Words long overdue...

What a mess my life has become.  Seriously.  It's not that things have crashed and burned of recent, things are still going well, really, but rather it's the amount of changes in my life that has been mind-boggling.

Let me summarize:

VALENTINE'S DATE: She's nice.  She's smart.  She lives in South Carolina.  Not going to happen.

I realize this isn't necessarily a change, but it did add to my agenda.  Thankfully, my friend AJ, part of the husband-wife-date-setting-up-duo, had mentioned earlier in the day that he was realistic given the situation: distance was a huge obstacle.  This took a lot of pressure of the situation.  We still had a good time and enjoyed one another's company, but I think that it ends there.

EMPLOYMENT: This is really what sent me for a roller-coaster ride last week.  For the second year in a row, I have heard nothing back from the various departments I've applied to.  For the second year in a row, I have a back-up.

Only this time it is half-time.

The situation is frustrating and yet relieving at the same time.  Given the present economy, I'm thankful I have an option even if money will be tight.

Last but not least...

LONG LOST FRIENDS: I recently stumbled across a friend that I haven't seen in some time.  Many moons ago, we were very good friends.  But somewhere along the way, time and life stepped in.

I've missed this friend quite a bit and have wanted to apologize for how things ended between us for some time.  It wasn't like we had a falling out, but there were situations that I wish would have been handled better.  It really has nagged on my memories over the past 20 years.  She really was a great friend.

This time, I didn't hesitate for a second.  The first thing I did was take the opportunity to say I was sorry.

It's amazing how freeing words long overdue can be.

On the Eve of Friday the 13th...

It's always interesting to see who your friends think you'd be interested in.  Yes, once again, I am being set up on a blind date.

I'm friends with a married couple locally, AJ and Jane, who have been talking up a girl for some time (I think since September).  This young lady is single and lives in Columbia, SC.  Until earlier tonight, that's about all I knew about her.  Tonight I also learned she graduated from Wake Forest at some point, so I guess I can add that as well.

Being single in your 30s is something that if you haven't experienced it first hand, you'll never fully understand it.  Well-intentioned friends will often set you up with someone because they believe you have a lot in common. Comments such as: "You just have to meet this friend of mine!  The two of you would make such a cute couple!" are all too common.

What is it exactly that we have in common?

"She's a Christian, you're a Christian!  She's single, you're single!

You'd make the perfect couple!"

Now in all fairness, this most recent match does not fall into this category. But at the same time, it does follow a trend of recent.  Upon learning that it is a desire of mine to eventually marry (although this is something I no longer believe is likely to happen--but that's another story for another time), friends tend to immediately jump to the conclusion that any single woman would be a good match.

I'm not sure I'm accurately conveying my thoughts here...it's just frustrating at times.  There have been those who have known me well enough to make good suggestions, but then there are those who know me equally as well and make really strange ones.  For a guy, a blind date can be a great compliment or a tremendous insult to one's character.  I imagine it's a similar situation for many women.

Again, I'm not referring to this weekend's date.  I'm just rambling.  I'm tired.  And frustrated.  And ready for this whole dating thing to come to an end.

Regarding one of the other sports...

I am not a basketball fan.  Or more precisely, I am not much of an NBA fan.

In my opinion, March Madness still ranks as the greatest tournament in all of sports.  The first weekend is absolute chaos and the Final Four is something that still excites.  Even the regular season can be fun to follow and I understand those who do.

The NBA, however, is a different story.  The league has lost much of its allure since the early '80s when Dr. J, Bird, and Magic ruled the courts.  I must admit that of recent some of my interest has been restored with the team ball that San Antonio, Phoenix, Dallas, and Detroit (even though I don't root for them) has brought back into vogue.

But you may still be wondering: Why has the NBA lost much of my interest?  I am not a fan of players playing 'me' ball rather than 'team' ball.  A certain player from LA exemplifies my frustration on this point.  Last week, two individuals scored more than 50 points a piece on the hapless Knicks.  One drove me nuts.  The other was something to celebrate.  The difference?  Read this article.

Struggling?

It's been a while.  I've had things to comment on, including:

RAPID CITY RUSH: Saw them give a lack-luster effort against the Rocky Mountain Rage two weeks ago (and yes, that pains me to admit).

COLORADO AVALANCHE: About the time I think they've turned the corner, they go back the other way (and yes, that pains me to admit).

SUPER BOWL XLIII: Congrats to the Steelers!  I have a soft spot for sure for them due in large part to Walt the Firefighter (briefly roomed with Mike and me) an Mike the Younger who are both big Steeler fans.

..but I haven't been writing.  This can be attributed, in part, to the 'sounds' pumping through the walls of my apartment, but more to the fact that I have been uninspired and need a spark.

So I turn to you my friends of the sphere: where does one find such a spark?