Psychological Breakdown
There it is. The Lakers came back with a four-game win streak and manhandled the Spurs right the hell outta the playoffs. In what must be called one of the biggest psychological breakdowns I have ever witnessed in a playoff series, the Spurs bent over and invited the Lakers right in their asses. And you know, it couldn't have happened to a better team.
The Los Angeles Lakers during the 2003-2004 season was a team of champions. They played together well, respected one another's contributions to the team's overall success, and executed Phil Jackson's game plans without complaint. When one guy took on the offensive responsibility, essentially taking over a game, the others allowed him, respecting him for his talent. And one guy even did it while being embroiled in a rape trial! The poor guy. What pressure. What a challenge he has been able to endure. With all the travel he's had to do. The burden that was placed on him. My goodness. How does he do it? And all with the utmost respect from each and every one of his teammates.
This Lakers team is the epitome of sportsmanship. If they made a great play, they never taunted the other team. And if they made a great play on the road, they never taunted the crowd. This is the team that our youth should look up to. Every member of this team is the perfect role model, exemplifying the perfect all-around athlete. They deserve every nice thing said about them. They deserve this championship more than any other team in the league. They go about their business quietly, never believing themselves to be worthy of press.
So to the Los Angeles Lakers of 2003-2004, I congratulate you for a great season, for being a group of respectable athletes who respect one another's games, and most of all, for representing the true nature of the NBA. You are truly a perfect group of men.
Wait a minute, let me take my fingers out of my throat. Ok, I'm done gagging. Maybe next year...
I went out with Erica tonight, not thinking I needed an umbrella. Especially after sunning myself practically all day. One day I will learn. One day I will make it home without having taken a shower, although the storm is awesome and it felt kinda nice dodging lightning strikes and gargantuan rain drops.
I cut the night short, because I had to get home to write my bloody conclusion. Although it still hadn't really hit, I sat down to write. But first I checked my e-mail. It was from my advisor. I asked her last night about a conclusion, whether to include a separate one or just write some more and end it with ch. 3. It turns out, she thinks I don't need one at all. She said I, well, let me just give it all to ya:
Good work! You blended the analysis and the autobiography very well, and it's a pleasure to hear you narrate your own story so honestly and in a range of tones. I don't think you need a separate conclusion at all; I like the ending as it is. And it's a definite ending - all of a piece. You can pick up the edit any time Monday.
I'm happy, of course. But I don't feel like it's finished. Apparently I was wrong. And all of a sudden, I'm done. No more GF. It's kinda weird. I'm gonna go back through the thesis. Improve the language. Make it a little more interesting to read. So what the hell do I write now? What will I do tomorrow?
The short story is due in a couple of weeks, so I suppose I should get going on that. Also, I'm gonna resume my job search. I heard from them last week.
"You are our strongest candidate. I look forward to talking to you about the job soon. Let me know a good time to call Friday." Sounds like I got it, huh? I didn't hear from them Friday. I'm hoping it's just because they're busy. This is a new position, so I can also imagine that they're not in a hurry. I just want to know once and for all.
I want to shop. But that's just me. I'm gonna keep looking anyway. Couldn't hurt. I'm hot. So I'm gonna blow out these candles and do something else. Like deal with the separation anxiety I'm experiencing as a result of the completion of my thesis.
