OK, here's my list:
Stuff I want to be better at right now off the top of my head:
- Spins
- Ducks/dives
- gyro
- Weak DLO
- Pdx dlo
- Blur
- Ripwalk
- Stepping mirage
- Stepping butterfly
- Whirl
- Toe set whirl
- Barrage
- Paradon
- Weak drifter
- Toe set drifter
- Atomic mirage
- Atomic butterfly
- Quantum mirage
- Quantum butterfly
- Quantum ss mirage
- Pixie to pixie
- Swirl
Therefore, here are some combos:
- Diving clipper > spinning clipper
- Spinning clipper > gyro mirage
- Gyro mirage > paradon > ducking clipper
- Pixie ss mirage > pixie butterfly > DLO
- Pixie butterfly > blur > paradon
- Blur > quantum butterfly > spinning clipper
- Quantum mirage > pixie legover > toe set whirl
- Ripwalk > blur > pixie ss clipper
- Ripwalk > ripwalk > spinning legover
- Stepping butterfly > stepping ss mirage > toe set ducking legover
- Whirl > barrage > paradon
- Whirl > ripwalk > barrage
- Barrage > toe set drifter > DLO
- Atomic butterfly > ripwalk
- Atomic butterfly > spinning clipper
- Atomic mirage > butterfly > ripwalk
- Atomic mirage > toe set DLO
- Pdx DLO > pixie butterfly > swirl
- Smear > pixie ss mirage > pixie legover
- Swirl > drifter > diving clipper
west of philly - bob
Overdid it last night.. 3 days of shred after long driving weekends two weeks in a row, on top of 3 straight days of pretty intense morning workouts... all that equals my neck going out on me again. I caught it quickly, and it was actually on my cool down run, so it won't be horrible, but enough is enough.. I'm calling the doctor today to get referral to chiropractor (sp?) and accupuncture (sp?). Physical therapy and stretching has helped frequency of the issue, but hasn't resolved the issue, and I feel it will never resolve it. So there.
In any case, shred was fun. Temperature in the barn was awesome. I love Fall. I'm in a Coldplay phase right now and enjoyed playing to their music. New combos brightened the fun. I was happy to hit the first couple combos bsos - bsos is like my "I've been successful" measure for these combos that I do. Hit a couple more one side or the other, or both sides separate runs. Only got blanked on the quantums that I tried.
I was specifically happy with: Gyro mirage > paradon > ducking clipper
I got that bsos which is cool because it works my weak gyro mirage and weak paradon when I'm going the one direction.
I also got this on both sides separate runs: Ripwalk > blur > pixie ss clipper. Was happy because ripwalk > blur is hard for me, but it's improving. Was even happier because in one direction it's my weak ripwalk, and my weak blur, and my weak pixie.
Weighed in last night. Still holding steady at 200 on the button. I'm very happy with that on the heels of a vacation and a stressful week of mom-worries and just generally being a bit off schedule. Also very happy because my morning workouts of late have added muscle mass. I think added muscle will bring me up to about 202-205 and then I'll dip to about 195 and settle there.
----
Talked to would-be boss at Harleysville last night on the phone. I'm buddies with this guy, so I'm getting an unfair amount of side information. In any case, he told me the CIO guy thought I had already accepted an offer (silly CIO) - in other words, this thing is pretty close to being done. I have a meeting with top guy on sales/marketing side next Friday. Then one more follow up meeting with CIO a week from Monday. The role that they're bringing me in for is a good fit now that I know more about it, and I have tons of experience in the same realm. Would have a team of about 10 reporting to me. So I think I'll take it and get out of this hell hole.
In any case, shred was fun. Temperature in the barn was awesome. I love Fall. I'm in a Coldplay phase right now and enjoyed playing to their music. New combos brightened the fun. I was happy to hit the first couple combos bsos - bsos is like my "I've been successful" measure for these combos that I do. Hit a couple more one side or the other, or both sides separate runs. Only got blanked on the quantums that I tried.
I was specifically happy with: Gyro mirage > paradon > ducking clipper
I got that bsos which is cool because it works my weak gyro mirage and weak paradon when I'm going the one direction.
I also got this on both sides separate runs: Ripwalk > blur > pixie ss clipper. Was happy because ripwalk > blur is hard for me, but it's improving. Was even happier because in one direction it's my weak ripwalk, and my weak blur, and my weak pixie.
