Head over heels for the Suns...

How many opportunities do you get in life to fall in love with something for the first time? Not many. I thought of this concept recently, as I’ve been glued to the TV for the NBA playoffs and watching my Phoenix Suns float to the top.

It’s been at least 25 years since I first fell in love with the Steelers—that is, since I was first cognizant enough to know what I was watching and to know that I should cheer and to love and feel a connection with the players and the team. It’s been since the early ‘90s that I fell in love with the Penguins. And I’m not really sure the last time I could call myself a Pirates fan; it’s been years and years since they were a decent team and I’ve grown to despise baseball in general. So, for the better part of my life, I’ve just played the role of superfan when I can.

I didn’t realize it as it was happening, but every moment with the Suns has been my first: breaking the TNT curse, sweeping the Spurs, and being part of the rise of the bench and the fall, rather, graceful decline, of Nash and Hill. I get to experience the transition from old to new—the birth of a new generation of Suns players and fans. And it’s been a really long time since I did that for the first time.

Coming from Pittsburgh, I was never a fan of basketball. Other than Pitt, there’s no team in the ‘Burgh—and, even now, as a basketball fan, I still don’t link watching college ball. Since moving to Phoenix, I’ve become a diehard Suns fans. I watch nearly every game; and, go to as many as we can afford. I read blogs and watch practice video and follow news. I own more than a few pieces of purple and orange gear. I find myself excited to drive to work in the morning so I can listen to my favorite sportscaster wax poetic about the state of the team.

I’m glad my love affair with basketball started in Phoenix—no matter where I travel or where my roots may grow, the Suns will always be my team.

The Most Important List of All

It wasn’t until this year that I realized I actually have, if unspoken, life goals—you know, those pesky thoughts in the back of your head that, if resolved, might make you feel like a “grown up.” I have a hunch it’s because I’m turning 30, but, whatever the reason, there are some things I’ve accomplished and some still left to cross off the list…

1. Go to school.

After a lost deposit for a college I never wanted to attend, some soul-searching, and a gut-wrenching conversation with my parents, I found myself at Bowling Green State University in 1999. Over the next six years, I worked as a night guard, a caterer, and a record store clerk. I made friends with the bouncers, bartenders and DJs. I found all the best foods at all the best restaurants. I met most of the people I can call my friends today (including one Mr. Matthew Cooper, better known as “Coop,” who I met the third day of freshman week on the smoking benches at Kohl Hall). I wrote two theses and received two degrees, both with honors and both with legendary graduation parties. I think it’s safe to say that this one was a slam dunk.

2. Get a “real” job.

I get paid to do for a living what I actually studied to do in college and what I actually love to do: write. I write everything you could think of: policy and procedure manuals, technical documentation, marketing and outreach materials, fact sheets and FAQs, press releases, feature articles, PowerPoint presentations and talking points scripts, internal and external newsletters, website content, help files, etc. etc. etc. My graduate degree is valued here, and I’m almost caught up with my peers who entered the job market while I was still toiling away at BGSU. My job comes with a matching, defined benefits pension plan, a 403(b) and/or Roth retirement plan, and a decent salary that includes the potential for a yearly bonus. When courses are available, I also teach Business Writing online for Arizona State University. Although I sometimes miss my days of waitressing at The Parlor in Etna or the glory days at Finders in Bowling Green, I have to say that I can cross the “real” job off my list.

3. Pay the bills.

In my entire life, I’ve never defaulted on payment of any bill. I send away my earnings almost as soon as they are deposited—I’m nothing if not timely when it comes to paying bills. Having said that, I still find myself waiting for the next payday; I always have just enough and never more than I need. So, when the unexpected Roger Waters premium ticket pre-sale or the prototypical “about a hundred bucks” car maintenance presents itself, I typically have to whip out ye olde BGSU Alumni American Express card. You can be sure that new credit card purchase is the first thing I pay off on payday; however, I’d prefer to always have the option of paying with real money instead. I would say I’m pretty close #2, but I still have some work to do.

4. Eliminate credit card debt.

As of this morning, I have ZERO credit card debt!! As a grad student with a miniscule stipend and a full-time, horribly underpaid teach at ASU, I racked up some pretty serious credit card debt, which was necessary for things like food and outrageously priced gas when I was still driving the 4Runner, but not good at all. (P.S. I count my car and student loans as personal debt; and, with the outstanding rates I locked in for each, I’m not worried about the five more years of car payments or the 107 payments left on my student loan—slow and steady wins the race…and helps build my credit!) I am very proud to be crossing this one off the list.

5. Get married and have kids.

Hmmm, this one is a tender subject, so I’m going to be brief. Most of you who have kept in touch know how I feel about this. Suffice to say that, for now, I’m happy to be madly in love with my best friend, and having the most fun I’ve had in my life. Let’s just say that a crossroads approaches…

Since I like round numbers, I’m going to keep this list at five. The coming months are bringing with them an abundance of work and personal travel to all corners of the country. The end of this month also signifies my 2-year anniversary with Nlets—how time flies. Perhaps, in time, I can cross the last few items off this list and start a new one?