Monday, September 15, 2014

Superstitous?

I teach a creative writing course at the high school this school year and require the students to enter a daily blog during the first 15 minutes of class.  I think I'm finally at a point where I can complete the assignment as well.  You can find the daily prompts on my Twitter page at #dragocwprompt.

Although I don't believe in anything I would define as hocus-pocus, I certainly have my fair share of superstitions.  I don't like black cats (thanks, Poe), I don't step on cracks (you're welcome, Mom), and I avoid the number 13 whenever possible. 

This last one I take to the extreme.  I won't stop reading or writing a page at number 13 (or any multiple), I won't leave the volume when listening to music or TV at 13 (or any multiple), and I won't leave the house or get in or out of bed if the numbers on the clock add up to 13.  Crazy, huh? 

I used to be superstitious about sports but have since given that up (thank God - competition is really so vain).  But there was a time when I would sit in the same spot, have the same drink, and wear the same clothes while watching (just like DeNiro's character in Silver Linings Playbook) all because I thought in some insane universe those had bearing on the outcome of the game.  Maybe if I were the starting QB for the New York Jets that would make a difference.  And the Jets could use every ounce of help they can get.  But losing year after year quickly cures one of any irrational mental exercises.
  
This is all quite excessive and pointless, I realize.  But neurosis isn't necessarily a bad thing (right, George Costanza?).  Sure, I might have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  I kind of enjoy it, really.  Nothing entertains me more than my own mind.  What about re-checking to make sure I've locked the door wouldn't give me some peace of mind?  Maybe you should try it some time.

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