RAINY SUNDAY LOVE (Sunday Love 18)

Well kids, the skies have opened and the Los Angeles winter is officially upon us, and I feel like I'm living in Thailand during monsoon season... I mean, a little moisture would have been ok, but seriously, this is out of hand... I honestly can't remember our last non-rainy day... what's crazy about all of it, is that usually the rain turns L.A.'s normally ridiculous traffic into insane traffic (http://www.broowaha.com/article.php?id=715) but since it's been raining... it's been really easy getting to and from downtown for the games...has anyone else noticed this? Normally I spent about 30-40 minutes just getting out of downtown after the games and lately.... it's been like Night of the Comet out there (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6dOoyghxb0) I only include the link because I think Coach and Marianne may be the only ones to get that reference... but anyhoo... it's a nice silver lining to the gray clouds which have been over the city for the past week... and with that

bring on the the RAINY SUNDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY LOVE!

So, what a week it was for the "Nation"... an early Monday game to celebrate MLK day was the second half of a home & home beating at the hands of the Jazz. Which wouldn't suck quite so bad if it wasn't Andre Kirilenko beating us... (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/andrei_kirilenko/index.html) Honestly, doesn't he look like a 7 foot version of the kid that used to get beat up in your third grade class with the blond feathered hair? The only consolation is that he didn't score on Monday's game... but still... I'd rather let Brian Scalabrini go for thirty on us that have Kirilenko get ten... It's just shameful, you know? Anyhoo... it's always nice to beat Sacramento, and doing it at home is even sweeter... especially when they've gotten all their stars back and have absolutely no excuse to get beaten... nice. I even saw my Sacramento "friend" from last season's game that asked to have me removed from the arena for shouting at Mike Bibby! That's right, a female Sac fan who was simultaneously sporting the world's worst blonde dye job and world's worst boob job was sitting right in front of the "Shooter's Corner" and getting all aggro because I was talking a little Mike Bibby smack... and asked to have me removed... HA! So good to see her back in the arena, not having made any progress on her appearance or my removal, and her team not having made any progress in looking like a bunch of wanna-be thugs on the LAC court. Seriously, I've seen less crying in Steel Magnolias... and if Ron Artest thinks he's ever going to get a close call to go his way... he may be onto some of Ricky Williams' stash... But, I digress.

A BIG Sunday Love shout out to Marianne for letting me do a couple of on-court promotions with Traci... and a big shout out to Traci, for not only being so great at her job, and not only doing it while under the weather, but also for letting me rock the "Eat Fresh" during the Subway promo.... good times! And thanks to all my Game Night fam for the positive feedback!

It was a rough go for the two game roadie as well, as we were unable to avenge a loss to the Hornets (currently the hottest team in the West) and couldn't survive our second overtime game of the year... a heart-breaker at Memphis... But that's not to say that there isn't good news on the horizon! Looks like Elton has been cleared to begin doing some serious training and may be back in uniform soon... and with Chris now sitting, we could sure use him...

And that's not all this week... oh no... there weren't any games at STAPLES this weekend because GARTH BROOKS WAS THERE!!! That's right, for those of you that hadn't heard, he came out of retirement to do a benefit show to benefit those affected by the Southern California wildfires... well five shows actually, and in two days, no less... I think it's great that he did it, and it's good to remember that even though the news cycle has long-since forgotten about the devastation, there are still thousands of families without homes, and many who lost loved ones in the fight to save them. Aside from that, the show was awesome. Along with Whitney, Laura and Kelley, I was at the very last show on Saturday night, and it was just amazing. Who knew Whitney was such a big country fan? But I surely saw her standing up and singing "Friends in Low Places" loud and proud!!! I hope some more of you got out to see it... it may have been your last chance to see him live...

There was also a big birthday hoo haw on Saturday night for Nicole in Santa Monica at the Parlor... and it would have been nice for some of the FP to show up and help her celebrate, right??? No, wait a minute... that's right... we weren't invited!!! That's the biggest stiff since Chris Kaman didn't get picked for the All Star team... honestly, were you afraid we couldn't keep up with the dancing? Because last time I checked, it's always the FP holdin' down the dance floor when both teams are out... but hey, we hope you had a happy birthday without us :)

David Sanchez and Joey were off on (as one Spirit member told me) a Man-cation in Big Bear together... kickin' down the slopes snowboard style... and likely causing all sorts of ruckus in the nightlife... no word on whether there any stunting or flipping, and I've yet to see any pictures - but as Nicole likes to say, I'm sure they "shredded"

Some random locker room pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/glennt97/LockerRoomLove?authkey=FQAKw9kEd3g

And BEFORE I FORGET... you know you've established an institution when perfection is not only demanded of you, but your failure to achieve it is pointed out to you vigorously... as is the case with Sunday Love, and a few, minor errors I made it last week's "Love"... so, just to be clear:

1. It wasn't Leslie's birthday last week... apparently I was "eavesdropping" on Leslie discussing a friend's birthday that was happening in Hollywood at an all-ages club... of course, she was shouting and inviting everyone, but I was "eavesdropping"... nice. Anyhoo, thanks to everyone who wished her a happy birthday nonetheless... turns out people actually do read this!

2. It wasn't NICOLE B. without the man-drama, it was Cortlin. Which actually, if this is even possible, is more remarkable than Nicole not having any.... so congratulations should go out to Cortlin, and not to Nicole... Sorry to have gotten that confused, it's sometimes hard to make out who's who amidst the din of constant angst that is the FP locker room... (look it up)... let's hope Spring gets here soon...

3. I'm not actually in love with Ashley Ramirez... don't worry Nicole, she's seeing someone much better looking than me... but thanks to everyone who came with the full-on discouragement, lol.

So... that's the week... how about the Sunday PROPS!?

Brittany - after months and months of waiting, I've finally got some good love to give out for BRITTANY... so here it is: for having a secret admirer in the Arena! The only reason this is shocking is that I can't believe it took this long for someone to ask about you!! Looks like that winning smile is doing more than just winning over fans... WOO HOO!

Coach - for indulging the "secret admirers" in STAPLES... for enjoying my "friend" from last year's Sac game with me, and for holding Spirit practice at 9 AM on a Sunday (trust me, you don't want to see the FP that early...)

Edamame - for not having a quote this week... probably only because I haven't asked enough people, but you're off the hook this week... and I've reached the limit on the number of times I can mention your photo shoot pics... anyone spank you lately???

Whitney - for being closet country! Who knew with your hip-hop style that you'd be ready to head out and get a pair of Rockies and boots, and setting up a return trip to Montana's? You let me know when you're going and I'm there...

Taylor - every time I try to remember you from the games, I always find myself thinking that you were coordinating... which is completely wrong, but I guess you just really make an impression in a pants suit... but hey, for being suitcase number 1, which I TOTALLY would have chosen and not have won the big money...

Ashley R. - for your MySpace comments...

Kristin E. - for being the person who lives closest to me and not yet RSVP'ing for the Super Bowl party... which I guess is what I get for not coming to your Studio City boot camp, right? Hey, how's that going with this weather???

Shannon - for smiling again during warm-ups (thank you)... but I still need to see some crazy socks...

Tiffany C. - for a successful start to your career as an event planner! So great to see someone going after something they really want to do... and being successful at it!!! You totally deserve it... you let Joey and I know if you want us to pay that teacher friend of yours a "visit"... you know, sort of "Office Linebacker" style; (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD0PvlytTNs)

Kelley - for continuing streak of refusing to read Sunday Love... if only the Clippers could get on a streak like that that! Way to be!

Alex - for showing up with Tiffany all civilian-clothes style to watch us whup up on Sacramento... at least this way, we won't miss you when you're not on a game!

Laura - for rocking out at the Garth concert... I could've sworn that pink bra that landed on stage was yours...

Tiffany M. - for always finding a way to get on the Jumbo-tron... even when you're not on the game...

Ashley S. - for having the big money case during the Deal or No Deal promo, and having just a smidge of trouble getting it open... hey, someone had to put a little suspense in the moment, right? I totally thought the money was in number 3, too....

Nicole C. - for the birthday invite... lol. A week after I give you the props for never making it into Sunday Love... you drop something like that... hmmm, looks like I shouldn't give out such love... it certainly doesn't help my social calendar...

and for my FP family...

Tami - for left cupie love, the world's worst toe touch, and always being ready to head out into an off-corner to stunt with me...

Summer - for what will soon be an awesome personal statement...

Nicole B. - for the new boy... for as long as he lasts... and for his immortal soul...

