Bring on the HOLIDAY SUNDAAAAAAAAAAAAY LOVE!
Okay, so I'd love to open with a little Dickens here, but it's really been mostly the worst of times for our beloved Clips... and whats worse, they seem to be having their worst luck in STAPLES Center!!! And a trip to Texas didn't help at all... so now we've got a two-day home and home against the always tough Suns to try and turn this thing around... at least they know they can count on us (Thanks to Tiffany's dad) being at BOTH GAMES! Because no matter what luck may befall our boys, the Game Night entertainment crew is still bringing the ruckus like we're playoff bound! Woo haw!
Of course, it is the holidays, and no matter what holiday you are celebrating, it really is all about giving, and family and sharing this time of year - and nothing could embody those ideas better than our hosting Tyler McKinnon and his mother last Tuesday. I can't say enough to each of you for taking the time to say hi and take pictures with Tyler. But more so than that, I want to thank Marianne and Coach for going the extra mile and making it a real night to remember. For those of you that read Tyler's website, I'm sure you'll agree that what the Clippers did for him was every bit as good as his Make-a-Wish trip - and I'm certain it's something he'll remember for the rest of his life. Spirit, you were all so gracious in posing with him at center court, and the FP crew, I can't thank you enough for taking the time just to talk with him. Over and over, all he kept saying was "That was awesome..." and it really was.
For those of you so concerned, I wrote a little ditty on the subject - complete with one very cool photo.
http://losangeles.broowaha.com
Also - my few pictures of that night... hopefully Coach will share some of the ones that the "official" photographers got:
http://picasaweb.google.com
You gotta love my flop sweat, like I was being interviewed with Ashley Ramirez in the room.... :)
So seeing as how it's Christmas Eve (yes, I know, this is another Sunday Love going out on a Monday, Shannon...) I figured instead of Sunday Props, I will put a copy of the wish list that I sent to Santa on all of your behalves...
Dear Santa,
All of my Clippers family have been exceptionally good this year... except maybe Joey and David, but they meant well, and they're really only naughty on the weekends. So, because I have gotten to know them so well, and because I know they're too nice to ask for it, except for maybe Nicole, who probably sent you a detailed list... Here are my Christmas wishes for them:
Coach - for a few more wins for UCLA next year, for another year of not looking even close to her age (also if you could throw in that surprised look people have on their faces when her kids run up to her and call her "mommy") that would be great.
Shannon - for a gift certificate to www.joyofsocks.com - because there's just something about a pretty blonde girl in exotically cool socks; I'd let you pick our your own, but she probably has all the ones you have in stock up there... and for an alarm clock that rings with "Smile, Shannon!" so that she can start the day with that million-dollar gleam...
Whitney - for a really comfy pair of sweatpants, a couple sizes too big (so a Small should do nicely) and an oversized v-neck t-shirt that has been washed about 30 times already... because no one really rocks that outfit like she does.
Taylor - for another great business suit, I'm-just-directing-tonight, game-night outfit... for a reality show based loosely around her Meet-the-Spirit-this-is-Taylor piece than ran on the STAPLES jumbo-tron ... because I was glued to that thing like it was the OJ verdict...
Kristin E. - for Rock Band to practice with at home... heck, for a real drum set if her parents will let her have it... and for a better band to practice with than me and Dave Sanchez.. maybe Radiohead... and for a trip to Fuji Sushi (set her up with Max, the best sushi chef, ever!)
Harmony - for even better abs (which I understand may not be anatomically possible) and for having "Harmonized" be an actual word in the new Webster's - definition 1 to be "verb: to have one's hair done really, really well in Venice"
Ashley R. - well, I was going to wish for a rock star with a David Sanchez-style do, fancy jeans, and exceedingly well-groomed facial hair... but she already got that - so I suppose I'll just wish for better balance in those boots...
Rachel - for a few more years for Glenn on the FP, so she won't have to get any of the "old" jokes... and to finally stop getting carded at bars and rated R movies...
Tiffany C. - for a lot more stunt time, a new pair of Nike cheer shoes, and a few nights off so she can go to open gym. For even more "specialty photo shoots" ... and for a couple magazine covers in 2008...
