AWAY GAME SUNDAY LOVE (Sunday Love 11)

Wow... what a weekend... what a week. Just when I think that they'll be a Sunday Love without much in it... I have a week like this.. and Sunday Love comes strong once again. A heartbreaking game on Tuesday (I suppose they're all heartbreaking these days), an "interesting" viewing party in Huntington Beach, an away game in Sacramento (the greatest road trip EVER) and a Sunday with Shaq and the Clipper Girl All-Star backup dancers... whew... my head is spinning just thinking about it all. But all the while, Sunday Love was there to capture the action, the joy, and most importantly, the nonsense!

For those who went, the highlight of the week had to be the Sacramento trip... A few months ago, we had an idea: wouldn't it be fun if we got a group together and attended a Clippers away game? Well, that was September... and finally the day arrived. After arriving at Arco Arena shortly before the start of the game, we all got together in Tiffany's family RV in the parking lot - to get acquainted and maybe a little pre-partying... after donning our Clippers gear, we headed into the Arena - a small cadre of Red, White and Blue in a sea of purple and bad blonde dye-jobs (it was ever-so-clear that Harmony works nowhere near Sacramento). While the game had already started, we waited in the aisle by our seats.... but we didn't wait to start yelling. It was "Let's go Clip-pers!" from the very first moment we saw our boys headed down the court - and it didn't let up until the final horn. It's hard to describe the scene without being there, but I will do my best. The gym was like a really big version of the gym from Hoosiers (if you haven't seen Hoosiers, (1) you are officially not a real basketball fan and (2) you can educate yourself here: http://www.sportshollywood.com/hoosiers.html), complete with a scoreboard that looked like it was built sometime shy of when I was in high school (cue Joey here: yeah I guess it was in Roman numerals then, yuk, yuk, yuk!). I can only assume that the majority of fans were farmers, because (1) the predominant smell outside the arena was, well, "farmy" and (2) they turned at looked at us like we were something that landed in their field... you know, that sort of "Get the gun, Martha" look? It suffices to say, they have likely never seen anything quite like the posse we sent up there. A big Sunday Love shout out to EVERYONE who sent text messages and made phone calls to the folks who were there telling us EVERY time we were on the air on Friday... which came as no surprise, since besides the players, coaches, broadcasters and two old people in the upper level, we were the only Clipper fans in the building! Apparently there were some shots of me dancing... but that's probably blown WAY out of proportion... I mean, why would I be dancing?!?!

ANYHOO... here are the pictures... and I know there are 3 or 4 more cameras out there with shots... so PLEASE SHARE!

http://picasaweb.google.com/glennt97/SacramentoTrip?authkey=eIX8pFEIn94

Of course, there were also two VERY big home games... highlighted by the debut of the I LOVE CLIPPER GIRLS song and an amazing dance performance! Didn't hear the song? http://boomp3.com/m/192c25f57a8b I got you covered... I'm still looking for a decent video of the performance... but how about those promotional posters??? DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN Gina! We've gone hip-hop y'all! Well, in fairness, Whitney has always been hip hop... now the rest of us are invited ;). Seriously, though... what a cool event! The basketball at the home games has been less than inspiring... especially when we get really, really close - and don't win... ugh. That's SUCH a downer... but as always, the Game Entertainment group is bringing it every night, no matter what. The Spirit rocked out today with the Junior Jam, which is always a treat to see - and just when you think you've seen the least masculine on-court performers ever (hearken back to last week's Sunday Love, the baton twirlers and prancing tumblers) out come the shirtless, bald, spandex pants-wearing Russian gymnast guys who balance ON EACH OTHER. Don't get me wrong, it's impressive... but seriously, can we get like a machine gun demonstration or maybe some guys getting kicked in the groin - just to balance things out? I feel like I'm watching a variety show on Lifetime TV... :)

