I took Megan to downtown Denver last Saturday to get her hair cut. It was free and we figured it was worth it to get her hair done by Gardner Edmunds who is learning to be a Stylist.
It took 3 hours if you can believe it!! I had a lot of time on my hands. This school she went to is right on the 16th street mall. It was Saturday morning about 8:30 a.m. I was surprised how many people are in downtown Denver at that time of the morning.
As I left the building she was in, a lady in a wheel chair who had only one leg approached me and asked for money. I declined but soon thought badly of myself about that. I always decline to give money to panhandlers that approach me but admittedly I had never been approached by someone like her. I walked on but turned to watch her go up the 16th Street mall asking everyone that came along. A good number stopped and gave her something...I have no idea how much. Not everyone but maybe half of who she approached seemed to give her something.
During that three hours I walked up and down the mall looking in windows and the like...even stopped to sit as it was a fairly nice morning, even if a bit chilly. I was approached 3 or 4 more times by different folks that morning and observed many other people who also were approached....some gave them something but most just walked on.
As I observed this part of life which I am somewhat insulated from, I pondered my own reaction to being approach so often by so many people that are apparently under real duress in their lives. I even went into a McDonalds where there were maybe a half dozen people eating or having some coffee but definitely looking like homeless folks. I wondered if that was going to be their meal for the day or if is just a routine they have to go from the street to a fast food place to feed themselves from whatever they can get.
My self examination about my reactions to this, I'm sure isn't that different than many of you when approached by these types of people. Many of them are obviously mentally challenged and many are pushing carts full of stuff and appear to have little if any worldly things...maybe barely enough to stay clothed.
Every time this happens to me I question what I really should do. It isn't the money...that I know. A couple of bucks here or there is nothing and has nothing to do with my feelings. I always wonder if by giving them something if I am somewhat enabling them to continue this life style rather than encouraging them to pull themselves up and improve their circumstances. I know this isn't probably in the cards for some of them...maybe most of them, but don't you wonder if some of them could get a job, could try and clean up, get off the booze and improve themselves if they really wanted to?
I so admire organizations and people who make this a job ...to try and help these sorts of people to get out of the horrible life they are living. It also seems to me or so my rationalizaton goes, that by giving them money it just prolongs the circumstances they find themselves in.
On the other hand, I worry that they don't eat well enough, don't have enough to keep them warm or anyway to clean up and change clothing and the like. It is troublesome and I thought to myself, "why don't I engage them in a conversation, see what their circumstances are and see if I can help in some way?" But I never do that....I usually just pass on by almost afraid of these folks and what they might do or say to me.
I think, if this was the Savior what would he do? I don't think he would pass them by, but I don't think he would encourage them by giving them a dole to continue on in the path they are going. What is the answer for us individually? I wish I knew this answer for myself.
I am between the proverbial rock and a hard spot on this as to how I feel about my own reaction and lack of action of any kind.
It is a bit of a moral dilemna to me and I was wondering if any of you have any insight or thoughts on the matter. It is something I have struggled with for a long time in my life.
I want to do what is right and I do have compassion for their circumstances but my actions would seem to contradict this statement.
What do you think and does anyone have similiar questions or feelings about this subject?
Dad
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Tag, Your're it!!
I guess I have to answer this. I now realize what a dull life I have!!
Dad
Four jobs I’ve had:
1. My first job that I can remember was working for my brother, Jamie when I was in college. He had a weed business called Hoe No Mas and he would pay me to pull weeds that the chemicals didn't get. It was hot and horrible work as we would do the medians in the City of Tucson and people would honk and yell at us as we pulled the weeds.
2. I worked at Hughes Aircraft for a summer job during college after I was going to Arizona. Coach Larson had some connections. I was in the Test Engineering department and earned a whopping $600 per month. (Huge at that time in 1967) I was mostly a gofer for the engineers and worked in purchasing and small projects that the engineers would give me.
3. After I finished playing BB at Arizona and Margaret had a job, I worked in the computer center at the U of A. The person who ran that was a friend of my brother (John Moffat) and he was dating my sister Kathy's best friend. he gave me the job and mostly it was sitting there watching the computer run different programs. (The computer filled up the whole room in those days) I would run the grade reports and other various reports for various departments in the University. I was going to my 5th year of college to finish up my EE degree so I was able to study alot when a program was running. (a big sort or something like that)
4. I have had my current job, working for Westinghouse and ABB, basically the same type of work for 36 going on 37 years. Anyone want to buy a transformer?
Places I’ve Lived:
1. Lived in Coleta, IL for my first 6 years. It had a population of 200 people. Don't remember much about it.
2. Lived in Tucson (very hot) until Margaret and I moved with Westinghouse to Pittsburgh (age 22), Cinncinati, LA and finally Kansas City. Loved Kansas City for 2 years.
3. We then moved to Omaha for 5 years. First time I had experienced -60 degree chill factor.
(very cold)
4. Lived in Jefferson City, Mo for 11 years.
(Very humid and tornados alley)
5) Have lived in Littleton for going on 19 years. (Just right)
3. Movies I love: (not in order of preference)
1. Any Pink Panther movie.
2. Sound of Music
3. Frequency
4. Any Tom Hanks movie
5. The Sting
6. Most John Wayne movies (later ones for sure)
Favorite Foods:
1. MEAT!! (especially steak)
2. strawberry shortcake
3. Nice salad with blue cheese dressing
4. Bar-b-que pork steaks (umm, umm)
Four weird things about me:
1. I like to do crosswords and Suduko. (I'm the family champ on both)
2. I love to beat Goose, Kristin and Dana at anything!! It bums me out to lose to anyone of those three. It hurts.
3. I can't sleep well without a fan blowing on me and making some nice noise.
4. Don't like people reading over my shoulder.
Favorite Shows:
1. Lost
2. 24 but I think I'm about burnt out on 24. This year will be my last, I think since it is going to be hokey.....they have done away with CTU.....next they will say Cloie is gone!!
3. Any sports game. (Broncos, Nuggets, AVs, BYU football, Arizona BB etc.)
4. Seinfeld
5. Are you smarter than a 5th grader? (jk)
Places I’d rather be:
1. With my wife, all my children, their wives and all of my grandchildren.
2. Driving on a road trip with no schedule and no hurry.
3. Hawaii - Heaven on earth. I could probably be convinced other warm places might equal Hawaii. (i.e. Costa Rica, New Zealand, Australia etc.)
4. With my wife somewhere where we can be alone and just be together. (doesn't happen that much any more)
People I am tagging:
Matt and Mark
Dad
Four jobs I’ve had:
1. My first job that I can remember was working for my brother, Jamie when I was in college. He had a weed business called Hoe No Mas and he would pay me to pull weeds that the chemicals didn't get. It was hot and horrible work as we would do the medians in the City of Tucson and people would honk and yell at us as we pulled the weeds.
2. I worked at Hughes Aircraft for a summer job during college after I was going to Arizona. Coach Larson had some connections. I was in the Test Engineering department and earned a whopping $600 per month. (Huge at that time in 1967) I was mostly a gofer for the engineers and worked in purchasing and small projects that the engineers would give me.
3. After I finished playing BB at Arizona and Margaret had a job, I worked in the computer center at the U of A. The person who ran that was a friend of my brother (John Moffat) and he was dating my sister Kathy's best friend. he gave me the job and mostly it was sitting there watching the computer run different programs. (The computer filled up the whole room in those days) I would run the grade reports and other various reports for various departments in the University. I was going to my 5th year of college to finish up my EE degree so I was able to study alot when a program was running. (a big sort or something like that)
4. I have had my current job, working for Westinghouse and ABB, basically the same type of work for 36 going on 37 years. Anyone want to buy a transformer?
Places I’ve Lived:
1. Lived in Coleta, IL for my first 6 years. It had a population of 200 people. Don't remember much about it.
2. Lived in Tucson (very hot) until Margaret and I moved with Westinghouse to Pittsburgh (age 22), Cinncinati, LA and finally Kansas City. Loved Kansas City for 2 years.
3. We then moved to Omaha for 5 years. First time I had experienced -60 degree chill factor.
(very cold)
4. Lived in Jefferson City, Mo for 11 years.
(Very humid and tornados alley)
5) Have lived in Littleton for going on 19 years. (Just right)
3. Movies I love: (not in order of preference)
1. Any Pink Panther movie.
2. Sound of Music
3. Frequency
4. Any Tom Hanks movie
5. The Sting
6. Most John Wayne movies (later ones for sure)
Favorite Foods:
1. MEAT!! (especially steak)
2. strawberry shortcake
3. Nice salad with blue cheese dressing
4. Bar-b-que pork steaks (umm, umm)
Four weird things about me:
1. I like to do crosswords and Suduko. (I'm the family champ on both)
2. I love to beat Goose, Kristin and Dana at anything!! It bums me out to lose to anyone of those three. It hurts.
3. I can't sleep well without a fan blowing on me and making some nice noise.
4. Don't like people reading over my shoulder.
Favorite Shows:
1. Lost
2. 24 but I think I'm about burnt out on 24. This year will be my last, I think since it is going to be hokey.....they have done away with CTU.....next they will say Cloie is gone!!
3. Any sports game. (Broncos, Nuggets, AVs, BYU football, Arizona BB etc.)
4. Seinfeld
5. Are you smarter than a 5th grader? (jk)
Places I’d rather be:
1. With my wife, all my children, their wives and all of my grandchildren.
2. Driving on a road trip with no schedule and no hurry.
3. Hawaii - Heaven on earth. I could probably be convinced other warm places might equal Hawaii. (i.e. Costa Rica, New Zealand, Australia etc.)
4. With my wife somewhere where we can be alone and just be together. (doesn't happen that much any more)
People I am tagging:
Matt and Mark
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Name that title
I got an e-mail and thought it was humourous so I thought I would post it.