Nate - for being back in the basket toss... good to see you healing... for heading off for practice after the Clippers game... that's CRAZY, you'd better bring home a jacket!

Leslie - for making your private party plans out-loud to the group and inviting people... for being half of the best in-stands team we've ever had...

Kristen M. - for the most trips to Vegas this side of the Maloofs... for definitely being FP's Tammy Wynette... and for the best facials....

Katie - for showing up in the locker room unannounced and making everyone's night!

Josh - for serious math skills, and getting your homework accomplished while still kicking ass on the court...

Joey - for the man-cation... for building that very cool "Tetris" pyramid, for still being my conscience when I'm all spun up...

D-Tumblz - for never taking your jewelry off unless you absolutely have to... you're like the FP's Liberace... seriously, who stunts with a watch on?

Dave Sanchez - for shredding the slopes, and for listening to me vent... for swinging by to hit up some drums on Rock Band, and inspiring me to get to the gym tonight... thanks, yo.

Cortlin - again, for the quote of the week...

Harmony, Rachel, Arturo, Nina E., Lynae ... I tried and tried and couldn't come up with anything... which is either really good or really bad, depending on your point of view... don't worry, I'm on both games this week... I'll get ya....

* * *
By the time next week's Sunday Love is due, football with be officially done until the fall... and like Peyton Manning "I'm bummed too" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww9sxwq5qfk)

But, as a reminder, I'm hosting a Super Bowl Hoo Hah at my place in Burbank, complete with party favors, a Rock Band halftime competition, a few silly parlay bets and some seriously good food... Check out the evite and let me know!

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?event=AGBPOQKBFNTVUHYODBVY

And unfortunately, I lost my Sunday Love quote sheet... so most of my quotes are lost... but I still remember Cortlin's gem:

"That's it?" - Cortlin, when someone responded "200 cc's" to her question, "How big are you going?"... guess you gotta live large if you're gonna live at all...

Well that'll about wrap it up for me, and I can still hear the rain outside my window, so at least I know I've still got a topical title... and I just realized that when I looked over the Sunday Love Archive that I named three different editions "Holiday Sunday Love"... guess I'll have to change that for the book...

Hope this finds you all well and (relatively) dry... be safe out there.. and see you tomorrow night!!!

Truitt... out.

DOUBLE SUNDAY LOVE (Sunday Love 17)

Well, all, it seems as though we've made it through the winter "blahs"… yes, and don't try to pretend you don't know what I'm talking about… and along with the Game Night Crew – the team seems to have turned the corner as well. Each passing game brings talk of "best game so far" as we continually raise the bar not only with our level of performance but also with our level of togetherness. What is certain, and what has been clear to me since we started this adventure so many months ago, is that however far we are able to go, it will be because we go together.

Despite conventional wisdom, it would appear that good things come in twos: the past week saw two amazing home wins, two great birthdays, two great away game road trips, two great Game Night teams, and two great games coming up this week.... so with that... bring on the DOUBLE SUNDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY LOVE!

A special birthday shout out to Spirit's WHITNEY and FP's LESLIE! Leslie got a year closer to legality, and is officially into her second decade at the big 2-0... word had it that she was ringin' it in at the all-ages club in Hollywood... but I haven't yet confirmed those reports. I was going to join her - but after a great quote from Kristen M., and Tom (Miller) refused to join me (so I wouldn't be the only guy there old enough to have a daughter in the club) I passed on the occasion. So, if anyone has reports or pictures, please don't be shy... I'm not going to say that I don't know what Leslie's like when she's had a few drinks... so, let's just hope there was a Sunday Love correspondent on the scene. Whitney rang hers in at the site of Kelley's big hoo-hah, the Elevate Lounge in downtown L.A. ... Much to Joey's delight, my camera ran out of batteries pretty early in the evening, so I only have a few pics... (http://picasaweb.google.com/glennt97/WhitneySBirthdayPublic ) but I know that there were a few other folks there with cameras in hand, so hopefully they'll share, too... But S.L. shout outs to party attendees: Whitney, Kelley, Kristin E., Lynae, Joey, Laura, Ashley S., Taylor & a few assorted Clippers staffers, significant others and friends in tow. Good times were had by all!

Unfortunately, the boyfriend drama in th FP locker room has reached a fever pitch lately. You know things have gotten particularly bad when Nicole is celebrating (out loud) being the person with the least man-drama... I'm not sure how it is the Spirit locker room, but the amount of angry text-messaging is always a pretty good barometer of how the love lives are going - and let's just say, I hope all of our girls are on an unlimited texting plan or there's gonna be some serious January overage charges... Of course, there are small improvements - mostly involving Kristen finally self-censoring her cell phone video collection (ever just want to un-see something?). It's hard to understand why such a beautiful and talented group of ladies seems to have so much relationship trouble... of course, I'm certainly not one to throw stones (I'm sure Coach can attest to the glass-ness of my house)... but here's hoping that by season's end everyone will have found some (relative) peace in their love lives! :)

It certainly was awesomely unexpected to beat Phoenix in our own house on Tuesday... but even more exciting to beat the Nets in the first overtime game in as long as I can remember... You have to love the tired staggering onto the court for yet another overtime time out... But Saturday night's game in the FP Locker room was something special... complete with old-school tryouts, booty pop lessons (including demonstration, thanks Nina!), a lot of body powder being exchanged, and some serious roommate overshare... more details to follow...

Also, a special Sunday Love Pep Rally Shout Out to Alex, Rachel, Lynae and Brittany - who showed up at Cypress High School to rock their big rivalry pep rally! What is particularly funny about this is that rather than just being able to run on, do their thing and then roll back out... they had to sit in four chairs on the court ... in front of everyone, while they weren't performing, and then back in them when they were done. Of course, they completely rocked, and that gym hasn't seen shakin' like that since the last big earthquake hit town (as evidenced by the raucous screaming)... but in case you don't believe me, Coach has provided video evidence (just make sure that this doesn't fall into the hands of the any of the HS boys in attendance that day):

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4188510591654287668

But, for those of you that don't normally read on... READ ON! This was an especially good week for props and quotes... so without further ado....

SUNDAY LOVE PROPS TO:

Coach - for making "under the weather" look oh-so-good... seriously, if I could look that good when I'm sick, I might get a cold on purpose. The only downside of spring time is not seeing you rock boots at the games. Also for a great video of the pep rally dancing!

Edamame - for officially taking the most-likely-to-give-up-a

-Sunday-Love-quote title away from Cortlin... seriously, who knew?! You kick
out more great lines than Seinfeld... and enough of this "shrinking violet" routine... you're a bad-ass... time to own up :)

Whitney - for an awesome birthday celebration, continuous use of my awesome new nickname, a spectacular "robot" dance that I really wish I would have gotten on camera last night, and always smiling when I shout your name in crowded hallways...

Taylor - for turning in an appearance at Whitney's shindig, even though exhausted... for looking just as sharp in your game coordinator clothes as you do in your Spirit digs, and for completely shutting me down when I asked you to dance... it's ok, I'm really not that good anyways...

Ashley R. - for indulging my continuing crush on you, and for suffering my inner monologue's untimely escapes into out-loudness...

Kristin E. - for exceptional smiley-ness (I don't care if it's not a word!), and a seemingly endless supply of fans who shout your name when you come off the court...

Harmony - for picking a fight with me before taking the court the players... and continuously good hair...

Rachel - for looking a lot more comfortable in a HS gym than I would have...

Shannon - for being very stingy with the smiles lately... and I haven't seen a cool pair of socks on you in months... what's up with that? I'm calling the USA people...

Tiffany C. - for calling in sick... which completely sucks, and I hope you get better - but it is extraordinarily unselfish and thoughtful to not just come to the game anyways and get the team sick... yeah, it's not the same without you... but that's a classy move on your part. GET WELL SOON!

Kelley - for the fortitude to continuously refuse to read Sunday Love... that's committment!!!

Lynae - for making bar laps like an Olympic distance runner! Seriously, every time I saw you and your bf last night you were always just walking by... um, where were you going?!?! But in all honesty, you looked great and it was awesome to have you out!

Alex - for not showing up for Rock Band after the viewing party... awesome... :)

Laura - for whatever you wore the arena last night... because I heard about it from about six different people... last time I got that much input on Sunday Love, Edamame was farting after being spanked... for some seriously fun dancing at Whitney's party - we really ought to go show those folks at Montana's how it's done... for wandering off every 10 minutes for "SHOTS!" and for not getting mad when I spilled your drink while dancing (but like you said, you didn't pay for it anyways)... such a heartbreaker!

