I woke up on Sunday morning at 6am to this popping noise in the hall way. It happened to be coming from our heating unit. I got up immediately and saw what looked like an orange glow coming from the heating vent. I also smelled smoke.
I did two things. Turned off the heater and called 911.
Although the smoke got a little worse, there was no fire. A motor in the heating system blew out and tripped the circuit breaker. Thankfully no fire occurred. Thankfully I was here when it happened.
What I learned from this experience was the importance of knowing when to call the fire department, such as in a situation like this in which you have a problem with a heating unit and smell smoke.
The other two important take-a-ways is to make sure you have a fire extinguisher and know where it is.
The second is to make sure you know how to use a fire extinguisher like second nature. Yes it seems pretty self-explanatory but you don't want to have to think, read directions or you tube a directions video when you feel the need to use a fire extinguisher. Local Fire Departments must offer safety classes and how to use extinguishers etc. I'm going to look for one and attend one. You never know when you might need to spring into action. The last thing you can afford to do is waste time and think. You need to make instant reactions and go off of instinct and experience.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Turkey Trot 5k On The XC Course
I did another 5k this past Friday. I had a blast. Once again I placed in 4th place, but this time it was out of over 200 people.
I will say this with a caveat...I probably would have finished top 12-15 if the cross country runners that ran the race had actually ran the race like a normal one. They had to let other people cross the finish line before them per NCAA rules. So no, I am not really faster than an All-Southern Region runner.
I probably would have run faster had the girls that ran in it gone at full speed. I would have tried to have kept their pace the whole way and if I had I bet I would have finished just slightly behind them and also 15 seconds faster or more them how I actually ran that day.
I had an assist on the run from one of the male runners that I advise. He served as the "rabbit" that I chased after at the end of the race. The men's team seemed very excited about me running and were glad I won. It was nice being included in the team huddle before the race and I'm glad I didn't embarrass them.
I finished this 5k with a time of 20:00. I wasn't happy with my time. I think I could have gone faster, but I hadn't been doing much running (just biking and only a handful of miles for the two and a half weeks leading up to trot) as of late because of plantar fasciitis, which is pain in the arch of the foot. It's an overuse injury that I mildly have. It's not debilitating at all as a matter of fact. I ran without really noticing it, but I have needed to rest to prevent it from getting any worse.
I also must say that running a 5k on a course, with hills and on grass rather than pavement definitely slows you down. I have run at a 5:56 pace before for a 5k in training and done a 5k in closer to 18:40-19:15. Running on the grass also tires you out more. I couldn't believe how sore I got afterwards. It's the worst soreness from running that I have ever had.
My time was good enough for 1st place in my category of runners, which would be male faculty/staff members. Thankfully the Assistant Men's Cross Country coach didn't participate because he would have finished higher than I did. I love my first place trophy and gift card to a restaurant.
I also loved the satisfying moment at the end when the awards were handed out and one of my cross country runners who happened to be working the event dressed up as the turkey mascot went "hey that's my academic adviser" when I posed for a picture with her and got my trophy.
As for the race I had a few take-a-ways.
YELLING AT CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS ON THE COURSE WHILE THEY ARE RUNNING IS EXTREMELY HELPFUL. That's exactly what I realize I need to do as a spectator. Anything for an extra boost is good.
I also went out really hard. The cross country guys weren't going full speed, but I didn't quite expect to go a half a mile before they all pulled ahead of me. I was relieved when they did because I was afraid I was doing an awful job of pacing.
I had a lot of fun and need to run faster next year.
Also glad that the runner I let train me way back during the summer can now say she coached someone to a first place trophy.
http://jonesracingcompany.com/results-elon-turkey-trot-2013/
I will say this with a caveat...I probably would have finished top 12-15 if the cross country runners that ran the race had actually ran the race like a normal one. They had to let other people cross the finish line before them per NCAA rules. So no, I am not really faster than an All-Southern Region runner.
I probably would have run faster had the girls that ran in it gone at full speed. I would have tried to have kept their pace the whole way and if I had I bet I would have finished just slightly behind them and also 15 seconds faster or more them how I actually ran that day.
I had an assist on the run from one of the male runners that I advise. He served as the "rabbit" that I chased after at the end of the race. The men's team seemed very excited about me running and were glad I won. It was nice being included in the team huddle before the race and I'm glad I didn't embarrass them.
I finished this 5k with a time of 20:00. I wasn't happy with my time. I think I could have gone faster, but I hadn't been doing much running (just biking and only a handful of miles for the two and a half weeks leading up to trot) as of late because of plantar fasciitis, which is pain in the arch of the foot. It's an overuse injury that I mildly have. It's not debilitating at all as a matter of fact. I ran without really noticing it, but I have needed to rest to prevent it from getting any worse.
I also must say that running a 5k on a course, with hills and on grass rather than pavement definitely slows you down. I have run at a 5:56 pace before for a 5k in training and done a 5k in closer to 18:40-19:15. Running on the grass also tires you out more. I couldn't believe how sore I got afterwards. It's the worst soreness from running that I have ever had.
My time was good enough for 1st place in my category of runners, which would be male faculty/staff members. Thankfully the Assistant Men's Cross Country coach didn't participate because he would have finished higher than I did. I love my first place trophy and gift card to a restaurant.
I also loved the satisfying moment at the end when the awards were handed out and one of my cross country runners who happened to be working the event dressed up as the turkey mascot went "hey that's my academic adviser" when I posed for a picture with her and got my trophy.
As for the race I had a few take-a-ways.
YELLING AT CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS ON THE COURSE WHILE THEY ARE RUNNING IS EXTREMELY HELPFUL. That's exactly what I realize I need to do as a spectator. Anything for an extra boost is good.
I also went out really hard. The cross country guys weren't going full speed, but I didn't quite expect to go a half a mile before they all pulled ahead of me. I was relieved when they did because I was afraid I was doing an awful job of pacing.
I had a lot of fun and need to run faster next year.
Also glad that the runner I let train me way back during the summer can now say she coached someone to a first place trophy.
http://jonesracingcompany.com/results-elon-turkey-trot-2013/
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Trap Shooting in the Land of 10,000 Lakes
I should write something this month.
It's a busy month for me.
I visited my godparents for the first time in 12 years last week. They live just outside of St. Paul. My godfather is an avid sportsmen. In the past he has taken us fishing on the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers and Lake Elmo. He had always wanted to take me shooting but that had never happened before.
However one of the things I have wanted to try is trap shooting. It just so happens that my godfather is the treasurer of a local gun club, so this past trip was a perfect opportunity to shoot.
My godfather has quite the gun collection and unbeknownst to me when we went to a local sporting good store he had to actually by another gun for trap shooting. I got to see all the paperwork needed to purchase a gun legally. He doesn't mind the process and neither do I.
On a Monday morning we drove about thirty minutes from where they lived and went trap shooting. He had arranged to have the director of the trap shoot there to give me some lessons and also the director of media for the club to participate as well.
Safety was extremely important. I had to wear goggles, headphones and keep the gun pointed down and unloaded until I was at the station to shoot.
Having only shot a gun before once I thought I might have some difficulty. As it turns out once I yelled pull, which was the signal to send a clay out, I enjoyed beginners luck and hit the first target.
Then my luck ran away as I struggled to lean far enough forward, holding the gun properly, timing and focusing on the target, I ended up hitting an embarrassingly low 3 of 25 targets. I had a tendency to shoot high.
The next round I got more instruction from the trap director. He helped me a lot with my timing and stance. I also got instruction from the media director. She was awesome at trap shooting. I needed to follow the clay disk until I covered it up with the barrel of my gun.
As I got started I ended up getting great help with my timing. I followed the clay disk and then my trap director would tell me when to fire. This helped with my timing. I hit all but one of the times when he told me to fire. I started to really get the hang of it. I had 7 of my first 20 targets hit, including two in a row going into my last station. Sensing my improvement the director of media challenged me to hit the last five at my station. (Five stations with five shots...sort of like around the world in basketball) I hoped to hit a few but those words really worked for me. All by myself I hit all five targets and ended up hitting seven targets in a row and 12 of 25 of my shots were hits. Not bad for a beginner, although unfortunately it turned out to be a high water mark.
The next two times I went I hit 8 of 25. I got a little out of form, a little tired and a little less focused I guess. Doing so well can just mess with your mind. You start thinking you have it and then you miss a few and put pressure on yourself. The disks were also coming at a different trajectory on one of the rounds, throwing my timing off.
The last 25 shots I used the trap directors gun, which I needed to be very careful with since it was apparently a $3,000 gun. It was a double barrel shotgun, the one that breaks in half in order to load. It was a bit heavier than my other gun and took some getting used to, but I loved using it.
All in all I had a great time. My instructor, Ted, who had been a past state champion in trap shooting I believe was a great teacher who helped me start to find a rhythm. I had so much fun trap shooting. It's challenging and I would love to do it again. I need some more experience in order to get that timing down!
It's a busy month for me.
I visited my godparents for the first time in 12 years last week. They live just outside of St. Paul. My godfather is an avid sportsmen. In the past he has taken us fishing on the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers and Lake Elmo. He had always wanted to take me shooting but that had never happened before.
However one of the things I have wanted to try is trap shooting. It just so happens that my godfather is the treasurer of a local gun club, so this past trip was a perfect opportunity to shoot.
My godfather has quite the gun collection and unbeknownst to me when we went to a local sporting good store he had to actually by another gun for trap shooting. I got to see all the paperwork needed to purchase a gun legally. He doesn't mind the process and neither do I.
On a Monday morning we drove about thirty minutes from where they lived and went trap shooting. He had arranged to have the director of the trap shoot there to give me some lessons and also the director of media for the club to participate as well.
Safety was extremely important. I had to wear goggles, headphones and keep the gun pointed down and unloaded until I was at the station to shoot.
Having only shot a gun before once I thought I might have some difficulty. As it turns out once I yelled pull, which was the signal to send a clay out, I enjoyed beginners luck and hit the first target.
Then my luck ran away as I struggled to lean far enough forward, holding the gun properly, timing and focusing on the target, I ended up hitting an embarrassingly low 3 of 25 targets. I had a tendency to shoot high.
The next round I got more instruction from the trap director. He helped me a lot with my timing and stance. I also got instruction from the media director. She was awesome at trap shooting. I needed to follow the clay disk until I covered it up with the barrel of my gun.
As I got started I ended up getting great help with my timing. I followed the clay disk and then my trap director would tell me when to fire. This helped with my timing. I hit all but one of the times when he told me to fire. I started to really get the hang of it. I had 7 of my first 20 targets hit, including two in a row going into my last station. Sensing my improvement the director of media challenged me to hit the last five at my station. (Five stations with five shots...sort of like around the world in basketball) I hoped to hit a few but those words really worked for me. All by myself I hit all five targets and ended up hitting seven targets in a row and 12 of 25 of my shots were hits. Not bad for a beginner, although unfortunately it turned out to be a high water mark.
The next two times I went I hit 8 of 25. I got a little out of form, a little tired and a little less focused I guess. Doing so well can just mess with your mind. You start thinking you have it and then you miss a few and put pressure on yourself. The disks were also coming at a different trajectory on one of the rounds, throwing my timing off.
The last 25 shots I used the trap directors gun, which I needed to be very careful with since it was apparently a $3,000 gun. It was a double barrel shotgun, the one that breaks in half in order to load. It was a bit heavier than my other gun and took some getting used to, but I loved using it.
All in all I had a great time. My instructor, Ted, who had been a past state champion in trap shooting I believe was a great teacher who helped me start to find a rhythm. I had so much fun trap shooting. It's challenging and I would love to do it again. I need some more experience in order to get that timing down!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Most Important Thing I Did With UCWS
Looking back at my time with Women's Soccer in Storrs, I only did one thing that was of any importance.
I trained Eric to take over for me.
It's the only thing I did that mattered.
For some reason I started thinking about what I most wanted for the program when I first started helping. When I started my job as a manager and Volunteer Director of Ops it was simply to give the program another person to help the coaches, and who did so with the same enthusiasm as those who gave back to the Basketball and Football teams.
Eric will put his own stamp on the job he does, but I am happy that the goal that I had has clearly come true. Eric is great at what he does.
So if you ask me what the most important thing that I did was, I'd say it was training Eric. It wasn't making highlight videos or running after a ball in practice. It wasn't being good at remembering people's gatorade flavors. None of those things were important. It was training someone else that was really important.
I trained Eric to take over for me.
It's the only thing I did that mattered.
For some reason I started thinking about what I most wanted for the program when I first started helping. When I started my job as a manager and Volunteer Director of Ops it was simply to give the program another person to help the coaches, and who did so with the same enthusiasm as those who gave back to the Basketball and Football teams.
Eric will put his own stamp on the job he does, but I am happy that the goal that I had has clearly come true. Eric is great at what he does.
So if you ask me what the most important thing that I did was, I'd say it was training Eric. It wasn't making highlight videos or running after a ball in practice. It wasn't being good at remembering people's gatorade flavors. None of those things were important. It was training someone else that was really important.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
TAIS - Personality Test
So I took a test that measures my personality and traits that I have.
I scored fairly similarly to a business executive, which is pretty cool.
Now to the wonderful part of the test. I am apparently a control freak who is extremely self critical.
I'm not 100% sure that the control freak part is all the way accurate, although I prefer to be in charge. I am certainly extremely self-critical. I don't try to control other people. I don't think the people I advise would ever accuse me of being overbearing. If anything I don't give them enough direction.
I am introverted. I know that, a lot of other people may not. I believe I am, and the test says I am, although I don't know if I am as introverted as it makes it seem I am. At work I do tend to be more extroverted than what I would be.
I am much more physically competitive than intellectually competitive. My physical competitiveness scored much higher than a business executive, and wanting to argue and speak about big concepts was less than a business executive.
I scored very high on a decision making test. I knew whether to be enabling or forceful depending on the situation. Granted it wasn't real life, but in theory I was very good at making good decisions.
My weakness is being too enabling if I make a bad decision. I will give people too much lee-way rather than being too forceful, which does go up against my control score. It's possible that I don't think I can control other people, therefore I don't bother trying to.
Although I was way too self critical, and on an extreme for that (So I guess maybe I should pat myself on the back every once in a while) I was also self confident. Having both of these made the survey say that although I am overly critical, it's a good thing that I am also self confident because it meant that I had enough confidence to keep going.
I'd say being self critical does get in my way sometimes.
When it comes to paying attention to things my relative strength is awareness. In other words I score best at being observant and knowing what is going on. Something that Policeman need to be...and my great great great grandfather Palmer was one.
My middle score was for being conceptual/in my mind.
My relative weakness was in terms of focus. This doesn't mean I can't focus. In fact I scored highly on my ability to do all three things, but when I am relaxed and comfortable I prefer to be aware of what's going on and not being completely focused on one small thing.
An example that illustrates this came up at work when a soccer player came in to an office I was in. They started having a conversation about something and during a pause in the conversation I went completely off topic and asked about the t-shirt they were wearing that announced it was game-day. I wasn't focused on the conversation, but I did notice what shirt they were wearing.
In other words I prefer the bigger picture.
What I learned in class, and this is true, is that it's important to know when to have type of attention style. In other words some situations call from different styles.
