Sports represents life.
You never really know how things are going to end and unless you actually play it out, you can only wonder at the outcome.
On paper--it may look like a certain outcome is all but assured; but when it all actually plays out something very different may be the result.
For instance, the NHL playoffs and the series between Montreal and Pittsburgh. Clearly, on paper the defending Stanley Cup Champions were the better more balanced team. But last night, Montreal proved that anything can happen during a seven game series and ushered the Penguins from the playoffs and off to an early Spring break. I was stunned. The Pens lost last night, 5-2 in the deciding game seven of their series.
Similarly, the Orioles, who have reached new levels of ineptitude this season ruffled their feathers a bit and actually won a game--with a combination of both good pitching and timely hitting. Both something that have not occurred simultaneously very much at all this season. As a result, the O's crawled over the Seattle Mariners to win 5-2. The O's now have 10 wins for the season--the fewest in the entire of major league baseball, but only one game less than their traditional rival for the worst team in baseball, Kansas City.
Two games in different sports ending with the same score with similar implications: the underdog won. While I would have hoped the Pens would have won and continued on to the Stanley Cup again this year--that is why the games have to be played and we don't use computer simulations.
Life is like that. No matter how much an underdog we believe we are--we need to play it out and do our best. Why? Because we may just surprise not only ourselves but those around us. And if the score ends in our favor--great; and if it doesn't, well at least we took the risk and tried.
I believe that half of winning in life is trying to convince the other side not to play. And so the odds are really in our favor when we walk onto what ever field it is we are asked to play on--be it the board room, or the briefing room, or the sales room, or the squad room.
It really only matters that we showed up, tried out and gave it our best.
Just like in sports--underdogs do win in life. But---
you have to play to win!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Jax-Prayers Needed
I am putting this into my blog for all of you who follow my family. One of us needs your support--our little miracle baby is in need of another miracle.
What follows is the note from my daughter, Nicole about Jax:
I am a bit uncomfortable sending this out, but here goes. Jax has been having some ongoing health issues that have now required him to be admitted to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore for some tests. He is not super sick at this time, but as you can imagine this has been a very difficult time for our family and espeically Jax. If you could please keep us in your prayers, specifically that we find some answers we would greatly appreciate it. You can stay updated with what's going on via my twitter updates which I have on the right side bar of our family blog http://www.haslupfamily.wordpress.com/ Thank you! Nicole:) |
Rain Delay
Nature provided a means of respite from the mini-projects last evening.
The unseasonable cold and rain precluded attacking the many projects on the list before the big day arrives in June.
But not to worry--they will all get accomplished.
It was kinda good that it rained last evening since I had a racquetball match and really couldn't devote my attention to any but the most menial of the tasks.
Writing of rain delays, the O's sure could have used one last night losing to the Mariners 5-1. Ugh. Is every team in baseball going to use the O's to get well? Except for maybe Boston which has a losing record against them this year-- 2-4.
Well, Friday night I'll be off on my own to witness yet again the "agony of defeat."
It is supposed to be warmer and a bit drier today cruising in to the end of the week. Maybe more will get done. But who knows. Life has a way of happening while we are busy making plans.
I heard that somewhere.
And here is the quote of the day:
The conception of two people living together for twenty-five years without having a cross word suggests a lack of spirit only to be admired in sheep. - Alan Patrick Herbert
I guess since we are getting ready for a wedding, this one resonated with me.
The unseasonable cold and rain precluded attacking the many projects on the list before the big day arrives in June.
But not to worry--they will all get accomplished.
It was kinda good that it rained last evening since I had a racquetball match and really couldn't devote my attention to any but the most menial of the tasks.
Writing of rain delays, the O's sure could have used one last night losing to the Mariners 5-1. Ugh. Is every team in baseball going to use the O's to get well? Except for maybe Boston which has a losing record against them this year-- 2-4.
Well, Friday night I'll be off on my own to witness yet again the "agony of defeat."
It is supposed to be warmer and a bit drier today cruising in to the end of the week. Maybe more will get done. But who knows. Life has a way of happening while we are busy making plans.
I heard that somewhere.
And here is the quote of the day:
The conception of two people living together for twenty-five years without having a cross word suggests a lack of spirit only to be admired in sheep. - Alan Patrick Herbert
I guess since we are getting ready for a wedding, this one resonated with me.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Lights Around the Pool
Well it is crunch time at the house.
Why, you ask?
We are in party mode!
