So, I haven't blogged in forever. I know. And please forgive me. If I was positive that I had as many readers as some blogs (most notably, Mike's Bloggity Blog Blob and Blog Cabins, among others) I would never allow so much time in between posts. . . .
But I have. And now it is a new year. But this post will say that it was made a part of the world wide web on December 31 for a couple of reasons, which are as follows:
- I can
- With another post in the year 2007, my total number of posts for the year tapers off at 66. This is just ok, considering that I posted 99 times last year. However, I find it funny because of the unintentional symmetry formed by the upside-down nature of the amount of posts this year compared to last year. . . I'm weird like that.
And that's my reasoning behind posting this on New Year's Eve (although, for the record, I wrote it on the night of January 2 - - shh, don't tell anyone. . .).
But beyond that, the title serves as both an allusion to the final book in the Bible (a book which I have not cracked open in eons. . .) because of a calendar year ending and the fact that I will be revealing some rather notable truths that have come to be in the month since I have last brought my fingers to the keyboard, at least in order to type on this website (but you will see that shortly. . .). Please enjoy and comment if you did so - you know how I like that :)
- On the work front, the MW is currently fighting through one of the slowest fourth quarters in recent memory. Ironically enough, this downward spiral began the week after I began. The lofty promises that were thrown at me have been thrown directly out the window, and I have been instead fighting tooth and nail with cheap customers to make enough money to justify leaving my management position over at the FL. I have made more money in the time that I have been there, true. And my responsibilities are much less, of course. And I don't work nearly as hard (in between customers, I will join my co-workers in either reading - which as led to me completing more than four books since I started merely two months ago - or playing games on my phone - which led to me scoring a seemingly insurmountable 10 million points on Collapse, the most popular game amongst us employees). But it's frustrating when on many days, I have helped barely a handful of people throughout the course of an eight-hour day. Just today, in fact, I only helped out one customer the entire time I was there (besides the people who come in to pick up their previously purchased garments that have been altered). If I hadn't sold to them (which I did - I got two suits out of it which garnered a $600 sale, which is a tad above average, and made myself around $45) then I would have left with nothing to show for my day, which has also occurred (one day I left with only $55 in sales for the entire day - that was especially tough). So I don't know. As I honestly told my District Manager (the one who recruited me), every day at one point or another, I think to myself that I made a mistake in coming over to the MW. And at another point in the same day, I will think to myself that I made the right decision. This happens every day. Who knows what this continued indecision means (I personally think that it only shows what a tough choice it was in the first place and my harbored regret, which personifies itself in my weekly visit to the FL to check in old friends and co-workers, sometimes gets the best of me) but it's present and that's all I know.
- Now onto school. . . My classes were up and down all semester as I previously vocalized here. I had actually thought at one time that getting an F was possible in not one, but two of my classes! However, this did not happen, and I managed to pull a rabbit out of my hat in the form of passing grades across the board. I got an A in my Marriage and Family Relations class, B's in both my Visual Communication and Anthropology class, a C+ in my man-hating Journalism class and a solid C in my J210 class, the one that pushed me like no other class has (for better or worse). Those grades gave me a 2.85 GPA for the semester (the + gives me an extra .05), which is lower than I ever received (hell, those are my first two C's I have ever seen on a report card) and I could not be more excited. Not only are these tougher classes than at AVC (which was theoretically easier than high school) but the commute down to CSUN is slowly eating me away. It strains the education process severely, and there is unfortunately no solution that has presented itself yet, because of high living costs, a full-time job, and a desire to have some money in the bank at the end of the month. So sue me. I'm doing the best I can (which I didn't do this semester until it came down to the nitty gritty) and I got the grades I deserved. But I passed them all, and that is a great relief. Furthermore, it doesn't matter anymore that I passed the Journalism classes. . . You see, I went through with the whole major-changing thing. I am now a Family and Consumer Sciences major and I will be minoring in Human Sexuality. My goal in all this (at this point) is to work my way through CSUN in this field and after graduating do one of two things: 1) Continue into the Master's program at CSUN, earning the master's degree in something potentially teachable or 2) Getting my teaching certificate through some manner and beginning to teach at either a lower level (high school and below) or begin some sort of training for higher level teaching. I'm not sure how it all works out, actually. But I can totally see myself doing this. And the greatest part about it is the possibility for me to write on the side. Whether it was going to happen or not, I could have presumably grown to hate writing if it was both my meal ticket and my hobby. I like writing as more of a thing to do on the side - something I'm good at that I can improve on while I'm doing other things. I think teaching is potentially the perfect vehicle for this train of thought and I'm excited to see where it takes me.
- On a much lighter note, the football season has ended and thus so has the pool that I am a part of. Even though I did hold the top slot for a few weeks, I ended the season in a tie for third, most unfortunately. I do win some money (essentially the same amount that I paid to enter for the entire season) but I was more upset by my inability to win. I hate losing (yes, it's true) and am one of the worst losers out there, actually. I'll be humble to your face in defeat (depending on who you are, I suppose) but once I'm away from the arena of play, all bets are off. And I'm still fuming over my finish here (although I did outguess every single ESPN expert overall - I know it means nothing but just go with me, ok?).
- On another sports-related note, my SUNS went 10-5 in the month of December, instead of the predicted-here 12-3 (and given their losses, it should have been even better). It was a tough month, but one that we will hopefully forget and move on from as we have a busy January with 16 scheduled games. Now we are riding a 3-game winning streak and I think we can take at least the first seven in January (the one trap game is at Utah on the 10th since it's a back-to-back after a home game against Indiana, who is not a bad team at all). I'm not worried about New Orleans on the 5th because it's a back-to-back for them and we are in the middle of a short home stand, so I'm confident we win that one. The first big match-up for us is on the 17th in Los Angeles against the suddenly-pesky Lakers. I don't know how, but this team has risen up to a level that honestly scares me. They have a post game with Andrew Bynum that Kwame Brown never had (and never will). They have a one-two punch at point guard with Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar that make Smush Parker and Sasha Vujacic look like high school players (but a lot of players do that to those guys too). And Kobe is still Kobe, which always means they have a chance to win, which they have done against us so far twice this season (out of two games). We have to win this game in order to show that we are still the best team in the division, not to mention a title contender. We finish the month with a home game against San Antonio who will almost certainly be looking for revenge after we provided them with their first home loss of the season this past month. Now I'm sure we will lose at least a couple of the apparent Gimme Games like they did in December (perfect examples being the embarrassment in Minnesota and the home game against Miami) but I still say we get at least 11 wins out of January, and no less than 10. We sit at 22-8 right now and I predict we will finish January with a solid 33-13 record.
And for now, that will be enough. My goal in 2008 is to get back up to that 99 post plateau, or at least higher than 66! I will come back soon with an update on how Christmas went, the movies of 2007 (a year filled with a whole bunch of quality flicks!), and my predictions and more for the year 2008! But for now I sleep - -
Goodnight, and good 2008!
Until later,
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 01, 2007
The Stretch Run
With one quick rip, the November page was ripped from my desktop calendar (which, ironically enough, does not top any desk, but rather is tacked to my wall) and I have now entered into December, arguably (especially by my beautiful fiancee) the greatest month of them all. . .
What follows is my agenda for the next month, and hopefully tonight, a few more detailed plans will follow that as well:
- Working at the MW at least 35 hours every week (the week of Christmas will be more like 30 though - -)
- My advisement with a counselor in the Family and Consumer Sciences department on 12/03 to go over my potential major change and what my possibilities are for next semester and beyond.
- Registration for the Spring semester on 12/04 (most likely limited to 12 units)
- Five finals (one no-note, no book; one at-home, open book; one oral, in class; one project; one I have no idea), countless tying-up assignments (in a simple maneuver that will God-willing get me through my 210 class - which is the one where I was told just yesterday, "If you pass," by the teacher whom I have most familiarized myself with this semester. . . that was tough to handle) and anything else that involves the last 14 weeks of school. My final day is the 17th and I will officially be done at 1000. . . yes, I'm counting.
- The MW Christmas party on 12/15. They take us via bus down to a hotel in L.A. where all of our stores in the district get together for a night of free food, drinks, and fun in a controlled, MW-only environment. As an employee, I was able to rent a tuxedo for free (this instead of a Christmas bonus) which gives me a no-charge $150 tux. That's cool. Seeing that I get to bring my lovely Heather, she wanted a new dress since I'll be wearing a tux. I agreed that since I will not be paying for my tux, gas, or food that night that I would buy her a brand new dress. . . so that's in the plans as well - probably this weekend. Should definitely be a fun night!
- Random tangent: Han Solo is the single coolest film character of all-time, joining the pantheon that includes Indiana Jones (so what does that say about Harrison Ford. . .), James Bond (but really only Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, and now Daniel Craig), Marty McFly, and a tie for fifth that includes countless characters that we all love, and won't be delved into now (that's a future blog post waiting to happen. . .). Don't agree with me on the Han Solo thing? I have one perfect argument that has no holes in it whatsoever. Ready?
Any questions?
- Christmas shopping: I guess. . . God knows when I'll actually be able to get to the store to pick up gifts (I'm planning one single gift of significance for each of those around me instead of several, potentially insignificant gifts) for my loved ones. Plus Heather's birthday on the 27th (for which she will be in Las Vegas with her sister and mom to celebrate her big 2-1!). . .
- And many other things. . . of course. But this is just a brief. I head to work at 1300 today and will be there for 8 hours, then it will be home to begin chipping away at all the work that I have to do for school.
- Another quick aside: my beloved Suns enter the month of December with a 12-4 record, giving us a pretty strong leap into the new month. I'm predicting a 12-3 December, which would put us at a very strong 24-7 through two months. Our potential struggle games are at Toronto on the 5th, as it's the second of a back-to-back after a game in Indiana on the 4th. We struggle in these types of games, which goes to show our giant loss to the Lakers earlier this season, so I would not be surprised if we lost. At home against Utah worries me on the 12th, if only because that is a good team, but they will be on a back-to-back after a home game the night before. So maybe not. It will be a good test though. We then are at San Antonio on the 17th and at Dallas on the 19th. . . two big tests. We WILL beat Dallas, but that Spurs game, I don't know. That one will be tough, and one that I will TIVO and watch later that week (why won't I be home - - - I guess you will have to check back in later this weekend to find out!)
Well enjoy your Saturday (for those who aren't working) and if you live in the area, hop into the MW for me. I'll be there til 2100 and would love to sell you a suit. . . it's been slow this week!
Take care and until later,
What follows is my agenda for the next month, and hopefully tonight, a few more detailed plans will follow that as well:
- Working at the MW at least 35 hours every week (the week of Christmas will be more like 30 though - -)
- My advisement with a counselor in the Family and Consumer Sciences department on 12/03 to go over my potential major change and what my possibilities are for next semester and beyond.
- Registration for the Spring semester on 12/04 (most likely limited to 12 units)
- Five finals (one no-note, no book; one at-home, open book; one oral, in class; one project; one I have no idea), countless tying-up assignments (in a simple maneuver that will God-willing get me through my 210 class - which is the one where I was told just yesterday, "If you pass," by the teacher whom I have most familiarized myself with this semester. . . that was tough to handle) and anything else that involves the last 14 weeks of school. My final day is the 17th and I will officially be done at 1000. . . yes, I'm counting.
- The MW Christmas party on 12/15. They take us via bus down to a hotel in L.A. where all of our stores in the district get together for a night of free food, drinks, and fun in a controlled, MW-only environment. As an employee, I was able to rent a tuxedo for free (this instead of a Christmas bonus) which gives me a no-charge $150 tux. That's cool. Seeing that I get to bring my lovely Heather, she wanted a new dress since I'll be wearing a tux. I agreed that since I will not be paying for my tux, gas, or food that night that I would buy her a brand new dress. . . so that's in the plans as well - probably this weekend. Should definitely be a fun night!
