REPPIN' FOR MY CITY

Once again we have made it through another week. Thank God for that! This week was a very demanding but gratifying week! The main attraction this week was the JJ Miller Community Fun Day! We did it big for the crib!! I also stayed busy on the basketball court and I actually had time to work a few youngsters out! The next generation of basketball superstars will be special. So let’s get into another week in the life of JJ Miller.
At the beginning of the week, I knew I was gonna have a lot of things to do. I had to finish picking up the school supplies. I had to get the food for the event. I also had to finalize a few things with some sponsors/contributors to my foundation. Now I was trying to do all this without interrupting my normal basketball workout schedule. As you can probably guess, I was unsuccessful with that. Monday and Tuesday my workouts were really intense! All of the necessary stages of my workouts were in full effect, and I was very happy with how the week started off. The weights, cardio, drills, and games were all on point. We had three games in the summer league and we won all of them to keep our record untarnished! We are now 7-0. I will not be able to play in our next game because I have to take care of some things for my mother. Hopefully, we will be able to stay undefeated in my absence! So everything was going good until Wednesday arrived.
On Wednesday, I had to put on the full court press to get all of the things finalized for the fun day! I set out early to get a good start on the day, because I still had a summer league game at 7 pm. Harris Teeter was my first destination to get hundreds of drinks, huggies, and water. The weather report had all but guaranteed that Saturday would be a scorcher so keeping everyone hydrated was a priority. Shout out to Harris Teeter for donating some of the drinks. From there I needed to slide by Wal-Mart to price/compare the school supplies. This seems simple enough but it took a really longtime to make the right choices. There are tons of markers, highlighters, and erasers to choose from, lol! Moving right along, the T-shirts were ready so I had to meet the designer to get them. The shirts, by the way, looked really good. Unfortunately, I had to separate them and get them recounted to fit the setup of the event. This took a lot of energy as well. Finally, the work day had come to an end. At 6pm I headed straight to the game which began at 7. So I arrive at the game just in time to get one layup in before the referees were ready for the tip! It was a struggle but we won by about 20. I played a pretty good game considering the fact that I had been on the run all day! I got home and tried to spend a few minutes with my wife before heading to bed around 2 am. I knew that Thursday was going to be a long day because I had to wake up at 6, and I didn’t even get in the bed until 2am. I probably actually got to sleep around 2:45am and 6 o’clock came so fast!
Thursday was key because it was the last day that I had to get everything done. We were leaving for Duplin County first thing Friday morning to get the Event Center ready for the rides. The first stop was to pick up the rest of the drinks. I got this done with no problem. It was at Wal-Mart where I had the most difficult job of the day. I had to get hundreds of packs of paper packed in the truck when there was already close to a hundred drinks. I was on the ropes for a minute, but I managed to get it done. (Thank God) From there I hit up Sams and got all the food. I had hamburgers, buns, candy, water, and chips for a lot of kids. This was actually a very smooth process. The ease of the day was going to take a quick turn for the worse. In the midst of taking care of the fun day needs, I realized that I had to get Prince situated for his stay at the pet hotel. It had come to my attention that he was missing one of his vaccinations and he would not be able to stay at his normal hotel for another 48 hours. We had to leave within 24 hours. So now I am scrambling to find him another place. Luckily, there was a place about a block away that would take Prince and he could get the necessary shots upon arrival at the facility! So everything seems to be taking care of, at least that is what I thought.
I arrive home with dinner for Monica and basketball on my mind when I realize that I forgot to get the posters done for the kids! Now it is 5:30pm and I play at 7pm. The gym is about 40 minutes away and I don’t even have my bag packed yet! What am I going to do? I remembered my homeboy has a connection at FedEx/Kinko’s. I hit up Ricky and he calls Simon and we all decided that the best thing to do was to meet after my game to see what we could do! In the meantime I had a game to play.
I have to be honest I did not feel up to par when it came to competing at a high level. However, my former coach use to tell me that IT COUNTS THE MOST WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL UP TO DOING IT. So with that in mind, I sucked it up and got it done. We got a tough win and I was able to drain 26 points and help keep our untainted record alive! Shouts to all my teammates we worked hard for the win, lol!
After the game, we got those posters done and I made it back home to pack up the truck! We were ready to head back to the hometown to show mad love to all my people!!
THE FUN DAY
I am happy to say that the fun day was great! The day started off very well. All of our volunteers for the day were at the Events Center around 9am. A few of them actually beat me there (Shone, Kim, Monique, Katie, Charles, & Priscilla). So we got everything moved and in order in a very timely fashion. Everyone was given their assignments and we were able to have the rides, tables and chairs, food, T-shirts, school supplies, toys, face paint, and beverages all ready before 11:00 am (10:45 to be exact). It was good timing because believe it or not, the public started coming in right at 11am! I mean we had a non-stop flow of people coming in and having a great time. The rides were awesome as you can probably see by the pictures and kids were enjoying every minute of it. I must say that it was a little on the hot side out there, lol. We had a lot of beverages to keep everyone hydrated though so it all worked out. I also have to say that everyone was complementing the food! My brother Jermel and my brother from another mother Pete did an outstanding job on the grill. It was so good that some of my volunteers that were supposed to be in the ride area monitoring the kids were up at the food court sneaking burgers (Nyk, Kia, Charles) lol! I did have a couple of dedicated to the end guys in the field. Jermaine (my oldest brother) and Shone (homeboy) were out there until the end watching the kids. All the volunteers were great though. I must say that you guys went above and beyond the call of a volunteer and for that the kids and myself are forever grateful. We ended the day by giving away some school supplies and toys for those who were not yet in school. I really believe that everyone had a great time. People were able to see friends from home that they had not seen in a while, have some laughs, win some bingo prizes, and give their kids a fun day for free. I even had a chance to say a few inspiring words to the kids. I believe the day accomplished its goal and that makes me feel really good!
So as I sit here tired of typing, I want to say that this year’s event was a success and that next year’s event is going to be even bigger! I you missed out this time, make sure you check it out next summer! Tune in next week as life gets back to normal (I guess), lol. I have only a few weeks left until I leave for France to start my run for a championship! I hope you will join me! Take care, be blessed, and remember to always EXCEED EXPECTATIONS!

