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

Here's a quarter; can I get 3 more?

It hit me the other day. I'm almost 25 years old. A quarter of a century. Here are some thoughts I have about this:

I always wanted to be married by 25. As I have just 56 days to accomplish this, let's go ahead and chalk that up to being an unsuccessful dream. Clearly, it's time to change the goal. 27? 28? Yikes, I could be in trouble.

"Derrick, you have plenty of time..." Blah blah, hibbety jibbety.

A moment occurred last night at the High School basketball game in Pretty Prairie that made me want a daughter. I seem to have these moments more and more lately. Something about a little girl sharing a laugh with her dad--who is just two years older than I--causes me to be overcome with a mixture of hope and jealousy.

Here's a sad, yet powerful song that I've always loved. Enjoy.



I didn't set as many New Year's resolutions as I probably should have--I usually go through a stage every few months where I attempt to better myself by doing certain things. So I'll work on it for my birthday. While I was unprepared to do it at New Year's, one thing I plan to do is cut out all pop-drinking on my birthday. Ahem, March 6. I do love pop, so it is tough, but one thing I'm very proud of about myself is my willpower. So I have no doubts about my ability to do it. I will not drink pop for a year, at least.
My record: 1 year, 2 months, 3 weeks, 3 days. (Dec 10, 2007-Mar 6, 2009).

I think it would be awesome to live to 100. I hope I'm only a fourth of the way through. I am already thoroughly convinced that I will not die of an illness of any kind. I'm never sick even a little bit--most of you hate me because of this. So unless the Big Guy decides to throw some irony my way (entirely plausible), I'm relatively certain my demise will come from old age, or an accident of some sort. Just a theory I have.

Other monotony:

- I had an entire blog written last night about the recent epidemic in collegiate football, with coaches losing jobs due to alleged misconduct toward players. Erased because I know few if any of my normal readers would have even cared. Short version: Big whoop. If you can't handle it, don't play. Sissies.

- Still haven't figured out how to put background music on my blog (as opposed to inserting video clips, etc). I'm hoping to figure that out soon, so y'all will have some regular background tunes to accompany your reading. If anyone knows how, or has some song suggestions, send them my way. Or if you'd prefer not having any...?

- I may not blog again until I finish my current book. Unless of course I come up with something more meaningful to say than what I've written lately. I've lagged behind a bit lately and am still only on page 93. Hopefully in the next week or so, I can knock out a much more substantial chunk of the book.

- NFL playoffs start today. My team went 7-9 and didn't make the playoffs, but it's still exciting stuff. If nothing else, something to get me closer to baseball season.

Do the right thing,
Derrick

[insert holiday fire joke here]

This blog will be short and sweet. Not sweet like in a tasty way--like candy, though. Mmm, candy...wait, where was I? Oh yes...

In the spirit of the New Year, new beginnings, habits and whatnot, I've begun reading again before bed each night. Hopefully I can keep this trend up. The current book of choice was actually a Christmas gift from mom in 2008. Only on page 60, but very gripping book so far...


For those of you who don't know, here's a short summary:

Pat Tillman was a star football player for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. After 9-11, he decided to give up millions upon millions of dollars playing professional football, and join the Army Rangers. He was killed in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. The circumstances leading up to--and following--his death are perhaps more intriguing than his story itself.

Other bits of randomocity:

- Happy New Year to you, too, Mr. Fireman: Hung with my friend Teri at her place in Wichita. Big fire in her complex forced everyone to evacuate, and sit around waiting for about 8 hours on firefighters to do their jobs. Quite the ordeal for those involved. I'd personally been there before (see: Christmas Eve house fire--2002), and actually felt a bit guilty not having much at stake this time around. But alas, New Year's 2010 was memorable, if nothing else.

The moral: You should probably never invite me to hang out with you on a holiday--your place of residence will more than likely catch on fire.

- Someone just gave me the Byrd: On December 31, my Cubbies finally got themselves a center fielder--Marlon Byrd. Welcome to Cub nation, Marlon.

- Just call me Mr. Productive: I did not spend way too much time today editing my blogger layout, only to end on one that I'm still not sure I like enough to keep. OK, yeah I did. *Sigh*

- ...or Mr. Sneaky: Let's see if you notice a difference, a subtle nuance, if you will--in this blog. I'm probably not as sneaky as I think. Still, indulge me, won't you?

- I kind of want to say something about _____, but I can't (or won't): _____...see? Told you.

Anyways, I'll try to write something more substantial soon. Until then...

Do the write thing,
Derrick

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?

Well folks, it's almost 2010. Almost a new year, a new decade. Let's review. First, a brief glimpse at the past decade. Then the year of 2009.