I have always loved Country Western Music (for a little while that is) and one of the most creative things about it are the lyrics and titles of the songs. Not sure there is any music genre that is so full of clever play on words, funny thoughts and just plain dumb titles as Country Western Music.
Here are some titles of real songs. I may have thrown in a fake one or two. Can you tell me which ones are not real? Unfortunately, most of them are about a breakup, a broken marriage and stuff like that, but I have to say some of them are funny although inane to say the least. Have no idea what the music to them is like, but it is probably just as bad as the titles.
Dad
* I Keep Forgettin' I Forgot About You
* Mama Get A Hammer, (There's A Fly On Papa's Head)
* Her Teeth Was Stained, But Her Heart Was Pure
* I Don't Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling
* I Just Bought A Car From A Guy That Stole My Girl, But The Car Don't Run So I Figure
we got an even deal.
* I Still Miss You Baby, But My Aim's Gettin' Better
* I Wouldn't Take Her To A Dog Fight, Cause I'm Afraid She'd Win
* I'm So Miserable Without You, It's Like Having You Here
* She Got the Goldmine and I Got the Shaft
* You Done Tore Out My Heart and Stomped that Sucker Flat
* If The Phone Don't Ring, It's Me
* I Changed Her Oil, She Changed My Life
* If You Don't Leave Me Alone, I'll Go And Find Someone Else Who Will
* My John Deere Was Breaking Your Field, While Your Dear John Was Breaking My Heart
* You're The Reason Our Kids Are So Ugly
* If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?
* Am I Double Parked by the Curbstone of Your Heart?
* At the Gas Station of Love, I Got the Self Service Pump
* Come out of the Wheatfield Nellie, You're Going Against the Grain
* I Gave Her My Heart And A Diamond And She Clubbed Me With A Spade
* I Want a Beer as Cold as My Ex-Wife's Heart
* I Was Looking Back to See If You Were Looking Back to See If I Was Looking Back
to See if You Were Looking Back at Me
* I Went Back to My Fourth Wife for the Third Time and Gave Her a Second Chance to
Make a First Class Fool Out of Me
* I Wish I Were A Woman (So I Could Go Out With A Guy Like Me)
* I Flushed You From The Toilet Of My Heart.
* My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend, And I Sure Do Miss Him
* She Made Toothpicks Out Of The Timber Of My Heart
* When You Leave Walk Out Backwards, So I'll Think You're Walking In
* You Can't Have Your Kate And Edith Too
* You Were Only A Splinter As I Slid Down The Bannister Of Life
I have always loved Country Western Music (for a little while that is) and one of the most creative things about it are the lyrics and titles of the songs. Not sure there is any music genre that is so full of clever play on words, funny thoughts and just plain dumb titles as Country Western Music.
Here are some titles of real songs. I may have thrown in a fake one or two. Can you tell me which ones are not real? Unfortunately, most of them are about a breakup, a broken marriage and stuff like that, but I have to say some of them are funny although inane to say the least. Have no idea what the music to them is like, but it is probably just as bad as the titles.
Dad
* I Keep Forgettin' I Forgot About You
* Mama Get A Hammer, (There's A Fly On Papa's Head)
* Her Teeth Was Stained, But Her Heart Was Pure
* I Don't Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling
* I Just Bought A Car From A Guy That Stole My Girl, But The Car Don't Run So I Figure
we got an even deal.
* I Still Miss You Baby, But My Aim's Gettin' Better
* I Wouldn't Take Her To A Dog Fight, Cause I'm Afraid She'd Win
* I'm So Miserable Without You, It's Like Having You Here
* She Got the Goldmine and I Got the Shaft
* You Done Tore Out My Heart and Stomped that Sucker Flat
* If The Phone Don't Ring, It's Me
* I Changed Her Oil, She Changed My Life
* If You Don't Leave Me Alone, I'll Go And Find Someone Else Who Will
* My John Deere Was Breaking Your Field, While Your Dear John Was Breaking My Heart
* You're The Reason Our Kids Are So Ugly
* If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?
* Am I Double Parked by the Curbstone of Your Heart?
* At the Gas Station of Love, I Got the Self Service Pump
* Come out of the Wheatfield Nellie, You're Going Against the Grain
* I Gave Her My Heart And A Diamond And She Clubbed Me With A Spade
* I Want a Beer as Cold as My Ex-Wife's Heart
* I Was Looking Back to See If You Were Looking Back to See If I Was Looking Back
to See if You Were Looking Back at Me
* I Went Back to My Fourth Wife for the Third Time and Gave Her a Second Chance to
Make a First Class Fool Out of Me
* I Wish I Were A Woman (So I Could Go Out With A Guy Like Me)
* I Flushed You From The Toilet Of My Heart.
* My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend, And I Sure Do Miss Him
* She Made Toothpicks Out Of The Timber Of My Heart
* When You Leave Walk Out Backwards, So I'll Think You're Walking In
* You Can't Have Your Kate And Edith Too
* You Were Only A Splinter As I Slid Down The Bannister Of Life
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Sweet Tomatos!!!!!
I wish I lived somewhere where we would have to grow a lot of our own food. I would love to grow corn and green beans and sweet peas and the like. The only thing we basically have in our garden is tomatos. But my what a crop of them we are getting this year. As you can see from the pictures, these babies are the size of softballs in many cases. We have a lot of little ones too and I'm not sure why some grow bigger. But these have been great....vine ripened and so much flavor. I could eat a ton of them.
I haven't converted Angie, Jeff or Megan yet, but that is okay as Mom and I will eat all that we can grow. Hope you all are having success as well. I know Mark is and Tyler is trying. But in the spirit of the Foster competitive nature....ain't no one got any ta maters like these!!
Just a sampling.
Mom holding a couple of these beauties.
Getting close to a volleyball sized one.
I haven't converted Angie, Jeff or Megan yet, but that is okay as Mom and I will eat all that we can grow. Hope you all are having success as well. I know Mark is and Tyler is trying. But in the spirit of the Foster competitive nature....ain't no one got any ta maters like these!!
Just a sampling.
Mom holding a couple of these beauties.
Getting close to a volleyball sized one.
Dad
Monday, August 27, 2007
Arizona vs BYU
Got this article of my Arizona Wildcat website. I have to admit that even though I'm a former Wildcat, I'm rooting for the Cougs this weekend. BYU has 'em worried at least. Not much good to say about the Mountain West rep as a conference. Although they say BYU is a good team that any good team in the PAC-10 should beat any good team in the Mountain West.
I say......horse hockey on that!!
Dad
By Brad Allis
Editor-In-ChiefPosted Aug 27, 2007
Arizona opens the 2007 season against BYU. For the thirds straight season the Cats open things up against a Mountain West team and for the third straight year the opening game of the season is huge. The game against the Cougars is not a “must win” but it is close. So much can be accomplished with a win, and a loss could make things more difficult.
First and foremost the Cats need a win. Getting a win in the first game put the Wildcats one step closer to a bowl birth. Although six wins gets a team bowl eligible, Wildcat fans know from last year that there is a big difference between being bowl eligible and playing that extra game in December.
It is simple math. If you win the first game you are that much closer to the 7+ wins. A loss and you have far less margin for error.
There is also the momentum gained from the win. The Cats lost that last game against ASU and lost all the momentum they gained in the three-game win streak A loss at BYU might further hurt the confidence of a Wildcat team that has yet to “learn to win”.
A win would give the team confidence. The Cougars appear to be the best of the three non-conference foes, as well as the lone road game of the bunch. At least in theory, this is the hardest game of the three and a win should mean the Cats could start the season 3-0, their best start in the Mike Stoops era and their best start since they went 3-0 in 2001.
The Cats have been a decent road club, beating Oregon State, Washington State and Oregon on the road the past two season. They need to keep that up. If they can’t beat BYU on the road, how do they expect to win in place like Berkley, Tempe and Corvallis?
If the Cats do want to be a top-5 team in the Pac-10, they have to beat a team like BYU. While BYU is a very solid, if not very good team, they are in the end a Mountain West Team. A good Pac-10 team should always beat a good Mountain West team. Certainly there are exceptions, but in most cases a good Pac-10 team, even one that is closer to 5th place than 1st place, should beat even the best MWC teams.
Frankly, BYU is where Arizona wants to be. Since the hiring of Bronco Mendenhall, the Cougars have been a consistent bowl team. Although the Wildcats have aspirations of someday being a BCS team, first they have to get to bowl games. To be a Pac-10 team who consistently earns postseason bowl bids, you have to be better than BYU.
Last year’s BYU team was a special team. They had a legitimate argument at being a BCS quality team by year’s end. That team was no the norm. Most years the Cougars are a 7-9 win team that should contend for the MWC title. A very good, but not elite program. If the Cats hope to be in the upper division of the Pac-10 they have to beat the BYU’s of the world. Over the past five seasons, the Cougars are just 9-14 against non-conference opponents, but are just 4-11 against BCS conference opponents. Even worse they are 1-6 against the Pac-10. That just reinforces the thought that if Arizona is a good football team they should be able to beat BYU.
Saturday’s game could be a big one. We may look back and said this was the win that propelled the Wildcats into the next phase of success or we could look back and say this was the loss that denied the Cats a bowl bid for the ninth straight year. This can be the win that makes the Mike Stoops era legit, or one that could cause the fans to lose confidence.
Either way it is a vital one.
I say......horse hockey on that!!
Dad
By Brad Allis
Editor-In-ChiefPosted Aug 27, 2007
Arizona opens the 2007 season against BYU. For the thirds straight season the Cats open things up against a Mountain West team and for the third straight year the opening game of the season is huge. The game against the Cougars is not a “must win” but it is close. So much can be accomplished with a win, and a loss could make things more difficult.
