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
Monday, July 27, 2009
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.
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