The NBA is FAAAANTASTIC

Recently, I've been blessed with a brand new entertainment system along with an HDPVR and with the PVR came a ton of channels I didn't have previously.. like the NBA in HD and Raptors TV. I gotta say, I haven't watched this much NBA action since the late 90s... and I'm hooked again!

Have you caught the NBA analyst show: NBA TV? I've been trying to catch it more often nightly... it features Ahmad Rashad, Gary Payton and Chris Webber. These guys are hilaaarious! Love watchin the highlights with these 3 commenting/shouting/blurting out random noises.. they've got great chemistry and comedy. Its super casual.. Its almost like they're hangin out at the barbershop chattin up hoops. Speaking of which, the above commercial is CLASSIC.

Ernie, Kenny, Chuck.. yah, I still like to watch.

Happy Chinese New Years!

Happy Happy New Years.. again! Chinese New Years is one of those occasions that is both strange and wonderful. Strange because it almost feels as if it doesn't belong.. that its not recognized as a STAT holiday, so its always feels out of place. Heck I'm at work right now, something that is FORBIDDEN on Chinese New Years..hehe. So it's strange and I never really "prepare" for CNY like I do for Christmas or (regular?) New Years. Its wonderful well.. mostly cuz I still receive red envelopes!! But it's also wonderful cuz every year it seems like it's a second chance to start the year once again. If the first part of the year hasn't gone quite your way just yet.. well... no worries cuz you can make your resolutions in Chinese.

The Year Ahead:
The OX year is a conservative year, one of traditions and values. This is not a year to be outrageous. A slow but steady year.

This OX year will bring stability and growth where patience and diligence pays off.

This is a year of Harvest - when we reap what we have sown. Take care of business this year, do not let things slide.

People Born in the Year of the OX:

Characteristics:
People Born in the Year of the OX are stable, strong, dutiful, reliable, tenacious, practical, industrious, determined, honest, loyal, sincere, persevering and down to earth and tolerant. They can sometimes be lonely but they form firm bonds with home and family. The OX people cherish their private lives and are not usually very adventurous. They can be loners. They know the way to succeed is by a slow, steady, sustained effort. OX people are great traditionalists, they like the familiar.

2009 Horoscopes for Year of the OX

If you were born in the year of the RAT
This year is a stable year for family life and will be a joyful year. Career wise the rats will take on more responsibilities and will feel the pressure of the extra duties. A good year of steady progress.

If you were born in the year of the TIGER:
This is the year for keeping a low profile, tigers. Because of the slow pace of the OX year, it will be a frustrating time for you. You like things to be move quicker, you will need to show restraint.

If you were born in the year of the RABBIT:
The year of the OX is well suited to the rabbit nature. The slower pace of this year will see you spending more time with friends and family. A good year to upgrade your home, or for buying or selling a house.

If you were born in the year of the Dragon:
In business and in romance your word for this year is integrity. Keep your head down and you will make steady progress this year. Established relationships will be comfortable and easy during this year of the OX. A slow but sure progress will be made.

If you were born in the year of the SNAKE:
A very good year for Snakes! The steady pace of the OX year is well suited to the snake person. Act on an opportunity - this is your year.

If you were born in the year of the HORSE:
Although you are rearing to surge ahead, this is another year of caution for the horse. Not a good year to strike out in new directions, consolidate your positions instead. On the brighter side, Love will bring comfort this year.

If you were born in the year of the SHEEP:
The Ox is the direct opposite of the sheep, therefore expect challenges in all areas this year. Keep a low profile.

If you were born in the year of the MONKEY:
This is a year of moderate progress for monkeys. Work will slow down this year allowing the monkey more personal time. It also allows for quality time with friends and family.

If you were born in the year of the ROOSTER:
Great opportunities for rooster this year. A good time to recoup losses. You will make great progress at work, reaping rewards of your labor. Emotional ties bring joy. Your prestige and reputation increase.

If you were born in the year of the DOG:
A year for dogs to keep a low profile. Put more attention into matters at home, spending quality time with loved ones. The simple pleasures will bring happiness this year.

If you were born in the year of the PIG:
A year for the pig to follow his/her instinct, laying foundations for the future. This is a bright and hopeful year for the pig. Do not take unnecessary risks though.

New Year, New Reality

It's already five days deep into the new year and I'm still feeling hungover from all the holiday "cheer." Call me a grinch if you will, but the holidays are feeling less and less like the holidays! They're getting more and more jam packed with events, things to do, people to shop for... and less and less time to myself.  The last three to four weeks are a BLURR to me... the memories play back in fast forward in my head.

Please please don't misunderstand... I do these things and go to these places because I want to and not because I feel obligated... of course I love my friends and family. Yes, I know.. the holiday season is a time for giving. So now that I've given myself to the holidays and taken a break from my own reality, January has given me a huge SLAP in the face. A slap of reality.

The backhand comes in the form of a huge Visa bill, a large number on the weigh scale and most importantly a pending decision about the future of my career. The weight that I've packed on does concern me.. but i know that basketball and volleyball will work itself back into my weekly routine soon enough. Now, the reality of waking up unemployed has undoubtedly hit me the hardest.. the uncertainty of when my next pay check will be has never been comfortable (I don't know how all you freelancers do it!).

As I sit here at my desk typing away, I feel my shoulders tighten up.. the stress is building. 2009 is going to be a big year for me. 2009 is going to be the year that 2008 was supposed to be! Some big decisions are going to be made... and there's going to be a ton of work to go along with those decisions... all of it will amounting to catapulting my life into adulthood. NO that doesn't mean I'm still a virgin stoopid! What it means is that I have to work twice as hard this year.. to make up for all the procrastination. Life around me has certainly moved on while I feel like I have stood still (in my career) for the past five years. Time to get a move on Rich and get to that next Rich Day.