Game On!

With 2008 now in the rearview mirror and 2009 officially underway, it's time for all of us to forget the past and begin looking forward.

That's the yearly mantra we all try to live by, but one rarely accomplished. We accompany that thought with resolutions we never see to the end, and new beginnings that always tend to follow a familiar and sour path.

But, hey, things can change ... right?

I'm like everyone else out there. I set forth on a new path every year, hoping to change my life for the better. I set resolutions and seek out new thrills as best I can, and this year will be no different. However, here in 2009, I find myself with an interesting outlet ... Madison Square Garden. So rather than writing my wishes and resolutions down on a piece of paper that will ultimately be folded up and tucked away, I'll throw them out there for all of New York to see.

Resolutions:

1) To attend the NFL Draft for the second consecutive year.

When I attended the 2008 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall, it was one of the most memorable experiences of my entire life. Perhaps a lot of that had to do with my previously nonexistent history as a member of the press, but a lot of it had to do with the fan in me.

I am not your typical blogger, staff writer or beat writer. I don't sit at home in my mother's basement writing, blogging or vlogging just because I have nothing better to do. I do it because I love to write, I love to watch sports, and because it's what I want to do for the rest of my life.

So, when I walked through those doors and was handed my press pass, a whole new world opened up to me. I got a little taste of what it's like to be more than a fan, and I'm dying for a second helping.

2) To be more interactive; more user-friendly.

The readership here at MSG's Game On! is as loyal as it comes. They're here every day, all day, no matter how well the Yankees, Giants, Knicks and Rangers are performing.

And why is that, you ask? Because these New Yorkers are not fair-weather fans. They're die-hards and they never give up on their favorite team.

I can't promise wins and championships from said teams, but I can certainly promise more of the content you're looking for, more answers for the questions you're asking and more interaction from yours truly.

Like many of you, I read other sites and blogs as well. One thing that strikes me as odd is the lack of interaction between writer and reader. So in an effort to change that and to give back, I pledge to be more available to readers here in 2009.

Wishes:

1) To see a Yankees and Giants championship in the same year.

Nothing will ever top the New York Giants' Super Bowl XLII victory, but a repeat performance followed by a 27th Yankees championship sure would come close.

I'm sorry to leave you Jets and Mets fans out of it, but I couldn't care less how successful those teams are. It's all about the Blue and Pinstripes for me.

2) To attend opening day at the new Yankee Stadium

Whether or not I'll be in attendance when the New York Yankees take the field for the first time on April 16th remains to be seen, but I'm certainly hopeful for it.

I've attended more Yankees games than I can count since 1996, but I've never been more anxious to see a game live than I am about Opening Day against the Cleveland Indians.

Now, I was completely against building a new stadium, but what's done is done. The House that Ruth Built is no more, and a new journey is underway. The Yankees will undoubtedly look to make new memories at their new digs, and I want nothing more than to be there when they make the first one.

3) Health and happiness to all New Yorkers

Yeah, so this one may not be sports-related, but I couldn't leave my fellow New Yorkers out of this.

Since I was born, I've never know anything other than New York. I've spent my entire life here and I don't plan to change that. There's nothing better than the Big Apple, and despite what outsiders say, there are no better people than those who reside here.

So, here's to you, New York. Have a happy, healthy and fruitful 2009.

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