In addition, the SPIRIT also had their Holiday Party after today's game... and thanks to my insider LAURA, we've got some pictures of the event. Needless to say, that's the most hotness that the Liberty Grill has seen since, well, last week... but HEY, y'all did look good in there! Word on the street is that Tiffany came through with a gift that she wasn't even old enough to buy on her own... but come on, who doesn't like a bottle of Absolut Vodka, right? Of course, that's nothing compared to the FP holiday party where the vodka bottles were movin' around like the back room of a Russian mob house - but hey, that's just how we roll... Aside from that, I hear it was the standard exchange of Clippers swag (bedazzled, of course) and Bath & Body Works fruit-flavored body slather... punctuated by a tearful Coach's speech (she's good at those, isn't she???)... and Ashley R. running out the door like she was double-parked...

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/glennt97/SpiritHolidayParty?authkey=vIwHF3LTphg

But without further ado, let's get to it... THE SUNDAY LOVE PROPS:

Nicole (I'll put this first so you don't have to read any further) - for coming to the realization that if you write your name on the inside of uniform items in BIG BLUE NON-PERMANENT INK, and then you sweat in those items, that ink well end up ON YOU... say... on your behind, for example. There is nothing so indelible on the brain as watching Nicole running about the locker room with her shorts half-pulled down, inviting team members to observe her now-blue derrier. Classic. But also for coming out to see Joey and me at a Kings game, was good to have you out!

Nate - for still playing hurt (believe me, I know), for understanding the value of Vicodin/Vicoprofen, and for taking Cortlin's knee to your dome while warming up baskets and not even blinking... that's TOUGH, y'all! See Nate, that's all you have to do to get into Sunday Love... get hit in the head! How do you think Sanchez gets in every week?

D-Tumblz - for putting together the GAUNTLET that was Tuesday's game... and for getting us through warm ups in just under 33 seconds... having all the time outs scheduled was tough, but it looked amazing. Also for that bank handspring, back handspring, step-out thing which is still my favorite tumbling pass to watch.

Katie - for you well-deserved and long overdue promotion! http://www.sonkifitness.com/about.htm ... because once its on the INTERNET, it's REAL! For being consistently awesome at games... and for fixing it so that even a quarter of the way through the season, we haven't been scheduled together once... isn't that magical... :'( (one tear...)

Cortlin - I really have to force myself to put you this far down the list... no one makes it as easy as you do to get material for SL...for checking the fit of your red uniform shorts by repeatedly slapping your butt in the locker room mirror... I mean, really, what are you testing for? I suppose I should be glad, I've gone a whole week without having to hear about where you're sweating these days...

Nina E. - for always asking me if I'm serious when I tell you that you look great... for always looking great out there (yes, I'm serious), for the black leggings on Sunday... even though I know there's an inside joke there that I'm missing... for loving my Christmas mix! ... for calling in the rescue during the fan viewing party... sorry I left you to talk with that guy... when I think back on it, I guess he did look like the kind of guy who is writing a "manifesto" in his basement... my bad!

Arturo - for never seeming to get involved in locker room shenanigans... for being glued to your text messages before the games...for always answering my "Que paso?" with something really cool-sounding in Spanish, which most likely translates to "I wish you'd shut your gringo ass up"... for being able to handle Leslie's crazy jump and for always finding a way to get your stunts up and keep them up... someday your chiropractor will hate you, but for now, you're a bad ass!

Joey - for being my conscience... who would have thought? and for talking me "down from the ledge" more times than I can count. For being my wingman, and back up in Sac, for standing next to me on camera, even when I'm dancing like a goon... for totally nailing Katie's pancakes... (wow, that sounds a lot worse than the actual occurrence, but I think I'm just going to leave it) for loaning me something cool to wear in Arco, and for tolerating me as a basket toss partner...

Josh - for tolerating ALL of our cold-early-Sunday-morning crankiness... for running a great game today... for the turning arabesque (that was you, wasn't it?) for an awesome new stunt sequence that does not involve "illusions"... and for inspiring me to shout at opposing free-throw shooters every chance I get!

