First Round Predictions...

NBA Playoffs.....It's Fantastic.....


It's the NBA Playoffs! Win or Go Home! Only the strong survive. Tyson Chandler of the Bulls and Iverson has that tattoo. This will be very interesting. Shaq in Miami instead of L.A., the Bulls back since '98, No Kobe, Bron-Bron, or KG. How Wade and Melo get in before the King James? Can't wait to see TNT for the "Gone Fishing" pictures with the stars of eliminated teams in the playoffs. We have the NBA Live team in the Phoenix Suns, the defense of the Spurs and the Pistons. So let cut to the chase.


Eastern Conference...



#1 Miami Heat (59-23) vs. #8 New Jersey Nets (42-40)

Prediction:

What will the Nets do with Shaq? I don't know. I don't know if they know. Shaq, despite injury, will play in the series. The Nets will get Jefferson back from injury. Good News. How will the Heat stop Vince Carter? Please don't say Eddie Jones, or Shandon Anderson, or Rasual Butler because it will not happen. Jersey will compete and give the Heat problems but in the end, they don't have Shaq and the Heat do.

Heat in 5...


#4 Chicago Bulls (47-35) vs. #5 Washington Wizards (45-37)

Prediction:

How far can the Bulls go without Curry and Deng? Can anybody other than Hughes play some defense on the Wizards' team? Starting the season 0-9, the Bulls have used the tool of defense to get to where they are now. With Curry, the Wizards would have stood no chance to beat the Baby Bulls. With both teams absent on the inside, and the guards cancel each other out, it comes down to one thing. Defense! It wins championships. The Bulls have it, the Wizards don't.

Bulls in 7...


#3 Boston Celtics (45-37) vs. #6 Indiana Pacers (44-38)

Prediction:

A very interesting series we have. With all the troubles the Pacers, they are fortunate to be here. The Celtics are also happy. Bringing back Antoine Walker, and Gary Payton in a crazy deal had the Celtics run away with the division that was up for grabs. The Celts have no answer for Jermaine O'Neal. Paul Pierce loves to destroy the Pacers. It will come down to one man. Reggie. This may be not New York he is facing but they don't have Bird, or Mchale to stop him.

Pacers in 6...


# 2 Detroit Pistons (54-28) vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers (43-39)

Prediction:

The defending champs are back. Last year they were a #3 seed, now a #2. The same starting five is back. The defense still wins for them. Iverson can win a game by himself, maybe two, but not four. He will lose the war with the Pistons. Hey, could someone tell Chris Webber that the playoffs are starting tomorrow, I don't know if he knows or not.

Pistons in 5...



Western Conference...


#1 Phoenix Suns (62-20) vs. #8 Memphis Grizzlies (45-37)

Prediction:

The Suns play like a team on NBA LIVE 2005. Just runnin' and gunnin'. No defense played at all, and we scorin' 110.5 points every game we play. The Grizzlies will have their hands full. The Suns will have problem with Gasol and Memphis can go deep to tire out the Suns, but if they try to run with the Suns, they will be in big trouble. How will J-Will and Earl Watson handle Nash? The manchild, Amare Stoudemire will be the most dominant player in the NBA in about two to three years. I give the Grizz a game, nothing more.

Suns in 5...


#4 Dallas Mavericks (58-24) vs. #5 Houston Rockets (51-31)

Prediction:

Having a 58-24 record and you are the #4 seed? We need to talk NBA! The Mavericks should be the ones blowing out Sacramento in the first round, not Seattle. The Mavs' problem will be trying to defend McGrady. Will the Rockets give Yao Ming enough touches to be effective? Will they have an answer for Nowitzki? Both teams are similar, and the home court may not play a part in this series until Game 7, where the Mavs will prevail.

Mavericks in 7...


#3 Seattle Supersonics (52-30) vs. #6 Sacramento Kings (50-32)

Prediction:

Another suprise team is here in the playoffs. The Sonics, who were picked to be in the cellar of the division, wins the division. Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis and coach Nate McMillian have led the way. They will need a healthy Vladimir Radmanovic to make it to the second round. The Kings have too many injuries and Bibby will need some help. Bibby will have to take over games. Hopefully Peja and Brad Miller can come back, if not, the Kings will be going fishing.

