A STREAM OF LANCINESS

Giants Win

2010-11-17T13:52:00.000-08:00

I stand anxiously about 20 feet away from the TV. My wife intensely watches as she ties to multi-task feeding our almost nine month old baby. We know its close. It is actually going to happen. Is this real? It can't be. This is too easy. We should be there. And then it happens. All of a sudden, decades of waiting are over. Brian Wilson threw the pitch right by the helpless Texas Ranger and the San Francisco Giants can finally call themselves World Champions.

Chills run up and down my spine. My wife jumps up and down. We yell together, embrace, kiss. Our daughter looks at us with fear in her eyes. She doesn't know what is going on. I mute myself, go to pick her up and she begins her inevitable cry. I hug her. She is our little good luck charm. She had been waiting over 8 months for this! Holding her brings about so many emotions. All of a sudden, amidst all this joy, thousands of flashbacks race through my head.

I remember the first game that (I remember) going to. It was a doubleheader against Houston and Mike Aldrete hit a home run in the first game. Will Clark homers in the second game. I am an instant fan. I remember staying with my grandmother in the summer of '89 with the radio and Giants baseball to keep my occupied. That was really the year I learned baseball from Hank Greenwald and fell in love with the Giants.

But then I remember all the torturous moments. The Maldonado slide, the Earthquake series, the 103 wins and no playoffs, Paul O'Neil breaking up Garrelts no-hit bid with 2 outs in the ninth, Rod Beck beating us in the wildcard playoff game, Agbayani, Timo Perez, Jay Payton, the Marlins...twice, Jose Cruz dropping the ball, no pinch runner for Snow, Game 6. OOO gawd, game 6. But this moment, all of that doesn't get erased, but it makes this moment sweeter. I think about all those times where someone said, how many rings do you have? F U All, SF has one ring and damnit, it might as well be 20. I just know it is no longer zero.

Even more, I think about the friendships I have made, the bonds that have grown stronger through this great sport. I remember how excited I was to take Ava to her first game. Mary Anne goes to text people while I hold the little one. I needed a moment. I just sat on the couch, watched the tv and tears rolled from my eyes. Ava looked at me quizzically. I cannot help it. All the pain is over. It will never be this good again. Even if we win the next ten championships, it won't be this good. Ave then proceeds to slap the tears away from my face. I chuckle and she does it again.

I was able to share this moment with my wife and my child and I will never forget it. And we start planning going to the parade together. We finally, wisely, made the decision not to take Ava was with us. It was sad but it would be too long, too crowded and too smokey.

The scene at the parade was wild. Hundreds of thousands of people finding a way to be in the city. With so many people, you would think there would be fights. But everyone was so happy. It was an amazing feeling. Camping out at the Civic Center for hours was all worth it. The pictures in the paper are beautiful, but that feeling of being there. The feeling of joy. The accomplishment that this team made us all feel. The Giants captured all of our hearts. It was probably the greatest times I have ever had as a sports fan. At one point, I guess, I will have to move on, but I hope that time doesn't come soon.

Happy Independence Day from the Padilla Family

2010-07-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

Growing Up

2010-05-15T23:49:00.001-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2010-05-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

The past two days, I was alone with my daughter while my wife celebrated Mother's Day in style by watching her favorite group in Vegas with another mom.

I feared those two days because our daughter often only wants Mommy. I really can't blame her. But she was great those two days while Mommy was away but that doesn't mean it still wasn't hard as heck. I really don't know how she has done it because I know A could be a lot worse sometimes than she was with me. In fact, I know I could be worse than A and I don't know how my mom has been able to put up with me for 33 years.

Seeing MA take care of A the last three months has just made me grow a greater appreciation for what I have. I have never seen this side of my wife but it is beautiful. She has been a great Mom and it makes me more excited for the future because I know that MA is going to help make A the best she can be.

I really don't have the words to describe how great a mother she has been but to me this picture says it all...

HOW TO DEFEAT THE SMOKE MOSTER

2010-04-22T11:29:00.001-07:00

For all you Lost geeks, I ran across this picture on the internet...

I hope Hurley finds one of these!

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES...

2010-04-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

>YES!!!

Two months ago I was a nervous wreck. I knew at any moment my wife could go into labor. We had prepared as much as we could. All the classes and reading could only get you so far. It did help prepare us a little bit but when the moment arrives, everything we had learned was thrown out the window.

FEBRUARY 1 -

I am on my way to work when MA tells me that she is spotting and that she has to go to the nurse practitioner at her doctor's office. I turn around, take her to the nurse practitioner, and we are informed that it is a sign the baby is getting closer to saying hello world. The nurse tells us that its normal but to let her know if it continues. I go to work and after a couple of hours, MA calls again and we are back to the doctors office. Just days earlier, MA's doctor told her that she was probably a couple weeks away. We are still more than two weeks away from the due date but we know little Baby Padilla is already full term.

FEBRUARY 2

Spotting lessens but MA is a little more uncomfortable. She is having back pains that are causing her a lot of grief.

FEBRUARY 3-

Back pain gets worse. At bedtime, she can hardly sleep. In fact, she doesn't sleep. I can hear her groaning and feel so bad for her. Woman are amazing. I cannot imagine going through all of this. I couldn't take being trapped in a cast for a month, much less having a baby changing your entire body and kicking you for nine months. It is the worst night of the pregancy. We do research and find that it could be like this for weeks.

FEBRUARY 4-

It is hard for me to go to work because I know how much discomfort MA is in. MA has a stress test and is informed she is having light contractions every five minutes. She is told not to worry because the magnitude of the contraction is not yet strong enough to signify that the baby is coming. My sister comes over to San Ramon to stay with her just in case anything happens. I remember being stuck at work. It was a wet night and there were accidents all over the bay area map. I don't leave work until about 7:30 pm. When I finally get home MA asks for massages because its the only thing that distracts her from the pain. I massage her everytime she feels a "false contraction." After maybe half hour of rubbing a tennis ball on her lower back I start taking count of how often they come and go. She would tell me "now" wearily to let me know when to start. And right after I stopped she would tell me "now" again. I tell her, "MA thats like two minutes apart." But still the strenght of the "contraction" is the same as earlier when she was told they are supposed to be a lot worse. I just think MA can take a lot of pain. My sister is still with us and its like 10:30pm when MA calls her doctor and is told to just go to the hospital.

My emergency ready backpack is not yet ready so I run upstairs, throw some shirts, underwear, pants, pjs, and toiletries in a bag along with DVDs, an ipod and laptop to get through the night. We still believe we are days away from having a baby and we are just going to be sent home. Well, thats what I believe anyway. My sister heads home thinking the same thing.

We get to the hospital around 12:30 am. We check in and get a room. MA's doctor is called and a nurse walks in to check on her. The nurse checks how dialated MA is and the nurse says MA is dialated 8 inches! At that moment we realize THIS BABY IS COMING TODAY! I call my sister who just got home and tell her MA is in labor. My sister is shocked. And at that point everything is moving 100 miles per hour. The heart beat rapidly increases and we don't know what to do. We just have to listen to our nurse. She gives us all this paperwork regarding what they want us to do with our stuff and all this other stuff. I am just signing and trying to help MA sign. Then we debate for an hour whether or not to do an epideral. The nurses poke MA a half dozen times trying to hook up an IV and that is just getting us more nervous. They finally get it in. MA tells me to hook up the ipod but I can't find it. I end up just throwing a friends DVD in the laptop for her to watch. I try again to look for the ipod but MA gets mad as she needs an hand to squeeze. And YES, its true, pregnant women can squeeze a hand like Andre the Giant on steroids.

There is a point that I actually need to yack. There is just too much going on. My stomach was jacked already from something I had eaten and all that was going on was not helping. MA actually sees me dry gagging. I know I need to hold it together so I kinda just try to get in a place of zen.

MA's contractions progressively get more painful for the next hour. Before we know it, its 2 am and the doctor still isn't here. MA starts to freak out a little bit. The doctor that she trusts and is comfortable with is no where to be seen. We are informed that no one could get a hold of her and that the other doctor in the practice was paged. Of course that doesn't make this anxious, stressful moment in our lives any easier.

Then the pushing starts. I cannot believe that this is all happening so fast. Being there to see a woman push is also further evidence that women are 100 times stronger than men. And I have had a kidney stone and it was nothing like this. I will skip the details of this half hour just because TMI

I see the head is ready to come out and its a couple minutes past 2:20 am and the doctor is still not in the room. The doctor finally opens the door and walks in. The nurse tells her, that the baby is going to come at anytime and to hurry and put her gloves on. The doctor washes her hands, puts on the gloves, and the nurse actually tells MA to hold on and not push yet. When the doctor is finally ready, she gets in position, tells MA to push and all of a sudden at 2:25 am on 2/5/2010...WAAAAAA! WAAAAAA!

OH MY GOD! The baby is quickly handed to MA so she could be the first one to really hold her and I get shivers up and down my spine. There is hardly any blood on her and she doesn't look too blue like we had heard could happen. She doesn't even have that cone head because MA didn't push for hours. I cannot believe how beautiful our little girl is. I cannot believe she is actually OUR LITTLE GIRL.

I go to cut the umbilical cord and right when I start this blood squirts out. I compose myself, finish cutting the cord, as the nurse goes to clean the baby up and run some tests. I am trying to take pictures and video the baby's first moments on earth. I stop, just stare at her, and my eyes well up. This is so amazing. I just want to grab this baby and squeeze her as hard as I could (I still feel that way every day).

While I am watching and recording the baby's first moments out of the womb, I notice that MA isn't even done yet. She still has to push and do this afterbirth stuff which I am not paying any attention to as my eyes are glued on the cutie pie!

I could go on forever but I don't think I will ever get this post out. I started it weeks ago as it is but looking back on that day, my spine still tingles.

Later that day while Mary Anne was getting much needed sleep, I held the baby, who we finally decided to name Ava, in my arms and just looked at her in her eyes and my eyes began to water. Friends and family were soon coming over to visit. I could see Mary Anne sleeping right next to me and I could see my beautiful daughter struggle to keep her eyes open staring at me. A tear rolled down my cheek and as I wiped it away, I knew at that moment I had everything I could ever ask for.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEY!!!

2010-04-05T00:25:00.001-07:00

After spending all day at the mall, getting Ava's picture taken with the Easter Bunny, buying her clothes and eating at the Cheesecake Factory, I bet Joey thought we forget it was his birthday. When we got home he was pumped to see that we hadn't forgotten him on his 6th birthday and he was even more excited to get this huge bone!

prayers answered

2010-03-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

With the announcement that Chris Cohan is looking for a buyer for his beleaguered franchise, Warrior fans had something to be happy about in March for the second time (third if you were still believing the year the Warriors won 48 games but didn’t make the playoffs) in Cohan’s 16 year reign. Fans have made pejorative comments about Cohan and his right hand man Robert Rowell for years. Cohan picked Nelson over Webber just to fire Nelson soon after, he hired the wrong coach year after year, he allowed St. Jean to make mistakes while sticking by his side, he brought in those crappy lightning bolt jersey, and he made Robert Rowell president. So understandably, just the thought of new ownership had many friends of mine blithely looking toward the future.

Here are some things the new ownership should do…

Number One, the first thing has to be kicking Robert Rowell to the curb. His ego wanted all the credit for the We Believe era but he only deserves credit for destroying it. Mullin was well respected among the league and he was instrumental in getting rid of him. So first and foremost, Rowell, YOU’RE FIRED!

Blow up this current roster. Even if this roster was fully healthy, it cannot be a winner. I loved watching Monta Ellis at the beginning of the year, he could be a star somewhere else, but he is not the type of player that Golden State can build around. Curry and Ellis is a great, exciting backcourt, but it is a backcourt that isn’t winning games. Curry has great basketball fundamentals and is just a good guy. Ellis has already complained about drafting Curry, he remains friends with Stephen Jackson, has fought with the coach, and still holds a grudge about his suspension.

Larry Riley and Don Nelson go bye bye. I actually like Nelson and haven’t forgotten the things he has done for this franchise but he looks disinterested on the sidelines. And he doesn’t coach defense. I love the Warriors fast paced style way more than the Spurs slow it down half court attack. But the Spurs dropped like 300 pts against the Warriors last week so what do I know. I know that Nelson may be just a bit out of touch. It is scary cuz the Warriors have had so many failed coaches over the past couple decades that getting rid of Nelson just might continue that cycle. As for Riley, does he even do anything or just sit there and listen to whatever Nellie says.

Bring in people and give the fans a sense of stability. The Warrior fans are the best in the NBA. Look at the passion and attendance over the decades of futility. How many other fans would stick by their team this long. ROARacle can make #1 seeds shrivel up and die. We deserve a team that can make the playoffs and even make a run at the championship. And with new ownership I am just looking forward to …FREEDOM!!!

I believe the Warriors without this negative Karma that has hovered over them with Cohan at the helm could actually win the lottery. Lets have a foundation with Curry, Randolph, and...Reggie Williams. Maybe get rid of some of the big salaries (Ellis, Maggette, Biedrins) and start fresh with a new owner and for the first time in years HOPE.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

2010-03-17T16:31:00.003-07:00

MARY ANNE SENT ME THESE PICS OF MY POT OF GOLD WHILE I WAS AT WORK AND THEY MADE MY DAY!!!

Separation Anxiety

2010-03-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

The alarm goes off at 6 am and suddenly the moment I had dreaded for a month has fallen upon me. The previous 4 weeks were spent bonding with our newborn daughter and I had to go back to work. I quietly dress, wishing that Ava would wake up so I can pick her up and give her a kiss. Sadly, I just look at her, give her a kiss on her forehead, kiss my wife then I am out.

The moment I sneak into work everyone asks me about Ava and if my wife and baby are doing well. I thought about them every second of my drive to work and that wasn't going to change. After answering dozens of coworkers, I look at some pictures of Ava because I miss her so bad. The constant questions just make me miss them more. The day goes by so slow. All I want is to look into Ava's big curious eyes.

My wife sends me a picture of Ava on her mat playing with a panda bear. That is the first time she has played with a toy on her own. I am so happy too see her so alert and reaching out to grab the toy. But Man, I missed it. Then it hits me that I am going to miss a lot of first times.

When I get home the downstairs is all dark. I run upstairs to see my drained wife holding Ava in her arms. She tells me that Ava won't sleep or stop crying unless she holds her. I wash my hands but Mary Anne keeps holding her. When I finally hold her again, Ava looks at me and I just melt. I see my past and my future colliding when I look at her. She is just amazing and I don't think this feeling of separation anxiety is going to end.

The Bromance

2010-03-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

Having been a part of some great bromances some friends and I reflected on some of TV's greatest bromances of all time. Here are ten of my favorites in no particular order. Sorry, but I have only seen several episodes of Enterouge and don't really know which two would be the greatest bromance on that show and the Honeymooners are a little too old school for me.

TED, MARSHALL, AND BARNEY - I couldn't really just pick two and I couldn't leave them off because there has actually been a book published (THE BRO CODE by Barney Stinson) based on the show. Ted and Marshall were friends since college and roomed long after school ended. Ted and Barney has had countless adventures with woman and are constantly each others wing men. Barney flew to get Lily to come back to Marshall because he believed their love to be so pure and has gotten Marshall a couple different jobs. It is funny how Barney always claims to be Ted's best friend and ignores when anyone says anything different. Right before Mashall finally gets married he realizes that Barney should be standing by him as one of his best men. So if Marshall realized that its not just a two man bromance its a three man one.

CHUCK AND MORGAN (CHUCK) - In this spy comedy the biggest thing that separates Chuck from other spies is his love for his family and friends. Even before having the intersect implanted in his head, he was way more talented than his NERD HERD job made you believe. One main reason is he couldn't leave his buddy Morgan behind. Now that they are roommates look for the childhood bromance grow even more. If they show more of Jeffster than it is possible the duo could replace Chuck and Morgan.

GILLIGAN AND THE SKIPPER (GILLIGAN'S ISLAND) - Even though the Skipper couldn't stand his lanky sidekick, he saved him a number of times and all those times he hit him it was out of love. Plus, the professor had both Mary Anne and Ginger so all Gilligan and the Skipper had were each other.

BALKI AND COUSIN LARRY - When a show has been over for years and you still remember their signature dance then they have to be on the list

CAPTAIN KIRK AND SPOCK - Star Trek was more than a sci-fi space ship show. Embedded in the show was the friendship between Spock and Kirk. The friendship grew even stronger on the big screen. We thought Spock was emotionless but before he died in Star Trek II he told Kirk "I have been and always shall be your friend."

TURK AND JD - I do not watch Scrubs all the time but this video says it all...

NORM AND CLIFF - In a show whose theme song states "Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see, the troubles are all the same. You wanna be where everybody knows your name" the strongest friendship in the show was between these two barmates thats sat next to each other for 11 years and even guest appeared on the Simpsons.

LENNY AND CARL - Often it is the supporting characters on a show that make you laugh the most and for some reason Lenny's and Carl's bromance has always been extra comic relief when you are tired of another one of Homer's idiotic thoughts. The show often makes fun of this ambiguous relationship hinting they may be more than friends but never going there.

JOEY AND CHANDLER - Friends was a show that was focused on three main relationships, Ross and Rachel, Chandler and Monica and Joey and Chandler. The one relationship that was strong throughout the entire series was Joey's and Chandler's. They hugged on the show more than any other guy friendship on TV and the finale's saddest moment was when the foosball had to be torn apart.

SHAWN AND GUS - This detective duo utilized the talents of both men. Shawn has the keen observation (psychic) skills while Gus has is filled with what some would think to be useless knowledge and he has the Super Smeller. Of course, it is Shawn's abilities that will most often decipher the case this show is nothing without their friendship. I love when the figure out the case and do their fist pump and little dance.

Who are your favorite bromances? The Fonz and Richie Cunningham, DX, Fred and Barney, Spike and Bumblebee, KITT and Michael Knight...

Remind you of anyone

2010-03-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

I love comic strips and I read this one and thought, OH man, if I have all these injuries already, I wonder what Ava is going to put me through! Hopefully I don't have anymore of those stupidity injuries.

We Weren't Born to Follow

2010-02-25T21:18:00.000-08:00

There are times that art can just speak to you. Art can move you, represent you, fill you with emotions. During my Europe trip there were so many statues and paintings that left me in awe. I actually got chills when I walked into the Sistine Chapel. I was in disbelief when I saw the Jabbawockeez. My heart felt for Joannie Rochette when she took the ice to skate for her mom.

There is one music group that has moved me for over 20 years. This past Monday, I saw Bon Jovi in concert for the second time. In the late 80s I remember Bon Jovi being one of the only metal bands that my brother would blast that I could put up with. Actually, with Bon Jovi, I didn't juts put up with the music I liked it. I memorized the words to YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME and LIVIN' ON A PRAYER. Then, I moved to Daly City and that wasn't exactly the popular music among my peers and I strayed away from them instead enjoying New Edition, Boys II Men, En Vogue and other R&B acts.

But those Bon Jovi songs stuck with me and one day at a Karaoke night sometime during college I decided to belt out Livin' On a Prayer! I sang it hard and with emotion (although probably not well), but my friends saw it and then that song was attached to me once again, a decade after I had first got lost in that song. I refound my love of Bon Jovi's music. The group continued to produce music that I love to play while in the gym or to sing along in the car.

On Monday, it was the first time I left Baby Ava. Of course, even Bon Jovi didn't make being away from her easy but they definitely made it easier. As Gina drove to San Jose with 1,000 lbs of attitude we were a car that you wouldn't want to mess with. Derek sat up front with Macho behind him. Luckily, we got there in time. We passed up on watching Dashboard Confessional instead opting to stand in line for souvenirs. All four of us entered our seats with Bon Jovi bags. And it was time for the show!

They began their set with "Blood on Blood" which I don't really care for but then sang "We Weren't Born to Follow" from their new album, The Circle. Another great workout song. "When life is a bitter pill to swallow, come on and get up off your knees, when life is a bitter pill to swallow, you gotta hold on to what you believe."

The crowd stood throughout the first two songs and when "Bad Name" was played next the sold crowd was rocking! The four of us sang along with during the whole song but there wasn't much time to catch your breathe as Born to Be My Baby and Lost Highway followed Bad Name.

He then brought it back to the new with two more songs from his new album, but not my favorites. Some people started to sit as they weren't familiar with the new songs but many in the crowd, which ranged from kids to senior citizens, continued to sing along. I am a geek and actually listened to the new album over and over knowing that I was going to the concert.

"It's My Life" brought everyone back on their feet before Jon Bon Jovi took a break and let Richie Sambora sing Homebound Train by himself. When the lead singer came back out, he sang a heartfelt rendition of Hallelujah. With all that is going on in the world it felt like a perfect touch. He continued mixing the old and the new. I think Bed of Roses was next, followed by acoustic renditions of Something for the Pain and Someday I'll be Saturday Night. It was good but those songs had me in my seat but Bon Jovi brought us right back up with Bad Medicine and Who Says You Can't Go Home.

