Basketball Game

This week I went to a Basketball game. I have never really been a big fan of basketball before this but, I have found out that I actually like it. I will have to admit though, that I like Hockey and Football more.

The game took place in the Carrier Dome at Syracuse University. This is also, where they hold their football games (which I have been to since I was a kid). They were playing Providence. This game would turn out to be a record setting game. If they were to win this then they would have beat their previous 21 -1. Meaning that they only lost one game out of 21. I am happy to say that we did win 85 - 68 and now hold a new record of 22-1.

We had to park far away from the Dome and it was freezing out. We walked past the college dorms, sorority houses, the campus and even walked through the Quad. The Quad is like a courtyard that holds the Hendricks Chapel.

We had finally arrived at the entrance to the Dome and walked inside. Our seats were on the upper level and our section was on the opposite side of where we had walked in. So, all in all it took about 30 minutes from when we left the car till we sat in our seats. When we entered the Dome, the game had already started. We were already in the lead with 9 points. But, the long walk was all worth it. You could hear the loud music and the cheering fans in the background. It made you want to walk faster so, that you could join in.

The area we sat in was packed with fans and almost everyone in the stadium was wearing orange in support of the home team. I however, wore a black shirt and green hoodie because, I don't really own anything orange.

There were over 20,000 fans in the audience and they were, of course very loud, almost deafening. I couldn't resist though and even got into the action myself, yelling, singing and clapping.

Those of you who are unfamiliar with the game, there are two halves to the game and a million timeouts. Way more timeouts than in football and hockey put together, in my view.

During some of these timeouts, they would have things going on down on the court. Such things as, having audience members try to make a basket from half court, kids having to dribble the ball down the court wearing the player's jersey and sneakers and a guy trying to make a basket while sitting in a recliner chair. All were quite humorous to watch and none of them made the baskets. This is also when the cheerleaders would come out and perform as well.

There were 4 scoreboards and giant tv monitors positioned on each side of the stadium. So, no matter where you sat, you had a great view of what was going on. The game was being filmed live and during commercials, they would move the cameras around to unsuspecting couples who, when they saw themselves on screen had to kiss. Very funny. Also, there were people being filmed because, they were dancing all crazy.

At halftime (which lasted 20 minutes) everyone went to get food. I bought nachos and cheese. I always get Nachos and cheese at sporting events along with a soft pretzel which i didn't end up getting this time. Took more pictures and then the game restarted.

One scary incident that happened was when a player did a cartwheel flip through the air and landed on his head and shoulder. Thankfully though, after a few minutes, he was able to get up and walk off the court. The crowd went wild when they realized that he was alright.

Game over and it was time to leave. Fans were over excited at our big win and at the fact that we set a new record. The stands cleared out fast and another long, cold walk back to the car and we were on our way home.

So, now for the big question... Would I ever go and see another basketball game? Yes, I definitely would. I had a wonderful time. Who would have known, that I would end up liking basketball? That is the great thing about trying things that you had thought that you would have no interest in. It makes you realize that you really don't know, if you really like something or not until you have actually tried it.

Thank you again for following me along on this journey!!!

-Kami-

Week #2: Snowshoeing

Today I went snowshoeing. It was at a local nature center here in NY. I have been going to this nature center for many years and it offers many beautiful trails. They also have offered snowshoeing for quite a while but, I have never taken advantage of it. Until today that is.

I had thought about doing it for a while but, I didn't think that it would very fun so, I never tried it.

If you have ever thought this way about snowshoeing... You are missing out on a great time. I went with a small group of people. All of them are nature lovers like myself and I have made some new friends. They are a wonderful and fun group and I'm glad that i decided to go today.

That is what is so great about trying new things and going to places that you have never been before. You get the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

The trail we went on was very beautiful. It was only open to snowshoeing so, we had the whole trail to ourselves. I have never been on this trail before, seeing how it is only open to snowshoeing. It was like going to whole new place.

We also had a fresh coat of snow fall this morning and it covered everything. The branches of the pine trees looked as though they had just been decorated in white frosting. There really is nothing like breathing in fresh, brisk, clean air. It was a very nice experience.

The only downside to this experience, I think, was the fact that it was very cold out this morning and I didn't dress as warm as I should have. Live and learn I guess lol. Walking a trail seems a little longer than it actually is when you're freezing but, it was still very enjoyable.

I also found it a little difficult at first to get past the fact of wearing over-sized tennis rackets attached to my boots. But, it really wasn't that bad. We had a few laughs about it actually and it helped to break the ice.

So, the question is... Would I ever do this again?

Yes, I think I would. Though, I do prefer to walk the trails when it's warmer out. But, they offer moonlight snowshoeing as well, which takes place only on nights with a full moon. That sounds like it would be fun. Except for the possibilities of getting dragged away by coyotes lol.

Next week, I plan on trying something a little different. So, please check back next week for the update. Unless, i decide before then, to try something new. Which I will post it here on my blog if I do.

I thank you again for coming along with me on this journey.

-Kami-

2010: A great year for trying new things...

Trying new things isn't always easy. But, it definately can be done. Sometimes you may feel like putting it off for another day. Saying to yourself "I don't have time right now" or "Im not ready for change right now". This only keeps you from moving forward and possibly finding a whole new side to you that, you didn't know existed.

The "Dont knock it till you have tried it" phrase is some really great advice.

This "new" thing could be anything... trying a new restaraunt (i.e. Japanese), it could be learning how to surf or bungee jumping. It really could be anything. The ideas are endless. The world holds a vast amount of opportunities for people to enjoy. So many things to learn and see. The point is, to try something new and diferent. All you have to do is get up and do it.

"Procrastination" used to be my middle name for quite a while. I have always wanted to try new things, I just kept putting them off. Until now that is.

All it really takes is the "WANT" & the "WILL" to get started. Then once you have those, you only have the world to choose from. Make a list of these "NEW" things then, go out and try them. Its really that easy.

The main key is "Determination". Be determined to follow through and the doors in life will keep opening. Set a date and mark it on your calendar. Each time you have accopmplished one you will feel better and better about yourself.

This is my goal for 2010... I have decided to embark on a lil journey. Im going to try & do atleast one new thing everyweek for the remainder of the year. This gives me atleast 50 new things to try.

I would like to take you along with me on this journey via this blog. If you choose to come along (and I hope you do) I will be posting about these new things every week and maybe post some pictures as well for some of them. Im a bit interested in where this lil journey will take me and what about myself I will learn.

I have actually accomplished one "New" thing so far... this blog. I have never written one before. This is my 1st one. I have always thought about doing it tho but, I wasnt sure exactly how to set one up (until today). Therefore, I kept putting it off till one day (which was today) I decided I was gonna learn how to do it & give it a try. I'm very glad that I did.

It felt so great to have accomplished this and it made me wonder what else I was missing out on. It actually made me want to move on to the next "New" thing. Who knows, maybe I will end up trying more than one new thing each week. I might just end up posting something new everyday. I hope so.

So, please join me on this lil journey and I hope maybe I can be somewhat of an inspiration. If you do decide to come along, I thank you in advance...

-Kami-