Sonics in 7...


# 2 San Antonio Spurs (59-23) vs. #7 Denver Nuggets (49-33)

Prediction:

The Nuggets have been hot since the All-Star Break. With coach Karl, the Nuggets have torn up the teams in the league with the exception of the Suns. The Spurs don't have to deal with the Lakers this time around. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and GINOBILI!!! will hold down the gold rush. The Nuggets have beaten the Spurs twice, but the Spurs didn't have Duncan for either game.

Spurs in 6...


My Shout-Outs...


I would like to send a shout-out to some players. I would like to send a "whazzup" out to Kevin Garnett, keep banging,your girlfriend is tight yo. I also send one to LeBron James, let's hook up on the golf course son. A shoutout to Latrell Sprewell and his family, hope y'all gettin fed right. A shout-out goes to Carlos Loozer, I mean Boozer, where you at this summer kid? One goes out to Baron Davis, stay with the Warriors man, y'all be in the playoffs next year. A shout-out goes to Stephon Marbury, the best point guard in the NBA, well that's what he said. Can you blame him? His team finished 33-49. See ya in Coney Island Steph. One goes to the Portland Trailblazers organization, keep smokin. A shout-out goes to the player that I told everyone at the beginning of the season to watch out for but no one was listening. Josh Smith from the ATL, I feel ya. I can't wait to see you dunk on everybody next season, and I do mean everybody! One goes to Steve Francis, I mean you go to the East, and you miss the All-Star Game and the Playoffs? What's up wit that son? A shout-out goes to the Clippers for yet another disappointing season, but hey y'all got Shaun Livingston, play him next season and y'all will smell playoffs. A shout-out goes to the Charlotte Bobcats for not posting the worst record in the NBA. A shout-out goes to New Orleans and Milwaukee, I'll see y'all at the Saints and Packers games. A holla shout-out goes to the Toronto Raptors for trading Vince Carter, good move., and also decided to stop playing basketball, must be fun. Last but definitely not the least, I send a special shout-out to Mr. Kobe Bryant and my favorite team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Maybe we can hit the slopes in Aspen, Colorado if you're not busy. Or we can go to Venice Beach and get in some pickup games. Or we can go catch a Heat playoff game, I got tickets! Thank you Kobe for leading my favorite team to the playoffs. Hey, at least you dunked on Chris Anderson.


-Da Original 1-

The Usual Update....

The Past Few Days...


I'm back!!! I couldn't post anything for a while but I see that it is fixed now. I am coming off a weekend that was very interesting. Saturday I was on the lakefront at a BBQ. Kickin as usual with the fellas. Doninoes, Poker, all that. Playing with da kids, lookin' over the grill. The weather was decent until a little later. I lost track of time eventually. The day was here. The get-together with my old classmates. I ran home, I wasn't far. Took a shower, changed clothes and ran out like a rash. I got downtown to Bar Louie around 9:15. I made my appearance and was suprised and shocked the whole night. People that I didn't know, remember me. People I didn't talk to, I was talking to. My prom date was there. The girl that I wanted to take on prom was there. I didn't expect that many people to be there. It got hot on that balcony. I was already straight from the BBQ, but it was time to hang out. Many people grabbed me to talk to me. Many complimented me. I got so many numbers, and I even caught a glare in the eyes of some women as well. I could speak all day about the fun I had there but I can wait until 2007. We will have our second outing in July. One of the classmates is having a white party. Should be interesting. I'm not really hot on a white party, but will probably go anyway.


I had the worst game in the "Game of Life" on Sunday. I didn't trip about it. I got the lowest salary or $20,000 while my opponents had salaries of $90,000 and $60,000. I couldn't even change salaries, I didn't land on the box that says "Trade salaries with any player." The women got lucky again. We also played dominoes, but only one hand. I have never played just one hand of dominoes. I guess she was scared and just ran off to bed like a good little girl should.


