‘Back to the Island?’

The Utah Jazz came back! Wednesday night at the Energy Solutions Arena, the crowd witnessed the return of our shipwrecked survivors: Gilligan-aka Ronnie Brewer, the Skipper too-aka Deron Williams, (cue the penny whistle) the Millionaire-aka Andrei Kirilenko, and his wife-might have been in the audience. The Movie Star (Carlos Boozer), the Professor (Mehmet Okur-when he’s not playing, the Jazz don’t seem to have any ideas for getting off that Island) and, Mary Ann (Matt Harpring-He’s so Midwest corn field). C.J. Miles was great, I just ran out of characters. Let’s hope it was indeed only a three hour tour away from good playoff standings, and not a full 98 episodes!

I had a great time attending the game Wednesday, it was a good crowd although they booed the Jazz at one point when the Mavs caught up. I suppose that’s the only way a lot of fans feel they have to express their frustrations. I didn’t think their play last night merited booing. I’d like to list some of the things that made the game fun for me:

1. Watching my favorite NBA player play in person.
2. Rocky Smith-he works at one of the eateries at the ESA. He makes it a lot more tolerable, even enjoyable while standing in the LOOOONG line waiting to order, and then waiting to receive your food.
3. The kids that sat next to us. (Shown below) These two guys were having the time of their lives. They were polite, and funny and I was going to mention their names-but in their rush to leave on more adventures, I didn’t get them!
4. Boozer’s Buddies-I think the guests were from Special Olympics, one of my favorite groups of athletes!

‘The Kids Next to Us’
One of the best things last night needs it’s own paragraph. Just before half-time, the Jazz Bear delivered a dozen roses from a wonderful florist (wink, wink) to Janiel. Sitting next to Janiel, was a very nervous Rick Slater. Once the roses were in hand, Janiel looked down to see Rick on one knee proposing marriage with an engagement ring. They’ve been dating for three years, so you can bet Rick was a little weak in the knees, to say the least. Maybe that’s where the tradition of bending down on one knee comes from–the proposer is so nervous they can’t stand up! Congratulations to them. I know Rick would like to thank the Jazz Bear and the promotions department in the front office for really trying to accommodate him and his big idea.

The fresh start of a new year is upon us, may it hold much success for all, including the Jazz, and much happiness as well!