Skip to main content

The California Chronicles - 11/13/09

After a week of fun in the sun here in California, it is now time to head back to the Empire State. As stated in my last post, I did indeed have one more round of twenty four hours remaining in Huntington Beach, however, nothing came about of the time. In fact, I spent most of the day feeling a bit under the weather due to the see-saw-like weather changes from day to night out here. Days are hot. Nights are freezing. Yours truly becomes sick. 

Nonetheless, before I board a plane, I figured that I could muster up some energy to wrap up this trip, and these chronicles following my trip. California has indeed been good to me. Besides the obvious attractions, sites, and places that I experienced (and listed in the last piece), this trip was one that recharged my batteries for life, enhanced my outlook on ways to live it, and reminded me of how precious it is. 

Sometimes these trips remind you of how large this world is, and how many different varieties of lifestyles there are. So many different ways to experience life, and the many others on how to pursuit it as well. For me it was a stark reminder of that there is life outside of New York City. It sounds somewhat naive in sounding, however, we all fall into a sense of routine in our bubbles. And in these bubbles we lose track of such things.

In many ways there are things that are so different, yet, there are so many ways that they are similar, which raise your eyebrows in shock sometimes.

Yet, as I sniffle, and sneeze through this, it’s time to get back. And I am ready for it. It’s time to get back to the bad news E-mails, the unfortunate breaks, and the constant letdowns. It is time to get back to the classrooms, back to the books, back to work, and back to the grind.

Yes, my stay in Huntington Beach, and southern California might be over, however - and hopefully - it feels like a new beginning.

Recently Read

The Madness is Maddening

There is a lot that can be said about the state of college athletics, particularly basketball. NIL has surely shaken the foundation that once grounded college sports for the product that we see today. There is a lot that can be said, and lots of conversations that can be extended for hours of thoughtful dialogue (by the right people).  The current March Madness playing out - on both sides - has plenty of thoughts (and mostly feelings) bouncing around in my mind (and heart).  Just a few:  I really do love how much the Women's game has grown and improved. In various ways, the pureness of the game itself is often more enjoyable than the current men's game.  Despite the growth, the lopsided scores in the first two rounds are evident of a still top-end talent pool. Overall, there is room for growth in talent around the country. The "student-athlete" in this space is on life support. In many ways it's dead.  It's outright sad to see programs that have zero continuit...

Quick Ponder: My Island Vibes

I would love to have an island, of all the people,  who brought great vibes to my life - past and present.  My island would be amazing. 

Predictions and Wild Guesses for the 2025 MLB Season

Well, after that off-season where the Dodgers deferred enough money to build the Athletics a new ballpark, it's time for the remaining fanbases who don't have Guggenheim money to hope for the best. Even with Opening Day finally here, it's the only time of the year we can actually pretend everyone has a chance, and hope feels, well, somewhat authentic.  White Sox fans, how are we feeling?  As we do every year around these parts, I'm throwing out some predictions and wild guesses for the upcoming MLB 2025 season.  Good luck, White Sox.  --- STANDINGS (WIN) AL EAST  Yankees - 92 Red Sox - 90 Orioles - 88 Rays - 85 Blue Jays - 82 AL CENTRAL Royals - 90 Tigers - 90 Guardians - 88 Twins - 87 White Sox - 65 AL WEST Rangers - 92 Astros - 92 Athletics - 86 Mariners - 85 Angels - 77 NL EAST Phillies - 94 Mets - 92 Braves - 88 Nationals - 78 Marlins - 75 NL CENTRAL Cubs - 88 Brewers - 88 Reds - 87 Pirates - 83 Cardinals - 80 NL WEST Dodgers - 96 Diamondbacks - 90 Padres - ...