- Random tangent: Han Solo is the single coolest film character of all-time, joining the pantheon that includes Indiana Jones (so what does that say about Harrison Ford. . .), James Bond (but really only Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, and now Daniel Craig), Marty McFly, and a tie for fifth that includes countless characters that we all love, and won't be delved into now (that's a future blog post waiting to happen. . .). Don't agree with me on the Han Solo thing? I have one perfect argument that has no holes in it whatsoever. Ready?
Any questions?
- Christmas shopping: I guess. . . God knows when I'll actually be able to get to the store to pick up gifts (I'm planning one single gift of significance for each of those around me instead of several, potentially insignificant gifts) for my loved ones. Plus Heather's birthday on the 27th (for which she will be in Las Vegas with her sister and mom to celebrate her big 2-1!). . .
- And many other things. . . of course. But this is just a brief. I head to work at 1300 today and will be there for 8 hours, then it will be home to begin chipping away at all the work that I have to do for school.
- Another quick aside: my beloved Suns enter the month of December with a 12-4 record, giving us a pretty strong leap into the new month. I'm predicting a 12-3 December, which would put us at a very strong 24-7 through two months. Our potential struggle games are at Toronto on the 5th, as it's the second of a back-to-back after a game in Indiana on the 4th. We struggle in these types of games, which goes to show our giant loss to the Lakers earlier this season, so I would not be surprised if we lost. At home against Utah worries me on the 12th, if only because that is a good team, but they will be on a back-to-back after a home game the night before. So maybe not. It will be a good test though. We then are at San Antonio on the 17th and at Dallas on the 19th. . . two big tests. We WILL beat Dallas, but that Spurs game, I don't know. That one will be tough, and one that I will TIVO and watch later that week (why won't I be home - - - I guess you will have to check back in later this weekend to find out!)
Well enjoy your Saturday (for those who aren't working) and if you live in the area, hop into the MW for me. I'll be there til 2100 and would love to sell you a suit. . . it's been slow this week!
Take care and until later,
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Cars, Coughing, and 'Crastination
Hello readers - - -
I have a made-up reason for not blogging recently (I wanted casual viewers to the page to see The Engagement Story as the title of the most recent post and read it) and a real reason (I've been really busy with school, work, and everything in between) but in the end, it's just the simple fact that blogging takes up time and I don't have a lot of that. . .
So why would I possibly choose nearly 0100 in the morning to start writing a blog after two weeks absence?
One word: Procrastination.
I officially have three weeks of school left and it's getting down to the nitty gritty. I have an insane amount of insecurity right now about my grades. With my classes right now, I have the potential of getting a 3.6 G.P.A. but it is also very possible for me to get a 2.4 - - that's how up in the air everything is right now. I believe fairly strongly that I'll end up with a 3.0 even (the most likeliest of scenarios would two A's, one B, and two C's) and I would be ecstatic if that indeed happens. If my one classes tails down into a D, however (which I never thought would be possible for me, but lo and behold, it is a possibility) then I have to turn that into three A's, one C, and one D for that desired 3.0 average. More updates to come as the semester winds down.
However, the one major reason that I have been struggling this semester is the fact that I have lost the passion for Journalism. I blame it two main things: 1) My Journalism 210 class on Fridays, which has caused me to have to delve into "Investigative Journalism" which is not an interest of mine in the least, but a mandatory lesson for future journalists of any kind and 2) I'm not writing what I like to write, namely opinion pieces, reviews, and editorials. This one has more to do with the fact that I'm not writing for a paper that I'm among the editorial staff on (I'm not even writing for a paper at all, to be honest) and have no reason to even write articles like that, except for my own betterment. Well, I haven't, and I'm beginning to forget how to write a movie review (not really, but it would take some time to get back into the swing of things) or even express my opinions in written form (well that's not really true, but you get my point). I'm struggling, to say the least, and I have decided that I'm not going to pursue something that I hate doing.
Because, you see, I hate school. The thought of dropping out has crossed my mind numerous times, but will not come to pass because so many people want to see me graduate and I suppose that I am one of those as well. A break is an option, sure, but I know me, and I don't think that I would ever return to school if I took even just one semester off. . .
So I have done the only thing that my rational mind could come up with:
I'm switching majors.
Yes, I am forgoing (potentially - anything is possible after I actually get that piece of paper down the line) the lifelong dream of calling NBA games for a living because I am not enjoying a single Journalism class that I am taking. And as Heather put it, "You should enjoy your major classes - they're your Major!" - - Smart lass, she is. . .
So what is taking its place? Well, it's kinda funny actually. Ever since I was little, my mom's mom (Grandma Pat, or GP) has always told me that she saw me teaching one day. Well that would be one potential occupation for me after I attempt to get a Bachelor's Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. I looked at my classes this semester and the only one that had subject matter that interested me was my Marriage and Family Relations class, which was in the section of FCS. So, let's go with that, I guess. I do have a meeting with an adviser on December 3rd and my registration date is December 4th, so a final decision will be made quickly and soon, so keep in touch to find out what all goes down.
Other than school, work at the MW is going ok. I'm much more comfortable now selling suits, however there aren't any customers to sell suits to! We have been surprisingly slow (so I'm told) for this time of year and I've spent a lot of my time at work reading books and playing games on my cell phone. . . which is fine and all, but it doesn't make me any money! I'm still doing about the same that I would be doing at the FL, but I was promised more, so I'm really hoping for a whirlwind of customers over the month of December to make up for this initial month.
And with that hope of more money comes the very real possibility of me becoming the proud owner of a new car! I have been car shopping very seriously over the last two weeks and even went as far as to test drive a couple last Friday. . . I am actually poised to make a purchase this week (if all goes according to plan, it would be either Thursday or Friday) but I'm gonna keep the make and model a secret until it actually goes through. . . Just know that it is absolutely positively NOT another Volkswagen. . . no no friends. Not again. . .
I have also been fighting a nice cough/congestion/runny nose/no voice cold thing since last Tuesday and it pretty much made Thanksgiving a forgettable one. Of course I am supremely thankful for Heather taking care of me on Thursday (even while cooking our turkey dinner all by herself - it was just her, me, and her mom, who worked most of the day - - my parents went up North to be with my Aunt and Uncle and cousins but since I had to work Wed. and Fri. I could not attend. . .) and the meal turned out great. I wish that I could have been more a part of Heather's first turn as a turkey cook and that we could have done things more together but I had to just lay on my ass all day and watch blowout football games because I didn't feel good. Heather took such great care of me though. . . It really does make me think about how much that she cares for me and how lucky I truly am when she makes me hot tea (with honey and lemon, her favorites) and goes to the store to get soup and cheese to make a Grilled Cheese sandwich (which I ate rather quickly!). If it hadn't been for me feeling like absolute crap, then I could have enjoyed all that she did even more, but she certainly made a difference on this so-so holiday.
Anyway, now that I've spent the last 20 minutes writing all this, I'm thinking I should get cracking on my three-page Media Critique on a website that is devoted solely to Men and their world (I'm choosing the oft-visited by me Ask Men) that is due in now thirteen hours. . .
But stay tuned this week. I'm hoping to put thought to type on a theory that I have been constructing in my mind over my last few journeys down to CSUN (there's only so many things you can think about when you drive long distances. . .) that I will merely tease you with in the form of a title:
The Justinian Theory of the Male Viewpoint of Sexuality
Intrigued? I know you are!!!
Anyway, I'll post again soon - - take care of yourselves!!!
Until later,
I have a made-up reason for not blogging recently (I wanted casual viewers to the page to see The Engagement Story as the title of the most recent post and read it) and a real reason (I've been really busy with school, work, and everything in between) but in the end, it's just the simple fact that blogging takes up time and I don't have a lot of that. . .
So why would I possibly choose nearly 0100 in the morning to start writing a blog after two weeks absence?
One word: Procrastination.
I officially have three weeks of school left and it's getting down to the nitty gritty. I have an insane amount of insecurity right now about my grades. With my classes right now, I have the potential of getting a 3.6 G.P.A. but it is also very possible for me to get a 2.4 - - that's how up in the air everything is right now. I believe fairly strongly that I'll end up with a 3.0 even (the most likeliest of scenarios would two A's, one B, and two C's) and I would be ecstatic if that indeed happens. If my one classes tails down into a D, however (which I never thought would be possible for me, but lo and behold, it is a possibility) then I have to turn that into three A's, one C, and one D for that desired 3.0 average. More updates to come as the semester winds down.
However, the one major reason that I have been struggling this semester is the fact that I have lost the passion for Journalism. I blame it two main things: 1) My Journalism 210 class on Fridays, which has caused me to have to delve into "Investigative Journalism" which is not an interest of mine in the least, but a mandatory lesson for future journalists of any kind and 2) I'm not writing what I like to write, namely opinion pieces, reviews, and editorials. This one has more to do with the fact that I'm not writing for a paper that I'm among the editorial staff on (I'm not even writing for a paper at all, to be honest) and have no reason to even write articles like that, except for my own betterment. Well, I haven't, and I'm beginning to forget how to write a movie review (not really, but it would take some time to get back into the swing of things) or even express my opinions in written form (well that's not really true, but you get my point). I'm struggling, to say the least, and I have decided that I'm not going to pursue something that I hate doing.
Because, you see, I hate school. The thought of dropping out has crossed my mind numerous times, but will not come to pass because so many people want to see me graduate and I suppose that I am one of those as well. A break is an option, sure, but I know me, and I don't think that I would ever return to school if I took even just one semester off. . .
So I have done the only thing that my rational mind could come up with:
I'm switching majors.
Yes, I am forgoing (potentially - anything is possible after I actually get that piece of paper down the line) the lifelong dream of calling NBA games for a living because I am not enjoying a single Journalism class that I am taking. And as Heather put it, "You should enjoy your major classes - they're your Major!" - - Smart lass, she is. . .
So what is taking its place? Well, it's kinda funny actually. Ever since I was little, my mom's mom (Grandma Pat, or GP) has always told me that she saw me teaching one day. Well that would be one potential occupation for me after I attempt to get a Bachelor's Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. I looked at my classes this semester and the only one that had subject matter that interested me was my Marriage and Family Relations class, which was in the section of FCS. So, let's go with that, I guess. I do have a meeting with an adviser on December 3rd and my registration date is December 4th, so a final decision will be made quickly and soon, so keep in touch to find out what all goes down.
Other than school, work at the MW is going ok. I'm much more comfortable now selling suits, however there aren't any customers to sell suits to! We have been surprisingly slow (so I'm told) for this time of year and I've spent a lot of my time at work reading books and playing games on my cell phone. . . which is fine and all, but it doesn't make me any money! I'm still doing about the same that I would be doing at the FL, but I was promised more, so I'm really hoping for a whirlwind of customers over the month of December to make up for this initial month.
And with that hope of more money comes the very real possibility of me becoming the proud owner of a new car! I have been car shopping very seriously over the last two weeks and even went as far as to test drive a couple last Friday. . . I am actually poised to make a purchase this week (if all goes according to plan, it would be either Thursday or Friday) but I'm gonna keep the make and model a secret until it actually goes through. . . Just know that it is absolutely positively NOT another Volkswagen. . . no no friends. Not again. . .
I have also been fighting a nice cough/congestion/runny nose/no voice cold thing since last Tuesday and it pretty much made Thanksgiving a forgettable one. Of course I am supremely thankful for Heather taking care of me on Thursday (even while cooking our turkey dinner all by herself - it was just her, me, and her mom, who worked most of the day - - my parents went up North to be with my Aunt and Uncle and cousins but since I had to work Wed. and Fri. I could not attend. . .) and the meal turned out great. I wish that I could have been more a part of Heather's first turn as a turkey cook and that we could have done things more together but I had to just lay on my ass all day and watch blowout football games because I didn't feel good. Heather took such great care of me though. . . It really does make me think about how much that she cares for me and how lucky I truly am when she makes me hot tea (with honey and lemon, her favorites) and goes to the store to get soup and cheese to make a Grilled Cheese sandwich (which I ate rather quickly!). If it hadn't been for me feeling like absolute crap, then I could have enjoyed all that she did even more, but she certainly made a difference on this so-so holiday.
