I was watching ESPN today and was amazed that the historic election of the first African-American president (elect) even reached the wide world of sports.

Now, apart from Barack Obama’s love for basketball and his desire to see the college football rankings done differently (The rankings process has been under great scrutiny.), I was shocked that he had  become a serious part of sports media analysis. I really didn’t think this event would have received much air time on the sport shows… but, indeed, this news brought out the best of the best in professional sports…

Kobe Bryant, who openly voted for Obama, expressed how this time in history shows young people that they can do anything and that “thing” doesn’t have to be sports’ focused. Michael Irvin, National Football League Hall of Famer, discussed the pride he felt about this moment in time and how far his people had come. Athletes and sports’ analysts alike were divulging what the election of the 44^th president meant to them.

While I sat there watching all the sports’ news of the day, I was glad to have been part of this historically moment.

Greetings from Acapulco, Mexico! Hubby and I invited ourselves on my in-laws trip (Thanks, Dad and Mom! Heehee!) and we’re having a blast!… What a beautiful country this is. And, with all of its beauty and culture I got to thinking (Uh, of course. I have to remind myself that I’m still blogging on vacation.) about the Hispanic culture and their role in sports.

And, it just so happened that this month is Hispanic Heritage Month (You learn something new everyday, huh? Okay, well it’s not exactly Mexico-specific, but you get the picture.)…

Anyway… there are a lot of Hispanics who play in the Major Leagues (baseball). And, like any other culture, there are those who came before and paved the way for the ones who benefit today. For this, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate Roberto Clemente and Hiram Bithorn. The former has been established as a pioneer, while the latter isn’t as celebrated-but is just as much a pioneer.

Now some will argue the technicalities of these guys nationality (Please don’t… I’m sensitive. Okay, I’m really not, but I am on vacation!!), but I am just here to bring honor and kudos to those who made it easier for different cultures to be great and lucrative (Let’s not forget “lucrativity”! I really had to make this word up here!]) in the world of professional sports.

Okay, I’m going back to vacation mode… ESPNdeportes Rock!

So, yesterday was the funeral for my Hubby’s grandfather (Yes, you’re at the right site!) and it was actually a wonderful day as Granddad’s children and grandchildren honored him and remembered his life. He lived a long life… serving in WWII and marrying in 1940, but what was also so surprising was that he involved himself with so many sports and activities.

Hubby and I were surprised when we realized all these things about his grandfather… You know, just how active he was. He lived quite a full and interesting life!

There are so many things we don’t know about our loved ones… What is something interesting you recently found out about a loved one? And if not recent, what is something you were surprised to learn about a particular loved one (whenever you found out)?

By the way, Hubby spoke on behalf of the grandchildren and he just blew me away as he so eloquently recalled the memories of him and his granddad. It was a day of great reflections.

Yes… so we’re traveling to our vacation destination, Aruba… with a 6-hour layover in Puerto Rico (don’t ask!!) and while I was sitting here-in this 5-star resort-waiting for our taxi back to the airport (really, don’t ask!!) I thought of several international, professional athletes… More specifically, I thought about my favorite international athlete (and whether or not I really had one).

After much thought (and the strong wish that I’d only carried one bathing suit [just one!] in my carry on with me for this mystical lay over-[not telling a thing]), I came to the conclusion that I really don’t have just one favorite-although I thought of someone I respected…

That would be Swiss world #1 tennis great Roger Federer. I have to give him his propers (uh, yeah, it’s slang for respect) for being the most consistently dominant force in men’s tennis. Now, just in case you weren’t up on the sports’ news, Federer was just knocked off his throne by Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, in an epic battle for the Wimbledon history books…

You know, I know these things happen, but just like in any other sport, greats come and go, but the presence of who they were at the time will remain forever. So although the king of grass (not so much sovereignty on clay for obvious reasons-he lost) is in a lull, but I’m not ready to count him out.

Long live the king!… I’m going to enjoying the best unexpected lay over ever (still not telling)!

Favorite international player anyone?

Okay, let’s go back in the day (some further back than others… go ahead and laugh)-more specifically, high school. I’d like to know if you played sports (I think cheerleading counts [smile]!). So, what sport did you play and at that time did you think you would still be participating in that sport in adulthood? I mean, you know that guy down the street who always knew he was going to the NFL, right?

Alright, you pulled it out of me… I’ll share! I ran track… the 100 and 4×4 (a little cross country for a while-that was a bit much!), and I was a cheerleader (hence the inclusion above)… B-E-A-GG-R-E-SS-IVE! And yeah (no), I didn’t think I’d be doing any of that today.

Your turn…

The rivalry is palpable and there’s no denying the intense history between the two dynasties. The LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics are in the NBA Playoffs, starting tonight, and the feeling is in the air. Seriously, as you’re watching the game you see history peeping through the crowd. That’s where my words find their meaning-in the history.

The history I speak of is that of the likes of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, and please give an ovation for Bill Russell. The athletes are why Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garrett are able to be who they are today (Okay, let’s not ever be remised to leave Michael Jordan out of the dialogue of greatness.).

These historians of the grace and discipline of basketball are beyond compare. Words just aren’t there to describe the talent and confidence and champion that every one of these guys possess.

Today these historians sit and watch the young ones play and achieve and compete. Today I sit and watch the reasons (Magic, Kareem, Larry, Bill) why they are, indeed, able to play and achieve and compete.

Who do you offer respect and thanks to for paving the way for you?