After over an hour of excitement he says that he is going to sing his last song and he starts playinng "Love's the Only Rule" from the new album. I like that song too but you can't end it lie that. Of course, we knew we couldn't leave a Bon Jovi concert without hearing Living On A Prayer! He left the stage, some actually left (ROOKIES) and then Bon Jovi came back out.

They said this is the third stop on the tour and they are still working out the kinks. He then sang "Thorn In My Side" my favorite song on the new album because I feel it. Its about someone who has been in a relationship that is over but lingers and even though he keeps getting knocked down, he will survive. I was pumped and sang along every word.

Wanted Dead or Alive was next and Mach and I were pumped. We were hoping for a Blaze of Glory mix but after Wanted was over he sang several lyrics from Livin' On A Prayer and the crowd didn't miss a beat. After the crowd enthusiastically sang by themselves, the memorable beginning riffs of Livin' began and everyone was ready.

When it was all over and all of us had lost our voice we were still sad that HAVE A NICE DAY and BLAZE OF GLORY weren't on the set. But that is Bon Jovi. We will get a dose of nostalgia but Bon Jovi stays relevant by playing their new songs. For the fans who have not heard the new album, I am sure hardcore Bon Jovi fans enjoyed the six songs he sang from the Circle and will go out and bu the album.

BON JOVI RULES!!!

Top 10 Cool things about crutches and boot

2009-09-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

10. Tricep workout

9. Handicap parking

8. Strangers holding doors open for me

7. Don't feel bad about using handicap bathroom stalls

6. Built in excuse for being late

5. Get to wear shorts everywhere

4. No one says anything when I sit for 6 straight hours watching football

3. If I did the Hulkster big boot it would do serious damage

2. Extended reach when I chop people

1. Chance to use all the mismatched socks I have

Athletes Anonymous

2009-09-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

Hi, I am Lance and I am an recovering athlete. I have been athletically sober for three weeks. Playing sports cost me an injury and that's when I realized I hit rock bottom. I woke up unable to walk, my wife had to do more work than she should have to, my dogs couldn't go on walks. All I had was sports. Even after the injury, all I wanted to do was keep on playing. I have missed a lot of get togethers with friends because I am unable to drive. I sit at home lonely just thinking about walking out on a field again.

Normal people go home and relax. I guess I am still learning how to do that. But there isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about playing football, basketball, or softball. I live for that rush of adrenaline. I live for those moments when a team has so much chemistry that each individual is better than they ever could be alone. Those moments when a game is so close that you rise above the fear of failure and accomplish feats that you did not think were possible. I don't know if I can ever live without that.

But I have to. Seeing my pregnant wife carry the burden of this entire house all because of my selfish need to play sports, i know, is not fair. Knowing there will be a little Lance or Mary Anne running around, what if I cannot be there for them? What if I am too hurt to carry our child? What if I cannot take our little kid to piano lessons or little league?

I need to get over it, I still want to be an athlete but I want to be a better husband, a better father, a better son, and a better friend.

Greatest Moments of AT&T Park

2009-09-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have been lucky enough to enjoy some historic moments in baseball at AT&T Park. This being the 10th season in the ballpark, I will review some of my favorites...

ALL STAR GAME 2007. Having been to World Series games, playoff clinchers, having all the best players in the game in one place is indescribable. Home run derbies, celebrity games, fanfests are all part of the ambiance. But the close one run game will always be remembered because of the first inside the park homer in all star history. How could there have been 0 splash hits in the home run derby???

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/allstar07/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=2932445

OPENING DAY in 2000. The Giants lost the game but the excitement was incomparable. Heading out there with Mark and Derek, we build lifelong friendships and it was the beginning of a new baseball family

BONDS HITS 500. We didn't know it at the time but this was the first of many memorable Bonds homers. In only the parks second year, Bonds makes history and hits #500 into the bay to win the game against the Dodgers 3-2.

BONDS HITS 71, 72, 600, 660, 700, 715. All these moments were filled with so much excitement. Unfortunately, I was not there for 73 because the Giants were eliminated from the playoffs when he hit 71 and 72. I decided to go to the SF 49er game that day and was listening to #73 on the radio.

He was simply amazing and he saved his greatest moments for AT&T Park. Bonds built this park. One of my favorite Bonds homers was a center-field blast of reigning cy young winner, Eric Gagne, in 2004. Gagne threw a 100 mph fast ball that Bonds hit foul into the water. But when Gagne threw one at 101 mph, Bonds went center field and took it out. Still, when he tied his Godfather, Willie Mays, and the hall of famer walked out, people were ecstatic. San Francisco loves Willie Mays and Bonds to be side by side next to him was amazing.

BONDS STEALS 500. In 2003, Eric Gagne was unstoppable and in an extra inning game against the Dodgers it was Bonds who would steal the show. The Giants and Dodgers were tied for first in the NL West and Worrell blew a save surrending two unearned runs. But Gagne would walk Bonds in extras. With the Big Cat batting, Bonds took off, stole the bag, lifted it over his head, and scored on Santiago's one out single. The Giants won 3-2.

SCHMIDT BLANKS RED SOX. 2004, these were tough tickets to get as it was the Red Sox first visit to SF. Schmidt had a no-hitter through six innings, until some stupid idiot visiting section 138 said Schmidt had a no hitter. The next guy got a hit to ruin the no-no but Schmidt was still amazing. The Red Sox hadn't been shut out since 2001 but Schmidty went the distance to drop goose eggs on the BoSox for 9 innings, allowing the Giants to win the game 4-0 and the series.

WORST BASERUNNING IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME. In a 2003 game, with Ruben Rivera pinch-running for Andres Galarraga in the ninth of a tie game was returning to first on a drive by Grissom that was not caught. He started going to third but misses second. He had to return to second and by that time the throw to third would have easily got him out but the ball bounces off the third baseman to the shortstop. Rivera then decides to head home where he is thrown out by 15 feet prompting announcer, Jon Miller's hilarious call. The Giants won the game later but no thanks to Rivera...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ94rkwdTvQ

SNOW SAVES BAKER. In game 5 of the World Series, the Giants unloaded and sent their fans home happy. I remember routing the Angels 16-4 and being a win away from San Francisco's first World Series Championship. It was one of the biggest parties ever in AT&T Park history as the fans were just a win away. The Giants controlled the game throughout but the game is most remembered for JT Snow pulling away a 3 year old Darren Baker from home plate after Snow scored on a Lofton triple. Dave Bell scored after Snow's heroics but if there was a play at the plate, it could have been ugly.

FELIZ SLAMS DODGERS. September 2004. With the Giants in second place just 2.5 games from the Dodger and the score tied 5-5, the Giants fans needed a big hit. Fans have hated on Feliz for years but on this one day, he was their hero as in the bottom of the eighth inning, he hit a grand slam to trim the dodgers lead to 1.5 and trail the cubs by only 1/2 game for the wild card. Jon Miller channeled the Giants passed by yelling out TELL IT BYE BYE BABY as the ball sailed over the left field wall and earning Pedro a much deserved curtain call. If not for a ninth inning collapse at the end of the season, this moment should have propelled the Giants into the playoffs for a third straight year.

LINCECUM DEBUTS. May 2007. Its not often that you know someone is going to be a star while in the minors. Lincecum was called up after Russ Ortiz was injured bringing his 0.49 ERA and 4-0 Triple A record with him. I remember having to go to that game. His first pitch was high 90's and the fans were loving it. Unfortunately, the second batter, Shane Victorino (boooooo!) hit a two run homer off Timmy without him yet getting an out. He walked off the mound with runners on, giving up four runs in 4 1/3 innings but the fans gave him a standing ovation! The Giants, the fans, and San Francisco knew this guy was the real deal. Omar Vizquel, who the Giant's fans fell in love with in his three or four years here, also had his 2,500th hit in the game giving the Giants a short lived lead.

MATT CAIN DEBUTS. August 2005. Cain's debut was every bit as anticipated because the Giants were still in a crappy NL West race. He was the youngest Giants starter since 1984. Giants fans gave Cain the standing ovation early when his name was announced before the game. Cain pitched great, his stuff was electic, but a Matt Holliday homer was the only big hit. The most memorable at bat was a 14 pitch epic struggle against Todd Helton (booooooo!). Helton fouled off pitch after pitch and finally flew out. Oh and another favorite, Mike Matheny was catching. The Giants lost a close 2-1 nail biter which was sadly foreshadowing for Cain's hardluck next couple years with the Giants.

ROB NEN GETS 300 SAVES. August 2002. Rob Nen is one of my top 3 favorite Giants. After he left, we had a huge hole in our late inning relief probably up until this year. Worrell did well for one season but no one was anywhere close to what Nen could do. He was a 3 time all star for San Francisco and whenever SMOKE ON THE WATER would play, the crowd would be electrified, standing up and bobbing their heads. But Nen proved how good he was when he became the youngers closer ever to get to his 300th save.

SNOW HOMERS OFF BENITEZ. October 2000. It was the first season at Pac Bell Park and in game 2 of the divisional playoffs, with the Giants already having won the first game, things looked bad as the G-Men trailed 4-1 in the bottom of the ninth with two outs. With two runners on, up steps JT Snow and no one will ever forget the game tying home run, proving there was magic in this new ballpark. The Giants went on to lose the game and the series but Kirk Rueter came in after Estes was subpar and got injured, showing true grit and endearing himself to Giants fans. Still, after that home run, I saw people crying. It was such a great moment and still thinking about that moment, I get chills.

SANCHEZ THROWS A NO-NO. July 2009. I have been a big Jonathan Sanchez fan for awhile and after he lost his job in the rotation I had to go when he replaced Randy Johnson. As trade talks escalated, many figured this was going to be Sanchez's last start as a San Francisco Giant. Sanchez's dad went to the game to see his son start for the first time and he didn't disappoint. I have always wanted to see a no-hitter. I am still upset that Trevor Wilson lost one in the ninth against the Padres and Scott Garrelts gave one up with two outs versus the Reds. This night would be different. Johnathan Sanchez was just dominant! His breaking ball was unhittable. Sanchez did not even walk a batter. He was an Uribe error away from throwing a perfect game, ironically, the last perfecto was thrown by the man Sanchez was replacing, Randy Johnson. For the last three/four innings, I didn't know what to say. Being at the game with some of my best friends, it was hard to balance joking around with focus on the game. In the ninth, when Sanchez gave up a big 400 foot shot to center field, it looked like all was lost, but when Aaron Rowand smashed against the wall to make the catch the crowd could feel it. Then when the last batter struck out and Sanchez had done it, we yelled as loud as we could, and the four of us group huddled and jumped for joy because we witnessed history.

BONDS IS THE HOME RUN KING. Many players have made their major league debut, players have hit historic homers, other people have thrown no-hitters, hit grand slams, but no major league player had ever hit his 756th home run. #756 was made more special with the Hank Aaron video tribute. It seemed like the world (except one city) was against him, but Bonds was able to be a great player despite all the scrutiny. So many homers but this one topped them all. For all the thrills he gave us fans, for the playoff runs, for the clutch hits, for the history, Bonds has to be on the top of the list.

GIANTS BEAT CARDS. Fifteen years after a devastating playoff defeat to the Cardinals, it was time to get some revenge. And with Kenny Lofton's hit in the ninth inning scoring David Bell to break a tie, it was celebration time in SF as the team was headed to the World Series for the first time since Clark and Mitchell in '89. Nobody wanted to go home that night. The bars were packed way into the night. And to clinch the NL Pennant in SF was the best possible way to do it. This is a team game and this game, that moment brought the dream just four wins away.

Worse Than Surgery

2009-09-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

TMI surgery warning...

Okay so before surgery, the doctors were going to use local anaesthesia. I was lying face down on the hospital bed with my butt sticking out of the gown as the doctors were trying to find the main artery in the back of my thigh with ultrasound. I hear them asking each other, which one is the artery and which one is the nerve. They say they found it and stick the needle in the back of my leg. I feel the needle go in they say they can't find reach it with the needle they have. They try again from a different angle and they still can't reach it. They say they need a 4" needle and they only have a 3". So after sticking my leg a couple times they say they are going to have to use spinal anaesthesia.

The wheel me into the operation room and have me sit up in the bed. I lean over and they inject a 7 inch needle in my back. I lay back down face first on the bed. I feel the surgeon shaving my lower leg and then I am out.

...

I wake up about an hour later and don't remember anything that happened. I hear the doctor's talking, saying everything went well. I roll over my butt, which I cannot feel and start talking to the nurse that is watching me. I cannot be let out until I regain feeling in my butt. I can wiggle my toes but I cannot feel anything above the knees to below my chest.

After about an hour of laying there, the feeling has not come back. However, now I feel like I have to pee. During surgery I had a couple liters of IV fluid runningin my body. The nurse gives me a bottle and puts a curtain around me so I can try to relieve myself. I put the bottle under my penis and push as hard as I can. I still can't go. I can't even feel myself touching the big guy. The nurse asks me if I want to use a catheter. I say, uh, I will just wait.

Over an hour passes. I try to go again in the bottle and still the middle of my body is completely numb and doesn't respond. It hurts hurts more. My bladder is obviously distended. I can no longer take the pain. The doctor comes by and says it would be best to get catheterized now while everything is still numb. I ask my wife what she thinks and she says I should have them insert the catheter. OH MY GOD! I am going to have to do it.

I wait a little bit longer, hoping that I will be go but my distended bladder is bigger and hurts more when pushed down on it. The pain is worse than almost anything I have ever felt. The surgery wasn't anywhere near as what I was feeling at that point. I ask the nurse to insert the catheter. She pulls out the tube and I think, there is no way that big ass tube is gonna fit in the pee hole. She starts puttinng it in and its a good thing its still numb cuz I can feel something slowly being inserted deeper and deeper. Finally, the nurse says she struck gold.

I don't feel the sense of relief that you normally feel after holding a pee way too long but after several minutes i feel the pain has been ameliorated due to the catheter. Thank God.

When enough feeling had returned, it was time for me to leave. The nurse gave me several instructions and lets me know that if I still cannot pee later that night I will have to go to the emergency room. Anxiety once again builds up in my chest.

When I am finally home, I can feel all the pain in my achilles. It feels like someone has just took a staple gun and shot the back of my foot a dozen times. I take my vicodin with a cup of water. Pain killers do not help at all. For dinner all I can have is soup. Dang, I just realize I have put a lot of fluid back into my body. OH NO!!!

Finally around 10:30 I have to try to pee again. I walk to the bathroom on my crutches and try again. EUREKA! I am able to go but the initial release is filled with a burning sensation from the tube being in my urinary tract. OOOOOOOOOUCH!!! Damn, the surgery was nothing compared to all this urination drama. After a few seconds the pain goes away and I am normal again. After this whole ordeal, the only thing that made me smile was knowing that I can pee normally again.

Disney buys Marvel

2009-08-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

Disney spent $4 billion to buy Marvel Entertainment. I think adding the creative minds of Marvel will only enhance the brand. But with the marriage can you imagine the possibilities...

Lion King 3 - Kraven hunts Simba : Calypso has a thing for Hyenas and in order to prove his love for her, Kraven tries to capture Simba in order to allow the Hyenas to take over Pride Rock.

Little Mermaid 3 - Ursula comes back and wants her revenge. Because of Ariel's love of a human, Ursula is able to recruit the help of Namor, who is disgusted by the thought of a mermaid dating a human. But a problem is created when Namor and Ariel begin to have feelings for each other.

Spider-Man 4- When the Sinister 6 come to town to destroy Peter Parker, the cast of the bugs life, comes to his rescue. One can only take so many bug bites.

Daredevil 2 - The Kingpin steals Mathew Murdock's guide dog, Pluto, and Mathew will do anything to get his best friend back.

Beauty and the Beast with the Beast as the Beast

Cars 2 - Magneto sees the potential of these cars that can think and makes them into his super soldiers, more powerful than Sentinals. Its up to the X-men to stop them.

The Suite life of Thor and Herc - It's not easy being a god so these two meet up and become friends. Together they have to fight the likes of minotaur's and three headed dragons but also have to deal with relationships as loki and hades continually try to make their lives miserable.

Extreme Home Makeover (with special guest star Wolverine) - He can cut the stuff in seconds and have a house remade in an hourof live television. No need for editing.

Hulk vs the Jonas Brothers - Hulk tries to save the world from the most annoying forces in the universe and you thought characters never die.

Toy Story 3 - When Andy gets too old he gives away all his toys. Uncle Ben, The Thing, sees the great toys at a garage sale and buys them for his favorite nephew, Franklin Richards. Franklin now owns Buzz and Woody and the rest of the gang. However, the puppet master finds out this information and has taken over the toys and plans to use them to kill Franklin. We begin to realize Franklins powers as Buzz and Woody try to fight control of the Puppet Master. To keep the Fantastic Four busy, the Puppet Master has also taken over The Incredibles. The war is epic, lets just hope Dr. Doom doesn't get involved.

Mojo tries to take over the Disney channel and make it the Marvel channel. But he had to deal with a pissed off Fantasmic Mickey. I don't things look too good for Mojo.

Can you imagine the things they can do with The Haunted House with the Ghost Rider and the Red Skull? Dang, I am kinda scared already.

Geez the possiblities are endlesss. I could probably go on forever. Desperate Housewives with Sue Richards, Jean Grey, Mary Jane and Cinderella. Eli Stone played by Professor X.

Surprise

2009-08-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

Last tuesday I was home all alone, stuck in a splint, with severely limited mobility. Mary Anne left early and told me she was going to be home late to pick up her glasses and pick up dinner. The day dragged on. Daytime television sucks. I started watching Season 1 of the new 90210. Kinda just half paying attention. I am on facebook more than ever before, getting into hundreds of fights with other people on mafia wars.

In short, I was going crazy. I didn't want to read the paper because of the painful extra inning Giants loss on Monday. If you don't know, the Giants had a 3 run lead in extra innings in Colorado and lost in the bottom of, I think the fourteenth inning. Already in pain, that win could have lifted my spirits but it didn't. I even was supposed to go to the game the next day, a home game against Colorado where there was a Carlos Santana bobblehead giveaway. I was hurting too much and it would have been too uncomfortable to go.

As the day wore on, I just got more and more restless. I just wanted Mary Anne to come home. I called her over and over again but she wasn't answering. I figured she was having her glasses fitted or her phone was on silent.

Finally at around 630ish she finally got home. I was so happy. I didn't have to be alone anymore. And...she had food. She brought home some chicken adobo. My favorite! I was so happy to eat but that wasn't the only surprise.

Mary Anne hands me a cardboard box. I was like what is this? It was a CARLOS SANTANA bobblehead. She knew how much I wanted to go and she knows about my love for collecting bobbleheads. I don't have any idea how many I have but I was sad to knowing I wasn't going to get this one. When I opened it up, I couldn't believe that Mary Anne drove all the way to the ballpark to pick it up after working a full day in Walnut Creek. The bobblehead even plays "Oye Como Va" if you press a button on the bottom.

Through all the pain, the misery of just having lost a championship game, the frustration of watching my Giants lose an extra inning heartbreaker, the constant memories flashing through my head of laying on the softball field and not being to help my friends. Through all of that, this bobblehead helped me remember what I do have. Mary Anne is the best, most thoughtful, most caring, loving, wife in the world. And knowing that we are going to raise a baby together makes me so elated for the future. I stopped living with thoughts of the present misery and started living focused on the future excitement.

This can't be real

2009-08-28T07:01:00.001-07:00

I saw this on ESPN's website and couldn't believe it. Look at the headlines section...

"Padilla helps Dodgers"

No way dude! That is just disgusting. I thought it was a nightmare cuz of my pain meds but nope its real.

THE FIRST LOSER

2009-08-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

We did it, the G-Men, our softball team had made it to the championship game. We had beaten everyone at least once including the team we were meeting in the championship. After the first round victory just minutes earlier, we had a lot of confidence, we were loose and we were ready. This team was built to win a championship and we were one step away.

This was the best team I had been a part of. We had a solid core surrounded by more great players. We had no weaknesses. We had overcome adversity and redeemed our failures.

I walked to the mound, warmed up and couldn't wait. I had not played in a Sunday championship game in awhile. The last championship game I had played in ended in a devastating defeat with my brother's co-ed team. In warm-ups I knew I was on. I was hitting the curve, spotting every pitch, the knuckler had no movement. The first hitter lined one right back to me and I threw my glove at it and stabbed it. ONE OUT! A grounder was hit to third but the ball was overthrown, a rare error by our sure handed third baseman. I'm not exactly sure about the order, but I think the next guy grounded one to second and the throw to force the runner just barely pulls our shortstop off the bag. Still, none of us are worried. A couple hits later and another out, the inning is still going on.

