I'm talking to myself, don't eavesdrop.

[A glance at my inner dialogue from a few occasions this past week...]

Wednesday 5/19, 4:48 PM

"Dude, great interview. You got this."
"I don't know...stumbled a bit at first."
"But you picked it up fast and really impressed them. That couldn't have possibly gone any better."
"That's true. But it's a 3A school and I don't have any head coaching experience. Still a long shot."
"Indeed. But you did everything you could for now. Let's go home."
"Sounds good. I need gas."
"You have gas? Gross. What did you eat?"
"Shut up. I need gas, stupid. I haven't eaten today, remember?"
"Oh yeah."

Saturday 5/22, 7:42 AM

"Dude, you still haven't been to sleep!? These headaches are getting ridiculous. Go...to...the...doctor."
"It's just a broken nose; don't be such a girl."
"Then why haven't you been to sleep before 5 AM all week?"
"Shut up. I'm fine. Just can't sit still. Or sleep. Long as I'm moving around, I'm cool. Which means I can still play ball."
"But I think you need sleep to like, live and stuff. Or is that an old wives' tale?"
"I'm not married. Wouldn't know."
"Smart alec."

Sunday 5/23, 4:08 PM

"Cubs win, Cubs win!"
"YESSS! Silva is 6-0. The cat is rocking it right now. I AM CARLOS SILVA."
"No you're not, shut up. That corny Tiger Woods commercial aired years ago, give it up already."
"Good win today, though."
"Yep, real good win."

Sunday 5/23, 4:31 PM

"Did you really ask that girl on a date?"
"Yeah, who saw that coming?"
"Not me. You never do that. What gives?"
"Beats me; had to try, though."
"Well it's about time. Don't do anything dumb."
"I'm sure I will at some point."
"Yeah, probably. HA. You should send her a text."
"Nah man, gotta play it cool today."
"Cool? You? Double HA."
"I know, right? Gotta at least try."
"Well good luck with thaaaat!"
"I'll need it."
"Concert should at least be fun, right? Favorite singer and all."
"Oh yeah, almost forgot about the concert."
"Wow."

“One advantage of talking to yourself is that you know at least somebody's listening.” - Franklin P. Jones

I'm listening,
Derrick

Pomp, circumstance and some other stuff.

Pomp and Circumstance...

My last main group of college friends (Freshmen when I was a Senior) graduated this weekend.

Also, the first group of kids I coached (as 8th graders) graduate High School tomorrow.


Some of you don't know this, some have forgotten, but...I did not attend my High School graduation. It made for major gossip in a town of 600/class of 29. But it wasn't a big deal to me then and it isn't now. College was another story. My college graduation was a proud day for me. Regardless, I'm happy for all my friends who are and will be walking the stage this weekend.

Other news:

- I get to see (and meet) my favorite singer, James Otto live on Wednesday the 26th in Wichita. Hooray!

- I will have a lovely lady right there with me. Double hooray!
- Cubs still suck. Nothing new there. Negative-two hoorays!
- LeBron to the Bulls? Word is, it could be legit. See?

[Derrick just fainted; he'll be back shortly]

...sorry about that.
- One semi-promising job (if you can call it that) prospect. Details next week. Maybe.
- One coaching spot I'd really like has separated itself from the generic pack. Not that that means anything...

Pretty Prairie High School, class of 2003
Wichita State University, class of 2007--B.A., English

Derrick

Here's the story...

Last Sunday (8 days ago)...

I was hit in the nose [hard] while playing basketball. It made a loud 'crack!' noise. I was then hit again about 20 minutes later. Original thought: It's probably broken. Oh well, it's happened before. It's just a nose. Second thought: Very real chance I have a concussion, too.

But...for the past 8 days, I've been having very intense, almost blinding headaches. They come and go every few minutes, each time worse than the last it seems. It's like a sharp, stabbing pain in the side of my face and head. One night, it got so bad I cried. And I'm not a crier. I even fell down once. I haven't told some people because I know they'd worry. I shouldn't have told some others, because they won't stop hounding me about it. Or others because they've been rude and not supportive at all.