Sanchez - for thinking up the great new coordinated game flags idea! ... for back tucks even after pyro (while I'm busy crying about how my eyes hurt)... for better stunts every game... For letting Ashley R's new bf totally copy your hairdo... for always checking up on my volatile ass, because you just know when I'm not right about something... for almost approving my new music selection, and inspiring me, at least some of the time to listen to something that wasn't recorded in the 80's!

Kristen M. - for finally, finally doing something in the locker room which left me speechless (it took almost three years... well done!). Your cell phone is officially a house of horrors... for getting through your last semester of school, including mid-terms, term papers, and now finals, all while representing on the FP... not to mention the host of other things you're juggling... your consistently positive attitude is what makes it possible! We miss you at the games, though... looking forward to see you after Xmas!

Leslie - for calling me from the H. Beach appearance almost an hour before we're supposed to go on, and representing in the world's sketchiest Viewing Party for over an hour while we all braved the traffic to get there. Way to hold it down! For always having an amazing attitude on the court... for your BIG back tuck basket today... for being up in the stands... you are certainly a fan favorite.. and not just for THUGS anymore, lol :) Seriously, though... you look AMAZING out there!

Tami - for enjoying the Sac trip EVEN THOUGH your bf's flight got cancelled! (if you didn't hear this story you should really ask her about it)... for being AWESOME to work with at today's game... for always showing up at open gym... for always shouting, even with your self proclaimed "little voice"... for waiting at the airport... for walking through the Arco parking lot with me...you're the best Tam! The trip wouldn't have been the same without you!

Summer!!! - for that crazy hip of yours :) ... for being positive, even when there are no desserts on the catering table... for the awesomeness of your high split... for your amazing attitude... for being awesome to stunt with... and for that look on your face when David suggested "toss cupie" for us at the end of that stunt sequence last week... almost as good as your post-basket-toss face!

SPIRIT!!!!!

I'm trying... TRYING to get some more stuff on y'all, but until I can get an insider, this is the best I can do...

Tiffany C. - for leaping into the FP warm-ups on Tuesday... seriously, you almost took out three of us with that thing! Don't dancers have something like "Fore!" in golf? Where you have to say something before you dance into a big crowd of people?!? Lookin' good on the poster, though... and you really should come to the next away trip!

Whitney - for "not having a reliable way of getting a hold of [me]"... ah nothing says "friendship" like: I've known you for two years and still don't have your phone number.. awesome ;)

Brittany - for hiding in a corner in the Spirit locker room, and being the only thing quieter than my cell phone ringer on a Friday night... I'm completely resolved to getting you out to karaoke before the season is done.. and, oh yes, you'll be singing Bon Jovi...

Kelley - for continuing the Cortlin-led tradition of locker room overshare with the announcement of your colon-cleansing and your intention to keep the results... wow... no, seriously... WOW.

Kristin E. - for rolling up in awesome dress... fancy boots, and what one Spirit socks EXPERT described as "Grandpa Socks"... I can only imagine what else was hidden under that top layer of fabulous... Awesome job on Clippers Tonight, though :) You look great up there.. for ALMOST making the shot today.. and getting a LOT closer than the guy twice your size that shot after you did!

Tiffany M - for being the best hostess EVER for the road trip pre-party! It just wouldn't have been as much fun without you there! For representing (along with Melissa) the Spirit very well up there... for having your dad and brother come along with the coolest RV I've ever seen (and, incidentally, for your Dad's great musical taste)... and for the room service order which inspired your quote ( see below).

Edamame - for letting me know that it's COMPLETELY ok to call you that :) ... for completely holding in down up in Sac... who knew you could yell like that?! for your first partner stunting lesson ... YOU'RE A NATURAL! for finishing up your vodka and Red Bull with me before we left the RV for the arena... TROOPER! I hope you make the next trip! We'll see you at open gym.... no seriously, we'll see you there!

Nina R. - for bringing the little one today! He's SO cute! Now I know where you got that jacket from... Lookin' good on the poster!

Laura - for the great holiday party pictures... for the half-court shooting lesson you gave... for being my locker room snitch... and for general awesomeness!

