I shoulda stayed at work...

After working for 10 hours I decided to head home. I had plans, things to buy, things to watch, Sharks players to cheer for...instead, I got this:


The charm I set out to purchase at Tiffany can only be purchased at the New York stores or online. Of course, online takes 5 days, which is why I didn't order it online in the first place. Bothered.


I stopped at Arby's to get a sandwich on the way home and it was seriously the slowest experience ever, thought not completely horrible. The onion rings I got on the side on the other hand smelled so strong that I almost had to roll down my window before I got home.


As I arrived at the major intersection near my house I discovered that the traffic signal was out. I also discovered that no one understands how a 4-way stop is supposed to work. I'm honestly surprised there wasn't a single accident while I was watching the chaos unfold.


When I got home, ready to eat my sandwich and watch the NHL Awards in the hopes of seeing Logan Couture winning the Calder trophy I discovered that all my clocks were flashing, which of course means that there was a power outage at some point. It looked like my DVR was recording though, so I turned on my TV, navigated to the show and pushed play. And it started, but there was no sound. I stopped the recording and turned the TV off, waited a few minutes and turned it back on to discover that there was no sound anywhere, on any channel, thus rendering my recording of the awards show useless.


I turned the TV right back off, took a bite of my sandwich and opened the Twitter app on my phone to see if the awards had gone my way. Alas, they had not. So many kinds of not yay! Although I can't say I was that surprised because the NHL absolutely hates the San Jose Sharks. I don't know what possessed me to think they'd actually give the award to our very deserving rookie. 


BITE ME.


So let's recap, shall we?


Tiffany? FAIL


Arby's? MEH


Traffic Light? FAIL


Power? FAIL


NHL? FAIL!!!!!


I shoulda stayed at work...

Why would you...?

I should stop being surprised at people and how they behave, but sometimes, there are just so many things happening that I feel the need to share. So here then, are a few observations from last night's Sharks game, with a few tidbits from a couple of other games too. I can really only shake my head...

Why would you...

...not take a shower for several days then sit next to us after eating a meal composed, apparently, of only onions? Why would you knowingly sit in the middle of a crowd and make us all hold our noses? Do you seriously not smell it? Seriously?

Why would you...

...not lean back even after you were asked more than once by fans behind you and the usher and the announcement on the big screen? Why is it hard? Do you just not care that those behind you can't see? Are you so much more important than the rest of us? Oh you are? Sorry. My bad.

Why would you...

...pull your exhausted child into your arms and rock him back and forth, hitting my arm every time you move and distracting me from the game? Why not just take the child home or move into his seat so the mere presence of me next to you doesn't invade your space? Did you even see one play in the game?

Why would you...

...bring your child who has no interest in being there but every interest in annoying those around him or her by kicking their seat, pulling their hair and just being generally bothersome? How is this fun for you?

Also, don't think we didn't hear you when you said, after we asked you to have your child stop kicking the seats and jarring us all to our core, "Some people just don't like kids..." with a stupidly snarky tone. We heard. Trust me though, it's you we don't like. Not your kid. Your kid is four. You're, in theory, a grown up. You should know what isn't appropriate. But I guess some people are just...never mind...

Why would you...

...get so drunk before you got to the game that you could barely walk up the stairs, come close to flashing your boob at the crowd and get irritated when people want to come and go from your row? There's no way on the planet that you have any interest in the game so why bother?

Oh wait. You like this don't you? You like the attention and you nearly flashed us on purpose didn't you? I wonder, skanky wannabe flasher, if you even realized there was a game going on that people were trying to watch when you nearly knocked over their child. I also wonder if you know that whole ripped jeans look was never really in style.

Why would you...

...sit behind us and loudly talk about everything BUT the game? If you just want to chat with your pal, why not just go to dinner? What is the point of doing that during a game?

We notice that it's only you talking and that we don't hear your friend's voice much. We wonder if they really are your friend or if they are now regretting offering you that ticket at the office earlier in the day. Oh wait, now you're talking about the game. Cool. Oh good. You're an expert. We were looking for one of those. We're sure your friend was too. When she asked you what icing was, we're so glad you quoted, word for word, the hockey rule book. Thank you. Really.

Why would you...

