I Am Back?

I just might be! I can't believe that it's been about 8 months since my last post here. Last year, I started another blog, Playboy and Me, and am having a lot of fun running it. Lately, I've been super busy with work and school and finally almost have caught it up all my posts on my other blog. Anyway, I just clicked on this blog and went through my older posts. I thought to myself, I can still do this one too! Isn't that what that humble swagger is all about? Bring it all on!

So, keep tuned in and you'll get more from inside the mind of a quite, cool, nerdy soul!

LeBron - The Decision

So yesterday came the biggest decision in the basketball world. And to no real surprise to those in the know, LeBron chose to take 'his talents to South Beach' where he joins the returning Dwayne Wade and newcomer Chris Bosh to create a so-called Super Team. Being a Laker fan, as well as a basketball fan, it is quite intriguing, but doesn't mean a thing to me. It definitely is a great story, having three superstars team up together to get a champtionship.
With LeBron being a free agent, he certainly had the right to go where ever he wanted. I think he is getting a lot of heat for how he did it. Having a one hour special on ESPN at the Boys and Girls Club in Greenwich, Connecticut with a not so enthuiastic look on his face wasn't a very good idea. People, though, also questioned his choice of going to Miami and joining Wade and Bosh. Was it for a championship? Was it for his legacy? Was it for the money? If he wanted a championship right now, some have said that the place to go was Chicago. If it was for his own legacy, he would have gone to the bright lights of New York. If it was for money, he would have stayed in Cleveland where he gotten a max-deal and be paid more than any other team could offer him. I think he kind of chose the easy way out. Instead of going on his own and even having one sidekick with him, and challenging a team like Chicago or a Wade-Bosh combo in Miami, he chose to create a super team. A super team currently with only four players and three rookies, who are looking to sign players for a minimum salary.
I do prefer the old-school days, where Michael Jordan took on the challenge of the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics of the 19080s. Nowadays, it doesn't seem as special anymore. LeBron James can get his money, win his championships and create his own legacy, but what does that all mean? I know he won't care what others say or think about him but if he does want to create that legacy and build his own world-wide brand then he should care.

P90X - Ass Kicker

Ok, I'm sure at some point in your late night channel surfing you've come across the P90X infomercials. It looks intense and believe me, it is! But more about that later! Anyway, a couple weeks ago, my dad saw the informercial and told me to get it. He is diabetic and needs to lose some weight, I looked at him and asked if he could handle it. He said that he could and I replied, Oook! So, I ordered it and it finally came last week. We started this past Monday, and wow, did it kick my ass! I started with the chest/back DVD and made a mistake of not pacing myself, on the first set, I did about 20-25 push-ups with many, many more to go. I did learn my lesson! I'm on day 5, feeling a bit sore, but feeling great! I've lost almost 3 pounds so far! My dad is taking it slowly but still going at it. He's lost a couple pounds as well! We're definitely making our way! More updates coming...

Can't Jump...Just Yet

So last week, I announced that I'd be moving this blog over to wordpress. As I was starting, I thought I had made the jump a bit too quickly and abruptly. Although certain things made me want to make the jump, I thought I should just make time for myself to blog and slowly make the move. So, I will still be blogging here but at the same time will be blogging at the new spot while learning the ropes and deciding which step I should take, if any. So keep tight, I'm not going anywhere, yet.

Short Love Poem

Recently, my mom gave me a case of my old school-work from grade school. Going through it all, I found this cute little poem and got a good laugh out of it.

Short Love Poem

It's hard to love
The tallest girl
When you're the shortest guy.
For every time
You try to look
Your true love in the eye
You see
Her bellybutton.

Almost Perfect

Paul Sancya / Associated Press

Last week, Armando Galarraga, of the Detroit Tigers, was on his way to pitch the 21st perfect game in baseball history. But, what was supposed to be the 27th and final out was blown by umpire Jim Joyce. It was a routine grounder hit to the second baseman by Jason Donald, who was called safe by Joyce but was clearly out.

There have been many debates about the call, the issue about replay, and even about reversing the call and giving Galarraga the perfect game. However, for me, the bigger part of the story is the reaction of Armando to the bad call. Instead of over-reacting and going crazy, he gave a sly grin to the ump Jim Joyce. I believe that small act allowed others to feel for Joyce. After the game, Joyce felt really bad and knew that he cost Galarraga the perfect game. The next day, he was emotional before the game as Armando presented him with the lineup cards.

Deep down, I feel this story is about being humble and not letting things, big or little, get in our way and living life. In life, sometimes things don't go our way but we can't let it ruin or disrupt our lives. We must go on with our lives and just enjoy the ride.

These two men will forever be linked. And I thank Armando Galarraga for teaching us this lesson about humility. He is not only what the sporting world needs but also our self-absorbed, celebrity obsessed society needs.

We all strive to be perfect but we always can't be.

John Wooden's Quote of the Week

In honor of John Wooden, who died yesterday at the age of 99, I would love to share his classic sayings in the coming weeks and months. In his 99 years, he has shaped not only the game of basketball but the lives of so many. Being a basketball coach, I have certainly shared some of his sayings and teachings. Here is one:

Be quick, but don't hurry.

RIP John Wooden, 1910-2010.

Nneka On Tour

Photo by marcnesium.de

My latest project with Cornerstone Promotion is working again with Nneka. Her new album, Concrete Jungle, is out in stores now. She is currently out on tour with Nas and Damian Marley on the Distant Relative Tour.

Usually, one of the perks of the job is getting into the concerts for free. Unfortunately, for this show, the record label wasn't able to get us tickets. It was definitely a bummer but I thought it would be fun to work the show anyway.
I got to meet a few people, give out posters and tell people about Nneka, who was opening the show. It was a nice evening on the streets of Oakland.

Make sure you go and pick up Nneka's album, Concrete Jungle and look out for her on the Distant Relative Tour.

For more info, go to nnekasworld.com/us.

A New Spot

I've been thinking for the past few days about making a move. I've been thinking about making a blogging move. I've been blogging here at Blogger off and on for almost two years now. I've grown up here in the blogging world and definitely have more growing to do. I've been going back and forth about it but it seems that going in a different direction is the way to go. I created my new home a few months ago but wasn't ready to make the jump yet. I think that with this new move, I'll have more access to blogging. Thank you all so much!

Come along with me to thathumbleswagger.wordpress.com!

Recovering From Memorial Day Weekend

First of all, Happy Belated Memorial Day to all those that gave their lives defending our freedom.

And with all that comes family get togethers, barbeques and food. Lots and lots of food! So the weekend started on Friday with a prayer service and family dinner for my mom's uncle, who died a week or so ago. Then, Saturday started with a bit of spring cleaning in the garage. My aunt and uncle came up to visit from L.A. so we all went up to Tracy to my other aunt's house for a little family get together dinner. It was a night of lots of food, the Laker game and some old family photos. A good night to hang out.

The next day was a friend's barbeque. That was night of lots of food, lots of booze and lots of laughs. I think it was too much food, booze and laugh. Especially the booze. I don't usually drink a lot but...that brought me to Monday. Where I spent all day nursing a good ol' hangover.

Oooh, my head...

But I'm all better now.