Scary moments:
1. Someone actually mentioned (with a straight face) the idea of "internal bleeding". Eek!
2. I awoke to the following news story on ESPN.com: [NAIA football player dies following blow to head]

I do not have health insurance. I can't go get X-rays. I can't go get it checked out. I'll just have to ride it out. But I've been worried. And I'm not a worrier, either. But I'm doing all the right things in terms of taking care of myself. Except for not playing basketball. Don't even try. I've played three times since then, and plan on continuing...

Basketball has been the one constant in my life--especially lately--and no one is taking it away from me. Not that.

After looking feverishly online and analyzing myself, this is the best diagnosis I seem to be able to find:
- My nose is broken. There's no way around it.
- I may or may not have a concussion. I'd be certain of it, but I haven't vomited. They say that's a key sign. Although I haven't thrown up in more than 8 years, so maybe that's not a key variable for me?
- Somehow, the blow to the head may have caused some sort of migraine onset. Although my headaches have been shorter and more reoccurring than migraines are supposed to be.

Ultimate synopsis: I still have no freaking idea.

There. I talked about it. Now I'm done. Moving on...

Other news:
- The Cubs suck. Definition of irony: Talk to a Cub fan about a broken heart. Hello? Every day.
- This could be a big week for me. No details now, just be aware.
- My propensity for saying the right thing to the wrong person/people is epic. The streak continues! Someday, it will pay off. I am sure of it. Well, sort of. Well, maybe. Or maybe not. But that's who I am. Foot in mouth? Whoa is me.
- Dallas Braden of the Oakland Athletics pitched a perfect game yesterday. I watched the last four innings. Perspective: The first recorded baseball game took place in 1846. In 164 years, there have been 19 perfect games. 19. Perfect game = most beautiful thing in sports. I love baseball.
- New poll question. Vote on it! Go. In the meantime...

Results from most recent poll:

Question: Where are you from?
McPherson (county), KS: 4 votes (26%)
Somewhere else in KS: 4 votes (26%)
Another state: 3 votes (20%)
Wichita, KS: 2 votes (13%)
Pretty Prairie, KS: 2 votes (13%)
Another country: 0 votes (0%)

Once again, this poll didn't tell me much. I have tons of friends from other countries--but apparently none of them read my blog. Tear. And only 2 Wichita people is a little surprising. No worries, on to the next poll, I suppose...

Have a good week,
Derrick

Things People Say

I'm pretty much hilarious. If you disagree, stop reading now.

Hey, thanks! You kept reading, which means I roped you into a trap. See? Funny.

Here are some funny things I've said (or thought) recently to make myself laugh--if no one else. Just because I can...

Facebook chat with Jen Th.: "I'd rather [long list of funny, ridiculous things here] than watch volleyball."

Text conversation with Teri K:
[I had mentioned having to move farm equipment off my basketball court and that one item was particularly heavy].
T: "What part was heavy?"
D: "Do I look like the type of cat who knows farm equipment?! For all I know, it's an alien spaceship."

Pretend conversation between me and F. Scott Fitzgerald [who's been dead for 70 years]:
F: "Exclamation points are like laughing at your own jokes."
D: "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jerk."

Thought to myself:
- If I was Weird Al Yankovic, I would create a song called: "Beer Drops on My LeCar."


Think Taylor Swift would approve?


Side note: If you have negative thoughts or views about Taylor Swift, you can commence to the rock-kicking portion of your day.

I'm sure there are more funny things I've said or thought. But I'm so funny, it's hard to pick out the best ones. Just kidding. Actually, I thought I had more material for this bit--turns out, not so much.

Moving on [but still on the topic of things people say]...

I've noticed at times that people develop certain habits in their patterns of speech and become insanely repetitive with the way they talk. I try to refrain, but am probably guiltier than anyone.

I'm sure if you talk to me much at all, you've already noticed, but just for fun, here are some things I say way too much:

- I know, right? [this one's trendy--hence its annoyance]
- Whatever, dude. [kind of coined this one myself, I think]
- No worries. [makes me feel like an Aussie]
- Hey Phil, I hate you. [ah, brotherly love]
- lol [force of habit--I hate myself for this one]
- Well hi to you, too. [to people who start conversations without a greeting]
- Sorry. [unnecessary apologies drive me nuts, but I'm guilty, too]
- Did you see my Facebook status? [seriously, did you?]

