Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
FFL Guru - Week 15
It only took 8 weeks of doing the show until I figured out how to upload video...nice, very niiiiice.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Waiting for the shoe to drop - The Mitchell Report
Not sure about you, but I know my TV will be on at 1:00 waiting to see what is in the 'report'.
I am no Yankee fan but I really hope we don't see the BIG name. I am still hopeful that everything he has acomplished and will accomplish is on the up and up.
I'm going to guess Clemens is on the list.
I am no Yankee fan but I really hope we don't see the BIG name. I am still hopeful that everything he has acomplished and will accomplish is on the up and up.
I'm going to guess Clemens is on the list.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Bobby Petrino - would you send your kid to play for this guy?
Speechless...
That's how the news of Petrino resigning from the Falcons left me when I heard last night.
Are you kidding me? Is this guy the leader of men or a teenager running away from home because he got grounded?
So what, that this is not what you signed up for 10 months ago, life never is, deal with it!
This is the same guy who had secretly negotiated a deal in 2005 to replace Tommy Tuberville at Auburn and then back out.
On Monday night I watched and listen to Arthur Blank as he took the high road, which he always does Bobby!, and talked about rebuilding and the future. He did this and referenced Bobby Petrino at least 5 times. He got on National TV and gave you his trust and his backing. These are HIS millions you mess with on the field and all the while you were on your headset cutting a deal with Arkansas.
Now, nothing against the University of Arkansas, but Mr. Petrino you will NEVER have the success you apparently believe you deserve there and unfortunately it has nothing to do with you. Arkansas is a fine University with a great history but it will never become one of the elite SEC powers. You will not be able to compete with LSU, Alabama and Auburn in the West and you can forget about out recruiting Meyer, Richt or Spurrier in the East, they have CHARACTER.
At the end of the day you have shown us all that the most important person in the world is YOU and I hope parents realize that before they send their children to play for you at Arkansas.
That's how the news of Petrino resigning from the Falcons left me when I heard last night.
Are you kidding me? Is this guy the leader of men or a teenager running away from home because he got grounded?
So what, that this is not what you signed up for 10 months ago, life never is, deal with it!
This is the same guy who had secretly negotiated a deal in 2005 to replace Tommy Tuberville at Auburn and then back out.
On Monday night I watched and listen to Arthur Blank as he took the high road, which he always does Bobby!, and talked about rebuilding and the future. He did this and referenced Bobby Petrino at least 5 times. He got on National TV and gave you his trust and his backing. These are HIS millions you mess with on the field and all the while you were on your headset cutting a deal with Arkansas.
Now, nothing against the University of Arkansas, but Mr. Petrino you will NEVER have the success you apparently believe you deserve there and unfortunately it has nothing to do with you. Arkansas is a fine University with a great history but it will never become one of the elite SEC powers. You will not be able to compete with LSU, Alabama and Auburn in the West and you can forget about out recruiting Meyer, Richt or Spurrier in the East, they have CHARACTER.
At the end of the day you have shown us all that the most important person in the world is YOU and I hope parents realize that before they send their children to play for you at Arkansas.
A Tribute fit for a legend
Yesterday we said goodbye to Jon Barkan. Lots of questions were asked, there were a ton of tears and so many good memories were shared. Besides the eulogies by 2 two rabbi's Jon was also remembered and honored by his good friend Seth Cohen and his father, Neil. Seth was amazing. As he stood in front of 1,200 plus people I have no idea where he went to summon the courage to deliver such a beautiful message. Later in the evening we talked and I knew every word was genuine and there was no one better to capture the moment. After Seth spoke Jon's Dad came up and read a 'letter to Jon' that just tore me up.
Ilene and I went to Jon's In-laws to pay our respects and attend the Minyan (Jewish prayer service). It was the first time I recited Kaddish (Jewish prayer for mourner's) for someone other than my father or grandmother. I never got past the first 2 words, it was just too hard.
As I think about it this morning I realize that time is a wonderful thing. Mourning, grieving and missing loved ones never gets 'easy' like some people think, but time does allow you to move on. My Dad passed August 7, 2001, just a few weeks before 9-11. Just like yesterday, I could not get past the first few words of Kaddish. Today, on Yom Kippur and on his Yarzheit I am able to pray and remember the past.
I know I will be able to get through Kaddish again. I know life moves on. I know Jon would want us to but now I do so with renewed vigor.
I spent hours yesterday afternoon pouring through Jon's old blogs. Technology is an amazing thing and it has left a beautiful trail of his life. Go back to some of those early posts on Jon and you really see the man.
Jon, thank you for being a part of my life. I love you and promise to continue on the path you have laid down.
Ilene and I went to Jon's In-laws to pay our respects and attend the Minyan (Jewish prayer service). It was the first time I recited Kaddish (Jewish prayer for mourner's) for someone other than my father or grandmother. I never got past the first 2 words, it was just too hard.
As I think about it this morning I realize that time is a wonderful thing. Mourning, grieving and missing loved ones never gets 'easy' like some people think, but time does allow you to move on. My Dad passed August 7, 2001, just a few weeks before 9-11. Just like yesterday, I could not get past the first few words of Kaddish. Today, on Yom Kippur and on his Yarzheit I am able to pray and remember the past.
I know I will be able to get through Kaddish again. I know life moves on. I know Jon would want us to but now I do so with renewed vigor.
I spent hours yesterday afternoon pouring through Jon's old blogs. Technology is an amazing thing and it has left a beautiful trail of his life. Go back to some of those early posts on Jon and you really see the man.
Jon, thank you for being a part of my life. I love you and promise to continue on the path you have laid down.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Good Grief
Ironically, these 2 words were the final words written by my good friend Jon Barkan on his blog, http://barkandawg.blogspot.com/index.html.
For Jon those two words were synonymous with Charlie Brown and he posted a cute XMas video to a Black Eyed Peas number. To me these words, good grief, will be how I try to go through the next few weeks without Jon. Last night, at age 39, Jon was taken from us way too early. He leaves behind a wife and 3 children, the youngest just 2 months old.
Jon was larger than life and I imagine that will continue even in death. I never saw Jon without a smile and kind words. He was passionate about his family, his friends and his community. He loved sports and his work. Most of all Jon loved being 'Dad' and that shined through in every conversation we had.
We just talked on Wednesday, e-mailed yesterday, and I left him a voicemail this morning. Today, the world stands still for those of us that loved Jon, but when it starts moving again we will continue to live, love, laugh and give knowing that Jon will always be with us and he truly made our worlds better for the brief time we had with him.
For Jon those two words were synonymous with Charlie Brown and he posted a cute XMas video to a Black Eyed Peas number. To me these words, good grief, will be how I try to go through the next few weeks without Jon. Last night, at age 39, Jon was taken from us way too early. He leaves behind a wife and 3 children, the youngest just 2 months old.
Jon was larger than life and I imagine that will continue even in death. I never saw Jon without a smile and kind words. He was passionate about his family, his friends and his community. He loved sports and his work. Most of all Jon loved being 'Dad' and that shined through in every conversation we had.
We just talked on Wednesday, e-mailed yesterday, and I left him a voicemail this morning. Today, the world stands still for those of us that loved Jon, but when it starts moving again we will continue to live, love, laugh and give knowing that Jon will always be with us and he truly made our worlds better for the brief time we had with him.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Sure the BCS is a joke but what it replaced was as well
I, like a lot of college football fans, would LOVE to see a play off system. However, it's not realistic in today's world and how many teams would be in it would be just as distressing as the current system becuase someone will ALWAYS get screwed.
As for this year's BCS fiasco I have no problem with LSU being in the title game. USC, Va. Tech and Oklahoma have good arugments to be there as well and I know all of my Georgia friends want to gripe as well, but the real travesty is Ohio State! Yes, the new #1 team is a joke. On top of that I think they will have a real chance to beat LSU because they are NOT the best team in the SEC, they might be 3rd. On top of all of this you have the unspoken problem with all of this; the BCS games are more than a month away! Unlike college basketball where momentum and how you are playing are important, they have NOTHING to do with college football, but that is an argument for another time and it SCREAMS for a play off.
The ONLY thing the BCS gives us is at least one game where the winner can say they are champs. Imagine if you will, this was 1985 and let's look at potential match ups:
Orange Bowl - Oklahoma (Big 12 Champ) vs. Virginia Tech (ACC Champs)
Rose Bowl - USC (Pac 10 Champ) vs. Ohio St. (Big 10 Champ)
Sugar Bowl - LSU (SEC Champ) vs. West Virginia (Big East Champ)
Fiesta Bowl - who cares...
Say Oklahoma beats Va Tech, USC beats OSU and W. Virginia beats LSU...who is #1...are you splitting 3 ways?
At the end of the day we need a play off and we need at least 3 rounds. One it eliminates some controversy but it really allows teams that are playing well to continue on, there is maybe a 2 week break, not 53 days!
As for this year's BCS fiasco I have no problem with LSU being in the title game. USC, Va. Tech and Oklahoma have good arugments to be there as well and I know all of my Georgia friends want to gripe as well, but the real travesty is Ohio State! Yes, the new #1 team is a joke. On top of that I think they will have a real chance to beat LSU because they are NOT the best team in the SEC, they might be 3rd. On top of all of this you have the unspoken problem with all of this; the BCS games are more than a month away! Unlike college basketball where momentum and how you are playing are important, they have NOTHING to do with college football, but that is an argument for another time and it SCREAMS for a play off.
The ONLY thing the BCS gives us is at least one game where the winner can say they are champs. Imagine if you will, this was 1985 and let's look at potential match ups:
Orange Bowl - Oklahoma (Big 12 Champ) vs. Virginia Tech (ACC Champs)
Rose Bowl - USC (Pac 10 Champ) vs. Ohio St. (Big 10 Champ)
Sugar Bowl - LSU (SEC Champ) vs. West Virginia (Big East Champ)
Fiesta Bowl - who cares...
Say Oklahoma beats Va Tech, USC beats OSU and W. Virginia beats LSU...who is #1...are you splitting 3 ways?
At the end of the day we need a play off and we need at least 3 rounds. One it eliminates some controversy but it really allows teams that are playing well to continue on, there is maybe a 2 week break, not 53 days!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
A Congressman, the Mayor and a Country Music Icon
No this is not an old Kreskin Skit from the Tonight Show it was my day yesterday, November 28, 2007.
First, the Congressman. Through the American Jewish Committee (http://www.ajc.org/) I have had the opportunity to get involved in Intergroup Relations. The major part of that has been spent on the Atlanta Black-Jewish Coalition. The Coalition began in 1982 when Blacks and Jews came together to fight the Voting Rights Act in Georgia. The Coalition then was led by John Lewis and Cecil Alexander. Both men were very active in the Civil Rights Movement and Mr. Lewis was one of Martin Luther King's closest allies. Forward to yesterday, when, as the Co-Chair for the Coalition I had the honor of spending time with the Congressman and explaining our idea to honor him and Mr. Alexander a 25th Anniversary celebration. I have met the Congressman on 5 other occasions but never in a small group setting where we just got to chat for an hour. To hear his stories and watch his eyes as he retells them was just incredible! If spending time with the Congressman wasn't enough, as we made our way out of his office his next appointment was with our Mayor, Shirley Franklin. Again, I have gotten to meet our Mayor and we have even done some messaging and video work for her but to bump into her in an informal and 'off the cuff' session was very cool. We all noticed how she was very personable and introduced herself as Shirley without any pretense as to the fact that she runs one of the country's biggest cities!
On any normal day seeing and spending these two folks would have been enough to leave me on Cloud 9 for about a week. I can't say the day got better but it definitely got more LIVELY.
One of the great parts about my job is we get to do a lot of great work for a lot of terrific non-profits. One of those is the Alzheimer's Association and specifically the Georgia Chapter (http://www.alz.org/georgia/). One of their signature events this year was last night called "Better Start Living" with Monty Powell and Keith Urban. All Country fans know Keith Urban and many more know him because he is married to Nicole Kidman. You might not know Monty Powell (http://www.montypowell.com/) but you should. First, he is a singer-songwriter and has penned numerous #1 Country Hits for folks like Urban, Brooks & Dunn and Tim McGraw. Second, he has dedicated a good portion of his time now to helping raise money to fund research to find a cause for Alzheimer's. That's what last night was about in a big way. The cool part for us is that we were able to do some 'in kind' video and messaging work that gave us 7th row seats and invites to a VIP after party. The night was tremendously inspiring and I have to tell you that Keith Urban just KILLED it. I sat their just astonished by his showmanship and what he can get out of a guitar.
I left the house yesterday at 6:00 AM to run and didn't walk back in until well past midnight but thanks to the folks I spent time with yesterday I am more energized and inspired than I have been in months!
First, the Congressman. Through the American Jewish Committee (http://www.ajc.org/) I have had the opportunity to get involved in Intergroup Relations. The major part of that has been spent on the Atlanta Black-Jewish Coalition. The Coalition began in 1982 when Blacks and Jews came together to fight the Voting Rights Act in Georgia. The Coalition then was led by John Lewis and Cecil Alexander. Both men were very active in the Civil Rights Movement and Mr. Lewis was one of Martin Luther King's closest allies. Forward to yesterday, when, as the Co-Chair for the Coalition I had the honor of spending time with the Congressman and explaining our idea to honor him and Mr. Alexander a 25th Anniversary celebration. I have met the Congressman on 5 other occasions but never in a small group setting where we just got to chat for an hour. To hear his stories and watch his eyes as he retells them was just incredible! If spending time with the Congressman wasn't enough, as we made our way out of his office his next appointment was with our Mayor, Shirley Franklin. Again, I have gotten to meet our Mayor and we have even done some messaging and video work for her but to bump into her in an informal and 'off the cuff' session was very cool. We all noticed how she was very personable and introduced herself as Shirley without any pretense as to the fact that she runs one of the country's biggest cities!
On any normal day seeing and spending these two folks would have been enough to leave me on Cloud 9 for about a week. I can't say the day got better but it definitely got more LIVELY.
One of the great parts about my job is we get to do a lot of great work for a lot of terrific non-profits. One of those is the Alzheimer's Association and specifically the Georgia Chapter (http://www.alz.org/georgia/). One of their signature events this year was last night called "Better Start Living" with Monty Powell and Keith Urban. All Country fans know Keith Urban and many more know him because he is married to Nicole Kidman. You might not know Monty Powell (http://www.montypowell.com/) but you should. First, he is a singer-songwriter and has penned numerous #1 Country Hits for folks like Urban, Brooks & Dunn and Tim McGraw. Second, he has dedicated a good portion of his time now to helping raise money to fund research to find a cause for Alzheimer's. That's what last night was about in a big way. The cool part for us is that we were able to do some 'in kind' video and messaging work that gave us 7th row seats and invites to a VIP after party. The night was tremendously inspiring and I have to tell you that Keith Urban just KILLED it. I sat their just astonished by his showmanship and what he can get out of a guitar.
I left the house yesterday at 6:00 AM to run and didn't walk back in until well past midnight but thanks to the folks I spent time with yesterday I am more energized and inspired than I have been in months!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
WW update - call me Fat Bastard again...
hadn't weighed in for 3 weeks, just came of the holidays...up 3 lbs.
back to 235.8
total lost - 8 lbs
where's the dedication? the discipline?
I have gone running 4 out of the last 5 days and logged about 15 miles so hopefully I will get back on track.
back to 235.8
total lost - 8 lbs
where's the dedication? the discipline?
I have gone running 4 out of the last 5 days and logged about 15 miles so hopefully I will get back on track.
SEC Championship 2007
Usually this game has a ton of fanfare! For the 2 Universities playing in the game (Tennessee & LSU) I guess it still does but this year it will certainly be lacking the drama. All in all the SEC puts on a good show and there are lots of festivities around downtown that make it a great weekend.
