Overexposed

Without a doubt, one of the most overexposed media celebrities in Minneapolis is Sid Hartman. Sid is an old-school sports columnist who, in addition to his columns in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, also manages to appear on just about every radio sports talk show in the city. Plus, he's recently written a book that he's hyping. Plus, he does guest spots on different Sports Wrap style TV segments on Sunday nights.

He's an old codger. He often mis-speaks and gets facts wrong. He's been known to forget he's doing live radio and will swear, prompting the radio host to "dump" his curse words. When he talks, spittle shoots out from behind his dentures. Sid really needs to retire.

Here's a surprise. When enjoying a quiet night at home, I'm known to walk through the kitchen, open the fridge door and swill directly from the milk carton. When I'm done glugging away, I'll let out a big "ahhhh." Sometimes I'll burp. I think I may need to get a hobby.

In three days, my kids and I will make the trek to Southern Illinois to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family. It's the first time they kids will be with me enjoying a holiday as children of divorced parents. I'm a little anxious about it. I know my son, who's 12, might be a bit melancholy in missing his mom on Thanksgiving. I believe, my 15-year-old daughter will internalize her feelings and try to make me feel good by putting on a happy face.

The good news is, we'll have 10 hours in the car to decompress from the Holiday, share stories, share dreams, and talk about Christmas (which they'll be spending with their Mom). Such is life after divorce. I just want them to know I love them.

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