Ladies and gentleman, I have some bad news. Meredith was hit by a car.

If you woke up on Monday with a spring in your step and a smile on your face, there is a good reason. The Office returns on Thursday night with new episodes. Therefore, I have been in a great mood all week. Pretty soon, all of the old themes will be renewed: will Jim propose to Pam? Will Angela break off her engagement to Andy and return to Dwight? Will we find out who knocked up Jan? Will Michael burn down Dunder Mifflin?

While I enjoyed last season, I think the show as a whole took a small step backward. It lost some of the appeal of the first three seasons. I think all shows go through this. There is a point when all of the really funny stuff has been used up because the writers aren't even sure that the show will make it. The great shows like Seinfeld, The Simpsons, and the Golden Girls (checking to make sure you are still reading) find ways to get over the hump, and I am sure The Office will too.

I have a problem though. A friend of mine is having a party Thursday night (not Office related) and I don't have Tivo. Do I go bad friend and say I can't make it? Or do I go good friend and miss potential TV history? Dilemma.

In honor of The Office returning, I am having a blog contest. I challenge you all (or both of you) to share your favorite Office quotes in the comments. The winner (chosen by and objective panel of experts) will get a blog post devoted solely to him/her. Good Luck!

Tip of the Cap: HDTV. I am officially an HD snob after upgrading a week ago. If it is not in HD, I don't watch it.

Wag of the Finger: ESPN. I want more screen shots of Erin Andrews when I am watching HD.

Ramblings on Football

Life makes sense again. There is a crispness in the air and football season has begun. I am sad to see summer go, but having football back makes it worth while. I spent all day Saturday prepping and working the sidelines for the MSU-K State football game, spent most of yesterday watching the NFL's first weekend, and just finished watching my Vikings on MNF. So, it has been a true football weekend.

Tom Brady blew his knee out yesterday and the Patsies announced today that he will be out for the rest of the year. Just to get it out there: I would NEVER root for someone to get injured. Never. It is awful to see anyone get hurt and not be able to do their job or live their passion. That said, I actually think having Brady out and having the Pats knocked down a peg helps the NFL. I am not a fan of dynasties. I like to see leagues and divisions be competitive and have multiple teams with a chance at the crown. Over the past few years, it seems like only the Colts and Pats have had a chance in the AFC, and I got bored with that.

My Vikings have been picked by many to win the NFC North and possibly go deep in the playoffs. After watching them play tonight I have mixed feelings. There is so much talent, but the Vikes are limited by Tavaris Jackson. You can tell that Coach Childress has no confidence in him by the plays that get called. When they did take the chains off and let him try to make some plays (in the last two minute drill), he threw an interception. With the Slackers playing well and the Teddy Bears looking pretty good on Sunday night, the Vikings will have a tough road to travel to win the division. TJ better improve quickly or this will be another wasted year and Childress will be looking for work.

It was only the first game however, so there is plenty of time for the Vikes to get better. I am pretty optimistic that they will do well this season.

Some highlights from the K-State trip:
-Got to meet legendary K-State head coach Bill Snyder
-Prowled the sidelines with Frank Martin (K-State men's bball coach). He is just as intense looking in person.
-Nice Hotel. Charter flying is the way to go.
-I need a better rain coat.
-Big school pep-bands are so awesome. (not that ours is bad, but we're talking a whole different scale)
-I am a bad poker player.