Tourney Time!

It's the most wonderful time...of the year!

I follow college athletics throughout the year, especially my beloved Wisconsin Badgers. I have watched almost every men's basketball game and cheered them through the Big Ten tournament. Arguably, they have the best defense in the nation.

Now it's crunch time. Win or go home. Do or die. Eat or be eaten.

Pick a catch-phrase, it all means the same: There is no room for loosers. You either play with the heart and soul of a warrior or flop. I will be pulling for the Badgers to go all the way. Why not? It's tourney time! Anything can happen.

Side Note: How crazy was that for the University of Georgia to win the SEC championship?

Yes, anything can happen...

Warrick Dunn Released From Falcons

One of the few reasons I watch the Atlanta Falcons play is Warrick Dunn. He brought excitement to the game, he never gave up, and managed to keep a positive attitude even when the Falcons weren't doing so well. Cue violin...

Today, the Atlanta Falcons announced that they released Dunn in light of their new running back, Michael Turner. I could rant and rave at such a poor move by the Falcons, but hey, they know what's best, right?

Dunn's work will probably be remembered more off the field than on. His charity, Warrick Dunn Foundation, has provided single-parent households with the opportunity of home ownership. Please visit the site.

I know there are other sports figures who are heavily involved with their communities and charities alike, but Warrick stands above. His character on and off the field exude the qualities we should all strive towards.

Warrick, we will miss you...

So You Had a Bad Day

I'm sure you've all experienced being "chewed" out by a co-worker. Namely, a chunk of your posterior was forcefully removed and now you're wondering how to get it back. Being of sound mind and flabby body, I have learned to allow folks to vent their frustration(s) [to a point], listen with concern, and provide them with some sort of help. Not always an easy task, especially with me who likes to fire back with the ferociousness of a rabid badger.

Why stay frustrated when you really aren't in control...

So, in light of all of us who have had a recent "enlightenment", here's Daniel Powter's song:

What's Now...

I've been busy... No, make that very busy! My wife and I are looking for a new house. We've been living in an apartment for the last 4 months, and now we are ready for a house. As many of you know, looking for a house in this market is time consuming. There are lots of choices.

So please forgive my lack of writing. It's been difficult on me as well. Here are a couple of tidbits to keep up:

Misawa's a free man...sort of
Bryan Allain, at Burnside Writers, is/was excited that Lost was back on air [personally, I've never watched the show, but Misawa says it's excellent]
As always, Tim's site is a great read

Lastly, a little Muppet entertainment for ya!

True Love

I'm not much for people watching. I don't like to be watched myself, so why would I stare at others. But the other night, while out to dinner with my family as we celebrated our son's 11th birthday , this married couple--sitting next to us--caught my attention.

Both of them were probably in their late 50's, maybe early 60's. A husband gazing longingly at his wife, occasionally smiling as they ate. She concentrated on her food and occasionally returned the smile. His eyes never left her.

Some time before, she had a stroke. The physical damage was evident: slow to speak and react. However, through the trauma, her spirit was still alive. To her husband, she was--is--still his beautiful wife, to love and cherish until the very end.

When the resturant sang happy birthday to our son, we found out that her birthday was on the same day, too. She congratulated our son, laughed and, for a brief moment, was young again.

As the couple got up to leave, they smiled at us and said their goodbyes. He held her hand and led her toward the door...hand-in-hand like the day he walked with her at the altar.