Weekend Activities

The Parental Units are in town and between two swim meets (one in Marin, one in Sonoma) and a baseball game (the little boy had two great hits; maybe his best hitting day ever) I think we kept them pretty busy. Between another two games, another swim meet, a visit to the Peninsula, a visit to Sonoma and two tennis lessons, I think they will have a fruitful visit. One thing about us Solomon's is that we are always on the go - not much rest for the weary.

On that note, I think my favorite part of the weekend came yesterday afternoon. After waking up early and swimming five events in the freezing cold, you'd think the Little Girl would want to take it easy ain the afternoon and maybe nap. Not the case. Instead, she asked me if we could run (three miles) to my partents hotel before dinner. So off we went, with her gabbing the entire time. Once we got there she said she could easily run three more.

We didn't, but I believed her.

The Force

There's a Force about to hit California. It's the dude below. He's coming to town with his Bird in tow for ten days. Not sure if California is prepared. And conversely, I'm not sure he's prepared for the slate of swim meets
(three) and baseball games (two for the Little Boy plus one Giants game) that he's about to encounter.

I'll be sure to post periodic updates.

New York, Redux

Greetings from New York - again. Second time in two weeks, which is definitely a bit much. Getting tired of all this traveling business. This trip was around an industry awards ceremony that was held last night. Our new-ish firm was selected as the New Agency of the Year, which was pretty cool. As a senior partner, I felt it might obligation to attend. The best part of these events are catching up with old friends, and I was able to chat with several really good friends that I haven't seen in years. That alone made the trip worth it.

The second highlight was visiting Crossfit NYC. You know you're hooked when you are waking up super early and a jet lagged state to hit a Crossfit workout. To make matters worse, it was a mile from my hotel and it was pouring. So, I got a wet two miles in as well.

Sometimes I really think I need my head examined.

Swimming Part XVIV

Another swimming weekend gone by. The Little Girl swam ok yesterday, not what I'd categorize as great (I'm a tough critic). Just when I think she might be stuck in a rut, she goes to today's USA meet, sets a best time in 50 back by nearly three seconds and qualifies for Junior Olympics. Shows how much I know.

I'm proud of her and the Little Boy, who also swam great. She gets most of the credit but it's hard to believe that six months ago he could barely swim. He's right there in the middle of the pack of his age drop, which is a huge accomplishment considering many of these kids have a six year head start on him.

Next weekend my parents will be in town and get in on the action; we have another meet both Saturday and Sunday.

Oh MO! Say it Ain't So

Apologies for the horrible pun; I could not help myself.

So, yesterday happened. A rotten day all-around, made worse by Mariano's ACL tear. The Little Boy and I sat in front of the computer yesterday in utter disbelief; we watched that video on a continual loop maybe ten times. We simply couldn't believe what we were seeing.

Suffice to say, that's no way for a Hall of Fame career to end. The only consolation I take in this is that I think it will ironically extend his career. Although he's quiet, he is a flat-out warrior and warriors don't go down like that. I suspect he will work his butt off on rehab and come back in 2013. It may have not been his original plan, but I don't think that plan included a year ending injury SHAGGING FLY BALLS IN CENTERFIELD.

Anyway, Yankee nation can only hope that my theory is correct. Either way, get well soon, Mariano. And if that is indeed the last we have seen of you, thank you for one hell of an 18-year ride.

(POSTSCRIPT: I am so smart, if I do say so myself. I swear, I wrote all of the above before seeing this.)

RIP, Adam Yauch

Adam Yauch from the Beastie Boys died today at age 48 of salivary cancer.

Wow, that hits home on so many levels. One, he's not too far from me in age (I turned 46 this week). Two, salivary is sort of a sister-cancer to thyroid. There is a correlation between the two (evidenced by Roger Ebert. He had thyroid first and got salivary a few years later). I've long been fearful/paranoid about salivary cancer.

Wow, wow. I knew Yauch was sick but had no idea he was dying. What a bummer. On top of it, the Beastie Boys are without question one of my top ten favorite bands of all-time. I just love those dudes and think Paul's Boutique is an all-time classic.

Not even sure what more to say. Not a good ending to a tough week.

RIP, Adam Yauch. You made the world a better place and had a hell of an impact for a very young guy.

No Hitters

I've been fortunate enough to catch both of this year's no hitters with the Little Boy and I have to say that I'm not sure if there's anything more exciting in all of sports, short of a championship game or some sort of series finale.

The one thing I've always wanted to see in-person is a no hitter; I've never even come close. The tension of the last few innings is singular, regardless of your feelings towards the team or player. I'm neither a White Sox nor an Angeles fan, but last night I sure was pulling for Jared Weaver. As was the Little Boy.

Not sure what it is about the no hitter - in this day and age they've almost become commonplace - but there's something about them that's indescribably transcendent.

Anyone out there ever see one in-person??