Greg Oden swiped my pen

What a day it has been.

Went to bed late the night before after watching a movie with my buddy Ira. Woke up early this morning by the Greermonster and was prodded down to the basement where Veggietales were quickly brought to life on the TV.

After a quick breakfast, I drove Greer to his morning aikido class, where he listened and followed instruction to the best of his 4-year old ability. Bedecked in a tie-dye and black sweats, he practiced rolling backward over either shoulder. Sensei John stepped in to assist whenever firm direction was needed. Still a lot of right side /left side confusion, but he's getting the picture. Also, he is settled enough to remain still in the learning position and has had senior students to practice with. It seems he's learning from their example.

And now the fun begins....

Not missing a beat, Greer and I bolted over to the Rose Garden for Greg Oden's Summer Slam - an event to help bring attention to local mentoring programs. When we arrived, Greer was gladly overwhelmed by the availability of bouncie castles and inflatable obstacle courses that abounded on site.

My first goal was being achieved. Exhaust the boy, and he will sleep like a stone.

After the second time around in the bouncie castle, we ventured inside of the Rose Garden and discovered that the Blazers basketball floor had been opened for the kids. G made a b-line for the hardwood, and asked for his small rubber basketball - complete with faded Maurice Lucas signature. He ran right into the thick of things and started flinging his toy ball at the hoop. Every which way - the ball went - except into the hoop, but he didn't care. Greer was flush with the Basketball Jones, and was tearing around amidst a crowd of older, and thankfully patient kids. I had a hard time pulling him away.

After heading back outside for more time in the inflatable castle, the man of the hour - Greg Oden - rolled up in a black SUV. He unfolded his towering frame out of the vehicle - sporting a new Obama t-shirt- and was quickly set upon by a mass of kids. I handed Greer his toy ball - and a Sharpie pen - for Oden to sign. And sure enough, the boy got his autograph....right next to Maurice Lucas.



We followed Oden and the crowd to a nearby tent, where he sat all the kids down and spoke briefly about the importance of childhood mentors - after which and challenged anyone to a game of Guitar Hero or Dance Dance Revolution - two of his favorite video games (which were set up inside the Rose Garden).

We decided to head back inside for a root beer and more time on the hardwood. This time, Greer was more interested in playing with/against the big kids and their full-size basketballs. While I took a rest on the sidelines, Greermonster went at it with a vengeance....stepping into a free-for-all where he was the shortest kid on the court.



He was like a little red menace, doggedly following the ball and going after anyone that held it still for a moment. It's a wonder he didn't get mowed over, but those on the court looked after him, and even gave him a couple chances to handle the ball. Still, it was a riot to watch him go at it.

The most fun I had was playing keep away with Greer - once I got a handle on one of the larger balls. I dribbled back and forth with both hands, as boyo would chase the action - invariably knocking it loose and jumping on the ball with a wild giggle. Not long after, Greer found himself in the company of some adoring Blazer Dancers, who posed for a photo - worthy of his locker at school.

Before we took off, we had one more chance to meet Oden, who was inside the Rose Garden - talking to members of the various mentoring programs that had booths.

It was then that I noticed the pen.

In the heat of Greer getting his ball signed, the Sharpie had disappeared...at least from my mind. But, lo and behold there it was - in Greg's mammoth hand - achieving its fifteen minutes of fame as a marker.

It seemed a shame to ask for it back, so instead, we settled for photo with the big guy.

To say that Greer had a full day is somewhat of an understatement. Having met his favorite Trailblazer in person, played on the home court of the Rose Garden - and managing to score a root beer off of Dad....well.....it doesn't get much better than that.

Until he got home, of course....and we decided to forget cooking dinner and order Chinese Delicacy take-out.

Mmmmm...mmmm. Today was a good day.