Sunday, August 9, 2009

A Whirlwind of Changes

So it has been eons since I last wrote a blog entry. In fact, for a while at least I forgot that I even had this little online "journal." So much has happened since I last wrote and I thought I would try to get the Reader's Digest version out into words. So without further ado, the last few months in a small nutshell...

I took a position with the San Jose Giants and our season began with much fanfare. We had boat loads of prospects and talent and ended up winning the first half championship. Long story short, I have gained a lot of invaluable experience in media relations and have made a lot of new contacts and friends in the process.

As far as my career aspirations go, I no longer want to be a broadcaster. I have the privilege of broadcasting a handful of games this season and have enjoyed them very much, but realize I would not be able to do that game in and game out for a long season. This year of work has also helped me realize that I may not exactly know where I want to head after this internship is over. I am still looking for a full-time position and some sort of beginning to my career. Will I stay in sports or try to make the jump into the normal work world? Only time will tell I guess.

As far as the near future goes, I will most likely be starting a media relations internship with the San Jose Sharks in September. My ideal position would be media relations with the Sharks so this definitely will be a great experience to see whether or not I want to indeed pursue something in the NHL. I am extremely blessed and excited to begin this new chapter in my life.

Enough of the career now, my personal life has undergone some radical changes as well. I have began working out on a regular basis again and it feels very good to be getting back in shape. The original plan was for me to begin playing ice hockey again but we will see how that shapes up or if it does at all. For the time being, I just want to focus on getting myself into the shape I want to be so I can be proud of my body and continue to be active.

I will save you the sob story but this has been a particularly difficult summer. To start things off, my dad was laid off from his job and we have been struggling financially ever since. The only way to go seems to be up for the economy so I am hoping we can get back into the positive times financially.

My uncle has been struggling with health issues lately. He is currently battling hard and doing a very brave job but it is something that never gets easy. I really wish I could have more time to go and visit with my extended family. Makes you sit back and take inventory of things.

In late June/early July my girlfriend and I split ways. Anyone that knows me will attest that I was utterly shocked. It caught me 100 percent out of the blue. I had the calendar she gave me as a gift up on my wall with a countdown for her to get back from a trip. Little did I know things would not be the same when she returned. I had met and talked to a lot of girls over the years but no one swept me off my feet like she did. I was completely smitten and in love and had the most amazing year and a half of my life. I felt like I was living a dream. I could have a terrible week at work or have something bad happen and still have a smile on my face thinking about her. Well, as tends to happen, good things come to an end. Still don't quite think it has hit me. Don't get me wrong, I slipped into a deep, deep depression right afterwords. In fact, I don't quite think I am out of it to tell you the truth. I go out, work, have fun and what not but at the end of the day, just doesn't replace what I felt when we were together.

For the first time in my life, I can tell you that this year was worse than the last. Never before has my life taken a step backwards. I should be happy right? Career is getting so many good breaks. My hard work is paying off and yet I feel empty still?

I'm not one to mope around. I know the only way to go from here is up. I am optimistic that I can shake off this feeling and break through to the next level. I have realized a lot of things that I needed to realize. I am improving myself now in many ways and feel like I see life in a new light. I was close minded on a number of things before. I have so many things I am improving now and am excited to see where my life takes me now.

The feelings of emptiness are still extremely prevalent. I sometimes wonder why I wake up everyday but then I remember that I have worked so hard and owe it to myself to quit being so negative and to dust myself off and live life to the fullest.

Sorry for the negative writings. I promise the next entry will not take months to be recorded and will be a lot more positive and uplifting! We will see where this pivotal month takes me and I am excited to continue my journey. The only way to go from here is up!

-BRG

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Some random thoughts before the weekend...

The Sharks just finished up a solid 4-2 victory over the much improved LA Kings. It was the second straight game in which the opposing team tried to "out muscle" the Sharks, and was the second straight game in which the Sharks persevered and were rewarded. A few things come to mind after watching these back-to-back 4-2 wins over the Oilers and Kings, respectively.

1) Head Coach Todd McLellan moved Patrick Marleau to the third line because of injuries down the middle. The move breaks up the nearly unstoppable top line of Thornton, Patty, and Devin Setoguchi. At first glance, this could be seen as an expected drop-off in the offensive department. But, especially after the last two games, I believe this move actually strengthens the Sharks overall attack. Imagine now that a team has to worry about Jumbo Joe's line, the terribly consistent second line, and now, a third line that has lit the lamp multiple times in the past two games. That's three legitimate scoring lines, something that is nearly impossible for opposing teams to defend. Imagine the headaches coaches must be dealing with trying to draw up match ups for these three lines. I like what I am seeing.