A doctor performing surgery better be focused. They fix your heart during surgery regardless of whether or not there is a fire going on outside of the room. You don't want them aware of things when they should focus on surgery.
Atleast it seems like I can use all three styles if I have to.
In ethical situations I worry not about being just, but more about being win-win and avoiding risk.
It has been fascinating learning about me. You have to know thyself.
I need to know my strengths, and work on my weaknesses.
I scored fairly similarly to a business executive, which is pretty cool.
Now to the wonderful part of the test. I am apparently a control freak who is extremely self critical.
I'm not 100% sure that the control freak part is all the way accurate, although I prefer to be in charge. I am certainly extremely self-critical. I don't try to control other people. I don't think the people I advise would ever accuse me of being overbearing. If anything I don't give them enough direction.
I am introverted. I know that, a lot of other people may not. I believe I am, and the test says I am, although I don't know if I am as introverted as it makes it seem I am. At work I do tend to be more extroverted than what I would be.
I am much more physically competitive than intellectually competitive. My physical competitiveness scored much higher than a business executive, and wanting to argue and speak about big concepts was less than a business executive.
I scored very high on a decision making test. I knew whether to be enabling or forceful depending on the situation. Granted it wasn't real life, but in theory I was very good at making good decisions.
My weakness is being too enabling if I make a bad decision. I will give people too much lee-way rather than being too forceful, which does go up against my control score. It's possible that I don't think I can control other people, therefore I don't bother trying to.
Although I was way too self critical, and on an extreme for that (So I guess maybe I should pat myself on the back every once in a while) I was also self confident. Having both of these made the survey say that although I am overly critical, it's a good thing that I am also self confident because it meant that I had enough confidence to keep going.
I'd say being self critical does get in my way sometimes.
When it comes to paying attention to things my relative strength is awareness. In other words I score best at being observant and knowing what is going on. Something that Policeman need to be...and my great great great grandfather Palmer was one.
My middle score was for being conceptual/in my mind.
My relative weakness was in terms of focus. This doesn't mean I can't focus. In fact I scored highly on my ability to do all three things, but when I am relaxed and comfortable I prefer to be aware of what's going on and not being completely focused on one small thing.
An example that illustrates this came up at work when a soccer player came in to an office I was in. They started having a conversation about something and during a pause in the conversation I went completely off topic and asked about the t-shirt they were wearing that announced it was game-day. I wasn't focused on the conversation, but I did notice what shirt they were wearing.
In other words I prefer the bigger picture.
What I learned in class, and this is true, is that it's important to know when to have type of attention style. In other words some situations call from different styles.
A doctor performing surgery better be focused. They fix your heart during surgery regardless of whether or not there is a fire going on outside of the room. You don't want them aware of things when they should focus on surgery.
Atleast it seems like I can use all three styles if I have to.
In ethical situations I worry not about being just, but more about being win-win and avoiding risk.
It has been fascinating learning about me. You have to know thyself.
I need to know my strengths, and work on my weaknesses.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Climbing Mt. Monadnock
Every year I keep saying to myself that I should climb Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH. It's a big mountain about 25 minutes from my parents house. It's the most climbed mountain in the United States actually.
I had thought about doing a trail run or a half marathon around there that weekend but balked at the thought of paying to do so. I did however just make a spur of the moment decision that this year would actually be the year I climbed the mountain.
I went with my sister and wasn't sure what to expect. I'd hiked Mt. Watatic, which is five minutes from our house, before. I'd actually ran to the mountain and ran to the top and back home once. It wasn't all that difficult of a hike, although the first time I did it I kept thinking I was near the top.
Monadnock seemed to be a great idea with the weather being so nice and clear. It wasn't too hot, and I actually was dressed in long sleeves. I definitely drank more water than I thought I would and ended up running out of it before I reached the top.
Now Monadnock was my first real hike, but I didn't know how much more real it would be than Watatic.
Monadnock actually involved rock climbing...not the straight up vertical kind, but more vertical than I had ever done before. It was this sort of challenge and rock climb that made me find the hike challenging and different.
I have to admit that it took forever to get out of the tree line, which I knew meant I was making progress.
I also remember going, we have to be close, maybe 75% of the way there and then I saw a sign that practically screamed back at me, "Hey buddy, you are only half way there."
My fitness was fine of course, I was getting to the top no matter how long it took, I just was hoping it wasn't quite so far. As I kept going higher the trees got thinner and thinner and there were several times when I saw no trees and just blue sky ahead of me above what had to have been my final ascent. I thought to myself "Wow this is it, we are finally there" only to find another steep rock to climb up when I arrived at the top of the previous one.
As I was climbing I thought of those rocks as a metaphor for life. You keep thinking you have reached the summit, and where you want to go, but in reality there is still more to climb.
I heard a young couple say that this is where most people typically stop. Buoyed by that I of course said to myself that I'm not going to be like the poor souls who are 3/4 of the way their and decide to turn around.
I might have been annoyed to see that I still had 30 minutes of climbing bare rock left, but I was full speed ahead.
I finally reached the top about two and a half hours after I began. I stopped and took some photos on the way and when I reached the top I made sure to both enjoy how beautiful the scenery is, to tweet from the top, and take photos. I could see Mt. Watatic, Franklin Pierce University and about where our house should be.
It was a great hike in a really pretty area and I am so glad I did it. The rock climbing was more challenging and I loved the metaphor with life. Just keep climbing. Eventually you will get there.
The way down was pretty easy by the way. Sometimes I had to slide down, but it was only about 90 minutes to get back down the mountain.
I had thought about doing a trail run or a half marathon around there that weekend but balked at the thought of paying to do so. I did however just make a spur of the moment decision that this year would actually be the year I climbed the mountain.
I went with my sister and wasn't sure what to expect. I'd hiked Mt. Watatic, which is five minutes from our house, before. I'd actually ran to the mountain and ran to the top and back home once. It wasn't all that difficult of a hike, although the first time I did it I kept thinking I was near the top.
Monadnock seemed to be a great idea with the weather being so nice and clear. It wasn't too hot, and I actually was dressed in long sleeves. I definitely drank more water than I thought I would and ended up running out of it before I reached the top.
Now Monadnock was my first real hike, but I didn't know how much more real it would be than Watatic.
Monadnock actually involved rock climbing...not the straight up vertical kind, but more vertical than I had ever done before. It was this sort of challenge and rock climb that made me find the hike challenging and different.
I have to admit that it took forever to get out of the tree line, which I knew meant I was making progress.
I also remember going, we have to be close, maybe 75% of the way there and then I saw a sign that practically screamed back at me, "Hey buddy, you are only half way there."
My fitness was fine of course, I was getting to the top no matter how long it took, I just was hoping it wasn't quite so far. As I kept going higher the trees got thinner and thinner and there were several times when I saw no trees and just blue sky ahead of me above what had to have been my final ascent. I thought to myself "Wow this is it, we are finally there" only to find another steep rock to climb up when I arrived at the top of the previous one.
As I was climbing I thought of those rocks as a metaphor for life. You keep thinking you have reached the summit, and where you want to go, but in reality there is still more to climb.
I heard a young couple say that this is where most people typically stop. Buoyed by that I of course said to myself that I'm not going to be like the poor souls who are 3/4 of the way their and decide to turn around.
I might have been annoyed to see that I still had 30 minutes of climbing bare rock left, but I was full speed ahead.
I finally reached the top about two and a half hours after I began. I stopped and took some photos on the way and when I reached the top I made sure to both enjoy how beautiful the scenery is, to tweet from the top, and take photos. I could see Mt. Watatic, Franklin Pierce University and about where our house should be.
It was a great hike in a really pretty area and I am so glad I did it. The rock climbing was more challenging and I loved the metaphor with life. Just keep climbing. Eventually you will get there.
The way down was pretty easy by the way. Sometimes I had to slide down, but it was only about 90 minutes to get back down the mountain.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
This is crazy
Here is video of my sister's friend/boyfriend...
I don't want to define the relationship here...
Anyway, this helps explain why he is often breaking bones.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOF-rGKkw4g
This is crazy. I want to ride rail trails...the whole idea of jumping in the woods is not quite so appealing to me.
My cousin also does this sort of riding. He is a former Marine and is obviously much tougher than I am.
I don't want to define the relationship here...
Anyway, this helps explain why he is often breaking bones.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOF-rGKkw4g
This is crazy. I want to ride rail trails...the whole idea of jumping in the woods is not quite so appealing to me.
My cousin also does this sort of riding. He is a former Marine and is obviously much tougher than I am.
Bike Ride
I love bike rides for charity and I found this one through a former UCWS player who posted it on facebook.
http://pedalaide.com/blog.html
One day I want to do a charity ride. I think people can choose a few leisure sports. Cycling is certainly one of mine. I've realized that I probably can't make time for Cycling and Golf etc. So if I choose to put time and money into one, it will be cycling. I think I'd love to figure out how to get involved in something like the Wounded Warriors.
http://pedalaide.com/blog.html
One day I want to do a charity ride. I think people can choose a few leisure sports. Cycling is certainly one of mine. I've realized that I probably can't make time for Cycling and Golf etc. So if I choose to put time and money into one, it will be cycling. I think I'd love to figure out how to get involved in something like the Wounded Warriors.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Pay vs Afford
I'm amazed by some people when it comes to money.
I just wanted to write briefly about something I think is really important. The difference between what you can pay and what you can afford.
If you spend money thinking that, "yes I can pay for it" chances are that you are thinking about things on a paycheck to paycheck basis.
If you spend money thinking about whether or not you can afford it you probably have more of a plan. Afford is different than pay because afford takes into effect what you are giving up in order to get something.
Pay doesn't take that into consideration.
Smart people realize that you have to take into account whether or not you can afford something. Can you sacrifice going on this vacation over paying for your child's college education?
Or on the flip side, can I afford not to go see my parent who is dying in the hospital? You need to sacrifice by taking out a loan because the time with a loved one is about to come to an end.
Can you afford to take the time to do something? Time is also something we sacrifice when we purchase things some time.
Can you afford to do something is the right question to ask yourself. It shouldn't be that you simply can pay for it.
I just wanted to write briefly about something I think is really important. The difference between what you can pay and what you can afford.
If you spend money thinking that, "yes I can pay for it" chances are that you are thinking about things on a paycheck to paycheck basis.
If you spend money thinking about whether or not you can afford it you probably have more of a plan. Afford is different than pay because afford takes into effect what you are giving up in order to get something.
Pay doesn't take that into consideration.
Smart people realize that you have to take into account whether or not you can afford something. Can you sacrifice going on this vacation over paying for your child's college education?
Or on the flip side, can I afford not to go see my parent who is dying in the hospital? You need to sacrifice by taking out a loan because the time with a loved one is about to come to an end.
Can you afford to take the time to do something? Time is also something we sacrifice when we purchase things some time.
Can you afford to do something is the right question to ask yourself. It shouldn't be that you simply can pay for it.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Why Working In Sports Sucks
Funny article someone shared on facebook. If you work in sports these things go through your mind. It may not stop you from doing what you are doing, but it does make you think twice.
http://postgradproblems.com/10-reasons-why-working-in-sports-sucks/
http://postgradproblems.com/10-reasons-why-working-in-sports-sucks/
Saturday, July 20, 2013
This should make sportscenter
Someone brought this article to my attention today. It's about a man who is running across the United States to help raise money for clean water in Africa.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130219/news/702199944/
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130219/news/702199944/
Thursday, July 18, 2013
GRE Scores
So I looked at my GRE scores recently and amazingly it was my writing that scored the best. Thankfully they don't score what I write on here. I'd be on the precipice of my scores being invalidated if they read all of my useless drivel.
But I'm impressed I used precipice in a sentence.
But I'm impressed I used precipice in a sentence.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
An Ironman
I also read a book called "You Are An Ironman"
It's about the paths six amateurs took to complete their first Ironman Triathlon, which is a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike ride followed by a 26.2 mile run.
All of that needs to be done in 17 hours.
Book was fascinating.
Most all of the people who completed it also had something in their life that made them want to accomplish this feat. They either had life threatening disease, were sick or out of shape or used working out to overcome something.
The book certainly makes me want to think about doing one.
Now I just need to learn to swim.
It's about the paths six amateurs took to complete their first Ironman Triathlon, which is a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike ride followed by a 26.2 mile run.
All of that needs to be done in 17 hours.
Book was fascinating.
Most all of the people who completed it also had something in their life that made them want to accomplish this feat. They either had life threatening disease, were sick or out of shape or used working out to overcome something.
The book certainly makes me want to think about doing one.
Now I just need to learn to swim.
Interchangeable
I am reading a book about Gould, Rockefeller, Morgan and Carnegie right now. It also talks about the American Economy after the civil war. One of the things it talked about was the race to get guns to be interchangeable.
Interchangeable also seems to me to be efficient, and in the business world efficient matters.
I am not going to write much but I would think of it this way. An employees goal should be to be as non interchangeable as possible once they get a position. It's in a person's best interest to be unique in irreplaceable.
It's probably in management's best interest to make someone as interchangeable as possible.
Now in the business world I'd argue that this happens more frequently with low skilled positions. Those positions management wants to be interchangeable.
With professional trades it's probably difficult to have that happen.
Interchangeable also seems to me to be efficient, and in the business world efficient matters.
I am not going to write much but I would think of it this way. An employees goal should be to be as non interchangeable as possible once they get a position. It's in a person's best interest to be unique in irreplaceable.
It's probably in management's best interest to make someone as interchangeable as possible.
Now in the business world I'd argue that this happens more frequently with low skilled positions. Those positions management wants to be interchangeable.
With professional trades it's probably difficult to have that happen.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Heather Buck
Heather Buck gets a shout out. I'm not at UCONN anymore, but I can tell she is a great person.
First of all, I somehow ended up with a free ticket to I believe the Oakland game this winter courtesy of her and my connection to a former manager. She put me on her ticket list. I can't help but thank her.
I also facebook creeped recently on a friend and saw her pose for a picture at graduation with an older fan. She made that fans day or even year I bet.
She also I noticed showed up in a picture at graduation for her team managers, which is really nice to see, because her team managers gave so much to her team. She didn't have to support them, but it was cool to see that she did.
I can tell she is a great person. I was so happy to see her score that last basket in the National Championship game. It was really cool to see. She was so excited, and as a UCONN fan, it was so exciting to see her emotion.
First of all, I somehow ended up with a free ticket to I believe the Oakland game this winter courtesy of her and my connection to a former manager. She put me on her ticket list. I can't help but thank her.
I also facebook creeped recently on a friend and saw her pose for a picture at graduation with an older fan. She made that fans day or even year I bet.
She also I noticed showed up in a picture at graduation for her team managers, which is really nice to see, because her team managers gave so much to her team. She didn't have to support them, but it was cool to see that she did.
I can tell she is a great person. I was so happy to see her score that last basket in the National Championship game. It was really cool to see. She was so excited, and as a UCONN fan, it was so exciting to see her emotion.
Jailbreak 5k
So I ran my first 5k yesterday in Belknap County, New Hampshire which is pretty fitting.