Weighed in last night. Still holding steady at 200 on the button. I'm very happy with that on the heels of a vacation and a stressful week of mom-worries and just generally being a bit off schedule. Also very happy because my morning workouts of late have added muscle mass. I think added muscle will bring me up to about 202-205 and then I'll dip to about 195 and settle there.
----
Talked to would-be boss at Harleysville last night on the phone. I'm buddies with this guy, so I'm getting an unfair amount of side information. In any case, he told me the CIO guy thought I had already accepted an offer (silly CIO) - in other words, this thing is pretty close to being done. I have a meeting with top guy on sales/marketing side next Friday. Then one more follow up meeting with CIO a week from Monday. The role that they're bringing me in for is a good fit now that I know more about it, and I have tons of experience in the same realm. Would have a team of about 10 reporting to me. So I think I'll take it and get out of this hell hole.
Bob R.
-
slapdash21
- Futureless
- Posts: 4681
- Joined: 29 Sep 2004 14:50
- Location: Beantown, kidd
Nice, thanks Pete! I was wondering if combos only felt worthy to me or if others would think so too. 
So, new method of practice is working. I'm getting better faster at things that long were progressing at a snail's pace. And unlike my old practice method (of either shredding regular, or practicing single tricks depending on the day) I don't need to prepare for a shred session - the combo work does it, and improves single tricks too. Of course, there's some single trick work happening (when a combo is breaking down for me on a component, I'll stop and give that component some reps) but mostly combo work. And, playing into the combos with bops helps my mid-string.
I know, because I shredded with Drew and Brian yesterday. It was my first shred session in a good while, and I was really tired and hung over even. But I played like I wanted to play. And I was nicely both sided on most stuff (need to make an effort to do more weakside DLO). Sure, there's stuff I'm working on that didn't make an appearance (atomic, except for some strong side run starters) but overall I was happy.
edit: Another thing I noticed from the combo work was that my runs would have chapters. Previously I would have difficult opening, and then the rest of the run would be far easier. Now, the runs tend to flow at higher difficulty throughout as I move from one set of combos that fit nicely together, to the next set of combos.
Some highlights:
- stepping dlo to start a long, difficult, low bops run
- hit a few phoenix attempts (missed quite a few too)
- pixie dlo to start another long, difficult, low bops run
- strong barrage was clean and comfortable in runs
- barely any missed stepping/blurry tricks either side
- worked both side spins into many runs
- some decent "shuffle" types of runs.. for example, blur > dlo > eggbeater to start a run that included some pixie back and forth and some back to back stepping
- at the end, as usual, I asked for feedback on stuff to work on for next session. Drew said "atomic, quantum, torque" which is all good and true. Brian said "Dial it back man!" ha ha, he was impressed with my level since I saw him last.
----
Keegan turns 3 years old next week. Wow. He's such a little man now. He's been having trouble adjusting to pre-school - I mean, he loves school, but he's been acting out towards Emily. We think he sees mommy and sister leaving him at school and is jealous of her right now. It will pass. But other than that, he's just so cool. The games we play together are like reliving my boyhood. It's so fun to come up with some creative new thing and show him - he's just so absolutely impressed. Like, I built a little pulley system on his jungle gym so he can put stuff in a basket when he's on the ground, climb up into his tower, and then pull the basket up. He loves stuff like that. Or, I'll put his car seat in the truck, and we'll have a guys day where he helps me run my errands. He proudly says "Just us 2 guys!" (showing off his new ability to count small numbers of things). Then, wherever we go, I show him stuff. He loves the hardware store. I tell him what the tools are for and how daddy has used those tools to fix things at our house. He's a sponge.
Anyhow, for his birthday, we got him this (picture from website, not my kids here):
It even has a little dump bed on the back! He's going to go bananas.
So, new method of practice is working. I'm getting better faster at things that long were progressing at a snail's pace. And unlike my old practice method (of either shredding regular, or practicing single tricks depending on the day) I don't need to prepare for a shred session - the combo work does it, and improves single tricks too. Of course, there's some single trick work happening (when a combo is breaking down for me on a component, I'll stop and give that component some reps) but mostly combo work. And, playing into the combos with bops helps my mid-string.
I know, because I shredded with Drew and Brian yesterday. It was my first shred session in a good while, and I was really tired and hung over even. But I played like I wanted to play. And I was nicely both sided on most stuff (need to make an effort to do more weakside DLO). Sure, there's stuff I'm working on that didn't make an appearance (atomic, except for some strong side run starters) but overall I was happy.
edit: Another thing I noticed from the combo work was that my runs would have chapters. Previously I would have difficult opening, and then the rest of the run would be far easier. Now, the runs tend to flow at higher difficulty throughout as I move from one set of combos that fit nicely together, to the next set of combos.
