I Choo-Choo-Choose You

It is All-Star Weekend in the NBA, which means more traveling than an Obama campaign, less defense than a baby-hungry wife, and some fantabulous dunking. The dunk contest went through a tough run after the turn of the century, but the last two years have been wonderfully entertaining. This year gave us a David vs. Goliath theme, only Goliath dressed up as Superman and David dressed like a little chunk of Kryptonite. The diminutive (5’9”) Nate Robinson won by leaping over the gargantuan (6’11”) Dwight Howard to slam home a green basketball. I would have voted for Howard if Jarom would finally spring for some friggin’ text messaging, but I could not be upset with the winner. The athleticism was unreal, the showmanship was top-notch, and hopefully LeBron will jump in there next year.

Why is Howard protecting his crotch?  Shouldn't Robinson be doing that?

Valentine’s Day also came and went, ominously close to Friday the 13th. Jarom and Alixa went to a ward dinner/dance. It was about what you are imagining it was. The food was OK, and free, and they didn’t stick around too long after the electric slide started, so it was a pleasant experience. As a Vday present, Jarom took Alixa to Target to register for baby shenanigans. This excited Alixa a great deal. However, upon their arrival it became clear that she did not have the faintest idea about which stroller, crib, bottle, diaper, onesie, or breast pump to register for. They systematically called all the people that they know who have children in order to get advice and product recommendations. The next place to go is Babies R Us, which will probably happen this week. Jarom amuses himself by admiring the successful scams that are being run on so many parents (Alixa and Jarom included).

Alixa can't wait to start using this!

Jarom finished his first coed intramural season at UT with a 1-3 record, which means no playoffs. Tennessee, although being a full-fledged member of the Bible belt, does not possess nearly as much charity as BYU does. In Provo, everyone got to participate in postseason play regardless of how little they deserved it. But here in Knoxville playoffs are a privilege reserved only for those who win at least half of their games. He enjoyed himself more than he thought he would, though it was a little annoying to have a foul called any time a boy blocked a girl’s shot or stole the ball from her.

Jarom also started a new “job” this week. The pay scale is still a little bit hazy, but there is a possibility that it might be turn out to be decent paying. It should be a good learning opportunity, at any rate. He is basically going to be an office manager for a local tennis academy, taking care of the books and doing assorted projects that the owner wants to start but hasn’t for lack of free time. He is replacing a kid named Kyle, who is apparently a load of bricks short of a load. Most of the office stuff is simple, mindless work that just needs to get done, but all his boss could talk about was how often Kyle messed it all up. It is so nice to have such small shoes to fill. He should look pretty good in comparison.