I’m super-glad to be back in Cali after a long (almost) week in Detroit/Dearborn. I’ve been thinking this morning about the upcoming week and how it feels like a Monday to me, despite the fact that the week is almost over.

The Final 4 trip was really good (except for the crappy title game) but I missed my family and the comfort of my little studio here at KNBR 680.

This week on the sports calendar has always been one of my favorites, especially in the four years that I have been going to the Final Four. Returning home always brings Opening Day and mopre.

Without further ado, here are my 5 Things To Look Forward To (with apologies to my dad for using a preposition at the end of the title)

1. The Masters

I know it has become a schmaltzy made-for-Tiger-and-TV event but I look forward to this event as a golf fan. The course is impeccable and it is a high-definition orgy on the eyes.

It all starts today with the even more schmaltzy par-3 event leading up to tomorrow’s 1st round. Tiger is the easy choice for the winner but I’m going with Jeev Milkha Singh in a shocker

2. Giants’ Big Unit

I haven’t had much of an affinity for Randy Johnson in the past but now that he’s a Giant, I’m definitely curious about how he’ll do. If he can stay healthy at 45 the Giants have a great chance at a winning season.

3. Easter

I’ll leave the religious ramifications of Easter aside and just celebrate what the holiday means for me and my family.

My family and I get together with other relatives for our annual Novato Easter Egg hunt and hike. It’s just a good time out.

4. Monday April 13

This day has significance this year because it’ll be the day the kids go back to school after Spring Break.

I love my kids and relish the time I get to spend with them but make no mistake; Spring Break is no break for parents. I have to fill my nap time with entertainment for the little guys or else they turn on me.

5. NHL Stanley Cup playoffs

There’s something about the NHL 82-game season that seems WAY longer than the 82-NBA season (and even the 162-game MLB campaign). I don’t know what it is but I’m stoked that the REAL season begins.

Despite having the league’s best record, the San Jose Sharks are underdogs. The Sharks have enough talent and with home-ice advantage, they CAN win it all.

Another great weekend of sports and a grim reminder as to why I’m lucky not to be trapped in the vice-grip that is Gambling Addiction.

I’ve been boasting about my picks for the NCAA tournament and it has provided me with some “vested interest” in these games now that my bracket is in shambles.

I haven’t felt the “need” to put actual cash money on the games, instead wagering my “professional stakes” on the outcomes.

Saturday made me feel very good about the non-scrilla approach as I went 0-2 in just about the toughest way possible.

I have been on Mizzou and they were +5.5 according to the line I saw. Trailing by 7 in the closing seconds, they missed an absolutely uncontested lay-up that would have delivered a win.

Had I been “on” it I would have been devastated. Those are the type of losses that haunt a gambler.

TIGER TIGER WOODS

I do believe what I just saw.

All deference to the great Jack Buck, I couldn’t totally channel him after watching Tiger Woods pull out another tournament on the 72nd hole.

The legendary broadcaster couldn’t believe what he saw but watching TW pull it out in the gloaming at Arnie’s tourney is to be expected.

He came back from 5 down and won it with a slippery 16-footer; feats that no mortal golfer could possibly pull off. The fact that is was Tiger lurking makes this incredible performance downright commonplace and predictable.

I predict 12 under at Augusta and a 6 shot win. The guy is just unbelievable.