March is More than Merely Mediocre

So March is more than half-finished and this is my first post of the month.  Why? Because I'm too busy partaking in the glory and splendor that is March!  Here are a few reasons why March is, as the French say, magnifique!


1.  Madness, baby! (must be read in Dick Vitale voice)
I don't start paying attention to college basketball until the day the NCAA releases the tournament bracket.  But then, like many Americans, I suddenly become interested in intriguing match-ups like Old Dominion vs Butler.  March Madness involves a lot of dramatic endings, the occasional Cinderella story, and massive overeating at my buddy's annual weekend-long tournament viewing party.  (This year, I'm bringing a cheeseball sculpted into a bust of Mike Krzyzewski).


2.  It's Magically delicious.
Nothing pays homage to the man who brought Christianity to Ireland like drinking Shamrock Shakes and wearing green boxers.  Everybody claims to be at least 1/32nd Irish on St. Patrick's Day.  I, however, have the name and tattoo to prove that I am, legitimately, 1/8th Irish.  So what if my great-grandpa was a Protestant from Belfast. That still counts, right?

3.  Take me out to the ballgame.
Spring training gives everybody hope that their favorite baseball team can contend for a pennant.  Unless your favorite team is Baltimore, Toronto, Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington, Pittsburgh, or Florida.  I took my son to a college baseball game this week in Lincoln, Nebraska, where we got a sunburned faces and an autographed ball. Good times! Hearing the crack of the bat for the first time means Spring is finally here.


4.  Speaking of spring...
Another sign that we are nearly out of Winter's evil death grip is Spring Break.  I've been to Florida a couple of times to hang out with thousands of crazy college students, engaging in spiritual conversations with many (that is, if they weren't too busy manning the beer bong).  This annual event is really important to me because I met my wife on a Spring Break trip - traveling from Ames, Iowa to Daytona Beach - 19 years ago this month.  It turns out you really get to know a person well by spending 26 hours with them on a bus.


5.  Happy birthday(s).
Two of my favorite guys in the world were born in March: my oldest son Liam (in 2000) and my only brother Mark (in 1976).  It appears that Liam will inherit his uncle's height (6'4") and sarcasm (vast).  Although far from perfect, I consider both of these fine young Downey men to be top notch dudes. 


6.  Fish Fridays.  
Because Lent lasts for 46 days, a portion of the season always falls in March.  I'm neither a big self-denial person, nor a huge fan of tradition, but there's something really significant about a period of time dedicated to repentance, devotion and contemplation. Anything that helps people appreciate the amazing events of Easter Weekend is a good thing.  


What about you?  What's your favorite thing about March?