Anyway, now that I've spent the last 20 minutes writing all this, I'm thinking I should get cracking on my three-page Media Critique on a website that is devoted solely to Men and their world (I'm choosing the oft-visited by me Ask Men) that is due in now thirteen hours. . .
But stay tuned this week. I'm hoping to put thought to type on a theory that I have been constructing in my mind over my last few journeys down to CSUN (there's only so many things you can think about when you drive long distances. . .) that I will merely tease you with in the form of a title:
The Justinian Theory of the Male Viewpoint of Sexuality
Intrigued? I know you are!!!
Anyway, I'll post again soon - - take care of yourselves!!!
Until later,
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Engagement Story
(UPDATE: YOU CAN VIEW THE PICTURES THAT I HAVE POSTED ON MY MYSPACE BY WAY OF THIS LINK HERE)
Ok well there are about twenty things that I should be doing right now (18 of them being homework) but instead, I'll post my version of the story of how this whole proposal thing went down (Heather's version can be found here). . .
And o yeah, we're engaged!!! (That's for those of you who didn't know and had no idea what I was talking about. . .)
And away we go. . .
So the back story of this whole thing begins in July, when I bought the ring. That's right - July! I had to get it because the one that I wanted was the last one in the entire company of Kevin's Jewelers! The last one! So I did it - - I bought an engagement ring (and for those wondering, yes it is beautiful, big - but not gaudy - and bought and paid for in one fell swoop). . .
But I had to have major self control. In my head I had always planned on proposing on a special, planned night and not on a whim or just because I felt like it. I have always been a helpless romantic (poetry, flowers - you name it, I've probably done it) and I have always known that my wonderful Heather enjoyed all of the things that I did for her.
Plus, as Heather's sister Chelsea told me when I requested her assistance, Heather has always wanted a special event come time for her engagement. Apparently when they were little (Chels is three years older than Heather) and were playing "house," Heather had to be the one playing the bride or was in the process of getting married. She wanted (deep-down, no matter what she says) a memorable engagement. Now sure, just the process of getting engaged is a big deal, but I wanted her to have a story to tell people when they asked what had happened.
So I planned it - - it wasn't going to be extravagant, but it would be memorable. I had requested off November 11th (for the significance of the date 11/11, check out the beginning of this post back in 2005) from the FL and then made it a requirement if the MW wanted to hire me, which they absolutely agreed to. This would be better than Christmas or her birthday (12/27) because I wanted to make this a special, separate occasion. This was not just a birthday present. This was forever.
So I planned to head down to her apartment on the 11th. I had talked to Chels and she was going to take Heather out to lunch while I went into her apartment with flowers and my ring. I would wait in her room til she got back and then when she walked in, I would present her with flowers and she would probably ask why I was there. I would then say that it was because it was 11/11 and then I would kneel down and propose, having the date be the biggest deal of the whole thing.
But then, something happened. . .
With the Veterans Day holiday causing us both to have no school on Monday the 12th, Heather suggested she come home for the three day weekend (after she got off work on Saturday). Well this set me back quite a bit, as you can imagine. So I was left with a work and school-filled week to come up with a better proposal plan than the one I had originally intended.
And boy did I ever. . .
We went to Hollywood on Saturday night, the 10th (not before I supplied Heather with a beautiful collection of peach roses) to the AFI Festival at Arclight. We went to see CHRIS AND DON: A LOVE STORY, an independent feature directed by Guido Santi and Tina Mascara, two fantastic individuals whom I met back in April at an AVC function by way of my professor, Charles Hood. I also met Don Bachardy that night (I can't remember if I ever blogged about that night) - that night was one of my most memorable ever!
But anyway, their film was having its Hollywood premiere and since I had kept in touch with both the directors and the producer, James (Jim) White, I was invited to attend. I took Heather with me (we both got dressed up - me in a button-up underneath a nice sweater, nice blue jeans, and my new shoes; Heather in a beautiful blouse, black dressy pants, and some heels that pulled it all together) and we had a fantastic time. The movie was good and all, but I was more excited to be out and about with Heather on a Saturday night! After the film and the meet-and-greet (we met up with Prof. Hood to say hello and also Jim, and the star of the night, Mr. Bachardy) we headed outside.
Since I had wanted to get back to my house at midnight (thus making it the 11th) I needed to find a way to prolong our evening down below. As we walked out, we saw the newer restaurant Charcoal (at least we think it's newish), a club-like bar with some tables along the side. We went in, both being hungry and desiring a new experience. We enjoyed some $16 Baked Shrimp (for only four shrimp!) and a couple drinks (of course meaning a Sprite for Heather and an Arnold Palmer, like always, for me). We got out around 2215 and had nothing else to do but head home.
On the way home, Heather actually brought up the fact that we were going to be together on 11/11 and all I could do was nod and smile, knowing full well that Heather had absolutely no idea what was about to happen. . .
We got to my house around 2330 and Heather and I entered the house. Before I had left that morning, I had put a bunch of rose petals up my stairs and leading to my room. Heather saw this and was excited, and asked if she could go upstairs. I told her that of course she could and I waited downstairs. . .
When she got up the stairs, she found a note on my bed that read: "So here's what I need from you: - Sit on the edge of my bed.... - Press play on the remote... - And just listen...... I love you!" When she pushed play on the remote, "Come What May," a song from Moulin Rouge that has been one of our many songs along the road of our relationship, came on from my iTunes. As soon as I heard that the song had started, I began walking up the stairs with the box in my hand.
I got up to my room and there she was, sitting on the edge of my bed. Smiling. Oblivious to what was about to happen. I hugged her when she put her arms out for a hug, but with only one arm, the other being behind my back. She asked "What's behind your back?" and with that, I knelt down in front of her. I looked into the eyes of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and calmly asked the question that sounded o so surreal coming out: "Will you marry me?"
When I said it, her jaw dropped. She covered her mouth and gasped. I'm pretty sure there was no oxygen left in the room immediately following my proposal. But anyway, she kept asking "Are you sure?" and exclaiming "O my God!" and crying . . . but was not giving me an affirmative response! I kept staring and waiting. . .
Once she asked me "Are you sure?" for what was probably the fifth time, I took off my glasses and said once again "Will you marry me?" And finally, (it's not that I was worried, but I just really expected a different response) she said "Of course" and I put the ring on her finger, and the shock slowly began to wear off. We began to smile and laugh. I kissed her and told her I loved her and when she asked if I was sure for what was probably the tenth time, I looked at her and told her I wanted to marry her and spend forever beside her.
Then it got crazy exciting! Heather started screaming excitedly and saying "We're engaged!" Then she started calling everyone in her phone book that was possibly awake at what was now 0030 on the 11th. . .
And as Heather said, we were ecstatic. We stayed up for quite awhile, calling people and reliving the past hour over and over. We finally went to bed around 0200, woke up around 0830, and had an entire Sunday together since I surprised her with my day off :) The Sunday included a trip to the movies to see BEE MOVIE (a big let-down - grade: C+) and a journey down to San Clemente to celebrate with a dinner with her dad and his wife Claudia. It all went well and it seems that everything will fall into place in the coming months. . .
And that's how it all happened. . . I'm now a Fiancé and Heather is now a Fiancée (Yes, there is a difference in the spelling, according to the all-knowing Wikipedia). . .
It's very exciting - - - But really, that word does not say enough about what it is that we feel. We are both ready to make the next steps towards becoming a married couple and all that that entails. This is just the first of many. . . And I couldn't be more ready to get the ball rolling!
For those wanting dates for the wedding, well, we just aren't that sure yet. But our goal is to be married over the summer of 2009 and most likely either the end of June or the beginning of July. But we'll see. . . it's a long time til then, but it will most assuredly fly by!!!
Thanks to everyone who knew and didn't say anything to Heather. Thanks to everyone who didn't know and is now offering their congratulations. Thanks to all those who are just as excited as we are - you being excited for us just helps us know that we're doing things right.
But most of all, thanks to Heather for saying yes. . . I love you!
Ok well there are about twenty things that I should be doing right now (18 of them being homework) but instead, I'll post my version of the story of how this whole proposal thing went down (Heather's version can be found here). . .
And o yeah, we're engaged!!! (That's for those of you who didn't know and had no idea what I was talking about. . .)
And away we go. . .
So the back story of this whole thing begins in July, when I bought the ring. That's right - July! I had to get it because the one that I wanted was the last one in the entire company of Kevin's Jewelers! The last one! So I did it - - I bought an engagement ring (and for those wondering, yes it is beautiful, big - but not gaudy - and bought and paid for in one fell swoop). . .
But I had to have major self control. In my head I had always planned on proposing on a special, planned night and not on a whim or just because I felt like it. I have always been a helpless romantic (poetry, flowers - you name it, I've probably done it) and I have always known that my wonderful Heather enjoyed all of the things that I did for her.
Plus, as Heather's sister Chelsea told me when I requested her assistance, Heather has always wanted a special event come time for her engagement. Apparently when they were little (Chels is three years older than Heather) and were playing "house," Heather had to be the one playing the bride or was in the process of getting married. She wanted (deep-down, no matter what she says) a memorable engagement. Now sure, just the process of getting engaged is a big deal, but I wanted her to have a story to tell people when they asked what had happened.
So I planned it - - it wasn't going to be extravagant, but it would be memorable. I had requested off November 11th (for the significance of the date 11/11, check out the beginning of this post back in 2005) from the FL and then made it a requirement if the MW wanted to hire me, which they absolutely agreed to. This would be better than Christmas or her birthday (12/27) because I wanted to make this a special, separate occasion. This was not just a birthday present. This was forever.
So I planned to head down to her apartment on the 11th. I had talked to Chels and she was going to take Heather out to lunch while I went into her apartment with flowers and my ring. I would wait in her room til she got back and then when she walked in, I would present her with flowers and she would probably ask why I was there. I would then say that it was because it was 11/11 and then I would kneel down and propose, having the date be the biggest deal of the whole thing.
But then, something happened. . .
With the Veterans Day holiday causing us both to have no school on Monday the 12th, Heather suggested she come home for the three day weekend (after she got off work on Saturday). Well this set me back quite a bit, as you can imagine. So I was left with a work and school-filled week to come up with a better proposal plan than the one I had originally intended.
And boy did I ever. . .
We went to Hollywood on Saturday night, the 10th (not before I supplied Heather with a beautiful collection of peach roses) to the AFI Festival at Arclight. We went to see CHRIS AND DON: A LOVE STORY, an independent feature directed by Guido Santi and Tina Mascara, two fantastic individuals whom I met back in April at an AVC function by way of my professor, Charles Hood. I also met Don Bachardy that night (I can't remember if I ever blogged about that night) - that night was one of my most memorable ever!
But anyway, their film was having its Hollywood premiere and since I had kept in touch with both the directors and the producer, James (Jim) White, I was invited to attend. I took Heather with me (we both got dressed up - me in a button-up underneath a nice sweater, nice blue jeans, and my new shoes; Heather in a beautiful blouse, black dressy pants, and some heels that pulled it all together) and we had a fantastic time. The movie was good and all, but I was more excited to be out and about with Heather on a Saturday night! After the film and the meet-and-greet (we met up with Prof. Hood to say hello and also Jim, and the star of the night, Mr. Bachardy) we headed outside.
Since I had wanted to get back to my house at midnight (thus making it the 11th) I needed to find a way to prolong our evening down below. As we walked out, we saw the newer restaurant Charcoal (at least we think it's newish), a club-like bar with some tables along the side. We went in, both being hungry and desiring a new experience. We enjoyed some $16 Baked Shrimp (for only four shrimp!) and a couple drinks (of course meaning a Sprite for Heather and an Arnold Palmer, like always, for me). We got out around 2215 and had nothing else to do but head home.