Tiffany M. - for being on the unfortunate receiving end of Edamame's latest blast... but for being cute and having a cute personality (I'm that's what she meant anyways)... believe me, they don't plaster you all up over the Jumbo-tron for your personality... okay?! Looks like all I had to do to get you to start reading was to leave you out for a week, lol.

Ashley S. - for finally getting to see you again someplace besides STAPLES Center (or MTV)... and you looked amazing on Saturday night.

Brittany - for always knowing when I'm lurking about trying to get some Sunday Love material from you and just giving me that smile, not saying a word, and leaving me with absolutely nothing.

Nicole C. - I'm really not quite sure how someone who is as cute as you are, as amazing on the floor as you are, and as fun as you staying completely under the S.L. radar... but you do... so here's to you... for having so tremendously little drama in your life as to never really make it into here...

and the FP Locker Room was particularly crazy this week...

Tami - for always taking time to hug everyone when you come in the locker room... for screaming loud enough to scare everyone when you got hit on the behind (I'm still really sorry about that), and for an awesome left cupie...

Summer - for craft-services ingenuity (always making your "nachos" or softening up your cookies, etc), for the worst hip position in the history of tossing to hands, for being the first person besides Tami to kick me in the face and the greatest game celebration of all time - the elusive and rare, SUMMER'S BASKET!!!

Nina E. - for tolerating my broken-ness with a smile, for nailing your pre-law class (as if there was any doubt), for edible body powder, and for the world's cutest booty pop...

Nicole B. - for no drama... for now. For general basket awesomeness... and for completely kicking ass out there stunting with Nate...

Nate - for making playing hurt look like playing healthy, and for tolerating the nail salon lady's played out hair jokes... "Let me guess, haircut?!? Ha ha ha!" Sheesh.

Leslie - for your covert birthday party (1 year to go!!! - make sure you get some pointers from Kristen M. on how to ring in the big 2-1), for standing up for yourself, and for being the one thing on the court that Ja Rule spent the most time staring at...

Kristen M. - for some seriously good quotes this week, for talking "the gay" so explicitly that even D-Tumblz got uncomfortable... you live a Penthouse Letters life... or at least live in a Penthouse Letters apartment... here's a riddle, what has 7 guys, 2 girls, 3 beds, 2 rooms and closes at 4 am??? That's right, Kristen's place... woo hoo!

Katie - for making it seem somehow not like a real game at all when you're not there.... for continued strength, and the courage to still smile everyone else's pain away... you're my extremely well-tanned hero!

Josh - for tumbling again, for your continuing banter with Dave White, and for your dedication to your academic ventures... it will most certainly pay huge dividends for you in the end... proud of you, yo.

Joey - for not quite making it over after the viewing party, for stealing my last t-shirt, and for having Cuttino tell you about the glitter all over your back... classic.

D-Tumblz - for finally getting healthy, for tolerating your crazy schedule, for putting together a great hot song, and for not making us do much during the OT... we owe you one...

Dave Sanchez - for holding old-school/rodeo stunt tryouts in the hallway, complete with judge's consultation and team de-brief. So did David and Tami make the cut or what? (I never heard) No one rocks the old school stunts like you do... and who doesn't love a good chair-sit?!?

Arturo - for being the very last FP member to laugh at Kristen while she's talking about her bf and roommates... you held out as long as you could... but like a tidal wave of ridiculousness, it's destined to get you sooner or later, no matter how high the ground you're on...

Cortlin - for the quote of the week... I knew it wouldn't take too long after you got back! For being back and still being great out there... for a non-gainer basket toss (great snap!), and for not talking about how well the Lakers are doing...

* * *

ALRIGHTY THEN... so football is almost completely done... It's the NY Giants and the N.E. Patriots in the Super Bowl, Feb. 3!!! There will, as promised, be an event at La Casa de Truitt... so stay tuned for an Evite THIS WEEK!!! It will include a "Rock Band" halftime competition (complete with prizes) and some seriously good eatin', so plan on comin' out and celebrating the end of football talk in Sunday Love!

And that only leaves one thing... SUNDAY LOVE QUOTES:

"I can't do two things at once..." - Kristen M. in the FP Locker Room... I believe the two things were text messaging and chewing gum... and I know it's not that funny but the best part was watching Arturo laugh uncontrollably for a full two minutes after she said it...

"Check your cleavage" - Me, to Cortlin, while she was looking for something in the locker room... not that funny... until she actually checked it (for the record, it wasn't there)

"Don't worry Glenn, there's lots of creepy old men there..." Kristen M., trying to reassure me that it wouldn't be awkward for me to show up at Leslie's birthday party. Wanna know how to get blown up all over Sunday Love? One good way is to call the author a creepy old man.... J/K!!!

"No, she's really cute because of her personality" - Edamame, when asked by Tom (Tiffany's dad) if Tiffany is flirtatious at the games... Apparently Melissa doesn't have any male friends to tell her what it means when we say a girl has a "great personality"... even funnier that Tom is the one that gave me this quote... I'm sure there's some sort of moral here about "The family that laughs together... etc."... but I prefer to say the Millers are just one very funny family... if you can carpool with them to the game... I highly recommend it.

"Is American Idol on yet?" - Cortlin, with 8:57 left in the SECOND QUARTER of the HUGE game against the Suns... priorities, y'all... priorities. What's even worse? We actually watched it at halftime...

"Do I have to keep my legs together? That should be hard..." - Kristen M., right after being advised on how to diminish the appearance of the huge run she put in her panty hose just before taking the floor in the second half last night... If there was ever a quote that someone needed on their own t-shirt....

Okay folks... that's it for me... I'm sorry to say that I won't be joining the team for the mid-day tilt tomorrow - so I'll have to count on some external correspondents to get my game info... but I hope that those of you that have the day off get to enjoy a little more weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of you all on Wednesday.

ALSO - it's official... the next (and maybe last) Clippers Game Night Roadie of the year will be MARCH 28th to UTAH! We won't be driving this time.. .it's flights again (just like Sacramento)... I'll be working to get an Evite out very soon... so pencil that on your calendars... and Utah has a stunt team so they'll actually know who we are!

Please be safe and I LOVE YOU, ASHLEY RAMIREZ!!!! .. wait, I mean, be safe and take care!

TRUITT, out.

ABSENTEE SUNDAY LOVE (Sunday Love 16)

Well all, it's finally happened, the first Clippers home game has gone by where I wasn't working or attending... and I know, I know... the roof didn't fall in on the STAPLES Center and everything was just fine . And, I know what you were all thinking... where were you? and then immediately afterwards wondering... what about Sunday Love?! Fear not, people... I was on a much-needed holiday at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego (which I highly recommend, by the way) and as I learned during my many years performing in the circus, the show must go on!!!

So with that, bring on the ABSENTEE SUNDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY LOVE!

Okay, so I never actually performed for the circus... it's more of an abstract metaphor for my love life, which is (alas) a story for a different day. But the week saw two great Clippers home games and STAPLES Center quickly becoming the home of the heartbreaking loss... The Orlando game Wednesday was a chance, at the very least, to see the most impressive deltoids in the NBA (I mean, second most impressive - sorry, Joey)... Coach Dunleavy got t'd up twice - so fast that it really makes you wonder just what on earth he said that official - especially when Dwight Howard only got one technical foul for shouting "MotherF#@#$r, what's wrong with you?!" at the same guy a little later... and loud enough that I heard in "Shooters Corner"... maybe something to ask Coach next time you see him. Also, it was a little disheartening to see the team not get fired up at all when Coach got gated. Seriously, Jessie got more geeked up about Eva Longoria than the team did about Coach D getting ejected... but in fairness, it happened so fast that at least two of the FP girls had no idea that he had been ejected (even a full quarter later), so maybe they just didn't notice...

And... while I was busy galavanting about downtown San Diego, the Clips spent the better part of Saturday evening putting it to the Mavs... I came across the game (quite by accident) on the TV and sent a text to much of the FP Crew... A special shout out to Dave Sanchez who after becoming the only friend who would ever sing me "Feliz Navidad" over the phone, then became the only friend who would ever have the FP sing "Happy Birthday" to me in the locker room at halftime during a game (especially when he knows my birthday is in June)... You have to understand the remarkable occurrence that it is to finally have a friend in my life, which when people refer to the two of us, have him be the "crazy one"... Thanks to all who sent me text messages Saturday night... I MISSED YOU ALL TOO!