10 years ago, 1999:

- I was 14. 8th grade. I had a crush on a redheaded 7th grader--yikes!
- I was a part of the first ever undefeated football season at PPMS. I take zero credit for that.
- I was a guard on the basketball team. Shot from the hip and began my affinity for shooting the 3.
- Favorite teacher: Mrs. Matthews. She was mean, yet oddly kind.
- Least favorite: Mr. Baker. He was odd. Nine years later, he added me on Facebook. Declined.

In the last 10 years...

My best year: 2007. June, more specifically.
My worst year: 2003/2009.
Biggest accomplishment: Playing college basketball.
Biggest loss: My best friend moving halfway across the country, and essentially out of my life.

Back to the present, 2009:

Biggest accomplishments: Running 351 miles in the month of July, and re-establishing a relationship with my sister.
Biggest loss: I got dumped the day before Valentine's Day. She then got engaged less than 3 months after saying she still loved me. Neat, huh? Then again, in perspective--maybe not such a big loss after all.

Looking ahead, 2010:

Resolutions:
- Find a job (by end of January, no exceptions).
- Find a girlfriend (by March 6 would be nice, but probably not realistic. Let's say June 1).
- Pray. Every single day.
- Run a few races, maybe a half marathon.
- End bad habits. Live right. Do right. Motto--WWAD: What would Amanda do? This is not a new motto, but I will be leaning on it more from now on. Lord knows I need to.

Further ahead, next 10 years...

Goals:
- Get married/have kids.
- Coach at least one championship team.
- Own a house.
- Own a pickup truck.
- See a game at Wrigley.
- Have my picture taken next to the Jordan statue.
- Learn to play guitar.
- Learn to play piano.

Lastly, I'll leave you with a 23-second video that comes to mind for me every single New Year's. Terrific movie, funny clip. Enjoy.



Make your own luck,
Derrick

Feet on the ground, head in the sky.

Lately, it's becoming clearer to me that my dreams of big things actually seem quite minuscule to most people I know.

This used to bother me. But not so much anymore.

Literally speaking, I don't dream of big things at all. I don't need to scale Everest, hit the lotto or win an Oscar. My dreams are simple, yet elaborate. Let's see if I can break it down a bit...

I dream of tricking a foxy lady into marrying me. I reckon she'll need to be a poor-sighted gal. I dream of three kids or two. I dream of "Daddy, I love you."

A boy and a girl, maybe two of one--or the other.

Teach them both, or maybe them all
that the pick-and-roll
is the heart and soul,
and maybe buy her a Barbie doll.

Just made that up on the spot. Poetic or just nerdy? I'm fine with either.

I dream of movie nights at home with the wife and kids. Eating dinner around the kitchen table. How was your day? and all that.

I dream of coaching a championship team--or five. *cough* Twenty.

I dream of being at Wrigley Field. Green grass, red marquee, blue pinstripes. Breeze in the air and a hot dog just for the sake of having one. Oh, and that wonderful tune when it's over.

I dream of catching a fish as big as I am.

I dream of never having to worry about money. *slaps forehead*

I dream of being able to sleep before 3 AM. Of having a reason to get up earlier than nine. I like mornings more than you'd guess.

I dream of being allowed to invite my best friend to my wedding. Or maybe even attend hers? OK, maybe just the first one.

I am a simple man with simple dreams. My dreams include helping others fulfill their dreams--no matter the capacity. Josh Turner can explain it better than I, so I'll just let him take it from here--provided you have 3:36 to kill.

Also in part because I finally figured out how to put a video in here, rather than just a link. It's stupid how easy it was.



I believe that dreaming small things in a big way is perhaps even more ambitious than dreaming "big" things. But then again, it's my dream.

What are your dreams?

Keep dreaming,
Derrick

What a weak week. Word. Wait, what? Whoa, weird.

Due to the desire to write, yet lacking much of an idea--let's try a good ole recap of the week, hopefully in a comedic way, of sorts. Tried a few of those awhile back to relatively positive reviews.

Thurs; Dec 10...
7:00-8:45 PM--Play a little roundball with the fellas at home in Pretty Prairie. Only managed enough for 2-on-2, but it was fun, as small town basketball usually is. Then this one crazy cat apparently tripped over something (no one saw it) and watched his ankle swell to the size of a beach ball within minutes. He claims he blocked a shot on the play. Ironically, no one saw that either.

Fri; Dec 11...
I do not remember this day. It must not have happened.

Sat; Dec 12...
9 PM-4 AM (Sun)--Hang out in Hutchinson. Watch I Love You, Man for the first time. I pretty much am Paul Rudd. Except for the whole fiancee thing.

Sun; Dec 13...
4:57 AM--Finally arrive home. It should be a 30 minute drive, max. Worst fog I've ever seen in my life extended the drive a bit. Not pleasant.

6:00 PM--Game time.

6:53 PM--Another close loss, 0-4. 62-68, bad guys. For the first time, I wasn't horrendous. Barely. By my count: 16 points, 13 rebounds. Estimate of what I probably should have had: 28 points, 18 rebounds. Had a nice blocked shot on a former teammate I admire a lot (got called for a nonsense foul, but it was a make-up call for something I got away with previously).

