Rowdy, Proud, & Loud--It's Award/Thank You Time

As you know, for months, I've been consumed with my Dallas Mavericks run for the championship.  I've loved them for as long as I can remember, so with each game, each win, the anticipation, excitement, and nervousness increased to levels I can only assume reached some unknown stratosphere.

Sunday night, the run ended in spectacular fashion with the Dallas Mavs winning their very first NBA Championship.  It was truly a dream season.

I've been so incredibly touched by how many of you supported my devotion to my team, which included some hot-under-the-collar posts about, oh, you know, one-sided announcers, people who constantly put my Mavs down, etc. From the seriously giddy to the rather emotional moments, y'all were there, supporting me and my Mavs, and I want to thank you.

The fact that you even pulled for my Mavs...well, that just meant the world to me. As corny as it sounds, I kinda like to think the Mavs could feel all of the support coming their way.

So, for all of you who put up with my Mavs-sporty-gal posts...this is just a little something for you. The Rowdy, Proud, & Loud Award...well, really it's just a thank you.

With love from a Mavericks' fan.

Somnia, Jewels, Eva (even though you don't accept awards...since this is really just a big thank you, I figured you might not mind too much), Aubree, Chanel, Yvonne, Oilfield Trash, Carole, kitkat, Mrs. B, Chocolateangel, Jack of Diamonds, Not The Hero, George, David (even though he didn't pull for my Mavs, he's a basketball fan and a good sport).

If I missed anyone, I'm sorry--you know who you are and you know I love ya to bits!

Rules? None. This is simply a thank you...a blogging hug of sorts. There are no rules with thank yous. Hugs to you all...

...and, one last time this season...

GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!

Stereotype Slayer #14: Virgins Will Purposely Hold Back

Since I'm still in post-Mavs championship euphoria, I feel the need for some simple stereotype slayer action. However, I must say, I've made some rather startling discoveries during the course of this championship run regarding sports and hormones...another post for another day.

Stereotype: "Virgins will purposely hold back because they've been used to not letting go sexually."

This one will be very short and sweet.

If anything, when a virgin is unleashed for the first time...holding back will be the LAST thing on her mind, I assure you.

Shyness and nervousness aside...

...Darlin', when I decide to save a horse and ride a cowboy...it's on.

Stereotype #14: SLAYED (with ease).

THE DALLAS MAVERICKS ARE NBA CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!

The DALLAS MAVERICKS have won their first NBA Championship!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The happy tears are streaming down my face, just like I knew they would. Ooooh, I'm a little emotional right now!!!

Words cannot describe how incredibly happy I am for my Mavs, for Dirk, for Kidd, for Terry, for Mark Cuban, for Don Carter...for everyone devoted to this team.

Mark Cuban--thank you. We are remarkably fortunate he is our owner. His passion and devotion to the Mavs, to the fans, and to Dallas...well, you can't put into words how much that means. He's a special, special human being.  I think just about every Mavs' fan felt the sting of tears when Mark Cuban requested the presentation of the trophy be made to Don Carter, the founder of the Dallas Mavericks.  It was an incredibly touching moment.  The tears in Mr. Carter's eyes said it all--beautiful moment.

Rick Carlisle coached a phenomenal series.

Dirk was named MVP, and rightly so. He's our humble warrior and a gift to basketball. It is a privilege to watch him play, and an absolute joy to see him as an NBA champion.

JET...it's a beautiful thing to watch him fly.

Jason Kidd finally has his championship. Amazing player!

Every single player on this team deserves ALL the credit in the world.

Tonight, the Dallas Mavericks quieted all those who refused to recognize and respect them. They showed what it means to be a champion:

hard work,
unselfish play,
overcoming adversity,
dealing with naysayers in a classy manner, 
never giving up,
standing together as one team, and
playing with the most powerful tool of all--heart.

No one gave the Mavs a chance against the Lakers. Mavs swept them.

No one gave the Mavs a chance against the Heat. Mavs beat them, winning the last 3 straight games. (Might I add, we beat them handily tonight, 105-95.  The Heat looked rather frazzled.  Did that sound a little "ha ha, in your face?" I don't mean it like that...*bats baby blues*...well, maybe a little bit).

