The Summer usually marks a major lull in terms of new TV shows. Which is probably just as well; I could use a break.
But that being said, I need something to watch. Really, the only two shows I'm aware of that start new seasons in the Summer are True Blood and Weeds, both of which I love. I know the final season of Entourage is around the corner. And I watched a new AMC (at least I think it's AMC) show the other night, Suits, that seems to hold some promise.
Anything else out there that I should be paying attention to? Inquiring minds want to know.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Swim Meet for the Ages
If you don't think swim meets are exciting, think again. Yesterday's Scott Valley-Sleepy Hollow Meet was one of the more exciting sporting events I have ever witnessed.
Long story short: according to legend, Sleepy Hollow hasn't lost in 18 years. That's testament to both the size and quality of their program. We felt that this was going to be our year; our team has never been stronger.
Both teams duked it out until literally the last relay of the day. It was that close. In the end, Sleepy Hollow got us by 4 points, which is as statistically as close as you can get in a swim meet. It was thrilling. It was also an excellent display of great sportsmanship on the part of both teams. Though the Sea Serpents lost - and I know the kids and coaches wanted this one - I'm really impressed by their mettle.
The Little Girl had a good day. She won back, fly and both her relay teams and took second in IM. There was a lot of pressure on her in one particular race and she rose to the occasion. I'm real proud of her - she's one determined, focused little kid. And as I've stated before, I'm even more proud of how she composes herself outside the pool.
Here's a video of her swimming fly. Today, she's off to yet another meet in Moranga, California. She's swimming long course, which should be interesting.
Long story short: according to legend, Sleepy Hollow hasn't lost in 18 years. That's testament to both the size and quality of their program. We felt that this was going to be our year; our team has never been stronger.
Both teams duked it out until literally the last relay of the day. It was that close. In the end, Sleepy Hollow got us by 4 points, which is as statistically as close as you can get in a swim meet. It was thrilling. It was also an excellent display of great sportsmanship on the part of both teams. Though the Sea Serpents lost - and I know the kids and coaches wanted this one - I'm really impressed by their mettle.
The Little Girl had a good day. She won back, fly and both her relay teams and took second in IM. There was a lot of pressure on her in one particular race and she rose to the occasion. I'm real proud of her - she's one determined, focused little kid. And as I've stated before, I'm even more proud of how she composes herself outside the pool.
Here's a video of her swimming fly. Today, she's off to yet another meet in Moranga, California. She's swimming long course, which should be interesting.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Car accident
The Little Boy and I were involved in a pretty serious car accident today. Fortunately, we are both ok.
Not sure exactly what went down. We were driving to the pool to pick up the Little Girl up a road I've driven a million times. Out of nowhere, a truck/van crashed into us at a high speed. The force of the collision drove me into the car in front of me, though that damage was relatively minimal.
Wow was that scary. The Little Boy was crying like crazy and I think I was in a semi-state of shock. As I said, didn't se or hear it coming and simply cannot understand what this guy was doing driving so fast. According to the police officer - who said it was clearly the other guys fault - he was also driving with an expired drivers license.
Anyway, I am obviously happy that we are both ok - most especially the Little Boy. That's the upside. the downside is that my new car - damn thing is like a month old - is TRASHED. Not sure if it's totaled - guess I will learn that on Tuesday, but it is a mess.
What a bummer. Would have been better off not taking the day off.
Not sure exactly what went down. We were driving to the pool to pick up the Little Girl up a road I've driven a million times. Out of nowhere, a truck/van crashed into us at a high speed. The force of the collision drove me into the car in front of me, though that damage was relatively minimal.
Wow was that scary. The Little Boy was crying like crazy and I think I was in a semi-state of shock. As I said, didn't se or hear it coming and simply cannot understand what this guy was doing driving so fast. According to the police officer - who said it was clearly the other guys fault - he was also driving with an expired drivers license.
Anyway, I am obviously happy that we are both ok - most especially the Little Boy. That's the upside. the downside is that my new car - damn thing is like a month old - is TRASHED. Not sure if it's totaled - guess I will learn that on Tuesday, but it is a mess.