On the way home, Heather actually brought up the fact that we were going to be together on 11/11 and all I could do was nod and smile, knowing full well that Heather had absolutely no idea what was about to happen. . .
We got to my house around 2330 and Heather and I entered the house. Before I had left that morning, I had put a bunch of rose petals up my stairs and leading to my room. Heather saw this and was excited, and asked if she could go upstairs. I told her that of course she could and I waited downstairs. . .
When she got up the stairs, she found a note on my bed that read: "So here's what I need from you: - Sit on the edge of my bed.... - Press play on the remote... - And just listen...... I love you!" When she pushed play on the remote, "Come What May," a song from Moulin Rouge that has been one of our many songs along the road of our relationship, came on from my iTunes. As soon as I heard that the song had started, I began walking up the stairs with the box in my hand.
I got up to my room and there she was, sitting on the edge of my bed. Smiling. Oblivious to what was about to happen. I hugged her when she put her arms out for a hug, but with only one arm, the other being behind my back. She asked "What's behind your back?" and with that, I knelt down in front of her. I looked into the eyes of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and calmly asked the question that sounded o so surreal coming out: "Will you marry me?"
When I said it, her jaw dropped. She covered her mouth and gasped. I'm pretty sure there was no oxygen left in the room immediately following my proposal. But anyway, she kept asking "Are you sure?" and exclaiming "O my God!" and crying . . . but was not giving me an affirmative response! I kept staring and waiting. . .
Once she asked me "Are you sure?" for what was probably the fifth time, I took off my glasses and said once again "Will you marry me?" And finally, (it's not that I was worried, but I just really expected a different response) she said "Of course" and I put the ring on her finger, and the shock slowly began to wear off. We began to smile and laugh. I kissed her and told her I loved her and when she asked if I was sure for what was probably the tenth time, I looked at her and told her I wanted to marry her and spend forever beside her.
Then it got crazy exciting! Heather started screaming excitedly and saying "We're engaged!" Then she started calling everyone in her phone book that was possibly awake at what was now 0030 on the 11th. . .
And as Heather said, we were ecstatic. We stayed up for quite awhile, calling people and reliving the past hour over and over. We finally went to bed around 0200, woke up around 0830, and had an entire Sunday together since I surprised her with my day off :) The Sunday included a trip to the movies to see BEE MOVIE (a big let-down - grade: C+) and a journey down to San Clemente to celebrate with a dinner with her dad and his wife Claudia. It all went well and it seems that everything will fall into place in the coming months. . .
And that's how it all happened. . . I'm now a Fiancé and Heather is now a Fiancée (Yes, there is a difference in the spelling, according to the all-knowing Wikipedia). . .
It's very exciting - - - But really, that word does not say enough about what it is that we feel. We are both ready to make the next steps towards becoming a married couple and all that that entails. This is just the first of many. . . And I couldn't be more ready to get the ball rolling!
For those wanting dates for the wedding, well, we just aren't that sure yet. But our goal is to be married over the summer of 2009 and most likely either the end of June or the beginning of July. But we'll see. . . it's a long time til then, but it will most assuredly fly by!!!
Thanks to everyone who knew and didn't say anything to Heather. Thanks to everyone who didn't know and is now offering their congratulations. Thanks to all those who are just as excited as we are - you being excited for us just helps us know that we're doing things right.
But most of all, thanks to Heather for saying yes. . . I love you!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Two Words: Steve. Nash.
Check out a new NIKE tv commercial starring the BEST point guard in all the lands. . .
GO SUNS!!!!!!!!
GO SUNS!!!!!!!!
Monday, November 05, 2007
The Gears Are A-Gunnin'
I'm going to bed here shortly because I have a long day tomorrow, but I wanted to post a couple quick thoughts from my ever-going mind about everything that has been going on recently. . .
- I have now been at the Men's Wearhouse (which, as stated before, will be forever known as the MW) for a full week and I feel more comfortable now than I did last week at this time. Over my first five days there, I sold a total of $7000, including over $2500 on Saturday alone (one sale alone was $1100!!!). I'm not sure what my paycheck will look like, but as long as it's more than what I would have made at the FL, then I will be happy (which it most assuredly will be). Every day I learn something more and I get more comfy in my role as the clock ticks. So come and see me, buy some suits (or sports coats. . . or casual wear. . . or shoes!) and add to my check!
- I went 12-2 this week in my football picks, only missing the Minnesota upset over San Diego and Tampa Bay beating Arizona (went for the upset on that one). I think I might have won the week, but I won't know til either tomorrow or even Wednesday, but I'll keep you posted. I'm also in first overall, which is an awesome development. More on that as the weeks progress.
- I finished INTO THE WILD, the book, and am now looking forward to seeing the film because I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I also went and saw SAW IV this morning with my friend Alex (another DC alumni) and we both agreed that it was entertaining but nothing special. Fun to watch, but also extremely gross (in the words of Alex: "I now know how to perform an autopsy."). Overall, if you have seen and enjoyed the first three, you won't be disappointed by the fourth installment, but newbies should avoid it all costs. GRADE: C+
- My favorite movie of the year comes out on DVD tomorrow: it's RATATOUILLE!!!!!
- I'll give a SUNS update every Thursday (since that was the day that our season started) but I do have to react to all you Laker fans out there: Congrats. You won an early season game against us yet again. But consider the facts of the game. . . The Lakers shot 60% for the ENTIRE GAME. You can't compete with that. The Lakers just happened to play the game of their lives against a tired SUNS team that had gotten home at 0400 in the morning after their lackluster performance in Seattle. We're just off to a slow start again. But more on that on Thursday.
- Some interesting reads on the internet:
Waiting Room Sex by Dan Neil
Random Thoughts by Mallory Roseborough
- Also, I've been bugging Heather to post something on here in a so-called RAMBLERETTE'S RAMBLING, but she does not like to talk about herself. Well not that much. . . However, on Myspace, she recently posted a brief update about herself and how things are going in Pomona. . . So here it is:
I haven't blogged in months, and I thought enough has happened that it's finally time for an update. First of all, I switched jobs from the Pet Resort to Claremont Veterinary Hospital. I'm currently working as a receptionist there, however I intend to become a Vet Assistant after some time (a vet assistant is a step below a vet tech, which is still a step behind a registered vet tech). When I transferred to Cal Poly, I was certain I wanted to become a registered vet tech (RVT), and I jumped right into the classes and loved what I was learning. I loved learning about animals so much that I thought, why in the world would I NOT try to apply to Vet school? I knew that would be something I would think about for the rest of my life...why I didn't even try! I was doing well in my classes and I had made several friends in the AHS program and the PreVet program...and I decided I would do it. I would change majors and apply to vet school. So I did! And now I'm a prevet major planning for the long years ahead at vet school. I would love to get into Western University, a new Vet school right here in Pomona, but since you can't put all your eggs in one basket, I plan on applying to Davis, Oregon State, and Colorado State as well. The idea of become a vet is so exciting, but it's scary at the same time, financially and for mine and Justin's relationship. I know everything will work out for the best though, no matter what happens.
The last several months have been difficult for my family...we've lost three grandparents in the last 6 months. We're sure to miss them as the holidays come and go..
Speaking of the holidays, this was my first Halloween that I actually dressed up in years! I had so much fun, thanks to all my friends here. I can't wait til Christmas rolls around.....It will be my 21st birthday! AHHHHH!!! I'll be going to Vegas with Chels and my mom for a weekend, and then I'll probably celebrate here with my friends once school starts again in January. I love everything about the Holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Years. It definitely the best time of the year!!!
I'm still amazed at how fast time has gone since I've moved to Pomona. And at how fast I know it's going to keep flying! I've mapped out the rest of my quarters here, and I can't wait to see what the next few years have in store for me. A wedding? Vet school? A career?? You just never know what is around the corner, and that's the way it should be. It keeps things exciting and keeps me motivated to be ready for anything.
Since its November 1st, I feel like it's a new page...I fresh start in the middle of a chaotic quarter. I hope to stay organized, start exercising more, and ace all my classes. It's like New Years haha, but New Month instead. We'll see how it all goes.
Anyway, just a quick update. I hope to blog more often than I have been. Thanks for reading!
- O and I got my speeding ticket in the mail and it came out to $273 plus $39 for traffic school and then another charge for traffic school from the actual school. This sucks. . .
- I have exactly 15 days of actual school left. . . not that I'm counting.
Ok, well that's it for now. But thanks to all those readers who sent me comments after the NBA Preview - - the fact that some people are reading what I write makes me want to keep going!
Thanks everyone!
Until later,
- I have now been at the Men's Wearhouse (which, as stated before, will be forever known as the MW) for a full week and I feel more comfortable now than I did last week at this time. Over my first five days there, I sold a total of $7000, including over $2500 on Saturday alone (one sale alone was $1100!!!). I'm not sure what my paycheck will look like, but as long as it's more than what I would have made at the FL, then I will be happy (which it most assuredly will be). Every day I learn something more and I get more comfy in my role as the clock ticks. So come and see me, buy some suits (or sports coats. . . or casual wear. . . or shoes!) and add to my check!
- I went 12-2 this week in my football picks, only missing the Minnesota upset over San Diego and Tampa Bay beating Arizona (went for the upset on that one). I think I might have won the week, but I won't know til either tomorrow or even Wednesday, but I'll keep you posted. I'm also in first overall, which is an awesome development. More on that as the weeks progress.
- I finished INTO THE WILD, the book, and am now looking forward to seeing the film because I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I also went and saw SAW IV this morning with my friend Alex (another DC alumni) and we both agreed that it was entertaining but nothing special. Fun to watch, but also extremely gross (in the words of Alex: "I now know how to perform an autopsy."). Overall, if you have seen and enjoyed the first three, you won't be disappointed by the fourth installment, but newbies should avoid it all costs. GRADE: C+
- My favorite movie of the year comes out on DVD tomorrow: it's RATATOUILLE!!!!!
- I'll give a SUNS update every Thursday (since that was the day that our season started) but I do have to react to all you Laker fans out there: Congrats. You won an early season game against us yet again. But consider the facts of the game. . . The Lakers shot 60% for the ENTIRE GAME. You can't compete with that. The Lakers just happened to play the game of their lives against a tired SUNS team that had gotten home at 0400 in the morning after their lackluster performance in Seattle. We're just off to a slow start again. But more on that on Thursday.
- Some interesting reads on the internet:
Waiting Room Sex by Dan Neil
Random Thoughts by Mallory Roseborough
- Also, I've been bugging Heather to post something on here in a so-called RAMBLERETTE'S RAMBLING, but she does not like to talk about herself. Well not that much. . . However, on Myspace, she recently posted a brief update about herself and how things are going in Pomona. . . So here it is:
I haven't blogged in months, and I thought enough has happened that it's finally time for an update. First of all, I switched jobs from the Pet Resort to Claremont Veterinary Hospital. I'm currently working as a receptionist there, however I intend to become a Vet Assistant after some time (a vet assistant is a step below a vet tech, which is still a step behind a registered vet tech). When I transferred to Cal Poly, I was certain I wanted to become a registered vet tech (RVT), and I jumped right into the classes and loved what I was learning. I loved learning about animals so much that I thought, why in the world would I NOT try to apply to Vet school? I knew that would be something I would think about for the rest of my life...why I didn't even try! I was doing well in my classes and I had made several friends in the AHS program and the PreVet program...and I decided I would do it. I would change majors and apply to vet school. So I did! And now I'm a prevet major planning for the long years ahead at vet school. I would love to get into Western University, a new Vet school right here in Pomona, but since you can't put all your eggs in one basket, I plan on applying to Davis, Oregon State, and Colorado State as well. The idea of become a vet is so exciting, but it's scary at the same time, financially and for mine and Justin's relationship. I know everything will work out for the best though, no matter what happens.
