The Real Phantom of the Opera

As many of you know, I am a huge YouTube fan. Since I work with media 24/7, I find it good for future ideas, but it is also a great way to bring some humor to the occasionally crappy day. This morning I came across this video of the real Phantom of the Opera, and it was great at filling both needs.  Enjoy.

"Don't Give Up, Don't Ever Give Up"

Around this time every year, ESPN announces it is raising money for the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research. This foundation was put together back in 1993 and is dedicated to the memory of the late great Jimmy Valvano who passed away from this awful disease. For those of you who are unaware of Jimmy V, he was head coach of NC State basketball, who knocked off the famous Phi Slamma Jamma team from Houston in 1983. At the time, it was considered one of the biggest upsets in NCAA basketball history.

So I was perusing ESPN.com today and saw a link for Jimmy V's famous speech he gave in 1993 at the ESPY's where he received the Arthur Ashe Lifetime Achievement Award.  He said, "Cancer can take away all my physical ability.  It cannot touch my mind; it cannot touch my heart; it cannot touch my soul.  And those three things are going to carry on forever." What many don't know is at the time of this speech, he was literally on his death bed. I get chills every time I see it. If you have a few minutes, I encourage you to watch it. His words are inspirational. Below is an introduction by Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski and the speech follows.

Christmas Comes Early

So it took me a few days, but I had to get this online. For Thanksgiving this year, I flew back to Portland to hang with the family. Among the crying of nieces and nephews, broken bones in Turkey Bowls and overeating during dinner, my brother decides to call me near the end of my break and give me my Christmas gift early. I hate getting Christmas gifts early because part of the fun of Christmas is opening the gift with the entire family there near the tree in my PJs, which have gotten significantly less embarrassing over the years! OK, so the phone call, my brother announces the surprise and tells me he has courtside seats to a Trailblazer game. I immediately tell him this joke sucks, because one of the things on my bucket list is seeing a Blazer game courtside. He reassures me he isn't joking and picks me up for a little dinner at Outback, then off to the Blazer v. Hornets game. 

To describe the feeling of walking down the lower bowl stairs, accompanied by a security official would be impossible, but without mincing words, I felt like a millionaire. Every game I have ever attended, I always sat in pure jealousy of those sitting in the nice black butt-padded seats, talking trash with players and being waited on. I was now one of the lucky ones.

There I sat, within feet of one of the best point guards in the league, Chris Paul, and close enough that every player I yelled at knew exactly what I said. At one point I talked some trash with Peja Stojakovic and he completely glared me down.  Got a great pic of that!!!

At halftime I was walking the halls on the lower level and ran into none other than Jerome Kersey. Funny running into him, because this new Blazer team reminds me of the team he was on, good on the court and in the community.

To top the night off, the Blazers embarrassed the Hornets, though when the game was over I didn't want to leave. I just wanted to hang around as long as possible to take in the moment. After we left the building I think I thanked my brother at least 20 times. I know he got sick of me by the time we got to the car, but I felt like a 14-year old kid for two and a half hours...giddy! Hard to say thank you enough for an experience like that. Easily the most memorable gift I have been given. Hard to think of something that will ever top it! Thanks BJ. Oh, my bad, didn't mean to, just thinking about it makes it hard to believe I was there. Oh, and early Christmas gifts aren't that bad after all!

Diaper Duty

CHG, the company I work for, recently helped the United Way in gathering needed supplies for shelters around the Salt Lake Area.  We were responsible for diapers, baby wipes and baby food. We collected more than 8,000 diapers and 500 bottles of baby food and distributed them to shelters in Salt Lake and Midvale.  I had the privilege of delivering the items to the shelters and, to be honest, I haven't felt that good in a long time. It was a nice reminder of how many blessings I have in my life. We find so much time to complain about the problems we think we are facing, but forget about the harsh realities that so many other families are dealing with. It was nice to be of service and to see the happiness that such a small act brought to these families in need.

3, 2, 1...Dodgeball

So last night I got talked into playing dodge ball for a singles activity.  I have been avoiding it for a long time, but I felt it was time I start going to as many activities as possible. This is true dedication, because I had to record the rest of the Blazer game on TV to attend. For those of you who know me well, that's like asking me to remove chest hairs one by one with a pair of tweezers.