First and foremost the Cats need a win. Getting a win in the first game put the Wildcats one step closer to a bowl birth. Although six wins gets a team bowl eligible, Wildcat fans know from last year that there is a big difference between being bowl eligible and playing that extra game in December.
It is simple math. If you win the first game you are that much closer to the 7+ wins. A loss and you have far less margin for error.
There is also the momentum gained from the win. The Cats lost that last game against ASU and lost all the momentum they gained in the three-game win streak A loss at BYU might further hurt the confidence of a Wildcat team that has yet to “learn to win”.
A win would give the team confidence. The Cougars appear to be the best of the three non-conference foes, as well as the lone road game of the bunch. At least in theory, this is the hardest game of the three and a win should mean the Cats could start the season 3-0, their best start in the Mike Stoops era and their best start since they went 3-0 in 2001.
The Cats have been a decent road club, beating Oregon State, Washington State and Oregon on the road the past two season. They need to keep that up. If they can’t beat BYU on the road, how do they expect to win in place like Berkley, Tempe and Corvallis?
If the Cats do want to be a top-5 team in the Pac-10, they have to beat a team like BYU. While BYU is a very solid, if not very good team, they are in the end a Mountain West Team. A good Pac-10 team should always beat a good Mountain West team. Certainly there are exceptions, but in most cases a good Pac-10 team, even one that is closer to 5th place than 1st place, should beat even the best MWC teams.
Frankly, BYU is where Arizona wants to be. Since the hiring of Bronco Mendenhall, the Cougars have been a consistent bowl team. Although the Wildcats have aspirations of someday being a BCS team, first they have to get to bowl games. To be a Pac-10 team who consistently earns postseason bowl bids, you have to be better than BYU.
Last year’s BYU team was a special team. They had a legitimate argument at being a BCS quality team by year’s end. That team was no the norm. Most years the Cougars are a 7-9 win team that should contend for the MWC title. A very good, but not elite program. If the Cats hope to be in the upper division of the Pac-10 they have to beat the BYU’s of the world. Over the past five seasons, the Cougars are just 9-14 against non-conference opponents, but are just 4-11 against BCS conference opponents. Even worse they are 1-6 against the Pac-10. That just reinforces the thought that if Arizona is a good football team they should be able to beat BYU.
Saturday’s game could be a big one. We may look back and said this was the win that propelled the Wildcats into the next phase of success or we could look back and say this was the loss that denied the Cats a bowl bid for the ninth straight year. This can be the win that makes the Mike Stoops era legit, or one that could cause the fans to lose confidence.
Either way it is a vital one.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Jolly Green Giant
I am having a lot of fun this year with our small garden. So far the tomatos are doing as well as any I've ever done so I'm excited about the "crop" that is coming in. Here is a small tour to whet your appetite for these sweet red juicy tomatos. Angie and Jeff have both said they will try these....it will change there lives. A vine ripened tomato is nothing like those you get in the store....trust me.
These are the 5 plants on the east 40. You can see the little
tomatos on there. They will get much larger....I hope. At least sofball sized.
These are the 5 plants on the east 40. You can see the little
tomatos on there. They will get much larger....I hope. At least sofball sized.
Here is Farmer Mick out inspecting the crop for weeds and bugs.
Here are a couple of my vollyball sized greenies that will be huge when they get rip in a couple of weeks. Delicious.
Here is Farmer Mag showing off my crop. She is smaller than the plant.
This is the squash, and pumpking plant as well as the two tomato plants on the
Here are a couple of my vollyball sized greenies that will be huge when they get rip in a couple of weeks. Delicious.
Here is Farmer Mag showing off my crop. She is smaller than the plant.
This is the squash, and pumpking plant as well as the two tomato plants on the
west side of the yard.
This one is for Joy and Grant. Can you two find the pumpkin that is in this picture.
This one is for Joy and Grant. Can you two find the pumpkin that is in this picture.
It is there, but I kind of hid it. It is about the size of a volleyball but won't get much bigger.
Growing a garden is fun and I recommend it. This year we will actually get something.
Love,
The Jolly Green Farmer from Littleton
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
A sobering experience
I was recently on an airplane for a business trip to our South Boston, Va. plant. I had to fly into the Raleigh/Durham airport. I was down the terminal a ways when I heard a large round of applause at my gate. I hurried there, thinking they were applauding for me to get on the plane, naturally...just kidding) and got there just just in time to see a bunch of army soldiers getting onto our airplane. They were preboarding these soldiers. (I was in Minneapolis on the way to Raleigh) I thought that was really nice of all the people...to honor our soldiers that way and not really knowing anything more about it.
When I got on the plane I sat next to a women soldier....Sgt. Jordon was her name. She was very polite and had a very thick North Carolinan accent. You could tell she was from the South. I introduced myself and said hi, and where was she and the other soldiers going. She very matter of factly said they were all coming back from a stint in Baghdad. I said really? She explained her job to me and she was responsible for blowing up ordinance and had to do a lot of driving around that area. I asked a few more questions but felt she really didn't want to talk that much. She told me she was in the Army Reserves from Ft. Bragg and they had been deployed for a year and she was so excited to get home to see her family. She was from North Carolina somewhere. I asked her how it went for her over there and she said "Great!" She said it wasn't that bad and she really loved what she had been doing but was very glad to be getting back home. I quit bugging her and just told her thanks for her service and she said "Yes, Sir" Your're Welcome" She addressed me as "Sir" all the time. She ordered a drink and I offered to buy it for her, but before I could get my money out the steward said it was on him for her today.
We didn't say much more in the two hour flight as she just seemed to want to soak in the fact she was finally coming home. As we landed she was intently staring out the window and I said, "I bet that looks good to you!!" It is very green and lush in NC and she said it did and it was so much greener here than in Baghdad. She said "I just love it here."
I deplaned and they were holding the soldiers at the door of the jetway as I left. I went on out but stopped to see what they were going to do. There were many excited people waiting at the gate for these soldiers to deplane with signs and ballons and the like. (Wives, moms and dads, friends, etc.) I stood off to the side and then the gate attendant announced, "Ladies and Gentlement, please welcome home our soldiers from Iraq" They all came out (about 8 of them) and there was this thunderous applause as people ran up to them, hugged them. Sgt Jordon had a big back pack on as she came off and she had put a small American flag in it so it was waving as she and the others came off the plane. I thought as I observed this whole scene that it was much like coming home from a mission having not seen your son or daughter for two years. This deployment had only been for a year and of course a much more dangerous situation but I could somewhat relate to how their families were feeling. Many tears were flowing and this applause lasted for a good 3-4 3 minutes. All the soldiers kind of looked stunned like what do we do now? I have to admit I had a tear or two in my eyes and a big lump in my throat as I saw these wonderful young people welcomed home. None of them was much older than my own sons and it just really hit me how proud I was of their sacrifice and that of their families. I thought "Where do we get such young people who are willing to give their ultimate in defense of their country" I marvel at that.
I watched this for a couple of minutes more, proud to be an American and so thankful and proud that there are such young people who do this very difficult task in a dreadful situation. I thought how wonderful their reunion is with their loved ones and I said a little prayer for each one of them that they would be able to return to normal life after such a stressful year.
I am so grateful for our country and what it stands for. Say what you will about whether going into Iraq was the right thing to do, but never tell me that these soldiers are anything but loyal, patriotic and brave Americans doing what they have been asked to do. From just my little talk with Sgt Jordon I could just tell how much she loved this country, loved her service in the Army and the gratitude she felt toward being able to serve when and where she was asked. She had no doubt that she was involved in a noble cause and that the Iraqi people were grateful, no matter what you hear on the news.
This indeed was an experience I won't soon forget.
Dad
When I got on the plane I sat next to a women soldier....Sgt. Jordon was her name. She was very polite and had a very thick North Carolinan accent. You could tell she was from the South. I introduced myself and said hi, and where was she and the other soldiers going. She very matter of factly said they were all coming back from a stint in Baghdad. I said really? She explained her job to me and she was responsible for blowing up ordinance and had to do a lot of driving around that area. I asked a few more questions but felt she really didn't want to talk that much. She told me she was in the Army Reserves from Ft. Bragg and they had been deployed for a year and she was so excited to get home to see her family. She was from North Carolina somewhere. I asked her how it went for her over there and she said "Great!" She said it wasn't that bad and she really loved what she had been doing but was very glad to be getting back home. I quit bugging her and just told her thanks for her service and she said "Yes, Sir" Your're Welcome" She addressed me as "Sir" all the time. She ordered a drink and I offered to buy it for her, but before I could get my money out the steward said it was on him for her today.
We didn't say much more in the two hour flight as she just seemed to want to soak in the fact she was finally coming home. As we landed she was intently staring out the window and I said, "I bet that looks good to you!!" It is very green and lush in NC and she said it did and it was so much greener here than in Baghdad. She said "I just love it here."
I deplaned and they were holding the soldiers at the door of the jetway as I left. I went on out but stopped to see what they were going to do. There were many excited people waiting at the gate for these soldiers to deplane with signs and ballons and the like. (Wives, moms and dads, friends, etc.) I stood off to the side and then the gate attendant announced, "Ladies and Gentlement, please welcome home our soldiers from Iraq" They all came out (about 8 of them) and there was this thunderous applause as people ran up to them, hugged them. Sgt Jordon had a big back pack on as she came off and she had put a small American flag in it so it was waving as she and the others came off the plane. I thought as I observed this whole scene that it was much like coming home from a mission having not seen your son or daughter for two years. This deployment had only been for a year and of course a much more dangerous situation but I could somewhat relate to how their families were feeling. Many tears were flowing and this applause lasted for a good 3-4 3 minutes. All the soldiers kind of looked stunned like what do we do now? I have to admit I had a tear or two in my eyes and a big lump in my throat as I saw these wonderful young people welcomed home. None of them was much older than my own sons and it just really hit me how proud I was of their sacrifice and that of their families. I thought "Where do we get such young people who are willing to give their ultimate in defense of their country" I marvel at that.
