Miles Away

It was appropriate that I was listening to some Winger on my iPod yesterday afternoon at work. Too many of my three point attempts were way off the mark.

Last week, I couldn't miss from three. Last night, I still managed to hit three or four, but missed at least six or seven, including one that would've given us the lead with less than 20 seconds to go.

We played much better and having two subs helped a lot. We were down nine points with two minutes to go and we fought back to make it 34-32 with 40 seconds left and we had the ball. I missed a contested three, we got the offensive rebound, I then missed a wide open three from my favorite spot on the floor. However, that turned out to be a nice pass, as it landed in the hands of a teammate, who missed the layup. After fouling & forcing the other team to shoot 1 & 1's, we couldn't secure possession in time to get off a game-tying shot, falling 35-32.

Next week we play a team we should definitely beat, so hopefully we'll get a win. I'm feeling much better physically, but still have work to do. I'm probably at around 60% in shape (up from around 40% the previous weeks) and as a result, I was much more active on both ends of the floor. I had at least 20 points last night, but still could've played better & I blame myself for the loss. Oh well. Next week is almost here.

I Don't Like Getting Old

So I played some basketball last night. Not the league I play in on Thursday, just some pick-up ball. It was quite humbling.

After last Thursday's game, I was feeling pretty good, at least until last night. Now I look back and those 20 points all came on outside shots, not hustle plays or having to create my own shot. If I played against a team that played better defense, I would be lucky to score at all.

Last night, I was exposed for the slow 33-year old I am. I was abused all night long by someone younger (not that much) & taller (not that much). I couldn't keep up, I couldn't rebound, I could barely contest his shots.

I played much better defense in our last game, but by that point I had already singlehandedly lost the last two games for my team. I was missing easy shots & getting killed on D. Tomorrow should be interesting. I'm not feeling too good about things right now.
-----
More bad news yesterday. The host of my evening drive-time radio show, Erik Kuselias, is leaving the show to host a NASCAR show on ESPN2. I wish him all the luck in the world, but this is not good news for me.

I Should Be Home!

Right now, it's pouring out. It rained hard all last night, all morning & it isn't supposed to let up until early afternoon. The date is January 8. There should be enough cold air here in Connecticut right now for this to be a major snowstorm. Not this year. Not when it was 72 degrees on Saturday, the highest temperature ever recorded in January in CT. Ridiculous.
-----
I'm pretty excited about the upcoming release of Battlestations: Midway for my 360. The story line for the game looks like it will cross over nicely with the book I'm currently reading, "Ship of Ghosts", the story of the USS Houston.
-----
I miss Foxtrot. It's a Sunday-only comic now, which stinks. It was the only comic I read on a daily basis, along with my favorite, Get Fuzzy. I need to grab some books to enjoy this now.
-----
I suppose I should start taking down the tree & other Christmas decorations this week.
-----
UConn got spanked again this weekend. They're definitely showing their age as they face tough competition, especially on the road. Thanks to their easy early schedule, they'll probably make the NCAA tourney, even though they may be better suited for the NIT. The last two times UConn missed the NCAA's, those teams that played in the NIT ended up doing well years later.
-----
Even though UConn lost, it was till a positive weekend, what with Duke falling to Virginia Tech, at home! Add that with the Dallas Cowboys losing, along with Notre Dame getting spanked and it was a great week!
-----
Speaking of the Huskies, enjoy this photo gallery.
-----
In a blatant rip-off of my buddy Brian's blog, look for some video walls soon. I need to come up with some topics first. Other things to look for here soon are details on why I'm in love with my Xbox 360 and the once promised addition of more links.
-----
If you need one reason to watch "Knights of Prosperity", look no further than Sofía Vergara. Give her a Google image search.

Oh and 3

Another game for Old School Reloaded and another loss. However, this time there was some improvement.

Again, we were short-handed. We were only able to have five players and when the majority of us are out of shape, the second half becomes a struggle.

We hung in there for the first half, trailing only by four at the half. The second half was ugly, as we didn't score until five minutes or so passed. We ended up losing by 20 points or so.

I played okay, considering I wasn't at 100% (close, but not yet)and still really out of shape. I had 15 points in the first half & ended up with 20 for the game (six three-pointers). I'll be able to contribute much more once I'm able to run around more on offense & actually get down the floor on a fast break.

