Driven

Calm/Storm

"Everybody wants to know, where you're going to, where you're coming from..."

Lauryn Hill - Guarding The Gates

Today I participated in the Nike+ Human Race, which, as their marketing geniuses put it...the day the world runs.

Ten

October is my favorite month, as two of my favorite sports end, and begin...this year is even more special, as it was just a few days ago when I celebrated on the field with the Philadelphia Phillies as they won their 2nd straight NL Pennant, and next week the NBA season tips off.

Everyone knows that I'm a journalist, and I work really hard...reading, writing, and doing research. However when I moved to Beaverton, Oregon 3 years ago, I added a new wrinkle to my craft...now I run to stay in shape, to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It's all about having success in mind, body, and spirit.

I have an exponential amount of will power, and ambition and with the cold and rainy weather I needed every ounce this afternoon for the Nike+ Human Race. Nevertheless, exactly 55 minutes later I completed the task, and added more fuel to my journalistic fire.

Since I'm still fairly new to distance running, I usually put the weight of the world on my shoulders, which I use to push myself during workouts. I start off as my usual happy go-lucky self, and then a metamorphosis takes place and I get really hype. Since it works, I'm not going to question it. A lot of people try to figure out how I operate...and all I can say is that I'm a very disciplined person and I have my eyes on the prize of becoming the best I can be in my field.

One day it will all make sense.

The Super Friends

Strength

Will

Style

"I had to lose myself, so I can love you better..."

Lauryn Hill - Lose Myself

I'm in Florida for the NBA Finals, and while it looks a little like Southern California...things are somewhat different, yet the same.

Superman

The Amway Arena is a welcome change of venue for the Orlando Magic as they...like the Poison Clan have won at home, while losing on the road. These are my first of any NBA championship series so I too had to shake off the pregame jitters. It was quite surprising as I've been writing for a few years, but once I was able to soak everything in, the game began and Kobe Bryant put on a 1st quarter show.

Blue Magic had an excellent game from start to finish aside from their inability to stop turning the ball over, however they were able to play a great swarming defense to cause a few key turnovers, including one on Bryant in the waning seconds. In the end they outlasted the Lake Show 108-104. 

LA leads 2 game to 1...

My keys to the Magic's Game 3 win are as follows:

• Orlando playing at home (They are a great team overall, but nothing beats playing at home)
• Play and composure of Skip to my Lou...says Alston, "The league is a make-and-miss league - first two games I'm missing...I look horrible. Tonight I'm making, I look good. That's what this league is about. It's a make-and-miss league."
• Magic offense highlighted by 4 players in double figures, none with less than 18 points
• Total team defense, described by Kobe as "They threw the whole kitchen sink, and they did a great job staying on my body. They brought help from the weak side, simple as that."

Today at the media availability after the Lakers practice/Magic shoot around, I was able to catch up with Bryant, and Odom, as well Jameer Nelson, and Courtney Lee. I noticed that the teams were extremely loose and comfortable, and have forgotten about the previous 3 games, as they focus on tomorrow and Game 4.

I spoke to everyone in the designated media areas, except for Kobe who I saw along with legendary trainer Tim Grover in the hallway adjacent to the court. The first thing he said was that he saw me last night, but he didn't have an opportunity to say hello. Coincidentally, as I typed that sentence above Dwight Howard walked past the media work room, and politely said hello and waved.

I'm really loving it here...