I don't think I caught arthritis today, but I did attend a walk today at the Great Geauga County Fair...and my joints are tight. 

I think it has more to do with the fact I went home and laid around doing nothing, watching the Browns, and eating.  I think my joints ache from inactivity more than any arthritic condition.

I had planned to get my exercise today by cheering for the Browns (insert Browns joke here).

Here are some photos from the event today

The countdown is on, since its less than 2 weeks til the now famous Wine and Gold Scrimmage and the chance to see the one and only Tarence Kinsey in action.  I can't wait.

T-13 days.

--dog

Well, I get asked once in a while what's the best part of my job. 

• Getting to be on the same court with LeBron?
• Being in front of 20,000 loud fans celebrating a playoff win?
• Having hundreds of mascot groupies who follow me around?
• Getting to do hundreds of loads of laundry a year?

Well, it's none of those, although the groupies are nice.

The best part of the gig is mornings like today, just being around a bunch of great kids who are loving life, smiling, and out giving the day their best shot.

This morning I was invited to help kick off a fundraising walk for people with Hydrocephalus, which before this morning I knew nothing about (and still know quite a little).  If you've read my blog, you know a typical Saturday is spent at a walk, run, or light jog event usually built around fundraising.  Besides raising funds, I just love the spirit of the people and the community of people who might have nothing in common outside of a note on a medical chart. 

Seeing people together, sharing a bond that can be seen as a hardship is sometimes hard....until you see that they are all doing it because they care.  They are doing it because they know their efforts are helping.  They are doing it bacause it makes them smile and gives them hope.

You might think I do it because it's my job....but I do it to see the smiles, see the hope and support their efforts.  Next time you hear about a walk for something....I hope you'll wake up early and give it a shot.  You see a lot of families out who obviously are effected by the condition, or who have a friend who is....and in turn they'll see someone who just cares about people and is willing to walk a mile with them. 

If you are anything like me, you'll get more out of it than you give.

Check out all the photos from the Hydrocephalus Walk here

See you at the next 5k.

--dog

Two of the most prolific bloggers of our era were under the knife this week.

First, Cavs Marketing Misfit Jeff Ryznar, better know to CavFanatics as Ryz Gone Wild, Ryz Up, Grryzly Bear and any other wacky incarnation of words with Ryz in them.  He snuck in to the doctors office for a shoulder operation.  Most men would be out of the hospital and back at work in 36-48 hours, but Ryz is coming back in 2-3 weeks. 

Here are some photos of Ryz's reconstructed shoulder.

In other news, fellow wordsmith and sometime habachi-user Gilbert Arenas underwent a 3rd knee surgery.  I would say Gilbert is on of my favorite non-Cavs players, but its been a long time since I've seen him go....so I am not sure about that.  He is an interesting cat however.  Here's hoping he is able to write in his blog from his recovery room.  If he could blog about Ryz's shoulder, that would just be amazing.

Get well soon to both of you.

--Dog

Trying to keep up with my plan to share some of our trips has new tools.  Ahmaad even bought a new fancy camera for us to bring to events and get photos and video.

Don't believe me?

Photos from the Entertainment Book Show in Twinsburg

For the last couple weeks and for a couple more, we have been making trips around Greater Cleveland and providing a little motivation for kids and getting them excited about a fundraising program with Entertainment Book.  The Scream Team is also there, which is sweet.

I also mentioned video....we got that too.  I fumbled with the camera a bit and missed much of Ahmaad acting the fool.....but I got a little bit.  I promise more video of him clowning (its easy to get, since he likes to clown).

Thanks to all the teachers and administrators at Dodge Elementary  who hosted us....sometime the kids don't know how good they have it...and those kids have it good with that great staff.

Up next?  Actually I turned off my blackberry, so I can't see my schedule.  Check back in a week and find out our next exciting school. 

...and see Ahmaad clowning on video.

--Dog

I have a bit of an ice cream headache, but I am working through it in a gutty effort to post a blog entry for my loyal readers.

As if running a 5k this morning wasn't enough, I followed that with some waffles, a nap, then a trip up to Cleveland Heights Cold Stone Ice Cream. 

We had a drawing for an ice cream party at Cold Stone this year with the Cavs and in yet another heroic example of my dedication to team and community I volunteered to go eat ice cream with the winner.  I just care that much. 

I cared enough to sample severval of the winner's ice cream waffles cones, mostly as quality control.  The quality was outstanding.

Here are some photos from my visit to Cold Stone. 

I also want to go on record that I am available for next year's celebration.  And I would like whip cream, nuts, and one of those unnaturally red cherries on top of next year's heroic visit.

--Dog

PS:  I also found out that Cold Stone and Stone Cold have nothing to do with each other.