So what if the temperature is in the teens and there are wind gusts of 40+ miles per hour ..... so what if golf season is months away ...... "Birds got to Fly, Fish got to Swim, and I got to Blog". (will the music critic please tell us what song this is and which play it's from.
As this year - and this decade comes to an end (more about that later) - I had an epiphany at the gym these past two days that needed to be shared with my readership and the countless number of people whose lives are touched by this cyber connection.
Monday started off as any other gym day. I was on line at 4:45 am - with about 15 other people (since it's a holiday week - there were fewer people on line.) My gym buddy was there and we did our usual 45 'killer minutes' on the difficult elliptical - at level 15. This was followed by a quick 10 minute pump and on our bikes at 5:58 am for spin class. For our new readers, the instructor is 'small Gina' and teaches the Monday - Wed class, (as compared to 'big Gina' who teaches the Tuesday class.) Gina and I go back to the start of the decade - 2000 - when they opened the spin class in Scarsdale .... I was in her first class ... and have been 'a groupie' over the years - following her to different clubs, ending in Dobbs Ferry. Gina gives an amazing class - she is the equivalent of Seinfeld's 'soup Nazi' .... you do it her way .... or else.
Gina is a 'bit temperamental' and less than 'reliable'.... but aren't most artists. Do you think Mary J. watches a clock, or Lebron James cares if he is a bit late for an interview? Gina 'took liberties' with when she would show up for class -- coming late -- sometimes 30 minutes late for a 45 min. class. This 'behavior' is more glaring by two facts -- she has imposed a rule that you need to be on your bike two minutes before the start of class or she'll give the bike away. If you need to go to the bathroom - you need to tell her - it's not enough to tell the person next to you. This rule has been tolerated for a while .... however, when Gina is late, she never apologizes. Do you think Van Gough apologized for spilling paint on the floor? Would Derek apologize for getting his uniform dirty? Gina is an artist and artists have their own set or rules.
Apparently, a number of people in the class complained about Gina's tardiness to the management of the sports club. What's humorous is that many people complain about things like the dust balls that are the size of volley balls around the equipment, the filth in the locker rooms and the mold growing in the showers. Management never acknowledges any of these complaints, but they must have said something to Gina.
Gina came to class on Monday and announced she was not going to teach the Monday and Wed. class anymore. The response was similar to when Oprah announced that this will be her final year .... disbelief, shock and a sense of doom. I was hoping Gina would pull a Brett Farve (can one of the sports authorities share with the readership this analogy) - but no such think will happen. During class, Gina came over to me and we shared a moment --- I asked her if there was anything that could be done to change her mind ... and without hesitation .... without a trace of remorse....she said 'absolutely not.' Since some people in the class had the unmitigated (SAT word) gall to complain --- she was leaving. Gina is a Deva -- and didn't feel the respect from the class she richly deserves. Would you complain about a master chef (someone give me a name) dropping an egg on the food channel? Gina is history -- and no amount of pleading will get her to change her mind.
Understandably, I was in a funk for the rest of Monday. Monday and Wednesday spin class without Gina --- who would take her place? Would it be one of the many 'losers' we've had as substitutes? 28% of my spin week was with Gina (will one of the math wizards check this out - I spin with Gina 2 out of the 7 days I spin). It was with a heavy heart and tired legs that I went to the gym on Tuesday. Same routine - 4:45am line up -- see my gym buddy -- heavy duty elliptical -- and then spin class with 'big Gina.' Basically, there is a large core of people who are regulars in the 6 am spin class. We were a subdued group - speculating about who will take 'small Gina's place' and wondering who were the 'complainers' who made her quit. These are the type of people who ruin it for the majority of us who will put up with 'anything' that a superstar dishes out. (Guess Tiger's wife would be considered a 'complainer.' Because of her - the golfers of the world have to miss Tiger's exemplary performances on the course.)
With a heavy heart, I started to spin ... and then ... one woman (who I don't know) was giving out boxers (shorts - not fighters) for New Years. The boxers were pretty outrageous. She gave out 10 pairs - to the coolest people in the class - to the 'in crowd'. (There are 27 of us spinning on a given day.) How do you think this made me feel --- my bike is the one in the corner, closest to the door, chosen because of my 'shyness' and 'insecurities.' This was Junior High School all over again. The popular kids got the best table in the cafeteria, hung out together, while the rest of us 'dorks' just watched and wished we were part of that group. So this woman - gave out 10 pairs of 'outrageous boxers' --- didn't follow the rule that if you bring in cupcakes for the class you need to bring in enough for every child. The popular spinners had their own 'colors' (gang reference) and the rest were losers.
So on top of losing Gina -- I watched as the woman gave out 9 pairs of boxers -- and felt that same feeling in the pit of my stomach when nobody voted for me for GO President in 9th grade ... until ... with only one pair left - this woman looked to her left, to her right ... and threw me the last pair of Boxers. I WAS ONE OF THE "IN-CROWD." The 16 people not getting boxers - these losers - were looking at me with envy -- I was not a doormat to be stepped on. I was COOL. (Truth be told - I think I got the last pair of boxers because of my gym buddy - who is definitely one of the leaders, but who cares -- even if I was the ugly duckling - I was chosen to hang out with the swans. - note it's not always sports metaphors ... I have a very diverse readership that I must appeal to.)
So who cares about Gina's replacement --- I'm in with the "In CROWD", I KNOW WHAT THE IN CROWD KNOWS" -- music critic - which golden oldie am I referencing?
So loyal readership --- as the decade comes to an end --- I'm going to be wearing my special boxers and wishing all of you the opportunity - not for health, happiness and prosperity -- but rather to be chosen - possibly for the first time in your life - as it was for me - to be one of the BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE.
Peace out!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
G-d Bless Capitalism
Well my loyal readership -- do I have a great business opportunity to share with you --- I'm looking for investors for a knock-off entrepreneurial venture. Judith and I were invited to attend a 'singing performance' of a UJA friend. No - she is not a professional singer --- anything but -- just someone with a 'dream' and a brilliant business person figured out a way to capitalize on it.
This business is called "Just for Singing" - or something like that. My friend - and 12 other people paid $500 for the opportunity to meet 3 times (as a group) and practice one song to sing 'on stage.' someone check my math - but I come up with $6,000. (that is aprox. $660 per hour -- not a bad wage).
These 12 people then get to invite their family and friends to a small 'room' with a stage that seats probably 200 people. The admission charge is $12 per person ... another $2400 .... and our business person does not have to fill the seats -- her students who pay $500 a pop also fill the room. There is a minimum of 2 drinks per person --- with the cheapest drink being club soda - $7 per pop ... so for 2 people it was $36 - including tax and drink. Most people order liquor which was $12 + a pop .... let's use round numbers since I'm math challenged and say that 200 people averaged $25 in a beverage fee - another $5,000 (only cash). So for one night's performance the owner took in $7400 (3 hrs of 'performance) and not counting the $6,000 in tuition. This is for ONE NIGHT -- and not sure how many nights she works.
Remember the 'worst acts' on American Idol .... multiply that by 10 ....It's bad karaoke without the good music. The 'star' gets up and performs a song - accompanied by a pianist - and the place -- filled with her friends and like minded people go crazy with applause, whistles, hoots, etc. The response was similar to that afforded to Bruce when he finished playing his set at the Meadowlands (now that's another story.)
So I'm calling all PHD's , PHD candidates, Teachers, Executive Directors and other people who like the idea of selling someone a 'dream come true' and making a fortune to join me in this venture.
Maestro out!
This business is called "Just for Singing" - or something like that. My friend - and 12 other people paid $500 for the opportunity to meet 3 times (as a group) and practice one song to sing 'on stage.' someone check my math - but I come up with $6,000. (that is aprox. $660 per hour -- not a bad wage).
These 12 people then get to invite their family and friends to a small 'room' with a stage that seats probably 200 people. The admission charge is $12 per person ... another $2400 .... and our business person does not have to fill the seats -- her students who pay $500 a pop also fill the room. There is a minimum of 2 drinks per person --- with the cheapest drink being club soda - $7 per pop ... so for 2 people it was $36 - including tax and drink. Most people order liquor which was $12 + a pop .... let's use round numbers since I'm math challenged and say that 200 people averaged $25 in a beverage fee - another $5,000 (only cash). So for one night's performance the owner took in $7400 (3 hrs of 'performance) and not counting the $6,000 in tuition. This is for ONE NIGHT -- and not sure how many nights she works.
Remember the 'worst acts' on American Idol .... multiply that by 10 ....It's bad karaoke without the good music. The 'star' gets up and performs a song - accompanied by a pianist - and the place -- filled with her friends and like minded people go crazy with applause, whistles, hoots, etc. The response was similar to that afforded to Bruce when he finished playing his set at the Meadowlands (now that's another story.)
So I'm calling all PHD's , PHD candidates, Teachers, Executive Directors and other people who like the idea of selling someone a 'dream come true' and making a fortune to join me in this venture.
Maestro out!
Monday, October 5, 2009
"THE PARTY'S OVER"
"The Party's Over" .... It's Time to Call it a Day ..... sung by ? and so official Golf Season comes to a close.
There were many highlights - but after careful consideration - the "GOLEMMY" goes to MICHAEL LEW. Allow me to re-create the scene on the 14th hole. It was raining - not a light mist but rather a heavy downpour. We were soaked and the course was a virtual lake. Michael was playing a ball on the other fairway and was attempting to hit it over a line of trees. He took a full swing with an iron and the club slipped out of his hands - and got STUCK in a high branch of the tree. Being resourceful, Michael took off one of his sneakers and threw it at the club....and the sneaker also got stuck in the tree. So Michael and Les are looking up in the tree - and hanging from a branch well above their outstretched arms - like two Christmas tree ornaments are the club and a sneaker.
Since the rules are that you can only carry 14 clubs in a golf bag -- and both a ball retriever (to get the balls in the water holes that once were sand traps) and a machete (to hit balls one foot off the fairway) were required - we decided to go last Sunday to a NEW COURSE with the thought of switching for the coming year.
A decision to leave Saxon Woods is not made lightly. We are close buddies with the Starter - DiDi, who will be joining us at the annual, end of year B-Q at the Formans. We have been attacked by nesting Hawks, intimidated by geese, embarrassed by our poor play, and yet - it's our home course.
After playing Maple Moore, we decided that it was much better maintained -- there actually is a fairway that doesn't resemble a Brier patch -- but it was as interesting as watching 'paint dry.'
We anticipate 'lower scores' and few lost balls.
Is this enough reason to change -- we'll let our readers weigh in ... either by responding to this blog or by texting - GOLFCHANGE - 1 (for yes) and 2 (for no).
As far as a personal goal for next season -- I'm hoping that I can change a pattern of having my putts be longer than my tee shots.
Until next season -- or a good gym story --
Chipster signing off!
There were many highlights - but after careful consideration - the "GOLEMMY" goes to MICHAEL LEW. Allow me to re-create the scene on the 14th hole. It was raining - not a light mist but rather a heavy downpour. We were soaked and the course was a virtual lake. Michael was playing a ball on the other fairway and was attempting to hit it over a line of trees. He took a full swing with an iron and the club slipped out of his hands - and got STUCK in a high branch of the tree. Being resourceful, Michael took off one of his sneakers and threw it at the club....and the sneaker also got stuck in the tree. So Michael and Les are looking up in the tree - and hanging from a branch well above their outstretched arms - like two Christmas tree ornaments are the club and a sneaker.
Since the rules are that you can only carry 14 clubs in a golf bag -- and both a ball retriever (to get the balls in the water holes that once were sand traps) and a machete (to hit balls one foot off the fairway) were required - we decided to go last Sunday to a NEW COURSE with the thought of switching for the coming year.
A decision to leave Saxon Woods is not made lightly. We are close buddies with the Starter - DiDi, who will be joining us at the annual, end of year B-Q at the Formans. We have been attacked by nesting Hawks, intimidated by geese, embarrassed by our poor play, and yet - it's our home course.
After playing Maple Moore, we decided that it was much better maintained -- there actually is a fairway that doesn't resemble a Brier patch -- but it was as interesting as watching 'paint dry.'
We anticipate 'lower scores' and few lost balls.
Is this enough reason to change -- we'll let our readers weigh in ... either by responding to this blog or by texting - GOLFCHANGE - 1 (for yes) and 2 (for no).
As far as a personal goal for next season -- I'm hoping that I can change a pattern of having my putts be longer than my tee shots.
Until next season -- or a good gym story --
Chipster signing off!
Friday, September 25, 2009
once a Dump always a Dump
Our Jewish following will realize that this past Sunday was Rosh Hashana and probably assumed when the blog wasn't up within a few days that we didn't play ..... The Captain and I did -- although not at our usual place or time. We went to a course we episodically play at - Dunwoodie in Yonkers - always swearing not to come back. It's an old, tired course -- plays short -- with fairways and greens that have seen as much action as the motel across the way that rents rooms by the hour. (I'm told this - don't know from personal experience.) We played in a reasonable 4 hrs and 20 minutes -- for 9 holes we were paired with a 'novice golfer' -- which was ok. We both shot in the mid 90's - more a reflection of the relative ease of the course than our abilities. Two 'truisms' were reinforced -- Once a Dump always a Dump and a day on the golf course with a 'brother' is always great.
There was excitement at the spin class this week ..... The spin Nazi - appropriately named by Mayor Kusherman - went on a tirade because people put towels on their bikes and were not sitting on them two minutes before the class begins. It wasn't enough for the person on the next bike to say that you were 'coming right back' - not even enough for the person to go into more detail and say 'you were in the bathroom' .... the NEW RULE dictated by the instructor is that you MUST TELL HER and she MUST ACKNOWLEDGE that you were in the room and now going to the bathroom. So in a room of adults you essentially have to raise your hand and loudly (because there is music playing) request permission to go to the bathroom. And because we are all intimidated by her (she teaches the Monday and Wed. 6 am class) - we go along with this. I have a habit of working out on the floor until the last minute - which gets my gym buddy Jody very nervous because there are people lined up outside of the spin room - like vultures - ready to take off your towel - throw your bottle of water to the side and claim your bike. So to recap what happens daily - we get to the gym at 4:40 am and line up. We go in at 5 am and need to make the decision - do you reserve a spin bike or an elliptical first. Depending on what you decide - you dash to the other and hope that you are not too late. Next you go to the locker room and try to get a locker that you think won't have 6 hairy men hanging around when you are finished working out. Finally, your on the floor and work out - always keeping an eye on the clock - because the Spin Nazi stands outside the room, taking attendance and then allowing the 'stand-bys' in when HER watch says 5:58 am. There is a good 5 minutes of her yelling about some injustice -- could be as simple as we ALL don't have heart monitors.
The time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is a time of reflection and introspection. It's also a time to seek forgiveness from someone whom you may have intentionally or unintentionally 'wronged.' In keeping with this tradition - I most humbly apologize to my loyal readership both individually and collectively, for any 'slight' or any words or actions that may have offended you. I seek your forgiveness and will aspire to be both a better person and golfer in the year to come.
