Okay, now it's done to the nitty-gritty... The tournament is really starting and it's only pros now and my bosses are telling us that no one without a pass will be let in to the parking lots...(but they don't have signs posted stating that fact and they let everybody in on Monday and Tuesday and the winning story of the day is "well, I parked here all week, what's the big deal?" And my winning response was "Thursday through Sunday, these lots are restricted to passes only" (which I repeated over and over throughout the day)... Parking passes are built into the ticket prices (very steep) and the amount of spaces and passes are calculated very closely... Lot 4 passes are "all days" which means they can park at the event every day Monday through Sunday... Lot 3 passes are valet passes and can be "all days" or specific days (which makes my job fun)... Anyone without these passes are turned away to general parking and shuttle service... Then there are handicapped passes, the Thunderbirds, the media (TV, Radio, Print, etc.) so there's alot to check while keeping the line from backing up into the street...(about 10 car lengths)...one "no pass' explanation and u-turn really gums up the works and it was getting to be every other car...(who knew "parking" was such a chore, eh?)...
It's now Thursday and I still haven't even sniffed the golf course...(I'm trying to get in tight with the course manager and talking to him every day)...Bad news of the day--the invitation only party at the Bird's Nest which started at 6 pm was stopped at 7:30 pm when an acrobat or gymnast performing at the event slipped, fell on their head and died! (not a good start for the party tent). Even though we were turning people away there really wasn't any really irate people but it seemed I had to explain the deal more often than not...
Worked until 6 pm again...I have been giving Leslie a ride home every night...(she carpools and her ride always works later and she's on the way). Almost nodded off at a traffic light after dropping her off... Andy, my crew chief stayed until midnight working the open to the public Bird's Nest parking... (19 hours---don't know how he does it)... and he'll be back tomorrow at 5 am... 639 "clicks" today and the valet lot was jumping also... (I figured I dealt with about 1400 cars betwwen the 2 lots)...
On a personal note, I started a Facebook page and have connected with a lot of people here and everywhere (cousins, friends, co-workers etc.)... Very cool interactive website... Tomorrow's Friday (I think)...
Friday, January 30, 2009
Mr. Jim gets a job--Day 3
Wednesday brings more of the same except I'm up at 3:30 now and at "the lot" by 5:15... Believe it or not people are arriving at a good clip by 5:30 and I'm there to greet them... Eureka!! Andy has now learned my name... it's because I now have a "clicker" to count the cars arriving and going into Lot 4...(really moving up the ladder, aren't I?) Wendy calls in for lot counts and Andy told her to ask for me over the radio... So the first hour comes up and Wendy asks Andy who it was she was supposed to ask for... he says "Jim" and I give her the figures... The next hour she calls for figures and asks "Jeff, what are the numbers for Lot 4?" (is Jeff closer than Dan?). Traffic is heavier because the Pro-Am portion of the tournament is today and more people are coming up with stories about where their parking passes are... the winner is that the company left them at "will call" and I'll only be a few minutes...(sorry, go to public parking and shuttle to event and pick up your tickets...no, $10 will not get you a spot). The look of hurt and frustration on these people's faces that they can't park close (to pick up tickets they didn't even pay for) is comical... it's like "what if someone sees me on a SHUTTLE to the event!" That just won't do...
So most of my day is spent explaining to people without passes that they can't park in the lot closest to the venue... (the public lot is less than 3 miles away) and turning them around to leave... Most of my regulars are chatting me up because they see me everyday when they come in in the morning and leave at night...Some of these volunteers are here almost as long as I am and have been working the event for almost 30 years...
The "Bird's Nest" officially opens tonight at 6 pm with an invitation only dinner... The "nest" is this H-U-G-E tent set up across the valet lot from where |I am "parked". It's a party tent with numerous bars, music and entertainment and will open to the public starting Thursday at 4pm... The valets that work in Lot 3 (which I also check passes for) are working split shifts and will be there until midnight...(our company does security for the "nest" but only will help with parking when it opens to the public...and only the "vets" will get that gig)...The call comes in to pack it up and I sign out at 6pm (13 hours)... Another cloudless sunny day...(buy stock in chapstick and sunblock---I'm using it like a junkie uses heroin)... a little under 500 cars (487) went into lot 4 (that doesn't include the valet lot) so I talked to a lot of people... met most of the local media celebs and lots of PGA people (who didn't give me the time of day) and made it home to shower, hot tub and sleep by 9 pm... Man, that bed felt good...
So most of my day is spent explaining to people without passes that they can't park in the lot closest to the venue... (the public lot is less than 3 miles away) and turning them around to leave... Most of my regulars are chatting me up because they see me everyday when they come in in the morning and leave at night...Some of these volunteers are here almost as long as I am and have been working the event for almost 30 years...
The "Bird's Nest" officially opens tonight at 6 pm with an invitation only dinner... The "nest" is this H-U-G-E tent set up across the valet lot from where |I am "parked". It's a party tent with numerous bars, music and entertainment and will open to the public starting Thursday at 4pm... The valets that work in Lot 3 (which I also check passes for) are working split shifts and will be there until midnight...(our company does security for the "nest" but only will help with parking when it opens to the public...and only the "vets" will get that gig)...The call comes in to pack it up and I sign out at 6pm (13 hours)... Another cloudless sunny day...(buy stock in chapstick and sunblock---I'm using it like a junkie uses heroin)... a little under 500 cars (487) went into lot 4 (that doesn't include the valet lot) so I talked to a lot of people... met most of the local media celebs and lots of PGA people (who didn't give me the time of day) and made it home to shower, hot tub and sleep by 9 pm... Man, that bed felt good...