I had to, of course, find out about the result of the game after the fact, and then saw the heartbreak on SportsCenter... geez.

I also hear that I missed Joey's half court attempt... which apparently got both glass and front rim and not the home roll... did anyone get that on video??? Way to represent, Joe!

A big Sunday Love shout out to Katie's mom - who not only showed up to Saturday's game to view the baddest abs in the NBA - but also took Joey, Scotty, Katie, and & Whitney out for a 'lil post-game love at the Pantry!

Alas, the only pictures I have are of my weekend jaunt, which I'm sure are just about as exciting as everyone else's vacation photos - so I will not trouble you with them here... I trust that it suffices to say, I'm seriously considering a move down south... I mean, it's a longer commute to STAPLES, but it's amazing down there...

Okay - now listen folks, I'm not one to repeat myself ... but apparently people don't read other people's props section - and you may have missed out on the creepiest Clippers thing that I've found on the internet to-date... so, here it is, from last week's Taylor shout out... a little bit of internet creepery - ENJOY... http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4049542989959293376 and be glad there's not one up there about you.

So, with the RECAP solidly in place - let's bring-it-back to SUNDAY PROPS:

Coach – for canceling practice today, for retelling the Eva Longoria story with particular glee, and for picking a team with twenty five girls a whole lot classier than Mrs. Tony Parker will ever hope to be.

Shannon – for your pending appearance as a "character" on the USA Network! They'll no-doubt be devoting a substantial section of that to your sock collection... and I have it on good authority that you smiled your face off on Saturday, absent any urging on my part... well done!

Whitney – for being my game correspondent, for finally calling me once and not asking if I knew where Joey was, and for a shared, uneventful and completely pathetic Friday night...

Taylor – for handling creepy fans with particularly graceful aplomb (I'm not sure anyone does it better), for general smiley-ness (I don't care if it's not a word), and always being a pleasure to see...

Kristin E. – for having an absence which completely overshadowed mine... I know at least one person who thought I was there on Saturday, but made a point of mentioning that you weren't (I hope they don't shoot a YouTube tribute video!)

Harmony – for being completely ready to help Ashley S. with her glam-up shopping assignment troubles... Now I know precisely who to call if I'm ever in handbag-selection distress... I mean, seriously, PRADA bags are so 2006, you know?! for making plans for the big 3-0 birthday celebration - somewhere far from L.A. ... hey, are we invited?!? (I didn't get my Evite yet)

Ashley R. – for being a great deal of fun to watch during warm-ups - because it's really the only time I ever seen you with a "serious" look on your face... and for some seriously zesty new MySpace pictures, honestly, no one makes being fully clothed look quite as good as you do!

Tiffany C. – for making the big move to the beach! Word on the street is that I came up just short in the Traci B.'s new roommate contest... but it's ok, if I had to lose it to someone, I'd rather it be T-Chen than anyone else... looks like a new job and some very exciting times ahead! Congratulations!

Edamame – for one seriously funny quote (see below)...

Kelley – for still not reading Sunday Love ...

Nina R. - for showing up to practice with an extra-large Red Bull... I mean, that's like Brittany bringing a megaphone ... it'll work, but what on earth are you going to use it for?! I heard the last time you spoke up at practice was when everyone was introducing themselves! Way to enhance the quiet...

Alex – for making your little sister wheel your enormous Spirit suitcase from the arena to your car... for having the courage to actually introduce me to your family (you never know what I'm going to say!)... and for completely hogging up the Jumbotron while the Spirit were on the floor on Wednesday...

Tiffany M. – for being the only Miller who's not reading Sunday Love now... (thanks, Tom!)

Ashley S. – for being, as one Spirit member put it, "the next Beyonce"... for a February trip to the Bahamas (you should if you can take Nina E. with you... because I'm afraid her other Bahamas plans might fall through), for having the "crisis" that is finding ten new outfits before then... thankfully, you've got a lot of expertise around you...

Tami – for another shot to the eye (although that one was totally my fault), for toughing out my Atomic Knee Drop during pre-game warmups, and for your first over-share of the season (putting you about approximately thirty behind Cortlin)...

Nicole B. – for, along with Leslie, providing the most entertaining double-entendre laden conversation I've heard to-date.... and in the locker room, no less. For getting us pumped and through our Wednesday night pre-game "blahs" ...

Nate – for making my weekend possible... for a great text message... and the quote of the week.

Leslie – for never being shy about a little "shake" ... for always being up in the stands and for stepping up to do whatever is asked of you with a smile...

Katie - for trusting my legal advice, for keeping in touch with e-mail and text messages, and for being a great friend

Josh - for being able to be identified during TV broadcasts by something other than your tattoos (Mr. Double Ankle Brace)...

Joey - for not mocking me all weekend... seriously, that's big for you...

Dave Sanchez - for the song, for the call, for the advice (and being one of the few people I'll actually take it from)

Arturo - for checking up on me... I'm not feeling that much better, but it's good to know you've got my back, yo...

Cortlin - for being BACK! Seriously, where were you?!? I mean, at least Ashley S. was dancing on MTV... word has it that you didn't miss a beat, though... Glad to have you!

Rachel, Lynae, Nina E., Nicole C., Brittany, Kristen M., D-Tumblz, Summer & Laura - I came up empty this week for y'all... But don't worry, I'll get something soon, I'm not going to take a game off for a while, so LOOK OUT!... hope you are all well... and Sunday Love still LOVES YOU!

Football??? LSU - National Champs... enough said, and the season is officially done. But, I thought you might like to see a little fun at Navy's expense (someone's drinkin' the Haterade)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zqWBOdXTX6o

And with that ... it's time for the World Famous Sunday Love Quotes:

"My boyfriend's coming to the game. He'll massage it later..." - Tami, when I asked her how she was doing after taking a hard shot to the posterior during warmups... ewwww.

"Who's the new girl?" - Nate, asking about Alex... classic. (Good to have you back, Al!)

"Me! You always forget me!" - a petulant Edamame, when Coach was asking who she had left out when addressing the Spirit... come on, E, after those specialty photo shots, and the trip to Phoenix, who could ever forget you?!

Well, folks, that's gonna do it for this edition. After a nice, relaxing couple of days, I'll be back in the arena on Tuesday, and I'm looking forward to seeing you all! Have a great week!

Truitt, out.

2008 SUNDAY LOVE (Sunday Love 15)

Well, well, well kids... here we are in 2008... and what a week it's been. Two more home games against tough opponents marked the return of Sam Cassell, but not the return of winning times... and as we can all attest to, losing the close ones is even tougher than the blowouts. This week, unfortunately, also saw your faithful scribe a bit under the weather - and although an appearance at Tuesday's game proved largely ineffectual to rouse his spirits, a Sunday afternoon affair proved just the remedy to bring him back to his old self. And so, with holiday hangovers nearly completed for all of us - we're ready to start anew on the remainder of the season - with no cards or gifts to buy until Valentines Day...

First off - a little show and tell. For those of you who didn't read last week, or who haven't heard yet - I may have had a little to drink at the game on the Phoenix trip - and I may have become slightly agitated by a certain security employee who didn't allow to hoist one of our girls up on my shoulders... notwithstanding the fact that there were plenty of Suns fans doing the same, and that the only thing that old bastard could lift was one arthritic hand to scold me... okay, okay... I digress.... ANYHOO, Edamame was there with digital camera in hand to capture the aftermath of that moment, on full color video. Now as a disclaimer, this does contain foul language and less than considerate verbal treatment of a female Suns fan... so if that sort of thing disturbs you... DON'T WATCH.... you've been warned.

http://s145.photobucket.com/albums/r234/Dreamylily21/?action=view&current=MVI_0976.flv

And from here on out, never let it be said that I don't take a beating in Sunday Love - because this is destined to become a classic.. like the other YouTube GHT moment... geez. Commence to laughing Joey. :)

So there are a few pictures... some donated by Joey and others by me... from Tuesday and Sunday's game:

http://picasaweb.google.com/glennt97/JoeySShots?authkey=SZf09jBVjjA

Also, the footage or not one but two guest appearance half-court shots...

Tiffany's from Tuesday:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rLEDyQGNFR8

Sorry about the creepy long-haired old guy in front of me who apparently couldn't see the camera in my hand pointed at the basketball court... it's still not bad footage considering my drugged-up condition that night... NICE TRY TIFF!

Katie's:
http://www.youtube.com/v/zZ1U7GSclY8

Who got it a whole lot closer than she did during her pre-game warm-up tosses... and looked ever-so-good doing it... at least now you can show your friends ;)

Some bigger videos...