There is also a lot of subtext to this years match up and around the nation:
1. Will Les Miles bolt for the Michigan job?
2. Will LSU fans care and who would replace him? Does Jimbo Fisher leave FSU already?
3. What's the deal with Phillip Fulmer? I guess he keeps his job but are UT fans happy?
4. Which BCS game does Georgia get? Personally I'd like to see them meet USC in the Rose Bowl but that would mean Ohio State is back in a Championship game and that would be a re-run of last year just substitute West Virginia for Florida.
I'll take LSU to win a pretty tight battle.
I'll have a complete Bowl rundown once the match ups are made and you can bet I'll be talking Heisman as my fellow Gator, Tim Tebow, is certainly a finalist if not the front runner.
There is also a lot of subtext to this years match up and around the nation:
1. Will Les Miles bolt for the Michigan job?
2. Will LSU fans care and who would replace him? Does Jimbo Fisher leave FSU already?
3. What's the deal with Phillip Fulmer? I guess he keeps his job but are UT fans happy?
4. Which BCS game does Georgia get? Personally I'd like to see them meet USC in the Rose Bowl but that would mean Ohio State is back in a Championship game and that would be a re-run of last year just substitute West Virginia for Florida.
I'll take LSU to win a pretty tight battle.
I'll have a complete Bowl rundown once the match ups are made and you can bet I'll be talking Heisman as my fellow Gator, Tim Tebow, is certainly a finalist if not the front runner.
Another Sports tragedy
Early this morning Sean Taylor, the All Pro Safety for the Washington Redskins passed away from a gunshot wound he sustained Sunday night.
Sean was 24 years old and leaves behind a 1 year old daughter.
He was a tremendous hitter and athlete.
I can't imagine what his family, friends and teammates are going through. More senseless violence right here at 'home'. Why must we be thousands of miles away trying to fix the 'world's problems' without trying to fix the ills of our own society.
My heart goes out to Sean's family, the Redskins and the University of Miami for their loss.
Sean was 24 years old and leaves behind a 1 year old daughter.
He was a tremendous hitter and athlete.
I can't imagine what his family, friends and teammates are going through. More senseless violence right here at 'home'. Why must we be thousands of miles away trying to fix the 'world's problems' without trying to fix the ills of our own society.
My heart goes out to Sean's family, the Redskins and the University of Miami for their loss.
Coexist?
I'm sure a lot of you have seen the bumper stickers that say "COEXIST" which uses different religious/cultural symbols for some of the letters (e.g. - the ying-yang for the O). They seem to be popping up everywhere and while I understand the intention behind the message I feel 'we' as a race, the HUMAN RACE, are not seeing our potential.
Let's look at the word, which comes from exist. To exist at it's simplest definition is to be or to sustain.
I am tired of just existing! If our aspiration is to just get along and deal with each other so we don't kill each other then I want OUT!
When I hear existing I think of the hate being spilled by Pat Buchanon not the intent behind the cool bumper sticker.
Let's not give in and give up. The world can be so much more than one where we "peacefully coexist".
Let's look at the word, which comes from exist. To exist at it's simplest definition is to be or to sustain.
I am tired of just existing! If our aspiration is to just get along and deal with each other so we don't kill each other then I want OUT!
When I hear existing I think of the hate being spilled by Pat Buchanon not the intent behind the cool bumper sticker.
Let's not give in and give up. The world can be so much more than one where we "peacefully coexist".
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Atlanta's Best kept secret - sports related
Believe it or not it's the HAWKS! yes, the Hawks people.
Last night the Hawks beat the Phoenix Suns 105-96 and they looked GOOD doing it. They are now 2 and 2 on the young season but they are showing real signs of maturity. They have beaten 2 of the best teams (Dallas & Phoenix) and have played very tough in their 2 losses, both on the road.
What has looked like an Organization in complete drift has all of the sudden become something. Let's see why:
1. The young nucleus - Joe Johnson, Josh Childress and Josh Smith are becoming bonafied stars in their own right and the oldest of them (Johnson) has been in the league 6 years.
2. Marvin Williams - this guy looked like another 'dud' pick but all of the sudden he has exploded and is playing with confidence.
3. The rookies - both Acie Law and Al Horford (my man from the University of Florida) are already playing HUGE minutes and contributing (Acie distributing the ball and Al is a MONSTER on the glass)
What might be the best part of this whole thing is that these guys are DYNAMIC and fun to watch. They could easily fit in the West Coast style of basketball as they like to run up and down the court.
There is still room for improvement as these guys will only get better.
Now it is up to you though!
The crowd, while a pretty good size because Phoenix was here, needs to get louder and more supportive in crunch time. The Hawks were up 3 to 7 points late in the 4th Quarter and you could feel the crowd just waiting for the Suns run to put the Hawks away. It never came and now is the time for us to help the boys out!
The Eastern Conference is VERY mediocre. If this team can stay healthy and keep growing they will make the playoffs this year...the future is in sight!
Get to Phillips now while you can get good seats!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
WW Update - it's about time
It's been 3 weeks since I had gone to a weigh in so I figured no reason to post.
I did go last night and I gained .8 of a pound in the 3 weeks. Certainly not good but not all that horrible.
Total weight lost is back to 11 lbs.
My goal is to get to 20 lbs. total before leaving for Florida on December 22nd.
I did go last night and I gained .8 of a pound in the 3 weeks. Certainly not good but not all that horrible.
Total weight lost is back to 11 lbs.
My goal is to get to 20 lbs. total before leaving for Florida on December 22nd.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Embrace the hate (Gator hate that is)
So I was as shocked as the next person to see the UGA team come on the field after the first score. Next I was pissed. Now I think it's comical and also speaks to a larger good for the Gators! We are almost as hated as Notre Dame is now and this is good. All of these things are a sign of JEALOUSY.
1. The post TD incident Saturday
2. Every time we get beat or have a big play against us the other team breaks out the mock 'chomp'
3. All the Gator Hater T-shirts
I'm sure there are more but the fact is that EVERYONE loves to hate us and it's because of what we have done on the field, what we have to offer as a school, etc... It's all really a compliment if you think of it on this level. Would Richt need this tactic versus Ga. Tech their in state rival or Tennessee or Auburn? It's all good at the end of the day.
1. The post TD incident Saturday
2. Every time we get beat or have a big play against us the other team breaks out the mock 'chomp'
3. All the Gator Hater T-shirts
I'm sure there are more but the fact is that EVERYONE loves to hate us and it's because of what we have done on the field, what we have to offer as a school, etc... It's all really a compliment if you think of it on this level. Would Richt need this tactic versus Ga. Tech their in state rival or Tennessee or Auburn? It's all good at the end of the day.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Florida - Georgia Weekend
I worte this post for a community I am blogging on here in Atlanta that is yet to be released, so here it is:
First of all, I love the South in the Fall and for no other reason than College Football. Of all the weekends in the Fall this is my favorite, Florida-Georgia weekend, and yes sorry fellow Georgians, I'm a Gator and it will always be Florida-Georgia for me.
As a Gator there is always much debate about who is our biggest rival? FSU, Georgia or even Tennessee to some. For me this is a no brainer. Do I hate the Noles with a passion? You bet! But there is something more than 'hate' when it comes to UGA. In fact, since living in Atlanta for many years now I've developed a respect for UGA and it fans, most of my friends have now either gone to UGA or root for the Dawgs so it's something I've learned to live with but this week we won't speak much (though I'd be happy to talk to them, must be something to do with 15 out of 17 and National Championship :), but I digress).
Reality is, as a Gator, there are one or two things I am envious about UGA and that is the FOLLOWING. This by no means puts down UF and Gator Nation but by living in Atlanta I have learned to recognize the difference (and no it's not that we wear jean shorts in Gainesville). Here is what I have observed:
1. UGA is so close from almost all of Georgia whereas UF is 6 hours from Miami and even a good 3 1/2 hours from most of the panhandle
2. Besides Georgia Tech there is no other real dominant big time college program in Georgia. In Florida we have UF, the clowns out West (FSU) and the basket weaving school in Miami (UM) and recently USF and UCF have upgraded facilities and now have 35,000+ students on campus. This is all good but when it comes to bloodlines they run much deeper in Georgia, this I am envious of. It's not fair that I have one friend who grew up in Atlanta the son of a Georgia Grad who is a die hard fan yet goes to school at Duke! Now he gets to root for UGA Football and Duke hoops! Is this fair? Not really but it is very common here. Bottom line is he along with others like him grew up with the Dawgs and that passion will always be there. As much as I love UF it's not exactly a 2 hour drive to Gainesville to take in a game. We have committed to one game a year to take my girls to and I hope that's enough but only time will tell.
3. History - no iffs and or buts about it, UGA has a more storied past than UF. That's ok with me I like to live in the present, should I mention the 15 out of 17 again or the 2 National Championships and 7 SEC titles in 11 years, or should I go to the back to back basketball National Champs, but UGA definitely has a longer 'national presence'.
So what makes Florida-Georgia so special? Well there are the obvious things: border rivalry, SEC East, Steve Spurrier, Run Lindsay Run, Ricky Nattiel, etc...but for me it's Jacksonville and no not so much the 'Cocktail Party' though as a student that was fun. The fact is this game is one of only THREE neutral field games left in college football. Side note, I am actually really familiar with all THREE - growing up in Philadelphia a was around the Army-Navy deal and having lived in Dallas for 6 years I got to go to a few Red River Shootouts (Texas-OU). There is NOTHING better than splitting fan bases down the middle! The passion and enthusiasm really shines through. I know over the last decade some members of UGA's fan base wishes this series was not in Jax but they are forgetting history. For years the Dawgs OWNED Jacksonville. When I was at UF (86-91) it was not such heady times for our program but going to Jax was only was big on our 'to do list'. I fear that if this series ever went 'on campus' it would lose it special status amongst college footballs elite rivalries.
Its Tuesday morning just 103 hours or so to kick off and I'm already having trouble concentrating.
If you are a college football fan there are certain things you should go to and this one is in the top ten!
Wow, what a good poll idea...the top ten events to go to as a college football fan....I'll list mine and tell you which I've been to...how about yours?
1. a National Championship game (now the BCS) - I have been to several including both Gator wins (96 & 06) and a couple in the Orange Bowl
2. Florida - Georgia in Jacksonville - 15 or so
3. a game in South Bend - not yet!
4. Michigan - Ohio State in either stadium - not me, but I did go to the Big House once
5. Neyland Stadium, University of Tennessee - yep, was there in the rain in '96 when UF beat the Vols
6. Army - Navy - never actually been to the game
7. Texas - OU - the Red River Shooutout, I've seen 2 of them from the stands
8. Tailgating in the 'Grove', Ole Miss - they no longer have the football team status but wow what a place for a party
9. Auburn - Alabama - I've been to both places but not for this game
10. LSU @ night - several times and it's always scary!
First of all, I love the South in the Fall and for no other reason than College Football. Of all the weekends in the Fall this is my favorite, Florida-Georgia weekend, and yes sorry fellow Georgians, I'm a Gator and it will always be Florida-Georgia for me.
As a Gator there is always much debate about who is our biggest rival? FSU, Georgia or even Tennessee to some. For me this is a no brainer. Do I hate the Noles with a passion? You bet! But there is something more than 'hate' when it comes to UGA. In fact, since living in Atlanta for many years now I've developed a respect for UGA and it fans, most of my friends have now either gone to UGA or root for the Dawgs so it's something I've learned to live with but this week we won't speak much (though I'd be happy to talk to them, must be something to do with 15 out of 17 and National Championship :), but I digress).
Reality is, as a Gator, there are one or two things I am envious about UGA and that is the FOLLOWING. This by no means puts down UF and Gator Nation but by living in Atlanta I have learned to recognize the difference (and no it's not that we wear jean shorts in Gainesville). Here is what I have observed:
1. UGA is so close from almost all of Georgia whereas UF is 6 hours from Miami and even a good 3 1/2 hours from most of the panhandle
2. Besides Georgia Tech there is no other real dominant big time college program in Georgia. In Florida we have UF, the clowns out West (FSU) and the basket weaving school in Miami (UM) and recently USF and UCF have upgraded facilities and now have 35,000+ students on campus. This is all good but when it comes to bloodlines they run much deeper in Georgia, this I am envious of. It's not fair that I have one friend who grew up in Atlanta the son of a Georgia Grad who is a die hard fan yet goes to school at Duke! Now he gets to root for UGA Football and Duke hoops! Is this fair? Not really but it is very common here. Bottom line is he along with others like him grew up with the Dawgs and that passion will always be there. As much as I love UF it's not exactly a 2 hour drive to Gainesville to take in a game. We have committed to one game a year to take my girls to and I hope that's enough but only time will tell.
3. History - no iffs and or buts about it, UGA has a more storied past than UF. That's ok with me I like to live in the present, should I mention the 15 out of 17 again or the 2 National Championships and 7 SEC titles in 11 years, or should I go to the back to back basketball National Champs, but UGA definitely has a longer 'national presence'.
So what makes Florida-Georgia so special? Well there are the obvious things: border rivalry, SEC East, Steve Spurrier, Run Lindsay Run, Ricky Nattiel, etc...but for me it's Jacksonville and no not so much the 'Cocktail Party' though as a student that was fun. The fact is this game is one of only THREE neutral field games left in college football. Side note, I am actually really familiar with all THREE - growing up in Philadelphia a was around the Army-Navy deal and having lived in Dallas for 6 years I got to go to a few Red River Shootouts (Texas-OU). There is NOTHING better than splitting fan bases down the middle! The passion and enthusiasm really shines through. I know over the last decade some members of UGA's fan base wishes this series was not in Jax but they are forgetting history. For years the Dawgs OWNED Jacksonville. When I was at UF (86-91) it was not such heady times for our program but going to Jax was only was big on our 'to do list'. I fear that if this series ever went 'on campus' it would lose it special status amongst college footballs elite rivalries.
Its Tuesday morning just 103 hours or so to kick off and I'm already having trouble concentrating.
If you are a college football fan there are certain things you should go to and this one is in the top ten!
Wow, what a good poll idea...the top ten events to go to as a college football fan....I'll list mine and tell you which I've been to...how about yours?
1. a National Championship game (now the BCS) - I have been to several including both Gator wins (96 & 06) and a couple in the Orange Bowl
2. Florida - Georgia in Jacksonville - 15 or so
3. a game in South Bend - not yet!
4. Michigan - Ohio State in either stadium - not me, but I did go to the Big House once
5. Neyland Stadium, University of Tennessee - yep, was there in the rain in '96 when UF beat the Vols
6. Army - Navy - never actually been to the game
7. Texas - OU - the Red River Shooutout, I've seen 2 of them from the stands
8. Tailgating in the 'Grove', Ole Miss - they no longer have the football team status but wow what a place for a party
9. Auburn - Alabama - I've been to both places but not for this game
10. LSU @ night - several times and it's always scary!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Offense, Defense, Special Teams and Strong Goalteding
If this was October 2006 the only thing the Philadelphia Flyers had from this equation for winning was the potential for offense.
Well, this is 2007 and this is the new NHL and the Flyers have finally figured it out! Bobby Clarke is one of many sports heroes from my childhood but thank G-d he turned over the reigns in Philly! I just watched the Flyers handle the Thrashers 4-0 in Philly and it looks like the good times are about to roll on Broad Street once more.
What was already a nice offensive nucleus has been enhanced with Briere and Hartnell, amongst others, the D looked solid, the penalty kill was stifling and the attack on the power play shows potential, but the key to this formula is in the pipes and fingers crossed, Marty Biron is the answer. He looked phenomenal tonight and the team was determined to get him his shut out.
The Flyers have not opened this strongly offensively since '95 when the had Lindross and Leclair headlining the 'legion of doom' line and dare I say the goaltending hasn't been as promising since the tragic loss of Pelle Lindbergh...
I dream of seeing the Flyers clinch the Cup and do it at home, Philly fans deserve it and it's early but this team could go a long way.
Well, this is 2007 and this is the new NHL and the Flyers have finally figured it out! Bobby Clarke is one of many sports heroes from my childhood but thank G-d he turned over the reigns in Philly! I just watched the Flyers handle the Thrashers 4-0 in Philly and it looks like the good times are about to roll on Broad Street once more.
