Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Learned my lesson

I tried to cancel my membership to Bally's Total Fitness today, and was told that I can only cancel if I moved to a place where a Bally's was farther than 25 miles from where I would be living, or I have a medical condition that prevents me from excercising. I wanted to cancel the membership because when I move to Southern California, I will have the opportunity to sign up to use the CSU Fullerton Rec Center.

A part of it is my fault for jumping the gun when I signed up for the the membership. I did not listen to my mom, and thought I knew what I was doing by signing the contract. I signed up for a 36-month membership. So I currently have $875 still due on my account. I am trying to figure out how to get out of the membership, or contemplating paying my membership in full. I am also looking into transferring the membership to my dad, so maybe he can use the rest of the 2 years remaining, while I am in Fullerton.

Something I noticed in my personality is that I do not like being wrong, or being told that I am wrong. I do not like making mistakes that I could have avoided. I could have avoided this scenario. I am more mad at myself than anything, and I wish it would just work itself out, but that does not happen in real life. As and adult, I just have to face the financial consequences and learn from my actions.

If you do not like making mistakes, then take the time necessary to avoid them. It is better to take my time than to rush into things. As much as I learn from mistakes, I just feel embarrassed, when I make them, when I should know better.

Monday, July 21, 2008

The Dark Knight

























The Clown Prince of Gotham, the Joker, definitely carried the film to a different level. Not only did Heath Ledger deliver an outstanding performance, but the writing of the script by David Goyer was great.

I felt that this movie was a true sequel to Batman Begins, and that it had forced Bruce Wayne to continue to explore his vigilante persona, Batman, and what it stands for to the city of Gotham. In Begins, the origin story, Wayne is anxious to fight crime and defend his city. In Dark Knight, he realizes that he has limits, and that he did not respect the criminals in Gotham. Batman pushed to hard, and the Joker arrived and pushed back. In response, Harvey Dent and Rachel Dawes fall into the crossfire. In the end Batman becomes a new symbol for Gotham, which will most likely be carried over into the next film (crosses fingers). This sequel did not deliver over the top action or unnecessary action, but just the right amount to carry the story. This also did not feel like a filler sequel like Pirates of the Caribbean 2 or Lord of the Rings 2. But in order to truly appreciate this film [Dark Knight], it has to be seen after Batman Begins, with the idea of the development and evolution of Batman. If we view it that way, we will definitely appreciate what Batman 3 will bring to the table.

No other superhero film that I have seen has tackled or express such exploration in it's protagonist. Dark Knight delivers on the relationship between the needs of Gotham, the idea of Batman, and the presence and reason of the Joker. Maybe it is because I read a lot of comic books, or stories in general, but I do appreciate how this film continues the Batman legacy, even though it was not as action-packed or laid back as Batman Begins.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Mission Complete

I can say that I am done with my pre-requisite classes for optometry school. I finished my final today around 10:15 AM. I also paid for and submitted my request to send the transcript for the course to SCCO, and my home address. The final was fair in the beginning and at the end, but in the middle it was pretty tough. Overall the questions were not too detail oriented, but were comprehensive. I am just glad that I am finished, and can not focus on other things. Hopefully I can divide my time up between relaxing, reading, video games, drawing, etc.

Something that has been on my mind lately has been starting school. I am afraid that I might have a hard time balancing socializing and studying. I already am living with family, so my "home" study space will be separate. I do not want to get trapped into building friendships too much, when I should be studying. From my experience in college, I have had the habit where I spent time hanging out and getting to know people, and also investing my time in "bigger" causes and neglecting my studies (it was one of my excuses in one of my personal statements). I know my personality likes to observe and apply what I see to situations, and see how I can improve things, or turn them around. I also like to envision big projects or things that can be done, but that involves investing a lot of time, something which I may not have a lot of when I need to start studying for my profession. Hopefully moving into a new environment, and making new friends, I will be able to prioritize.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Almost done...

My final for abnormal psychology is tomorrow. The course is finally coming to a close. I started the class in March, and diligently completed an assignment each week. This was in addition to applying for optometry school, interviewing, and the OAT (now about a year ago). This class has been set on a deadline for me because I have to finish it before school starts. So I am glad that after about 11 AM tomorrow, it will be finished. I am off to bed, hopefully will get in a nice breakfast tomorrow before my 9 AM final.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Team Chemistry

I am playing basketball in a summer league, and our record is 4-1. From practicing with my team, and playing together in games, we are a pretty deep team. All our team members can score, and we have some big game players. This is my first time playing for this team, so I do not really know anyone and do not necessarily have a leadership role. But the team has different personalities, and I do not think our coach took the time to have us get to know each other. He just had us start scrimmaging on the court to figure out how we all like to play.

But when it comes down to who does the talking, and who we listen to, there seems to be some varying attitudes about that. The main reason I look forward to playing organized ball, is playing as a team and learning how to help each other play their game, and improving as a team as well. The point of my post is that sometimes I do not see that happening. It was apparent to me that one of my teammates was disgruntled about his playing time or the amount of touches he got in a game. I can understand that too. He is 6 feet something, has good footwork in the post, and is in division where not too many people match up well with his size. He has been limited to playing defense. He is a bit younger than me, so maybe he has room to mature, but I do agree that he should get more touches.