Busy, Busy, Busy,......

What's up world!?! Friday has arrived very quickly as it usually does! As you can probably imagine by the title of this week's post, it has been a hectic week. Contrary to what most may believe that is a good thing! I am right in the mix of working to be the best husband, son, brother, hooper, friend, mentor, and man of God that I can be! I promise that in some way, shape, fashion or form all the areas that I just mentioned have been piled into this week. I even found time to be a model. That's right! You read that correctly, lol!! So join me on this week's stroll into Millerville.
As I mentioned earlier, I had a chance to do a little modeling. I like to think that I am up on my fashion game.... from Ralph Lauren Polo's, to the latest Jordan's, to ice on top of the G-shock watch! Yeh I know, I know. Anyway, my close friend has launched and awesome clothing line called Nyla Elise. This designer is on his grind and is very creative with his concepts. He is really putting out a quality brand that encompasses everybody. I repp Nyla Elise, people. If you aint on it..... u need to get with it for real! Check out the pics. I am waiting for comments on my modeling job too, lol. Should I keep my day job????????

-The true essence of Nyla Elise is more than a name, it is a blossom from a seed planted hundreds of years ago. A blossom designed to grow into a being that represents beauty, power, soul, and strength. A blossom destined to be great no matter what her surrounding adversities may be. Nyla Elise is history. Nyla Elise is you. Nyla Elise is me. Do you have what it takes to be Nyla Elise.-
Moving right along, basketball is still my life!! I am so locked in when it comes to getting better. I mean my workouts are getting tougher every week. I have set some pretty high goals for myself! I will reveal these goals in due time, but right now I need to keep them with me in order to fully grasp the sacrifice and effort that it's gonna take to achieve them! Summer league is still going well. The games are getting more and more competitive. You may not think so if you watched my team ball last game. We won by 40!! I had 20 points and did not even play in the 4th quarter. We were really rolling... biggups to all the squad members Chris Duhon, Hayward Fain, Jon Scheyer,Mason Plumlee, Matt Sossamon, Rashad West, Rashid Caraway, Rasheed Wright, Raymond Dunn, and Anthony Greenup. We are still on top of the standings with a 4-0 record!! If you cannot make the games for whatever reason, the site is pretty informative and keeps you up to date on what happened in each game.
http://greaterncproambasketballleague.blogspot.com/2009/07/team-kg-vs-team-duhon-71509-9pm_16.html

Family matters are always smooth with the Millers'. Monica is getting bigger in a very good way :). Love you Babe. I finally felt Justin kick, and this was definitely the highlight of my week! I just know he is going to take after me, because he has been so active in Mommy's tummy, lol! He has to get that from me. Monica is starting to show some signs of being pregnant. Her patience with me is growing shorter and shorter. She can get pretty ill when things are not just the way she wants them! These are all things that I expected, so it is not a big deal for me. I just take it all in stride and try my best to keep her happy! All you fathers out there that have experienced what I am going through and about to encounter please feel free to hit me up with some advice!!