The last several months have been difficult for my family...we've lost three grandparents in the last 6 months. We're sure to miss them as the holidays come and go..
Speaking of the holidays, this was my first Halloween that I actually dressed up in years! I had so much fun, thanks to all my friends here. I can't wait til Christmas rolls around.....It will be my 21st birthday! AHHHHH!!! I'll be going to Vegas with Chels and my mom for a weekend, and then I'll probably celebrate here with my friends once school starts again in January. I love everything about the Holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Years. It definitely the best time of the year!!!
I'm still amazed at how fast time has gone since I've moved to Pomona. And at how fast I know it's going to keep flying! I've mapped out the rest of my quarters here, and I can't wait to see what the next few years have in store for me. A wedding? Vet school? A career?? You just never know what is around the corner, and that's the way it should be. It keeps things exciting and keeps me motivated to be ready for anything.
Since its November 1st, I feel like it's a new page...I fresh start in the middle of a chaotic quarter. I hope to stay organized, start exercising more, and ace all my classes. It's like New Years haha, but New Month instead. We'll see how it all goes.
Anyway, just a quick update. I hope to blog more often than I have been. Thanks for reading!
- O and I got my speeding ticket in the mail and it came out to $273 plus $39 for traffic school and then another charge for traffic school from the actual school. This sucks. . .
- I have exactly 15 days of actual school left. . . not that I'm counting.
Ok, well that's it for now. But thanks to all those readers who sent me comments after the NBA Preview - - the fact that some people are reading what I write makes me want to keep going!
Thanks everyone!
Until later,
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The 2007-2008 NBA Season Preview
The Western Conference
The 2008 NBA champion will come from the Western Conference. And I'm torn, to be honest. The safest bet to win the title is the San Antonio Spurs. . . (I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. . .).
But I don't subscribe to logic when it comes the National Basketball Association. The most appropriate or probable event never happens. Like right now. The Seattle Supersonics, coming off of a loss last night to the Denver Nuggets are up on my beloved, supposed-to-be rested Phoenix Suns halfway through the third quarters. We look rusty, slow, and just plain troubled. . . Is that the way it was supposed to go tonight? No, I don't think so. (A strong fourth quarter was enough to put us ahead for the win, but it was not pretty in the least)
But just wait for it. . .
It's a long season and I believe strongly that we are built for it this year. But I'll get to the SUNS in a minute. . . here is the rest of the Western Conference in the same manner as yesterday's Eastern Conference Preview:
Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets (3)
This team is going to be dangerous. I don't know why more so-called experts aren't raving about these guys. AI and Carmelo are together now for a full year and you better believe they are plenty comfortable with one another. Throw in Marcus Camby, a beast in the paint, and a finally healthy Kenyon Martin, and this team scares me a whole lot more than Dallas or Houston and I think that given a 7-game series, the Nuggets could beat any time in the entire league. I think this is the true dark horse in the league this year that could very well win it all if they stay healthy.
Utah Jazz (6)
Carlos Boozer is an animal. Deron Williams is the future of point guards with Chris Paul of the Hornets and the rest of the team is not so shabby either (Kirilenko, Okur, Millsap, etc.). They won't make a lot of noise come playoff time but they are among the best 6 in the elite conference. Given the right opportunities, they could make a return to the second round of the playoffs, but certainly not the Conference Finals like last season (that just worked out for them perfect with the stupid way that the NBA playoffs are positioned. . . see this post for what it should have looked like).
Seattle Supersonics (10)
Kevin Durant will win the rookie of the year for sure and this team will be better than expected. I think Nick Collison will play well this year and Chris Wilcox (who always gives the SUNS fits) will be much improved as well. They need a good effort from other rookie Jeff Green and the newly acquired Delonte West to make a real push to the playoffs, but give this team a couple years, maybe some more young talent (or a savvy veteran scorer), and they could be playing into May and June in the near future.
Portland Trailblazers (12)
They could have made a push for the 8th spot had Greg Oden played this season, and not because he is that good, but because other people will THINK he is that good. But he's not playing and the offense is going to go through Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, which is fine, but it's not good enough to make the playoffs in the West. But think about this: the Blazers will get a healthy Oden back next year and if they do finish in the lower half of the West, they could very easily get another top 10 pick in next year's draft! They would then have a very young team, but one filled with potential and that in itself is scary for us older teams.
Minnesota Timberwolves (15)
Sigh. . . This team might not win 20 games this year. Al Jefferson will show that he is good, but he is not KG, and no one will ever fill those giant shoes in Minny. They can hope to get that number one pick next year and that's about it. Not much to hope for the T'wolves this year. . . and not much to watch either.
Southwest Division
San Antonio Spurs (2)
For the record: I hate this team. I cannot stand a single player on this team that is not named Tim Duncan (who I tolerate simply because of his brilliance - you cannot deny his skills as a basketball player no matter who you are!). But you know what? They're good. They always are. They are a year older, but they were a year older last year too and that didn't stop them at all. Like I said earlier, this is the safe bet for the NBA champion, and are certainly capable of winning it all again. BUT, as you will see in the coming playoff predictions, I don't believe that they will. It's too hard to repeat in the NBA and the Spurs won't be doing it.
Houston Rockets (4)
Another trendy pick for the dark horse contender, I feel that T-Mac and Yao need to get out of the first round one year before we can say they will win it all. It's true that they are better this year. Steve Francis (AKA Stevie Franchise back when he was Rocket some years ago) might contribute a little, but it will be big man Luis Scola who makes the biggest mark on this team. They will win more games than the overrated Mavericks, largely because T-Mac WILL stay healthy (God I hope so, just for his sake!) and Yao is going to have an MVP type year, but won't win it because the voters won't give it to him until he has accomplished something (or gotten past the first round!).
Dallas Mavericks (5)
If there is a team that I despise as much as the Spurs, it's a close tie between the always-hated Lakers and this so-called team from Dallas. Dirk is a good player, but he's not a closer. Josh Howard is ridiculously overrated and the guard combo of Jason Terry and Devin Harris was exploited last year in the Warriors series and will continue to be torn down all year. Plus, they aren't deep! Once you get past Stackhouse (who always seems to come through in the clutch), you get to Diop (no good) and newly acquired Eddie Jones (ooh, an almost 40-year-old swingman!). I actually see them bowing out in the first round again this year, but this time it won't be such a surprise.
Memphis Grizzlies (7)
Sleeper pick alert! The West is really strong in the top 6, but after that, it pretty much tapers off. With new head coach Marc Iavaroni, (former SUNS assistant) I think that with a healthy Pau Gasol, an improved Rudy Gay, recently acquired Darko Milicic (who STILL has something to prove), rookie Mike Conley Jr. backing up veteran point guard Damon Stoudamire, and Pau's best friend, one Juan Carlos Navarro, the Grizz will put it all together in a hurry and get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2005-2006 (not a long time, but after last year's debacle, it will be a big deal!). And they might just win their first playoff game while they're at it!
New Orleans Hornets (8)
When you have the best young point guard (Chris Paul), an athletic beast in the paint (Tyson Chandler), a scoring machine (David West) and a veteran three-ball shooter (Peja Stojakovic), I think that's enough to get the final playoff spot ahead of the likes of Golden State and the Lakers. If they make a trade in the next year or two for another top-of-the-line scorer, or even sign a big name free agent over a summer, this team could really make some noise in the future. But not just yet.
Pacific Division
Phoenix Suns (1)
Ok. . . I love my team. This you all knew very well already. But I really love them this year. And here's why:
Our starting five is top-notch. We have the best point guard in the league (Mr. MVP, Steve Nash) and one of the best defenders in the league at the 2 (everyone's favorite, Raja Bell). The always unhappy, but always trying to prove himself, Shawn Marion at the power forward and the big off-season pick-up, the finally healthy Grant Hill (in an interview this summer, he said that this was the first off-season since 1999 that he was not in rehab - - he's ready!). Throw in a rarin' to go Amare Stoudemire and there is not a better top 5 in the league. Coming off the bench we have the returning 6th Man of the Year, Leandro Barbosa and a hopefully returning to form Boris Diaw. The once hated (passionately, at that) by me Marcus Banks worked hard this summer and appears ready to finally listen to the coaches and do as told. We lost Kurt Thomas, but picked up Brian Skinner, a less offensive Kurt, and Sean Marks has improved and may see some time as well (but probably not). And look for the two rookies, Alando Tucker (from Wisconsin) and D.J. Strawberry (from Maryland) to struggle for minutes, but expect Strawberry to actually get some good playing time at some point - he was a steal for us in the second round. I love our chances to finally bring the first title ever to the Valley of the Sun and if we don't well, I guess that's not really an option. It's really Now or Never for us this year, and here's hoping that it's NOW!
Golden State Warriors (9)
They had a nice run into the second round of the playoffs last year (the big upset of the Mavs and then the heartbreak against the Jazz) as the eighth seed, but they won't be able to even try this year. They will miss Jason Richardson, but they will miss Baron Davis more, as he is bound to hit some injury patches this season. I think they might make a deal around February, but it won't be enough to put them over the hump this year (they'll start out 15-30 or something like that and that will be too far down).
Los Angeles Lakers (11)
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Lakers will not make the playoffs this year. The whole Kobe fiasco right now is just too much for them. Not only will they get off to a bad start (I'm thinking 3-13 through November with wins over Minnesota, either Indiana or Milwaukee on the road, and maybe the home game against Seattle), but they will end up under .500 for only the second time in seven years. They might make a push if they unload Kobe before the trade deadline, but I think it's gonna be a tough year for ol' Jack Nicholson and company. Hollywood and its team: Beware.
Los Angeles Clippers (13)
I read something about a month ago that told me everything I needed to know about the upcoming Clippers season: Elton Brand would not be playing. Well, he might be back post-All Star break, but it won't matter because the Clips will be back to their losing ways without their anchor in the middle. Sorry alien Chris Kaman, you just aren't the same. And neither are you Mr. Tim Thomas. . . Their hopes are again in the lottery and the hope of a better year next year. Ahh, just like the good ol' days. . .
Sacramento Kings (14)
Mike Bibby is hurt. Ron Artest might be on his way out. Brad Miller is old. And Kevin Martin is all alone on a team that if it weren't for the terrible T'wolves, would absolutely be the worst team in the entire conference, and maybe even the league. I hope Martin has another good year (I have him on my fantasy team) but it won't matter in the long run as the once Western heavyweight will completely fall off the map this year and into obscurity. And if they don't make a big change soon, they should just go ahead and make themselves comfortable in the Pacific Division cellar, because they will be there for many years to come.
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
FIRST ROUND
(1) Phoenix over (8) New Orleans (4-1)
(2) San Antonio over (7) Memphis (4-1)
(3) Denver over (3) Utah (4-2)
(4) Houston over (5) Dallas (4-3)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
(1) Phoenix over (4) Houston (4-1)
(3) Denver over (2) San Antonio (4-3)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE FINALS
(1) Phoenix over (3) Denver (4-2)
__________________________________
NBA FINALS
(1) Phoenix over (1) Detroit (4-2)
I know that by picking my team to win it all AGAIN is just going to cause all sorts of problems with people calling me a homer or whatever, but it's now or never (like I said earlier) for my beloved SUNS and it all comes down to two number 3's: Grant Hill (who wears number 33). If he can stay healthy and contribute like he did in the first game of the year against Seattle (13 points, six rebounds and five assists - although he needs to cut back on the 3-point attempts; he was 1-7 from behind the arc), then it's ours. It has to be. Steve Nash will not go his entire career without winning a title - he won't allow it! The man wants it too much and that heart is going to put us over the top when all is said and done.
GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There you go - - the predictions are in!
Let's just hope I'm right this time. . .