Some highlights:
- stepping dlo to start a long, difficult, low bops run
- hit a few phoenix attempts (missed quite a few too)
- pixie dlo to start another long, difficult, low bops run
- strong barrage was clean and comfortable in runs
- barely any missed stepping/blurry tricks either side
- worked both side spins into many runs
- some decent "shuffle" types of runs.. for example, blur > dlo > eggbeater to start a run that included some pixie back and forth and some back to back stepping
- at the end, as usual, I asked for feedback on stuff to work on for next session. Drew said "atomic, quantum, torque" which is all good and true. Brian said "Dial it back man!" ha ha, he was impressed with my level since I saw him last.
----
Keegan turns 3 years old next week. Wow. He's such a little man now. He's been having trouble adjusting to pre-school - I mean, he loves school, but he's been acting out towards Emily. We think he sees mommy and sister leaving him at school and is jealous of her right now. It will pass. But other than that, he's just so cool. The games we play together are like reliving my boyhood. It's so fun to come up with some creative new thing and show him - he's just so absolutely impressed. Like, I built a little pulley system on his jungle gym so he can put stuff in a basket when he's on the ground, climb up into his tower, and then pull the basket up. He loves stuff like that. Or, I'll put his car seat in the truck, and we'll have a guys day where he helps me run my errands. He proudly says "Just us 2 guys!" (showing off his new ability to count small numbers of things). Then, wherever we go, I show him stuff. He loves the hardware store. I tell him what the tools are for and how daddy has used those tools to fix things at our house. He's a sponge.
Anyhow, for his birthday, we got him this (picture from website, not my kids here):
It even has a little dump bed on the back! He's going to go bananas.
Bob R.
Ken's post inspired me to finally write this down:
• Kicked for first time ever as a freshman as Susquehanna university at very end of 1994.
• Sipa Sipa and Nike indoor soccer shoes were the bomb.
• Found out about actual freestyle summer of 1995 from a hometown buddy who got a “footbuckâ€
• Kicked for first time ever as a freshman as Susquehanna university at very end of 1994.
• Sipa Sipa and Nike indoor soccer shoes were the bomb.
• Found out about actual freestyle summer of 1995 from a hometown buddy who got a “footbuckâ€
Bob R.
Uh oh, when my post starts with a disclaimer, it's always good.
Disclaimer: I'm about to be politically incorrect, but I'm in my own blog, so no flaming allowed.
Ha ha
This whole "move modified to footbag.org" thing. Really, it comes down to me liking to post here because I know that certain people DON'T post here. I think we all know who those people are, so I won't be that bold as to post their names... because then I can always blissfully deny their anger.
We have some people on this forum that are never wrong, must insert their 2 cents in ever topic in a condescending way, and are just generally on everyone's "ignore" list. We all know who we're talking about.
Well, on .org, there's some of that too, but I'd argue it's to a much larger degree. Our own holier than you crew is there, plus some even holier and smarter than you types. It creates an environment that I think will be uncomfortable to post in.
Plus, have you read how much bull shit posting happens there? You think modified is bad? Modified is GOOD comparably.
To that end, I've begun moving important parts of my blog to a blog site, and I'm already mentally prepared to delete all my posts here, and stop posting. But, of course, I can't express any of this in the actual thread dedicated to the topic, because those types I mentioned will cut you down, and it's simply not worth it.
Go to the .org forum, search for posts by the people you think I'm talking about. Read their posts. Tell me if you think the atmosphere I'm describing exists.
Ah well, this will get rail roaded through. No use fighting it.
edit:
So I was PM'ing with someone and wrote the following to further explain my thoughts above. And I thought it did a nice job. So I've posted here (with a few pieces of removed information to protect me from being flamed excessively):
Newbies:
the newb problem at .org will be much higher because the #1 result when searching "footbag" "hacky sack" (etc.) is footbag.org.. therefore, the constant influx of newbs to that forum will be much higher than those that find modified.
Most people that find modified find it because they meet another player someplace.. some small percentage finds it in "Links" of footbag.org. Some smaller percentage googled "Footbag forum" and found us (usually) on the first page of results (though footbag.org/forum is still first result). That is, people that find modified are usually a little more hooked/involved/in the know than users that find footbag.org forum and start immediately posting a lot (and without anything to lose since they're not invested in the community in any way yet).