As a result of his time on the floor and experience in games, he has not really displayed good attitude, but like I mentioned, I can see where he is coming from. The coach makes decisions where he thinks the players he puts on the floor will have the best chance of winning the game. But it is not just what happens during game time, but what also happens during practice. This is also a Christian basketball league, so if anything we should be "reaching out" to others to smooth out conflicts.

I definitely appreciate what all my teammates bring to the table in terms of skills, and all of us can improve in certain areas. I appreciate the fundamentals, and feel that they are seriously overlooked. And a team with good fundamentals can easily dominate a game in our league. Any way, I love the game of basketball, and I do get discouraged when I do not get a lot of playing time or the opportunity to play through droughts or tough spots, but I respect my coaches decision, and I just look forward to the next practice and game.

I <3 basketball, until my body breaks down....lol

Thursday, July 3, 2008

The "new-look" Warriors

I decided to make this post based on the recent news about Baron Davis, ex-point guard of the Golden State Warriors, and his decision to sign with the L.A. Clippers. I was keeping up with the news about the NBA Free Agency period, and read that Davis opted out. I was surprised how someone could just walk away from about 18 million dollars. I guess I wasn't surprised as much as I was speechless because Davis was one of the reason I enjoyed watching the Warriors, and started following them as a team. I did not jump on the playoff bandwagon in the 06-07 season. I saw my first Warriors game the previous season, and that's when I totally immersed myself in Warriors basketball.

I loved Baron Davis' swagger, and his "big" guard style of play. I will admit that I hated when he got lazy and hoisted up a tres, or how he thought he could win the game alone. I knew Davis wouldn't be around for long, but to leave one year early, and sign with another team in our division, hurts. He could have stayed with the Warriors and nurtured up and coming point guards that we would draft or acquire, but I guess that's wishful thinking. The NBA is not always idealistic, and many players are driven by the power of the dollar. Kevin Garnett is probably one player who stuck with a team, and did everything he could to make them better, until the management decided to go in a different direction, and I guess I was hoping Davis was that type of person. Davis, according to other websites, donated money for Hurricane Katrina relief, and also had the summer basketball program in LA and also in the Bay Area for urban youth, so I am on the fence as whether to be a Baron lover or hater. I appreciated his play for the Warriors and his intensity that he brought in his game. I will remember his fadaway left baseline jumper that he loves, his ridiculous, no-look passes, and the dunk on AK-47. Davis was not always the best player, but he plays for the moment, and he gave us, Warrior fans, many moments to go "dumb" about. But again, to opt out of an organization that gave you a second chance, that defended you against New Orleans' "boos", is surprising and heart-breaking.

1. Monta Ellis (G)
2. Stephen Jackson (G)
3. Al Harrington (F/C)
4. Andris Biedrins (C)
5. Brandan Wright (F/C)
6. Marco Bellinelli (G)
7. Anthony Randolph (F)
8. Richard Hendrix (F)
9. Kelenna Azubuike (G/F)
10. CJ Watson (G)
11. Kosta Perovic (C)
12. Matt Barnes (F)
13. Austin Croshere (F/C)

Signing Corey Maggette:
After reading a lot of posts by Warriors beat writers, Corey Maggette is no replacement for Baron Davis, but he's athletic, will fit in with Nellie's style, and a good leader. People doubt his rebounding, play-making ability, and his health. But Nellie has a habit of rejuvenating a player's career, and he'll be a needed leader for the young players on our team. He has the swagger to fit in with our Bay Area pride.

Offer Signed by Ronny Turiaf:
I like this move, even though the Lakers still have the opportunity to match. Turiaf is a big-bodied bruiser that we can put on the floor. A writer expressed concern that if Turiaf is a Warrior that wouldn't leave many minutes for Hendrix, which is why I think Harrington maybe traded. These moves by Mullin are not just about making a team that will fit Nellie's system, but getting good players for the franchise, so future coaches will have a more conservative looking squad. What I think would be nice with the big-bodied power forwards is that they can keep their position on defense, and plug up the lane. Then the long arms of Biedrins, Wright, or Randolph can block the shot attempt. This would be similar to how Davis stole the ball when Nowitski was in the post, or how Baron would swat the ball from behind.

Pietrus signing with Orlando:
Pietrus was nice to have around, but it was obvious that if he had a chance to leave that he would take it. He's a good player, but probably has reached his ceiling at least with the Warriors and the minutes that he got last season.

What's next?:
Reports are saying that they are looking for a 3rd point guard to back Ellis and Watson. There are two point guards on their summer league team that are options. Another option would be trading Al Harrington for Kyle Lowry (or another PG). But I do agree with the need for a point guard. I would re-sign Azubuike again because he's a great all around player. I am sure there is much more excitement to come this off-season.

PG: Ellis/ Watson/ Lowry
SG: Jackson/ Bellinelli/
Azubuike*
SF: Maggette /Randolph
PF: Turiaf*/ Wright
C: Biedrins/ Hendrix