She’s back, and she’s calling out her readers – kind of. Mrs. Smith is complicated. Anyway, read for yourself in this week’s edition:
HELLOOOO?
Is anybody out there? I mean, seriously, does anybody really read this besides my sister? The reason I ask is because I’ve talked to quite a few people lately, most recently a reporter, Bill, from the Kansas City Star, and some of the stuff that was asked of me would have clearly been “self-answered” if “Mama Sayz” was really being read — not that I mind talking at all because of this “gift for gab” that I possess. I really enjoy conversing with others that don’t live under the same roof as me. Hey J-Mart, can I make a suggestion? (J-MART NOTE: Of course.) What about adding a page counter? That way you could keep track of what makes for interesting reading (or not). Remember it’s just a suggestion… (J-MART NOTE: Duly noted, but just so everyone knows, “Mama Sayz” is routinely one of the top three read blog entries every day at Kansas.com.)
Anyway, how about that Texas A&M game? Bramlage was so LOUD that I could hardly hear Malik and Tiffany asking for popcorn/pretzel money. It was so amazing to see the excitement from everyone there. The marching band was just as fun to watch as the girls from GTM. My co-worker, Lucy, told me they would be fantastic, and from now on, the top thing on Tiffany’s to- do list is to learn how to do a no-handed somersault, play the drums and own a shiny green suit like the little boy she keeps talking about.
Over the last couple of weeks, many different articles have come out regarding Lil’ Mike that show his “playful” side. Although they are VERY entertaining and somewhat enlightening on how or what he thinks while off the court, I think some people (very few, I hope) might get the idea that he doesn’t take life seriously. Well, first let’s not forget that he just turned 19 and the majority of his “pranks” were done during his very youthful years. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not making excuses for him and/or his behavior, but fair is fair, right? And really, looking back on most of his pranks, I just shake my head and sort of chuckle to myself… he’s like a modern day Dennis the Menace! (J-MART NOTE: I think he’s a better rebounder, though.)
But on a serious note, I would like to touch on one of the comments left this week.
FROM: Will
WHEN: Jan. 22, 2008
Brian Gates at GoPowercat.com posted this story. He said to pass it along to anyone and I thought we should pass it on to Mama.
“I wish there was a way to share this story with more people. This will get it out to a lot of K-State people, I realize, but feel free to pass this along to anyone you want to.
Blade Winter, an 11-year old boy from Clifton, is battling leukemia. He was at the women’s game on Saturday night and had made his way down by his cousin and was sitting on the aisle beside his cousin so he could see the Marching Cobras a little better.
One of the Bramlage ushers made their way down to him and told him he would not be able to stay sitting on the aisle like that.
That is when Michael Beasley told the usher that Blade was with him. He had Blade come sit down by him in the chairs on the floor. So, Blade sat there with Michael, and his friends (Jamar Samuels, Dominique Sutton and James Franklin).
His mother told me that Blade has battled chemotherapy for nearly six of the last eight years of his life. That fact (and probably the existing leukemia) wasn’t known by Michael when he invited Blade down to the seats with them.
Michael also gave Blade an autographed t-shirt while he was sitting there with them.
I know we all watch them on the court and are thrilled with their play out there, but these guys are truly great representatives of Kansas State University.”
First, as a mother I always wonder how my perfect little angels behave when they are not in my presence so this story warms my heart two times over. Here’s why… Sometimes when I want Lil’ Mike, or any of my kids, to do something out of the kindness of their hearts it doesn’t always go over so well – it’s as if I’m giving them another chore or something. So to actually take the time out and be a part of the women’s game by signing autographs for the various fans without being told to shows me that he not only listens to me but he actually hears me as well. He actually loves to see the smiles on little kids’ faces (young and old) when they meet him. Anything to bring a genuine smile to someone’s face is a satisfying feeling. Because he didn’t know the condition of the young man Blade makes me even more proud. You see, my sister Mona lost her only son, Stevon, to a very rare form of cancer almost three years ago. He was just as much one of my children as my children are to Mona. Our kids were inseparable up until this very sad event in our lives. When she and I read this comment we couldn’t help but think of him. I really pray for strength for this young man and his family.
OK, I know I promised to have this done by Tuesday but for some reason I have been extremely busy. (J-MART NOTE: Deadlines are a pain in the butt.) So here it is, 11:30 p.m. after the Colorado game and I’m trying to wrap this up. That game was good to watch and I was at home cheering the guys on at the top of my lungs. I was so worried the change in altitude was going to affect some or all of them but we pulled through again.
Go Cats!
More questions and more answers…
FROM: Schitz
WHEN: Jan. 19, 2008
Hey Mama,
Just wanted to tell you that you looked good tonight. That might be the coolest jersey I have ever seen.
