Back,Back,Back......Basketball....
Rotten back?... Sunday I went with a couple of the guys for a nice run on the lakefront. I said to myself that I can get some good cardio in. Well we were to run a certain distance, stop, conduct some krunches and push-ups, run, more push-ups and krunches, you get the drift here. I did some good stretching around Hayes and I felt pretty good. We started on 63rd and hiked it north. Now for those who don't know, let me explain something. Running around the block is one thing. Running around the park is another thing. Even running on a track(indoor or outdoor) can be an experience, but when it comes to running on the lakefront, it really doesn't get any better than that. With a cool breeze smackin' you from whatever angle, the scenery such as the lake, the museum, downtown, gives you that fresh feeling. All of this was on my mind while running, when it happened. My archrival was back, I am referring to the sharp pain in my lower back while running. Before Sunday, I can't remember the last time I had back problems. That's not important now, because I have to deal with the present. I wasn't stretching my back like I normally would. I don't know what the reason could be. It could be that I have weak abs and I am working on my abs now. Or maybe it is just a strain or an aggravation. Maybe not enough support for my back when I work out. It could be anything. Right now I am resting, I worked out Sunday and then Monday, so I need rest. I weighed myself today. I am up to 206 lbs., but I ate not too long ago, so after my workout tomorrow, it may drop. NBA Playoffs... The playoffs are back! Some say this may be the best postseason ever, some say it's just another season. I do know one thing that will never change. There will be only one champion! So who will it be? Well unfortunately some of my friends will not have the opportunity. Y'all may know them.... Allen Iverson Kevin Garnett Paul Pierce Ray Allen Rashard Lewis Tracy McGrady Yao Ming Coach Larry Brown They will be watching just like I will be, and even you... Well Kobe is back!!! Bron-Bron has been transformed to King James and has entered the castle looking to dethrone anyone who stands in his way. Last year I did first round predictions with great detail. Not much detail this time(I'll save that for the second round), but I will give a little... Eastern Conference...
#1 Detroit Pistons vs. #8 Milwaukee Bucks
There is really not much to say here. We're talking about the best team in the league this season going up against the Bucks. Can you name the starting five for the Bucks? I can, but can you? Pistons sweep series 4-0 #2 Miami Heat vs. #7 Chicago BullsAs you all know, I do not like the Heat, but the Bulls will not be the one to take them down. The Bulls are not getting the calls. They fall behind and use too much energy to comeback, but they are the Bulls. Gotta luv'em. Heat wins series 4-2 #3 New Jersey Nets vs. #6 Indiana Pacers
This series is really unpredictable. It could go either way. Since the Nets have home court, I will roll with them. Nets wins series 4-3 #4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #5 Washington Wizards
The Wizards had a late season slump but still manage to get the #5 seed with a 42-40 record. King James has entered the playoffs for the first time. This series will also go down to the seventh game, with King James dethroning the Wizards. Cleveland wins series 4-3 Western Conference... #1 San Antonio Spurs vs. #8 Sacramento KingsWe have the defending champs here who, according to Ron Artest, will go down. Well the Spurs win big in Game 1 and Ron Artest is suspended for Game 2. Enough said... Spurs wins series 4-1 #2 Phoenix Suns vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe is back!!! Oh wait, I said that already. The Suns are led by MVP Steve Nash and are very talented. Without Amare the whole season, the Suns didn't lose that much, but will miss Amare most in the playoffs. I feel that Kobe(Kobe is back!!!) by himself can get two games in this series. If he can get help from his friends, they have a shot, and from what I saw in Game 1, they may just do that. Lakers wins series 4-3 #3 Denver Nuggets vs. #6 Los Angeles Clippers Melo is down 2-0 in this series, but this series will go seven. Yes, the Clippers are in the playoffs. That is not a typo. Los Angeles is rocking now, but still don't have a football team. Well at least they will be able to see the second round matchup: Lakers vs. Clippers Clippers wins series 4-3 #4 Dallas Mavericks vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies
It is still very difficult for me to see the Mavs win 60 games and only get a #4 seed. Something is wrong with this picture. I know that they are frustrated and they will take it out on the Grizz... Mavericks wins series 4-1 Drink of the Day.... Has anyone tried the NEW Heineken Light???
Try it!
-Da Original 1-
Frustrated???...Why???
Problem Bonus... See this is what had happened...
