Fantasy Sports

With the end of Fantasy basketball now closed it is the end of another disappointing year. This year I had two fantasy football teams and a fantasy basketball team.

The Yahoo team was great. I ended up winning the championship over the league manager. I had a stacked team and made a big move that showed to be very crucial down the line. I pretty much dominating the  league losing in week one and a few other weeks with some bad match-ups for my players (bye weeks). I made good pick ups week to week and with only 10 teams in the league to was crucial  to have all positions solid since the free agency pool was fairly deep.

The big Trade (Before RG3 got hurt): RG3 and Gore for AP and Spiller.

Robert Griffin III (Was - QB) P Player Note Frank Gore (SF - RB) P No new player Notes	Trade
	Adrian Peterson (Min - RB) P Player Note C.J. Spiller (Buf - RB) P No new player Notes

Starting Team:

1.	(2)	Tom Brady(NE - QB)
2.	(19)	Maurice Jones-Drew(Jac - RB)
3.	(22)	Roddy White(Atl - WR)
4.	(39)	Tony Gonzalez(Atl - TE)
5.	(42)	San Francisco(SF - DEF)
6.	(59)	Frank Gore(SF - RB)
7.	(62)	Vincent Jackson(TB - WR)
8.	(79)	Robert Griffin III(Was - QB)
9.	(82)	Darrius Heyward-Bey(Ind - WR)
10.	(99)	Stephen Gostkowski(NE - K)
11.	(102)	Jacquizz Rodgers(Atl - RB)
12.	(119)	Dustin Keller(Mia - TE)
13.	(122)	Santana Moss(Was - WR)
14.	(139)	Toby Gerhart(Min - RB)
15.	(142)	Mario Manningham(SF - WR)

Final Roster:
Davone Bess
Justin Blackmon
Tom Brady
Michael Crabtree
Tony Gonzalez
Vincent Jackson
Brandon Myers
Carson Palmer
Adrian Peterson
C.J. Spiller
Roddy White
David Wilson
Stephen Gostkowski
Indianapolis
San Francisc

In the ESPN league it was messy. We had a lot of teams (12) which made for thin teams, It was hard to get a solid team together. I made it into the payoff but made a quick exit. Half the league ended with the same record of 7-6. Maybe next year when we eliminate the snake draft.

Basketball which just ended was the biggest disappointment of them all. I had the hands down best team but due to paying more attention to fantasy football in the beginning of the season I took a few Ls I shouldn't have. This made me have to make a big push to end the season to make it into the playoff. I ended up with the #1 Seed but all 4 playoff teams had the same record of 13-6. I drew the #4 team and he ended up having his biggest week of the season and was the eventual overall champ. Looking at the stats even though my team had the most points on the year I had more points against then the two in the final. Actually , the two in the finals ranked low overall in PF but had low PA. This just shows how much luck of the draw is in fantasy. Not to take anything away from either GM as they both optimized their schedule and roster.

Well, it was fun. Win or lose it is always fun because the leagues are made of good friends and it makes sure we stay in contact on the regular....... No to start preparations for Fantasy football. Who should be my first pick in this years draft?

2 Games, 2 Birthdays, a holiday, family all in One week

Holiday & Family

It was nice to be home for Thanksgiving. I got to spend time with both of my nieces, my sister and my mother. It was fairly uneventful. I went to the park & played a little ball with my niece. I  helped cook dinner (Mac & Cheese, Mashed potatoes). Mom made the Turkey & mixed Veggie. As you can see below my niece made the deserts and set the table.  My godson was in town and I got to spend some time with him. Nothing like family time.

Two birthday celebrations and a basketball game

I got to celebrate the birthdays of two people very close to me. We started off with a little singing for Sam. We followed that up with the basket ball game.  My step bad, Sam, B and I all went. An ATL win over the Clips surprised us all. After that me and the two birthday people went out to Harlem Knight Lounge. Had a few drinks (I  was the DD). We didn't make it to part three of the double celebration but went for part four (food) before calling it an early morning at 4a. 