Long and Straight,
Short and True
Chipster OUT
There was excitement at the spin class this week ..... The spin Nazi - appropriately named by Mayor Kusherman - went on a tirade because people put towels on their bikes and were not sitting on them two minutes before the class begins. It wasn't enough for the person on the next bike to say that you were 'coming right back' - not even enough for the person to go into more detail and say 'you were in the bathroom' .... the NEW RULE dictated by the instructor is that you MUST TELL HER and she MUST ACKNOWLEDGE that you were in the room and now going to the bathroom. So in a room of adults you essentially have to raise your hand and loudly (because there is music playing) request permission to go to the bathroom. And because we are all intimidated by her (she teaches the Monday and Wed. 6 am class) - we go along with this. I have a habit of working out on the floor until the last minute - which gets my gym buddy Jody very nervous because there are people lined up outside of the spin room - like vultures - ready to take off your towel - throw your bottle of water to the side and claim your bike. So to recap what happens daily - we get to the gym at 4:40 am and line up. We go in at 5 am and need to make the decision - do you reserve a spin bike or an elliptical first. Depending on what you decide - you dash to the other and hope that you are not too late. Next you go to the locker room and try to get a locker that you think won't have 6 hairy men hanging around when you are finished working out. Finally, your on the floor and work out - always keeping an eye on the clock - because the Spin Nazi stands outside the room, taking attendance and then allowing the 'stand-bys' in when HER watch says 5:58 am. There is a good 5 minutes of her yelling about some injustice -- could be as simple as we ALL don't have heart monitors.
The time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is a time of reflection and introspection. It's also a time to seek forgiveness from someone whom you may have intentionally or unintentionally 'wronged.' In keeping with this tradition - I most humbly apologize to my loyal readership both individually and collectively, for any 'slight' or any words or actions that may have offended you. I seek your forgiveness and will aspire to be both a better person and golfer in the year to come.
Long and Straight,
Short and True
Chipster OUT
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Fat Lady is Getting Ready
Sunday was beautiful -- sunny, dry, not too hot .... and on the 'rare occasion' that we would hit a fairway shot that landed on the green - we'd see the splash. Some sand traps were lakes and there were enough geese on the course to feed the hungry for a long time to come.
We are heading into the 'home stretch' - with only two weeks to go in the season - and since both weeks coincide with Jewish Holidays, it's conceivable that the Fat Lady has already started to sing. Barry didn't play this week -- he was doing some trivial stuff - delivering food to shut in Jewish Elderly so they could celebrate Rosh Hashana -- and we picked up a fourth - Mr. Mike. Mr. Mike was a nice enough guy -- but he should learn that only 'real golfers' hit from the Blues. On the very first tee - he dribbled the ball .... to be repeated more often than he'd like to remember. Otherwise, he was good at finding balls and kept the game moving.
There were some true disappointments. Richie's front 9 and my back 9 would add up to be a perfect score - if we were bowling. (I'm thinking of inventing a game called Gowling -- only play 9 holes and the person with the highest score wins.)
Another disappointment was Cart Girl. First of all - we didn't see her until the 17th hole -- and worse -- it was a new Cart Girl who obviously didn't pay attention to the dress code. I'm sure her long baggy blue jeans and long sleeve sweat shirt would be helpful if she was doing some other activity -- but it wasn't going to generate much in the way of sales.
Les played well and hit the shot of his season on the last hole - after a modest drive - he took a 5 wood and put the ball on the green - positioning himself for a Birdie. (Remember how Barry was shooting for an Eagle the week before -- Les had the same results.)
We finished in a barely satisfactory 4 hrs and 50 minutes.
I did not get the number of comments about last week's blog that I had requested. The only thing that saved me from going into the 'blog blues' was the Captain's telling me that he was out to dinner with a couple who 'confessed' that they were regular blog readers but just too 'shy' to comment. To that couple I say: your comments will only make the blog BETTER, so don't hesitate.
The gym continues to be the 'highpoint' of the day --- haven't had problems getting either a bike or the elliptical. Jody and I have worked out an arrangement where we divide and conquer -- The lines to get in at 5 am are getting longer and we now need to get their 20 minutes earlier - a small price to pay.
A quick shout out to my favorite teacher in Arkansas who has the flu --- school budget doesn't allow for soap in the bathrooms ... and to the Big Guy - go NY football.
This may be the last blog of the season (and depending on whether we get a BETTER response, possible forever.)
I wish you more success than I had this season - since too often my putts were longer than my drives -
Chipster out!
We are heading into the 'home stretch' - with only two weeks to go in the season - and since both weeks coincide with Jewish Holidays, it's conceivable that the Fat Lady has already started to sing. Barry didn't play this week -- he was doing some trivial stuff - delivering food to shut in Jewish Elderly so they could celebrate Rosh Hashana -- and we picked up a fourth - Mr. Mike. Mr. Mike was a nice enough guy -- but he should learn that only 'real golfers' hit from the Blues. On the very first tee - he dribbled the ball .... to be repeated more often than he'd like to remember. Otherwise, he was good at finding balls and kept the game moving.
There were some true disappointments. Richie's front 9 and my back 9 would add up to be a perfect score - if we were bowling. (I'm thinking of inventing a game called Gowling -- only play 9 holes and the person with the highest score wins.)
Another disappointment was Cart Girl. First of all - we didn't see her until the 17th hole -- and worse -- it was a new Cart Girl who obviously didn't pay attention to the dress code. I'm sure her long baggy blue jeans and long sleeve sweat shirt would be helpful if she was doing some other activity -- but it wasn't going to generate much in the way of sales.
Les played well and hit the shot of his season on the last hole - after a modest drive - he took a 5 wood and put the ball on the green - positioning himself for a Birdie. (Remember how Barry was shooting for an Eagle the week before -- Les had the same results.)
We finished in a barely satisfactory 4 hrs and 50 minutes.
I did not get the number of comments about last week's blog that I had requested. The only thing that saved me from going into the 'blog blues' was the Captain's telling me that he was out to dinner with a couple who 'confessed' that they were regular blog readers but just too 'shy' to comment. To that couple I say: your comments will only make the blog BETTER, so don't hesitate.
The gym continues to be the 'highpoint' of the day --- haven't had problems getting either a bike or the elliptical. Jody and I have worked out an arrangement where we divide and conquer -- The lines to get in at 5 am are getting longer and we now need to get their 20 minutes earlier - a small price to pay.
A quick shout out to my favorite teacher in Arkansas who has the flu --- school budget doesn't allow for soap in the bathrooms ... and to the Big Guy - go NY football.
This may be the last blog of the season (and depending on whether we get a BETTER response, possible forever.)
I wish you more success than I had this season - since too often my putts were longer than my drives -
Chipster out!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Julie's Blog vs BK Golf and More
Let's get golf out of the way --- a beautiful day - nicest of the year - only made better because "Mayor Neil" joined us - as our Captain was on Shark Patrol at the Cape. Four of us started - two of us finished (the Mayor and me), with B and Les leaving early. Best shot of the game - if not the season - occur ed on the 13th hole -- as Barry hit a beautiful drive - which landed before the stream. He took a 3 wood and placed the ball 1.5 ft. from the hole on two. On the verge of getting an unheard of - and I believe never witnessed by any of us - EAGLE - B approached the putt and .............................. As exciting as this was, Neil did meet Golf Cart Girl and was charmed into purchasing Gatorade and chips .... It's just a pleasure seeing someone enjoy her job as much as she does. We finished in a very snappy 4 hrs and 20 minutes. It was a typical round - more good shots than bad, a few pars, Neil was able to call upon his draw when necessary.
Did anyone really like Julie's Blog? Can you compare a blog on someone else's recipes with my Synfeldian Blog? Where are you - my 'invisible readers?' She got a movie out of her blog - and I got 'nuthin.' Best part of the Julie/Julia movie was each of their husbands .... their total devotion to their self indulged wives was admirable. Who cares about how to 'de-bone a duck' --- compared to the classic episodes: should Dan return chairs to Costco after using them for a Seder? is it OK to pee in front of the Golf Ranger? Is it possible to get a golf club, followed by a sneaker stuck in a tree? Come on out there -- it's no contest. If Julie get's a movie, I've earned the right to a TV series --
Summer's over, the their will be more traffic on the roads, with the school buses and teachers, and the gym will be crowded again. Jodi and I are 'in synch' - checking often with each other - making sure we are signed up for tomorrow. We'll have to re-establish ourselves - be there extra early - lining up at 4:40 am for a 5 am opening. We'll need to work as a team - one of us signing up for Wed spin, while the other secures the bikes and then the ellipticals. We need to assert ourselves - make sure we are the alpha gym rats - and as everyone knows - it's hard to hold on to your crown where there someone someone looking to knock you off your pedestal. It takes a little longer to get out of bed at 4:00 am .... but we have to do it ....
It's official now -- Dr. C, the big guy, Xag and T-ea-C-H will be running the Miami 1/2 marathon with me on Jan. 31st. We are all signed up -- and training has begun in earnest.
and to end with a brief story that 'truth is often more unbelievable than fiction" .... This truth involves Judi - the person who we count on to know 'right from wrong' and never deviate. Well 'deviate' she did -- in a way that most if not all will not Believe. Last night -- in less than 15 minutes - our Judith inhaled a pint of Ben and Jerry's Phish Ice Cream. Hard to believe you say --- well apparently Judi is full of surprises ....
Let me give a shout out to Downtown Boat House --- Judi and I went kayaking on the Hudson this morning -- pier 40 - by Houston Street --- and the cost of this - complete with locker, life jackets, kyaks/paddles .... a big O... free! It closes in October - so go for it.
and if you really want - I can give you a recipe for making corn on the grill -
I'm looking to get double digit comments ... don't let me down.
Keeping your drives long and straight, your putts short and true,
The Chipster.
Did anyone really like Julie's Blog? Can you compare a blog on someone else's recipes with my Synfeldian Blog? Where are you - my 'invisible readers?' She got a movie out of her blog - and I got 'nuthin.' Best part of the Julie/Julia movie was each of their husbands .... their total devotion to their self indulged wives was admirable. Who cares about how to 'de-bone a duck' --- compared to the classic episodes: should Dan return chairs to Costco after using them for a Seder? is it OK to pee in front of the Golf Ranger? Is it possible to get a golf club, followed by a sneaker stuck in a tree? Come on out there -- it's no contest. If Julie get's a movie, I've earned the right to a TV series --
Summer's over, the their will be more traffic on the roads, with the school buses and teachers, and the gym will be crowded again. Jodi and I are 'in synch' - checking often with each other - making sure we are signed up for tomorrow. We'll have to re-establish ourselves - be there extra early - lining up at 4:40 am for a 5 am opening. We'll need to work as a team - one of us signing up for Wed spin, while the other secures the bikes and then the ellipticals. We need to assert ourselves - make sure we are the alpha gym rats - and as everyone knows - it's hard to hold on to your crown where there someone someone looking to knock you off your pedestal. It takes a little longer to get out of bed at 4:00 am .... but we have to do it ....
It's official now -- Dr. C, the big guy, Xag and T-ea-C-H will be running the Miami 1/2 marathon with me on Jan. 31st. We are all signed up -- and training has begun in earnest.
and to end with a brief story that 'truth is often more unbelievable than fiction" .... This truth involves Judi - the person who we count on to know 'right from wrong' and never deviate. Well 'deviate' she did -- in a way that most if not all will not Believe. Last night -- in less than 15 minutes - our Judith inhaled a pint of Ben and Jerry's Phish Ice Cream. Hard to believe you say --- well apparently Judi is full of surprises ....
Let me give a shout out to Downtown Boat House --- Judi and I went kayaking on the Hudson this morning -- pier 40 - by Houston Street --- and the cost of this - complete with locker, life jackets, kyaks/paddles .... a big O... free! It closes in October - so go for it.
and if you really want - I can give you a recipe for making corn on the grill -
I'm looking to get double digit comments ... don't let me down.
Keeping your drives long and straight, your putts short and true,
The Chipster.
Monday, August 31, 2009
The Way We Were ....
How many of us have made a decision that has had a dramatic impact on others - - that we wished we could have the opportunity to 'do over'? Mostly, we can't --- the decisions we make have lasting consequences that we and others have to live with. Hopefully most of these decisions have long term positive effects and hope that those resulting in negative consequences are truly not life altering.
Saxon Woods Golf Course made a decision at the start of the season to make the front 9 the back 9 and vice versa. (read the past blogs that go into great description about the confusion caused by this decision and how it altered the way we approached the game.) Well - the Golf Powers that Be determined that this decision could be reversed and now we are back to the WAY WE WERE --- the front 9 will always be the front 9. We will be able to think about the club selection and whether we want to go over the trees or lay up in the center of the fairway all week. Dom (our buddy the Starter) is happy - because he has greater control of the tee box. Fortunately, this was a decision whose negative consequences will not have a lasting impact on the life of the golfers.
The day was overcast - and the torrential downpours of the night and days before had rendered the course into one big quagmire (SAT word). We needed to put 'water wings' on our golf balls and the ball retriever was the 'club of the day.' B's friend Arthur joined us - (Les was attending the dedication of a theater in a family member's memory) and he was as good/bad as the rest of us. The most exciting time on the course was when 'Cart Girl' -- in prior blogs referred to as "Banana girl" made an appearance. (For the record - it was quite an appearance - somewhat like a mermaid with flowing blond hair, big beautiful 'eyes' and a smile that made you feel that her desire to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger was the most important thing in the world - and something she was put on this golf course to do.)
Another vision of loveliness was captured on the 4th hole -- a par 3. There was a golf cart stopped and watched as 3 of us place our tee shots in the center of the green. It was a moment to remember - made better when the golf cart approached us - and driving was the course's GOLF PRO. His comment was that our balls looked like 'Orion's Belt' - who knew that the Golf Pro was also an astronomer. More important -- we were 'caught' doing something right. Not peeing in the woods, looking for errant shots, or any other typical behavior --- we were caught by the Golf Pro hitting three drives that landed on the green. This once again reinforces the value of positive praise and that timing is everything.
Our Captain could learn a thing or two about 'positive praise' as he was determined to underscore just how poor we were all putting. His negative assessment did nothing to improve our outcome.
B's commitment to a friend (Arthur) was tested as he was tempted to leave the course early on a number of occasions. And I was happy not being in a car .......
A number of readers have commented that there hasn't been much about Spin Class. Jodi and I still have each other's backs -- although she is playing it a bit dangerously -- waiting until 7:04 on Sunday morning to call for Monday class to find that we were 1&2 on the waiting list. I'm much more relaxed now that I have my 'home' spin bike. Amortized - to date it's only cost me $25 per ride.
So - to those of you who wish you could go back to the "Way We Were" - hopefully you can ... and if not - let's hope the 'new normal' won't be as disruptive as the attempt to re-make the holes on Saxon Woods was for the first 5 months of this short season.
Hoping your drives are long and your putts are short .... and Cart Girl is there when you need her.
Chipster out.
Saxon Woods Golf Course made a decision at the start of the season to make the front 9 the back 9 and vice versa. (read the past blogs that go into great description about the confusion caused by this decision and how it altered the way we approached the game.) Well - the Golf Powers that Be determined that this decision could be reversed and now we are back to the WAY WE WERE --- the front 9 will always be the front 9. We will be able to think about the club selection and whether we want to go over the trees or lay up in the center of the fairway all week. Dom (our buddy the Starter) is happy - because he has greater control of the tee box. Fortunately, this was a decision whose negative consequences will not have a lasting impact on the life of the golfers.
The day was overcast - and the torrential downpours of the night and days before had rendered the course into one big quagmire (SAT word). We needed to put 'water wings' on our golf balls and the ball retriever was the 'club of the day.' B's friend Arthur joined us - (Les was attending the dedication of a theater in a family member's memory) and he was as good/bad as the rest of us. The most exciting time on the course was when 'Cart Girl' -- in prior blogs referred to as "Banana girl" made an appearance. (For the record - it was quite an appearance - somewhat like a mermaid with flowing blond hair, big beautiful 'eyes' and a smile that made you feel that her desire to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger was the most important thing in the world - and something she was put on this golf course to do.)