What a bummer. Would have been better off not taking the day off.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Backstroke Record
The Little Girl set a pool and team record for backstroke on Saturday. Her time was 18.09 - the previous record was 18.42. Not sure how long this record is going to last - she has a teammate that is just spectacular - but it doesn't really matter to me - records are meant to be broken.
In my opinion, this video tells the real story and is much more meaningful than a good swim; it's clear that she's adored by her teammates and I particularly like how the "big kids" treat her.
I'm quickly learning that the pool culture is an interesting one. Without getting too into it, I'll say that many parents - and oftentimes the kids too, get a little bit caught up in things. I confess to at times probably being guilty of this as well. I think we forget at times that these are just kids.
But I consider myself very fortunate in that the Little Girl has just the right attitude and perspective. She's focused and determined, sure, but at the end of the day she's a terrific sport and teammate and THAT is what it's all about.
In certain respects, I think she's inadvertently starting to become a role model. Not just for the kids, but perhaps for some of the parents too.
In my opinion, this video tells the real story and is much more meaningful than a good swim; it's clear that she's adored by her teammates and I particularly like how the "big kids" treat her.
I'm quickly learning that the pool culture is an interesting one. Without getting too into it, I'll say that many parents - and oftentimes the kids too, get a little bit caught up in things. I confess to at times probably being guilty of this as well. I think we forget at times that these are just kids.
But I consider myself very fortunate in that the Little Girl has just the right attitude and perspective. She's focused and determined, sure, but at the end of the day she's a terrific sport and teammate and THAT is what it's all about.
In certain respects, I think she's inadvertently starting to become a role model. Not just for the kids, but perhaps for some of the parents too.
Friday, June 17, 2011
One Month from Today
Well, if everything goes according to plan, and the stars align, one month from right now I will be completing the Vermont 100.
I have to say, I haven't been this concerned about finishing a race since Ironman, back in 1999. The problem is that no matter how much I run - and I feel like that's all I've been doing these past few weeks - it's never enough.
If I am able to finish my planned 31 mile run on Sunday, I'll have run about 75 miles this week, which will be a personal record. I can feel my body adapting to all this stress and I am definitely getting fit, but I have to say, I'm kind of growing tired of all this training. I'm having the same feeling I did back in my Ironman day, where I feel that the training is an obligation - a job - rather than what it should be, which is fun.
I never want to lose the fun aspect and so once I'm finished with this race, my focus is going to be entirely on 50k's and below.
Unless, of course, I get into Western States.
Word.
I have to say, I haven't been this concerned about finishing a race since Ironman, back in 1999. The problem is that no matter how much I run - and I feel like that's all I've been doing these past few weeks - it's never enough.
If I am able to finish my planned 31 mile run on Sunday, I'll have run about 75 miles this week, which will be a personal record. I can feel my body adapting to all this stress and I am definitely getting fit, but I have to say, I'm kind of growing tired of all this training. I'm having the same feeling I did back in my Ironman day, where I feel that the training is an obligation - a job - rather than what it should be, which is fun.
I never want to lose the fun aspect and so once I'm finished with this race, my focus is going to be entirely on 50k's and below.
Unless, of course, I get into Western States.
Word.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Fruit Tree
I love the lemon tree in my backyard. In fact there are days, like today, where I think I like my lemon tree more than my children. The tree has struggled the past few years but with all the rain this season, it's had a great yield. About a year ago we planted a satsuma tree. Think small mandarin oranges. It's a little fella but it is starting to grow. Today it yielded its first fruit - and here's the photo to prove it. I hope this tree proves to be bountiful for a hundred years to come. 
Sent from my iPhone
Monday, June 13, 2011
Gone Camping
Sorry I have been quiet these past few days; I was off the grid, quite literally, camping with my good friends Rob and Steve in Point Reyes, California. I've only been camping a handful of times,and I'm not very capable, but I'm really growing to love it. Rob and Steve are seasoned pro's and I learned a lot from them. I think we all enjoyed the experience immensely; Point Reyes is astonishingly beautiful and the campsites, which were situated on a bluff overlooking the ocean, were incredible. We hiked and ran quite a bit, hung out and ate very well. All in all, n excellent time and it was good to not have Internet/cell access for 48 hours - though at the time, I was going a bit nuts.