I watched this for a couple of minutes more, proud to be an American and so thankful and proud that there are such young people who do this very difficult task in a dreadful situation. I thought how wonderful their reunion is with their loved ones and I said a little prayer for each one of them that they would be able to return to normal life after such a stressful year.
I am so grateful for our country and what it stands for. Say what you will about whether going into Iraq was the right thing to do, but never tell me that these soldiers are anything but loyal, patriotic and brave Americans doing what they have been asked to do. From just my little talk with Sgt Jordon I could just tell how much she loved this country, loved her service in the Army and the gratitude she felt toward being able to serve when and where she was asked. She had no doubt that she was involved in a noble cause and that the Iraqi people were grateful, no matter what you hear on the news.
This indeed was an experience I won't soon forget.
Dad
Friday, June 01, 2007
Ad Bad Boy
We just Addie off and he is on his way back to Provo. We will definitely miss having Addie around. Besides being my right hand man for the last month. (he calls it free labor), Adam has been a real source of delight while he has been here.
Here is a man who has been hacked on more than the Texas Chainsaw murders and he has
not once let on how discouraged he might be. I think this is partly due to his nature which is to be an upbeat person in his life. But just as much is I think he has an amazing ability to see the bright side of things and be happy with the cards he is dealt. The ultimate man who gets a lemon and makes lemonade out of it. I love that about Addie and have to say his being here has given me a spirtual boost that I greatly appreciate.
He taught a class on the atonement for me as WML and I have to say it was very, very powerful. He has great insight into the Gospel. He also went home teaching with me and uplifted my family and myself with his message.
We are all lucky to be have this young man to lean on when you want a boost in your spirit. He is just fun to be around and makes me a better person for being with him.
I know he probably is a tad tired of being home, but it brought back so many memories when we were all together that I just had to tell you all. I love our family and being around all of you is one of the joys of my life.
We have so much going on and you all are involved in your own lives and issues but I want you to know that my relationship with each of you is an anchor in my life.
Having Adam home has just reinforced something I already knew but need to think about a lot.
Why some young lady has not seen fit to fall in love with Addie is a mystery to me. He will make one fine husband, father and friend. Where is that young lady and what is she thinking?
I gave him my standard advice which he promply ignored. Date a lot, have a lot of fun, play hard to get, etc. It will happen...just not sure when.
We are all lucky to have such a fine man in the fam and I am so proud to call Addie my son and my friend.
Dad
Here is a man who has been hacked on more than the Texas Chainsaw murders and he has
not once let on how discouraged he might be. I think this is partly due to his nature which is to be an upbeat person in his life. But just as much is I think he has an amazing ability to see the bright side of things and be happy with the cards he is dealt. The ultimate man who gets a lemon and makes lemonade out of it. I love that about Addie and have to say his being here has given me a spirtual boost that I greatly appreciate.
He taught a class on the atonement for me as WML and I have to say it was very, very powerful. He has great insight into the Gospel. He also went home teaching with me and uplifted my family and myself with his message.
We are all lucky to be have this young man to lean on when you want a boost in your spirit. He is just fun to be around and makes me a better person for being with him.
I know he probably is a tad tired of being home, but it brought back so many memories when we were all together that I just had to tell you all. I love our family and being around all of you is one of the joys of my life.
We have so much going on and you all are involved in your own lives and issues but I want you to know that my relationship with each of you is an anchor in my life.
Having Adam home has just reinforced something I already knew but need to think about a lot.
Why some young lady has not seen fit to fall in love with Addie is a mystery to me. He will make one fine husband, father and friend. Where is that young lady and what is she thinking?
I gave him my standard advice which he promply ignored. Date a lot, have a lot of fun, play hard to get, etc. It will happen...just not sure when.
We are all lucky to have such a fine man in the fam and I am so proud to call Addie my son and my friend.
Dad
Thursday, April 26, 2007
A Punny Joke
My kind of joke!! Matt, do you get it?
Two robins were sitting in a tree. "I'm really hungry," said the first one.
"Let's fly down and find some lunch." They flew down to the ground and
found a nice plot of newly plowed ground that was full of worms. They ate
and ate and ate till they could eat no more. "I am so full, I don't think I
can fly back up into the tree," said the first one. "Let's just lay back
here and bask in the warm sun," said the second. "O K," said the first. So
they plopped down, basking in the sun. No sooner than they had fallen
asleep, when a big fat tomcat sneaks up and gobbles them up. As the cat sat
washing his face after his meal, he thought...
"I JUST LOVE BASKIN ROBINS."
Two robins were sitting in a tree. "I'm really hungry," said the first one.
"Let's fly down and find some lunch." They flew down to the ground and
found a nice plot of newly plowed ground that was full of worms. They ate
and ate and ate till they could eat no more. "I am so full, I don't think I
can fly back up into the tree," said the first one. "Let's just lay back
here and bask in the warm sun," said the second. "O K," said the first. So
they plopped down, basking in the sun. No sooner than they had fallen
asleep, when a big fat tomcat sneaks up and gobbles them up. As the cat sat
washing his face after his meal, he thought...
"I JUST LOVE BASKIN ROBINS."
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Reunion in Iron Springs
This weekend we talked with Mark and Liz about the logistics for the reunion at Iron Springs this summer. It will be a challenge but I think we have come up with something that will work. Would appreciate comments as I think we need to be buying some airplane tickets pretty soon if we are going to do this. Here is what I think we came up with on a tentative basis. Mark and Liz, correct me if I'm not right on this.
1) Sometime early in the week of June 18th, Mark and Liz will drive to Tremonton
to spend some time with Liz's family, they get to meet Justin, etc.
2) On June 20th Mark takes off for Iron Springs with Joy and Grant. He will
probably stay somewhere like St. George to get up and arrive at Iron Springs
on Thursday around noonish or so.
3) On Thurs. June 21st in the morning, Liz's folks drop her at the SLC airport and
she will fly to Phoenix with Justin.
4) Dad, Mom and Meggie fly to Phoenix to meet up with Liz on Thursday morning. Need
to coordinate this time so Liz is not waiting around for a long time. We rent
a car and drive to Iron Spring to arrive as early as possible.
5) Sometime on the 21st, Ty, Dana and Max arrive from Vegas by car. Drew, Kristen
and Adam arrive from Provo. Jeff, Angie and Cal come up from Phoenix. I think
Matt and Wendi will arrive sometime on Friday or Saturday. Matt what are you
guys thinking? They will drive in their new car.
6) We can get into the cabins we are renting by sometime around noon or so on
Thursday the 21st.
7) We think the cost of the cabins will be around $1,200 so we will figure out a
way we can all share this cost equitably. We will need to figure out a meal
schedule like we have in the past. Maybe Dana or Angie can put that list
together. I suggest we just keep track of all the food and split that cost
between families. Other ideas on that?
8) The best part of the whole thing is Fri, Sat and Sun. where we can just enjoy
being together. We want it to be very relaxed for everyone and not to be
too scheduled. There are some things we need to talk about. I think we will
be with the Rustands and Boices on Sat. night and Wendi will have her shower
at some point. Maybe the guys can shoot a round of golf? I'd like to have
another family council at some point. Any ideas that are out there need to be
discussed, so state you case while you can of what we should do. Movies in
Prescott are a must at some point.
9) I have to be back in Denver on Monday night. I will have to go to Phoenix with
Liz and Justin on Monday morning the 25th, and she will fly back to SLC and I to
Denver. Mark and the kids will leave for Tremonton where he will hook up with
Liz and they drive back to Worland on Tues.
10) Jeff and Angie will be making the move up to Denver in that next week so the
plan is for they and Cal, Adam and Margaret and Meg to drive down to Phoenix
get them packed up and drive the moving truck to Denver, with one car in tow and
driving the other. Adam will help with the drive.
11) Adam will fly back to SLC once they get up to Denver.
12) T&D&M drive back to Vegas and fly back to Seattle...on Monday? Drew and
Kristen drive back to Provo. Matt and Wendi drive back to Denver at some
time....not sure when they need to be back.
13) We probably have to be out of the cabins by Monday afternoon but I'm sure the
Rustands can accomodate us for any that want to stay over and for Margaret, Meg
Jeff and Angie and Cal who will stay another day or two.
Advantages to this is that Liz doesn't have to make that long drive with Justin. The flight to and from Phoenix will make this much more enjoyable for her. I am also happy that we will not be making that 14 hour drive from Denver, even though we will have to spend some money on airline tickets....I still think it is worth it.
What have I got wrong or what have I missed? Please think about this and lets settle on a plan so the logistics part of this is put to bed and we can concentrate on how much fun we will have being together at one of the choice places on this planet for families.
Love you,
Dad
1) Sometime early in the week of June 18th, Mark and Liz will drive to Tremonton
to spend some time with Liz's family, they get to meet Justin, etc.
2) On June 20th Mark takes off for Iron Springs with Joy and Grant. He will
probably stay somewhere like St. George to get up and arrive at Iron Springs
on Thursday around noonish or so.
3) On Thurs. June 21st in the morning, Liz's folks drop her at the SLC airport and
she will fly to Phoenix with Justin.
4) Dad, Mom and Meggie fly to Phoenix to meet up with Liz on Thursday morning. Need
to coordinate this time so Liz is not waiting around for a long time. We rent
a car and drive to Iron Spring to arrive as early as possible.
5) Sometime on the 21st, Ty, Dana and Max arrive from Vegas by car. Drew, Kristen
and Adam arrive from Provo. Jeff, Angie and Cal come up from Phoenix. I think
Matt and Wendi will arrive sometime on Friday or Saturday. Matt what are you
guys thinking? They will drive in their new car.
6) We can get into the cabins we are renting by sometime around noon or so on
Thursday the 21st.
