So, like many of you, I didn't end up at church today. For the past year and change, however, I have belonged to one. After my wife introduced me to the faith, I began attending the Unitarian Universalist Church here in Santa Monica, near my current West L.A. home.

I was raised in an a-religious home. My Mom, taking after her parents, is pretty atheistic. My Dad holds his cards close to his chest, and while he has some religion, he doesn't go much into it or consider it publicly. So, that left me to my devices and, in our era of distraction, I ended up without much faith in faith.

Now, don't get me wrong, faith is great. I just never was exposed to it. I was brought up with a different set of values. So, going off on a tangent, it always makes me mad when someone notes that you cannot have values or morals without a strong religious anchor. I call BS on that- I feel I have a great moral compass, and some of my highest pleasure comes from civil and community service. Why? Because, well (and I know it's a bit geeky), I sort of get a kick out of helping people.

But, when I emerged from college, for one reason or another I felt a little bit of a lack and needed some extra community. So, I found the UU church. I won't go into its tenants, but it's mostly about community service and togetherness, which is nice.

So, where was I today while my fellow UUs were paying their respects at service? In my boxers on my couch watching the NY Jets get pummeled by the New England Patriots. Sure, I have excuses: I need to pack for my return to Portland; I was out late last night with my wife and friends; the sermon didn't look that interesting; it's a long drive; and more of the same.

It was a decent game, however, and I did end up watching an AWESOME tennis match at the U.S. open final, where Roger Federer cleaned up. Now he's just awesome.

So, what do you all think about religion? Are you particularly religious? Is it a private thing, or do you practice, or do you just, as Jesus would, turn the other cheek? Or, heck, is Sunday for football?