This is still the top of the first. No need to worry. The next hitter grounds one to first, and I take off to cover, the ball glances of the first baseman's glove and I slow down to a stop, but our second baseman hustles to the ball. I try to take off again and a sudden painful pop hits the back of my right foot. I fall to the ground. I thought someone had threw a ball that hit my foot hard. I looked but I saw nothing. It felt like someone took a bat and swung it hard to the back of my foot. When I saw that no one had hit me, I knew what had happened. That pop was my achilles tendon. As I rolled on the ground, my team surrounded me with concerned faces. I couldn't look at them. I had my eyes closed and when I opened them, I would only look at my foot.

An old friend, who works as a nurse, comes to my aid. She tells me to stay down but I don't want to hear it. She puts her hand under my foot and tells me to push against her hand. She tells me to do it again. My heart is racing. She tells me to push her hand again, and I tell her I am. The whole team sees what is going on. They know I am done. But I don't want to believe it, I want to see if I could still pitch. I push myself up and try to get to the mound, but I am taken down by a teammate. He doesn't want me to injure myself further. This championship game was over for me and I couldn't help but cry.

The tears had nothing to do with pain. This was supposed to be my last game. We were supposed to win the championship and I was going to walk away from this game having accomplished everything. Carlo, a man I had coached in high school, an athlete that had so much respect for me, would say that his only goal in
softball is to put a team together to win a championship for me before I walk away. There were so many stories to this team. I wanted to win for all these guys that stuck by me. As much as they wanted it for me, I wanted it for all of them. We were truly a team of destiny. A dream had been crushed. We worked so hard for the last several months and one freak injury could ruin everything.

The G-Men are fighters, no member of this team would ever give up, but I felt the injury take the air out of the team. The team played on with me in the dugout. Our fans, consisting of friends and family, advised me to go to the ER. Everyone on my team came up to me to reassure me. I knew they were going to do everything they could to bring home the championship for me. My cousin and my brother carried me to my wife's car. And off we were to the emergency room with my sister and keith following along.

As the adrenaline from playing dissipates the pain escalates. I sit in the ER for hours. My wife gives me an update of the game and find out we are losing 12-5 in the sixth inning. I just start to pray, hoping for a comeback. Later, I hear my wife sigh. I ask her what happened. She tells me the final score. We lost 12-11. In that moment I feeldisappointment and pride. It hurt to know we lost, but I was so proud that our team fought back.

After the game ended I hear that many teammates have come to the waiting room. Still, I sit on a stretcher. I am given 2 vicodins and an 800 mg motrin. When I am about to get X-rayed there is a code blue. More waiting.

My brother comes in to visit me. Then I get the details of the loss. In the last inning the team had comeback to down three runs with two runners on and Will batting, he smokes one into the outfield with two outs. The two runners score easily and Will rounds third. He is coming home to tie the game. The relay is a good one, Will slides head first and he is tagged just inches in front of home plate. The game is over. Will just lies there face first for minutes. The other team exhaults and we are left with what ifs. The loss stings

My wife opens the door to the waiting room. And on crutches I step out and see a team of people that care for me. They had literally waited hours to see how I was doing, to talk to me. When I saw all those faces, looking at Gina, Macho, Keith, Derek, Mike, Johnny, Chmo, Joel, Sheena, Carlo, in that moment, I didn't feel defeated. Carlo told me that having to pitch after me was athletically the hardest thing he ever had to do. My injury actually brought him to tears and in seconds he had to compose himself and pitch in a championship game. The team said when I went down they just expected me to get back up like I had so many times. But when it hit them that I wasn't going to get up, they were shocked. Mike couldn't tell what happened but when he found out that it was me on the ground he hurt as much as I was. Johnny had just burried his face in his hands. Joel let me know that I am the gutsiest player that he had ever played with. The team told me that I was an inspiration. There was so much support, so many kind words. They were all there for me. The handshakes and the hugs meant so much. And as much as I was hurting, as devastated as I was about that loss, I knew I was not a loser. These teammates, these friends, this family, that was my trophy They are my championship.

Marley & Me

2009-04-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I watched Marley and Me. I am sure a lot of you know what is going to happen in this movie but if you don't want to know, do not read on.

In short, Marley, a yellow lab, is brought into Jennifer Anniston and Owen Wilson's family. He causes trouble wherever he goes. He is untrainable and when the couple has kids, becomes unbearable.

No matter how much trouble Marley causes, you grow to love him. And it definitely reminded my wife and I about our relationship with our dogs. Marley grows older and he can no longer walk up stairs. It is hard to see someone's dog get older. I don't ever want to see that day. Our dogs have brought so much joy to our lives, we both cannot imagine life without them. I tried to fight off the tears but I couldn't help but cry as the story was so real. Having lost pets in the past, I would not wish that upon anybody.

I joked about stopping the movie 10 minutes before it ended and I still kinda wish I did. All that being said, I don't regret watching the movie and I really don't regret having great pets, scratch that, great friends.

Hahn's Hibachi

2009-04-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

For Keith's birthday years ago we went to Hahn's Hibachi (I am thinking this was 2000). It was a weird night as there were people in the parking lot saying it was clusterf*ck mayhem, a saying none of us had ever heard at the time. The two were just really upset and complaing loudly. Later as we took the picture, some dude was looking at us while singing "summer breeze, makes me feel fine." The song stuck in all our heads and we new the tune but couldn't remember what it was. Years later it was used in a GAP ad. The most memorable portion of the night was the food. Keith had loved the restaurant and the rest of us all became fans of the their Korean BBQ.

Flash forward to 2009 and we tried our best to relive the experience. The food was still great but we look a little different. Check it out...

Faking?

2009-04-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

Last week while playing in a basketball rec league I got fouled in the fourth quarter of a close game. I was shooting a free throw, made it, but one of my teammates was called for a lane violation due to FAKING? He was using his upper body to fake like he was going to box out early. Apparently you cannot do that. He didn't move his lower body at all. And maybe that is the rule but who really would call that? Sucked though. I looked this up on a non-official website hoopsvibe or something

"FREE-THROW VIOLATIONS. A free-throw violation by the thrower or the thrower’s teammates cancels the goal, if successful; and (unless another free throw is to follow) the ball is awarded to opponents out of bounds at the spot nearest to where the violation occurred. In this case, it would be the end line.

Such violations include:

Attempting the throw from anywhere except within the free-throw semicircle and behind the free-throw line.
Failure to throw within 10 seconds, or failure of the ball to enter the basket or touch the basket ring.
Occupancy of lane space nearest the basket by the thrower’ s teammate.
The free thrower having a foot on or above the free-throw line or any lane boundary until the ball has touched the ring or backboard.

Purposely faking a free-throw attempt or faking a violation (both teams).

If opponents commit violation (d) above or if they disconcert the free thrower by entering or leaving a lane space during the attempt, a substitute throw is awarded if the attempt is unsuccessful. If both teams commit a free-throw violation, the whole thing is called off and play is resumed by a throw-in.
Players not occupying a marked lane space may not enter the lane or other lane boundaries until the ball touches the ring or backboard or until the free throw ends."

I guess it was really the culmination of bad calls this ref has made throughout the season that really pissed us off. So many balls that were obviously out on the other team that he still gave them. I can count five blatently horrendous miscalls that weren't even close. He is just so lax going up the court and constantly makes calls he thinks he sees from the other side of the court. And there is also a lack of calls for us. Seriously, I don't like to blame the refs for everything but I think league-wide no one likes the refs.

There is one play in particular that always has our team busting up (only cuz we still won the game). I actually have this clip on video but I don't have video editing software to show you. Anyway, the other team is shooting a free throw. They make the free throw but that same team goes to take the ball out?! He grabs the made free throw, steps behind the baseline, and heaves the ball across the court (to our basket). One of his teammates was wide open (seemingly cuz he was going back to play defense) and he actually takes several dribbles toward our basket and jumps up about to shoot! I think in the middle of his jump he realizes, wait, this aint our basket, so he proceeds to pass it to another open teammate. This teammate knows that his basket is across the court. Our team is confused and trying to call time which we can't get cuz we don't have the ball. Their guy throws the ball to his own guy and they finally get by our baffled team and end up making a lay up. We call time, explain to the ref what happened and he allows their basket to count??? HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN? I really need to find a way to post that play for you. I will work on it.

I LOVE YOU, MAN

2009-03-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

On Monday night I had tickets to watch a sneak preview of I LOVE YOU, MAN. Even luckier, one of my old Bromances was free to watch it with me. We even received free T-shirts with one of the movies greatest moments. The premise of the movie centers around a just engaged man who doesn't have any close guy friends. He over hears his fiance's friends saying that a man without any guy friends is just weird and he might be too klingy. So Paul Rudd's character goes on man dates to find a bromance. The search to find the perfect dude does not come easy but it does come pretty hysterically.

The chemistry between Rudd and Jason Segel, from How I Met Your Mother and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, is fantastic. I think this is like the third movie they have been in together. One of the funniest things is just the little dialogue of Rudd's character when he is uncomfortable and the nicknames they give each other. Rudd is kind uptight, high strung, by the book kinda a guy while Segel is a total I don't care about what anyone thinks of me, free spirited dude.

Segel even has a man cave! Gotta love that. I might be giving away too great a laugh here but his man cave has well, uh, a station to please himself. For those that have been in my man cave, don't trip, I don't have one of those.

Anyway, the laughs are well spread throughout the entire movie, from Andy Sandberg, who plays Rudd's gay brother picking up guys at the gym, to the Lou Ferrigno choking out Segel.

I didn't know what to expect about this movie but it was one of the best comedies I have ever seen. For those of you that loved Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Superbad, I think this movie was better than all of them.

You will find yourself truly rooting for the friendship, actually caring about it like it was a real thing. And while you are rooting for the friendship, you will have a smile on your face the whole time.

Oh and right after the movie, we finished our man date with a few beers under the bay bridge to wash out the 5 lbs of barbeque we had at nate's before the movie followed by a manly handshake. Oh before we said bye, we repeated the line from our shirts "Give it back...RETURN THE FAVOR!" You can pretty much figure out what that means but just watch it and you will laugh anyway.

Recession

2009-01-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

Oh man, in the last few years things have not been looking so good. Things have been tough on a lot of people. There is less money in the wallet and the morale is low. It is a real tough time. But it is never easy when you notice that your hairline is receding.

Faster and faster that line races further and further away from my eyebrows. Every month I have to fix my hair a little different to compensate for the lack of hair. I haven't yet purchased the rogaine but I think that desperation move is just around the corner. This really is not a good thing for someone who hates it when people think he is older than his older brother.

I was just looking at the picture to the right and its hard for me to imagine my bangs getting in my eyes. I guess thats what happens with age. Shoot, my dad and my brother don't have it this bad. Oh well, I hate this saying but IT IS WHAT IT IS...

what the hell does that even mean.

Be healthy

2009-01-03T19:37:00.000-08:00

A common new years resolution is to stay healthy. and take it from me someone that hasn't regularly worked out in years, it isn't easy staying on track. but one thing that makes it easier is good work out music. here are some of the songs on my workout playlist...

1. Real American - yup, Hulk Hogan's theme always pumps me up. throw 300 lbs on the bench and lets get this workout started.

2. Have a Nice Day (Bon Jovi) - a song with a good beat and a message about not caring about what other people say.

3. The Touch (Transformers soundtrack) - yeah everytime i hear this song, i think i'm optimus prime turning the tide and saving the autobots. One shall stand, one shall fall. Dont download the Mark Wahlberg boogie nights version.

4. Eye of the Tiger (Survivor) - even if you aren't training to beat a menacing dude with a mohawk or a huge Russian on steroids, this song will still inspire you. FYI...did you know that the guy who sings those real men of genius songs is the lead singer of Survivor.

5. Here I Go Again (Whitesnake) - when you are working out alone I don't even need to see a fine chick dancing on a car's roof when this song starts playing. I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time...

6. Lose Yourself (Eminem) - Whoa! I thought this was going to be an all rock list. Nope! This song has a way of getting me hyped. If you had one shot, one opportunity to seize everything you've ever wanted, one moment, would you capture it, or just let it slip. I don't want it to slip so I got to throw up more 45's on the leg press.

7. Higher (Creed) - Rap, now Christian Rock. That's right. Hey not just cuz I am religious, this song makes me want to be more than I am. Who doesn't want to be taken higher to a place with golden streets.

8. Living on a Prayer (Bon Jovi) - Sometimes all you got is a prayer especially when you don't think you have anything left and you still haven't started your cardio.

9. Welcome to the Jungle (Gun N Roses) - This is better played before a big sporting event you are playing in but it still works. The gym does feel like a jungle. You got to tap into your animal instincts to survive a brutal workout.

10. Enter Sandman (Metallica) - When this songs starts and that guitar riff hits and you are half delirious, you will forget about the pain and finish off this workout like a rockstar.

11. Burning Heart (Survivor) - Man, survivor just has a knack for inspirational songs. did they really sing The Search Is Over??? In the warriors code there is no surrender, though his body says stop, his spirit cries...NEVER!

12. #1 (Nelly) - What does it take to be #1? It takes hard work and this song will help you strive to be #1 cuz 2 is not a winner and 3 no one remembers.

There are a lot of other songs that could help me get pumped. Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson even gets me pumped. I don't even know the lyrics but it starts slow then picks up and you want to go crazy. It's kind of the same thing with that new Pink song, So What. U Will Know by black men united gets me pumped too.

Even slow songs could pump me up. One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston make me want to work harder. Plus she wails with so much emotion it just moves you. Blaze
of Glory hooks up to especially now that I am older. If playing softball or basketball, I don't have many games left and I got to work hard cuz when I go out I want to go out like a champ.

Well go download the songs that pump you up and get healthy for the 2009! I'm gonna go get started by using the Perfect Push-Up I got for Christmas. Happy New Year!

sox

2008-11-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

So I was at a Nike Outlet store and went to go buy some socks. Look at the awesome discount they had on the socks at the outlet. If you can't see the picture clearly the Original Price is $15.00. And the red tag price is $14.99. REALLY??? C'mon now. Needless to say, I didnt buy them.

Friendship

2008-10-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

I know sometimes it is going to rain. Times when you just can't get through the pain

Over 17 years ago the most loyal friend I have ever had came into my life. He became a huge part of our family. I considered him my brother. Almost two decades of unconditional love, almost 18 years of true friendship. My sister and I had horrible allergies to pet dander but our love for Robbie made those allergies go away.

He captivated those around him. Rubbing guests legs while purring loudly, he made everyone feel welcomed. His tail would regally wave, letting people know that he was the king. Many of my friends fell in love with him. But what he did for me was so much more. He invigorated my life. He helped make me who I am.

During those high school days when I couldn't take the stress, he would push my bedroom door open, hop on my bed, and just curl up by me so I wouldn't have to go through my pain alone. He could sense if anyone in the family was hurting and he would always be the first person to comfort them. And Robbie did that for me more times than I can remember. Its amazing how giving him one hug could alleviate any pain.

When I moved out of the house, he would always excitedly greet me when I came home to visit. He used to go to my room, take one of my shirts that had my scent on it, drag it to the living room, and lay on it and just meow. My mom told me he did that but I really didn't believe it until I actually saw him do it. I went home to visit but no one was home and I just needed to take a nap so I went to my brothers room to sleep (the bed in my old room was gone). I woke up to the sound of Robbie meowing in a way that it sounded like he was crying. I got up to check what was wrong and saw him lying in the middle of the living room on my shirt. When he saw me, he got up and just starting pushing his head against my shins as hard as he could and purring as loud as he could. I knew he loved me so much and everytime I left I wanted to take Robbie with me.

Mary Anne and I were fortunate enough for Robbie to stay with us over six months of the past year. Even our dogs knew he was the king. They let him do whatever he wanted. Mary Anne would let him do whatever he wanted. He would sleep in our bed, right next to my head. Sometimes, in the middle of the night he would paw at the inside of my bicep so I would pet him. In the past couple years he always wanted to be petted. And nobody could ever say no.

Robbie, I love you and I will never forget you. I am sorry I wasn't around in the past week. I know you knew how much I wanted to be there for you. For all those times you comforted me, it eats me up that I couldn't be there for you. I just wish I could pet you again. I just want to hear you purring. I want you to wake me up in the middle of the night so I could rub your belly. I want you back so bad. I know you are in a better place and I will not be selfish because now you can give your love to those who need it more than me. You are the best and I will never stop missing you.

(It's weird because as I write this, Joey is looking at me from the sliding door and barking for some reason. I think he knows that I am hurting, I think he misses you too Robbie)

The Little Brother I Never Had

2008-09-24T01:46:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday was an amazing day. My brother in law got married. And a lot of times that doesn't mean that much to someone but my brother in law is truly one of my best friends. I could not have imagined that falling in love with the woman of my dreams would also include finally having the little brother I always wanted and never had.

Mike has been an important part of my life for over a decade. I always tried to be there for him and he in turn was always there for me. Through the years of sports and nights out, he stopped being like a brother and he just really became my brother.

I saw him work his butt off for this wedding. I saw him work his butt off in college and in his career. Over the years Mary Anne and i have just been so proud of him. He wanted everything perfect and even though he may remember some of the things that went wrong it during his wedding night, it really was a perfect night!Can I get an awwwww yeah! [well close to perfect :) ]....Can I get some Bon Jove please! :)

It was also extra special to walk down the aisle with my wife. You know how when you are in a wedding and even if you know your partner, it feels weird to interlock arms and all that. Well, my partner was my wife, and I have never felt more comfortable in my life. We were able to relive the magic of our special day by walking down that aisle together again. Little moments like that mean the world to me, of course the walk around that cathedral did take like 10 minutes so it wasn't that little of a moment.

That being said, the ceremony in the cathedral was majestic. The modern St. Mary's Cathedral is an architectureal beauty and it was a perfect setting for a magnificent wedding. I was afraid that the church would look empty but when I walked down that aisle, it looked full. Every row looked to have people sitting in them.

But that night, my family was there, my family friends from san ramon, my old group of core friends, my old co ed softball team friends. There were so many people there that I cared about. And I did feel the love. And I also saw my lil bro just loosen up like I have never seen him before. He even did a sick ass flare like 9 times on the dance floor.

Michi made Mike whole. And I have to admit, they were damn cute together. They compliment each other well. Their bridal party was a ball. Michi's bridesmaids were fun and Mike's groomsmen were just AWESOME to hang out with. I felt like I got closer to all of them. Mac even got me to eat balut with him and Mike the night before the wedding. I know I may have gagged a couple times, but it really wasn't that bad. There were just so many memories from the land yacht ride to the reception (that I can't remember cuz we were all plastered). I would also like to thank Jurex, one of the best men, for being such a great guy. He has been extremely busy but always remains so patient with everyone. He is one of he greatest people I know. And as honored as I was to be a best man, I was even more honored to share the responsibility with such a great guy.

The wedding also featured a photo booth that was full of props that people were loving! The photo booth idea by itself is great and a lot of fun to take pics with your friends and loved ones, but the props made it even more fun. I wish I took a couple more pics but the line was hella long.

Also, real quick, one of the most special moments for me was taking a shot with the fellas. When Jared comes back up, everything just feels right. Our crew is whole again. He binds us all and just listening to him rip on me actually feels good cuz I just miss him being around. (sorry for the man crush mush). Just hanging out with all the old crew just brings me back. Seeing all of them just instantly makes me want to let loose and have a good time. Having Keith back with all of us is icing on the cake!

Its kinda weird cuz Mary Anne and I were wondering how the wedding planning was going every night, always checking in to see if they needed anything and its like what the hell do with my time now? (maybe i should play some softball (wait for next entry))

Now the happy couple is off in Maui and I am sure they are having the time of their lives. I wish them a lifetime of happiness.

CRABS

2008-09-12T17:20:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday night, I was reminded how great life is. On the way home from BART, I ran into our cousins. I was watching an America's Game 1988 49ers and looked up to see Joyce. It was great. She gave me a ride to my car cuz the BART parking lot was full and I had to park several blocks away, saving me about ten plus minutes.

Anyway, when I got home I saw Mary Anne cooking in the kitchen with a big crab in her hands. She was making Crab for dinner. What an awesome surprise!!!

I got a phone call from my brother in law and sat outside in my porch to talk him because it was loud in the house. While talking to him, I saw my neighbors, Barni, Steph and Katie (and Tiger)walking by. They stopped by and we chatted for almost half an hour.

Katie (who just turned 1) was showing off her walking skills. It was hilarious. She would just go up the stair, turn around and walk down it, and continue in the cycle. But sometimes she would walk to the top step and start cheering and clapping. She is so cute. I even videoed some of (I will try to post later).

Mary Anne came out and it was like a miniparty. We were just hanging out in our porch. I thought it was an asian version of 227. We brought Kona out and her and tiger were sniffing each other. It was fun.