No one thought the Mavs could win a championship. Mavs are the champions.

Let me tell y'all something...the fans BELIEVED. I believed. We never stopped.  Never. 

I'm so VERY, VERY proud of this team.

Now, if y'all will excuse me, I really must wipe the tears and go shopping--lots to buy...let's see, I need a Mavs championship t-shirt, a hat, the DVD...

WAY TO GO MAVS!!!! LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE THE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!

DALLAS MAVERICKS WIN GAME 5 AGAINST THE HEAT!!!!!! LEAD SERIES 3-2

ONE MORE!!! ONE MORE!!! ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *my bouncing has definitely reached new heights...much like my blood pressure*

In another absolutely fantastic game, the Mavs defeated the Heat 112-103.

I. Can't. Breathe. Literally.

I'm so darn PROUD of my Mavs. PROUD. 

NOTE: LeBron and Wade made fun of Dirk ON VIDEO (Go to the 1:00 mark) for being sick. They began coughing in their shirts, and Wade looked around at LeBron, saying he thinks he's sick or getting sick. Really mature, there, fellas. Expected more from y'all. Dirk hasn't done a damn thing to warrant that.  He hasn't trash-talked.  He hasn't done anything...but beat you on the court, of course. It's called basketball.

NOTE: Prior to tonight's game, TMZ reported that Miami fans were purchasing voodoo dolls to help their team win. They ended the article with the following: "Lucky for the Heat, they probably won't need the extra help."

***Dallas is now up 3-2. One win away. Yet, people are STILL saying the Heat is a better team than the Mavs. You know what? Let 'em. You'd have to be a stubborn jacka** (pardon my language) not to see the greatness of the Mavericks.

There, I feel better. 

Now...

How are you feeling Dirk? ;) What hurt finger? What temperature? The man is a legend. No question. 

JJ was playing like he was 10 ft. tall!!!

Can we say 3 pointers??? Jason Terry and Jason Kidd closed this game with HUGE 3 pointers. JET! JET! JET!

The Mavs played TOUGH, FAST, and with HEART!! They mixed it up, gave Miami some different looks, and left everything on the court. 

God Bless, I LOVE my team!!! I'll go to battle for 'em any day of the week!  ONE more, Mavs...ONE more.

There's nothing more powerful: HEART, FAITH, &  BELIEVE!!!!!!

GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DALLAS MAVERICKS WIN GAME 4 AGAINST THE HEAT!!!!!! TIES SERIES 2-2

Dear Lord, I'm not adult enough for this! Insane basketball!!!

Question: HOW can ANYONE in their right mind say the Dallas Mavericks are outmatched by the Heat?

4 games, all close, and a tied series. However this series turns out, it's time for people to eat their words and recognize the Mavericks as one helluva talented team...one that is just as good as the Heat. Come on. Grow some and man-up to all who downed my Mavs. 

Dirk.  Our beloved Dirk.  He played bad-sick tonight, fighting through a 101-102 temperature. Doctors unsuccessfully tried to bring his temp down prior to the game. Chandler said they watched him and he was barely able to talk because of the wheezing and coughing.  I confess, I got a little teary watching him battle on--he's a humble warrior.  The rest of the team stepped up and gave him the support he needed.

Terry, Chandler, JJ, Kidd, Stevenson...everyone played GRITTY-TOUGH.

Mavs bench outscored the Heat bench, 28-15. 

This team played a phenomenal defensive 4th quarter--I mean, did y'all see that? It was about as perfect as you can get, forcing Heat turnovers and holding Miami to 14. 

At the very end, it appeared as though Terry looked up at Dirk and said, "I got you." THIS is a team. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again...it all comes down to heart. There is nothing more powerful than heart and believing.  Nothing. 

BELIEVE.

*slightly teary-eyed* GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wedding Weirdness

Mavs lose, and a bad day is sure to follow…the kind you wish would hurry up and end so you can go home, grab some ice cream, curl up in your favorite chair, and watch some guilty pleasure movie, like Dance With Me.