2) With Jody Shelley out of the lineup, teams seem to be attempting to bully the Sharks. Newsflash for all the other teams in the league, these are not the same Sharks that were bullied out of the playoffs in the past. The last two nights, the Sharks have faced very physical teams and have come out with strong showings and victories. I actually believe that with Shelley out, it forces the rest of the Sharks to step up the physicality and defend themselves and their teammates. This is a great character builder for the Sharks as they head into the final two months of the year. All the players must be ready to hit and get hit and they all seem to be accepting the challenge with open arms (or fists). Vlasic and Michalek seem to be stepping up their physical games and this excites me more than the old Jessica Simpson in daisy dukes. Gone are the days in which a team can simply throw their weight around with team teal. Shelley or no Shelley, this team doesn't take crap from anyone, any longer.

We will see if any of the six injured players return for Saturday's matinee against the Atlanta Thrashers. My guess is that JR and Lukowich return, but who knows. It's tough not to overlook the game Saturday, but there is a brutal road trip looming and the Sharks need to hit it in stride.

In closing, kudos to Claude Lemieux for tallying his first point since 2003 when he got on the scoreboard against, who else, the Sharks. I like to see a player who set his heart on making a comeback get a point. Also, good job Kaspar. Trying to make the most of his opportunity on Thornton's line. This is a very deep roster and all this experience and all these injuries could actually be a blessing in disguise come playoff time.

Until later, have a good weekend everyone and don't forget to spay and neuter your pets?

BRG

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The Dog Days of Winter?

So this post undoubtedly makes no sense to the pattern inclined, (considering the one month anniversary of my last post is tomorrow) but who knows what tomorrow will bring. A lot has happened since the last entry but in an effort to spare you the bland details, I'll just give you the Reader's Digest version.

I have begun a new chapter in my life with the San Jose Giants. That's correct, the San Jose Giants, not San Francisco. For those of you not familiar with the South Bay's only professional baseball club, the San Jose Giants are the Minor League Class A Affiliate of San Francisco. San Jose has been home to Minor League ball since 1942. We play at Municipal Stadium and have been affiliated with San Francisco since 1988. Anyway, enough of the history lesson.

I am the Marketing and Public Affairs Intern with the Giants and that encompasses a lot of different tasks, as I am learning everyday. From helping to create an Interactive Media department/program, to organizing the closet, I am experiencing a wide array of responsibilities. Currently, I am working on helping create our first media guide as well as some interactive ways to reach out to fans on the Internet. I am enjoying my time in San Jose and trying to learn as much as I can with every passing day.

As far as the rest of my life goes, I'm playing the waiting game. Waiting to see how the baseball season takes shape. Waiting to see what the Panthers/49ers do with their off seasons. Waiting for the hockey season to transition from the dog days to the home stretch. And who can forget, Valentine's Day and Spring Break. All of this lays in wait in the coming weeks.

Tonight, a statement was made in the NHL. The Sharks have been one of the top teams in hockey this season, but as of late they have struggled and been "dethroned" by much of the media. They took on the Boston Bruins in a battle of the League's top two teams Tuesday night in Boston. When the dust settled, the Sharks showed the East Coast how hockey is played in San Jose. Despite the media bias against Western Conference teams, the Sharks put down the Bean Town Cubbies 5-2.

Boston came out with their trademarked speed and took a 2-1 lead early. The Sharks were outplayed in the first frame and it showed on the scoreboard as well as the shot clock where the Bruins held a 13-6 advantage. The second period was scoreless but foreshadowed things to come. The Sharks finally used their size and hammered Boston's fore checkers and defensemen, finishing their checks every available opportunity. With the second period in the books, San Jose had out shot Boston 13-10 and you could sense the momentum shifting.

The Sharkies came out strong and continued to pound Boston every chance they got. You could sense that the physical play was hurting Boston's offense and San Jose put the pedal to the floor midway through. A four goal out spurt in the final frame gave San Jose a come-from-behind 5-2 win on enemy ice and handed Boston their first regulation loss when leading after two. It's this mix of physical play with skill and patience that I believe can be a lethal force come playoff time. As I said before, only time will tell.