7) We think the cost of the cabins will be around $1,200 so we will figure out a
way we can all share this cost equitably. We will need to figure out a meal
schedule like we have in the past. Maybe Dana or Angie can put that list
together. I suggest we just keep track of all the food and split that cost
between families. Other ideas on that?
8) The best part of the whole thing is Fri, Sat and Sun. where we can just enjoy
being together. We want it to be very relaxed for everyone and not to be
too scheduled. There are some things we need to talk about. I think we will
be with the Rustands and Boices on Sat. night and Wendi will have her shower
at some point. Maybe the guys can shoot a round of golf? I'd like to have
another family council at some point. Any ideas that are out there need to be
discussed, so state you case while you can of what we should do. Movies in
Prescott are a must at some point.
9) I have to be back in Denver on Monday night. I will have to go to Phoenix with
Liz and Justin on Monday morning the 25th, and she will fly back to SLC and I to
Denver. Mark and the kids will leave for Tremonton where he will hook up with
Liz and they drive back to Worland on Tues.
10) Jeff and Angie will be making the move up to Denver in that next week so the
plan is for they and Cal, Adam and Margaret and Meg to drive down to Phoenix
get them packed up and drive the moving truck to Denver, with one car in tow and
driving the other. Adam will help with the drive.
11) Adam will fly back to SLC once they get up to Denver.
12) T&D&M drive back to Vegas and fly back to Seattle...on Monday? Drew and
Kristen drive back to Provo. Matt and Wendi drive back to Denver at some
time....not sure when they need to be back.
13) We probably have to be out of the cabins by Monday afternoon but I'm sure the
Rustands can accomodate us for any that want to stay over and for Margaret, Meg
Jeff and Angie and Cal who will stay another day or two.
Advantages to this is that Liz doesn't have to make that long drive with Justin. The flight to and from Phoenix will make this much more enjoyable for her. I am also happy that we will not be making that 14 hour drive from Denver, even though we will have to spend some money on airline tickets....I still think it is worth it.
What have I got wrong or what have I missed? Please think about this and lets settle on a plan so the logistics part of this is put to bed and we can concentrate on how much fun we will have being together at one of the choice places on this planet for families.
Love you,
Dad
I'm Getting Old!! (But you already knew that!!)
You may have seen this already, but I found it very interesting and also kind of staggering to know how fast things are moving in life. Read this to the end.
How old is Grandpa??
Stay with this -- the answer is at the end. It will blow you away.
One evening a grandson was talking to his grandfather about current
events. The grandson asked his grandfather what he thought about the
shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.
The Grandfather replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born
before:
television
penicillin
polio shots
frozen foods
Xerox
contact lenses
Frisbees and
the pill
There were no:
credit cards
laser beams or
ball-point pens
Man had not yet invented:
pantyhose
air conditioners
dishwashers
clothes dryers
and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and
man hadn't yet walked on the moon
Your Grandmother and I got married first, . . . and then lived
together.
Every family had a father and a mother.
Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, "Sir".
And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a
title, "Sir."
We were before gay-rights, computer- dating, dual careers, daycare
centers, and group therapy.
Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and
common sense.
We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to
stand up and take responsibility for our actions.
Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a
bigger privilege.
We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent.
Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening
breeze started.
Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and
weekends-not purchasing condominiums.
We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters,
yogurt, or guys wearing earrings.
We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches
on our radios.
And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to
Tommy Dorsey.
If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan' on it, it was junk
The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam.
Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of.
We had 5 & 10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and
10 cents.
Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were
all a nickel.
And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on
enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, . . . but who could afford
one? Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.
In my day:
"grass" was mowed,
"coke" was a cold drink,
"pot" was something your mother cooked in and
"rock music" was your grandmother's lullaby.
"Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office,
" chip" meant a piece of wood,
"hardware" was found in a hardware store and
"software" wasn't even a word.
And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed
a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us "old and confused" and
say there is a generation gap... and how old do you think I am?
I bet you have this old man in mind...you are in for a shock!
Read on to see -- pretty scary if you think about it and pretty sad at
the same time.
Are you ready ?????
This man would be only 59 years old
My only salvation is that Mom is 3 days older than me!! No telling how much will change between when you guys were born and when you are 59. Wish I could be here to see it with you.
Dad
How old is Grandpa??
Stay with this -- the answer is at the end. It will blow you away.
One evening a grandson was talking to his grandfather about current
events. The grandson asked his grandfather what he thought about the
shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.
The Grandfather replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born
before:
television
penicillin
polio shots
frozen foods
Xerox
contact lenses
Frisbees and
the pill
There were no:
credit cards
laser beams or
ball-point pens
Man had not yet invented:
pantyhose
air conditioners
dishwashers
clothes dryers
and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and
man hadn't yet walked on the moon
Your Grandmother and I got married first, . . . and then lived
together.
Every family had a father and a mother.
Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, "Sir".
And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a
title, "Sir."
We were before gay-rights, computer- dating, dual careers, daycare
centers, and group therapy.
Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and
common sense.
We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to
stand up and take responsibility for our actions.
Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a
bigger privilege.
We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent.
Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening
breeze started.
Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and
weekends-not purchasing condominiums.
We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters,
yogurt, or guys wearing earrings.
We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches
on our radios.
And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to
Tommy Dorsey.
If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan' on it, it was junk
The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam.
Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of.
We had 5 & 10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and
10 cents.
Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were
all a nickel.
And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on
enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, . . . but who could afford
one? Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.
In my day:
"grass" was mowed,
"coke" was a cold drink,
"pot" was something your mother cooked in and
"rock music" was your grandmother's lullaby.
"Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office,
" chip" meant a piece of wood,
"hardware" was found in a hardware store and
"software" wasn't even a word.
And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed
a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us "old and confused" and
say there is a generation gap... and how old do you think I am?
I bet you have this old man in mind...you are in for a shock!
Read on to see -- pretty scary if you think about it and pretty sad at
the same time.
Are you ready ?????
This man would be only 59 years old
My only salvation is that Mom is 3 days older than me!! No telling how much will change between when you guys were born and when you are 59. Wish I could be here to see it with you.
Dad
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Lutester's final words.
Thought some of you might enjoy hearing from Lute Olson's comments at a press conference he held on Monday, March 19th. The Lutester is getting long in the tooth but I think you will hear more of the 'Cats next year. They certainly have a strong nucleus coming back and a couple of great kids coming in. (Jaryd Bayless (PG) and Jamelle Horn (SF) ) They are both rated in the top 5 at their positions in the country. If we don't lose Chase and Marcus Willimas to the NBA (I believe Williams will go) we will be right in the middle the fray next year.
Enjoy.
Dad
On Monday Lute Olson met with the press to re-cap the season and take a look ahead. Here are some his quotes.
Opening Statement
“In looking back at the season, there were certainly some ups and downs. The main thing is that we kept the streak of 20-win seasons alive (20, longest in the nation) and kept the streak of 23 consecutive NCAA (Tournament) appearances (also longest in the nation). We played well enough to win 20 games and we played poorly enough to lose (11) games. It was disappointing in a lot of ways, but I think there are a lot schools that would probably be excited to finish in a tie for third place in what’s proving to be one of the toughest conferences in the country.
“A lot of people are happy to get in the NCAA Tournament, so it was nice to have had that opportunity. In terms of looking back at that game, there were a lot of opportunities when we got the score down to two and four points, but did not have the capability, as we had in our final five road games in the Pac-10, to finish the game off. But I think it was pretty obvious in watching that (Purdue) was a pretty good basketball team.
“I had an opportunity to watch the Pac-10 teams and I thought the teams played really well. As I said before the tournament, I thought the way our officials worked the games during the season was beneficial to our teams playing the in the NCAA (Tournament) because the games were called very similarly, very physical, with the way they are called in the NCAA Tournament.
“Beyond that, Ivan (Radenovic) has had an invita to play in the (National Association of Basketball Coaches) East-West (All-Star) Game, which will be held Friday evening (March 30) at 7:30 (EDT) in Atlanta during the Final Four. He’s excited about having that opportunity.
“Also, Chase (Budinger) has been invited to try out for the U.S. Under-19 Team that will have tryouts in July and then the team that will be selected will play in the Global Games in Dallas and go on and play in Serbia. He’ll be given an opportunity to make that team. I think it would be a great experience for him.
“Mohamed (Tangara) has had an invitation to play with the Mali national team. We just sent our acceptance of that back this morning. He’ll go back there sometime in the latter part of July and the competition will be in August.
“Otherwise, the rest of the guys will be attending summer school here. There will be some that we’ll want to remain here for the entire summer. One of those is Kirk Walters. Another is Jordan Hill because we need to continue to work on their strength, and hopefully, by that time Kirk will be cleared to work out the way we want him to work out.”
When will you find out about his (Walters’) redshirt situation?
“It will be submitted now that the season is over. I think (a decision can be expected) sometime in June. It’s just a severe case of mono. Hopefully, by the time we get to the middle of May he would be ready to workout without problems.”
You’ve had long seasons before, but this season started in mid-August. Was it a long season for you?
“Oh yes. We had 10 practices before we went to Vancouver (Sept. 1-4). When we came back, they had individual workouts and weights until the start of practice (Oct. 13). Basketball to begin with is very long and that made it even longer.
What about psychologically?
“The whole thing is that this has been a great group of young people to work with. It hasn’t been a case of problems in practice or anything else. They have been a great group of guys…great chemistry. I’d like for it to be that way every year. As I look at it with the experience that we got with the freshmen. It doesn’t make any difference whether you are talking about our freshmen or anyone else’s, that was pretty obvious with Texas (on March 18 vs. USC). As great of a player as (Kevin) Durant is, as good as (Greg) Oden is, they had some of the same things that we had. The good thing is that freshmen become sophomores and they know a whole lot more about what is expected and what they have to do in the offseason.