I'm looking forward to next week!

2007!

Wow, I can't believe it's 2007 already. I also can't believe my vacation is over already. Ten days never went by so quickly. There's never enough time to do all the nothing I planned on.

I really enjoy taking the week after Christmas off. It helps make the holiday season last a little longer. It also brings me back to those joyous days as a child during school vacation.

The last time I took that week off, I was laid off a few days later. Let's hope that doesn't happen this time.

-----

Has anyone tried the White Hot Chocolate at Dunkin Donuts? Oh my, it is wonderful!

-----

I will be making my comeback tonight. I haven't played any basketball and I've hardly run since breaking my arm on November 30. As long as I don't hit the deck, I should be fine. Hopefully I'll be productive and able to help out the squad.

-----

It sure was nice to see Notre Dame get spanked last night in the Nokia, err Allstate Sugar Bowl. How great is it that Notre Dame now holds the record for most consecutive bowl losses?? Even UConn has won a bowl game more recently than the Irish! Beautiful!!

-----

Good riddance Nick Saban. Thanks for pushing the Dolphins a little further into the depths of mediocrity. As for this weekend, I can't believe I'll actually be rooting for the Jets to beat the Pats. It's only a one-time event, trust me.

-----

UConn faces another big test this weekend, taking on LSU in Baton Rouge on Saturday. They played very well Tuesday against South Florida, but they'll need that and more to pull of the win on the road. Hopefully Jeff steps up again.

-----

Finally, a new episode of The Office tonight! It's been awhile.

-----

Here's a Happy New Year gift for my two readers. I know Brian prefers the University of Washington cheerleaders, but the USC girls are the best.

I LOVE HD

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day, spent relaxing with your family & friends, and of course, you all get what you want.

Unfortunately for me, Payton has come down with strep throat & most likely won't be able to spend Christmas with me. Fortunately, we both are on vacation all week, so we'll get together soon.

Now go watch A Christmas Story!

Happy Festivus!

Watch the Festivus episode!

Payton's sleepover was a resounding success. We had a blast & she slept great. I can't wait to do it again.

I honestly have no idea what I'm getting for Christmas & I like it. I honestly don't need or want anything, but of course it's always nice to receive. I'm just going to enjoy watching Payton open her gifts & then relaxing.

Abomination

SoI attended Old School Reloaded's game last night, even though I couldn't play. I left more motivated than ever before.

It was another disaster, with the other team winning by over 60 points & posting over 100. If that wasn't bad enough, their players were the biggest bunch of classless morons I've ever seen.

I hit the treadmill last night at 10 PM. I will continue to make sure I'm in unreal shape once I return. I can't wait to play these clowns again.

Anticipation

Five days until Christmas, two days until my vacation starts. Once I leave work early on Friday, I don't return until 10 days later. I CANNOT wait.

To top it off, Payton sleeps over for the first time on Friday as well. During the 10 day vacation, she will be sleeping over several nights, with the next one coming Christmas night.

She is even more excited than I am. She started packing a few nights ago & is just as excited for sleeping over as she is for Christmas.

I never seem to run out of things to look forward to. Every time something I'm looking forward to comes & goes, there's always something there to replace it.

I realize that this vacation will be over in a flash, but I plan on savoring every wonderful second.

------

Another event that I'm looking forward to besides Christmas & Payton is my doctor's appointment on 12/26. If I'm not at least 90% cleared by then, I'll be stunned. The arm feels fantastic & has improved every day. There's a game tomorrow & if all goes well with the doc, it should be the only game I miss. Now I just need to get myself in shape.

Random Ramblings

Over the past few weeks, I've had numerous thoughts & ideas I thought would be perfect to post here. Hopefully I can remember most of them.

• My arm is rapidly improving. I hardly ever wear the brace anymore & I have most of my range of motion back. I still feel some pain, but every day it gets a little better. Even better news is that our games have been canceled the past two weeks due to events at the school. Assuming there's a game next week & I'm given the go-ahead at my next appointment on 12/26, I will only miss one game. Sweeeet.
  
  
• The tree is up, but not decorated yet. At least the lights are on. Hopefully, my faithful readers all have real trees.
  