Until later,
But I don't subscribe to logic when it comes the National Basketball Association. The most appropriate or probable event never happens. Like right now. The Seattle Supersonics, coming off of a loss last night to the Denver Nuggets are up on my beloved, supposed-to-be rested Phoenix Suns halfway through the third quarters. We look rusty, slow, and just plain troubled. . . Is that the way it was supposed to go tonight? No, I don't think so. (A strong fourth quarter was enough to put us ahead for the win, but it was not pretty in the least)
But just wait for it. . .
It's a long season and I believe strongly that we are built for it this year. But I'll get to the SUNS in a minute. . . here is the rest of the Western Conference in the same manner as yesterday's Eastern Conference Preview:
Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets (3)
This team is going to be dangerous. I don't know why more so-called experts aren't raving about these guys. AI and Carmelo are together now for a full year and you better believe they are plenty comfortable with one another. Throw in Marcus Camby, a beast in the paint, and a finally healthy Kenyon Martin, and this team scares me a whole lot more than Dallas or Houston and I think that given a 7-game series, the Nuggets could beat any time in the entire league. I think this is the true dark horse in the league this year that could very well win it all if they stay healthy.
Utah Jazz (6)
Carlos Boozer is an animal. Deron Williams is the future of point guards with Chris Paul of the Hornets and the rest of the team is not so shabby either (Kirilenko, Okur, Millsap, etc.). They won't make a lot of noise come playoff time but they are among the best 6 in the elite conference. Given the right opportunities, they could make a return to the second round of the playoffs, but certainly not the Conference Finals like last season (that just worked out for them perfect with the stupid way that the NBA playoffs are positioned. . . see this post for what it should have looked like).
Seattle Supersonics (10)
Kevin Durant will win the rookie of the year for sure and this team will be better than expected. I think Nick Collison will play well this year and Chris Wilcox (who always gives the SUNS fits) will be much improved as well. They need a good effort from other rookie Jeff Green and the newly acquired Delonte West to make a real push to the playoffs, but give this team a couple years, maybe some more young talent (or a savvy veteran scorer), and they could be playing into May and June in the near future.
Portland Trailblazers (12)
They could have made a push for the 8th spot had Greg Oden played this season, and not because he is that good, but because other people will THINK he is that good. But he's not playing and the offense is going to go through Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, which is fine, but it's not good enough to make the playoffs in the West. But think about this: the Blazers will get a healthy Oden back next year and if they do finish in the lower half of the West, they could very easily get another top 10 pick in next year's draft! They would then have a very young team, but one filled with potential and that in itself is scary for us older teams.
Minnesota Timberwolves (15)
Sigh. . . This team might not win 20 games this year. Al Jefferson will show that he is good, but he is not KG, and no one will ever fill those giant shoes in Minny. They can hope to get that number one pick next year and that's about it. Not much to hope for the T'wolves this year. . . and not much to watch either.
Southwest Division
San Antonio Spurs (2)
For the record: I hate this team. I cannot stand a single player on this team that is not named Tim Duncan (who I tolerate simply because of his brilliance - you cannot deny his skills as a basketball player no matter who you are!). But you know what? They're good. They always are. They are a year older, but they were a year older last year too and that didn't stop them at all. Like I said earlier, this is the safe bet for the NBA champion, and are certainly capable of winning it all again. BUT, as you will see in the coming playoff predictions, I don't believe that they will. It's too hard to repeat in the NBA and the Spurs won't be doing it.
Houston Rockets (4)
Another trendy pick for the dark horse contender, I feel that T-Mac and Yao need to get out of the first round one year before we can say they will win it all. It's true that they are better this year. Steve Francis (AKA Stevie Franchise back when he was Rocket some years ago) might contribute a little, but it will be big man Luis Scola who makes the biggest mark on this team. They will win more games than the overrated Mavericks, largely because T-Mac WILL stay healthy (God I hope so, just for his sake!) and Yao is going to have an MVP type year, but won't win it because the voters won't give it to him until he has accomplished something (or gotten past the first round!).
Dallas Mavericks (5)
If there is a team that I despise as much as the Spurs, it's a close tie between the always-hated Lakers and this so-called team from Dallas. Dirk is a good player, but he's not a closer. Josh Howard is ridiculously overrated and the guard combo of Jason Terry and Devin Harris was exploited last year in the Warriors series and will continue to be torn down all year. Plus, they aren't deep! Once you get past Stackhouse (who always seems to come through in the clutch), you get to Diop (no good) and newly acquired Eddie Jones (ooh, an almost 40-year-old swingman!). I actually see them bowing out in the first round again this year, but this time it won't be such a surprise.
Memphis Grizzlies (7)
Sleeper pick alert! The West is really strong in the top 6, but after that, it pretty much tapers off. With new head coach Marc Iavaroni, (former SUNS assistant) I think that with a healthy Pau Gasol, an improved Rudy Gay, recently acquired Darko Milicic (who STILL has something to prove), rookie Mike Conley Jr. backing up veteran point guard Damon Stoudamire, and Pau's best friend, one Juan Carlos Navarro, the Grizz will put it all together in a hurry and get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2005-2006 (not a long time, but after last year's debacle, it will be a big deal!). And they might just win their first playoff game while they're at it!
New Orleans Hornets (8)
When you have the best young point guard (Chris Paul), an athletic beast in the paint (Tyson Chandler), a scoring machine (David West) and a veteran three-ball shooter (Peja Stojakovic), I think that's enough to get the final playoff spot ahead of the likes of Golden State and the Lakers. If they make a trade in the next year or two for another top-of-the-line scorer, or even sign a big name free agent over a summer, this team could really make some noise in the future. But not just yet.
Pacific Division
Phoenix Suns (1)
Ok. . . I love my team. This you all knew very well already. But I really love them this year. And here's why:
Our starting five is top-notch. We have the best point guard in the league (Mr. MVP, Steve Nash) and one of the best defenders in the league at the 2 (everyone's favorite, Raja Bell). The always unhappy, but always trying to prove himself, Shawn Marion at the power forward and the big off-season pick-up, the finally healthy Grant Hill (in an interview this summer, he said that this was the first off-season since 1999 that he was not in rehab - - he's ready!). Throw in a rarin' to go Amare Stoudemire and there is not a better top 5 in the league. Coming off the bench we have the returning 6th Man of the Year, Leandro Barbosa and a hopefully returning to form Boris Diaw. The once hated (passionately, at that) by me Marcus Banks worked hard this summer and appears ready to finally listen to the coaches and do as told. We lost Kurt Thomas, but picked up Brian Skinner, a less offensive Kurt, and Sean Marks has improved and may see some time as well (but probably not). And look for the two rookies, Alando Tucker (from Wisconsin) and D.J. Strawberry (from Maryland) to struggle for minutes, but expect Strawberry to actually get some good playing time at some point - he was a steal for us in the second round. I love our chances to finally bring the first title ever to the Valley of the Sun and if we don't well, I guess that's not really an option. It's really Now or Never for us this year, and here's hoping that it's NOW!
Golden State Warriors (9)
They had a nice run into the second round of the playoffs last year (the big upset of the Mavs and then the heartbreak against the Jazz) as the eighth seed, but they won't be able to even try this year. They will miss Jason Richardson, but they will miss Baron Davis more, as he is bound to hit some injury patches this season. I think they might make a deal around February, but it won't be enough to put them over the hump this year (they'll start out 15-30 or something like that and that will be too far down).
Los Angeles Lakers (11)
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Lakers will not make the playoffs this year. The whole Kobe fiasco right now is just too much for them. Not only will they get off to a bad start (I'm thinking 3-13 through November with wins over Minnesota, either Indiana or Milwaukee on the road, and maybe the home game against Seattle), but they will end up under .500 for only the second time in seven years. They might make a push if they unload Kobe before the trade deadline, but I think it's gonna be a tough year for ol' Jack Nicholson and company. Hollywood and its team: Beware.
Los Angeles Clippers (13)
I read something about a month ago that told me everything I needed to know about the upcoming Clippers season: Elton Brand would not be playing. Well, he might be back post-All Star break, but it won't matter because the Clips will be back to their losing ways without their anchor in the middle. Sorry alien Chris Kaman, you just aren't the same. And neither are you Mr. Tim Thomas. . . Their hopes are again in the lottery and the hope of a better year next year. Ahh, just like the good ol' days. . .
Sacramento Kings (14)
Mike Bibby is hurt. Ron Artest might be on his way out. Brad Miller is old. And Kevin Martin is all alone on a team that if it weren't for the terrible T'wolves, would absolutely be the worst team in the entire conference, and maybe even the league. I hope Martin has another good year (I have him on my fantasy team) but it won't matter in the long run as the once Western heavyweight will completely fall off the map this year and into obscurity. And if they don't make a big change soon, they should just go ahead and make themselves comfortable in the Pacific Division cellar, because they will be there for many years to come.
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
FIRST ROUND
(1) Phoenix over (8) New Orleans (4-1)
(2) San Antonio over (7) Memphis (4-1)
(3) Denver over (3) Utah (4-2)
(4) Houston over (5) Dallas (4-3)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
(1) Phoenix over (4) Houston (4-1)
(3) Denver over (2) San Antonio (4-3)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE FINALS
(1) Phoenix over (3) Denver (4-2)
__________________________________
NBA FINALS
(1) Phoenix over (1) Detroit (4-2)
I know that by picking my team to win it all AGAIN is just going to cause all sorts of problems with people calling me a homer or whatever, but it's now or never (like I said earlier) for my beloved SUNS and it all comes down to two number 3's: Grant Hill (who wears number 33). If he can stay healthy and contribute like he did in the first game of the year against Seattle (13 points, six rebounds and five assists - although he needs to cut back on the 3-point attempts; he was 1-7 from behind the arc), then it's ours. It has to be. Steve Nash will not go his entire career without winning a title - he won't allow it! The man wants it too much and that heart is going to put us over the top when all is said and done.
GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There you go - - the predictions are in!
Let's just hope I'm right this time. . .
Until later,
Monday, October 29, 2007
The 2007-2008 NBA Season Preview
The Eastern Conference
The following fact is all that is important to me right now at this moment (over school, especially!):
The NBA season began yesterday! (Update: This was written before the season actually began and was completed after the second day of the season, but all of the predictions were made before the season began. . . I promise.)
The World Series is now over (Congrats to the Boston Red Sox!). The NFL is in the midst of a great season (and one that I am picking very well) that will be highlighted on Sunday with the massive Patriots/Colts throwdown in Indy. But besides that, it is ALL ABOUT the NBA!!!
And just like last year, I am previewing the upcoming season with full predictions for each team. This is just one man's opinion, but it is as always one FAN'S opinion and you know what that means! But just wait: there's real reasons for everything!
So the format of this bad boy is as follows: I have ranked the teams 1-15 in their respective conferences. I will be starting in the East and showing each division separately in the order I think they will finish. In parentheses will be their overall rank in their conference. Got it?
Then on to the West discussion (but that will come tomorrow night. . . I'm tired).
Casual sports fans, get ready to have your world rocked! Because here comes my second annual NBA SEASON PREVIEW!
And away we go. . .
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics (2)
The team with probably the biggest expectations going into this season because of their additions of Kevin Garnett (yes, I still resent the fact that the SUNS couldn't get him) and Ray Allen to go along with the already-there star power of Paul Pierce. The biggest question mark for this team is the supporting cast, which includes second year guard Rajon Rondo (a potentially very good point guard) and rookie Glen "Big Baby" Davis, who will be a factor for this team. Also, the potential to pick up some veterans at the trade deadline (look for Juwan Howard and Sam Cassell to be putting on the green and white at some point this year) is much more likely because of the Big Three. They will be good. It's true. However, they are not the best team in the East and unless Rondo and starting center Kendrick Perkins have improved substantially, they won't win the title like many believe they will.
