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