Another vision of loveliness was captured on the 4th hole -- a par 3. There was a golf cart stopped and watched as 3 of us place our tee shots in the center of the green. It was a moment to remember - made better when the golf cart approached us - and driving was the course's GOLF PRO. His comment was that our balls looked like 'Orion's Belt' - who knew that the Golf Pro was also an astronomer. More important -- we were 'caught' doing something right. Not peeing in the woods, looking for errant shots, or any other typical behavior --- we were caught by the Golf Pro hitting three drives that landed on the green. This once again reinforces the value of positive praise and that timing is everything.
Our Captain could learn a thing or two about 'positive praise' as he was determined to underscore just how poor we were all putting. His negative assessment did nothing to improve our outcome.
B's commitment to a friend (Arthur) was tested as he was tempted to leave the course early on a number of occasions. And I was happy not being in a car .......
A number of readers have commented that there hasn't been much about Spin Class. Jodi and I still have each other's backs -- although she is playing it a bit dangerously -- waiting until 7:04 on Sunday morning to call for Monday class to find that we were 1&2 on the waiting list. I'm much more relaxed now that I have my 'home' spin bike. Amortized - to date it's only cost me $25 per ride.
So - to those of you who wish you could go back to the "Way We Were" - hopefully you can ... and if not - let's hope the 'new normal' won't be as disruptive as the attempt to re-make the holes on Saxon Woods was for the first 5 months of this short season.
Hoping your drives are long and your putts are short .... and Cart Girl is there when you need her.
Chipster out.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Everyone Deserves a Second Chance
as stated by the commercials for the upcoming Season of the Biggest Loser. Golf epitomizes this slogan --- Everyone Deserves a Second Chance. In golf, every errant shot provides an opportunity for an outstanding recovery shot. Our Captain Rich demonstrated that repeatedly this past Sunday. On the 11th whole - which is now the 2nd hole - Rich hit the ball into the other fairway. The next shot required the Captain to hit it low to avoid a hanging tree branch, but far enough to cross a wide marsh. Like when Casey was up --- 'the outlook wasn't brilliant ...." Rich took a 5 iron and lined up the shot .... he wasn't going to play it safe and just punch it out into the fairway .... not our Captain ..... He swung and silenced the crowd (basically the four golfers on the other hole's fairway where Rich's ball landed). His shot was perfect -- not good -- but perfect and landed on the green. Captain, My Captain beat the odds, took advantage of his 'second chance' and succeeded where most others would have failed. Rich repeated this many times over the first 11 holes (I wasn't there for the last 8 holes - but more on that later) ..... hitting a less than satisfactory shot only to be followed by a great one.
In golf we get second chances all the time....in life it's a bit more complicated....
The Sunday saw the reunion of the original 4 (that is like the Beatles - they soon forgot about Peter Best when Ringo joined and we forgot about Dan Forman when Les joined). The day was overcast - some light showers - and a tad humid. The course could have been declared a flood zone -- standing water everywhere thanks to a torrential downpour the day before. I was hoping to see the Banana girl (read last week's blog) but she wasn't to be found. The game progressed well -- I hit more good than bad shots and was putting well. (I had practiced while playing Mini Golf at the Cape. It was a close contest between Daniel and Josh - until Daniel chocked and got a six and I left my ball balancing on the cup for a hole in one. Rather than tap it in - I wanted to 'risk it all' and see if someone would hit my ball in. Josh was up - hit the ball and it DID hit mine ---- away from the cup and his went in for a hole in one. From there on - Josh dominated. The real contest was the play for third place between the good doctor and me. It came down to the last hole and with great confidence, I followed Cara -- who took a six on the hole. All I needed was a 5 and I would BEAT her. In this case, I like Mighty Casey, did strike out - by flubbing a 'gimmee' and ending up in dead heat for 3rd.
I've been playing golf for a long time and NEVER left early .... always played the full 18 ... so what happened now? Ella Frank was to be liberated. She was being taken from the attic where she had been living and hiding for the past 3 months. But on this Sunday, Ella Frank left the attic - hid in a cat carrier and made it to Philadelphia where she was traded for a Blue Honda CRV. We can now answer the question that kept the Captain up at night -- Where's Ella? She was released after her mother signed the papers
and the big guy witnessed them, that she was alive and breathing at the time of the transfer. Ella is now roaming the 3 floors of an apartment in Coconut Grove, in the wittiness protection program, since her life was threatened by the actions of the diabolical BK. (ask the Dr. if you want more details.)
Much could be said about the logistical challenges that were encountered over the past month as various members of our 'crew' went through numerous states -- North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Arkansas, Florida, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Connecticut, Massachusetts; Illinois, .... A, C, D, J and J - did I miss any? All worked out and "little J" was the happiest camper being with her 'little ducklings.'
Second Chances -- we all deserve them and frankly - at some point - whether it's the golf course or in life - all need them.
keep your drives long and straight and your putts short and true.
Chipster Out.
In golf we get second chances all the time....in life it's a bit more complicated....
The Sunday saw the reunion of the original 4 (that is like the Beatles - they soon forgot about Peter Best when Ringo joined and we forgot about Dan Forman when Les joined). The day was overcast - some light showers - and a tad humid. The course could have been declared a flood zone -- standing water everywhere thanks to a torrential downpour the day before. I was hoping to see the Banana girl (read last week's blog) but she wasn't to be found. The game progressed well -- I hit more good than bad shots and was putting well. (I had practiced while playing Mini Golf at the Cape. It was a close contest between Daniel and Josh - until Daniel chocked and got a six and I left my ball balancing on the cup for a hole in one. Rather than tap it in - I wanted to 'risk it all' and see if someone would hit my ball in. Josh was up - hit the ball and it DID hit mine ---- away from the cup and his went in for a hole in one. From there on - Josh dominated. The real contest was the play for third place between the good doctor and me. It came down to the last hole and with great confidence, I followed Cara -- who took a six on the hole. All I needed was a 5 and I would BEAT her. In this case, I like Mighty Casey, did strike out - by flubbing a 'gimmee' and ending up in dead heat for 3rd.
I've been playing golf for a long time and NEVER left early .... always played the full 18 ... so what happened now? Ella Frank was to be liberated. She was being taken from the attic where she had been living and hiding for the past 3 months. But on this Sunday, Ella Frank left the attic - hid in a cat carrier and made it to Philadelphia where she was traded for a Blue Honda CRV. We can now answer the question that kept the Captain up at night -- Where's Ella? She was released after her mother signed the papers
and the big guy witnessed them, that she was alive and breathing at the time of the transfer. Ella is now roaming the 3 floors of an apartment in Coconut Grove, in the wittiness protection program, since her life was threatened by the actions of the diabolical BK. (ask the Dr. if you want more details.)
Much could be said about the logistical challenges that were encountered over the past month as various members of our 'crew' went through numerous states -- North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Arkansas, Florida, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Connecticut, Massachusetts; Illinois, .... A, C, D, J and J - did I miss any? All worked out and "little J" was the happiest camper being with her 'little ducklings.'
Second Chances -- we all deserve them and frankly - at some point - whether it's the golf course or in life - all need them.
keep your drives long and straight and your putts short and true.
Chipster Out.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Canned Heat
This weekend is the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock festival and those of us that were there (which is none of us - sorry Bernie), or who saw the movie will remember fondly all that great music and all that rain. The way things have been going for us golfers, we fully expected a repeat of every other Sunday for the past few weeks. Would we have Woodstock like rain one more time? We wished for just one weekend without any rain. Be careful what you wish for, because the Sun was beating down on Saxon Woods. Our starting time had moved back 1/2 hour to 8 o'clock which just meant that we played into the afternoon. Like the group that sang "Going up the country" we felt like we were in the middle of canned heat. But at least it was not raining. This week our favorite blogger took off for Cape Cod in search of the perfect spin class. His substitute was supplied courtesy of Barry. Barry's friend Bob joined us. Bob usually plays at the Rye Country Club, so I'm sure he was not prepared for meticulously manicured fairways of Saxon Woods. I think the course proved challenging as usual, mainly because if you hit the ball 6 inches off the fairway you in deep rough. Bob had played with us before, so he was prepared for the conditions that he would face. As a bonus, the guys who usually play behind us were nowhere to be seen when we started. As we mentioned in previous blogs the guys behind us play faster then we do and are constantly waiting for us. They also are a bit grumpy and seem to be annoyed that their golf game takes an extra 5 or 10 minutes because of us. On the third hole I hit a wicked slice which went into the adjoining fairway of hole number 6. When I go to find my ball who do I see, but the foursome that usual plays behind us (now in front of us). I try to strike up a conversation with them, but they become grumpy (or maybe they never stop) and they yell at me to hit the ball out of their way already. Nice guys! The rest of the round was hot, but uneventful. No clubs were lost in any trees and we ended up finishing in 4 hours and 45 minutes. Les left early to send his son Michael off to college.
To make it more interesting for those of you that are actually reading this blog I leave you with three mysteries that you can take a guess at solving
1. Barry's friend Bob can be heard on a commercial on TV- what is it for?
2. A somewhat attractive women on the course had a conversation with Barry about his banana - what happened?
3. A good friend of ours is selling his place and moving in with his girlfriend. Who are they?
Next week the Chipster will be back - Thank goodness!
To make it more interesting for those of you that are actually reading this blog I leave you with three mysteries that you can take a guess at solving
1. Barry's friend Bob can be heard on a commercial on TV- what is it for?
2. A somewhat attractive women on the course had a conversation with Barry about his banana - what happened?
3. A good friend of ours is selling his place and moving in with his girlfriend. Who are they?
Next week the Chipster will be back - Thank goodness!
Monday, August 10, 2009
It Just Doesn't Get Better Than This
For the readership who is 'only interested' in the Golfing news -- read no more. Captain Rich will be giving us the 'review' in a soon to be written blog.
This is under the "And More" category and I'd like to give you the choice of learning more about the three MAJOR occurrences that took place within the week: (in alphabetical order)
1. BK is buying his own spinning bike --- is this the first step to disengaging from the gym? Did the fact that his bike (#28) broke and they removed it without telling him?
2. CK is now DR. CK --- coming back from a fantastic week-end where CK was 'hooded' and officially was proclaimed Dr. Kimberly by the University of Florida. It's been a 7 or 8 year journey that she did in 5 years, replete with a near death experience, living in a box like a 'veal' -- (which behavioral psychologist raised veals in a box?), and unpleasant memories of being an indentured servant in a renowned institution. Major disappointment was not playing a staring role in the TV documentary that was filmed in Hopkins. (My major disappointment was not getting JH scrubs). CONGRATULATIONS and WHAT'S UP_____? (courtesy of JH) !!!!
3. DK is now a fiance of AD. Since DK was starring for the NETS only a few years ago - it's hard to believe that he is engaged. He has found in AD the best person who compliments him (and I don't mean only telling him how great he is) in every way. AD and XAG - couldn't be happier for you and us. What a wonderful time for the two of them, and all who love them. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
So I'll leave it to the readership to vote on which of these items should be made into an HBO special.
This is under the "And More" category and I'd like to give you the choice of learning more about the three MAJOR occurrences that took place within the week: (in alphabetical order)
1. BK is buying his own spinning bike --- is this the first step to disengaging from the gym? Did the fact that his bike (#28) broke and they removed it without telling him?
2. CK is now DR. CK --- coming back from a fantastic week-end where CK was 'hooded' and officially was proclaimed Dr. Kimberly by the University of Florida. It's been a 7 or 8 year journey that she did in 5 years, replete with a near death experience, living in a box like a 'veal' -- (which behavioral psychologist raised veals in a box?), and unpleasant memories of being an indentured servant in a renowned institution. Major disappointment was not playing a staring role in the TV documentary that was filmed in Hopkins. (My major disappointment was not getting JH scrubs). CONGRATULATIONS and WHAT'S UP_____? (courtesy of JH) !!!!
3. DK is now a fiance of AD. Since DK was starring for the NETS only a few years ago - it's hard to believe that he is engaged. He has found in AD the best person who compliments him (and I don't mean only telling him how great he is) in every way. AD and XAG - couldn't be happier for you and us. What a wonderful time for the two of them, and all who love them. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
So I'll leave it to the readership to vote on which of these items should be made into an HBO special.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
you are not going to believe this but ....
Sunday -- according to the weather forecasters - showers in the afternoon - starting around 2. Since our tee time is now a 'lazy' 7:30 am .... no problem ... unless the weather men/women are wrong and it's raining hard for the first 9 holes. It gets so that it's impossible to get a firm grasp on your club (an important factor in today's blog.)
It was to the the original four -- until Barry hurt his back and Michael (the son, not the friend) substituted. The course was under water .... not surprising since this is monsoon season in NY. The vital statistics -- we played in a very reasonable 4 hrs and 25 minutes and the only thing worse than the weather was my game. I was hooking every shot -- to the point that I yearned for my slice. The best part about today was that my $10 golf shoes (purchased on our trip last week-end at a garage sale) kept my feet dry.
On the fifth hole, Michael accomplished something that I'd bet money no other golfer - including the professionals have done. He was about 90 yards away from the pin -- far enough off the fairway that there was a line of trees that he'd have to contend with. Remembering the weather conditions -- it's pouring, the golf club grip is wet, your hands are wet, and just when you think you've seen it all .... Michael takes a swing with a pitching wedge and the club flies out of his hand. Nothing surprising about this -- how many times do you see a baseball batter lose his grip and send the bat flying. Michael is behind the tree line, takes a full swing and the club flies out of his hand. And if this was mad libs - I'd ask you to fill in what happened next. Since it's not - I'll give you 3 guesses:
1. the club hits another golfer
2. the club goes through the windshield of the golf cart
3. the club gets stuck in a tree - approximately 20 feet from the ground.
YOU MAY NOT BELIEVE THIS BUT .... the answer is #3. The club gets caught in a high branch and won't come down. Michael being very innovative took off his sneaker and started throwing it up to dislodge the club. And guess what happened .... YOU MAY NOT BELIEVE THIS BUT ... the sneaker got stuck in the same tree, but slightly below his club. It's one thing to play without a pitching wedge -- quite another to play wearing only one sneaker. By standing on the cart and using a ball retrieve and a bit of luck - Les was able to get Michael's sneaker down from the tree. However, the club was significantly higher up in the tree and wasn't budging.
It's almost irrelevant what happened for the rest of the round .... Michael's club was stuck in the high branches of a tree. A few holes later, Les being the type of Dad that would do anything for his boys realized that he too was missing his pitching wedge. Les figures he left it at the hole that Michael 'treed his club.'
All's well that end's well -- except my golf game - which ended considerably better than it started, but that didn't stop me from having second thoughts about my continuation with this game. The HAPPY ENDING occured when Michael took a suggestion from Captain rich and while we were on the 2nd hole, (really the 11th hole) took Richie's ball retriever which extends to about 25 feet - went back to the hole - with the pitching wedge looking very much like a weather vane firmly in hand. And not to be undone -- Les was reacquainted with his pitching wedge after our round .... some good sole handed it to the starter.