A Spirit performance (looking good as always):
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6072797753089003429&hl=en

and a FP hot song... that we didn't quite finish:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8468234039387313901&hl=en

A big shout out to Whitney, who let the FP in on a Sunday early game tradition of having a meal together downtown after the game, so David S. and crew, Joey, Whitney's extended posse (including recent FP vet and little sis, Jacque), and yours truly all met up at the CPK on Fig & 7th for a little post-game chow down... and thanks to Whitney and Joey who joined me back at El Casa de Glenn for a screening of "Juno" and a completely sweet "Rock Band" jam session featuring Whitney on drums and lead guitar and Joey on bass... classic. Don't worry folks, you'll get your chance at rock fame - stay tuned for my long-awaited (and 6-month-overdue) housewarming hoo-hah... coming soon.

Also want to give a big shout out to the Spirit and Junior Jam, who always look so good together...

... and with that, bring on the Sunday PROPS:

Coach – for very nearly marching right over to Eva Longoria and putting her on blast for talking trash about the FP girls in their uni's... it's nice to know that you'd go to bat for us even with a celeb fan. It's a good thing the FP boys didn't hear about it until after the game or one very big flag might have found it's way to her heavily made-up face...

Shannon – for smiling, long before I have to say anything... and yes, I know... I need a new line.. :) for ramping up to be an on-court co-host soon... I know you're going to be great!!!

Whitney – where to start... for being the first person to give me a new nickname since college (yes, Joey, that was a LOOOOONG time ago), for rocking the guitar in Rock Band, for watching Juno with us, for midnight calls looking for someone else (three times!)... for having extraordinarily cool parents, and for being, mostly, generally and completely awesome.

Taylor – for being in the arena while they're playing your bio video on the jumbo-tron again and having that oh-is-that-me-up-there look on your face... and it is just me, or was a really low cut thing they interviewed you in? ps - THIS IS CREEPY: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4049542989959293376

Kristin E. – for your cheering section in the stands ("EGUSA!!!!!!!!!!"), and for a completely awesome job as the co-host! We really need to get both you and Whitney into the Rock Band... and then we'll see what's up!

Harmony – for always being first in line when taking the court before the game... I just noticed this, but I can't think of anyone better for the job!

Ashley R. – for being half of the best-looking promo team to ever head up into the stands... (don't I wish you were bringing me something), how come I haven't seen you at hockey again? for consistently awesome blondeness...

Tiffany C. – for that black dress during the Deal or No Deal promo... oh my, breaking hearts all over the arena...

Edamame – for filming one seriously funny video...

Kelley – for not reading Sunday Love (and at least telling me so), and for looking great at your first game of the new year.. it was good to see your parents (and their t-shirts) back in the arena (and G-pa looked fantastic)...

Alex – for being baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!! (I may have missed you... a little) - you looked amazing out there... what's better than one beautiful tall blonde girl on Spirit? TWO!

Laura – for still being the only person to sink a half-court shot this year... and for being, from what I'm told, the best New Year's date, ever.

Tiffany M. – for a respectable half-court shot attempt, for showing up at games even when you're not working to give out the love (and yes, I heard you shouting).

Ashley S. – in case you're wondering why Ashley wasn't hanging with you on New Years: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=25283218

Tami – for enduring a 15 hour flight delay and still making it to the game on Sunday... you are a TROOPER! and it was so very good to work with you again... for making a point to give everyone in the locker room a hug when you rolled in.. it was good to see you too :) and for my first kick in the eye this season (puts me about 6 behind Sanchez, lol)

Summer – for trying ever so hard to get that uneven hip thing fixed.. including a trip to the chiropractor and endless tosses to hands with Dave Sanchez... for always seeming to be half-naked in the locker room (believe me no one is complaining)...now if we could just get Kristen to put her clothes on...

Nicole B. – for hopefully shredding up some mountain somewhere... and for leaving that intern alone (well, you weren't at the game, but hey..)

Nate – for doing me a HUGE favor, for excellent form, and for playing hurt... every time. Straight tough guy.

Leslie – for endless enthusiasm, and making me smile even when I feel like hell...

Kristen M. – for surviving your holidays... for understanding... for "taking what you get" in the baskets.. and for one seriously bad-ass bird front... textbook!

Katie - for being strong... far beyond what you do for Sonki... for showing up and showing out... for saying everything like you mean it...

Josh - for tumbling for the first time on those healing ankles, and for a sweet collection of old-school stunts/pyramids today... the chairs are timeless! For the endless and entertaining hell that you give D-Tumblz...

Joey - for being an awesome photographer at Sunday's game, for being there... and for asking. For always being the anchor, even when you're not on the floor...

D-Tumblz - For the endless and entertaining hell that you give Josh, for your endless plans for "Straight Febraury", and for awesome thorough game planning...

Dave Sanchez - for always finding a way to re-invent yourself on the court... old-school today... up in the stands... back tucks everywhere... you truly are Fan Patrol... it wouldn't be the same without you. If there is ever a Fan Patrol hall of fame, you are without a doubt the first inductee.

Arturo - for being so positive, that even always positive Katie was impressed... for talking the crazy Spanish with Sanchez during the Hispanic heritage game (shouldn't you guys have been co-hosting today?!), for being the only person to join me for behind-the-basket taunting of opposing free-throw shooters!

Cortlin - for being on a beach somewhere kind of thinking about FP... I swear, someone actually told me today that you were considering going "bigger"... please come back and tell us they're joking... please?

Rachel, Lynae, Nina E., Nicole C., Brittany, Nina R - I got nothin' this week for y'all... But don't worry, I'll make a point of getting something this week... hope you are all well... and Sunday Love still LOVES YOU!

Well... as of tomorrow night/tonight... college football is officially done... and so will end the college football wrap up section of Sunday Love. But best of luck to everyone's alma mater (or current school for some) in spring practice - as hope springs eternal for the 2008-2009 season... I will continue to pass along news on the schools that I know about... I may also briefly wax poetic on pro football... but that's coming to close soon, too. As always, I will be hosting a little feast at my place for the Super Bowl - so if you don't have any other plans - you'll be welcome in the 'Bank for that special Sunday.

And a very brief Sunday Love Quotes:

"Red" - Me to Katie just before the game, once again noting the low-cutness of her shorts by identifying her underwear color from five feet away (hey, this time she asked me)

I know, it's not very good this week... but I didn't write any down.. and can't think of any good ones... little help anyone?

So, the first week of the new year is in the books... and I hope that everyone is off to a great start on whatever resolutions you've made... I hope we'll be able to plan some more away game trips... right now we're looking at maybe Denver on Feb 29, Utah (Ski Trip) on Mar 28 or Golden State on April 10... stay tuned for more info. They're really far too much fun to not do another.

Feel free to share pictures, videos, resolutions or whatever you'd like... I do miss hearing from everyone... Sunday Love was never meant to be a one-man show... and the only measure of a writer is his/her ability to inspire others to action...

Here's to you all... picking up where I leave off...

TRUITT, OUT.

NEW YEARS SUNDAY LOVE (Sunday Love 14)

Well, 2007 has scant few hours left in it, and while many are spending their time in retrospection of the year gone by, we are not even halfway through our season and still looking forward to things to come. There is no doubt that 2007 saw a great many changes for the Game Night teams, and we continue to celebrate them weekly – we needn't rely on the end of the year to remind us of this. But, the expiration of the calendar does serve to remind us of the ever-present opportunity to reinvent ourselves, to start anew and go boldly forward in the direction of our choosing. And before Summer and Tiffany M. stop reading….

BRING ON THE NEW YEAR'S SUNDAAAAAAAAAAAY LOVE!!!

Well, the past week saw a couple of important things: First… CHRISTMAS!!! I've heard from many of you that you had wonderful holidays, and that the Sunday Love wish list was even effective in some cases (most notably Whitney's), and, I hope that you all got everything your heart desired (or in Nicole's case, everything the slightly-chilly-area-near-the-center-of-your-chest desired, lol). As for me, I was home again with my sister's kids… and for the few of you here last year to meet my niece – here are some updated pictures…

http://picasaweb.google.com/glennt97/ChristmasAtCindyS?authkey=tHERq6QJIQE

Yes, I know, other people's family pictures are about as exciting as a Kenny G concert, but hey, they're cute kids…

Anyhoo, it was only a couple days later that we were back in STAPLES Center, and hosting the Suns for the first half of a home and home. It's no secret that our team hasn't been playing fantastic basketball lately – but we are slowly starting to get some missing pieces back and having a point guard that doesn't look like your neighbor's kid or slightly taller and less talented Gary Coleman was a welcome change. Of course, Sam did have a few weeks of rust to knock off… and it showed in the first game. Let's be honest, Wednesday night's game was probably the worst we've had this year. I saw more excitement at UCLA's post Las Vegas Bowl party… (sorry, Coach) People were literally leaving in the third quarter, and those were Suns fans! The game also featured one very bad joke by yours truly during Clippers Tonight, a halftime act with the only woman alive who can take off a dress faster than Kristen M., the first "booing" I've heard in three years.