I love New Hampshire, and most people that know me, know that. The LIVE FREE OR DIE state is like a second home to me since we vacationed up there every year during the summer. As a matter of fact in order to get rid of my nasty post-race smell I went in to Lake Winnipesaukee (Which means Smile of the Great Spirit to the Native Americans who named the Lake) for the 24th straight year.
So when looking for a place to run a 5k it only made sense to do it near Lake Winnipesaukee. I knew I could run and exercise in the morning and then have fun all afternoon and then go to my favorite places to eat.
Plus I first decided to eat better, and be more conscious of taking control of my health in New Hampshire. One vacation I just decided to eat half as much as I usually ate and before I knew it I got to a healthy weight. I was very overweight until 8th grade. Knowing what it's like to be out of shape makes me want to avoid ever going back to being unhealthy.
I had several motivators for the 5k. A big one was my coach. Another big one was doing it for the cross country and track runners that I work with. I push them to be better (hopefully) so in return I wanted to push myself to be better in an area they excel at. Another was just wanting to see how well and far I could push myself. One is that a marathon is on my bucket list. Baby steps first!
The 5k I did benefited the Sheriffs Department of Belknap County. I have a cousin who is a police officer on Martha's Vineyard and my great great great grandpa was a police officer in New York City. It's good to help those who help ordinary citizens for a living.
The night before my 5k I got instructions from my coach on what to eat for breakfast and how to prepare. I was smart enough to ask about nutrition because I knew my favorite of Maple Syrup with Waffles wouldn't really help me do well. I was instructed that oatmeal and banana's would work. I added some apple sauce and cinnamon pita chips and grapes as well. As for stretching I used my foam roller before I left. As for warming up I ran starting about 15-20 minutes before the run.
Thankfully I knew where I was going, since I had driven past the complex for Belknap Country for years. It made the drive a lot less stressful since I knew I didn't need to worry about traffic. I arrived about an hour early, registered, hydrated and stayed in my car or in the shade to stay cool.
After a little while more people showed up and since it was my first 5k I didn't know what to expect, mainly, where the heck would I be running? I didn't expect to be in the back and just following people. I hoped to be near the front. I expected to get around 19:30 and to finish between 3rd and 7th. So finally I asked some guy and got an idea of where I was going.
Just before the start of the race I took a piss, knowing I didn't want to have to pee in the race.
I had no idea where to start, but I sensed that I shouldn't be too shy, and shouldn't be too far from the first runners. In retrospect, I should have been in the first row of people. I was probably in the second or third. As the gun went off I was just antsy. I weaved in and out of a few runners before settling in with the top few runners.
Before long the first two guys checked out on us. After going up a hill, which I tried to charge up, even if only in the first few moments of the race, I ended up getting to third. I was hoping to keep that up, but I started to realize that I was going a little too fast. I kept wondering if it was halfway yet. Then I realized that I hadn't seen the half way point water break. I decided to back off a little bit. The guy in fourth place and the girl in fifth place both passed me and I ended up in fifth. As we kept going I finally got to the water break. I thought about how I would handle getting handed water. Do I stick my hand out? What if the water falls out of my hand and I lose time? Then I realized the runners in front of me didn't get water to drink, just thrown at them to deal with the 80 degree heat. I took a splash and kept going. The man in third place kept getting a little farther away, and I settled in with the women in fourth.
For the last mile I would say, I was neck and neck with the women running before I finally got to the point where I was ready to give everything I had. At this point I put a small amount of distance in between her and I. I also had my eye on a man behind me.
I kept running hard through the end and was happy to finally hit the homestretch, where I just gave it my all. I ended up getting a 19:28 and held on to fourth place by three seconds over the women racing near me. I also beat all of the Law Enforcement in the race, so it's proof I can outrun the cops.
The first thing I did after the race was try to find a place to lie down. I got a Gatorade from my sister's boyfriend and just enjoyed that and a bottle of water. The man who finished in third place was nice enough to congratulate me. I told him it was my first 5k, and he informed me that I ran a long 5k, a 5k that was 3.2 miles. So I really run this much faster than my training run on Tuesday that I did in 19:36. Now he was amazed I ran a full 5k on Tuesday, saying that wasn't a lot of recovery time. I casually mentioned something about that to my coach over a text and she didn't kill me, but realized I took her meaning of a hard workout literally. Let's just practice for the 5k by doing one! I guess I got that wrong.
All in all I had a great time. I was happy to benefit New Hampshire Sheriffs, to run past the shores of Lake Winnisquam, and then head over to Lake Winnipesaukee for some fun.
My post race meal, which actually occurred a few hours after the race, because I wasn't hungry right after, was a hot dog, with onion rings and french fries. A healthy breakfast called for an unhealthy lunch I guess!
I now just have to find another race to do...and maybe it's getting closer to the time I start thinking about triathlons.
And I used Richard as my name...from Ashburnham, MA
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/13/nh/Jul6_Belkna_set1.shtml
I love New Hampshire, and most people that know me, know that. The LIVE FREE OR DIE state is like a second home to me since we vacationed up there every year during the summer. As a matter of fact in order to get rid of my nasty post-race smell I went in to Lake Winnipesaukee (Which means Smile of the Great Spirit to the Native Americans who named the Lake) for the 24th straight year.
So when looking for a place to run a 5k it only made sense to do it near Lake Winnipesaukee. I knew I could run and exercise in the morning and then have fun all afternoon and then go to my favorite places to eat.
Plus I first decided to eat better, and be more conscious of taking control of my health in New Hampshire. One vacation I just decided to eat half as much as I usually ate and before I knew it I got to a healthy weight. I was very overweight until 8th grade. Knowing what it's like to be out of shape makes me want to avoid ever going back to being unhealthy.
I had several motivators for the 5k. A big one was my coach. Another big one was doing it for the cross country and track runners that I work with. I push them to be better (hopefully) so in return I wanted to push myself to be better in an area they excel at. Another was just wanting to see how well and far I could push myself. One is that a marathon is on my bucket list. Baby steps first!
The 5k I did benefited the Sheriffs Department of Belknap County. I have a cousin who is a police officer on Martha's Vineyard and my great great great grandpa was a police officer in New York City. It's good to help those who help ordinary citizens for a living.
The night before my 5k I got instructions from my coach on what to eat for breakfast and how to prepare. I was smart enough to ask about nutrition because I knew my favorite of Maple Syrup with Waffles wouldn't really help me do well. I was instructed that oatmeal and banana's would work. I added some apple sauce and cinnamon pita chips and grapes as well. As for stretching I used my foam roller before I left. As for warming up I ran starting about 15-20 minutes before the run.
Thankfully I knew where I was going, since I had driven past the complex for Belknap Country for years. It made the drive a lot less stressful since I knew I didn't need to worry about traffic. I arrived about an hour early, registered, hydrated and stayed in my car or in the shade to stay cool.
After a little while more people showed up and since it was my first 5k I didn't know what to expect, mainly, where the heck would I be running? I didn't expect to be in the back and just following people. I hoped to be near the front. I expected to get around 19:30 and to finish between 3rd and 7th. So finally I asked some guy and got an idea of where I was going.
Just before the start of the race I took a piss, knowing I didn't want to have to pee in the race.
I had no idea where to start, but I sensed that I shouldn't be too shy, and shouldn't be too far from the first runners. In retrospect, I should have been in the first row of people. I was probably in the second or third. As the gun went off I was just antsy. I weaved in and out of a few runners before settling in with the top few runners.
Before long the first two guys checked out on us. After going up a hill, which I tried to charge up, even if only in the first few moments of the race, I ended up getting to third. I was hoping to keep that up, but I started to realize that I was going a little too fast. I kept wondering if it was halfway yet. Then I realized that I hadn't seen the half way point water break. I decided to back off a little bit. The guy in fourth place and the girl in fifth place both passed me and I ended up in fifth. As we kept going I finally got to the water break. I thought about how I would handle getting handed water. Do I stick my hand out? What if the water falls out of my hand and I lose time? Then I realized the runners in front of me didn't get water to drink, just thrown at them to deal with the 80 degree heat. I took a splash and kept going. The man in third place kept getting a little farther away, and I settled in with the women in fourth.
For the last mile I would say, I was neck and neck with the women running before I finally got to the point where I was ready to give everything I had. At this point I put a small amount of distance in between her and I. I also had my eye on a man behind me.
I kept running hard through the end and was happy to finally hit the homestretch, where I just gave it my all. I ended up getting a 19:28 and held on to fourth place by three seconds over the women racing near me. I also beat all of the Law Enforcement in the race, so it's proof I can outrun the cops.
The first thing I did after the race was try to find a place to lie down. I got a Gatorade from my sister's boyfriend and just enjoyed that and a bottle of water. The man who finished in third place was nice enough to congratulate me. I told him it was my first 5k, and he informed me that I ran a long 5k, a 5k that was 3.2 miles. So I really run this much faster than my training run on Tuesday that I did in 19:36. Now he was amazed I ran a full 5k on Tuesday, saying that wasn't a lot of recovery time. I casually mentioned something about that to my coach over a text and she didn't kill me, but realized I took her meaning of a hard workout literally. Let's just practice for the 5k by doing one! I guess I got that wrong.
All in all I had a great time. I was happy to benefit New Hampshire Sheriffs, to run past the shores of Lake Winnisquam, and then head over to Lake Winnipesaukee for some fun.
My post race meal, which actually occurred a few hours after the race, because I wasn't hungry right after, was a hot dog, with onion rings and french fries. A healthy breakfast called for an unhealthy lunch I guess!
I now just have to find another race to do...and maybe it's getting closer to the time I start thinking about triathlons.
And I used Richard as my name...from Ashburnham, MA
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/13/nh/Jul6_Belkna_set1.shtml
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Interesting Football Recruiting Article
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/top-recruit-commits-south-carolina-because-classes-where-091739231.html
Interesting article. The job of academic help centers should not be to prevent someone from failing, it should be to challenge them to be their best, and in my view, most importantly, prepare students for life in the working world.
I believe that the habit of working hard and persevering and doing your best is what needs to be rewarded. If you make a habit of doing that in the classroom and on the field you will succeed, regardless of the outcome on either place. Winners keep trying and keep trying to do better. Losers complain and take shortcuts. You need to make being a winner if everything a habit if you want to be the best you can be.
Interesting article. The job of academic help centers should not be to prevent someone from failing, it should be to challenge them to be their best, and in my view, most importantly, prepare students for life in the working world.
I believe that the habit of working hard and persevering and doing your best is what needs to be rewarded. If you make a habit of doing that in the classroom and on the field you will succeed, regardless of the outcome on either place. Winners keep trying and keep trying to do better. Losers complain and take shortcuts. You need to make being a winner if everything a habit if you want to be the best you can be.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Apathy towards watching sports...
I have to admit to becoming really apathetic towards watching sports. It's strange, but this feeling is existing in me.
I don't know if I am hyperactive or what, but I just can't sit and watch sports like I used to be able to. I used to watch EVERY METS game. I wouldn't miss a game. Now I've had enough after an inning.
I rarely turn on television and hope to find a sporting event on. Occasionally I do, but I have lost interest in just watching sports because it's on television.
I can't figure out exactly why this is buy I have some ideas.
Part of it is overload. There are just too many sports and I don't feel like watching them all.
Part of it is a feeling of, this is work, this is all I ever do, let's please watch something else.
Another part of it is being afraid of turning into a 40 year old super-fan who still regularly wears a jersey to games. Mature adults are too busy to spend their time obsessing over games.
Another part is being healthy. It's healthier to be outside and be active.
Maybe the biggest thing is that I have realized that I can do great things when I am busy doing things. I can watch other people do great things when I watch them do so. Maybe I want to be a character instead of an observer.
It's so strange to me, but I just don't watch any extra sports than I need to. I have to admit to this. The majority of what I watch is sports related, but I just don't turn on television and put on hockey or basketball or Sunday Night Baseball because I am bored.
There is some apathy involved. I don't think it's killing my drive to work in sports. I do think it's making me think about how I can spend my precious time during life. We shouldn't spend all of our lives watching others. We need to live too.
I don't know if I am hyperactive or what, but I just can't sit and watch sports like I used to be able to. I used to watch EVERY METS game. I wouldn't miss a game. Now I've had enough after an inning.
I rarely turn on television and hope to find a sporting event on. Occasionally I do, but I have lost interest in just watching sports because it's on television.
I can't figure out exactly why this is buy I have some ideas.
Part of it is overload. There are just too many sports and I don't feel like watching them all.
Part of it is a feeling of, this is work, this is all I ever do, let's please watch something else.
Another part of it is being afraid of turning into a 40 year old super-fan who still regularly wears a jersey to games. Mature adults are too busy to spend their time obsessing over games.
Another part is being healthy. It's healthier to be outside and be active.
Maybe the biggest thing is that I have realized that I can do great things when I am busy doing things. I can watch other people do great things when I watch them do so. Maybe I want to be a character instead of an observer.
It's so strange to me, but I just don't watch any extra sports than I need to. I have to admit to this. The majority of what I watch is sports related, but I just don't turn on television and put on hockey or basketball or Sunday Night Baseball because I am bored.
There is some apathy involved. I don't think it's killing my drive to work in sports. I do think it's making me think about how I can spend my precious time during life. We shouldn't spend all of our lives watching others. We need to live too.
Athletes Have To Be Careful
Example of why athletes have to be careful...
They met a girl at the club and then they go to their hotel room and then all of their valuables are missing from their safe...
Some athletes are targets, and that's sad.
http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9438573/woman-arrested-thefts-new-york-giants-dt-shaun-rogers-victim
Now the football player isn't blameless. Why anyone would have so much money tied up in necklaces, bracelets and watches, I'll never understand. When you carry that much around it's easy to not only have it stolen, but accidentally lose it as well. I also am too good of a Catholic boy to just bring someone that I just met to my hotel room. You might want to develop some trust first.
They met a girl at the club and then they go to their hotel room and then all of their valuables are missing from their safe...
Some athletes are targets, and that's sad.
http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9438573/woman-arrested-thefts-new-york-giants-dt-shaun-rogers-victim
Now the football player isn't blameless. Why anyone would have so much money tied up in necklaces, bracelets and watches, I'll never understand. When you carry that much around it's easy to not only have it stolen, but accidentally lose it as well. I also am too good of a Catholic boy to just bring someone that I just met to my hotel room. You might want to develop some trust first.
Aaron Hernandez
I don't know where to start. I don't get it. Why would you be involved in gang activity or shootings when you are a successful pro-athlete, who seemingly has things all set. You make enough money to not worry. Right?
Maybe Aaron Hernandez didn't feel respected. Maybe that motivated him to do something stupid. Do people want money or do they want respect?
I think the idea of being disrespected is more of a motivator than money in many instances.
Meanwhile, I was very happy to see that the Patriots are offering jersey exchanges for people who own Aaron Hernandez jerseys. Jerseys are more personal than a team hat and it's obvious that people will not want to associate themselves with someone like Aaron Hernandez.
One thing I feel bad for with athletes is the amount of money they get and the amount of people around them who feel like they are entitled to getting a cut. Their will be women who are looking to attach themselves to them. Their will be family members who need help, friends who have great business ideas. It has to be hard to figure out who to trust, when they are viewed as stipend givers. Can you imagine having your best friends and family members asking you for money all the time? They know what you make in your contract. It's publicized. Can you imagine how hard it is to say no to family and close friends?