During our talk, Christina, Barni's sister walks by with her dog Mocha. It was a great time. I was real tired that day from a long commute and getting home late the night before and had no idea that the night would be this fun. Even though our conversation lasted at most half an hour I just felt so blessed to have these people in my life, to have friends that live so close, to have crab for dinner...

Oh when we got back in the house, the crab was ready. Mary Anne took the crabs out of the roaster and we started grubbing. OH.............MY..............GOD!!! It was soooooooooooooooooooo good! I was in friggin heaven. I ate a whole crab to myself and I just couldn't stop. It was definitely the best crab I ever had. I had no cracker so I was just going savage on that thing! She bought them on sale at Ranch 99 still alive so they were still fresh. Right now, I am salivating just thinking about that great dinner.

That was just one night in my life and they aren't all that fun or memorable but its hard to imagine that after a tough day of work and a commute where BART was running slow, I was on a train with only 4 cars, and I just wanted to crash, turned out to be a simple, beautiful day filled with memories.

ITS UP TO YOU

2008-09-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

i got this poem on email...

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference,
You see, IT'S UP TO YOU!

~Author Unknown

Liberated

2008-08-15T17:12:00.001-07:00

GAME 1
This past week, I was lucky enough to be a softball sub for two different teams. On Tuesday, i subbed for my brother's team. They were playing an undefeated team. I actually played with TEAM WHAT the first time they lost to the 3-0 team. It was a devasting come from behind loss that we had to eat. It lingered and the team remembered how bad the loss was and came ready to play.

Before the game my new teammates talked like they wanted to win. During the game, they played like they wanted to win. We were playing a team that can hit and my job was to not allow them to hit the ball. I did an okay job but everytime the team put the ball in play, the defense behind me would make the play.

The only time I had played for this team, we had lost. And I put a lot of pressure on myself not to let that happen again. It was great to see how everyone picked each other up after someone messed up or made an out. Not only did we win, but we skunked the other team 16-4. Everybody was happy. The only unfortunate thing is I live too far to go out and party with everyone after. I hope they downed some beer for me.

GAME 2
The very next day, I had the opportunity to once again play with Lory and Adrian. When I first played co-ed softball they helped start the team. With too many people on our team, the original team split into two different teams. I was still a member of the team they had left and I hadn't played with them for several years. Even though everyone on the two teams were still friends, the games they played against each other were pretty intense. I stopped playing on the original team due to wedding planning, injuries and other reasons and they found replacements for me. So when asked to be a sub for Lory and Adrian's team, I was more than happy to play with them again.

Knowing Lory was playing, I figured I was going to play third. Lory is the team's pitcher and she pitched them to a championship the season before. Upon arriving, I learned that I was going to pitch the first three innings. I was excited to be able to pitch for four old teammates. However, I was also nervous because everytime you go out there you have to prove yourself. I didn't want them not to be able to trust me. I also looked at who we were playing and it was yet another undefeated, 3-0 team. A team that I may played against many times and have never beaten. I couldn't let them down and when I started the game, my heart raced. I have done the same thing over and over again but at this point, with everything that has happened, I could not be the reason we lost.

We scored a few runs in the first inning and that helped put me at ease. When I walked to the mound, I just shut everything else down. I know I am just a pitcher throwing a ball underhanded to guys that could blast the ball to the ocean, but thats where the beauty lies. It is all a mind game. In softball a great hitter should always beat a great pitcher and when I get them to pop it up or hit a weak grounder its awesome. The first guy just kinda swatted at that ball and reached and I was think oh no, here we go again. But the next three people all made outs, including their masher who hit a lazy pop up. In the second inning I had my first at bat and it was pumped up with pressure as the game was still close and the basses were loaded with two outs. I ended taking a walk which is two bases in coed leagues so that was 2 RBIs without doing anything. The next inning, I walked one but the next batter hit the ball right back to me to start a double play. The third inning they scored two off me. One hitter, the captain of the other team hit a fly ball that carried and hit the trees that line the short left field fence of King field. Adrian was actually under the ball but when it hit the tree he had to scramble for it. One run scored and the batter was left at third, later scoring. The team really just took me in. I know I am just a sub but I could tell they really appreciated me. The kind words were much appreciated and I would love to sub for them again.

But what was great about those two days is I just felt free. Yeah, their was pressure, but it was a great, natural, competitive pressure. The pressure you get cuz you want to help your teammates, the pressure you get when you don't want to let friends down. Sports are now full of money and greed. But when you play in these little rec leagues, you play for the love. And this past week I played sports at its purist form. I was with friends, I played hard, I played to win, I played because I love the sport.

It's why when I watch the Olympics I get so excited. I know many athletes are performing for endorsements or what not but the majority of the athletes are playing because they love what they are doing. Just watch the exhilaration on the athletes faces after they race. Even look deeper, and check out the athlete that loses the race and still has a huge smile on his/her face, happy just to be able to compete. That Mens 400 M Freestyle Relay had everything. It will be a great memory just for those that witnessed it. I was at home with my wife and cousins and we were jumping up and down, going crazy like little kids. Sports can offer you a chance for greatness no matter what the level. Sports offer you the opportunity to feel a part of something. Sports have molded who I am. I love watching cuz I can feel the emotions. I love playing because it is one of the only times I ever really feel truly free.

Wii

2008-07-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

At a friends kids birthday party, everyone started playing the Nintendo Wii. There were some intense games of tennis. Every game seemingly was competitive. There was a lot of yelling (M.L.) and a good time was being had by all.

After awhile, we played one game of bowling with four different players. Everyone was joking after each frame and it was a lot of fun. Anyway, i started the game with five strikes in a row and just got quiet. The next four frames, I threw it perfectly. Everything was set up for the tenth frame. But right after I threw that ninth strike in a row, Josephine blurted out sarcastically, "oh wow, nine strikes in a row, i bet he can't get 10...blah, blah, blah."

Everyone knows you don't say anything when things are rolling. You don't tell the person at the craps table who is racking up the chips, "hey you're really lucky tonight." When Jason Schmidt was throwing a no hitter against the red sox, no one said a word. Then some guy that none of the regular bleacher people knew saw some girl that he recognized. they talked for half an inning but before he left, he said, "it looks like we are going to get a no hitter today." Everyone around me was like "ARE YOU KIDDING ME" (in their heads). The whole section wanted to kick his butt. And it was that same batter that was batting when he made his stupid comment that would go on to get the only hit of the game for the red sox. You just don't do that.

Anyway, Josephine left the room for fear of me not finishing off the perfect game. I set up just like I had for the first ten frames. I did everything the same but I must have not flicked my wrist as strongly. the break on the ball started a little bit later than usual. The ball still hits the head pin strong but this time, after the initial explosion of pins one pin remained(it was either the 2 or the 4). I fell down to my knees and sunk my head. I choked. Its just a video game but I wanted it. Its not something I play often and its just not easy to do. I didn't even get mad at her. It was me. I choked. I finally rose back to my feet after a couple minutes, not caring how I finished the game. I spared it off and threw a strike to finish the tenth leaving me with a bitter 279.

But this is a public service announcement. If someone is rolling, don't say anything. Don't ruin the Karma. Don't bring it to everyone's attention. People know. Just let it be.

And on another note, when you are that close, you can either just think you will never get that close again or you can keep trying. Winners lose more often than losers do cuz winners never stop trying. I will get that 300 and I will make sure Josephine is no where in sight! :)

Been Busy But My Thoughts On Things I Missed

2008-07-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates. The next day was Rome and I could write a full 500 page novel on the 7 hours spent in Rome. But there has been a lot that I have missed. I haven't really discussed much sports but here are a few quick thoughts...

WARRIORS-

Here are my thoughts on Baron:

I can't really blame him for leaving. He is making way more money. He wasn't going to have a long term contract here. It was going to be his last year. In his mind, he probably didn't think he could play another 82 games without getting hurt. He had to leave. Plus, he is in his hometown. Winning isn't that important to him. He wants to produce, so let him. I didn't appreciate how adament he was about staying. But he had every right to leave. The Warriors probably feel a little led on but they should have been prepared for him to leave...

After Baron opted out and signed with the Clips, the Warriors made several rash decisions. There were giving max contracts to Gilbert Arenas and Elton Brand. Both those guys are coming off serious injuries and those contracts could have totally strapped us. But I am glad they were trying to sign a star that the fans could bond with for years to come.

Turiaf? I don't know what to think about that yet. He isn't a great rebounder. He is just a big body. They must want him for his energy. They want him to be like a Brian Cardinal from years past.

I don't know what this means but Anthony Randolph has been great in summer league. I just hear this guy is for real. That's great...for three years from now.

Corey Maggette. 5 year $50 million just sounds like too much from a guy that was just being offered the midlevel exception from other teams. I guess the Warriors want to commit. I love that he can get to the hoop and draw fouls. In fact, i think most of the warriors can get to the hoop so hopefully we won't have to see the 3 point shots with 12 seconds left on the shot clock everytime down when the starters are tired.

Marcus Williams is a good move because you need to get a guard that can guard a 2 cuz I don't know if Ellis can do that.

Thank you for resigning Azubuike. He knows the system, he can score, defend, rebound, shoot. I am really happy he won't be killing us in Staples Center.

I don't know if I will recognize the team next year but by resigning Ellis, giving Maggette the big contract, you can't say the Warriors don't spend money. They are making an effort and thats what you want from the ownership of your favorite teams.

GIANTS-

Lincecum is the man!

I wrote that we should get rid of Aurilia. Man, he has showed a lot. He will always be one of my favorites. I still think he should be traded so the youngsters get more looks. The Durham trade was a great move but for some reason Eugenio Velez just annoys me. Too many pick offs. Too many defensive errors. I wish Fradsen was around.

Brian Wilson, Jonathan Sanchez, Fred Lewis, and John Bowker have been great stories. I wouldn't mind having these guys as our core behind Lincecum and Cain for years to come.

49ERS-

I don't like Nolan. I think he is a better salesman than coach but I will root for him to win. He has lost 3 seasons in a row, he has had problems with his players, he doesn't know how to handle the clock, he doesn't make good halftime adjustments, and he doesn't take own up to his mistakes.

I didn't want Martz but i think he can make a huge difference.

All that said, Patrick Willis is a BEAST!

SHAQ-
"TELL ME HOW MY ASS TASTE." Dude, grow up. Kobe is waaaaaaaaay better than you now and I am not a Kobe fan.

A World of Our Own

2008-07-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has taken awhile but how do you discuss a day in your life that left you in awe. A day that was breathetaking and indescribable. There is no way I could say anything to do Florence justice.

After leaving Pisa, our minds were already full of scenic views, memorable landmarks, and historic stories. Right when we stepped in Piazza Santa Croce I could feel my brain trying to takeas much in as it could handle. And there were great sites like the Uffizi gallery, but the queues were too long for us to get in. But you have to trade off some sites to see others in the city known as the cradle of Renaissance.

First, we saw the Santa Croce basilica. The tombs of Michaelangelo, Machivelli, Dante, and Galileo are inside this staple of Florence.

The town hall of Firenze is the Palazzo Vecchio. This is where the Senators would make historic decisions. There is also a museum inside.

The Duomo, the city's cathedral, is an architectural masterpiece. The bell tower and baptistery are also highlights to the city. The structure is so huge, it felt like walking around the cathedral took forever.

The Ponte Vecchio is built over the Arno River and consists of dozens of high end shops (mostly gold jewelry).

The view of the Arno River from the middle of the "old bridge" (i think thats what Ponte Vecchio stands for)

The Piazza della Signoria is the site of dozens of amazingly detailed sculptures. It was the original location of Michelangelo's David. Here is the replica which now stands in its place. The original is now under the roof of the Uffizi Gallery. (I took video of the others statues so if you want to see them you will have to sit through hours of home video.) David is meant to depict the Biblical David that defeats Goliath. The sculpture symbolized the defense of civil liberties.

There was also a huge shopping area where most people went for souvenirs. Don't be surprised to see me in a Firenze sweater jacket! But before we saw all those sights we had to do something very important. We had to have the world famous Vivoli gelato! The gelato was in a little cup, costing a couple Euros, but it was so dense and the flavors danced in your mouth. Hands down this was the best gelato ever! Ever since that day, I have craved the cold sensations. Mary Anne had a Pistachio gelato and I had a caramel pear flavored gelato. Oh man, just thinking about that ice cream is making my mouth water, especially with the current heat in San Ramon. We had a lot of gelato in Italy because of the heat but nothing came close to Vivoli.

After about several hours of seeing as much of the city as possible there was one more thing to do. We were in Italy so we had to do it...

Sorry Amici's this pizza was waaaaaaaaaaaaay better. We had a late lunch and only ate half our pizza's so we missed the ship's fine dining again. But another chance to finish that pizza was worth it. I couldn't read the menu so I really don't know everything that was in it.

Sadly, eating gelato and pizza that good ruins every other time in the future I will eat those items. Yeah, unfortunately, I'm now a pizza and gelato snob.

Seeing Pisa and Florence, driving through Tuscany, this was the greatest day of the trip. It wasn't just the landmarks, it was the little details, the helful people, the smells, the history...it was EVERYTHING. The bottomline, you could just feel LOVE. I felt love everywhere...EVERYWHERE.

Days like this make you realize how lucky you are. Before I went to bed, i played my Ipod and the song that I heard that just summed up the day was

A World of Our Own by Surface.

Somewhere a dream away
There is a better place, a brighter day
Somewhere that's safe, somewhere that's free
Where we can be together

So just close your eyes and let me take you there
To somewhere only dreamers ever go
It won't be just a fantasy (Oh no)
If you believe with me
The two of us all alone
In a world of our own

This Italy thing seemed always to just be a dream to us. When we finally stepped foot in the country, the sun shined and nothing else mattered. We were away from all of our problems. Our cell phones didn't work. We were isolated from our world but there was no feeling of loneliness because we were together.

Anything is possible. These sights, feeling this good, it never seemed possible. But this fantasy had come true. Even though there were thousands of people all around us, this was our world. A world built by each other by Love.

A world of our own
Where we know we belong
A world of our own
Where love is sure and strong can never die
And lovers never say goodbye

Someday a light will shine
And there will come a time
That's yours and mine
A time so sweet
So clear and true
We'll see right to forever

Different locations mean different things to different people. Hawaii has always been our paradise. But something about Florence touched our hearts. Like I said, it was indescribable, but whatever it was will remain with us forever. And we only were there for a few hours but while we were there "we knew we belong[ed]"

Thankfully, we still live in that world together. It was "a time so sweet, so clear and true" and because of that experience "we'll see right to forever." Something about Florence built us a new forever. The feelings I felt that day just are still so strong within me. I can't even explain the level of closeness we reached that day. In many ways, this was the beginning of our trip. Because after walking through Florence, we just had a greater appreciation for everything else we would experience for the rest of the trip, a greater appreciation for each other, a greater appreciation for everything we have. And that growth in maturity lasts today and if we are really lucky, it will never end.

Livorno

2008-06-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

Livorno is beautiful Italian port that was repeatedly bombed during WWII. The city has been rebuilt and has been growing rapidly. However, the port is pretty much a gateway to Tuscan wineries, Florence, and/or Pisa.

Docking in Livorno was not like Nice as the Livorno is more of a busy commercial port not known for much picturesque views. To do all the things we wanted to do, we had to get up pretty early. Another day of not much sleep but hopefully, this would be worth it.

We just purchased an excursion that would take us to Pisa and Florence without much guidance. We would basically be free to do whatever we wanted once we arrived in those cities.

It only took maybe half an hour to get to Pisa but maybe another hour and half to get to Florence. On the drive to the Florence we were able to catch views of Tuscany. We drove pretty fast but so I wasn't able to get great pictures but you can imagine mile stretches of vineyards (mostly known for Chianti). But it was a nice ride.

So the only reason people stop in Pisa is for one reason...The Leaning Tower of Pisa. The landmark is actually the bell tower of the cathedral in Pisa. The tower was not meant to lean but when it was built in the 12th century the ground it was built on was weak and unstable. The tower was built with a beautiful white marble and has stunning pillars that connect to Romanesque arches surrounding the outside of every floor.

Three floors were originally built after construction was halted because of the noticeable lean. About 100 years later, construction resumed and to compensate for the lean, the next three floors were higher and were actually curved the other way. About another hundred years later the seventh floor, the bell chamber was built. Currently, engineers continue to work hard to strengthen and restore the structure. If that tower falls there would be no reason to go back there so they are doing everything they can.

The weather was great and we didn't have much time so we had to get in take some photos, buy some souvenirs, and take it all in. This was just the beginning of a big day.

The tower with the cathedral off to the right

My wife is buffed!

There we are

Me in front of the baptistry. Can you guess what the baptistry is for? Here is a clue, there is a bronze sculpture of St John the Baptist in the middle of the building. The baptistry is also leaning but isn't anywhere near as noticeable.

I guess Italy is big on the Simpsons because the souvenir I bought for myself was a shirt of Bart Simpson holding up the tower and farting.

Well, it seemed like a blur but before we knew it, we were back on the bus. This time we were headed to FIRENZE.

to be continued

NICE

2008-06-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

Mary Anne and I woke up early after our day at sea and were excited to get to shore. After experiencing the beautiful sights of France from the ship, we found it weird that the ship wasn't by the land. It was parked in the middle of the water and we took tender boats to shore.

Our tour was going to take us around to the scenic French Riviera with a stop at Cannes and St. Paul-de-Vence. Right when we drove off on our tour bus we hit the horrible traffic in the country. Our tour would be cut short due to the traffic. It was also raining off and on but not bad enough to be a problem.

the palm tree laced promenade

First we stopped at the famous Galimard Perfume in Eze Village where we found out how perfume was made. At first, I didn't really care for this stop but it was pretty fascinating. It takes a lot of work, and many hundreds of pounds of raw product to get those smells in those little bottles. In fact, there are even "noses" or perfumers, that are artists and technicians. Noses can recognize about 3000 smells and there are only like four dozen in the world. I am guessing they get paaaaid! They can't even drink or smoke or do anything to compromise their unique instrument.

Here is a Nose's lab. Those litte bottles contain the scents

We were then off to Cannes. We explored the city as the people prepared for the Film Festival that was beginning the next day. I know some of you might think, ah too bad they weren't there while the Film Festival was going on. I thought the same thing but was told there was no way we could even get into the city during the Festival.

Here is where the red carpet was going to be...

Unfortunately, we weren't able to explore too much because the traffic took up too much time. But during our lunch, the restaurant did serve us French Fries! They were pretty good too.

We were then off to St. Paul-de-Vence, an idyllic meieval hill village. The views were amazing...

No, this isn't the original

The view from inside the village looking out

For those EC alumni, here is "Lucky" a horse made of horseshoes. None of the horseshoes were taken from our football helmets.

The village had many unusual rafts and jewelry from the street vendors. The views from the hill were just as fabulous. Even the narrow streets were picturesque. The stone building appear timeless. Sadly, its hard to enjoy the medieval beauty because the streets were FULL of tourists. Still, I will never forget the experience of being in that fortified village where battles once raged and royalty once lived.

Pooped after a long day, Mary Anne and I passed on the nice dinner, instead going to the sushi buffet yet again! After a night time work out, we again had to sleep early because the next day we were FINALLY going to be in ITALY!

Italy has been a dream of ours. In fact, I think in our wedding website survey, Italy had the most votes to be our Honeymoon destination. So as this was our first real honeymoon, our dreams were about to come true!

Why they always got to rip on my appearance?

2008-06-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Purist

2008-06-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, one of my friends celebrated the one year anniversary of his store opening. I continue to wish him and his store much success. If you ever want to head down there its in San Jose. Check it out...

http://www.puristboutique.com/

Check out the pics to see D'son and Nelnel wearing tight shirts! Man, i really need to get back in shape.

I had to buy several shirts there so I could look cool when I went to Europe. And it may not have worked out cuz I look like a dork no matter what but they did make me feel better about myself. Thanks Kev!

Migraines

2008-06-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I really wanted to get into more of the trip but I have been suffering through severe Migraine headaches and other ailments. But don't worry I will be back soon to write about the next four ports we hit on the trip: Villefranche, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Naples. I probably won't go into as much detail as those four days were jammed pack and very tiring. We didn't do much on the ship as we were out walking and doing stuff pretty much 10 hours a day. It will mostly be a picture show with some descriptions.

I will let you know that sailing into Nice (Villefranche) was a beautiful experience. I woke up early to get a glimpse of the palm tree lined promenade. The colors were beautiful. This was our first port stop on the trip and I was getting chills due to the beautiful scenary.

The First Day

2008-06-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

After almost 20 hours of traveling we arrived in Barcelona on May 11th around 8 am. We left San Ramon for the SF airport at around 5 am on Saturday. We had to find out how to get to the ship, grab some Euros, and the worst part for me was I really needed to shave.

Upon arriving we noticed that Spanish is not that language of choice for most Barcelonians. They speak Catalan which is pretty different so my Spanish 3 knowledge was not that helpful. We ended hopping on a van that other people on our cruise were jumping on and it toured Barcelona.