Hey Schitz,
Thanks for the compliment. For those who didn’t see my jersey, it has all of the players’ numbers on it to represent the whole team. (J-MART NOTE: A picture would be nice.) I have said from the beginning that this is not a one-man show and I really believe that the boys are showing that in the way they have been playing.
FROM: Steve Dave
WHEN: Jan. 19, 2008
Hey Mom, any chance you make the road game in Lincoln? I have to live in Nebraska and I need a date for the game! If you are heading this way anyway, let me know and I will take you out for a Juice Stop and game!
Steve Dave,
When I travel, I travel deep! Me, Calvin and my roommates usually load up the SUV and and hit the road together. If you have any recommendations on kid-friendly restaurants, that is always helpful.
FROM: VirginiaKid
WHEN: Jan. 19, 2008
Hey Mama,
Thanks for sharing your time and thoughts with us. Will you continue to do so when Lil’ Mike goes to the NBA? As part of the K-State family, I’m sure we would love to continue to follow his progress as a person and not just what we see on ESPN. Also, y’all are from D.C. — what area of D.C.? Did Lil’ Mike ever play in the Tidewater area of Virginia? B-Cool.
Hey V-Kid,
Whenever the time comes for us to move, I would like to stay in touch with the Wildcat fans in one way or another. K-State will always be a part of our family for as long as we live. So I guess I will be here as long as I am wanted. Oh, and we are from P.G. County, Md., and that is right outside of D.C.
FROM: PowerCatScott
WHEN: Jan. 20, 2008
Thanks again for another great blog. Just a cautionary word, “ChickenHawk” is a derogatory term used for fans of that OTHER team in Lawrence, so you might want to be careful calling yourself one of those, someone might get the wrong idea.
In all seriousness, I love this blog and I love that you’ve taken such an active role in the K-State community. A lot of time families of players, especially elite players, exist for no other reason than to promote themselves and their children, but your level-headedness and genuine passion for K-State is refreshing. Now, about next year…
Scott,
I apologize for the slip of the tongue. I’ll try to choose my words a little more carefully.
I have a very big day ahead of me and I must go for now. Before I leave, I would like to say: Way to go, Bill, for another Rookie of the Week performance!
22 Comments
mom, who is your current favorite presidential candidate?
Hey, i’m definitely reading. Don’t waste time on those sports media spin doctors trying to inject a little drama into everything (no offense J-Mart). I’m 32 and getting fatter by the day, but I’m thinking I might get one of those green suits and learn to do some hands free somersaults too! Thanks so much for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I think all of us want to see the human side of a young guy (and his family) who has really brought something special to the KSU family. Thanks so much for doing that!
Nice to hear we’ll still heare from you once you guys move one.
Definitely come back with the family and the Beas to watch some KSU games in the future!
I had to move to Mississippi so the only time I got to see Mike on the KSU court was at his highschool game last year but he and the rest of the Cats are looking good on TV.
I really enjoy reading your posts. Of course I like to read anything that has to do with K-State, but it’s nice to read stuff from another perspective. Last night’s win at Colorado was great. It’s always tough to win on the road especially in Big 12. I’m looking forward to attending our next home games (Iowa State on Saturday and of course KU next week). I was at the Texas A&M game and thought the crowd was fantastic. I can’t even imagine what it’s going to sound like in there next Wednesday! Go cats!
Mama Beaz – thank you so much for sharing with us. It is difficult to overstate the pleasure your son and his teammates are providing us as fans who have endured a long dry spell. When I was in school (mid 70’s) we expected to win every game, whether we were playing the Soviets or KU (pretty much the same thing in our opinion). It hasn’t been that way for quite a while, but this team makes me believe they have the ability to stay in any game. Please let them know we are behind them all the way – especially next Wednesday! If they play like they can, that game will dwarf the noise you heard last Saturday.
Mama,
Thanks again for a great read. Sharing your stories about ALL your children is extremely entertaining.
What game(s) are you looking forward to watching/cheering/going to this season? Outside of KSU, so far – what would you say has had the nicest fans?
We all read your blog Moma! Really though I need a canidate to vote 4. Maybe Stephen Colbert?
Mama:
You have to remember that many reporters (not all) are a little lazy. Many, for the sake of expedience, report what others reporters write. If they read something another reporter wrote, it is the gospel truth. This is especially a problem with some on the KC Star’s staff (do we have to remember the Posnanski hit job when Frank Martin was hired – Posnanski’s justification for his inaccuracies were that they came from a book written by a reporter he talked to on the phone so that was proof of accuracy).
Fortunately, J-Mart doesn’t seem to fall into this group. Many of his stories show due diligence and the sign of serious footwork and interviews.
As to most reporters don’t worry about whether or not they have a clue about the blog. Most won’t. However, that doesn’t stop many of us fans from reading what you post.