  
• The Office is an hour long tomorrow night. It's the Christmas Party episode, so it should be outstanding as always.
  
  
• I really, really like that Vanessa Hudgens song, "Come Back to Me".
  
  
• My fantasy football season was a draw. In the league that matters the most to me, my league, I finished a disappointing 6-8. I would've done a lot better if I didn't trade Ladainian Tomlinson after four games because I had no quarterbacks. Little did I realize that Tony Romo would be the starter a few weeks later (he was on my bench waiting) & that LT would score weekly what he had done for me all season the rest of the way. The team I traded him to never lost again. I made the playoffs in another league & in a league where I share ownership of a team, we're in the playoffs as well. Hopefully it will all balance out financially.
  
  
• For years, my buddy John & I have had an idea that we thought was genius. Taco shells that are flavored by Doritos. You could have original Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch or any other of their eight flavors they've unleashed on the public. Well today, while looking for taco shells, Old El Paso has introduced two new products; nacho & salsa flavored shells. I tried the nacho ones & they are HORRIBLE. Don't bother.
  
  
• I'm watching the NFL's Greatest Games on The Deuce right now. 1995 AFC Championship Game between the Colts & Steelers. I forgot how close the Colts were to winning that game. What a finish.
  
  
• I should be adding a couple new links soon. Keep your eyes open.
  

12/12/06

Happy December 12th! Happy Our Lady of Guadalupe Day!

For those that don't know me, twelve is my favorite number. Check out the aforementioned link for more info on the power of twelve.

**Expect a much longer post in the next day or two.

Try This At Home

I went to the specialist today. My fracture is very subtle, which is good. I'm no longer wearing a splint & sling. I have a removable brace. I need to wear the brace most of the time to prevent me from banging my elbow & making it worse. I also need to remove it as much as possible & start some range of motion exercises. Apparently, the elbow is a nasty place to have scar tissue build up, so this is important. This also means I can finally take showers again.

I touched on how difficult some routine tasks can be with using only one hand. I'm now going to list some examples. I'm asking you, my faithful two readers, to try attempting these tasks using only your right hand.

• Brushing your teeth
• Putting deodorant on your right armpit
• Putting in your contact lenses
• Putting on your belt
• Buttoning your shirt
• Buttoning your pants
• Putting on your socks
• Tying your shoes
• Shutting your car door
• Putting on your seatbelt
• Starting your car

Good luck!

------

In an unrelated story, I had my volunteer orientation tonight at the Connecticut Humane Society in Waterford. It was heartbreaking to see the amount of cats & dogs up for adoption, but I know it will be a very rewarding experience for me. I can't wait to get in there & help bring some happiness to these animals until they find loving homes. I will be sure to share any & all heartwarming stories.

Radial Head

I picked up my x-rays yesterday. There's no visible break, so it's only something a trained eye can pick up. Apparently I have a radial head fracture.(More info here & here.) I'll find out tomorrow morning how long I'll be out of commission.

My arm is feeling a lot better & I'm able to move my hand more & more. It's amazing how many things you do in the course of a day that utilizes both hands. I don't take that fact for granted anymore.

After Further Review

I just received a call from the ER & the radiologists spent some time looking at my x-rays today. It turns out I have fracture in my radius bone, near my elbow. I'll most likely be in sling for 4-6 weeks & maybe a cast. I'll find out on Tuesday when I go to the orthopedist. Damn.

Grrrrreat

Not too much good news to report from Oldschool Reloaded's first game last night.

First & foremost, we got spanked. The game was tied 6-6, but that was as close as we'd get. I think the final was 75-28 or something like that. A much bigger, faster team with a full bench. We had six players & four of us are not in shape at all.

I did okay considering my poor conditioning. I think I scored 13 or 15 points, but that's not important. I shot better than Tuesday, but I was way off the mark on some shots.

My knee held up great. No issues there. However, I did spend all of Thursday night at the emergency room thanks to an arm injury.

Early in the game, I attempted to take a charge. No call made, but when I landed, I landed on my left elbow. It hurt a little, but not bad at all. As the game progressed, it became more & more painful to move my hand, raise my arm, etc.