...f'ing stay with a guy who'd f'ing left you more than once in a f'ing public venue? And why would you f'ing make us listen to this one-sided f'ing phone conversation while we waited for the f'ing light rail to show up? Look, now you've got me doing it. Are you trying to prove how many times you can say f'ing in front of people? Are you trying to prove you're an idiot?

Mission accomplished.

We totally think you're an idiot, because if someone left us at f'ing Disneyland, we would have left their sorry f'ing butt for good.

Oh wait. You're wearing a Boston Red Sox sweatshirt. And that guy that just stumbled by is wearing a Boston Bruins shirt. That pretty much says it all. Do you even know you're in San Jose? I wonder. It's cute how you're sitting on separate benches pretending you don't know each other. It's not cute that your boy mooned us after he dropped his phone and leaned over to pick it up. Eww.

Oh yeah. Downtown San Jose and random people in the Shark Tank are a treat. But hey, the Sharks won...fourth in a row. And that made the night great.

Baseball, College Football, Hockey...what more could a girl want?

IT IS TIME!!!

These arrived at my house today, and I can't really articulate in words how excited I am for the hockey season to start. We were bitterly disappointed again last season, even though we did get further than the several years prior. We wanted more. Now, with new goalies, maybe we can get it. It feels like the Sharks are everywhere in the community these days...for some reason I think this is a sign of good things to come. I realize it makes no sense. I don't care. Seeing Sharks is good. All good.

Recent Sightings:

• Joe Pavelski in the Sharks store during the playoff run
• Patrick Marleau at dinner in Los Gatos in July
• Ryane Clowe at the same hair place a friend goes to (also in Los Gatos I believe)

And as if that weren't enough, college football kicked off last week and I was 3 for 4 on the first full Saturday of play. And honestly, I don't really feel too bad about the team that lost because they were playing the #1 ranked team in the country. Way to get 3 points SJSU!! More games are on tap this weekend and in the near future I'll get to see some of the boys play in person.

And oh by the way, way to bring it Boise State!!

There's just really nothing like college football for me. There is so much emotion tied up in it, especially when my two alma maters take the field. They can give me more heartache and joy than pretty much anything else. Let's Go Devils! Mountaineers! Cowboys! Spartans!

And lest you forget, we're in the final days of the major league baseball season and I'm finding myself hanging on every pitch on two different coasts. The Giants, as usual, are so close I can almost taste the playoff home run dog, but the gap just doesn't seem to be getting any smaller. And the Yankees never cease to cause me agita. While they are more likely to be in the playoffs than the Giants, there are no guarantees today. They don't have a magic number listed yet, and until they do, I take nothing for granted. It's fun though, and I look forward to seeing what happens in the next few weeks.

I know you thought all I did was go to concerts...well, there was only ONE of those in September, so I have to find some other way to spend my time and money. :-)

Of patty melts, Patty and some Barenaked Ladies

Finding a good patty melt is not the easiest of tasks. In fact, it's been a long time since I had a good one. Or, it had been until Monday night when I discovered Main Street Burgers in Los Gatos. A friend and I came upon this place purely by accident (and Google Maps' list of restaurants), and it did not disappoint. Not only was the patty melt delish, with its not-too-overwhelming grilled onions and toasty rye bread, but the sweet potato fries were awesome! Oh, and they had Coke. So yeah. Main Street Burgers? You rock! 

While dining at said establishment, we had a nice brush with fame with San Jose Shark Patrick Marleau and his family, and I have to say, SO NICE!! All of them. We actually had a fun interaction with Mrs. Marleau and one of their kids - who actually tossed, no, hurled is a better word, yes, he hurled a spoon in the vicinity of my friend which prompted Mr. Marleau to turn quickly and apologize. There was no damage done - the spoon WAS plastic and didn't actually hit anyone. It's always nice to see famous folks in regular situations, being regular and doing the same things regular people do. Because you know what? They ARE regular people. The fact that Patrick Marleau has an Olympic gold medal, is one of the fastest skaters in the NHL, a former Shark captain and a fan favorite at the Shark Tank is just gravy. Thanks Patrick and family for being so nice and normal!!