Later,
Sam S.
Mama, just wanted to apologize to doubting this blog early on. I am a full on believer now, and really do look forward to it each week. Keep it up.
Great post as always Mama. It has been a lot of fun watching this team grow up over the last few months, and reading your insight as well. I think we can play with anyone in the country. If you thought Saturday was loud just wait until next Wednesday against the evil empire. The story about Mike and Blade was very touching. Stories like that make me proud to be a Wildcat and very proud that your son is wearing purple. Go Cats!
Mama-You are definitely being read, and will always be a part of the K-State family. Am confident that the story of Mike at the Women’s game made you proud. You hope you have done a good job raising your kids, but hearing about them in a positive way from others, can reaffirm your beliefs. Thanks for your efforts on this Blog.
Mama, at first, I didn’t give you the credit you deserved for putting in your opinion in the blog, however, it really is something to read each time you “post up”. Hopefully, you won’t be moving for another three and a half years but I’m not sure your insanely great son will remain in his purple jersey much longer, or in the classroom that long. As a senior at K-State, we as a student body are very fond that lil Mike is bringing so much attention to the school and only wished that he would stick around and give us four full years of “edge of the chair excitement” as great college basketball players do to help establish the dominance of the program at other universities. And that goes for Bill, too. However, it is really hard I know to anchor Mike when he wants to chase after his dreams in the NBA, especially when he’s not even 20 and has the real possibility of inking a multi-million dollar deal in a few short months. In any event, hopefully he will reach his goal this year of helping take the Cats to the championship game and winning it all! Here’s to you for raising a great son!
Hey Mama-Beaz,
Just recently stumbled upon your blog and thanks to J-Mart and The Beacon for bringing us fresh stories for the Wildcat Nation to look forward to daily. K-State fans living Kansas City tend to react negatively to the Kansas City Star’s coverage of K-State, so it is often nicknamed the KU Star for it’s perceived bias toward KU.
Speaking of KU: are you aware of some of the antics
that fans have passed down from over the last say 80 years for the KU game? If not, expect the KU game to be the loudest of the year (unless there’s a Big 12 championship game on the line during a later home game). Expect to see fake and possibly live chickens painted red and blue. Live ones will fly onto the court, fake ones will be hung in effigy. In other words, buckle up your seat belt because it’s going to be a wild ride.
Mama, please keep doing the blog. I love reading it every week. It gives me a diversion from actually working while I’m at work!
Mama, thanks for the insights into your family’s life. I read this blog every week, but this is the first time I’ve commented.
Guys like Mike and Bill have so many expectations placed on their shoulders that we as fans often forget how young they are. Mike is carrying himself very well at K-State, and that’s a testament to you and your family.
One question… The team’s on a decent little streak right now, but they had a lot of doubters a few weeks ago. Do you notice the guys having more confidence on and off the court right now?
Mama, what an awesome blog! My own mama and I were actually wondering, since you’re name is Fatima, if you were part Latina. Go Cats!
Thank you so much for all that you do and for Lil Mike. He is such a joy to watch and it is so exciting getting basketball back and Kansas State. Please continue your blog since I so enjoy reading it.
Thank you for the blog. I read all of them but have never posted a comment. I think most people are like me in that way. I really appreciate getting to watch the team play this year. It’s been a long time since we’ve had this much fun following K-State sports in January. Thanks again.
Thanks for taking the time to do your blog. All of us cat backers are sure glad your family came to Manhattan. We love watching the cats on tv and enjoyed the A &M game in person. Can tell that Mike loves to sing. What are his 5 favorite songs? Have fun at the KU game!
Mama-Beaz,
Just wanted to thank you for your blog. Its good to get to know the players through their family. Also wanted you to thank Mike and all the other KSU players for being so kind and signing autographs for the kids after the Iowa State game. My son is 11 and came home very excited to have Mike and everyone sign for him. Also let them know we took a KU fan to the game and he couldn’t get over how nice Coach Martin and our players were compared to the Jayhawk players.
Keep posting
Mama-Beaz,
First of all, it was really cute watching your daughter Tiffany sign autographs after the Iowa State game, the expression on her face was priceless.
I also really appreciated the amount of time that Mike, Bill, Clent, Jacob, and the other players spent on signing all those autographs after the game.
I hope that you can pass on to them how much that means to all those kids.
I hope the team can take it to KU on Wednesday. It’s been great watching Mike play all season, hopefully he decides to stay one more season.
Thanks for being a KSU fan!!
Beloitcat
“I have good people around me,” Beasley said. “My mom, my pops, coaches and teammates help me stay grounded. They would all get mad if I got a big head and I don’t ever want anybody to get mad at me.”
Great job, MOMBEASY!!!