Shannon - for "saving" your good smiles for the game and not wasting them during warm-ups...

Rachel and Nicole - for nearly escaping Sunday Love for almost three weeks now... I'm going to be watching... I WILL get you before 2008 starts...

The Ashlies - for both dating rock stars... and is there any doubt? You're both gorgeous, charming and classy... rock stars should date more girls like you! Now, when you both get reality shows and get all famous... don't go crazy and end up marrying Tom Cruise or partying with Paris, ok? I guess I'll have to start looking for y'all in Us magazine, huh?

Taylor - for sharing my Navy pain at losing our Coach... :(

Harmony & Taylor - for awesome, awesome abs... I'm sorry, I didn't have anything else...

OKAY, Whew...

OOOPS... Almost forgot...

COACH - for making it through some VERY tightly scheduled games, for always looking sharp on gameday and doing it all with a smile... nice gangster pose with Kristin at the party! for always giving a great speech at our get-togethers... for hosting two great holiday parties... and for letting me do Clippers Tonight with Traci! SO much fun!

OKAY... NOW... for what's left of College Football...

San Diego Co. Credit Union Poinsettia	Dec. 20 9 p.m.	San Diego, Calif.	Utah vs. Navy	ESPN
Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas	Dec. 22 8 p.m.	Las Vegas, Nev.	BYU vs. UCLA	ESPN
Rose presented by Citi	Jan. 1 4:30 p.m.	Pasadena, Calif.	USC vs. Illinois	ABC
BCS National Championship	Jan. 7 8 p.m.	New Orleans, La.	Ohio State vs. LSU	FOX

Those are the games that are left that mean anything.. Tim Tebow becomes the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy and now he can look forward to relative obscurity for his pro career... Word on the street is the Joey and Jessie still haven't come up with a bet for the Las Vegas Bowl (I'm suggesting trading jobs for a game)... and NO ONE wants to bet against Navy (smart move). But, in sad news, after the most successful six seasons of any coach since WWII, Paul Johnson was hired away from Navy to coach Georgia Tech's football team, and the boys in Annapolis will be coached by their defensive coordinator in San Diego... no worries, though... it's only Utah... and you saw what BYU did to them... come on, 4th and 18?!?

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/12_07-47/NAS

At least USC fans will have Big Ten cupcake Illinois to look forward to beating up on in the Rose Bowl... They'd probably get a better game out of Appalachian State... The day Ron Zook beats a decent Pac-10 team is the day I start rooting for Notre Dame...

Okay... you've waited patiently, so here are your SUNDAY LOVE QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

"Good job coming out tonight.." - Nina E. to me after the fan viewing party...Uh, thanks, Neenz... didn't know you had the bar set so high for my performance. I actually maintain breathing throughout most of my games as well... can I get a high five?

"Someone put their bone in my soup!" - Tiffany M. after discovering the danger of ordering hot wings and soup, and letting your drunk brother hang out in your hotel room.

"I didn't like either the Kings or the Clippers, but now I like the Kings" - angry, bitter old lady sitting in front of us at Arco Arena to Katie... to which Katie lustily answered "GOOOOOOOOOOOO CLIPPPERS!" That's our girl!

"Dude, I saw you dancing on TV!" - at least 8 different people today... proving the maxim that if you do 10 things on camera, the most ridiculous one will be seen by the most people...

"I didn't even know you guys were up there..." - Ralph Lawler, after the Sac game... the only person in Arco Arena that didn't know we were there... at least he's paying close attention to the game...

"It's like a big slumber party in there" - undisclosed Clippers Spirit member, describing the scene in the locker room... funny, that's exactly how I imagined it. Are there pillow fights?

Okay y'all.... that's gonna do it for me...

Don't forget, Tiffany is planning another road trip for those who will be in town on December 28th, for the second half of a home and home against Phoenix! Check out her Evite and come along on the ROAD TRIP!

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... otherwise Happy Holidays to you and yours... God Bless and stay safe out there, see you all soon!

TRUITT, OUT