“This group was a great group to work with. They’ve done a really good job in the classroom. They’ve been great in the community. There hasn’t been anything we’ve asked them to do that they haven’t done. I think they’ve done a great job of representing this program.
“Are they disappointed? Yes, they are disappointed. There are 16 teams left and everyone else is disappointed.
Would you do anything differently?
“We met as a staff this morning. As far as planning and everything else, there isn’t anything we’d change. I just finished talking with Ivan and he feels that from a player’s perspective he wants to know what they could have done to not have this happen. I said, ‘well, that’s the way the coaches are feeling.’ He said there wasn’t anything the staff could have done that they didn’t do.
“We’re just evaluating how we went about it and what we need to do differently. The biggest thing is that we need to be stronger and physically more aggressive. That’s not anything that we’re going to approach any differently. The way this league is getting now, you have to play physically.
“We’re going to continue to work on the physical part of it, but also the mental part, too. They have to be pushed to the nth degree in everything they do with weights in the workouts now and in the fall. There will be a lot more emphasis on developing the one-on-one offensive and defensive skills and less time on shooting. With the big guys, you still have to work on footwork, but we’ll make better use of the blocking dummies to get them more accustomed to the physical nature of the game.
“You can see from watching the games in the playoffs, it continues. It doesn’t matter who you watch, the games are all physical. That’s the way they are being called. It’s not a game of finesse really any more, it’s a game of strength. Much more physical than it’s ever been…a lot more. If you watched the games through the first two rounds, it’s been the most physical I’ve seen in my 34 years of coaching or 28 of the last 29 years that I’ve had teams in the playoffs.”
Talk about Jawann McClellan’s comments about taking on a leadership role:
”The thing that I like about Jawann is that he is a tough-minded kid and he is tough physically. I think he can add a lot to this team next year just by his attitude toward the game. He’ll do a good job with his leadership. It’s going to be a case, like this year when he was able, he was always tough and hard-nosed. I had the players go through an evaluation, and the most aggressive was Jawann by a long ways in terms of the voting of his teammates. And that’s what we need. He’s physical, very aggressive and he’s accustomed to winning. “The biggest thing now with him is the challenge of making sure he continues working on keeping that weight down in the 205 area and doing the rehab things away from school that he needs to do. That’s just something we have to count on from him. He’s already planned for being in a situation this summer where he can work out against good people, physical players. We need Jawann’s toughness and we need for to inspire others to be tough just like he is.”
Can you talk about Mustafa Shakur and his impact on the program?
“Mustafa played so well early in the year and then tailed off. In the first half of the season, he played as well as any point guard in the country. You know, the (NBA) scouts see him all year long, so I’m sure it’s going to be a case of where the determining factor in terms of where he goes will be in the individual workouts much more so than playing in Chicago. “He’s been the point guard on four NCAA Tournament teams. One year to the Elite Eight, one year to the second round where he played really well in both games. As I’ve said many times, I’ve never had anybody work harder. That doesn’t just include the practices, because I know what he has done in terms of working on his shooting. When he first came in his shot was a tremendous problem, and he’s worked hard at straightening that out. “I think this year was a year where they couldn’t back off him like they had in the past. He‘s a four-year starter at the point for us. That’s not an easy thing to do.”
Can you speak to the futures of Nic Wise and Fendi Onobun?
“I told Nic a few weeks ago, ‘I bet he feels like Jason Terry felt as a freshman.’ Being a freshman is not easy. It’s a huge adjustment in every way that it can be. I though he made great progress during the year. He’s a totally different player than when he first started.
“I just talked with Fendi. He was talking about the first week of practice his freshman year where he thought that we were talking a different language, and just in terms of learning the game, how much he’s progress that he’s made. I told Fendi it’s all there physically. He just needs to be much more intense on every ball possession. He has a great body, tremendous hands and great lift. He’s worked hard on his shooting. A year ago, he couldn’t even drop it right-handed. Now you can’t play him just left or he’ll go right on you. So many of those things you haven’t had the opportunity to see in game situations, but we see everyday in practice and so does he.
“If he couldn’t play physically, I’d tell him. He just needs to be more intense. He has to sprint the court both ways. He has to be on the boards every time the ball is up in the air. We had a good talk. The biggest thing is getting them into a position where he can operate in either spot (small forward vs. power forward). When I look at a guy to become a three-man, like Richard Jefferson, who played inside all the time in high school, I was never worried about it. Richard had the physical ability and quickness to play on the outside. He just needed to learn the ball-handling skills and all that. Fendi is the same way. He has the quickness to defend people on the perimeter. He needs to intensify what he is doing out there in terms of taking on a challenge. He has as quick a set of feet as Richard has, and Richard has done pretty well with that. Sean Elliott was an inside player playing in the middle of a 2-3 zone when he came here. So we’ve seen that with a lot of guys. Fendi could play either position.
“I talked with him about the (Carl) Landry kid from Purdue. What makes Landry so good? It’s the intensity with which he plays the game.”
What can we expect to see from Chase Budinger next year?
“Chase has been quoted as saying that he wants to be the best college player in the country next year. I think that’s a realistic possibility. When I talked to him the other day when we got back about the letter we were holding regarding the USA Basketball Under 19 team tryouts, one of the first questions he asked me was whether he would be able to work on his strength while he was doing this. It’s important for all 19-year-old to understand how important physical development is. From the beginning of the year until now with Chase, there has been a lot of progress. As much as he would have liked? No, but I don’t think he realized coming in what the difference was going to be. He became much more aggressive as the year went on. But there were times when he had one really good game and not a very good game or a great first half and not a great second half. Against Purdue, he had no rebounds in the first half and six in the second. I don’t think he suddenly developed rebounding skills at halftime. If you want to be the best player in the country, there is no time to coast.”
The injuries this year really depleted you…
“Yes. Jordan (Hill) really should have been a back-up to Kirk. Is he better right now than he would have been? Yes. Jawann’s situation the last two years has hurt us, but there is nothing you can do about it. You can look at it that it gave Chase a whole lot more minutes this year than he might otherwise have had. It would have affected Chase or Jordan.”
Enjoy.
Dad
On Monday Lute Olson met with the press to re-cap the season and take a look ahead. Here are some his quotes.
Opening Statement
“In looking back at the season, there were certainly some ups and downs. The main thing is that we kept the streak of 20-win seasons alive (20, longest in the nation) and kept the streak of 23 consecutive NCAA (Tournament) appearances (also longest in the nation). We played well enough to win 20 games and we played poorly enough to lose (11) games. It was disappointing in a lot of ways, but I think there are a lot schools that would probably be excited to finish in a tie for third place in what’s proving to be one of the toughest conferences in the country.
“A lot of people are happy to get in the NCAA Tournament, so it was nice to have had that opportunity. In terms of looking back at that game, there were a lot of opportunities when we got the score down to two and four points, but did not have the capability, as we had in our final five road games in the Pac-10, to finish the game off. But I think it was pretty obvious in watching that (Purdue) was a pretty good basketball team.
“I had an opportunity to watch the Pac-10 teams and I thought the teams played really well. As I said before the tournament, I thought the way our officials worked the games during the season was beneficial to our teams playing the in the NCAA (Tournament) because the games were called very similarly, very physical, with the way they are called in the NCAA Tournament.
“Beyond that, Ivan (Radenovic) has had an invita to play in the (National Association of Basketball Coaches) East-West (All-Star) Game, which will be held Friday evening (March 30) at 7:30 (EDT) in Atlanta during the Final Four. He’s excited about having that opportunity.
“Also, Chase (Budinger) has been invited to try out for the U.S. Under-19 Team that will have tryouts in July and then the team that will be selected will play in the Global Games in Dallas and go on and play in Serbia. He’ll be given an opportunity to make that team. I think it would be a great experience for him.
“Mohamed (Tangara) has had an invitation to play with the Mali national team. We just sent our acceptance of that back this morning. He’ll go back there sometime in the latter part of July and the competition will be in August.
“Otherwise, the rest of the guys will be attending summer school here. There will be some that we’ll want to remain here for the entire summer. One of those is Kirk Walters. Another is Jordan Hill because we need to continue to work on their strength, and hopefully, by that time Kirk will be cleared to work out the way we want him to work out.”
When will you find out about his (Walters’) redshirt situation?
“It will be submitted now that the season is over. I think (a decision can be expected) sometime in June. It’s just a severe case of mono. Hopefully, by the time we get to the middle of May he would be ready to workout without problems.”
You’ve had long seasons before, but this season started in mid-August. Was it a long season for you?
“Oh yes. We had 10 practices before we went to Vancouver (Sept. 1-4). When we came back, they had individual workouts and weights until the start of practice (Oct. 13). Basketball to begin with is very long and that made it even longer.
What about psychologically?
“The whole thing is that this has been a great group of young people to work with. It hasn’t been a case of problems in practice or anything else. They have been a great group of guys…great chemistry. I’d like for it to be that way every year. As I look at it with the experience that we got with the freshmen. It doesn’t make any difference whether you are talking about our freshmen or anyone else’s, that was pretty obvious with Texas (on March 18 vs. USC). As great of a player as (Kevin) Durant is, as good as (Greg) Oden is, they had some of the same things that we had. The good thing is that freshmen become sophomores and they know a whole lot more about what is expected and what they have to do in the offseason.
“This group was a great group to work with. They’ve done a really good job in the classroom. They’ve been great in the community. There hasn’t been anything we’ve asked them to do that they haven’t done. I think they’ve done a great job of representing this program.
“Are they disappointed? Yes, they are disappointed. There are 16 teams left and everyone else is disappointed.
Would you do anything differently?
“We met as a staff this morning. As far as planning and everything else, there isn’t anything we’d change. I just finished talking with Ivan and he feels that from a player’s perspective he wants to know what they could have done to not have this happen. I said, ‘well, that’s the way the coaches are feeling.’ He said there wasn’t anything the staff could have done that they didn’t do.
