I DON'T WANNA GROW UP

I'm a Toys R' Us kid. OK, not really but anyone else remember that jingle? Well, if you did, 2 points for you.

So I'm 21 years old. and loving life. I have no girlfriend (by choice kind of right now), I have minimal responsibilities and above all, I have a set of friends who share my feeling of living life to the fullest right now. So why would I want to grow up and risk losing that? Yea, there's a chance to be a dad or make lots of money and start a career but really, getting older just seems like a bad idea.

So what made me think of all this? Well, in the USA Today, there was a study about how the 18-25 age group should not be considered "adults" yet. That's according to Moms, Dads AND the 18-25 age group themselves. All felt like the group is still learning how to truly become an adult and that it is an experimentation phase in one's life. One so-called expert felt like the age group should be called the "emerging adult". He felt like young adult was too vague. The study was quite funny (and predictable) and sparked a conversation between my dad on I during the trip up to Brew City, USA (Milwaukee, WI).

(Quick aside: This story in the paper was right next to another story that had a headline that read "Study: Young adults now find porn more acceptable". Well, duh)

So we talked about how I didn't wanna graduate and how I should embrace my college years. It was brief but interesting. Then, we got to my sister's place and headed to a Milwaukee bar. And that's when it kinda hit me. I was sitting there, watching my 25-year old sis dance the night away with all of her grad school friends, celebrating the end of finals (and classes in general for some like my sister). At that point, I told myself, man, I don't wanna leave this age. I mean, 18-25 is that time to just let it loose. Do what you want. Have fun. I mean, what could be better?

You know, being a tour guide and PreCollege advisor, I always emphasize this to those students. Embrace your college years. Don't let them just be another 4 years of your life. And looking back at my 3.33 years, I think I've done a helluva job. Yea, there have been regrets (few) but man, overall, it's been a great ride. Made great friends. Done things I never thought I would. Gone places I never thought I'd go. Heck, I've even been in a commercial. So no, I don't wanna leave college. No, I don't wanna grow up and see the real world. I'm just not feelin it now.

But you know what's funny...as I was thinkin all of this, a 40-something woman came to the bar where my Dad and I were sitting watching my sister have the time of her life. She looked at me and asked me if I wanted to dance. I politely said no. I mean, come on, I already hate dancing and then with someone her age, I think not. So once I declined, she turned to my dad and asked. Without hesitation, my dad said "Sure".

That's right. My 54-year old, married dad got up and danced with this random lady. He only had one beer in him so I couldn't attribute his behavior to intoxication. NO, his behavior was one of spontaneity. It was like he knew I was thinkin that I don't wanna grow up...so he countered that with "hey, I'm 54 and dancing like a fool just like these twenty-somethings". And just like that, my thoughts of not growing up began fading away. I mean, my dad looked like a fool out there. Let's just say Alex Hitch would not be proud. But my dad was just being innocent, having fun, and treating this lady to one dance at a bar that was filled with college-age students. It was the right thing to do...not just for him or her, but for me.

You know, I do enjoy college and still am afraid of the real world. But watching my dad hit the dance floor numerous times at the bar, I'm not nearly as scared as I was. I've always tried to model myself after him and after tonight, if I can do what he did at the age of 54, then I will be having just as much fun as I am having right now at age 21. And that's saying a lot.

SORRY SANTA...

So there are less than two weeks until Christmas...the most wonderful time of the year according to numerous songs and commercials. Most years, I would agree but honestly as a senior in college, I think spring quarter at OU wins. But Christmas is still a good time.

But here I am, a 21 year old at my parent's house over Winter Break. The tree just went up today (I had to do it) and we have yet to decorate the tree or even put up a single Christmas light. No one in my family has given me a Christmas list and my Mom has even brought up the idea of not even giving gift this year but instead, giving our money and time to those who are less fortunate. Now I am all for helping others, especially those who need it but when it comes to Christmas, I feel like there is a family element and just tradition in it. In other words, if my family did not open up gifts Christmas Day, it would be a travesty in my mind.

For the record, my kitchen is being renovated so my house is a mess. I mean, the food is in the living/dining room, the microwave is in the den, the fridge is still in the kitchen and if we need to wash dishes or just need water for a food dish, it's off to the bathroom. That's not to mention all the equipment from the carpenter that is scattered about the kitchen, family room and garage.

