. I heard someone remark that if you are ill, your job won’t take care of you, but your friend will. We neglect human connections to pursue ambition and all that stuff that surrounds our busy lives. It’s important for us all to strike a balance, be honest with friends, etc. Do you agree or differ with me on that? Write to me and don’t forget to send in Inspirational quotes to me. Who knows, the next edition of ‘Inspirational Mondays’ might feature your quote and name!

Steelers won! Rick was extremely delighted when Santonio Holmes became the third Steelers wide receiver to win the Super Bowl MVP honor. On a micro level, his Super Bowl party was a success. We were all there. Kaitlin had turned up as well. I was curious to see how the two of them got along, because this was the first time they were meeting after Rick asked her to move in with him. All through the game, Rick was on edge, and not because of the game. He was anticipating a response from Kaitlin or even a hint or a suggestion. But nothing was coming his way. The game drew to a close and we hung out and drank some more. Rick looked a bit down because he didn’t receive any confirmation or denial from Kaitlin.

My sixth sense was working overtime though. I knew Kaitlin would not go away without saying anything on that issue. She may accept, deny or buy time. She isn’t someone who’ll put off or avoid something. I think the rest of the gang sensed that too so we slowly made our way out. Kaitlin was the last one to put on her coat. Just as we were about to step out, Kaitlin turned around. Megan and I perked up our ears in anticipation, too. Who knows we might need to do a “Rick triage”. Rick was at the far end of the room, shoulders drooped and propped against a wall, but eyes fixed on Kaitlin. Kaitlin smiled and said, “Ok, so when do you have the time to help me get my stuff in here?” We smiled and turned and said we’d help her move it, too. I see a house warming party coming up!

I just wanted to give you guys a quick update. I’m rushing off. Besides, if you’re a love bird, or in love, you’d understand it, I don’t need to spill everything out for you. I’m so proud of this incredible couple I think they’ve come a long way since those road trip days.