The Strong Survive

I call this picture "The Strong Survive"  The image of a single tulip, growing along a busy highway (not very busy at this moment, but trust me, getting out of the parking lot can be a challenge in itself) symbolizes the need to be strong to survive in this world.  A whole row of bulbs were planted, but this guy had the strength to endure.  Does that bring anyone to mind today?????  I figure Easter Sunday is the perfect day to write about this subject.  I mean come on, who else is stronger, has endured more and has survived longer than Jesus himself?  The Strong Survive.

In my world, this is a pretty big theme.  The Strong Survive.  I am a small business owner, faced every day with a struggling economy, major competition (like the big blue box on the hill) and the daily battle to keep reciepts slightly higher than expenses.  Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't, but in the end, The Strong Survive.  This spring marks my 29th year in business.

I am also a wrestling coach.  The Strong Survive.  Strength and wrestling pretty much go hand in hand.  To be successful and survive in our sport, you must be strong, both physically and mentally.  It has been said, the meek will inherite the earth, but I am convinced, they will get whipped on a wrestling mat.  The Strong Survive.

And finally, on a personal level, The Strong Survive.  I have been faced with the death of parents and grandparents, my mother's cancer, a broken marriage, alcoholism, learning disabilities and all the day to day struggles humans endure.  Through it all, I am happy to say I have two amazing childern, an awesome girlfriend, the wonderful families of my sisters, a healthy dad and a very happy and content life.  The Strong Survive.  Happy Easter.

The Big Dance = zzzzzz

Ok, so I am a wrestling coach.  I have been a wrestling guy since 1975, so last night's "big event" for me didn't take place in NOLA and had nothing to do with a "K" team.  Actually, I readlly didn't care who won the big game or which campus would be invaded by drunken students celebrating the big win.  If the truth be told, back in the late 70's, when I was in college in Greencastle, Indiana, my buddies made me become a Hoosier fan and I was even somewhat excited about their National Championship 30-some years ago, but that quickly passed.  Last night, I was more concerned with who killed it on Dancing with the Stars and of course, getting my much needed beauty sleep.  I mean come on, a 9:30pm start?  Obviously, the people who planned the game, did not take into consideration old people like myself who are usually out cold by 10.

So, I was in bed by 9.  I flipped to the game in case anyone at my neighbors house peeked in my window.   I live beside legendary local basketball coach Tom Bosley and I could hardly get down my street with all the cars (and 4-wheelers) parked in front of his house.  He was evidently having a big gathering to watch Maria Menounos in her skimpy dress hit the floor on DWTS (what sane person would not want to see that???)  A little later, I heard screams and yells from next door at a commercial break during the game and I realized Jaleel White just finished his dance.

I flipped between the game and dwts for a few minutes and neither were able to capture my interest (Maria was done for the night) so I clicked them both off and headed to la-la land with the intention of waking up early to write about how un-interesting the final four is to a guy who was cut from his 8th grade b-ball team for not being able to dribble with my left hand.

Public Speaking

I still get pretty nervous even though I am told it does not appear that way. I realized a few years ago that speaking on a topic you know and understand makes it a lot easier. Back in college, I would try to give a presentation on a box I didn't read or a chapter I never opened. Bad ideas and bad grades followed. When I had to give my first talk about wrestling, it was much easier and I think I got a much better grade. The moral of this story, HAVE A CLUE!
Congrats Austin

A Girl Named Irene

Without a doubt, Hurricane Irene sandblasted the back side of the Neptune statue in Va Beach this weekend.  In the end, the storm did not quite live up the the hype, but I think everyone can agree on that being a very good thing.  There was some flooding, loss of power, minor property damage and limited loss of life from a storm that was predicted to be much worse.

My beef is with the hunderds of people in Irene's path who did not follw evacuation orders and then expected emergency response when they got into a bind.  I feel that if you must ride out a storm, you take what you get.  Don't put firefighters in danger because of you are stubborn.  In New Jersey today, a firefighter died while attempting a water rescue.  I truly hope this person did not die because someone was stupid.

Back when Katrina hit NOLA, many of the people who did not leave the city simply did not have transportation or the ability to get out of town.  Irene hit areas where people had the means to evacuate but chose to remain.

As this storm streaks north, be thankful the damage was not as extensive as it was predicted.  Also, quit critizing the officials who ordered the evacuations and thank them for possibly saving your life.

Been There, Done That

We love to explore.  The world we live in is a huge place and it's easy to find beautiful locations right around the corner.  Last evening, we went for a walk in Herrington Manor State Park in Oakland, Maryland and were virtually alone.  We saw several families of deer feeding in the evening sky and I snapped these pictures as sunset drew near.  Do yourself a favor and get off the couch, pull away from the computer, turn off the tv and go check out what your town has to offer.  You will be amazed.

Quitting via text message

I have been in business for 29 years and today, I received my first "I Quit" text message.  Surprisingly, this was not a teenage kid, it was a 40 year old married mother of 2.  Of course, when she left work early and took all her stuff with her, it was a pretty good clue that the end was near.  I have a message to all you workers who want to tell your boss to stick it, texting them is not a very good idea.  I am sure she will not use me as a reference in her future job searches.  A little face to face confrontation is a much better approach.  Just my two cents.

Father's Day 2011

My oldest daughter got home from the Taylor Swift concert at 3:30am and decided it was the perfect time to wish me Happy Father's Day.  I am good with that.  She was sober and alive, she can wake me anytime.  My youngest left for work at 7:30am and gave me my Father's Day hug then.  It was a good start to a rainy Sunday.  The girls are in charge of dinner tonight, I can't wait.  I do believe I will end up cooking on the grill, but it's the thought that counts.

Last night, our community hosted an annual event called "Redneck Dayz".  As you might imagine from the name, I was out of place in my plaid shorts and polo.  I did enjoy a couple cold PBR's while listening to a little blue grass music but I did not enjoy my view of the drunk lady who staggered around the corner and hurled what must have been 8 or 9 draft beers into the trash can.  Overall, it was a good time but I might have to find something a little more entertaining next time.

I know first postings always suck, so I want to make sure I fit in.