Edamame - for a little more time spent with the FP to bring out her previously-hidden inner cheerleader, and for maybe just one more black dress... because really, who knew? I'd wish for a cooler nickname... but come on, it doesn't get any better than that.
Kelley - for a shorter commute, or maybe just a little less traffic... okay, maybe just permanent access to the carpool lane... nicer accounts in Vegas, and luxury suite full of rabid fans (wait... she already has that)... for a year full of reasons to smile.
Lynae - for plenty more to say outside the locker room...
Alex - for an even zestier Halloween costume, perhaps a reprise of another of my childhood characters... in a way that will totally change the story for me... for a lot of on-court time and for a ride home from any FP-Spirit social outing, so she wont have any excuse not to come...
Laura - for a drama-free 2008... for no crazy rose-ladies at her bar... for even more great photo shoots - and for a much better editor at ESPN... someone who knows where the real star of the show is...
Tiffany M. - for forgiveness so she won't kill me for leaving her out of last week's Sunday Love, for a slew of really great motor-home trips involving her FP-Spirit family... for room service, and for a collection of personal electronics that are all PINK.
Nina R. - bless her heart, for some shirts that actually fit... for her to replace Rachel Ray as America's sexiest mom ... and for her 49'ers to really stop sucking...
Ashley S. - for a lot more mentions in Sunday Love, for a part in a hip-hop music video where she's getting out of a Ferrari in a Versace dress (I have no idea where that came from) and for even more really great shoes to wear home after game nights... (and you think I didn't notice...)
Brittany - for AMAZING grades this semester, and for some really well-deserved time off... for a fake ID (ha ha, just kidding Coach!!! no, but seriously, I know a guy...)
Nicole C. - for a blockbuster real estate deal, for a trade of her old team's record with her current team's record... and for the courage to speak up for her Bruins when Joey's talking a year's worth of smack...
and my beloved FP family... first, for a SPONSOR so that we can get photo cards, and maybe personalized web pages again...
Tami - for a better work schedule, less job stress, and better travel luck for her boyfriend... for continued awesomeness as a partner... and a little more weight in her hands for Tarzan-up
Summer - for a few more bikini pictures... okay, that's really more on my wish list... for brownies, cookies, candy... some cake, and the continuing good fortune of a metabolism that can consume all that and still look like, well, Summer... :)
Nina E. - for a gig with the FBI, the crime lab, or whatever other awesome thing she wants to do. For even better hair (if that's really even possible), a trip to the Bahamas and diamond earrings (in case a certain someone doesn't come through)...
Nicole B. - for a new snowboard, season passes to every resort in driving distance... a backstage pass at the X-games (like she needs it)... and the courage to speak what's really on her mind...
Nate - for a brand new shoulder, for some stock options before the XM-Sirius merger, and for MSU to the final four ... so someone can talk else besides our UCLA people can talk smack in March
Leslie - well, I'd wish for the perfect butt, but I think we all know she's already got that... so instead... for a better collection of boyfriends, a decent fake ID (ha ha! again Coach, just kidding!!!), and a real night out on the town.
Kristen M. - for free round-trip flights to Vegas, a 4.0 final quarter and for a horrible electrical accident to erase all of the photos, videos and stored text messages on her cell phone... also for a spell-checker (which she'll hopefully re-gift, if you know what I mean)
Katie - for world-wide success for Sonki Fitness, including an infomercial and magazine cover... for her Ravens not to suck and for at least one alternate sexy dance intro...
Josh - for two brand new ankles, and the sense not the mess those up with some crazy tumbling nonsense. For great grades, a little more time off and some Saturday-night spending money... for a team that listens even when they're tired ;)
Joey - for better gas mileage, better work hours, and more events planned closer to Simi Valley... for improved Guitar Hero skills, a triple cupie, and continue sports success for all of your teams... for a gig as a firefighter, and for a really, really great girl...