I got a some golf practice in on Monday and Tuesday, the warm days. Went across the street in the park and swung off the tee. Also walked the beach and bike path as well. I did a little cooking, even though I preferred to have BBQ'ed. Other than talking on the phone, looking for a job and a new apartment, playing NBA Live 2005, nothing much has really happened.


In tomorrow's post, I will give you my preview of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. I will give you the breakdown of each first round series, the advantages, disadvantages, and my predictions...


Drink(or shot) of the Day...

Grape Soda...

1/3 oz. Chambord
1/3 oz. Blue Curacao
1/3 oz. Sweet & Sour

Chilled, strained into a shot glass...


-Da Original 1-

Once....Twice....Three Times A Lady....

"That's What They Tell Me....."


I hung out with several friends yesterday. I had one friend come over my apartment before I took my nap. We went outside in the park to talk. She was telling me about her situation and all, well....at least I thought she was going to talk about it. She changed subjects on me like the old ancient times...(Yes, I paid attention in History class)...She started talking about me. My look, my attitude, my persona, everything. I say to myself, where did this come from? Then once I heard those words....you know...."You're such a good catch. I'm suprised that no one has snatched you up by now." I had a grin on my face, even though you people know how I feel about it. I told her not to worry about it, when it's meant to be, it will happen. Well....we started walking and she heard about me and the possible move I might make when my lease is up in May. I told her it's up in the air right now, pending on thigns to fall through for me. Anyway she said that she wanted to hang out with me a little more often. I said okay. I guess, I don't have a problem with it. "You get along with everyone, people cling to you, " she said. "You not like most guys I know, it is truly a woman's loss to not be with you." What is she trying to say here? Then it came out..."I'm not hitting on you, I just need someone to talk to, someone to hang out with, that's all. I kept telling her that it's okay. I will hang out with out. She sounded like she wanted to cry. Walking past the tennis court, she states that she wants to play me in tennis. I told her that she will not win, but it'll be cool to play.


Later on that day, after the nap...


I get a call from another friend. She wants ME to take her to dinner. Now I owe her a birthday dinner. If it wasn't for that, you people know what I would have said. She called me last week talkin' bout, "Yeah J, just callin' to see what's up with ya, callin' to see what WE are doing today, call me back." I said to myself, "What the FUCK is this chick on?" I don't know what SHE or WE is doing, but I know what I'm doing. Anyway, she finally picked out a restaurant. A very low key restaurant in Blue Island...shit I wish it was an island...just a suburb though. So I got ready and picked her up and away we went. I really liked the restaurant. If I go again, I'll buy some wine. We talked and she goes on to say how I am liked by many people, and asked things pertaining to marriage, life, shit like that. I then get to talk about only a few people know how to put up with me and rest just stop trying or don't bother to see what I'm about. I just sipped my beer, Okocim, from Poland it was(I remember the name).


At home, before bowling...


I got online to check a few things before I rolled out to go bowling. I received a call. It was a friend that I haven't talked to in a while. She askes me why I haven't called her. Shit, because you never picked up, or you was always doing something. So I left her alone for a while. She apologized to me for that, said that she is going through some shit. Well, isn't everybody going through shit these days, what else is new? She asked me about what I was doing this weekend. I told her. She said she wouldn't mind seeing me for a little while just to hang out. I told her I'll get back to her on that. She said she thought she me in Hyde Park on Monday. I told her she probably did. Telling me next that she misses my company, that even though I am crazy(Yes she called me crazy) I am fun to hang out with. Pretty interesting I thought. This was the same girl that thought I was trying to "holla" at her, when I just was making conversation. I don't like when women do that. Every man doesn't try to get inside of them, even though they get that impression, but that's for another post. Now she pops up, wanting to hang out. I'll see. For people who are interested, I bowled a 134 and a 166.


Re-United....


Tomorrow is the first outing for our 1997 class. Eight years it has been. Time really does fly. I will see some people for the first time since 1997. I guess it will be interesting to see how some people progressed through the years. Or maybe not. We should have a good show up tomorrow. A lot of people have contacted me and really is looking forward to seeing me. We have committees set up and will see how many people will lend a hand in making 2007 reunion very successful.


