It's getting kinda tough. I work with a New Orleans Saints fan.

Now I know what some people must of thought of me back in the early `90s when Troy, Emmett and Michael and the `Boys were dominating the NFL and bringing home Super Bowls.

But, it's kind of funny to watch, too.

Our esteemed editor, Paul Bryant, is that Saints fan. He gets a bit carried away with it at times.

He was in love with the way "his" team defeated the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football ... "that was extreme beauty."

"I was very happy." "Did you see that blown coverage?"

"Belichick looked like he had no idea what to do."

And stuff about how the Saints wide receivers ran by the Patriots cornerbacks all night ... and the hit that safety Darren Sharper put on a New England wide reciever ... and another hit during special teams play.

I have to shake my head. I used to be this bad about the Cowboys.

I'm happy I'm not that way any more.

At least, not pro sports. It's different with the BHS teams ... I kinda know the athletes, so it's different.

...

"Bear" with me, folks (that's a pun).

I'm getting spun up to switch from football and volleyball over to basketball.

But it'll take a bit for me.

I'll have to change how I schedule and when "too far" is really "too far" to go to cover a game.

But, by mid-January, with all the tournaments done and gone, it'll be easier ... plus I'll have all the rosters for the sub-varsity teams by then so I can identify kids both in my notes (I use jersey numbers) and in the photos I take.

So, give me a few ... I'll get it back on track.

...

OK ... since I usually need to whine about something ... here goes.

Just take this note, it's really more of a whine of frustration with myself. I get really frustrated when I have trouble figuring out something or teaching myself something.

It's a photography issue.

I'm still having trouble inside gymnasiums.

All through last year's basketball seasons, then this year's volleyball season, I've struggled with this.

Basketball officials are particularly picky about not allowing a big flash during games (I did use one a few times last year, but only after consulting with officials).

And I'm really working hard on the concept of using "available light" ... which basically means, "no flash."

Thanks to a photo software - Adobe PhotoShop - I've been able to get through with what I think are so-so shots. Every now and then, I get lucky.

But I'm still not satisfied. OK ... that's off my chest. `Til next week.