The Countdown Begins

You know that feeling that you get when you meet up with good friends you haven't talked to in eons? The initial eagerness, then the feeling of relief when you settle in and its like you guys were never apart? That's how I felt when I sat down to write this blog. It has been over a year since I have updated! OMG, that's just...slack. I stared at the blank box for the longest because I had no idea how to get started. But once my fingers hit the keyboard, it was just like old times. So much has happened since my last entry that it's not even funny. I'd have a Greek epic on my hands by the time I finished if I tried to catch it all up right now, so I'll just start from the present.

I lay in my bed last night tossing and turning. After endless months of waiting, it's finally time! The sweat beads gathered on my forehead as a million questions raced through my mind. Are we ready? Did I do enough to remained focused during the off season? Who's gonna play the 2? Do we have what it takes to make the playoffs? Did they finally remove the gum that was on the floor in front of my seat the whole season??? Oh yes my friends, WNBA training camp has started! This event signals the official beginning of the WNBA season. While the players are in camp putting in work, the work of the fans that are waking up from a 9 month hibernation also begins. Now let me tell you, getting ready for a season from afar (not having a home team) is a lot different from the preparations of season ticket holders. I was totally unprepared last season for the rigors of actually participating in a full WNBA season. Trying to balance my Mercury life, my Dream life, and my budget both here and on the road was extremely stressful and left me physically, mentally, and literally spent LOL. Probably had a lot to do with me having career numbers in both alcoholic beverage consumption and drink-to-hangover ratio, although I need to improve my shot selection ;)

So as to not run into the STH wall again this season, I am beginning Dream fan training camp tomorrow. Going to start exercising those vocal cords to better handle the LOUD season of cheers (for my teams), boos (for the officials), and trash talking. I often found myself hoarse after games and sounding a little like Florida Evans. I have a rigorous hand-eye coordination program scheduled so as to not be the idiot who screams their head off for a dancer or player to toss them a t-shirt, only to look like Edward Scissorhands as it sails right through their hands. You know you've seen it! I'm hitting the Stairmaster to prepare for the long treks from my seat to the concourse to refill my lovely frozen mixed drink (shout to the guy at the Tiki Hut...hope he's still there this season!) or to dash to the bathroom during halftime. Either way, my glutes win! In addition to all the physical stuff, there's still so much other work to be done before the season starts! There are schedules to juxtapose to finalize summer travel plans. Extensive medical research to carefully lay out excuses for missing work. Game tape from last season to review so I can find the best angles and times to get on TV. Officials handbook to study so that I can point out all the missed calls against my team. And it's probably a good time to finally practice balancing my checkbook ;) The list goes on and on. It's not just fun and games folks, it's hard work being a fan!

Seriously, it's a new day here in Atlanta. Don't get me wrong, last season was a blast! But there is just a different vibe here in the A. From the coaches to the players to the fans, it's just...different. I have a good feeling about this season. I'm about to burst with anticipation, just waiting to see this team together on the floor. But one thing is for sure. Philips will be rocking even harder than last season. We will make sure our players feel the passion from the stands, win or lose. I'm taking the word of the WNBA; I'm expecting great. Great basketball, great atmosphere, and great times! WNBA fans, synchronize your watches. T minus 4 days until the first preseason game! 10 days until the Dream preseason opener ATL peeps. Anyone interested in joining camp with me, hit me up! =)

I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the Mercury offseason. I may hold out of Mercury fan camp until I can see the final roster and renegotiate my contract ;) Nah, getting my thoughts together for my Phoenix preseason blog opener...


Now I'm off to bed. I start with vocal cord training in the morning. I'm going to speak to everyone I see in my outside voice LOL. Hope I don't have any meetings scheduled :)


Nighty night!