Try out this addictive little game. My high score today was 283.
http://www.bored.com/boomshine/index.htm
As I played it for the umpteenth time, it did occur to me that there was a leadership lesson embedded. The key to success is to go beyond merely aiming where the most action is now (i.e. putting out daily fires), but to look ahead to where everything is headed (i.e. the needs of customers and the people we lead).
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Driscoll Wins 7th Straight Football Championship
From the Daily Herald. As a note, Driscoll became the ninth team nationally, at any level, to win as many as seven in a row.
CHAMPAIGN - "The best of the best."
That may have been rough for Driscoll coach Mike Burzawa to admit since he was a member of the 1991 Highlanders' perfect 14-0 championship football team.
Friday night, though, after Driscoll beat Bloomington Central Catholic 48-24 to win the Class 4A state championship - Driscoll's unprecedented seventh straight title - Burzawa placed this perfect 2007 squad at the top.
"How they overcame adversity, everything they went through this entire season, if you look at the numbers what we did to teams in the playoffs it was absolute clinic," he said.
"There's no doubt in my mind this group is the best of the best. No doubt in my mind."
Topping the adversity was the Nov. 7 death of assistant varsity head coach Mike Loconsole, to whom the Highlanders dedicated their season. After accepting the state trophy, Driscoll (14-0) presented the game ball to wife Maripat Loconsole and their two daughters.
Offensive genius Loconsole would have appreciated what the Highlanders did on Memorial Stadium's green turf. Driscoll's 430 yards rushing set a new Class 4A title game record.
Quarterback David Schwabe ran 18 times for 238 yards to set another 4A title record, and fellow all-state pick Tim Franken, who had 17 carries for 159 yards and 5 touchdowns, snapped not only the title game rushing record of 3 but also pass the 4 overall touchdowns scored by Burzawa in the 1991 championship.
"It's definitely an honor breaking this guy's record," Franken said. "I thank him for allowing me to get the ball inside the goal line to get those touchdowns, because he could have given it to other guys who would have scored. And I thank the offensive line."
Besides the open field running of Franken and Schwabe - whose 2 interceptions at free safety, one he returned 45 yards for a touchdown, left him 1 shy of the state record at 27 - offensive linemen Kyle Sanders, Vinny Miceli, Andrew O'Reilly, Anthony Arena and Mike Labadessa caved in a Saints defense that had allowed just 629 yards rushing on the season.
"We practiced against the defense that they were going to come out in," Sanders said. "We knew what they were going to come out in, and then we just executed."
Before they could roll, Bloomington Central Catholic (13-1) forced a fumble then hit Driscoll with its first deficit in these playoffs, 7-0 on a 70-yard pass from Adam Rebholz to Javier Safford.
"It was my fault because I fumbled and then the next play I got beat deep and they scored," Schwabe said. "That was tough. I couldn't let myself get down, and let the team down. They've looked at me for a lot of things this year."
Like his first interception, on Bloomington Central's next possession. That led to Schwabe's 94-yard touchdown run on a draw play - another Class 4A title game record.
Franken touchdown runs of 60 and 8 yards gave the Highlanders a 21-7 lead late in the second half, but Rebholz led an effective 2-minute drill that culminated with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Safford to cut Driscoll's lead to 21-14 at the half.
"Yeah, I thought we had a chance, no doubt," Saints coach Bobby Moews said. "We just had to find a way to stop them."
That never happened. Michael Fenger's 37-yard field goal pulled Bloomington Central within 21-17 at 7:41 of the third, but Driscoll answered with a Franken 3-yard touchdown run and then Schwabe's weaving 45-yard interception return to build a 35-17 lead late in the third quarter.
A 9-yard touchdown run by Ryan Waldron only staved off the inevitable, as on Driscoll's last two possessions Franken added touchdown runs of 3 and 13 yards.
"They were the best team we've played so far in the playoffs," said linebacker Kevin Palermo. "They gave us a great game. They came out hitting, we came out hitting. They put up a good first score, but we came back and just kept playing our game and came out on top."
At the podium, Burzawa said: "We did this in honor of 'Coach Loc.' It's been the power of the spirit."
Driscoll state championships through the years
2007
Class 4A: Driscoll 48, Bloomington Central Catholic 24
2006
Class 4A: Driscoll 35, Breese Mater Dei 0
2005
Class 4A: Driscoll 42, Newton 7
2004
Class 3A: Driscoll 37, Bureau Valley 14
2003
Class 4A: Driscoll 37, Prairie Central 21
2002
Class 4A: Driscoll 42, Mount Carmel 0
2001
Class 4A: Driscoll 42, Mount Carmel 41 (2 OT)
CHAMPAIGN - "The best of the best."
That may have been rough for Driscoll coach Mike Burzawa to admit since he was a member of the 1991 Highlanders' perfect 14-0 championship football team.
Friday night, though, after Driscoll beat Bloomington Central Catholic 48-24 to win the Class 4A state championship - Driscoll's unprecedented seventh straight title - Burzawa placed this perfect 2007 squad at the top.
"How they overcame adversity, everything they went through this entire season, if you look at the numbers what we did to teams in the playoffs it was absolute clinic," he said.
"There's no doubt in my mind this group is the best of the best. No doubt in my mind."
Topping the adversity was the Nov. 7 death of assistant varsity head coach Mike Loconsole, to whom the Highlanders dedicated their season. After accepting the state trophy, Driscoll (14-0) presented the game ball to wife Maripat Loconsole and their two daughters.
Offensive genius Loconsole would have appreciated what the Highlanders did on Memorial Stadium's green turf. Driscoll's 430 yards rushing set a new Class 4A title game record.
Quarterback David Schwabe ran 18 times for 238 yards to set another 4A title record, and fellow all-state pick Tim Franken, who had 17 carries for 159 yards and 5 touchdowns, snapped not only the title game rushing record of 3 but also pass the 4 overall touchdowns scored by Burzawa in the 1991 championship.
"It's definitely an honor breaking this guy's record," Franken said. "I thank him for allowing me to get the ball inside the goal line to get those touchdowns, because he could have given it to other guys who would have scored. And I thank the offensive line."
Besides the open field running of Franken and Schwabe - whose 2 interceptions at free safety, one he returned 45 yards for a touchdown, left him 1 shy of the state record at 27 - offensive linemen Kyle Sanders, Vinny Miceli, Andrew O'Reilly, Anthony Arena and Mike Labadessa caved in a Saints defense that had allowed just 629 yards rushing on the season.
"We practiced against the defense that they were going to come out in," Sanders said. "We knew what they were going to come out in, and then we just executed."
Before they could roll, Bloomington Central Catholic (13-1) forced a fumble then hit Driscoll with its first deficit in these playoffs, 7-0 on a 70-yard pass from Adam Rebholz to Javier Safford.
"It was my fault because I fumbled and then the next play I got beat deep and they scored," Schwabe said. "That was tough. I couldn't let myself get down, and let the team down. They've looked at me for a lot of things this year."
Like his first interception, on Bloomington Central's next possession. That led to Schwabe's 94-yard touchdown run on a draw play - another Class 4A title game record.