Wedding in about 37 days--not actually at the house, but festivities and guests will be at the hacienda, as I sometimes refer to it, and so actions must be taken to be taken to spruce it up.
Call it more than Spring cleaning and routine maintenance--I have those actions too--like fixing the Winter damage to the pool and changing filters in the heating/cooling system (which I did last night, BTW).
No--now we have the upgrades--the little projects that make and transform the house form a home into a B&B.
Hosting events always gets those little upgrades done--and it really makes the house look better at the same time.
So the little upgrades include adding a fountain to the pool--all of the materials to complete this task are in hand; and adding lights around the fence line of the pool to make it nicer at night. Forget that we will be hosting the events during the Summer solstice period when the daylight is the longest and it doesn't get dark until after 9:30 pm (at which time I usually turn into a pumpkin anyway).
I actually got half of the new lighting installed last evening and I must say--it creates an interesting ambiance.
If only there were a way to get rid of the mosquitoes!
We have some bats--maybe we can import bigger bats from South America! No, some of the guests might get "creeped" out when they start dive bombing the pool for water--which is really cool to watch in the evening light.
I guess I will destroy the ecosystem and start spraying toxins into the environment to control those little blood-suckers during the festivities.
Bring it on though! Although it is work--the house really looks good after we get these little upgrades done.
Project one is 50 percent complete--lights around the pool. Next up--the fountain, which has been on my list for about five years (see my blog about lists). After that--it is anybody's guess (but Chris's decision)
Oh yeah, did I tell you, that as the time draws closer the list will grow exponentially?
Well, let me get the first one done and then I'll tackle the next one up until I get as many accomplished as I can.
Why, you ask?
We are in party mode!
Wedding in about 37 days--not actually at the house, but festivities and guests will be at the hacienda, as I sometimes refer to it, and so actions must be taken to be taken to spruce it up.
Call it more than Spring cleaning and routine maintenance--I have those actions too--like fixing the Winter damage to the pool and changing filters in the heating/cooling system (which I did last night, BTW).
No--now we have the upgrades--the little projects that make and transform the house form a home into a B&B.
Hosting events always gets those little upgrades done--and it really makes the house look better at the same time.
So the little upgrades include adding a fountain to the pool--all of the materials to complete this task are in hand; and adding lights around the fence line of the pool to make it nicer at night. Forget that we will be hosting the events during the Summer solstice period when the daylight is the longest and it doesn't get dark until after 9:30 pm (at which time I usually turn into a pumpkin anyway).
I actually got half of the new lighting installed last evening and I must say--it creates an interesting ambiance.
If only there were a way to get rid of the mosquitoes!
We have some bats--maybe we can import bigger bats from South America! No, some of the guests might get "creeped" out when they start dive bombing the pool for water--which is really cool to watch in the evening light.
I guess I will destroy the ecosystem and start spraying toxins into the environment to control those little blood-suckers during the festivities.
Bring it on though! Although it is work--the house really looks good after we get these little upgrades done.
Project one is 50 percent complete--lights around the pool. Next up--the fountain, which has been on my list for about five years (see my blog about lists). After that--it is anybody's guess (but Chris's decision)
Oh yeah, did I tell you, that as the time draws closer the list will grow exponentially?
Well, let me get the first one done and then I'll tackle the next one up until I get as many accomplished as I can.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Monday Musings - May 10, 2010
1. In life, it is important to take time out to remember special people and events. This weekend we did both--remembered Mothers and also celebrated the 65th Anniversary of winning the World War II in Europe during 1945--also known as V-E Day.
2. Someone always has more toys than you do. Be happy where you are and don't throw sand in the sandbox because friends are more important than things.
3. Someone is always worse off than you are--help them!
4. Be in the moment--or you will miss life's small enjoyments.
5. Celebrate the small victories and then, when larger victories occur they will be more appreciated.
6. Quote of the week, from Ethan while examining the pool on Sunday: "It's not too cold for me, Poppop!"
7. And the first swimmer of the nascent pool season was Florence--Nicole's Italian greyhound. Apparently, although no one actually saw it happen but we surmise from where she was in the pool when we heard the splash, she jumped/fell off the diving board. She was quickly rescued and no harm done.
8. It was very cold this weekend--amazingly cold for this time of year. The cold made me really appreciate the week I spent in Tampa.
2. Someone always has more toys than you do. Be happy where you are and don't throw sand in the sandbox because friends are more important than things.