So how does one get ready for the Christmas season with no Christmas spirit evident in the house? Well, one takes matters into his own hands. So today, I did more than my usual sit and watch TV all day. Don't get me wrong, I still did plenty of that but I did move. I moved a cabinet and plant to my patio and moved my TV about 3 feet away from the corner it usually resides. And then, I told my parents that the Christmas tree was going in the spot vacated by the TV. Though they were a bit skeptical of my idea, they knew better than to question me. The look in my eye told them that they had no choice. Their little boy was DESPERATE for Christmas to enter the home and the tree is essential. They knew that disagreeing with me would be like being The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. So they let me do what I wanted and not gonna lie, I like the results.

Then, it was time for another essential part of the Christmas season. The creation of a Christmas list. My parents' lists were short as usual, asking for things ranging from gift cards for restaurants to a vacation to Hawaii (they've been asking for that for the last 5 years). My list, as usual, was long...but I have a reason for that. Every year, I make a list that has about 15-20 things on it that I would like. I do that so that when Christmas Day rolls around, I have no idea what I am getting. Granted, it will probably be on my list but with so many options, it will surprise me.

So I begin to make my Christmas list and I sit there for about 5 minutes and cannot think of one thing. And that's when it dawned on me...what do I want? Or better yet...what do I need? It's funny. When I was younger, Christmas gifts were things I wanted. Now, as a 21-year old college student on the verge of graduation (scary), the Christmas gifts I am asking for are things I need.

For example, my list this year includes stuff such as dress shirts and ties, another suit, windshield wipers for my car and other necessities. I mean, what has life come to when I am asking for windshield wipers? Oh man, I miss the glory days of asking for Sonic The Hedgehog, RollerCoaster Tycoon, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gear. I mean, some of my favorite Christmas' are the ones where I got my Sega, PS2 and The Lion King trilogy. And now, I'm looking forward to ties and boxer briefs? Yikes.

But I know this is just a sign of the all-too-cruel future ahead of me. The future that is the real world. Where watching YouTube videos for 2 hours at a time may never happen or when late-night debuachery with friends will only happen when I have vacation time. So instead of getting depressed about this Christmas, I cannot wait to embrace it. I mean, my hope is that I still get a few fun gifts like another guitar for Guitar Hero or all seasons of Entourage on DVD but I actually hope more that I get my dress shirts, ties and windshield wipers.

Call me old or pathetic but honestly, this is my life now. I have everything I want (well, besides any hope of a love life) and almost everything I need. So why not hit the need column for a change this Christmas right? So yea, sorry Santa. Tell the elves Matt Barnes doesn't need anything too extravagant this year. Just give me the essentials and I'll be just fine.

IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS...

What would I do? What would you do? It's not an easy question. And it's definitely not an easy answer. I was watching the lottery drawing for Tuesday and it sparked a small conversation among my parents and I about what I would do with that kind of money. Like many things, I just kinda brushed it off as something that will never happen. But what if it did?

So I thought long and hard about it for the next 5 minutes (trust me, that's long and hard for me over Winter Break) and came up with some ideas of how I would spend that kind of money.

Since I have kids to save money for college for and my sister and I are done this spring, there's no need to put any money towards education. That didn't help me make any choices. Plus, I have no debt. I have no outstanding bills. I don't even own a credit card. My car is paid for and I think I am a lock to win any bets I have with friends right now.

So instead of education and/or debt, I thought I'd start with the one that's most important to me: my family. First off, I'd make sure my parents got as much money as needed to pay off anything they need plus do any and all renovations to the house that they wanted...or move to a new one, though I find that highly unlikely. Once they are good, I'd buy them a vacation anywhere in the world. It'd prolly be a cruise, since my mom doesn't like flying. Week-long away from home in a nice tropical setting would be just what the doctor ordered for them I'd hope.

After I satisfy my parents, it's on to my sister. She's graduating in May and will eb actively searching for a job just like myself. Once she fins her first place, I'd help pay for it. You know, take some of the burden off her shoulders. From there, I'd also treat her to a shopping spree. Not sure on the dollar amount...I mean, I'm dealing with fake money here. But wherever she goes, I go because well, seeing my sister shop on a limitless budget would definitely be a sight to see.