- I wanted to post one of my current favorite songs on here, but since the music website I use doesn't have this song, I'm posting a video instead [NOT the official music video for the song, but still great]. I love this song! Give it a listen.

Things People Say - Lady Antebellum



If you don't have anything nice to say, talk about something else,
Derrick

Who knew doormats could shoot?

Productive day. Just finished applying for 8 different coaching openings. Yeah, eight. And one other random job (for now) in the process. A process which has gotten really old. A different man might be battling severe depression in my current situation. But forget that, gotta keep on kickin'...

Sure, the Cubs got drubbed by the Diamondbacks today (13-5), which made part of the day go for naught; 'twas productive, nonetheless.

Last night: Basketball. I was hot. I mean, my shot was hot. You know, like, I shot really good and stuff (B.A. in English, folks...yikes). I've decided that I shoot decidedly better when I wear my orange Nikes--as opposed to my black Adidas' with the interchangeable color stripes. They're some ugly sneaks, but were free and as much as I like to look cool (read: attempt), I like raining Js better. So guess what I'll be rocking again tonight? Yup.

Moving on...I'd like to send a shout out to my good friend Britani Bruster. She's seriously the only person who lets me talk about me (about my ridiculous crushes on "forbidden girls"--her words--and otherwise). Sometimes, it's actually a little frustrating because she's stubborn and never wants to talk about herself--but that's an OK problem to have with a friend, I suppose. *chuckle*

My first song on here this time around is officially dedicated to all the people (girls in particular) who just like to rant on and on, after a quick hello to 'Derrick the Doormat' and don't even ask how I'm doing or what's up with me.

Don't get me wrong, I like being that guy who people/girls can go to with their problems. But seriously...always? I mean switch gears once in awhile at least, goodness. Or don't, it's whatever...

Funny thing: Most girls have NO idea they're even doing it--while they're doing it. So yeah, thanks Brit. :)

Whew. Sorry y'all. Soapbox section is now completed. In fact, been sidetracked by various conversations and whatnot, so this whole blog is now completed. Time to play some ball. Again. See you soon.

Fake right, go left, fade back, shoot the 3,
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

...it's hard to take a handout--and still feel like a man.

I'm back. Two nights in a row. It was a bland Friday night--but the Cubs won and there was lots of good stuff on TV tonight. *Sigh* I need a social life.

Actually, I'm pretty OK with my solitude most times... [Never thought I'd say that--I must be growing emotionally]... Or maybe people just bore me? That's got to be it. :)

Went for a run today--first time since my ankle injury. Got about 5 miles in. Felt surprisingly good until the last mile or so when my foot went numb. It happens. Shake it off and get back out there tomorrow--weather permitting.

With the ankle injury finally, almost, sort of, but not quite behind me, it's time to get back on the weight-loss trek. I've now gone 6 weeks without pop. Soda, if you prefer. Maybe that's part of the reason I didn't die running today? I miss it some, but still a long way to go...

Other habitual practices:

- I've done a really good job of not texting late at night since 2010 rolled around.
- I fell off the reading pace severely. In fact, I quit the book I was reading. It was good and I'll finish someday, but I think something fiction might pique my interest a bit more for now.

Tonight's task: Choose next book. *drumroll*

And the winner is: Hit and Run - Lawrence Block



I read Block's prequels to this one--Hit Man and Hit List--when I was in High School. The dude tells a compelling story. Owned this one for awhile, looking forward to cracking it open.

Runner up: Wild at Heart - John Eldredge



I've had this book for nearly 3 years. I read about 20 pages, but found it too difficult to get through--not because it has big words, but because of who gave it to me--my best friend. My goal is to suck it up, start anew and read it cover-to-cover once and for all before June 20 at 4:25 PM--which will be exactly 3 years after the date marked atop the handwritten letter that serves as its bookmark.

But first things first...a book about killing. How ironic is that? First, I'll read a book about people being killed. Then, a book about being saved. Neat, huh? *chuckle*

Do the right thing,
Derrick

PS--The title to this blog post [in case you don't have your speakers on or are viewing this from your phone] is a lyric from the newest song I've added to the blog--Easy to Love by Sons of William. Genius song. Love that line, too. Actually might not make a bad replacement title for my blog page itself. Hmm...