Things have been crazy, busy enough with trying to plan a wedding and deal with the realities of working a full time job, juggle a social life, and then find time to eat and sleep. But sometimes events hit you that cause you to step back a bit. My blog yesterday was something to that, but today I was hit with another annoucement that has stunned the Portland Timbers community.
Timber Jim is retiring as our icon. To call him a mascot is an injustice, because he is much more than that. He's truly an ambassador to the game and our fans, and to say this is a huge surprise to me is an understatement. Jim has the ability to whip up a crowd in a frenzy, leading everyone in chants and songs, but then quickly switch gears and spend time with the many kids that visit the park. He's spent countless hours working with local charities to help educate people on the benefits of using seat belts after he lost his daughter in a tragic car accident, and gives of his time to help educate people on chain saw safety. I'm proud to say that I know him personally from many after match conversations, and he gave me a Portland Timbers "Spread the Love" bracelet that I still wear during the season. There's more to his story which is located in this link, but he's given so much to everyone in the Timbers community, and the Timbers Army has shared the love, the joy, the tears, the hugs, and the smiles every step of the way over the years. He is a big reason I carry my green toy chainsaw to each game, it just seemed an appropriate tribute to the man.
My hope is that the tradition of sawing logs after Timbers goals remain in place, but let the newest person establish their own identity in supporting the team. I'm sure we'll see plenty of TJ at the matches and other gatherings, but someone it just won't be the same. But I'm sure that Jim will keep busy spreading the love and his smile everywhere. I wouldn't expect anything less from a legend.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Just Taking Notice....
I had a few different topics planned for my next blog, but as I was sitting about trying to come up with which idea I wanted to tackle first, I heard the news that Heath Ledger had passed. Normally, I'm not much of a celebrity buff, but it was the buzz around my office as many of the women in my office cried, and were shaken by the news. The trickle of information was slow, but now more and more tidbits about that fateful day are being shared, and painting a picture of what truly happened. But for me, I couldn't help thinking of his family and friends, who are now having to deal with the aftermath of what happened. I suppose my own experiences with death have shaped that.
One of my first jobs in high school was a groundskeeper at two funeral homes. I drove large commercial lawn tractors, trimmed shrubbery, pulled weeds, and generally made the place look nice. The whole fact that this job was dealing with death never crossed my mind once, even with the constant reminders about - the headstones, masoleums, and funerals most days while I was there. I never worked on any funerals during the 5 months I worked there, but my coworkers were busy dealing with arrangements, plot set ups, and generally doing the work that nobody else wanted to do. My boss said something that struck me to this day, "Death is part of life, and the best thing you can do when someone is gone is to remember the good times. Funerals are for the living to try to jump start the healing process." I'm not sure what happens when someone passes, but seeing the various setups, hearing some gatherings with laughter, some sadness, some large, some only three people, the experience is very personal and very real.
I learned the lesson myself when I lost my mom to cancer in 2005. Up until that point, I had never lost anyone close to me, and my mom was a big influence on my life in many aspects. I tried so hard to live up to what I thought she wanted me to be, yet it only mattered to her that I was happy. I didn't realize that fully until my last real conversation with her three days before she died. I told her about the Timbers Army, the fun I was having supporting my soccer team, and how I was thinking of going to England the next year. She told me that I was the happiest she'd seen me ever, and that I would regret not going to England so I needed to go. At that point, I was convinced I needed to do this no matter what. Thankfully, girl helped me through the process and putting things together, along with some great nudges from fellow TA members. I had to do this not for myself, but for her because she knew it would make me happy.
Something my stepdad said to me a few days after the funeral stuck with me as well, as my mom had said to him that I would be a huge mess if she ever died. Supposedly, I wouldn't be able to function or know what to do. While I was angry at the comment, I realized that in her own way, it was her prodding me to be happy because that's when I would be at my best. Now, over two years later, I have the bestest fiancee in my life, I have great friends and a great team to support, and I get to declare my love for girl in April before we go back to England. I had never been there before, but the place spoke to me and I have only felt that way about one other place - Portland. I just knew I was where I should be, and I think my mom knew that. In death, she was more worried about all of us being OK, she stopped worrying about herself and was at peace. I suppose that's the best we can hope for at that point, and at some level, it's probably incredibly uplifting and terrifying as hell.
