When Heroe's Fall

I got the Text from a Friend on Friday that said Tiger Woods was involved in a car wreck. I responded is this for real? I then contemplated the worst, How can Super Man get hurt? He is Golf's top man, the Figure head who has set the Bar so high for his peers, become an ambassador for Kids, Husband, Father, and Son. But, then as details came out slowly and then rapidly it was apparent something was terribly amiss. Could this all be true? The guy who has been as pure as the driven snow, or was he. Lying and cheating Politicians, unfortunately that's a job requirement for many any more, we're not phased by that story. But, an Iconic Athlete like Tiger is a landslide story line, add today's instant 24 hour news cycle and it's an Inferno of Epic proportions. It's really sad on many levels, for his Wife, his Family, his Faith, his friends, endorsers, and to all those young kids that have trampled over me at tournaments hoping to get a glimpse of him. Tiger had it all, fame, fortune, talent, family, but it wasn't enough to feed his hunger.  He is human as we now see.  Life's transgressions, letting people down, lies & temptations are all real life scenarios and effect us all unfortunately, it's our will power that separates us from other species on this planet.
Can terrible mistakes be rectified with a spouse, that IS a private issue and I hope the best for them. But as a Fan of Golf and his amazing talent, focus, determination and image I'm terribly disappointed. I feel like I've lost a friend honestly. Super man has tripped on his cape and everyone is laughing or shaking their heads now.

Oh by Golly

Why are we always in such a rush for the Holidays? It's marketing and the retail push generally, but Hurry, hurry, hurry. Put the Christmas stuff up the day after Halloween. Which in my opinion doesn't get it's due. It's my fav. I enjoy the time off during the big ones don't get me wrong; Thanksgiving and Christmas, but come on. Going Clark Griswald on Nov 1 is kind of pushing it a bit. I was in the Mall last night helping put up the Mt. of Love display, that will hopefully attract many to donate canned Food items for the Salvation army, and heard my first Burl Ives, Holly Jolly Christmas. I might keep track of how many times I hear it this year. If I had a Nickel, it might help the 401k.
My Dad got me into Halloween due to dressing up to scare the local kids and parents with us, He had Hollywood monster make up, and we even lived on a dark private lane, and played the Haunted House music from Disney on a record player we would set up outside. We would have to run back up to the house to move the needle back to the scary parts. No shuffle, and repeat in those days. Only the brave would dare come back to see us. Good times.
Dad is probably more of fan of Christmas though. He does have some Griswald blood in him.Goes to Gatlinburg for the Christmas stores, puts up Thousands of lights in the trees, runs additional Romex power lines to keep them going, and the Gallon Milk jugs each filled with sand to house candles that make the lane look like runway 7. He's the guy at Walmart or Big lots in July with a cart full of Jasmine mini candles to make it through from November to January. I poke fun, but if he didn't do it, it wouldn't be Christmas I guess?
Get your Staple Gun out and get with it people, times a wastin'! Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, it's the best time of the year...Oh by Golly..there's another Nickel.

Dreams vs Reality

 Seeing a dream come true is always a good story. But, what we don't see many times is the effort that it took to reach this pinnacle. We don't see the hours of practice, studying, travel, missed family functions, friends, self doubt, the so called blood, sweat & tears. We get to enjoy the excitement of the event or activity at it's crescendo. We might insert ourselves into the situation, be envious, and that's the reality or rub if you will..We start to wonder, Could we dedicate ourselves enough to our own particular dream or wish to experience "that moment" in our own lives? Do we have that particular focused effort on that 1 thing we enjoy the most and could make a living at it, help others, enhance someone's life or build a better mouse trap?
 My wife and I were able to see what I perceive as a "dream come true" this weekend in person at the Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island, SC . Lexington resident, Josh Teater is going to the PGA Tour. I've gotten to know Josh a little bit via a client friend, Pat Kelly, due to my passion for golf, and knowing his local connection have become a fan. Josh's story is one of perseverence in golf. He's got a talent for sure, but He's not the teenage phenom with paparazzi following him everywhere, he has been to Q School a few times, played a number of mini tour events, and got his first win this season in Salt Lake, and finished his 1st year on this Tour in 7th place, to earn his Tour Card. I walked the fairways and greens of his weekend rounds with his family and seeing them smile and cheer for every good shot, and bite their lips for the very few bad ones was quite an experience. I can't imagine how many rounds his Mom has walked over the years to see this come to fruition. As a parent myself that added to the emotion for me. Josh has dug it out of the dirt as Ben Hogan once said. He earned it with good play, hard work, and dedication to this talent that God has blessed him with, but in a humble way. . He's a Good guy, and I will enjoy following him and the Troops any chance I get.