My mom and brothers are cool. I saw my mom today, and we kicked it for most of the day!I gave her my MVP trophy and she was really happy. For those who don't know, I have given my mom every single MVP trophy that I have ever won in any sport! Not to brag, but she has a lot of trophies from me (haha).

We also had to take care of some business, but Momma let me know real quick not to be putting her business out there on the Internet, LMAO!! Yes mam!! She don't play... never has and never will. That's why I've turned out the way I have. Love you Mother.

So the JJ Miller Community Fun Day is about a week away! It is coming along well. We have been busy with all the details of the event, and I think that it is going to be a great day!! If you are free on July 25 from 11am to 3pm you should stop by! You do not want to miss it! As a matter of fact, I have to go now. I am going to purchase school supplies for all the kids who are going to be in attendance!! Take care of yourselves, take advantage of now, and as always EXCEED EXPECTATIONS!!

A Blessed Life

Well here I am. It is Friday July 10, 2009 at 11:45 pm. As you can tell by the time, I am getting every second out of this week, lol! With less than 15 minutes to go in the week, I am still hard at it! Luckily for me, this is the cool part of the week. The part where I get to share with the people who mean so much to me! There was a lot going on this week from charity work to contract talk so let's get to it!
First off, I am extremely happy to say that the lord has blessed me to secure a new contract with a good team in a strong league! The quest for my next team began on June 1st and after 5 weeks of negotiations, research, and prayer I have decided to return to France! I will be playing in the French Pro A league for Stb Le Havre! http://www.stblehavre.com/ I am happy with this decision and I am looking forward to the new challenge. I had been contemplating a few situations that my agent (Craig Mckenzie Higher Vision Sports) had presented before me. Countries such as Russia, Lithuania, Italy, and Turkey were in my sights, but at the end of the day France prevailed. I am already familiar with the country since I have played there before. I was also attracted to the financial security that this league and contract provides for me and my family. The economy is in a crazy place right now. To secure a deal like this is a real blessing! So Le Havre here I come!!
Speaking of blessings, I want to take time this week to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the life that he has given me. I had a chance to get out to the RDU airport this week to do some part time work with my homeboys! (Shout out to Craig, Rashid, Dennis, Mike, Tyrone, Edna, and everybody else at superior) I was helping some needy people get to there departure gates and board the aircrafts when i realized just how blessed I was. Some of the people that I was assisting were blind, handicapped, cripled, and more. It was then that I realized how great the grace of God is! I mean I have all my limbs, mental capacity, and senses. These things alone made me one of the luckiest people in the world, not counting the many material items that I have been blessed to obtain! So just for the record... I want to say that I am FOREVER GRATEFUL TO GOD for my life!
And on that same note, my family is doing well. Monica is very happy right now! I took her to the dealership today to get her new truck! I promised her a while back that I would get her a BMW X5.

Those who know me know that I try my best to keep my promises, lol. She has been great and really deserved a treat. It is extremely gratifying to have been placed in a position to be able to give her a little something every now and again! I think this should keep me out of the doghouse for a little while, haaaa!!! We have officially agreed on a first name for our soon to be born little boy. We are going to call him Justin. I have been trying to feel him kick almost everyday this week, but no luck yet! (soon I hope soon i hope) As for the dog, Prince is doing great! He really enjoys being home! He is as spoiled as he can be. However, I must say that he is the best dog that you can have! He is so loyal and loving. He knows how to do everything too. I am proud to say that I have trained him very well and his manners are always up to par!(thats right Monica :)


Also, my fam came to kick it with me this past weekend. We had a blast. My homeboy Nyk and I hit the golfcourse while Shameeka and Monica did the girl thing at the crib! I was hitting the ball pretty good until the bottom fell out! It rained so hard!! I mean my entire body was absolutely drenched! I tried to stick it out like the pros would have done, but then i realized that I am no where near as good as they are in perfect weather! There was no way that I was going to be able to hit that golfball straight with a slippery club, gushing winds, and rain pounding against my face! Finally we came to our senses and headed for the clubhouse where we sat for an hour waiting for the rain to hault. I ended up losing by a few strokes so Nyk here is your props! You are a little better than me right now... just a little.
I would be remised if i did not mention the AWESOME FIREWORKS SHOW that goes down in Rolesville NC! The town did it real big this year as they usually do! BigUps to the city of Rolesville!