What was already a nice offensive nucleus has been enhanced with Briere and Hartnell, amongst others, the D looked solid, the penalty kill was stifling and the attack on the power play shows potential, but the key to this formula is in the pipes and fingers crossed, Marty Biron is the answer. He looked phenomenal tonight and the team was determined to get him his shut out.
The Flyers have not opened this strongly offensively since '95 when the had Lindross and Leclair headlining the 'legion of doom' line and dare I say the goaltending hasn't been as promising since the tragic loss of Pelle Lindbergh...
I dream of seeing the Flyers clinch the Cup and do it at home, Philly fans deserve it and it's early but this team could go a long way.
Rooting for the Rockies
No, I am not jumping on the bandwagon but I am pulling for the Rockies to win it all.
There are a lot of reasons to cheer for these guys, despite them taking out my beloved Phils' but reason number one is something I read this morning in my SI.
The players on the Rockies voted to give a FULL Players' share of their playoff earnings to the family of Mike Coolbaugh.
If you don't know, Mike Coolbaugh is the 1st Base Coach in the minors who was killed when hit by a foul ball earlier in the year. He was the father of 2 boys and his widow is currently 8 months pregnant with their 3rd child. Mike's brother is also a baseball coach. Mike was only with the Rockies Organization for 3 weeks when he was killed.
Say what you want about pro athletes but when you read the Coolbaugh story you find passion, determination and love that isn't easily found in other places.
I admire the Colorado Players' and Staff for stepping up to the plate and helping one of their own the only way possible now.
Go Rockies!
There are a lot of reasons to cheer for these guys, despite them taking out my beloved Phils' but reason number one is something I read this morning in my SI.
The players on the Rockies voted to give a FULL Players' share of their playoff earnings to the family of Mike Coolbaugh.
If you don't know, Mike Coolbaugh is the 1st Base Coach in the minors who was killed when hit by a foul ball earlier in the year. He was the father of 2 boys and his widow is currently 8 months pregnant with their 3rd child. Mike's brother is also a baseball coach. Mike was only with the Rockies Organization for 3 weeks when he was killed.
Say what you want about pro athletes but when you read the Coolbaugh story you find passion, determination and love that isn't easily found in other places.
I admire the Colorado Players' and Staff for stepping up to the plate and helping one of their own the only way possible now.
Go Rockies!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Get ready for the debut of "The Fantasy Football Guru Report"
Yep, you got it, we just finished shooting a 'pilot' for a concept I have been passionate about for the last 2 years.
Here I sit with a great gig, we create online videos for clients and have our own studio! I love all things sports and I also thought as a kid that I would go into sports broadcasting. I still don't know how that didn't happen, but I digress.
In the meantime there is so much fantasy sports content out there but it is mostly text based.
So here I have the perfect confluence of passion and resources and I have finally found a group to partner with. I have know the guys at www.thefflguru.com for years now and when I heard their concept I pitched mine and it should be a great marriage.
Later today our first webcast will be up and I will post it here.
Here I sit with a great gig, we create online videos for clients and have our own studio! I love all things sports and I also thought as a kid that I would go into sports broadcasting. I still don't know how that didn't happen, but I digress.
In the meantime there is so much fantasy sports content out there but it is mostly text based.
So here I have the perfect confluence of passion and resources and I have finally found a group to partner with. I have know the guys at www.thefflguru.com for years now and when I heard their concept I pitched mine and it should be a great marriage.
Later today our first webcast will be up and I will post it here.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Are we really this uncivilized?
Yes, we are torturing people! Yes, I may politically bend to the liberal side but give me a break! Fake drowning, stripping people naked and freezing them sounds like torture; I don't care if you call them prisoners or detainees.
I basically have stayed out of the whole Bush Presidency. For the most part I am respectful of our Leaders and honestly I saw a lot of positives living in Dallas, TX while Mr. Bush while he was Governor. However, I have had enough of this Presidency. You've seen the You Tube videos or watched enough John Stewart to know that 'W' has been over his head. It's been like watching a true Freshman college QB getting thrown out into a game after starring High School; there is very little semblance from the HS stud to the college Freshman. Problem here is the Freshman never really matured into a capable QB.
While I'm on it, what's with the Senator from Idaho (not Minnesota)? You had gay sex, deal with it. Good, bad or ugly let's just admit our flaws as human beings and move forward.
Everyone has character flaws, it's those of us that recognize them and make a conscience attempt to do better that should be recognized, not frauds like this guy who hide behind religion and falsehoods.
Too much crazy shit these days people, stay sane and hug it out :)
I basically have stayed out of the whole Bush Presidency. For the most part I am respectful of our Leaders and honestly I saw a lot of positives living in Dallas, TX while Mr. Bush while he was Governor. However, I have had enough of this Presidency. You've seen the You Tube videos or watched enough John Stewart to know that 'W' has been over his head. It's been like watching a true Freshman college QB getting thrown out into a game after starring High School; there is very little semblance from the HS stud to the college Freshman. Problem here is the Freshman never really matured into a capable QB.
While I'm on it, what's with the Senator from Idaho (not Minnesota)? You had gay sex, deal with it. Good, bad or ugly let's just admit our flaws as human beings and move forward.
Everyone has character flaws, it's those of us that recognize them and make a conscience attempt to do better that should be recognized, not frauds like this guy who hide behind religion and falsehoods.
Too much crazy shit these days people, stay sane and hug it out :)
Back in the saddle - WW update
Monday 10/8 - weighed 232
down 1.4 from last week
total weight loss - 11.8
I haven't really been able to do the full WW update complete with comedic enlightenment and for that I apologize. I know a few of you have been enjoying hearing about what happens in a meeting. I think there might be the makings of a book...
I'm going to start taking notes in the meeting so my 'musings' stay top of mind.
down 1.4 from last week
total weight loss - 11.8
I haven't really been able to do the full WW update complete with comedic enlightenment and for that I apologize. I know a few of you have been enjoying hearing about what happens in a meeting. I think there might be the makings of a book...
I'm going to start taking notes in the meeting so my 'musings' stay top of mind.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Time for re-commitment!
Two weeks went by without a weigh in, I was out of town last week:
Weight GAINED - 1.2 lbs...yep FIRST time we've gone up!
Still down 10.4 lbs overall...back to basics kids.
Weight GAINED - 1.2 lbs...yep FIRST time we've gone up!
Still down 10.4 lbs overall...back to basics kids.
Atlanta 2 Day Recap
If you don't know about this event or don't support it you need to change that immediately!
http://www.2daywalk.org/site/pp.asp?c=evKXLjMTIpG&b=248059
Ilene walked in it for the first time this weekend and with the support of friends, family and co-workers she raised over $2,200 for various Breast Cancer Organizations around Atlanta.
I took the girls on Saturday to a "Cheering Station" to root Mommy and her fellow walkers on. What we found there was much greater. We found a community of folks all supporting each other to try and wipe out an insidious disease. We clapped for everyone as they went by and celebrated with the "10 coconuts and 1 tree" though they were down a set of coconuts and the tree was with me on crutches :) The girls got to see their mother participate in something meaningful and see what it means to not just give Tzedakah (charity) but to participate in Tikkun Olam (re paring the world). They were joined on the sidelines by my mother, who is a 12 year survivor of Breast Cancer, so it make it all the more meaningful in our home.
On Sunday we made our way to Centennial Olympic Park to welcome the ladies across the finish line and again we witnessed a huge outpouring of emotion. The girls' may be a little young to 'get it' but I know they will remember it!
There are other walks and other causes but this one affects almost everyone in some way or form and the neat thing about it is that ALL of the money stay local. Still give to other groups but don't leave this one out next year.
http://www.2daywalk.org/site/pp.asp?c=evKXLjMTIpG&b=248059
Ilene walked in it for the first time this weekend and with the support of friends, family and co-workers she raised over $2,200 for various Breast Cancer Organizations around Atlanta.
I took the girls on Saturday to a "Cheering Station" to root Mommy and her fellow walkers on. What we found there was much greater. We found a community of folks all supporting each other to try and wipe out an insidious disease. We clapped for everyone as they went by and celebrated with the "10 coconuts and 1 tree" though they were down a set of coconuts and the tree was with me on crutches :) The girls got to see their mother participate in something meaningful and see what it means to not just give Tzedakah (charity) but to participate in Tikkun Olam (re paring the world). They were joined on the sidelines by my mother, who is a 12 year survivor of Breast Cancer, so it make it all the more meaningful in our home.
On Sunday we made our way to Centennial Olympic Park to welcome the ladies across the finish line and again we witnessed a huge outpouring of emotion. The girls' may be a little young to 'get it' but I know they will remember it!
There are other walks and other causes but this one affects almost everyone in some way or form and the neat thing about it is that ALL of the money stay local. Still give to other groups but don't leave this one out next year.
Phil's Win, Phil's Win!
All I can say is wow!
It's too bad that this will mostly be looked at as a NY Met collapse but give the Fightin' Phils' there due. They won 13 of 17 and SWEPT the Mets TWICE in the last 3 weeks. Unlike the Mets, they also took care of business beating the teams they should have beat. Why do the Phils' deserve credit? Take away the Mets collapse and the Phillies are still playing today, tied with San Diego and Colorado for the Wild Card. It was 27 years ago when I truly understood the power of sports as I watched the Phillies beat the Royals for the World Series with my stepfather, I hope we can do it again here in 2008!
All that excitement was certainly tempered by the first Gator loss in over a year and whatever you want to call the Eagle game last night but at the end of the day the Gators will be fine and the Phillies are going to the Postseason!
Fantasy team moves to 4-0 beating our biggest rival, I should hold on to the overall lead as well, but not by much, not a good week for scoring!
It's too bad that this will mostly be looked at as a NY Met collapse but give the Fightin' Phils' there due. They won 13 of 17 and SWEPT the Mets TWICE in the last 3 weeks. Unlike the Mets, they also took care of business beating the teams they should have beat. Why do the Phils' deserve credit? Take away the Mets collapse and the Phillies are still playing today, tied with San Diego and Colorado for the Wild Card. It was 27 years ago when I truly understood the power of sports as I watched the Phillies beat the Royals for the World Series with my stepfather, I hope we can do it again here in 2008!
All that excitement was certainly tempered by the first Gator loss in over a year and whatever you want to call the Eagle game last night but at the end of the day the Gators will be fine and the Phillies are going to the Postseason!
Fantasy team moves to 4-0 beating our biggest rival, I should hold on to the overall lead as well, but not by much, not a good week for scoring!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Should be a great weekend in sports
1. The Fightin' Phils tied it up in the NL East last night. It's the first time I got chills watching a baseball game on TV since the 1993 NL Championship. Say what you want about us Philly Fans but you don't understand how much we love our teams! Do we boo too quicky sometimes? Maybe but we also get behind our boys like no others. Hearing the chants for J-Roll in the first was amazing and the support was there throughout the night. This weekend they welcome the Nats to town and hopefully Cole gets us off to a good start with a big W tonight! Wish I could be in Philly!
2. Night game at the SWAMP! They really didn't happen when I was in school, the first big one was 1991 against the Noles and it was awesome. The atmosphere should be electric. Auburn is a bit down this year but they will fight and it will hopefully be a bit of revenge for the Gators as they were our only blemish on last year's schedule. All goes well and you are looking at a TON of hype about Florida-LSU next weekend which I am sure will also be a night game in Death Valley.
3. On the home front BOTH girls have 8:00 AM soccer games tomorrow morning. I love coaching soccer but these 8:00 AM games are killer, especially when you have girls (the hair takes 20 minutes). Tomorrow will be especially tough to get out of the house as Ilene will be off at 6:00 AM to the Atlanta 2-Day Breast Cancer Walk. I can't tell you how proud I am of Ilene for dedicating the last few months to preparing for this. My lovely wife really loves her sleep, and to see her get up early on the weekends to train has been inspirational. She is walking for a great cause and she has worked very hard to be able to walk 30 miles in 2 days!
4. Don't sleep on the NFL either. Eagles have a huge game against the Giants and on the Fantasy front I take my 3-0 record up against my arch rival the BucXpress. I am looking for my 5th straight win against Rob dating back to the 2005 Championship!
2. Night game at the SWAMP! They really didn't happen when I was in school, the first big one was 1991 against the Noles and it was awesome. The atmosphere should be electric. Auburn is a bit down this year but they will fight and it will hopefully be a bit of revenge for the Gators as they were our only blemish on last year's schedule. All goes well and you are looking at a TON of hype about Florida-LSU next weekend which I am sure will also be a night game in Death Valley.
3. On the home front BOTH girls have 8:00 AM soccer games tomorrow morning. I love coaching soccer but these 8:00 AM games are killer, especially when you have girls (the hair takes 20 minutes). Tomorrow will be especially tough to get out of the house as Ilene will be off at 6:00 AM to the Atlanta 2-Day Breast Cancer Walk. I can't tell you how proud I am of Ilene for dedicating the last few months to preparing for this. My lovely wife really loves her sleep, and to see her get up early on the weekends to train has been inspirational. She is walking for a great cause and she has worked very hard to be able to walk 30 miles in 2 days!
4. Don't sleep on the NFL either. Eagles have a huge game against the Giants and on the Fantasy front I take my 3-0 record up against my arch rival the BucXpress. I am looking for my 5th straight win against Rob dating back to the 2005 Championship!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Knock Knock...
Who's there?
OJ
OJ who?
The OJ, dumbass who's memorabilia you have that I need back and oh yeah we have guns.
Can we lock this guy up this time? And can someone make sure the Goldman's get there money!
I hear the OJ book is #2 on the Bestseller list. I think that is pretty sick kids. How can you want to read a book about how the guy killed his wife and Ron Goldman? The ONLY saving grace is the money. From what I understand the Goldman's get there 33.5 Million before OJ sees a dime. What I don't know is what is OJ's take? Is this a standard book deal where he gets like 8-15%? If so, is the Publisher taking the rest of these profits and feeling good about it? I don't get it. If I knew the Goldman's were getting the entire $24.95 or whatever the book cost I would go out buy one and then toss it right in the garbage. Thinking they might get like $2 per book I'm not so inclined.
OJ
OJ who?
The OJ, dumbass who's memorabilia you have that I need back and oh yeah we have guns.
Can we lock this guy up this time? And can someone make sure the Goldman's get there money!
I hear the OJ book is #2 on the Bestseller list. I think that is pretty sick kids. How can you want to read a book about how the guy killed his wife and Ron Goldman? The ONLY saving grace is the money. From what I understand the Goldman's get there 33.5 Million before OJ sees a dime. What I don't know is what is OJ's take? Is this a standard book deal where he gets like 8-15%? If so, is the Publisher taking the rest of these profits and feeling good about it? I don't get it. If I knew the Goldman's were getting the entire $24.95 or whatever the book cost I would go out buy one and then toss it right in the garbage. Thinking they might get like $2 per book I'm not so inclined.
Have you been to traffic court lately?
On Monday I had the pleasure of taking our Au Pair to Traffic Court. Essentially it was our fault she received the citation so being there was the right thing, but the reality of the near 2 hour experience was pure comedy (and some embarrassment).
Why were we in Court and how could it be your 'hero's' fault? Pretty simple, we forgot to put the new little '08 sticker on her license plate. It was in the home office of course!
So, here's your day and first realize I have been laid up with bronchitis since the Thursday beforehand and felt like GARBAGE:
We get to the Dekalb Courthouse at around 1:30 for a 2:00 "appointment". The line to go through security was around the block. Not usually that big of a deal, however, I have the 'chills' so I am wearing a hoody, pretty smart knowing I was going to be sitting in a courtroom, not great standing in the 90 Atlanta heat for 30 minutes. Lerato and me also made an interesting observation standing in this line...there are NO white folks here with the exception of me. What's with that? Do white people not get tickets in Atlanta? Do we blow off court appearances? Is there an option to not have to go? I can't answer the last question because I have never gotten a ticket (at least in Georgia) to know if you could just send in your money...but we had no choice on this one because once we show them the documentation the whole thing gets dropped...
