An email I sent just sent to my best friend Frank:

You know it's weird working outside of downtown Boston. Kinda took some of the Red Sox Nation wanderlust away from me. I was watching the news this morning about how Sox apparel is the choice dujour whether you're on State Street or going to class. One of my favorite things last year was riding the commuter rail, going into South Station, walking past the Children's Museum and just counting all the B hats that were around. Walking past the Metro and Globe's being handed out with pics of Manny, Schilling and Pedro on the cover. I guess I'm missing the energy and excitement of it all. Granted they are playing in Chicago, but just knowing that if they were at Fenway I could leave work and within 20 minutes be down there. Or at least be in a bar surrounded by other people who are thinking the same thing.

I guess when I leave Mass, whenever that is, that is one of the things I miss most about it. I wouldn't trade last year for anything. Staying up till 1 am every night, watching the game with you and then my parents. That bleary-eyed train ride with knowing glances to everyone else sporting the B and a tired look. Arriving at a job I hated, spending my time reading Sports Guy, dirtdogs and the Globe. You know the feeling last year made up for a lot of things. Breaking up with my girl, living at home, having a crappy job, etc.

And that's why the fall wouldn't have been the same if they didn't make the playoffs. I want Ortiz to hit walkoff home runs past midnight. I want Tony Graffanino to become a household name. I want to get a Red Sox t-shirt with the words "Paps" on the back. I want all those freshman that started last year at BU, Northeastern, BC, etc. to get spoiled by having the Sox play well into October again.

I'm just rambling now, but I know you're feeling the same thing. So at 4 I'll know you're somewhere with a mlb.com account or in front of a TV. Dude I can't wait.