I was at work. It was Tuesday morning, April 18. To a lot of people, it is just an ordinary day. To others, like myself, it was payday. I really don't make a big deal about paydays, even though I don't mind the money, but since we hit our goal for the month of March, we were due a bonus. Bonuses are nice, especially when they are not expected. I didn't believe that we would hit the goal, but somehow we did. Well, let me get to the problem. I arrived at work Tuesday. Now before I get to the floor that I work on, I always pick up a few items. My strawberry-banana smoothie, my onion bagel, and milk for my weight gain and protein drinks. I ran across a co-worker. She asked me if I checked my bank account. I advised her no. She then goes to tell me that she didn't see the bonus in her account. Now I wouldn't see it. I don't have direct deposit yet. I get upstairs and I hear my fellow co-workers talkin' bout not getting their bonuses. Now these people are outraged, just flat out irate. I hear things like, "I'm not working any more overtime."..."I got bills to pay!"...."I have plans for that bonus." They were just huddled up and talking about what they gonna do and what's gonna happen if they don't get the bonus. Now some of them noticed that I was not reacting the way that the majority were. I just didn't see it the way they saw. I mean sure they did say that the bonus will be on the 4/18 paycheck. I knew that it could be an explanation for all of this so why jump the boat? I wasn't mad or angry about what was happening. About 8:30, a meeting was held. The collections manager advised us that the bonus checks were separate from the original checks, which was good due to less taxes. They were mailed overnight to the company and will arrive today. We did receive the bonus checks that day as promised. As the morning grew on, I was thinking about what happened earlier and I got frustrated. I mean I was so frustrated that I couldn't think properly. A couple of co-workers noticed my all of sudden discomfort and asked me if I was okay. I told them I was, but I really wasn't. It was on my mind all day. For me to have experienced that uncomfortable morning, it was just not right. To see how money controls people at my job just made me very sad. That day I was in deep thought the whole day, zoning out others, trying to locate a solution. I mean why did I get frustrated and saddened by that? This has not been the first time that I have gone through this type of spectacle, but not as frightening as the morning of April 18, 2006. I have an idea as to why this happened and I will explain my reason at a later time. If anyone reads this, I want to know what you think. -Da Original 1-
Now....Hangin' Around...
The Workout...I did my workout today after work. The co-worker that works out with me didn't participate today, so I was solo. Not a problem. I am now so much motivated that I can workout by myself. I did my stretches and then on to the bike for a 15 minute ride. I worked on upper body and also the abs. I started the workout almost a month and a half ago. I weighed in at 187 lbs. Now I am at 202 lbs. I have gotten a little solid but I have a long way to go. I wanted to get around 215 lbs or 220 lbs. Most people have said that I'm okay at 200 lbs. I am starting to believe that I could be, buy my goal is to be toned and in shape. I want to get my abs in order. I have gather much information on what I need to do. Not easy at all. So I can gain more weight and tone up, or just tone up now. What should I do???Put Out The Fire...I was back and forth about my decision to go for the fire department. I decided at the last minute to apply. People were telling me that I should go out for it. So what if everyone and their momma is applying... This kinda brings back when I went out for the police department. I didn't want to be an officer, but I passed the written test, then I passed the physical test. I then realized that I wasn't doing this for myself, but for others. That was wrong. The temptation was running through me. I stopped myself. No CPD for me!! People were disappointed but I wasn't. Now with the fire department, the pay is good, and the schedule is good. So we'll see what happens.
Driving? Not Yet...
Since I found out that the insurance company considered my vehicle a total loss, I have realized that I can get a new car. I know a friend I used to work with that gets cars from auctions. He has a 2000 Jetta that I heard about. At first, my sister was going to get this car. She then changed her mind. So I said okay, I'll get the Jetta. Then the expected happened. My sister changed her mind AGAIN! She now wants the Jetta. Make up your mind!!! Guess I won't get the Jetta, but he has other cars and also said that I can let him know what I want and he will try to get it...Baseball in Da Chi...With the Sox and Cubs off to good starts......ummm, wait a minute...... Let's try this again.... With the DEFENDING WORLD CHAMPION SOX and Cubs off to good starts, Chicago will have another way to enjoy this summer of '06. With both teams making changes, they look to make both sides(North & South) of Chicago proud. The Champs were 1-4, but have won seven of their last eight to climb to 8-5. The Cubs sit at 7-4 and are leading the Dodgers 4-1 in the top of the sixth as we speak. If the Cubs can stay healthy, which we ALL know is a challenge within itself, they will contend for the wide open NL Central. I expect the Sox back in the playoffs, but it would be nice to have both teams playing in October.
Hey Mikey......We Back!!!Da Bulls are back in the playoffs. Yes somehow this team got hot at the right time and they have earned it. Last year they started 0-9 and ended up 47-35. This year, they just rode the Central gutter, but when every team in the division makes the playoffs, you really can't complain. They could move up in the seeding, but who cares? They will have draft picks, they are way under the salary cap, so they got dat dough! Chicago teams are making noise again!! Now if we can just get those Blackhawks going.....Drink of Da Day...(And it a goooood one...)Hand Grenade...(Naw' leans baby!!!)
1 1/2 oz. Gin1 1/2 oz. Grain alcohol
1 1/2 oz. Melon Liqueur
1 1/2 oz. Rum
1 1/2 oz. VodkaStir ingredients together in a Collins glass that's filled with ice.... You can add water and sugar if you like.... One of the best drinks ever!!!-Da Original 1-
Stoppin By....
I was motivated by someone to write a post tonight and then I went to grab a bite to eat. When I returned to the computer, I no longer was in the mood to write. I will try to write tomorrow though...
But Hey....
My workout is going very well...
I have applied for the Fire Department(Shit!!!! Who hasn't...)
I am closer to getting my car....
I have added some more goals to "Da Plan"...
Baseball is back...
And.....I am about to head for bed!!!
Good Night!!!!
-Da Original 1-