3. Someone is always worse off than you are--help them!
4. Be in the moment--or you will miss life's small enjoyments.
5. Celebrate the small victories and then, when larger victories occur they will be more appreciated.
6. Quote of the week, from Ethan while examining the pool on Sunday: "It's not too cold for me, Poppop!"
7. And the first swimmer of the nascent pool season was Florence--Nicole's Italian greyhound. Apparently, although no one actually saw it happen but we surmise from where she was in the pool when we heard the splash, she jumped/fell off the diving board. She was quickly rescued and no harm done.
8. It was very cold this weekend--amazingly cold for this time of year. The cold made me really appreciate the week I spent in Tampa.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother's Day
What a great idea--a day to honor Mothers.
I wonder if the people who came up with the concept had any idea what it would grow into in terms of economic impact and stress on the communications companies.
Or on husbands who strive to make their wives (and the Mother of their children) feel special and honored.
It's more than a card and a quick gift. And it is more than breakfast in bed.
It is something that should carry on beyond the day and into the weeks ahead as we remember all of the things that our wives do to make our lives easier and continue to care for our children even into their (the children's) adult years.
And so we gathered around the table today--with three mothers present and celebrated that special bond between Mom and kid.
We are all somebody's children--and call someone Mom.
What a great day to take time to thank them for all of the sacrifice and tears and support and sitting up through the sickness-filled nights making us feel better. I remember when I was a child, I would get terrible ear aches. And Mom would be there to warm my ear--I won't say how because I'm sure some agency would get their nose out of joint, but she held me and made me feel better through the pain.
Thanks Mom--
I love you and wouldn't be who I am today without your love and support.
I wonder if the people who came up with the concept had any idea what it would grow into in terms of economic impact and stress on the communications companies.
Or on husbands who strive to make their wives (and the Mother of their children) feel special and honored.
It's more than a card and a quick gift. And it is more than breakfast in bed.
It is something that should carry on beyond the day and into the weeks ahead as we remember all of the things that our wives do to make our lives easier and continue to care for our children even into their (the children's) adult years.
And so we gathered around the table today--with three mothers present and celebrated that special bond between Mom and kid.
We are all somebody's children--and call someone Mom.
What a great day to take time to thank them for all of the sacrifice and tears and support and sitting up through the sickness-filled nights making us feel better. I remember when I was a child, I would get terrible ear aches. And Mom would be there to warm my ear--I won't say how because I'm sure some agency would get their nose out of joint, but she held me and made me feel better through the pain.
Thanks Mom--
I love you and wouldn't be who I am today without your love and support.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Hidden in Plain Sight
As I was walking around Fort Desoto Beach Park on Monday, I spied this
big egret standing behind a palm tree. Mow I thought that as I got
closer, he would fly away. But no. It just stood there not moving.
big egret standing behind a palm tree. Mow I thought that as I got
closer, he would fly away. But no. It just stood there not moving.
I got pretty close and took a couple of pictures. The bird was so
white against the green backdrop.
But it never moved. I almost thought that it was trying to be an
ostrich.
I saw the bird on my way to the beach. It was still there when I left
about an hour later.
Stamina. That's what it was.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Sunrise Over Tampa
Out my hotel window this morning o was greeted by my old friend intent
on waking me.
on waking me.
Have I said how much I love my iPhone and it's camera? I do!
And so now I'm waiting for my flight home wishing I never had to leave
because I hear the weather this weekend in Baltimore is going to be
less than ideal.
Surprisingly, the airport is dead. I cannot believe how quiet it is at
noon on a Friday.
But, that is the way it is sometimes. I can relax and enjoy the
ambiance.
Pool Opening

Last Saturday we opened the pool. It is not swim-ready--but we are getting it stabilized and ready for the swimming and party season ahead.
It is always such a job to get the pool up and running--and Chris and I have gotten it down pretty well. I had the pump already running before we even thought about opening the pool--and that made the process so much easier.
So the cover is put away and the chairs are around the pool deck waiting for all of the sun worshipers in our family to come and enjoy the warm rays.
The place just cries out for heat, summer, beer, tunes on the stereo and sleeping on a floatie in the pool.
Yet the water is a shocking 5o-something degrees as it waits for the sun to add its warmth to the party in waiting.
Memorial Day is on the way and then the pool season will be in full swing--we can barely wait.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Perspective on the Oil Disaster--A Rant!
I like my cars.
I like cheap (less than $3.00 per gallon) gas prices.
