Taking Things for Granted

How many of us truly appreciate the things around us on a daily basis? Even an activity that is something as mundane as walking, I guarantee there's a lot of things we take for granted.

Unfortunately, that's an activity that's proving itself awkward for me - even more awkward than some of the silences that have occurred after a controversial statement or two that I've made in my life. And sure enough, it's none other than the mundane task of walking.

Three weeks ago today, I threw out my back while bowling. I know, I know- you're all wondering, "How did such an athlete like Brian hurt his back in a 'sport' that allows umpire-shaped gentlemen participate and call themselves 'athletes'?" If there's any consolation, I threw a strike on that ball as it rolled down the lane at a Black Sheep-like 7 miles per hour.

Since then, I have been confined to the indoors for the most part. Last weekend, I got in the pool briefly but really couldn't swim. I tried playing bags, but my stride was stiffer than Rafael Palmeiro after popping a few....nevermind, you get it. The day before, my chiropractor said he had no idea what to do with me, since he had tried just about everything to loosen up my pelvic area on the right side. I just went to get x-rays yesterday and the lady taking my x-rays said I looked like a hot mess, and I don't think she meant it in the "I plan on getting sued for harrassment" sort of way.

So with the x-ray viewing on my chiropractor's part pending, I just hope that my back/leg will eventually heal itself. It's started to feel a little better since 6pm today, but who knows how it will be when I wake up tomorrow. All I know is that I miss bowling with my buddies. I need to get this back fixed so I could go back to contributing to my team's losses as opposed to just watching them.

For now, I reflect on how much I take for granted. I wouldn't say I take everything in life for granted - I am very conscious of the mortality of all of us and look to cherish any and all moments that I have with everyone. When I look back at the end of the day, I don't have any regrets regarding the people who I've kept in my life and the people who may have faded away for one reason or another.

I suppose the simple things in life are easy to take for granted, especially things you unconsciously and consciously do on a daily basis- like walking, brushing your truth (hopefully you're all doing that), and so forth. I just got back from a friend's house and watched a movie based on the true story of the world-class surfing teenager Bethany Hamilton, who had her left arm ripped from her body in a shark attack. Seeing how she was able to recover mentally over time and get used to the fact that she no longer had a left arm to become a world class surfer again, it's nothing short of a miracle.

There's no way you can anticipate some major life changes like that, and thus, easy to take certain things (like having a left arm) for granted. Whether it be something that can't be repaired like an arm or hopefully can be repaired like my back, all you can really do is make the best of these situations - regardless of whether you took these things for granted or not.

Randomblings - About Our Current State of States

With how messed up this world seems to be these days, with our country fighting in wars we can't win, the debt ceiling crisis, US's credit rating gets lowered, stock market crashing, it's a wonder how many people can actually be legitimately happy these days. Besides a select few, most people are feeling the down times of the economy - whether it be worrying about losing their jobs or being afraid of making a new purchase for fear of the former situation happening. There's more worries than just that, but you get the point - you may be living a form of it yourself.

I've been lucky and been put in a more favorable situation than most - both in living arrangements and employment. That allows me to escape from the realites of the world more than others. It's probably a big reason why I'm able to be sidetracked by sports so easily. My biggest form of anxiety and excitement in the next month comes from fantasy football drafts and the start of both college and pro football seasons.

Many people wish they had these worries as a top priority. Instead, the never-ending pile of bills and many of the above worries are what have many in a bind. I've heard stories from several of my friends about their frustrating job searches. In two of their cases, they were both teachers and I heard/read about their plights often. The one friend who shared her frustrations with me was running short on patience. While I myself haven't been in that situation in over a year, the main thing I told her was what I told myself when I was looking for employment - just keep your head up and keep trying. The world can be a cold place, so you have to keep failing sometimes at these searches to find the right place. Luckily, the friend I told this to, in addition to my other teacher friend, had a happy ending.

At the end of the day, that's what most of us are looking for. We aren't necessarily looking for the perfect ending, but something resembling our hopes and dreams is what we want. The term "happy ending" seems movie-ish, but it's true. When bogged down in the daily life troubles, it's easy to forget to aim for more happiness in our lives, no matter how temporary. Easy for me to say, I know.