“We’re just evaluating how we went about it and what we need to do differently. The biggest thing is that we need to be stronger and physically more aggressive. That’s not anything that we’re going to approach any differently. The way this league is getting now, you have to play physically.
“We’re going to continue to work on the physical part of it, but also the mental part, too. They have to be pushed to the nth degree in everything they do with weights in the workouts now and in the fall. There will be a lot more emphasis on developing the one-on-one offensive and defensive skills and less time on shooting. With the big guys, you still have to work on footwork, but we’ll make better use of the blocking dummies to get them more accustomed to the physical nature of the game.
“You can see from watching the games in the playoffs, it continues. It doesn’t matter who you watch, the games are all physical. That’s the way they are being called. It’s not a game of finesse really any more, it’s a game of strength. Much more physical than it’s ever been…a lot more. If you watched the games through the first two rounds, it’s been the most physical I’ve seen in my 34 years of coaching or 28 of the last 29 years that I’ve had teams in the playoffs.”
Talk about Jawann McClellan’s comments about taking on a leadership role:
”The thing that I like about Jawann is that he is a tough-minded kid and he is tough physically. I think he can add a lot to this team next year just by his attitude toward the game. He’ll do a good job with his leadership. It’s going to be a case, like this year when he was able, he was always tough and hard-nosed. I had the players go through an evaluation, and the most aggressive was Jawann by a long ways in terms of the voting of his teammates. And that’s what we need. He’s physical, very aggressive and he’s accustomed to winning. “The biggest thing now with him is the challenge of making sure he continues working on keeping that weight down in the 205 area and doing the rehab things away from school that he needs to do. That’s just something we have to count on from him. He’s already planned for being in a situation this summer where he can work out against good people, physical players. We need Jawann’s toughness and we need for to inspire others to be tough just like he is.”
Can you talk about Mustafa Shakur and his impact on the program?
“Mustafa played so well early in the year and then tailed off. In the first half of the season, he played as well as any point guard in the country. You know, the (NBA) scouts see him all year long, so I’m sure it’s going to be a case of where the determining factor in terms of where he goes will be in the individual workouts much more so than playing in Chicago. “He’s been the point guard on four NCAA Tournament teams. One year to the Elite Eight, one year to the second round where he played really well in both games. As I’ve said many times, I’ve never had anybody work harder. That doesn’t just include the practices, because I know what he has done in terms of working on his shooting. When he first came in his shot was a tremendous problem, and he’s worked hard at straightening that out. “I think this year was a year where they couldn’t back off him like they had in the past. He‘s a four-year starter at the point for us. That’s not an easy thing to do.”
Can you speak to the futures of Nic Wise and Fendi Onobun?
“I told Nic a few weeks ago, ‘I bet he feels like Jason Terry felt as a freshman.’ Being a freshman is not easy. It’s a huge adjustment in every way that it can be. I though he made great progress during the year. He’s a totally different player than when he first started.
“I just talked with Fendi. He was talking about the first week of practice his freshman year where he thought that we were talking a different language, and just in terms of learning the game, how much he’s progress that he’s made. I told Fendi it’s all there physically. He just needs to be much more intense on every ball possession. He has a great body, tremendous hands and great lift. He’s worked hard on his shooting. A year ago, he couldn’t even drop it right-handed. Now you can’t play him just left or he’ll go right on you. So many of those things you haven’t had the opportunity to see in game situations, but we see everyday in practice and so does he.
“If he couldn’t play physically, I’d tell him. He just needs to be more intense. He has to sprint the court both ways. He has to be on the boards every time the ball is up in the air. We had a good talk. The biggest thing is getting them into a position where he can operate in either spot (small forward vs. power forward). When I look at a guy to become a three-man, like Richard Jefferson, who played inside all the time in high school, I was never worried about it. Richard had the physical ability and quickness to play on the outside. He just needed to learn the ball-handling skills and all that. Fendi is the same way. He has the quickness to defend people on the perimeter. He needs to intensify what he is doing out there in terms of taking on a challenge. He has as quick a set of feet as Richard has, and Richard has done pretty well with that. Sean Elliott was an inside player playing in the middle of a 2-3 zone when he came here. So we’ve seen that with a lot of guys. Fendi could play either position.
“I talked with him about the (Carl) Landry kid from Purdue. What makes Landry so good? It’s the intensity with which he plays the game.”
What can we expect to see from Chase Budinger next year?
“Chase has been quoted as saying that he wants to be the best college player in the country next year. I think that’s a realistic possibility. When I talked to him the other day when we got back about the letter we were holding regarding the USA Basketball Under 19 team tryouts, one of the first questions he asked me was whether he would be able to work on his strength while he was doing this. It’s important for all 19-year-old to understand how important physical development is. From the beginning of the year until now with Chase, there has been a lot of progress. As much as he would have liked? No, but I don’t think he realized coming in what the difference was going to be. He became much more aggressive as the year went on. But there were times when he had one really good game and not a very good game or a great first half and not a great second half. Against Purdue, he had no rebounds in the first half and six in the second. I don’t think he suddenly developed rebounding skills at halftime. If you want to be the best player in the country, there is no time to coast.”
The injuries this year really depleted you…
“Yes. Jordan (Hill) really should have been a back-up to Kirk. Is he better right now than he would have been? Yes. Jawann’s situation the last two years has hurt us, but there is nothing you can do about it. You can look at it that it gave Chase a whole lot more minutes this year than he might otherwise have had. It would have affected Chase or Jordan.”
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Taxes, Taxes, Taxes
I just got through doing our taxes for 2006. For the first time since I can remember doing taxes, we are having to send more money to the IRS than was withheld. This is very disturbing to me and your mother. It rather torques my jaws to tell you the truth.
What got us this year is we had to take a withdrawal from my 401k in order to pay for the basement. So not only do they withhold from that withdrawal at a 20% rate, the IRS then hits you with a 10% additional penalty when you do your taxes. What a ripoff!!!
I sure wish that they would hold the elections around the 3rd week in April. The Pols are too smart for that though. They know that they would be thrown out of office every election. It is absolutely ridiculous that the Feds take so much of our money. I'm not speaking as a Republican or a Democrat here. I work hard for the money we get and it makes me mad to see so much of it wasted. And for you Matt, I'm not thinking the defense of this country is a waste. No, we have plenty of income from our tax code to cover the essential things that the Federal governement should be doing. Defense, foreign policy, welfare, social security, etc. What we have is too much waste and entitlements. Why do we have a Federally created Dept of Education? Why do we have OSHA? Why do we have the FHA? The EPA? Etc, etc. Better left to the states, much of this. We are out of control.
I really do pity you guys and your kids. By the time they are grown up and paying taxes they will get nothing of what they earn.
Sorry to rant, but it is troublesome to me every year when I see all the waste and I could better use my money myself than giving it to the Feds. I don't want anything from them. Just let me do for myself and I will be fine. If that were to happen the whole thing would collapse as the top 10% of wage earners now pay 67% of the federal tax bill. Pathetic!!
I'd like to tell the Feds to go pound sand.....but I don't want to go to jail.
Love you.
Destitute in Denver
Dad
What got us this year is we had to take a withdrawal from my 401k in order to pay for the basement. So not only do they withhold from that withdrawal at a 20% rate, the IRS then hits you with a 10% additional penalty when you do your taxes. What a ripoff!!!
I sure wish that they would hold the elections around the 3rd week in April. The Pols are too smart for that though. They know that they would be thrown out of office every election. It is absolutely ridiculous that the Feds take so much of our money. I'm not speaking as a Republican or a Democrat here. I work hard for the money we get and it makes me mad to see so much of it wasted. And for you Matt, I'm not thinking the defense of this country is a waste. No, we have plenty of income from our tax code to cover the essential things that the Federal governement should be doing. Defense, foreign policy, welfare, social security, etc. What we have is too much waste and entitlements. Why do we have a Federally created Dept of Education? Why do we have OSHA? Why do we have the FHA? The EPA? Etc, etc. Better left to the states, much of this. We are out of control.
I really do pity you guys and your kids. By the time they are grown up and paying taxes they will get nothing of what they earn.
Sorry to rant, but it is troublesome to me every year when I see all the waste and I could better use my money myself than giving it to the Feds. I don't want anything from them. Just let me do for myself and I will be fine. If that were to happen the whole thing would collapse as the top 10% of wage earners now pay 67% of the federal tax bill. Pathetic!!
I'd like to tell the Feds to go pound sand.....but I don't want to go to jail.
Love you.
Destitute in Denver
Dad
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Jeff City Quiz
As most of you know, I was just in Jeff City for a day and took the time
to drive around town and see some of the old stomping grounds. It is so interesting to me to go to some of the places we frequented while we lived there and think about all that happened in the 11 years we lived in Jeff City. I thought it might be fun to have a little test of the old memory banks for those of you who can remember.
Hey everyone,
I am posting a bunch of pictures that I took while I was there. Your job is to identify the place in the picture and tell us something about what you remember about each place. The winner (the one who gets the most correct) is the owner of a large Blizzard the next time you are in Denver. The discretion of the Big Guy is absolute and final and I and only I, will make the tough tie breaker calls if needed. That's what I do best....is make the tough calls as you all know by now. The pictures are numbered so number you response in the same order and I will figure it out. The more creative you get about what you remember about the particular place, the more points you get. The point system used is totally arbitrary and only known to moi!! (don't ask in other words.)
Good luck,
Love, Dad
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7) 
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14) 
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
to drive around town and see some of the old stomping grounds. It is so interesting to me to go to some of the places we frequented while we lived there and think about all that happened in the 11 years we lived in Jeff City. I thought it might be fun to have a little test of the old memory banks for those of you who can remember.