The main attraction that we needed to see was La Sagrada Familia which is still under construction. It was first constructed by Antoni Gaudi who built numerous structures in Barcelona in the late 1800s. He worked on it for about 40 years and it is now being completed with local artists. I think It will be done in 25 years. So hopefully we can make it back. The temple portrays the life of Christ through amazingly detailed sculptures.

The front shows the birth of Christ, the side shows the life of Christ and the back is the resurrection. The resurrection is currently being worked on by contemporary artists

Gaudi also built an amazing apartment building La Pedrera. The roof of the the building has beautiful arches and chimneys.

We also found out that most of Barcelona is an industrial city. After first leaving the airport there were factories everywhere. We passed the Olympic Village which is in a scenic area by the beach. When we got to the ships terminal we planned on going back out to barcelona to grab some tapas, eat some palella, and maybe check out the picasso and gaudi museums. However, it took awhile to board the ship and when we finally did, I just wanted to sleep. I crashed when we got to our room and was knocked out until we had to practice a cruise emergency evacuation drill. We had a good dinner that night and I was out the rest of the night. Here is a pic from our Anniversary dinner. We sat at a table with four other couples who became like family during the trip. Everytime we would run into them, there was such a sense of comfort since we didn't know any of the other 2000 passengers. DANG, I still didn't have time to shave.

After sailing out of Barcelona, the first day on the ship was a day at sea. We pretty much used the day to hit the spa. Aw yeah it felt good too. Most of the day we slept in because we were still out of it from just traveling there. Dinner was a formal dinner and I finally shaved! And it felt better than the spa.

One last thing. We noticed there was a sushi bar! So right after our dinner we had to try the sushi. And it was worth it! That was the end of the first full day on the ship. We had to get to bed early because we wanted to see the sail into Nice, France. We had a full day planned so back to bed.

A Coach's Legacy

2008-06-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

A lot of who I am and what I have become was thanks in large part to El Camino High School. As of right now, my brother is still a teacher there. He wasn't there when I was still going to school but him leaving might cut the ties of one of the best times of my life. I want him to do what is best for him. I think professionally, he is fine no matter what he does, I just want him to be able to personally have the life that he deserves. I don't know which opportunity would allow him to do that but he does deserve it. PLUS, he needs to find someone and get married so I can get back at him!!!

That school did so much for me. Hiding behind a huge pair of Run DMC glasses, I was a shy, introverted student who concentrated on his studies. If I went to another school things would have been different. But at EC, I would meet the best friends in my life to this day, I would meet my future wife, I would accomplish many goals, and I would just grow to never give up. Those were great times. Another school would have cut me from the football team when I was a freshman. This school believed in me.

(I don't have a photo of Beck so this is what I was before Beck helped make me a man)

This year, the most influential teacher/coach in my life retired. Coach Beck after 38 or something like that many years retired. One thing that always made it easy to watch football games or visit the school since I have left is knowing that Beck would be there.

When I was a sophomore in high school, i started spring training for football. Months earlier Beck was in a near fatal car accident. During that spring training, I would get chills in my back because Beck was out there coaching from under the goal posts in a wheelchair. He was still hurting, he still had surgeries to go through, but it didn't matter, coaching the kids was a huge part of his life. He didn't want to let the kids down. He wanted us to know that he was there for us no matter what he was going through.

As the next two years went by he was like a father figure. His daughter was the same age as me and he would often update me on how she was doing. There were a lot of parallels that I appreciated. He knew what I was going through. He knew how much I wanted to be valedictorian and how much I wanted to help the team win the Bell. I couldn't fail because I never wanted to let him down.

As a junior, my football season was full of failures. I never lived up to my potential. I felt like I let him down. Maybe I just wasn't good enough. I worked my butt off before that season and I sucked. I played a lot because the coaches believed in me and I just didn't perform. I was on the verge of quitting because I honestly didn't think I was good enough. One coach would pick on me every day. It made it so hard to go to practice.

When Beck found out I was thinking about quitting to concentrate on being valedictorian and focus on leadership, he didn't want to believe it. But he talked to me, told me that I am not a quitter. He understood how hard it was for me, but he believed I could do it. And it was his belief that allowed me to keep going on with it. And I do not regret it. I wasn't valedictorian, but we did win the bell. And I would rather be there for that team than make a speech that everyone would criticize me about.

I will miss going to a football game and not seeing him. He made you feel important. Even if you never played, you were still important to him. After the Bell Game my junior year, we huddled around him and he gave his speech, reminding us how important we were to him. He was getting choked up. And he said words that many other coaches have said in the past "I would never trade any one of them for any one of you." From our worst scrub compared to their biggest superstar, really? It is easy to say but it was his tone, his heart, you knew that he was completely honest. He said things about us being his favorite team. Maybe it was because he had to overcome and he thought we helped him do that (he didn't need us). Maybe he knew we were underdogs and he felt how much we cared about him, how much we respected him, how much we loved him.

I have visited many times, but since I found out he retired I never had a chance to say bye. I never told him how much he meant to me, how much he helped me in my life. Deep down, I am sure he knows. Its been 13 years since i graduated but I will never forget the lessons he taught me in becoming a man.

Loving and forgiving

2008-06-05T09:16:00.001-07:00

Sometimes on BART I read my little Bible and today I was reminded...

"For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. "But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. (Matthew 6:14-15)

What in human nature makes it so hard to forgive? I believe that Jesus' greatest gift to us while he was on the earth was the gift of forgiveness. People still believe "an eye for an eye." That was the Old Testament, even God changed his stance. Forgiving is one of the toughest things to do in the world. I have held grudges for years. But really, what does that do for you? It doesn't allow you to grow.
Anger can consume me with hatred and that blocks out the love I can give and receive. It gives you a negative energy that others can feel. That anger can cloud your judgment and cause fights and even arguments with people that you are not even directing your anger toward.

I don't want to carry that dark cloud of negative energy along with me. And although it is easy to say I forgive, it is harder to live out. There are stages to forgiveness. I have to forgive unconditionally for me to fully feel God's love. It takes time but it is time I am willing to give. For anyone that thinks I am angry with them, that I am holding something against them for something done in the past, I just want to say that I am not angry. I want them to know that I forgive them. And I know I am not perfect so for anyone holding anything against me for being a jerk, for not being honest, for bruising him or her while dancing, I hope you can forgive me.

Congratulations

2008-06-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, R and V were married and I just want to congratulate them again. You could truly feel all the love that everyone felt for the happy couple. My wife and I had a great time at their wedding and we both wish the best for them. They are good people and even better as a couple.

The wedding was filled with great moments. I couldn't hear the bridesmaids speeches so i moved up for the groomsmen. All of the groomsmen speeches were done very well. BD spoke well and from his heart. V's bro was so emotional, you could really feel how much he loves his sister and I love to see close families. The big limbrowski killed with a stand up routine for the ages. R riped people in pink shirts and I immediately thought about Bonk. And M had another great speech for his old cousin and new cousin, even ripping the big limbroski in the process. However he didn't break the 30 minutes mark, ensuring my brother the title of longest wedding speech for another several months. If my brother ever gets married, im using up an hour, which will include a this is your life segment and a World Series of Pop Culture Contest.

I love R and V, but for me one of the biggest highlights was seeing KDiddy again. I haven't seen or heard from him in nearly 9 months. Just seeing him again, hearing him crack jokes, made my day. He is one of my best friends. I don't know the next time I will see him, but for that one night it was like old times. Our old "guys crew" was there almost in full force. That crew still means the world to me. And FINALLY, there is going to be a baby from that crew so Congrats to them as well. great weekend! I wish they all could be that fun and memorable

The 2nd Honeymoon

2008-05-31T08:08:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that I have not written in awhile. It's not like anybody reads this, so I am apologizing to the website. I have been a bit jet lagged since returning our Mediterranean cruise. It was a dream trip and our first real vacation in a long time. The past several years everytime we went on a trip it was all about planning our wedding. This time we were able to relax. We met great people on the trip and will hold the memories with us forever. We were able to see some of the most historic places in the world. Each day we were just amazed at being able to be where events occured that changed the course of mankind. I will try to get into more detail about certain ports but really just wanted to thank my wife for the trip.

The trip was for our first year wedding anniversary. She had been wanting to go to Europe for the past 7 years and I would always say its too expensive. My bad. It just got worse. So we finally went. And it blew my mind. It was also my first cruise. We figured going on a cruise, which we pay for in American dollars would be the cheapest way to travel Europe. I think we made a great choice. Anyway, during the entire trip we were so patient with each other. She always was really understanding with my motion sickness. There weren't any complaints. We just lived it up. And we ran into some problems on our trip home which were my fault and she still didn't get mad at me. Our phones didn't work, we didn't have internet access, and there was no newspaper delivered to us. It was just us. I don't know if it was the beauty of the Sistine Chapel, the scenary of Santorini, the romance of a gondola ride, or walking through the brothel in Pompeii :) but I fell even deeper in love with my wife. After 12 years of being in this relationship, we continue to learn about each other, teach one another, grow together, and continue to fall deeper in love. I was blessed to be able to go on this dream vacation but am even more blessed to have her in my life.

Stolen Identity

2008-05-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

Last night, Mary Anne came home with the mail in her hands. She opened up a letter from Sears and frustratingly asked if I had signed up for another credit card. I jumped up from the couch and said NO. I looked at the letter and someone had tried to open up a credit card in my name. This morning I called Sears and let them know that I did not apply for a card. Apparently, the person who applied for the card did so online and had my name, SS#, and address.

Now I have to check my credit reports to make sure no other cards have recently been issued because there is no one to talk to at the credit agencies unless you already have a report in hand. But the worst, is the sense of violation. It just sucks. There is so much hassle and so many annoying things that I have to handle because of this. I know this has happened to many other people but it doesn't make it any easier. I am pretty careful about releasing my information. Yeah sure, I can blurt out my feelings like I am an open book on this blog, but I won't give up my secure data. For all you bastard hackers, if you need my passwords they are FU.

From the Outside

2008-04-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you are drawn in by the love of other couples. You see their relationship and how that love, that bond positively effects others. You can feel their happiness and it spreads to everyone they touch. You hope that your relationship with your significant other effects people the same way.

But sometimes, you find out that something is wrong. That behind the scenes, that happiness isn't always there. You hear that they are talking about separating. You are stunned. You can't believe it. You believe in them. You only know them as ONE. How could one survive without the other? You need them both in your life.

I have been lucky to have the love of others rub off on my wife and myself. I have been surrounded by great people. At times, I may take that for granted. I just expect that love that has been so present to always be there. Right now, I just pray that they can once again find that happiness and regain that spark. But if they cannot, I will always love both of them.

Quick thoughts...

2008-04-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

> Giants are 9-8 in games that Barry Zito doesn't start. If Zito could just be a $126 million .500 pitcher than the Giants would be the feel good story of the bay area.

> Denver is 0-2 and they don't have a chance. I think they will get swept. They are playing so bad, I don't even think Kobe playing in Denver will help the Nuggest Defense. The Warriors could have at least put up a fight.

> Please re-sign Kelenna Azubuike

> I really wish the Niners still had the #7 pick. The NFL love parity but with bad teams having to mortgage their futures on the HUGE salaries of unproven rookies, its pretty tough. There are not sure things in the NFL and if Alex Smith doesn't come through, it will be costing the Niners for years. I didn't think that is what the NFL wanted.

> Oh, the NFL making an example of Niners for tampering with basically no proof was BS. I want that fifth round pick too. We need all the help we can get.

> FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS is coming back but on Direct TV. I don't have Direct TV. Whats up with that? I think it will also be on NBC like 4 months later so thank goodness.

> I haven't watched Sportcenter in forever. Will that show ever stop talking about the Yankees and Red Sox for at least half the show?

> That Celtics/Hawks series is a complete joke.

> Get on Brian Sabean all you want, that Molina signing was AWESOME! Hoffman is older, we owe him several more blown saves before he retires.

> MORE BOWKER

> Does anyone miss Dave Roberts?

> I love Rich Aurilia but they should have waived him instead of Rajai Davis. And now the A's have Rajai Davis and the Giants have a near 40 year old player who hasn't had an extra base hit or scored a run ALL YEAR!!! (57 at bats if your wondering)

> Can we PLEASE beat the 90 years old Greg Maddux a couple more times before he retires. Shoot, Will Clark kills him in a playoff series 20 years ago and he is still holding the grudge.

> Hockey on HDTV is TIGHT!

> GO SHARKS!!!

2008-04-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

TORCHED

2008-04-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my coworkers and I were going to use our lunch break to go to Justin Herman Plaza and see the Olympic Torch. I love the Olympics. I love the overinflated athlete profiles about how someone overcame wars and amazing odds just to be in the Olympics. I love how these games brings nations together. That torch symbolizes so many great things. That being said, I also support the Free Tibet protestors. I just do not believe that teh Olympics is more about the athletes than the countries.

Anyway, I was looking up the torch route and listening to the radio. I finally decided that the crowds are too big and that we just wouldn't be able to make it. So during my lunch hour, I just start walking around for some exercise, listening to my discman. On the radio, they just kept talking about how the torch disappeared into a pier and no one can find where it is for like half an hour. I decided to head back to my office when all of a sudden, I hear a couple helicopters. Then a bunch of vans, police cars and buses start rolling up Van Ness. The radio then starts saying that the Torch is on Van Ness! What? I walk faster and its right there. Cops and runners are surrounding a torch as it moves north up Van Ness. It was right there.

After all that, I ended up seeing it anyway. It felt great. I got chills up my back and it made my day. After reflecting, I began to feel bad for all those thousands of people that really were waiting to see the torch. But for one day, I was the lucky one. I can't wait for the Olympics. "Give me One Moment in Time, When I am more than i thought I could be..."

Opening Day

2008-04-08T23:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I took a day off of work to watch the Giants in their home opener against the Padres. Unfortunately, the Giants lost. I mean the team is just really bad. I seriously miss Pedro Feliz. Castillo made a horrible error. We just picked that guy up before the season started and he is not going to be part of the future, he doesn't remind me of the good old days, he is just useless. Man, I wish Fradsen didn't get hurt. But really, all that stuff really doesn't matter on opening day.

Opening day is just a day of hope. A day of reunions. A day to be happy. It doesn't matter how many games the Giants may lose, because on this one day, baseball is back. For six months, baseball is going to be there for you, almost every day. I am lucky to be a part of a family in the ballpark. And hanging out with all of the other season ticket holders by me again feels great. Buying each other beers, Giving each other hi-fives, makes it all worth it. Yeah we lost. But when the day ended, I felt like a winner, a drunk winner, but a winner none the less.

When the World Gets in my Face, I say...

2008-04-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

HAVE A NICE DAY!

About six or seven months ago, I hopped online because I had heard that there is going to be a Bon Jovi concert. Right when those tickets went on sale, I was there. Strangely, after only one minute, I got through, but there were only upper deck tickets left. I didn't care. I am going. When I was younger, singing BLAZE OF GLORY, YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME, and LIVING ON A PRAYER got me through some rough times. I don't know too many of the newer songs but I really feel bon jovi's music so I am ready to ROCK OUT!

This is actually the first rock concert I have ever been to. (I know a lot of people think Bon Jovi is soft and it doesn't help that Daughtry is opening but it is still rock) I actually think the last concert I went to was a New Edition concert. So I don't know what to wear, how to act, and, frankly, I don't care. I am pumped right now, cuz I do know, Im having fun tonight! So what should I say when i call in sick tomorrow? ;)

Better than Drumline part 2

2008-03-29T11:34:00.001-07:00

So I haven't shown my next better than drumline moment but here goes. You really don't have to ask why but when this pops up on the TV then so do I, oops, I mean I stop to watch it...

You've been Rick Rolled

2008-03-28T12:05:00.001-07:00

I just found out about this hilarious internet phenomenon known as Rick Rolling. Basically, someone enters a chatroom about any topic and then he/she enters a link saying this will further the discussion about the random topic and when they click on that link, this is what you get

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU

I don't know why I find this so funny, then after the person views it and is like what the heck the one that sent it says you've been rick rolled. More or less that is how it goes. Why is this the most outdated video of all time, with the greatest dance moves. Watch out Jabbawockeez

I hate Derek Fisher

2008-03-25T21:58:00.001-07:00

I would get into a long drawn out review of last night's game but all I am going to say is I hate Derek Fisher. I don't know if the Warriors would have won last night but for all the fans who invested their time watching this great game, we deserved to see what would have happened in the last 4 seconds. Two great nights of basketball ended with a crappy call by an official. That was unacceptable.

I really think Nellie needs to go with an 8 man rotation. I know Pietrus was hurt but you saw Jackson, Davis and Ellis with nothing left late in the 4th before their push to get into overtime. Just five minutes of rest for all of those guys will go a long way for their wheels during the clutch. Wright was doing the best against Odem. He should have received some more minutes. Maybe even give CJ Watson five minutes in the second quarter. The Warriors play too fast paced for their best players to be playing every minute. But we are in for another great stretch run. Strap up and Go Warriors.

Now its time to light our darkest hour

2008-03-25T21:40:00.000-07:00

The transformers ruled when I was a kid. But after the animated movie, the tv series was never the same. Without Optimus Prime, kids, like me, lost interest. But then, redemption. Optimus Prime returns to light our darkest hour. Way better than drumline. The return to glory...

2008-03-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you have been reading my brothers blog but he has this guilty obsession with the movie Drumline. Everytime it is on he has to watch it. Anyway, I tried to think of some great moments in TV or Movies that would top the ending scene of that Nick Cannon masterpiece and find out if Derek would rather watch the moment I picked or that Drumline moment. Anyway, you should check out his blog for several picks. Here is one of mine...

What is your vote?

2008-03-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

I saw this Bizarro cartoon yesterday and just started busting up on the BART. Comic strips don't usually get me to do that. And yes, Mary Anne has to do this all the time!

sad stat

2008-03-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

Mike Dunleavy Jr is almost making as much as Steve Nash. Can you believe that.

2007-08 NBA SALARIES TOP NBA PLAYER SALARIES
By InsideHoops.com [comments in brackets by me]
1) Kevin Garnett $22,000,000 [okay pretty he is worth it]
2) Shaquille O'Neal $20,000,000
3tie) Jermaine O'Neal $19,728,000 [is he still playing]
3tie) Jason Kidd $19,728,000
5) Kobe Bryant $19,490,625 [shouldn't he be #1, he still has payments on that $4M diamond ring]
6tie) Allen Iverson $19,195,312
6tie) Stephon Marbury $19,195,312 [WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!, you know how many starbury's you could buy with that money]
8) Tim Duncan $19,014,188 [can't argue about JL's favorite player]
9) Tracy McGrady $19,014,187 [lot of money for all those playoff wins]
10tie) Baron Davis $16,440,000 [UNDERPAID, he got us to the playoffs. oh monta ellis is making $700K if you are interested]
10tie) Shawn Marion $16,440,000 [i hope that is worth playing for miami]
12tie) Antawn Jamison $16,360,090 [is this still the warriors contract?]
12tie) Dirk Nowitzki $16,360,090 [he also gets paid another $5million to choke in the playoffs]
12tie) Paul Pierce $16,360,090 [is this his salary or how many times he got stabbed?, okay bad joke]
15) Ray Allen $16,000,000 [when does He Got Game 2 come out]
16) Ben Wallace $15,500,000 [He needs it, it costs him $5K to get his hair done every night]
17) Sam Cassell $15,344,000 [$10 more million and he can rebuild his UFO and go back to his home planet]
18) Rashard Lewis $14,884,951 [I wouldn't mind $14M to ride Superman's shoulders]
19) Michael Redd $14,520,000
20tie) Amare Stoudemire $13,762,775
20tie) Yao Ming $13,762,775 [too bad all of it goes to China]
22) Pau Gasol $13,735,000 [Kwame Brown, yeah that was fair]
23) Andrei Kirilenko $13,725,000 [he also gets paid hella residuals for all the times they air baron davis crapping on him]
24) Mike Bibby $13,500,000
25) Joe Johnson $13,488,378
26) Zach Randolph $13,333,333
27) Vince Carter $13,325,000 [see #3]
28) Rasheed Wallace $13,140,000
29tie) Carmelo Anthony $13,041,250 [play some defense and you might make more money]
29tie) Dwyane Wade $13,041,250 [plus he saves a lot now that he is in Barkley's 5]
29tie) LeBron James $13,041,250 [this is probably a tenth what he makes when you include endorsements]
29tie) Chris Bosh $13,041,250
33) Kenyon Martin $13,000,000 [see #3]
34) Richard Jefferson $12,200,000
35) Larry Hughes $12,000,084 [has he ever done anything memorable]
36) Wally Szczerbiak $12,000,000
37) Gilbert Arenas $11,950,400 [wish they put in the Arenas rule before the warriors lost him]
38) Raef LaFrentz $11,813,750
39) Peja Stojakovic $11,664,000
40) Carlos Boozer $11,593,816 [i hope this number was worth dissing Lebron and the Cavs]
41) Steve Nash $11,375,000 [WAY underpaid]
42) Jason Richardson $11,111,110 [wow, warriors are saving this much? better be able to resign biedrins and ellis]
43) Kirk Hinrich $11,000,000

NOTES:Chris Webber is owed $15,856,251 by the Philadelphia 76ers.