Missed a few chippies--pause to check if "chippies" is a real word or just basketball slang. Chippies: Plural of chippy--a promiscuous young woman. Yikes. Definitely not what I meant. Rephrasing...I missed a few easy baskets.

Oh, promiscuous. Easy! Yeah, I get it now...

7:51-9:18 PM--Get back to gym in Pretty Prairie and join the hometown blokes for some 4-on-4.

7:59 PM--Receive a message that totally spikes my curiosity. Like a volleyball. You know, except not boring. Guffaw.

Mon; Dec 14...
11:45 AM-2:15 PM--Get some good games in on the courts at Wichita State. My team won in its first 7 games. Then a loss, then two wins, a loss, and a win. 10-2? In pickup ball? Pshaw, I'll take it.

7(ish) PM--Watch a pretty intense double-overtime Middle School game. Pretty Prairie wins on a tip-in at the buzzer. That kid will remember that moment forever. I know I have a few moments like that. One that was eerily similar, in fact.

Tue; Dec 15...
8 PM-12:30 AM (Wed)--Hang out in Hutchinson again. Pizza rolls and bread sticks from "The Hut" and a drink from Sonic? Eh, fuggedaboutit! <-- imagine an Italian accent.

Wed; Dec 16...
3 PM-6 PM--Jaunt to Wichita. Pick up a few Christmas gift on very limited budget. Result: I'm an awesome big brother, a decent son and pretty solid brother-in-law. As for being a little brother? Jury still out.

6:30--Taco Bell. Cheesy Gordita Cruch. And some soft shells on the side. No lettuce. Dr. Pepper. Yum.

This is a very anti-climactic ending, but that's pretty much all I've got this time.

Do the right thing,
Derrick

Give me your presence, keep your presents.

To the few people who've mentioned that they actually missed my blogs--I take that with the grain of salt. But I'm back--please forgive the 2 week layoff.

This one will be about gifts. It is the season for giving, is it not?

Thinking back to all the Christmas gifts I've been given over the years...

Best gift ever: NBA Live '99 --computer game

From: My grandma, Madeline Crosley. Her last Christmas before passing in February the following year. It was the first basketball video game I actually owned personally. Loved that game--I'll never forget it because of who it came from.

Worst gift ever: Tube socks

From: I have no earthly idea. Some distant relative, I imagine--I was a little kid. What little kid ever wants tube socks? Why do people do this? Ironically, as I near 25, I could actually use a new pair of socks or 2--just not ones like that.

2009 Wish List:
1. Anything Cubs--Ahem, tickets? Just kidding (no I'm not).
...there is a black Cubs shirt at Champs Sports that I would love. They used to have a neat white one, too, at one point. I own 4 blues and 1 grey, but no other colors.
...there are at least 6 new Cubs hats at Lids in Towne East in Wichita that I don't have. Not to mention tons of neatly-colored hats, shirts and other Cubs nonsense online. Just saying.

2. Nintendo Wii. Very unrealistic (money constraints for pretty much everyone I know) and not the best usage of my time, but I'd love one, nonetheless.

3. A foxy new girlfriend. Or at least a New Year's date? Suggestions? Bah.

*Derrick pauses for 2:22 and breaks into a Joe Nichols song* --
"What's a guy gotta do to get a girl in this town?...don't wanna be alone when the sun goes down...just a sweet little somethin' to put my arms around...what's a guy gotta do to get a girl in this town? ...well, ask anybody, I'm a pretty good guy..."

Yikes. Sorry you had to witness that--I'm back now...where was I? Oh yes...

On to a couple random Christmas memories:

1995: Move into new house (out of trailer). With TV on the floor and most belongings still in boxes, we watch the beloved Kansas Jayhawks defeat UCLA 51-30 in Aloha Bowl...Then, with no food worth eating and exhausted from moving--we eat "Christmas dinner" at a gas station in Kingman, KS. Just my mom and us three boys. An oddly cohesive occasion.

2002: House fire, 2 AM--Christmas Eve. Forced to move into a duplex in town for the last 5 months of my Senior year of High School. Weird stuff, watching your house almost burn down mere hours before Christmas.

SO...here's what I want: If you are reading this, take a second to tell me at least one--or more of the following:
1. What's on your Christmas wish list this year?
2. Best gift you've ever gotten?
3. Worst gift you've ever gotten?
4. Good Christmas memory?
5. Bad Christmas memory?
6. Favorite thing about the holiday season?
7. Least favorite thing about the holidays?

You mustn't answer them all...Just share some Christmas-y thoughts. Ready, go.

I'll try and make sure to write again before then, but I'm in holiday mode already.

Early or not...Merry Christmas, y'all.

Do the right thing,
Derrick