Sunday, September 25, 2016

[737] Major NBA Retirements 2016

This 2016 off-season the NBA has lost three all-time greats to retirement. Kobe Bryant, announced before the start of the 2015-2016 season that he was retiring. Tim Duncan announced his decision to retire this off-season, as well as Kevin Garnett.

I grew up with these guys. Their careers started when I was in my mid-to-late teenage years. And to be honest I wasn't really much of a fan of them back then.

I was only starting to get to know the NBA during the mid-to-late 90s. We had cable TV and there were regular games showing every Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Unfortunately I was not allowed to watch TV during school days so I would get my fill during the weekends. If we weren't going out for the day. I usually tried to watch the games live in the morning here in the Philippines because I would be doing other stuff at night (like playing the guitar, playing video games, or reading).

I am sad that the players I grew up watching are now retiring, but I am happy that these guys were able to have long, successful NBA playing careers. I never really was a big fan of these three guys but I really respected their games and contributions to the NBA game.

Out of the three Tim Duncan would be the player I like the most. He was quiet, efficient, and a team player. He rarely made waves and was willing to take discounts to make sure his team was almost always successful.

Kobe Bryant is the player I would say is the closest link to Michael Jordan. His game was almost the same as His Airness. And for someone who really misses MJ (despite the fact that he's not even in my top three favorite all-time NBA players) Kobe was the guy I loved watching because of how "old school" he was.

Finally there's Kevin Garnett. I never really liked him. I was impressed with his versatility and his defensive prowess but I never liked his "tough guy" attitude. That's just my opinion.

Anyway, thanks to those three for all the memories you gave me and countless other NBA fans. May you find the success and happiness you found on the court in your new lives as retired NBA players.

Out.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

[736] Fitness

My weight has always been an issue with me.

A few years ago I managed to drop to around 95kg. It lasted for less than a year. The biggest reason I managed to do that was the office I was working for at the time ran a "biggest loser" contest. While I did not join the contest, I decided to try to lose weight with them.

It worked. I lost a lot of weight, roughly 10kg. Then I tried to maintain my weight for a few months. Unfortunately I resigned and moved to another job, and then I went back to my old, bad habits of enjoying food a little too much.

Now I'm back at around 105kg and trying to be fit again. The difference now is I am not trying to lose weight, I am trying to be healthier.

I am forcing myself to walk a lot more. And to use my 20lbs. kettlebells at least twice or thrice a week. And to eat healthier.

I have no idea what this will lead to. I do know I need to lose weight, but more importantly I need to be healthier and more fit.

Out.

Sunday, September 04, 2016

[735] Lucena

Yesterday Maica, Martina, and I hitched a ride with my Tita Ginx so we could visit my Lola Jinny in Lucena.

It was a day trip. Tita Ginx usually goes to Lucena every weekend because she is an ophthalmologist and she does a half-day clinic there. We left Metro Manila before dawn and we went back after lunch.

Lola Jinny is fine, I guess. She'll be turning 96 this year, and she looks like she's put on a lot of weight from the last time I saw here. I guess this is good.

Sadly she rarely speaks anymore, and is usually always asleep. She barely even opens her eyes when she is awake. I hope her hearing is still sharp and I hope the presence of her first great-grandchild (Martina) was enough to lift her spirits.

I am planning on visiting again. I might even try to do this at least once a month. If not with Maica and Martina then by myself.

My grandmother could use all the company she needs. Despite the fact that she's almost always asleep and rarely opens her eyes, I did try to strike up a conversation with her. She will nod her head and respond to my questions. Which is good.

Out.