Random Stuff for Today...

Ok, so the day started off rough. No not because I had to get up but because I stayed up until midnight watching the Suns CHOKE!! Um...I mean lose. Well, there is always next year (famous words from an AZ sports fan). There is always the Diamonbacks. Anyways... today I had the opportunity to volunteer for a few hours at a food bank. A few people from my company and I worked along side of a team from FedEx Kinkos in order to create food bags for children who are in need of food when they are not at school, such as over the weekend, this was part of National Volunteer Week (http://www.volunteer.gov/gov/). I only helped for three hours but those three hours were very rewarding. It was fun to do good along side of strangers. It makes one realize just how much we take for granted, that a couple juice boxes, granola bars, milk, and fruit cups mean so much to so many people.

After I finish this up, I will be studying for my Biology exam that I will be taking tomorrow. Yeah!!! I mean, not that I enjoy exams but that it is my last Practical Biology exam (if I pass the class). I still have one more lab exam and then it's good-bye Biology! Wish me luck, I need it.

My favorite pic of the day

This photo is of the Suns Pre-game today vs. the Spurs. Courtesy of http://www.phoenixsuns.com/.

Suns stay alive!

Today was the day I was waiting for. Not because I didn't have to work, or because it was a day that I got to hang out with friends (although I did enjoy this). Today was the day the Suns remembered who they were and they remembered how to play the game of basketball. They were on point. Everything was in sync and going their way. Bell couldn't miss! It was exciting to see. Now they have to do that three more times in a row to get past the Spurs, who lead the series 3-1. Game 5 is Tuesday back in San Antonio. Cheer on those Suns!! This is their year!

Netflix...What's up??

So just about the greatest thing was invented a few years ago...movies delivered to my house! That is awesome, I never have to ask what Lisa wants to watch because we just watch what had been delivered that day. Just load movies onto our queue and find them in our mailbox. So easy and reasonably priced. When I first signed up people asked me how our service was, saying that they had experienced poor delivery. For the first few months we used them service was great, I get three movies, I watch them, I mail them back and in about 2 days I have three new movies. Now things have changed a bit. I may get a movie then watch it, mail it back and may get another one, maybe. Not quite sure what is up with them. I guess maybe they feel that they have us locked in and there is no need to make us feel like we are getting our money worth. Well, I would love to say that I think Netflix is as great now as it was when we first signed up...but it's not. If anyone from Netflix is reading this, Can you send me some movies to watch? I actually now have to watch movies that I already own.
Is anyone else having this issue? How is Blockbuster online?

One word to describe being a Suns Fan...

FRUSTRATING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Summer has arrived, bring on the water bill!

It’s officially summer; we have had 3 consecutive days over 85 degrees. You know what that means…right, put your sweaters away and pull out your shorts. Also it means that I have to mow once a week, again. Not only that but I have to water my yard (with a oscillating sprinkler). Yep, I’m too cheap to install a sprinkler system…although, this is the year! (maybe). Here’s the thing, when we first got our house about 5 years ago, I truly enjoyed mowing and yard work. Now…not so much. I remember growing up in PHX where our yard was, how do I put this…desert. I don’t remember watering and I can count the times I mowed it, on one hand. Anyways, like I was saying…Summer has arrived. If anyone wants to mow my yard, you are more than welcome. Just make sure you bag the clippings.

Suns vs. Spurs...need I say more??

The 2008 NBA Playoffs officially began today. When round one was set there was one matchup that I did not want to hear. You guessed it, SUNS vs. Spurs. Who wants to play the Spurs in the first round?? Yikes. Anyways, today the Suns got their chance to take a jump on the series by winning game 1. From the get go, it looked really good for them. They were up the entire game until the end of the 4th quarter when the Spurs tied it up to go into overtime. Then in overtime the Suns had a chance to win until the unlikeliest thing happened...the boring Tim Duncan hit his 1st, I repeat 1st 3-pointer of the year, to send the game into double overtime. I was on the edge of my seat. In the 2nd OT, the Suns just could not get it done allowing the Spurs to take a 1-0 lead in the series (117-115). I have my bracket set and I predict that this series will go 7 games with the Suns winning and ultimately brining the NBA National Championship to the Desert!! If you want to read more about this game go to http://www.nba.com/suns/playoffs/recap_rd1gm1_080419.html . It's ok, the Suns have the next game!!! Make sure you watch on Tuesday and root on the Purple and Orange!

PS. The Mavs also lost. (104-92)

What's the capitol of Alaska?

Tonight Lisa and I watched a movie that I liked. Not sure if was a good movie, but I liked it. This movie makes me think Napoleon Dynamite meets a movie with real subjects. Now before I go too far, I must say that the movie has some (a bit more than necessary (I mean a whole lot)) cursing. So, beware. (I am in no way endorsing this movie, only talking about it). The movie is Juno. If you haven't seen it and want to then I don’t want to ruin it for you...so close this page now, because I'm going forward with this blog. Juno deals with issues such as broken homes, teenage challenges, unexpected pregnancy, adoption, and so much more. I think what I liked was the complete and utter bluntness from the main character, Juno. She has a sense of compassion for people but also an innocent disregard for what anyone thinks of her. I think we may all have met someone like this. For some reason I find this very intriguing. Why? Again this movie tackles some pretty tough subjects and it may not end the way you want it to, but it may in-fact be a reflection of how certain things end up in this world. Warning: Tear jerk alert!!!! w/ a few laughs. Another thing I liked in this movie is the fantastic soundtrack…if you like the folk sound. This movie may not be for everyone, but if you do see it take from it what you like. (With your parents permission of course)

Did you know that Dallas has a professional soccer team?

