Long time, no blog.

It's been 4 months, 12 days since my last blog...

Here's what you've missed in my world:

I've been working at Horizons for 6 months and 6 days.

My 2011 resolution of blogging every 2 weeks has failed miserably. I had several others, though. Here are a few...

Read every night: Went very well through February, then fell off. Back on it tonight, though.
Do something nice for a stranger: I anonymously donated 8 hours of PTO to a lady who needed it.
Do something crazy: Nothing yet. I'm kicking around ideas.
No fast food for 2 months: Done. And it wasn't too difficult. Granted, I still had Subway and Quiznos.

Sports:

Last time I blogged, the Bulls were 14-8. They finished the regular season 62-20, best record in the NBA. They lead their first round series vs. Indiana 3-1. In short, they've played 64 games since my last blog. Sheesh!

Cubs are 10-11 to start off the season. Not as good as I'd like, but a couple of the youngsters are playing well. Starlin Castro is the future of the team. Heck, he's the present, too. The kid is [barely] 21, and looks even younger. Dude can play some ball, though.

Other stuff:

- I like this girl. Enough to make it worth mentioning, which if you know me, is significant. I don't know where it's going, but I like where it's at so far.

- Actually...that's pretty much all I have for this time. Gotta do some picking up and prepping some things for work this week. I'll do my best to blog again soon.

Cheers,
Derrick

Merry Christmas, Happy Blogging

I haven't blogged in 22 days. Yikes. Sorry, self. So now I'm back. If for no other reason than to say I was here.

Let's see, what's new? Cubbies signed a new first baseman. This guy:

Carlos Pena

He hit 46 home runs two years ago before a down year last season. Nice, polite guy with pop in his bat. Glad to have you aboard, Carlos. --that reminds me: With Zambrano, Marmol and Silva, Pena now makes it four Carloses on the Cubs roster. How cool is that?








Bulls are playing nice lately. Five straight W's and a 14-8 record thus far. I can dig it.

My league in Hutch is back from a two-week hiatus. After losing our first game, we shellacked our opponent in Game 2, 64-18. We take our 1-1 record into tonight's 7:00 game with certain signs of rust.

I will try to blog again before Christmas, but in case I don't...uh, it's Christmas time! I love Christmas. Everything about it. The music, the shopping, the decorations, the spirit. It's all just so fun. I'm literally, well...a kid at Christmas.

I still have most of my shopping to do, but I'm looking forward to it all.

I'm planning to buy myself a new (big) TV on the 23rd. Merry Christmas to me! But you can still buy me stuff, if you want.








Also, I'll be making my first ever (voluntary) student loan payment at some point this week. Big step! And planning to penny-pinch like crazy in January/February, in hopes that I can buy me a new vehicle (ahem, truck?) around March or shortly thereafter.

But in the meantime, trying my darnedest to take things one step at a time.

Next step: Cookie.

Merry Christmas and Happy Blogging,
Derrick

PS, I'd like to share this song with you. Heard it for the first time a couple weeks ago, and it's fun. You may not like it the way I do, and you'll have to pause my already-awesome music on here, but I'm sharing anyway.

It's not. Ranting if. I use. Short sentences.

Front page:
Hello, world. Been awhile.

Friend's wedding today. I want one.

I think I wanna get married on a Tuesday morning. Three kids. Maybe two. What's that? Gotta get a date first? Oh.

Haven't read much recently. Boredom problem.

Haven't written much lately. Idea problem.

Haven't run much either. Knee problem.

Hope to fix all these soon. Though the latter will be tough.

Breaking News:
Um, JENNIFER NETTLES! Sorry for the outburst. There is no story here. I just like her. The idea of having her babies has been floated about.

Tuesday is important. But I'm not telling you why. Just know that it is.

Obituary:
Joel Strohl, Pretty Prairie, KS. Small town, big deal. Rest in peace, Mr. Strohl.

Sports section:
Hometown fellas won 50-nil Friday. Hooray.

Jayhawks lost 6-3 Saturday. Bah.

Cubs are still terrible.

Bulls still look promising.

Bears look...eh.

Comics:

I need to write again soon. If only for my own mental stimulation. I'll do my best.

Until then.

Cheers,
Derrick

Good books, good players, good friends.

Book update again. Sick of these yet? Just finished Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods. I love Stuart Woods. I turn pages faster in his books than with anyone else I've ever read. I was unable to find a legit review for this one, so forgive me. It's a great read, though.