Back to the dodgeball. Honestly, I hadn't played the game in years and I felt a little ridiculous attending, so I decided if I was going to feel ridiculous, I was going to look ridiculous as well.  I had a blonde mullet wig sitting at home and a great white trash t-shirt, so I put together a little ensemble to complement the game I was playing.  I also shaved a handle bar mustache to complete the look. Without trying, I ended up looking like a poor mans White Goodman.

All in all, the night was a lot of fun, and my team won somewhere in the range of 10 games in a row. Not sure I will ever bring the look back, but I may just find myself a good woman who likes Nascar and buy me a trailer in the near future, so it may need to!

Blazers lose, but Kevin saves the day!

So as I previously mentioned, I got lucky once again to receive tickets for the Blazers/Jazz game here in SLC. The feeling of pure excitement I used to feel when I was a child is totally coming back. I was literally giddy before the game. We sat near the Blazer bench, and like many kids, I waited in line to give the team fist bumps as they came in and warmed up. A little childish, yes, but I loved every minute of it. Seriously, so much fun. I had some video taken of the experience. Never realized how bald I was becoming until I watched the video back. Thanks mom and dad for the great genetics! I think it's time to face the facts...the hair has to go.

Soon after the team entered the court, Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard, the mastermind behind the whole team, came up behind me and made a comment about my jersey.  (worth every penny I paid for it) I promptly asked for a picture. Yeah, I know, I am a stud! But serious, I was really excited to meet the guy, because he has done a lot of really good stuff for the organization. He has brought the REAL Blazers back home.

Although the Blazers lost, I still had an amazing time.  Rip City is back! 

PS: I know I am a visiting fan when a 70 year-old woman is talking trash with me.  Classic!

Bust-a-Bucket

So I know it has been a couple weeks since I last posted, and I make excuses all the time why I don't post more, but the reality is, who gives a crap.  The 5 of you that read this I talk to every week, so the good stuff you get straight from the source.  And if I blogged about EVERYTHING that happened, I would tick a lot of people off, so I will hopefully continue to post once a week and be funny, engaging and all around enjoyable, but no promises.  Now, for today, I found out recently that I will be attending the Blazer/Jazz game tomorrow and since this season's team reminds me so much of the Blazers of old, I was reminded of a little ditty from the old days. 

Referee Tackles SC Quarterback

If you haven't seen this video, you gotta check it out.  It totally looks like the ref assisted in this tackle of the South Carolina quarterback.  Freakin hilarious.

And 1 Mix Tape Tour in Salt Lake City

I had absolutely nothing the do tonight so I decided to edit some footage I took a few years back of the And 1 Mix Tape Tour.  The quality isn't perfect, I am still trying to work out some kinks, but I thought I would throw it up for kicks.  Enjoy...


And 1 Mix Tape Tour in Salt Lake City from goods on Vimeo.

The Office is on Tonight

Just thought I would remind everyone that The Office is on tonight.  Need a push to watch. You're wish is my command.

These Are The Things You Don't Say to Your Wife

Funny title to a blog post for a guy who's single, but I saw this video on YouTube today and I couldn't stop laughing.  Never heard of this comedian before, but here you go...

Eating Contest on PCTV

Park City Television did a little story on our Dino Bite Eating contest, so I thought I would share it.  Enjoy...

Dino Bite Eating Contest

Year number two in the eating contest world didn't go as well as year one.  For those that have been keeping up with this blog know I entered a Corn Dog eating contest last year and placed second with 11 dogs. This year, we ate Dino bites and it was one of the worst experiences in my life.  I never knew little chicken nuggets shaped like dinosaurs would be so difficult to eat, but I was only able to consume 37 in 10 minutes.  I was annihilated.  The winner downed 65.  I think I am officially retiring from the sport.  My body can't take this anymore. Anywho, here are some pictures from the event.  Enjoy!

Long Time No Talk

A month is too long to take a break in between posts, so I apologize. I am sure all 6 of you who read this blog are disappointed in me. It won't happen again. So the question becomes, how to catch everyone up on everything that's been going on? Well, there is a long way and a short way to answer that question, but I would rather keep it short, so here is the short version. 

I have been out of town 3 of the last 4 weeks on business, seeing new places and having a lot of fun doing it. I am exhausted, but it was all a lot of fun. I did get to mix a little bit of fun into the traveling, like hitting a Boyz II Men concert a couple weeks back in Orem. (Yes, they are still performing) I always wanted to see them in concert, and they didn't disappoint. I am including a pic and a short video from the concert. (Hard to see much in the picture)

So after all of the traveling, it's nice to be home.  Work won't slow down for a while, but it is nice to be home and sleep in my own bed.  