Here are the high points (low points?):

In the course of random conversation with people I barely knew, the topic of weddings came up.  Hardly surprising considering it’s the month of June--the unofficial wedding month--where every girly station like WE, Lifetime, and TLC, airs enough I Do shows to make The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man explode. 

I’m a hopeless romantic, y’all know that, but weddings have never been a fantastic fantasy in my life. This, as I learned, instantly shoves me into the “You are so doomed” category.

Here’s why:

-I haven’t had my ideal wedding planned since I was a little girl.

-I don’t have THE dress already in mind.  An idea, maybe, but certainly nothing set in stone.

-I don’t buy bridal magazines and keep clippings in a box with hand painted flowers and hearts. (I’ve never even held a bridal magazine)

-I don’t have a dream venue; I haven’t chosen my colors (again, an idea, maybe); I don’t have music or flowers picked out.

-I wouldn’t force my bridesmaids to wear something they don’t want to wear—no single style dress/outfit; no single color, etc. If they want strapless, cool! If they want a little jacket, cool!

-I’ve never tried on a wedding gown (Um, is this really something a single woman does?)

Bride Enthusiast: “Didn’t you know it’s bad luck not to pre-plan your wedding?”

Me, amused: “Interesting. And here I thought it was bad luck if the groom sees the bride before the wedding.”

Bride Girl: “Will you take this seriously, please? This isn’t good!  You're jinxing yourself!”

Me, grinning: “Well…I know I don’t want fancy, frou-frou food. I want down-home cooking that everyone will love. Does that count?”

They weren't convinced.

Guess I don’t have the cart-before-the-horse mentality. I don’t begrudge anybody who plans their wedding in advance of an engagement…or a groom…(it’s kinda cute and hopeful, really), but, good grief, don’t say it’s oh-so-bad luck for me because I never did the same.  

Here’s the deal: I don’t define love by a single day event where you wear an unmanageable white dress that is certain to get slopped on by day’s end. For me, it’s about two people who somehow find each other through this unbelievable chaos called dating.

Reckon I just value the love part more; the wedding part, to me, isn’t meant to be stressful—it’s meant to be enjoyed. A bridezilla, I would most definitely NOT be. It’s not my nature. If you’re lucky enough to find a lifetime love, then the wedding is just white icing on the chocolate cake…at least to me (Huh. Looks like I subconsciously have the cake part picked out anyway).

So, after the Bridal Brigade, I didn’t think the things could get much worse.

I was wrong.

My phone is totally PMSing. She refused to make calls, refused to take calls, and denied me my voice mail. She begrudgingly let me text. Little b*&^%.  I had to call (on another phone) to see if I can fix my phone’s funk.

Following the automated voice stuff, I dutifully fulfilled my button pushing role until something went massively wrong.  It asked me to punch in the number of the phone I was calling about (which, of course, wasn’t the one I was calling from). So, I punched in my cranky phone’s number and heard this:

“You chose to pay 1 million blah blah blah…”  Her voice kept reading numbers and my brain went into freeze mode, while my body starting sweating profusely.

I WHAT?! No, I absolutely DID NOT.

I ended the call immediately, not even letting her finish the endless number reading.

“Thanks a lot, you useless piece of PMSing metal!”

What followed was me trying not to channel the horse in Animal House, all while shaking, dialing, glaring at my problem phone, talking, and getting everything resolved—hopefully. The person I talked with said there must be a problem with the automated system.

See, this is why I don’t use GPS. Dang thing would send me straight off a pier, into the ocean, and down the mouth of a whale.

The day ended with a massive headache and an ice bag.   

Mavs, I really, really need you to win. 

Dallas Mavericks Lose Game 3 To The Heat :(

You wanted a good series? You've got a good series.  AWESOME game tonight! Unfortunately, the Mavs came up a little short, losing 88-86. The Heat take the series lead 2-1.

Ugh, this hurts like heck. I just love my team so much! I hate seeing them lose, particularly when they work so hard and play so incredibly tough.

I don't think I need to discuss the announcers--slanted, once again. Shock, right? The MUTE button is getting a workout.