Drink of the Day...


Mango Madras....

1 oz. Mango Rum(prefer Parrot Bay)
Fill with 1/2 Cranberry Juice
And with 1/2 Orange Juice

Garnish: Maybe some mango...


-Da Original 1-

Where Have You Been Original 1???

I haven't been on here in a while. I don't know why I haven't written anything because I have had plenty to talk about.


Playing Life....


I went over a friend's house last Saturday, to hang out. I brought a friend with me as well, well...she took me over there. They had stopped at Pizzeria Uno's to get food and they got me "da wings". As I was heating up and eating my wings, my friend wants to play the "Game of Life". I enjoy playing board games from time to time. The previous two times we played Life, I was beaten. I didn't take to that. I don't lose very often. It was four of us, my friend, her sister(congratulations on the newborn once again), the friend I came with, and myself. I guess my other friend, who was watching NBA games is too cool to play Life. Anyway I won!!! I'm Rick James!!! They didn't like for me to win that game, because I talk shit. I get in yo face and call you a loser repeatedly. They did a recount like this was "da election" or something. I won dammit!!! It is what it is!!! It burns them on the inside but they will get over it. Now it's time to build me a winning streak like the Nuggets.


The tragedy to....my phone?


I went with a friend to Hyde Park on Monday. We went into a currency exchange so my friend could pay a cable bill. Then, went across the street to Leaders. People ask me all the time, "Where you get that shirt from?" I always say Leaders. I saw some shoes that I wanted but the size that I wanted only had one left, and they were put on hold for the day. So I said I'll come back tomorrow to get them. I walked out and realize that I didn't have my phone. It wasn't in Leaders nor the currency exchange. I went back to the friends house and it wasn't there. We went back to Hyde Park. They had a Cingular place, so I decide to go there. On the way there, the unusual happened.....My phone....was.....ran over by a truck!!! I say God Damn!!!!! Why??? We only saw one piece of the phone in the street. It must have fallen out when I got out the car the first time I was in Hyde Park. So I still made the trip to Cingular, but to now only get another phone. The lady was very helpful, I came in the store and placed the remaining pieces of my phone on the table. The lady looked at me like I was crazy. So my new phone, the Motorola V551, is what I got, with a new plan.

So you ask, how do I manage to allow my phone to get ran over? I don't know....

What did I do to get over this tragedy? What else.....

I went to Dr. Wax to buy CD's. I bought four CD's and felt good. I also did go back to Leaders to get the shoes I wanted that were on hold. The guy never came to get them. So they were mine! One of the guys said that I could have bought them the first time I was in the store, if I had the money, but I didn't hear him. It doesn't matter. I have them.


The Pain......in my foot?


Between playing basketball and jogging over the weekend, I have endured a sharp pain in my foot that makes it difficult for me to walk. I can feel the crunching in my foot when I move around or try to pop it. I'm hoping that it's a sprain but I know a sprain or bruise when I get one. I also know when it is broken or fractured. I think it may be more serious to where I may need crutches and a cast....Shit!!! Not again... I will see how it feels this weekend. If it still feels the same, I will go to the hospital on Monday. If this is the case, it is a bad time for me to have this, I need to feet to bartend. I am to go to two bars this weekend to give resumes to manager on duty. I may have a job lined up, that's not a bartending job. I may have to go with that until my foot situation is taken care of. I also may be in the process of moving, and that will be challenging as well. As usual, I will find a way!!!


The Outing....on Saturday...