Toronto Raptors (5)
The Raptors surprised a lot of people last year, including yours truly, when they took over the terrible Atlantic Division but fell to the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the playoffs. They will be in the thick of things in the East this year because of the star power of Chris Bosh (an absolute beast that no one knows about) and free agent signee Jason Kapono (a pure three-point shooter). They still have T.J. Ford at the point and the much improved Anthony Parker at the shooting guard position. Second year center Andrea Bargnani will be better and they also picked up Carlos Delfino from the Pistons, who played relatively unnoticed in the Motor City, but look for him to contribute off the bench. I still don't think they are as good as the top 4 teams in the East and are most likely looking at another first round exit.
New Jersey Nets (7)
I'm not sure how this team is not better. They should have been in the Finals at least once since they have trotted out J-Kidd, Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter every night. But injuries have plagued this team and you can almost guarantee that one of those three (or forward/center Nenad Kristic) will go down for a month or two with some sort of leg injury. It's bound to happen, and as long as they make the playoffs (which they always seem to do) the lottery will escape them as a helpful tool. The only way to benefit this team is to trade one of the main three guys (most likely Jefferson) and some bench players for a big name that can stay healthy. They couldn't get Kobe or anything, but I think they should try harder to get Jermaine O'Neal (Jefferson, Kristic, and a future draft pick would be plenty to get it done in February when Indiana is in the East cellar). They'll be outed in the first round and left to wonder why they gave Carter so much money this summer.
New York Knicks (9)
I'm not sure if a sleeper pick has to make the playoffs, but I think the Knicks are gonna be better than everyone thinks this year. They showed signs of life last year in parts, and the acquisition of Zach Randolph will give them some wins. I like the combo of Randolph and Eddy Curry and David Lee, who I wish was on the SUNS, but I don't think that they have enough to crack the top 8, even in the abysmal (although improved) East.
Philadelphia 76ers (13)
It's sad that this team had to drop off the map after finally trading Allen Iverson last year. At the beginning of the year last year, they had both AI and Chris Webber, both of which helped teams make the playoffs that were not the 76ers. How nice. Andre Miller is still okay and Andre Iguodala has to improve as a go-to-guy. They have little-to-no post game as well. Watch for Kyle Korver to get recognition and become one of the elite behind-the-arc scorers in the game.
Southeast Division
Washington Wizards (4)
My cousin Josh, who lives in Maryland and is as big of a fan of the Wizards as I am of the SUNS (well, maybe not. . . I'm pretty crazy!) had this to say of the upcoming season:
"You seen how low in the east all the analysts are pickin the wiz??? It's ridiculous, we were the #1 team in the east before all the injuries in the 2nd half of last season and now we are supposed to suck? It's like their bosses pay them to promote the Celtics because they're marketable. Well none of the big 3 in boston have ever been passed the 2nd round of the playoffs, and they have zero supporting cast. Why should i be scared of them? I'm sure theyll be good, but don't sleep on the Wiz!"
I won't! (Although sorry Josh, your facts are a little wrong: Both Garnett (2004) and Pierce (2002) have made it to the Conference Finals)
The Wizards are the best team in their division with a healthy Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison, who was phenomenal when both of the guards were out at the end of the year. Here's the thing: in the East, if the Celtics can be favored to practically win it all with their three, then why not the Wizards? Arenas is just as prolific scorer as Pierce (and maybe moreso), Butler drives to the hole a lot more than Allen but doesn't shoot nearly as well (but is younger), and Jamison doesn't really match up to KG, but he is still a good player. They have no bench (neither does Boston - yet) but that could change by February's trade deadline. Watch for Nick Young, the rookie out of USC, to make a run for Rookie of the Year (Besides the shoe-in for the award, Kevin Durant).
Orlando Magic (6)
They gave Rashard Lewis $118 million to score 20-some points a game. That should help. . . The team is better (Jameer Nelson is another in the long line of competent, but not quite great, point guards) and this year will only prove that Dwight Howard is THE dominant big man of the future (that is, except for Amare. . .). They will be good, win more than half of their games, and make the playoffs, but their season will most likely end after one round and they won't have anyone to blame but themselves, because all they did this off-season was overpay a small forward who is replaceable by most of the other same exact players in the NBA. . . What a shame.
Miami Heat (11)
I have been saying this last season ended: the Heat WILL NOT make the playoffs this season. The best thing that they could do in the off-season was sign Smush Parker, the SUNS 6th man from the last few playoff series (you see, the former Lakers point guard was SO BAD when it came to defending Steve Nash that I considered him to be our sixth man. . .), and then trade Antoine Walker to the helpless T'Wolves for Ricky Davis (who apparently is supposed to turn everything around for the team) and o yeah, they signed, wait for it, Anfernee Hardaway. That's right. . . Penny Hardaway. From forever ago. . . No word yet whether or not the Heat also get the rights to Lil' Penny. This team is old. And they aren't healthy. And they just are not good anymore (except for D-Wade, but the way he plays, well, let's just say that he might want to change that slogan about getting up all the time. . .).
Charlotte Bobcats (12)
This was going to be my sleeper team of the year (I changed my mind, though. . . I'll get to them in the West) but injuries to both Adam Morrison (terrible facial hair and all) and Sean May (this was the killer) mean that Jason Richardson (their off-season pick-up from Golden State) will have even more pressure on his shoulders. Raymond Felton is good, Gerald Wallace can score, but without those two young guys, I just don't think that Emeka Okafor and company can put it all together this year. . . I guess the only hope is that they get a good draft pick and put it all together next year!
Atlanta Hawks (14)
. . . and the Hawks. Some people think they are going to win this year. However, they are the Hawks and the Hawks always suck. I know that is not a good reason, but I guess I just really want them to be terrible because the SUNS get their draft pick next year no matter what it is and I really want a high pick! Something good has to happen for my team! Either way, Joe Johnson is still the same scoring shooting guard and Josh Smith is athletic and all, but they are not going to do better than they usually do. I love their draft pick (Acie Law IV) and truly wish the SUNS had him instead, but I don't think that he improves them that much. He's good, but he's not THAT good! Come on now people! These are the same old Hawks!
Central Division
Detroit Pistons (1)
This is still the best team in the East. They have been for several years now (they have averaged 54 wins a year over the last six years and have never finished below 2nd place in the East since 2001) and don't expect anything to change this year. They still have a starting five that includes the names of Billups, Hamilton, Prince, and Wallace (that would be 'Sheed) and then any other bum in Detroit. This team is still good and still will be in the hunt at the end of the year. It's that simple.
Chicago Bulls (3)
This pick is odd, because the Bulls may or may not end up with Kobe and that would throw a wrench into everything. But I don't know if that would make them better or not. . . I still cant decide. But before any Bulls trade happens, they still have Hinrich, Gordon, Nocioni, and the defense (plus terrible free throw shooting) of Big Ben. The extra help of youngins Tyrus Thomas (coming into his own) and Joakim Noah (a younger, shorter Big Ben) will put this team ahead of most of the East and may even get them into a Conference Finals matchup with the Pistons. But no finals for them this year. . . Unless they get Kobe. Then all bets are off.
Cleveland Cavaliers (8)
And that is a very nice position for them. Lebron got no help and there are still contract disputes between the Cavs and key players Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao (although apparently Pavlovic has re-signed). I just don't think that the NBA and its wonderful referees could allow THE Lebron James to miss the playoffs so they'll fit in the last position just to potentially make a run (if they got past Detroit, they could potentially do some damage) because of all the help Lebron gets. But don't count on it. The off-season for them next year will be filled with questions about who they should get to help out King James, and who knows what they come up with. . .
Milwaukee Bucks (11)
Another forgettable year for a truly forgettable team. Michael Redd would be a household name if he played for a team not located in Wisconsin but he is again left to his own devices and will fail again to make the playoffs. Yi Jianlian was a terrible draft pick and won't be anything except an extra in all the new dunk posters that come out (he will be the guy being posterized by the likes of Vince Carter and Josh Smith). Tough time for the Bucks right now. . . maybe they can get a good draft pick next year! What a horrible future, huh?
Indiana Pacers (15)
Wow. Not only do I think that Jermaine O'Neal will be gone by the trade deadline (finally!) to either New Jersey or Chicago (if they don't make a push for Kobe) but this team might not even win 25 games. They are terrible and if it wasn't for a few really bad teams in the West (more on that tomorrow) I would say they would have the best chance to get next year's number one pick. . . Go figure that the last team on here would be the worst (I really didn't plan it that way!). . . It's just sad really. . .
EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
FIRST ROUND
(1) Detroit over (8) Cleveland (4-2)
(2) Boston over (7) New Jersey (4-3)
(3) Chicago over (3) Orlando (4-1)
(4) Washington over (5) Toronto (4-1)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
(1) Detroit over (4) Washington (4-1)
(3) Chicago over (2) Boston (4-3)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE FINALS
(1) Detroit over (3) Chicago (4-2)
The Detroit Pistons will represent the East in the Finals! They will lose (I predict) but to who???
Come back tomorrow to find out :)
Until then,
The NBA season began yesterday! (Update: This was written before the season actually began and was completed after the second day of the season, but all of the predictions were made before the season began. . . I promise.)
The World Series is now over (Congrats to the Boston Red Sox!). The NFL is in the midst of a great season (and one that I am picking very well) that will be highlighted on Sunday with the massive Patriots/Colts throwdown in Indy. But besides that, it is ALL ABOUT the NBA!!!
And just like last year, I am previewing the upcoming season with full predictions for each team. This is just one man's opinion, but it is as always one FAN'S opinion and you know what that means! But just wait: there's real reasons for everything!
So the format of this bad boy is as follows: I have ranked the teams 1-15 in their respective conferences. I will be starting in the East and showing each division separately in the order I think they will finish. In parentheses will be their overall rank in their conference. Got it?
Then on to the West discussion (but that will come tomorrow night. . . I'm tired).
Casual sports fans, get ready to have your world rocked! Because here comes my second annual NBA SEASON PREVIEW!
And away we go. . .
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics (2)
The team with probably the biggest expectations going into this season because of their additions of Kevin Garnett (yes, I still resent the fact that the SUNS couldn't get him) and Ray Allen to go along with the already-there star power of Paul Pierce. The biggest question mark for this team is the supporting cast, which includes second year guard Rajon Rondo (a potentially very good point guard) and rookie Glen "Big Baby" Davis, who will be a factor for this team. Also, the potential to pick up some veterans at the trade deadline (look for Juwan Howard and Sam Cassell to be putting on the green and white at some point this year) is much more likely because of the Big Three. They will be good. It's true. However, they are not the best team in the East and unless Rondo and starting center Kendrick Perkins have improved substantially, they won't win the title like many believe they will.
Toronto Raptors (5)
The Raptors surprised a lot of people last year, including yours truly, when they took over the terrible Atlantic Division but fell to the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the playoffs. They will be in the thick of things in the East this year because of the star power of Chris Bosh (an absolute beast that no one knows about) and free agent signee Jason Kapono (a pure three-point shooter). They still have T.J. Ford at the point and the much improved Anthony Parker at the shooting guard position. Second year center Andrea Bargnani will be better and they also picked up Carlos Delfino from the Pistons, who played relatively unnoticed in the Motor City, but look for him to contribute off the bench. I still don't think they are as good as the top 4 teams in the East and are most likely looking at another first round exit.
New Jersey Nets (7)
I'm not sure how this team is not better. They should have been in the Finals at least once since they have trotted out J-Kidd, Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter every night. But injuries have plagued this team and you can almost guarantee that one of those three (or forward/center Nenad Kristic) will go down for a month or two with some sort of leg injury. It's bound to happen, and as long as they make the playoffs (which they always seem to do) the lottery will escape them as a helpful tool. The only way to benefit this team is to trade one of the main three guys (most likely Jefferson) and some bench players for a big name that can stay healthy. They couldn't get Kobe or anything, but I think they should try harder to get Jermaine O'Neal (Jefferson, Kristic, and a future draft pick would be plenty to get it done in February when Indiana is in the East cellar). They'll be outed in the first round and left to wonder why they gave Carter so much money this summer.
