since I’ve posted and I’m in a good mood so I thought I’d drop in and say hello to the oldheads who might remember me.
First a quick health update for those who remember how I used to be on here.
Going on year 4 of no alcohol and I’ve never been happier or healthier. If it wasn’t for my back injuries I’d be in great shape. My standard joke to explain my back issues is to compare myself to a car by stating, “The engine and interior are mint but the chassis is cracked from impact, structurally unsound, and is rusting beyond repair.“ That gets a polite laugh and is the simplest way to explain why I walk so slow with a constant list to port. Chronic pain is not something easily explained to those that haven’t experienced it. It’s very isolating and private. There is still no surgical option so I’m stuck in pain management surviving on about half the amount of Oxycodone I actually need (Don’t get me started on the Federal crackdown), steroid injections, Radio Frequently Ablation (from L1 to L4 - s5), and Medical MJ.
Mental Health - It’s been a rough few years…not gonna lie. The Explosive Impulse Disorder is getting worse as I age. I’m agitated all the time and that trigger in my head has become hair thin. Combined with the myriad of other symptoms from Bipolar, Dissociative disorder, PTSD, and Post Concussive Disorder, I’m now 100% unemployable…even if I could physically work. My shrink has me on some pretty heavy duty antipsychotics and other fun pills to tone down my agitation level to a low roar, but they only work for so long before I need a dosage increase or a new med altogether. I dropped off all social media, quit watching the news, and removed any stimuli that might set me off from my life. None the less, I’m getting meaner and more vicious with each successive year. The enormity of my issues weigh heavily on me but all I can do is deal with it all day to day. Suicide is not an option..I’m a survivor..it’s what I do best. The fact I made it to 54 years old is an incredible statistical anomaly given my set of variables. There is no way I’m not going to see this wild ride to the very end. Life is a gift. I truly believe that..even a cursed life like mine.
On to the team! I didn’t watch any of the games last year due to the fact I thought it was a farce that they were playing at all during a raging pandemic that has killed 1 out of every 500 Americans to date. I think Michigan’s record and covid breakout validated my feelings about “Let Them Play”. It was a joke of a season and I’m glad my brain is not permanently scarred from watching any of it. As a result, I approached the first 2 games this season with a bit of optimism as I absolutely loved the coaching hires..especially the new young DC who brought the Ravens 4-2-5 with him. Loving the results so far. They look aggressive and assignment sound. Hutchinson is a Madman and is playing himself into being a top 5 draft pick. That’s not hyperbole, I just saw a mock draft that has the Lions taking him with the second pick! Really encouraged by play on D but the real test is the Wisconsin game. Really psyched for that game..a lot of questions will be answered.
As far as the Offense, I’m really happy to see Michigan return to being a power running team first and foremost. I was never a big fan of the whole “Speed in Space” concept. I felt the offense lost their identity there for a while. Glad to see Michigan running the ball down their opponents throats all game because they can again. Michigan is not a spread program. They play in the B1G and in the midwest fall elements which aren’t kind to finesse offenses. Besides, everyone runs spreads. It is better to zig when everyone is zagging. Having a power running game gives Michigan back it’s traditional identity and provides advantages over teams that rarely face that type of offense and don’t have the bodies to simulate it in practice. Very pleased with the results so far. I have no worries about the passing game. I‘m sure we’ll see it more against NIU. My only question is when does McCarthy become too good to keep off the field? Unreal arm that kid has.
I have no expectations other than this will be a successful season for Michigan...and yes that means they’ll beat ohio this year!
Go Blue and Cheers everyone! Glad to be here again.
- Todd
First a quick health update for those who remember how I used to be on here.
Going on year 4 of no alcohol and I’ve never been happier or healthier. If it wasn’t for my back injuries I’d be in great shape. My standard joke to explain my back issues is to compare myself to a car by stating, “The engine and interior are mint but the chassis is cracked from impact, structurally unsound, and is rusting beyond repair.“ That gets a polite laugh and is the simplest way to explain why I walk so slow with a constant list to port. Chronic pain is not something easily explained to those that haven’t experienced it. It’s very isolating and private. There is still no surgical option so I’m stuck in pain management surviving on about half the amount of Oxycodone I actually need (Don’t get me started on the Federal crackdown), steroid injections, Radio Frequently Ablation (from L1 to L4 - s5), and Medical MJ.
Mental Health - It’s been a rough few years…not gonna lie. The Explosive Impulse Disorder is getting worse as I age. I’m agitated all the time and that trigger in my head has become hair thin. Combined with the myriad of other symptoms from Bipolar, Dissociative disorder, PTSD, and Post Concussive Disorder, I’m now 100% unemployable…even if I could physically work. My shrink has me on some pretty heavy duty antipsychotics and other fun pills to tone down my agitation level to a low roar, but they only work for so long before I need a dosage increase or a new med altogether. I dropped off all social media, quit watching the news, and removed any stimuli that might set me off from my life. None the less, I’m getting meaner and more vicious with each successive year. The enormity of my issues weigh heavily on me but all I can do is deal with it all day to day. Suicide is not an option..I’m a survivor..it’s what I do best. The fact I made it to 54 years old is an incredible statistical anomaly given my set of variables. There is no way I’m not going to see this wild ride to the very end. Life is a gift. I truly believe that..even a cursed life like mine.
On to the team! I didn’t watch any of the games last year due to the fact I thought it was a farce that they were playing at all during a raging pandemic that has killed 1 out of every 500 Americans to date. I think Michigan’s record and covid breakout validated my feelings about “Let Them Play”. It was a joke of a season and I’m glad my brain is not permanently scarred from watching any of it. As a result, I approached the first 2 games this season with a bit of optimism as I absolutely loved the coaching hires..especially the new young DC who brought the Ravens 4-2-5 with him. Loving the results so far. They look aggressive and assignment sound. Hutchinson is a Madman and is playing himself into being a top 5 draft pick. That’s not hyperbole, I just saw a mock draft that has the Lions taking him with the second pick! Really encouraged by play on D but the real test is the Wisconsin game. Really psyched for that game..a lot of questions will be answered.
As far as the Offense, I’m really happy to see Michigan return to being a power running team first and foremost. I was never a big fan of the whole “Speed in Space” concept. I felt the offense lost their identity there for a while. Glad to see Michigan running the ball down their opponents throats all game because they can again. Michigan is not a spread program. They play in the B1G and in the midwest fall elements which aren’t kind to finesse offenses. Besides, everyone runs spreads. It is better to zig when everyone is zagging. Having a power running game gives Michigan back it’s traditional identity and provides advantages over teams that rarely face that type of offense and don’t have the bodies to simulate it in practice. Very pleased with the results so far. I have no worries about the passing game. I‘m sure we’ll see it more against NIU. My only question is when does McCarthy become too good to keep off the field? Unreal arm that kid has.
I have no expectations other than this will be a successful season for Michigan...and yes that means they’ll beat ohio this year!
Go Blue and Cheers everyone! Glad to be here again.
- Todd
