With the lack of sports, I have been paying more attention than usual to the NFL off-season. My ESPN notifications are full of player moves and draft speculation, and it’s helping at least a little to fill the sports void. And as I’ve tried to keep up with players, I’ve realized that there is a thing called the Niekro Effect.
This is what happens to any NFL player—also NBA and perhaps MLB but that’s not as proven yet—after someone in our family buys a jersey or T-shirt with the player on it. Within a year, he is traded or released or retires or suspended indefinitely for drug violations. We are working on monetizing this and I feel confident that someone in Vegas will be contacting us soon.
Until we figure out that cash cow, we are sheltering in place—officially as of Thursday morning, according to a new county-wide order. And somehow, like all families, we are making it work.
Based on social media and observation of my neighbors, however, I would not say we are doing as well as some families. Some people are wearing pants that button, and others are still following a schedule. (I don’t know what sort of magical wizardry you’re practicing in those houses, but I’d be happy to register for your free webinar. But please note I will not actually attend it or watch it on-demand.)
Our bar is not that high. I am excited when Casey puts on a shirt. Stoked when Ally talks without shouting because she’s stolen my AirPods again. And over the moon when someone does a chore after only being asked twice. Low expectations: it’s my secret sauce. My webinar will be available soon.
On the bright side, there are only 54 days until the kids go back to school.