But thankfully, we had a chance on the following night to redeem ourselves, both as fans and as a basketball team – and so commenced the second-ever Game Night Road Trip! And what a trip it was… First off, a huge hats-off to the Millers for hosting, driving, and funding the lion's share of the venture… way above and beyond anything we could have expected… and it certainly wouldn't have happened without you! Second, thanks to everyone who came: Tiffany M., Brittany, Tiffany C., Whitney, Melissa, David S., David W., Joey, and yours truly. Everyone brought a little something different to the trip, and really made it an event.

Because I know you're waiting for them… the pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/glennt97/PhoenixClippersRoadTrip?authkey=V6Q1dOCjTQk

As for a rundown, it's hard to know where to start… the road trip out started a little later than we'd hoped, but once underway from the Millers' beautiful homestead in Anaheim, we quickly commenced the "Catchphrase" marathon, from which David and Joey emerged perpetually victorious, and Whitney unable to secure victory regardless of which she played on. We set up Guitar Hero in the back and learned that Whitney and Edamame are at least better than Joey at something. We feasted at a roadside Arby's and nearly lost David S. in the men's room – but in case you're ever in such a situation, you can rest easy if Whitney is along on your trip… she's totally ok with poking her head in the bathroom door and shouting your name to a bunch of strangers like your mom at the mall when you were eight. It wasn't too long before the road sleeps took over and naps were had by many. At some point (I'm not sure when because I crashed out in the middle of playing Guitar Hero) the movies started and "The Kingdom" had everyone who was still awake glued to their seats. For those who couldn't follow along with the plot, T. Chen was providing running commentary and quick explanations if you got a little lost… We got to the hotel about 15 minutes before the end of the movie, and because we were cutting it close, had to pause it while we all got rooms and got ready.

Everybody got all Clippered-up, and we headed out on foot the arena, only a block or so away. Tom arranged for us to meet up with the Suns dance team, and it was no sooner that we walked in that Joey had one of them up in lib and we were talking like old friends. Funny thing is about the Suns girls, they don't have a stunt team, but they do have a Varsity and JV dance team… or as they like to call them, "lower level" and "upper level" named after the part of the arena they get to perform in. Seriously, it's like working at Abercrombie & Fitch… there "front of the store" kids and "stock room" kids… don't worry though… our girls would all definitely be "lower level" performers… you gotta love how no matter where we go – we always have the most beautiful girls (and the best dancers… right, Whit?)!

So, the game was a lot closer than most folks expected and we were loud and rowdy throughout (exactly like everyone expected) – making plenty of new friends in Phoenix. Some highlights:

Face painting – Friday night lights, style… The guy didn't have any blue, though…

Cuttino waving to all of us from the bench…

David S. and I getting gratuitous camera time while dancing, and D Tumblz standing between us not dancing (guess he's starting that straight-month thing early)… and not to forget Joey, sitting on the end trying really hard not to look embarrassed – actually he wasn't trying that hard…

The three Dungeons and Dragons Club members behind us trying to talk trash, with their team both winning the game and leading the Western Conference … and still coming up short…

The look on Tom's face … I'd call it a What-have-I-done? sort of thing…

The girls getting boo'ed, but still yelling at each opposing free-throw shooter…

Turning "De-fense" into "Clip-pers" (again)…

Seeing Ralph again, and this time having him know we were there…

My sudden and irrational urge to take self-portraits with every Suns fan I saw (see photos)…

Giving out Clippers Nation wristbands to kids and seeing the look on their parents' faces…

All in all, it was quite a night… now, in the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit, that I had a little to drink at the event, and I may have gotten a little bit aggro with a security guy who insisted that I not put one of the girls on my shoulders behind a post-game broadcast, even though like six other Suns fans were doing it… I also may have confused him with one of the referees and claimed that he was making a "homer call"… also (I know, sorry Coach, there's an "also") I may be on camera giving my Clippers manifesto… which Edamame may have to upload to YouTube… what can I say? I'm a passionate fan …

The evening after the game was a little short for me, and using let's-see-if-he-can-still-play CatchPhrase metric for how awake I was didn't prove as accurate as suspected. But apparently the unintentionally funny bodily functions group has a new member. Now, I wasn't there – but I have it on good authority (meaning four different people, including T. Chen, told me) that Edamame gets a little flatulent when spanked… or maybe a lot flatulent. Okay, okay, she farts when spanked… which begs the question: why was she being spanked? Actually, that is a good question… Joey, why was she being spanked? Well, no matter what, consider yourself warned.

The road trip back was a little less jubilant – but fun nonetheless, as we stopped for Mexican food with a mariachi band consisting of one guy with a guitar and another with a harp. Yes, a harp. But they were really good and played, at our request, the song from the opening of Desperado. Sanchez was ordering double-secret Mexican drinks that weren't on the menu and we finally got to pay for something for Tom…

By the time we got home – folks were piling back into cars and heading home for the night, but there were many hugs and laughs, and I'm quite certain it was the best Fan Patrol-Spirit trip ever.

Now it's going to be New Year's Eve tomorrow night, so I figured I would once again forego the props section, and go with some proposed New Years resolutions for everyone:

Coach – to stunt at least once at a Clippers game, to root for a winning team, and to get carded at least once.

Shannon – to smile during warm-ups, to pay attention even with a boyfriend in the building, and to have even more pairs of cool socks.

Whitney – to wear sweatpants that fit, to do your favorite dance move high enough to get it on camera, and to finally get up the nerve to ask Keifer Sutherland out.

Taylor – to use your unfettered access to young, single doctors to hook some of your teammates up…, to get more excuses to wear business suits at games, and to finally see a Navy football game live.

Kristin E. – to hang out with teammates that live in Burbank more often, to completely kick the crap out of your students at the Studio City Sonki Boot Camp, and to develop a signature dance move that the FP can copy and mock you with…

Harmony – to add even more teammates to your client list, to find a way to teach others how to get into that amazing shape, and to laugh at at least one of Glenn's jokes.

Ashley R. – to date someone shorter than six foot, to go on tour, and to see a lot more hockey.

Rachel – to say at least one funny thing out loud on the court (no "old" jokes), to come on one FP-Spirit trip, and to get carded with Coach.

Tiffany C. – to stunt at a game, to start publishing movie synopses for the inattentive or just-plain-stupid viewer, and to try not to laugh every time you think about Edamame's "spanking" incident.

Edamame – to burp loud enough in front of everyone that they forget about the "other" gas incident, to bring sunglasses to wear on those trips where you're going to have the "sleepy eyes" the next day, and to please, please wear that black dress to an FP-Spirit outing…

Kelley – to start reading Sunday Love again (I promise to try and make it funnier), to try and write down some of your traffic rants (they're really quite entertaining), and to (sometime before 2009) activate your XM Radio.

Lynae – to eat something, to be as funny as you are outside the locker room as you are inside it, and to hang with the FP at least once before the end of the season

Alex – to wear your Snow White costume out to a non-costume party (trust me, no one will complain), to continue to wear that amazing smile at every opportunity, and to come along on an away-game trip.

Laura – to have at least one more Game Night event at the family bar, to teach your teammates at least one decent line dance, and to have Henry do at least one more beach photo shoot.

Tiffany M. – to never, ever again mess with someone's prescription medication, to continue to plan awesome trips for the Game Night crew, and get a whole lot better at CatchPhrase.

Nina R. – to do something more memorable than baring your midriff for Glenn to put in Sunday Love…

Brittany – to, while spending more than 36 hours with teammates, say more than 8 things!!! to continue to kick butt in school, and to come back for another season of craziness.

Nicole C. – to more vocally represent for your Bruins, to get at least one photo shoot done (which you may choose to share, at your option, with the FP), and to get your broker's license? (scratch if you already have it)

Ashley S. – to please, please do something to get back into Sunday Love, or should I start looking in Us Weekly, or on TMZ for gossip about you?

