Playing "ostrich" tomorrow
I am in the extremely unfortunate position of having to miss The Game tomorrow due to a prior obligation that I did everything in my power to reschedule or get out of, without success. Since it's the most important game of the season, I have decided to at least make the attempt to "go ostrich"... in other words, record the game and avoid any hearing any info about it until I can get home and watch it. Here's my checklist:
- Double check DVR setting before I leave
- Put the TV on some channel, such as one of the music channels, so that when I turn it on to watch, there's no chance of catching a score or something.
- Arrive at my obligation (which starts at noon), and inform everyone to KEEP THEIR MOUTHS SHUT if they hear anything.
- Run quickly to my car, avoiding everyone, after my obligation is over (will be about 5 pm)
- Turn on only a CD, which I will have pre-loaded. (I would just leave the car stereo off, but my luck someone will scream something out while I'm sitting at a red light.)
- Drive home (about 45 min), eyes focused on the road, avoiding potential sights or sounds from people that might give it all away.
- Arrive at home, and avoid my neighbor who lives in the other side of the duplex. She's a grad student at UofM and knows I'm a diehard fan.
So... for those who have done this before, or are in the situation tomorrow, am I leaving anything out?? I've done it before, sometimes with success, sometimes not. Maybe some of you have other tips, or stories to share about doing this.
(How's this for Friday-after-Thanksgiving at work boredom?)
EDIT: Seems I forgot the most obvious one of all.... to turn off the damn phone! (This was kinda a given for me... but I admittedly forgot to put it on the above list.)
November 26th, 2010 at 3:03 PM ^
In helping avoid potential problems with the neighbor spoiling it, perhaps an iPod on the trip from the car to the house? That way you can ignore her if she's out and not feel bad about it.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:13 PM ^
Is the neighbor hot?
November 26th, 2010 at 3:31 PM ^
Not a bad idea.... although, perhaps ever better would be to have my phone at my ear like I'm talking to someone... a big argument or something that my neighbor wouldn't dare interrupt.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:05 PM ^
looking at any Michigan/OSU fans to make sure there facial expressions don't give anything away.
Even though you kinda already said that.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:05 PM ^
Seems obvious, but don't check your text messages, just in case somebody texts you to celebrate.
Also, my DVR switches to one of the two channels that I'm recording if I am recording two things. So don't record two things. Or turn the sound down before you leave and don't look directly at the TV when bringing up the game (treat it like a Gorgon!).
Good luck!
November 26th, 2010 at 3:11 PM ^
I simply unfocus my eyes when it's necessary to avoid seeing the score, such as when I'm coming to the TV an hour or so late.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:25 PM ^
Can't believe I left that off the list. My phone will be turned off completely, because I usually get plenty of texts during the game. Thanks!
November 26th, 2010 at 4:35 PM ^
for the reference to Greek mythology.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:09 PM ^
Make sure you record whatever comes on right after the game too. I've missed a few endings by not doing this.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:11 PM ^
True. Always set to record at least a half hour longer than the duration of the game.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:27 PM ^
I already have it set to record for two hours beyond the scheduled time. One never knows (see UM/Illinois this year)....
November 26th, 2010 at 3:10 PM ^
Missing The Game? UNACCEPTABLE. YOU CAN'T BE A MICHIGAN MAN.
/s
November 26th, 2010 at 3:13 PM ^
I'd tell your neighbor about the situation and keep your phone off.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:17 PM ^
Watched the game at home at 10 PM. That one worked out well. One of 4 games I have missed in the last 10 years. Before you say I am a jinx...I also missed The Horror and Toledo.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:18 PM ^
Also, whatever you do, don't slip the med. students a key to Dr. Kelso's office or spoil the ending of The Sixth Sense for the janitor.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:22 PM ^
I thought this thread was going to involve playing something against Jimmy Clausen. I'm dissapointed, but good luck avoiding the score tomorrow!
November 26th, 2010 at 3:33 PM ^
Perhaps I should've included a parenthetical NTO ("not that ostrich") in my title. :)
November 26th, 2010 at 3:23 PM ^
Turn off your phone. If we win it will be obvious by the volume of texts you receive.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:31 PM ^
Sit/stand in the back of the event. Wear dark sunglasses. And wear ear plugs. If the words "michigan" or "ohio state" are within ear shot, then start screaming "lalalalalalalala" very loudly.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:32 PM ^
Had to do this a few times this year due to coaching my kids Pee Wee football team. Definatly leave the phone off.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:54 PM ^
Don't check facebook/email. Status updates have ruined some endings for me when I've forgotten I'm several minutes behind on my DVR.
November 26th, 2010 at 3:58 PM ^
Stay away from THE_KNOWLEDGE threads.
November 26th, 2010 at 4:29 PM ^
I lived in London for six years in the late 90s, and used to get the games sent to me from some outfit in Zurich. They would arrive on a Tuesday, so I had to make it from Saturday until Tuesday without finding out what happened. Everyone in my office knew about it-- some would be sure not to tell me anything, some would be sure to taunt me by telling completely outlandish stories or pretending to give me hints, but in a way that wouldn't let me draw any conclusions from the fake hints.
But there were always people who couldn't resist saying things to me like, "I'm not going to tell you what happened, but you're going to be really, really happy." Or, and I still remember this one, after the Virginia game, telling me, "I'm not going to tell you what happened, but be sure to watch the very last play of the game, you'll be happy you did." For some reason, I was very relaxed entering the fourth quarter of that game.
November 26th, 2010 at 5:42 PM ^
Wow... that's some serious will power! I was fortunate enough to be at that Virginia game... one that I'll certainly never forget.
November 26th, 2010 at 6:46 PM ^
Harrison Ford tried to play ostrich during Air Force One. Someone ruined it for him though, told them we won 14-13 over Notre Dame.
Probably a bit tougher if you're the president. Good luck.