From dinner we ventured to the Mountain Winery for the Barenaked Ladies concert. For those BNL affecianados, you know that there was a major change in the last two years when Steven Page left the band, changing the sound of the Ladies forever. Before Monday I'd seen the band three times, and was, on all occasions, greatly entertained by the humor and excellent music. I was concerned that some of that left with Steven, and I was right. Although, they were still good...just different. And some of the songs just weren't the same. They were still funny...especially the drummer, Tyler, and so we were definitely entertained. And they are all amazing musicians, so the music was great, but Steven's voice was definitely missed. I'm not a huge fan of the new album...it's just not as fun, but I get it. You can't keep doing the same thing over and over again, and we're all getting older, and when that happens you think about things differently. Still, where the Ladies shined was on their older, sillier, upbeat songs. I can't hear "If I Had a Million Dollars" too many times. It's just a great song. And yes, I have always wanted a monkey. I'd probably go see them again, but I'd still wish for Steven's return.

Up next? Adam Lambert's Glam Nation tour in San Francisco on Friday night. I'm sure there will be a LOT to talk about after that outing!

Until then...

Please rise...

...and disrespect your country. 

No. I don't think that's what they say when it's time for the anthem, but lately, I have to wonder if that's what people have decided to hear.

While I was watching the movie "The Rookie" last night in my fevered state, it got me thinking about how pure and uninterrupted the national anthem was when it was sung at this tiny little baseball field where this tiny little team played it's tiny little district-championship-winning game. And then I remembered how obnoxious it was at The Tank yesterday before the Sharks game I probably shouldn't have attended.

What has happened to us that we can't be still and calm during our country's national anthem? Many do sing along, and I love hearing all the voices, but oh my goodness, there is so much hooting and howling and crap that goes on that it literally makes me sick to my stomach. Yesterday, there was a Chicago Blackhawks fan that clapped through the entire song. CLAPPED. What? Earlier this season when we played the Blackhawks there was another of their fans that made comments throughout the whole song. Both displays were completely disrespectful. 

But it's not just opposing fans that do this. I see/hear Sharks fans do it too, and I just don't get it. The anthem has nothing to do with the actual game, so why get all crazy about it? Heaven forbid we're playing the Stars because then there is a loud chorus of boos when the poor anthem singer gets to the "broad stripes and bright stars" portion of the song. It's wrong at so many levels. At least they started telling the anthem singers to pause before starting so that the awesome "Hey [opposing team name]? You suck!!" chant doesn't drown out the first few words. They forgot to tell the saxophonist playing yesterday though. We missed the first few notes of the song, because in case you hadn't heard Blackhawks, You Suck!! Never mind that they beat us...that's a separate story...

Now, I did a little Internet surfing this morning about why it is we even have the national anthem sung or played at sporting events and found this little tidbit on Mental Floss, and though it pains me greatly to credit the Chicago Cubs or Boston Red Sox for anything, I guess they started it. I guess it didn't really surprise me to learn that it was baseball that started the whole anthem singing thing for real though. It's been around forever and is still considered America's pastime.

After searching a little more, I actually found some legal code addressing what one should do when the anthem is played. Per United States Code, 36 U.S.C. § 301, individuals are to stand at attention when the anthem is being played, facing the flag if it's present. So, in my mind, standing at attention means you're not clapping, you're not saying things, you're not cheering, you're certainly not booing, and honestly, thought it doesn't reference it, I'm not even sure you're supposed to be singing along - although I always sing along, so I'd like to think that's okay. Not that I'm always right, but it seems patriotic to sing along with your anthem. (To be honest, I even sing along with the Canadian anthem because it's such a beautiful song.) Now, I'm all for free speech and a person's choice to not sing along or put their hand over their heart or salute. That's fine. But stop ruining it for the rest of us. It's just not okay.

As someone who sings the national anthem at sporting events on occasion, I can honestly say I don't hear any of the chatter that goes on, but then again, I've never had the pleasure of singing at a Sharks game - maybe someday. Still, it's even a little unnerving to hear people cheer when I hit the note on "free". I love that they seem to be enjoying my rendition of the song, and I love that they are cheering about our wonderful freedom, but I don't know. I've never clapped or cheered at that part when anyone else is singing, and I've never really understood it. Maybe one of you can explain it to me.