My guys room

2008-03-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

My wife has been kind enough to let me have free reign with one of the rooms in the house. And in the past couple months I have been working on it. I am trying to make a typical guys room. I have a 37" cheapie flat screen lcd tv, a mini fridge stocked with beer, 49er, Giants, and Warrior memorabilia throughout the room. Looking through my old stuff, I couldn't believe that I still have the black and white Ronnie Lott "Forty Niner" poster, the Ronnie Lott "designated hitter" poster, the Will Clark "willpower" poster, and the Jerry Rice "Just did poster." Shoot I even have Antawn Jamison, Kevin Mitchell, Grant Hill, Jackie Joyner Kersey posters. Man, It was amazing to relieve all the memories of when I first got those and hung them up.

My wife also got me a display case for my collectables on my birthday. I have all sorts of bobbleheads, starting lineup figures, autographs, programs scattered in it. I have had such a great time working on that room. It is now my own private sanctuary when Mary Anne is watching Real World, Celebrity Apprentice, or Millionaire Matchmaker. The room still needs a lot of work to be complete but I hope everyone can have a room that they go to just to be alone, reflect on the day, or do whatever (not watch porn). So whenever any of you come over, if you want to chill, you can hang out in my guys room, check steve young and jerry rice's autograph, have a beer, play some wii, and take a nap.

My favorite collectibles:

Willie Mays bobblehead (1999 season, thanks Derek)
Steve Young autograph mini helmet
Monta Ellis autograph 8 x10 before when he was a rookie
Will Clark autographed picture
Barry Sanders autographed football
49er legend Mcfarlane figures
Warrior team ball w/ Arenas, Jrich, and Antawn (yeah dunleavy too)

Oh and for my boys

Basketball championship team picture
Softball championship trophy

U never lose everything

2008-03-19T15:54:00.001-07:00

byEverett Farthing

I Turn to You

Why do I feel so sick inside?
What's going on inside this mind?
At one point I had everything,
In the palm of my hands.

And in one instant,
It was gone in a blink of an eye.

I turn to you when I cry,
I turn to you when I feel hollow inside,
I turn to you because I know you're there.

You comfort me and tell me what I want to hear,
You wrap your arms around me as if you were here.

I put alot of pity on myself,
I put alot of blame on myself,
I put alot of shame on myself,
But you're always there.

I'll turn to you when I cry,
I'll turn to you before I die,
I'll turn to you cause your there.

Never want to hurt you,
Never want to lose you,
Never want to see you sad,
Never want to break you,
Never want to hate you,
Never want to lose a friend.

I promise I'll always be there,
I promise this I swear,
I'll always protect you,
Through good times and bad,
I promise this I swear

What a game!

2008-02-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday night, together with some of my good friends, I went out to drink and watch the Warriors play the Jazz. When I first got there, I had a beer waiting for me. Unfortunately, I couldn't drink it. Beer was one of the things that I gave up for 40 days. I was ribbed and called names but it was all good. I wanted that beer so bad! Oh man, I am actually thinking about it right now.

I had a great time hanging out with these guys but it sucked to watch the Warriors get plastered again by the Utah Jazz. I hate the Jazz! Their Coach just seems like the biggest jerk in the world. Their best player duped the Cavs to let him out of his contract so he could sign with Utah. Historically, their two best players, Stockton and Malone, were also known as two of the dirtiest players in the game. And we sat their just hoping for a miracle. But it wasn't to be.

Worse yet, we had to play the best team in the NBA the next night. The Utah loss pushed us out of the last playoff spot. The Boston game was so important. I rushed home to watch the game. Alone, I watched, rooted and texted my good friend who was at the game. In the beginning, the Celts rushed out to a 9-0 lead as newcomer, Chris Webber, couldn't keep up.

But then, there was a rush of highlight layups one after the other. The Warriors had to work so hard for every point and all fans wondered if they could win a game where every point was a struggle. My favorite Warrior, Monta Ellis, couldn't miss in the beginner but then he was double teamed and I witnessed more of his development. All of a sudden, he became a passer and he teamed up with Biedrins over and over again. It was the future flashing before our eyes.

The Warriors just kept hanging in there with the sellout crowd keeping them in the game. B-Diddy looked tired. I was nervous. But even Pietrus stepped up with big dunks. Man, it felt so good to be a sports fan again. In the past several years, bay area sports has taken a beating. It hasn't been fun. It was just me with my two dogs and my cat. They were all amazingly well behaved. They are usually running around like crazy but they could feel how tense I was. They just sat there, without bothering me.

In the last three minutes, Mary Anne called me. I wanted to get off the phone so bad, but she had a bad day at work and needed to talk. The reception was horrible and I was really trying to listen to what she was saying. I tried to empathize with her while the game was going. Then the Warriors started playing lights out and was holding a nice 4 pt lead. I didn't want to get off the phone cuz the Warriors were playing better. But the reception was crapping out and we finally let each other go. Literally, on the edge of my seat, I watched as Barnes was trying to blow the game and Pierce was hitting clutch shots. These close games cannot be good for my heart. But in the final six seconds, with the game tied and with the ball in Baron's hands I was just intently watching. When Davis hit that 20 foot fadeway with .3 left, I just went crazy. I yelled at the top of my lungs, jumped up and down, did a couple 360's, and it went on for a good minute. Joey, our big golden retriever, just looked up and stared at me. Even when I had stopped, he was still staring. Kona, our little fluff ball, just ran behind the coach and hid.

I just haven't felt that emotional about a sporting event in a long time. Probably since the Giants World Series run. Watching sports used to allow me to get away. To enjoy sticking by my hometown team but with all the struggles of the Niners and Giants it has slipped. I loved last years playoff run by Golden State but for some reason, yesterday was better. It brought me back to those days when you would watch the Niners and you knew no matter what, they were going to win.

Mary Anne got home about five minutes after the game, and I was just rewinding the last play over and over again. I rewinded the game so she could see the last minute and she could still feel the excitement of the crowd. After a dozen times, I didn't even watch Baron Davis anymore. I just watched the crowd. Everyone was standing, some with their hands clenched together, looking as if they were praying. And when that shot hits the bottom of the net, to see the crowds joy, just felt so good. It reminded me what I love about sports. It reminded me of the emotions. It reminded me that a team can bring all sorts of people together.

If you aren't on board with the Warriors, hop on the bandwagon people. I know a lot of people don't like my sports entries, but the Warriors are worth it. They will always provide some kind of excitement. No matter what happens this season, there is no way, this team could let its fans down.

2008-02-14T13:25:00.000-08:00

Years ago, you meet a person
He becomes your friend

You share some good times
You go through bad times

You stand by him; defend him
He belittles you; shoots you down

You root for him
He hopes you fail

You ignore his faults
He magnifies yours

Twenty years later,
you realize that this "friend"
Has really always really been
your greatest enemy.

How can you be so stupid
duped for decades.

Do not question your compassion
You are no fool

***

"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."

Luke 6:27-38

C-Webb REALLY?!

2008-01-30T13:53:00.000-08:00

So the warriors signed Chris Webber. Yes, the man that you can pinpoint as the root to 13 years of pain and suffering by warrior fans. Of course, many warrior fans don't even remember the Webber fiasco. But he asked out of an area where the fans loved him because of a disagreement with Don Nelson. Uhhh, yeah the same Don Nelson that is the current coach of your Golden State Warriors.

Okay, people tell me to let it go, it was thirteen years ago. But just LAST YEAR, I heard Webber complaining about not playing enough in Detroit when he was averaging about 25-30 minutes a game. Webber can certainly help get players more rest. But the players that need the most rest is B-Diddy and Stephen Jackson. Webber will take minutes from Biedrins and Harrington. Plus, what if he does decide he doesn't like it here, will Mullin just get rid of him. What if he just doesn't work out? Can he maintain the run and gun pace of oour Warriors? His knees are about 50 years old. We need a rebounder. Will he do the grunt work in the paint? He is an elbow jumper kind of a guy.

People love the move cuz Webber is a BIG NAME. Don't forget he also disappears in clutch time. And it seems like every Warrior game has clutch time. As for now, he is signed so I will hope he can play 15-20 minutes, get us 7 rebounds and 8-10pts and not be a distraction. I don't know if this move can significantly improve the team. As of right now, the Warriors are a playoff team. I just hope Webber keeps it that way.

Dine About Town

2008-01-18T11:46:00.000-08:00

Its that time of the year again when normal people can go to those nice, up-scale SF restaurants for a lower priced fixed menu. Along with our good friends and neighbors, J and P, we decided we have to go to a restaurant together. J was given the task of picking the restaurant and she chose CORTEZ RESTAURANT AND BAR located at the Hotel Adagio right by Union Square. Their Dine About Town menu was the following...

Amuse

Soup shot

Starter Choice of:

Various chicories with house-cured sweet pancetta, semi dried spring fruits,fresh soy bean puree

Roasted heirloom beets & their greens, blue cheese mousse, candied pecans, chermoula & argan oil

Entrée choice of:

Whole wheat farro with grilled baby leeks, slow poached Jidori egg & honey roasted garlic

Roasted monkfish with its liver, caramelized cabbage, green mustard & tamarind

White wine braised beef short ribs with grilled cauliflower, spinach, polenta & coriander oil

Dessert Choice of:

Chocolate genoise terrine, blood orange mousse, olio nuovo ice cream

Goat cheesecake with Asian pears, 5 spice caramel

Discussions went on about how many times any of us have ever had an amuse bouche to start our meal. I can't exactly remember what was in ours (I know there was a red pepper) but it was great way to start the meal. The soup shot was also top notch. It was some sort of cabbage thing. Sorry, I am not a critic. I just want to say the dinner was absolutely fabulous. There was so much taste in every bite. The goat cheesecake was amazing.

But I am writing to tell you about how good monkfish is. If you have never seen monkfish, now you have at the top of this entry. What was amazing was how something so ugly could taste so good. The white meat of the fish was thick and juicy. However, the onlly problem was there was a VERY bitter crust around the fish. The tamarind sauce took away much of that taste but not all of it. But all I could think about right now is how I want to try more monkfish. They say its the poor man's lobster. I just know its damn good and I want to try without that crappy bitter crust. Maybe my palet is not yet sophisticated enough to enjoy the bitter taste and the more bitter after taste but I know when I ate the fish without the crust it was great. Even better was the monkfish live. Apparently, some countries see monkfish liver as a delicacy. Well, now so do I. It was made perfectly and completely took away that bitter after taste. So next time you go to a restaurant that you can't afford, try the monkfish (w/o crappy crust) and let me know how it goes!

Bad Commute Part 2

2008-01-18T11:45:00.001-08:00

After the hellacious morning commute of several Friday’s ago, there was no way in the world that the ride home would be as bad. In fact, I was excited to get back because one of my good friends was celebrating his birthday that night. Mary Anne was working in Castro Valley that day and was going to pick me up when I arrived at the BART station. The weather was so bad that my boss allowed us to go home early. One of my coworkers graciously offered me a ride to the BART, which I quickly and thankfully accepted.

I got on the BART train around 4 o’clock. I was going to get home quickly…

or so I thought.

My cell phone has been having problems. I can charge it all night but when I pick it up in the morning it only has one bar of battery left. Other days it will charge just fine and last several days. However, on this Friday morning it was one of the bad days. Yeah, I know, I should get a new phone but I actually like this phone with the exception of the bad phone to charger connection. I had only one bar but that was all I would need anyway.

Mary Anne was busy at work but still usually gets off at most thirty minutes late. I was calling her multiple times with her phone sending me straight to voice mail. She was supposed to get off at 430 so I thought I could meet her at the Castro Valley station then we could head off straight to our friends birthday dinner.

I waited at the BART station with a FREMONT train sitting there for about 10 minutes. There was no word about why the train sat motionless. After it finally headed off, everyone was relieved. About eight more minutes passed and my DUBLIN/PLEASANTON train finally had arrived. Going home, I can usually get a seat because I get on before BART passes the heart of the financial district. That night was no different. The only problem was the train was already packed after that stop. And as we passed Powell, Montgomery and Embarcadero excess space was non-existent. The horrible storm caused the BART operators to jack up the heat in the train.

So the ride was stuffy but bearable. What wasn’t was being stuck at the Embarcadero station for about 20-30 minutes because the train ahead of us broke down. I just wanted to get out of that train. I think I am borderline claustrophobic. I was sweating, getting anxious. I felt trapped. I was sitting in a window seat with a stranger sitting next to me unable to stretch, knowing that I was still at least half an hour from getting out. After what seemed like an eternity, we finally crawled forward through the underwater tube.

The speakers boomed out, “because of the weather expect 10-15 minute delays.” I think “10-15 minute delays” and a default saying with mass transportation when it is late at all. Because by this time, I would be at least 30 minutes late. When we emerged from the underground and underwater tunnels, the wind looked to be blowing but the rain was no longer as heavy. But I could see cars zooming past us on the freeway. I felt like a snail trudging along, as we would continuously stop throughout the entirety of the trip.

Again I tried to call Mary Anne but still only voicemail. I was getting closer to Castro Valley. I left a message for her to just pick me up at the Dublin station. The beeping of my phone signaling a dying battery was putting me into a panic. Finally, I just told her to pick up at the Dublin Station. Looking through the window after passing the Castro Valley station, I could see the rain falling harder. I decided I couldn’t wait for Mary Anne outside the Dublin Station because I had no idea where she was or how long she would. Having to make a decision, I called my friend whose was having the birthday celebration. He kindly agreed to pick me up and to leave Mary Anne a message letting her know that he would get me.

At 6:20 pm, I finally got off the BART train. The waiting area is located in the middle of the freeway and once I stepped off the train, rain was hitting everyone from the side because of the strong winds. When I left the station and went to the area where passengers are picked up by friends, family, and taxis the rain now was relentless. My umbrella was covering me but my pants were drenched AGAIN in mere seconds. Due to the long BART delays, cars were lined up onto the main street to pick up people. That is a pretty long stretch. So as I got out I walked that entire line of cars getting wetter and wetter while looking for my friend. The line of cars seemed endless but it wasn’t. When I got to the end, I still didn’t see my friend. So I walked it again and again. I had a dead phone, I was soaked, I had to put my umbrella down because the wind was too strong and I just stood there. After waiting for about 10 minute my friend pulls up and I cannot wait to get into that car. Shocked, my friend looked at me and knew what I had went through. He actually went into another area to pick me up because the line of cars was so long. He tried to get a hold of me but my phone was dead. When he realized I wasn’t going to find him he has to make a huge circle to get back in the BART station. While he waited, he said those couple minutes when he first saw passengers coming out “was the hardest he has ever seen it rain.” He knew I was standing out there but he could not do anything. He would have left the car to look for me but he had his 6 mo. old baby in the car. There was nothing he could do. He felt my dockers and regrettable laughed at how soaked they were. At that point I thought we were going to go straight to the restaurant to celebrate his birthday but, thankfully, he brought me home.

Mary Anne got home soon after. When she walked in she just saw a trail of soaked clothes all around the house. I wanted to take a nice, long, hot shower but I had to jet off to the party. I just dried off with a towel, put on some thermals and windbreakers that wouldn’t allow water to soak through me again. I was off to dinner. Dinner was great but the whole night my bones felt cold. In fact, ever since that day, it feels like I have been fighting off some sickness and I get hot and cold spells at random times.

The bottomline is commuting sucks!

Sorry, I have stories since then as that was two weeks ago, but because of the response from the last post I decided to tell everyone about part 2.

Coming up: stories from my birthday and monkfish

Commute from Hell

2008-01-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

I am sure many of you have had bad commutes in your life and if you were going to work today it was right up there. I have had many horrid stories but this morning was pretty good.

Mary Anne worked at the Castro Valley Walgreens this morning so I hitched a ride with her to the BART station. Of course, there are BART delays and the Castro Valley station is one of those stations in the middle of the freeway. I stood up there freezing for a good 20 minutes. The good thing was, at least I got a seat!

The BART ride was fine. It was stuffy in there but we were crawling. All the trains were traveling at much reduced speeds. I even heard an announcement at the BART station "Don't expect any train to be on time."

Unfortunately, after BART i still have a 20 min. walk to get to work. I was going to take the Muni but didn't have enough change. When I out at the Civic Center station the rain is pretty bad but the wind is worse. I have one of those super big, super strong umbrella's that has never turned inside out. Well, today, not only did it turn inside out, all the prongs bent and I couldn't close it. My pants were soaked in like 2 minutes. I had to walk carefully because I was slipping everywhere. I didn't want to walk back with the messed up umbrella so I went into an office building and took about 10 minutes trying to fix it.

I was so tired from walking against the wind, I stopped and ate breakfast at Burger King. At BK, the cashier was slow to take my order and not customer friendly. When I stepped to the counter, he asked me what I would like, then I said some stuff, and he just turned around and started doing other stuff. He finally said hold on without making eye contact. It took like 10-15 minutes for a ham sandwich and hash brown. And my ham sandwich just came in whopper bread! Where is my croissant? I asked them and they said they were out. I was tired and just wanted to leave. I ran the last couple blocks, avoiding rivers in the street. Still, i stepped in the white water rapids on van ness and my socks were all wet. I just used a new pair of Gold Toes today too!

I was finally at the office. I opened the back door with my office key. I walked in then...BOOM!

I fell right on my butt, elbow and wrist. My right wrist is all jacked as I write.

I struggle to get up as two coworkers look at me with concern. When I finally get to my cube, my pants are drenched. I look in my file cabinet and see some gym shorts and socks. I change into them and become an object of ridicule with my gym socks, basketball shorts, and dress shirt. It was actually pretty hilarious. I have finally put my pants back on as I used a coworkers heater to dry it up. My shoes are getting dried right now. It was a pretty hilarious site. I should have taken a picture. sorry guys.

Christmas gifts

2008-01-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

I have received a lot off pleasure out of giving people Christmas gifts. Usually a lot more than receiving gifts but this year my wife got me a Wii!!!

Oh Man! I have tried not to start playing video games and haven't really had a game system for almost a decade. But playing the Wii has been so much fun! I don't play very much but when I do it is hard to stop. My wife also got me Madden '08. Now that is dangerous. I haven't played that one yet because I used to be addicted to past Madden games. I don't want to get like that again.

I already bought a game, Rayman 2, because of great after Christmas sales at Target. Even if you don't play many video games I would still highly recommend the Wii.

Quick thought...Damnit, the Patriots went undefeated for an entire season. Its okay though, when they lose in the playoffs it will make it sweeter. I hope they have to go against the Jaguars, they are a tough nosed team that might be able to run the ball and control the clock against them. I don't care who wins the superbowl, as long as its not the Cowboys or Pats. Tom Brady is no Joe Montana!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007-12-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

2007 has been an amazing year. A lot of things have happened that I will never forget. Of course, there have been some tough problems but here are my top 10 moments of 2007.

10. I went to the probowl in hawaii and saw Frank Gore score a TD

9. Caught a ball in the All Star Home Run Derby

8. Went to spring training for the Giants for the first time ever

7. Celebrated turning 30 with friends in reno

6. Threw the first pitch at a Giants game

5. Went to the MLB All Star Game

4. Saw Barry Bonds hit 756

3. Got confirmed in the Catholic Church finally

2. Was the best man at one of my closest friend's weddings

1. Married Mary Anne in Hawaii with 100 Friends and Family

ACTUALLY #1 SHOULD BE THE HONEYMOON W/O FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!

GLORY

2007-12-14T12:58:00.001-08:00

Everyone dreams of catching the winning touchdown pass in the SuperBowl or hitting the walk off home run in Game 7 of the World Series. People want that glory. People want the adulation, the recognition, and the love. Shoot, when I was younger I always dreamt I was Hulk Hogan, “the good,” defeating some punk, “the evil.” I wanted to be all-powerful like a superhero and stop all the evildoers.

Recently, I read an article in Catholic San Francisco that said…

“…real glory doesn’t consist in out muscling the bad, or anyone else. When Jesus was being crucified, he was offered precisely the challenge to prove he was special by doing some spectacular gesture that would leave all of his detractors stunned and helpless: ‘If you are the Son of God, prove it, come down off the cross! Save yourself!’
But, with a subtlety easy to miss, the gospels teach a very different lesson. On the cross, Jesus proves he is powerful beyond measure, not by doing some spectacular physical act that leaves everyone helpless to protest, but in a spectacular act of the heart wherein he forgives those who are mocking and killing him. Divine kingship is manifest in forgiveness, not in muscle.”