Maybe Aaron Hernandez didn't feel respected. Maybe that motivated him to do something stupid. Do people want money or do they want respect?
I think the idea of being disrespected is more of a motivator than money in many instances.
Meanwhile, I was very happy to see that the Patriots are offering jersey exchanges for people who own Aaron Hernandez jerseys. Jerseys are more personal than a team hat and it's obvious that people will not want to associate themselves with someone like Aaron Hernandez.
One thing I feel bad for with athletes is the amount of money they get and the amount of people around them who feel like they are entitled to getting a cut. Their will be women who are looking to attach themselves to them. Their will be family members who need help, friends who have great business ideas. It has to be hard to figure out who to trust, when they are viewed as stipend givers. Can you imagine having your best friends and family members asking you for money all the time? They know what you make in your contract. It's publicized. Can you imagine how hard it is to say no to family and close friends?
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Oops
I just realized I need to delete a couple of stories I wrote back when I had no expectations of being in North Carolina for another year...
Yeah, got to delete a few things to make sure I don't get in trouble. Not much but a few. My normal very good sense of don't hit send was completely over taken by the expectation that I'd be far far far away from where I will be.
Yeah, got to delete a few things to make sure I don't get in trouble. Not much but a few. My normal very good sense of don't hit send was completely over taken by the expectation that I'd be far far far away from where I will be.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Life is Like Swimming
You swim under the water. You come up for air and see how far you are from where you want to go. If you don't like where you are, you change course, put your head down and go.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Happy Father's Day
What can I say I have learned from my father?
I mean I should honor him somehow, since my family never ever does anything fun for Mother's Day or Father's Day. We have NEVER gone out to eat for these holidays to my recollection. Mom maybe got flowers or chocolates and maybe home made breakfast...which she probably had to clean up.
So anyway. What has my dad taught me?
Well nothing to do with sports that is. Absolutely nothing. He can't catch a ball more than 50% of the time. We have never had the father and son catch. We did have the father and son this is how you "clean the bathroom."
He does have a sense of irony. We had the "talk" conveniently in Intercourse, PA. It probably helped him bring up the subject. Not sure why this made it in here but it did.
I did get his wonderfully defined and muscular legs. Those have definitely been passed on and developed by me.
I've learned to work hard and to expect more out of myself. That's a big one. Usually when he says you will understand when you get older he's right.
I've also really gained an appreciation of the arts and history from him. It is he who has widened my horizons in terms of movies that I have watched. He has picked out ones with good messages and lessons in them. Captain's Courageous is a good example. We also both love Fargo and Airplane.
History and my appreciation of it comes from him. We both enjoy history and I've learned a tremendous amount from him. History, and knowing it well, helps you predict the future.
I think I've developed some of his sense of humor, although I don't think he ever gets to see it when he is around. He tends to see the quiet and more introverted side of me. The laid back and passive one. Although he can press buttons and get me to react and I think he really enjoys doing that.
I've gained important lessons and values surrounding the importance of people from him. The importance of family and community. Regardless of your beliefs, church is important on the micro level for the simple fact that it is a community and it brings people together. I would argue it's more meaningful than just that, but you can't deny that it does that at it's basic level.
I've learned to track every penny and be organized with receipts. You have to read everything you sign. I've learned basic business and law from him.
I've also benefited from his friendships and family friends.
He has taken my family on many wonderful trips and we have experienced many great things.
I've learned basic economics. It's not worth it to put this much work in for this little reward.
He tells great stories, and I want to be able to tell stories like he does.
I have developed an appreciation for cars from him. It was extremely painful to me that my dad was not with me when I bought my first car. I wanted him to be there. I always envisioned it, because he is a car guy. He was involved from afar. He test drove my car and the other car I considered, but he didn't get to see it when it was brand new and shiny and perfect. I cleaned it up when I got home for Christmas so it would look as new as possible. It meant a lot to me for him to see my new car then. I'm very grateful he was able to atleast be involved and know I bought my first car. His father, his father's father and his father's father's father didn't live as long as my dad has so I'm grateful he's still around.
My love of Lake Winnipesaukee came from him.
I've recently learned to shut my mouth and just do things. I just quit arguing, or complaining when I don't agree with things and just accept it and move on. It's a necessary skill for the work place.
Don't talk, just do. Great advice, and I've received it plenty of times.
We are very different and very similar in many ways. I can see a lot of myself in him at times. There are also times where I try to do the exact opposite of what he would do. I'm more of a risk taker than he is. Maybe I should say he doesn't take risks, because I'm not known to be a wild and crazy guy even though I strive to be interesting and me. I'm more athletic and more patient. I'm more creative than he is, and he is more organized.
I also don't have his sense of style. He is known for saying that he doesn't follow trends, he starts them. Thankfully I didn't join him on his quest of being branded the short shorts guy.
I don't think I feel like he casts a shadow on me at all, but I feel pressure to do as well as he did. I think I put that pressure on myself. I put lots of pressure on myself. More than you or he might imagine.
I guess I should be most grateful for the fact that he has allowed me to pursue my own career. It doesn't feel like a blessing at times that I have to make my own way. Sometimes you wish it was easy, and that you are like the kids who did nothing in school and then were handed well paying jobs at the family business. Career wise I've had to go it alone. Whatever I make of myself in my career, I did by myself. I got lots of help, don't get me wrong, but Dad never knew someone who got me in on my name alone. That's a blessing that many people in my area don't have.
So anyway, that's a little bit on what I want to say about my father on this father's day!
I mean I should honor him somehow, since my family never ever does anything fun for Mother's Day or Father's Day. We have NEVER gone out to eat for these holidays to my recollection. Mom maybe got flowers or chocolates and maybe home made breakfast...which she probably had to clean up.
So anyway. What has my dad taught me?
Well nothing to do with sports that is. Absolutely nothing. He can't catch a ball more than 50% of the time. We have never had the father and son catch. We did have the father and son this is how you "clean the bathroom."
He does have a sense of irony. We had the "talk" conveniently in Intercourse, PA. It probably helped him bring up the subject. Not sure why this made it in here but it did.
I did get his wonderfully defined and muscular legs. Those have definitely been passed on and developed by me.
I've learned to work hard and to expect more out of myself. That's a big one. Usually when he says you will understand when you get older he's right.
I've also really gained an appreciation of the arts and history from him. It is he who has widened my horizons in terms of movies that I have watched. He has picked out ones with good messages and lessons in them. Captain's Courageous is a good example. We also both love Fargo and Airplane.
History and my appreciation of it comes from him. We both enjoy history and I've learned a tremendous amount from him. History, and knowing it well, helps you predict the future.
I think I've developed some of his sense of humor, although I don't think he ever gets to see it when he is around. He tends to see the quiet and more introverted side of me. The laid back and passive one. Although he can press buttons and get me to react and I think he really enjoys doing that.
I've gained important lessons and values surrounding the importance of people from him. The importance of family and community. Regardless of your beliefs, church is important on the micro level for the simple fact that it is a community and it brings people together. I would argue it's more meaningful than just that, but you can't deny that it does that at it's basic level.
I've learned to track every penny and be organized with receipts. You have to read everything you sign. I've learned basic business and law from him.
I've also benefited from his friendships and family friends.
He has taken my family on many wonderful trips and we have experienced many great things.
I've learned basic economics. It's not worth it to put this much work in for this little reward.
He tells great stories, and I want to be able to tell stories like he does.
I have developed an appreciation for cars from him. It was extremely painful to me that my dad was not with me when I bought my first car. I wanted him to be there. I always envisioned it, because he is a car guy. He was involved from afar. He test drove my car and the other car I considered, but he didn't get to see it when it was brand new and shiny and perfect. I cleaned it up when I got home for Christmas so it would look as new as possible. It meant a lot to me for him to see my new car then. I'm very grateful he was able to atleast be involved and know I bought my first car. His father, his father's father and his father's father's father didn't live as long as my dad has so I'm grateful he's still around.
My love of Lake Winnipesaukee came from him.
I've recently learned to shut my mouth and just do things. I just quit arguing, or complaining when I don't agree with things and just accept it and move on. It's a necessary skill for the work place.
Don't talk, just do. Great advice, and I've received it plenty of times.
We are very different and very similar in many ways. I can see a lot of myself in him at times. There are also times where I try to do the exact opposite of what he would do. I'm more of a risk taker than he is. Maybe I should say he doesn't take risks, because I'm not known to be a wild and crazy guy even though I strive to be interesting and me. I'm more athletic and more patient. I'm more creative than he is, and he is more organized.
I also don't have his sense of style. He is known for saying that he doesn't follow trends, he starts them. Thankfully I didn't join him on his quest of being branded the short shorts guy.
I don't think I feel like he casts a shadow on me at all, but I feel pressure to do as well as he did. I think I put that pressure on myself. I put lots of pressure on myself. More than you or he might imagine.
I guess I should be most grateful for the fact that he has allowed me to pursue my own career. It doesn't feel like a blessing at times that I have to make my own way. Sometimes you wish it was easy, and that you are like the kids who did nothing in school and then were handed well paying jobs at the family business. Career wise I've had to go it alone. Whatever I make of myself in my career, I did by myself. I got lots of help, don't get me wrong, but Dad never knew someone who got me in on my name alone. That's a blessing that many people in my area don't have.
So anyway, that's a little bit on what I want to say about my father on this father's day!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Who has been searched for?
Here is a favorite thing of mine to post. The following people have stalkers...other than me.
I keed, I keed, Just Kidding, but I couldn't resist and we all know you were thinking it.
Anyway the following people's names have been googled and people have wound up here. So if you googled yourself...well sorry you now know you are really into yourself. For those that didn't, someone cares about you.
Cory Bildstein
Mika Bussey
Kelsey Komrij RN (So I'm assuming she is a registered nurse now. Good for her!)
Ally Mancino (Wasn't googled now, but actually I swear she is often)
I keed, I keed, Just Kidding, but I couldn't resist and we all know you were thinking it.
Anyway the following people's names have been googled and people have wound up here. So if you googled yourself...well sorry you now know you are really into yourself. For those that didn't, someone cares about you.
Cory Bildstein
Mika Bussey
Kelsey Komrij RN (So I'm assuming she is a registered nurse now. Good for her!)
Ally Mancino (Wasn't googled now, but actually I swear she is often)
Major Leagues
This sounds like something that would have happened during the movie "Major Leagues"
Sewage problems....
EWWW
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9393784/sewage-problem-puts-oakland-seattle-mariners-same-locker-room
Sewage problems....
EWWW
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9393784/sewage-problem-puts-oakland-seattle-mariners-same-locker-room
Thursday, June 13, 2013
This Is Awesome Reporting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBqINmUIoxk
Got to check out this video from a Phoenix Cross Country runner. Funny, asking random people at Myrtle Beach about Gymnastics.
Got to check out this video from a Phoenix Cross Country runner. Funny, asking random people at Myrtle Beach about Gymnastics.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Great Tweet
This is one of the best tweets I have read in a long time. Good job Shoey. Good Job!
"Feeling crispy from this sunburn...could probably cook a sausage on my shoulders"
Sportscenter does this for Lebron.
I think Shoey should be famous so I will retweet her great tweets.
Artistic Inspiration
One day in maybe September or October I was inspired to take a photo of just some of my NIKE gear. Some of which I bought, and some of which I was given while at UCONN. I just thought it would make a cool photo.
I don't know what to say other than that I remember just throwing random stuff all over the floor and then standing on my bed and taking photos of it. I don't know how well it came out. I thought it was unique and creative though, so I did it.
I think the idea came to me at 11pm and I probably finished with everything around 1am so this really did distract me. I haven't posted the photo but this work shouldn't go unused.
I don't know what to say other than that I remember just throwing random stuff all over the floor and then standing on my bed and taking photos of it. I don't know how well it came out. I thought it was unique and creative though, so I did it.
I think the idea came to me at 11pm and I probably finished with everything around 1am so this really did distract me. I haven't posted the photo but this work shouldn't go unused.
Backing Up
I'm going to talk about something really really useless.
Most people will probably go, "Well that's nothing new!"
I wonder how many people learned how to really use their mirrors when backing up their car. I learned from my father and at the time he taught me I'm not sure I really appreciated it as much as I do now.
As we prepare to sell our house it becomes more and more apparent that I was lucky to have to deal with the pain in the... you fill in the blank... drive way that we have. Up a hill and with a turn.
I learned how to back up the driveway and back the car into the garage, from a difficult angle. I am so comfortable doing it now as well. I backed my dad's new car into the garage.
Somehow I am impressed with myself because of this. So learn how to back up your car using mirrors. It's a useful skill.
Most people will probably go, "Well that's nothing new!"
I wonder how many people learned how to really use their mirrors when backing up their car. I learned from my father and at the time he taught me I'm not sure I really appreciated it as much as I do now.
As we prepare to sell our house it becomes more and more apparent that I was lucky to have to deal with the pain in the... you fill in the blank... drive way that we have. Up a hill and with a turn.
I learned how to back up the driveway and back the car into the garage, from a difficult angle. I am so comfortable doing it now as well. I backed my dad's new car into the garage.
Somehow I am impressed with myself because of this. So learn how to back up your car using mirrors. It's a useful skill.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
R.
I have to say I love that I put an R. in front of my name. It makes it stick out and makes it more memorable.
It's sort of like my brand. I'm not Tim. I'm R. Tim.
So as long as I don't do something stupid, which is hard for me not to do, I have a memorable name...and hopefully one that is associated with good things.
It's sort of like my brand. I'm not Tim. I'm R. Tim.
So as long as I don't do something stupid, which is hard for me not to do, I have a memorable name...and hopefully one that is associated with good things.
Car Racing Thoughts
I just started thinking about car racing and Riley Racing. The Riley's have done business with my father and they have serviced our cars at their shop. In the past we have watched them race at Lime Rock in Litchfield County, Connecticut. Their son A.J. also went to UCONN.
I haven't been to a race in awhile but I randomly went on their website.
They posted some cool videos.
www.rileyracing.com
A.J. Riley is the only race car driver I know, so let's get a few things straight. HE WORKS OUT ALL THE TIME. He is always tweeting about track workouts and he loves cycling. So yes, race car drivers can be athletic and often are in good shape. They aren't all like Dick Trickle, who had a cigarette lighter in his car according to what I have read. Trickle is the exception from what I can best tell...although there is no telling what goes on in some parts, which I learned from going to the Rodeo way back in October.
So in watching the videos I started to think about how different race car driving is then actual driving. First of all, you need great reaction times. I had to dodge a ladder on the road this year and that really tested my ability to swerve and avoid something on the highway while going 70. It took an instant reaction, sharp to the right, sharp back to left and then snap back to the right with the wheel before I got going steady again. You need quick reactions for hours.
You also have to understand momentum and how to maintain it on road courses especially. How you enter a turn is a big deal. I know this from cycling. When I know there is no traffic I can make a big swoop and accelerate through a turn and up a hill easily. If I am forced to the inside because of traffic it becomes a lot more difficult. Corner entry and exit is a big deal.