Michael --- this feat of yours places you in the annals of Saxon woods lore and certainly the newscasters, who all read this blog, will be inviting you to appear on their morning shows .
and one more YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS BUT .... Saturday mornings at the gym -- my favorite instructor teaches (Ellen), it's at a normal time - 8 am ... not the UGLY 6am start time like on the week-days. I signed up for Barry and me ... called Barry that morning only to find out that he was paying a visit to Dean - self proclaimed King of Chiropractors. I got there early - saved two bikes (one for by gym buddy) - and went off to do some lifting. I saw Jodi and told her that I saved a bike for her --- I'm always looking for ways to 'pay back' Jodi for all she does for me -- but she informed me that she had a tennis game. Jodi is a serious and quite accomplished golfer. It's 8:05 ... we are getting restless ... not like Ellen -- someone knew she was going on vacation - but the expectation was that she got a sub. It's 8:20 and people are leaving ... not me - I still had faith. And just like Michael's club wouldn't come down -- either would a substitute teacher -- and we were left feeling double d'd .... depressed and devastated.
I am scheduled to play with my HR director and her husband on Tuesday. A bit concerned that if I play on Tuesday the way I played today --- I'll be the butt of a few jokes. Next week is the Dr's graduation which we will be going to -- so Captain R will ably do the blog.
Hope you can do what I can't -- hit your drives long and straight and keep your putts short and true. (and watch for falling clubs from the tree - can be hazardous to your health.)
Chipster OUT!
It was to the the original four -- until Barry hurt his back and Michael (the son, not the friend) substituted. The course was under water .... not surprising since this is monsoon season in NY. The vital statistics -- we played in a very reasonable 4 hrs and 25 minutes and the only thing worse than the weather was my game. I was hooking every shot -- to the point that I yearned for my slice. The best part about today was that my $10 golf shoes (purchased on our trip last week-end at a garage sale) kept my feet dry.
On the fifth hole, Michael accomplished something that I'd bet money no other golfer - including the professionals have done. He was about 90 yards away from the pin -- far enough off the fairway that there was a line of trees that he'd have to contend with. Remembering the weather conditions -- it's pouring, the golf club grip is wet, your hands are wet, and just when you think you've seen it all .... Michael takes a swing with a pitching wedge and the club flies out of his hand. Nothing surprising about this -- how many times do you see a baseball batter lose his grip and send the bat flying. Michael is behind the tree line, takes a full swing and the club flies out of his hand. And if this was mad libs - I'd ask you to fill in what happened next. Since it's not - I'll give you 3 guesses:
1. the club hits another golfer
2. the club goes through the windshield of the golf cart
3. the club gets stuck in a tree - approximately 20 feet from the ground.
YOU MAY NOT BELIEVE THIS BUT .... the answer is #3. The club gets caught in a high branch and won't come down. Michael being very innovative took off his sneaker and started throwing it up to dislodge the club. And guess what happened .... YOU MAY NOT BELIEVE THIS BUT ... the sneaker got stuck in the same tree, but slightly below his club. It's one thing to play without a pitching wedge -- quite another to play wearing only one sneaker. By standing on the cart and using a ball retrieve and a bit of luck - Les was able to get Michael's sneaker down from the tree. However, the club was significantly higher up in the tree and wasn't budging.
It's almost irrelevant what happened for the rest of the round .... Michael's club was stuck in the high branches of a tree. A few holes later, Les being the type of Dad that would do anything for his boys realized that he too was missing his pitching wedge. Les figures he left it at the hole that Michael 'treed his club.'
All's well that end's well -- except my golf game - which ended considerably better than it started, but that didn't stop me from having second thoughts about my continuation with this game. The HAPPY ENDING occured when Michael took a suggestion from Captain rich and while we were on the 2nd hole, (really the 11th hole) took Richie's ball retriever which extends to about 25 feet - went back to the hole - with the pitching wedge looking very much like a weather vane firmly in hand. And not to be undone -- Les was reacquainted with his pitching wedge after our round .... some good sole handed it to the starter.
Michael --- this feat of yours places you in the annals of Saxon woods lore and certainly the newscasters, who all read this blog, will be inviting you to appear on their morning shows .
and one more YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS BUT .... Saturday mornings at the gym -- my favorite instructor teaches (Ellen), it's at a normal time - 8 am ... not the UGLY 6am start time like on the week-days. I signed up for Barry and me ... called Barry that morning only to find out that he was paying a visit to Dean - self proclaimed King of Chiropractors. I got there early - saved two bikes (one for by gym buddy) - and went off to do some lifting. I saw Jodi and told her that I saved a bike for her --- I'm always looking for ways to 'pay back' Jodi for all she does for me -- but she informed me that she had a tennis game. Jodi is a serious and quite accomplished golfer. It's 8:05 ... we are getting restless ... not like Ellen -- someone knew she was going on vacation - but the expectation was that she got a sub. It's 8:20 and people are leaving ... not me - I still had faith. And just like Michael's club wouldn't come down -- either would a substitute teacher -- and we were left feeling double d'd .... depressed and devastated.
I am scheduled to play with my HR director and her husband on Tuesday. A bit concerned that if I play on Tuesday the way I played today --- I'll be the butt of a few jokes. Next week is the Dr's graduation which we will be going to -- so Captain R will ably do the blog.
Hope you can do what I can't -- hit your drives long and straight and keep your putts short and true. (and watch for falling clubs from the tree - can be hazardous to your health.)
Chipster OUT!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Major Accomplishment
Thank you to Rich for last week's blog and providing me with a springboard to this posting: (note Tom Friedman's editorial in Wed. NY Times (July 29th) - which is a follow up to Rich's comments about the 59 y/o golfer.
Major Accomplishments
Cara - excuse me - Dr. Cara's first comment after receiving her PhD was, "it's great because I can take it off my 'to do' list. Obviously, getting a PhD in Clinical Psych - with a specialization in Neuro - and doing it in 5 years rather than the standard 6 + years is a greater accomplishment than 'going food shopping' .... CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Cara -- I want to give a shout out to the big guy in the sunshine state who flew up to Baltimore, helped pack the car and drove 21 + hours to Miami. It was something I thought would be on my 'to do' list .... and glad to have handed off this opportunity to you.
Another Major Accomplishment was our learning to eat HARD SHELL CRABS --- taught to us during a trip to West Point, Va where we spent a great week-end with my favorite 'teach for America' teacher and her parents. I will forward any inquiries on the proper etiquette of locating the tabs behind the eyes and lifting it while simultaneously breaking the crab in two to Principal D.
There were other Major Accomplishments worth noting this past week:
I was awarded the highest honor that one can receive from the biking 'gang' we travel with on annual bike trips - the Yellow Bandanna. This yellow bandanna has been the equivalent of an Oscar - given to a member of the group who has demonstrated a 'memorable' behavior during the week-end. I am very humble and feel inadequate to wear the bandanna that most recently was worn by the most tireless rider in our group. I plan to use my 'bandanna pulpit' to further the mission of our group and to insure that we continue to spend as much time off the bike as on the bike.
Late last night, after returning from our biking expedition, I received an e-mail from my gym buddy -- so apologetic for forgetting to sign us up to spin on Monday. She was so distraught that I made a conscious decision not to share the extent of my disappointment. What was even more disturbing is that my bike wasn't even 'cold' before my 'good buddy' Neil grabbed it. (see prior blog about his 'take no prisoners attitude' when it comes to spinning.) So at 5:50 am - my 'buddies' go into the spin room - Neil grabs my bike - and the door closes. I looked through the window of the spin room, a tear trickling down my cheek - realizing that I was not going to spin today. I turned and slowly walked away --- only to have the door open and my gym buddy yell - get in here - there is an extra bike. The empty bike was in the first row - dead center of the room. I told her I couldn't take that bike -- and Neil did NOT offer to switch with me -- but she insisted - saying it was the only way she would forgive herself. So I did it for her - I took the center bike in the first row - right in front of the spin instructor whose bike is on a stage facing mine. This presented a number of problems -- first was that I have no rhythm and whenever the instructor would say 'jump' - I was always a beat behind. It's fine when I'm in the back row - out of sight - but not when I'm dead center. I also felt so vulnerable - there are celebrities in the front row, including the self proclaimed 'gym whore' whose flowing red hair and her grunts of pure excitement are legendary. I was too close to the instructor - I like to worship her from afar - not be directly in front of her - close enough to have her sweat dripping on me. But I survived - and while it's not quite the same as getting a PhD - I'd say I was probably as nervous as Dr. C was when defending her dissertation.
and as I started this blog with a phenomenal Major Accomplishment, I'd like to end with another 'real' major accomplishment. I had the privilege of seeing Daniel's "Celebration" program last night -- where 150 children were recognized for their accomplishments at Student U over the past 6 weeks. The highlight of the evening was the 'special mention' given to the 8th graders - who were the inaugural class of Student U 3 years ago. It's amazing that 45 of the original 48 students in this grade 'stayed' with the program. There were many speeches given that sang the 'well deserved' praises of Daniel and his staff -- including the Mayor of Durham - but none so special as to hear 2 8th grade boys talking about what this past 3 years mean to them. These 'street wise' kids acknowledged how they have grown and changed thanks to the program. For these kids - and the other 148 middle school students - we salute you and the 38 teachers for your accomplishments over the past three years.
THANKFULLY - THE FAB FOUR WILL BE TOGETHER THIS SUNDAY FOR A ROUND OF GOLF....and that will be a Major Accomplishment given everyone's schedules.
chipster out
Major Accomplishments
Cara - excuse me - Dr. Cara's first comment after receiving her PhD was, "it's great because I can take it off my 'to do' list. Obviously, getting a PhD in Clinical Psych - with a specialization in Neuro - and doing it in 5 years rather than the standard 6 + years is a greater accomplishment than 'going food shopping' .... CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Cara -- I want to give a shout out to the big guy in the sunshine state who flew up to Baltimore, helped pack the car and drove 21 + hours to Miami. It was something I thought would be on my 'to do' list .... and glad to have handed off this opportunity to you.
Another Major Accomplishment was our learning to eat HARD SHELL CRABS --- taught to us during a trip to West Point, Va where we spent a great week-end with my favorite 'teach for America' teacher and her parents. I will forward any inquiries on the proper etiquette of locating the tabs behind the eyes and lifting it while simultaneously breaking the crab in two to Principal D.
There were other Major Accomplishments worth noting this past week:
I was awarded the highest honor that one can receive from the biking 'gang' we travel with on annual bike trips - the Yellow Bandanna. This yellow bandanna has been the equivalent of an Oscar - given to a member of the group who has demonstrated a 'memorable' behavior during the week-end. I am very humble and feel inadequate to wear the bandanna that most recently was worn by the most tireless rider in our group. I plan to use my 'bandanna pulpit' to further the mission of our group and to insure that we continue to spend as much time off the bike as on the bike.
Late last night, after returning from our biking expedition, I received an e-mail from my gym buddy -- so apologetic for forgetting to sign us up to spin on Monday. She was so distraught that I made a conscious decision not to share the extent of my disappointment. What was even more disturbing is that my bike wasn't even 'cold' before my 'good buddy' Neil grabbed it. (see prior blog about his 'take no prisoners attitude' when it comes to spinning.) So at 5:50 am - my 'buddies' go into the spin room - Neil grabs my bike - and the door closes. I looked through the window of the spin room, a tear trickling down my cheek - realizing that I was not going to spin today. I turned and slowly walked away --- only to have the door open and my gym buddy yell - get in here - there is an extra bike. The empty bike was in the first row - dead center of the room. I told her I couldn't take that bike -- and Neil did NOT offer to switch with me -- but she insisted - saying it was the only way she would forgive herself. So I did it for her - I took the center bike in the first row - right in front of the spin instructor whose bike is on a stage facing mine. This presented a number of problems -- first was that I have no rhythm and whenever the instructor would say 'jump' - I was always a beat behind. It's fine when I'm in the back row - out of sight - but not when I'm dead center. I also felt so vulnerable - there are celebrities in the front row, including the self proclaimed 'gym whore' whose flowing red hair and her grunts of pure excitement are legendary. I was too close to the instructor - I like to worship her from afar - not be directly in front of her - close enough to have her sweat dripping on me. But I survived - and while it's not quite the same as getting a PhD - I'd say I was probably as nervous as Dr. C was when defending her dissertation.
and as I started this blog with a phenomenal Major Accomplishment, I'd like to end with another 'real' major accomplishment. I had the privilege of seeing Daniel's "Celebration" program last night -- where 150 children were recognized for their accomplishments at Student U over the past 6 weeks. The highlight of the evening was the 'special mention' given to the 8th graders - who were the inaugural class of Student U 3 years ago. It's amazing that 45 of the original 48 students in this grade 'stayed' with the program. There were many speeches given that sang the 'well deserved' praises of Daniel and his staff -- including the Mayor of Durham - but none so special as to hear 2 8th grade boys talking about what this past 3 years mean to them. These 'street wise' kids acknowledged how they have grown and changed thanks to the program. For these kids - and the other 148 middle school students - we salute you and the 38 teachers for your accomplishments over the past three years.
THANKFULLY - THE FAB FOUR WILL BE TOGETHER THIS SUNDAY FOR A ROUND OF GOLF....and that will be a Major Accomplishment given everyone's schedules.
chipster out
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Is there a Doctor in the house?
In case you were expecting your favorite Blogger, I am sorry to disappoint you, but Bernie and Judi have headed south to spend the weekend with Daniel, his girlfriend Amanda and her parents. As is custom, I will be the “substitute” blogger for today. I start off today’s entry with a story of a tremendous accomplishment. No, I am not referring to the fact that 59 year old Tom Watson came within one shot of being the oldest man to win a major tournament. This past Friday, Cara Kimberg stood before a panel of professors and defended her research which was captured in her dissertation. By all accounts, Cara deftly handled the probing questions and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy or PHD. Dr. Kimberg, as she is now known, had to complete a grueling program to reach this achievement. Since this is a golf blog, I was thinking about something in the world of golf that might be analogous to this achievement, but I couldn’t think of anything. The only thing that comes to mind is the Tour De France. The race that constantly test the riders with time trials, sprints to finish line, steep climbs through the mountains of the Pyrenees and the Alps. Some riders stay in the pack or the Peloton (SAT word?) as it is called and some riders break away from the pack and race to the lead. Cara didn’t take the easy route (is there really an easy route to a PHD?). She doubled down and took on a program that involved both research and clinical work. Despite the added pressure, Cara led the pack and crossed the finish line for the first leg of her life long journey in her chosen field. Congratulations Cara.
Now for a report on the day in golf. After a miserable rainy June, we have been very lucky to have a string of beautiful Sundays. Today was an amazing day, with plenty of sunshine, but temperatures in the 70’s with a light breeze. With Barry attending a wedding in Buffalo, it was up to Les to supply us with some golfers. He did not disappoint by showing up with a pair of Michaels. His son was making a repeat appearance and really showed the course who was boss. The second Michael was a friend of Les who when he is not playing golf is happy to fill your cavities or extract your tooth. He was introduced as Michael, but I wondered if it was an alias like Chip. Maybe that is not his real name. The two Michael’s partook in a luxury that we don’t see in our foursome very often – they rode in a golf cart. This coupled with our time changing to 7:30 which is 20 minutes later, led to the speculation of what this would mean for the playing time of our round. The cart seemed to have little impact as we finished the round in 4 hours and 40 minutes which is “par for the course,” In terms of the play, Les and Michael (the dentist) had the honors for shooting lowest scores of our foursome. I played a little like Tiger Woods. Not the guy who wins the tournaments, the guy who didn’t make the cut at the British open who was banging his club against the ground every other shot. Well, there is always another 18 to play. Until then, hit them well, but not so often.
