The Slice: Just be thankful for this opportunity

OK, we’re down to the last month.

Even if your year hasn’t been all that great so far, there’s still time for a late rally.

What you need as a guide, of course, is sports clichés.

They can help you determine if you are poised for a big end-of-2012 comeback. Just ask yourself the following questions.

Do you control your own destiny? Taking it one game at a time? Prepared to give 110 percent?

Did you come to play? Do you plan to do the little things? Will you be putting on a clinic?

Will you make plays? Will you play your game? Will you play within yourself?

Will you take what the defense gives you? Planning to bring your “A” game? Is it gut-check time yet?

Do you intend to step it up? Will you be able to say that you wanted it more? Is it a must-win situation?

Is God on your side? Are your ears pinned back? How’s your work ethic?

Are you on fire? Will you make a statement or send a message? Can it be said that you simply know how to win?

Will you or won’t you be denied?

Good luck. Just remember that, at the end of the day, leave it all on the field.

Three things you can tell a child about the still-waning hours of sunlight: 1. Once we get to 24 hours of darkness, the process starts to reverse itself. 2. The Earth has slipped out of its orbit and we’re all doomed. Doomed, I say. 3. This happens most years.

Just wondering: Are pregnant women due to deliver in three or four weeks hoping for a Christmas delivery or are they rooting against it?

Multiple choice: If you are not a churchgoer and hear someone refer to Advent, you assume he or she is talking about … A) A pre-Christmas season of waiting, longing and humility. B) Stereo speakers. C) Software. D) A blog focused on rants about marketing. E) Other.

This date in Slice history (1998): Warm-up question for kids: What prayer, chant, incantation or other entreaty works best when trying to conjure a schools-closing snowfall?

Today’s Slice question: When they have cold hands, do people in your household ask you to pull up your shirt and allow them to place their icy fingers on your warm back or underbelly?