Some serious Lego handi-work! I’ve built some pretty impressive Lego things before, but nothing like this.
Blog
Pacers Melee!
If you live in Indianapolis and haven’t heard the news yet, you will. Major altercation at the Pacers vs. Pistons game last night at The Palace in Auburn Hills.
Ron Artest fouled Ben Wallace going up for a lay-up. I won’t say it was a light foul, but I wouldn’t have labeled it a technical foul either. Just a hard foul, and no harder than Ben Wallace is usually seen fouling.
Anyway, Ben Wallace gets up and shoves Ron Artest hard with both hands to the face and throat. Now, the normally explosive Artest just backed away and didn’t pursue, but Wallace came after him. They got separated and Artest ended up laying down on the scorer’s table in a very relaxed, calm position. Again, not normally what would have been expected of him.
A fan ends up throwing a cup at him and hits him in the face. He then jumps up and charges into the stands to go after this fan, albeit the wrong fan (kids, choose your friends wisely, proximity can be dangerous!) A couple of other Pacers charge up too.
Very long story short, more fans get involved, more punches thrown, fans on the court coming after the players, lots of food & drink thrown, etc., etc. etc. Absolutely uncalled for, but not outside the realm of reason in today’s world.
Now my two thoughts (cents?):
1.) Someone from the Piston’s organization was saying that Artest was at fault for laying down on the table. He wasn’t appreciating the barriers that were in place to protect him. WHAT! He layed down on the scorer’s table to stay out of the action. Then your riotous fans through a cup at him. Fans also through ice, food, and a CHAIR! And you’re saying Artest was at fault? Wasn’t it your player that started the whole thing! Where’s his responsibility?
2.)The fallout. Now many people will go after the players on this. I disagree, if I were walking down the street and was accosted by foul language and even had something thrown at me. We’d have a fight on our hands. Now, I’m no fighter so I would end up getting my butt kicked, but it doesn’t matter. I’m also sure that if I were on the street with my family, and my brothers and or other friends were with me, they would come to my defense as well (or they’d better!)
Now I won’t say everyone is guilty, but everyone is responsible for their actions and that’s where it should be taken. It will be interesting seeing where this leads, but I can forsee lots more security, maybe less alcohol at sporting events, and maybe the removal of a few rows of seats back from the floor for games. We’ll see.
Desire to return
It’s been around seven months now since I lost my job, confidence, weekends and evenings. Really didn’t know what I had until I lost it. Seems very trite to say, but very true. I have a good life and much to be thankful for, wonderful family and the basic necessities of life.
I’m very appreciative of losing my job actually, it has taught me numerous lessons and opened my eyes to just how much more value the important things in my life have. Regretfully though, at this point I’m so busy trying to be the provider I was for my family that I don’t have the time to spend with them that I would like.
I start my 3rd job Sunday at Starbuck’s. Just part time, and basically to get the clock started to start receiving benefits. I’m hoping I can leave my other full-time job as soon as possible. I’ve written about it before, so won’t go into detail, but just not where I want to be and definitely not doing what I’d like to be doing.
I fear I’ve taken a gut-check and it’s sent me spinning. The lack of confidence is really annoying. I look at job postings now and just think I’m not qualified for them or can’t do them. I really believe for the most part I’m not qualified for the jobs I “want” to get into. That makes me feel like I’ve completely wasted the 7 years I spent in the travel industry.
Just frustration. Just want to get back to the days of when I was able to allow my wife to stay home and raise our two wonderful kids. It’s what she really enjoys and feels called to be doing. Would be a great present to give her this year for Christmas, just don’t feel like it’s within each.