November 09, 2005
It's a Wonderful Life
I came home a week and a half ago from the Philippines, privileged to spend 3 weeks in Manila working on a project for the company for whom I work. I came home with a good number of little trinkets and a load of memories. But, one thing I brought back with me was unexpected - a different perspective on my life.
It is funny how the smallest things often can totally revamp one’s outlook. Sure, going to the Philippines is no small thing. Being on the opposite side of the globe and spending time with people whose culture is so different could certainly do the trick. But, it was the smiles on the faces of the people there that got me thinking. How often during my regular workday and during the weekends do I see frowns and hear complaints - not just from others’ mouths, but from my own? But, for the duration of the 3 weeks of working with the Filipinos, I cannot recall hearing a single complaint. Here are kids, some of whom have 2-hour bus rides just to get to work, being paid astronomically less than I am who are just happy to have the job. Many of them had parents who were depending on these kids’ jobs. And yet their happiness and exuberance was contagious.
I was asked how I dealt with the culture shock of being there. I think I perhaps had more culture shock coming back and not seeing the smiling faces. Americans are the richest in the world. We have so much stuff and yet are the least satisfied with what we have. It was good for me to take a step back and realize just how much I have and how little I deserve it. Every time I complain or get upset about something, I take for granted the truly wonderful life God has granted me.
| By the_ute | 07:44 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
October 03, 2005
Weekend Baseball Grumblings
I have been a Yankees fan for as long as I can remember. So of course, I was riveted to their series this weekend with the hated Red Sox. I instantly became a fan, however, of one Red Sox player who I’ve always respected, but have not rooted for since he played for the wrong team. But, I also was given one more reason not to respect another member of the Red Sox.
Jason Varitek hit a home run in Friday’s game and, as the commentators described it, resembled Secretariat rounding the bases. Asked about it after the game, Varitek said that he’s worked with too many pitchers to show them up… words his teammate Manny Ramirez can’t seem to comprehend. On Sunday night’s game, which was a blowout, Manny jacked a no-doubter and stood at home plate and admired it for some time before trotting around the bases.
Now, I certainly understand baseball’s unwritten rules are often petty and childish – that’s another blog all on it’s own. But there’s no need to taunt other players (in ANY sport). I know this is rather cliché, but players need to let their game do the talking. On top of that, it is a baseball player’s job to hit the baseball and not to strikeout. It is a football player’s job to tackle and to score touchdowns and a basketball player’s job to score points and block shots. I think maybe tomorrow I’ll rub it in everyone’s face that I filled out my timesheet correctly! Woo hoo! Check it out! First try! And, I’ll bet I can do it again next week too!
A message for Manny: we know how good you are. We know that you won the championship last year. We know what your batting average is and the number of home runs and RBIs you’ve had this season. Now get your fat lazy butt around the bases and celebrate in the dugout with your TEAM! Maybe if you didn’t spend so much time admiring your home runs, you’d learn to play a little defense in the outfield.
| By the_ute | 09:38 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
September 25, 2005
A Tribute to Dick Vitale
Some of you know of the tremendous opportunity I had with my wife Becca to spend a couple of days with Dick Vitale, his wife, and his family. Few of you know just how impressed I was with the man.
You've seen his crazed excitement on TV before, during, and after basketball games. You’ve seen him bouncing off the walls in anticipation of such basketball rivalries as UNC/Duke and Louisville/Kentucky… That's him in real life. He is 100 miles an hour about the things he loves. And I honestly think it pains him to know that there are people out there who think he's a fake. I'm here to tell you he's not. Say what you will about him - he is who he is.
Here is a guy who has it all - the fame and fortune anyone could ever dream of. He knows the big names by name - MJ, A-Rod, Derek Jeter, LeBron - you name them, he knows or has met them. He has an incredible house, an incredible job, and an incredible car. But, you know what description of himself he values the most? That he is a family man.
He has such a heart for his kids and his grandkids. He loves them to death. And, he and his wife of 30 some odd years are amazing. What a couple! I will be doing incredibly well if, at his age, I have the family that he has. In the age of all of the Hollywood divorces and the broken families, and the age of "what's in it for me?" Mr. Vitale is as selfless as they come. I asked him how, with all of his traveling during the year, he was able to keep his family so close. He told me that he had to make family the number one priority. On the road, he was always calling his wife and kids. And at home, he was making the most of the time he had with them. How many fathers who aren’t traveling as much as he is can say that?
Beyond his family, he is constantly using his gifts in speaking to motivate kids to stay off drugs and to stay in the classroom. He will drop everything to sign an autograph and to share a laugh with fans. He uses his wealth and his fame to benefit to such charities as the V foundation for cancer research and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He uses all he's been given to reach the lives of those around him rather than to benefit himself. And, I am just one of many people who have been the beneficiary of his selflessness.
When Becca and I were down there, he treated us as more than just fans. We were family. We were a priority to him and he made for darn sure we’d have a good time. That is Dicky V. He is constantly looking out for the welfare of others.
I could write a book on how great an experience we had going out to dinner and to a Yankees/D-Rays game with them and so forth. But, I would rather just tell you the little I know about Dicky V and hope that the next time you see him on TV, you remember how genuine and selfless a person he truly is.
| By the_ute | 07:15 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
September 21, 2005
My First Entry
Yes, I have taken the plunge and gotten myself a blog. Forcing my opinions on unsuspecting readers is so empowering. This must be what Palmeiro feels like when Canseco stabs a big needle into his rear (minus the ‘rage,’ of course).
Speaking of rage, the latest seems to be poker. Does anyone know anyone who watches this stuff? I mean, I know TV stations are smart enough to put on TV what gets the most ratings, but I don’t know anybody whose interests are picqued by this. If they wanted to put painfully boring quazi-sports on TV, they might as well put NASCAR in its place. At least with NASCAR, they have insane drivers throwing helmets at other cars.
I hope this blog interests some and sparks thought and brings entertainment to the lives of the poor souls to read it. Maybe I can inspire them to greatness, or maybe the Pardres will win the Series this year… I think my odds are pretty good. How ridiculous is it that a team whose nickname means “The Fathers” who can’t win more games than they lose will have a shot at the World Series. I think whoever ends up playing them in the playoffs should, along with their brooms, bring signs that say “Who’s Your Padre?”
Thanks for visiting my blog. Do return.
| By the_ute | 08:28 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)