Let me say this: For all who said--and continue to say--the Dallas Mavericks were no match for the Miami Heat, you were/are wrong. Even with turnovers and missed opportunities, this team stays right with the mighty Miami Heat. How can anyone say this Mavs team is anything other than GREAT?

Just saw someone say the Heat is "more talented and will dominate." Wow. After three CLOSE games and people can still say that. Pathetic, untrue, and really poor sportsmanship. Frankly, I think they are evenly matched. 

To win this series, we'll have to do it in Miami.  Miami hoisted that trophy, Game 6, in Dallas, in 2006...maybe it's time for a reversal of fortune.

GO GET 'EM NEXT GAME! Y'all will be just fine!!!!!! Mavs fans don't give up and we don't get down!!! WE BELIEVE!!!!! Let's do this in spectacular fashion, MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DALLAS MAVERICKS WIN GAME 2 AGAINST THE HEAT!!!!!! TIES SERIES 1-1

Bounce! Cry! Bounce! Cry! Bounce! Pass Out.

After all of Miami's showboating and celebratory posing in front of the Dallas bench, it was truly beautiful to watch my Mavs calmly and professionally take it to the Heat. 

Hard play, Mavs! Hard play! Down 15 and what did the Mavs do? They got the GRRRRRRRRR and took it to 'em. And they said we wouldn't be able to come back against the Heat!!! Beg to differ. Come on, respect people! They've EARNED it.

I had to watch the game muted, yet again. Perhaps the ABC commentators should seek positions on on the Heat's PR team. Honestly, why cover a game if you are going to sniff up the backsides of one team and completely disrespect the other? They got there the same way the Heat did.  By the way these announcers talk, you would think the Mavs merely won a lottery to get to the Finals, while the Heat earned their way in.

Soooooo, I just have one thing to say to the commentators: HOW DO YOU LIKE US NOW? *Cue Toby Keith* (This may reek of snottiness, and I am sorry if it does, but I WILL defend my team). 

Dallas held the Heat to 5 points in seven minutes. I'd say that's defense.

We came back from a 15 point deficit in the 4th.  I'd say that's offense. 

After sinking a 3 pointer, Dirk hit the game winner...with his left hand (you know, the injured one). I'd say that's hardcore heart. 

This Mavs team is a damn good team. Marion had an amazing night. Dirk and Terry closed it. We made the tweaks we needed--we out rebounded Miami and our bench outscored theirs (23-11).

Tweaks for game 3: Eliminate turnovers. Now, let's put these turnovers into perspective: We gave the Heat points--practically handed them 31 points...AND STILL we won on their court. THAT says something, folks.

HEART. That's where you find greatness.

Get Rowdy, Proud, And Loud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dallas, we're COMING HOME!!!!

GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dale, Dirk, and Dragons

Dirk: So, I reckon y'all know my Dallas Mavericks lost game 1 of the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat. Tonight is game 2.  I'm trying to remind myself to exhale.  When I look back at the game, I see areas the Mavs need to tweak (they're masters at tweaking), but overall they were right there with the Heat (until the 4th, really). 

Dirk has torn tendons in his left middle finger (yeah, the bird.  Ironic, huh?).  He's not too worried about it--you think anything is going to stop this man? Not a chance.

Dale: It was the sputter heard 'round the world...well, at least around NASCAR...and Earnhardt Nation.  On the very last lap of the race Sunday at Charlotte, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was leading the race--you could hear the roar of fans; my house was coming unglued.  As he came around the final turn, finish line in sight, his car slowed.  He was out of gas *THIS CLOSE* to the finish line. I can only describe it as crushing. I just felt so bad for him. Okay, okay, I was a little weepy.  He wound up finishing 7th, so it was still a great finish, but I really hate his gas tank.

After the race, he was so upbeat and just so...positive...he's a good guy.  You can't help but like him. 

Dragons: So, after Dale's demon gas tank, Dallas' loss, and Dirk's torn bird finger, I decided to watch a movie about Dragons.  What is it with me and things that start with "D?" Anyway, have you seen the movie How To Train Your Dragon? OMGoodness!!!! If you haven't and are looking for a fun escape--this is it.