OK, so we get through security. Note to the folks at probably ALL County Offices. It's been 6 years since 9/11, can we look at a non-makeshift set up? It's time to invest a little moolah and make something a little more permanent.
Up to the Courtroom we go where there are already 50 or so folks in the room, it is now 5 minutes to 2:00. There is a Clerk of Courts there to 'assist' everyone. First thing I hear is, "ALL cell phones must be turned OFF, not silent, not vibrate, but OFF" and if you do not comply you WILL be held in contempt of court and spend TWO DAYS in jail. Really? Even when court is NOT in session. We heard this announcement about every 5 minutes for the next 40 minutes or so...which means, you guessed it...NO Judge until 2:30 or so. In the meantime, they did a decent job of dealing with people looking to plea out, pay fines, or folks like us who had documentation to get out of their issues. One interesting note if you ever get a MOVING VIOLATION...put up with the hassle and go to court, at least here in Dekalb County. You see, the County will offer you a 'reduction' as they call it, blackmail as I see it, and reduce your moving violation and lower you fine if you can pay them that day by 4:30! So, you get no points and pay less so they can have some cash. On the flip side, if you can't pay and are pleading guilty they will allow you to pay in installments. This I think i very generous until I hear that you are charged $34 a month, EVERY month until your fine is paid off. So let's see, I can't pay the $150 speeding ticket, I only have $20...I give you this $20 and say another $45 for the next 3 months PLUS the $34 * 3 and in the end will have paid $300 for a $150 ticket. Not exactly a bargain for the lower income citizens is it? But I digress...
So how did it get embarrassing? Well, the Judge is there finally and he is reading rules & regulations and all the details, all very important stuff I know but I have a dilemma...it's almost 3:00 and my kids get dropped of at home around 3:45 and I'm in court with the person who is supposed to be at home to let them in. If you know me you know I am a little concerned. You also know I already don't have a great deal of patience for tedious acts and listening to the Judge explain the difference between a GUILTY plea and one of NO LO CONTENDRE has now put me on edge. I guess I have trouble with expressing myself non-verbally, or at least so some people say :) and the Judge must have picked up on it...at 3:20 I look down at my watch and I hear, "We all have places to be, looking at your watch will do no good" and bam I get all red in the face. I mean come on...aren't you a judge? Why do you have to call me out like that? I'm in the FIRST ROW no one sees me looking at my watch and I have a pretty valid concern especially since I have to have my damn phone off in your courtroom. G-d forbid I try to text message my wife so my 7 and 5 year olds aren't stranded outside the house...another 5 minutes and I am risking TWO nights in jail for their safety.
OK, I rambled a bit but I think you get the gist. Court system sucks, totally takes advantage of the poor, you don't see white people and if you talk on your phone or to your neighbor they are going to blow more taxpayer money and lock you up...fuck the guy selling crack down the street or the pedophile who is lurking at the local playground...
Why were we in Court and how could it be your 'hero's' fault? Pretty simple, we forgot to put the new little '08 sticker on her license plate. It was in the home office of course!
So, here's your day and first realize I have been laid up with bronchitis since the Thursday beforehand and felt like GARBAGE:
We get to the Dekalb Courthouse at around 1:30 for a 2:00 "appointment". The line to go through security was around the block. Not usually that big of a deal, however, I have the 'chills' so I am wearing a hoody, pretty smart knowing I was going to be sitting in a courtroom, not great standing in the 90 Atlanta heat for 30 minutes. Lerato and me also made an interesting observation standing in this line...there are NO white folks here with the exception of me. What's with that? Do white people not get tickets in Atlanta? Do we blow off court appearances? Is there an option to not have to go? I can't answer the last question because I have never gotten a ticket (at least in Georgia) to know if you could just send in your money...but we had no choice on this one because once we show them the documentation the whole thing gets dropped...
OK, so we get through security. Note to the folks at probably ALL County Offices. It's been 6 years since 9/11, can we look at a non-makeshift set up? It's time to invest a little moolah and make something a little more permanent.
Up to the Courtroom we go where there are already 50 or so folks in the room, it is now 5 minutes to 2:00. There is a Clerk of Courts there to 'assist' everyone. First thing I hear is, "ALL cell phones must be turned OFF, not silent, not vibrate, but OFF" and if you do not comply you WILL be held in contempt of court and spend TWO DAYS in jail. Really? Even when court is NOT in session. We heard this announcement about every 5 minutes for the next 40 minutes or so...which means, you guessed it...NO Judge until 2:30 or so. In the meantime, they did a decent job of dealing with people looking to plea out, pay fines, or folks like us who had documentation to get out of their issues. One interesting note if you ever get a MOVING VIOLATION...put up with the hassle and go to court, at least here in Dekalb County. You see, the County will offer you a 'reduction' as they call it, blackmail as I see it, and reduce your moving violation and lower you fine if you can pay them that day by 4:30! So, you get no points and pay less so they can have some cash. On the flip side, if you can't pay and are pleading guilty they will allow you to pay in installments. This I think i very generous until I hear that you are charged $34 a month, EVERY month until your fine is paid off. So let's see, I can't pay the $150 speeding ticket, I only have $20...I give you this $20 and say another $45 for the next 3 months PLUS the $34 * 3 and in the end will have paid $300 for a $150 ticket. Not exactly a bargain for the lower income citizens is it? But I digress...
So how did it get embarrassing? Well, the Judge is there finally and he is reading rules & regulations and all the details, all very important stuff I know but I have a dilemma...it's almost 3:00 and my kids get dropped of at home around 3:45 and I'm in court with the person who is supposed to be at home to let them in. If you know me you know I am a little concerned. You also know I already don't have a great deal of patience for tedious acts and listening to the Judge explain the difference between a GUILTY plea and one of NO LO CONTENDRE has now put me on edge. I guess I have trouble with expressing myself non-verbally, or at least so some people say :) and the Judge must have picked up on it...at 3:20 I look down at my watch and I hear, "We all have places to be, looking at your watch will do no good" and bam I get all red in the face. I mean come on...aren't you a judge? Why do you have to call me out like that? I'm in the FIRST ROW no one sees me looking at my watch and I have a pretty valid concern especially since I have to have my damn phone off in your courtroom. G-d forbid I try to text message my wife so my 7 and 5 year olds aren't stranded outside the house...another 5 minutes and I am risking TWO nights in jail for their safety.
OK, I rambled a bit but I think you get the gist. Court system sucks, totally takes advantage of the poor, you don't see white people and if you talk on your phone or to your neighbor they are going to blow more taxpayer money and lock you up...fuck the guy selling crack down the street or the pedophile who is lurking at the local playground...
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Weight Update
I've been under the weather but did go weigh in yesterday:
Week 7 Weigh in - 232.2
Weight lost - 3 pounds
total weight loss - 11.6 pounds
Week 7 Weigh in - 232.2
Weight lost - 3 pounds
total weight loss - 11.6 pounds
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Weight Watchers Update
So there was no weigh in last week because of Labor Day. I set a goal for myself to lose 2.4 lbs I think...
Did I? No. I only lost .2 lbs but hey, at least I didn't gain. Let's dissect the 2 weeks and see where I failed:
1. Spent 4 days in Florida with the boys - playing golf, fantasy football draft, drank a few beers and I probably ate too much bad food and didn't think 'portion control'.
2. Labor Day - flew home and took the girls too the Braves-Phillies game. I did well here; no beer, not hot dogs, etc...just a grilled chicken sandwich and peanuts.
3. Took the company to the Braves - Phils on Wednesday for a day game AND we sat in the 'All you can eat seats'. Again, I did relatively well compared to Old Gil. I had ONE LIGHT BEER and 2 hot dogs. Old Gil would have been 2-3 beers, 4 hot dogs, fries and nachos.
4. This past weekend we drive down to Gainesville and took the girls to their first HOME Gator game. On the road I had a Chick-Fil-A sandwich on the way down and nothing on the way back. Before the game I had a Subway Turkey sub and NO chips. At the game I had a little of Rachel's pizza and Diet Coke's (actually Diet Pepsi's but that's a horse of a different color).
5. I only ran 4 days of the 2 weeks as well.
All in all I'll take the fact that I maintained and try to get back on the horse this week. I would like to hit the 10 pound loss this week.
Did I? No. I only lost .2 lbs but hey, at least I didn't gain. Let's dissect the 2 weeks and see where I failed:
1. Spent 4 days in Florida with the boys - playing golf, fantasy football draft, drank a few beers and I probably ate too much bad food and didn't think 'portion control'.
2. Labor Day - flew home and took the girls too the Braves-Phillies game. I did well here; no beer, not hot dogs, etc...just a grilled chicken sandwich and peanuts.
3. Took the company to the Braves - Phils on Wednesday for a day game AND we sat in the 'All you can eat seats'. Again, I did relatively well compared to Old Gil. I had ONE LIGHT BEER and 2 hot dogs. Old Gil would have been 2-3 beers, 4 hot dogs, fries and nachos.
4. This past weekend we drive down to Gainesville and took the girls to their first HOME Gator game. On the road I had a Chick-Fil-A sandwich on the way down and nothing on the way back. Before the game I had a Subway Turkey sub and NO chips. At the game I had a little of Rachel's pizza and Diet Coke's (actually Diet Pepsi's but that's a horse of a different color).
5. I only ran 4 days of the 2 weeks as well.
All in all I'll take the fact that I maintained and try to get back on the horse this week. I would like to hit the 10 pound loss this week.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
A busy Holiday Weekend!
Where to begin?
1. Let's start with golf. I have no OFFICIAL handicap because I don't belong to a club, but I am around a 22. I think I'm generally better than a 22 but I never put everything together. I can hit it 275, play my irons pretty well and at times have nice touch around the green, but never more than 1 of those in a round consistently. If I had 2 out of 3 I'd be dangerous (Meatloaf reference I know). Well, on Friday I had all 3 for a lot of the time and fired an 85 at Jacaranda Country Club, on the tougher East Course from the blues. I probably left a few strokes out there but I also drained a 30 footer as well as had 2 chips within tap in range. I played so well I was convinced I'd pay for it on Sunday with my boys. Since college I've played golf with the same 3 guys every time I come home. They are also 3 of the best friends anyone can have. They are also ALL better golfers than I am. First you have Scotty who is a 3 handicap at this point. He just kills it and he's learned it all on his own. After that is Glenn, who like me has trouble putting all the aspects of his game together. He does do better mentally than I on the course and manages his game well. Lastly is Gregg. I HATE Gregg! If he were my height he would have played college baseball or football, but he is stuck in a 5'8" frame. He was the QB of our HS Football Team, started at 1B on the baseball team, was on the Homecoming Court, married the cheerleader and at 39 is still in ridiculous shape. He's never been a great golfer but he's come a LONG way and now hits the ball very long off the tees. Enough about them - on Sunday we played the TPC Course @ Heron Bay, where they used to play the Honda Classic. From the blues it's almost 6,900 yards and at times it seems like there is more sand than fairway. We started on the 10th and I was 1 over through 3 and then came a string of doubles and I shot a 48 on our first 9. Here we go again! Gil struggles to break a 100! Apparently someone forgot to tell Gil. I went out and shot a 42 on our back side that included 6 bogeys, 3 pars and NO doubles! I missed an 8 footer for birdie and had a par putt lip out or I could have been in the 80's on back to back rounds! For the first time since I picked up golf I really feel something sync up, especially with the driver. It was an awesome feeling not being intimidated by a 440 yard par 4.
2. Fantasy Football - this was the main reason for the trip. Annual ritual now for the last 16 years for me. I won the league last year and I am this years commissioner so I had lots to do but really enjoyed the draft and I think I did as well as I could given my draft positions. I am excited to have Frank Gore and Brian Westbrook in my backfield and I have quality back ups in Brandon Jacobs, Jerious Norwood and LenDale White. I redrafted 2 stalwarts from my WR corps in Roy Williams and Andre Johnson. QB is where I had to wait and wait, which is not ideal in this league but I grabbed Kitna, Leinart and Rothlisberger and took a flier on Culpepper so time will tell.
3. It was also an amazing couple of days for sports! We watched the Gator game together and had the pleasure of "Link's" company to see his beloved Wolverines get beat by Appalachian State. That's a loss that won't go away and we wondered whether Lloyd Carr might get a Ron Zook like exit shortly...
How about the Golf Tournament? I'll be damned if I can figure out this FedEx thing but watching Tiger and Phil battle yesterday was great theater!
I'm now done with baseball! he Phils' break my heart every year. We go out and sweep the Mets, cut the lead to 2 and then drop 2 of 3 in Florida. To add insult to injury I take the girls to see the Phils play the Braves yesterday and we lose again! To add insult to injury the girls now LOVE doing the Tomahawk Chop! I've tried to explain to them that this will be acceptable in the baseball stadium but when we get to Gainesville on Saturday for the football game they will stick to the JAWS clap :)
4. Family - last but not least I enjoyed Friday's round of golf with my cousin Jeff and then had lunch with he and his wife Anne and then joined their family for dinner and some Wii fun (man am I buying that thing for the girls :)). Saturday morning I saw my brother and sister-in-law and their 3 boys.
Next South Florida isn't until Winter Break I believe, though as I alluded above, the girls get there first taste of REAL SEC Football this weekend as we are taking them down for the Florida Game. The above mentioned Gregg will be there with his family as well. I'm excited for Cyd and Rach to experience it and I'm excited that we're doing it with lifelong friends.
G
1. Let's start with golf. I have no OFFICIAL handicap because I don't belong to a club, but I am around a 22. I think I'm generally better than a 22 but I never put everything together. I can hit it 275, play my irons pretty well and at times have nice touch around the green, but never more than 1 of those in a round consistently. If I had 2 out of 3 I'd be dangerous (Meatloaf reference I know). Well, on Friday I had all 3 for a lot of the time and fired an 85 at Jacaranda Country Club, on the tougher East Course from the blues. I probably left a few strokes out there but I also drained a 30 footer as well as had 2 chips within tap in range. I played so well I was convinced I'd pay for it on Sunday with my boys. Since college I've played golf with the same 3 guys every time I come home. They are also 3 of the best friends anyone can have. They are also ALL better golfers than I am. First you have Scotty who is a 3 handicap at this point. He just kills it and he's learned it all on his own. After that is Glenn, who like me has trouble putting all the aspects of his game together. He does do better mentally than I on the course and manages his game well. Lastly is Gregg. I HATE Gregg! If he were my height he would have played college baseball or football, but he is stuck in a 5'8" frame. He was the QB of our HS Football Team, started at 1B on the baseball team, was on the Homecoming Court, married the cheerleader and at 39 is still in ridiculous shape. He's never been a great golfer but he's come a LONG way and now hits the ball very long off the tees. Enough about them - on Sunday we played the TPC Course @ Heron Bay, where they used to play the Honda Classic. From the blues it's almost 6,900 yards and at times it seems like there is more sand than fairway. We started on the 10th and I was 1 over through 3 and then came a string of doubles and I shot a 48 on our first 9. Here we go again! Gil struggles to break a 100! Apparently someone forgot to tell Gil. I went out and shot a 42 on our back side that included 6 bogeys, 3 pars and NO doubles! I missed an 8 footer for birdie and had a par putt lip out or I could have been in the 80's on back to back rounds! For the first time since I picked up golf I really feel something sync up, especially with the driver. It was an awesome feeling not being intimidated by a 440 yard par 4.
2. Fantasy Football - this was the main reason for the trip. Annual ritual now for the last 16 years for me. I won the league last year and I am this years commissioner so I had lots to do but really enjoyed the draft and I think I did as well as I could given my draft positions. I am excited to have Frank Gore and Brian Westbrook in my backfield and I have quality back ups in Brandon Jacobs, Jerious Norwood and LenDale White. I redrafted 2 stalwarts from my WR corps in Roy Williams and Andre Johnson. QB is where I had to wait and wait, which is not ideal in this league but I grabbed Kitna, Leinart and Rothlisberger and took a flier on Culpepper so time will tell.
