The Construct

So you’ve always fantasized about being a pro-athlete. Perhaps you got a bit of game. The best kid in your neighborhood. School varsity. But somewhere along the way comes the realization that you’re just not good enough to make it. Crying shame. You put it past you and move on with your life, bitter that some of those who did make it are just making so much dough. And then you see them doing these.

Makes you wonder if they’re worth every cent they’re paid.

August is marked by health issues – clear signs that I have taken very little care of myself. I have gained back all the weight I’ve lost during those bouts of weight-loss regimens over the past couple of years. Thing is, I’m already in my mid-20s and that’s the age range where it’s critical to get fit.

For the past seven months, I’ve been immersing myself into the whole making money thing that I’ve entered another phase of sedentary living. I practically spend all my waking hours in front of a computer even eating breakfast, lunch and dinner in front of the monitor. Sure, the money’s good from all the projects but August served as yet another warning that earning big bucks is moot if you’re going to spend it all away on health care.

So here I am again trying to re-assess my short-term goals health-wise. My stepper machine and sit-up bench are both gathering dust particularly because I’ve grown bored with them. I used to play basketball but since I don’t live in a secluded neighborhood where I can use the community ballpark by myself anymore, that too isn’t a viable option.

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It’s so easy to make judgments when your in the outside looking in. Going by Bentham’s Panopticon, positioning oneself in a location where you can view people inside a confined space without them seeing you gives you a sense of omniscience. There is sense in stepping back and trying to look not only at the bigger picture but also from different perspectives and through different lenses.

However, it’s really quite hard to be objective and shift points of view when things are rather personal. Emotion and attachment does affect objectivity. But then again, who’s capable of objectivity anyway? Heck. Not even the half-Vulcan Spock was able to maintain his stoicism.

Just wondering how cautious are we when we express our opinions? Do we bask in the same omniscience (and perhaps, omnipotence) when we get to see issues and phenomena in which we really don’t have any personal stakes? And if we don’t, do we even consider the possible impact of what we express to those who do have stakes?

At least in my case, I find myself struggling to tread by both intellectual and moral high grounds.

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It’s such a bad thing that the NBA playoff games air during the mornings this side of the planet especially if you’re rooting for the Celtics (at least until they get swept by LBJ and the Cavs, then I’d start cheering for the East in the Finals). I have watched almost every single game the Celtics played and with their penchant for overtime games and late rallies, it has been a stressful stretch for me as a fan.

Since most of their games air 8 PM ET (8 AM Manila due to DST), that meant I have to work as I watch. While I do get the work done (master multi-tasker here), I just feel so tired after win or lose for the Cs.

Just last game, I was so relieved and yet so drained after Big Baby sank the game winner. Game 5 this morning, I turned the game off when the Cs were 14 down since I couldn’t bear to watch a blowout (and risk my mood dropping until I get into a condition where I can’t work). Even if I did keep the show on, I would’ve been so riled up by the late rally and win that adrenaline would’ve screwed my body up.

I just can’t wait for the Cs to be swept by the Cavs (I’m pegging Cs in 6 or 7 versus the Magic) so that I could only care less after. Still, I’d be cheering on LBJ against the Rapist.

Yes! After 82 games for each of the 30 team of the regular season, we’re down to just the top 8 for each conference. I always favored the playoffs over the regular season due to the heightened grit and intensity when glory is at stake.

Last season, I was rooting for the Celtics all because I wanted KG to get his ring. This year, I don’t think they deserve a repeat by the way they played for most of the season.

While I want D. Wade to restore his glory and rest all doubts to his capabilities, I think El Heat won’t last past the second round.

I still have that any team but the Lakers mentality and since the Lakers are realistically the best in the West, I’ll be rooting for the East. I’m quite adamant to go for the Cavs but their NBA best regular season record has got to count for something and with homecourt advantage, they will be the team to beat.

My MVP pick goes to LeBron and I hope he gets a ring to cap off an amazing season.

Now, if only I had cable to watch the games. I’m seriously considering burning $30 for an NBA League Pass for the Playoffs but with a crappy Globelines connection, it’s a considerable risk . Haha.