Franken touchdown runs of 60 and 8 yards gave the Highlanders a 21-7 lead late in the second half, but Rebholz led an effective 2-minute drill that culminated with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Safford to cut Driscoll's lead to 21-14 at the half.
"Yeah, I thought we had a chance, no doubt," Saints coach Bobby Moews said. "We just had to find a way to stop them."
That never happened. Michael Fenger's 37-yard field goal pulled Bloomington Central within 21-17 at 7:41 of the third, but Driscoll answered with a Franken 3-yard touchdown run and then Schwabe's weaving 45-yard interception return to build a 35-17 lead late in the third quarter.
A 9-yard touchdown run by Ryan Waldron only staved off the inevitable, as on Driscoll's last two possessions Franken added touchdown runs of 3 and 13 yards.
"They were the best team we've played so far in the playoffs," said linebacker Kevin Palermo. "They gave us a great game. They came out hitting, we came out hitting. They put up a good first score, but we came back and just kept playing our game and came out on top."
At the podium, Burzawa said: "We did this in honor of 'Coach Loc.' It's been the power of the spirit."
Driscoll state championships through the years
2007
Class 4A: Driscoll 48, Bloomington Central Catholic 24
2006
Class 4A: Driscoll 35, Breese Mater Dei 0
2005
Class 4A: Driscoll 42, Newton 7
2004
Class 3A: Driscoll 37, Bureau Valley 14
2003
Class 4A: Driscoll 37, Prairie Central 21
2002
Class 4A: Driscoll 42, Mount Carmel 0
2001
Class 4A: Driscoll 42, Mount Carmel 41 (2 OT)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Home by 11 on Thanksgiving
One day after running 3 miles under 35 minutes for the first time, the McDonalds dashed through sub-40 temperatures in a startling 32:36.
The new mark not only topped their previous best by over a full minute, but surpassed an 11-minute mile pace, beyond any expectations the couple had set when they began training four weeks earlier.
"We had two goals originally," Joe explained. "To run the entire time, and to do it in less than 39 minutes. And we were hoping to meet those by December 1. To beat 33 minutes, and still have two weeks to train? That would've seemed cruel."
The list of things to be thankful for just increased by one.
The new mark not only topped their previous best by over a full minute, but surpassed an 11-minute mile pace, beyond any expectations the couple had set when they began training four weeks earlier.
"We had two goals originally," Joe explained. "To run the entire time, and to do it in less than 39 minutes. And we were hoping to meet those by December 1. To beat 33 minutes, and still have two weeks to train? That would've seemed cruel."
The list of things to be thankful for just increased by one.
Name That Tune
I had a song in my head, so I asked Dena what its name was. Turns out it's "Heard It In a Love Song," and not "Permanent Love Song," or "Primitive Love Song."
11 1/2 Minutes and Falling
Facing a blustery November wind that pushed the rain sideways and the temperature into the 40s, the McDonalds dipped below the 11:30-mile mark on Wednesday night.
The trip marked the fourth time that Dena's run the entire 3-mile course, in the fastest time so far, and just a week removed from a calf injury.
The calf felt "pretty good," she said, adding that both calves feel about equal.
The trip marked the fourth time that Dena's run the entire 3-mile course, in the fastest time so far, and just a week removed from a calf injury.
The calf felt "pretty good," she said, adding that both calves feel about equal.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Faith Organization
From time to time we discuss merging different departments at work. Often in these situations there can be differing opinions on the right answer. Since people's morale and the company's productivity are at stake, the conversations carry unusual importance. Since negotiation/debate is not a strong suit of mine, the prospect of the talks are uneasy. I caught myself at home, distracted, thinking about the right questions to ask and right principles to express.
In that moment, I decided that God's plan was going to unfold regardless of my planning. Regardless of the business decision that was made, the most important outcome would be my pleasant attitude. At the meeting I found myself calm, patiently listening to the points raised, and asking questions impartially. The results turned out better than I'd hoped!
In that moment, I decided that God's plan was going to unfold regardless of my planning. Regardless of the business decision that was made, the most important outcome would be my pleasant attitude. At the meeting I found myself calm, patiently listening to the points raised, and asking questions impartially. The results turned out better than I'd hoped!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Changing Eyes
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." - Marcel Proust
There was a repetitive process at work that various employees had performed for years. During that time it was often asked "how can we do this more efficiently," and the response was "it can't." Then one year a new employee did come up with a way to shorten the steps using some database technology. She brought perspective that her predecessors didn't -- in a sense, she brought a new pair of eyes.
Marcel's comment counters the old "grass is greener on the other side of the fence" attitude. There's often more richness in our own backyard than we've dug to find. And sometimes "having new eyes" can mean taking the time to put ourselves in someone else's shoes, either in thought or by asking them for their ideas. In that way, their eyes become our own!
There was a repetitive process at work that various employees had performed for years. During that time it was often asked "how can we do this more efficiently," and the response was "it can't." Then one year a new employee did come up with a way to shorten the steps using some database technology. She brought perspective that her predecessors didn't -- in a sense, she brought a new pair of eyes.
Marcel's comment counters the old "grass is greener on the other side of the fence" attitude. There's often more richness in our own backyard than we've dug to find. And sometimes "having new eyes" can mean taking the time to put ourselves in someone else's shoes, either in thought or by asking them for their ideas. In that way, their eyes become our own!
Increasing Joy at Work
"The secret of joy in work is contained in one word - excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it." -- Pearl Buck
I think there's something to that, along with other pieces. Assembly line workers might do something with excellence, but not enjoy the work. Attitude is the difference. Excellence can help boost attitude, as can good relationships with co-workers, as can rewarding pay. Ultimately, attitude comes from within.
I think there's something to that, along with other pieces. Assembly line workers might do something with excellence, but not enjoy the work. Attitude is the difference. Excellence can help boost attitude, as can good relationships with co-workers, as can rewarding pay. Ultimately, attitude comes from within.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Shocking Video
Relax, it's not the kind of shocking that you're thinking of:
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/47078
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/47078
Mr. Holland's Opus
If you want to see one of my favorite movie moments of all time, check out Mr. Holland's Opus and hang on until the final scene in the gymnasium. The roar of cheering people stirs me more than just about anything! Fortunately, Dena's also a big fan of all the classic sports guy tear-jerkers like Hoosiers, Remember the Titans, and Glory Road.
3-Mile Dena: "I'm Tired"
Dena took advantage of perfect fall weather to set another personal best, covering 3 full miles of non-stop jogging.
The cloudless, windless 56 degree afternoon offered little resistance to Joe and Dena as they covered the 3-mile path for the 21st time, in training for the December 1 Jingle Bell Run in Peoria.
By the original training schedule, today's trip would have included 28 minutes of running at a 13-minute mile pace, which would have caused the entire 3-mile route to be finished in 41 minutes.
The schedule was slowed by a calf muscle pull earlier in the week, which caused the duo to substitute endurance running for speed running. That they succeeded in jogging the entire length was prize enough. Unexpected was the 11:40 pace, leading to a surprising finish time of 35 minutes.