From there, it's on to some donating. I'm thinking about $100,000 to my high school to help with their future endeavors. Another $100,000 to my church since tithing is the right thing to do. And I should probably donate some to OU but you know, wouldn't it just be paying them back? I mean, it's like getting a gift and then giving it back saying, "No, I'm OK. You keep it".

Finally, I'd wanna save at least $100,000 and take it to Las Vegas with some of my best friends. The mission: gamble, drink and be merry. Nothing more and definitely nothing less. I mean, it's not fun to spend money on just yourself. Spending money on yourself and others...now that's fun.

The rest of the money goes in the bank because a brotha can't make an MC Hammer-like mistake and spend it all. Hopefully, the stock market goes well and I make some money off some good investment advice from my Charles Schwab agent.

So yea, it's not the most exciting plan for the million dollars but it's a smart one. It takes care of my family, my school and church family and yes, the friends and social life. Something tells me that if I really thought about this, I'd come up with a better plan but I like my inital plan. Now, that I have a plan, all I need is a million dollars....

WHISTLE BLOWING

Take a shot at this question. What is the best part-time job for a college student? Working at a dining hall? Heck no. Maybe being a tour guide? Fun but not enough hours. What about a nice, quiet job at the library? ZZZZZZ. But how about being an official? Ah, now we're talking.

When I came into college, I had no desire to get a job. I mean, college was paid for and honestly, I thought a job woud just get in the way. So Fall quarter, I did nothing (kind of like this Winter Break) and man, it was boring. I sat in my room, watched a lot of TV, played three seasons of NCAA Football 2005 and learned more about what was on the internet than I ever wanted to know. After a Winter Break of doing nothing to though, I knew that the go-getter in me couldn't sit down anymore and do nothing. So I set out to get a job. I happened to see a job posting in Ping for basketball referees. Thought it would be a good idea. Went to the meetings and clinics and next thing you know, I earned my stripes.

Now in my fourth year of being a referee/official in a variety of sports, let me tell ya, there's nothing better. There are many reasons behind this statement. First off, it's the feeling of being in control. Now let's be honest people, everyone likes to be right. Whether with family, friends, enemies or strangers, being right about something feels good. Well, as a referee, you're always right...or at least, you convey that feeling to everyone else. The confidence in your calls says it all. The more confident the call, the more believeable the call. And in my fourth year now, every call is confident. Am I always right? HAHA, no way. But man, once I put the stripes on, I'm not wrong. Question me, I dare you.

Another reason the job is so good...the travel. Man oh man, I can't think of my college experience without traveling for extramural tournaments. I mean, I've been to College Park, MD, Hattiesburg, MS, Pensacola, FL, Dallas, TX, Tempe, AZ, Davis, CA and in just a few weeks, I'm off to New Orleans, LA. Now tell me what other organization on campus is gonna sponsor and help pay for travel to all of those places and more? Somethin tells me, not many. Not only are these trips a chance forme to see this great country of ours, but they are great times with people all over the nation. And all because I blow a whistle and make some calls.

Need another reason why the job of referee is so good? How about the pay rate? No, I'm not talkin about the starting Intramural Pay Rate. That's chump change like any other starting rate on campus. But once you get off campus, that's where the real money sets in. Especially at times like right now, during basketball season. For example, this past weekend. Along with my friend Eric (check out his blog on the links to the right), I reffed 4th, 5th and 6th grade games at a local elemantary school. Just like any grade school game, we had to deal with parents who think their kids are the next LeBron or Lisa Leslie or parents that think they know the rules. Coaches aren't normally a problem but the slippery floor is.

But once you get past all that, think about this. $23 a game...yes, $23/game. Saturday was a 9-game affair while Sunday was 5 more. Do the quick math and we made $322 cash money. And I mean cash in hand when we left the gym. Cha-ching! Not to mention tomorrow, I get to do two middle school games for $50. Oh, what a 3-day weekend.

So let's recap. I blow a whistle to stop little kids from kiling each other for 3 days and come out with $372 of tax-free money. Meanwhile, I have friends working twice as many hours doing four times the amount of work and getting paid almost the same amount. And to think, this whole officiating odyssey just started with some lowly freshman trying to find a way to not be bored during winter quarter.