Surprise Surprise you are doing Ok Dad

Before I became a parent, I always wondered if I would be any good at it. Would I be a good example, would I slough off and just let them do whatever to give myself some peace? You have to pick your battles, I always heard. I can remember many battles that I had with my parents and how I thought they are so ridiculous, why can't I do that, these other kids are? I've got plenty of time, hopefully before those battles. She just started K'garten this year and according to the experts it was a little early, she was 4, just turned 5. But, had been going to an all day Preschool and doing well. She was bored and needed the challenge. It's been going so well, starting to read, and her writing is improving so fast. This morning as usual we are rushing to go out the door and she needs 1 more thing.."dad I need some money"? I said why ? You have money in your account there for B'fast and Lunch, "I just need it" , So I'm getting impatient and thinking here comes one of those battles I remember, but at 5? I'm in real trouble. "why do you need it"? "I just do".."Not today let's go".."but, dad my friend Jason needs it? He's hurting real bad, and can't walk in that wheel chair, and I want to help him". Insert screeching brake sound here in the soundtrack..I couldn't get my wallet out fast enough..Talk about feeling about an inch tall, with a bleeding heart for what lesson my daughter was teaching me this am. Surprise, you aren't doing so bad at this parenting thing. I have never been more proud to be her Dad than this morning as I buckled her in and she kissed me. I know, I know I need to remember this moment later when her reasons might not be as charitable!

The old "I'm Sick" routine

We've all done it. Feigned a case of the "don't wanna", "not gonadoit". I just got my first dose from my 5 year old looking pitiful in the school office, which then led to skipping as soon as we slip out the front door. Oh another lesson as a parent in social behavior. Her sad puppy dog, lip stuck out face, quickly turned into a Grinch like smile along with the pure joy of breaking free. However, that sad face returned as I explained the rules regarding early departures from school due to "illness". No play time. A shot of Motrin, and laying quietly to rest. So far so good.
In my defense, She was running a Fever most of the weekend up to 104 several times and we did go to the Dr. early on Sunday, to find out she just must have something "viral"- which really stands for Thanks for the co pay and continue the Tylenol and Motrin cocktails every 4 hours. I'm thankful it wasn't more serious considering the Flu panic everywhere, don't get me wrong. But, it is amazing to see the development and behavior my Mom and Dad must have enjoyed from me some 35 years ago..who am I kidding, I'm calling in tomorrow, it's going to be gorgeous.

No Email...Oh MY!!

It's amazing that we as a culture, in at least the professional world that I'm in, advertising/media, we can't function without email. On a Monday Morning is the worst too. You can't see your schedule for the day or week. What was that report I needed to do for my Sales Manager? Where am I eating lunch? Who's following me that's New on Twitter? You know all the important things. I even let my Sales manager use my iphone for a presentation this morning for about an hour, and in my mind it kind of felt like my child was running rampant in the building with out me? I'm too reliant upon these forms of technology these days. I don't even use a real key for my car now, really how spoiled can a Person be? I mean what will be next to make our lives even easier, or "more efficient"? A chip installed in your head & the worlds tiniest lcd inserted into your cornea to talk on a phone, surf the web, and listen to music..I'm sure..ichip is coming..maybe just in time for Christmas, You Think I could get that in Hot Pink?

Weekend away

It was great to get away for the weekend. It had been a year & a half since the Mrs. and I went anywhere without the little one. We decided on a 2 night deal at a Casino? Not our regular getaway, but why not?
Never been there so let's check it out. Only 2 hours from Lexington.We're not high rollers, but French Lick, Indiana Resort has 2 turn of the century Hotels, with some nice updates and ammenities. World Class Golf and a Spa!
People have traveled to French Lick since the mid 1860's for the healing water and mineral springs. It's unfortunate that no business owner sees the redeeming opportunity to market to Hotel goers or visitors. Or provide employment for an area that is struggling. Only about 40 minutes off I 64 W;  you travel past an enormous Lake that would be ideal to market as a "place to go" as well?
There is a gaping hole in the local economy for many things. Shopping? Coffee? Restaurants? Isn't there any tax benefit to the community for the Casino, or Hotel? We paid $80 in tax? But, to who?
It was just surprising to see these hotels and ammenities in such a sleepy area. Wake up French Lick, you've got a lot to be proud about!

Positive Thinking

I'm in a business that requires you to go through a Ton of rejection. Sales. Advertising Sales to be exact. It has been a challenging 2009. Coming off the best year I've ever had in the business; the goals are usually set so high the next year it's nearly impossible. Then add the economy, the slowdown in Auto, and then comes the negative emotions of co workers, clients and stress at home, not to mention my own product I sell broadcasts the never ending doom night in and night out. It's enough to make you curl up and beg your mama to make it stop. To be positive about all the negative is a constant battle. But, it makes you shut down your production, your calls, your workouts, your thoughts turn inward and say poor me. You won't even go to the grocery and you'll eat anything! Does Miracle whip really taste that good on stale Lays potato chips? I mean WTF.
I'm so sick of this attitude starting today I choose to not be negative for this weekend and see how much more productive I can be after the holiday. Plus, Call my trainer and re introduce myself.

Day 1

Well, I Decided to get into yet another platform for interactivity, FB Posts, Tweets, YouTube, Texting, shopping for the best Free apps on my iphone and yes, NOW I'm going to try blogging. Like I needed another time consuming activity to keep me from working, playing with my daughter, or spending quality time with my wife and friends. It is a nice way to try and express mylife@play every day maybe?
Yesterday, was a little better as far as content for my first blog. I got an invite from Brian Parker and Hoppy Wilson from my golf League, aka..The Hacker Tour; to play golf at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville , site of the 1996, 2000 PGA's & 2008 Ryder Cup, and scored pretty well. 83 w/ a Triple bogey on 17. As one could expect, it's hard to top that activity today, so why not start a blog..that's mylife@play today!