Bitch: Hoops and Bridesmaid Dresses

I've been playing in this women's basketball rec league for about 3 years. During that time, it's been a great outlet for work-related and other frustrations, but it wasn't until recently that it has become an additional frustration. The level of play has become tougher since I first joined the league, which has provided some great competition. But in the past, I was spoiled by being on solid teams, whose ability to work together and win games (and some championships) was almost effortless. My old team wouldn't think of holding a practice session, discussing strategy or even calling a single play. We just made it happen.

That team dissolved, and I've been lucky to join a team comprised of my closest friends in the league. This new team consists of very athletic and talented basketball players -- excellent shooters, ballhandlers and defenders. So what is the problem? WE CAN'T PLAY TOGETHER WORTH SHIT! As a team, we are completely unable to spread out and balance our offense. We force too many shots and risky entry passes. We lack good judgement regarding clock management. We do not play to make each other better.

To give us some credit, we've added post presence that we did not have last season. And our defense is pretty good. Unfortunately, we fail to capitalize on the turnovers we force.

We are at the midpoint of the season, and while we've had some sweet victories, we also have 2 bitter, ugly losses. Both losses were close and came down to the final seconds. Both losses were due to careless decision making. We are a better team than both opponents, but we defeated ourselves.

This frustration is similar to how I felt while watching the Spurs in the NBA post-season. Yes, they won and I am happy about that, but they are a stressful team to root for! When you have to hold your breath every time the finals MVP (btw, I would have picked Robert Horry for MVP) shoots free throws in the 4th. This team does not lose to better teams; they lose when they mess up. Their point guard, Tony Parker, a good athlete and decent shooter, does not make plays for his team. When someone on that team goes cold, it's contagious!

My last frustration for the day - I've agreed to be a bridesmaid for another friend's wedding and just tried on some of the dresses. I was amazed at how NOT disgusted I was at the pictures of the dresses online. If you know me, I hate most dresses, and most new fashion for that matter. When I went to the store to try on the dresses, they looked so terrible on me! The dresses looked perfect on the hipless, buttless, skinny, awkwardly-posed model online, but were not built for my shape. Luckily my friend said we can pick any dress we want, as long as it's the right color, so I shall go back to the store and start all over.

Another Nice Weekend

We threw my friend PM a fun wedding shower yesterday. It was co-ed, with a Messican fiesta theme, and some silly games thrown in. I'm still recovering from all the massive taco bar, rich mexican desserts and margaritas. And it was refreshing to see that the pinata game we loved as kids could be just as fun now that we are much older, only this time with a blindfold tequila shot before the spin. Marcial's family is very fun and parties together like mine does. So the party was a success, especially cuz it did not make PM hurl (she, like me, hates the corny, girlie stuff).

Also this weekend - KGAY on Live 105! I think this was in honor of the big gay pride parade in the city. Earlier this week, I found myself in the minority, a small group of straight chicks, while drinking with teammates and opponents after a sweet b-ball victory. Not sure why I was surprised, since it IS an adult women's basketball league and many of the best female ballers ball for the other team (ha ha ha). Reminded me of one of my college jobs at the WSN (school newspaper), where almost all of the staff were at least 3 of the following: gay, vegan, smoker and Jewish. I was none of those...even though I was big on the gay clubbing scene in those days. I think cuz Kelsey and his friends were the only ones who wanted to go dancing! I didn't even like the music (a techno, dance remix of every slow song like the Titanic theme), but it was fun. Anyway, KGAY played 80's synth "Euro-fag" music all weekend long, and I loved it.

Happy Birthday...

(this month) Happy 5th birthday to my truck. Happy 5th birthday to my job. Happy 4th birthday to me with Ed.