Dome Pondering

Another year, another opportunity to reflect on it all. As the days, hours, and seconds continue to tick away on a rather heavy and at times, exhausting, 2018, let us take a moment to reflect on it all, and of course, digest what the heck just happened. For me, it was all about change. Personally, professionally, and mentally. And of course, fitting all of that into a world that is laregely unforgiving continues to be the caveat in this race called life. Regardless, 2018 is coming to an end. Of course, here we are with the traditional Dome Pondering Year in Review post, the 13th of its kind, to take one last peek before slamming the book closed on this one.

It's the final days of the year and as always here on the DP, we close the year with two signature posts - this one, a Pondering 10 on the topics I found the most fascinating, and of course, the Dome Pondering Year in Review - to be released in VERY soon!  With that said, let's dive into the year that was 2018, and some super fascinating things.

Pro wrestling was surely something in 2018, huh? For this fan, it definitely posed some tough decisions and observations that I haven't been used to in my life as a wrestling fan. That's not to sound overly-dramatic or produce insane hyperbole for a year-in-review-sort-of-piece, but it's just the truth. Again just for this fan - wrestling in 2018 has been a turning point in my fandom. Before I go any further, I should explain and give you some backdrop to my situation and outlook. As of 2018, I became a father. I also have a growing responsibility in taking care of my aging parents. With that said, as you can imagine, my disposable time is now of the utmost importance. When (really, if) I ever have free time, I need to choose wisely on how I use it. Of course, when I do have free time, I also prefer to make it worthy, and my options are indeed abound.   For this wrestling fan that once watched countless promotions, sought out New Japan Pro Wrestling events on t

-- 6 Months and 1 Day Old -- Dear Son, It's been three months since my last letter to you. Since then, you've been growing right before my eyes and making some huge strides in terms of connecting to your mother and I. For over the Fall season, I've witnessed you follow your eyes on us for the first time, recognize us for the first time, sit up for the first time, and yes, even take your first strides in crawling. It's been amazing! And that's not counting some of the unique moments new parents notice in terms of motions, developments, and very unique mannerisms. We actually live for those idiosyncrasies. Nonetheless, here we are - your first Christmas!

3 Up 1. Google Commercial - I'm not sure why I liked this commercial so much. Maybe it's because Home Alone is one of my favorite Christmas movies. I'm not much for re-makes, but at times, a great nod (especially when done right) to a classic film is always welcomed. 2. Christmas Miracle - With Christmas right around the corner, I'm all about feel good stories, and of course, stories that emphasizes the Christmas spirit. In the midst of all the Christmas craziness, THIS STORY about a woman being taken off of life support is very up-lifting. It's a Christmas Miracle! 3. NFL's "Slave" Mentality - Of course, LeBron may have put his foot in his mouth later on this week, but he wasn't wrong about the description of the NFL owners. What's crazy is that CC Sabathia has alluded to this previously on his own podcast. Many athletes outside of the NFL question the NFL's culture and overall treatment of the players, not to mention, the &quo

It's weird how I truly miss New York City when I am on the way out of it, or have left it completely.

3 Up 1. Charles Barkley Unlikely Friend - I can't do this story justice. Just give it a read. Such a heartfelt story that restores your faith in humanity, especially during this time of the year. Again, please read. 2. Walmart Layways - Pay it Forward - It started with a few people, then Tyler Perry took it over the top, and now many are paying off items on layaway at Walmarts across the country. Again, great stories like this is what we all need during the Holidays, no? 3. Winter Meetings - After a last year's ice cold freeze out, this year we're off to a great start with names being thrown about, trades going down, and some of the biggest names in the game linked to the most unlikeliest of suitors. And yes, like you, I'm eager to see where Machado and Harper land. 3 Down 1. Death of Jaeklin Caal - Heartbreaking. Headscratching. Politics aside - and even the quick (and of ten too easy trigger) of blaming Trump - this is unspeakable. How this happens on US

3 Up 1. MLS Cup - Not only was the game amazing, but over 73.019 packed the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium down in Atlanta, setting a new MLS Attendance Record! Congratulations to Atlanta United as well - second year in existence, and already hoisting hardware! Also, major judos to the city of Atlanta! Who knew Atlanta was a soccer city? 2. LeBron/Grizzlies Employee - There was just something about this story that was awesome. LeBron knew for years looking at her kicks, never said anything, and finally gave her a pair for her collection. It's a unique story, yet, one that just shows the human side of LeBron. It's the little things sometimes... 3. Frolicking Dolphins - This is a weird one, but it is so damn cool. A man on his typical ferry commute captured 200 dolphins making their way through the ocean. Sounds silly and kind of corny, but seriously, watch the video and tell me it isn't serene? 3 Down 1. White House - From yet another person stepping down, to the c

Call me crazy, but I really do believe in the Miami Marlins under Derek Jeter. Maybe it's just the 90's baby-Yankee fan in me, but I just don't see Jeter ever losing. Ever. In fact, the many who were so quick to jump the gun on his team taking over the franchise don't understand just how terribly run the Marlins have been operated prior to his taking over. Or really, don't truly understand how sports from a business perspective works. Regardless, after his rookie season as an owner, the changes are now pouring in. From embracing the city, to organization changes such as all players learning Spanish (so awesome!), the Marlins are going to be interesting moving forward. And now, we get a new design, new stadium upgrades, and new uniforms!

3 Up 1. Steph Curry/Riley Morrison - This story was my favorite thing of this week (obviously, right?!). It actually might be one of my favorite stories in a while. Upset with Under Armour's Curry 5's not being available sizes for girls, Riley wrote Steph Curry an awesome letter, only for Steph to return with an awesome letter of his own, and a pretty cool gesture. Diversity efforts and super cool athletes - can't beat it. Love this story. Be sure to check it out. 2. Helpful Co-Workers - Maybe I'm getting in the holiday spirit because I'm all about these human effort stories this week. I really think there should be a Good News network on TV to balance out the garbage we often see. Nonetheless, here is a cool story that can restore your faith in humanity, even if you had a tough week. 3. Giannis Antetokounmpo - I watched a few of his games over the past two weeks, including this week against my Knicks and really got a hold for his game. Not just the highli