One thing I'd also love to do is try to control a car on old, worn and hot tires. When we drive we are so used to a car doing exactly what we tell it to do. That happens all the time for us, because cars don't go fast enough on the roads to be put to their limits. When you race, cars don't always do what you want them to do. Some sliding happens, the brakes get hot etc. You have to learn to be able to put the car where you want it and when using more skill than what a normal driver needs. Racing is so much more complicated.
I haven't been to a race in awhile but I randomly went on their website.
They posted some cool videos.
www.rileyracing.com
A.J. Riley is the only race car driver I know, so let's get a few things straight. HE WORKS OUT ALL THE TIME. He is always tweeting about track workouts and he loves cycling. So yes, race car drivers can be athletic and often are in good shape. They aren't all like Dick Trickle, who had a cigarette lighter in his car according to what I have read. Trickle is the exception from what I can best tell...although there is no telling what goes on in some parts, which I learned from going to the Rodeo way back in October.
So in watching the videos I started to think about how different race car driving is then actual driving. First of all, you need great reaction times. I had to dodge a ladder on the road this year and that really tested my ability to swerve and avoid something on the highway while going 70. It took an instant reaction, sharp to the right, sharp back to left and then snap back to the right with the wheel before I got going steady again. You need quick reactions for hours.
You also have to understand momentum and how to maintain it on road courses especially. How you enter a turn is a big deal. I know this from cycling. When I know there is no traffic I can make a big swoop and accelerate through a turn and up a hill easily. If I am forced to the inside because of traffic it becomes a lot more difficult. Corner entry and exit is a big deal.
One thing I'd also love to do is try to control a car on old, worn and hot tires. When we drive we are so used to a car doing exactly what we tell it to do. That happens all the time for us, because cars don't go fast enough on the roads to be put to their limits. When you race, cars don't always do what you want them to do. Some sliding happens, the brakes get hot etc. You have to learn to be able to put the car where you want it and when using more skill than what a normal driver needs. Racing is so much more complicated.
Coach I Peed My Pants
I won't say too much when it comes to the details because I think it would be easy to figure out who I was talking about.
I overheard a track coach discuss how her girls came to her to let them know that they peed their pants while running.
I guess it was some amazing accomplishment. The way it was talked about made it seem like it was just normal. It was almost as if it was proof that you were running faster and getting better.
Apparently you just go. I don't know if it's because they are so hydrated or if it's because they are concentrating so hard on running that they can't control what else happens.
I've also heard of people who have actually done that in a high pressure situation in other sports as well.
I don't know that I will bring this up with any runner. Not sure it's an appropriate topic of discussion, although I do know of some that would share these details.
I guess long distance runners and racecar drivers have a few things in common.
I overheard a track coach discuss how her girls came to her to let them know that they peed their pants while running.
I guess it was some amazing accomplishment. The way it was talked about made it seem like it was just normal. It was almost as if it was proof that you were running faster and getting better.
Apparently you just go. I don't know if it's because they are so hydrated or if it's because they are concentrating so hard on running that they can't control what else happens.
I've also heard of people who have actually done that in a high pressure situation in other sports as well.
I don't know that I will bring this up with any runner. Not sure it's an appropriate topic of discussion, although I do know of some that would share these details.
I guess long distance runners and racecar drivers have a few things in common.
Principal School Bus Racing
Now this event looks awesome. I saw this via Darren Rovell's Twitter.
http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/media/news/cabarrus-county-principals-face-off-back-back-school-bus-slobberknockers-during-rounds-one-two-jack-box-summer-shootout-series.html
Who would not want to watch principals race school buses?
Seems like a unique event.
http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/media/news/cabarrus-county-principals-face-off-back-back-school-bus-slobberknockers-during-rounds-one-two-jack-box-summer-shootout-series.html
Who would not want to watch principals race school buses?
Seems like a unique event.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
People Who Have Influenced Me
There are a lot of people I look up to and try to emulate in some way and I thought I 'd write about a few of them. I won't include all of the student-athletes who have a had a great effect on me. I'll leave out family as well. .
I definitely look up to Coach Auriemma. From watching and listening to him when I reported on women's basketball at UCONN I realized the importance of being myself, to chase perfection in order to catch excellence and to figure out what I do well and push to make myself better.
I still haven't quite figured out what I am the best at, but I do know I need to make myself better.
Another thing that I love about Geno is his sarcasm and ability to be charismatic and interesting. I definitely try to stir the pot sometimes and be sarcastic.
I look up to Coach Tsantiris because of how he approaches things. I think he's a teacher. He wants people to learn. He also seems to me to be a man of many interests and is someone who understands the importance of balance. You can work hard, but it's important to take a break and relax in order to be fresh.
The other two things I admire in him are his commitment to academics. He puts so much emphasis on the student-athletes doing coursework. He is genuinely proud of his teams academic achievements and I think that's important and unique.
Lastly I love his commitment to health and fitness. He is a healthy eater. I could learn a thing or two about that. He is also active and I have so much respect for the fact that he can still physically play soccer with his friends.
I look up to Mags because of how organized, structured and efficient she is. She is very professional and I have a thing or two to work on. I think she said it best when she said that I am mentally organized, but not always physically organized. The older I have gotten the more I appreciate how she gets everything done.
I look up to Rick Brooks. He's a family friend, but he also taught me golf and waterskiing. This man is a jack of all trades who is full of energy. He's a great teacher who is also always curious about how to get better. I haven't seen him for a while, but I learned so much on how to teach from how he taught me how to play golf and waterski. I want to have as much energy and be as enthusiastic about life and about doing things as he is. He makes me want to relax.
My old personal trainer, Ali, is someone I look up to. Most people have no idea how unhealthy and out of shape I was when I was in middle school. I weighed a lot more then, than I do now. I was so out of shape. Ali got me to believe in myself and he made me a much better person. He helped me become so much healthier. I am so thankful for that.
There are so many other people I could talk about here. There are so many others that I have learned a great deal from, but I think that these are the top three people I have learned a lot from and want to emulate.
I definitely look up to Coach Auriemma. From watching and listening to him when I reported on women's basketball at UCONN I realized the importance of being myself, to chase perfection in order to catch excellence and to figure out what I do well and push to make myself better.
I still haven't quite figured out what I am the best at, but I do know I need to make myself better.
Another thing that I love about Geno is his sarcasm and ability to be charismatic and interesting. I definitely try to stir the pot sometimes and be sarcastic.
I look up to Coach Tsantiris because of how he approaches things. I think he's a teacher. He wants people to learn. He also seems to me to be a man of many interests and is someone who understands the importance of balance. You can work hard, but it's important to take a break and relax in order to be fresh.
The other two things I admire in him are his commitment to academics. He puts so much emphasis on the student-athletes doing coursework. He is genuinely proud of his teams academic achievements and I think that's important and unique.
Lastly I love his commitment to health and fitness. He is a healthy eater. I could learn a thing or two about that. He is also active and I have so much respect for the fact that he can still physically play soccer with his friends.
I look up to Mags because of how organized, structured and efficient she is. She is very professional and I have a thing or two to work on. I think she said it best when she said that I am mentally organized, but not always physically organized. The older I have gotten the more I appreciate how she gets everything done.
I look up to Rick Brooks. He's a family friend, but he also taught me golf and waterskiing. This man is a jack of all trades who is full of energy. He's a great teacher who is also always curious about how to get better. I haven't seen him for a while, but I learned so much on how to teach from how he taught me how to play golf and waterski. I want to have as much energy and be as enthusiastic about life and about doing things as he is. He makes me want to relax.
My old personal trainer, Ali, is someone I look up to. Most people have no idea how unhealthy and out of shape I was when I was in middle school. I weighed a lot more then, than I do now. I was so out of shape. Ali got me to believe in myself and he made me a much better person. He helped me become so much healthier. I am so thankful for that.
There are so many other people I could talk about here. There are so many others that I have learned a great deal from, but I think that these are the top three people I have learned a lot from and want to emulate.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
A Favorite Photo of Mine
Am I lifting my photo ban?
Maybe?
I feel like for a long time I didn't want people to know who wrote this, but at this point I think we are passed that.
Let's just hope the people I work with don't find it. They probably will, but I don't care. I used to be a reporter, and I have a Masters Degree. I know how to keep things confidential.
Anyway
I have this photo on the door to my office. The first version said "Track Girls are Tougher than Football Players." I spent a whole lot of time worrying about whether or not it was acceptable to call them girls or women. I thought it just sounded better with girls.
You think about these things when your three sports management teachers were women. It gives you a different perspective and I know Dr. Bruening, Dr. Burton and Dr. Fink are all smiling knowing I thought like that.
As it turns out I had to take it down because someone was afraid it was going to piss off the football players, or make them really sensitive. When your boss tells you to take it down, you do it even if you disagree. Everyone wants all of the teams to be respected but I think it's good for football players to see that people care about sports other than their own. Until then they won't have any respect for anyone but themselves. Many of them think the whole world revolves around them and that nothing in life is tougher than being a football player. I don't blame the players for it. A lot of them are nice people. I just blame the culture and money involved for making them think that.
I will always be more impressed by the runner who runs around a track endlessly, day after day, sore as hell, trying to be faster than the day before. They get to run with teammates a lot, but they also have to be self disciplined to run on their own. I think that self discipline and the need to be better every time they go out is what is so important and impressive to me. It's why I love them, it's why I get annoyed they don't get enough respect.
Anyway above is the photo without the word overlay. It is on my office door, and will always be there because of what it represents to me. It's a favorite photo of mine
The person in the photo is Chrissy Pacewicz (who also designs my running plan and who I wrote about earlier in May). As much as I don't like writing about people I actually know, I think that this story needs to be told, like Cory's kick and all of the other things I have written about. Sometimes I think it's awkward to write about people you know and will see again but then again she said she's happy and excited to get any positive information about her name out there.
Now first of all I do have to admit that Chrissy bribed me. She treated me like a king and gave me food, and just like in the real world that buys you a lot of good press and goodwill.
But actually Chrissy Pacewicz deserves every moment of good press because like most Olympic Sport athletes she doesn't get enough. There are too many people who care about headlines and ratings and not good stories. She deserves to apply for a job and have someone google her name and then see this picture and read the following words. "You would be dumb not to hire her."
Other athletes in big time sports get that treatment. Why not her? She's actually the real deal. No one has propped her up to sell tickets.
The reason I love this photo so much is because of what it shows me. Even though it probably means something different to her. Heck, she may not even like the photo, but I love it because to me it represents giving it your all. When you are done with your race, with studying for your test or for doing basically anything you should aim to look like her. You should be so exhausted that you can't talk or walk. During finals week I pointed to that photo to half of the kids I met with. I told them they needed to look like her after studying for their finals.
This photo and Brian Williams commencement speech made me think about starting an MBA too. When I look at that photo I think about how I could push myself to be better.
After the race there was another photo that I liked.
Let's post it so you can see what I mean, because I am no Bill Shakespeare and can't make 1,000 words turn into a great photo.
Here is a photo of her teammates picking her up. Because once you have exhausted yourself, you need others there to pick you up, to help you out and to celebrate your achievement with.
I heard she cut about 25 seconds off of her personal best in the 5k in her final collegiate race. That's an accomplishment. I think the fact that she did this in her LAST RACE is what really captured my attention and is what made it unique.
To me these photos represent the two most important things in life. Giving it your all and surrounding yourself with good people.
That's it. That's what life is about and that is why these photos are both up in my office.
And you know it's funny, after all it's been awhile since I was a student reporter on the Women's Basketball team at UCONN. Many people might think that it must suck to have gone from watching Geno coach, to working and writing about soccer teams to working and writing on track and cross country.
UConn Soccer player Jess Dulski actually felt bad for me when I first told her that I used to report on the Women's Basketball team. It was as if she thought I was getting demoted.
But it hasn't changed much for me. All of those teams and stories are the same to me because they all have great people. As long as I am surrounded by good people, who work hard, act like winners, and in turn make me a better person, I'm happy.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
A throwback
Here is a throwback...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E4dq2fkCxQ
Guess what, I'm ok with being in my blog now. It's weird.
What is weirder is that I am wearing a suit.
Probably not going with a tie though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E4dq2fkCxQ
Guess what, I'm ok with being in my blog now. It's weird.
What is weirder is that I am wearing a suit.
Probably not going with a tie though.
A little bit about my running plan.
So a former Elon cross country runner and future grad student in exercise science/sports psych at Minnesota Mankato is making me a running plan.
I really missed running fitness with UCWS. This gave me an opportunity to have someone force me to run. In actuality I really do want to get better and faster.
I have stuck to this running plan. I've learned a few things.
First is the necessity of a foam roller and stretching. Those two things make a huge difference. I can really tell.
I've learned to focus on making my runs end faster than they begin.
I've learned that it's normal to have a 1.5 mile warm up and 1.5 mile cool down. That combined could have been a normal run to me in the past. To most people it actually is...and according to Meg Cunningham she used to have 2 mile warm up and cool downs.
I've also learned to enjoy running without music. It's so much nicer. The high I get from running without music is amazing. After a run I went grocery shopping and I was just so out of it. I started laughing. It took me what seemed like an hour to realize I was next in line at the automatic check out. I was so out of it that I felt like I could have left my credit card on at the register.
I hope to run a 5k. It would be a cool experience and hopefully this training helps prepare me to complete a marathon. I also want to break a 5:30 mile...maybe even 5:15...or 5.
I have a great coach. She has cut 12 seconds off of my mile time already!
I really missed running fitness with UCWS. This gave me an opportunity to have someone force me to run. In actuality I really do want to get better and faster.
I have stuck to this running plan. I've learned a few things.
First is the necessity of a foam roller and stretching. Those two things make a huge difference. I can really tell.
I've learned to focus on making my runs end faster than they begin.
I've learned that it's normal to have a 1.5 mile warm up and 1.5 mile cool down. That combined could have been a normal run to me in the past. To most people it actually is...and according to Meg Cunningham she used to have 2 mile warm up and cool downs.
I've also learned to enjoy running without music. It's so much nicer. The high I get from running without music is amazing. After a run I went grocery shopping and I was just so out of it. I started laughing. It took me what seemed like an hour to realize I was next in line at the automatic check out. I was so out of it that I felt like I could have left my credit card on at the register.
I hope to run a 5k. It would be a cool experience and hopefully this training helps prepare me to complete a marathon. I also want to break a 5:30 mile...maybe even 5:15...or 5.
I have a great coach. She has cut 12 seconds off of my mile time already!
Heard a story
Who doesn't love gossip?
Men
But I decided that even though I am one, that I figured I should gossip a little and say something that most people probably already know, or won't be shocked by.
However, my ears heard that after the games in the Olympics that the US Men's Basketball team would get uhhh very uhhh trashed...very and then would go knock on doors of random women's athletes to uhhh well uhhh become better acquainted.
For some people this is not news. It's not shocking at all.
To those that think that athletes are role models, especially those that are in big time sports, it might be shocking.
If you want your kid to watch a good role model, go support your local colleges cross country team, golf, tennis and field hockey team etc.
Men
But I decided that even though I am one, that I figured I should gossip a little and say something that most people probably already know, or won't be shocked by.