I was informed by the lady that I am helping to get this Class Reunion Outing together that Dave & Busters was closed this Saturday due to a private party. I went up there last month, but didn't reserve anything because I didn't know how many people were attending, so I couldn't too much of anything. I guess between that time and Tuesday when we found out, that someone came with the private party. We were able to get an alternate place. Bar Louie Downtown. She made the reservation for the balcony and then gave me the info. It kinda worked out better to have it @ Louie's. The deposit was $0, but our group has to meet the minimum of $500 Food/Drink Requirement, in which that will be easy. Everybody will be in a room, where in Dave & Busters, people will be scattered all over. We get to talk about the reunion, and what we need to do as a group to get this going. We still will be able to re-acquaint ourselves with old classmates. The place stays open later, whereas @ D&B's, we didn't have a room, and would have been difficult to get everybody together to talk reunion talk. Some people I heard from other people, that they were disappointed of the change. We can't accomadate everyone. This actually worked out better. It is what it is. If they don't want to come, we'll see ya at the next outing. I think we should have a nice turn out for this. It was just that I had to redo the Evite and send it back out to classmates was a little problem. Trying to let everyone know of the change, but we'll see what happens.


Today....


I don't know what I'm doing today. I'm still deciding on if I will attend the Talib Kweli concert or not. It's at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, they have seats( my foot can't take the standing). I have to make a trip back to Kinko's in Hyde Park because I left my floppy there yesterday. I may try to bowl tonight since my pressure is on the other foot. I may get a haircut but I don't know. I need to straighten up a little bit, shit....I need to do a lot of things. I saw my mom yesterday, went to lunch with her and my sister, but I may drop by there tomorrow. Since I'm not working right now, my days are always undecided like this.


Drink of the Day...


Bahama Mama...

1/4 oz. Kahlua
1/4 oz. Dark Rum (Meyers I prefer)
1/2 oz. Light Rum
1/2 oz. Coconut Rum
3 oz. Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz. Sweet & Sour

Garnish: A nice cut Pineapple slice



-Da Original 1-

Seven Long Years....

Are the Championship Years Back?


That's right!!!! You betta' believe it. The Chicago Bulls has clinched a playoff spot. What??? You didn't hear me. Let me say this again. THE CHICAGO BULLS HAVE CLINCHED A PLAYOFF SPOT! TRANSLATION: THEY ARE GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS!!!! I watched the game last night against the helpless Toronto Raptors. Being short handed, the Bulls got a huge lead and held on the game for the victory. It's not the usual team with Scottie, Michael, and Dennis, but they are still the Bulls. No Phil Jackson, but they are still coached. While we have had coaches like Tim Floyd and Bill Cartwright, who had no business coaching none so ever to Scott Skiles, who will bring discipline to the team is not afraid of the team with multi-egos. The main thing was to get rid of Jerry Krause, but he got rid of himself. God was listenin' to me. John Paxson, with a little time, has turned a luv-a-bull loser into a contender in the Eastern Conference. With a mixture of young players, rookies, and veterans, the Bulls can compete with anyone in the NBA. Even though the Lakers are about nothing this year, its good to see the home team take care of business night in and night out. From starting 0-9 this season to making the playoffs, no one would have known this was going to happen, not even me, not even Michael.


The Glass Effect....


Around this same time last week, I was coming in from Las Vegas. I strolled my tired ass in along with three other compadres. Carrying luggage and holding my coat, trying to find the closest bed available. I didn't notice that I had my glasses on. Was this a new me? Someone who didn't like wear sunglasses to now lookin' in the mirror to see how they fit. It's been crazy. Over the past week, I have worn the glasses. I have gotten compliments in which I have kept wearing them. I look different with them, and some women have said that I wear them more. I say, "What, I'm ugly or somethin'?" They said no, but they give you a different look. I said "Oh! Okay!" I am going to be me, whatever the case is, and that will NEVER change.


Drink of the Day....


Green Russian...

1 1/4 oz. Vodka
3/4 oz. Midori

Served in a rocks glass...


-Da Original 1-

It's Tough Being Me.....

A Walk and A Talk....


Currently sitting here listening to "Get it Together," by Beastie Boys featuring Da Tribe. (Yeah what y'all know bout dat there??? Old School!!!) Fresh off the trip from Vegas, I just felt that everything that was troubling me had calmed down and also was perceived to be placed in control by self. Last night, I took a walk down the lake with a friend of mine. I talk to her from time to time. The weather was nice and she stays close. Got to talkin about things. I had to mess with her because she thought that she would be cold, so she took her leather jacket to wear but she kept her flip-flops on. Someone please explain that to me! She's cool though, and she gives me a good laugh. A laugh is something that I could really use now and days. She wants to hang out again later in the week. I told her didn't know but I'll see. Another friend wants me to go to a club with her, knowing that I'm not into clubs like that anymore. Vegas was different. I was out of town. I wanted to see how Vegas get down.