Also, coming up next week, I will be competing in the our company's second United Way eating contest. Last year I took second in corn dogs with 11 dogs in 10 minutes.  This year, we are pounding Dino Bites.  I know I am going to be sick, but it's all for a good cause!  I'll let you know how I do.

I think that catches you up.  I promise, no more of these lame "catch up" posts.  Again, to the half-a-dozen reading this, I apologize.

"Do You Know the Way to San Jose?"

Heck yes I do! I just recently returned from a little trip to Ebay's headquarters in San Jose, CA and it was very interesting to say the least. The purpose of going out there was to learn from top tier companies what they are doing in social media to better understand how we can put those things into effect at work. My boss went with me and it was nice to see her realize how far behind we are and how much work there is for us to do to catch up.

But more than that, it was nice to get out of Utah for a couple of days and see Cali. I didn't have much time to get out and see the sights, but I did get to see a few places in downtown San Jose, including a city park across the street from our hotel, as well as do some fine dining at a couple high end restaurants. (High end for me at least!) Call me old school, but at one of the restaurants, I ordered a Chicken Pot Pie. Yeah, seriously, it was on the menu. $23 for a pot pie, but it was the most amazing pot pie I have ever had. No joke! Anywho...enjoy the pics.

Living Alone Rocks!...Sometimes

Just over a year ago, I made the “adult” decision to buy a place. I had always wanted to find a home of my own and have free reign to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. Run around the house naked (not a pretty sight), watch TV (Walker, Texas Ranger anyone?) until three in the morning, eat crappy, leave dishes in the sink, crap on the floor, and come home from work to silence, a big key to not going crazy. Don't get me wrong, I love people, but sometimes you just want to come home and not hear the whining of another person.

Like for one, when in my life am I going to be able to go work out for a couple hours right after work, come home and eat dinner late, and then decide I am in the mood for a little Guitar Hero, play for a couple of hours and then go to bed only after watching three episodes of SportsCenter? (I swear the shows are different, though no woman I have ever spoken to believes me!) Never! I have seen how marriage works, and the aforementioned option is not in the cards. Not to say I don't want marriage, but there is a lot to give up, A LOT!

There is a flip side to all of this that we are all familiar with. It's called loneliness. It reaches the best of us. Human companionship is a key to so much happiness that you can't get as a single person. Sound like anyone? If you answered "my parents," you are correct! I am reminded of the "happiness through companionship" thought everyday by parents and siblings who are happily married with children. I have no doubt that I will be happy when that day comes, but happiness comes in many different forms. Right now it's watching the Olympics until the wee hours of the morning, eating burgers off the George Foreman grill at 11 p.m. and throwing down Rice Krispies Treats until I feel sick. (What can I say, it's my drug of choice)

I realize I don’t fit the LDS norm. I am freakin’ 29 and single. As a Priesthood holder in the church, I am looked at as having a problem. Screw that! Do I have issues with commitment? Yeah, I am single and 29, I would be lying if I said any differently, but the world has become more about temporary happiness than eternal joy, and many in the church, including me, sometimes gets caught up in it. One specific thing is divorce. Being 29, I have a lot of friends who have gone through, or are currently going through divorce. It scares the CRAP out of me. I think of that as normal.

Living alone is amazing! Does is suck sometimes? Yes. But I can only control myself, not others. A wise person once said, “Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” As long as those three things are a part of my daily thoughts, I can’t be afraid of tomorrow. Whatever it brings.

Archuleta Mania

OK, so a bad admission on my part might be that I watch a little too much reality TV. I can't explain why I enjoy it so much, but I do. American Idol is at the top of the list of reality TV shows I watch and I happened to be perusing YouTube (my favorite new site) for some idol highlights and I was reminded at how freakin' good David Archuleta was. I am including a couple of clips that I found randomly online for you all. Enjoy, or don't, but here they are.


Archuleta singing "A Thousand Miles" at home


Singing "Heaven" by Bryan Adams during Hollywood week


He quickly became famous for his rendition of "Imagine" by John Lennon


His performance of "Apologize" with OneRepublic at the American Idol Finale

Cougar Football Is Again Upon Us

The official start of the 2008 college football season is vast approaching and Ute fans are already starting to talk some serious crap. Many of my co-workers are staunch Ute fans and love to talk about how they are going to kill us this year in Rice Eccles. I don't like to necessarily dwell on the past too much, but the talk was getting to a point that something needed to be done. That is why I put together the following video. Enjoy, and I look forward to Nov. 22. I hope we are both undefeated and playing for our BCS lives!