After the game, I drove home & Mary took me to the ER. It was ridiculously busy & once I finally went in for ten painful x-rays around 10:30, I was hurting.

The x-rays didn't show a break, but there is something seriously wrong with it. I couldn't make a fist, spread my fingers out or squeeze my fingers. I'm in a cast, taking Percoset & am home from work.

I have an appointment with an orthopedist on Tuesday, so we'll see what happens. It does feel a little better today. Hopefully it's nothing more than a strained muscle or ligament.

Wednesday night, at the UConn/Sacred Heart game, I joked with my buddy Gerald that I should get one of those compression sleeves for my arm like Jerome Dyson wears. (Dyson is a player! The nation will take notice of him soon. His defense is amazing, his smoothness reminds me of Ray Allen & he plays far beyond his freshman status.)

Hopefully I'll be back on the court in a week or two.

What Time Is It?

GAMETIME!

Four hours & counting. I was able to play some ball Tuesday night on a very slippery court, but I did learn some things.

• I will not be able to shoot accurately without warming up first. Hence, I will be at the gym an hour early tonight.
• I've confirmed that I'm horribly out of shape. I will spend a lot of time sitting back on defense tonight.
• I need to find a way to stop thinking about my knee while playing. I'm sure this will take time, but it's a pretty significant psychological hurdle. How football players can come back & play after knee surgery is beyond me.
• I think my extra girth will help me rebound. That was the one thing I did consistently well Tuesday.
• My reaction time needs to catch up. I blocked a couple shots, but I should've had a bunch more. By the time my body reacted to what my brain told it to do (JUMP!!), the play was long since over.

Our captain picked kelly green jerseys for us, which match nothing that I own. I bought navy blue sneakers last weekend, figuring they match 90% of my attire, which is UConn National Flag blue & white.

I also couldn't get #12, which wasn't available. I went with #21, which is 12 in the mirror & a tribute to Roberto Clemente.

Giving Thanks

If I keep this blog up & running, you may think that I take things for granted. While I do enjoy many unimportant & material things, I want to take the time to express my thanks for the important things.

• My beautiful daughter Payton. Everyday I give thanks for her health & happiness. She means everything in the world to me. I couldn't possibly express in words how much I love her.
• My parents. I like to think they've taught me fairly well. (I keed, I keed!) I'm forever grateful for their guidance & love. I love them deeply.
• My family in general. I have a wonderful family & I know I can count on them for anything.
• My wonderful girlfriend Mary. She is an amazing person & I'm thankful that she is in my life. Her love & support has helped me a lot lately.
• My great circle of friends. I have a great group of friends, who like my family, would support me through thick & thin.
  
• All the US veterans who have fought & gave their lives for our country's freedom.
• I'm also thankful for my Xbox 360 , an Underdog movie & Carrie Underwood performing at halftime of the Tampa Bay/Dallas game today. (See, I can still be superficial.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Consider this a Thanksgiving gift to my two readers:

Hopefully USC beats Notre Dame by 60.

Don't Call it a Comeback

With all due respect to LL, you can call it a comeback.

Next Thursday, I resume my basketball "career". Some co-workers & I have a team in our employee basketball league. Apparently we have a couple of good players but we're not sure how good we'll be. There's only six teams in the league, so hopefully we're at least the fifth-best team.

I now have ten days to prepare for this. I'm seriously out of shape. It's been five years since I last played some ball. In that time frame, I've had two more knee surgeries and have gained at least thirty pounds. Throw in five years of rust and this could be ugly.

I figure it will take me at least a month to feel comfortable on the court. Hopefully me knee holds up & I don't embarass myself before then. I'll do my best to post updates.

Ashamed

I know, I know. I'm horrible.

Everyday, I come up with at least two or three subjects I think would make a decent entry here. Day after day, I find a way to not post them.

So today I will share some of the topics I considered. Maybe someday I will get around to doing something about it.

-----

- The 16th anniversary of my knee blowing out. Lots of sidebar topics there.
- The joy in knowing there will be no more politcal ads for a few months & how much money is wasted on them.
- Borat
- The joy of friendship
- My quest to become a basketball referee this winter
- TV shows I'm currently into.
- My Xbox Live gamer card (to your right) & the joy of unlocking achievements.
- Fantasy football failures

Oh well...