And so I wait. Wait for the end of the NHL's regular season. Wait for pitchers and catchers to report to camp. Wait for the NFL free agency period. Wait for days to come.

Thus ends this incredibly unorganized rant. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to this post, or any of my other posts for that matter. All I know is that I cannot wait for this weekend to come. Spending quality time with my girlfriend, watching some hockey, and hopefully learning more about the futures of my other teams. Until then, take care and enjoy the shortest month of the year...


BRG

Sunday, January 11, 2009

A quick but to the point word about the NFC

First of all, this is a rant and of course I am going to sound like a sore loser because, I am. Direct any comments to me so that I can put you down quietly and back into your place.

Anyone who believes the Arizona Cardinals are "the real deal," is ignorant. Last night was the worst showing I have ever witnessed in the playoffs. Jake Delhomme had with out question his worst game of his career. 6 turnovers, 2 of which in the end zone, would allow anyone, even the lowly Lions, to earn a victory. For everyone that said the Cardinals neutralized Steve Smith, hogwash. When your quarterback cannot get you the ball because of arrant throws or fumbles, that's the QB neutralizing Steve Smith. For ANYONE, who believes the Cardinals have a new run defense and kept the Panther's running game in check, baloney. The Panthers, for some odd reason, were down so much they felt that they should just scrap the running game. The very same running game that got them to the playoffs. If you actually watched the game, you would have seen the few times they actually ran the ball, they stuffed it right down the Cardinals throats.

That is about it for now, if you would like to debate this, please feel free to comment me or send me a message. I always enjoy a good laugh. Wake up people, the Cardinals are all smoke and mirrors. Mere bystanders watching teams shoot themselves in the feet. I only hope the NFL realizes this before it's too late and we have the most pathetic Superbowl Champions in the history of this once proud game. Yes, even worse than the Ravens and Trent Difler. That is all.


BRG

Monday, January 5, 2009

And so it begins...

The Holiday season has come and gone and 2009 is now underway. This first full week of January will bring some quality sporting match-ups as well as a first look at how the economy will respond. However, in my world, there are only two stories worth following this week.

First, the San Jose Sharks embark on a Western Canadian road trip which will take them through Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. The Sharks will kick things off against the Flames, a rematch of the Western Conference Quarterfinals from a season ago. The Flames bring a rough style to play against the skillful, speedy Sharks. With enforcer Jody Shelly likely out of the lineup, the Sharks recalled Brad Staubitz from Worcester to "beef" up their lines. Defensemen Douglas Murray is expected back after missing a few games and together, with the addition of Alexei Semenov at the forward position, the Sharks are no pushovers. Tuesday will be a very stern test to see if the Sharks can right the ship and recapture their early season success.

After a stop in Edmonton, team teal heads to Vancouver where Mats Sundin could very well be in the lineup. The former Maple Leaf is expected to bring leadership and some offense to the Canucks who are searching for a boost while Roberto Luongo sits out with an injury. Don't expect Sundin to bring Vancouver to the promised land, but he will help their young forwards and can still light the lamp.

This brings me to the most intensive sporting day of my week, Saturday. Prior to the Sharks and Canucks, the NFL Playoffs continue and its my boys from Carolina taking center stage. The Panthers, (yes, I'm a Panther fan) host the Arizona Cardinals in Charlotte. The Cardiac Cats take their 8-0 home record into action against a very underestimated Cardinals team that has something to prove. Many, including myself, counted the Cardinals as a one and done team. After knocking down the Falcons, Arizona is flying high. They have one of the most potent offenses in the league and Kurt Warner has exceptional playoff experience. Sunday, Edgerin James returned to his old form and ran all over Atlanta. I think he will have quite a different experience this Saturday.

Carolina should have both defensive tackles back and will be extremely difficult to run against. Arizona will turn to their air attack which is tough to defend. I'm expecting a good ol' fashioned shootout. The big difference would be Carolina's running game and defensive ability. While Arizona should be able to pass Saturday, Carolina has the ability to create turnovers. A couple stalled drives or a turnover here and there, and Carolina should run out the clock with their "Crunch and Munch" ground game. Call me biased, but I'm picking John Fox's Cats to end Arizona's "Cinderella Story."