The film follows a very un-Viking, Viking boy named Hiccup, who simply does not conform to traditional Viking ways. While everyone else strives to slay "evil" dragons, Hiccup befriends them and opens the eyes of all his fellow Vikings. 

The film holds a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and I can absolutely see why.

I'm completely in love with this film--it's funny, smart, beautiful, and uplifting.  The message is clear: Don't judge a book by its cover and never discard someone just because they're different. Warning: You will surely laugh, you may shed a tear or two, and you may very well feel compelled to applaud. 

Dallas Mavericks Lose Game 1 To The Heat :(

Well, that was painful.

The game was close...until the second half.

I have a couple of observations that I'm not afraid to make and I really could care less if people disagree with me (sorry, I'm cranky):

1. Dear refs:  please get glasses and stop checking your ethics at the door. There were some seriously piss poor phantom calls on the Mavs...and the Heat, for that matter. ***I'M NOT SAYING THE REFS GAVE THIS GAME TO MIAMI, SO PLEASE DON'T JUMP ALL OVER ME*** I'm well aware who had more FT.  All I'm saying is this: Questionable officiating was one of our downfalls in 2006 and I really don't want to see another series, whichever way it goes, tainted by the refs.  Just sayin'.

2. Anyone I know who is a Mavs fan quite literally had to mute the game due to certain announcers constantly slobbering over their opponent. It was like this against Portland, Lakers, OKC, and now the Heat.  Only when the Mavs win do they actually get the recognition and respect they deserve and this fan is damn sick of it.  The Mavs would not be where they are, in the Finals, if they were not a damn good team. If you saw (and heard) how people down the Mavs, even though they have had a masterful playoff run...well, you'd be damn mad, too! (I'm sayin' damn too much.  Oh well.  I'm cranky!  And I'm gonna defend my team!)

I'm not trying to take anything away from the Heat--they played a helluva game tonight. The Heat's bench was flawless, they hit more 3 pointers, their defense was sound, etc.

The Mavs need to rebound better, we MUST hit more 3s, our bench needs to bring it, and we need to go back to lights out basketball--that high intensity, non-stop, aggressive, GRRRR, ya know?

Bottom Line: It's a long series. Make some adjustments and take it to 'em. 

GO GRRRRR and we'll be just fine.  I know they don't want second place--none of us want that for them.  BUT, making it all the way to the finals is quite an achievement. So, yeah, I'm doing the Pollyanna bit here, looking on the bright side and all. 

My belief: THEY CAN DO THIS!!!! COME ON MAVS!!!! TAKE IT TO 'EM GAME 2!!!!!!!! I don't give up easily, and neither will they. The Mavs were the underdogs from the start.  I've always liked being the underdog...makes you less noticed and better poised for attack.  Perhaps the loss tonight will actually work to our advantage...hmmm.  There's a thought.  Underdogs UNITE!!!!!!!

This ain't over...it's only just beginning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOTE: Sorry about the big blank space...for whatever reason, I can't delete it. Ugh. :/

DALLAS MAVERICKS ARE FINALS BOUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pardon me for a moment. I'm about to lose my composure and act like an absolute idiot.

Excited! So excited! Ridiculously excited! Must bounce! 

*Jump! Bounce! Higher! Bounce! Higher!*

Time to work the bum in lights out fashion! 

*Shakin' the bum! Shake it! Shake it! Doin' the Beyonce booty dance! Yeah! Yeah!*

Ah, feel better now.

(Don't think I didn't do exactly that immediately following the game, either...um...'cause I did.).

With my hands shaking and my pacing growing more extreme, I watched my Mavs, yet again, be the comeback kids and suck the wind right out of the Thunder, winning 100-96.

Much credit to the Thunder--there is no doubt they will be one heck of a force in years to come. I expect to see them back in the playoffs next year.

But, for now...

The Dallas Mavericks are heading to the NBA Finals.  Whoop! Whoop! Aw, yeah, I'm bringin' out the whoop!

Dirk, Marion, JJ, Kidd, Terry, and the whole blessed team played not only with talent--that's a given--but with heart.  SO PROUD OF THEM!!!!