3. It was also an amazing couple of days for sports! We watched the Gator game together and had the pleasure of "Link's" company to see his beloved Wolverines get beat by Appalachian State. That's a loss that won't go away and we wondered whether Lloyd Carr might get a Ron Zook like exit shortly...
How about the Golf Tournament? I'll be damned if I can figure out this FedEx thing but watching Tiger and Phil battle yesterday was great theater!
I'm now done with baseball! he Phils' break my heart every year. We go out and sweep the Mets, cut the lead to 2 and then drop 2 of 3 in Florida. To add insult to injury I take the girls to see the Phils play the Braves yesterday and we lose again! To add insult to injury the girls now LOVE doing the Tomahawk Chop! I've tried to explain to them that this will be acceptable in the baseball stadium but when we get to Gainesville on Saturday for the football game they will stick to the JAWS clap :)
4. Family - last but not least I enjoyed Friday's round of golf with my cousin Jeff and then had lunch with he and his wife Anne and then joined their family for dinner and some Wii fun (man am I buying that thing for the girls :)). Saturday morning I saw my brother and sister-in-law and their 3 boys.
Next South Florida isn't until Winter Break I believe, though as I alluded above, the girls get there first taste of REAL SEC Football this weekend as we are taking them down for the Florida Game. The above mentioned Gregg will be there with his family as well. I'm excited for Cyd and Rach to experience it and I'm excited that we're doing it with lifelong friends.
G
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
4 weeks in and STILL losing!
down 1.6 lbs this week!
Total weight lost - 8.4 lbs.
Down to 235.4
No meeting this coming week because of Labor Day, so 2 weeks between weigh ins and I am going on a 3 day boys trip in Ft. Lauderdale...hmmm...still looking to drop 2 lbs. and pass the 10 lb. mark.
Total weight lost - 8.4 lbs.
Down to 235.4
No meeting this coming week because of Labor Day, so 2 weeks between weigh ins and I am going on a 3 day boys trip in Ft. Lauderdale...hmmm...still looking to drop 2 lbs. and pass the 10 lb. mark.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sorry for the lack of posts, life should be more normal now...
We have spent the last week up at my parents' house while the hardwoods were being done in our place. It worked out really well but things were definitely disjointed from a time and usual routine standpoint.
Today we head to the house for a walk through and I believe we move back in this afternoon! It will be so nice to sleep in our own beds and the girls' are excited to going back into their own rooms and their own beds.
I missed last weeks WW meeting because of the house thing but I'll be back this afternoon. I don't think I've done tremendously well in the last 2 weeks so hopefully I will have at least maintained my current losses.
Busy week all the way around plus I leave for Florida on Thursday.
Football is about to get into high gear, just 5 more days until the Gators begin defense of their National Championship and 12 days until the girls get their first taste of the SWAMP!
Today we head to the house for a walk through and I believe we move back in this afternoon! It will be so nice to sleep in our own beds and the girls' are excited to going back into their own rooms and their own beds.
I missed last weeks WW meeting because of the house thing but I'll be back this afternoon. I don't think I've done tremendously well in the last 2 weeks so hopefully I will have at least maintained my current losses.
Busy week all the way around plus I leave for Florida on Thursday.
Football is about to get into high gear, just 5 more days until the Gators begin defense of their National Championship and 12 days until the girls get their first taste of the SWAMP!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Monday's Random Thoughts
I guess Monday's will be a good place to dump these thoughts, especially since they build up over the weekend.
1. Chaos in the house! I am NEVER moving again if I can help it. The last time we moved I got a 'hall pass' as I was already in Atlanta so the task of packing up was left to Ilene (who was 7 months pregnant, I know...nice husband!). Anyway, this weekend we did a 'mini-pack' as we have to move for a week or two as they are installing new hardwoods in the house. Man does this SUCK, and we are staying! On the positive side, once this is done not only will the house look great but we can sort of start over fresh and get rid of the junk that has been collecting, sort of a forced 'Spring Cleaning'.
2. Boy does the Phillies Bullpen BLOW! Yesterday while I was schlepping stuff from our house to my parents I was listening to the Phils' game on XM (I love the XM). They are up 4-0 going into the 7th and as a Phils' fan I just know the wheels will come off. One, I think Charlie Manuel must think he is managing a different team. I have never seen (or more often heard) a Manager so quickly yank a Starting Pitcher than Manuel. I mean if we had a the Boston bullpen I'd yank these guys in the 6th too but we're talking Alfonseca, Romero, Geary and Flash Gordon here...I'll roll the dice with the kid who has only given up 4 hits in 6 1/3...
3. I hate to go back to the Vick thing but two things are REALLY irking me:
a. The 'DUE PROCESS' thing - let's get this straight, Mike Vick is getting due process. Let's see, he is facing multiple felony charges, has 3 co-defendants lined up against him and his team is working on a plea deal. Where is Mike right now? He is sitting at home free to do almost anything he likes. He's NOT locked up, he's NOT on house arrest. No, he can't play football but that is not the Court's decision it is his employer's. And by the way, I don't see his Union fighting that decision. I could be wrong here but I also think he might be getting paid during this suspension. Regardless he has NOT been fired! So that's 3 big NOT's. Put me, you or Uncle Al in Mike's place and I bet you we are sitting in jail waiting for trial, have been fired from our jobs and our entire world would already been ruined. Start using the correct terms people - and by people I mean the media as well as the unabashed Vick supporters. Mike is getting due process from the only place where due process means anything - the courts.
b. Could there be more...yes there is. I keep hearing, specifically on Atlanta radio that we care more about dogs than we do people apparently. Really? I have now heard that Mike is being treated worse than murderers are treated. Again, really? We now know that his co-defendants have plead guilty to KILLING 8 dogs in a really disgusting manner. I also think they will do less than 5 years. In fact, each killing is worth 5 years on a sentence so they would do 40 if they went to trial, were convicted and sentenced. So, let's see how does that compare to killing people? If I go on a murderous rampage where I kill 8 people by electrocution and drowning will I get 5 years per murder? Will I get to plea this down? Ummm, I think not. In States where the Death Penalty is available I am frying, where it is not I am ROTTING in prison wasting taxpayer money where I am serving 8 consecutive life sentences without parole (that's 25 years x 8 folks). This argument is stupid!
4. Now that I got that off my chest, this weekend did have a football related bright spot. On Saturday night we had the annual picking of the cards for my Fantasy Football Draft. Unlike many leagues this one is unique. First it has been around since 1989 and I have been in since 1992. We also have stuck to only 8 teams and we have our own unique scoring system, which we still do on our OWN, no website. We also do a complete random order throughout the draft - no snake, no traditional, completely random! So I get the #7 pick in round 1 and the #1 in Round 2. Not horrible but my picks stay pretty bad. Last year I won the whole thing with the #8 pick so there is hope. The other great thing about this league, like all leagues is the draft. For this one I go to South Florida every year for the draft (or almost every year, I've done a couple via conference call). It's a great weekend with great friends, I'm sure you'll hear plenty this year :)
5. I am admitting it here to the 'unwashed masses' - I like soccer and not just coaching Cydney and Rachel's teams. I like soccer on TV. I have the Fox Sports Soccer channel and I like watching English Premier League, the Bundeslega, Argenitinian Soccer and even MLS (gasp). I watched the LA - NY match and Beckham is just amazing! On top of that Landon Donovan is a true superstar in the making, he needs to go to Europe and let the world see it!
OK, that's a REALLY long post. I have more but my fingers are hurting!
G
1. Chaos in the house! I am NEVER moving again if I can help it. The last time we moved I got a 'hall pass' as I was already in Atlanta so the task of packing up was left to Ilene (who was 7 months pregnant, I know...nice husband!). Anyway, this weekend we did a 'mini-pack' as we have to move for a week or two as they are installing new hardwoods in the house. Man does this SUCK, and we are staying! On the positive side, once this is done not only will the house look great but we can sort of start over fresh and get rid of the junk that has been collecting, sort of a forced 'Spring Cleaning'.
2. Boy does the Phillies Bullpen BLOW! Yesterday while I was schlepping stuff from our house to my parents I was listening to the Phils' game on XM (I love the XM). They are up 4-0 going into the 7th and as a Phils' fan I just know the wheels will come off. One, I think Charlie Manuel must think he is managing a different team. I have never seen (or more often heard) a Manager so quickly yank a Starting Pitcher than Manuel. I mean if we had a the Boston bullpen I'd yank these guys in the 6th too but we're talking Alfonseca, Romero, Geary and Flash Gordon here...I'll roll the dice with the kid who has only given up 4 hits in 6 1/3...
3. I hate to go back to the Vick thing but two things are REALLY irking me:
a. The 'DUE PROCESS' thing - let's get this straight, Mike Vick is getting due process. Let's see, he is facing multiple felony charges, has 3 co-defendants lined up against him and his team is working on a plea deal. Where is Mike right now? He is sitting at home free to do almost anything he likes. He's NOT locked up, he's NOT on house arrest. No, he can't play football but that is not the Court's decision it is his employer's. And by the way, I don't see his Union fighting that decision. I could be wrong here but I also think he might be getting paid during this suspension. Regardless he has NOT been fired! So that's 3 big NOT's. Put me, you or Uncle Al in Mike's place and I bet you we are sitting in jail waiting for trial, have been fired from our jobs and our entire world would already been ruined. Start using the correct terms people - and by people I mean the media as well as the unabashed Vick supporters. Mike is getting due process from the only place where due process means anything - the courts.
b. Could there be more...yes there is. I keep hearing, specifically on Atlanta radio that we care more about dogs than we do people apparently. Really? I have now heard that Mike is being treated worse than murderers are treated. Again, really? We now know that his co-defendants have plead guilty to KILLING 8 dogs in a really disgusting manner. I also think they will do less than 5 years. In fact, each killing is worth 5 years on a sentence so they would do 40 if they went to trial, were convicted and sentenced. So, let's see how does that compare to killing people? If I go on a murderous rampage where I kill 8 people by electrocution and drowning will I get 5 years per murder? Will I get to plea this down? Ummm, I think not. In States where the Death Penalty is available I am frying, where it is not I am ROTTING in prison wasting taxpayer money where I am serving 8 consecutive life sentences without parole (that's 25 years x 8 folks). This argument is stupid!
4. Now that I got that off my chest, this weekend did have a football related bright spot. On Saturday night we had the annual picking of the cards for my Fantasy Football Draft. Unlike many leagues this one is unique. First it has been around since 1989 and I have been in since 1992. We also have stuck to only 8 teams and we have our own unique scoring system, which we still do on our OWN, no website. We also do a complete random order throughout the draft - no snake, no traditional, completely random! So I get the #7 pick in round 1 and the #1 in Round 2. Not horrible but my picks stay pretty bad. Last year I won the whole thing with the #8 pick so there is hope. The other great thing about this league, like all leagues is the draft. For this one I go to South Florida every year for the draft (or almost every year, I've done a couple via conference call). It's a great weekend with great friends, I'm sure you'll hear plenty this year :)
5. I am admitting it here to the 'unwashed masses' - I like soccer and not just coaching Cydney and Rachel's teams. I like soccer on TV. I have the Fox Sports Soccer channel and I like watching English Premier League, the Bundeslega, Argenitinian Soccer and even MLS (gasp). I watched the LA - NY match and Beckham is just amazing! On top of that Landon Donovan is a true superstar in the making, he needs to go to Europe and let the world see it!
OK, that's a REALLY long post. I have more but my fingers are hurting!
G
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
An Open Letter to Michael Vick
Dear Mike,
I am not your PR person or in your circle but I wish I were. Today you stand alone against the world but you have an AMAZING opportunity through all of this.
I believe that not only can you resurrect your football career but also your name.
Here is my plan, feel free to use it:
1. Go into court and take the plea your attorney's are negotiating.
2. Speak for yourself and from your heart. Here are some high level bullets
a. apologize - to your family, your fans, the City of Atlanta, Va. Tech and especially pet owners.
b. admit what you did was wrong, however limited your involvement (but don't say that)
c. Talk about change - how you will use the time to be a better person, how you can help people understand that violent and poor treatment of anything living is wrong. Discuss how your role as a high profile athlete can now be used for the greater good and to educate those that feel that dogfighting is a 'cultural thing' need to re-evaluate that culture.
d. Donate, donate, donate! You still have a lot. Give 1 MILLION dollars to PETA now! Give a million to the NFL Charities and go to Arthur Blank and ask him to distribute a million through the Blank Family Foundation and the Falcons Charities.
3. Serve your time well. Take the time to re-evaluate your life and come out better because of it.
4. Cut the PSA's we know you will have to but do more! When you get out there will be even more opportunity to do good.
Mike, you are young and still have so much to look forward to. We all make mistakes and in America we love it when someone makes a mistake, takes accountability for their actions and then makes a change.
Twenty years from now you could be more of an icon for what you have done for society than you ever would have been for football.
Sincerely,
Gil Wolchock
*On a personal note, I am not a pet owner, I'm a fairly moderate guy. I do live in Atlanta but I am not a Falcons fan per se so none of this is motivated through what is going on, simply one guys take on what could be done to help out so many :)
Just my .02 cents I guess
I am not your PR person or in your circle but I wish I were. Today you stand alone against the world but you have an AMAZING opportunity through all of this.
I believe that not only can you resurrect your football career but also your name.
Here is my plan, feel free to use it:
1. Go into court and take the plea your attorney's are negotiating.
2. Speak for yourself and from your heart. Here are some high level bullets
a. apologize - to your family, your fans, the City of Atlanta, Va. Tech and especially pet owners.
b. admit what you did was wrong, however limited your involvement (but don't say that)
c. Talk about change - how you will use the time to be a better person, how you can help people understand that violent and poor treatment of anything living is wrong. Discuss how your role as a high profile athlete can now be used for the greater good and to educate those that feel that dogfighting is a 'cultural thing' need to re-evaluate that culture.
d. Donate, donate, donate! You still have a lot. Give 1 MILLION dollars to PETA now! Give a million to the NFL Charities and go to Arthur Blank and ask him to distribute a million through the Blank Family Foundation and the Falcons Charities.
3. Serve your time well. Take the time to re-evaluate your life and come out better because of it.
4. Cut the PSA's we know you will have to but do more! When you get out there will be even more opportunity to do good.
Mike, you are young and still have so much to look forward to. We all make mistakes and in America we love it when someone makes a mistake, takes accountability for their actions and then makes a change.
Twenty years from now you could be more of an icon for what you have done for society than you ever would have been for football.
Sincerely,
Gil Wolchock
*On a personal note, I am not a pet owner, I'm a fairly moderate guy. I do live in Atlanta but I am not a Falcons fan per se so none of this is motivated through what is going on, simply one guys take on what could be done to help out so many :)
Just my .02 cents I guess
Week Three - Did I use 'performance enhancing' techniques?
No, I didn't rub on the 'clear'...at least the trainer told me it wasn't a steroid :)
First the stats:
Weight Loss in Week 3 - 1.8 lbs
Total weight lost - 6.8 lbs.
New Weight - 237 lbs.
So, I think I ate too much this week. I didn't feel great and I knew I stretched the POINTS a bit. Yesterday I was not looking forward to weigh in. In the past I'd have just blown off the meeting and convinced myself that I would make it up net week. However, there is a new Sheriff in town and his name is Reggie Hammond (name that movie...). Actually it's just the new me! So instead of blowing off the meeting I took off from the office at 4:45, ran home, changed and got to the gym at 5:15 with the meeting at 6:00. I set my Nike+ system for 30 minutes and the treadmill at 5.7 MPH. I steadily increased to 6.5 MPG and banged out 3.11 miles in 30 minutes. I dashed to the car, changed t-shirts and got to the meeting. I LOST 1.8 lbs. So, did the extra 3 miles cause it? How much 'water weight' does one lose from 30 minutes of running? Regardless, I am still on track and I also realize I need to be better. On a side note, a 3 mile run is getting easier and easier. On another side note, I also went to a new Allergy and Asthma Specialist yesterday. My breathing has been shitty at best in this heat. My lung function was between 46% and 74%. I made a comment that maybe I'll run better if my lungs are in better shape and the Doctor said at least you'll be able to run...to which I replied, "I'm doing 3-4 miles, 4 times a week" and he seemed a little surprised. Maybe there is hope for a marathon in my future!