Flacons Game & More

After having to come back to Albany for a few days I headed back to ATL for some more fun. A big game in the GA Dome against our only loss at that point and rival NO. I picked up my game mate up from the airport and checked into the hotel. She of course is a Saints fan. Anyway, we took the Marta to the game. The Dome rocked. We had awesome seats and came out with a big win. I was pumped. I can't say the same for Jodie. But the fun didn't stop at that after a late dinner B picked us up. We went out to a bar. We had some fun. I still don't know why Jodie didn't accept that dance offer when she knew she wanted to. Lost opportunity. We followed that up the next day with a late start to the day. We went to the World of Coke & got to see the setup for the SEC game for College Game Day. After dinner we headed to play some bowling. Took a little while after Apple Maps sent us on a goose chase for an alley and a little curb action. She did beat me both games but the bowling alley's balls sucked ( I still would have lost). We decided to end the trip with a little session at the shooting range compliments of B. Jodie is a mean clip holder shooter. B got one shot the zombie eye on his first shot. We are now officially mean zombie killing machines. Of course Jodie ended up getting checked at the airport and tested positive for gun residue. I guess it isn't the best idea to go to shot off a few rounds before going to the airport but all worked out and the weekend was a success. 

Wedding Weekend

I don't even know where to begin with this post or even what angel to take. I'll just start with a  story I guess. The history of Juan and Lisette from my perspective.

We all  grew up in a small town. One that everyone pretty much knew everyone. A small town that all your lives are intertwined with each-others. You end up developing unique life long connections with each other. Even to the people you don't know as much. We enjoy each others accomplishments and feel each others sorrows long after we have left this town.

This is where Juan and Lisette's story begins. Growing up we all went to school together. I became friends with Lisette in 2nd grade or so and even though I knew Juan didn't really become friends with him until middle school. We played on the same sports teams and had class together. I remember in 8th grade Lisette was my best friend and Juan was my teammate & classmate. In the hallways Juan would mention how he found Lisette attractive. I am not sure I ever told her that just taking it as typical middle school guy talk. That summer I moved away to Atlanta.

Being great friends with Lisette we stayed in touch. I specifically remember the late September call I had with her. She excitedly told me about hanging out with Juan. She also mentioned her worry of Juan's "bad boy" persona (which is kind of funny thinking about it now). Over the next few weeks we talked a few more times. I could tell she was really growing to like him. She really felt Juan genuinely liked her. Before long they started dating. Years went by and still they stayed together.

After high-school Lisette moved down to Miami. The same place I was going to college. It was great. We got to hang out more and become close again. However this was a tough time for her relationship. Maybe one of the hardest times. Being young, in a new place and not together can make it tough for any couple even one that had been together a long time. Something amazing happened over those months Juan & Lisette's relationship went from being hard to becoming stronger. After that, that is when I knew they would grow old together. Juan would move down to Florida and Lisette would move to the Tampa area. The two continued to build their relationship while figuring out who they are as individuals. Something I know can often push people apart. Instead they leaned on each other and grew together. Years later here they are committing to each other. Only legally because they have long ago committed to each other.

They found something rare in today's world: True Love. Many people get married and say it but I see something different here. As said by one of the best men they are the action love not just the word or the feeling but they are the definition of love in action. As long as they continue that they will forever be. I just want to wish them the happiest of times in this next portion of this love journey.

----

As far as the actual weekend event, I must say it was beautiful. It was a well needed break from all that has been going on with me lately. The first day ended up being a 24 hr day for me. After getting up & working I made the 5 hour drive down to Tampa. I met up with everyone at the Garcia house. That night was a ton of fun even though I was the DD. I don't really drink or party so it was perfect. It was guys night out and I will leave out the finer details of the evening. After ending up at McDs and ordering breakfast for the party goers we called it a night. I stayed at a hotel. The next day I hung out with Pickle, Title IV and Peter before we went to the dinner.

We had a mini fire but not serious more funny. The dinner was nice. I got to hang, eat good food, talk about food. Later in the evening we just hung out at the house and played Dominos and talk about nothing really. Some people headed to the Casino while the rest stayed behind and hit up the food truck to end the night.

The following morning ( the day of the wedding) a few of us decided to head to the beach before the wedding. I had gotten a room near the wedding venue. It was right on the beach so it worked out perfect. Peter, title IV and Pickle joined me being none of us were in the bridal party or had kids to worry about. It was a nice relaxing day. After spending time on the beach we headed to the room. We all showered and headed out to the wedding.

The wedding we real nice. Everything was well put together. It was an intimate wedding. A good amount of people. I really like that the bridal party was up on a stage it made it easier to take in the ceremony. The ceremony was very touching. Followed by a nice dinner and some hanging out.

After the wedding we headed over to a bar in the hotel next to mine. That fizzled out quick and we all parted ways. I left out a lot of specifics of each day but I am not trying to write a book here. I''ll leave that for stories over a drink.  Don't forget to check out a low quality video I put together with the pictures I had.

Summer on the Road

Since April I have ben on the road a bit. Some for work some for pleasure. This summer has been filled with a lot of things going on. Here is an update.