So, who will Dallas meet in the Finals? Well, it will either be the Bulls or the Heat.  Right now, it looks like the Miami Heat, which means it will be a 2006 Finals rematch (the Heat won, but we won't talk about that).

I know it's going to be tough, whoever we face, but right now...I want to bask in this feeling...

Then...

Let's go get 'em!

GO MAVS!!!!!!!!

Amazing, Thy Name Is Dallas...The Mavericks Win Game 4.

Oh. I. Love. My. Mavs.

There is no question OKC had control of this game from the start.  They literally pounded us all over the damn court. All Mavs' fans could hope was for the young Thunder to wear themselves out early and for the veteran Dallas team to close it out and show them how it's done.  

OKC didn't tire.  Neither did the Mavs.  In fact, they found another cylinder.

Can we say:  Dirk.  Dirk.  Dirk. The man is humble magic (the very best kind). 40 points. The shots he made...unreal.  If you saw the game, I don't need to say a thing. If you didn't...you missed something special--something that words simply could not do justice.  I'll just say this: MVP.

The Thunder led by 15 points with just over 4 minutes to play.  What happened next is something of basketball urban legend.  Mavericks came back.  Mavericks forced OT.  Mavericks won 112-105 and lead the series 3-1 as they head back to Dallas. 

How did I handle this game? Ha, well, pretty much as I do every other game--I pace while my heart rate reaches the danger zone.

However, there was one slight difference tonight. When Dirk was at the line to tie this thing up, I began saying the following: "Ooooh! Oh my! Ooooh, come on! There it is! Yes!"

So, I unwittingly made pleasure sounds while watching the Mavs.  That's new.  Perhaps sports (well, wins by my teams) act as my aphrodisiac and I turn into Aphrodite! Ooh, I like that.

ONE MORE WIN...and the Mavs are in the Finals!!! GO MAVS!!!!!!!

DALLAS MAVERICKS WIN GAME 3 AGAINST THUNDER!

Lord, give me strength! I tell y'all, this series is going to test my very last nerve. While up by more than 20, that pesky (translation: super talented) Thunder group clawed to within single digits.  Thought I was gonna hurl. 

Thankfully, the Mavs held them off and won 93-87.

Dirk had an off night (he's human, folks), but he still came through in the clutch to help hold off the Thunder. 

We won't talk about the refs.

Overall, our defense played much better, setting the tone of the game in the first half.  Though the second half was tough, the Mavs pushed through, made some big plays, and earned the win.

Next need for furious back and forth pacing: Monday, 9 p.m. EST. 

Big sports day overall:

Horse Racing--Animal Kingdom came up just short in the Preakness, losing to Shackleford. No chance for a Triple Crown this year. Still, it was a beautiful stretch run by Animal Kingdom, considering how far he had to come.

NASCAR: Carl Edwards won the Sprint All-Star race tonight, earning a cool million dollars in the process.

Well, I've worn a groove in the floor, made my throat hoarse, and had a soda (very bad).  Time to remove myself from the ceiling and relax...with water.

Dallas Mavericks Lose Game 2. :(

I knew it.

How did I know it?  Because had they won, it would have been a perfect evening. 

First: We have an all country American Idol finale (I know some people don't like country, but I'm elated to see a country music showdown for the first time on Idol).  Scotty and Lauren will battle it out, southern style.

Second: The Bones season finale was beyond perfect. I won't give away any spoilers, but if you love Booth and Bones together, you loved this finale. And yes, I cried. Couldn't help it. It was so very sweet. The look on Booth's face. Sigh.

The last thing that would have made this night absolutely perfect would have been my Dallas Mavericks winning, which is why I feared they wouldn't.  Murphy's Law.  I hate Murphy! *stomps foot*

Yeah, okay, I'm a little whiny. I told y'all I take my sports seriously!

This may very well be a close series, given how these teams have played each other these first two games...and I may physically gag myself into oblivion.

It's okay. *breathing into brown paper sack* We have a long series to go. *GAG*  It's only one game.  *slightly calmer* We'll get 'em next time.  *tiny gag, followed by grrrr*

DALLAS MAVERICKS WIN GAME 1 AGAINST THUNDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phew! Good game...a little too good at times, according to my nervy tummy.