Very interesting book, in which the protagonist Holly Barker takes a break from her CIA job to return home to Florida for a vacation, where she finds herself entangled in a unique criminal investigation--just like old times. Ending was a Whoa! ending. Not disappointing, but very...you know, Whoa!

That now makes 6 books in 21 days. 1,777 total pages. Approximately 85 pages per day for 3 weeks.

Next selection: Loitering With Intent - Stuart Woods

The last of the 3 books I checked out from the library this past week. I'd like to finish this one by Monday sometime, then go pick up another 2-3 books. Didn't think I'd keep this up like I have. This one, 293 pages.

Other notes:

- My good friend Katie Hill [hi, Katie] told me about a website by way of commenting on my last blog. You can track the books you've read, have yet to read, ones you own, etc. I've checked it out and so far it seems pretty cool. If you read at all, give it a look-see: [http://www.goodreads.com/]

- Bulls signed Utah Jazz shooting guard Kyle Korver today--he'll re-unite with former teammate Boozer, who I mentioned recently. The. Dude. Can. Shoot. And the ladies usually like him, too. [jealous]

If you're not a basketball fan, but think he looks a little familiar, you're not crazy...

- Going to Wichita a little later to meet up with one of my best friends in life, Tausha. Yay! Haven't seen her in about 2 years. Funniest. Female. Ever. Pretty stoked.

That's it for now, y'all. Only a couple days left to vote on the poll if you haven't already. Plan to be back sometime Monday.

Have a good weekend,

Derrick

Books and Booze...r.

Yet another book update: Just finished Bleachers by John Grisham. This one took less than a full day. For a Wikipedia book review, [click here].

Good [albeit quick] story about a former High School football player who reluctantly returns home to attend a memorial of sorts for his former coach. The player has to fight off the bad memories and remind himself of the good ones, while attempting to finally move on.

That now makes 5 books in 19 days. 1,483 total pages.

Next selection: Hothouse Orchid - Stuart Woods

My favorite author. Haven't read any of his stuff in quite awhile. I'll have to make a list of the books of his I've read, but I imagine the count would be somewhere near 40. He's good. This one, 294 pages.



Other notes:
- Bulls agree to deal with Utah Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer.

- Word on LeBron James' decision to come tomorrow night at 8 PM on ESPN. It's a big deal.


- Happy Birthday to my gramps.


That was quick,
Derrick

Some stuff I like...

Howdy, y'all.

So...not sure how I've managed to never mention it before, but I am absolutely in love with the TV show Castle. It's officially my favorite show on TV--I recently moved it above 30 Rock and Family Guy. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out majorly. Give it a shot. Amazing stuff.


With that out of the way, on to some more of my favorite things. Well, people...

My favorite baseball and basketball players each made news this week.

Carlos Zambrano. Ace of the Cubs pitching staff has been moved to the bullpen. Since most my readers are not sports enthusiasts, I'll spare you--just know that this is a big deal to me. Normally viewed as a demotion, but hopefully it will help the club.

Joakim Noah. If you know anything about sports, chances are, you hate him. I couldn't care less. He's ugly as sin, but the dude is a winner--two traits I reckon we both share. *chuckle* He outworks anyone and everyone on the floor at all times, and he's not afraid to say what he thinks. I love it.


His latest comments were about the city of Cleveland, while playing the Cavaliers. He was asked his opinion of the city (not the team--we all know they're great), and he gave an honest answer, saying "It sucks."

He's annoying a whole city at the moment. So what? Few people in the country like him anyway. --excluding Florida Gator fans, people from New York City (where he grew up), people--especially girls--from France (where he's from)...and me.

The following is from the next day's press conference.


In case you're reading from a place in which you can't watch or listen to that clip:

When asked if getting booed bothered him.
Response: [Shakes head] "I was booed a lot. My whole life, I've been booed."

Then, asked if he regretted his Cleveland remarks.
Response: [Shakes head] "Not at all. [Pause] Do you like it? Do you think Cleveland's cool? I mean, I never heard anybody say 'I'm goin' to Cleveland on vacation.' What's so good about Cleveland?"

Hilarious.

Interesting week for some of my favorite things and people--so with nothing much else to discuss, thought I'd share...

Need a new sign-off,
Derrick

Have you not heard? It was my understanding that everyone had heard...

