Catching Up With NFL Great Jerry Rice

I caught up with Jerry Rice at Cayote Creek Golf Course. Jerry is working hard to make a run at the PGA. I have no doubt he will make his goal. He is one of the most focused and dedicated people I know!

We spoke about his likely upcoming induction into the NFL Hall of Fame, and he was so humble as he reflected on his career — how he was so focused on his “job” as a football player that he never imagined being the greatest receiver of all time!

We also talked about his experience on Dancing With The Stars. I asked if he would walk around the house practicing his moves and he said “yes!” and proceeded to take my hands and show me the correct dance posture and a couple of moves!!

He just seems to enjoy life and enjoy whatever he is working on — football, dancing, golf — everything! And he is in fantastic shape — I admire how dedicated he is to staying fit. He tried to get me out on the course to golf, but I have a lot of work to do before I get out there with him!!

A Great NBA FIT Event

We started the new year with a bang — 4 events in Boise, Idaho, as a part of the NBA’s D-League Fit Challenge.

NBA FIT is the league's comprehensive health and wellness platform promoting healthy, active lifestyles for children and adults. The initiative encourages physical activity and healthy living through products, events and programs for children and families. In doing so, NBA FIT strives to engage one million kids, adults and families to pledge NBA FIT during the 2009-10 season.

Frank Lopez (one of the NBA’s top trainers) and I, along with players from the D-League worked with 400 middle school and elementary school kids in Boise, talking with them about the importance of being fit and healthy and showing them hands on activities to keep them moving.

Participating in NBA FIT is part of my role as an Ambassador for the NBA. It is one of the programs I am most passionate about. We are at a real crisis in this country with regard to our health. One of the greatest solutions is to empower and educate youth on the value of taking care of their bodies. I am happy that the NBA has taken a lead in this effort.

A Zhu Zhu Christmas

On my last trip to Salt Lake City to visit my niece, Alex, I asked her what she wanted for her birthday and Christmas. She said "Nini, I want Zhu Zhu Pets!!" Well, I had no idea what they were, but I figured they would be easy to get.

My first try was at Walmart. I scanned the toy section and finally found someone to help me. I told the clerk I was looking for Zhu Zhu pets. She said, "Oh, we are out of them." Next stop, Target. Same question to the clerk there... "Do you have Zhu Zhu pets?" She replied "Oh no honey, we sold out a while ago."

Next stop CVS, based on a tip I got from a woman at Target. She said CVS just got a new shipment. I rushed over and there was one left, a little hamster play set complete with their wheel and little blanket accessories and lots of Zhu Zhu stuff. I took the box to the register and as I was waiting in line, I noticed the box read, "Hamster sold separately!!" Aagghh! I took the box back and went home to look online.

The Zhu Zhu pets were being scalped on E-Bay for $50 each — they retail for $12. I nearly gave up until I saw an add in the Sunday paper: "New shipment of Zhu Zhu pets at Toys R Us!" I rushed out to Toys R Us and got the last set, complete with two hamsters — Mr. Squiggles and Patches. I felt like a crazy woman obsessed with the latest greatest holiday toy. I wonder if my mom went through that when she bought me a Cabbage Patch doll... It was all worth it to see the look on Alex’s face when she opened the box...

Annual Holiday Basketball Clinic

Each year I lead a holiday clinic for our local CYO — Mt. Carmel. We had a great turnout and I really enjoyed working with the kids. It brings me a lot of joy to see so many boys and girls here playing basketball.

The parents here are fantastic too — so supportive. Many of them volunteer to coach and work with youth on a regular basis. It was a great day!