Afterward, the calf felt "tight," according to the Morton-renowned graphic designer. "If I don't do anything the rest of the day, it'll probably stiffen up."
Several neighbors were waiting at the finish line/driveway as the slightly-panting couple arrived. The group looked up briefly from fawning over unit #31's new baby chihuahua to cast a few half-attentive waves.
"They should give him an anti-chihuahua name, like 'Butch'," Dena noted.
Although her legs felt "tired," she was clearly pleased to be making progress on behalf of Team Troy. "I'll be logging five miles daily by race day," she didn't add.
The cloudless, windless 56 degree afternoon offered little resistance to Joe and Dena as they covered the 3-mile path for the 21st time, in training for the December 1 Jingle Bell Run in Peoria.
By the original training schedule, today's trip would have included 28 minutes of running at a 13-minute mile pace, which would have caused the entire 3-mile route to be finished in 41 minutes.
The schedule was slowed by a calf muscle pull earlier in the week, which caused the duo to substitute endurance running for speed running. That they succeeded in jogging the entire length was prize enough. Unexpected was the 11:40 pace, leading to a surprising finish time of 35 minutes.
Afterward, the calf felt "tight," according to the Morton-renowned graphic designer. "If I don't do anything the rest of the day, it'll probably stiffen up."
Several neighbors were waiting at the finish line/driveway as the slightly-panting couple arrived. The group looked up briefly from fawning over unit #31's new baby chihuahua to cast a few half-attentive waves.
"They should give him an anti-chihuahua name, like 'Butch'," Dena noted.
Although her legs felt "tired," she was clearly pleased to be making progress on behalf of Team Troy. "I'll be logging five miles daily by race day," she didn't add.
To Win Every Battle, Win This One
"People talk much of my battles in life!... The hardest battle I have had to fight, however, is one that no one knows about. It was a battle to control my own temper. That battle I never won until recent years. I now have won that fight and I consider it to be the hardest struggle -- it certainly was the longest -- of my career." -- Teddy Roosevelt
I think I'm not alone in that with Teddy. The journey to lasting happiness is littered with pet peeves. When we train ourselves to step past them -- or better yet, to sweep them away altogether -- the trip's gratefully shorter!
It's a fact that we're sometimes committed to be places we'd rather not, and sometimes regarded (by a word or just a look) as flawed. There are remedies for the first, such as to use the time to quietly reflect or to learn something useful for later conversation. As to the second, that's simply fact! As long as I remind myself that successes and failures are pretty insignificant and temporary in a universe this vast, then even the hardest times pass more enjoyably.
I think I'm not alone in that with Teddy. The journey to lasting happiness is littered with pet peeves. When we train ourselves to step past them -- or better yet, to sweep them away altogether -- the trip's gratefully shorter!
It's a fact that we're sometimes committed to be places we'd rather not, and sometimes regarded (by a word or just a look) as flawed. There are remedies for the first, such as to use the time to quietly reflect or to learn something useful for later conversation. As to the second, that's simply fact! As long as I remind myself that successes and failures are pretty insignificant and temporary in a universe this vast, then even the hardest times pass more enjoyably.
Joy in the Party
"The joy of living is his who has the heart to demand it." -- Teddy Roosevelt
Life hands us a fair measure of sacrifice on its own. Why impose more upon ourselves by taking the low view of things?
This week I heard someone analyze the four official "generations" currently in the work force -- Traditional (born through 1944), Boomers (1964), Xers (1976), and Yers. On the topic of "work/life balance" Xers and Yers were classified as valuing life more than work. The X/Y's around me nodded our heads. Xers live for today and save for tomorrow. Our energy might run low, but our spirit can always reach higher if we want it strongly enough.
Life hands us a fair measure of sacrifice on its own. Why impose more upon ourselves by taking the low view of things?
This week I heard someone analyze the four official "generations" currently in the work force -- Traditional (born through 1944), Boomers (1964), Xers (1976), and Yers. On the topic of "work/life balance" Xers and Yers were classified as valuing life more than work. The X/Y's around me nodded our heads. Xers live for today and save for tomorrow. Our energy might run low, but our spirit can always reach higher if we want it strongly enough.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Singin' in the Crane
This is one of my favorite segments from the Frasier show. Kenny, the radio station manager, asks the pompous psychiatrist Frasier Crane to come up with a simple theme song to lead into his talk show. Here's his version of "simple," including the part his brother Niles plays, and Kenny's reaction:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSK1UeD9nvE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSK1UeD9nvE
Wordless Preaching
"Example is the most potent of all things... You must feel that the most effective way in which you can preach is by your practice." -- Teddy Roosevelt
"Mere lip loyalty is not loyalty at all..., the only homage that counts is the homage of deeds, not of words." -- Teddy Roosevelt
"As the failures at church mounted, and then as successes started to blossom elsewhere, I concluded that God wanted me to stop pretending... I found my calling to be in serving the community rather than in serving the church." -- Joe McDonald
"Mere lip loyalty is not loyalty at all..., the only homage that counts is the homage of deeds, not of words." -- Teddy Roosevelt
"As the failures at church mounted, and then as successes started to blossom elsewhere, I concluded that God wanted me to stop pretending... I found my calling to be in serving the community rather than in serving the church." -- Joe McDonald
May I Have a Word?
"I found many good people very much concerned over the separation of Panama from Colombia so long as it was called a secession, but not minding it at all as long as it was called a revolution! It took me a long time to realize that they identified secession with the action of the Southern Confederacy, and revolution with our action of 1776!"
Here Roosevelt observed how powerfully word choice stirs our emotions. A paragraph of good will can be spoiled by an ill-chosen word or tone. That shouldn't stop us from speaking from the heart, but it does guide us to keep our heart in the right place.
Here Roosevelt observed how powerfully word choice stirs our emotions. A paragraph of good will can be spoiled by an ill-chosen word or tone. That shouldn't stop us from speaking from the heart, but it does guide us to keep our heart in the right place.
Invincible Optimism
Teddy Roosevelt's legend was as a boundlessly optimistic person. And yet, those close to him were aware of what his daughter Alice called "a melancholic streak." It's comforting to know that those streaks, which are bound to strike us, can bounce harmlessly off of us quickly if we fortify ourselves with optimism!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Divinity, By George
"Each soul is potentially divine, and the goal is to manifest that divinity. Everything else is secondary." -- George Harrison
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0tdebT95DQ&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0tdebT95DQ&NR=1
Decree of Difficulty
"Undertake something that is difficult; it will do you good. Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow."
I'm so proud of Dena! She is now running further than ever before, closing in on 2 miles at a time.
I'm so proud of Dena! She is now running further than ever before, closing in on 2 miles at a time.
Strength Building
"We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot." -- Eleanor Roosevelt
Whoa, Teddy
"To refuse to accept any change until its advantages have been demonstrated by actual experience means that we must always be behind the times." -- Teddy Roosevelt
I'd add that being "ahead of the times" isn't purely good any more than being "behind the times" is purely bad. Risk-taking is part of life. So is caution.
I'd add that being "ahead of the times" isn't purely good any more than being "behind the times" is purely bad. Risk-taking is part of life. So is caution.