Anyway...these are just my thoughts on a (finally) feverless morning. Maybe you've got thoughts of your own. Maybe you don't care at all. That's okay. Just please...next time you're at a game, think about it before you do something crazy during the anthem. For me. Thanks.

On a dark desert highway...

Last night I had the awesome pleasure of seeing The Eagles in concert. First time. They did NOT disappoint. Truly amazing. Harmony like nobody's business and musicianship that was above and beyond. And funny! Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh especially. In fact, Joe Walsh is freaking hilarious. I love that he knows he's crazy and just plays it up. Fantastic.

[video removed due to scary notice I received on my YouTube account!]

What was NOT fantastic was the crowd around us.

Let me first discuss the women seated in the aisle seats on the row behind us. Now, as you know, I attend a lot of events. A LOT. And I've sat in my share of aisle seats as I'm sure many of you have. When those that need to get into the inner seats arrive, it's common courtesy to stand up, right? Right. Apparently not to these two. They would not get up for people. And actually made kind of a big deal about people crawling over them a couple of times. One guy spilled his beer on her, and while he was clearly too drunk to be having another one, I gotta say, I wasn't really sad for her. Seriously. Who doesn't get up to let people by? Really ladies? Really???

Second, let me talk about the general unsettledness of everyone in our section and the sections near us. Up, down, up, down, up, down, up, down...and that was during the first song. I've never seen anything like it. No one could stay seated. And I don't mean they were standing up to sing or dance or anything. No. They were up and down the stairs. Back and forth. In and out. Over and over and over and freaking over again! It was insane. Just settle people...geesh!

And don't even get me started about people who got there late. Lame.

Third...the far-too-empowered "security" usher. She was all over the place and watching people like a demonic hawk. I did not approve at all when she touched my hand and told me there was no recording, only flash photography, allowed. No touchie sister! The video above was actually taken before she got all mean about things...and two more were taken later because I felt like being reckless and was annoyed. Needless to say, I broke the law. I guess I'm a rebel. Ah well...

But despite all that, this was truly one of the best concerts I've been to. They could have played for three days and I would have been happy. It was laid back, awesome and while they didn't play by #1 favorite, they played pretty much everything else, so I could not complain. And also, since the aisle sitters in our row didn't show, we were able to spread out between four seats. That was most yay!! I will never miss them in concert again, and I honestly can't believe it took me this long to see them.

Between them and Joe Pavelski, I had a great day...hope you did too!!

And let's not forget...

GO SHARKS!!!

That seating information is just a suggestion...

I go to a lot of events. A LOT. I go to a lot of different venues. A LOT. From big to small, reserved seating to general admission, whatever. When my seating is reserved, I do something CRAZY and actually sit in my reserved seat. And I never have a problem finding my seat. NEVER. I'm sure there are others like me; rule followers on the straight and narrow, afraid to step out of the comfort zone of their actual seat. You know you are.

But then there are the rest of the people. You know the ones. The ones entitled to sit wherever they like no matter what their ticket says. If you're one of these, then you should just stop reading now because I'm going to get snippy. 

What is the DEAL???

You are driving me CRAZY!!!

I have found that those of you who don't sit in your actual seats fall into three groups:

Group One: I can't find my actual seat.

Really? Is it simply too difficult to read the section, row and seat number on the ticket? Is it even harder still to ask an usher or other employee of the venue to help you? I need your help here because I really don't understand. Maybe I'm blessed with a magical seat finding gene and just don't know it, but I doubt it. Just ask the question. It's not hard.

Group Two: But I want to sit with my friends!

You're the one who got a ticket after your friends did and so now, your seat is five sections away and you can't talk through the entire game/concert. So you try to squeeze in near your friends, which is interesting if seating is bench style, but when there are actual seats, it doesn't actually work. But you keep trying. And you sweet talk the folks near your friends to see if they mind squeezing in with you. Sometimes this works, or at least you think it does. Believe me, most of the time, those people just want to push you down the stairs. Deal with the fact that you were lame and couldn't make a decision when your friends did. Go sit in your real seat. Maybe one of them will switch with you between bands or periods of play. Just don't ask me to squeeze, okay?

Group Three: That seating information is just a suggestion - the most popular of our groups.