However, my ears heard that after the games in the Olympics that the US Men's Basketball team would get uhhh very uhhh trashed...very and then would go knock on doors of random women's athletes to uhhh well uhhh become better acquainted.
For some people this is not news. It's not shocking at all.
To those that think that athletes are role models, especially those that are in big time sports, it might be shocking.
If you want your kid to watch a good role model, go support your local colleges cross country team, golf, tennis and field hockey team etc.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Geno
I may have posted this before but I found some Geno stories.
Geno took out all of the staff before a game when they were on the road and got expensive wine and whatever they wanted for dinner at a nice restaurant.
Also when Franklin Pierce went and played UCONN in an exhibition game Geno came over to the Franklin Pierce bench before the game to talk to two of the injured players, Cynthia Gaudet and Tori I believe. He apparently mentioned some of their stats from the year before and tried to boost their spirits.
Geno Auriemma is a good guy.
Geno took out all of the staff before a game when they were on the road and got expensive wine and whatever they wanted for dinner at a nice restaurant.
Also when Franklin Pierce went and played UCONN in an exhibition game Geno came over to the Franklin Pierce bench before the game to talk to two of the injured players, Cynthia Gaudet and Tori I believe. He apparently mentioned some of their stats from the year before and tried to boost their spirits.
Geno Auriemma is a good guy.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Brian Williams
Elon had a wonderful commencement speech given by NBC News Anchor Brian Williams.
To me Brian Williams is the voice of America. Every major news story is one that he covers.
His son went to school at Elon and is graduating.
I wanted to say something about the speech, but here it is. No one who was there will forget it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njY8IINfFFw
To me Brian Williams is the voice of America. Every major news story is one that he covers.
His son went to school at Elon and is graduating.
I wanted to say something about the speech, but here it is. No one who was there will forget it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njY8IINfFFw
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
In case you don't know who writes this...
In case you have no idea who is writing this...well I will give you a guess...
They are in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6oPiIhpdBL0
And if you aren't smart enough to figure it out then I feel sorry for you.
I'm really happy for Caroline McCaslin and I hope she does well at the NCAA Regionals. The photo I took of her was the first photo that I took that made it online on our school's website.
She is a great person and amazing all around student-athlete who works extremely hard and is very humble.
While I love all of the freshman athletes at our school, Caroline is in my opinion the best freshman athlete. Not many freshman made NCAA's at our school and got to represent the school nationally. Not many did as well as she did outside of track either.
They are in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6oPiIhpdBL0
And if you aren't smart enough to figure it out then I feel sorry for you.
I'm really happy for Caroline McCaslin and I hope she does well at the NCAA Regionals. The photo I took of her was the first photo that I took that made it online on our school's website.
She is a great person and amazing all around student-athlete who works extremely hard and is very humble.
While I love all of the freshman athletes at our school, Caroline is in my opinion the best freshman athlete. Not many freshman made NCAA's at our school and got to represent the school nationally. Not many did as well as she did outside of track either.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Edit Things!
I don't want to be harsh here. People who work in sports are very busy. They have so much going on. They typically work well past 40 hours and don't usually get compensated for doing that. I have high standards, as do most people who work in athletics. They wouldn't have a job without them.
With that being said, I really don't get a couple of things.
While I make grammatical errors and mistakes here, I'm also not writing a press release. It amazes me how often some of the releases from UCONN contain grammatical mistakes. Careless mistakes, that really don't make the department look good.
The latest thing I caught was the Athletics Re-Branding Video. It's an amazing video. I could not make something like that. I could however make sure that there weren't a few random screen slides between Caroline Doty and Andre Blake.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLxnhB3GG0I
You just can't have that error in a branding video to unveil a new logo. If that video is showing what we are all about, it's hard not to notice and take off for the fact that there is an error in the video.
I'm just saying that maybe an intern or student worker needs to come in at a big school to just proofread and edit things. An extra pair of eyes never hurts, and can help prevent embarrassing mishaps.
With that being said, I really don't get a couple of things.
While I make grammatical errors and mistakes here, I'm also not writing a press release. It amazes me how often some of the releases from UCONN contain grammatical mistakes. Careless mistakes, that really don't make the department look good.
The latest thing I caught was the Athletics Re-Branding Video. It's an amazing video. I could not make something like that. I could however make sure that there weren't a few random screen slides between Caroline Doty and Andre Blake.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLxnhB3GG0I
You just can't have that error in a branding video to unveil a new logo. If that video is showing what we are all about, it's hard not to notice and take off for the fact that there is an error in the video.
I'm just saying that maybe an intern or student worker needs to come in at a big school to just proofread and edit things. An extra pair of eyes never hurts, and can help prevent embarrassing mishaps.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
I wonder
How many times have athletes injured themselves on campus doing dumb things that they lie to their coaches about?
What would athletes lie about? What are some interesting situations they get in? Well I can't list them all. Here are some interesting ones.
I hurt my leg by falling last night....
What they might mean is that they were drunk and fell and twisted an ankle or something.
The cross country runners who sneak cake past coaches at banquets...sit with different teams at banquets to eat dessert
"I take notes, but the teacher collects them at the end of class and we don't get them back."
"I have to leave class early, I have an interview. "
This isn't lying but...another favorite...Cross Country runners who get spotted by their cross country coach during pre-season eating ice-cream on campus. Atleast the coach was nice enough to wave.
"I need new gear. Give me a marker or a pen. I'll get some marks on it and they will give me new gear."
Having one person go to class and then mass text everyone to show up when they see a class check. Then all of a sudden you see three athletes running together...late to class.
There are so many other ones. I'd love to have some posted by others. I've been had and lied to. I know it.
What would athletes lie about? What are some interesting situations they get in? Well I can't list them all. Here are some interesting ones.
I hurt my leg by falling last night....
What they might mean is that they were drunk and fell and twisted an ankle or something.
The cross country runners who sneak cake past coaches at banquets...sit with different teams at banquets to eat dessert
"I take notes, but the teacher collects them at the end of class and we don't get them back."
"I have to leave class early, I have an interview. "
This isn't lying but...another favorite...Cross Country runners who get spotted by their cross country coach during pre-season eating ice-cream on campus. Atleast the coach was nice enough to wave.
"I need new gear. Give me a marker or a pen. I'll get some marks on it and they will give me new gear."
Having one person go to class and then mass text everyone to show up when they see a class check. Then all of a sudden you see three athletes running together...late to class.
There are so many other ones. I'd love to have some posted by others. I've been had and lied to. I know it.
Spoiled
I was spoiled at UCONN.
I mean I really had it better as a staff member for a soccer team than the football team at a mid-major...or any school at a mid major.
A year has gone by. I'm guessing that all of the teams in the athletic department had maybe a dozen trips with flights. Maybe less.
I remember having flights back to back weeks.
I remember flying on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
I always was jealous of the basketball teams that flew to Syracuse.
I bet most athletes at a mid major are jealous of me for getting to fly. Period.
As for hotels, I know that the teams at this mid major would never ever stay at the places we stayed at. As a staff member I got Double Tree, Mariott, Embassy Suites and Crowne Plaza...and god forbid at one point a Ramada. At a mid major it's Motel 6, Best Western (Which surprisingly I ended up at once) or tents on the side of the road.
Ok maybe not tents on the side of the road, but you get the point.
The gear. I got to keep my gear. The head of ticketing at a mid major had to give back his gear. You get more gear as a staff member at a big school...I mean a team manager, a volunteer, an anything, than the head of ticketing at a small school.
I got hats, gloves, jackets, sweatshirts, pullovers, soccer pants, t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, polo shirts and even sneakers.
At a mid major I got a polo shirt and a donated pull over. I am begging to have gear stolen for me. I could pay to have stuff embriodered.
Pay for gear? I'm too spoiled for that.
I actually laughed at the idea...although I sort of might end up doing it.
So I have an appreciation for what I had at UCONN. An appreciation that I hope isn't lost on the athletes that go there. Because even though you might not get treated like basketball, you are treated better than 98% of all other college athletic teams.
It just takes some time and perspective to realize that.
I mean I really had it better as a staff member for a soccer team than the football team at a mid-major...or any school at a mid major.
A year has gone by. I'm guessing that all of the teams in the athletic department had maybe a dozen trips with flights. Maybe less.
I remember having flights back to back weeks.
I remember flying on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
I always was jealous of the basketball teams that flew to Syracuse.
I bet most athletes at a mid major are jealous of me for getting to fly. Period.
As for hotels, I know that the teams at this mid major would never ever stay at the places we stayed at. As a staff member I got Double Tree, Mariott, Embassy Suites and Crowne Plaza...and god forbid at one point a Ramada. At a mid major it's Motel 6, Best Western (Which surprisingly I ended up at once) or tents on the side of the road.
Ok maybe not tents on the side of the road, but you get the point.
The gear. I got to keep my gear. The head of ticketing at a mid major had to give back his gear. You get more gear as a staff member at a big school...I mean a team manager, a volunteer, an anything, than the head of ticketing at a small school.
I got hats, gloves, jackets, sweatshirts, pullovers, soccer pants, t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, polo shirts and even sneakers.
At a mid major I got a polo shirt and a donated pull over. I am begging to have gear stolen for me. I could pay to have stuff embriodered.
Pay for gear? I'm too spoiled for that.
I actually laughed at the idea...although I sort of might end up doing it.
So I have an appreciation for what I had at UCONN. An appreciation that I hope isn't lost on the athletes that go there. Because even though you might not get treated like basketball, you are treated better than 98% of all other college athletic teams.
It just takes some time and perspective to realize that.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Running Plan
I got my running program/workout from aforementioned runner who couldn't walk or talk after her race on Sunday.
Everyone would love it if I couldn't talk.
Should be interesting, and I can't wait to get started. I'm glad I will get a few days to prepare for the plan. I could use another day or two or three to push myself before.
The goal is to get me in 5k shape. From there maybe marathon eventually?
It would be hilarious if I ran unattached to a cross country meet with kids I advise in it. But I won't do that.
UNC Chapel Hill did have a faculty/staff mile run. I was impressed because they had some really great times.
Everyone would love it if I couldn't talk.
Should be interesting, and I can't wait to get started. I'm glad I will get a few days to prepare for the plan. I could use another day or two or three to push myself before.
The goal is to get me in 5k shape. From there maybe marathon eventually?
It would be hilarious if I ran unattached to a cross country meet with kids I advise in it. But I won't do that.
UNC Chapel Hill did have a faculty/staff mile run. I was impressed because they had some really great times.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
This is How You End Your Career
You end your career by giving it your all.
You end a track race by not being able to talk.
When you can't talk or walk when it's over and it's your last race it's extra special. It means you won.
I will try to put more details to this soon. More context and more details.
But I will never forget how hard Chrissy Pacewicz pushed herself in her final collegiate event. It was special to watch, especially the end of it. After she crossed the line she seemed to be full of emotion. She looked like she wanted to cry and then she fell into the arms of one of her teammates. She actually wasn't full of emotion. She was just in lots of pain. Then she just dropped of sheer exhaustion. It was artistic and poetic. I wish there was a camera right above her on the ground to capture that moment. The end and going out a winner. Going out knowing that she gave it her all and should have no regrets. This was one of those special moments that reminds you of why you enjoy working in college athletics.
It was one hell of a way to end a college career. A career of running herself to death. Pushing herself so her lungs burned. It was amazing to watch. It is my favorite athletic moment that I have watched at Elon.
You end a track race by not being able to talk.
When you can't talk or walk when it's over and it's your last race it's extra special. It means you won.
I will try to put more details to this soon. More context and more details.
But I will never forget how hard Chrissy Pacewicz pushed herself in her final collegiate event. It was special to watch, especially the end of it. After she crossed the line she seemed to be full of emotion. She looked like she wanted to cry and then she fell into the arms of one of her teammates. She actually wasn't full of emotion. She was just in lots of pain. Then she just dropped of sheer exhaustion. It was artistic and poetic. I wish there was a camera right above her on the ground to capture that moment. The end and going out a winner. Going out knowing that she gave it her all and should have no regrets. This was one of those special moments that reminds you of why you enjoy working in college athletics.
It was one hell of a way to end a college career. A career of running herself to death. Pushing herself so her lungs burned. It was amazing to watch. It is my favorite athletic moment that I have watched at Elon.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Post the freaking schedule!
I really want to see the UCWS schedule so I can see if I can get to a game. I want to watch the team and the players I still know.
Looking at the roster the amount is probably down to only about ten players. I remember when I knew every players favorite post game drink.
Skoges a senior?
Seems like yesterday I had to restrain her from wearing a light up grille (not something you cook on..these were like light up teeth) while giving a tour to recruits.
Seems like yesterday I had to listen to Skoges and Devin complain about carrying everything on trips. I remember being a pain in the ass to them and made sure they got the camera cases through security without any problems.
To be fair it really did suck that they got stuck carrying everything.
I'd be excited to watch everyone I know play. If I got to a game I'm not sure if I'd want the best team on the field, I'd just want the players I know to play.
I hope to see Julie and Cuevas play because I missed out on that in 2011. It would make my day to see Julie and Lew score at a game I went to.
As of now I don't know that I will be getting to a game. I hope to, but I plan to be in North Carolina in the fall. It's up to the team to get to the NCAA's here.
Looking at the roster the amount is probably down to only about ten players. I remember when I knew every players favorite post game drink.
Skoges a senior?
Seems like yesterday I had to restrain her from wearing a light up grille (not something you cook on..these were like light up teeth) while giving a tour to recruits.
Seems like yesterday I had to listen to Skoges and Devin complain about carrying everything on trips. I remember being a pain in the ass to them and made sure they got the camera cases through security without any problems.
To be fair it really did suck that they got stuck carrying everything.
I'd be excited to watch everyone I know play. If I got to a game I'm not sure if I'd want the best team on the field, I'd just want the players I know to play.
I hope to see Julie and Cuevas play because I missed out on that in 2011. It would make my day to see Julie and Lew score at a game I went to.
As of now I don't know that I will be getting to a game. I hope to, but I plan to be in North Carolina in the fall. It's up to the team to get to the NCAA's here.
Unique Track Background
I really love Track and Field and Cross Country.
One of the runners I meet with is from the Czech Republic. She has so much swagger, and I love her because she says whatever is on her mind. Some of things she says are not exactly polite when you say it in English, but she means for it to be polite. She will say "I don't like" but in her accent it's just comes off as being nice. I asked her about her background and running track in high school. She didn't.
Instead she told me that other than a few random track meets she did orienteering. I have no idea how a coach found her if all she did was as she said "Run and Think" in the woods.
Here is a video on it. Looks really cool! I love being in the woods too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVQGRaLNBOk
One of the runners I meet with is from the Czech Republic. She has so much swagger, and I love her because she says whatever is on her mind. Some of things she says are not exactly polite when you say it in English, but she means for it to be polite. She will say "I don't like" but in her accent it's just comes off as being nice. I asked her about her background and running track in high school. She didn't.
Instead she told me that other than a few random track meets she did orienteering. I have no idea how a coach found her if all she did was as she said "Run and Think" in the woods.
Here is a video on it. Looks really cool! I love being in the woods too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVQGRaLNBOk
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Keep In Contact
Another important thing I am learning is the importance or should I say power of keeping in contact with people and keeping track of people you have worked with and where they end up.