G
First the stats:
Weight Loss in Week 3 - 1.8 lbs
Total weight lost - 6.8 lbs.
New Weight - 237 lbs.
So, I think I ate too much this week. I didn't feel great and I knew I stretched the POINTS a bit. Yesterday I was not looking forward to weigh in. In the past I'd have just blown off the meeting and convinced myself that I would make it up net week. However, there is a new Sheriff in town and his name is Reggie Hammond (name that movie...). Actually it's just the new me! So instead of blowing off the meeting I took off from the office at 4:45, ran home, changed and got to the gym at 5:15 with the meeting at 6:00. I set my Nike+ system for 30 minutes and the treadmill at 5.7 MPH. I steadily increased to 6.5 MPG and banged out 3.11 miles in 30 minutes. I dashed to the car, changed t-shirts and got to the meeting. I LOST 1.8 lbs. So, did the extra 3 miles cause it? How much 'water weight' does one lose from 30 minutes of running? Regardless, I am still on track and I also realize I need to be better. On a side note, a 3 mile run is getting easier and easier. On another side note, I also went to a new Allergy and Asthma Specialist yesterday. My breathing has been shitty at best in this heat. My lung function was between 46% and 74%. I made a comment that maybe I'll run better if my lungs are in better shape and the Doctor said at least you'll be able to run...to which I replied, "I'm doing 3-4 miles, 4 times a week" and he seemed a little surprised. Maybe there is hope for a marathon in my future!
G
Friday, August 10, 2007
A fun day at work
Yesterday at work was a blast! I always enjoy when I get to go on a shoot. Usually when I go it entails international travel so that is always fun, but yesterday was great here in the ATL.
We always have 20-25 projects in motion but yesterday one of my passions was on display, The Davis Academy (www.davisacademy.org). Davis is the Reform Jewish Day School in Atlanta. It also happen to be where Cydney and Rachel go to school, Cydney going into 1st Grade and Rachel beginning Kindergarten. Thanks to a friend of mine we approached Davis on a short form piece for a single event and the idea grew into building a longer piece that will highlight the school, the kids, faculty and staff, the parents and the alumni. We are shooting lots of personal interviews that will be overlayed with b-roll from the Fall. In the end we should have about a 6 minute video that will capture the spirit and 'soul' of Davis.
Yesterday was our first day of filming and it was the Alumni. Now when we are talking alumni we are still talking 'kids' as the school has only been open for 15 years now and the first classes were Kindergarten and 1st Grade. Also, the school only goes to 8th Grade so graduates are younger at this point. I got to meet and interview some of the brightest, funniest and talented kids who are so well grounded. As a parent of young kids you want to know that the things you are doing for your family pay off and after yesterday I feel pretty good.
What made me even prouder was our TEAM from EventStreams. The crew was awesome as always but when you mix your business life with part of your personal life you are always acutely aware of the 'vibe'. Yesterday it was spot on! Bryan, Ryan and of course Nate rocked and the ladies we worked with were blown away. From the moment when they walked in and said, "wow, this is like a real movie set" to the e-mail I got even before we got back to the office thanking us for the day it was perfect.
The project will take a long time, most of the Fall in fact, but I look forward to updating the happenings with stills as well as some rough cuts of video.
Have a great weekend everyone!
G
We always have 20-25 projects in motion but yesterday one of my passions was on display, The Davis Academy (www.davisacademy.org). Davis is the Reform Jewish Day School in Atlanta. It also happen to be where Cydney and Rachel go to school, Cydney going into 1st Grade and Rachel beginning Kindergarten. Thanks to a friend of mine we approached Davis on a short form piece for a single event and the idea grew into building a longer piece that will highlight the school, the kids, faculty and staff, the parents and the alumni. We are shooting lots of personal interviews that will be overlayed with b-roll from the Fall. In the end we should have about a 6 minute video that will capture the spirit and 'soul' of Davis.
Yesterday was our first day of filming and it was the Alumni. Now when we are talking alumni we are still talking 'kids' as the school has only been open for 15 years now and the first classes were Kindergarten and 1st Grade. Also, the school only goes to 8th Grade so graduates are younger at this point. I got to meet and interview some of the brightest, funniest and talented kids who are so well grounded. As a parent of young kids you want to know that the things you are doing for your family pay off and after yesterday I feel pretty good.
What made me even prouder was our TEAM from EventStreams. The crew was awesome as always but when you mix your business life with part of your personal life you are always acutely aware of the 'vibe'. Yesterday it was spot on! Bryan, Ryan and of course Nate rocked and the ladies we worked with were blown away. From the moment when they walked in and said, "wow, this is like a real movie set" to the e-mail I got even before we got back to the office thanking us for the day it was perfect.
The project will take a long time, most of the Fall in fact, but I look forward to updating the happenings with stills as well as some rough cuts of video.
Have a great weekend everyone!
G
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Weight Watchers Report Week 2
First the nitty gritty details, I lost 1 lb. this past week.
New Totals:
Starting Weight - 243.8 lbs
After week 2 - 238.8 lbs
Weight lost - 5 lbs
If that's all you are interested in you are dismissed. If you want to hear about the inside 'skinny' on a WW meeting stick around.
I guess you stayed...I thought you might. First, you walk into the door and wait on line to stand on the scale. People, predominantly women, shed everything but their clothes to make sure they are as 'light as possible' and then hop on. This part is pretty rudimentary and has little comedic value.
From there however, we enter the 'meeting' portion where the wheels fall off into absolute hysterics! Number one, there is a sign that says, "Members who stay for the meetings are 3 times more likely to lose weight than those that don't". I guess this is suggesting the 'power' of the meeting. To me it means if you stay for the meetings you are probably more committed that the person who shows up, weighs in and walks out. I mean really, why pay $39 a month to step on a scale? I get the accountability crap and all but really $39 a month for that...sorry I digressed.
OK, so we are sitting and bought in (OK, I'm not bought in but I do want to lose weight and like I alluded there is great comedic value here). We have a group leader, a really nice woman. I believe the credentials to be a leader is you must have reached your GOAL WEIGHT through WW and maintained it. Our leader is very Southern as are many in the room...duh, it's Atlanta. She is sugary sweet and starts with asking folks if they deserve 'Bravo Stars'. Bravo Starts are literally the little gold stars we got as kids. These folks LOVE them! Next we go into the topic for the night. Tonight's theme is around food in the house and followed up on last weeks what have you replaced in your house or gotten rid of. I have to veer of course here for a second. Nothing in MY house has changed! I love my wife but we will not be getting rid of the kids junk food and the stuff she likes. Is she supportive of the weight loss? You bet, but my kids need there snacks and there is usually home baked cookies, cupcakes or something else around. Personally I have had NO problems with this thus far. I am sticking with Weight Watchers ice cream bars (actually quite good) and jello for snacks. Bottom line, asking my family to remove the junk food from the house is like discussing military with drawl from Iraq, in principle it sounds good and both sides agree to something but at the end of the day I'm the Democrats asking for a firm withdrawl date and Ilene is George Bush saying, "It's not the prudent thing to do, not at this juncture"...
OK, back to the meeting I think you got the picture up there...
So we go around the room discussing what items are in the cupboards and what isn't and every once in awhile the Leader sticks in a shameless plug for Weight Watchers measuring items, a POINTS calculator or even the food they sell after the meetings. I assume everyone in the room realizes that this is all shameless self promotion but maybe not. Then the real fun begins, she starts asking folks for what they make and do. I LOVE it! Here's the analogy that works for me...I play golf. I love golf. I'm not half bad. On a good day I break 90 and can hit the ball pretty far. I would never tell Tiger Woods how to hit a 300 yard drive around a tree onto a fairway with a tournament on the line. However, I am sitting in a room of FAT PEOPLE telling me what they make to lose weight! Maybe if I saw a before and after picture I might lend some credibility. There's one GUY in the room who is no less than 350 lbs. I have heard him discuss his Personal Trainer and yoga! Last night he raised his hand 5 times to talk about what he eats and makes! Unless he used to weigh 900 lbs. I can't really get too excited. Then there's the 50 something rural woman who substitutes eggs with pumpkin! Now, maybe it tastes great, but I'm more than a little scared about the twig of an Oak that is her family tree!
So we wrap up the meeting with more 'awards' this time for achievements. I get my FIRST star for losing my first 5 lbs. The Leader asks me how I feel. My first mistake in WW! I told the group I don't feel different yet! The room got downright frosty. Word of advice, "losing the first 5 pounds felt like the world has been lifted off my shoulders and I can now accomplish anything". I think that would have gotten a rousing applause. I must admit I was impressed with the woman who last 65.8 pounds in less than a year. That deserves the accolades. Five pounds off of 243.8 is pretty insignificant, but it's a milestone.
This week I am going to try and stick even harder to the points and not eat out as much. I'm only eating chicken and vegetables when we go out but I know they are sneaking in butter and stuff like that to make the food taste better and the portions are probably too large.
If you stuck around for the whole post, thanks. Let me know what you think.
G
New Totals:
Starting Weight - 243.8 lbs
After week 2 - 238.8 lbs
Weight lost - 5 lbs
If that's all you are interested in you are dismissed. If you want to hear about the inside 'skinny' on a WW meeting stick around.
I guess you stayed...I thought you might. First, you walk into the door and wait on line to stand on the scale. People, predominantly women, shed everything but their clothes to make sure they are as 'light as possible' and then hop on. This part is pretty rudimentary and has little comedic value.
From there however, we enter the 'meeting' portion where the wheels fall off into absolute hysterics! Number one, there is a sign that says, "Members who stay for the meetings are 3 times more likely to lose weight than those that don't". I guess this is suggesting the 'power' of the meeting. To me it means if you stay for the meetings you are probably more committed that the person who shows up, weighs in and walks out. I mean really, why pay $39 a month to step on a scale? I get the accountability crap and all but really $39 a month for that...sorry I digressed.
OK, so we are sitting and bought in (OK, I'm not bought in but I do want to lose weight and like I alluded there is great comedic value here). We have a group leader, a really nice woman. I believe the credentials to be a leader is you must have reached your GOAL WEIGHT through WW and maintained it. Our leader is very Southern as are many in the room...duh, it's Atlanta. She is sugary sweet and starts with asking folks if they deserve 'Bravo Stars'. Bravo Starts are literally the little gold stars we got as kids. These folks LOVE them! Next we go into the topic for the night. Tonight's theme is around food in the house and followed up on last weeks what have you replaced in your house or gotten rid of. I have to veer of course here for a second. Nothing in MY house has changed! I love my wife but we will not be getting rid of the kids junk food and the stuff she likes. Is she supportive of the weight loss? You bet, but my kids need there snacks and there is usually home baked cookies, cupcakes or something else around. Personally I have had NO problems with this thus far. I am sticking with Weight Watchers ice cream bars (actually quite good) and jello for snacks. Bottom line, asking my family to remove the junk food from the house is like discussing military with drawl from Iraq, in principle it sounds good and both sides agree to something but at the end of the day I'm the Democrats asking for a firm withdrawl date and Ilene is George Bush saying, "It's not the prudent thing to do, not at this juncture"...
OK, back to the meeting I think you got the picture up there...
So we go around the room discussing what items are in the cupboards and what isn't and every once in awhile the Leader sticks in a shameless plug for Weight Watchers measuring items, a POINTS calculator or even the food they sell after the meetings. I assume everyone in the room realizes that this is all shameless self promotion but maybe not. Then the real fun begins, she starts asking folks for what they make and do. I LOVE it! Here's the analogy that works for me...I play golf. I love golf. I'm not half bad. On a good day I break 90 and can hit the ball pretty far. I would never tell Tiger Woods how to hit a 300 yard drive around a tree onto a fairway with a tournament on the line. However, I am sitting in a room of FAT PEOPLE telling me what they make to lose weight! Maybe if I saw a before and after picture I might lend some credibility. There's one GUY in the room who is no less than 350 lbs. I have heard him discuss his Personal Trainer and yoga! Last night he raised his hand 5 times to talk about what he eats and makes! Unless he used to weigh 900 lbs. I can't really get too excited. Then there's the 50 something rural woman who substitutes eggs with pumpkin! Now, maybe it tastes great, but I'm more than a little scared about the twig of an Oak that is her family tree!
So we wrap up the meeting with more 'awards' this time for achievements. I get my FIRST star for losing my first 5 lbs. The Leader asks me how I feel. My first mistake in WW! I told the group I don't feel different yet! The room got downright frosty. Word of advice, "losing the first 5 pounds felt like the world has been lifted off my shoulders and I can now accomplish anything". I think that would have gotten a rousing applause. I must admit I was impressed with the woman who last 65.8 pounds in less than a year. That deserves the accolades. Five pounds off of 243.8 is pretty insignificant, but it's a milestone.
This week I am going to try and stick even harder to the points and not eat out as much. I'm only eating chicken and vegetables when we go out but I know they are sneaking in butter and stuff like that to make the food taste better and the portions are probably too large.
If you stuck around for the whole post, thanks. Let me know what you think.
G
Monday, August 6, 2007
Random thoughts from the weekend
1. I LOVE the NFL Hall of Fame speeches! As my friends know, I am not a Michael Irvin fan per se, he did go to UM and them played for the Cowboys, but his speech was great. While I don't love Mike I have grown to respect him. He has made mistakes, many in fact, but has pretty much taken accountability for them. His speech last night showed a man humbled by his surroundings and his own place there. The Charlie Sanders moment saying 'Hi Mom' was awesome and the son of the Hall of Famer speech was amazing him being led out by the 3 running backs that he led into the Hall was cool.
2. More inspiration? How about the job NBC does with rebroadcasting the Ironman? Al Trautwig has a perfect voice for it! The way they profile athletes makes you think anyone can swim, bike and run in that heat. It's the 2nd time they broadcast the event and I got a lump in my throat again when they showed the John Blaise story.
3. Tiger Woods, need I say more?
4. Back to football...training camps are open, the preseason started last night and I am psyched. 26 days until the Gators open their season and 33 until we take the girls to the SWAMP for their first game at the University of Florida!
5. Tennis - on Saturday night we played mixed doubles with another couple. I am NO tennis player. In fact, it's only the 2nd time I've played in a 'competitive' match. Of course I won :) but I REALLY enjoyed it. So now I'm thinking of maybe getting a coach and trying out this ALTA deal. Ilene plays on a Ladies' Team and really enjoys it. I don't think it's that easy for guys. I'm very competitive and I realize I pretty much suck! Where do I start so I don't look like an ass is pretty much what I am trying to figure out :)
6. Lastly, but now first is the word POSITIVITY! For the most part I think I'm a pretty positive person but it is so easy to get caught up in the negative bullshit that swirls around. I am taking a conscious effort to the see the glass more than 1/2 full. Tomorrow will be the 6th anniversary of my father's death, enough of the self deprecating shit, I will try to think of the good times we shared, the love he had for his kids, and how proud he would be of myself and my sister of the people we have become and the children we are raising!
Stay tuned tomorrow to see if I dropped any weight in week 2!
G
2. More inspiration? How about the job NBC does with rebroadcasting the Ironman? Al Trautwig has a perfect voice for it! The way they profile athletes makes you think anyone can swim, bike and run in that heat. It's the 2nd time they broadcast the event and I got a lump in my throat again when they showed the John Blaise story.
3. Tiger Woods, need I say more?
4. Back to football...training camps are open, the preseason started last night and I am psyched. 26 days until the Gators open their season and 33 until we take the girls to the SWAMP for their first game at the University of Florida!
