Recreation

"My Every Morning Is In Every Way
The Beginning Of A Recreation Day"
--Recreation Day, Evergrey

My life is not quite that recreational--I only wish that every morning would bring with it the promise of such free time--but tonight marks another installment in the only regular athletic competition that occupies my otherwise television-heavy schedule. For those heretofore unaware, I play on a rec league basketball team with my bro and several guys from work. Two other guys on the team (both of whom won't be in attendance tonight) are friends of the team captain and fill out the roster when needed.
It's definitely a good time, the only semi-competitive entity I've been involved in since intramurals in college (which was a fairly awful situation, frankly). I can't count the Mormon league that Brad Swenson signed me up for, a bunch of old dudes and notable exceptions Brent Ballard and Andrew Scott. I'd include Todd Reynolds and Jim Evans in that list, but their games have certainly become "old man" in nature, so they're out. I actually kinda miss that league, just not the late-night drives home.
So back to our Westwood Rec League, where we've advanced to the semifinals without having to play a game. Last night's quarterfinal matchup with Arn's Army (featuring UCLA alum Bob Myers and some cat who doesn't ever miss) ended up being a forfeit, because not a single soul on their squad bothered to show up. I know we're an intimidating bunch, but that's kind of ridiculous. Why would you play an entire season (10 games, a solid two-and-a-half month investment) and then just brush off the playoffs? Nonsensical.
Regardless, we're into the Final Four and have just a meeting with Jim Williamson-led "D3" in between us and a berth in the championship game. The most talented team in the league (one that beat us by seven in overtime a week ago) lost their game yesterday, so we've definitely got a shot at winning this whole thing. A lot has to happen in our favor, not the least of which is a somewhat consistent three-point stroke from yours truly.
The past two weeks are a good example of inconsistency in that regard: I went 0-for-9 from downtwon two weeks ago, but took it to the whole well (probably still managed about 20 points) in a convincing victory. Started incredibly hot this past Monday (11 points, including three treys in the game's first two minutes), and ended up hitting seven or eight from downtown in that tough OT loss. I did some Charlie drills yesterday during our scheduled game time (turned into an intrasquad two-on-two session), so hopefully I'll be ready to go.
Win or lose, it's been a fun season; getting to play with Michael has been especially enjoyable, particularly when we're both playing well. I won't complain about getting Monday nights back, however, because when we're playing at 9:15 (as is the case tonight), I certainly don't wake up easily the next morning at 5. It's painful.
Last thought before heading out to pre-game activities: I have vacation next week. Wow does it feel good to say that. No work, a week's pay, no vacation time taken away. It doesn't get any better. Makes these last four work days very manageable. And this late-night basketball game as well. Peace.