Since all of that is the case, the "serious community" that is present here that you mentioned, has a much smaller job of keeping it serious and relevant. And the people that are being managed tend to have personal interest in not becoming an outcast, since they've become more deeply interested in the sport and thus found this resource. It's like modified is the tier 2 resource for seriously interested people... if we make it tier 1, there's no barrier to entry, and some purity will be lost.
Overbearing forum posters:
[significantly edited] I simply will not post or read anyplace where there is an overly dominant, know it all personality (or personalities). And I feel that's certainly a posibility at the .org forum. Read a lot of topics, and see which ones you feel include comments that can be considered condescending, jerky, know it all, etc. The flavor is just less than pleasant. I know that when I visited for a short time, I found that I needed to justify myself repeatedly, or spend inordinant amount of time structuring perfect opinions in order to avoid confrontation. Forums are supposed to be fun, thought out conversations... not formal debates and shows of who the smartest footbagger is.
Conclusion
[minor edits] So, all in all, with way more newb BS, and with tyranical personalities in place at the board, I'll be done with the forum thing if the move occurs. And I think others will be too. How many? Tough to tell.
AND....... What it all comes down to is this: Why even change it? It's not broken?!? .org forum has it's place and gets posts that fit within that place. Eventually, players that don't drop out of the game in a few months, find modified. And that's good. We have a good thing going here, there's no reason to change it (other than moving to secure server, which makes sense). Maybe make modified the first Link in Links section at .org with a description of "serious players only" or something like that. Otherwise, it works, so leave it alone.
Disclaimer: I'm about to be politically incorrect, but I'm in my own blog, so no flaming allowed.
Ha ha
This whole "move modified to footbag.org" thing. Really, it comes down to me liking to post here because I know that certain people DON'T post here. I think we all know who those people are, so I won't be that bold as to post their names... because then I can always blissfully deny their anger.
We have some people on this forum that are never wrong, must insert their 2 cents in ever topic in a condescending way, and are just generally on everyone's "ignore" list. We all know who we're talking about.
Well, on .org, there's some of that too, but I'd argue it's to a much larger degree. Our own holier than you crew is there, plus some even holier and smarter than you types. It creates an environment that I think will be uncomfortable to post in.
Plus, have you read how much bull shit posting happens there? You think modified is bad? Modified is GOOD comparably.
To that end, I've begun moving important parts of my blog to a blog site, and I'm already mentally prepared to delete all my posts here, and stop posting. But, of course, I can't express any of this in the actual thread dedicated to the topic, because those types I mentioned will cut you down, and it's simply not worth it.
Go to the .org forum, search for posts by the people you think I'm talking about. Read their posts. Tell me if you think the atmosphere I'm describing exists.
Ah well, this will get rail roaded through. No use fighting it.
edit:
So I was PM'ing with someone and wrote the following to further explain my thoughts above. And I thought it did a nice job. So I've posted here (with a few pieces of removed information to protect me from being flamed excessively):
Newbies:
the newb problem at .org will be much higher because the #1 result when searching "footbag" "hacky sack" (etc.) is footbag.org.. therefore, the constant influx of newbs to that forum will be much higher than those that find modified.
Most people that find modified find it because they meet another player someplace.. some small percentage finds it in "Links" of footbag.org. Some smaller percentage googled "Footbag forum" and found us (usually) on the first page of results (though footbag.org/forum is still first result). That is, people that find modified are usually a little more hooked/involved/in the know than users that find footbag.org forum and start immediately posting a lot (and without anything to lose since they're not invested in the community in any way yet).
Since all of that is the case, the "serious community" that is present here that you mentioned, has a much smaller job of keeping it serious and relevant. And the people that are being managed tend to have personal interest in not becoming an outcast, since they've become more deeply interested in the sport and thus found this resource. It's like modified is the tier 2 resource for seriously interested people... if we make it tier 1, there's no barrier to entry, and some purity will be lost.
Overbearing forum posters:
[significantly edited] I simply will not post or read anyplace where there is an overly dominant, know it all personality (or personalities). And I feel that's certainly a posibility at the .org forum. Read a lot of topics, and see which ones you feel include comments that can be considered condescending, jerky, know it all, etc. The flavor is just less than pleasant. I know that when I visited for a short time, I found that I needed to justify myself repeatedly, or spend inordinant amount of time structuring perfect opinions in order to avoid confrontation. Forums are supposed to be fun, thought out conversations... not formal debates and shows of who the smartest footbagger is.