While this economy struggles to get back to normal, do all that you can to keep your head above water. And while it's above water, buy yourself an innertube and relax once in a while in this cesspool of a pool known as America.

When in Poem...

Random writing, 5-17-11:

Numb Hairs

I’m a numbers guy,
I hate zero, but don’t ask me why.
If you take the time to add it up,
You will have no time for the half-empty cup.

One time, I want to be the rhyme
That turns the nickel into a dime,
That turns the lemon into a lime,
That makes the innocent commit a crime.

Two jacks give you a pair
But all you’re left to do is stare
When three kings growl like a bear
And crush your hand without a care.

Three is the magic number
When it’s you and her and her.
It’s something that you wanted, that’s for sure
It’s what you deserve after all you’ve endured.

Time to go forth and make the best of this
You asked for a hug and you got a kiss
Before you make this something you dismiss,
Realize everything you are going to miss.

I plead the fifth when it comes to the court of life
I’m guilty of nothing but wanting this to thrive
I jump into the pool with a perfect dive
If that’s a crime, give me 25 to life.

Six numbers in, I wonder when I will begin
To make sense of these words to my next of kin.
These verses show where I’m going and where I’ve been.
Regret in this world is the biggest of sins.

Keep your eyes open like 7-11,
Whether or not you believe in heaven.
Keep those feet movin’ and those engines revvin’,
For all you take from life, reciprocate with some givin’.

If you eat, you ate; if you’re now, you’re late; after seven, you’re eight.
Set this on your calendars so you don’t miss the date.
You’re fishing alone, they say you have master bait.
If you swim among the hungry sharks, you’ve decided your fate.

Nine planets, but being on this Earth, we never planned it.
Amongst these words of clutter and bullshit,
There’s a message that’s so lawful, it is writ.
As basic and as useful as a first-aid kit.

I won’t command you to give me these minutes of your life—ten,
I just wanted to see how you have been.
Just make the most of this time, live like Barbie and Ken.
Do it now, cause if not now, when?

In need of inspiration? (first non-sports blog)

Actually, they probably don't. But let's pretend they do. Just kidding. I love you like a fat kid love cake.

Figured I'd double dip and write my first non-sports blog tonight. This was something I wrote on a slow night recently, so consider this for motivation if you ever need it. I know it's helped me as I've read it aloud several times.

"It's worth the pursuit, no matter the time it takes, the gas burned by the endless travels. A dog chasing his tail may look somewhat silly, but he has a goal in mind. Once he achieves that goal, his world is perfect for that moment.

It's the pursuit of happiness we are all after in this world. When we find what makes us happy in this world, we must do all we can to keep that happiness in our lives.

So if the pursuit requires another night or week's worth of going around in circles, so be it. Gotta keep chasing, even if at the end of the day all you end up is chasing a dead end. Keep the pursuit going. If it's worth it, and you eventually end up succeeding in your quest, then many priceless moments await your future. The best things in life are free. Keep chasing".

Cornier than turds the day after Thanksgiving, I know. Just figured I'd share those words in case you might be the type to feed off of stuff like this.

I'm out for the night.

-B-Bo

Tough shit

Big girls don't cry, but petite ones who hire hitmen do.

Everyone hates hearing these words, especially when down in the dumps about something. It can be a personal problem that no one wants to hear about, or in my case, a bet gone awry (Jets decided to stop playing defense after two downs in the 2nd half, resulting in a loss of my under bet). Some might say, man, that sucks, sorry that happened. When I hear that, the pessimist in me hears the words "Tough shit". No one really cares about your downfalls or losses, I sometimes think in situations like that.

Then again, I can't really complain when in reality, things are still up, I'm breathing, and tomorrow's a new day in every aspect. I haven't had a losing gambling day in over 2 weeks. 17-12 in NFL through Week 5, has to be some kind of record for me. Week 6 leans should come earlier in the week than usual (I looooove St Louis and Oakland with their respective lines against San Diego and San Fran right now).

Let's get'er done tomorrow with a Texas victory against Tampa and continue the positive gambling streak for another day. Also continue the positive karma that life's bringing in general.