Mikey D

~I really don't like Matthew McConaughey. I don't know him as a person, but there's something about him that bugs me. I saw him on Leno asking Favre questions, and it got me thinking: Have I ever even watched a movie with McConaughey in it? So I went on IMDb and found out that McConaughey has acted in about forty movies. Of those forty, I have seen two- "Angels in the Outfield" and "How to Lose a Guy In Ten Days". He had such a minor role in "Angels" that I didn't even remember he was in it, but I do remember that I hated him in "How to Lose..." and have not seen one of his movies since. That's 7 years and counting.

~I'm not too concerned with MSU's seeding this year. We will be a five-or-better seed somewhere, which is good enough in my opinion. The difference between a two and a five (or in some cases, a one and a five) this year is minimal. Everyone's got a shot. If we play a one in Kansas State or a three in West Virginia in the third round, our chances are the same. The only thing I don't want is to be placed in the same draw as Kansas or Syracuse. Those two teams, to me, are dynamite.

~Grace and I saw Copeland play on Thursday night. This is the fifth time I have seen them live, but this will be the last. The band is breaking up after their current farewell tour. It's sad because I put them in my top-3 all-time favorite groups and knowing that I will never be able to see them again really sucks. It was a good show though, and they had some solid opening groups for them, too. "I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody's Business" were one of those groups, and they were great. Still, it was Copeland's night, and they brought it as always. Great time...I'll miss them.

~On a related note, I feel ridiculously old now. My legs were killing me after the show from standing for so long. Grace and I have both been exhausted the last couple of concerts we've been to. Bleah.

~With our tax refund money in our pockets, Grace and I have been deciding what to do with it. We have two major indoor projects that we want/need to tackle: the kitchen and the bathroom. They are vital to us for our resale (yes, we just bought the house, but this not being our "settling down" home we think about stuff like that). But in the end, we decided to go a different route- the outside of the house. We live in a neighborhood that was built in the 70's, and because of that all the homes in the neighborhood are kind of, um, drab. Browns, and tans, and just...plain and boring. The curb appeal is definitely lacking. So we've decided to fix what we can to make it our outside a little more inviting. We're starting with a new door (30% tax credit- we're taking advantage of that), a garden, and perhaps a new patio set or walkway. We'll focus on the outside and work our way in.

~State testing in Maryland begins Monday. I've been so nervous and stressed the past couple of weeks. Yesterday I just laid on my couch thinking for a good hour. What could I have done differently to prepare the kids? Is this kid going to make the same mistakes they made all year? Is this kid going to try? What if they all bomb the test, how will that make me look? What if our school doesn't make AYP? I care a lot, and I just want everyone to do their best on it. I just hope their best is good enough.

~Family update: My mom and Andy are doing well in Michigan. My mom has been on medical leave from work after having surgery on her knee, but she should be back soon. Andy is getting ready for his SATs and ACTs and has been dating his girlfriend for almost a year now. Lesley has her first boyfriend, and he's from China. Lesley has saved up almost a grand of money (impressive for a college freshmen) and this spring break is planning on visiting China with him for a couple of weeks. Colin is thinking about leaving his job and going to the London School of Fashion, but the first step is applying. This is something he seems serious about though, and he's preparing the application. My dad is thinking about moving from his current apartment (noisy neighbors) and perhaps to Annapolis (and in with Colin, but that depends on Colin's future). I think he's going to be looking for his own place in a couple of years.

~The Lions have been aggressive in the free agent market thus far, but is it a little too aggressive? I like the signing of Vanden Bosh (any defensive signing is good in my book), and when you pair him with Williams, we have a couple of solid DE's. Throw in the fact that we will more than likely end up with one of the top defensive tackles with our number two pick, and we have the makings of a quality defensive front. I do wish that Cromartie rumor came to fruition (Cromartie for a 4th rounder and Maurice Morris), but the Jets put together a better deal. We do need to address the secondary still...which makes the Nate Burlesson move so questionable. Why so much money for, at best, a number three receiver/return man (that's what he is, lets be real)? And he's not getting any younger (faster)! I don't know...is it an upgrade? Sure. But five million a year worth of upgrade? Probably not.

~I have no problem with Pittsburgh fans giving Ryan Miller a louder cheer than Sidney Crosby. Was it surprising? Yeah, a little, but no too much. Americans will always root for country over team. And when a guy helped you to a gold medal game, he's going to get a rousing ovation. If Tyler Hansborough hit a game winning shot to win a gold medal for us in the Olympics, the next time he was in Detroit and was introduced I'd clap for him. Now the minute he started playing I'd curse him up and down...

~I do have a problem with Ottawa. During their playing of the American national anthem a week ago they showed Sidney Crosby's game winning goal over and over until our anthem had finished. The Senators said it was a mistake, a technical glitch or something, but what it really it was just bullshit. Congrats on your win Canada, you totally deserved it and it obviously means a lot to you, but show some class. Seriously.

~Raymar's last home game tomorrow. I'm not sure how I'll feel as he leaves the floor, but I doubt it will be anything like last year when Suton, Walton, Gray, and Ibok left. What a disappointing collegiate career...is that weird to say of a guy who's scored 1500 points and grabbed 700 rebounds?

~Last but not least...I hope there's nothing wrong with Stuckey. That was scary to see. Get well, fella.

~Mikey D