Ready for the Re-Up

I don't think I've anticipated anything more than the season debut of the 5th and final season of the Wire.

The Wire (now I'm admitting) is the best show on television after Nip/Tuck slipped this season. Thankfully, I'll have Sundays off for most of the winter, so I'll be able to catch all the episodes. Here's a forewarning: don't call me on Jan. 6 and any Sunday after that at 9 p.m. because I'll be watching the Wire. I'll have Wednesdays off too for the winter, so I'm looking for good shows on Wednesday night. Any suggestions?

The Flashback:
2007 was a weird year.

There were plenty of bad moments: the apartment search in the middle of winter (I don't recommend it for anyone...don't sign a calendar year lease or agreement), getting stranded on the Staten Island Expressway (always have cash on a toll road), and driving through an ice storm and nearly dying twice (one in New York City and once in New Jersey). Those moments immediately stand out.

Then there were plenty of good moments: first visits to Atlantic City and Las Vegas (I need to go back to both cities real soon), getting a new beat at work (nothing better when someone shows confidence in you to get the job done) and watching my younger sister take responsibilty for herself (gave me reason to smile again and that all isn't lost). Those moments immediately stand out.

The Re-Up:
2008 has a lot of promise.

1) There's the 2008 UNITY convention in Chicago. It will be my first Unity and sixth overall journalism convention. I've been to Chicago only once and that was for an internship orientation in 2000. Looking forward to that.

2) The vacation to either Jamaica or the Cayman Islands. Not sure which location yet and the dates aren't confirmed either but it will happen this year. I haven't been to Jamaica since I was a baby and I've never been to the Cayman Islands. Ready for the sun already after the temperatures around here dipped below freezing the other night.

3) A Super Bowl win for the Patriots and an NBA Championship for the Celtics. It could happen. After growing up in Massachusetts for most of my life and watching both teams struggle until recently, I can say this is a good time for New England Sports.

I'm sure there will be more and I'll update this entry at some point.