Hey everyone,
I am posting a bunch of pictures that I took while I was there. Your job is to identify the place in the picture and tell us something about what you remember about each place. The winner (the one who gets the most correct) is the owner of a large Blizzard the next time you are in Denver. The discretion of the Big Guy is absolute and final and I and only I, will make the tough tie breaker calls if needed. That's what I do best....is make the tough calls as you all know by now. The pictures are numbered so number you response in the same order and I will figure it out. The more creative you get about what you remember about the particular place, the more points you get. The point system used is totally arbitrary and only known to moi!! (don't ask in other words.)
Good luck,
Love, Dad
1)
2)
3)
4) 5)
6)
7) 
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13) 14) 
15) 16) 17) 18)
19)
20) 21)22)
23)
24)
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Why so competitive?
I have noticed a interesting thing about myself. It hit me again today as I saw the Wildcats get beat up by NC on national TV. I was bummed out!! I mean it was a few hours before I was over it. I got to thinking about that and I believe it is a part of our culture which is not all that pretty a picture. Let me explain my feelings.
I feel badly when the Broncos lose, especially when they played so badly and in fact,anytime they get beat, I feel bad. Same with the Nuggies, the Rockies, the Avs, etc. It is like part of my life is tied to the fact that the teams I root for are successful. How dumb is that? It passes quickly but the fact that I have those feelings at all is what bugs me. I have no personal stake in the matter, have nobody really involved that I know......I basically think that somehow in some small way my self worth or the fact that that I'm vicariously taking part in these games and so when they get beat, I get beat. It is a phenomena that takes a hold of whole cities and states who are so closely tied to their sports team. (i.e. Nebraska, Notre Dame, Texas, etc.) Riots occur and people go bananas if their teams loses sometimes. You have to look no further than soccer riots in Europe after a loss to see the psychology that takes over at times. It is like if their team loses they feel worthless themselves adn they lose all sense of perspective. So, my conclusion is that it comes down to our competitive natures as humans to a degree. We must win or somehow we are less of a person or city or country. By winning we prove ourselves better competitively and thus in our minds we are better human beings. While we have good hard competition around it seems less and less that we enjoy the competition as much as we do crushing the competition.
Competition is good in life. It is what drives our captialistic system. It rewards risk, enterpenurship, innovation and many other positive things. It doesn't in itself do anything but drive us to be better than the other guy in the business world or die. It is a good thing in that sense. I promotes our life style and standard of living. I have no problem with competition in that sense.
But the drive to always have to beat some one to somehow validate your own self worth in the sports sense is not a good thing. Who of us really likes to watch a game just because it is a good game. If we don't have a horse in the race, we are not that interested in watching it if truth be told. (I'm speaking for me, here) Why not enjoy the game just because of the game, not who's playing or who actually wins the game? Interesting psychology there I think.
It is interesting in our family as those of us who have played sports kind of have this ingrained in our DNA about winning and striving to do your best to crush your opponent. It is reflected in our lives in the way we always want to play a game or have a competition in almost any situation. (aka Manliest Man contest at the Ranch) I know that some of the girls are a bit uncomfortable with the way we Foster men always want to win at whatever it is we do. I truly think it is very good natured and lots of fun, but I am curious what drives us to do that all the time. I'm not suggesting we change our basic make up, but I'm saying lets be aware of it and that others might not feel the same way about things. We certainly don't want to hurt anyones feelings about competiting for anything.
I for one pledge to no longer want to win at anything. I have been crushed so many times that I no longer have any self worth. I'm no longer the free throw champ, no longer rein as the Boggle champ, and certainly am far down on the list of ping pong players in the fam. I basically am a worthless human being.
So the next time we meet in the middle of the ring, don't expect me to say "I, will crush you!!" I will merely turn the other cheek and let you smack me around like a cat playing with catnip. (I'm the catnip)
At least I have MacGyver to kick around!! I can beat him at anything except running in perfect concentric circles to the left only!!
Dad
I feel badly when the Broncos lose, especially when they played so badly and in fact,anytime they get beat, I feel bad. Same with the Nuggies, the Rockies, the Avs, etc. It is like part of my life is tied to the fact that the teams I root for are successful. How dumb is that? It passes quickly but the fact that I have those feelings at all is what bugs me. I have no personal stake in the matter, have nobody really involved that I know......I basically think that somehow in some small way my self worth or the fact that that I'm vicariously taking part in these games and so when they get beat, I get beat. It is a phenomena that takes a hold of whole cities and states who are so closely tied to their sports team. (i.e. Nebraska, Notre Dame, Texas, etc.) Riots occur and people go bananas if their teams loses sometimes. You have to look no further than soccer riots in Europe after a loss to see the psychology that takes over at times. It is like if their team loses they feel worthless themselves adn they lose all sense of perspective. So, my conclusion is that it comes down to our competitive natures as humans to a degree. We must win or somehow we are less of a person or city or country. By winning we prove ourselves better competitively and thus in our minds we are better human beings. While we have good hard competition around it seems less and less that we enjoy the competition as much as we do crushing the competition.
Competition is good in life. It is what drives our captialistic system. It rewards risk, enterpenurship, innovation and many other positive things. It doesn't in itself do anything but drive us to be better than the other guy in the business world or die. It is a good thing in that sense. I promotes our life style and standard of living. I have no problem with competition in that sense.
But the drive to always have to beat some one to somehow validate your own self worth in the sports sense is not a good thing. Who of us really likes to watch a game just because it is a good game. If we don't have a horse in the race, we are not that interested in watching it if truth be told. (I'm speaking for me, here) Why not enjoy the game just because of the game, not who's playing or who actually wins the game? Interesting psychology there I think.
It is interesting in our family as those of us who have played sports kind of have this ingrained in our DNA about winning and striving to do your best to crush your opponent. It is reflected in our lives in the way we always want to play a game or have a competition in almost any situation. (aka Manliest Man contest at the Ranch) I know that some of the girls are a bit uncomfortable with the way we Foster men always want to win at whatever it is we do. I truly think it is very good natured and lots of fun, but I am curious what drives us to do that all the time. I'm not suggesting we change our basic make up, but I'm saying lets be aware of it and that others might not feel the same way about things. We certainly don't want to hurt anyones feelings about competiting for anything.
I for one pledge to no longer want to win at anything. I have been crushed so many times that I no longer have any self worth. I'm no longer the free throw champ, no longer rein as the Boggle champ, and certainly am far down on the list of ping pong players in the fam. I basically am a worthless human being.
So the next time we meet in the middle of the ring, don't expect me to say "I, will crush you!!" I will merely turn the other cheek and let you smack me around like a cat playing with catnip. (I'm the catnip)
At least I have MacGyver to kick around!! I can beat him at anything except running in perfect concentric circles to the left only!!
Dad
Thursday, January 25, 2007
A Post from a lonely man!!
I am typing this from my hotel room in Jacksonville, Fl. I have been here since Sunday attending our national sales meeting. It is a long week filled with meetings (to talk about how we did and to talk about what the next year's goals are.) I have been coming to these things for 20 some odd years and while it is kind of fun to get away for awhile, I have to say the appeal is wearing off a bit.
Usually we start them on a Friday and work over the weekend. (a European idea, I guess) This year was different and I like it much better. We started on Tuesday and will end tomorrow. I had to come in on Sunday as I had a customer who came to a meeting where he presented a talk to a group of other customers and ABB people. Anyway, it is almost over.
I don't like being away from home for lots of reasons, not the least of which is I miss Mom and Meggie when I am gone so long. These meetings are a lot of mingling, networking and plain old chit-chatting at the dinners and receptions and all. It gets old. I like to visit with some of my old friends, but every year there are fewer and fewer as they are all starting to retire. Ron West (a.k "Thunder Tonque") was one of the top 7 people this year.....he sold over $52 million in equipment. (I sold just over $10 million to put that in perspective and I had a great year) Most of the folks drink a lot and after awhile I just leave as it isn't that much fun to talk to drunk people, even if they are good friends. Overall, it is a good experience but I won't miss it all that much when it ends for me.
The weather here has been lousy. You come to Florida and you think it is going to be nice. It has rained all week to where we couldn't even go out and just today (Thursday) it turned nice on us and the sun came out and it was really, really lovely. Now I have to go back to Denver and face the music with all the snow. (That is called reality!!)
I am so glad to see some of you continue to post on a fairly regular basis. I have several things I have thought about to put on my Blog but just don't seem to get around to it. I will get better and so let the pontificating begin on my next post.
I love you all.
Dad
Usually we start them on a Friday and work over the weekend. (a European idea, I guess) This year was different and I like it much better. We started on Tuesday and will end tomorrow. I had to come in on Sunday as I had a customer who came to a meeting where he presented a talk to a group of other customers and ABB people. Anyway, it is almost over.
I don't like being away from home for lots of reasons, not the least of which is I miss Mom and Meggie when I am gone so long. These meetings are a lot of mingling, networking and plain old chit-chatting at the dinners and receptions and all. It gets old. I like to visit with some of my old friends, but every year there are fewer and fewer as they are all starting to retire. Ron West (a.k "Thunder Tonque") was one of the top 7 people this year.....he sold over $52 million in equipment. (I sold just over $10 million to put that in perspective and I had a great year) Most of the folks drink a lot and after awhile I just leave as it isn't that much fun to talk to drunk people, even if they are good friends. Overall, it is a good experience but I won't miss it all that much when it ends for me.
The weather here has been lousy. You come to Florida and you think it is going to be nice. It has rained all week to where we couldn't even go out and just today (Thursday) it turned nice on us and the sun came out and it was really, really lovely. Now I have to go back to Denver and face the music with all the snow. (That is called reality!!)
I am so glad to see some of you continue to post on a fairly regular basis. I have several things I have thought about to put on my Blog but just don't seem to get around to it. I will get better and so let the pontificating begin on my next post.
I love you all.
Dad
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