The Mavericks rusty? Nah. The Thunder simply would not go away--they kept coming and coming--but the Mavs kicked into another gear. 

JJ Barea. Did you see those shots? Unreal!  He's so much fun to watch! JJ put up 21 points tonight.  Jason Terry made a big three towards the end, scoring 24 on the night.

Shawn Marion is a soldier.  After taking an elbow to the nose, Marion writhed in pain on the court, yet marched right back out there once the trainer cleaned (and plugged) him up. 

The highlight of the night had to be Dirk: 24 of 24 free throws; 48 total points; 4 blocks.  Tonight, Dirk set an NBA playoff record for free throws made without a miss (24).  Tonight, Dirk showed, yet again, why he is one of the best players in the history of the game.  For me, he's an absolute joy to watch play...wish I could shake his hand.

What could this feeling be? Might it be...satisfied? Yes, I do believe it is...but I want more. I'm being a little saucy tonight, huh? Hormones and sports--interesting combo.

Game 2 will be Thursday at 9 EST.

GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

True Blood Tuesday: Season 4 Trailers!!

After successfully defeating the absentee sandman and getting some sleep last night, I am ready for the Mavs.

But, first...

True Blood fans, are you ready for TWO brand new fangtastic trailers?






Now, if y'all will excuse me, I really must go shake my bum to some booty-movin' music...it's part of my pre-game warm-up routine.  I count it as exercise.  I'm so very disciplined. 

Dallas Mavericks, Dale Earnhardt Jr., & Boston Rob

Dallas Mavericks: The Dallas Mavericks will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. The Mavs will have home court advantage in the series.  The winner of this series will play for the championship.  *oooh, slight stomach churn*  Game One will be Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Today was another top 15 run for Dale (finishing 12th)...almost a top ten.  He ran well the entire race.  Though I know he would rather get those wins--and fans would LOVE to see him get those wins--racing consistently well is key, and the whole 88 team is doing that beautifully.  He's still 4th in points.  The wins are coming...I know it.

Survivor: Whether you like Boston Rob or not, the guy is undeniably the best to ever play this game. 

A couple of my favorite players were coined heroes in the game of Survivor: Colby Donaldson and Rupert Boneham (who I always called Hagrid).  They were labeled heroes because of their good-guy game play and amazing likability. 

Boston Rob, however, has been permanently placed in the villain vat of Survivor players.  And you know what? I like the guy. There have been some despicable players in the history of survivor, but Boston Rob simply isn't one of them.  Why?  I dunno.  Maybe it's how he talks--he is who he is, whether in the game or in real life (an example of which occurred on Survivor: All Stars when he proposed to fellow contestant, and Survivor winner, Amber).  I truly believe he can separate the game from real life, whereas I question the same of other contestants.

Normally, I don't like the it's just a game philosophy to excuse deplorable, deceitful game strategy.  Personally, I could never play this game.  Aside from the whole lack of soap, shampoo, razor, toothpaste, floss, and, well, a toilet, I absolutely could not play the game backstabbing others for money.  Still, I like Rob. What's up with that?

You may not agree with his tactics, but you have to admit, the man is absolutely unique...not to mention entertaining and funny as heck. 

10 years, 4 games, 117 days, and Boston Rob finally wins the game of Survivor.  Congratulations to Boston Rob, a true game-player, the sole survivor, and the best to really play this game. 

One thing is certain, Survivor won't be the same without Boston Rob.

Dating & Post-Game Reactions

Dating: I haven't been in the dating game for a while now.  Really not wanting another Mr. Bo Tangles or past-life werewolf.  I know I need to get back into the cesspool that is dating, but, honestly, I really don't know how to meet a *cough* normal man who is actually looking for something more extraordinary than a one-night-stand or temporary love. Sigh. There has to be another soul somewhere out there looking for something special in this big old world. 

New music favorites: Have you heard the song Without You, by Keith Urban? It's about his wife, Nicole Kidman--it's a beautiful song...makes the single heart hurt a little, but still...it's beautiful. :)

Post-Game Reaction: The day after euphoria lingers, but there are some bubble-bursting folks all primed and ready for the next round. So, I thought it might be kind-of fun to share some feedback with y'all.