The summer league is going strong now. Teams are competing at a high level! I am happy to say that my team is undefeated! We are at the top of the standings and as long as I have something to do with it we're going to stay there! There are some real players in this summer league and it is great to be able to play!
Well, i have spilled over into the weekend while typing this blog. I am going to bring it to a close, but please stay tuned as my summer vacation winds to an end and I get ready for my departure back to Europe! There are some exciting things going on for the rest of my time here, and I can't wait to open the door and let you guys peak into the life a baller during the season!
Take Care, have a great weekend, and remember to always EXCEED EXPECTATIONS!

Happy July 4th!!

Well, once again I hope all is well with everyone. I am in front of my computer typing away on the night before the July 4th's holiday celebrations begin. I must be honest I am not a big fan of the holiday. However, I do like the fireworks display that goes on here in Rolesville(absolutely awesome)!! Yet another week has flown by and I must say that I am really enjoying life! Here are this past week's events. They are not in any real order, lol.
Basketball this week was pretty sweet. My workouts are as strong as ever. I had a chance to get some actual on court time under the whistle! This is what we call it when we play a game that is officiated. My jumper is coming back to form and getting better. I am still not in game shape, but that is going to come as the days go by. I am officially home from now until i return to Europe so working out everyday will not be a problem! I actually took it back to the oldschool days, and worked on my ball handling in the hot sun on the concrete driveway in front of my house! It was scorching outside!!! I am uploading pictures for the pro ballers out there that may need proof, lol! I am extremely hungry to be the best. I must admit it was refreshing to take it back to my younger days. I remember playing basketball all day long outside in the heat! That's where i got better then and it can also help me get better now! The Greater NC Pro-Am started this week and my team had our first game. We won and it felt good to get some run against other quality players! If you are in the Raleigh- Durham area, I really recommend that you check it out. There are some real ballers out there from the NBA, Europe, College and even high school levels who are showcasing their skills. You can check the website at www.ncproam.com for rosters, schedules and more. If for no other reason, I am playing and I plan on going hard every time I touch the floor! It will be good to see.



As for life outside of basketball, things have been smooth this week. Like i said earlier, the Millers are enjoying life. We ate breakfast at Brigs this morning. This place has arguably the best breakfast in NC! That's right!! I said it, lol (pictures included)! I know i look like a small guy, but I can put those eggs, grits, sausage, and pancakes away with the best of them, lol!! Monica is eating for 2 now so I will not put her on blast! Oops!

Speaking of eating for 2, little man is doing great. He is growing and moving inside of mommy more and more everyday. We actually went to register for gifts at Babies R Us and Target. Family,friends and even strangers are all welcome to get us something haha! It was not as bad as I expected it to be. I mean, yeh, Monica was telling me what to do the whole time and I had absolutely no say so on what to scan, but it was cool to be present (i think)! I did not know that babies needed so many things! I was a bit overwhelmed with the thought that goes into what should be purchased and what shouldn't be purchased when it comes to newborns! There are so many different types of pacifiers, breast feeding material, bouncy pillows, monitors, milk warmers, etc.... As you can tell, I am still a bit beside myself! Nevertheless, I am as excited and eager to learn as day one and that my friends is a great thing.Before i let you all get back to your busy lives, I just want to plug the Community Fun Day! We are in the final stages of completing everything and I think that it is going to be an awesome event. The event is going to be at the Duplin County Events Center in Kenansville, NC from 11am to 3pm. It is a free event! All rides, games, prizes, and material will be supplied at no cost to the public. Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Drinks, and other refreshments will be sold to raise money for the Driven Perfection Youth Foundation! 100% of all proceeds will be donated directly back to the youth through positive programs in the area!
As always I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday! Everyday seems to go by faster than the last so take advantage of now! I implore everyone to do all that you can do to EXCEED EXPECTATIONS! God Bless!