Give 'Em the Future Treatment
"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you will help them become what they are capable of becoming." -- Goethe
Oh, Panama!
You say that you've got a problem too large to solve?
"[Teddy Roosevelt] had to create and staff an entirely new administrative organization which had to be responsible for digging, dredging, and constructing locks and dams on a huge scale [in order to build the Panama Canal]. It had to provide for the regular and systematic flow of supplies and materials from the Unites States over 2,000 miles of water to tie Isthmus. It had to recruit a laboring force of skilled and unskilled labor, to transport the force to Panama, and then to house and feed these men. The care of their health required a large medical staff to fight yellow fever and other tropical diseases. Furthermore, this administrative unit had to govern the Canal Zone and handle relations between the Americans and the Panamanians. Finally, the organization had to operate under pressures from Congress, labor officials, the press, and the American public."
Back to work!
"[Teddy Roosevelt] had to create and staff an entirely new administrative organization which had to be responsible for digging, dredging, and constructing locks and dams on a huge scale [in order to build the Panama Canal]. It had to provide for the regular and systematic flow of supplies and materials from the Unites States over 2,000 miles of water to tie Isthmus. It had to recruit a laboring force of skilled and unskilled labor, to transport the force to Panama, and then to house and feed these men. The care of their health required a large medical staff to fight yellow fever and other tropical diseases. Furthermore, this administrative unit had to govern the Canal Zone and handle relations between the Americans and the Panamanians. Finally, the organization had to operate under pressures from Congress, labor officials, the press, and the American public."
Back to work!
Good for What?
"Rather than asking of someone is a 'good man,' one should ask, 'Good for what?'" -- James Strock
The notion of usefulness as a synonym for righteousness continues to impress me, as I see it attributed to multiple, esteemed leaders.
The notion of usefulness as a synonym for righteousness continues to impress me, as I see it attributed to multiple, esteemed leaders.
Bluffing is the Worst Policy
"I never make a bluff, either in public or private life." Having a bluff called in any circumstances undercuts credibility in future negotiations. Be honest!
An Alternative to Head-Knocking
Teddy Roosevelt was not only a famous talker, but a skilled listener. For all his boisterousness, he knew when to rein it in during negotiations from the Anthracite Coal Strike, to mediation between Russia and Japan.
"To be polite and sympathetic in explaining for the hundredth time something perfectly obvious, when what I really want to do is to give utterance to whoops of rage and knock their heads together -- well, all I can hope is that the self-repression will be ultimately helpful for my character."
"To be polite and sympathetic in explaining for the hundredth time something perfectly obvious, when what I really want to do is to give utterance to whoops of rage and knock their heads together -- well, all I can hope is that the self-repression will be ultimately helpful for my character."
A Statement of Faith
Monday and Tuesday are busy days ahead at work! I face at least four deadlines, one of which seems impossible to complete in the way that I would consider ideal. The others are large enough that in order to complete them, I may need to sacrifice other activities. The prospect of sub-par performance is stressful. Mr. Positivity is on the verge of defection!
I don't speak often of God in these pages, but my personal impression of God is the creator of life and the universe, not only as we understand it, but also as we don't understand it. That means that faith for me includes believing that things will be good even if I don't understand how. And as a personal journey, my life is so rich that even its lowest moments demand little true sacrifice, far less than those who have died for my freedom.
So although tomorrow is cloudy, there's no reason to fear. God understands what I do not, and sees what I do not. And together we'll pass safely to the other side.
I don't speak often of God in these pages, but my personal impression of God is the creator of life and the universe, not only as we understand it, but also as we don't understand it. That means that faith for me includes believing that things will be good even if I don't understand how. And as a personal journey, my life is so rich that even its lowest moments demand little true sacrifice, far less than those who have died for my freedom.
So although tomorrow is cloudy, there's no reason to fear. God understands what I do not, and sees what I do not. And together we'll pass safely to the other side.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Steady as She Goals
"The person who makes a success of living is the one who sees his goal steadily and aims for it unswervingly." -- Cecil B. DeMille
The key there for me is "steadily, unswervingly." Anyone can set goals, and most people quickly look elsewhere, until they eventually find it convenient to set different goals. Even my stated goal on this site, "Become Mr. Positivity," slips easily. With focus it will be achieved!
The key there for me is "steadily, unswervingly." Anyone can set goals, and most people quickly look elsewhere, until they eventually find it convenient to set different goals. Even my stated goal on this site, "Become Mr. Positivity," slips easily. With focus it will be achieved!
Plugging in the Power
"Power consists in one's capacity to link his will with the purpose of others, to lead by reason and a gift of cooperation." -- Woodrow Wilson
I see his point, though I think that the strongest will comes from linking to our own purposes. By "our own purposes," I mean those for which God seems uniquely to have called us through our talents and natural interests. When we then connect ourselves to others with similar purpose, then maximum power results.
I see his point, though I think that the strongest will comes from linking to our own purposes. By "our own purposes," I mean those for which God seems uniquely to have called us through our talents and natural interests. When we then connect ourselves to others with similar purpose, then maximum power results.
One Down, 999 to Go
"It is interesting to notice how some minds seem almost to create themselves, springing up under every disadvantage, and working their solitary but irresistable way through a thousand obstacles." -- Washington Irving
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Our Friends, the World War I Germans
How did Roosevelt compel Germany to retreat from several U.S. interests most peaceably?
"I have endeavored to show him that I was sincerely friendly to him and Germany. Moreover, where I have forced him to give way I have been sedulously anxious to build a bridge of gold for him, and to give him the satisfaction of feeling that his dignity and reputation in the face of the world were safe. In other words, where I have had to take part of the kernel from him, I have been anxious that he should have all the shell possible, and have that shell painted any way he wished."
"I have endeavored to show him that I was sincerely friendly to him and Germany. Moreover, where I have forced him to give way I have been sedulously anxious to build a bridge of gold for him, and to give him the satisfaction of feeling that his dignity and reputation in the face of the world were safe. In other words, where I have had to take part of the kernel from him, I have been anxious that he should have all the shell possible, and have that shell painted any way he wished."
There's No Action Like Reaction
How we react to our mistakes is at least as important as the mistakes themselves.
Today I was called on a mistake at work. Temptation rose to play defense, or ignore fault. But he was right, I was wrong. I apologized. It's honest, it validates the person, it honors the importance of getting things right.
Today I was called on a mistake at work. Temptation rose to play defense, or ignore fault. But he was right, I was wrong. I apologized. It's honest, it validates the person, it honors the importance of getting things right.
Tale of Two Troubles
"There are two kinds of troubles a man can be in : trouble that he can do something to cure, and trouble that nothing he can do will cure. if he is in the first kind of truble, the longer he thinks about it, the worse he'll be: let him start at once, let him get into action and try to remove the trouble. That will help him to feel better very soon. but if it's a trouble he can't cure, let him dismiss it from his mind and think of something else." -- Teddy Roosevelt
Recently I was reading advice on heading off anger in all its forms, including "pet peeves":
1. Ask yourself, is this worth thinking about any longer?
2. If yes, is my anger justified?
3. If yes, is there something that I can do about it?
If the answer is no to any of these questions, then drop it and move on, otherwise take action!