Happy/Funny Feedback: (please keep in mind, some are Lakers-haters--I'm sorry to any Lakers' fans in advance for their comments).

"Yay! Ding-dong, Lakers are done!"
"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!" (sing-song voice)
"Mavs, all the way!"
"Damn, not a Mavs' fan, but they were monsters out there."
"Might have been wrong about those Mavericks after all."

Bubble-Bursting Feedback: (some are Lakers' fans; some are Mavericks-haters).

"Yeah, they'll get swept next round.  Sorry."
"Mavs will self-destruct before it's over."
"Enjoy it now. They're going to choke."
"You do know they didn't just win a title, right? They are going down."
"Big deal.  They beat the Lakers.  It's not like they've won the whole thing."

So, did the bubble-bursting folks actually burst my euphoric bubble? Nope, not in the least. See, we fans know it's a long road to the championship, but this series win was huge. They were the underdog.  No one gave them a chance against the Lakers.  This is a big deal. To me, the Mavs looked like one hungry team. They want it, and I hope for all it's worth they can bring this thing on home. I know they'll give it their all.

How did I respond to the sourpusses? I simply smiled.  It's amazing how a simple little smile can unnerve (and effectively quiet) a sourpuss.

DALLAS MAVERICKS SWEEP LAKERS 4-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dallas, 122
Lakers, 86

With raucous cheers and even a happy tear in my eye (I know, I know, I couldn't help it), my mom (who got a little teary-eyed as well...see, it runs in the family), dad, and I watched our Dallas Mavericks sweep the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in spectacular fashion. I couldn't imagine a better time to watch our Mavs advance to the Western Conference Finals than on Mother's Day.

From the start, this game felt different...magical, even. The long-range shooting was something to behold. Jason Terry had a mind-numbing nine 3-pointers. The Mavs were 20 of 32, tying an NBA record for the most 3-pointers in a playoff game. Beautiful stuff.

I'm proud of how the Mavs maintained their cool when Odom took a cheap shot at Dirk and, again, after Bynum speared an airborne Barea, sending him hard to the floor. Really? Absolutely ridiculous to tarnish the game in that way. I believe it was Tirico who called the hit on Barea "disgusting."  It was a scary few moments, watching him motionless on the court, but, thankfully, he's okay.

Odom and Bynum were ejected from the game for their dirty play.  Kobe Bryant, both during and after the game, was a class act--maybe Odom and Bynum need to take a page from his playbook.

Mark Cuban--he looked so happy and proud of his team! Love how he loves the Mavs.

The whole team played with such heart...I gotta say it...I'm gonna say it...sorry in advance...

I love you, Mavs--always will, win or lose.

Um, I kinda want to hug 'em all. *hides ever-blushing cheeks*

Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there! Much love and respect for all you do!

WAY TO GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DALLAS MAVERICKS WIN GAME 3!!!!!! I Need Oxygen.

*insert embarrassingly girly squeal* Sorry about that. 

Dallas is up 3-0 in the series.  You know what this means? One more and we move to the next round. One more. ONE MORE. *seriously, breathe*

The Lakers had the momentum in the 4th.  No question.  I kept thinking, the sleeping giant is awake, followed by dig, Mavs, dig deep, you can do this.  Of course I was saying all of this while guzzling sweet iced tea (not as bad as soda, though, right?).

No chocolate tonight. Literally could not chew. Far too anxious.

So, what do the Mavs do? They dig...deep.  Three-pointers, free-throw shooting, Dirk, our bench, our coach, and just the whole darn team--playing with so much guts and heart and...and...and I LOVE THEM!!!

Sorry, again, for the girly show of emotion. 

As a fan, I desperately want to see my Mavs win a championship, it's true, but more than that...I want this team to win a championship...I want Dirk to win a championship (this man--this humble legend--deserves to win so badly)...I want Mark Cuban to win a championship (he's more than an owner--he has such passion for this team, for Dallas, for the fans--you can't help but want to see him hoisting that trophy).

If the Mavs can keep this level of intensity going...

GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!