Good looks, athletic ability, brains can get you a long way. But it won’t get you true glory.

Obviously, I am not a perfect person, but I am constantly reminded of the importance of forgiveness. When someone hurts me, I often let the pain and the bitterness exude from me. That is not healthy. I know I should forgive. Others may not even recognize it. Some might see it as a sign of weakness. But it doesn’t matter what they think.
There is a lot of anger in me that I just have to get over. I have to forgive the refs that called Pierce Holt for holding Emmitt Smith on that 4th down in the 92 Championship game and I also have to forgive friends and family when they make mistakes. Even if they don’t ask for it. Life is too short to hold on to the bitterness. It is easy to do. Being angry can help you not get into the same situation again. But that anger changes you. However, if you can forgive, that also changes you. Forgiveness makes you stand out. Forgiveness is where you truly find glory.

WARRIORS and tonights LOCK

2007-11-29T15:27:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to give big props to Nellie for letting Monta Ellis be a scorer instead of a passer. That is what he does. Also, Jackson is the team's heart and I cannot believe the difference he has made. That win against the Suns was amazing followed by the Kings squeaker. Thank goodness we 49er/Giant/Warrior fans have something to root for.

And Im taking Green Bay +7. Thats too many points. This game should be intense and closely competed. Im thinking Dallas might win by 4 but the Pack defense will hold up. The only thing that could change things is Woodson's injury allows Romo and TO to have a field day. I think Witten will have a big day but so will Favre and his receivers. I'm excited for this one even though I have to go to my brother in law's house to watch. Stupid NFL network!

Its been too long

2007-11-21T20:33:00.001-08:00

I am sorry I haven't kept up with posting lately. It has been a little crazy. There have been a lot of things that have been tough to get through but right now its time to remember what I am thankful for and not worry about the bad things.

I am truly lucky. I have great family and great friends. I have a stable job. I am decently healthy. I have the cutest cat(Robbie), the cutest dog(Kona) and my best friend(Joey) all living underneath the same roof. I am thankful my parents are back from the Philippines and that my mom taught me to cook arroz caldo for myself because I have been sick. I am also thankful that the day I called in sick, Oprah's favorite things was on and I got some good gift ideas! BUT just to make sure everyone knows, I DO NOT WATCH OPRAH REGULARLY. I just like the Favorite things episode.

I have a great group of guy friends and the last time we were all together was several years ago. Its too hard to get everyone together but I just received an email trying to get everyone together. Unfortunately, I do not believe I can make it since it is during the Holiday weekend. Many of the guys I have known since high school, that is over half my life. But that group of guys gave me so many memories, helped me through so many tough times, and have always been there when you needed them. I miss always hanging out, our annual vegas trips, our nights of geeking out, but I am thankful they are all still in my life. And I hope that one day, we will all be together again to be even more thankful.

However, there is one guy I miss even more than the others. One of those friends is such a huge part of my life but whenever I call, I never get a call back. My wife loves him like family. My family loves him like family. All the guys call him "ninja" cuz we never see him. In the past I would be upset about not receiving call backs but now I just hope he is okay. I know there must be stuff going on that he has not let anyone know. Sometimes I wonder why he cannot tell me? Why he doesn't feel he can open up to me? We have been to hell and back thirteen times. But I knnow he knows I will always be there for him. I guess absence makes the heart grow thankful...or something like that.

About a week ago, I was asked how is married life. And I said that even though I have known my wife for so long its been great because we are still growing closer. We have known each other 16 years, dated for 11, have been married for 6 months but you know that time when you first get together with a girl and its lovey dovey. That is how is has been for us lately. I know it sounds mushy but I am so thankful to have her. I am thankful that our love continues to grow.

I'm also thankful that there is someone out there still reading these blogs. Someone actually cares enough to keep on checking if I updated. Happy Thanksgiving!

Patience Wears Thin

2007-11-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

I have been patient with the development of Alex Smith but after this past Sunday's game it was hard to keep upbeat about his future. But now I ask you is it Alex Smith's fault. He could have definitely won the game if he hit one of two wide open receivers that would have resulted in touchdowns. He has regressed this season.

Here are some reasons it may not be Smith's fault...
>He has had four different offenses to run the past four years including college
>Norv Turner left in March. No coordinators leave that late in the game.
>He has worked hard to get better but maybe the teaching isn't there.
>Joe Montana and Steve Young began their 49er careers by playing in spots where they could succeed.
>The offensive line injuries. We lost two starting linemen in one week and Smith has been sacked many times
>His shoulder injury is still effecting his throwing ability.
>The play calling has been horrid, with all lack of pass blocking can we throw in a screen.
>The receivers suck. The Niners lead the league in drops. Jackson was not an upgrade over Antonio Bryant. I actually miss Antonio Bryant. With our 30th pick in the first round next year can we get DeSean Jackson.

Reasons why it is his fault...
>He doesn't look off his receivers
>He doesn't hit open receivers
>He doesn't run when he should
>He wastes too many time outs
>He looks scared in the pocket
>There have been a whole list of backup QBs that have led their team to 300 yard passing games or 3TD passes in a game. Smith has never done either. When you are starting Cleo Lemon and Damon Huard over the guy there is a problem.
>When defenses have 8 in the box and sometimes 9 then complete a pass, call an audible, do something.
>He fumbles too much.

The one thing I do know is the 49ers have to turn it around but they haven't shown me any signs that they can. I think Mike Nolan is just a salesman. He makes you feel good about the team but blows a lot of hot air. He was giving full reign of this team and he has never proven he can judge personnel. He was giving Bill Walsh duties and he is no Bill Walsh. If you read the Santa Clara Press Democrat there is a good article on how Nolan (13-27) has had a horrendous three year run. http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20071106/SPORTS/711060325

I cannot tell if it is Alex Smith's fault. I do know that he is going to have at least another year to prove himself. He seems like a good, hard working guy. I am rooting for him to improve. However, if he has another year like this then I will be the first one calling KNBR to get rid of him. And please Alex, just throw a 300 yard game before the season ends. PLEASE! s

Food for Thought

2007-11-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Antawn Jamison scored 27 pts and had 16 Rebounds
Mike Dunleavy scored 25 pts and had 12 Rebounds
Gilbert Arenas scored 34 pts and had 8 Rebounds

Those three former warriors scored 86 pts and had 36 Rebounds last night,
The Warriors entire team scored 96 pts and had 37 Rebounds vs. the Jazz.

A Great Time Out

2007-10-31T13:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the Golden State Warriors began their season by getting blown out by the Utah Jazz. I went to Knuckles to watch the game with good friends. If you haven't tried the 34 oz. beer mug at Knuckles, please put that on your list. While watching the game, it was tough to watch the W's get seriously outworked on the boards. But that is to be expected all season. The defense just looked horrible. You cannot allow all those weakside cutters getting easy layups. And it happened time and time again. Pietrus shouldn't be guarding Carlos Boozer. Don Nelson's team is built to run and run and run. There will be games when the Warriors shoot 40% like last night and some nights where they are at 55%.

As we watched the game, Claire and I could not stop thinking about how much we miss Jason Richardson. OK, I know a lot of people like the trade, but lets be honest, the trade is not going to help us out right now. There is a trade excemption of $10 million that could help us but I think last time we had a trade exemption we didn't even use it. The point is, the Warriors are not better right now with Brandon Wright not even being active and the heart and soul, J Rich, playing for another team. Wright is a stick and does have tremendous potential but he is at least two to three years away. AT LEAST. We have Baron Davis for one more year and resigning him to a long term deal is dangerous because of the injury risk. So if we don't resign him, we have no idea who will take his place. There were many times during the game when I just didn't know how we could score, especially when Davis sat out. Richardson was a huge part of last season's run and he is gone. Nobody on the team could match the leadership and the heart that he brought.

Last nights loss was just one night. I am sure Troy Hudson will be better, Biedrins will be more of a presence down low, a lot of those shots that where in and out will fall and the warriors will remind us of the WE BELIEVE Warriors of last year. I was real excited with Belinelli's back to back three pointers. That guy looks like Rocky. That is going to turn out to be a great pickup.

Without Stephen Jackson during this rough opening season stretch, I would be happy with a 3-4 record. In fact, I hope GSW can hover just under .500 until 2008. The schedule softens after the all star break and the W's can make another run. But right now, I just hope we can just tread water. After yesterday's game, we need Jackson back badly right now. So for the first couple months of the season, I am going to make like a Stephen Jackson tattoo and keep my hands praying.

For Entertainment Purposes Only

2007-10-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO (-5) vs Detroit - This is tough because the bears look like a yo-yo team like the 06 Panthers. They just won last week which would lead me to believe that they would blow this one but Griese has thrown 300 yds in the past 3 games and that shouldn't change against the defensively challenged Lions.

NY GIANTS (-9.5) vs Miami - This one is in London. Who knows how the travel might effect them. It shouldn't matter unless there were snakes on the Giants plane. The Giants are on a roll and the Dolphins lost their best player. Giants should take them in double digits.

Buffalo (+3) at the Jets - Who really cares about 2nd place in the AFC east? Their fans, gamblers, who knows. What I do know is that the Bills should have beat Dallas and would be a roll and the Jets haven't really shown up all season. That being said this is the NFL. If the Bills really want to compete they have to be a Jets team with an upcoming QB controversy.

Only One Judge

2007-10-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

I often ask the Lord for guidance and he often answers. There was a situation I had with friends judging me for being all about winning, for allowing winning to take precedent over having fun and hanging out with them, for making too many excuses. My very character was attacked and it hurt. As I was overcome by anger, I knew that I should forego revenge in favor for forgiveness. Then today, this reading was sent to me...

2 Tm 4:8, 16-18
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.

At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

I apologize to any of you who may not believe in God but my belief in God has played a big part in defining who I am. His words answered my prayers. His words let me know that everything will be okay.

All Around Me

2007-10-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

All around me the Earth revolves with so much that I would never pay attention to until there is a reason to pay attention---

The wind will blow
The birds will crow
and I don't even notice

The sun shines bright
And two lil kids fight
I just walk on by

A baby cries
A majestic moonrise
I don't turn me head

The lion roars
the Eagles soars
I just look down

A pedal falls from a daisy
The sky turns hazy
I decide to take a nap

The dog barks
a light bulb sparks
My ears perk up

A wife comes home
A man no longer alone
I anxiously run to the door

She flips on the light
Its the most welcome sight
I embrace her in my arms

We get ready to walk
holding her hand we talk
I take it all in

THEN she flashes that beautiful smile
She has so much grace, so much style
Not a detail goes unrecognized

The night is warm
no chance of a storm
I thank God for this night

A shooting star jets by
The crickets say hi
I'm awed by the world's intricacies

My eyes were long closed
But then my heart was exposed
And love changed my life

And now my eyes can see
The details of nature's beauty
All because she came home

Opening the Floodgates

2007-10-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

This past weekend on my softball team, we were playing for a shot at the playoffs. A loss would almost absolutely kill our chances of making it in. I started out on the bench because of an injury to my shoulder. My brother was pitching great and we had a lead going into the fifth inning. In the past, I would come in after my brother and shut it down.

Smoke on the Water was playing in my head and I was ready. In my first inning, I gave up 6 runs and promptly blew the lead. We still were only down 2 runs. The next inning I gave up none. Then in the 7th inning, the worst nightmare of my softball pitching career. Down only a couple of runs, we needed a quick inning. Instead, it was the inning that would never end. Our opponents lined balls all over the field, then the blooped balls all over the field, then they blasted balls all over the field. I tried everything. I tried going high, deep, short, I threw the knuckler, I flicked the ball fast, flicked it slow. NOTHING WORKED. After they scored about 20 runs, I was in shock.

I have never experienced anything like that. Not to that extent. Where it was just me that was getting pounded. It was no one's fault but my own. The team was not really making errors. I was just getting hit. And my stuff was not bad. It just made me think that I am not good enough anymore.

I have had some bad injuries playing sports. And I am just a rec league player. My body is beaten up and after Sunday night, I just didn't know if I should play anymore. I never had been in such a funk. I still wonder if it is just time for me to stop playing. Well, there is one more week and then I could take a long break to think about it. I want to be able to play with my kids without hurting. That is important to me. But I thrive on that competition and playing with my friends. I love sports, but maybe its time to just love sports as a spectator.

Friday Night Lights

2007-10-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, it is known that I am a football fan so it would figure I would like a TV show like Friday Night Lights. Heck, I read the book over 10 years ago when I was still playing football and I loved it. So when Friday Night Lights came out on DVD I had to watch it. I wanted to watch it last season but only caught a few episodes as Mary Anne was still into Dancing with the Stars. But thankfully, she watched Season One on DVD with me and is now addicted to the series as I am. We churned out all, I think 5 discs, in one week!

But the show is not just about football. The show takes place in Dillon, a small town in Texas, where Football is life. Everything centers around football but the focus is on the intriguing characters that live in Dillon. There is Jason Street who was the #1 rated QB in Texas and in the first episode gets paralyzed. He tries to find a way to survive without the use of his legs. Matt Sarusen is the backup QB who takes care of his grandmother by himself and is the ultimate good guy. He falls for the coaches daughter and they start dating much to the displeasure of her parents. Coach Taylor and his wife are fine actors. Coach has to deal with all of the crazy situations that his players put in front of him, a town that wants him fired, boosters that try to make decisions for him, a daughter that is dating one of his players, and people suing him. Mrs. Coach, as Matt calls her, is a school counselor and sees the other side of a lot of coaches players and the player's friends. She is also put into the limelight as a town leader as she is the coach's wife and she has to deal with so much from the mayor, the lack of time that her husband has for her as coach's wife. I would tell you more but I want you to check it out and I don't want to ruin it for you.

The acting in the show is superb as is the writing. The story is compelling. Having to wait for it from week to week instead of having the whole season in front of me is killing me. But I will wait and I will watch because it is one of the greatest shows on television. Sadly, the rating for the show are hurting. It almost was canceled after just one season. But that doesn't mean its a bad show. Just ask Arrested Development and Studio 60 fans, not to mention Herman's Head. So if you have DVR or Tivo Set it on NBC at 9 pm on Friday Night's to record FNL. Its kind of ironic that FNL would be on Friday Nights when the bulk of their target audience would be out watching football but like I said this show is not just about football. It is about relationships, the struggles of life, and overcoming those struggles.

ITS LOCKtober!!!

2007-10-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

Cincinnati has to be KC on the road and they will. KC can't stop Cincy but hey Cincy can't stop anyone either but KC doesn't even know who the QB is. Take Cincy giving 3.

Philly will beat the Jets by 3. The fans want Penningtons head and I don't blame them. Westbrook finally practiced an entire week. The Jets defense sucks. Look for an Eagle route!

Arizona should win by 4 just because there was talk about Vinny starting. I don't think he will but if Carr takes one hit then bring in Vinny and give the 'zona defense an extra TD. As long as Warner stays healthy the Cards should win by at least a TD

I have to do it. THE PATRIOTS! Remember back in the day when some pretender team would have a good record and play the Niners and it would be hyped up. Then the Niners would roll them 42-10. The Cowboys just played a short week and they are on the road. They won't be able to take the short rest and New England will win by 5.5 and I think by at least doube digits. Pats are too good.

Randy Moss is a dog

2007-10-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

The Patriots look like the most dominant team in football in a long time. Their defense is awesome thanks to the addition of Adalius Thomas but the offense is better than ever before. They finally have a superstar receiver. A receiver that has dogged the past three seasons. A receiver who was named captain of a team then decided to take plays off.

Randy Moss really could have been the next Jerry Rice. I know Jerry Rice didn't play on many bad teams but if he did, he still would have displayed the same work ethic as if he were on a SuperBowl champion. Randy Moss pouted and didn't want to play on the team anymore. He was forgotten about, not even ranked in the top two tiers of WRs in the NFL. The Raiders gave up Moss for only a fourth rounder and now he is maybe the best WR in the league. Moss basically gave up on several season, even with Minnesota, just so he could get out of there. Now he might get everything he wants.

You can't take away anything from the man's athleticism. He is awesome. But he is an example of what is wrong with athletes today. When they pout, when they flat out give up, they end up getting what they want. T.O. left the Niners and the Niners got nothing and TO went to a superbowl. These athletes get paid so much money and the give up on plays, bad mouth their own players to the media, purposely lower their trade value, and then they play with Tom Brady or Donovan McNabb and lead the league in TDs.

I play sports because I love them. Because when you are out on a field or a court, I know that many people can't play. I am lucky. I may not even be good but competing, being out there, playing with friends, gradually improving is fun. Winning is fun. Winning when you aren't expected to win is even more fun. If I just dogged one play, I would not be happy. I don't get paid for it. I play for the love of the sport, the love of competition. So many kids see these spoiled athletes and want to be like them. All out, all the time. That is the only way to play.

Randy Moss might be a great athlete but I will never respect him as a player.

WEEK 3 PICKS

2007-09-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

Looking at the games this week, its not going to be easy but I have to take one of the most meaningless games that no one cares about...

Kansas City (-3) over Minnesota - The Vikes don't even know who their QB is going to be and if it is K. Holcomb then you could raise the spread to 6 and I like the Chiefs even more. Arrowhead is a difficult place to play and Tony Gonzalez should finally do something against the Vikes lack of secondary.

Tampa Bay (-3.5) over the Rams - Why does this seem like a trap? I don't care, Bulger is going to get rushed and get blasted. The TB linebackers will stuff Jackson again. Did anyone see TB smash the Saints at home last week. And aren't the Saints way better than the Rams. I don't think Garcia's record vs the Rams is very good but now its time for some revenge.

I also think the Steelers (-9) over the Niners - For all of you that know me, it was hard to do that, but the Niners just lost one of their best defensive player and we all saw them play on the road last year. The did do well at the end of the year vs Seattle and Denver but the Pitt fans are a whole different breed. I hope the Niners open it up and the O-line blocks a little better cuz if the Niners upset them I will be the happy even if I lost $100. But please, i can't be against the Niners.

NY JETS (-3) over Miami - The Dolphins suck! I don't even know who is on their team anymore. And that 2005 NFL Draft was horrible! Look at the RBs: Cadillac, Benson, and Ronnie Brown. Plus the Jets are at home.

I also like Carolina over the Falcons cuz a panther can take a pit bull anyday!

The Things You Forget

2007-09-08T00:38:00.000-07:00

This has been the worst season for the SF Giants since I have been a season ticketholder (2000). It has been tougher to go to games because the Giants always find a way to lose. I haven't been to a game in over a month but tonight was a Giant/Dodger Friday night game. Anyway, I was tired and wanted to go straight home after a long week. However, this was the last Friday Night Giant/Dodger game of the season.

So I struggled to the park after searching endlessly for some free parking. And when I got there, the love came back. It didn't matter that the Giants were 100 games out of first or that they had lost 11 straight home games to the Dodgers. All that mattered was I was with friends and family at a beautiful ballpark watching my favorite team.

The fans were loud, there were numerous fights, the Giants blew a ninth inning lead but in the end DANIEL ORTMEIER wrote another chapter in Giant/Dodger history as he blasted a walk off home run against the dreaded Dodgers. And in the moments that followed, all those great feelings came rushing back to me. I felt like I did in jr. high student listening to will clark hit a game winning single in the NLCS, i felt like I did in high school student watching Rod Beck pitch in 8 straight games down the stretch, i felt like i did in college when Brian Johnson hit that home run, and I felt like I did when I was a newcomer in the working world and watched JT Snow tie a playoff game with a ninth inning homer. Tonight's homer wasn't the greatest home run in the world, tonight wasn't the greatest game, but tonight reminded me of why this game is great.

FOOTBALL LOCKS

2007-09-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Colts are who we thought they were. They are the defending NFL Champs and they played like it yesterday. It wasn't just the offense that looked good. You have to give credit to their Defense, that did not allow one touchdown to the explosive Saints offense.

For all you people that like looking at football games and picking game (for entertainment purposes only), here are my picks of the week:

Philly (-3) on the road against GB - I know everyone is saying that this might be Favre's last home opener. They have been saying that for 3 years. Its tough going against a home underdog in game 1 but I just don't think the Packers are any good. They have a rook at running back and Driver is hurt. The Eagles still have one of the best QBs and one of the best RBs. I'm going with Philly!

Rams (-1) at home gainst Carolina - Delhomme has not looked good but he still has Steve Smith. Smith will score but Carolina can't stop Torry Holt and Stephen Jackson, who will be an MVP candidate. Plus the Rams are on turf and the Panthers have unproven RBs.