Conclusion
[minor edits] So, all in all, with way more newb BS, and with tyranical personalities in place at the board, I'll be done with the forum thing if the move occurs. And I think others will be too. How many? Tough to tell.
AND....... What it all comes down to is this: Why even change it? It's not broken?!? .org forum has it's place and gets posts that fit within that place. Eventually, players that don't drop out of the game in a few months, find modified. And that's good. We have a good thing going here, there's no reason to change it (other than moving to secure server, which makes sense). Maybe make modified the first Link in Links section at .org with a description of "serious players only" or something like that. Otherwise, it works, so leave it alone.
Bob R.
Yo Bob!
It's really cool reading that timeline! I like seeing how far people have come and progressed, and continue to do so!
Was that first Philly Open at the YMCA in Phoenixville? Damnit, I was so close to the game, yet so far at the same time, I live right down the road...
So Brian got the idea in my head to shred every morning before classes, which I've done all this week and plan on doing from now on. Now that I'm shredding so much I need some drills and stuff to do. Have any thing that might be able to help out? I dug up those sheets of paper you gave me lil while back, they're helping a bit. So, anything off the top of your head? I'd think you know better than I, from a different perspective at least, what I need to work on. Thanks for any help
peas!
It's really cool reading that timeline! I like seeing how far people have come and progressed, and continue to do so!
Was that first Philly Open at the YMCA in Phoenixville? Damnit, I was so close to the game, yet so far at the same time, I live right down the road...
So Brian got the idea in my head to shred every morning before classes, which I've done all this week and plan on doing from now on. Now that I'm shredding so much I need some drills and stuff to do. Have any thing that might be able to help out? I dug up those sheets of paper you gave me lil while back, they're helping a bit. So, anything off the top of your head? I'd think you know better than I, from a different perspective at least, what I need to work on. Thanks for any help
peas!
-
slapdash21
- Futureless
- Posts: 4681
- Joined: 29 Sep 2004 14:50
- Location: Beantown, kidd
I can't even believe that I'm still battling this cold. I'm nearly healthy again, but still sort of out of it and blowing my nose. Really tired still too.
Therefore, have not played in a full week. It's been a long time since I've done that. I think I will be able to play tomorrow night. I really want to, and can use the exercise. I think I'll be strong enough to start working out in the mornings again tomorrow too.
Despite being sick, the show must go on. So, Friday, I had my 2nd to last meeting for Harleysville job. Went well. One more meeting today, then we should know where that's going.
And then on Saturday, had Keegan's 3rd birthday party. He was sort of off all day - we think the build up to the party overwhelmed him a bit. But it was a small, family party and we had fun anyways. He loved his John Deere tractor and drives it all over the yard. Really cool. His favorite present was his cake (this according to him). Ha ha. Coulda saved some serious $$ buy just getting the cake then right?
I'm starting to think about our next family car. Currently, Meg drives a Ford Escape. I'll never buy Ford again. The car has been good, I just hate Ford. For awhile we were convinced a mini-van was the next step - easy choice there, either Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna (all other choices aren't even close in all the ratings). But now, I'm thinking Honda Pilot would be better. Though the vans are more useful overall, I can't help but be interested in a car that is cool as well as functional. We'll buy used in the end.
Anyone have experience with any of these cars I just mentioned?
Therefore, have not played in a full week. It's been a long time since I've done that. I think I will be able to play tomorrow night. I really want to, and can use the exercise. I think I'll be strong enough to start working out in the mornings again tomorrow too.
Despite being sick, the show must go on. So, Friday, I had my 2nd to last meeting for Harleysville job. Went well. One more meeting today, then we should know where that's going.
And then on Saturday, had Keegan's 3rd birthday party. He was sort of off all day - we think the build up to the party overwhelmed him a bit. But it was a small, family party and we had fun anyways. He loved his John Deere tractor and drives it all over the yard. Really cool. His favorite present was his cake (this according to him). Ha ha. Coulda saved some serious $$ buy just getting the cake then right?
I'm starting to think about our next family car. Currently, Meg drives a Ford Escape. I'll never buy Ford again. The car has been good, I just hate Ford. For awhile we were convinced a mini-van was the next step - easy choice there, either Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna (all other choices aren't even close in all the ratings). But now, I'm thinking Honda Pilot would be better. Though the vans are more useful overall, I can't help but be interested in a car that is cool as well as functional. We'll buy used in the end.
Anyone have experience with any of these cars I just mentioned?
Bob R.