So the last two nights, I've stayed up much too late, watching baseball. Err, listening to [Vin Scully] talk. If you don't know who he is, you're missing out. Greatest. Broadcaster. Ever. No regrets. Ladies, if your voice sounded like Vin's, you'd never have to worry about a man listening to you ever again, guaranteed.

Also today (well, yesterday--it's after 2 AM now): Saw the girl my mom wants me to date again. *chuckles* That's going to be an annoying, yet recurring thought.
...but with no real prospects, the notion is at least entertaining--which is admittedly kind of lame.

Other nonsensical gibberish: Been thinking lately about changing the title of my blog. Not the title of each post, but the "...flip-flops and jump shots." part. I think it fits me, but I've also had it up since I first started this site and wondering if it's time for a change. Any suggestions?

Sports News:
- Had a game in Wichita on Wednesday. We lost. I haaaaate losing! Next game: Sunday, 4 PM. We will win. Period.

- Bulls made it to the playoffs. Yay!

- Cubs are still struggling to string wins together, but getting better.
...Marlon Byrd is a stud! In case you haven't heard, the Byrd is the word.



Keeping this one short, so I'll try and write again soon.

Do the right thing,
Derrick

More blog changes, additions.

Though I said I'd try and refrain from blogging until I finished my current book, I've fallen off pace a bit--so I'm back.

This will be more of a transitional blog than anything, as I don't really have anything substantial to discuss this time.

As I'm sure you noticed, I finally got some music up and running on my page, along with a new poll question.

Results from previous poll:

How often do you read my blogs?
I read occasionally--7 votes (58%)
I read every single one--3 votes (25%)
I read frequently--2 votes (16%)
This is my first time--0 votes (0%)
Stop writing, it all sucks--0 votes (0%)

Would've liked a better outcome--especially in vote totals, but also in regards to a more favorable result. But oh well. Hoping to get more votes with the next question.

Here goes nothing. It's a simple question (top right) regarding what kind of interaction you may have with me. If you aren't pleased with whatever your answer is, feel free to fix it. :)

Randomness...

My sports week:

- Pretty Prairie Bulldog boys basketball team lost to an inferior Peabody team last week. It happens, only one game--the team will be fine, I'm sure. Still, I continue to hold my tongue on certain opinions--but, uh, yeah...

- Cubs signed outfielder Xavier Nady today. Eh.

- Bulls rumored to possibly be trading Kirk Hinrich to Lakers. I might just have to cry if this happens. I played against Hinrich back in 2003 in the KU Barnstormers game in Hutchinson, KS. 17 points, 5 threes. His hand hit my nose on one shot. Slapped me on the butt and said "good shot" on the way by. Highlight of my basketball career. Well, not the butt slap part--the game itself.

Anyways, let me know what you think of the tunes. I can make it so that it doesn't auto-start when you arrive. Something tells me more people would prefer that, but I'll leave it as is in the meantime...

I'll probably have a Valentine's blog coming out soon--or maybe a Black History Month blog? Or maybe someone else has an idea?

Either way, until next time...

Do the right thing,
Derrick

Thankful for laughter...now where did I put it?

Every day seems to bring a new reason for sorrow. Just today, I discovered some news that would devastate at least 601 people (at the 2000 census) simultaneously if they all found out (only a few know). Perhaps best they don't. Epic panic would probably ensue.

BUT...

This is not about that.

It's time to focus on happy things. The little things.

You know what, let's take it a step farther. It's November. I'm not a big Thanksgiving guy, but why not dive in? Let's talk about things I'm thankful for (SO not the direction I planned to take this blog less than a minute ago)...why not? Everyone else seems to be.

I'm thankful for...

My dog, Pete. He may be fat and ugly (traits we probably share), but no matter how many girls get on my nerves, Pete's always around. I'm reminded of Carrie Underwood's song The More Boys I Meet...well, to paraphrase:

"The more [girls] I meet, the more I love my dog."

I figure if Pete can smile, I might as well. Seriously, look--he's smiling in the picture. How awesome is that?


I'm also thankful for...