Now for a report on the day in golf. After a miserable rainy June, we have been very lucky to have a string of beautiful Sundays. Today was an amazing day, with plenty of sunshine, but temperatures in the 70’s with a light breeze. With Barry attending a wedding in Buffalo, it was up to Les to supply us with some golfers. He did not disappoint by showing up with a pair of Michaels. His son was making a repeat appearance and really showed the course who was boss. The second Michael was a friend of Les who when he is not playing golf is happy to fill your cavities or extract your tooth. He was introduced as Michael, but I wondered if it was an alias like Chip. Maybe that is not his real name. The two Michael’s partook in a luxury that we don’t see in our foursome very often – they rode in a golf cart. This coupled with our time changing to 7:30 which is 20 minutes later, led to the speculation of what this would mean for the playing time of our round. The cart seemed to have little impact as we finished the round in 4 hours and 40 minutes which is “par for the course,” In terms of the play, Les and Michael (the dentist) had the honors for shooting lowest scores of our foursome. I played a little like Tiger Woods. Not the guy who wins the tournaments, the guy who didn’t make the cut at the British open who was banging his club against the ground every other shot. Well, there is always another 18 to play. Until then, hit them well, but not so often.
Monday, July 13, 2009
It's not always Champagne and Flowers
sometimes it's just 'calm and predictable' ... and that's OK too. There is something to be said about Routines and Predictability. This Sunday was a routine day on the course. The weather was beautiful - sunny and warm. For some unknown reason, they had us start at hole #1 - not playing the back 9 first as had been the policy since opening day. I liked this much better - it was like seeing an old friend that you haven't spoken with for years and picking up as though you just spoke yesterday. Too often we think that 'new is better' or we need to 'buy the flavor of the month' - metaphorically speaking .... what's wrong with just wanting things to be the same way they've always been.
Both Barry and Les were out of town so we invited my 'gym buddy', Neil. Neil has this wonderful ability to be comfortable in any environment. He is not quite a 5 day a week gym regular, but goes often enough to be considered 'a regular.' He's got a great attitude and what he lacked in golf acumen, he made up in being personable. We picked up a fourth - an aging golfer with grey hair tied back in a pony tail. This guy was once a 'player', shooting in the low 80's and there were examples of 'a stellar golfer' during the day. He was a great ball finder and took a liking to Neil, who sought his advice for the entire round.
That's not to say that Neil doesn't have his faults -- one major one which made me come very close to dis-inviting him to play. Not surprisingly - it was related to spin class. The Nazi who opens the gym at exactly 5:00 am (who remembers the good old days of Max - opening it at 4:45) sometimes makes like even more difficult for us by keeping the door to the spin room locked. This past Friday, the door was locked and we (Jodi, me and the 15 other spinners who line up at 4:45 am had to leave our towels and water bottles at the entrance to the room - and go workout, without securing our bikes.
Neil is one of those 'phone callers' who doesn't come to the gym until 15 minutes before the class begins - and settles for whatever bike is left. This past Friday, he arrived at the spin class just as the door was being unlocked and had the audacity to take Jodi's bike. (Since I am completely honest with my readers let me state for the record that Neil did take my towel and water bottle that was neatly left on the floor in front of the door, and put it on my bike, reserving it for me.) Neil is well aware that he was taking Jodi's bike and did so anyway. When confronted - he shrugged it off - not owning up to the fact that he violated the spinners credo .... would you go into someone's house - even if you knew the person - to use the bathroom - if the person wasn't home and you used a 'hidden key' to gain entrance?
I was in a quandary ... Neil's taking Jodi's bike was incredibly disrespectful. Jodi is my gym buddy and we've gone up against some pretty heavy adversaries during this past year. I consulted with Jodi after the class - and to her credit - she wasn't nearly as distraught as I would have been. She encouraged me to give Neil a "pass" and not withdraw the invitation to play golf with us. That type of behavior speaks volumes about Jodi.
The golf itself was 'comfortable and routine.' More good shots than bad and one outstanding Par 3 hole, where both Richie and I were on the green in one and got pars. The game was played in a very reasonable 4.5 hours. There was nothing particularly outstanding about anyone's game -- it was 'comfortable.'
Just as seeing Richie's parents and Jill's mother after our game was 'comfortable.' I've known them for over 30 years and have seen them experience some true challenges. I don't see them often, but when I do - there is a genuine warmth and caring.
Life isn't always about Champagne and Flowers; sometimes it's meatloaf and TV.... and that's OK too.
Wishing you a week of long, straight drives and short, accurate putts....
Chipster
Both Barry and Les were out of town so we invited my 'gym buddy', Neil. Neil has this wonderful ability to be comfortable in any environment. He is not quite a 5 day a week gym regular, but goes often enough to be considered 'a regular.' He's got a great attitude and what he lacked in golf acumen, he made up in being personable. We picked up a fourth - an aging golfer with grey hair tied back in a pony tail. This guy was once a 'player', shooting in the low 80's and there were examples of 'a stellar golfer' during the day. He was a great ball finder and took a liking to Neil, who sought his advice for the entire round.
That's not to say that Neil doesn't have his faults -- one major one which made me come very close to dis-inviting him to play. Not surprisingly - it was related to spin class. The Nazi who opens the gym at exactly 5:00 am (who remembers the good old days of Max - opening it at 4:45) sometimes makes like even more difficult for us by keeping the door to the spin room locked. This past Friday, the door was locked and we (Jodi, me and the 15 other spinners who line up at 4:45 am had to leave our towels and water bottles at the entrance to the room - and go workout, without securing our bikes.
Neil is one of those 'phone callers' who doesn't come to the gym until 15 minutes before the class begins - and settles for whatever bike is left. This past Friday, he arrived at the spin class just as the door was being unlocked and had the audacity to take Jodi's bike. (Since I am completely honest with my readers let me state for the record that Neil did take my towel and water bottle that was neatly left on the floor in front of the door, and put it on my bike, reserving it for me.) Neil is well aware that he was taking Jodi's bike and did so anyway. When confronted - he shrugged it off - not owning up to the fact that he violated the spinners credo .... would you go into someone's house - even if you knew the person - to use the bathroom - if the person wasn't home and you used a 'hidden key' to gain entrance?
I was in a quandary ... Neil's taking Jodi's bike was incredibly disrespectful. Jodi is my gym buddy and we've gone up against some pretty heavy adversaries during this past year. I consulted with Jodi after the class - and to her credit - she wasn't nearly as distraught as I would have been. She encouraged me to give Neil a "pass" and not withdraw the invitation to play golf with us. That type of behavior speaks volumes about Jodi.
The golf itself was 'comfortable and routine.' More good shots than bad and one outstanding Par 3 hole, where both Richie and I were on the green in one and got pars. The game was played in a very reasonable 4.5 hours. There was nothing particularly outstanding about anyone's game -- it was 'comfortable.'
Just as seeing Richie's parents and Jill's mother after our game was 'comfortable.' I've known them for over 30 years and have seen them experience some true challenges. I don't see them often, but when I do - there is a genuine warmth and caring.
Life isn't always about Champagne and Flowers; sometimes it's meatloaf and TV.... and that's OK too.
Wishing you a week of long, straight drives and short, accurate putts....
Chipster
Monday, July 6, 2009
HUMBLE PIE
My golf game this past Sunday should have come with a big piece of HUMBLE PIE. Earlier that week, I was invited to play in a charity golf event with my boss (Alan) and two colleagues. (Unfortunately, the event was a way to memorialize the tragic loss of Alan's friend's son.) The format was a Scramble - look at previous blogs that describe how this works -- cliff note version is that everyone gets to hit and the 'best shot' is where the ball is played. The pressure on me was intense ... This was the 7th year of the charity event and the fourth in the first six years was always a semi-pro golfer who 'carried the team.' Unfortunately, after asking a dozen or so 'players' who couldn't make it - Alan was reduced to asking me. For weeks in advance I had to hear about how competitive Alan's 'team' was ... and how he had every confidence that I would 'hold up' my end. (for the record - Alan plays golf once a year - in this event - and let's be kind by saying that he is NOT a natural.) The pressure was intense -- I knew that our 'success' - or lack there of - during this golf event would be the source of conversation for the next year.
I 'teed off' on the first hole - and excuse my immodesty but my readership requires my being 100% accurate in all my recordings - and hit the ball 200 + yards (longest drive of my life) right down the center of the fairway. And this was just a prelude to what was easily the best golf day of my life. Most of my drives were straight and long, my fairway shots were on target and my putts didn't matter. I was voted MVP of our team ... and got to keep my job at WJCS. Thanks to AT whose leadership style will never be duplicated at the Ryder Cup, but whose heart is as big as the two divots he dug in more than one fairway.
So with this occurring on Thursday - I couldn't wait to go out on Sunday. It was a perfect golf day - sunny and warm, with perfect golf conditions - the course was dry, they had cut back the fairways ..... I was expecting .... honestly expecting to go out and hit in the 80's. I figured that my success the previous day would carry forward and that I was over the 'hump.' I felt that I was now a VERY GOOD golfer.
We approached the first tee - and I was eager to get going and went first. Hit a beautiful tee shot - down the middle and far. And that was the last good shot I hit until the 16th hole. I was TERRIBLE. I should have worn a lumberjack's hat instead of a golf cap given the number of times that I hit into the woods. I lost a dozen balls and was tempted to just walk off the course. And just when I was ready to swear off golf forever - I got Pars on the 17th and 18th holes. The Golf Gods were toying with me --- giving me a taste of being a 'player' and then dashing my fantasies. Please feel free to share your 'stories' of 'fantasies fulfilled' and dreams dashed.
There was another lesson I learned about myself --- as bad as I was playing, I was able to take great pride and sincere enjoyment watching Rich play -- the best round of his life. Richie is a true student of the game -- he has embraced numerous gurus and bought most infomercial golf products. Last year he was voted "most improved player" and this year he is well on his way to being named "golfer of the year."
An 'atta boy' goes to Les' son who got up (or never went to sleep) and played 11 holes with us.
A number of people have asked for an update of what's happening at the gym. It's the usual --- need to be on line at 4:40 am ... Dash in and make a decision - sign up for spin first or reserve the good elliptical machine. (Jody and I have an alliance - she signs us up for spin and I reserve the machines and then we both reserve our bikes.) At 5:58 you have to be on your bike or it will be given away to the 'vultures' who circle the room. (wait list people). And if you have to go to the bathroom and won't be back by 5:58, you need to make an announcement to the 27 other people on their bikes -- so yours isn't given away. After exercising, you go to the locker room and hope that you don't find your locker next to someone who is also changing -- which always happens, even though there is not a sole in the rest of the locker room. It's a great way to start the day.
As I end this blog and go back to nibbling at my Humble Pie -- I promise never again to be swept away by dreams of grandeur on the course.
Hoping all your Putts are short and your Drives are long.
Chipster
for the record - I'd appreciate if the other critic on Byway corrects my 'limited vocabulary', grammatical and spelling errors. I can't have my golf sensie and my English tutor be one in the same.
I 'teed off' on the first hole - and excuse my immodesty but my readership requires my being 100% accurate in all my recordings - and hit the ball 200 + yards (longest drive of my life) right down the center of the fairway. And this was just a prelude to what was easily the best golf day of my life. Most of my drives were straight and long, my fairway shots were on target and my putts didn't matter. I was voted MVP of our team ... and got to keep my job at WJCS. Thanks to AT whose leadership style will never be duplicated at the Ryder Cup, but whose heart is as big as the two divots he dug in more than one fairway.
So with this occurring on Thursday - I couldn't wait to go out on Sunday. It was a perfect golf day - sunny and warm, with perfect golf conditions - the course was dry, they had cut back the fairways ..... I was expecting .... honestly expecting to go out and hit in the 80's. I figured that my success the previous day would carry forward and that I was over the 'hump.' I felt that I was now a VERY GOOD golfer.
We approached the first tee - and I was eager to get going and went first. Hit a beautiful tee shot - down the middle and far. And that was the last good shot I hit until the 16th hole. I was TERRIBLE. I should have worn a lumberjack's hat instead of a golf cap given the number of times that I hit into the woods. I lost a dozen balls and was tempted to just walk off the course. And just when I was ready to swear off golf forever - I got Pars on the 17th and 18th holes. The Golf Gods were toying with me --- giving me a taste of being a 'player' and then dashing my fantasies. Please feel free to share your 'stories' of 'fantasies fulfilled' and dreams dashed.
There was another lesson I learned about myself --- as bad as I was playing, I was able to take great pride and sincere enjoyment watching Rich play -- the best round of his life. Richie is a true student of the game -- he has embraced numerous gurus and bought most infomercial golf products. Last year he was voted "most improved player" and this year he is well on his way to being named "golfer of the year."
An 'atta boy' goes to Les' son who got up (or never went to sleep) and played 11 holes with us.
A number of people have asked for an update of what's happening at the gym. It's the usual --- need to be on line at 4:40 am ... Dash in and make a decision - sign up for spin first or reserve the good elliptical machine. (Jody and I have an alliance - she signs us up for spin and I reserve the machines and then we both reserve our bikes.) At 5:58 you have to be on your bike or it will be given away to the 'vultures' who circle the room. (wait list people). And if you have to go to the bathroom and won't be back by 5:58, you need to make an announcement to the 27 other people on their bikes -- so yours isn't given away. After exercising, you go to the locker room and hope that you don't find your locker next to someone who is also changing -- which always happens, even though there is not a sole in the rest of the locker room. It's a great way to start the day.
As I end this blog and go back to nibbling at my Humble Pie -- I promise never again to be swept away by dreams of grandeur on the course.
Hoping all your Putts are short and your Drives are long.
Chipster
for the record - I'd appreciate if the other critic on Byway corrects my 'limited vocabulary', grammatical and spelling errors. I can't have my golf sensie and my English tutor be one in the same.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
It's Ugly Out There
A well known and much beloved, soon to be Clinical Psychologist gave me a song - the main theme was - "I know what I was feeling, but what was I thinking?" How could I not blog last week? The e-mails and calls inquiring about my health, concern expressed about my lying in a hospital room, suffering from amnesia - for why else would I not do my weekly bog. Your concerns have put me to shame. "I KNOW WHAT I WAS FEELING - I was lazy - BUT WHAT WAS I THINKING? - I guess I needed to hear that this weekly blog is for many the same as reading the Sunday Paper, or watching 60 Minutes .... something that is looked forward to - with eager anticipation all week. I apologize -- and I will do pentance - having just come back from donating 8 cartons of books to Goodwill. My being lazy is not acceptable - I've taken on a responsibility - not unlike the Voice of America - during the Cold War -- (will one of the historians please explain the similarity) -- to provide information and insight to many people who have come to count on this blog as their way of making sense in this 'crazy world.' Where we have one Governor who sings the song "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" while supposedely hiking the Appalachian trail, and another one who is trying to get the kids in the sandbox in Albany to stop acting like 2 year olds and end this 'parallel play' and learn to share. My blog has become a 'beacon of sanity' in a crazy world. When a pop icon can suddenly die and an Angel becomes one -- I restate my pledge to you to blog on - energized by the expressed needs of you, my loyal readership.
Last Sunday (June 21st) - we woke to the sounds of rain -- nothing unusual since we live in a tropical rain forest and while I was dressed for golf and ready to go - I got a text from Barry -- he's opting out. I called Richie who had previously referenced needing scuba gear in addition to golf clubs, who was also willing to 'call - game rained out.' Only Les expressed some disappointment --- but we did not play. Could we have played - sure - but it was UGLY OUT THERE.