San Diego (-6) at home against Chicago - The AFC power dominated the NFC powerhouse last night. Expect the same as LT is the best player in the game and even the great Bears Defense can't stop him. If he can't run he will catch. The Bears need Grossman to have a great game but with Cedrik Benson as his running back, the SD pass rush will be in his face all day. SD by double digits!

and if you have a parlay card and need some throw ins:

take Seattle at home (-6) versus Tampa Bay - The Buc defense is old and the 'hawk offense is healthy. Seattle still has a good defense and the Cadillac Williams and Jeff Garcia will be lucky to score in double digits.

Denver (-3) on the road versus Buffalo - The Bills have a new RB and their proven talent Lee Evans will be shut down by Champ Bailey. I don't see them scoring and Denver has a lot to prove and if they want to challenge SD this year they have to beat the Bills in a tough road game.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL

2007-09-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

OH YEAH! Its the start of another football season. For the third year in a row, I am going to hang out with good friends, while getting buzzed, just for the sole purpose of watching another NFL season get under way. And this year, we get the defending Super Bowl Champs vs everyones favorite feel good story of last year, the New Orlean Saints.

I would love to help out with gambling advice but the Colts by 6, playing at home is tough to call. The Colts were saved by their defense through much of the playoffs last season and their front 7 has dramatically changed, losing Corey Simon and Cato June. And without that defense, and with all the Saints weapons, I can see Eric Johnson being left open as Colston, Henderson, and Bush open up the middle of the field. Plus, the Colts have always sucked against the run so, Deuce, the forgotten man should be able to rack up at least a hundred years as long as the Saints don't fall behind big early.

That being said, can the Saints stop the Colts. The Colt offense is stacked and just keeps attacking. Joseph Addai is set to emerge after a great playoff run. And the receivers are always ready. Marvin Harrison is a great player who seemingly will never drop off. If he was big in the playoffs, he would get many more Jerry Rice comparisons. I think this game will have so much offense but it will be a big defensive play that is the turning point. I feel the Colts might get a big INT or fumble to decide the game because they are the home team.

I'm going COLTS 31 - SAINTS 24
but that doesnt mean I would be comfortable taking the over or the colts and the points. But if this were the SuperBowl, I would do it. There looks to be safer picks on Sunday.

What a Vick!

2007-08-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

Michael Vick is one of the most talented athletes I have ever seen. He could run full speed one way and throw a ball on a lazer beam right to his receiver. I love watching him on the field because on any given play he can make something happen.

Everyone knows that Michael Vick will soon be going to jail because he led a dog fighting ring. I don't know if he grew up around this stuff, or what it was that made dog fighting intriguing to him. But the more I hear about what was done to these dogs, the more angry I get. I hated to judge him because I know that his posse could influence him and he could have just been caught up. I also know that cock fighting is common in the Philippines and I have seen it first hand. No one there thinks its grotesque and when you grow up with something it is hard to see that it is wrong. However, started this "business" two weeks after he signed his first NFL contract. It isn't something that just came up.

The worst is the way he killed the dogs that didn't want to fight. The stories of him, electricuting, drowing, hanging, or just beating the dogs to kill them have been all over the news. But I also heard that to find out if a dog was suitable to fight, the dog would be put in a cage or pit with a beagle (Snoopy is a beagle) and if the dog tore up the beagle then it was suitable to fight. Oh my goodness.

So I think Michael Vick was wrong for what he has done. During his apology, he was sorry but it felt like he still didn't think that it was that big a deal. He thinks that he is a big name that hurt some dogs, who cares? Thats what it looks like anyway. It isn't like he beat his wife or killed someone. I mean, isn't T.O. still worse of a person? Well, T.O. didn't break the law. Off the field Owens may be the worst teammate ever, as he has been known to rip his McNabb, Garcia, and his coaches. But Vick killed dogs for the fun of it and didn't see anything wrong with it. And he did it for years!

I really can't pass judgement on Vick. Really, I can't pass judgement on anybody. I think his acts were disgusting and he should be punished. I hope that he truly is sorry. Who knows if he will ever play football again. I hope he can comeback from this because the talent he possesses is truly amazing. He never fully developed that talent and now, he probably will never get the most out of it.

When Mike Tyson came back after being in jail, most fans supported him. Of course, he regressed with more mistakes. Vick will pay for his crime and I would be willing to sit and root for him again...unless he was a cowboy.

FANTASY

2007-08-23T17:30:00.001-07:00

I haven't been playing fantasy football for awhile but I started once again. There were so many names in the middle rounds that I had no idea who they were. But I have been lucky to be pretty successful when I play.

My strategy is of course to take running backs. Maybe even in the first three rounds. The first five would be LT, Stephen Jackson, Larry Johnson, Joseph Addai, then Frank Gore. After those five its hard to say who is next. You could go with Westbrook, Alexander, Parker, Rudi Johnson but they all have question marks. I would probably go Willie Parker but I might even go Peyton Manning. But there are other good QBs you could get later. QBs score the most points but relative to each other the point differential isnt that huge. However, Manning can sometimes get you the points of a good QB and a good running back in one week.

Anyway, in your first three rounds, you want two running backs. It is important to have RBs because they are the most important position in fantasy. My friend had a draft where he went Manning with the 6 pick because of all the question marks with the next RBs and then he didn't like the running backs when the draft snaked back to him. He ended up with Manning, Steve Smith, Chad Johnson, and Reggie Wayne in the first four rounds. He got Ladell Betts then Deshaun Foster in the next rounds. First I thought that was crazy but we will see. I wouldn't mind throwing in those three receivers in my lineup every week. Plus would you rather have those top 3 top tier receivers or Ronnie Brown.

Personally, whenever I draft, I always put people in my list that I just don't want to deal with. Ronnie Brown was good but I was scared cuz the Dolphins line sucks. Cadillac Williams was horrendous last year. I wouldn't want to deal with that every week. Cedrick Benson is like Rex Grossman to me. Keep them as far away from my team as possible. Why did the bears get rid of Thomas Jones for Benson. I just don't get it. And all these running backs would probably go early. And I don't trust Clinton Portis at all. Not to mention, I think Portis was backing Michael Vick. Another Running back that is risky is Travis Henry. I would get him in the middle of the second round but not earlier. That guy could be 2000 yard great this season, but he is also playing for Mike Shannahan who has been a fantasy nightmare the past few years. Remember when everyone drafted Tatum Bell in the first round. You never know what Denver will do. Then there are guys like Randy Moss. Oh man, I just wouldn't want to deal with that. He has been one of the worst fantasy busts for 3 straight years. Plus, he is on a team that never has one featured guy.

I like to wait on QBs. Especially in shallow leagues. In 10 team leagues I would want 3 running backs in the first 3 rounds unless I got one of the top tier QBs (Manning, Palmer, Brady, Brees, Bulger, and McNabb). If I didn't get one of these QBS I would keep waiting and maybe get a Matt Leinart or Jon Kitna way late. Both of them have good receivers and they will throw. And especially in a 10 team league, there is still Rivers and Cutler. How different are any of these guys? Thats why, I say wait on the QB.

Receivers are tricky. There are always receivers that pop out of nowhere each year and tear it up. People that are picked up on the waiver wire. People like Drew Bennett, M. Colston, A. Boldin. They weren't drafted and were great pickups in the middle of the season. Watch NFL Primetime and find one of these guys and they could push your team during crunch time.

Tight Ends should be drafted late. There are a lot of good ones out there now. Before there was Gates and Gonzalez and thats it. Just wait and you could still up with surprise talents. I would pick Cooley late. Only go with Gates if he falls to like the fifth round because the Wide Receivers in the fifth will still get you more points than Gates.

Draft you kicker in the last round and don't waste a roster spot on a backup. When your kicker has a bye, just pick one up one later in the year and drop a sleeper that you picked up that didn't work out.

Always draft a couple sleepers later with good value. Get them when you you think someone is looking at him. Later in the draft you could go with safe picks that get you 3 pts every game but I like to go with someone that has potential. Get Brandon Marshall on Denver, Hackett on Seattle, Jones on Tennessee. There is a lot out there.

If you are drafting individual defensive players, I like getting them in the middle rounds because you can still get great LBs who rack up tackles. I like starting the defense around the seventh round because your offensive players are mostly solidified. I always go LBs because sacks and interceptions are not consistent. Tackles for great linebackers are. Grab Demeco Ryans, Zach Thomas, Keith Bulluck, Cato June, Brian Urlacher, Lance Brigges, Ray Lewis. Most people don't know which defenders are good so you can have an advantage here. You want a defense that will average 30 pts. A lot of other teams might get 15 pts for all their defensive guys and you have a 15 pt head start. Thats a good game for a running back. Never underestimate defense.

Good luck on your drafts everyone!

WHY I ROOT FOR BARRY

2007-08-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

I see the national media ripping Giants fans for rooting for Barry Bonds. I have several friends that cannot comprehend how a hardcore sports fan can root for Barry. After Barry hit 756, headlines from around the country ripped Bonds (KING OF SHAME, Barroids, Asterisks or 756 with the numbers put together by syringes). I could just say I root for Barry because I am a Giants fan. But it is more than that.

Barry Bonds is a supremely gifted athlete that has done things no one else has done. Let's say GAME OF SHADOWS is true. He has an ego and was accomplishes great things that no one else noticed because everyone was focusing on McGwire and Sosa. I am not going to say that I don't think he took steroids. He said he did. But why is one man taking the heat for a sport where steroids was prevalent. Is he the only one that did it? No. But he is the man breaking the greatest record in all of sports.

Many say that he cheated the game! Sports are full of cheaters. Every single person that roots for a major college is rooting for coaches, athletes, and administrators that have illegally recruited students with bribes and other monetary gifts. USC fans still cheer for their team. Even the A's fans from across the bay love to get on my case. PUH-LEASE! If you want as asterisks by Barry's record, give back the 89 World Series. And NFL Fans still love Shawn Merriman, who was busted for steroids and went to the probowl in the same season. Hypocrites!

I have had season tickets in the left field bleachers for 8 years. I have seen Barry give love to the fans there on countless occasions. Barry very well could be a jerk. Barry did have to live through the media getting on his dad's case for not being able to be the next Willie Mays. He might believe the media drove his dad to drink. I don't blame Barry for his distaste of the media. In fact, if he ignored me when I asked for an autograph then I would not hate him. I cheer him for his talent.

I have seen so many great home runs hit by Barry that is amazing. I was there for 500, 600, 660, 700, 715, 756 and #71. He provided those great moments I have shared with other fans and will never forget. I saw him blast a Eric Gagne 100 mph fastball over the 421 foot sign at pacbell when Gagne was unhittable. And Dodger fans, you want to talk steroids, lets talk Gagne. Dang, where did that guy come from. He has awed me and those moments will never be taken away.

He helped make the Giants a winning franchise for over a decade. He changed the game. No person has ever sold more rubber chickens than Barry. The fact is, Barry Bonds is the most talented player than many of us will ever see in our lifetime. If I am an idiot for rooting for him then so be it. But if you can respect what he has done then I am not the only idiot.

Put the record out of reach!

BARRY, BARRY, BARRY!

HOW SWEET IT IS

2007-08-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

Married on May 11, 2007, I was lucky enough to know that I was going to share the rest of my life with the greatest girl in the world. Since we have been married, she has been everything everything you could ever ask for in a wife. She worked so hard on the wedding and it was by far the greatest day of my life. I owe everything to her. Without her I would be nothing.

Today, Mary Anne hits one of those life changing birthdays. I know that the one thing that will never change is how much she loves me and how much I love her. Happy Birthday Mary Anne!

I don't know where I would be without your patience, your understanding, your sweetness and affection. You make the good times better just by being there! Thank you for the life and love we continue to share.

MY NEW NEIGHBOR

2007-08-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

Last night I met my newest neighbor. Almost a year ago, When our good friends moved down the street from us we were so excited. We new that we would have so many memorable times with Barni and Steph. I had known Barni since elementary school. He is one of the most quality people I have ever met. His wife, Steph, is just as great.

Seeing their baby is one of those memories I will never forget. I just looked, speechless for a while. Their daughter was absolutely beautiful. When you get older you miss your youth. I can't believe my friends are now parents. Man, we are old. But it was just amazing!

I cannot think of two better people to be parents. Two people who spread their warmth to so many of their friends and family. And now they will spread that love and warmth to their own child! Congrats!

PS My friend described what seeing the baby for the first time was like for her at: http://josephinezeepapillon.blogspot.com/

THE GENIUS

2007-07-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

He set the standard. As a bay area child growing up in the 80s, the San Francisco 49ers ruled the land. We all loved Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, and Jerry Rice. But the man behind the curtain was who I looked up to the most. Bill Walsh. The man wasn't a big rah-rah guy. He didn't yell at the referees. He was calm and reserved to all us that observed him. But when you looked deeper, he was tough, stern, and expected nothing short of perfection.

Without Bill Walsh, the 49ers never would have come close to the heights they reached. And he didn't just make his players better. The people that have coached under him also had to be the best. He pushed to have more minority coaches in the NFL. He created an offense that all teams in the league use variations of to this day. He was ahead of his time and now he is gone. It is a very sad day but also a day in which we could fondly look back on what he did for the 49ers, Stanford, the bay area, and the game we loved.

I remember a recent interview with Jerry Rice. Walsh was really ill and many thought he was going to about a year ago but he fought with everything he had. Jerry Rice said that he talked to Walsh and that he told him that he couldn't die because he had to induct him [Rice] into the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, that cannot happen but Rice also spoke about how he was amazed that some coach could put himself on the line (Walsh traded several first rounders to move up and draft Rice) for a player out of a college no one has ever heard of. Walsh saw greatness where no one else could. GENIUS!

I still remember him skipping off the field during a last second victory in Cincinnati. Then I remember him crying after he won the super bowl after coaching his last NFL game. He built the 49ers. He always demanded greatness from those around him and from himself. Growing up watching him work his magic, his team's, his attitude, and his work ethic rubbed off on me. I thank you Bill Walsh for building this city and inspiring me to be who I am today.

MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING

2007-07-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

My friend Jim got married this past Saturday and I was honored to be his best man. I really wanted to think up some memorable speech. I know Jim could be sensitive but I was thinking he knows what to expect from me. I thought about the speech from the day he asked me. My first draft was a real softy, sensitive speech. When I practiced it, I even almost cried. It talked about how much he has done for me and how he has grown into a great guy. Because of family troubles in my life I discussed how even though we don't have the same blood running through our veins he would always be FAMILY. Family overcomes everything. And through dozens of arguments, we are still close friends.

However, I thought it might be too softy. I am kinda tired of everyone seeing me as a sensitive, over-emotional freak. So I went the opposite way and roasted him. I used some generic jokes to keep the audience involved but I used a lot of personal stuff. I should have thrown more of the softy in there. I thought about how everyone loved my Auntie Shirley's speech to Mary Anne and me at our wedding. She basically ripped me a new one and the crowd loved it. BUT, this wasn't the same crowd. I wanted my speech for Jim to be memorable.

There were a lot of expectations. The Maid of Honor told me how she has heard that my speeches are really funny and that she was looking forward to it. I figured Jim and Joy must have told her this so I better make this funny. I also do an impersonation of Jim that I left out of the speech. But when I practiced to another friend, I was told that I have to do it. I shouldn't have.

The bottomline is I don't like to regret my actions. I always do what I think is best. Basically, I made a speech for the crowd and not for one of my closest friends. And I do regret that. Thankfully, like I said earlier, he is family and family gets through EVERYTHING. If I could do it over again, I would just say...

I have looked up to you for a long time. We have been through a lot together. We have survived everything the world has thrown at us and we remain the best of friends.

In sports, everytime I was scared, you gave me confidence. At buri buri in the war against those guys bigger than us, you took all the cheap shots and willed us to win. During the turkey bowl, you took down the big running back everyone feared and let us know we had nothing to be afraid of. Your friends watched as your heart carried you through a grueling marathon that you courageously ran for your father. And when your friends needed you to play a softball game that same day, despite your pain, you played because we needed you, because I needed you. Not only did you play, but you played great going 3 for 3. That was one of the most amazing displays of heart I have ever seen.

Jim, I have told you before, you are my greatest teammate. Even when you have taken me out of games (when you shouldn't have) you always tried to do what was best for the team. Off the field you are my greatest friend. We don't always see eye to eye but when i look at you, I can always see your heart, your loyalty, your passion. And no one can ever take that away.

And now you have Joy who has even magnified your positives and maybe even erased some of your negatives. Joy you are so lucky to have this great man loving you for the rest of your life. God blessed the two of you by allowing you to find each other. He also blessed me by allowing me to be a part of your lives, to witness and to feel the great love you have for each other.

I wish you two the best and may bad fortune always chase you and never catch up. I love you guys!

Anyway

2007-07-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my mom on the phone last week. She told me about this person that was backstabbing my mom. Of course, when I heard about this, I instantly did not like her (the backstabber). But my mom was helping her write up a resume and training her on interviewing. I asked my mom why would you do that. She told me it was the right thing to do. I told her, by supporting evil you will spread evil. She said to me, you know that poem you have posted up in your room. It says no matter what you have to do what is right. I read the poem that has been in my room for years. . .

This poem was written by Mother Theresa and is engraved on the wall of her home for children in Calcutta.

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will forget tomorrow,
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got ... anyway.

I just stood there staring at the words on the wall of my old bedroom. The words ring true. In my first post, I wrote about how upset I was about a ball. Of course, it was more than a ball. It was about not understanding how a friend could stab me in the back. I have now forgiven the person who took the ball. It will take awhile to be able to forgive unconditionally. A person cannot truly love without knowing how to forgive. But I will work on it. The last line of that poem, which is often left out as it was on my poster says this...

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God, It never was between you and them anyway..

People are not perfect. People will succumb to their weaknesses and it could make them look ugly. Look for the good in everyone. Years of friendship should not be destroyed by one harmless incident. It is not easy to move past that moment. Anger is a honest, real feeling but it is also an unproductive one. If I let the anger consume me then I spread that negative energy to others that I really do care about. That is not fair for anybody involved. I can only control my actions, and I will not allow my actions to negatively affect anyone else.

ALL STAR STUPIDITY

2007-07-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to get a chance to go to the all star festivities. And they were great. Being such a huge baseball fan, the opportunity to see the World's best could not be missed. From the fanfest, to the home run derby, to the actual game, the celebration was first rate. Willie Mays was honored and people wept in the stands. But the best moment was when I got JT Snow's autograph for Mary Anne. I don't even know if she knows I got it for her yet. Unfortunately, she could have gone and met him herself but she needed sleep.

Anyway, during the Home Run derby I saw some monster shots. I sit in the middle of the left field bleachers and balls were flying way over my head. Only a handful of home runs have been hit over my head in the 8 years I have been sitting there. In those 8 years of being a season ticket holder, I have made some great friends. Friends that even attended Mary Anne and my wedding in Hawaii. You grow to trust your "Giants family."

But the trust doesn't always last. Alex Rios, a slugger from the Toronto Blue Jays, blasted a ball headed straight to my cousin, Mark. In the commotion, with people pushing and shoving, Mark couldn't keep his arm up and the ball hit the heal of his glove. As the ball rolled around and was about to settle to a stop in one glove, I plucked it out and took a hard fall. My ankle turned as I tried to land awkwardly and fell to the ground, hitting my back right shoulder blade hit hard against the bleacher in front of me. All this while the ball still was in my hand. YAY, I caught a home run ball. I was kinda shocked and kinda hurt but as friends from my right and my brother on my left helped me up, I put the ball down on the bench in front of me where I knew the people that sat there. Everyone just left the ball on the bleacher as it sat there for maybe 10 seconds. All of a sudden one of my "friends" in the seat in front of me grabs the ball and holds it up like she caught it. I don't really mind as I thought she was playing around. But the people around me stood shocked!

She tells me during the competition that she would give me the ball back as others in our section congratulated her and she soaked up the glory. During that time, I said nothing. I told her, "You could have the glory, I just want the ball." After the competition when I go to get the ball from her, she says the ball was just rolling on the bleacher and she got it. I looked at her STUNNED! I said, "are you serious?" Yeah, nobody had it. Again, "are you serious?" She said that she got it. Did she think she actually earned it. YES, I was stupid for putting the ball down amidst a group of people I considered friends. Yes, there were about 10 others there that saw me put it down and didn't do even think about reaching for it. But it was more stupid for me to trust people. The ball is relatively worthless. It no longer was about the ball. Before I left the ballpark, I told her, "if you are serious, I will never talk to you again." She didn't say anything and I walked out. I saw her at the All Star game and only spoke to her when she tried to talk to me. That is another story.

Bottomline is this...Never trust anybody. Not even for a $20+ baseball. If it was Barry Bonds' record breaking HR then I would never let that thing down. But this woman was a good friend. Someone who flew out to Hawaii to see me get married. This woman destroyed the trust I had in her. So many of us in the section put up with her going to far with jokes and comments. We allow her to act like she owns the section. I don't want to take that away from her but now I have to find a way to forgive her. I don't want this to ruin what our "family" had. But at the same time, I want her to know she is wrong. I guess the best I can do is try not too be angry.