Had my final Harleysville meetings yesterday. At end, HR lady told me they'd be extending an offer, and we briefly talked numbers again. I got the impression that they're going to do the right thing and give me a solid offer. So, mini-celebration. Bigger celebration once details are nailed down, but overall, I'm feeling as though my days at my current hell job are numbered.
Also found out the exact level I'd be brought in at. I would be 'director' level, so my next promotion (probably a year or two in the future) would be to Assistant Vice President - which would be cool, because my goal was to be AVP by 35, and full VP before I'm 40. And this would put me in a nice position to achieve both of those goals.
---
I'm finally feeling halfway healthy, so I'll kick tonight. Will workout tomorrow (too tired today after watching Heroes last night, which is the best freaking show ever and I don't care if you think I'm a nerd for saying so).
Also found out the exact level I'd be brought in at. I would be 'director' level, so my next promotion (probably a year or two in the future) would be to Assistant Vice President - which would be cool, because my goal was to be AVP by 35, and full VP before I'm 40. And this would put me in a nice position to achieve both of those goals.
---
I'm finally feeling halfway healthy, so I'll kick tonight. Will workout tomorrow (too tired today after watching Heroes last night, which is the best freaking show ever and I don't care if you think I'm a nerd for saying so).
Bob R.
Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your "random footbag facts" post. Congrats also on the job offer; it sounded like you weren't happy at your current job, so getting out (and stepping up!) must be a thrill. One quick question for clarification: will you be Assitant VP, or Assitant to the VP? 
Hope your session tonight is good. It always feels so great to have a real session after beating a cold.
Hope your session tonight is good. It always feels so great to have a real session after beating a cold.
ha ha, good reference. Won't be either until I get in there and get promoted. To begin with, director level. Of course, the offer is dragging out (like the rest of this process) because CIO guy needs to sign off on everything and he's travelling. Supposedly will have written details either end of this week or on Monday/Tuesday. Hopefully the former.will you be Assitant VP, or Assitant to the VP
---
We recently had the kids at a community day in our town. Keegan played on moon bounces (which kids LOVE... shit, I'd love them too, but I don't want to be "that guy" climbing with the kids) and came up lame at some point. Turns out he has a hairline fracture in his big toe! Poor little guy. He was walking funny for the last week and a half, but doctor told us to just let him work through it. When it didn't improve we brought him in. No big deal overall, we just need to tape it (buddy it up with next toe) and he'll be fine in a few weeks. No restrictions until then. So, it's a relief it's not something more, but still, poor little guy.
---
Still so tired from battling the cold I'm getting over. I'm nearly 100% again, but have been going to bed early and sleeping late (i.e. no morning workouts again this week!
). But, I was able to muster energy to kick last night and it felt good, although it was extremely tiring. Spent more time on my warm up and component practice so I could get back into the swing of things. Then did combo practice. Was particularly happy with my first attempts at these:- Whirl > barrage > paradon - Hit this strong side several times, weak barrage needs work
- Whirl > ripwalk > barrage - again, strong side
- Barrage > toe set drifter > DLO - strong side, weak toe drifter needs work
- Atomic butterfly > ripwalk - both sides
whirl, barrage, atomic are all hard for me, so these made me happy. Even though most were strong side only, it's good progress.
----
Neck pain. Between lots of rest recently and discovering the value of a high quality pillow - specifically, a pillow that is meant for my sleeping style - my neck is on the mend.
----
Going to hit the driving range tonight in prepartion for my final golf lesson this weekend. The latest drills he gave me really tightened up my swing in a good way. Consistently striking the ball with my irons, and having good control over distance. I can control between 75 and 150 yards pretty closely. I hit the ball straight. Drills have improved my consistency from 2 good hits in 10, to closer to 6 good hits in 10. My prediction is that I'll be good at golf.
Bob R.
Worked on these last night:
- Atomic butterfly > ripwalk - hit both sides
- Atomic butterfly > spinning clipper - strong side only
- Atomic mirage > butterfly > ripwalk - strong side
- Atomic mirage > toe set DLO - strong side
- Pdx DLO > pixie butterfly > swirl - neither side
- Smear > pixie ss mirage > pixie legover - bsos
- Swirl > drifter > diving clipper - not even freaking close
- Atomic butterfly > ripwalk - hit both sides
- Atomic butterfly > spinning clipper - strong side only
- Atomic mirage > butterfly > ripwalk - strong side
- Atomic mirage > toe set DLO - strong side
- Pdx DLO > pixie butterfly > swirl - neither side
- Smear > pixie ss mirage > pixie legover - bsos
- Swirl > drifter > diving clipper - not even freaking close
Bob R.