Do you feel that the section, row and seat number printed on the ticket are just suggestions? Helpful guides to give you a seating OPTION? Is that what you think? You seem to know where your actual seats are, but aren't really interested in sitting in them. You're the ones that know you're breaking the rules, but you don't care. So you move around from seat to seat, glancing over at your actual - empty! - seats every now and then to see if someone has moved into them in your absence. You really think you're entitled to sit wherever you want, and what I love MOST is when the people come to sit in their actual seats that you've occupied. When this happens, you give them a look as though they're in YOUR way. Wow. You are AWESOME and soooo much cooler and more important than the rest of us. 

I watch these things happen time and time again at Sharks games and concerts and am getting more and more annoyed with it. Why can't people just sit in their right seats? Life isn't perfect. Sometimes you get disappointed. Learn to deal with it. Maybe the man/woman of your dreams is in the seat next to your actual seat. Maybe it's someone you could do business with. Maybe it's a celebrity in disguise. Maybe, just maybe, it's me. Wouldn't you feel bad if you didn't get to sit next to me? Believe me. You would.

I'm not trying to tell you how to live your life, but if you could just do me this one little favor, I would be forever grateful.

Thanks.

Friday, can you hear me?

This was a weird week. I'm happy to have made it through without going completely crazy.

Monday - woke up so dizzy that I took some Meclizine and went right back to bed for the rest of the day. Totally wasted day. And wow. Meclizine is STRONG. No wonder they tell you not to drive or operate machinery when you take it. (And I was so hoping to operate my jackhammer that day too!). I could barely get off the couch.

Tuesday - much better, although still slightly dizzy. Just said no to the drugs and took myself to work...where I proceeded to feel fuzzy all day and almost completely lost my voice. No idea what that was about, but I was irritated...meetings were a treat, but the fuzziness did seem to dull the annoyance of not having a voice. Checked mail when I got home (hadn't checked since Saturday), and had no mail. Odd, but not completely abnormal. I mean, there's usually fliers and dentists trying to get me to come in for their fabulous services. Sometimes, someone even tries to sell my house...which I don't even own. Mainly weird because I was expecting a check which a friend told me she sent a week before. Didn't really think much more of it...just figured things were moving slow...maybe the postal service had a dizzying first two days of the week too.

Wednesday - voice completely back, no more dizziness, started off on the right foot. Was very excited to go to the Shark Tank and select my seats for next season...after already deciding to upgrade to season tickets with a few friends. I had never done this before so had no idea what to expect. I did not expect to walk out of the doors with NO TICKETS. That's right. None. When I got to the area where I wanted to get to the tickets, there were zero available. I couldn't afford to buy the next level of tickets, so I just stood there. Hoping maybe the Meclizine from two days earlier was having an effect on my brain and I just couldn't see the papers telling me seats were available. No such luck. Wow. I was not happy. I emailed my account rep to see if there was anything she could do. Then I went to Chipotle to drown my sorrows in a tasty chicken burrito.

Thursday - well, when I woke up, I had no idea what was going to happen as the day progressed. First the news that Farrah had finally succumbed to her long battle with cancer, then the shock of losing Michael Jackson. When death slaps you in the face like that, either from celebrities passing, acquaintances or the tragedies in Iran, you have to step back and think about what's really important. And I'll tell you, what became completely unimportant was my whining about being dizzy, losing my voice and not getting Shark tickets. Life is precious, and no matter how it's lost, it makes you think.

I was never a huge Farrah fan. I loved Charlie's Angels. I had the dolls. My friends and I played it at recess. But it was always about Kelly for me (hello, brunette). So I can't say that I was that sad about her passing, but, it was sad how she struggled, and I did feel that she had tried to get her life back together after a few pretty awful years.

On the other hand, I was a HUGE Michael Jackson fan. I own Thriller on vinyl. Maybe the best album of my generation. No question that he was a musical genius who was troubled most of his life. I hadn't listed to MJ's music regularly for years...just phased it out for some reason. However, when I got home Thursday night, I got on iTunes and began making a playlist of the MJ tunes I owned. And then I bought some that I didn't own. I have loved rediscovering his music over the last few days...both through my playlist and all the videos that have been playing all over the music channels. I really forgot how great he was. Now, Michael definitely had some issues...no doubt about that. We'll never really understand all of it. I'm choosing to focus on the good...the music. Genius.