For work I have taken two road trips. I was in Erie PA to help transition a new store. I went for 3 days. Erie, Pa is like most of the rust belt. A struggling city. We stayed about 15 minutes from the store in a very popular shopping area. We did a littler site seeing while at the store.

Also for work I went to Geneva-On-The-Lake in Ohio. It is located between Cleveland & Erie PA. It is a summer destination. We went here for our Regional meeting. It was a beautiful place. One of the best sunsets I have ever seen. Other then work we also got to walk around a bit & played a friendly game of volleyball. Considering I traveled for work it was fun. I enjoy the other people I work with which helps. The store I manage won a few awards for our performance. I also got a gift card to go along with the award. I ended up giving that away to someone.

Both of of these trips included  night in Buffalo before heading out. I spent hung out with  Co-worker/friend before we hit the road for work. Traveling for work with a friend makes it much easier on those drives.

 






In addition to traveling for work I have been on the road for some fun. I took a trip to Atlanta to spend time with my godson and my little pumpkin. Of course I got to spend time with my mother. I didn't do much but hang out and relax. I spent most of my time spoiling my little pumpkin. I pretty much did whatever she wanted and bought her everything she wanted. That is what uncles are for.

I have also done a lot of local traveling and entertainment. It started with a visit from a Bermudian ;). I picked her up in Syracuse and we spent the weekend just relaxing and hanging out. I also spent time with some local friends. We went to the Seneca Park Zoo. It was the first time I went. It was fun hanging out with little G and his parents.

More recently I have been doing a ton of driving. My friend who just finished law school in the UK has come back to this side of the world to his home city of Toronto. We decided to meet up and continue or travels as we did in the UK. After picking him up in Niagara (after forcing him to walk over the Rainbow bridge) we headed to Buffalo. We met up with a college friend and my other friend. The same one from work & he also has a sister in UK/Nephew in UK I met up with and my Toronto friend met also. We went to Anchor Bar, home of the original wing. After checking in to our Buffalo hotel we spent the rest of the night on Chippewa (Street with a strip of bars). After having a few drinks and checking out a few bars we grabbed some pizza. Across the street a fight broke out & that ended our night so we walked back to our hotel.

The next day we went to the Niagara Fashion outlet in which Mr. Mark decided to pass over a great Polo deal (Polo Every thang). We crossed over the bridge into Canada and headed to Syyno's apartment in Burlington (another college friend). We hung out around that way before heading to Toronto for some fun.

We got a hotel downtown so we can party without having to worry about driving. We met up with our Toronto friend's friends at a nearby club for a little partying. Let me just leave it at this: 10/11 girls to 4 guys. Yeah, I won't speak about the happenings of that night. Only that the bartender sucked. Watered down drinks and bad service as this place. She would take her own tip out of our change or over charge us for drinks. The only down part of the night. We finished the night with a walk around the city and laughing the night away thanks to Syyno.

That ended that weekend. I dropped my to friends off in Toronto & Burlington. Since it was a Canadian holiday I ran into a bunch of traffic on my way home.

This weekend was followed by another Mark & Arnoldo World tour celebration style weekend. Some how this weekend came together to include: Regine (Brick City), Natasja (Roc), Mark (Toronto) and Me (Roc). These people haven't seen each other in years. After a missed bus, forgotten passport, a delayed bus & an unscheduled pick up in Buffalo we started the weekend.

First things first. My younger sister had her second baby Sky this same weekend. So Pumpkin2 has been born. Now I am going to have to get a second job between Pumpkin 1 & 2. O'well, back to the regular scheduled program (future post coming soon). 

I can't even put into words the events of the weekend. It was a little bit of sleeping some drinking, a ton of dancing, signing,  joking and YouTube watching. I haven't laughed so hard in years. Nothing about the weekend was serious. I manage to complete a book (The Pact) while drinking, designated driving, having a garbage plate (dumpster plate lol), Karaoke, Omelets, Curry Chicken, Go Kart racing, Dinosaurs BBQ, Spades, a lot of YouTube videos, a bloody toe, a few slaps of a sandal, a girl named Danielle, Ontario Beach, Abbotts Ice Cream, another missed bus, Canadian Currency jokes, watching tennis, more Spades. If that doesn't make any sense that is because it doesn't and I am sure I missed as least 10 things. Just take a look at the pictures.

 

Between these two weekends was the 4th of July. I had a BBQ with a few of my Rochester people on the 3rd. It was a nice relaxing night with some good food. On the forth we chilled at my place and went swimming. That was fun. I watched the fireworks on tv. The only other thing this summer is my kickball team. I am on two teams. Both teams are kind of bad but it is still really fun to play. I will blog about that at the end of the season.