New York Knicks (9)
I'm not sure if a sleeper pick has to make the playoffs, but I think the Knicks are gonna be better than everyone thinks this year. They showed signs of life last year in parts, and the acquisition of Zach Randolph will give them some wins. I like the combo of Randolph and Eddy Curry and David Lee, who I wish was on the SUNS, but I don't think that they have enough to crack the top 8, even in the abysmal (although improved) East.
Philadelphia 76ers (13)
It's sad that this team had to drop off the map after finally trading Allen Iverson last year. At the beginning of the year last year, they had both AI and Chris Webber, both of which helped teams make the playoffs that were not the 76ers. How nice. Andre Miller is still okay and Andre Iguodala has to improve as a go-to-guy. They have little-to-no post game as well. Watch for Kyle Korver to get recognition and become one of the elite behind-the-arc scorers in the game.
Southeast Division
Washington Wizards (4)
My cousin Josh, who lives in Maryland and is as big of a fan of the Wizards as I am of the SUNS (well, maybe not. . . I'm pretty crazy!) had this to say of the upcoming season:
"You seen how low in the east all the analysts are pickin the wiz??? It's ridiculous, we were the #1 team in the east before all the injuries in the 2nd half of last season and now we are supposed to suck? It's like their bosses pay them to promote the Celtics because they're marketable. Well none of the big 3 in boston have ever been passed the 2nd round of the playoffs, and they have zero supporting cast. Why should i be scared of them? I'm sure theyll be good, but don't sleep on the Wiz!"
I won't! (Although sorry Josh, your facts are a little wrong: Both Garnett (2004) and Pierce (2002) have made it to the Conference Finals)
The Wizards are the best team in their division with a healthy Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison, who was phenomenal when both of the guards were out at the end of the year. Here's the thing: in the East, if the Celtics can be favored to practically win it all with their three, then why not the Wizards? Arenas is just as prolific scorer as Pierce (and maybe moreso), Butler drives to the hole a lot more than Allen but doesn't shoot nearly as well (but is younger), and Jamison doesn't really match up to KG, but he is still a good player. They have no bench (neither does Boston - yet) but that could change by February's trade deadline. Watch for Nick Young, the rookie out of USC, to make a run for Rookie of the Year (Besides the shoe-in for the award, Kevin Durant).
Orlando Magic (6)
They gave Rashard Lewis $118 million to score 20-some points a game. That should help. . . The team is better (Jameer Nelson is another in the long line of competent, but not quite great, point guards) and this year will only prove that Dwight Howard is THE dominant big man of the future (that is, except for Amare. . .). They will be good, win more than half of their games, and make the playoffs, but their season will most likely end after one round and they won't have anyone to blame but themselves, because all they did this off-season was overpay a small forward who is replaceable by most of the other same exact players in the NBA. . . What a shame.
Miami Heat (11)
I have been saying this last season ended: the Heat WILL NOT make the playoffs this season. The best thing that they could do in the off-season was sign Smush Parker, the SUNS 6th man from the last few playoff series (you see, the former Lakers point guard was SO BAD when it came to defending Steve Nash that I considered him to be our sixth man. . .), and then trade Antoine Walker to the helpless T'Wolves for Ricky Davis (who apparently is supposed to turn everything around for the team) and o yeah, they signed, wait for it, Anfernee Hardaway. That's right. . . Penny Hardaway. From forever ago. . . No word yet whether or not the Heat also get the rights to Lil' Penny. This team is old. And they aren't healthy. And they just are not good anymore (except for D-Wade, but the way he plays, well, let's just say that he might want to change that slogan about getting up all the time. . .).
Charlotte Bobcats (12)
This was going to be my sleeper team of the year (I changed my mind, though. . . I'll get to them in the West) but injuries to both Adam Morrison (terrible facial hair and all) and Sean May (this was the killer) mean that Jason Richardson (their off-season pick-up from Golden State) will have even more pressure on his shoulders. Raymond Felton is good, Gerald Wallace can score, but without those two young guys, I just don't think that Emeka Okafor and company can put it all together this year. . . I guess the only hope is that they get a good draft pick and put it all together next year!
Atlanta Hawks (14)
. . . and the Hawks. Some people think they are going to win this year. However, they are the Hawks and the Hawks always suck. I know that is not a good reason, but I guess I just really want them to be terrible because the SUNS get their draft pick next year no matter what it is and I really want a high pick! Something good has to happen for my team! Either way, Joe Johnson is still the same scoring shooting guard and Josh Smith is athletic and all, but they are not going to do better than they usually do. I love their draft pick (Acie Law IV) and truly wish the SUNS had him instead, but I don't think that he improves them that much. He's good, but he's not THAT good! Come on now people! These are the same old Hawks!
Central Division
Detroit Pistons (1)
This is still the best team in the East. They have been for several years now (they have averaged 54 wins a year over the last six years and have never finished below 2nd place in the East since 2001) and don't expect anything to change this year. They still have a starting five that includes the names of Billups, Hamilton, Prince, and Wallace (that would be 'Sheed) and then any other bum in Detroit. This team is still good and still will be in the hunt at the end of the year. It's that simple.
Chicago Bulls (3)
This pick is odd, because the Bulls may or may not end up with Kobe and that would throw a wrench into everything. But I don't know if that would make them better or not. . . I still cant decide. But before any Bulls trade happens, they still have Hinrich, Gordon, Nocioni, and the defense (plus terrible free throw shooting) of Big Ben. The extra help of youngins Tyrus Thomas (coming into his own) and Joakim Noah (a younger, shorter Big Ben) will put this team ahead of most of the East and may even get them into a Conference Finals matchup with the Pistons. But no finals for them this year. . . Unless they get Kobe. Then all bets are off.
Cleveland Cavaliers (8)
And that is a very nice position for them. Lebron got no help and there are still contract disputes between the Cavs and key players Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao (although apparently Pavlovic has re-signed). I just don't think that the NBA and its wonderful referees could allow THE Lebron James to miss the playoffs so they'll fit in the last position just to potentially make a run (if they got past Detroit, they could potentially do some damage) because of all the help Lebron gets. But don't count on it. The off-season for them next year will be filled with questions about who they should get to help out King James, and who knows what they come up with. . .
Milwaukee Bucks (11)
Another forgettable year for a truly forgettable team. Michael Redd would be a household name if he played for a team not located in Wisconsin but he is again left to his own devices and will fail again to make the playoffs. Yi Jianlian was a terrible draft pick and won't be anything except an extra in all the new dunk posters that come out (he will be the guy being posterized by the likes of Vince Carter and Josh Smith). Tough time for the Bucks right now. . . maybe they can get a good draft pick next year! What a horrible future, huh?
Indiana Pacers (15)
Wow. Not only do I think that Jermaine O'Neal will be gone by the trade deadline (finally!) to either New Jersey or Chicago (if they don't make a push for Kobe) but this team might not even win 25 games. They are terrible and if it wasn't for a few really bad teams in the West (more on that tomorrow) I would say they would have the best chance to get next year's number one pick. . . Go figure that the last team on here would be the worst (I really didn't plan it that way!). . . It's just sad really. . .
EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
FIRST ROUND
(1) Detroit over (8) Cleveland (4-2)
(2) Boston over (7) New Jersey (4-3)
(3) Chicago over (3) Orlando (4-1)
(4) Washington over (5) Toronto (4-1)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
(1) Detroit over (4) Washington (4-1)
(3) Chicago over (2) Boston (4-3)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE FINALS
(1) Detroit over (3) Chicago (4-2)
The Detroit Pistons will represent the East in the Finals! They will lose (I predict) but to who???
Come back tomorrow to find out :)
Until then,
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Slow Down Speedy
So I got a speeding ticket today. . .
It's kind of a long story, but the end result was me getting a ticket when I was a mere mile from school this afternoon. I was pissed, but I kinda had it coming, so I guess I can't be too mad. . .
I was in a rush because I had to get to class to present my MEDIA DECONSTRUCTION project on the role of women sportscasters in the media. Left to my own devices, I turned to what I do best: ramble! So, without further ado, here is another installment of A RAMBLER'S RAMBLING:
Any thoughts???
Hit me up with comments on this one please :)
Thanks and good night!
It's kind of a long story, but the end result was me getting a ticket when I was a mere mile from school this afternoon. I was pissed, but I kinda had it coming, so I guess I can't be too mad. . .
I was in a rush because I had to get to class to present my MEDIA DECONSTRUCTION project on the role of women sportscasters in the media. Left to my own devices, I turned to what I do best: ramble! So, without further ado, here is another installment of A RAMBLER'S RAMBLING:
A RAMBLER’S RAMBLING – The Women Sportscasters Version
- Some would argue that is an oxymoron
- Like “jumbo shrimp”
- Or “awfully beautiful”
- And speaking of beauty
- It’s the number one attention-grabber
- For women sportscasters
- Or is it their sports I.Q.
- Either way, women have come a great distance
- Kind of like pioneers
- That is, if pioneers had microphones
- And make-up
- Formerly referred to as “Barbie-on-the-air”
- She now has a much better nickname:
- A Google search reveals the improved pseudonym
- “Women Sportscasters I would bang”
- What progress!
- But I do recall
- When I was a mere shell of a sports fan
- Way back in the day
- The NBA on NBC broadcast
- With Hannah Storm
- Or ESPN’s SportsCenter
- With Robin Roberts
- Or Linda Cohn
- And the MLB Playoffs on FOX
- With Jeanne Zelasko
- These were the more recent pioneers
- But what of the classic “first women”?
- Jane Chastain did play-by-play for CBS in the 60’s
- Jeannie Morris was not allowed into the press box in the 70’s
- Not to report a Vikings/Bears game in
- In the winter
- So she reported anyway
- Outside; in a blizzard
- Gayle Gardner, Suzyn Waldman, Gayle Sierens
- They all paved the way
- Some women were hired for their looks
- Others for their knowledge of the game
- Broadcasting companies worked hard at toeing the line
- Who knows their thought processes?
- It’s a man’s game!
- Women don’t even watch!
- There aren’t even any TVs in the kitchen!
- But lo and behold
- The men were wrong. . .
- You see, more women are getting out there
- Onto the sidelines and into the locker rooms
- Keep the towels on, boys!
- And that is all fine and dandy
- If only so they can have an equal opportunity
- You see, sports fans
- The real die-hard ones that actually watch every broadcast
- Yeah we don’t like most of the male commentators
- Because of their ignorance
- And often pointless anecdotes
- “When we spoke with Jimmy last night in the hotel. . .”
- Yeah we get it
- You have tremendous access to the players
- Stop rubbing it in our faces
- And start speaking intelligently
- And that female sideline reporter
- The one who tracked down the coach at halftime
- The coach whose team is down by three touchdowns already
- If you can contribute to the broadcast
- In an absolutely sports related way
- You can wear a burlap bag and report
- It really makes no never-mind to us fans
- We’re really just watching the game only
- Well, and the cheerleaders
- But that’s for another time
- And where are they now?
- What chance do women have nowadays?
- To sit alongside the ex-athletes and “expert analysts”
- Well my advice is this:
- Pick up a mic
- Learn as much as you can about sports
- Know the terminology
- And if you’ve got it, flaunt it
- Because there’s two things right there that I can’t contribute
- And might get you on air before me
- Because what can I possibly flaunt?
- That’s certainly an advantage
- And isn’t that what we are all really looking for
- An edge
- Anything to get us a step ahead of the opposition
- And to where we want to be
- And if that edge is all that fledgling women sportscasters want
- Then we are all in the same boat
- And isn’t that the definition of equality?
Any thoughts???
Hit me up with comments on this one please :)
Thanks and good night!
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