A Scare and some BS?...


I drove to work this morning. The trainer wasn't there. So I had to wait for him. Boo! I get a call from my sister who tells me that our momma is in the hospital. She was having chest pains, felt dizzy, and had trouble breathing. My sister told me not to worry and I can stay at work and she will give me updates. With everything that my momma has done for me. To be my mother and my father. To give when she didn't have. To love unconditionally. To pick me up when I constantly fell. And I am to sit @ work from 9-6 and not worry? My next move was very predictable. I left the job to see about my momma. I mean who wouldn't. I got there through all the traffic. She was laying in the bed, smiling with her boyfriend/fiance by her side. She gave me the breakdown. She didn't want me to worry. I did realize that she is going to be okay and then I felt better. I stayed for a few hours. My sister came later and we went to Applebee's for lunch. Just talking to her and appreciating every moment of life because you never know what will happen. I called the lady at StaffingNow. She said that she tried to get in touch with the University but they didn't reply to her. She did tell me that they terminated my assignment and I am to no longer go out there. She also told me that they may reconsider because they really liked me. If they really liked me then they wouldn't have terminated the assignment. But it's their loss, not mine. I can always get another job, but I only have one momma, and if they didn't understand that then fuck them. God didn't have it the cards for me to work there I guess. The lady said she will try to get me something Downtown. That would be cool if she can. Bartending....HERE I COME!!!!!! I mean that's my next move. I put it on the backburner to see how this job was going to play out and now I know.

I thought about writing some more but I will save it for tomorrow. I'm about to take me a walk on the lake outside.


Drink of the day...

Fuck It!!! Just grab a Heineken!!! It's all about the beer!!!


-Da Original 1-

Back-to-Back Pool Wins for DO1.....

U-N-C....They Runnin' Dis B-Ball Shit....


I watched the national championship up North last night. The only man going for UNC I sat back in the corner watching the game. How nervous was I? I don't know. UNC was leading the first half, so I should be okay. Well Felton had 2 fouls and I know that UNC is nothing without Felton not on the court. UNC led 40-27 at the half. I knew that the Illini had a run in them. They prove to not have an answer for UNC's Sean May, who murdered them on the inside repeatedly. As expected, the Illini made their run but fell short after tying the game at 70. The Illini in my opinion shot too many threes, 40 in total. You are not going to win like that. They had no inside presence and should have doubled May on several occasions. What do I care? For the second straight season I picked the national champion and again won the pool. It was a good feeling. I know the guys will really be gunnin for me next year. I get to hold the belt, the trophy, for another year. UNC suprisingly played good defense this game. From the other results in my bracket, by the time of the Elite Eight, I knew that the only chance I had to win the pool was for UNC to run the table. Everyone else has Illini, and really gave it to me after the Arizona disaster, but redemption is here. For one of the few things that I look forward to each year, and for it to result in triumph, is a good feeling. The Illini had a dream season, and somewhere inside of me said that if the Illini would have won, I would still be happy, but just out of money. So congratulations to Roy Williams and the North Carolina Tar Heels!!!!!! Carolina Blue is BACK!!!!!


Drink of the Day...


Carolina....

2 oz. Champagne
2 oz. Strega

Strega is poured into chilled wine glass...
Add Champagne...
Stir lightly...


-Da Original 1-

What a Weekend!...

So diurnal and nocturnal I am....


News Flash!! I am back!! I may not be 100% right now, but I'm sure I'll eventually get there. Good thinkin to take Monday off I must say. Vegas was really a blast! All the troubles I was going through before my trip were no longer on mind, and currently I am not worried about them. I was able to free myself from everything. People who have been before including the guys I went with were hypin' me up for it. I wasn't really up for it until the plane landed in Vegas and while I was walkin towards the shuttle that a girl waved at me. I then knew that this weekend was going to be something of my enjoyment.

