Traditionally, October 17th has not been a good day for me.

Bella, my Italian grandmother, passed away on October 17, 1988.

My dad's best friend was laid off on October 17th, 1990.

October 17th, 1989 - 67 people were killed in California in an earthquake. It was the one that took place during the World Series. The one where the upper level of the bridge collapsed on the lower level crushing people to death.

There are others, but I don't want to get in to all that.

Today was a good October 17th. I got a promotion at work, and a 16% increase in my salary. Maybe the universe is finally making peace with me on October 17th.

Now, if only my beloved Mets could make it to the World Series.