The Only Time I Will Ever Talk WNBA

If you didn't see the fight between the Los Angeles Sparks and Detroit Shock, take a look at the video. And we thought the WNBA had no chance of survival! They just need to do what hockey does, get fans by promising fights. Both sports are boring to watch, but hockey players beat the crap out of each other. That's why we tune in (by we, I mean Canada and Detroit). Anyway, good on ya girls! I am tuning in for the rematch...or maybe just the highlights of the rematch. 

Summer Shows Worth Your Time

OK, many people tell me I watch too much television, and they're all right, for the most part. I can easily justify all of my watching because of my occupation in media. It's all just "research!" Whatever the case, if you take the time to sit down and watch some show, and want to be sincerely entertained, here are my top choices.

1. Burn Notice (Thursday night, USA)

Beginning it's second season on USA, this show is about a spy who is burned by the government and is working and a PI until he figures out who burns him. 

2. Psych (Friday night, USA)

Also on USA, Psych is about a team of guys who solve crimes for the police department and pretend to be psychic.  The dialogue alone is worth the time, if nothing else.

3. America's Got Talent (Tuesday night, NBC)

If you like American Idol, nuff said.

4. Walker, Texas Ranger (MTWTF morning, USA)

Since this show has been in re-runs for 8 years, anytime of the year is good for a little Cordell Walker and Jimmy Trevette, but the summer especially.  Every morning at 8 and 9 a.m. on USA. If you like good endings, remember, Walker never loses!

5. So You Think You Can Dance (Wednesday and Thursday nights, Fox)

This is my first year on the "Dance" bandwagon, and I was pleasantly surprised at how good the show is. Other than the episode when they put a guy in Daisy Dukes, I have enjoyed watching. 

Enjoy!

"I Love Sports"

For those of you who were too busy watching "High School Musical: Get in the Show" on Sunday and missed out on the ESPYs, I truly feel bad for you.  JT (that's right, we're tight) did a song and dance about his love for sports, while Portland's own Greg Oden accompanied him on the piano. On more than one occasion in this 9-minute montage, I laughed out loud.  Can be embarrassing all alone while neighbors listen in, but what do you do. I digress. If you can't find humor in it, go back to watching your Grey's Anatomy and Lost; nobody cares about you anyway!  For those that care, check out the clip.  I also added Will Ferrell's demands to host the show as well as his acceptance speech as Tiger Woods and Greg Oden's audition tape to be host of the ESPY's. Enjoy!

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Boarding on Utah Lake

I love wakeboarding. I suck hard, but I love getting out on the water and messing around. Nice to have a friend with a boat who loves to take it out often.  I got to hit the water for the first time this summer last Friday, and although I am not in any pictures, I thought I would share the experience. The weather wasn't perfect for boarding, but it was great to get out. Enjoy!

One of the Craziest Things I Have Ever Done

Alright, I don't consider myself someone who lives on the edge. Heights scare the crap out of me, I haven't been skiing in over 15 years because of a freak accident and I don't take a motorcycle over a 100 just to know how it feels.  So when I was asked to participate in a corn dog eating contest at work last year, wasn't really interested at first.  Then, my boss decided to name the freakin thing after me and I had no choice.  Add insult to injury, she put me up again against guys twice my size.  (There was a small woman as well, so at least I knew I wasn't coming in last!) Of the 200 or so people that watched, 8 thought I was going to win. Seriously! 8. That got my competitive juices going and I was in it to win it. I still don't live on the edge, but I did eat 11 corn dogs in 10 minutes that day and came in second.  Was sweating grease for two straight days.  I put a little montage together as you can see below. It is a little ad for the company I work for. Enjoy!

Marcus on Last Comic Standing

If you haven't checked out this season's Last Comic Standing, get on it! A guy from Salt Lake made the top 12 and he has a good shot of winning it all. I saw him perform at WiseGuys a couple of years ago with some friends and he is a funny dude. He does ridiculous impressions. (for the old people reading this blog, ridiculous = good!) Check out his semi-final performance about Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Funny Stuff.

