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?