Les and I played the following day in a charity outing organized by a law firm in Westchester (PMT) where the "P" is our friend. PMT deserves this 'free advertising' for they organize an annual charity event - a golf outing - at a beautiful country club in New City, NY for a local charity. They cover all expenses as well as inviting/soliciting their clients to attend. This year's charity was Breast Cancer Research. "P" invited Les and I to be his guests -- and we were quick to take him up on the offer. The format was a 'scramble' - and perhaps our resident golf pro in Miami will give you the rules for this game. Les and I were paired with 2 of "P's" son's fraternity brothers --- and I'm proud of us --- we didn't completely embarrass ourselves .... and even contributed to our total of 'par golf' with more than a few good shots of our own. These guys were 'killing the ball' - so on the occasion where we would hit a drive 200 yards (as Les did) - he was beat by 100 yards. The course was great - greens were so challenging and adulating (not sure if this word is being used appropriately, so I will defer to the English professor at Rutgers who used to be a regular contributor to weigh in ... I learned to appreciate the skill set of the two "Absolute Girls" - dressed in white short shorts and a white halter tops - who encouraged the golfers to quench our thirst with some 'eye candy' and an "Absolute" and a mixer. Congratulations to PMT for performing this community service ... and for this round it certainly wasn't UGLY OUT THERE.
Today was a no-brainer for golf-- it was NOT raining - actually somewhat sunny and hot. The fab four was out by 7:10 and much to the dismay of Captain Rich -- finished the round in what he deems a slow and unreasonable 4 hrs and 40 minutes. Rich figures the reason for this slow round had little to do with our play or the numerous lost balls that were hit in the fairway but given the overgrowth, couldn't be found.....yes - I said overgrowth in the Fairway. Rich figures that people were complaining about the amount of water on the course - given that it rained every day for a month - and the people who maintain the course responded by getting rid of what they deemed excessive water in the only way they could --- they made sure there was NO Water for drinking in any of the large jugs that dot the course and golfers come to expect. The course itself was UGLY OUT THERE ... largely mud, standing water, and rough that was thicker than the fog that rises off the Scottish coast. Essentially, the course has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and the starter distributes malaria pills along with a score card.
Barry found himself in the middle of an ethical dilemma, even before he got on the course. He was paying for his round when the assistant golf pro, who takes the registrations, told a woman who called in to ascertain whether she could make a reservation and come out to play -- that there was a waiting list and a long line to play the back 9 (which was the front 9 - but that's another blog). Barry - who is the most ethical person I know, commented that there only appeared to be four names on the waiting list - and no-one waiting to play the back 9. The Assist. Golf Pro said without embarrassment - that he recognized this woman's voice and 'trust him' - you don't want her to play here - hinting that she is horrible and would detract from everyone who either played with or followed her. Barry questioned the 'ethics' of this assistant golf pro -- on the surface he was being highly unfair ... it is a county course and everyone should be able to play. However -- if you think of pro as looking after the best interests of the hundreds of golfers who would be impacted by her 'poor play' then whose needs take precedent? I'd like to ask our resident educator to comment -- should the needs of one individual in a classroom supersede the needs of the class .... I'm afraid this affected Barry's game - although he was driving well and put together a number of pars in a row. I encourage my readership to 'weigh in' on this very charged matter.
And if you think it's UGLY OUT THERE on the golf course -- it's guerrilla warfare in the gym. In order to guarantee a bike for the spin class - you need to get to the gym the day before and wait on line for 20 minutes (4:40 AM) to be on the safe side. The person taking the spin reservations has to balance the needs of those 15 + people who wait on line and are signing up (since you can sign up for one other person - it's the norm for the class to be filled by 5:03 just by the people on line) and then what of the people who call in (by phone - no texting, tweeting or e-mailing) and are 'put on a waiting list' .... even though they started calling in at 4:55 AM.
It's UGLY OUT THERE -- when there is at least one gym instructor (read security agent) at the door signing you in and every instructor spends the first 5 minutes reviewing the policy of not reserving bikes, coming 5 minutes before class begins. There are fights breaking out for bikes - 'bad energy.' You know things are 'off' when I look forward to getting to work so I can 'relax.' Barry had another 'ethical dilemma' -- there was a substitute spin instructor taking the place of a beloved leader .... He was awful -- and the only thing worse was his choice of music. People were leaving in the middle of class ... forget 'bad energy' - this was worse that a funeral ..... and Barry's issue - does he complain to management ... and possibly contribute to this guy losing his spinning job. Once again - the need of the individual vs. the rights of the group. Please log on and let us know your thoughts.
As I bring this blog to a close - want to thank a very special person and his collaborator, whose 'birthday blog' makes me realize that the 'child' has surpassed the 'parent' in so many ways, including blogging. With permission of the author - and if the readership wants to read this 'personal blog' - (please indicate your interest by texting YES) then I will ask my computer consultant how to cut and paste this work of art.
- I will continue blogging on as long as there is a reader out there -- thirsty for the knowledge they drink from my musing.
Keep those drives long and those putts short.
Chipster - over and out.
Last Sunday (June 21st) - we woke to the sounds of rain -- nothing unusual since we live in a tropical rain forest and while I was dressed for golf and ready to go - I got a text from Barry -- he's opting out. I called Richie who had previously referenced needing scuba gear in addition to golf clubs, who was also willing to 'call - game rained out.' Only Les expressed some disappointment --- but we did not play. Could we have played - sure - but it was UGLY OUT THERE.
Les and I played the following day in a charity outing organized by a law firm in Westchester (PMT) where the "P" is our friend. PMT deserves this 'free advertising' for they organize an annual charity event - a golf outing - at a beautiful country club in New City, NY for a local charity. They cover all expenses as well as inviting/soliciting their clients to attend. This year's charity was Breast Cancer Research. "P" invited Les and I to be his guests -- and we were quick to take him up on the offer. The format was a 'scramble' - and perhaps our resident golf pro in Miami will give you the rules for this game. Les and I were paired with 2 of "P's" son's fraternity brothers --- and I'm proud of us --- we didn't completely embarrass ourselves .... and even contributed to our total of 'par golf' with more than a few good shots of our own. These guys were 'killing the ball' - so on the occasion where we would hit a drive 200 yards (as Les did) - he was beat by 100 yards. The course was great - greens were so challenging and adulating (not sure if this word is being used appropriately, so I will defer to the English professor at Rutgers who used to be a regular contributor to weigh in ... I learned to appreciate the skill set of the two "Absolute Girls" - dressed in white short shorts and a white halter tops - who encouraged the golfers to quench our thirst with some 'eye candy' and an "Absolute" and a mixer. Congratulations to PMT for performing this community service ... and for this round it certainly wasn't UGLY OUT THERE.
Today was a no-brainer for golf-- it was NOT raining - actually somewhat sunny and hot. The fab four was out by 7:10 and much to the dismay of Captain Rich -- finished the round in what he deems a slow and unreasonable 4 hrs and 40 minutes. Rich figures the reason for this slow round had little to do with our play or the numerous lost balls that were hit in the fairway but given the overgrowth, couldn't be found.....yes - I said overgrowth in the Fairway. Rich figures that people were complaining about the amount of water on the course - given that it rained every day for a month - and the people who maintain the course responded by getting rid of what they deemed excessive water in the only way they could --- they made sure there was NO Water for drinking in any of the large jugs that dot the course and golfers come to expect. The course itself was UGLY OUT THERE ... largely mud, standing water, and rough that was thicker than the fog that rises off the Scottish coast. Essentially, the course has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and the starter distributes malaria pills along with a score card.
Barry found himself in the middle of an ethical dilemma, even before he got on the course. He was paying for his round when the assistant golf pro, who takes the registrations, told a woman who called in to ascertain whether she could make a reservation and come out to play -- that there was a waiting list and a long line to play the back 9 (which was the front 9 - but that's another blog). Barry - who is the most ethical person I know, commented that there only appeared to be four names on the waiting list - and no-one waiting to play the back 9. The Assist. Golf Pro said without embarrassment - that he recognized this woman's voice and 'trust him' - you don't want her to play here - hinting that she is horrible and would detract from everyone who either played with or followed her. Barry questioned the 'ethics' of this assistant golf pro -- on the surface he was being highly unfair ... it is a county course and everyone should be able to play. However -- if you think of pro as looking after the best interests of the hundreds of golfers who would be impacted by her 'poor play' then whose needs take precedent? I'd like to ask our resident educator to comment -- should the needs of one individual in a classroom supersede the needs of the class .... I'm afraid this affected Barry's game - although he was driving well and put together a number of pars in a row. I encourage my readership to 'weigh in' on this very charged matter.
And if you think it's UGLY OUT THERE on the golf course -- it's guerrilla warfare in the gym. In order to guarantee a bike for the spin class - you need to get to the gym the day before and wait on line for 20 minutes (4:40 AM) to be on the safe side. The person taking the spin reservations has to balance the needs of those 15 + people who wait on line and are signing up (since you can sign up for one other person - it's the norm for the class to be filled by 5:03 just by the people on line) and then what of the people who call in (by phone - no texting, tweeting or e-mailing) and are 'put on a waiting list' .... even though they started calling in at 4:55 AM.
It's UGLY OUT THERE -- when there is at least one gym instructor (read security agent) at the door signing you in and every instructor spends the first 5 minutes reviewing the policy of not reserving bikes, coming 5 minutes before class begins. There are fights breaking out for bikes - 'bad energy.' You know things are 'off' when I look forward to getting to work so I can 'relax.' Barry had another 'ethical dilemma' -- there was a substitute spin instructor taking the place of a beloved leader .... He was awful -- and the only thing worse was his choice of music. People were leaving in the middle of class ... forget 'bad energy' - this was worse that a funeral ..... and Barry's issue - does he complain to management ... and possibly contribute to this guy losing his spinning job. Once again - the need of the individual vs. the rights of the group. Please log on and let us know your thoughts.
As I bring this blog to a close - want to thank a very special person and his collaborator, whose 'birthday blog' makes me realize that the 'child' has surpassed the 'parent' in so many ways, including blogging. With permission of the author - and if the readership wants to read this 'personal blog' - (please indicate your interest by texting YES) then I will ask my computer consultant how to cut and paste this work of art.
- I will continue blogging on as long as there is a reader out there -- thirsty for the knowledge they drink from my musing.
Keep those drives long and those putts short.
Chipster - over and out.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Assumptions
Sunday was dreary and a light rain .... not unlike the preceding 23 days in NY. Barry texted me that he was NOT playing today -- he was going to Sara W's graduation, and we are sending her a collective hug and congratulations. Sara is a 'hero' who survived a very serious battle with Cancer when she was 5 years old, so today was a very special moment in her life. She will be going to Brandeis in the Fall. The only annoying thing about Barry canceling last minute is that we were not able to ask "BOB" ... (see prior blogs). Personally, I think it was Barry making a strategic decision that wouldn't jeopardize his standing with the group.
Rich, Les and I went out and finished our round in RECORD TIME - 4 hrs and 8 minutes. We did not pick up a fourth - The course was wet and the rough was 'amazon like.' Les gets the Green Jacket for his play on the front 9 holes (possibly more) - having a number of Pars in a row. Rich did get a "Bye-Bye" and some long putts. I spent the day trying out a 'strong grip' to prevent from slicing -- which worked fairly well -- other than my pulling the ball to the left. (BW - having a new golf bag -- won in a raffle -- did not improve my game, much to my disappointment.)
Most important was the Lesson the I learned at the start of the round. When signing up - we were told that because of the extremely wet conditions, the course was playing with the first hole being the first hole, instead of the 10th hole being the first hole. (new readers may find this confusing and I suggest you refer to prior blogs.) This raised questions about the pace of the game since the change over from 1 to 10 was made in order to quicken the pace ... and it was working. When we gave Dom (the starter) our tickets, it became evident that he was trying to 'sneak' another foursome in, in front of us. Rich pointed this out to me -- and I was about to have a 'conversation' with Dom --- when Rich suggested that I wait and see what develops, now that Dom realized it was us that he was 'screwing with.' I must admit that I didn't have the same faith in Dom that Rich had -- and to my surprise, but not Richie's, Dom made the foursome that he was sneaking in front of us wait until we went, even though they were essentially on the tee. I 'assumed' the worst - and was wrong. Rich 'assumed' that all our sucking up to Dom was not in vain - and he was right.
Allow me to digress for a moment. I was the target of a 'false' assumption on Saturday, in spin class. I waited on line for the gym to open - noted that there were few towels left, but took enough to save bikes for Jodi, Barry and me. I 'assumed' that there would be additional towels available as soon as the 'towel guy' came. I did my work out and at 8 am went into the spin room. Jodi had decided not to spin -- she is practicing to take on Ralph Fedderer -- so when I went to the room I took her towel off the bike and put in around my neck, essentially giving me two towels. Having two towels when spinning is nothing unusual given the amount of sweat that is generated. Some time during the class, my favorite instructor (and neighbor) comes around and points out that I'm "lucky" having two towels because there was a shortage of towels and most people didn't have any. She 'assumed' I was a selfish, narsasistic, (Jill - please correct the spelling) , 'towel hog' and I can only imagine what the rest of the class thought. I quickly took the towel off my neck and tried to make as though I only had one towel -- but I don't thing anyone 'bought it.' I fear that I will be referred to as 'crazy towel guy' - although that label is already taken by 'crazy towel guy' in Cameron Hall. I'm not looking forward to facing my spinmates, all because of their 'false assumptions' of me having a towel fetish.
After golf - Richie, Barry (post graduation), Jill, Dave (never find him on a golf course) and I went to the Riverdale Y where an informal reunion of Unit 2 Campers was held. Barry had been the Unit Head for this group, Richie was the other unit head and I was the Camp director. This was the summer of 75 and to my shock, the 'kids' who showed were now 48 y/o, many having 20 somethings of their own. Most seemed to be doing fine, a few were casualties of a down economy and at least one was very proud of all the 'work' she had done on her face/body. Nice to hear the importance that these 48 y/o 'kids' placed on their summer experience.
Dave made my parent's day by coming with me to visit them. They haven't seen Dave in years - but I've kept them up to date with the vicissitudes (SAT word) of life that Dave has dealt with. So it was another reunion of sorts.
and another week-end draws to a close ... remember to hits your drives long (a strong grip is supposed to take care of slicing) and your putts short.
Chipster OUT
Rich, Les and I went out and finished our round in RECORD TIME - 4 hrs and 8 minutes. We did not pick up a fourth - The course was wet and the rough was 'amazon like.' Les gets the Green Jacket for his play on the front 9 holes (possibly more) - having a number of Pars in a row. Rich did get a "Bye-Bye" and some long putts. I spent the day trying out a 'strong grip' to prevent from slicing -- which worked fairly well -- other than my pulling the ball to the left. (BW - having a new golf bag -- won in a raffle -- did not improve my game, much to my disappointment.)
Most important was the Lesson the I learned at the start of the round. When signing up - we were told that because of the extremely wet conditions, the course was playing with the first hole being the first hole, instead of the 10th hole being the first hole. (new readers may find this confusing and I suggest you refer to prior blogs.) This raised questions about the pace of the game since the change over from 1 to 10 was made in order to quicken the pace ... and it was working. When we gave Dom (the starter) our tickets, it became evident that he was trying to 'sneak' another foursome in, in front of us. Rich pointed this out to me -- and I was about to have a 'conversation' with Dom --- when Rich suggested that I wait and see what develops, now that Dom realized it was us that he was 'screwing with.' I must admit that I didn't have the same faith in Dom that Rich had -- and to my surprise, but not Richie's, Dom made the foursome that he was sneaking in front of us wait until we went, even though they were essentially on the tee. I 'assumed' the worst - and was wrong. Rich 'assumed' that all our sucking up to Dom was not in vain - and he was right.