The good news is that I was selected for the Harleysville position.
The bad news is that on the same day, and before the offer was extended, the company implemented a hiring freeze due to the economy. So that deal has fallen apart and I'm quite depressed. I have to stick where I'm at until spring to avoid suspicious time off for interviews, and to collect my year end bonus.
---------
I started (again) researching landscape architecture (LA from now on because that's a lot to spell repeatedly). I love building, creating, using my hands, being outside, figuring out REAL problems (not just theoretical/strategic ones). And I have a good eye for all these things. A Masters in LA is a 3 year program (though some of my MBA classes might shorten that since a portion of the program is dedicated to how to run the business side of things).
I guess, I've known for a long time that although I can make a shit load of money in business, I need to try to put my personal passions and my business skills together if I'm going to be professionally happy. Also, I think in the long term, I need to be working for myself. My hypothesis is that LA (which I've repeatedly dreamed about for 10 years.. actually, I think I even blogged here about it a couple times) could get me there. My other hypothesis is based on this observation: 99% of the people in any similar field (contractors, regular architects, builders, whoever) are only good (and even that is debatable) at the "doing" side of their trade. Most are HORRIBLE at customer service, business planning, marketing, running the business itself in general. This is where I shine. My thought is that if I can be talented at what I do, and run a better business than everyone else, I can win market share and be successful. Sounds simple, and I think it is for someone trained primarily in business.
We'll see. Main issue is that for a single income family, I can't go backwards on salary until my wife is back in the work force - that's about 5 more years until she's even part time. Maybe longer if we have more kids. So, I figure, if I can start back to school for the MLA degree (oh god, I never wanted to go back to school again!) I can take my time with it and be done by then. Which gives me time to build up cash reserves etc. Then, I'd have to work for someone else for awhile to build skills. And start my business when I'm 40. That gives me 8 years to pull it all together.
It's like this... If I don't start, will I find myself at 40 thinking "Shit dude, you're still unhappy professionally, and now you're 8 years behind on any plan.. it's not even worth it now". I think it's better to get to it. Worst case scenario is that I learn a lot about something of interest to me, have a student loan to pay off (on top of existing MBA loans! ha ha), and never use it. Best case scenario, I thank myself forever more for getting into a career that I like.
Sigh. Very blue right now.
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Kicked this weekend. Whatever.
The bad news is that on the same day, and before the offer was extended, the company implemented a hiring freeze due to the economy. So that deal has fallen apart and I'm quite depressed. I have to stick where I'm at until spring to avoid suspicious time off for interviews, and to collect my year end bonus.
---------
I started (again) researching landscape architecture (LA from now on because that's a lot to spell repeatedly). I love building, creating, using my hands, being outside, figuring out REAL problems (not just theoretical/strategic ones). And I have a good eye for all these things. A Masters in LA is a 3 year program (though some of my MBA classes might shorten that since a portion of the program is dedicated to how to run the business side of things).
I guess, I've known for a long time that although I can make a shit load of money in business, I need to try to put my personal passions and my business skills together if I'm going to be professionally happy. Also, I think in the long term, I need to be working for myself. My hypothesis is that LA (which I've repeatedly dreamed about for 10 years.. actually, I think I even blogged here about it a couple times) could get me there. My other hypothesis is based on this observation: 99% of the people in any similar field (contractors, regular architects, builders, whoever) are only good (and even that is debatable) at the "doing" side of their trade. Most are HORRIBLE at customer service, business planning, marketing, running the business itself in general. This is where I shine. My thought is that if I can be talented at what I do, and run a better business than everyone else, I can win market share and be successful. Sounds simple, and I think it is for someone trained primarily in business.
We'll see. Main issue is that for a single income family, I can't go backwards on salary until my wife is back in the work force - that's about 5 more years until she's even part time. Maybe longer if we have more kids. So, I figure, if I can start back to school for the MLA degree (oh god, I never wanted to go back to school again!) I can take my time with it and be done by then. Which gives me time to build up cash reserves etc. Then, I'd have to work for someone else for awhile to build skills. And start my business when I'm 40. That gives me 8 years to pull it all together.
It's like this... If I don't start, will I find myself at 40 thinking "Shit dude, you're still unhappy professionally, and now you're 8 years behind on any plan.. it's not even worth it now". I think it's better to get to it. Worst case scenario is that I learn a lot about something of interest to me, have a student loan to pay off (on top of existing MBA loans! ha ha), and never use it. Best case scenario, I thank myself forever more for getting into a career that I like.