By the way, checked my mail again today - and still nothing!!! I looked in the back of the mail box, and apparently, the post office thought I was on vacation. Um, what??? I reached into the little plastic thing that said vacation and took it out. Good grief.

Friday - FINALLY. End of the week. I wondered if the post office would actually bring me my mail...and hey, they did! A big pile of it. Awesome. I did get the check that I was waiting on, as well as, oh joy, my U2 tickets! Mail is good!!! And what else happened on Friday? My account rep from the Sharks emailed me with the good news that she found me seats!! Can I just say that Friday rocked???

Now it's Saturday, and I need to leave in about 15 minutes to go meet a friend for breakfast at Stacks. Let's hope next week doesn't have so many ups and downs. And let's hope that the next time the post office decides to hold my mail that I'm actually ON VACATION!

Until then...

The thrill of victory...

...the agony of defeat.

Anyone out there that follows sports knows these feelings all too well. I'm sure they could also be translated to other life events, but they do seem to resonate the most for sports.

There is nothing quite like winning...whether you're playing or just watching...whether you're at home on your couch or in a stadium with 17,495 other people. Winning just plain rocks! Losing? Not so much. It truly is agony, but it seems there are varying levels of agony when you lose.

Winning is always good, no matter what. It always energizes and brings joy to all associated with the victory. But losing gets worse when the game is bigger...when the season depends on NOT losing...when you lose to a big rival...all that combined can make you feel like an anvil fell on your head and flattened you on the sidewalk, waiting for one of those cartoon characters to come and scrape you off.

That's sort of how I feel right now. Flattened by an anvil. This is all thanks to the debacle that has been the first round of the NHL playoffs for the Sharks. Actually, I felt the anvil starting to fall a couple of weeks prior to the start of the playoffs, but hoped I'd be able to get out of the way when it hit the ground...hoped that when it finally got close enough to hit me I'd be able to hold up a shiny cup to catch it. Alas, I fear that is not to be.

While there is always hope of a miraculous comeback, the Sharks have not shown me the skill and energy they showed during most of the season, and I can't really envision it happening.

I'm glad I have a ticket to Game 5 tomorrow...it may, after all, be the last home game of the season. I'm glad the home crowd will get to see Torrey Mitchell skate for the first time this season. I'm glad I'm not alone in trying to get out of the way of the anvil. Maybe if it hits multiple people at the same time it won't hurt as much...or maybe it will hurt more because it will bounce off one person's head to another to another to another...

What happened Sharks?
Where did you go?????

Happy New Year...the sequel

H - Here's to...

A - Arizona State's men's basketball team...may it make us forget the football season.

P - People making new starts.

P - Pucks that go in the net for the Sharks!

Y - YOU!


N - New albums (and hopefully tours!) from U2, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry and others.

E - Everyone reaching whatever goals they've set.

W - Wii!


Y - (Cy) Young award winner Timmeh!

E - Enjoying time with friends and family.

A - (Tasha) Alexander's next book, Tears of Pearl.

R - Revelation...Third Day's spring tour!


Hope your new year is going well so far. I'd love to tell you that I'll be blogging more frequently in the new year, but that's just an empty promise that I have no need to make. All the best...Happy 2009!

It's already a long season...

Sigh.

Week 3 of college football, and I'm on the verge of throwing in multiple towels. I follow five teams:

1. Arizona State (alma mater #1)
2. West Virginia (alma mater #2)
3. San Jose State (current employer and the town near which I live)
4. University of Wyoming (team I grew up with...and former employer)
5. Northern Illinois (former employer)

I was pretty jazzed in the first full week of the season when I went 4 for 5. But that joy was fleeting. INow? I'm just hoping they all don't lose the rest of their games. This weekend, which began in the football world on Thursday, was just awful. I went 1 for 5. Thank you, NIU, for not making it a total wash.

It was sheer torture two weeks ago to watch WVU self-destruct against East Carolina. Adding insult to that still throbbing injury was ASU's OT loss last week to unranked UNLV. While nursing that wound, I then had to endure WVU losing in OT this week to unranked Colorado. OY! Needless to say, both ASU and WVU are no longer ranked. And ASU just made it worse tonight with it's less-than-stellar showing (at home no less!) against Georgia. UGH. Not UGA. UGH. To add insult to today's injury, SJSU lost to Stanford...never a pretty sight, and Wyoming got destroyed by BYU...who apparently just doesn't let anyone score anymore.