Allow me to digress for a moment. I was the target of a 'false' assumption on Saturday, in spin class. I waited on line for the gym to open - noted that there were few towels left, but took enough to save bikes for Jodi, Barry and me. I 'assumed' that there would be additional towels available as soon as the 'towel guy' came. I did my work out and at 8 am went into the spin room. Jodi had decided not to spin -- she is practicing to take on Ralph Fedderer -- so when I went to the room I took her towel off the bike and put in around my neck, essentially giving me two towels. Having two towels when spinning is nothing unusual given the amount of sweat that is generated. Some time during the class, my favorite instructor (and neighbor) comes around and points out that I'm "lucky" having two towels because there was a shortage of towels and most people didn't have any. She 'assumed' I was a selfish, narsasistic, (Jill - please correct the spelling) , 'towel hog' and I can only imagine what the rest of the class thought. I quickly took the towel off my neck and tried to make as though I only had one towel -- but I don't thing anyone 'bought it.' I fear that I will be referred to as 'crazy towel guy' - although that label is already taken by 'crazy towel guy' in Cameron Hall. I'm not looking forward to facing my spinmates, all because of their 'false assumptions' of me having a towel fetish.
After golf - Richie, Barry (post graduation), Jill, Dave (never find him on a golf course) and I went to the Riverdale Y where an informal reunion of Unit 2 Campers was held. Barry had been the Unit Head for this group, Richie was the other unit head and I was the Camp director. This was the summer of 75 and to my shock, the 'kids' who showed were now 48 y/o, many having 20 somethings of their own. Most seemed to be doing fine, a few were casualties of a down economy and at least one was very proud of all the 'work' she had done on her face/body. Nice to hear the importance that these 48 y/o 'kids' placed on their summer experience.
Dave made my parent's day by coming with me to visit them. They haven't seen Dave in years - but I've kept them up to date with the vicissitudes (SAT word) of life that Dave has dealt with. So it was another reunion of sorts.
and another week-end draws to a close ... remember to hits your drives long (a strong grip is supposed to take care of slicing) and your putts short.
Chipster OUT
Monday, June 8, 2009
Do you allow Perfection to be the enemy of Good?
I get to New York Sports Club on Saturday morning - a bit late - 7:20 - because I first go for a run. This puts me at great risk. The way the parking works at the Dobbs Ferry Club is complicated .... there are a limited number of spots on the parking level that is right outside the main entrance to the club. If you don't get a spot there, you need to go back around and park below --- and then there are two flights of stairs before you get to the main level. (It is a bit oxymoronic that one goes to the gym to exercise but one (who is this one?) gets upset if s/he has to climb another 2 flights of steps. (even more humorous if 'one' then goes on a step machine.)
So I pull into the lot, anxious about my ability to find a parking spot on the main level. As soon as I pull in I notice a spot on the right .... my dilemma .... do I take the first spot I see or do I venture further into the lot and see if there are other spots --- steps closer to the door. Raising the stakes is that there is a car behind me and if I don't take the spot and s/he does and there aren't other spots on this level, then I will be forced to go to the bottom level. So the question that we all ask .... do we go for the 'perfect spot' or take the 'good one?' Does one settle for good or strive for perfection?
It's been a rough time at the gym. Max - our buddy Max - who used to let us in at 4:45am (15 minutes early) has been gone for 2 weeks -- seems like a lifetime. For a few days everything was the same - as Max's replacement maintained this 'informal understanding' until one day she was gone and a MANAGER was opening. And he waits until the stroke of 5am before unlocking the doors. This morning three were 23 people waiting to get in....and then the 'nightmare' begins ... it used to be 'high anxiety' when there were 5 of us competing for 4 of the 'special ellipticals'. That pales in comparison with this latest problem. Max would sign up the people who were at the gym at 4:45 am for the next day spin classes and then take phone reservations. This MANAGER makes the people who come religiously wait and first takes phone reservations .... I was at the gym at 4:50 am this morning --- putting me towards the end of the line of people waiting to get in and much to my shock - I got the 26th bike (there are only 27 in the room). I came so close to being put on a Waiting List and the reason was the MANAGER says he has to 'play fair' and allow phone reservations to have an "equal chance" of registering for the next day spin class. (It was one of Judi's friends who complained that people calling in weren't given the same opportunities to register. Can you guess who?) I tried to argue my case -- that in person registration should get priority - but I was 'put in my place' by the MANAGER. Seinfeld experts will remember the Soup Nazi - well I know am subject to the whims of the Gym Nazi.
Back to the age old question -- should you strive for Perfection or be happy with Good.
The weather this week was PERFECT. Sunny and warm -- shorts weather. Dom got us off on time and we finished the round in another record breaking time - 4 hrs and 15 minutes. One might attribute it (who is this 'one person?') to the fact that Barry left early to go to the Yankees game although truth be told - as it always is on this blog - I was playing only slightly better that 'horrible' and the number of strokes I took were more than enough to make up for one less player. My three buddies were playing well -- with Rich taking home the trophy for the second week in a row. In accepting the award, again, Rich gave full credit to his Golf Sensei.
On the course, one is often confronted with the choice of going for the perfect shot -- over the trees, crossing the brook, or going over the sand trap ... versus the safe shot -- laying up (hitting it safe and usually short of the hole). Going for the Perfect shot between two trees or the Good 'enough' shot of playing the ball back into the fairway.
My problem is that I will often go for the Perfect shot and end of with an 'ugly' one. What would happen if I just played for the 'good?' In life 'outside of golf' - I'd characterize myself as being 'cautious' -- going for 'good', not striving for 'perfection 'for fear of winding up with the 'ugly.' Think about your own strategy on Life. Do you treat "PERFECTION as the ENEMY of GOOD?"
I'm already panicked about tomorrow's gym. Should I get there at 4:30 am to insure a spot in Spin and a good chance of getting the elliptical of my choice .... or do I live dangerously and 'stay in bed' for another 15 minutes and learn to cope with the possibility of missing a spin class. No question -- I'm getting up early .... I can't control my golf game, but I certainly can be first on line -- and use the 30 minutes before the gym opens to answer e-mails. How's that for 'time management?'
So my loyal readership - I wish you what you wish yourself -- either a Good Week (which is more likely) or a Perfect week (with the chance of your being disappointed with something that isn't quite 100%). As part of a research project - I'd appreciate if you would record your answer as to what you wish for yourself, clearly stating your age, gender, race and favorite TV show.
BTW - Bill from last week's blog - says 'Hello'. We ran into him -- and he recognized us and remembered our names. Now he's Perfect.
So until next time -- hoping your drives are long and your putts are short.
Chipster Out
For those who need to know -- Barry had Rye Bread plain - no butter; Les continues to eat healthy with an apple, and I'm guessing that Rich had his gorp.
So I pull into the lot, anxious about my ability to find a parking spot on the main level. As soon as I pull in I notice a spot on the right .... my dilemma .... do I take the first spot I see or do I venture further into the lot and see if there are other spots --- steps closer to the door. Raising the stakes is that there is a car behind me and if I don't take the spot and s/he does and there aren't other spots on this level, then I will be forced to go to the bottom level. So the question that we all ask .... do we go for the 'perfect spot' or take the 'good one?' Does one settle for good or strive for perfection?
It's been a rough time at the gym. Max - our buddy Max - who used to let us in at 4:45am (15 minutes early) has been gone for 2 weeks -- seems like a lifetime. For a few days everything was the same - as Max's replacement maintained this 'informal understanding' until one day she was gone and a MANAGER was opening. And he waits until the stroke of 5am before unlocking the doors. This morning three were 23 people waiting to get in....and then the 'nightmare' begins ... it used to be 'high anxiety' when there were 5 of us competing for 4 of the 'special ellipticals'. That pales in comparison with this latest problem. Max would sign up the people who were at the gym at 4:45 am for the next day spin classes and then take phone reservations. This MANAGER makes the people who come religiously wait and first takes phone reservations .... I was at the gym at 4:50 am this morning --- putting me towards the end of the line of people waiting to get in and much to my shock - I got the 26th bike (there are only 27 in the room). I came so close to being put on a Waiting List and the reason was the MANAGER says he has to 'play fair' and allow phone reservations to have an "equal chance" of registering for the next day spin class. (It was one of Judi's friends who complained that people calling in weren't given the same opportunities to register. Can you guess who?) I tried to argue my case -- that in person registration should get priority - but I was 'put in my place' by the MANAGER. Seinfeld experts will remember the Soup Nazi - well I know am subject to the whims of the Gym Nazi.
Back to the age old question -- should you strive for Perfection or be happy with Good.
The weather this week was PERFECT. Sunny and warm -- shorts weather. Dom got us off on time and we finished the round in another record breaking time - 4 hrs and 15 minutes. One might attribute it (who is this 'one person?') to the fact that Barry left early to go to the Yankees game although truth be told - as it always is on this blog - I was playing only slightly better that 'horrible' and the number of strokes I took were more than enough to make up for one less player. My three buddies were playing well -- with Rich taking home the trophy for the second week in a row. In accepting the award, again, Rich gave full credit to his Golf Sensei.
On the course, one is often confronted with the choice of going for the perfect shot -- over the trees, crossing the brook, or going over the sand trap ... versus the safe shot -- laying up (hitting it safe and usually short of the hole). Going for the Perfect shot between two trees or the Good 'enough' shot of playing the ball back into the fairway.
My problem is that I will often go for the Perfect shot and end of with an 'ugly' one. What would happen if I just played for the 'good?' In life 'outside of golf' - I'd characterize myself as being 'cautious' -- going for 'good', not striving for 'perfection 'for fear of winding up with the 'ugly.' Think about your own strategy on Life. Do you treat "PERFECTION as the ENEMY of GOOD?"
I'm already panicked about tomorrow's gym. Should I get there at 4:30 am to insure a spot in Spin and a good chance of getting the elliptical of my choice .... or do I live dangerously and 'stay in bed' for another 15 minutes and learn to cope with the possibility of missing a spin class. No question -- I'm getting up early .... I can't control my golf game, but I certainly can be first on line -- and use the 30 minutes before the gym opens to answer e-mails. How's that for 'time management?'
So my loyal readership - I wish you what you wish yourself -- either a Good Week (which is more likely) or a Perfect week (with the chance of your being disappointed with something that isn't quite 100%). As part of a research project - I'd appreciate if you would record your answer as to what you wish for yourself, clearly stating your age, gender, race and favorite TV show.
BTW - Bill from last week's blog - says 'Hello'. We ran into him -- and he recognized us and remembered our names. Now he's Perfect.
So until next time -- hoping your drives are long and your putts are short.
Chipster Out
For those who need to know -- Barry had Rye Bread plain - no butter; Les continues to eat healthy with an apple, and I'm guessing that Rich had his gorp.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
OPPORTUNITY
A bit of baseball trivia for my readership -- Wally Pipps was the first baseman until he was out sick and an 'unknown' took his place and never relinquished the position .... (for a chance to play with us on Saxon - and a bite of B's bagel (although for the record - it was a banana today .... who was this unknown?)
A great commercial recreated this historic moment -- when someone calls in sick to his boss - who responds - "Don't worry - Bob from Account Temps is here." And how quickly the person on the phone recovered so as not to be replaced.
We met our own Wally or if you'd want to be contemporary - our own "Bob." His name is Bill and he replaced Les this week. Bill is GREAT! He is a very courteous golfer - always first on the tee and hits without a warm up swing. Moved the game along so we played in a record 4 hrs and 20 min. He has a very good sense of humor and entertained us with stories. Bill is also an excellent golfer who is very self-effacing (good SAT word). Bill's from Chappaqua - a tad older - a grandpa - and a true pleasure to play with. I introduced myself as 'Chip' and for the first few holes - that's how he referred to me ... although B kept calling me by my 'old name.' Bill said with a 'hurt expression' - I guess your friends get to call you Bernie while strangers call you Chip. By the 9th hole - he too was calling me Bernie. At the end of 18 - we were very sorry to say good-bye to our Buddy Bill and I gave him my business card - asking in a hopeful voice - that maybe he'd like to play with us again. Within 2 hours I received an e-mail from him - saying he'd be delighted to play - anytime we needed a 'sub.'
Les - be forewarned about scheduling business trips and B - so you really want to miss every Sunday in July to go on some 'vacation.' I'm guessing that Bill will be back - and probably will be hosting the annual b-q at the end of the season. (Demographic information - Bill lives in Chappaqua since 1975. He is a commodities trader when he's not hitting the links. He will definitely be joining us for annual birthday celebrations (a bit of a redundancy don't you think) and family events - weddings, graduations .....
Perfect weather for golf -- started off a bit buggy, but as soon as the sun burned through the mist, it was a 10. That was also the score I got on every hole - and ended up with 180 which may be 'lucky' in the Jewish religion but was by far my worst outing. Bill was understanding and very supportive. I'd say honors went to Rich -- who was belting the ball, as well as making some great putts. (He's obviously taking to heart by weekly 'sign off.'
OPPORTUNITY .... thanks to Judi, we took advantage of what was likely to be a 'last opportunity of a lifetime.' Judi encouraged/insisted that we should take my father (89 y/o ) to the Bar Mitzvah of his sister's grandson. (can a genealogist please tell me what that relationship is -- a 'grand uncle?') My mother would not be able to make the trip - so we had to coordinate and get Charlene (their other daughter) to stay with her. The Bar Mitzvah was at Brandeis University, (Judi's Alma mater ... and we did get to walk the campus) - 4 hours away - and we were going to do it in one day. (Especially now knowing that Bill is just waiting to do a Lou Gehrig - good thing I was back in time for golf.) We picked my father up at 8:30 am ... and only made 2 pit stops (I would have bet many more) ... got to the hotel where my Aunt was staying at 12:30. It was a Kodak moment when my father saw my Aunt (his younger sister - 82 y/o and the only remaining sibling -- there were 4 of them). My Aunt is in a wheel chair - living in a nursing home in Philadelphia and unfortunately has many serious health issues. The smiles on their faces when they saw each other for the first time in 2 years -- only to be topped by their breaking into Yiddish songs - which is something very special between them since they were kids . They spent a few hours alone (with her aide - sharing lunch, looking at the 'stuff' my father brought with him, and reminiscing. The unspoken was that this is very likely the last time they'll see each other -- and what a wonderful memory for all. We left the house at 7:30 am and got back close to 1:00 am the next morning .... and Judi -- THANK-YOU. We can all write our own a moral to this story.
So as Rich has learned to do -- hope you all can keep your "Drives Long and you Putts Short."
Chipster out.
A great commercial recreated this historic moment -- when someone calls in sick to his boss - who responds - "Don't worry - Bob from Account Temps is here." And how quickly the person on the phone recovered so as not to be replaced.