Recently I was reading advice on heading off anger in all its forms, including "pet peeves":
1. Ask yourself, is this worth thinking about any longer?
2. If yes, is my anger justified?
3. If yes, is there something that I can do about it?
If the answer is no to any of these questions, then drop it and move on, otherwise take action!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Four-Part Success
"Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration." - Evan Esar
I'm not personally into 'desperation' as a motive for success, but 3 out of 4 ain't bad.
I'm not personally into 'desperation' as a motive for success, but 3 out of 4 ain't bad.
How Strong is Your Soul?
"Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak." -- Thomas Carlyle
Choose Your Destiny
"Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice: It is a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." -- William Jennings Bryan
Read Every Day
Even as president, Teddy Roosevelt routinely read one, two, or even three books a day. That's a little beyond my league (sports magazines excluded), but reading history has contributed a growing supply of stories that make for better conversation! Trends start to emerge in the personalities of great people. Why mature slowly by trying to figure out alone, day by day, those things that successful people have lived already?
Need Followers? Try This!
People tend to follow a leader whose manifest fearlessness has resulted in tangible achievements in the past.
The Most Important Virtue
Winston Churchill felt that courage is the first virtue -- one that underlies all others.
Today I was offered an opportunity for a different job. What takes more courage, to pursue the unknown or to yield potential personal reward for one's dependents?
Today I was offered an opportunity for a different job. What takes more courage, to pursue the unknown or to yield potential personal reward for one's dependents?
Monday, November 5, 2007
It's Just a Flesh Wound
On October 14, 1912 Teddy Roosevelt was running for a third term as President. While traveling by train to give a speech in Milwaukee, a man shot him in the chest at point-blank range. With blood oozing from the wound, he proceeded to deliver a 90 minute speech. As the crowd cheered at its conclusion, he turned to the doctor and said "Now I am ready to go with you and do what you want." The bullet never was removed removed from his chest, remaining there for the rest of his years.
Is there anything more emotionally stirring than to see a person grit on while wounded?
Is there anything more emotionally stirring than to see a person grit on while wounded?
Relax, It's Just a Grizzly Bear
"There were all kinds of things of which I was afraid at first, ranging from grizzly bears to 'mean' horses and gun-fighters; but by acting as if I was not afraid I gradually ceased to be afraid." -- Teddy Roosevelt
Teddy Do-Right
Late in the afternoon of February 25, 1898, while serving as assistant secretary of the navy, the secretary took a day off while remaining in Washington. Technically, that established Roosevelt as the acting secretary for the day. He took the occasion to issue a series of orders late in the day which edged the U.S. closer to war with Spain. The most significant was a cable to one of the commanders that he should prepare his ships for operations against the Spanish fleet in the Philippines in the event of a declaration of war.
One on hand, I think that this probably compromised trust/teamwork and wouldn't advise it. Still, a valid point is that
"I may not be supported, but I have done what I know to be right; some day they will understand."
The popular newspaper New York Sun recognized as much: "This man Roosevelt seems to do about what he thinks is right and doesn't care a rap for the consequences. He must be all right."
I'm convinced that we live a longer, more peaceful life when our unbending principle is to act upon those things that we believe are right.
One on hand, I think that this probably compromised trust/teamwork and wouldn't advise it. Still, a valid point is that
"I may not be supported, but I have done what I know to be right; some day they will understand."
The popular newspaper New York Sun recognized as much: "This man Roosevelt seems to do about what he thinks is right and doesn't care a rap for the consequences. He must be all right."
I'm convinced that we live a longer, more peaceful life when our unbending principle is to act upon those things that we believe are right.
Another Famous Failure
The more leaders I read about, the more the old cliche comes to life that "in order to succeed, you must fail." In Teddy Roosevelt's case, his business ventures -- in publishing and ranching -- were, in financial terms, flat-out failures.
This One Job I Do
From the Christian Bible's pages comes the quote "This one thing I do," highlighting the importance of taking care of today, and letting tomorrow take care of itself. Here's another from Teddy Roosevelt:
"At one period I began to believe that I had a future before me, and that it behooved me to be very far-sighted and scan each action carefully with a view to its possible effect on that future. This speedily made me useless to the public and an object of aversion to myself; and I then made up my mind that I would try not to think of the future at all, but would proceed on the assumption that each office I held would be the last I even should hold, and I would confine myself to trying to do my work as well as possible while I held that office. I found that for me personally this was the only way in which i could either enjoy myself or render good service to the country, and I never afterward deviated from this plan."
Roosevelt acknowledged that fate is too difficult to foresee, much less manage. And he'd know that as well as anyone, since he ascended to at least two posts (including President) due to the untimely death of his predecessor!
Plus I'd say personally that my career's become much more peaceful, and I've added credibility with those who work with me that I'm selfless in my interests, since I started building a 20-year plan for my current job, rather than a 3-year plan to reach my next one.
"At one period I began to believe that I had a future before me, and that it behooved me to be very far-sighted and scan each action carefully with a view to its possible effect on that future. This speedily made me useless to the public and an object of aversion to myself; and I then made up my mind that I would try not to think of the future at all, but would proceed on the assumption that each office I held would be the last I even should hold, and I would confine myself to trying to do my work as well as possible while I held that office. I found that for me personally this was the only way in which i could either enjoy myself or render good service to the country, and I never afterward deviated from this plan."
Roosevelt acknowledged that fate is too difficult to foresee, much less manage. And he'd know that as well as anyone, since he ascended to at least two posts (including President) due to the untimely death of his predecessor!
Plus I'd say personally that my career's become much more peaceful, and I've added credibility with those who work with me that I'm selfless in my interests, since I started building a 20-year plan for my current job, rather than a 3-year plan to reach my next one.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Seeing is Be Leading
"A leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others see." -- Leroy Eims
Left unsaid is that the leader also lifts the team upward and onward, despite their worries in the darkness, until they're able to see as well.
Left unsaid is that the leader also lifts the team upward and onward, despite their worries in the darkness, until they're able to see as well.
McDonalds Break 39-Minute Barrier
Associated Press -- Joe and Dena McDonald ran 3 miles in under 39 minutes for the first time in their history yesterday afternoon.
The community of "people who have walked or run 5K" has grown in recent years. According to peoplewhorun.org, 3.37 billion people have run/walked the distance within the last 12 months, including most Kenyan school children. America, more sedentary as a nation, numbers 9,821,792 (unadjusted for October deaths). The average 3-mile time for Americans is 37:15.
But mere numbers don't tell the McDonalds' full story.
Late in June, Joe was driving home from work and noticed that something felt "a little strained" in his lower back. The fact that his job requires him to sit nearly motionless for 8 hours a day didn't help. Eventually, he had to reduce from four intramural sports to one in order to manage the pain, with the help of physical therapy. For nearly six months, he covered less than a quarter mile per day, mostly walking to and from his car. The idea of walking 3 miles in a single day was "unthinkable, at least, I chose not to think about it."
At the same time, Dena faced her own challenges. Working three days a week, including one from home, and managing the daily grind of a stay-at-home non-mother had left almost no energy for exercise.