Sigh. Very blue right now.
--------
Kicked this weekend. Whatever.
Bob R.
-
Frank_Sinatra
- Avenging Disco Godfather
- Posts: 1660
- Joined: 09 Jan 2007 12:43
- Location: Chicago, IL
Thanks Nathan, definitely bummed right now.
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Mind is swirling big time lately.
Issue is this: in business (almost regardless of the role) it seems really likely that I'll be very successful. Executive level eventually if I want it (work / life balance would be the reason not to want it). Already making very good money, better than my age group and age groups 10 years older. And all of this allows my wife to stay home with our kids (which makes such a difference in my opinion.. I understand families that can't afford to do this, but given the choice this is definitely the way I believe in) and allows us to live modestly but nicely, and nicer and nicer over time.
On the other hand, and here's the rub, my natural interests and passions make me constantly long to be doing something different - and all those something differents are not nearly as lucrative. For years and years growing up, I honestly thought I'd be an inventor. I was even on a TV show as a kid because I won the New England Invention Convention. I love working with my hands, being creative, solving problems in a new way. The MLA program I spoke of above would scratch that itch. And if I launched my own company ultimately, I would have full control to run the business the way I know how to. So that would be satisfying too. BUT, the trip to getting there would hit our finances so bad (like 1/2 my current salary at best) that we'd have to sacrifice Meg staying home with the kids, and our financial future would be so much worse. Even if I launched a successful company and was able to increase my earnings by running the business better than all competitors, there's so much uncertainty.
And it all rides on what I can bring to the table. I've known plenty of stress in my day, but this single fact (that it all relies on me and my ability to keep it together for 40 fucking years), is like a lead balloon.
---
There's lots of decision theories out there. Regardless of the model, they all, for the most part, have one decision that amounts to "do nothing" (i.e. stay on the current course).
Economy is in shambles. We can afford life. Meg can raise the kids (and she's really good at it). I can work on myself (footbag, other hobbies, working out etc.). Job is easy/automatic pilot. I think I just need to ride it out for awhile and try to convince my brain to be ignorant and blissful of the paradox above.
--
Mind is swirling big time lately.
Issue is this: in business (almost regardless of the role) it seems really likely that I'll be very successful. Executive level eventually if I want it (work / life balance would be the reason not to want it). Already making very good money, better than my age group and age groups 10 years older. And all of this allows my wife to stay home with our kids (which makes such a difference in my opinion.. I understand families that can't afford to do this, but given the choice this is definitely the way I believe in) and allows us to live modestly but nicely, and nicer and nicer over time.
On the other hand, and here's the rub, my natural interests and passions make me constantly long to be doing something different - and all those something differents are not nearly as lucrative. For years and years growing up, I honestly thought I'd be an inventor. I was even on a TV show as a kid because I won the New England Invention Convention. I love working with my hands, being creative, solving problems in a new way. The MLA program I spoke of above would scratch that itch. And if I launched my own company ultimately, I would have full control to run the business the way I know how to. So that would be satisfying too. BUT, the trip to getting there would hit our finances so bad (like 1/2 my current salary at best) that we'd have to sacrifice Meg staying home with the kids, and our financial future would be so much worse. Even if I launched a successful company and was able to increase my earnings by running the business better than all competitors, there's so much uncertainty.
And it all rides on what I can bring to the table. I've known plenty of stress in my day, but this single fact (that it all relies on me and my ability to keep it together for 40 fucking years), is like a lead balloon.
---
There's lots of decision theories out there. Regardless of the model, they all, for the most part, have one decision that amounts to "do nothing" (i.e. stay on the current course).
Economy is in shambles. We can afford life. Meg can raise the kids (and she's really good at it). I can work on myself (footbag, other hobbies, working out etc.). Job is easy/automatic pilot. I think I just need to ride it out for awhile and try to convince my brain to be ignorant and blissful of the paradox above.
Bob R.
Sounds like you've just had bad luck in the job market, but the important thing is that you are (were) out there actively looking. That's probably why you've done so well for yourself so far in life. I enjoy reading your blog because you set concrete goals for yourself and actively go for them. It's exciting when you do accomplish them, but even when you don't (footbag or job-wise), I think its really admirable how seriously you pursue them. I'd like to emulate that myself, but (even with footbag) it's tough for me to really put in 100% effort all the time. So yeah, just wanted to say that I admire your drive and desire to improve yourself.
That's understandable; these are not symple problems you are dealing with.Rieferman wrote: Mind is swirling big time lately.
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