My lifestyle will have to radically be altered if either of those go away.
Hello. I cannot believe the naivety of some public and private officials that an accident like the one in the Gulf would never happen. Everyone is screaming for heads on a platter--but it really is their own heads they are trying to save.
In every endeavor there is risk.
From walking across a street, to flying the space shuttle, to drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico, there is risk. We can seek to minimize the risk--and in the case of oil drilling it has been pretty safe for a very long time, but the risk is still there and sometime the risk will become reality. As has happened now.
And so many officials are trying to plead ignorance and "close the proverbial barn door after the horses have escaped."
Really?
"Buck up" dudes. Say it like it is--Americans like cheap oil and our economy depends upon cheap oil and therefore we will be undertaking riskier operations to obtain the oil that all of us as Americans want.
It is that simple. We want to be green someday--but we are not there yet. Until then we have to recognize that oil drilling operations have a level of risk. Suck it up. Wringing our hands about it after the fact is disingenuous.
Oil spills happen and they are a disaster. Tornadoes happen and they are a disaster. Hurricanes happen and they are a disaster. The snowpocalypse happened--and we cleaned it up and lived.
Disasters are not pretty. Look at the Chinese ship that recently ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef--it too was a disaster.
But this is the bottom line. Until the US Government subsidizes significant research into alternate, sustainable fuels we are going to be oil junkies. This should not be a shock to anyone. It is a fact of life. I want my house cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and when I turn the key in the ignition switch of my car, I expect it to start. I do not have a hydrogen fuel cell--although I would like one. We are not using deuterium for fuel yet. Some day.
Right now--we are dependent upon the dinosaurs and the forests of millions of years ago to fuel our economy. Get over it. All of the easy oil (like what used to be in Pennsylvania) is gone. The US used to be the largest producer of oil in the world and a net exporter. That too, is gone.
We need oil. We need to be realistic about the risk and accept that, too. So when the leaders of the companies and the Congress try to deflect the blame--look them straight in the eye and ask them--why do you have to lie. You knew there was risk, you were just betting the odds that you wouldn't have to be the one to deal with the consequences. Now go face the problem and deal with it.
And then vote them out of office for being disingenuous.
I like cheap (less than $3.00 per gallon) gas prices.
My lifestyle will have to radically be altered if either of those go away.
Hello. I cannot believe the naivety of some public and private officials that an accident like the one in the Gulf would never happen. Everyone is screaming for heads on a platter--but it really is their own heads they are trying to save.
In every endeavor there is risk.
From walking across a street, to flying the space shuttle, to drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico, there is risk. We can seek to minimize the risk--and in the case of oil drilling it has been pretty safe for a very long time, but the risk is still there and sometime the risk will become reality. As has happened now.
And so many officials are trying to plead ignorance and "close the proverbial barn door after the horses have escaped."
Really?
"Buck up" dudes. Say it like it is--Americans like cheap oil and our economy depends upon cheap oil and therefore we will be undertaking riskier operations to obtain the oil that all of us as Americans want.
It is that simple. We want to be green someday--but we are not there yet. Until then we have to recognize that oil drilling operations have a level of risk. Suck it up. Wringing our hands about it after the fact is disingenuous.
Oil spills happen and they are a disaster. Tornadoes happen and they are a disaster. Hurricanes happen and they are a disaster. The snowpocalypse happened--and we cleaned it up and lived.
Disasters are not pretty. Look at the Chinese ship that recently ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef--it too was a disaster.
But this is the bottom line. Until the US Government subsidizes significant research into alternate, sustainable fuels we are going to be oil junkies. This should not be a shock to anyone. It is a fact of life. I want my house cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and when I turn the key in the ignition switch of my car, I expect it to start. I do not have a hydrogen fuel cell--although I would like one. We are not using deuterium for fuel yet. Some day.
Right now--we are dependent upon the dinosaurs and the forests of millions of years ago to fuel our economy. Get over it. All of the easy oil (like what used to be in Pennsylvania) is gone. The US used to be the largest producer of oil in the world and a net exporter. That too, is gone.
We need oil. We need to be realistic about the risk and accept that, too. So when the leaders of the companies and the Congress try to deflect the blame--look them straight in the eye and ask them--why do you have to lie. You knew there was risk, you were just betting the odds that you wouldn't have to be the one to deal with the consequences. Now go face the problem and deal with it.
And then vote them out of office for being disingenuous.
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