5. Tennis - on Saturday night we played mixed doubles with another couple. I am NO tennis player. In fact, it's only the 2nd time I've played in a 'competitive' match. Of course I won :) but I REALLY enjoyed it. So now I'm thinking of maybe getting a coach and trying out this ALTA deal. Ilene plays on a Ladies' Team and really enjoys it. I don't think it's that easy for guys. I'm very competitive and I realize I pretty much suck! Where do I start so I don't look like an ass is pretty much what I am trying to figure out :)
6. Lastly, but now first is the word POSITIVITY! For the most part I think I'm a pretty positive person but it is so easy to get caught up in the negative bullshit that swirls around. I am taking a conscious effort to the see the glass more than 1/2 full. Tomorrow will be the 6th anniversary of my father's death, enough of the self deprecating shit, I will try to think of the good times we shared, the love he had for his kids, and how proud he would be of myself and my sister of the people we have become and the children we are raising!
Stay tuned tomorrow to see if I dropped any weight in week 2!
G
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
The Pitbull comparison
OK, so I know I will get flamed for this one but it's on my mind after reading this NY Times Article about the dogs from Michael Vick's Kennel, http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/01/sports/golf/01vick.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin.
Basically, the 60+ dogs from the property are 'evidence' and are being kept as such at various locations. In the end they will be euthanized because they can NOT be rehabilitated from the years of abuse.
All of this got me to thinking about our Country's youth and in particular the disadvantaged. They live in horrible conditions, see violence in their homes and on their streets. They live with murder, rape, robbery, drug addictions and homelessness. After 18 years of this, if they are lucky, they are out on their own. In many ways I see them like the Bad Newz Kennel dogs and we as SOCIETY are the Humane Society left to deal with things. Fortunately, euthanizing is not an option, but what is? How do we change a mindset or behavior that has gone on for so many years. Enough people have trouble eating well or stopping addictions like nicotine, alcohol, gambling etc...imagine trying to re-train yourself to trust in others and have self esteem that was long ago destroyed?
I don't know the answer, and I could be way off, but it was in my head.
G
Basically, the 60+ dogs from the property are 'evidence' and are being kept as such at various locations. In the end they will be euthanized because they can NOT be rehabilitated from the years of abuse.
All of this got me to thinking about our Country's youth and in particular the disadvantaged. They live in horrible conditions, see violence in their homes and on their streets. They live with murder, rape, robbery, drug addictions and homelessness. After 18 years of this, if they are lucky, they are out on their own. In many ways I see them like the Bad Newz Kennel dogs and we as SOCIETY are the Humane Society left to deal with things. Fortunately, euthanizing is not an option, but what is? How do we change a mindset or behavior that has gone on for so many years. Enough people have trouble eating well or stopping addictions like nicotine, alcohol, gambling etc...imagine trying to re-train yourself to trust in others and have self esteem that was long ago destroyed?
I don't know the answer, and I could be way off, but it was in my head.
G
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Week One of Weight Watchers Down
Lost 4 lbs on the first week!
I really found it remarkably simple. I don't feel or see any effect but I was happy to see the scale.
Starting Weight - 243.8 (grossly fat)
Week One Weight - 239.8 (grossly fat minus 4 lbs)
10% loss (WW 1st Goal) - 219.8 (24 lbs)
My Goal - 205 - I think 6'2" 205 lbs has a nice ring to it.
I certainly have no expectation to drop 4 lbs a week, but I am hopeful 2-2.5 is realistic.
G
I really found it remarkably simple. I don't feel or see any effect but I was happy to see the scale.
Starting Weight - 243.8 (grossly fat)
Week One Weight - 239.8 (grossly fat minus 4 lbs)
10% loss (WW 1st Goal) - 219.8 (24 lbs)
My Goal - 205 - I think 6'2" 205 lbs has a nice ring to it.
I certainly have no expectation to drop 4 lbs a week, but I am hopeful 2-2.5 is realistic.
G
Monday, July 30, 2007
Bonds Watch - Vick Support
Maybe I am the only guy outside of San Francisco captivated with Barry Bonds hitting his next 2 home runs. I think it is amazing. Has he juiced? Probably. Did Gaylord Perry do everything he could, legally and illegally to make a baseball dance, you bet. I don't see anyone clamoring for him to be removed from the Hall or have his 300+ wins reduced. In fact, I remember a series of ESPN spots glorifying his 'antics'. Can you compare Bonds to Perry and others already in the Hall? From the cheating is cheating standpoint sure you can. On top of that, Baseball must take a good part of the blame for the 'Steroids Era' in that they turned a blind eye to it all. There was NO testing, the home runs were good for a troubled game. On top of all of that is the sheer # of juicers, and that includes the Pitchers. Pitchers in this whole deal remind me of 'He Who Must Not be Named' in the Harry Potter Series. If we don't talk about them it will just go away? If a good percentage of people 'cheated' then how do you single out ONE guy? Say what you want but his sheer volume of jacks and how he turns on a ball is ridiculous.
On to Vick, or more correctly the 'Vick Supporters' I saw on the news last night. Give me a break! Chanting "Innocent until proven guilty". I am glad you learned that phrase as it gets kicked around to death. Last time I checked the phrase applies to the Court of Law and NOT the Private world of business.
Let's do a simple test; Doctor A from Hospital "insert your favorite Saint here" gets indicted on Federal charges for the same crimes as Vick. Doctor A is a middle aged white guy and is an OB-GYN(for giggles sake).
Answer the question:
A. Doctor A continues to practice at the Hospital while he awaits trial
B. Doctor A gets suspended with pay while the Hospital reviews the charges
C. Doctor A gets suspended without pay
D. Doctor A gets fired, can't get hired anywhere else
On to Vick, or more correctly the 'Vick Supporters' I saw on the news last night. Give me a break! Chanting "Innocent until proven guilty". I am glad you learned that phrase as it gets kicked around to death. Last time I checked the phrase applies to the Court of Law and NOT the Private world of business.
Let's do a simple test; Doctor A from Hospital "insert your favorite Saint here" gets indicted on Federal charges for the same crimes as Vick. Doctor A is a middle aged white guy and is an OB-GYN(for giggles sake).
Answer the question:
A. Doctor A continues to practice at the Hospital while he awaits trial
B. Doctor A gets suspended with pay while the Hospital reviews the charges
C. Doctor A gets suspended without pay
D. Doctor A gets fired, can't get hired anywhere else
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
July 24, 2007 - before there was www there was ww
Weight Watcher's that is!
Here's the deal. I don't see myself as big, not just 'fat' but tall as well. I was always the runt growing up. I don't think I hit a 100 lbs. and 5' 5" until my Junior year in High School. I know if you break out my Bar Mitzvah picture (13 years old) I am at least 2 inches shorter than my 5' tall mother!
So here I am 'trapped' in a 6'2" frame that is now holding a BLOATED 243.8 lbs according to the Weight Watcher's scale at the Monday Night Meetings I started last night.
Now, I did have a successful stint at WW back in 2002-2003, but then I had a GREAT support group. I took over an office who had 3 women who had lost a combined 120+ pounds! They dragged me to meetings, made sure I ordered good stuff at lunch, etc... Now I am on my own, though I have been drug into this by a buddy who has 5 other guys going (the cynic in me wants to know his cut :)).
I'm not totally out of shape. I can run 4-5 miles at a 9 and 1/2 minute pace. I just need to fix my eating issue, hence the WW.
A funny note on shape, a couple of years ago I told Cydney I was going to the gym to get in shape, she must have been 4 at the time, and she asked me "Daddy, what shape do you want to be?" I laughed for about a minute and said, "an upside down triangle", then she asked "what shape are you know"...I never answered, but I guess sort of ovally would have been good :)
I know there are lots of success stories out there, care to keep me motivated?
Tuesday posts will now include what I weigh...how's that for motivation?
Gil
Here's the deal. I don't see myself as big, not just 'fat' but tall as well. I was always the runt growing up. I don't think I hit a 100 lbs. and 5' 5" until my Junior year in High School. I know if you break out my Bar Mitzvah picture (13 years old) I am at least 2 inches shorter than my 5' tall mother!
So here I am 'trapped' in a 6'2" frame that is now holding a BLOATED 243.8 lbs according to the Weight Watcher's scale at the Monday Night Meetings I started last night.
Now, I did have a successful stint at WW back in 2002-2003, but then I had a GREAT support group. I took over an office who had 3 women who had lost a combined 120+ pounds! They dragged me to meetings, made sure I ordered good stuff at lunch, etc... Now I am on my own, though I have been drug into this by a buddy who has 5 other guys going (the cynic in me wants to know his cut :)).
I'm not totally out of shape. I can run 4-5 miles at a 9 and 1/2 minute pace. I just need to fix my eating issue, hence the WW.
A funny note on shape, a couple of years ago I told Cydney I was going to the gym to get in shape, she must have been 4 at the time, and she asked me "Daddy, what shape do you want to be?" I laughed for about a minute and said, "an upside down triangle", then she asked "what shape are you know"...I never answered, but I guess sort of ovally would have been good :)
I know there are lots of success stories out there, care to keep me motivated?
Tuesday posts will now include what I weigh...how's that for motivation?
Gil
Monday, July 23, 2007
July 23, 2007 - 5 years down, a lifetime to go
Today is my youngest daughter's 5th Birthday.
Happy Birthday Rachel!
What a blur this day was. We literally closed on a house and then sped to the Hospital to deliver. We had only been back in Atlanta a couple of months, Cyd was just 20 months old...it was pretty hectic! Rachel certainly took her time that day and she continues to do things her way. In 3 weeks she is off to Kindergarten but I'll always remember that first time I held her.
G
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
July, 18 2007 - Stupidity
So, I'm stuck in traffic yesterday (on a side note can someone PLEASE do something about Piedmont Rd. from Peachtree to Lenox?) listening to ESPN Radio and I hear about Michael Vick's indictment on FEDERAL charges. Ok, now I am fired up! This is getting ridiculous with athletes. Black, White, Latino, I do not care! Some synapse is no longer firing in their brains that allow them (and yes it is still a minority of them) to do stupid shit. By stupid I don't mean ignorant, I mean plain out stupid. From firing AK-47's in the air (yes, a Sophomore on my beloved UF team did that this summer) to making it 'rain' in Vegas and the 12 other incidents involving Pac-Man to the latest with Vick it is reaching epic proportions. What is at the root of it? Personally, I think it is the way the gifted athlete is now coddled in our society that allows these guys to think they are 'untouchable'. Do you realize that USC just took a verbal commitment to play basketball from an 8th Grader...huh? An 8th Grader? Forget all the other things this means, right now this kid will live in a sheltered bubble for the next 4 years and have his every 13 year old whim attended to. Do you think at the end of his ONE YEAR college career (if he gets that far) and signs his first 7 figure NBA Contract this kid will have ANY moral compass?
I was also thinking about the background that most athletes today grow up in and how that effects their behavior until I ran across the dear Senator from Louisiana last night? How can you lump in background issues when the White, Upper Middle Class does something even dumber and on top of that HYPOCRITICAL.
Have you heard about Senator Vitters? He's the guy that took the seat of another CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN who left his Office in shame for marital infidelity. The guy he replaced railed on Bill Clinton (which is fine) and led the effort for his impeachment hearings on the grounds of infidelity all the while he was having an affair...really...how do you look in the mirror sir? So, along comes Vitters and he has all the same 'family values' as the last guy. He's big on life, big on family and has a 'strong moral compass'. That is until his phone number turns up on a DC Madam list. Now this guy is in REAL trouble and I don't mean lose his job and be shamed trouble. His wife is on record, when discussing infidelity in the Clinton White House, as saying that if her husband was unfaithful he should be prepared for a 'Lorena Bobbit' like incident. If I were Mr. Vitters I would remove all sharp objects and worry about his 'pound of flesh'.
No one is perfect, we all make mistakes. Fortunately, most of live out of the public eye so our mistakes are only seen by a few. If there is a lesson here, at least with the good Senator, is to practice what you preach. If you like to pay for sex, that's your business, but don't come our railing against infidelity and standing on family values. Seems like common sense to me but maybe I'm the stupid one.
G
I was also thinking about the background that most athletes today grow up in and how that effects their behavior until I ran across the dear Senator from Louisiana last night? How can you lump in background issues when the White, Upper Middle Class does something even dumber and on top of that HYPOCRITICAL.
Have you heard about Senator Vitters? He's the guy that took the seat of another CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN who left his Office in shame for marital infidelity. The guy he replaced railed on Bill Clinton (which is fine) and led the effort for his impeachment hearings on the grounds of infidelity all the while he was having an affair...really...how do you look in the mirror sir? So, along comes Vitters and he has all the same 'family values' as the last guy. He's big on life, big on family and has a 'strong moral compass'. That is until his phone number turns up on a DC Madam list. Now this guy is in REAL trouble and I don't mean lose his job and be shamed trouble. His wife is on record, when discussing infidelity in the Clinton White House, as saying that if her husband was unfaithful he should be prepared for a 'Lorena Bobbit' like incident. If I were Mr. Vitters I would remove all sharp objects and worry about his 'pound of flesh'.
No one is perfect, we all make mistakes. Fortunately, most of live out of the public eye so our mistakes are only seen by a few. If there is a lesson here, at least with the good Senator, is to practice what you preach. If you like to pay for sex, that's your business, but don't come our railing against infidelity and standing on family values. Seems like common sense to me but maybe I'm the stupid one.
G
Sunday, July 15, 2007
July 15, 2007 - The week that was...vacation
Like my previous post stated...Rosemary beach, what a place! If you are looking for a great relaxing spot with amazing amenities and a great beach check it out, http://www.rosemarybeach.com/.
Best way to sum it up will be pictures and a list of activities :)
1. Beach
a. swimming
b. shells
c. sandcastle construction
2. Pool
3. Tennis - the girls took a lesson, Ilene and I did a workout program and she took a lesson
4. Fishing - we went to a pier near Destin. We didn't catch anything but we saw people catching fish! We also saw a giant sea turtle, which was very cool.
5. Food - from the great local joints to the Sugar Shak we ate a lot!
6. Hanging out - it was great to just play and laugh with the girls, whether it was on the bikes, on the beach or in the loft!
G
Sunday, July 8, 2007
July 8, 2007 - Rosemary Beach, FL
The drive from Atlanta to Rosemary Beach took 6 and 1/2 hours. It was right at 330 miles so there was definitely traffic. A lot of the driving was not on freeways but it still moved well except for a few spots in Alabama and Florida when you go through little towns. The girls were great on the drive except for the occassional 'are we there yet'. Say what you want about mini vans but there is nothing liked a pimped out Honda Odyssey on the open road :)
Checked in around 4:30, got settled went for a walk, had pizza and went to Publix after the girls fell asleep. I'll take pictures of the place it is great!
This morning I woke up early and ran 2 miles and now we are getting ready to hit the beach.
G
Checked in around 4:30, got settled went for a walk, had pizza and went to Publix after the girls fell asleep. I'll take pictures of the place it is great!
This morning I woke up early and ran 2 miles and now we are getting ready to hit the beach.
G
Thursday, July 5, 2007
July 5, 2007 - Random thoughts
1. We had a great day yesterday! My sister Tara, her husband Matt and the boys are in town we had just had a great day. Seeing T smiling and happy is great, thank you Matt. Watching Cydney & Rachel enjoy their cousins makes me smile. We went to the parade, ate, played, swam, ate and watched fireworks, pretty much what the 4th is about.
2. Still bummed I couldn't run, but my hammy is happy.
3. What's with all the rain at Wimbledon?
4. Want to be jealous? My friend Jon Barkan who already has a pretty nice life is on a trip to Israel with a big group and I love following his blog (I have it linked on the left). We already get each other on the sports and life tip, so 'watching' him in Israel is awesome. It's been over 7 years since we were there...time to start planning...
5. It's noon and I am meeting a buddy @ Chipotle to grab a bite before heading out to play East Lake Golf Club. I am psyched. I love the course, and it should be a great afternoon.
6. We are on packing lockdown for the next 36 hours until we leave for Rosemary Beach. By far the most stressful part of vacation is getting ready, at least for us.
