One thing that has always had the power to pick my spirits up is sports. Watching, playing, anticipating their arrival; it doesn't matter, I love the thrill of competition. Friends have occasionally pointed out my sometimes over-the-top, obsessive nature when it comes to winning, and with a smirk on my face I admit to it. I've always been a firm believer that a competitive spirit is a healthy, sometimes necessary thing, and sports have always been an obvious outlet for that quality which I possess.
Two months ago, the stars aligned and I was in a wonderful dream world where the NHL wasn't confusing and basketball was entertaining again, where soccer had moved from the sideshow to the main stage, and where everything was in that riveting state we call "the playoffs". Hardly a day went by where there wasn't some form of a moving ball seen in HDTV, and in a way I got spoiled. When winners were crowned and the confetti finally settled, I had nothing left to steal my focus away, which may have contributed to my state of frustration.....Ok that's a stretch, and a thin one at that, but I can't write off the negative effect a sports-less world can have on me. Now I'm finally getting a little of it back. Much to my delight, our soccer season finally started last Thursday. Coaching a sport you love is like a drug, after one hit you're hooked, and I'm finally starting to get my fix. Most of the kids on our 1-loss team are returning this year, plus a few who are moving up from playing in just the rec league. There are 5 weeks between now and the first game of the season, and unlike last year, my dad and I are going to make sure we don't waste our pre-season practices like we did last year. Yesterday, I completed my F-licensing course (which included a lovely five hour practice at 8 in the morning on a Saturday) which means I won't have to dive behind a bush this year when a referee comes looking for coaching passes. Plus, I'm pretty sure I can pick up mad chicks by busting out the license, which is a useful little perk.
Eagles football finally got underway as well with the Hall of Fame game against the Raiders tonight. Never in my life have I ever drooled so much in anticipation of a fucking pre-season football game, but when you find yourself in the sports desert of the summer, you run to whatever oasis you can find. In case you missed it, the Eagles starters were in for about three drives. Here is a quick overview for your convenience:1. Defense forces a three-and-out with consecutive negative yard tackles
2. McNabb goes 3-3, my boy Reggie makes a grab, and Westbrook is straight up nasty and scores a touchdown (could the run game be making a comeback Andy?)
3. The other 4 defensive linemen introduce Aaron Brooks to the dirt of Canton, Ohio
If I said this made me happy, that would be an understatement. Ok, to use my matra of the past against me, "it's only preseason you twatt", but watching the starters execute flawlessly against fellow NFL starters is encouraging given the situation.
**Speaking of football, our house is doing a fantasy league this year and I'm sadly excited about it. It's been a few years since I've done one, but considering my boredom the last few weeks and my passion for competition, I plan on having a lot of fun with it. How much time have I put into it you may ask? Two words: Excel spreadsheets. My need for a woman is becoming clearer by the minute**
There has been another surprising development that I'd now like to share with you: the NBA is going to be good again. The idea started to dawn on me a few months ago when the playoffs were in full swing and it became clear to me that the old ways of the NBA were coming to an end. That's right, write it down because I'm telling you now, the league is coming back into it's glory. Players like Iverson and McGrady, once lauded stars of a selfish-player style of play that alienated fans and managed only bronze medals are no longer the top of the food chain. Players like Lebron, Dwyane, Elton and Chris Paul are the future of the NBA. And judging by the enthusiasm they've shown for having the opportunity to restore USA basketball to its rightful place in the world, the future of basketball is looking damn good.
Compete to live/live to compete.
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