Gotta Just Breathe

Exhale. There, that feels better. These days, especially around the Holidays can get everyone stressed out a bit. Worries about jobs. Worries about families. Did the dog go outside yet? What's for dinner? To me, Christmas time is the best time of year. And not because of the shopping and packed malls, but it's about taking a step back and think about all of the things you are thankful for. Look at some old family pictures and think of those fun memories. Watch a good old favorite Christmas movie that you watched as a kid. Giving thanks is nice. But don't over do it. It's not the size of the gift or pricetag, it's just a gift from you.

Oh, and don't forget to take the dog out.

Hard to top College Hoops

I know that I am not alone, but if there is a college basketball game on the television (very likely this time of year), I'll be tuning in. Sure there are some mismatches and games that lack the luster of those you will find come March, but it's a great time of year. I know its early, but watching tonight's Michigan State - North Carolina game, a rematch of last year's championship won by the Tar Heels convincingly, these two teams may be there once again. I am impressed with how hard they play, their height, and how quick they get to the basket. Sure, Syracuse looked pretty impressive in downing North Carolina at a pro-Orange crowd at Madison Square Garden in November, and I am do think Syracuse is one of those teams capable of beating anyone, but the Heels look pretty tough once again.

Random Thoughts While Watching Charlie Weiss' Last Game for Notre Dame

* Caught a very exciting Boston College - Providence basketball game at the Dunk. Friars fell behind too far in the first half. After managing to regain the lead in the second half, BC closed it out like a veteran team. PC's pretty athletic though and can really shoot the three.

* Can we just have a football playoff in college? Just eight teams. Heck, pick the top four and determine it on the field. If it is money the old timers are worried about, I am sure a semifinal game between Texas and TCU with the winner to face the winner of Florida and Albama in the final. Oh wait, Boise State too. Better make it eight. No team should finish the season undefeated and have nothing to show for it.

* Happy Holiday's

Some Random Thoughts

* Hard to top the smile of a happy baby and his giggle in the morning, no matter the hour.

* Celtics still looked a little rusty but to go into Cleveland on opening night, bounce back from a 13-2 hole to start the game and win going away, gives fans a little optimism heading into the season.

* Felger is the New England sports version of Ryan Seacrest ... he's EVERYWHERE.

* Hard to believe one month after a glorious evening of U2 at Gillette, there was snowstorm ... in October no less.

Good Job Liam

Liam had his next set of shots this week and he was such a trooper. Gazing up at the bright lights in the ceiling of the doctor's office, his giggles soon changed as the doctor gave him two shots. He showed his strength minutes later by returning to a calmness that made me very proud.

By the way, two months old, 23 inches long and just under 12 pounds.

U2 Rings Out Through Gillette

The U2 360 tour swept through the Northeast in late September and I was one of the lucky 60,000 to catch the second show at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. While this was my third time seeing the band, it was my first in an outdoor venue. Questions as to sound came to mind after the horrible audio indoors (concrete cynderblocks are not exactly the best for creating a quality sound) and whether or not the large football stadium would swallow up even a band as big as Dublin's finest.

Well, I was pleasantly surprised and in the end, I can say the show met all my expectations and was a great success. The energy built up from Snow Patrol's outstanding set had my juices rolling by the time the first notes of Bowie's Space Oddysey started pumping through the enormous speakers mounted overhead.

There's something about the entrance and opening number that gives me the chills with excitement. Magnificent opened the gig and truly rocked the place. Known for their outstanding live performances, the band whipped the crowd into a frenzy, moving swiftly through songs from their latest album while pulling out a few from the collection to keep the show cruising.

Perhaps a highlight for me was the beautiful "Your Blue Room" and the mesmorizing Ultraviolet - Light My Way from Actung Baby - the best U2 album in my opinion.

The one disappointment from the nearly two hour show was the closing number. Moment of Surrender is a beautiful song with great melodies, but it is just not a great song performed live. Well, maybe if refined, but I though the bass was a bit clumsy and just never seemed to have the same feel as the CD track.

They may be getting up in their years, but these guys can still rock.

Falmouth PR

Just finished my fourth Falmouth Road Race. Officially finished in a new personal best time of 1:04.29 over the 7.1 mile course. Beautiful race from Woods Hole to Falmouth along the Vineyard Sound. As usual, the sun was out and shining hot on the 10,000 runners though there was a nice ocean breeze coming off the water but it was still hot. I conserved enough energy and felt strong despite little training this summer. I reached the photo line (6.5 miles) and hit a wall. It was as struggle to get up the last hill and usually I sprint down the finish with the last amount of gas I have left, but this time I was empty. Still finished strong and look forward to knocking a minute or two off my time at the 2010 race.

Liam Is Here

Liam arrived last week at 7:20 a.m on August 4, 2009. Cheryl and I are so proud of welcome our little boy (9.5 pounds) into the world with open arms. It has been a tremendous experience so far and Brady too seems to like being a younger brother.

July 28, 2009

Back from a long run and busy day. First, Cheryl and I went down to the beach. It was Liam's first "unofficial" visit as we were hoping the sounds of the waves and the walking might get him excited to come out. Following a good lunch, rested up a bit at home before continuing on with my preparation for Falmouth 2009. Ran 32 minutes in the setting sun and heat of the Boulevard and down to the Narragansett Boat Club.

Have logged about 14 miles so far this week.

JRS

Thoughts Heading Into Round 2

Well the Celtics must be a tired bunch, but what a series. Fans must be a bit tired as well having to endure so many overtime games. Most love to watch the games for the dunks and high-flying alley-oops, but I'll could watch an entire game of Ray Allen shooting the ball any day. He has such a beautiful, soft jumper. The kind that sinks through the hoop without hardly touching the net.

It'll be tough getting past Orlando, though with Pierce and Allen and the rising Rondo, they can advance. Kendrick Perkins might be the key.

St. Patrick's Day and March Madness about ready to roll out. As you can tell, I enjoy basketball, especially college basketball. After enjoying some really great conference tournaments, it's time to get down to deciding which team and which conference for that matter, is the best in the country. I believe that the eventual champion will come from the Big East. Much like back in 1985 when there were three Big East schools in the Final Four, the same can happen. Watch out for an athletic Louisville, or tired and angry Pitt and Connecticut teams to make some noise. Last year aside (all four No. 1's going to the Final Four) there seems to always be a few surprises. Maybe Wake Forest, maybe Oklahoma (though not a surprise by any stretch) but maybe a Utah State or even a Gonzaga. It might be time. We'll know in a couple of weeks.

Big East Shines Once Again

Certainly bias being in the Northeast, but the Big East basketball tournament has been one of my all-time favorites since watch the battles of Ewing, Mullin, Glass, McNamara and of course my all-time favorite Dwayne "The Pearl" Washington. This year's tourney ranks right up there with one of the best with the six overtime thriller between Syracuse and UConn. In the end, Louisville proved too much. Yes, Syracuse was out of gas, but Louisville is a deserved champion.
- JRS

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