Technology:
- My BlackBerry (the phone, not the fruit)
- Having texts waiting for me when I wake up
- Text messaging in general
- My Macbook. Macs are much better than PCs. If you disagree, we might not be friends.
- My iPod--it's purple, and I like it

People:
- My family...most the time.
- New friendships
- Old friendships that last
- Friends who are better friends than they realize
- Really beautiful women

Sports:
- The opportunity to play something I love (basketball)
- Chicago Cubs, Bulls, Bears

Possessions:
- Flip-flops
- Cubs hats...all of them
- Books, movies

I could probably go on. But I'm (finally) getting tired, and I think you get the picture. This is not exactly a productive blog, but oh well. Lastly, a little joke to go out on...

Two old men were fishing off a bridge as they had done daily for many years. Suddenly a funeral procession came down the road.

The one old man reeled in his line, lain down his pole, faced the street and bowed his head until the procession had passed. He then picked up his pole and started fishing again.

The other fisherman was amazed and stated "I didn't know you were that religious."

The other looked at him and said "Least I could do, we've been married 42 years."

Do the right thing,
Derrick

Run? OK. Chase? Uh oh.

Day 11: Complete (sort of)

Morning session: 4.15 miles
Evening session: 9.33 miles
Total distance: 13.48 miles

My early run was rough, to say the least. Slept in, took awhile getting around, didn't get out 'til around 11:30, and it was blistering hot out. I struggled to get in what I did.

Knew all day that I had a lot to make up for with yesterday's short day, and this morning's rough start. Turned in my month-high run, thus far, and probably could have run another mile or 2, if not for the sun about to go down, and my shirt being soaked with sweat and weighing me down. :)

Toughest part of this evening was in the third mile: Big ol' dog spotted me, and decided he wanted to run, too. Except subtract the word "run," and insert "chase." So naturally, it spurned me on about a 600-yard dead sprint. That took a little out of me. :)

Shout-out to my good friend, Katie Hill. She was at the Cubs game (a "W", by the way) today, and sent me a few pics:

Somewhere in here is Bulls' center Brad Miller (who I love) after throwing out the first pitch.

Darn it. Stupid net. The other pics aren't uploading at the moment, sorry. Anyways, thanks a bunch, Katie (if you see ever see this). You rock!! :)

Back to running: Tomorrow is another day of uncertainty. I think I may forgo my morning run, and go to church. I suppose I could do both. Reckon I'll set the alarm, and see how that goes.

Although I will more than likely run to the gym to play ball in the evening, and if I take the (super) long route, I could make up some mileage there. Good call, Derrick.

Other thoughts:

UFC is beyond stupid. It's killing boxing--a brilliant sport that I love--and I hate it. It's nothing but a glorified street brawl, and it's garbage. There, I said it.

R.I.P. to boxer, Arturo Gatti. Too many people dying far too young lately. Sad stuff.

D, out.

First time blogger. Well, here, anyway...

Time to give yet another social networking site a try. I gave up on Twitter in about a week's time--it's seriously lame; what's the big hubbub?

This one seems much different, in that there aren't groups of friends, various apps, an I.M. feature, etc. But it seems a little more up my alley, with the simple nature of being a blogging atmosphere. Drawback? Who'll read anything I write. My dear friend Britani proposed that, if anything, just an outlet for ramblings is its biggest benefit, and she's probably right.

But a big part of my writings has always been based on feedback. Whether for humor's sake, or trying to tug at the heartstrings of my baker's dozen readers or so, almost everything I've written, I've written with a little voice whispering "how will they feel about this one, D?" And that will be the case here, too, only with an added wonderment of who, if anyone, is even reading to begin with.

I intend to set Facebook and MySpace aside in June (along with giving up lots of other luxuries) in my quest to run 300 miles--no dying allowed--in 31 days. Reckon I can allow myself to keep phone privileges (talk, text, but no FB/MS apps), and this thing, too, probably. So here's hoping I can recruit some readers, and maybe even gather up some people who care how my running progresses, if I'm still alive, etc. Fingers crossed.

Quick run-through in my sports world:

- Cubs ...still fluttering around .500. Surely it's time to get it together by now, eh guys? Guys?

- Bulls ...picked up James Johnson of Wake Forest in this week's NBA draft. Didn't know much about him until they picked him, and I did some research. Dude is a black belt in kickboxing (as are 7 of his 8 siblings), and his pops is a 9-time world champ. Strength be not an issue with this cat. Love it.



















I'll probably revisit this thing soon. Could be fun. Mostly just wanted to see how posting would go the first time. If you see this, you don't have to write a full-fledged reply, but an acknowledgment that you were here would be pretty sweet.

D, out.