There are Two Kinds of People

You don't have to answer this publicly.  I thought it might be fun fuel for thought.  One of my biggest pet peeves is tardiness.  The real challenge is dealing with others who may have an opposite view.  If you can understand why they behave the way they do, you may find a greater sense of peace.  It's also a good idea to share why you do the things you do so others know where you're coming from.  If they understand you place a high value on promptness as a sign of respect, maybe they won't be an hour late at the next family gathering.

For the record, I like to fill up just under the 1/4 tank mark.  I consistently fill up at the same place and prefer not to refuel any sooner for time management purposes.  For me, refilling at the 1/2 way mark means gassing up twice as often – no way Jose.  Whatever your daily habits are, take a look at what you might be able to do to improve.  Think about this the next time you look at your fuel gauge.  Have a great day.

Hope is Your Advantage Against Adversity

Your actions are a dead giveaway.  They speak loudly about your beliefs, hopes and dreams.  Choose wisely.  And whatever you do, don't ever give up.  Not ever.  Fear cripples.  Hope inspires.  You will always have adversity.  That's okay.  It's part of life.  If adversity were a language, I'm fully bilingual.  In order to overcome it, I needed to expand my vocabulary.  Here are some words embedded deep within my soul that may be helpful.  Make sure to add them to your resume...

aspiration
craving
desire
eagerness
energy
enthusiasm
initiative
longing
love
passion
spirit
striving
vigor
yearning
zeal

Have a great day.

Men's 18+ 4.0 Team Offered Wildcard for Oklahoma

We're in the regional playoffs in Oklahoma for a second straight year.  Our hopes faded earlier this month when we lost our state championship match in a thriller 3-2, but it looks like we're getting a mulligan.  Our team captain reminded us after our loss that last year's regional champion entered the playoffs on a wildcard entry. 

There are seven other strong teams we must overcome in order to earn a national berth in Surprise, Arizona in October.  Don't count us out.  This is a gritty team that plays with heart.  The practice schedule will be rigorous and that's the way I like it.  I would love the chance to go to nationals and be reunited with friends and family members in Arizona.  Stay tuned.  Our mulligan is in play.  Have a great day.

What's Behind Door #1?

Congratulations!  You just opened door #1.  Here's your prize...

"May joy and peace surround you,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now,
And bless you evermore."

I keep this on my nightstand to remind me the door is always open.  Have a great day.

If You're Going Through Hell, Keep Going

We all have days where we feel like we're in Hell.  It might be an injury, a sickness, the loss of a loved one, or a difficult situation we have no control over.  I've been through Hell enough times in my life I don't even need navigation to find it.  Sometimes Hell finds me, even when I'm standing still, like the time a wildfire consumed my California neighborhood in the middle of the night.  We played dodge ball with the fireballs during our escape.  I know one thing, standing still is not a viable option lest you're willing to settle on permanent residency.  Keep moving.  Any direction will get you out of trouble.  Whatever you do, don't look back.  Have a great day.

Stinging Defeat Fuels Desire for Self Improvement

Losing stinks.  We got the same results yesterday in the championships that we got two weeks ago, a 3-2 team loss.  It came down to a super tie breaker and the other team closed it out.  We are still waiting to find out if we advance as a wild card team and won't know until Wednesday night.  All I can say is the fight isn't over.  It's time to step up the training.  I can do better.  The silver lining is that my caveman food experiment is helping me with my endurance.  It's really fun to compete at this level.  Now it's time to get back to the basics and learn how to play better in the wind.  I applaud our opponents for their great play yesterday.  Have a great day.

Another Date with Destiny

Today is the first time since joining the men's Iowa USTA tennis league that our team has home field advantage for the state championships.  I plan on savoring every moment on the court with my doubles partner who has a wing span like no other, except maybe his son who plays college tennis and sometimes practices with us.  The weather will be cool and breezy.  A couple of family members are coming out to cheer for us as we defend our title and I'm feeling better than ever, even though I'm one of the oldest players in the 40+ division.  We are still awaiting word about a possible wild card spot in the 18+ division where our team came up short by one match in the finals.  Today's showdown is against many of the same opponents we faced a couple of weeks ago.  These are the kinds of days that take my breath away.  Today's match is dedicated to my Aunt Peggy who will be watching from the grandstands in Heaven.  One of my favorite memories is being on the courts with her and a couple of other relatives for a tennis lesson.  If you live in the Iowa City area, stop by and say hello at the University of Iowa tennis courts.  We will be playing all morning.  Have a great day.