So I know I probably didn't give you the best reasons but I hope I gave you a taste of what makes officiating the way to go...or at least why I do it still. For a guy majoring in sports broadcasting, a lot of people do question me why I take officiating so seriously. But I mean, with opportunities like the ones I've had, I wouldn't have it any other way.

WINTER BREAK...AND I MEAN IT

Ohio University is a great school. I say that a lot in this blog, on the phone, on Facebook and in person. It's a great school for many reasons ranging from its atmosphere, its opportunities and yes, it's long 6-week break between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

Now, there are a lot of critics of our long 6-week break. Some of them are OU students. But if you take a closer look at the break, it's hard for me to find a problem with it.

First of all, it's 6 weeks! And this year, it happens to be 7. That's a long time to get a job, make some much-needed money and eat some (free) home-cooked food from Mom and Pops. Second, while all your friends are thinking about papers and exams they have after a long thanksgiving weekend, all OU students worry about is how much turkey, mashed potatoes and sweet potato pie they can stuff down (and there are always leftovers). And then there's the argument of "Well, we get out in May and you all are out in June". My response: Thank God we get out in June and not May...because what that means is less time in Athens during the always-exciting Spring Quarter. I mean, let's be honest, would you rather be at OU now or in June? Come on, it doesn't get much better than this break. Good time to clear the minds, replenish the wallets and get ready for what will be, for me, the final two quarters of my college career.

So what does one do during this break? Well, some people get jobs. Some go on vacations. Some take on an internship or co-op. Me? I do nothing. And by nothing, I seriously mean nothing. My routine is rather simple. I wake up around noon. Some days are earlier than others. Sometimes, I get up in time to watch Price Is Right at 11am. Other days, I'm in the bed until 2pm. It just depends. During the day, I watch a hodgepodge of TV ranging from dumb MTV shows to the CNN Newsroom. Hey, a boy has gotta know what's goin on in the world. Anyways, at 3pm, I make the most crucial decision of the day: Go to wrestling practice at my former HS or sit at home for 3 more hours. If I go, I get a slight workout, help out my coaches and generally have a good time. If I don't, I do more watching TV, surfing the net and even play some Guitar Hero if I feel daring enough that day.

6pm means parents are rollin home and dinner time. 7-8pm is reserved for Jeopardy and Wheel Of Fortune, unless the Blue Jackets have a game. Then, I begin watching them at 7pm. At 8pm, I begin looking on the TV for somethin good to watch or call some friends on campus and see if anything's up at THE OSU. No matter if I am there or at home, bedtime ranges from 2am-4am and then the cycle restarts.

So why not get a job? Why not intern? Why not take a small vacation somewhere? Well, it isn't called Winter Break for nothing. I work 4 jobs on campus and at all times, am stressed out. So when I come to CBus, the LAST thing I wanna do is work. Yes, the money would be nice but so is watching Plinko and Youtube videos. It may sound lazy but this is now my 4th year doing it. I've got a system and it keeps me busy. I'm never bored. I've always got something to do. It may be as small as beat a high score in text twist or watch a movie such as The Departed at 2am (great movie by the way) but it is a goal for the day.

Now, I will be traveling over the break. I've already gone to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Next up will be back down to the ATH. Then a trip to Milwaukee to bring the sis back home and then after Christmas, it's down to the Big Easy and Big D for some flag football officiating. But these aren't vacations...they're actually more like work so it almost trumps my point of Winter Break = Break. But hey, can't win 'em all. I mean, heck, my kitchen is being remodeled right now and so far, most days, I awaken to a hammer or drill that sounds as if its right next to my head at 9am. Now that stinks.

So before you go complaining about your Winter Break job/internship/co-op/vacation, just think about me. I'm doin nothin and lovin it. I still have a good time, hang out with friends and eat well. But in general, I do nothing. I am taking a break from school. The books, professors, the JOBS and the stress tht comes with all those. I mean, I do miss Athens and the people but honestly, I love this break because well, it's exactly that. A BREAK!

