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Come on and join author Melissa Bradley as she sets off on her latest adventure...

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If you are not 18, please exit stage left. While there is normally nothing naughty here, I do write and review erotica so there are links to spicy stuff and the occasional heated excerpt.

Monday, March 14, 2011

My Journey into March Madness


Men and Basketball, it's inevitable here at this time of year. The insanity sets in on the males of the species as the field of 68 is chosen. "Did you get your bracket? How much you putting on...? You picked who?" And so on and so forth. But the fever afflicts yours truly as well. Deeply, rabidly...Do not dare come between me and my picks. You might lose a finger or something else more important.

I got started in this insanity a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, i.e. college. I went to DePaul where basketball is pretty much a religion. I played a few times, having fun, learning the ropes from guy friends. Things did not get serious until I started work at a male dominated law firm. When March came around and the office pool opened, I naturally asked for a sheet. And was met with incredulity followed by condescending male laughter. Then "Are you sure you know how to play, Melissa?" "Do you know anything about basketball?" Oh my inner bitch was rearing to go off, but I refrained. I simply nodded and smiled, thinking violent thoughts. My blonde hair and blue eyes belying my inner homicidal tendencies.

Then came the arrogant offers of help. Yeah, I can still here them. "You want me to help you pick your teams?" "Here, why don't you copy my teams, I actually follow basketball." "Melissa, you don't want to take this team because they don't finish strong." "So and so's guard has a knee problem." "Are you sure you want those guys?" Oh. My. God. They are so lucky I did not go postal and mow them down with an AK-47. I grit my teeth, ignored all their advice and turned in my picks.

Much to my embarrassment, I went down early with most of my picks losing in the first two rounds, but the big ones survived. I kept hearing comments all tournament long and getting those pitying looks. I was the only woman who played who did my own picks, never asking for advice from the guys. When all was said and done,though, I had the last laugh.

I leap-frogged over most of the rest of the pack at the end, correctly picking the Final Four and the National Champion. Thank you, UCLA, Oklahoma State, Arkansas and North Carolina 1995. I never won the office pool again, but oh the satisfaction of collecting my share of the winnings that year. To the tune of 400 smackers. Oh yeah, I rule.

Ever since then, it's on when the tourney rolls around. And now, I am off to make my picks. Go Illini!

26 comments:

  1. Haha funny anecdote. March Madness interferes with everyone's life and that is a good thing!

    I can't wait. I've won a few pools over my time (nearly won last year—thank you Kentucky..NOT).

    Of course, my favorite team is Uconn for the same reasons you root for Illinois.

    I'm gonna sit down later today, make sense of the 68 teams and start jotting down my picks. I can't wait till it all begins tomorrow!

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  2. LOL - Victory was yours!

    BTW - I've signed up for the A to Z Challenge. This is going to rock.

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  3. I was a Moutaineer. I was more into football than basketball.

    I mentioned you on my blog today to say thanks for Friday. Happy Pi Day!

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  4. Matt, I can't wait til tomorrow, either. The games are always so much fun.

    Good luck in the tourney!

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  5. I would so let you choose my picks, Melsy, since I don't know a thing about basketball :) Which is kinda sinful since Serbia is the most successful country in basketball in history beside USA :)

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  6. Hi Julia! That is so awesome that you signed up for A to Z. we're going to have a blast. Yay!!

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  7. M Pax thank you so much for the shout out. Happy Pi Day! Football is more my game as well, but going to school where I did, basketball got into my blood as well.

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  8. Hi Mary! I'm glad you enjoyed my little anecdote. I still smile whenever I think about it.

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  9. Dez, I wouldn't steer you wrong my friend. Serbia rock it in basketball. I love to watch the international play when I can. By the way, I'm loving Melsy. :)

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  10. Melissa - Very impressive! College basketball is meh for me. Now NFL football, oye, don't get me started. LOL

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  11. Loved the story and yes we girls can pick our own brackets thank you very much :) Please don't hold it against me for cheering on my KY Wildcats :D
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  12. I like sports but I'm not that addicted... well, perhaps hockey. But I am Canadian.

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  13. RaShelle, you are speaking my language with the NFL. I love basketball, but football is woven into my genetic code. :)

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  14. Jules, yes we can! And no, I won't hold the Wildcats against you.:) All fans are most welcome. College basketball breeds a great spirit.

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  15. Clarissa, hockey is an awesome sport and I can understand why it is a religion for many. My friend Christopher is from Toronto and nothing stands between him and the puck. :)

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  16. I'm not very into basketball, I'm more of a tennis guy ;) Anyway, loved the story! :)

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  17. Thanks Nancy! This is certainly one of my most favorite blows for ladies everywhere.

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  18. Hey George! Tennis is a great sport, sweetie. I love to take in a match now and again :) I'm happy you loved my little anecdote.

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  19. What an inspiring story! Good for you.

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  20. I like basketball but I like soccer more :)
    Anyway, that's a nice and surprising post from you Mel.

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  21. Thanks, Ellie! Tourney fever has me in it's grip and I just had to post this. :) I was feeling feisty.

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  22. Hi Jaccstev, glad you enjoyed this. I love to change gears every now and again. :) Soccer is awesome sport that I am learning to appreciate more and more.

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  23. Love love love this, do it for the girls! Very different to your usual posts, you just have a nack for eveything don't you Mel x

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  24. I try, Demps. :) This was a different post for me, but I was inspired by the madness around me. LOL

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