Then fate came calling.
The couple was invited as honorary participants of Team Troy, the semi-legendary fund raising machine of the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis. Within hours Joe calculated that the December 1 5K run was six weeks away -- enough time for 30 training runs. If the first date was entirely walked, and then on each following day an extra 1:20 was spent running, then by the time of the race the running time would be 40 minutes.
When day 3 included desparate gasps for air, the mission seemed an impossible dream. But almost magically, experimenting with breathing and running technique, the journey became easier. Breathy conversation began to emerge where labored panting had been before.
On Saturday, day 10, Dena checked her new sportwatch and saw that the 13-minute mile barrier, long thought physically improbable even given a six-week training schedule, had been shattered.
If neither pleasant seasonal temperatures, nor mostly windless conditions over the two-week stretch had been able to break their will, who was to say that anything else could?
"You've got to aim high," Joe summed up, "and if that's a little too intimidating, then aim for something much lower."
The community of "people who have walked or run 5K" has grown in recent years. According to peoplewhorun.org, 3.37 billion people have run/walked the distance within the last 12 months, including most Kenyan school children. America, more sedentary as a nation, numbers 9,821,792 (unadjusted for October deaths). The average 3-mile time for Americans is 37:15.
But mere numbers don't tell the McDonalds' full story.
Late in June, Joe was driving home from work and noticed that something felt "a little strained" in his lower back. The fact that his job requires him to sit nearly motionless for 8 hours a day didn't help. Eventually, he had to reduce from four intramural sports to one in order to manage the pain, with the help of physical therapy. For nearly six months, he covered less than a quarter mile per day, mostly walking to and from his car. The idea of walking 3 miles in a single day was "unthinkable, at least, I chose not to think about it."
At the same time, Dena faced her own challenges. Working three days a week, including one from home, and managing the daily grind of a stay-at-home non-mother had left almost no energy for exercise.
Then fate came calling.
The couple was invited as honorary participants of Team Troy, the semi-legendary fund raising machine of the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis. Within hours Joe calculated that the December 1 5K run was six weeks away -- enough time for 30 training runs. If the first date was entirely walked, and then on each following day an extra 1:20 was spent running, then by the time of the race the running time would be 40 minutes.
When day 3 included desparate gasps for air, the mission seemed an impossible dream. But almost magically, experimenting with breathing and running technique, the journey became easier. Breathy conversation began to emerge where labored panting had been before.
On Saturday, day 10, Dena checked her new sportwatch and saw that the 13-minute mile barrier, long thought physically improbable even given a six-week training schedule, had been shattered.
If neither pleasant seasonal temperatures, nor mostly windless conditions over the two-week stretch had been able to break their will, who was to say that anything else could?
"You've got to aim high," Joe summed up, "and if that's a little too intimidating, then aim for something much lower."
All Things Are Possible With Us
"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in our determination." -- Tommy Lasorda, Los Angeles Dodgers baseball manager
Conspiracy Theory
I can be a patient man, but this caption in a local newspaper article demanded immediate response from a concerned citizen.
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/11/04/news/doc472d05d29987b525280590.txt
Fairview Elementary School kindergarten teacher Stephanie Schroeder teaches her 18 students about the letter "C". (Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK) (October 16, 2007)
Are we overlooking the main issue here? The photo caption is disturbing. Where are these "18 students"? Why should we believe that "C" is the issue, and not cats or some type of paper-jabbing, alphabet-based religion? Is she "teaching kindergarterners" or mocking Tommy's handwriting in front of his friends? Come on, Lori Ann Cook, we're not sheep. Do you really expect us to buy into your theories just because "you were there"? This type of spoon-fed journalism will continue to infest our community, dulling the minds of our children, until someone takes a stand. Let's unite, people.
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/11/04/news/doc472d05d29987b525280590.txt
Fairview Elementary School kindergarten teacher Stephanie Schroeder teaches her 18 students about the letter "C". (Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK) (October 16, 2007)
Are we overlooking the main issue here? The photo caption is disturbing. Where are these "18 students"? Why should we believe that "C" is the issue, and not cats or some type of paper-jabbing, alphabet-based religion? Is she "teaching kindergarterners" or mocking Tommy's handwriting in front of his friends? Come on, Lori Ann Cook, we're not sheep. Do you really expect us to buy into your theories just because "you were there"? This type of spoon-fed journalism will continue to infest our community, dulling the minds of our children, until someone takes a stand. Let's unite, people.
Merit With Children
There was an article in our local e-newspaper today about introducing merit-based pay into the school system.
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/11/04/news/doc472d0b56f29ba722020593.txt
Merit pay seems pretty challenging for any job that's dissimilar from widget-making, where the results have high, easily measured volume under consistent conditions. I'm a fan of peer review for other types of jobs. Students, parents, administrators, teachers or anyone else who's around them can give an idea of the person's effectiveness. A numerical scoring system probably wouldn't do enough justice -- narrative comments would help separate sincere, detailed feedback from a simple popularity contest.
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/11/04/news/doc472d0b56f29ba722020593.txt
Merit pay seems pretty challenging for any job that's dissimilar from widget-making, where the results have high, easily measured volume under consistent conditions. I'm a fan of peer review for other types of jobs. Students, parents, administrators, teachers or anyone else who's around them can give an idea of the person's effectiveness. A numerical scoring system probably wouldn't do enough justice -- narrative comments would help separate sincere, detailed feedback from a simple popularity contest.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
How Not to Destroy America
Another quote from Teddy Roosevelt speaks for itself, and means more today than even during his time:
"The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life."
Few of us will serve in the military, but there are plenty of ways to serve our country. I spent a couple of hours today helping to split wood for the Timber Pointe (Easter Seals) camp ground. That wood will fuel fires for all those who use the camp for the next several months, including the severely disabled children who look forward to the comfort of the heated cabin as part of their few opportunities to get outside the home and enjoy a taste of an active life.
"The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life."
Few of us will serve in the military, but there are plenty of ways to serve our country. I spent a couple of hours today helping to split wood for the Timber Pointe (Easter Seals) camp ground. That wood will fuel fires for all those who use the camp for the next several months, including the severely disabled children who look forward to the comfort of the heated cabin as part of their few opportunities to get outside the home and enjoy a taste of an active life.
How to Reduce Debt (or Weight)
Teddy Roosevelt established the now-familiar approach of creating outside commissions to review and reform government spending. During his presidential administration, the federal debt reduced by $90 million.
It's another case study of the value of trusting one's intentions but not trusting one's results. Humans make mistakes. People tend to either do what's been done before, or to reinvent the wheel without consulting widely. Bringing in an outside perspective will rarely save $90 million, but watchfulness is almost guaranteed to bring improvement. Step on the scale every day for a month and see what happens!
It's another case study of the value of trusting one's intentions but not trusting one's results. Humans make mistakes. People tend to either do what's been done before, or to reinvent the wheel without consulting widely. Bringing in an outside perspective will rarely save $90 million, but watchfulness is almost guaranteed to bring improvement. Step on the scale every day for a month and see what happens!
Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick
Many of us have heard Teddy Roosevelt's line "speak softly and carry a big stick." Those who are fortunate enough to have obtained some supervisory responsibility know that they carry a big stick, like it or not. No matter how kind or humble a leader is, there's something about authority that puts people on edge, however slightly it may be. Roosevelt was speaking of the United States, emerging for the first time as a world power less than 40 years after nearly tearing in two via the Civil War. To me "speaking softly" means not to get into a shouting contest during conflict... it's picking an unfair fight because we have an unfair natural advantage. Speaking softly suggests humility, and maybe a greater willingness to listen. I think the humble use of power, in the long run, bests an outspoken approach 9 times out of 10.
How to Clean the Inside of Your Skull
This goes out to the people who feel mired in their current situation.
Figure out what your ideal life would look like. What makes you happy?
1. Get out of your life all the stuff that is inconsistent with your passions and goals. That includes people.
2. Bring into your life everything that either supports who you are and what you want to create.
Don't worry about feeling like you're not sacrificing enough -- life's filled with plenty of that without our helping it along!
Figure out what your ideal life would look like. What makes you happy?
1. Get out of your life all the stuff that is inconsistent with your passions and goals. That includes people.
2. Bring into your life everything that either supports who you are and what you want to create.
Don't worry about feeling like you're not sacrificing enough -- life's filled with plenty of that without our helping it along!
The Philosophy of Young
"Some people loved to get yelled at. Others would be devastated if you yelled at them. And, you better know the difference." -- Steve Young, Hall of Fame football quarterback
Knowing your people is so helpful! Some love to organize; some detest it. Some love to teach; some love to listen. Some like to make small talk; some want to get to the point. Learning what makes a person feel energized is about as successful of a practice as there is in teamwork. And most everyone responds to appreciation.
Knowing your people is so helpful! Some love to organize; some detest it. Some love to teach; some love to listen. Some like to make small talk; some want to get to the point. Learning what makes a person feel energized is about as successful of a practice as there is in teamwork. And most everyone responds to appreciation.
"I Don't Know" is the Best Policy
The Dalai Lama, the global spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, is spending his lifetime trying to build understanding among faiths around the world. And he repeatedly uses the phrase "I don't know," when asked a question for which he has no answer. He says so after a moment of earnest reflection. He doesn't try to speculate beyond his expertise. It's honesty in its humblest form. How many leaders try to be perfect, and how many followers lose comfort to distraction around such an inhuman quality?
"I Have Your Dream" Speech
Recruiting people to her team is about discovering "people whose dreams are like yours -- and then not letting a single one of those folks get out of your sight or off the hook without doing something about it!" -- Eleanor Josaitis, founder of Focus:HOPE, providing food to 43,000 seniors, mothers and children in Detroit each month
Life has become like a dream in recent years. Relationships and organizations come and go, each carrying its own excitement with the force of a Roman candle, and about as briefly. I have faith that even deep relationships shift to the shallows over time, as priorities ebb and flow. The dream we can always pursue with complete success is to find happiness in the present moment.
Life has become like a dream in recent years. Relationships and organizations come and go, each carrying its own excitement with the force of a Roman candle, and about as briefly. I have faith that even deep relationships shift to the shallows over time, as priorities ebb and flow. The dream we can always pursue with complete success is to find happiness in the present moment.
Shining Eyes
"When you feel that you're making a contribution, that's when you get the shining eyes -- when we get up in the morning and we live that." -- Ben Zander, conductor
Lately I took another step from religious to secular service, by closing a successful 3-year stint as a writer/actor in a Vacation Bible School. I think that God is guiding me toward my "shining eyes" ministry, I just don't know exactly what that is yet.
Lately I took another step from religious to secular service, by closing a successful 3-year stint as a writer/actor in a Vacation Bible School. I think that God is guiding me toward my "shining eyes" ministry, I just don't know exactly what that is yet.
Almost Elvis
On the way home I heard an ad for a contest to "Sing Like the King" for a chance to sing along with Elvis Presley's former backup singers. The winner is the one who calls the station and leaves the most creative Elvis-related recording. So this morning I called in with the following tune:
Love me blender,
Love me true,
All my glasses filled,
For my veggies,
I love you,
When you look like swill.
I actually made it to the finals... unfortunately my cell phone didn't get reception at work, so I missed the chance to compete for the championship.
Love me blender,
Love me true,
All my glasses filled,
For my veggies,
I love you,
When you look like swill.
I actually made it to the finals... unfortunately my cell phone didn't get reception at work, so I missed the chance to compete for the championship.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Hear Me Now, and See Me Later
I've got a friend who works for a charity in town. She thought that my voice would be good for their after-hours phone message.
Dial 309-829-0691 after 4:30 p.m. CST and enjoy the finest in amateur recording!
Dial 309-829-0691 after 4:30 p.m. CST and enjoy the finest in amateur recording!
Walk to December
So Dena and I are just wrapping up our 2nd week of training for a 5k walk/run on December 1 for charity. Some really cool stuff's been happening.
1. Our initial goal was to increase the length of time run each day by 1:20. On day 1 we walked the course in 46 minutes. We figured that by day 30, we'd therefore be up to a 39 minute run, or about three 13-minute miles. Since neither of us had run any distance for over 6 months, and neither of us particularly likes running, that seemed a reasonable goal.
2. Somehow, I managed to coach Dena's running technique in a way that greatly helped! On day 3 she was struggling to breathe by the 3rd minute. Today, on day 9, we comfortably ran for over 12 minutes. In fact, even near the end we were able to carry on a normal conversation while running.
3. Today we covered the trip in just 39:30. We're going to pass our goal before we're halfway there! It's always exciting to be able to set a new level of accomplishment... 12-minute miles are within reach.
4. These walks have been great for winding down the work day, and talking about life's little things that slip by us when we're at home.
1. Our initial goal was to increase the length of time run each day by 1:20. On day 1 we walked the course in 46 minutes. We figured that by day 30, we'd therefore be up to a 39 minute run, or about three 13-minute miles. Since neither of us had run any distance for over 6 months, and neither of us particularly likes running, that seemed a reasonable goal.
2. Somehow, I managed to coach Dena's running technique in a way that greatly helped! On day 3 she was struggling to breathe by the 3rd minute. Today, on day 9, we comfortably ran for over 12 minutes. In fact, even near the end we were able to carry on a normal conversation while running.
3. Today we covered the trip in just 39:30. We're going to pass our goal before we're halfway there! It's always exciting to be able to set a new level of accomplishment... 12-minute miles are within reach.
4. These walks have been great for winding down the work day, and talking about life's little things that slip by us when we're at home.
Grandma's New Room
Last night my mom called to say that Grandma has been moved permanently from the 2nd story apartment of her nursing home to a 1st floor room for more critical care. Mom's visiting every other day. At this point, with her sight failing and her lungs more dependent on an oxygen tube, she spends much of her day in bed.
Is this a time to be sad? Of course. No one should have to endure a frail body, especially someone as selfless and strong throughout her life as my grandmother. Our prayer to God's goodness is that she be filled with peace all throughout her remaining days, and spared from physical or mental weariness/pain.
