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I worked hard during my time on campus at UF to earn both of my degrees and am damn proud every day to call myself a UF alumnus and a Gator.  As 'Vette said above, life is too short to be negative all the time.  So we went 4-8 last year.  So we lost to Georgia Southern...at home.  So what.  As passionate as I am about UF and our athletic programs, and as "crazy" as I can be about (as my wife often says), it is ultimately just about entertainment and supporting my alma mater to me.  Sure I prefer winning titles to being 4-8, but I don't let either event define my day, week or year.  I simply have fun with it.

In fairness, I'm entering a really special part of the fan experience.  Yes, being a student and sitting in the sun at the Swamp or with the Rowdy Reptiles at the O'Dome is great fun.  My kids are now 7 and 5 though, and are truly starting to understand the games (particularly my son who is 7).  To them it is more than just saying Go Gators and chomping now because that is what I taught them.  To them it is sitting with me on a Saturday afternoon, watching the game together, and enjoying our Gators as a family (well, my wife usually naps or goes out with her sisters during games).  Win or lose, we watch and we cheer and we have a great time.  The funny thing is, when I think about my childhood and the countless games I went to with my dad and my brothers, this is what I remember most.  Sure there were some great wins, and some heartbreaking losses (I still loathe the Buffalo Bills to this day), but most of the games are a blur, and I just recall the fun I had cheering for "our" team with my family.  It may only be the case for me, and I am not saying it has to be for everyone else, but I'm excited for the season to start again, win or lose every game.

I hope to see you at the National Title game this year.  Go Gators!