4th picks and vacation to be posted later
G
2. Still bummed I couldn't run, but my hammy is happy.
3. What's with all the rain at Wimbledon?
4. Want to be jealous? My friend Jon Barkan who already has a pretty nice life is on a trip to Israel with a big group and I love following his blog (I have it linked on the left). We already get each other on the sports and life tip, so 'watching' him in Israel is awesome. It's been over 7 years since we were there...time to start planning...
5. It's noon and I am meeting a buddy @ Chipotle to grab a bite before heading out to play East Lake Golf Club. I am psyched. I love the course, and it should be a great afternoon.
6. We are on packing lockdown for the next 36 hours until we leave for Rosemary Beach. By far the most stressful part of vacation is getting ready, at least for us.
4th picks and vacation to be posted later
G
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
July 3, 2007 - Friends
We just finished booking a September weekend to go to Vegas with the 'Dallas Crew' and that always makes me think about friendships. Ilene and I have been blessed to have met so many wonderful people throughout our lives, both individually and collectively.
I think friendship is also a function of where you are in life. Today, we find friends in different ways than just a few years ago. As a couple we now meet friends through our kids, and maybe some other random sources like our synagogue, American Jewish Committee or National Black Arts Festival, but basically it's the kids - who they are school with, play sports with or go to camp with. Personally, it's been really good. When we first got back to Atlanta we struggled to find the niche between the friends we had left 6 years before and new ones. Now, being back almost 5 years we've settled in. I can't say we have a group that we pal around with like we did in Dallas, but we do have a nice set of friends.
All of this got stirred from the, "It's time to go to Vegas e-mail". We LOVE our friends from Dallas. All the right things came together to form this great group: we had just gotten married, were in a new city, Ilene had a new job, and BAM - you have 4 or 5 couples that just bonded. Now this is big, the bonding, because the girls could all like each other or the guys could all be pals but that every one liked every one else was cool. We all don't even like the same things for the most part. As guys we all bond over sports, mostly pro and college football. The great part though is we all root against each other for the most part. Being from Philly I can't stand the Cowboys and vice versa, and don't even get started with Collegiate Athletics, there is me the GATOR (and owner of the last 3 big sport National Champions), a Maryland Terrapin, A Golden Domer from Notre Dame, a Longhorn and a Penn Quaker (ok, he went to an Ivy, no sports but he did sing in the Glee Club). I love these guys and can't wait to see them in September for what will amount to 48 hours.
It's close to same dynamic I have with my 5 or 6 closest guy friends from my childhood in Florida. We all moved to South Florida right around 5th-6th Grade. They all from New York but everyone has their issues in life :). We all had our own but things they have become my closest friends. We have lived together in college and after in some cases. We have shared in the losses of parents, the joys of marriages and children. If I picked up the phone this instant and said I need you they would be on the first plane out.
I think I am developing those same things here in Atlanta on an individual basis. It's a good feeling. I also realize though that all of the 'other' things will come into play. Can guys in there late 30's early 40's develop the same friendships as teenagers? Can I fit into a group that might already be established or will I circle the outskirts like a planet revolving around a star?
We'll see, but in the meantime I'm psyched for Vegas and locally I look forward to my weekly poker game, golf with whoever lets me join them and all the other places we interact with friends.
Like I started, we are blessed.
G
I think friendship is also a function of where you are in life. Today, we find friends in different ways than just a few years ago. As a couple we now meet friends through our kids, and maybe some other random sources like our synagogue, American Jewish Committee or National Black Arts Festival, but basically it's the kids - who they are school with, play sports with or go to camp with. Personally, it's been really good. When we first got back to Atlanta we struggled to find the niche between the friends we had left 6 years before and new ones. Now, being back almost 5 years we've settled in. I can't say we have a group that we pal around with like we did in Dallas, but we do have a nice set of friends.
All of this got stirred from the, "It's time to go to Vegas e-mail". We LOVE our friends from Dallas. All the right things came together to form this great group: we had just gotten married, were in a new city, Ilene had a new job, and BAM - you have 4 or 5 couples that just bonded. Now this is big, the bonding, because the girls could all like each other or the guys could all be pals but that every one liked every one else was cool. We all don't even like the same things for the most part. As guys we all bond over sports, mostly pro and college football. The great part though is we all root against each other for the most part. Being from Philly I can't stand the Cowboys and vice versa, and don't even get started with Collegiate Athletics, there is me the GATOR (and owner of the last 3 big sport National Champions), a Maryland Terrapin, A Golden Domer from Notre Dame, a Longhorn and a Penn Quaker (ok, he went to an Ivy, no sports but he did sing in the Glee Club). I love these guys and can't wait to see them in September for what will amount to 48 hours.
It's close to same dynamic I have with my 5 or 6 closest guy friends from my childhood in Florida. We all moved to South Florida right around 5th-6th Grade. They all from New York but everyone has their issues in life :). We all had our own but things they have become my closest friends. We have lived together in college and after in some cases. We have shared in the losses of parents, the joys of marriages and children. If I picked up the phone this instant and said I need you they would be on the first plane out.
I think I am developing those same things here in Atlanta on an individual basis. It's a good feeling. I also realize though that all of the 'other' things will come into play. Can guys in there late 30's early 40's develop the same friendships as teenagers? Can I fit into a group that might already be established or will I circle the outskirts like a planet revolving around a star?
We'll see, but in the meantime I'm psyched for Vegas and locally I look forward to my weekly poker game, golf with whoever lets me join them and all the other places we interact with friends.
Like I started, we are blessed.
G
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
June 27, 2007 - Not much happening on a Wednesday...
Things are all quiet on the Western Front. There must be a storm a brewing...
We have a few down days before the 4th of July Holiday. After that we kick into high gear. My sister Tara, her husband and two boys are coming in for a few days. That should mean plenty of touristy stuff - Aquarium, New World of Coke, etc...then we leave on the 7th for a week, just us and the kids. It's the first time Ilene and I have taken a whole week to be by ourselves since our honeymoon! We are really looking forward to relaxing beachside, poolside, on the deck and everywhere in between. We'll be at Rosemary Beach, FL which is my first trip to the Panhandle.
What else? The Fightin' Phils are now within 2 games of the Mets so that has me happy. Being a Philly native I'm all about Philly sports but to tell you the truth I am ready for football season. I can't wake to take the girls down to Gainesville on Sept. 8th to see the Gators take the field and defend our National Championship.
Running pretty well at the tables. Shout out to my good buddy Mark Arum from WSB. He played in a World Series of Poker (WSOP) $1,500 No Limit Event and came in 18th! Awesome job wading through 2,780 'donkeys' to represent! He had a great chance to get to the Final Table but caught an unlucky break. My weekly game is tonight and I'll hear how some of those guys did in Vegas as well. Looks like I may head back out there in mid-July for a couple of Production Meetings. Then I won't be back (barring a shoot) until the group trip in October.
Not running the Peachtree...pulled my hamstring at Softball last week and it's very tight. I hate missing it, but the 6 miles would do some pretty bad damage even running a 10 minute a mile pace.
That's it.
Peace,
G
We have a few down days before the 4th of July Holiday. After that we kick into high gear. My sister Tara, her husband and two boys are coming in for a few days. That should mean plenty of touristy stuff - Aquarium, New World of Coke, etc...then we leave on the 7th for a week, just us and the kids. It's the first time Ilene and I have taken a whole week to be by ourselves since our honeymoon! We are really looking forward to relaxing beachside, poolside, on the deck and everywhere in between. We'll be at Rosemary Beach, FL which is my first trip to the Panhandle.
What else? The Fightin' Phils are now within 2 games of the Mets so that has me happy. Being a Philly native I'm all about Philly sports but to tell you the truth I am ready for football season. I can't wake to take the girls down to Gainesville on Sept. 8th to see the Gators take the field and defend our National Championship.
Running pretty well at the tables. Shout out to my good buddy Mark Arum from WSB. He played in a World Series of Poker (WSOP) $1,500 No Limit Event and came in 18th! Awesome job wading through 2,780 'donkeys' to represent! He had a great chance to get to the Final Table but caught an unlucky break. My weekly game is tonight and I'll hear how some of those guys did in Vegas as well. Looks like I may head back out there in mid-July for a couple of Production Meetings. Then I won't be back (barring a shoot) until the group trip in October.
Not running the Peachtree...pulled my hamstring at Softball last week and it's very tight. I hate missing it, but the 6 miles would do some pretty bad damage even running a 10 minute a mile pace.
That's it.
Peace,
G
Friday, June 22, 2007
June 22nd, 2007 - Has it really been 2 months?
I guess it has. As usual, a lot has happened but for whatever reason I have not kept up. Can I put 60 days into a blog? I'm sure I can, but I won't.
Highlights:
May
1. Rachel graduates from Pre-K and pronounces herself ready for Davis Academy and Kindergarten.
2. Cydney finishes Kindergarten and really shines. Every report has been amazing! She has wonderful teachers and is in an environment where she has really flourished. Choosing to go Private was a tough decision. I am the son of 2 Public School Educators and I taught for 4 years, but for US it was the right one. I have seen too many people argue about the Public vs. Private topic. It's like the working mom's vs. non-working mom's debate. Why can't people just respect others choices and not judge? What's right for me is only right for me, don't impose your beliefs where they don't belong.
3. Mother's Day - the girls' made some great stuff and we celebrated Ilene and all of the Mom's in our life.
4. On May 25th Ilene and I celebrated 10 great years of marriage. It's amazing how life unfolds and I couldn't think of it happening any better than it has! We had a great dinner at Bacchanalia and we will 'pop down' to the Ritz on Amelia Island in July to get away and celebrate.
June
1. Well, May ended with us waiting on my nephew. My sister, Carin, the youngest, finally gave birth to Henry Michael Mrotz on June 6th (my other sister Tara's birthday as well). Henry is Carin's first and so very sweet. We have been blessed now with 9 nieces and nephews and they are ALL special though my 'connection' to Henry is unique. First, I have 3 sibs, 2 step and 1 natural, though except for logistics we are all the same. Carin is my natural sister so this is my first blood relative outside of my parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles. I never thought much about it until I watched my sister talk about him and his name at the Bris. I think I was more emotional that day than I was at either of my girls' baby namings. Something about your baby sister growing into a woman and getting to share in it was just magical.
2. Right before going to Minneapolis for the Bris I got to spend 4 days in Vegas. So here are my 'passions' and I'll try to get this right...
a. Family
b. Community
c. Work
d. Faith
e. Poker or golf, they flip flop from time to time.
So I hit Vegas during the early parts of the World Series of Poker. Next year I want to have no work distractions or having to leave early for special events (see #1). If you play poker and can stand the insanity you can earn some really nice money playing the side games while the Series is going on. It doesn't hurt to know what you are doing. It's also nice when you know a half dozen or so of the most recognizable faces in poker and they come up to you every 2 hours or so just to say 'hi'. Let's just say it's helpful with the 'table image' at a medium stakes table. The Wynn was a great place to stay as usual and the food is always good in Vegas. We ate at the Red 8 at the Wynn, did the Voodoo Steakhouse at the Rio and Noodles @ the Bellagio. Got to hand out with a good friend from High School who lives out there as well.
3. Father's Day - I had a great day! I slept a little late (8:15) and had breakfast in bed. I swam with the girls and then played a Softball game. We are still undefeated and I had a bases clearing triple in the 6th to give us the lead for good. Later Ilene grilled and I got to just eat and relax.
4. June 19 was Ilene's Birthday and no I won't say how old, but she is younger than I! She was out of town for work but the girls', Lerato and I surprised her the day before with a cake.
5. Am I now by parents keeper? Yesterday made it 'official' my parents now live in Roswell, GA. True they built the house a year ago but now it's real. Truth be told I am really excited. Seeing my mother and father get to be around my kids will be a real joy. My mom will be wonderful with the girls and I can't wait to get to pal around with Art. I might even get him to take up golf. I know I have my Fantasy Football Partner back! As Jermaine Dupree so eloquently says..."Welcome to Atlanta"...
I think that gets us caught up at home! Work is good. We have done some US travel to do work for Lenovo (they bought the IBM ThinkPad line) and we just closed a big deal with SunTrust.
July will be hectic, my other sister visits with her family for the 4th, we go to Rosemary Beach for a week and we are remodeling the house.
Thanks to the handful of folks who have actually been to the blog and have said, "what the f" I want to see more...
G
Highlights:
May
1. Rachel graduates from Pre-K and pronounces herself ready for Davis Academy and Kindergarten.
2. Cydney finishes Kindergarten and really shines. Every report has been amazing! She has wonderful teachers and is in an environment where she has really flourished. Choosing to go Private was a tough decision. I am the son of 2 Public School Educators and I taught for 4 years, but for US it was the right one. I have seen too many people argue about the Public vs. Private topic. It's like the working mom's vs. non-working mom's debate. Why can't people just respect others choices and not judge? What's right for me is only right for me, don't impose your beliefs where they don't belong.
3. Mother's Day - the girls' made some great stuff and we celebrated Ilene and all of the Mom's in our life.
4. On May 25th Ilene and I celebrated 10 great years of marriage. It's amazing how life unfolds and I couldn't think of it happening any better than it has! We had a great dinner at Bacchanalia and we will 'pop down' to the Ritz on Amelia Island in July to get away and celebrate.
June
1. Well, May ended with us waiting on my nephew. My sister, Carin, the youngest, finally gave birth to Henry Michael Mrotz on June 6th (my other sister Tara's birthday as well). Henry is Carin's first and so very sweet. We have been blessed now with 9 nieces and nephews and they are ALL special though my 'connection' to Henry is unique. First, I have 3 sibs, 2 step and 1 natural, though except for logistics we are all the same. Carin is my natural sister so this is my first blood relative outside of my parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles. I never thought much about it until I watched my sister talk about him and his name at the Bris. I think I was more emotional that day than I was at either of my girls' baby namings. Something about your baby sister growing into a woman and getting to share in it was just magical.
2. Right before going to Minneapolis for the Bris I got to spend 4 days in Vegas. So here are my 'passions' and I'll try to get this right...
a. Family
b. Community
c. Work
d. Faith
e. Poker or golf, they flip flop from time to time.
So I hit Vegas during the early parts of the World Series of Poker. Next year I want to have no work distractions or having to leave early for special events (see #1). If you play poker and can stand the insanity you can earn some really nice money playing the side games while the Series is going on. It doesn't hurt to know what you are doing. It's also nice when you know a half dozen or so of the most recognizable faces in poker and they come up to you every 2 hours or so just to say 'hi'. Let's just say it's helpful with the 'table image' at a medium stakes table. The Wynn was a great place to stay as usual and the food is always good in Vegas. We ate at the Red 8 at the Wynn, did the Voodoo Steakhouse at the Rio and Noodles @ the Bellagio. Got to hand out with a good friend from High School who lives out there as well.
3. Father's Day - I had a great day! I slept a little late (8:15) and had breakfast in bed. I swam with the girls and then played a Softball game. We are still undefeated and I had a bases clearing triple in the 6th to give us the lead for good. Later Ilene grilled and I got to just eat and relax.
4. June 19 was Ilene's Birthday and no I won't say how old, but she is younger than I! She was out of town for work but the girls', Lerato and I surprised her the day before with a cake.
5. Am I now by parents keeper? Yesterday made it 'official' my parents now live in Roswell, GA. True they built the house a year ago but now it's real. Truth be told I am really excited. Seeing my mother and father get to be around my kids will be a real joy. My mom will be wonderful with the girls and I can't wait to get to pal around with Art. I might even get him to take up golf. I know I have my Fantasy Football Partner back! As Jermaine Dupree so eloquently says..."Welcome to Atlanta"...
I think that gets us caught up at home! Work is good. We have done some US travel to do work for Lenovo (they bought the IBM ThinkPad line) and we just closed a big deal with SunTrust.
July will be hectic, my other sister visits with her family for the 4th, we go to Rosemary Beach for a week and we are remodeling the house.
Thanks to the handful of folks who have actually been to the blog and have said, "what the f" I want to see more...
G
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