Feb. 28, 2001

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. I'll be posting new entries regularly, so stay tuned ...

Adios, España.

I am back from playing in Spain. I had a wonderful experience there and totally enjoyed playing and learning about the Spanish culture. Most importantly, even with double sessions everyday, my knee felt great. I really can't wait to get back on the court with the Liberty this summer.

Erb

Sauer

My teammate in Spain (and 2000 Uconn grad) Paige Sauer returned recently as well. Summer Erb is still over there doing her thing. I truly enjoyed getting to know Summer. Most people don't know that she has a desire to have nine children. She wants to have seven boys and adopt a giant and a dwarf (her words, not mine). Her sense of humor kept me laughing and I look forward to meeting her on the court when the Liberty play the Sting this season. I've promised to take her to the best entertainment spot in NYC and she has agreed to grill me up her famous steak when I visit N.C. Can't wait.

After returning from Spain I took full advantage of the rare free weeks I had on my calendar! I made a jaunt out to the western part of the USA and Canada. I spent time in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Canada and Seattle. I met people from all walks of life and saw some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever laid my eyes on. The trip was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had.

I was able to get fantastic workouts in while on the road as well. I must continue to strengthen my legs to keep my knee healthy and basketball is always a priority. The best part about being in Arizona and California was that I was able to train outside instead of just in a health club. I climbed Camelback mountain in Phoenix and spent a few mornings running Runyon Canyon in California. The view from the summit of both these places is superb.

Me and Hip at the Grand Canyon before being scolded by a man on a mule. (Click on the photo for the larger version.)

The most breathtaking view I saw was on my first ever trip to the Grand Canyon. Pictures do not do it any justice! Most people visit this wonder when the weather is warm. There was snow on the ground when I was there and it was still awe-inspiring. I wanted to walk down into the canyon but was not allowed.

I was traveling with my uncle Doug and his dog Hip. Uncle Doug disregarded the signs that forbade dogs in the canyon and we started down the path. We were barely below the rim when a guide on a mule scolded us. His harsh words were, "Sir, please pick up your dog. I don't feel like falling off my mule today." Doug quickly scooped up Hip and apologized profusely to the guide. We escaped without much more than a dirty look from the guide (AND the mule), but captured some fantastic photos.

Traveling into Canada provided more jaw-dropping views. Going from Banff to Jasper (in Banff National Park) is something that everyone should do once in his/her lifetime. It is truly majestic! The mountains hold the bluest glaciers I've ever seen (the only glaciers I've ever seen), and even on a day with sub-zero temperatures, Lake Louise is a must-see.

Upon leaving the park we had to slow our El Camino down because there were rams in the road. We hit the brakes again a few miles later because there were police in the road ... pulling us over for speeding (I didn't know an El Camino could speed!!!). I think Doug was just confused about the difference in miles per hour and kilometers per hour. Anyway, we might've talked our way out of the ticket, but the officer was the cousin of the mule-riding tour guide at the Grand Canyon!

After a fun-filled week in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada we returned to the good ol' USA. I was able to go to the third quarter of a Sonics game (against the Denver Nuggets). It was really bizarre seeing Patrick Ewing in a non-Knick uniform. He and the Sonics had a great game and blew out the Nuggets. It was an interesting environment (I sat next to a woman with leopard pants), but nothing can beat the magic of the Garden!

Things I learned on my trip:
Wyoming is the snowmobiling capital of the world.
The proper name for snowmobile is "snow machine."
Yellowstone National Park is closed during the winter ... except to snowmobiles/snow machines.
Piercing fire alarms shouldn't last 30 minutes at a five-star hotel. Good thing I was sitting in a well air-conditioned room at the time.
There is a road in Glacier National Park that is only open for six weeks during the year.
No one knows exactly why this road is closed the other 46 weeks.
The running loop in Stanley Park (Vancouver, B.C., Canada) is six miles long.
It is possible to get lost while running this loop (well ... it's possible for ME to get lost).
24 Hour Fitness in Denver, Colorado has a nice hoop court.
This same 24 Hour Fitness has a high rate of hamstring pulls on the hoop court ... so be careful.
The Sizzler has become quite a nice lunch spot.
You can still play Ms. Pacman for a quarter at certain laundromats in Arizona.
Mann's Chinese Theatre in L.A. is a great place to see a movie.
The Sky Bar in L.A. is a great place to have a drink (cranberry juice with lime in my case).
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is home to the most amazing Harley Davidson dealership in the World: Heritage Harley Davidson.
Unsweetened iced-tea is not sold in Western Canada.
It is difficult for some professional hockey-playing Canadians to say "TORTILLA."
The workers at the US/Canada border ask pretty inane questions but ... they're not all bad.
Einstein is not only a genius with bad hair, but a tasty drink made with the hottest energy beverage out there ... MC2 (MC-squared)!!
Tojo restaurant in Vancouver is the best sushi you could ever have.
Ed and The West Wing are TV shows worth watching.
There's nothing quite like hearing a karaoke version of Sonny and Cher's I Got You Babe sung by two big guys in a little bar in Arizona.

Thumbs Up/Down (Movie Review)
The Pledge: Down, Down, Down (unless you want an excuse to nap).
Snatch: Up. Action-packed and entertaining. Also has a few funny tracks on the soundtrack.
The Wedding Planner: Verdict still out. Predictable movie.
Sweet November: Down (although I can't give a fair judgement because I left halfway through ... didn't want to waste another hour of my time).
Miss Congeniality: Up. I laughed out loud several times (which forced the folks in front of me to turn and "shush" me).

Time for a Shout Out to:
The folks at Roman's Oasis in Litchfield, Az.
Julie from the Wigwam. How many beans are in that black bean soup?
Forgiving friends born on January 27
All those standing on a corner in Winslow, Az.
Ski, Bridget, Jody and all our friends at the Sedalia Grill
The folks at Applebee's in Great Falls, Mt.
Hoopsters at The Summit in Kalispell, Mt.
Magpie and Stumpy patrons in Banff
Rach: Thanks for hooking up the discs. I owe ya!
Autumn and Hob "I can do stuff" Murphy
Frenchy ... the best host in Vancouver
People who DON'T free-load.
My car-driving, McMuffin-bringing, story-telling, pressure-producing, head-tilting, 1-on-1 losing, "yeah, whatever"-saying, helmet-wearing, rock-receiving, rebound-snagging, nice new-coat owning Homey. Yo, we tight!
Hip: I miss you
Lemon Lemon Lemon Potsie Potsie Potsie
Simplify. Do everything. Catch the blue train.