Since I haven't been on the blog in a while, I'll try the best to my memory(thanks alcohol) to give ya the lowdown on my stay in Vegas....Some things I may have to leave out, you understand. LOL!!!.....


THURSDAY...


Plane takes off at 12:10pm in route to Las Vegas. On the plane, I sat next to one of my friends and a white guy named Al. Comes to find out Al is from Elkhart,In and going to Vegas for a convention and other business purposes. We got to know Al on the plane so much on the plane that we declared him the 5th wheel of the crew. He bought us beers on the plane and we let him buy our extra room. We touchdown in Vegas at about 1:30 something. Took a shuttle to our hotel, New York,New York. Huge place. Also had a roller coaster. Checked in and went to the room. Some were talkin bout takin' a nap before they hit the strip. SHEEEEIIITTTTTT!! Not me! We all went down to gamble. On the first slot I played, I won about $20. Not much, but money is money. Then it was time to hit da strip. Sooooooo many things out there. The women were beautiful, all colors and sizes. It was time to get alcohol. I am still shocked at the fact that you can drink alcohol on the strip. I think I like this place. We had plans from tonight to hit a club @ the Luxor. We continue to walk the strip then came back to the MGM Grand. We got separated in here. I was playing this horse game for quarters and then played the Wheel of Fortune slot. Also remember watching the Bulls game, where they beat Cleveland in OT. More gamblin' I did. After a while got a call from a friend, said he gettin ready for the club. Going to the club, I realized because of my attire that I may not get in. The guys told me not to worry. So we going through the mall and drinking beer. Let me repeat that. SO WE GOING THROUGH THE MALL AND DRINKING BEER. I'm beginning to really LOVE this place now. At the club as expected, I got rejected. The guys asked me if I'm gonna be alright. I'ma grown ass man I was thinkin but I appreciated the concern. I told them that I'll just go back to the room and get my collar shirt and come back. I had to be back by 12:30 PT. It was 11:00. Now people that know me, know that I have a VERY good sense of direction, but I didn't pay attention on the way to the club. I was in trouble. I did remember that we got on the TRAM to get from the Excalibur to the Luxor. So I took that back. Now I got lost in the Excalibur. I was so twisted in my direction and so tispy from the alcohol that I knew I wouldn't make it back to the club. I didn't ask anyone for directions and I don't know why I didn't. I sat down and played a slot, chillin' with this girl from New Mexico. She had a plate of shrimp and shared it with me. We got to talkin, exchanged numbers and was supposed to hook up later. I don't remember if I did get with her or not. Once I got back to New York,New York and I just said fuck it. I hit the strip, just me. I was walkin with people from everywhere. I ran into these Latinas from Corona, Ca, about five of them. They loved the Heineken shirt I had on. Kinda ironic that they're from Corona, Ca and drink Heineken. I walked the strip with them. We stopped by some huts and they did some karaoke. I was with them for a while, I don't remember if I got back with them. They walked me back to MGM Grand, where I went to play the Wheel of Fortune slot. This white girl asked me I wanted to play on her machine. She said it was a lucky one. So I did and I started winning. She then sat next to me, arm around me, saying that we can split the winnings. I said cool and we can split to somewhere else later. We talked and drank for a while. She was waiting for her boyfriend, who hasn't got to Vegas yet. I knew nothing was happening. So we were chillin, she later had to go. Gave me a kiss on the cheek and left. I went back to the room at about 6:00 in the morning. Hit the bed bout 7:30.....


FRIDAY....(4 hours later...)....