But that's what death is all about. It's part of the cycle of things, and without it, life doesn't take on as much significance. As I think of my niece just 5 months old, it's the whole cycle of life without the dumbass Disney tune in the background. We deal with things as best we can, and move on with the love and support of those here and those from beyond. Death shouldn't be something to be scared of, although not knowing what's out there is a struggle for some. For me, I just look at it as the next big adventure whenever that may happen. Right now, I'm having too much fun around here.
One of my first jobs in high school was a groundskeeper at two funeral homes. I drove large commercial lawn tractors, trimmed shrubbery, pulled weeds, and generally made the place look nice. The whole fact that this job was dealing with death never crossed my mind once, even with the constant reminders about - the headstones, masoleums, and funerals most days while I was there. I never worked on any funerals during the 5 months I worked there, but my coworkers were busy dealing with arrangements, plot set ups, and generally doing the work that nobody else wanted to do. My boss said something that struck me to this day, "Death is part of life, and the best thing you can do when someone is gone is to remember the good times. Funerals are for the living to try to jump start the healing process." I'm not sure what happens when someone passes, but seeing the various setups, hearing some gatherings with laughter, some sadness, some large, some only three people, the experience is very personal and very real.
I learned the lesson myself when I lost my mom to cancer in 2005. Up until that point, I had never lost anyone close to me, and my mom was a big influence on my life in many aspects. I tried so hard to live up to what I thought she wanted me to be, yet it only mattered to her that I was happy. I didn't realize that fully until my last real conversation with her three days before she died. I told her about the Timbers Army, the fun I was having supporting my soccer team, and how I was thinking of going to England the next year. She told me that I was the happiest she'd seen me ever, and that I would regret not going to England so I needed to go. At that point, I was convinced I needed to do this no matter what. Thankfully, girl helped me through the process and putting things together, along with some great nudges from fellow TA members. I had to do this not for myself, but for her because she knew it would make me happy.
Something my stepdad said to me a few days after the funeral stuck with me as well, as my mom had said to him that I would be a huge mess if she ever died. Supposedly, I wouldn't be able to function or know what to do. While I was angry at the comment, I realized that in her own way, it was her prodding me to be happy because that's when I would be at my best. Now, over two years later, I have the bestest fiancee in my life, I have great friends and a great team to support, and I get to declare my love for girl in April before we go back to England. I had never been there before, but the place spoke to me and I have only felt that way about one other place - Portland. I just knew I was where I should be, and I think my mom knew that. In death, she was more worried about all of us being OK, she stopped worrying about herself and was at peace. I suppose that's the best we can hope for at that point, and at some level, it's probably incredibly uplifting and terrifying as hell.
But that's what death is all about. It's part of the cycle of things, and without it, life doesn't take on as much significance. As I think of my niece just 5 months old, it's the whole cycle of life without the dumbass Disney tune in the background. We deal with things as best we can, and move on with the love and support of those here and those from beyond. Death shouldn't be something to be scared of, although not knowing what's out there is a struggle for some. For me, I just look at it as the next big adventure whenever that may happen. Right now, I'm having too much fun around here.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Monday Update
- The Trail Blazers continue their insane 7 game road trip with a loss on Saturday at Orlando and a crazy win in OT today in Atlanta. I was working today, so I huddled at my desk with the NBA ticker going while working. As I was typing along, I'd check the game and saw it was a very tight battle all the way. And then Travis Outlaw hit another game winning shot, and suddenly, it was me dancing in my cube scaring some of my fellow employees. Whatever, it's a holiday and I'm excited for more than just being able to wear jeans at work.
