The fact that we didn't care this time last year makes it better than where I'm at now. Sure, they're half a game out as of this moment, but there is such little cause for hope that right now feels a lot more like last May than it does September of 03 or 04 even. Last year, the Cubs had the common freaking courtesy to make it a sharp, clear pain early on. I spent my time in mourning, moved on with life, and made my peace with futility, all before the first of August. September 06 was a peaceful time. Right now, the inevitability is so overwhelming that there is no room for the excitement that normally comes with being in the chase.