Tami – to continue to represent at Open Gym, to help Tiffany C. get a gig planning parties, and to maybe get a hold of that diamond ring this year…

Summer – to come to at least one non-mandatory FP event, to get the high-split pyramid named after you, too, and to start dressing a little more like a longshoreman (this involved a lot more flannel, FYI).

Nina E. – to stop worrying about how you look in those red shorts (trust me, it's all good), to get up into the stands with the more vocal FP members more, and to totally hold out for the earrings and the trip…

Nicole B. – to speak up in the locker room, to teach at least one person from the FP how to "totally shred", and to please stop torturing that intern…

Nate – to heal more quickly, to grow out at least a small patch of hair on your head (or maybe just a goatee), and to always have an emergency stash of pain killers at games

Leslie – to stop distracting Glenn with that "shake" thing you do, to stop pretending like you "don't know", and to finally get a decent fake ID

Kristen M. – well, there's the obvious one, but I won't go there… so to please, please stop sharing your cell phone videos (I think Nina may be scarred for life)...

Katie - to beat the rest of us into some respectable shape, to come to a lot more games, and to find a summer wardrobe as cute as your winter one...

Josh - to rest long enough to actually heal, to get the FP to actually listen during pre-game, and to get maybe just one more cool tattoo

Joey - to be a whole lot nicer to Glenn in the locker room, to get a whole lot better at Guitar Hero, and drive a whole lot less...

D-Tumblz - to have a great "Straight February", to get a little crazier when out on floor with me and Dave, and to get that toss cupie.

Dave Sanchez - to come back for season SEVEN, to keep me from killing myself on my Indo Board, to shred as many waves and mountains as possible, to continue to achieve and still never forget where you came from, to find out why we didn't get invited back to judge your sister's contest, and keep calling me out when I do something stupid...

Arturo - to be nicer to your spine, to keep that amazing positive attitude, even if we're twenty games under .500, and to come on at least one FP trip

Cortlin - to sit at least once with the proletariat on the upper level at STAPLES, to sweat a little less, or talk a little less about it, and to adjust yourself a little more discreetly

And don't forget Sunday Love QUOTES:

"Well, it's not like you all haven't had sex in my bed or anything…" - Kristen M. arguing with her roommates in the locker room… and taking the over-share to a brand new level. Note to self: bring CSI light if ever staying over at Kristen's… and Clorox.

"Well, they started off hard, got soft, and then got hard again" – David W. in the locker room, talking about cookies. What did you think he was talking about?! Perverts…

"There are going to be balls flying all over the arena!" - and the award for worst copy to accompany a promotion in STAPLES goes to…

"Mr. and Mrs. Miller I farted…" (pause for goading by teammates) "…after Joey spanked me" – Edamame… Classic.

"You watch Oprah?" – and the award for flattest on-camera joke goes to…

"Sometimes you just want to try something new" – David W. talking about changing sexuality like it's picking a favorite ice cream flavor. Nice.

"Girls, I have a serious question… guys cover your ears… Are my boobs too big?" – Stripper girl outside of Marleje's (bar in downtown Phoenix) talking to our table when she found out who we were and wanted to try out for the Spirit. She asked with a straight face. Whitney and I had different answers to her question…

Okay all, no college football this week... but hey, the Pats are 16-0 and it's time to start watching the NFL Playoffs!

I just want to take this opportunity to wish all of you the happiest of New Years... It's been a pleasure to spend this year with each of you and I'm looking forward to the year to come. Here's the only lyrics you need to know tonight...

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

auld lang syne literally means "old long since"—but a more idiomatic English translation would be something like "long long ago", "days of long ago", "in olden days", or even "once upon a time". "For old time's sake" or "to the good old days" may be modern-day expressions, in common use as a toast, that capture the spirit of "for auld lang syne."

Here's to our "good old days", the ones we're making every day this season.

God bless you all. Happy 2008!

Truitt, OUT

HOLIDAY SUNDAY LOVE (Sunday Love 13)

I know what you're thinking... it's the holidays, everyone's away or with family... there's no practice, and Glenn's in Colorado... there probably won't even be a Sunday Love! But you'd be thinking wrong!!! Even when I'm home for the holidays, I haven't forgotten about my Clippers family! So with my Christmas shopping finally completed, and my extremities mostly frozen completely...

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/article.php?id=2813

Also - my few pictures of that night... hopefully Coach will share some of the ones that the "official" photographers got:

http://picasaweb.google.com/glennt97/TylerAtSTAPLES

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/ncf/recap?gameId=273560252

...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/bowls07/news/story?id=3165857

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

WEEK OFF SUNDAY LOVE (Sunday Love 12)

Well folks, it's finally happened... a whole week has gone by, without a Clippers home game... and as nice as it was to be home - it does feel a little weird not to be at STAPLES for so long... But that doesn't mean that nothing happened!!! RIGHT?!?! So bring on the

WEEK OFF SUNDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY LOVE

Before today... the Clips had a decent road trip going... and by decent, I mean, we won 2 out of 3 games (and should have won all 3 if it wasn't for a complete meltdown in Charlotte... yeah, I know... CHARLOTTE) And, as I heard from many of you who took in games on TV or at your local sports bars, it's fun to win, even if we're on the road.

And hey, we did have one very interesting day of practice... punctuated by Hi-Def interviews. Honestly, is anyone as not psyched about being interviewed in Hi-Def as I am? I mean, don't get me wrong... as the two of you who came to my house to watch the game tonight can attest to... I'm a big fan of the Hi-Def... as is any bachelor. But seriously, I'm not certain anyone should be shot close up with that much definition without wearing make-up of some sort. I mean, really, I think I'd be much better off just a little bit blurry... I may send those guys an e-mail and see what they can do... maybe they can shoot just me in regular definition... Okay, fine, so maybe it's just me. But the green screen behind me was a little creepy too... I mean, I know they say they'll just put up Clippers stuff behind us, but, the movie dork in me thinks I'll end up talking about myself in front of a Delaware postcard. "Hi... I'm in Delaware"... anyone? anyone?

Practice was still good, however... the FP got all silly with new pyramids, a couple of us got kicked in the face (always a good time, and not including Dave Sanchez for once)... and the Spirit must have been having fun... because I heard Footloose about ten times being playing in their practice room... and hey, who doesn't like dancing to Footloose? There was even time for a fifteen minute ass-whupping from Katie before people had to bolt for STAPLES to watch us forget to play the fourth quarter (again) against the Lakers, and leave Laker fans with bragging rights until 2008... ugh. At least my abs got a workout. Honestly, I think we'd have a better shot winning games with a brick of swiss cheese playing point guard than we do with Dan Dickau... don't get me wrong, he seems like a nice enough guy... even looks like a kid that used to live on my block. But if want to see a point guard heave up 3 straight missed shots in the fourth quarter, I'll go watch the Knicks play. If Dan gets any colder from anyplace besides the free throw line, I think he'll freeze solid. Maybe a haircut? It worked for Kaman... and I'll bet Harmony would give him a great deal...

The only other high point of the week has been setting up for Tyler's visit. A big shout out to Kelley who took it upon herself to not only buy, but also to deliver to Tyler, a whole stocking full of Clippers gear and Christmas goodies... including an Elton Brand jersey, a shirt for his mom and hats for both of them (and some other Clippers swag). Despite the fact that she had a green light to go visit them this morning (Sunday)... when she showed up (around 10 am), they were still sleeping. But ever the bringer of Christmas cheer - Kelley still dropped off the goodies with Barb (Tyler's mom) and sped off to practice. That girl's a trooper! Good on ya, Kel!

So, with today's stellar practice and less than stellar game firmly in the rear-view mirror... let's have some SUNDAY PROPS:

TIFFANY C. - for stunting... which normally isn't a big deal in Sunday Love... except that you're on SPIRIT! I'm not going to lie, I thought you were joking when you turned around and grabbed wrists... I really did. But I figured, well, I might as well try and throw this... and BOOM, you're up in hands, and then BOOM, you're up in lib. I mean, WOW... who knew? Well, apparently some of your teammates knew, because they were a LOT more shocked when Coach went up than you. But that was tremendous! Bring your stunting shoes to the game!

WHITNEY - for bringing cookies for the FP... as always, you've always made time for us, and we couldn't appreciate it more. Of course, by the time the FP had finished practice, that same plate of cookies had found their way into the SPIRIT practice room... and there were 4 LEFT... but, hey, I had one... they tasted awesome, and it's the thought that counts :) for your favorite dance move - which was just too low to get caught on camera...