I woke up. Too late for breakfast I said to my roommate. He laughed at me. I told him what time I came in. I took my shower got changed and out the door I was. Did some more gambling and then hit the strip. We decided to rent some scooters. Walked down to the spot. The guy was real cool. His name I believe was Romen. He gave a quick tutorial on the scooters. We practiced on them in the parking lot in the back. Then we hit the streets. Once again, we got separated. I was hittin it on the scooter. Honkin' the horn, people waving. I caught with the crew eventually. Then I saw some sistas in a taxi hollerin at me. I hit the gas and followed them. Rode on the side of them, in the back of them, talkin to them through the window. They asked where can they find me tonight, I told them, OPM @ Caesar's Palace. I don't remember if I saw them there. I bust a U-turn and went back the other way. The time flew by fast as I had to get the scooter back. One of my friends said that I was hittin the scooter and left him. I told him it is what it is. More of the strip and more of gamblin we did. He hit the MGM again. Went through the mall. I got some sunglasses. Not really into sunglasses that much. My nose is kinda big, naw I'm not ashamed!!! LOL!!! Now I have glasses on, and with a headwrap on, now people are calling me Musiq Soulchild. Back on the strip, lookin too cool now. Forgot where I ate. But went back to the room to get ready for the OPM. We got a 12-pack on the way there. Got into the OPM got a few drinks. I took a jagerbomb shot but it was an awkward way that I drunk it. The shot was small and the plastic cup was big. After I finished the shot, I threw up a little bit into the cup, very little it was. I wasn't drunk but the shot caught me by suprise. I told the crew I was fine. I hit the floor. I was on some Bill Bellamy type shit. I danced with the biggest girl on the floor for like 30-40 minutes. I was having a good time. She was a little tired and went to sit down. I went back to the bar and then back to the floor. I have planned to dance with the girl again but two women grabbed me @ the same time. These women were bout it. I danced with both. I don't remember how many I danced with. I did hook up with two people at the club. You can use your imagination now. I walked out the Palace. The walk from Caesar's Palace to New York,New York was the most toughest, most painful walk in my life. I felt like laying out on the concrete right there. I could have taken the taxi, but I didn't. All that dancin and jukin had my thighs,legs,calves,shin,toes,feet, hurtin.... I don't know how I made it back but I did. It was about 6:00 in the morning. The crew was still hanging. We all left the club at different times. With the exception of one, we all made the long walk back and had a story to back it up. I got to the bed at 7:00....


SATURDAY....(2 hours later).....


I'm back up with short rest again. I went out for breakfast and beer. Ran into a huge group that was from Champaign,IL. All decked out in orange, rooting for the Illini. The Final Four was today. We had to plan to watch it @ ESPN Zone. Before then we hit the strip and got a case of Heineken. Sat around and just chilled, enjoying the weather and looking at people in line to see Pete Rose. We then got to ESPN Zone for the second half of the first game. Guess who pops up? Al from the plane ride. He watched the game with us. Illini went on a run and came out on top 72-57. UNC and Michigan St was in the second game. So we went back to the liquor store and this time got two cases of Henieken. Went back to the Zone to watch the second game. At halftime, Mich St was up 38-33. Al wanted to bet on the second game, so I did. I was for UNC. They won 87-71. Gimme my money!!!! Finish the beers and hit the strip. Got something to eat. We was to hit a club but funny things happen. My thighs locked up on me when I sat on the bed. I was in no condition for a club and neither was my roommate. Another cat out the crew was so drunk that he pissed on himself going down the escalator, and then whipped it out and finished the job. I wasn't there to see it but it was the funniest shit. This man was comedy the whole night. We had to make sure this grown ass man was alright. He order room service for us, bought dinner and shit. A lot of things happen that I haven't mentioned yet. I missed a lot of things. Somehow we made it to the airport for our flight. Touchdown in Chicago at 12:10pm.


It was an experience that I'll never forget. I feel so good today it is ridiculous. All these problems are secondary to the way I feel now. Everything will work out. I go back to work tomorrow. My car will be out the shop today. I'm watchin the national championship game tonight. I am almost fully rested. 4 months to Jamaica. I don't know if it will match Vegas, but I don't care. I just wanna have fun. No worries. I used to have no worries. I want to get back to that again, and I will...


Drink of the Day...


Killer Kool-Aid...

1/5 oz. Vodka
1/5 oz. Southern Comfort
1/5 oz. Midori
1/5 oz. Peach Schnapps
1/5 oz. Cranberry Juice

Chilled, served in a shot glass....


-Da Original 1-