I Need Your Help

http://www.ashtonsd60.com/gallery.aspx#/?category=all&sort=myPhotos&page=1&image=4576

Here is the link to one of the pictures I submitted for a contest on Nikon's Web site. The more views, the better chance I have of winning. PLEASE send this link to everyone you know and have them take a look. If I make the top 120 (which will be a miracle) then voting starts on Wednesday. I really appreciate your help. Thanks guys. Let me know if you have any problems seeing the link.

If everyone views each picture (there are three) 10 times, I should have a good shot of getting in. Thanks guys!

A Tall Tale

There are a lot of professional athletes out there I have always wanted to meet. Topping the list are Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, LeBron James, Shaquille O'neil, and Lisa Leslie, to name a few. Then there are athletes you meet randomly, which can be just as exciting because they are just that, random.  Well yesterday I met ex-Utah Jazz center Mark Eaton after a motivational speaking engagement where he spoke about his journey from 21-year-old auto mechanic to playing 12 years of professional basketball. Honestly, I didn't want to be one of those annoying fans, but after most of the employees left, I took the opportunity to get a photo.  If you can't tell, the guy is ginormous! He is listed at 7'4" and he is every bit of it, no joke.  But he is a really personable guy, very accommodating and even was cool when I told him I was glad he wasn't playing anymore because I was a Portland Trailblazer fan! Gotta love it. Well, since Mark Eaton was never on the list, I guess I need to do a little revising.  Maybe I should add Dikembe Mutombo as well, except he would be impossible to understand and it would be tough to get his attention, seeing as how he has like 20 kids! 

Oh, and by the way, if you believed for one second that I would put a WNBA player on my list of top pro athletes to meet, you are smoking something my friend...that will NEVER happen!

My Visit with Coby

I go out of town for a day and what happens?...my little nephew Coby is born!  I'm always missing the cool stuff.  Anyway, tonight I went by the hospital to visit with my brother's family and meet Coby for the first time and thought I would share some pictures with everyone.  He is really a cute kid.  Surprising, considering the parents! Enjoy the pictures.  

Coby Brent Goodfellow, Born June 6, 2008

With or Without the Goat?

Okay, I need some help.  I spent the last month or so growing a nice little goatee, and I got mixed reviews from friends and family. Recently, I decided to get rid of the thing, but like females with long hair, I am not gonna lie, I cried a little when I let it go.  I need some help...yes or no on the goatee?  Leave a comment and help a brotha out.

Not Typical for the Front to Fall Off a Ship!

I was checking out www.ragan.com today for work and I came across this video.  It is a British journalist talking to a politician about a ship that dumped a huge load of crude oil off the coast of Australia. Listen to the politician's responses; completely ridiculous and absolutely hilarious.

The Fablehaven 3 Launch Party

So for those of you who haven't been introduced to Brandon Mull, get with it because this guy will be a household name in the next 3 years.  He is in the midst of writing a series of books called Fablehaven, the newest titled "Grip of the Shadow Plague." Brandon and I used to work together at Excel Entertainment here in Salt Lake City, so it's really exciting seeing all his success in such a short amount of time.  Recently, his publisher held a launch party for "Grip of the Shadow Plague" that thousands of fans attended.  I took my camera with me to the event, but was all the way at the back of the auditorium, so some of the pictures are a little blurry.  Most of the pictures are of Divine Comedy, a comedy troupe Brandon used to write for.  I also include a picture of this kid pop group (absolutely hilarious and ridiculous all at the same time) and Brandon addressing the crowd about his book. If you haven't read the books, get on it.  More info available at www.fablehaven.com.  

"Grip of the Shadow Plague" Launch Party

My Bad

All right guys, I realize I have been a complete flake in regards to this whole blog thing, but in my defense I did warn you at the beginning that I suck at this.  As an apology, I will add a couple more posts today to hopefully get you updated as to what's been going on in my life.  Here you go...

Happy Birthday to the Greatest Mom on the Planet!

Today (April 11) is my mother’s birthday!  She’s 55, and though not necessarily young anymore, she still has the energy of a woman half her age.  For her birthday, I wanted to get her something she wanted, something out of the realm of her thought process.  I didn't care about cost, I just wanted her to know how much I appreciated her.  So I asked her, and of course she said she didn’t want a thing.  What do you say to something like that?  She is already a difficult person to buy for because she is exactly the opposite of my brother and father, who tend to buy everything they want the day it comes out.  My mother would rather live the simple life.  So I go back to my quandary of what to get the woman that doesn’t want anything but a phone call with a birthday wish; well I give her what she wants as well as my expression of love and admiration through the only bit of communication I know well, the written word.   