O-H....N-O

The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the National Championship...again. How? Well, I'm not really sure ANYONE understands. Just three weeks ago, the team lost at home on senior day to Illinois, ending all hopes of playing in the big game. Or so we thought. What followed in the next three weeks included EVERY team ahead of the Bucks losing. And now, the team is playing for the title once again. But let's be honest...do OSU fans really want this?

Let me take you back to the year that has been 2007 in terms of Ohio sports. Needless to say, it's been rough. It all began on January 8th. The undefeated, top-ranked and favored Ohio State Buckeye football team taking on the Florida Gators. I'm pretty sure most people were expecting the Buckeyes to win. Even Buckeye haters were resigned to the fact that obnoxious OSU fans would be gloating for the coming months about the victory. Well, that didn't happen. Instead, there was a humbling of OSU fans everywhere as Florida thumped the Buckeyes. I mean, it wasn't even close.

But that's not the only thumping Florida put on Ohio State. Oh no, we can't forget about basketball can we? The Thad five came in with huge expectations and by george, they not only met them but exceeded them. Thanks to Greg Oden's intentional unintentional foul and Ron Lewis' amazing shot (cue Gus Johnson please), the Buckeyes marched all the way to the championship game to meet, you know who, the Gators. Again, the Gators chomped the Nuts and again, Buckeye Nation was left humbled.

So with two losses already for the Buckeye State, it couldn't get worse right? Oh but it could. As amazing as it was to see Lebron James propel the Cavs to the Eastern Conference crown, it was just as disheartning to see them get swept in the NBA Finals by the Spurs. This loss was slightly different though. No one was giving the Cavs a chance (and deservedly so) against San Antonio but I mean, the team barely put up a fight in four games. So for fans in the state, the hearbreak continued as yet another team could smell the championship pie but not even get a slice.

Then, just about a month later came this little ray of sunshine from Columbus. It wasn't from OSU this time but from a pro sports team (Yes, we have those in Columbus). The team was the Columbus Destroyers. The sport was Arena Football. The league is under the radar and in CBus, the team is too but this year, they worked hard to at least make themselves a blip. They did a damn good job of that. Entering the playoffs with a 7-9 record, the team was left for dead by the AFL pundits. The Destroyers didn't listen though, winning three games in a row to get to ArenaBowl XXI. The run was impressive but it wouldn't mean anything if they didn't win it all. Well, they lost. Badly. 55-33 to be exact. Just making Ohio teams 0-4 in national championship games.

After fans were licking their wounds over another loss, then came the hunt for October in MLB. And right in the thick of the playoff race were, you guessed it, an Ohio team. Since the Reds are still a dump, it had to be the Indians and man, what a run they made. The team clinched the division at home and nearly won home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Instead, they tied for the best record and oh, that would be critical. The Tribe first took down the Evil Empire, known as the Yankees. Then, grabbed a 3-1 lead over the Red Sox. With Game 5 at home and 3 games to just win ONE, this series looked in the bag like the OSU-Florida football game. Instead, the Tribe lost the last three games, including a Game 7 thriller that was not for the faint of heart.

Oh, and since I do go to school in Athens, let's not forget how the Ohio Bobcats went from 9-5 to a dismal 6-6, despite the fact they were picked to win the MAC East. They did beat their rival Miami (OH) though...who then went on to lose to Central Michigan in the MAC championship, go 6-7 and lose their shot at a bowl game. Yep, the curse even hit the mid-majors.

And that now brings us to today. The Ohio State Buckeyes going to the National Championship. Can they win it? Of course. Will they win it? That's the question. The best part about the game is that the game is in 2008, meaning the curse of the Ohio teams need not apply. Heck, maybe all of this suffering in 2007 just means 2008 will be that much better. OSU beats LSU for the title. The Browns make the playoffs (equal to a national title in my mind), the Blue Jackets make the playoffs (see Browns comment), the Cavs upset the Celtics for the East crown and go on to win the Finals, the Destroyers take home the AFL title, and of course, the Tribe make up for last year's collapse and win the Fall Classic.

That's a year that I would like to see...and that's coming from a guy who doesn't even like the Browns or Cavs. But after all the heartbreak Ohio fans have felt this year, it just seems like we deserve to have some good things happen. So let's hope for the sake of all Ohio sports fans that the Buckeyes take advantage of the collapse of every college football team in America and reverse the curse that was 2007.