February 23, 1999

The following is not a typical athlete's journal entry. You will not read about how many points were scored, who won, or who was difficult to guard--especially because now it's the offseason. So, you will not find a box score or read about the officiating, either. Instead, you will experience The World According To Me. Each week, I'll be posting another entry, so stay tuned...

What have I done these past few weeks? I pretty much sat around Connecticut wondering why so many men wear blue suits. That, oh, and I appeared on an episode of "Sister Sister", read for a part in a Spike Lee movie, attended the ESPYs, chatted with Mark McGwire, met Ricky Williams and Vince Vaughn. Maybe next month will bring some excitement.

Right after returning from my two-week training trip to Seattle (it rained every day), I ventured out to Los Angeles. I was invited to read for a part in a basketball movie produced by Spike Lee. I don't think I have a very good chance to get the role. I have confidence in my acting ability , but I read for the part of an African-American point guard. The last time I checked, I was neither. Then again, I could work on my ball-handling skills.

The day after the reading, I was joined by Tammi Reiss, Nikki McCray and Lisa Leslie for the taping of an episode of the sitcom "Sister Sister", which stars the twins Tia and Tamara. We worked 12 hours the first day and pretaped some of the scenes (one of them has us miniaturized in a refrigerator). The next day we again worked 12 hours rehearsing scenes and then performing before a live studio audience. The audience arrived at 7 p.m. and didn't leave until midnight. It really is amazing how long it takes to tape a half-hour show.

I was supposed to catch the redeye flight home on Feb. 13th. I couldn't wait to get home and was quite disappointed (understatement) when I arrived at the airport and realized that I left my wallet at the hotel. After much begging on my part, the hotel agreed to put my wallet in a cab and send it to the Delta terminal. Not only did the cabby arrive too late for me to catch my flight, but when I went to pay him - my money was gone. I have a feeling that I ended up paying him twice. Fortunately I was able to get on the next flight. It was now Feb. 14th. Valentine's Day. Speaking of Cupid, I had a chance to have some candy hearts with the words written on them. I was fairly surprised to find one that said "page me" on it. They sure didn't have those when I was a kid.

OK, now to the excitement: I had an opportunity to go to the ESPYs in New York City on Feb. 15th. I have attended these awards the past five years and always have a good time. This year I also had the chance to hang out with a lot of friends and meet some very interesting people. After the award show itself, the real fun began. ESPN had a party at the Four Seasons hotel. Shortly after arriving, I walked past Kevin Bacon. He said hello and introduced himself (just in case I didn't know who he was) and commented that he missed watching the New York Liberty workout at the Reebok Club (our summer training facility). A little later, I had the chance to meet Vince Vaughn. He is one of a few tall actors (6-foot-5). In case anyone doesn't know who he is, rent Swingers. Be ready to cringe during the answering machine scene ("this is Erica, leave a message").

After the ESPN party, we went to a club called Float for a party thrown by Derek Jeter. This club had an Ally McBeal-like coed bathroom (I didn't really mind). Later, as I was standing upstairs, I turned around and saw Mark McGwire. I went over to him and introduced myself. He said, "I know who you are." I must admit that I was completely shocked that he would know me. We proceeded to have a short conversation. (I did NOT tell him that I had looked for his jersey for a few weeks.) He really is as nice as he seems on television!

A little later I met Ricky Williams. He is a down-to-earth guy and I hope he is very successful in the NFL. Maybe I'll try to get some dred locks next season . . .nah.

The next stop was WNBA Veteran Camp. Orlando is great this time of year .nbsp;.nbsp;. a little warmer than Connecticut. A word to the wise - keep an eye on Coquese Washington this year. She is the best-kept secret in the league. She will give all the fans in the Garden some highlights this summer. (She also has a sweet book club on WNBA.com). We still have a few months before Co and the Liberty get the hilites rolling again. Who knows what will happen to me in the meantime!? One thing is for sure, I'll keep you updated. Just stop the hate mail . . . unless you can answer the blue suit question.

Before I go, I need to introduce something new to My World. It's the time for me to give a personal "Shout out" to folks. Here goes . . .

I'd like to give a shout out to:

-Erica and all the trainers at the Washington Institute of Sports Medicine
-the kids on the East Side Catholic basketball team (Seattle, Washington)
-the ballers at Loyola High School in New York City (especially Kristen Gorman)
-the folks who brave the cold while running and playing football in Central Park
-Toto and all my friends at the Knicks home opener