"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

These lyrics ring true for someone who joined the "dark side" quite some time ago. As most of you know (and lament), I'm a die hard Chicago Cubs fan. When I discovered they clinched a playoff spot, I was elated. And my life brimmed with more joy than anyone could fathom when I learned they secured a spot by beating those pesky Cardinals.

Like most Arkansans, our sports writer, Dan, loves St. Louis. And to make matters worse, he supports my AL rival, the Yankees. Did I mention I'm a Red Sox fan as well? And this was way before they started winning World Series. I cherished the moment when the Yankees played their last game at Yankee stadium with no hopes for the playoffs. I digress.

Because the Cardinals are out, Dan said he'd root for the Cubs. And during the Jubilee I ran into another St. Louis fan who said they'd do the same, Michael Scott. Both said they would support my team, but I've yet to find someone who will bolster World Series caps should the Cubbies win the whole shebang.

It's at this point the emotional momentum begins to wind down because I have to confess that I'm a bit nervous.

I was in the same boat last year when the Cubs made it to the playoffs. Each night I was glued to the television, waiting for the Cubs to strike back against those darn Diamondbacks, but after coming away discouraged every night, I wasn't surprised when the Dbacks swept my cherished Cubs. At the same time I was hoping for a miracle, but when they blew it, I wasn't surprised. Maybe being a Cubs fan has marred by optimistic disposition.

Nonetheless I am faintly holding on in hopes that they will survive the playoffs and win it all. And I sincerely I hope not to go to bed every night, dreaming of them winning at least one game until they are once again swept. It's been 100 years people! I don't anticipate that there is a single soul on the planet that was alive the last time Chicago won the World Series.

So know that beginning Wednesday all important things will be set aside for a much larger issue, the Cubs are playing the Dodgers. It's not the Dodgers I fear but those Phillie's that beat them 2 out of 3 games only weeks ago. If the Cubs get out, I will root for Philadelphia because I like them as well. But let us hope it doesn't go that direction.

So after a hundred years of anticipation, it could all be over this year.

Go Cubs go!