Sports&Love: Girlfriends Guide to Sports Part I

The following rules apply to sports with bonus tips if your significant other is a sports lover. I have had to learn the hard way. So to all the girlfriends, here is my advice. Take it or leave it.... and good luck! 

#1 The "better" team is determined by stats, projection, and who is considered the favorite by consensus.

Note: The term "better" may also be labeled arbitrarily. Avoid any misunderstandings by inquiring about the "better" team from your significant other, if they are the sports authority. This point needs to be cleared up before any matchups have taken place, or your confusion will continue.

#2 When the "better" team does not win, they are not beaten, the "better" team merely chocked. This point may also lead to confusion.  Again, avoid any misunderstandings by referring to your significant other if they are the sports authority.

Note: Rule #2 applies even when "better" team is swept, beaten in game 5, or 6 in a best of 7 series. In almost any situation of the "better" team losing, the outcome is considered an upset. 

#3 Do not assume your significant other will cheer for your team just because you cheer for their team. 

Note:This rule still applies even if a championship title is at stake for your favorite team. Fan loyalty should not be assumed to be automatically reciprocated by your significant other.  Moreover,  the opposite may occur, in which your significant other may cheer against your team. Do not, I repeat, do not take this personally! Remember, this is just sports, meant for entertainment purposes only! However,  if your significant other is irrational about fan loyalty for their team, proceed with caution and act accordingly to avoid future conflict. 

#4 If you have your own opinions about matchups and predictions, be aware that your opinions maybe considered "simple". Note: Do not take this personally, this is just a reflection of your significant other's opinion that your interest in sports is less in-depth than his (this may or may not be true). The key here is to watch ESPN's Sports Center and listen to talk radio independently of your significant other to gain expert knowledge that can not be disputed. However, even then your sports knowledge maybe called into question, because, let's face it, you are a girl.

#5 All commentators/analysts are not considered equal. Just like there are variations in fashion authorities, the same goes for sports. Find out which sports personalities your significant idolizes. This is will give you the best insight into what goes on inside his testosterone controlled mind. 

#6 There is no true off-season for your significant other's favorite sport. He likely has more than one favorite sport and if he has cable-tv or the internet he has access to specialty channels that play classic games from days gone by and sports documentaries. Sports commentary on tv or radio never ends. The off-season will be filled with conversation about trades, drafts, injuries, season projections (see point #1), and training camps. Note: Most likely the "better" team or players will be decided during the off-season, before any play has actually taken place.

#7 Watching the game with your significant other is considered quality time, even if you feel you are being ignored, it doesn't matter if you are not interested in the game. Suck it up, at least you both are in the same room. Count it as a "W". 

Interesting quote about the Dallas Mavericks winning the NBA Championship.... Go Mavs!
"Sunday wasn't a night for the best players - the guys with the Nike deals and superstar labels. It was, rather, a showcase for the better team." - Brian Lowry FOX Sports Jun. 13, 2011 

Are you touching my hair?

Many of you may know, that I have been on a healthy hair journey for awhile now. I've been serious about it for about 2 years, and my efforts have paid off! My hair is healthy, natural, and growing : ) Sometimes, I like to wear my hair in a fro/wash and go style and sometimes I straighten it via blow dryer or flat iron. Whenever I change me hair style people notice (usually my friends from other cultures) and it can be a big deal depending on what they have been exposed to in the past. Reactions can range anywhere from staring to touching! Yes, touching... smh! People better be glad I'm not easily offended! There is this one guy at work who is especially interested in my tresses. One day while sitting at my desk I felt something touch my hair, I jumped, turned around and there was my coworker patting my recently washed hair, and pulling one of my curls! He looks at me unaware of the possible danger he was in, and says "Cool", then walks away. O_O Another day, I straightened and drop curled my hair.. and low and behold he came by my desk and touched my hair again!? Really *face palm* I'm glad I'm such a nice person, or better yet, he should be happy!  I wasn't offended, but as a friendly PSA, please my fellow Americans: PLEASE, DONT TOUCH A BLACK WOMAN'S HAIR We will usually take offense to it..not sure why but we do..so consider yourself warned!! And if you don't take my advice (see below)

We are Engaged!

On Friday, 4/22/2011, Steven L. asked me to marry him. I couldn't be more happy! More details and news to come. We started a website: www.ebonyandsteven.com but it won't launch until May 27, 2011. Thank you all for the text, email, phone calls, facebook posts, hugs and kisses from all those who have wished us well : D

New Beginnings

A new year! 2011 has finally arrived and 2010 is now just a fading memory.....

I am not sorry to say that there is no love lost between me and 2010! I will not miss 2010.. uhhh huhhhh.. no no! Last year (I love the sound of that) may have been one of the worst years of my life. No exaggeration! I lost one too many a friend to death, finances were less than stellar, I was rejected over and over again by professors for admittance into their labs as a graduate student, completion of my PhD looked oh so bleak, my uncle put my house on the market for sale (against my will), all this added to my weight gain and depression.

But as they say, weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning! Toward the end of the year, things took a turn for the better. I got motivated and lost 11lbs., I got a job working for a small biotech company in the city where I live, sold a few puppies, and I had the most amazing Christmas/New Years by spending time with my family. The Lord worked it all out, all my problems and concerns, He fixed it all! I am truly blessed. And all the stuff that didn't get worked out yet, I'm sure, in time it will all be OK.

So, new beginnings? The new year is fresh, unsoiled, unspoiled, a clean slate! Full of opportunity and open doors. No deaths, hurts, or sorrows, yet. The future is bright, and I can feel that its going to be a great year! My life is reaching the end of a chapter and a new one is about to begin. I'm excited to see what is in store for me in 2011 : )