We met our own Wally or if you'd want to be contemporary - our own "Bob." His name is Bill and he replaced Les this week. Bill is GREAT! He is a very courteous golfer - always first on the tee and hits without a warm up swing. Moved the game along so we played in a record 4 hrs and 20 min. He has a very good sense of humor and entertained us with stories. Bill is also an excellent golfer who is very self-effacing (good SAT word). Bill's from Chappaqua - a tad older - a grandpa - and a true pleasure to play with. I introduced myself as 'Chip' and for the first few holes - that's how he referred to me ... although B kept calling me by my 'old name.' Bill said with a 'hurt expression' - I guess your friends get to call you Bernie while strangers call you Chip. By the 9th hole - he too was calling me Bernie. At the end of 18 - we were very sorry to say good-bye to our Buddy Bill and I gave him my business card - asking in a hopeful voice - that maybe he'd like to play with us again. Within 2 hours I received an e-mail from him - saying he'd be delighted to play - anytime we needed a 'sub.'
Les - be forewarned about scheduling business trips and B - so you really want to miss every Sunday in July to go on some 'vacation.' I'm guessing that Bill will be back - and probably will be hosting the annual b-q at the end of the season. (Demographic information - Bill lives in Chappaqua since 1975. He is a commodities trader when he's not hitting the links. He will definitely be joining us for annual birthday celebrations (a bit of a redundancy don't you think) and family events - weddings, graduations .....
Perfect weather for golf -- started off a bit buggy, but as soon as the sun burned through the mist, it was a 10. That was also the score I got on every hole - and ended up with 180 which may be 'lucky' in the Jewish religion but was by far my worst outing. Bill was understanding and very supportive. I'd say honors went to Rich -- who was belting the ball, as well as making some great putts. (He's obviously taking to heart by weekly 'sign off.'
OPPORTUNITY .... thanks to Judi, we took advantage of what was likely to be a 'last opportunity of a lifetime.' Judi encouraged/insisted that we should take my father (89 y/o ) to the Bar Mitzvah of his sister's grandson. (can a genealogist please tell me what that relationship is -- a 'grand uncle?') My mother would not be able to make the trip - so we had to coordinate and get Charlene (their other daughter) to stay with her. The Bar Mitzvah was at Brandeis University, (Judi's Alma mater ... and we did get to walk the campus) - 4 hours away - and we were going to do it in one day. (Especially now knowing that Bill is just waiting to do a Lou Gehrig - good thing I was back in time for golf.) We picked my father up at 8:30 am ... and only made 2 pit stops (I would have bet many more) ... got to the hotel where my Aunt was staying at 12:30. It was a Kodak moment when my father saw my Aunt (his younger sister - 82 y/o and the only remaining sibling -- there were 4 of them). My Aunt is in a wheel chair - living in a nursing home in Philadelphia and unfortunately has many serious health issues. The smiles on their faces when they saw each other for the first time in 2 years -- only to be topped by their breaking into Yiddish songs - which is something very special between them since they were kids . They spent a few hours alone (with her aide - sharing lunch, looking at the 'stuff' my father brought with him, and reminiscing. The unspoken was that this is very likely the last time they'll see each other -- and what a wonderful memory for all. We left the house at 7:30 am and got back close to 1:00 am the next morning .... and Judi -- THANK-YOU. We can all write our own a moral to this story.
So as Rich has learned to do -- hope you all can keep your "Drives Long and you Putts Short."
Chipster out.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day Week-End
As Jerry would say .... golf this week-end was a story about 'nothing'. The weather was great - a bit cloudy, warm enough for all of us to show some skin (wore shorts) and we played in a very reasonable 4 hrs and 30 minutes .... never seeing the foursome in front of us. Dom got us off as soon as we arrived -- warming up is not something we get to do and from my perspective - 'much overrated'.
One of us woke up early Sunday morning and experienced the challenges of having college age children transition from 'complete freedom' while away at school to returning home and being expected to live with certain 'rules' . . (Forget about the fact that this 'child' was AWOL and the car was missing -- the real problem was that the golf clubs were in the trunk of the car. We commiserated with our friend, all of us having lived through situations like this.)
What I really want to reflect upon is Memorial Day. My father is a veteran on WW 2 and takes great pride wearing his veterans cap and having strangers come up to him and say thank-you. I, on the other hand, did whatever I could to prevent getting drafted and stay out of the Vietnam War. During that time - the lottery was in effect - and the number chosen was a good indicator of whether you'd be drafted. I'll never forget being 17 y/o - a counselor in the Riverdale Y Day Camp - and learning what my number was - while my group was on an overnight at the campgrounds. Having many good friends who were the same age - we all waited anxiously, while a designated person listened to the drawing of numbers. How mixed were the emotions as most of the guys (girls were not drafted) were given 'high numbers' - but their celebration was muted as my number was told to me --- Mickey Mantle's number -- 7. I came home the next day -- to my parent's crying and a bit of the 'bubble' I had been living burst. Ultimately - my college/grad school deferment lasted long enough for the draft to be ended .... but that didn't help the thousands of lives lost in that war.
I contrast my experience with that of one of my son's best friends in college - a roommate and someone he considers as his brother. Matt comes from a military family and was ROTC. We went to his ROTC graduation ceremony and his father who served as a chaplain in the military had the honor of giving his son his diploma.
Matt is an aviator in the Navy. He has spent these past two years training in Florida and in June will get his 'wings' and go to California before he is sent overseas. Matt puts a 'face' on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan for me. He is a great 'kid' and like so many other 'great kids' - will be defending our nation. I pause on this Memorial Day to thank the "Matts" , to do what strangers do when they see my 89 y/o father with his veterans cap -- to say thank you to those who have served our country and to wish an end to these wars.
So to my loyal readership - no 'cute stories' this week -- a time to reflect and say thank you .
Chip out!
One of us woke up early Sunday morning and experienced the challenges of having college age children transition from 'complete freedom' while away at school to returning home and being expected to live with certain 'rules' . . (Forget about the fact that this 'child' was AWOL and the car was missing -- the real problem was that the golf clubs were in the trunk of the car. We commiserated with our friend, all of us having lived through situations like this.)
What I really want to reflect upon is Memorial Day. My father is a veteran on WW 2 and takes great pride wearing his veterans cap and having strangers come up to him and say thank-you. I, on the other hand, did whatever I could to prevent getting drafted and stay out of the Vietnam War. During that time - the lottery was in effect - and the number chosen was a good indicator of whether you'd be drafted. I'll never forget being 17 y/o - a counselor in the Riverdale Y Day Camp - and learning what my number was - while my group was on an overnight at the campgrounds. Having many good friends who were the same age - we all waited anxiously, while a designated person listened to the drawing of numbers. How mixed were the emotions as most of the guys (girls were not drafted) were given 'high numbers' - but their celebration was muted as my number was told to me --- Mickey Mantle's number -- 7. I came home the next day -- to my parent's crying and a bit of the 'bubble' I had been living burst. Ultimately - my college/grad school deferment lasted long enough for the draft to be ended .... but that didn't help the thousands of lives lost in that war.
I contrast my experience with that of one of my son's best friends in college - a roommate and someone he considers as his brother. Matt comes from a military family and was ROTC. We went to his ROTC graduation ceremony and his father who served as a chaplain in the military had the honor of giving his son his diploma.
Matt is an aviator in the Navy. He has spent these past two years training in Florida and in June will get his 'wings' and go to California before he is sent overseas. Matt puts a 'face' on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan for me. He is a great 'kid' and like so many other 'great kids' - will be defending our nation. I pause on this Memorial Day to thank the "Matts" , to do what strangers do when they see my 89 y/o father with his veterans cap -- to say thank you to those who have served our country and to wish an end to these wars.
So to my loyal readership - no 'cute stories' this week -- a time to reflect and say thank you .
Chip out!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
COMMUNITY
This is a direct quote from a faithful reader: "I don't want to put too much pressure on you, but you can't just stop and leave your readers' hanging. It is like if the Mets just decided not to play any more baseball this season or if Obama decided just not to show up to work ...."
My apologies to this and the scores of other loyal readers whose world has been turned upside down because it is now Wednesday and I haven't blogged about Sunday's experience. Even I need the occasional 'outside verification' of the importance this blog has to so many people and I am truly sorry for any inconvenience, sleepless nights, free floating anxiety and suicidal ideation that may be attributed to my tardiness. (Our psychology consultant in the Baltimore region is available to provide evidenced based treatment to anyone whose issues over the lateness of this blog continues to affect their activities of daily living)
ON A SERIOUS NOTE - this past Sunday morning was the annual Marisa Run. A yearly event that marks the tragedy that befell a very close friend whose daughter lost her life (19 years old) after succumbing to the toxic affects of medications she was taken to combat her second bout of Hodgins. Those of us who lived through that unimaginable period of Marisa's illness, compounded by her mother's multiple hospitalizations and ultimate death that was taking place concurrently will never forget. Only Dave knows where he got the strength to continue, and to touch so many young lives - HS students who 'owe' their futures to the caring of Mr. G, to the countless numbers of babies he helped to deliver - in the public hospitals of NYC or in the bowels of Africa. And we, his friends from childhood - who stood ready to do what we could for Sharon and Marisa - how did we cope - because of the caring and comfort we gave to each other -- because we were - and still are - a " community".
The sense of Community extends to the gym where I go - every morning at 4:45 am. There are at least 10 of us who are 'hard core' spinners ... we look out for each other ... we respect each other's turf (you won't see one of us get one a bike that is used by another spinner) ... and we care. Although we don't know each other's names - if someone tries to remove a towel we've place on the bike to reserve it (class doesn't start until 6 am) they have to deal with all of us.
We've spoken of our Golf Community in past blogs -- where the Starter (Dom - or Di Di) looks out for us .... where we try to 'brown' the ranger so he doesn't yell at us .... where we now the best places to take a piss.
Community - a sense of belonging - having people care about you and you them -- isn't that what everyone yearns for -- and how lucky is the person that is involved in multiple communities.
ONTO GOLF: There is one loyal reader whose only interest is in the golf segment of this blog and questions the need for 'and more.' I would encourage that reader to broaden his/her horizons, get out more, discover the wonders of the world - be it in museums, restaurants, street fairs, or Central Park. For it may be hard for him/her to understand this -- but there is more to life than Golf.
That said - Rich and I couldn't let a week go by and not play golf - so we arranged tee time after the Marisa Run. We played at a different course (Sprain - which was once a strong consideration for the site of the Masters) and to our pleasant surprise - despite a week of rain - the course was dry and played short. It was also like playing golf in a nature preserve. At one point - I was hitting a shot surrounded by geese, a robin, a muskrat, and a 'fake coyote'.
Rich proved the theory -- Bigger is Better -- untrue. He kept his big stick in the bag and used his 3 wood and consistently drove the ball 200 + yards and straight down the middle. We had another player join us for the first 9 holes - and then left - complaining about pains in his back. If Joe is reading this blog - and I have no doubt that he is -- lose the cigarettes on the course and smoke stogies like the 'big boys' do.
We had been warned about playing Sprain on a Sunday afternoon -- with prognostications (SAT word) of a 6 hour round. That prediction - like the weather - turned out to be false. The weather was supposed to turn sunny and warm -- it was rainy and could. The round took us 4 hours and 20 minutes -- another new record. I had another 'by-by' and a few pars ... that made a couple of 7's easier to handle.
It was strange playing at Sprain - because we weren't part of that "COMMUNITY". we didn't know the starter, weren't sure of the protocols and 'nobody new our name.' Joe did ask if I got the nick name Chip because I was playing well (chipping well) around the green. I told him no - that my name went from Charles, to Charlie.
This upcoming Sunday (Memorial Day Week-end) will feature a bar b que at Dan Forman's lake house after the round of golf. I believe Rich sent him the e-mail, and his secretary will read it to him.
So to all those who have found COMMUNITIES and all of us still searching, I say:
Keep your drives long and straight and your putts short and true.
the Chipster
My apologies to this and the scores of other loyal readers whose world has been turned upside down because it is now Wednesday and I haven't blogged about Sunday's experience. Even I need the occasional 'outside verification' of the importance this blog has to so many people and I am truly sorry for any inconvenience, sleepless nights, free floating anxiety and suicidal ideation that may be attributed to my tardiness. (Our psychology consultant in the Baltimore region is available to provide evidenced based treatment to anyone whose issues over the lateness of this blog continues to affect their activities of daily living)
ON A SERIOUS NOTE - this past Sunday morning was the annual Marisa Run. A yearly event that marks the tragedy that befell a very close friend whose daughter lost her life (19 years old) after succumbing to the toxic affects of medications she was taken to combat her second bout of Hodgins. Those of us who lived through that unimaginable period of Marisa's illness, compounded by her mother's multiple hospitalizations and ultimate death that was taking place concurrently will never forget. Only Dave knows where he got the strength to continue, and to touch so many young lives - HS students who 'owe' their futures to the caring of Mr. G, to the countless numbers of babies he helped to deliver - in the public hospitals of NYC or in the bowels of Africa. And we, his friends from childhood - who stood ready to do what we could for Sharon and Marisa - how did we cope - because of the caring and comfort we gave to each other -- because we were - and still are - a " community".
The sense of Community extends to the gym where I go - every morning at 4:45 am. There are at least 10 of us who are 'hard core' spinners ... we look out for each other ... we respect each other's turf (you won't see one of us get one a bike that is used by another spinner) ... and we care. Although we don't know each other's names - if someone tries to remove a towel we've place on the bike to reserve it (class doesn't start until 6 am) they have to deal with all of us.
We've spoken of our Golf Community in past blogs -- where the Starter (Dom - or Di Di) looks out for us .... where we try to 'brown' the ranger so he doesn't yell at us .... where we now the best places to take a piss.
Community - a sense of belonging - having people care about you and you them -- isn't that what everyone yearns for -- and how lucky is the person that is involved in multiple communities.
ONTO GOLF: There is one loyal reader whose only interest is in the golf segment of this blog and questions the need for 'and more.' I would encourage that reader to broaden his/her horizons, get out more, discover the wonders of the world - be it in museums, restaurants, street fairs, or Central Park. For it may be hard for him/her to understand this -- but there is more to life than Golf.
That said - Rich and I couldn't let a week go by and not play golf - so we arranged tee time after the Marisa Run. We played at a different course (Sprain - which was once a strong consideration for the site of the Masters) and to our pleasant surprise - despite a week of rain - the course was dry and played short. It was also like playing golf in a nature preserve. At one point - I was hitting a shot surrounded by geese, a robin, a muskrat, and a 'fake coyote'.
Rich proved the theory -- Bigger is Better -- untrue. He kept his big stick in the bag and used his 3 wood and consistently drove the ball 200 + yards and straight down the middle. We had another player join us for the first 9 holes - and then left - complaining about pains in his back. If Joe is reading this blog - and I have no doubt that he is -- lose the cigarettes on the course and smoke stogies like the 'big boys' do.
We had been warned about playing Sprain on a Sunday afternoon -- with prognostications (SAT word) of a 6 hour round. That prediction - like the weather - turned out to be false. The weather was supposed to turn sunny and warm -- it was rainy and could. The round took us 4 hours and 20 minutes -- another new record. I had another 'by-by' and a few pars ... that made a couple of 7's easier to handle.
It was strange playing at Sprain - because we weren't part of that "COMMUNITY". we didn't know the starter, weren't sure of the protocols and 'nobody new our name.' Joe did ask if I got the nick name Chip because I was playing well (chipping well) around the green. I told him no - that my name went from Charles, to Charlie.
This upcoming Sunday (Memorial Day Week-end) will feature a bar b que at Dan Forman's lake house after the round of golf. I believe Rich sent him the e-mail, and his secretary will read it to him.
So to all those who have found COMMUNITIES and all of us still searching, I say:
Keep your drives long and straight and your putts short and true.
the Chipster
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