5 reasons why I love the NBA and you can too

My husband recently said to me: “I’m so excited to see you get into a sport!” And here I thought…well why wouldn’t I? As a female, I don’t think I was offended…but then again I was secretly glad my husband was impressed with my knowledge of the sport.

But it did make me realize just how much I love the NBA and that maybe there was a reason why I love this sport more than others. Mind you, he said this after I was jumping up and down like a crazy person watching my favorite team (the Chicago Bulls) score an amazing 3-point shot during game two of the NBA Playoffs.

So I sat and wondered why do I love this sport so much? Sure, I grew up watching the Bulls play, but now as an adult, I have even more passion for the game. And the company I work for has a strong community partnership with them, which makes me realize more than most what a great organization the Bulls have. 

So are there more women out there like me? Maybe...Or maybe not.

Either side you may land, I have five reasons for you. Those who might share my passion of this sport or those who are still undecided if sports are even really for them:

1. Facial recognition. Think about it…Football has helmets, padding and more; baseball has hats and sunglasses; and hockey has just way too much gear. Sure, these sports have more contact but with basketball you can actually see these players’ faces, and watch the sweat and emotions that go into the game. And to be obvious, the court is actually small enough to fit on your TV screen to make out their faces. This to me helps you create a special bond with the players. From Joakim’s man bun to Harden’s (way too long) beard and Lebron’s signature headbands. And we can’t forget about all the blood, sweat and tears we can literally see pouring off of them every game. Gross? Maybe. Passion? Yes. And many of them are not too shabby to look at either and can generally be found on my #ManCrushMonday list. ;)
2. The game is SO easy to understand. Take my word for it. I can’t figure out the rules to a football game for the life of me. And sure there are lots of rules in basketball, too, just like any other sport, but let’s be honest: Two teams have the goal of making that orange and black 9.5 inch ball of rubber go into the basket – preferably with a swoosh. The games are also fast paced, so they are easy to keep my attention since there aren’t a million timeouts, breaks, innings and replays.
3. Small teams. Most NBA teams have up to 15 players we have to remember. And at one time in the game: only five! Football…baseball…I have no clue maybe two to three times more names to remember. Not happening with this memory of mine. Give me five starters and a couple of our second in line players to remember and I am all over it. 
4. Lots of games. This may sound like a downfall for some. Football…with just a few home games and taking up my favorite day of the week, it just isn’t my cup of tea. But when the Bulls are playing on #WineWednesday, you betcha I have my vino in hand and the game turned on and UP. Then when they play two days later, I can do it all over again (including the whole wine thing).
5. The NBA is totally social. While most sports have bought into the social game from Twitter to Facebook to Instagram. Many NBA teams take it to the next level – we can tweet along with the teams, use their branded hashtags, and even Snapchat them. This fact alone helps me build a relationship with my favorite team. (Oh and I can send Jimmy Butler tweets of my infatuation.)

So if you are really looking to get into a sport, ladies, I suggest basketball.

Start watching and blow people away with your mad skills. It also might help with some conversation on a first date. J

A Ryan Cabrera comeback – Be still my heart

You read right ladies. THE Ryan Cabrera is back. Is your 16-year-old self all of a sudden singing “On the Way Down” in your head (or maybe outloud) right now?

I thought so.

I’ll admit when I first heard the announcement of Ry-guy releasing new music, I was a little skeptical since it's been SO long. But I have to say, his music still makes me wish he was singing his songs just for me.

And while his hair may be tamed and he’s added just a few more tattoos (I hear he lost count at 55), the man can still rock a guitar and sing some darn catchy tunes.

Now 32, Ryan hasn’t released new music since 2008. Flashback to when he was crooning songs like “True” and “40 Kinds of Sadness” and starring in music videos with his ex, Ashlee Simpson. Brings me back to my “I wish I was Ashlee days.” And who can forget his brief headlines with Audrina Patridge? 

While a full album has not been released, his five-song EP entitled “Wake Up Beautiful” not only will have you singing along to his whiskey-drinking cleverly titled “Sing Along,” but his track “Forgot How to Fly” will make you melt. And the title track “House on Fire” will have you dancing in your living room. The songs have officially made it on all of my playlists for working out or cleaning the house.

And we can’t forget that yes he is even on tour right now with his band along with Secondhand Serenade (another oldie but goodie – “Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for youuuu.”) I digress. There are also a few other rockin' opening bands like Runaway Saints, Nick Thomas from Spill Canvas and Wind in Sails. All around a great group of guys doing what they love. Oh wait and one gorgeous gal with an amazing voice, Veronica Ballestrini who joined John and the Secondhand crew for the remainder of the tour. 

Recently in Chicago (AKA Joliet a very southwest suburb of Chicago), I had the opportunity (AKA I bought the two for $22 tickets on Groupon) to see Ryan back in action on the Radio Revival Tour. And there are still a few dates left across the U.S.

And can I just tell you how super cool his bandmates are?! They not only are more than happy to come hang with the fans before and after the show - but they are all super down to earth guys. Shout out to Krispy Swiggs for the chat and the beer. :) (Krispy -- We LOVED hanging out with you and appreciate you being so cool. We really should have stayed up way too late and came to see you guys on your 2nd night in Chicago, performing in Wrigleyville at HVAC. Next time we will be the tour guides!)

Ladies – Ryan will not disappoint your inner teenage self. And little did I know I would remember every single word to his classics. 

And I can't forget to add that Ryan is also super active on Twitter and Instagram so you can follow him along every step of the tour here and here. Oh and he might even follow you back. ;)

A few photos from the night

ryan

@ryancabrera and @trevlukather

Sing it Ry!

photo with Trev w/ photobomb by @SecondhandJohn

our new friend @KrispySwiggs

loving Secondhand Serenade

hey John!

#RadioRevivalTour