D-Tumblz - for a healthy start to the year (so Katie won't have to complain of SARS in the locker room), for an even better wardrobe (which may not be possible)... for success for all the teams you coach... and maybe a little time off
Dave Sanchez - what do you give the guy who has everything? Well, Dave's the happiest guy I know, so this is tough... what do I wish for Dave? Everything he's ever wanted, really... but for now, no traffic on the way to downtown, continued success for his girls, new tube socks, a copyright for his hairdo, a lift ticket to Mammoth, the love of his life, new tires and backstage passes for Rage Against the Machine... how's that?
Arturo - for a little more positive attitude at games... sheesh. HA! I kid, I kid... seriously, for continued success in all the amazing changes he has made in his life... and for a new spine, to replace the one he abuses every night at STAPLES...
Cortlin - for the girl who, literally, has everything... forgive me waxing philosophical... I wish for her to have friends to surround herself with, who care about her and will keep her safe from harm... also for an all-body antiperspirant, or maybe just that laser treatment for excessive sweating in awkward places... and maybe a re-install for that brain-mouth filter thing...
Clippers - for a healthy Sam Cassell, Elton Brand and Sean Livingston... for enough wins to be in it when Elton comes back, and for the pride to play through adversity with their heads held high... and for an All-Star nod for the Caveman...
So, that's my list big guy.... see what you can do...
So, college football in nearly wrapped up for the season...
UCLA very nearly got it done, with one of the great comebacks of the year... and with a third string QB no less... but one fingertip kept it from happening, and a blocked field goal has given Joey bragging rights (and some sweet game tickets) for the next year.
http://sports-ak.espn.go.com
...you have to respect the way it went down to the wire... but the Bruins will likely chock this year up as loss - we'll see if they can pick themselves a head coach in the coming weeks and dust themselves off for 2008. Maybe Coach can actually win some bets next year. :) As for BYU - lesson learned, don't bet against the boys from Provo. I get the funny feeling that Coach will still get her night out on the town, though...
...and I have to eat some crow, because lightning has struck and Navy lost their bowl game to Utah. I have to hand it to the Utes, they played a hell of a game, but there's no doubt that the officials blew the call of the game... and by no doubt, I mean they issued an official mea culpa:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf
So, we got homered by some west coast officials, and Utah finally has something to smile about after losing in the last minute to BYU... and we lost our coach, but we'll be back - Commander-in-Chief's trophy in hand and I'll have another year of trash talking to do... Props to Joey for joining me for the game - and listening to my ranting...
At least there's still the Rose Bowl left to watch... which should be about as competitive as me wrestling with Joey... Fight on.
As for Sunday Love quotes, I only have one:
"Thank you, guys" - Tyler McKinnon, age 16.
...
Twas the night before Christmas,
and in downtown L.A.
the Center was prepping
for a Laker Christmas Day
As the bandwagon donned
Kobe jerseys anew
The "Nation" was resting
it's red, white and blue
For while Clipper fans listened
for the big man and Prancer
Laker fans hoped for parade waves
from twelve snotty dancers
The Game Night crew rested
with family and fun
making sure they were ready
for a home and home with the Suns
With me in Colorado
and Sunday Love coming late
still desperately searching
for a good New Year's date
I spotted the big man
big bag in the cold
and not stitch on him
was either purple or gold
I peeked in the bag
and what did I see?
A new heel for Elton
and Sean's brand new knee
And right at the bottom
A new calf for Sammy
and from Kobe's wish list
A trade to Miami
So I looked at Santa
and asked him, its true
What on earth did he have
to give the Game Night crew?
He nodded his head
and said without blinking
well, I got your wish list, Glenn
and it got me to thinking
I could grant your wishes
The presents and more
Your hopes for successes
and Clips wins galore
But there's only two things
that I've got for them this year
the first can't be wrapped
and the second should be clear
My first gift, a reminder
though you got it this fall
That you've all got each other
the best gift of all
Then he started off
and headed back for the door
I stared in wonder
and got up from the floor
And just before he left
I remembered he'd said
There were two presents coming
and only one had he read
But he gave me the second
Standing there in my slippers
He shouted "Tell all your friends...
SANTA ROOTS FOR THE CLIPPERS!
...
Merry Christmas to all... and to all a good night. :) Happy Holidays to you and yours... and in the immortal words of Tiny Tim... God Bless us, everyone.
Santa Truitt, out
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