TODAY WAS A GOOD DAY

I played five games of basketball, including a game-winning three and a game-winning assist. YES YES CONFIDENCE.

I did a lengthy real-time interview with the wonderful Ryan Ridge for Smalldoggies about his American Homes project. YES YES GOOD WRITERS.

I took the Christmas Chapbook and the Writers Community Chapbook to the printer. Friday is pick-up day. YES YES EXCITING.

I went to a women's basketball game with Tyler Fields. YES YES NEW PAL.

Tyler cut my hair (pic below). YES YES FRESH.

I ordered tickets for Cody, Tyler, Sara, and I for the Stay Young Fest on December 11. YES YES LOCAL MUSIC.

I am gonna sleep now and that'll be good. YES YES SNOOZETIME.

Five Dolphins Flippin' Out

1. That is Jumex. It is empty. The box promises it is 100% Nectar, but I'm not sure what all that entails. I know it is empty. I know it was delicious.

2. I just finished reading "Mantodea" from How They Were Found , Matt Bell's fabulous debut story collection. I don't remember ever reading this piece before, but man it is a hard hitter, there's some swallowing of nails, coins, etc., some bathroom sex, and a whole lot of obsession. Matt's stories do a nice job of building, taking odd/crazy/horrifying things and piling them atop each other. Once he lets the steam out at the end, I kind of feel dead, but like a good dead or something. I'll definitely write some kind of big response to this book once I get to it. I'm not sure why you wouldn't own this book, but here is a good place to get it if you don't.

3. I DONT WANNA BEG BUT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SUBMIT TO THE BROKEN PLATE.

4. Wednesday October 27th Blazers vs. Clippers on ESPN. That's the start of my NBA season right there. I haven't been this stoked for a Clippers game since....uh-oh.

5. Next semester, I'm doing an independent study poetry class with Todd, compiling "an undergraduate thesis/chapbook manuscript." For the class, I'll be studying/reading lots of first books and chapbooks, primarily ones that have won contests/awards, and working on my own manuscript. Probably an extra-ambitious project and super hopeful, but hey, I need another class and how fun does that sound: SUPER FUN. I'm looking for suggestions on books to read/study. THANKS.

Some Thoughts On The NBA Draft

John Wall #1? Duh. Draft Calipari point guards (Rose, Evans, now Wall).

Gordon Hayward at 9 to Jazz, first real suprise of the draft for me. However, looking closer, it seems like a great fit. Kirilenko is not what he used to be as a starter, and Hayward's versatility is just up Coach Sloan's philosophical alley. Pacers would have taken him at 10, I bet.

The Thunder acquiring Cole Aldrich was a big deal. Also, smart of them not to keep Eric Bledsoe.

I'm very disappointed in the Trailblazers trading Martell Webster and firing GM Kevin Pritchard (look at this team he's put together!). I love the pick of Elliot Williams, athletic combo guard just what they need.

The Heat have only TWO players on contract for next year. If keep Wade, get to big free agents, they could be serious contenders in a year or two. Same goes with Chicago. Imagine Derek Rose next to two superstars.

I made a joke on Facebook responding to the NBA's question of who would have the best career of the rookies this year. My answer: whoever the Spurs pick. They picked James Anderson, and though it is doubtful he will be the best, I think he will be yet another great late pick of the Spurs (Hill, Parker, Ginobili, Blair).

Best NBA draftee name: 6 foot 10 inch 302 pound Tiny Gallon.

Boston took Luke Harangody. Another Big Baby Davis?

I'm kind of sad I didn't get to watch the whole thing (7:30 am Spanish class). I have this odd love for the NBA Draft.