May we all find cause to smile in our own situation.
Is this a time to be sad? Of course. No one should have to endure a frail body, especially someone as selfless and strong throughout her life as my grandmother. Our prayer to God's goodness is that she be filled with peace all throughout her remaining days, and spared from physical or mental weariness/pain.
May we all find cause to smile in our own situation.
Fall Planning Session 2007
On Halloween we headed out to the department's 2008 planning session. This 7th annual off-site all-day field trip has been a time of relationship building, and this year's theme was "Be Prepared!" Since it seems to be a popular event, here are some facts about it:
The event is entirely run by volunteers, with no management involvement of any kind (except to offer a budget). It's not mandatory to have the session; if there's enough interest to support it, then it'll happen.
The scenery is comfortable. We've had it in three places: the State Farm Park "beach house," the Starved Rock Lodge about an hour north in a woodsy area, and the newly build U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Dress is casual. Meals are provided. The day is a little shorter than the average work day on each end.
The activities are usually team-based, and mix people who seldom work together. There's often a get-to-know-you type aspect to it, such as "match the employee to their preferred retirement spot." This year a speaker came in and talked about financial planning, another came in and played a clever scoreboard-based game where the winning team is the one who sacrificed the most.
This year we specifically talked about the elements of a high-functioning team, based on the "Five Dysfunctions of a Team" model. Then we did a 2008 goal-setting exercise which embodied all five of the good functions:
1. Trust, through vulnerability. I presented draft goals that had been crafted with the help of some in the room. "One of my weaknesses is that I don't know your jobs well enough to set the best goals," and with that I turned control completely over to them. "Change these in any way you see fit to make them better."
2. Conflict. If a team can breathe, then it has conflict. Strong teams use it productively by facilitating it in a non-personal way. The team is best served by getting as many points of view on the table as possible, right?
3. Commitment. If everyone's viewpoint is encouraged, and then respected, then commitment rises to a new level. "Disagree and commit" is another best-case scenario here, given that no two humans are alike. Give everyone a chance to disagree. Draw out the quiet ones.
4. Accountability. What gets measured, gets done. It's why the IRS establishes April 15 rather than saying "aw, pay us whenever you can get around to it." It's why our house becomes miraculously cleaner within days of a house guest's arrival. Goals that are visible, citing the person responsible and the target date for completion, define reality clearly and are inherently more inspirational.
5. Results. "Team all the time," as football coach Lou Holtz would say. Results should be such that the team is served, rather than the individual. In our case, the goals selected are such that every unit of the department is a contributor in some way. As such the team cannot succeed unless every individual does.
The event is entirely run by volunteers, with no management involvement of any kind (except to offer a budget). It's not mandatory to have the session; if there's enough interest to support it, then it'll happen.
The scenery is comfortable. We've had it in three places: the State Farm Park "beach house," the Starved Rock Lodge about an hour north in a woodsy area, and the newly build U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Dress is casual. Meals are provided. The day is a little shorter than the average work day on each end.
The activities are usually team-based, and mix people who seldom work together. There's often a get-to-know-you type aspect to it, such as "match the employee to their preferred retirement spot." This year a speaker came in and talked about financial planning, another came in and played a clever scoreboard-based game where the winning team is the one who sacrificed the most.
This year we specifically talked about the elements of a high-functioning team, based on the "Five Dysfunctions of a Team" model. Then we did a 2008 goal-setting exercise which embodied all five of the good functions:
1. Trust, through vulnerability. I presented draft goals that had been crafted with the help of some in the room. "One of my weaknesses is that I don't know your jobs well enough to set the best goals," and with that I turned control completely over to them. "Change these in any way you see fit to make them better."
2. Conflict. If a team can breathe, then it has conflict. Strong teams use it productively by facilitating it in a non-personal way. The team is best served by getting as many points of view on the table as possible, right?
3. Commitment. If everyone's viewpoint is encouraged, and then respected, then commitment rises to a new level. "Disagree and commit" is another best-case scenario here, given that no two humans are alike. Give everyone a chance to disagree. Draw out the quiet ones.
4. Accountability. What gets measured, gets done. It's why the IRS establishes April 15 rather than saying "aw, pay us whenever you can get around to it." It's why our house becomes miraculously cleaner within days of a house guest's arrival. Goals that are visible, citing the person responsible and the target date for completion, define reality clearly and are inherently more inspirational.
5. Results. "Team all the time," as football coach Lou Holtz would say. Results should be such that the team is served, rather than the individual. In our case, the goals selected are such that every unit of the department is a contributor in some way. As such the team cannot succeed unless every individual does.
Fantasy Football
Instinctively I'm lukewarm toward fantasy football. I tend to be a heavy researcher, and enjoy the day-to-day hunt for the hidden gem of a player in fantasy baseball and basketball leagues. There's a certain predictability to the stats, and by studying recent trends there's eternal hope that I'll unearth someone getting hot in just the stats that I need, at just the right time. Football, on the other hand, with its tiny 16-game sample size, more unpredictable weather, and high rate of injury, is more of an exercise in good luck. And so far my 4-4 record has all the sense of a coin-flipping contest; unlike the other fantasy sports, each week is a head-to-head matchup. We're sitting in 6th place of a 10-team league, but having won 3 of the last 4 weeks and facing the 9th place team, there's good reason to think brightly!
Fantasy Basketball
I've been scouring ESPN magazine and Sports Illustrated for the last two weeks in prep for another exciting season of fantasy basketball.
Here's how it works: 12 players draft a team of real NBAers. 9 different statistics are tracked cumulatively, so as each NBA player gathers rebounds, makes a 3-pointer, etc. my total score goes up. If you end the season with the most rebounds you get 12 points, fewest gets 1. So the maximum points are 9 x 12 = 108.
Here's how I did last year: Awful. But not unexpectedly. As a rookie last year, I didn't invest any time in the draft, letting the computer pick based on its own ranking. I ended up with no notable rebounders, traded away a top scorer to get a middling rebounder, and spent the rest of the year chasing futilely to a 7th place, 59 point finish.
This year: The crop's looking much better. Last year's stats project that my team this year would earn 74.5 points. Last year's league champ had 79 points. Opening night was yesterday, and I currently sit at 71.5. "Teach Me The Rules" is our team name, for good reason last year. This year we'll overcome!
Here's how it works: 12 players draft a team of real NBAers. 9 different statistics are tracked cumulatively, so as each NBA player gathers rebounds, makes a 3-pointer, etc. my total score goes up. If you end the season with the most rebounds you get 12 points, fewest gets 1. So the maximum points are 9 x 12 = 108.
Here's how I did last year: Awful. But not unexpectedly. As a rookie last year, I didn't invest any time in the draft, letting the computer pick based on its own ranking. I ended up with no notable rebounders, traded away a top scorer to get a middling rebounder, and spent the rest of the year chasing futilely to a 7th place, 59 point finish.
This year: The crop's looking much better. Last year's stats project that my team this year would earn 74.5 points. Last year's league champ had 79 points. Opening night was yesterday, and I currently sit at 71.5. "Teach Me The Rules" is our team name, for good reason last year. This year we'll overcome!
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