- The Trail Blazers also are getting great love in the press from ESPN. One article has the story of them visiting the Atlanta YMCA during the MLK holiday weekend. Most of the team was there voluntarily during an off day between games, chatting with the kids that go there all the time, playing hoops, and learning more about a great man and a significant historical figure. I don't put much weight into athletes saying they aren't role models, as kids and adults look up to sports figures and in many cases, choose to root for someone based on things besides talent. I don't think you could go wrong rooting for anyone on this team, especially after reading this piece.
- ESPN's power rankings also give the Trail Blazers some love as they remain in the top 10. Apparently, those that think this team is going to implode might just have to keep waiting.
- The Timbers schedule is out finally, and overall I'm happy about it. Lots of games on Thursdays at PGE which makes for really long Fridays at work, but overall crowds attend Timbers games better on Thursdays so I can't fault the schedulers for that. I am going to miss a couple of the early games due to my honeymoon, but hey, I think going to England with the love of my life and seeing some BPL action while I'm there isn't so bad.
- Went to the Winterhawks game on Saturday night, and was extremely disappointed in the experience. I used to attend games a lot in the past, as the team was talented and the ticket prices weren't too terribly priced. But as the costs rose and the team struggled, I found other ways to get my sports fix. Getting some free tickets, I was hopeful to see them in action, and see if coming back was an option. The team had a decent first period, keeping the score level, but then they got drilled with 5 goals in the second period as they played lackluster hockey with very little passion at all. The only saving graces were the Dash for Cash in the second intermission, and a late goal to make the score more respectable. I'm not sure what happened, but I've never seen a Hawks team play with such little passion and energy ever, especially in a rival game versus the Seattle Thunderbirds. It's too bad, because the crowd was pretty loud, despite the antics on the ice. I'm hoping the team pulls it together, but their current record puts them at worst in the WHL. These fans deserve something a bit better, and I'm hoping it starts up soon. Otherwise, the loud fans may find their outlet somewhere else.
-K
Friday, January 18, 2008
Friday's calvalcade of stuff
- The Portland Trail Blazers won again tonight in Miami, and the game was one of the more exciting I've seen in a while. Nobody really dominated, rather it was a serious of scoring runs back and forth. However, the young Blazers matched up well tonight, made good shots when it counted, and held off the charging Heat to win 99 to 91. The team also got some love from ESPN the Magazine and Sports Illustrated this week nationally, and ESPN also carried tonight's game. I guess the secret is starting to get out.
- Been spending my days lately working on wedding invites for the big April event. I honestly didn't know I knew so many people, but leave it to putting together a list and you realize how many folks you interact with on a daily basis. Then, go through the uncomfortable process of comparing the numbers on the list with the number of seats you have at your hall, and try to manage not offending anyone while finalizing the list. I will say this much, our invites are truly one of a kind.
- Tough week around the work stead, and I think the new year's cheer has finally worn off and people are returning to normal behavior. I remember reading the guy's book about all you needed to know you learned in kindergarten, and how many people forget the simple lessons - treat people with respect like you would expect; don't steal other people's food especially if it's special diet food; when the bathroom says for handicapped use only, don't get pissy when security gets mad at you cause you are able bodied but can't read; respect people's time by meeting deadlines instead of crafting an elaborate excuse that only an out of work Hollywood writer could come up with. But hey it's Friday, and I'm not working for a few days.
- I bowl each week with some Timbers Army folks in the local Big Turkey Bowling League on Tuesdays. We've had fun doing this for about 3 years now, mostly cause the league is rather different: 6 week seasons, theme nights now and then, crazy prizes, and usually loud and crazy fun. The best part of the league was the 3 spares or 3 strikes gets you a free beer rule, but apparently this violated the laws of nature or the liquor guys whatever is worse. Tomorrow night, the team is getting together to watch the Portland Winterhawks play their arch rival Shittle Thunderchickens. While the Hawks aren't playing well, it's a rival game and so I expect good things to happen. But it will be fun none the less, because we are going because our team got the most prize tickets in last bowling terms' consolation round. A bonding experience over hockey and beer, could be fun.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Respect - Sometimes It's Earned
I usually read John Canzano's column that is published in the Oregonian a few times per week. Sometimes I find myself agreeing with him, but most of the time I am left to wonder at some of the positions he takes and defends. I realize that some columnists are in the game to rile people up, and if that's the case, this guy does a good job of that. But sometimes he hits upon a key point like in his column today.
