Frivilous diary alert ...
Yes, triskaidekaphobia - the fear of the No. 13. However, I am a triskaidekaphile ... lover of the No. 13.
Which is not to say I'm not superstitious ... I am, too much ... it's just that, liking No. 13 is my superstition.
And today is my favorite day ... Friday the 13th. (though I hate horror movies, so it has nothing to do with that). And considering my last diary was entitled "Fuck This Shit" - a list of angry, aggressive rock about how the world sucks - I thought my next one should be cheerier: a diary about my favorite day.
I further rationalize this to include the No. 20 - since 20 is exactly a week from 13. I usually conclude then that the 13th and 20th of each month are good for me ... and even moreso when they are on Fridays (unfortunately, nothing exciting has happened yet today).
It doesn't hurt that my birthday falls on 20. And my last 3 girlfriends, including the one I married, have birthdays on either 13 or 20. My wife's is on 13. (unfortunately, my kids are 18 and 19, but so far, they don't seem hexed).
This began for me way back in 2nd grade. I, like any other average kid, was taught to believe that No. 13 was taboo. Well, one day, our soccer uniforms were being handed out, and I got No. 8. But the kid who got No. 13 was crying. My dad came up to me and said - hey, make the kid feel better, switch with him.
And so, my career as a bleeding heart began - and I switched with him. And I wore No. 13 that year, and had a fanstastic season - and it's been my number ever since. I've worn it every time possible on every sports team I've ever been on. (hmmmm...well, I didn't become Michael Jordan, so maybe it isn't lucky after all)
Since then, I always have a strong allegience to any ballplayer who chooses to wear that number. I've noticed over the years that Latin players seem to have no care or concern for wearing it, which is why guys like Dave Concepcion, Edgardo Alfonso, and many more have been the ones who have worn it. In 1984, Chris Mullin wore it for the Olympics, which made me the happiest little camper, because he was my favorite basketball player.
Well ... just thought I'd bring that up, since today is ... Friday the 13th. Now back to tales of war, peace, political backstabbing, liars, corrupt gay politicians, bullshit polls, whoring pundits, war-mongering ass holes, and other assorted cretins.