The more you stick around in an industry, especially in sports, the more you start to see people you used to work with or barely know, or just met through so and so work at the place you want to work at.
I'm amazed when loose connections or people I worked with at some point, from just a few places, now work at places like Minnesota, Louisville, Maryland, Wake Forest, Stonehill etc. etc.
You get where I am going.
Keeping in contact is important.
The more you stick around in an industry, especially in sports, the more you start to see people you used to work with or barely know, or just met through so and so work at the place you want to work at.
I'm amazed when loose connections or people I worked with at some point, from just a few places, now work at places like Minnesota, Louisville, Maryland, Wake Forest, Stonehill etc. etc.
You get where I am going.
Keeping in contact is important.
Friday, April 26, 2013
What should college students be able to do when they graduate?
I was at a conference today. First one I have ever attended. A lot was discussed and I am sure it will take me a very long time to digest it all.
Communication was talked about and how to communicate more to people who are doing a job, a little less to those who are mid level managers and less to those who oversee at the highest of high levels. That is important to understand. Don't bother busy people with unimportant information.
Another thing discussed was study hall for athletes. You learn stories of how athletes would pile into cars and then sign in to study hall, leave and then sign out two hours later.
Then you had the story about the athlete who slept in a dark room where vending machines were during study hall. When woken up and asked to do work the person asking the question to the athlete was interrupted by a delivery guy from Domino's.
Another person talked about having your core values and sticking to them (while also always following the organization's line)
Another person spoke about making sure student-athletes can stand on their own two feet when they graduate.
I started to think about that and my core values for dealing with student-athletes.
Making sure student-athletes are responsible and able to function by themselves is the most important thing to me as someone who deals with them. Athletes are immature on a whole. They need to learn to stand on their own two feet.
When advising them and working with them it's important to support athletes, but also not be a crutch. In other words show them how to do something. Help them. Teach them. But don't do it for them.
One of the hardest things about working with athletes is understanding the balance between wanting them to like you and having them respect you. Having them like you is not of the utmost importance. I think it's important because I think you need to have a good relationship with them so that they trust you and know they can get your help when they need it. However, you also have to make sure they respect you.
How you deal with different athletes is important to understand. I have a lot of experience dealing with Olympic Sport athletes and athletes that don't have problems communicating, or doing what is necessary to succeed. If you tell them to do something they do it and they push themselves. You treat them like the adults they are.
I have to learn how to work with other athletes, on bigger sports, who are immature. You can't treat them as adults. You have to baby them more and be more like a parent. You have to double check with them. You have to ask to see things. You learn to ask more questions and look into things.
So athletes being responsible is very important to me. I don't like doing things for athletes. I don't have time to and it's counter-productive. I want to make sure athletes can learn to function on their own. Let's face it, many have been babied through school and told their special. The real world isn't like that.
I was so proud of a track runner who showed the ability to go up to someone in her class and ask about an assignment in a class. The runner is quiet and doesn't like talking. I wanted do see if she could actually go talk to the person. I encouraged her to and she did. I was so happy. I knew she could ask for help in person if she needed to. I wasn't sure if that was the case.
I am a believer in learning. I am not a believer in getting grades. I am a believer in gaining skills and the learning process. Can you learn something in this class. If not can you learn how to deal with a problem that this class is giving you in terms of dealing with life. Maybe you got an unfair grade. How do you respond?
I am ok with a low grade if I know a student-athlete learned how to improve the process of how they do something.
I am ok with a low grade if I know a student-athlete worked hard and applied themselves.
I believe in letting student-athletes fail when they need to fail. This is hard. I don't know how to approach this. Failing puts kids in jeopardy of not being eligible which is not good. However, if a student-athlete doesn't care, doesn't put in the effort or is clearly unable to comprehend a subject, I think it's good that they fail. They need the feedback of failing, because it's better for them to learn that they are going to fail when they are in college and have the resources and abilities to change things. Obviously you need to help keep them eligible so it's walking a fine line and depends on each individuals situation. But failure is and should be an option in my mind.
Failure is also important in terms of selecting a major. If an athlete wants to be a chemistry major, but they can't pass the beginning chemistry class then it's important that they know that chemistry is not a realistic option. If an athlete gives 100% and can't pass it's telling them something.
I believe in respect. Student-Athletes need to respect people. Disrespect will be something that will really push me over an edge quickly. An athlete took something off someone's desk, without asking, and then when they were told that they needed it back said "It's not a big deal, calm down." I got so ticked off. I yelled at them later for that attitude. It was a two or three minute or more monologue in which I got PISSED OFF. But the athlete understood what I was talking about.
Progress and Hard Work are pillars to me and every successful person I know. You can always get better and should seek to progress and do so. Progress is what I look for. You can't learn everything at once. You need to learn to take things one thing at a time. You need to do lots of small little things everyday in order to do great things. In order to make large improvements in study habits you have to start small. I want to see progress and I celebrate the smallest progress. Sometimes I worry I celebrate progress too much, but I always look for it. Hard Work is what correlates to success more than anything else.
One thing that I have learned is that not all high schools are created equal, especially in the rural south. A 3.7 GPA doesn't mean all that much. Some kids can get great grades, but when they transition to a college the course work is so much more rigorous or in depth then what they had in high school. It can be hard for them to understand how it was so easy for them to get a 3.7 in High School and then end up with a 2.1 in college. Not all high schools are created equal.
This is sort of a collection of random stories, but I'll conclude by saying that these things are most important to me.
Integrity
Progress
Hard Work
Respect
Responsibility
I guess those are the things that mean the most to me.
Communication was talked about and how to communicate more to people who are doing a job, a little less to those who are mid level managers and less to those who oversee at the highest of high levels. That is important to understand. Don't bother busy people with unimportant information.
Another thing discussed was study hall for athletes. You learn stories of how athletes would pile into cars and then sign in to study hall, leave and then sign out two hours later.
Then you had the story about the athlete who slept in a dark room where vending machines were during study hall. When woken up and asked to do work the person asking the question to the athlete was interrupted by a delivery guy from Domino's.
Another person talked about having your core values and sticking to them (while also always following the organization's line)
Another person spoke about making sure student-athletes can stand on their own two feet when they graduate.
I started to think about that and my core values for dealing with student-athletes.
Making sure student-athletes are responsible and able to function by themselves is the most important thing to me as someone who deals with them. Athletes are immature on a whole. They need to learn to stand on their own two feet.
When advising them and working with them it's important to support athletes, but also not be a crutch. In other words show them how to do something. Help them. Teach them. But don't do it for them.
One of the hardest things about working with athletes is understanding the balance between wanting them to like you and having them respect you. Having them like you is not of the utmost importance. I think it's important because I think you need to have a good relationship with them so that they trust you and know they can get your help when they need it. However, you also have to make sure they respect you.
How you deal with different athletes is important to understand. I have a lot of experience dealing with Olympic Sport athletes and athletes that don't have problems communicating, or doing what is necessary to succeed. If you tell them to do something they do it and they push themselves. You treat them like the adults they are.
I have to learn how to work with other athletes, on bigger sports, who are immature. You can't treat them as adults. You have to baby them more and be more like a parent. You have to double check with them. You have to ask to see things. You learn to ask more questions and look into things.
So athletes being responsible is very important to me. I don't like doing things for athletes. I don't have time to and it's counter-productive. I want to make sure athletes can learn to function on their own. Let's face it, many have been babied through school and told their special. The real world isn't like that.
I was so proud of a track runner who showed the ability to go up to someone in her class and ask about an assignment in a class. The runner is quiet and doesn't like talking. I wanted do see if she could actually go talk to the person. I encouraged her to and she did. I was so happy. I knew she could ask for help in person if she needed to. I wasn't sure if that was the case.
I am a believer in learning. I am not a believer in getting grades. I am a believer in gaining skills and the learning process. Can you learn something in this class. If not can you learn how to deal with a problem that this class is giving you in terms of dealing with life. Maybe you got an unfair grade. How do you respond?
I am ok with a low grade if I know a student-athlete learned how to improve the process of how they do something.
I am ok with a low grade if I know a student-athlete worked hard and applied themselves.
I believe in letting student-athletes fail when they need to fail. This is hard. I don't know how to approach this. Failing puts kids in jeopardy of not being eligible which is not good. However, if a student-athlete doesn't care, doesn't put in the effort or is clearly unable to comprehend a subject, I think it's good that they fail. They need the feedback of failing, because it's better for them to learn that they are going to fail when they are in college and have the resources and abilities to change things. Obviously you need to help keep them eligible so it's walking a fine line and depends on each individuals situation. But failure is and should be an option in my mind.
Failure is also important in terms of selecting a major. If an athlete wants to be a chemistry major, but they can't pass the beginning chemistry class then it's important that they know that chemistry is not a realistic option. If an athlete gives 100% and can't pass it's telling them something.
I believe in respect. Student-Athletes need to respect people. Disrespect will be something that will really push me over an edge quickly. An athlete took something off someone's desk, without asking, and then when they were told that they needed it back said "It's not a big deal, calm down." I got so ticked off. I yelled at them later for that attitude. It was a two or three minute or more monologue in which I got PISSED OFF. But the athlete understood what I was talking about.
Progress and Hard Work are pillars to me and every successful person I know. You can always get better and should seek to progress and do so. Progress is what I look for. You can't learn everything at once. You need to learn to take things one thing at a time. You need to do lots of small little things everyday in order to do great things. In order to make large improvements in study habits you have to start small. I want to see progress and I celebrate the smallest progress. Sometimes I worry I celebrate progress too much, but I always look for it. Hard Work is what correlates to success more than anything else.
One thing that I have learned is that not all high schools are created equal, especially in the rural south. A 3.7 GPA doesn't mean all that much. Some kids can get great grades, but when they transition to a college the course work is so much more rigorous or in depth then what they had in high school. It can be hard for them to understand how it was so easy for them to get a 3.7 in High School and then end up with a 2.1 in college. Not all high schools are created equal.
This is sort of a collection of random stories, but I'll conclude by saying that these things are most important to me.
Integrity
Progress
Hard Work
Respect
Responsibility
I guess those are the things that mean the most to me.
Monday, April 15, 2013
A lot to talk about
I have a lot that I could talk about and have meant to talk about. I'm sure that after today that I have forgotten some of those topics.
I guess one would have been a huge congratulations to the Women's Basketball team for winning the National Championship. I am so happy for Kelly Faris. I am so happy that Breanna Stewart got going as well.
This brings me to today though. The Boston Marathon tragedy. Terrorist Attack. Whatever.
I can't say anything beyond the obvious in terms of shock, disbelief, anger and sadness.
What I will say is how strange it is to attack the Boston Marathon. Of all events, the Boston Marathon would have been low on my list of sporting events vulnerable to attack. Who would want to attack a marathon? It's not really on the national radar. It's not the Final Four or the Super Bowl.
However, I thought of one main difference between the Marathon and the Super Bowl and that is the venue. The Final Four, Super Bowl etc. have defined entrances and exits. It's more secure because of the security required to get into the event. The marathon is miles and miles. I would think it's easier to sneak in to the route because you can't shut down a city and check everyone with a bag. It's not practical. There is more to this than just what I said. But I would think that it's easier logistically to get past security at an event like the Boston Marathon then a bigger event. In part I think it's because it's harder to control who has access to the downtown area then it is to control who gets into a stadium.
I guess one would have been a huge congratulations to the Women's Basketball team for winning the National Championship. I am so happy for Kelly Faris. I am so happy that Breanna Stewart got going as well.
This brings me to today though. The Boston Marathon tragedy. Terrorist Attack. Whatever.
I can't say anything beyond the obvious in terms of shock, disbelief, anger and sadness.
What I will say is how strange it is to attack the Boston Marathon. Of all events, the Boston Marathon would have been low on my list of sporting events vulnerable to attack. Who would want to attack a marathon? It's not really on the national radar. It's not the Final Four or the Super Bowl.
However, I thought of one main difference between the Marathon and the Super Bowl and that is the venue. The Final Four, Super Bowl etc. have defined entrances and exits. It's more secure because of the security required to get into the event. The marathon is miles and miles. I would think it's easier to sneak in to the route because you can't shut down a city and check everyone with a bag. It's not practical. There is more to this than just what I said. But I would think that it's easier logistically to get past security at an event like the Boston Marathon then a bigger event. In part I think it's because it's harder to control who has access to the downtown area then it is to control who gets into a stadium.
Monday, April 8, 2013
This IS MY PHOTO
http://www.elonphoenix.com/news/2013/4/6/WTRACK_0406132046.aspx
I can do whatever I want with this photo. Anything. I took it. It's mine.
Pretty cool that I got something put online. I think this takes something off of the bucket list!
I heard that a newspaper wanted permission to publish the picture. I said yes. It would be an honor. So somewhere my name is being credited for this photo.
I can do whatever I want with this photo. Anything. I took it. It's mine.
Pretty cool that I got something put online. I think this takes something off of the bucket list!
I heard that a newspaper wanted permission to publish the picture. I said yes. It would be an honor. So somewhere my name is being credited for this photo.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Picks
Hey I've gotten the National Champion right the last two years. UCONN and Kentucky...
This year I have Louisville. I've thought that since I saw them destroy UCONN in the second half of the game in Hartford.
So...
Louisville
Wisconsin
Georgetown
Indiana
Louisville
Indiana
Louisville
I'll be shocked if that's right, but that's what I am going with.
This year I have Louisville. I've thought that since I saw them destroy UCONN in the second half of the game in Hartford.
So...
Louisville
Wisconsin
Georgetown
Indiana
Louisville
Indiana
Louisville
I'll be shocked if that's right, but that's what I am going with.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Looking for jobs again
It's that wonderfully stressful time of the year again. Time to start looking for another job.
No I wasn't fired, but my internship runs out in May.
I'd really love to keep making money...or atleast exchanging it for food and transportation and shelter.
I think I am much more confident this time around. I don't know that it will be easy to find something, but I feel better about it now, mostly because I feel better about myself.
I think I have more of a direction then before. I'm not quite as worried about my overall career path as before. I was too picky. If I get a good opportunity I should take it, make the most of it, and see where it leads.
My hope is to find something involving video, operations or academic advising for athletics. I love what I currently do, but I am open to trying out a couple of other things before choosing one. I have heard that the athletes that I meet with love me, and hopefully it's because I am helpful and not because I'm not strict enough.
I think it's because I am helpful.
I'm looking again. And if you hear of anything, please let me know!
I also have to say that I love North Carolina, but would also love to be a little closer to home! We will see though. I am going to apply for something even further south soon! Doesn't mean I will get it, but I am open geographically, which is important!
I'm just happy I believe I am useful. I believe in myself. I have some confidence, and that's a whole lot better than how I felt after I graduated.
No I wasn't fired, but my internship runs out in May.
I'd really love to keep making money...or atleast exchanging it for food and transportation and shelter.
I think I am much more confident this time around. I don't know that it will be easy to find something, but I feel better about it now, mostly because I feel better about myself.
I think I have more of a direction then before. I'm not quite as worried about my overall career path as before. I was too picky. If I get a good opportunity I should take it, make the most of it, and see where it leads.