So tonight was my first experience watching a live professional soccer game. Ok, to be honest it was only my second time watching a soccer game that involved individuals older than 5. My friend David invited me to see FC Dallas vs. The New York Redbulls (yep, like the energy drink). I am always a little bit weirded out by soccer, how can you play a game that can end in a tie?? Anyways, FC Dallas scored their first goal in the first minute of the game. That was exciting. It is also exciting to see the "die hard" cheer section (I'm sure they have a name) these fans chanted and banged on drums for 90 + straight minutes. Very entertaining. Dallas scored another goal in the second half. Best of all the game did not end in a tie, it ended 2-0 with Dallas taking the win. I wish I could give you more details, but I'm tired. To finish, it was a great experience that I hope to have again. Plus, hanging out with David and Chad (if you don't know Chad, he's that guy that can make watching paint dry, fun) is always a good time.

Thanks guys!

The Lord Shining On American Idol!

Ok, So I am a little upset that I missed this live. I can't say that I am an American Idol fan because I never really get a chance to watch the show. But with this performance which took place last night, I am a fan today. On Wednesday the American Idol contestants performed this same song (that's right, two nights in a row) but replaced "Jesus" with "Shepard". I'm excited to here them sing the song either way. It is very cool to hear praises being given to God on a universal stage. Check it out and see if it doesn't give you goose bumps!

I FINALLY made GOOGLE!!

I have had a thought that nowdays one can feel that they have "made it" if they come up on a GOOGLE search. Well, for the past few years, I have GOOGLEd myself periodically, to come up with NOTHING! Why are you judging me?? I know you've done it. :) Well, the other day, I did a GOOGLE Images search of my name and guess what I found on page 9, that's right the photo above!! Have I made it? NO. But it's still pretty cool. What do you find if you GOOGLE yourself? Again, I know you've done it!

What's up with Sunday??

What is it about Sundays? Every other day of the week I wake up at 6:30am and jump right out of bed. Now, any earlier and I’m in trouble. But on Sundays I cannot seem to wake up before 7:30am. Then, I am tired for the rest of the day. All I want to do after church and lunch is go to sleep. Is this because Sunday is the day of rest?? Probably not. So why is it? Last night I was in bed by 11:00pm, not too bad by my standards. Then I woke up at 6:00am, and felt good. Then went back to sleep. Woke up at 6:30am, felt ok. Then went back to sleep. Woke up at 6:45am, felt ok. Then went back to sleep. Woke up at 7:30am, exhausted and running late. Can you explain this to me?? Or, can you relate? Wish me luck next Sunday, I already have my alarm set! (not really) Have a good rest of your weekend.

Why do cars park on a driveway and drive on a parkway?

Traffic has become my least favorite pastime, but a necessary one. I spend at least 10-15 hours a week staring out my front windshield. Good times, right? The thing is that I have almost become numb to the morning and evening commute. I know that I have to do it so I just go with the flow. I know that there is a chance I will get home in 45 minutes and I know there is a chance it can take me 2 hours. It all depends on how many accidents I come across on the way. I’m going to confess something, don’t tell my mom (or wife) but sometimes once I get to work or home, I don’t really remember the drive. Not that I wasn’t paying attention, but I am almost on autopilot. I relate this to the way some of us go through life. We keep on the same path and often times are so focused on getting there that we don’t enjoy the ride (I’m working on this). For my birthday I got one of my new favorite toys…an FM modulator for my Ipod. This has enhanced my drive so much; I can listen to my favorite music or my favorite podcasts, allowing me to turn monotony into entertaining monotony. I now look forward to my drive…home that is. So if you take anything away from this, take these three things. 1 – If you have to make a journey at least enjoy ride. 2 – Go get an FM modulator for your Ipod, makes a world of difference. 3 - If you don’t want your wife or mother to find out something, don’t write it in your blog. Oops!

Enjoy your day and drive safely...I’m not a fan of sitting behind accidents.
-James

Thunder Dan is Back!

Today I was soooooo excited when I opened up my weekly Phoenix Suns e-newsletter to see the headline: "Majerle Added to Roster". You can only imagine how stoked I was. #9 back in a Suns jersey and on the court...could it get any better? (For those of you that didn't know me growing up, Dan Majerle was my favorite basketball player, an average looking white guy that could shoot the 3-pointer!!) Back to the article...I read the intro then clicked the 'read more' link. Yep you guessed it, APRIL FOOLS!. What????? I am all for practical jokes, but that was just plain mean! Oh well, the Suns will just have to win it without him. Anyways, now to the subject at hand...April Fools day. I love jokes, but I hate going throughout a day looking over my shoulder and not trusting anything that is said to me. Thank goodness it only comes once a year and thank goodness that was the worst joke played on me. (next posting, Petition to end April Fools Day, kidding!)

Do you have any good stories from your April Fools Day?

-James