For almost 30 years my mom has raised me to be a righteous man, a man dedicated to serving my neighbor and serving God.  She doesn’t teach me by word alone, she teaches me through her actions.  She raised 4 children through much of her life, and then when she thought she was done, another gift arrived nearly 13 years ago.  Without complaint, she worried not for herself, but for those in the family she believed it would affect, another example of her desire to do what is right for those she loves.

She is also one of the funniest women I have ever met.  Never willing to take herself too seriously and always keeping her humor clean, she lives her life to the fullest while always striving to be better.  She never sees herself and the woman she really is because perfection is unattainable and she wants for nothing less. She is truly incredible! 

Whenever I struggle with anything in my life I go to her for her unconditional love, for her willingness to tell the truth regarding mistakes I’ve made and how to fix them as well as focusing on my strengths and how to utilize them.  She gives because it’s who she is, not because it’s what she believes she needs to do. 

Mom, I love you more than any set of words could describe. Your love and support mean more to me than you will ever know.  Although this present isn’t material, know that it is from the heart.  Again I love you and hope you have a wonderful birthday.   

That's Mr. Easter Bunny to You!

So I realize I am a little late with this post, seeing as how Easter is long past us, but I just got a hold of a few of these pictures and I figured I would share them with you all.  To give you the background, I recently started a new position at my company doing multimedia for the corporate events team.  I realized soon after that, as the only guy on the team, I would be volunteered for things the women didn't want to do.  Round one, play the Easter Bunny for a company Easter egg hunt.

They made me hold a dog!  Seriously, does it get any worse? At least it's potty trained!

This is my team that forced me into this mess!

As you can see, this was not the most comfortable costume, and I was less than thrilled to jump in and play this fictional fur ball, but the party turned out really good.  The little kids faces made it all worth it.  The second I emerged from dressing next to a dumpster near the school, the kids flocked to me with mouths wide open in awe and arms outstretched wanting a hug.  Not gonna lie, I felt like the NBA basketball player I always desired to be.  Unnecessary side note, my bad.  Anywho, I ended up spending an hour or so taking pictures and spending time with the kids, then disappeared back to my hiding spot next to the dumpster.  Good times had by all. 

The 2nd Greatest Player on the Planet

Ever since I was a kid, I have loved following the NBA.  I even thought, make that, knew I would one day be a player.  I was so sure of it I made a $500 bet with my brother.  I never paid him. The point is, I have a passion for everything about the league.  I love the atmosphere, the pressure of big games, being a part of history and just having something to take my mind away from reality.

My dad bought season tickets every year growing up and I had the opportunity to see the likes of Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Kevin Duckworth, Jerome Kersey and Buck Williams run their way to the NBA finals twice.  Those were amazing experiences I will never forget. Since then, I have been to hundreds of games and seen a lot of amazing players, but the one player I never got to see in person that I regret to this day is Michael Jordan, THE greatest player of all time. Currently, there is one player that seems to be unanimously compared to #23, Kobe Bryant, so when I was given the chance to see him play for the first time and to do so from the third row, I jumped at the chance.  

I took tons of pictures and video.  I felt like a giddy little school girl because I knew this may be the only time I see someone of his ability play in person.  Let me say, he did not disappoint.  I am including some video of him taking it to the baseline dunking, and just some random shots I took during the game.  My camera isn't great, but I thought I would at least share my experience from my seat.

Remember, I am a die hard Blazer fan and Kobe was on the team that ripped my Blazers' heart out in the 2000 playoffs, so writing this entry is extremely difficult for me, but the fact is, Kobe is ridiculously good.  The guy could score 50 a night if he wanted.  Honestly, he is unstoppable. 

Check out how easily he drives baseline and dunks.  Sorry, that ain't right.

This is no man crush, just extreme respect.

Next on my list is LeBron James.  That may be a few years.

Introduction

Life is a roller coaster; my ride has had it's ups and downs with a few fun twists along the way.  I thought it would be fun to start a blog and keep everyone who has any interest involved in what is going on.  I have no idea what I will post about, but I will post, a least a couple of times a week.  Some posts will be boring, some extremely entertaining because if I have anything, its funny stories to tell about people I interact with at work or girls I date, or random stupid things I do that make me me!  Life Happens...you'll see.