Ok, so I realize I have done very little research and added no actual stats or quotes, but it's nearly midnight and I'm resigned to watching reruns on the "CW." Heading back to work tomorrow never sounded so good. Finally got a paycheck and won't have to scrounge for change or coupons, and have a full schedule of sports to watch. Top it all off with a special someone coming home this weekend and you've got the recipe for quite a fun first week of the new year. So if you are still reading this and my lack of direction hasn't scared you off, check out the Panthers game at 5:15 and hop on over to the Sharkies at 7:00. Hopefully my next entry will be a little more organized and that I'll be reporting on some positive work news or sports recaps. Until next time, take care and happy hunting?

BRG

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Twas the night...

According to "Norad's Santa Satellite," Saint Nick was flying above neighboring Nevada just a little over an hour ago. I write this in haste as I plan on being asleep when he arrives. Another Christmas has arrived in a flash. It seems as though the years are going by at a more rapid pace every year. Not to sound like my parents, but where has the year gone?

I have noticed that I don't quite feel the "Christmas Spirit" as much this year. Maybe it's because I have returned to working retail to pay the bills, maybe it's because of the poor state of our economy, who knows. All I know is, KOIT's all Christmas music has not been quite as prominent in my car radio this year.

Christmas Eve is always a fun time to spend with family and this year was no exception. Castro Valley was the place to be for the Guerrero and Tegner households. The kids were in charge of the fixing's and the fact that Costco pizza graced our table didn't change the atmosphere or mood. I think that with all the focus on negative aspects of our lives: the economy, international tensions, a Carolina Panthers overtime loss on Sunday, Christmas Eve with family and friends really has put me back into my comfort zone.

Next week will bring mall work, more emails and correspondence, and the New Year. I can safely say that if things continue to follow the trends, 2009 should be a year of firsts and that I am looking forward to it.

Merry Christmas!


BRG

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A Very Forgetful Debut...

As many of you may or may not know, I finished up my education in May and have been looking to stake my claim in the “real world” since September. Since the 4th grade, I have had my heart set on being a sports broadcaster. Play-by-play has always been my dream. Since I finished my broadcasting internship with the Oakland A’s, I now realize I may not be headed for the life I had always dreamed of.

Call it a quarter-life crisis, if you will. I finished school and moved away from friends and what I had always known. Suddenly, I’m thrown into a world that no longer cares if I wake up in time for class or get that paper in on time. I have to make my own breaks in this game called life. For the first time in my life, I have not had a job or school to occupy my time. As incredible as this lifestyle of laziness sounds, I thrive on action and activity. Informational interviews and making contacts became my full-time job. Little did I know, but these networking tools would pave the way to where I currently see myself, as well as my proposed future, heading.

To make a long story short, I decided that media/public relations interest me a great deal. I hope to forge an alliance between this new found interest and my old flame, sports. I recently took in six days in Las Vegas for the baseball Winter Meetings. I experienced one of the most interesting weeks of my life as I searched for a job that would combine my two interests while staying near my home. I met a great cast of friends and contacts, and learned a lot about myself and about the industry of baseball. I landed back in Oakland with a wallet empty of cash, but full of business cards and phone numbers.

That, in a round about way, leads me to the present. I am currently trying to bring in some extra cash for Christmas presents and bills. I am back at Sporters, a small sports-apparel retailer located in the local mall. The entire time, I wait for the phone to ring and for my career to be jump started. I received notice that I had been offered a position with a baseball team in Modesto - very exciting and especially uplifting to my confidence. I will be meeting with another local Minor League team on Monday to explore the possibilities and opportunities they have to offer. I expect to make a decision by early next week on the next chapter of my life. Either way, this month has been remarkable and I feel blessed to have such a strong support group.

In closing, I want to end this extremely long entry by thanking everyone that has helped me along this winding path. First and foremost, my faith has been there every step of the way. I don’t always act or show my religious side, but it is a constant rock I can lean on when times get tough. My family, immediate and extended, has been there through it all and I am blessed to have their love. Friends have always been there for me, even when I have not been there for them. If anything else, this past year has been a year of firsts. I have the privilege of being in a relationship with the most understanding and amazing girl I have ever come across. My girlfriend has been a best friend and a source of strength and comfort to me through my last year as a student and my first few months of “unemployment.” I am lucky to have someone to fall back on when times get tough.

This has drawn on long enough. If you’re still reading, I apologize for rambling on. This will, undoubtedly, be the longest entry I anticipate. I felt that getting everyone up to speed would be the best idea. I look forward to what lies ahead.

Take care,

BRG