Life is hard, then you die

That is a very funny thing my Dad used to say when I was little. We would complain about something and he would say "life is hard, then you die." Somehow it wasn't very comforting.
I was reminded of it today for a number of reasons. The first is that my calculus professor was talking about a difficult integration and he said we would just have to 'bite the bullet' and do it. That was another thing my Dad used to say.
I suppose biting the bullet comes from the Civil War or something like that when men would have their legs amputated without anaesthetic and be given a bullet to bite on or something like that. Aside from the lead poisoning issue, it conjures up images of really tough guys who had the mental fortitude to suffer in silence and come out smiling.
The other reason I was thinking about such macho sayings is that our furnace broke down. The other day it must have been about -2 out, which isn't much, but when there is no heat in the house it is pretty darn cold. We had no extra blankets and our firewood was frozen solid and in the morning I turned on the oven and opened it up just so I could thaw enough to wash dishes. Our laundry won't drybecause it is too cold, either, so I had to wear slightly damp pajamas last night (along with jogging pants, socks, two shirts, a sweater and two blankets).
But I am not complaining, oh no! In fact, right now I have an old shotgun shell of my Dad's and I am biting it. Moreover, I am counting my blessings. At least we have electricity! (Even if only half the appliances work). At least we have a car! (Even if it smells like rotten milk inside, but that is another story)
As for badminton, it is going fine. We did have a tournament the other day, and I did sit on the loser's bench for the entire class, but it is going a little better than before. I am keeping my eye on the birdie, and I wear a bright red dress to class. Every little bit helps, I guess.
That is probably a life lesson. Keep your eye on the birdie.... wear red dresses... and bite the bullet.
Have a good night!