My hope is to find something involving video, operations or academic advising for athletics. I love what I currently do, but I am open to trying out a couple of other things before choosing one. I have heard that the athletes that I meet with love me, and hopefully it's because I am helpful and not because I'm not strict enough.
I think it's because I am helpful.
I'm looking again. And if you hear of anything, please let me know!
I also have to say that I love North Carolina, but would also love to be a little closer to home! We will see though. I am going to apply for something even further south soon! Doesn't mean I will get it, but I am open geographically, which is important!
I'm just happy I believe I am useful. I believe in myself. I have some confidence, and that's a whole lot better than how I felt after I graduated.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
$1,000 Going Once, Twice, Sold...My First Auction
So I took part in an auction this week. It was my first. I was there to help get people to bid on things.
I was put at a bipolar table of female beauty products and sports memorabilia.
Bidder "Can you tell me about this necklace?"
Me "It's nice" I panic and look at the tag "Made of silver and it's got gold and it's just really nice."
I was supposed to use the; "Did you forget to get something for your wife for Valentines Day?" "Do you want to show your special someone how special they are by bidding on this beautiful necklace?" "This would look great on your mistress!" lines on the men too.
Then I quickly move over to my comfort zone.
"Over here we have a wonderful collection of NASCAR memorabilia. We have this Dale Earnhardt Jr. Autographed Sheet Metal with a certificate of authenticity that was used in 2012. It also comes with former champion Bobby Labonte's autograph and some Dale Earnhardt Jr. merchandise. One heck of a package right here. You can't get this for what it retails for."
My NASCAR pitch was really good, but wasn't quite working with the wine and cheese crowd. I got a whole lot of "Oh gee, well we really aren't NASCAR fans."
I finally got comfortable selling the socks. I could handle that better than the necklace and handmade hat and scarf.
"Look at these thirteen pairs of socks. It's so practical. You always need socks. They are made out of wool so you won't get blisters. It even comes with two gift cards for a total of $200 worth of additional socks."
The sock pitch worked and got a lot of bids.
My NASCAR pitch was really good, but as I said I couldn't find anyone who would be interested. I had hope. I spotted a white guy who was balding and had a mustache. He was a perfect target. I thought for sure he would bid.
Not interested.
I was getting frustrated. I knew I could bid on the item. I knew I would love to have it for the minimum bid price. More importantly I'd hope to get the ball rolling on other bidders jumping in.
I went and got my bidder number. I placed an opening bid on my item that I couldn't get anyone to bite on. As much as I wanted the stuff I also knew I couldn't really afford to win it. I tried extra hard to get someone else to outbid me.
Thankfully someone did. One person out-bid me. My bid got the ball rolling.
As the night went on I also had the microphone shoved into my face by the auctioneer. He was basically this really positive guy who did whatever he could to get people to come and bid. He was like the MC. He had to tell jokes, lighten the mood and make people want to bid. He for some reason wanted to know who I was and what I did.
I became the Cross Country Academic Guy. All of a sudden he said that I was the smart guy at the table. "Everyone interested in some wonderful things for the ladies and some sports memorabilia come and see the smart academic guy down here by the stage."
Maybe he didn't say that exactly, but it was similar to that.
The auction I took part in was successful. I thankfully didn't win anything and I learned about how to put on an auction and got to be a part of it. It ended up raising over $150,000. Not bad!
I was put at a bipolar table of female beauty products and sports memorabilia.
Bidder "Can you tell me about this necklace?"
Me "It's nice" I panic and look at the tag "Made of silver and it's got gold and it's just really nice."
I was supposed to use the; "Did you forget to get something for your wife for Valentines Day?" "Do you want to show your special someone how special they are by bidding on this beautiful necklace?" "This would look great on your mistress!" lines on the men too.
Then I quickly move over to my comfort zone.
"Over here we have a wonderful collection of NASCAR memorabilia. We have this Dale Earnhardt Jr. Autographed Sheet Metal with a certificate of authenticity that was used in 2012. It also comes with former champion Bobby Labonte's autograph and some Dale Earnhardt Jr. merchandise. One heck of a package right here. You can't get this for what it retails for."
My NASCAR pitch was really good, but wasn't quite working with the wine and cheese crowd. I got a whole lot of "Oh gee, well we really aren't NASCAR fans."
I finally got comfortable selling the socks. I could handle that better than the necklace and handmade hat and scarf.
"Look at these thirteen pairs of socks. It's so practical. You always need socks. They are made out of wool so you won't get blisters. It even comes with two gift cards for a total of $200 worth of additional socks."
The sock pitch worked and got a lot of bids.
My NASCAR pitch was really good, but as I said I couldn't find anyone who would be interested. I had hope. I spotted a white guy who was balding and had a mustache. He was a perfect target. I thought for sure he would bid.
Not interested.
I was getting frustrated. I knew I could bid on the item. I knew I would love to have it for the minimum bid price. More importantly I'd hope to get the ball rolling on other bidders jumping in.
I went and got my bidder number. I placed an opening bid on my item that I couldn't get anyone to bite on. As much as I wanted the stuff I also knew I couldn't really afford to win it. I tried extra hard to get someone else to outbid me.
Thankfully someone did. One person out-bid me. My bid got the ball rolling.
As the night went on I also had the microphone shoved into my face by the auctioneer. He was basically this really positive guy who did whatever he could to get people to come and bid. He was like the MC. He had to tell jokes, lighten the mood and make people want to bid. He for some reason wanted to know who I was and what I did.
I became the Cross Country Academic Guy. All of a sudden he said that I was the smart guy at the table. "Everyone interested in some wonderful things for the ladies and some sports memorabilia come and see the smart academic guy down here by the stage."
Maybe he didn't say that exactly, but it was similar to that.
The auction I took part in was successful. I thankfully didn't win anything and I learned about how to put on an auction and got to be a part of it. It ended up raising over $150,000. Not bad!
I Love NASCAR
I Love NASCAR.
It's the sport that I will do whatever I can not to miss on television.
You heard me right. NASCAR is the one sporting event during the week that I try to plan around.
For awhile I have been hiding that. Living in North Carolina makes it easier not too, since it is the state sport.
NASCAR is just awesome. I have to go to a race because I honestly LOVE listening to the cars zoom past me, and even an engine flying into the stands wouldn't keep me from standing close to the fence to hear the deafening sound of the cars zooming by. You can hear the cars for a week after the event they are so loud.
It's one reason I love it. The sound of the engines are peaceful yet manly. Nothing gets the testosterone flowing quite like a NASCAR engine at full throttle.
I've actually got some sounds of cars on my Ipod that I have used before while exercising. It really get's me going, especially when I am biking inside at the gym.
Daytona is a special event. I've been looking forward to the 500 for a long time now. It's dramatic with all of the drafting and inevitable multi-car wrecks. I don't usually root for wrecks, but sometimes a caution plays to my favorite drivers advantage.
Danica Patrick earned a lot of respect today. She drove an awesome race and was a top driver. NASCAR has provided female sports for something relatively unique. A level playing field for women to directly compete against a man.
You can't have women and men compete against each other in football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, golf etc. Those sports require so much strength. Strength and athleticism that is far above the physical differences of elite males and females. You can't have the best male basketball players and best female players go against each other in 5 v 5. You maybe could have them compete in drills for accuracy or consistency, but not strength or pure athletic ability. In NASCAR you can have the best men and women compete. NASCAR is a sport. It requires you to be fit enough to have your heart race. It requires amazing reflexes and concentration. The same concentration if not even more then golf. It requires strength to hold the wheel tight for five hours and to be able to absorb the G-Forces. You have to be strong enough not to wilt physically after hours in the car. You can't let a soreness effect your decision while racing.
Racing isn't marathon running but it requires all of the essentials that all other sports have. NASCAR gives Danica and women and even playing field to go up against men.
Now I don't root for Danica Patrick because she is a women. I root for her as an underdog. I root for her because she drives a Chevy and is associated with my favorite team.
Danica has a chance to be a special driver for NASCAR and it's popularity if she continues to succeed. Hopefully women will take notice of her and pay more attention to the sport. Too often women don't do a good job supporting female athletes when they succeed.
It's the sport that I will do whatever I can not to miss on television.
You heard me right. NASCAR is the one sporting event during the week that I try to plan around.
For awhile I have been hiding that. Living in North Carolina makes it easier not too, since it is the state sport.
NASCAR is just awesome. I have to go to a race because I honestly LOVE listening to the cars zoom past me, and even an engine flying into the stands wouldn't keep me from standing close to the fence to hear the deafening sound of the cars zooming by. You can hear the cars for a week after the event they are so loud.
It's one reason I love it. The sound of the engines are peaceful yet manly. Nothing gets the testosterone flowing quite like a NASCAR engine at full throttle.
I've actually got some sounds of cars on my Ipod that I have used before while exercising. It really get's me going, especially when I am biking inside at the gym.
Daytona is a special event. I've been looking forward to the 500 for a long time now. It's dramatic with all of the drafting and inevitable multi-car wrecks. I don't usually root for wrecks, but sometimes a caution plays to my favorite drivers advantage.
Danica Patrick earned a lot of respect today. She drove an awesome race and was a top driver. NASCAR has provided female sports for something relatively unique. A level playing field for women to directly compete against a man.
You can't have women and men compete against each other in football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, golf etc. Those sports require so much strength. Strength and athleticism that is far above the physical differences of elite males and females. You can't have the best male basketball players and best female players go against each other in 5 v 5. You maybe could have them compete in drills for accuracy or consistency, but not strength or pure athletic ability. In NASCAR you can have the best men and women compete. NASCAR is a sport. It requires you to be fit enough to have your heart race. It requires amazing reflexes and concentration. The same concentration if not even more then golf. It requires strength to hold the wheel tight for five hours and to be able to absorb the G-Forces. You have to be strong enough not to wilt physically after hours in the car. You can't let a soreness effect your decision while racing.
Racing isn't marathon running but it requires all of the essentials that all other sports have. NASCAR gives Danica and women and even playing field to go up against men.
Now I don't root for Danica Patrick because she is a women. I root for her as an underdog. I root for her because she drives a Chevy and is associated with my favorite team.
Danica has a chance to be a special driver for NASCAR and it's popularity if she continues to succeed. Hopefully women will take notice of her and pay more attention to the sport. Too often women don't do a good job supporting female athletes when they succeed.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Monotone
Want to hear someone say something in the same tone?
http://www.whec.com/sports/stories/S2932375.shtml?cat=571http://www.whec.com/sports/stories/S2932375.shtml?cat=571
Actually I didn't notice Shoey being monotone at all. She sounded really good. It's from NBC and it talks to Shoey about being drafted.
http://www.whec.com/sports/stories/S2932375.shtml?cat=571http://www.whec.com/sports/stories/S2932375.shtml?cat=571
Actually I didn't notice Shoey being monotone at all. She sounded really good. It's from NBC and it talks to Shoey about being drafted.
College Athletes Who Can't Let Go
I keep seeing and hearing of stories of college athletes who can't let go.
The moment your senior season is done, your college career is over.
You are always part of the team in the sense that your teammates still and will always care about you.
However, you really aren't a part of the TEAM anymore. You don't belong in the lockerroom. You don't belong on the field and at practice. You don't belong at pre-game meals. You don't go on the travel list.
You're done. Your usefulness to the team is over when your career is over. This is life. Things are not permanent.
A team is supposed to accomplish something. When your eligibility is up you are of no use to the team. You can't play anymore so you can't help on the field. Unless you are there for a specific purpose, like coaching, administrative work, or athletic training, you can't help the team at all.
It's sad how often athletes can't get over this. They hold on to the notion that they are still college athletes or an athlete when they are not. They hang around after games. ALL the games.
They show up to practice several times a week.
They only hang out with old teammates, or only go out with teammates and people on the team.
They become "managers" or other loosely related terms like "student-assistant" when they can no longer play. This way they still get the gear and get to be part of the team. Except in rare instances former college athletes aren't useful to teams as managers or coaches.
For many college athletes their entire social circle is comprised of athletes and teammates. It's a little daunting when that circle is gone. They do whatever they can to stay in that circle. Often times that means being a manager. Which often means to them that they get to go to practice and hang out with the team. Maybe they will pump up a ball or take a stat or two twice a week.
It's great to have alumni involved, but their should be a clear distinction between being on the team and being an alumni. Practice once or twice a month is a lot different than twice a week.
So much of an athlete is also what they are physically capable of doing. Let's be honest here. Athletes get a lot of self confidence out of their appearance and abilities. I think the thought of losing those things is hard on an athlete. They have to realize that in order to move up and move on in life, that they have to sacrifice some of the time they spent training on other things. They should still work out and be healthy, but unless they are paid to be a professional they can't just expect to be able to have their lives revolve around the field and gym.
The best banquet speech in the three years I heard them at UCWS was given by Dulski because I think she touched on soccer being a chapter. I'm sure she hates that she doesn't play anymore, but atleast she could acknowledge that she has put a part of her life behind her.
Some athletes have ended the athlete chapter of their lives, but continue to write long run-on sentences that ruin good pieces of work and prevent the next chapters from being any good.
The moment your senior season is done, your college career is over.
You are always part of the team in the sense that your teammates still and will always care about you.
However, you really aren't a part of the TEAM anymore. You don't belong in the lockerroom. You don't belong on the field and at practice. You don't belong at pre-game meals. You don't go on the travel list.
You're done. Your usefulness to the team is over when your career is over. This is life. Things are not permanent.
A team is supposed to accomplish something. When your eligibility is up you are of no use to the team. You can't play anymore so you can't help on the field. Unless you are there for a specific purpose, like coaching, administrative work, or athletic training, you can't help the team at all.
It's sad how often athletes can't get over this. They hold on to the notion that they are still college athletes or an athlete when they are not. They hang around after games. ALL the games.
They show up to practice several times a week.
They only hang out with old teammates, or only go out with teammates and people on the team.
They become "managers" or other loosely related terms like "student-assistant" when they can no longer play. This way they still get the gear and get to be part of the team. Except in rare instances former college athletes aren't useful to teams as managers or coaches.
For many college athletes their entire social circle is comprised of athletes and teammates. It's a little daunting when that circle is gone. They do whatever they can to stay in that circle. Often times that means being a manager. Which often means to them that they get to go to practice and hang out with the team. Maybe they will pump up a ball or take a stat or two twice a week.
It's great to have alumni involved, but their should be a clear distinction between being on the team and being an alumni. Practice once or twice a month is a lot different than twice a week.
So much of an athlete is also what they are physically capable of doing. Let's be honest here. Athletes get a lot of self confidence out of their appearance and abilities. I think the thought of losing those things is hard on an athlete. They have to realize that in order to move up and move on in life, that they have to sacrifice some of the time they spent training on other things. They should still work out and be healthy, but unless they are paid to be a professional they can't just expect to be able to have their lives revolve around the field and gym.
The best banquet speech in the three years I heard them at UCWS was given by Dulski because I think she touched on soccer being a chapter. I'm sure she hates that she doesn't play anymore, but atleast she could acknowledge that she has put a part of her life behind her.
Some athletes have ended the athlete chapter of their lives, but continue to write long run-on sentences that ruin good pieces of work and prevent the next chapters from being any good.