Jan. 20, 2000

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. Mostly because of what you'll read about below. Instead, you will experience The World According To Me. Each week, I'll be posting another entry, so stay tuned ...

First things first. I blew out my knee ... again ... on Sunday, Dec. 12th and had reconstructive surgery ... again ... on Dec. 15th. I started rehab ... again ... on Monday Jan. 10th. My knee and I are doing well. We enjoyed our Christmas at home with the family and spent a quiet New Year's Eve reflecting on 1999. We (my knee and I) decided that our 2000 resolution would be to stay together. We had enough break-ups to last a lifetime in '99.

My doctor's order for the three weeks I was home was, "do nothing and get fat." He felt that I really needed to relax since my knee had been through so much trauma in a six month period of time. Any active person knows how difficult it is to "be inactive" (the new WNBA slogan).

However, I used the time wisely. (Don't worry, I didn't gobble down buckets of Bon Bons and add inches to the frame!) Instead, I began taking classes towards my master's degree in Internet Self Promotion (I reread all my old columns.) I researched the growing trend of exploring online communication strategies (I read all the other WNBA players' journals and columns on WNBA.com.) I also sought the advice of experts (friends and family) to determine how to make my column better (don't change a thing.) Most importantly, I learned the true meaning of "convergence" (reading my column while watching my game on TV.)

After reading the other gals' columns on WNBA.com, I figured I should explain the essential differences between my column and the others. While we have some things in common (Val Still also blew out her knee), we also have some major differences (Wendy Palmer knows how to cook chitterlins). What follows is a quick guide in case your mouse gets a mind of its own and starts taking you places without your knowledge.

1.) If relatives are referred to as "Big Momma", "Aunti Sis", or "Auntie Big Baby" - you are not reading the World According To Me. Instead, you are enjoying a story about Wendy Palmer's wonderful family and holiday experience.

2.) If you are treated to advice given by self -proclaimed "homies", it is not My World. This is not because I do not allow "homies" in My World. Rather, I simply do not allow anyone to give advice in My World (WNBA.com only allows me so much space ... I must use it all). Val Still is the generous soul who shares her .com space.

3.) If there are questions being answered about the lovely country of Turkey, you are not frolicking on my page. I have nothing against that vacation hotspot. I've simply never been there and don't know anything about turkey except how to coat it with gravy and mashed potatoes. I'll leave the geography to Korie Hlede.

4.) If you are introduced to Bonkers the farting dog, you aren't experiencing the aroma of My World either. If you meet anyone named Bonkers - or anyone farting for that matter - it ain't in my house. Ticha Penicheiro is the only one who can tell that story in a way in which it can be fully appreciated.

The preceding guidelines should help you navigate in case you get lost and can't differentiate between My World and others.

New Year's Resolutions for 2000
1.) Return the 100 generators and 200 gallons of water.
2.) Buy lots of Time Warner Stock (decision made on Dec. 31st, 1999)
3.) Frame the letter from Vince Carter that says, "Rebecca, thanks for teaching me how to jump."
4.) Call that Affleck-guy back.
5.) Never take the No. 7 train. Might end up sitting next to a guy that looks exactly like Scooby Doo.
6.) Give deserving people Shout Outs ...

Speaking of ... time to give Shout Outs to ...
 Anyone who can spend three hours in a restaurant just chillin'!
 Julie McCoy types who can show me where to find good shellfish in NYC.
 Singing therapists
 Everyone that sent me flowers when I got injured. You are so thoughtful!!!
 Those who are feeling good about themselves after working out every day. Keep it up.
 Moms ... there's nothing like 'em
 Dads ... gotta keep moms happy
 Everyone who has spent valuable time in their day to read my column. May you find peace, joy and happiness this New Year. Just remember ... always Keep the Faith!!!