COACH - also for stunting... because you were in exceptionally good mood... and having one of those making-sure-you've-still-got-it moments... rest assured, you still do! Oh the look on the Spirit's faces... classic!

SHANNON - for remembering to SMILE, even during Katie's workouts... some things you can count on: death, taxes, and Shannon smiling. Seeing World of Socks at Citywalk made me think of you instantly... but I figured you probably already have all their cool stuff already..

NINA E. - for being as big of a Christmas music dork as I am. I mean, really, who else could appreciate Monster Ballads Xmas?! (it is a great Christmas album, FYI... who can resist "I'll Be Home for Christmas" being covered by Quiet Riot and Lita Ford?!?!)... also for requesting me as a base for pyramids... nothing makes a base feel better than that.. it makes it all worthwhile!

NINA R. - for totally rocking out with the top ponytail after Spirit practice when nobody's looking... well, almost nobody :) ... remember the Ashley R. rule of Sunday Love: if you think no one saw - Sunday Love did...

KATIE - for totally manning up while mid-basing pyramids... not only did you shoulder press Tami up over your head in the Swedish Falls to flat-back - but then you just muscled her up onto your thigh during the 1-1-1... impressive. Also for putting yourself into certain peril, staying tight and letting the boys save you - your right leg was the only thing between you and your face hitting the floor... three guys caught it, and you were safe. Textbook.

DAVID W. - for the save of the day on Sunday... I can't remember who you caught, Tami maybe? (I was just trying to keep Nina from hitting the deck) but if you hadn't been there, it would have been someone falling from 2 1/2 up, all the way to the ground. Nice job.

LESLIE - for all your great pyramid ideas! I can't say I followed them all, but they were a lot of fun to try, and I'm sure they will look amazing on the floor... Your patient explanations were great, and you always bring the same enthusiasm to practice that you do to games... You were awesome in your interview! Love the hand-slap after you were done talking ;) You even "clean" when you're by yourself!

ASHLEY R. - for making my interview a lot more difficult!!! Thanks :( Of course, for being the rock-star that you are... and for the record, 5'10" is plenty tall! I got Tiff C. to hands didn't I?!?!

NATE - for working with a separated shoulder. Yes, that's right folks, you read that correctly... now I know Nate would never say anything, cause he's hard like that... but you have to respect a guy that stunts with that. Seriously. Also, I didn't see anything wrong with your face - but what do I know?

ARTURO - for the 1-1-1. I haven't seen someone take that many shots to the face and keep going since the Leonard-Hearns fight in '81 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_Ray_Leonard ) ... and you looked like you had been in a fight afterwards! Gotta love you checking your head in the mirror to see if you had any serious injuries... And all of it with a smile!

TAMI - for going up in a ton of pyramids without ever having done them before... and trusting us to take care of you. You're always willing to get up there... and for a great job on the swing-up high split! The crowd loves the high split, and they're gonna love that move! For some great pics with David S., too (ask him about them)

BRITTANY - for finally getting a chance to talk with me! I was beginning to think you were a very pretty and talented mute girl... turns out you're pretty charming company after all ;) for, like a few other girls on the teams, managing finals while getting through a difficult performance schedule! Well done...

JOEY - for our on-camera performance... there really wasn't much to think about when the camera crew asked me who I could have some fun with camera... good times. For being the bedrock of all our crazy pyramids... for suggesting a viewing party at my place and then not showing up... (you totally missed out on the Rock Band performance!) For the great many saving catches you made all day at practice (and being one of the guys on Katie's right leg save)

KELLEY - for really stepping up big on the effort to make sure Tyler has a special day on Tuesday... that was way above and beyond the call of duty... I hope the teams, with your help, can make this a more regular occurrence for us. For that great smile ... and for totally kicking my butt at Katie's 15 minute ab festival...

KRISTIN E. - for totally coming to the Clippers-Lakers viewing party at my apartment! That was the only thing that made that experience bearable... Plus who knew you were such a good drummer?!?! For those of you looking for a drummer for your band, Kris is a hidden treasure... seriously! And also, she can totally nail Bon Jovi's "Dead or Alive" on vocals! Represent... Burbank!

DAVID S. - for getting through a marathon Sunday... including getting up at dark-o'clock in the morning to get your girls through a competition in Anaheim - and still showing up for practice, like a trooper... for all your great advice during pyramid practice... for demonstrating the upside-down high split in your Chucks, black socks and Target sweatpants... some things I just wish I could un-see, lol... oh, and for rocking the Sanchez ponytail while basing!

KRISTEN M. - for finishing up your next-to-last quarter of college! Well done! I'm certain you don't need any help celebrating, but have a fun week in Vegas!

NICOLE B. - for being undeniably you... at all times. for a great text-message conversation... for consistently great quotes, and one really funny interview, and getting Joey and I kicked out of the interview room... for being a bad-ass mid-base and all your great advice on the pyramids. for being the favorite target of the HD-camera crew...

SUMMER, JOSH & CORTLIN - missed you guys at practice... so hope to see you on Tuesday or soon!

ALEX - for not getting mad at me for accidentally leaving you out of last week's Love! And still having a hug for me at practice... see? that's why I love you! Good to see you again ;)

EDAMAME - mostly because I just like writing it...

LAURA - for being an awesome host for my trip to the Pasadena Pub Crawl... sorry I was such a stick-in-the-butt... but I knew I was going to have a big Sunday, so I didn't really partake in the festivities. Wow, how old does that sound? Geez. But your commentary on the nonsense that was abounding was well worth the trip!

MELISSA, ASHLEY S., NICOLE C. & RACHEL - try as I might... I still got nothin' on y'all. But, there are a lot games in the coming weeks - so I'll be watching! (as will my Spirit locker-room spies!)

.... Okay... don't think I forgot anyone this week... so it's off to the College Football wrap up...
So - there wasn't a whole lot going on (e.g. no Div I-A games) so we'll just deal with some of the other happenings:

UCLA - BYU - Jessie and Joey are still finalizing their bet for the game... Joey has offered to babysit Jessie's girls, and pay for an evening out for her and Bryce... and Jessie's still trying to come up with something comparable. So if you've got any good ideas, come with them... of course, it's really academic - UCLA will be (mostly) coachless, and God only knows who'll be playing quarterback (rumor has it they called Joey and asked if he wanted the job)... but hey, maybe they'll get Kristen back into a cheer mini-skirt and they'll get all inspired (shoot, those facials make me want to go play football)... You two better publish your bet details soon...

NAVY - UTAH - This THURSDAY!

Utah has allowed 20 points or fewer in each of its last six games. The Utes own the nation's third-lowest points-against average at 15.6, trailing only Virginia Tech (15.5) and Ohio State (10.7). Navy was eighth in scoring at 39.9 points per game this season. The Midshipmen went 6-1 when they scored at least 35 points, and they never finished with fewer than 24 points. Navy enters the bowl on a four-game winning streak, capping the regular season with its most-lopsided victory by beating Army 38-3 on Dec. 1.

We're Head Coach-less... but no one digs deep like the boys from Annapolis... There's not going to be any betting on this one... but it will mean bragging rights for the year!

And... that's about it for college football... anyone have any favorite pro teams??? (Besides Katie's beloved Ravens who gave the lowly Dolphins their first win of the year... looks like they may need Katie back!)

So... here is a very short installment of SUNDAY QUOTES:

"What happened to your face?!?" - Nicole, and her very nice way of telling Nate that he may have some slight facial bruising during practice.

"Completely gay" - me, when asked during an interview: "How does it feel to be a male cheerleader?"

"I'm smiling, Glenn!" - Shannon, in the middle of superwoman's during Katie's workout when she was facing away from me... as if I had any doubt.

"This hurts to watch..." - David S., at the Clippers-Lakers viewing party. Amen, David.

... I feel like I'm forgetting some good ones... so, help me out!

I have to admit, I was a little disappointed when I walked into the end of Spirit practice and they just sort of "finished" and walked off the floor. I had always imagined that Spirit practice ended with a big dance circle and everyone taking turns showing off their new moves... oh well, at least the locker room is still a slumber party...

And hey, don't forget, Tiffany's road trip on December 28th, for the second half of a home and home against Phoenix! Check out her Evite and come along!!!

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=HKPUBHOCZXWUUVDGDXXQ

... if I forgot anything or anyone, please feel free to "Reply to All" and fill in for me where I left off... My next installment will be from the frozen tundra of suburban Colorado... I'm looking forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday, and for the rest of you all...please travel safely!

Truitt, out...