So, for ASU, they are still 1-0 in the PAC 10, which I GUESS should make me happy, but I've been burned too many times before. My Sun Devil pride is wounded and I fear the conference play that ensues very soon. I mean, USC is still in the PAC 10 last time I checked, and oh joy! we play them in SoCal. I restate my earlier sigh...

WVU hasn't played a single conference game yet, so yeah, there's still some hope there. But they were poised to win it all last year and faltered at the end, so the Mountaineer part of me doesn't have a lot to hold onto.

Wyoming is likely done as they've now had two huge conference losses, but that is not really a surprise. I don't think anyone expected them to do a lot this year.

Poor NIU has only won one game, and one of their two losses was in conference, so they're not really on an uphill swing either.

SJSU losing to Nebraska was not surprising, and while it's a total bummer to lose to Stanford, I guess I wasn't that surprised. At least we've won both of our home games. We'll see what happens going forward. At least I know the national anthem at the Boise State game will be good. :-)

I hope your teams are having more success than mine. Please don't rub it in if they are. That's just mean. If your teams are in a state of ick like mine, I'm happy to commiserate with you. Say it with me now: Sigh. Take comfort in knowing that basketball starts in a month, and the NHL drops the pre-season puck this week. Go Sharks!

I'm out.

Games people play and the music they listen to

The past few weeks have been a blur. My calendar was full of events. Games and concerts, outings with friends. Where does the time go? Since we last spoke, I've been to two more concerts and several sporting events. I've also procured tickets to a variety of other concerts. Oh yes, I'm a junkie. So, let's get it to it, shall we?

Matchbox Twenty (that's lead singer Rob Thomas in the photo). This was my first time seeing them in concert and they did not disappoint...neither did Alanis Morissette who opened for them. Great show and great seats!

Bon Jovi. This was my third time seeing them, and with the exception of their misguided tour of the country scene, they just rock! And I just really don't think it's legal to look as good as Jon Bon Jovi looks. Goodness. I wish I would have been closer so my pictures would have been worth sharing. Yum. It was great to see their opener too...Daughtry. He was a fave on American Idol a few years back, and I think it was great he didn't win that show, because his music is great...and he didn't have to record anything cheezy like the winners always do.

Sharks. Sun Devils. More Sharks. That's been my March and April and will hopefully continue into May with the Sharks...provided we make it deep into the playoffs. They'll start this week...against the hated Calgary Flames. I've got tickets for one game per round, and have vowed to put a teal streak in my hair should we make it to the final round. My Sun Devils didn't fare too well this weekend at Stanford, winning only 1 of 3. But the sun was good, and my tan is much improved.

Tomorrow, the Giants. Their season has not started well, and we don't expect much from them this year. But it's baseball, and skipping work to go to the home opener is always a good idea.

Coming soon...Mamma Mia, Alicia Keys and George Michael.

Anyway, better go to bed and rest up for the big day. We'll chat again soon...

Ground control to Major Tom...

...commencing countdown engine's on... (do you know the artist?)

Oh yes. The countdown is on. Actually, there are multiple countdowns at work.

• First, the countdown to the return of Lost. I mean give it, and give it now! Less than 48 hours away!!
• Second, the countdown to the birthday festivities. Friends and family begin arriving in less than 48 hours (6 1/2 hours prior to the return of Lost to be exact). I can't wait to see everyone and enjoy the Sharks playing in my honor. Ken and Marianne...I'll miss you.
• Finally, the countdown to the birthday itself (which actually comes two full days AFTER the festivities). From today, it's 6 days away. Bring it on. After all, 40 is the new 15. :-)

As I sit here chatting about countdowns, I realize they are really just another type of list. Am I destined to be defined by a list? Are you defined by a list? Have I lost my mind? Oh look, a LIST of questions! I think we all know the answer to that last question...

Alright, I think I better stop for the night. I've clearly lost it. One final question though...what sit-com does that song remind you of?

Ciao.