The Portland Trail Blazers are 23 and 15 after their game versus the Boston Celtics tonight, who hold the best record in the NBA at 31 wins and 6 losses. The Celtics have three great players, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, easily some of the best talent collected on a team and these guys are on their way to the Hall of Fame at some point. The young Trail Blazers could have walked in there and been intimidated and lost, and for the first few minutes of the game, it looked like they were overwhelmed a bit. But when shots started falling and the team made a few defensive stops in the second quarter, they found their game and went up by 9. They lead at the half, and kept things going until Ray Allen finally got heated up and the Celtics' aggressive play combined with some unusual official calls, the team finally succumbed and lost by 10. The game was much closer than the score indicates, but that probably won't be the story tomorrow. Instead of a team that has surpassed a lot of expectations and doing things not expected of a team this young, the stories will probably focus on the Celtics getting back on track after losing two games.
It's sad really, and Canzano makes a very valid point here. The Trail Blazers are absolutely though highly of by the NBA and some of the writers that follow the team, but they aren't respected very much and are still thought of as "over their head". I mean when sportswriters or other NBA media folks refer to Bo Outlaw for Travis Outlaw, LeMarcus for LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Olden for Greg Oden, it slaps in the face of disrespect here. Most media places have fact checkers in place, but to make fundamental mistakes like this doesn't make sense unless you don't respect what this team is doing.
I can see why they might be saying that. We don't have a true All Star on the team, even though Brandon Roy should be on the team. His numbers don't leap off the page, he just leads by making others better which often doesn't show up in the stats page. LaMarcus is getting better and better with each game, showing great defensive presence and an ability to hit shots from all over the court. Steve Blake, Jarrett Jack, Sergio Rodriguez and James Jones have all played integral roles making outside shots, key rebounds, and making great passes. Martell Webster has grown up this year, going from a timid outside shooter to a truly complimentary small forward. And Joel Pryzbilla, Channing Frye and Raef LaFrentz have manned the middle, playing tough defense and getting key rebounds as needed. None of these guys is a true NBA household name, you don't see their sneaker ads on TV, you don't have NBA commentators blathering on about how good they are all the time, and playing on the West Coast means most games out here are done while the East Coast sleeps.
The thing is that the team is great because of the sum of their parts. Yes, no one individually in that group strikes you as amazing, but put the collection together, let them play hard and help each other along, and behold - great things happen. Guys step up as needed, hitting game winning shots, making key defensive stops, scoring when other players are down, it ends up being a true team effort. And if that doesn't scream respect, I don't know what does.
But too many people think respect means doing things flashy or humiliating your opponent to make yourself look better. It's hard for me to watch some of the so called great NBA players, because it's all about what they do to make themselves look better and pad their own statistics. Kobe Bryant may be a great NBA player, but he's the epitome of a selfish ball player who has little interest in making his teammates better around him while he's chucking up shots. He may have NBA titles but I can't respect a player who selfishly thinks of himself before the team.
To me, respect means making your teammates better and looking at the overall goal above anything else, and avoid being caught up in the trash talking, ego game that seems to be prevolent in sports. I have never been a fan of trash talking, although that could be due to my team sports experience participating in Track and Cross Country, the ultimate non-trash talking sports around. You just don't see a lot of trash talking running around a circle multiple times or running a long distance course where you may not see a crowd until the start/finish area. But to me, all trash talking does is mean you have to humiliate your opponent to make your talent look better. An individual's goals shouldn't be above team goals in most cases, and everyone should understand their roles. It's a lot to ask people to sacrifice of themselves and check their ego at the door for the better good, but when it comes together, the results can be amazing.