I had to unfortunately leave after only two nights - the boys stayed a third - due to baseball and swimming responsibilities. Nevertheless, all good.
I had to unfortunately leave after only two nights - the boys stayed a third - due to baseball and swimming responsibilities. Nevertheless, all good.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
In the name of love
Went to see U2 (link for video) last night with my main man Rob - always an amazing time. First time I saw U2 was in 1980 - I was a high school sophomore. 31 years later and they still entertain. Incredible band and amazing performers. I'd hazard to guess this is at least the 20th time I have seen them; hope to get to see them 20 more.
Monday, June 6, 2011
My Crazy Daughter
The Little Girl had another terrific swim meet on Saturday amidst a driving downpour. I'm very proud of her and I'm equally proud of her brother for his amazing support of her.
Funny though, with all her accomplishments in the water, I think her best athletic display occurred on land.
Yesterday was the Little Boy's little league picnic. Being normal 11 and 12 year olds, a few of the boys on his team snuck away to the local park to play ball. The Little Girl - the only girl at this party - asked if she could accompany them, so I went along with them. She watched them play baseball for a few moments and then asked if she could play with them. I asked the boys and thankfully they were great sports (they are a terrific group of kids) and said ok.
So, she comes up to bat and the "infield" (two boys) moves all the way in, thinking she would strike out/couldn't hit. I saw her realize what they were doing and get that determined look in her eye and I just chuckled and told the shortstop to step back a bit. He looked at me like I was crazy. Two swings later and with a perfect swing she smashes one - and I mean belts it - to dead center, for a stand up triple. The boys were absolutely speechless. It was the best example of Girl Power I think I've ever seen.
This crazy little girl. She is far - far - from perfect - the truth is she is a gigantic pain in the ass - but man, her pure athleticism is something to see.
Funny though, with all her accomplishments in the water, I think her best athletic display occurred on land.
Yesterday was the Little Boy's little league picnic. Being normal 11 and 12 year olds, a few of the boys on his team snuck away to the local park to play ball. The Little Girl - the only girl at this party - asked if she could accompany them, so I went along with them. She watched them play baseball for a few moments and then asked if she could play with them. I asked the boys and thankfully they were great sports (they are a terrific group of kids) and said ok.
So, she comes up to bat and the "infield" (two boys) moves all the way in, thinking she would strike out/couldn't hit. I saw her realize what they were doing and get that determined look in her eye and I just chuckled and told the shortstop to step back a bit. He looked at me like I was crazy. Two swings later and with a perfect swing she smashes one - and I mean belts it - to dead center, for a stand up triple. The boys were absolutely speechless. It was the best example of Girl Power I think I've ever seen.
This crazy little girl. She is far - far - from perfect - the truth is she is a gigantic pain in the ass - but man, her pure athleticism is something to see.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Google Plus One
Google recently introduced a new "product" of sorts - a +1 button, that you'll soon see on a vast majority of sites. If you will note it's already showing itself on these here pages. You're supposed to hit this button if you think like or think something is interesting/cool. If you're interested in learning more about it, here's a link.
I'm generally not too interested in marketing this particular site - as I've noted before we have a small, but meaningful (to me, anyway) community here, and I am just fine with that. But I'd like to use this as an experiment of sorts for work purposes, so if there's a particular post that you like, but are not inclined to leave a comment (I'm hurting here with comments these days - need my father to pick it up in this particular area!) do me a favor and click on +1. I'm interested in seeing the impact it has on search rankings.
Thanks much and hit me with questions or if you don't see the button.
I'm generally not too interested in marketing this particular site - as I've noted before we have a small, but meaningful (to me, anyway) community here, and I am just fine with that. But I'd like to use this as an experiment of sorts for work purposes, so if there's a particular post that you like, but are not inclined to leave a comment (I'm hurting here with comments these days - need my father to pick it up in this particular area!) do me a favor and click on +1. I'm interested in seeing the impact it has on search rankings.
Thanks much and hit me with questions or if you don't see the button.
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