Something has been distracting me from work the past two weeks, and it's not my upcoming wedding.  Ohhhhhh how I wish it was wedding planning that's keeping me up at nights.  Actually, there's no planning involved at all, we've decided on a destination wedding.  It was the best decision we've made as a couple thus far.  I never dreamt of having a big wedding or wearing a poofy expensive wedding gown, walking down the aisle with 200 hundred eyes on me.  I'm not very traditional in that respect; who am I kidding?  I'm not traditional at all and I blame it on my parents.   Cooking is the only traditional trait I possess...:(  I'm not trying to be unconventional, but it's who I am.  I wonder what kind of mother I will make....I might be able to raise boys better than girls.  I know nothing about makeup or fashion.  My child will be competitive.  He plays sports.   He enjoys reading. He builds long lasting and caring friendships.  He has an open mind but firmly articulates his beliefs.  He is compassionate and empathetic.  He likes to travel.  GOD blessed us with an amazing gift, we will love him/her with or without these traits. 

I read an article on Bengals.com confirming that Carson's surgery went very well yesterday.  His chances of returning next season as a starting QB is great.  I can't be happier for him and the Bengals.  We need Carson because he exemplifies what a role model should be.  Here's what Willie Anderson, his teammate said about Carson....“He has the attitude of a superstar, the attitude of a winner,” “He’s got that confidence of a Heisman Trophy winner and the first pick in the draft. The elite guys have that kind of temperament. It’s a setback, but he’s young, he can recover fast, he should be fine.”

Too many athletes today have negative attitudes, thug-like personalities, tattoos, not to mention crimal records.  I'm not sure why they're still employed by professional franchises.  I stopped watching professional basketball games because how players portray themselves on and off the field.  I see more and more college athletes display poor sportsmanship qualities, for example...Maurice Clarette, Marcus Vick, that RB from Florida State to name a few...  These athletes possess what many of us would love to have, talent.  They make poor choices that not only hurt themselves but others who come in contact with them.  When will the team owners, general managers, and coaches say enough is enough.  Athletes become role models by default when they sign those million $ contracts.  Say "NO" if they're not willing to take on the responsibilities that come with job. 

Football season has come and gone.........yeah I know the playoffs are still happening.  The season has officially ended for me yesterday.  I pray that Carson will get better before next season, I hope the Bengals orgnization will add worthy offensive linemans next year to give Carson more protection.  The whole world witnessed why the Bengals need Carson Palmer as a starting QB.  John Kitna maybe a wonderful man, loved by his family and friends, but he just couldn't handle the ball.  I thought he had eye problems, restricting him to see his players down the field. He was scrambling, trying desperately to run away from the big bad evil Steeler's defense, but only to be sacked a few yards from the line of scrimmage.  How many first down did he get?  What happened to the Bengals...special team...offense...defense?  The play where Randle L faked the ball, and eventually threw it back to Big Ben, he then threw it long to number 80 for a TD.  What happened to the defense?  Why didn't the Bengals defensive coordinator read that play?  Everyone choked when they saw Carson was pulled away from the field.  It is still a young team with only three years together.  Despite their miserbale debute at the AFC playoff yesterday, I am proud to say I am still a Bengals fan. 

This might be my last blog about football this season, and I can't post it until I say something about my college teams.  Congrats to Ohio State!  Congrats to Cal! on winning their bowl games.  I don't care if Texas won the National Title, USC is still the best college football team in the land.  Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, and Pete Carrol are four reasons why I watch USC games again.  I stopped following the team when I left California.  They have extroardinary talents with awesome character to make any USC fan proud. 

I've never been a big fan of Brett Favre of the Packers, but I respect him as a player.  He's one of the best QB to ever played the game. He should have retired a few years back when he was still on top of his game.  BRETT, PLEASE RETIRE BEFORE YOU GET INJURED.  YOU ARE NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER.  I understand he loves the game, but sometime you've got to say, "it's time to go".  I was very disappointed when Joe Montana, my all-time favorite QB, retired from the 49ers, came out of retirement the following year to play for the Chiefs.  WHY?  I thought he ended his career brilliantly until he wore the Chiefs uniform.  There's another player in tonight's game that should also retire his uniform is Deon Sanders.