And that's why I don't necessarily care that much if people don't respect the Trail Blazers. They are doing things the right way, and the results are showing on the court, and slowly but surely the big secret out northwest is being exposed. And having a team that you can love and respect at the end of the day is the most amazing thing a sports fan can ask for.
The Portland Trail Blazers are 23 and 15 after their game versus the Boston Celtics tonight, who hold the best record in the NBA at 31 wins and 6 losses. The Celtics have three great players, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, easily some of the best talent collected on a team and these guys are on their way to the Hall of Fame at some point. The young Trail Blazers could have walked in there and been intimidated and lost, and for the first few minutes of the game, it looked like they were overwhelmed a bit. But when shots started falling and the team made a few defensive stops in the second quarter, they found their game and went up by 9. They lead at the half, and kept things going until Ray Allen finally got heated up and the Celtics' aggressive play combined with some unusual official calls, the team finally succumbed and lost by 10. The game was much closer than the score indicates, but that probably won't be the story tomorrow. Instead of a team that has surpassed a lot of expectations and doing things not expected of a team this young, the stories will probably focus on the Celtics getting back on track after losing two games.
It's sad really, and Canzano makes a very valid point here. The Trail Blazers are absolutely though highly of by the NBA and some of the writers that follow the team, but they aren't respected very much and are still thought of as "over their head". I mean when sportswriters or other NBA media folks refer to Bo Outlaw for Travis Outlaw, LeMarcus for LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Olden for Greg Oden, it slaps in the face of disrespect here. Most media places have fact checkers in place, but to make fundamental mistakes like this doesn't make sense unless you don't respect what this team is doing.
I can see why they might be saying that. We don't have a true All Star on the team, even though Brandon Roy should be on the team. His numbers don't leap off the page, he just leads by making others better which often doesn't show up in the stats page. LaMarcus is getting better and better with each game, showing great defensive presence and an ability to hit shots from all over the court. Steve Blake, Jarrett Jack, Sergio Rodriguez and James Jones have all played integral roles making outside shots, key rebounds, and making great passes. Martell Webster has grown up this year, going from a timid outside shooter to a truly complimentary small forward. And Joel Pryzbilla, Channing Frye and Raef LaFrentz have manned the middle, playing tough defense and getting key rebounds as needed. None of these guys is a true NBA household name, you don't see their sneaker ads on TV, you don't have NBA commentators blathering on about how good they are all the time, and playing on the West Coast means most games out here are done while the East Coast sleeps.
The thing is that the team is great because of the sum of their parts. Yes, no one individually in that group strikes you as amazing, but put the collection together, let them play hard and help each other along, and behold - great things happen. Guys step up as needed, hitting game winning shots, making key defensive stops, scoring when other players are down, it ends up being a true team effort. And if that doesn't scream respect, I don't know what does.
But too many people think respect means doing things flashy or humiliating your opponent to make yourself look better. It's hard for me to watch some of the so called great NBA players, because it's all about what they do to make themselves look better and pad their own statistics. Kobe Bryant may be a great NBA player, but he's the epitome of a selfish ball player who has little interest in making his teammates better around him while he's chucking up shots. He may have NBA titles but I can't respect a player who selfishly thinks of himself before the team.
To me, respect means making your teammates better and looking at the overall goal above anything else, and avoid being caught up in the trash talking, ego game that seems to be prevolent in sports. I have never been a fan of trash talking, although that could be due to my team sports experience participating in Track and Cross Country, the ultimate non-trash talking sports around. You just don't see a lot of trash talking running around a circle multiple times or running a long distance course where you may not see a crowd until the start/finish area. But to me, all trash talking does is mean you have to humiliate your opponent to make your talent look better. An individual's goals shouldn't be above team goals in most cases, and everyone should understand their roles. It's a lot to ask people to sacrifice of themselves and check their ego at the door for the better good, but when it comes together, the results can be amazing.
And that's why I don't necessarily care that much if people don't respect the Trail Blazers. They are doing things the right way, and the results are showing on the court, and slowly but surely the big secret out northwest is being exposed. And having a team that you can love and respect at the end of the day is the most amazing thing a sports fan can ask for.
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