I Couldn’t Even Dream of This

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Yesterday was a whirlwind NBA bucket list day. I did so much in one day that I don’t reallyNBA All-Star 2013 know where to begin. I have enough video footage and photos to post for a month. I’d like to share the best, most overwhelming moments with you but how do you condense 1440 dream-like minutes into one post? I guess there were a few particular moments before the game that made me say, “I couldn’t even dream of this.” Let’s begin there.

I walked into the exclusive in-arena game hospitality suite before NBA All-Star 2013 in Houston, Texas and I stepped into another life. There were hostesses, bar tenders, greeters, and event organizers ready to wait on our beck and call. There was food and drinks and treats in almost every corner of the room and even the lights created a “red carpet”, exclusive setting. I could have quite possibility been the most excited person in the entire building.

The bar tender, Michael, was good at his job. I watched and listened to him as he made NBA All-Star 2013conversation with each guest. When I approached him for a drink myself, I asked for something “girly” and rather than laughing at my ignorance, he said, “I know just the drink.”

I took a few sips and started to feel more relaxed. This was my NBA bucket list dream and I realized that many others probably felt the exact same way. While some fans were there because they are rich and can afford the luxury of waiting in the hospitality suite all the time, others, like me, were living out a dream. This was our moment and I wanted to take it all in.

With my drink and some food, I walked into another part of the suite to find a seat. Then… I had my “Oh My God” moment. Casually sitting there signing autographs was Chandler Parsons of the Houston Rockets and Darryl Dawkins of the Philadelphia 76ers.

NBA All-Star 2013

Friendly, cute, and a great player, Chandler Parsons is a slam dunk. I almost expected him to be dismissive, annoyed with the idea that he had to sign more autographs and waste his time, but he was personable and easy-going. I took video and photos and he signed a picture of himself. He talked to me and took a few minutes to make sure I had a memorable moment. He was a true star.

NBA All-Star 2013Darryl Dawkins, AKA Chocolate Thunder, is an entertainer, a player on and off the court. “Chocolate Thunder” is one of those men that are flirty in a harmless way. His massive size is a lot less intimidating when dressed in a salmon-colored suit and his smile is contagious. He autographed a photo for me and an additional one that I could take home for Darren. His quick-wit was a welcomed addition to the evening and I was grateful for the introduction.

As I sat down to enjoy my drink and southern fried chicken, I realized that I was surrounded be people from all walks of life. There were NBA players, sports fans, organizers, and servers. We all had one thing in common, though; we were about to experience NBA All-Star 2013! I had bucket list dreams of the NBA but I couldn’t even dream of this!

QuintEvents is an Official Hospitality Provider for the NBA All-Star Game and the NBA Draft. Official Ticket Packages are available through the NBA Events Program. NBA-Events.com is the website for Official Ticket Packages.

60 thoughts on “I Couldn’t Even Dream of This”

  6. Although I really don’t “get” sports, from your writing of this event I can understand how this would be an exciting thing to do for a sports fan.

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  8. Sounds amazing! I am so happy that you were able to live this dream, because all of it sounds just super great and awesome! It’s amazing how great of people some sportsmen can be and I am happy to read both Chandler Parsons and Darryl Dawkins were just that. You are one lucky woman!

    Reading this also made me very sad, because I forgot to record the game 02:00 local time wasn’t really a great time to get up and watch given the fact I had to work today.

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      • I’m a basketball fan in general–but I’m from the Philippines so I only really get to watch the NBA, PBA (Philippines Basketball Association), and the UAAP (college basketball here).

        My boyfriend’s a sportswriter who’s v. passionate about the Spurs. So we ended up watching the All-Star game from thousands of miles away. Suffice to say, I’m envious. BTW, thanks for the link. 🙂

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  28. Here I am in Houston and totally forgot to watch the game. I probably missed it fighting the crowd at the Galleria. How stupid was that to ever try to get near there, but I wasn’t thinking. Great for you to have your special minutes.

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  30. Fun! You’re in my neck of the woods. Friends of mine went to the game and their sons were picked out of the crowd for the halftime activity.

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  38. That’s awesome! I once got to go to a Nascar event with VIP tent and seating, celebs, autographs, Pit tour, the works. (I was actually making fun of the whole idea UNTIL I got there and realized it’s insane awesomosity) I ended up a fan for life, who knew? But there is something to be said about lucking into the richy rich’s way of enjoying sports! Hope you had the best day ever!

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  40. Most excellent post! Love the Dawkins snap. I remember watching re-runs of Dawkins 1st backboard-shattering dunk:

    “The Chocolate-Thunder-Flying, Robinzine-Crying, Teeth-Shaking, Glass-Breaking, Rump-Roasting, Bun-Toasting, Wham-Bam, Glass-Breaker-I-Am-Jam”

    🙂

    So happy you a great time!

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  42. Great post Lesley, as usual. But too short, make it longer next time please 🙂 We’re so happy for you that you realized yet another dream for yourself and you shared it with us.How’s the competition going for the 50,000 dollars ? Did you happen to read our latest post ? I think it’s one of our best ever, and it has a huge success among our readers. We would like to hear your thoughts as well. Kindest regards,

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  43. Awwww man, you were in Houston?! And you got to meet Chandler Parsons, jealous, he’s dreamy :).

    I must have missed a couple of posts. I wish I would have known, I probably would have lobbied like hell to try to get to meet you in person too. You’re such an inspiration, Lesley.

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  46. Well congratulations! You are SURELY living the life Lesley!
    Good for you, I would only dream of living the life you have. Plus, your fans are so passionate. Don’t forget about them.. 😉

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