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Mr. Jim gets a job--Day 2
Back at the lot at 5:30 again... On the lot at by 6 and people start coming in by 6:30... The legs are cranky but I stretch them good and they slept like a rock last night...(out at 8:30--woke up at 3:30 and didn't know where I was)... Leslie joins me at the front line today and it's good to have someone to talk too while we man the post... She's friendly and we get along so the time goes by a little quicker... Same deal as yesterday...not much going on in the tournament (some Special Olympic kids had some events and there was fun day rounds with some pros... again the parking rules were stretched and we only reached 50% capacity in our lot...
The people who park in Lot 4 are the older members and their wives and families, the people with handicap tags, the news media, volunteers and golf course workers and PGA coaches, instructors, agents, sponsors, vendors and such... Quite a bunch of characters and you know how I am when I get over my initial shyness... (I'm talking to everyone)...
So here's a phenomena I learned about Arizona in winter... 40 degrees and no humidity is freaking cold...especially when it's dark... AND, while the sun is coming up it gets colder before it gets warmer...(as the sun warms the east, it sucks the cold air in across the valley and drops the temp even more!) Then, by 10 am it's beautiful and warm...Unfortunately there is no shade in Lot 4 and there have been no clouds in the sky at all... (can you say third degree burns?) My face feels like a baked apple and I have a savage hand tan... I have so many layers of sunblock on that I shave off a few every morning along with any beard growing in the burnt desert that are my cheeks... My nose looks like I never gave up drinking at all...(I'm wondering if maybe the cream I use on my leather boots will work on my face...) The hat helps but there's no place to hide... Just another perk of being Lot Man...
Finished at sundown around 5:45 pm... Got to play traffic cop staying so long, controlling exiting cars from 3 lots...Legs a little better today, not as sore... Andy called me "Dan" most of the day but did comment that I was doing a good job...(good news for Dan, whoever he is)...Told me I would remain out front so he wouldn't have to train anyone new...(no news on the guard card so it looks like Lot Man will return on Wednesday for another sun up to sun down post...). More good news---starting tomorrow we start at 5 am (I have to be there at 4:45)... Maybe I'll show up late and blame Dan...
The people who park in Lot 4 are the older members and their wives and families, the people with handicap tags, the news media, volunteers and golf course workers and PGA coaches, instructors, agents, sponsors, vendors and such... Quite a bunch of characters and you know how I am when I get over my initial shyness... (I'm talking to everyone)...
So here's a phenomena I learned about Arizona in winter... 40 degrees and no humidity is freaking cold...especially when it's dark... AND, while the sun is coming up it gets colder before it gets warmer...(as the sun warms the east, it sucks the cold air in across the valley and drops the temp even more!) Then, by 10 am it's beautiful and warm...Unfortunately there is no shade in Lot 4 and there have been no clouds in the sky at all... (can you say third degree burns?) My face feels like a baked apple and I have a savage hand tan... I have so many layers of sunblock on that I shave off a few every morning along with any beard growing in the burnt desert that are my cheeks... My nose looks like I never gave up drinking at all...(I'm wondering if maybe the cream I use on my leather boots will work on my face...) The hat helps but there's no place to hide... Just another perk of being Lot Man...
Finished at sundown around 5:45 pm... Got to play traffic cop staying so long, controlling exiting cars from 3 lots...Legs a little better today, not as sore... Andy called me "Dan" most of the day but did comment that I was doing a good job...(good news for Dan, whoever he is)...Told me I would remain out front so he wouldn't have to train anyone new...(no news on the guard card so it looks like Lot Man will return on Wednesday for another sun up to sun down post...). More good news---starting tomorrow we start at 5 am (I have to be there at 4:45)... Maybe I'll show up late and blame Dan...
Mr. Jim gets a job--Day 1
Monday arrives and the alarm goes off at 4:00 am and Mr. Jim gets out of bed and showers, shaves and puts on his tan pants, black sneakers and belt (uniform prerequisites) and a windshirt and heads off to Scottsdale for his debut at the golf tournament... Arrive at 5:15 and stand in line to sign in and receive 2 golf shirts (purple) and one golf hat (tan)...(which I will pay for out of check). Also receive one windbreaker (purple) and reflective vest (optic, eye-hurting yellow)...(which must be turned in at the end of the day). While standing in line Andy (one of the crew chiefs) asks me if anyone has asked me to join their crew. I say no and he tells me that I'm with him in Parking Lot 4 and don't let anyone steal me... Several other guys ask me to join but I tell them I'm in Lot 4...
Andy asks me my name, I tell him and he tells me he'll forget it because he's bad with names... We climb in a truck (about 6 of us) and head to Lot 4. It's still dark and damn cold...(note to self---wear more layers tomorrow)... We get out of the truck and Andy says he needs a body... I volunteer and am put at the entrance to the lot... I will check parking passes and direct the patrons to either Lot 3 (valet parking) or Lot 4 (handicap, media, Thunderbirds and all "all days" passes)...Andy calls me Dan, I correct him and gives me a radio to call him if there's a problem...(there is---My name is Jim)...The shift starts at 6 and off he goes to deploy the other guys and gals throughout Lot 4...
Monday is like a practice day for all the tournament help...There aren't many spectators but there's a lot of special events for kids, a pro-am round and practice rounds... So the parking lot rules are lax and we allow pretty much everyone to come in even if they don't have the requisite passes (everyone feels like a VIP because Lot 4 is the closest to the venue...) The crew chiefs remind us of the rules and tell us where we messed up and the stories from patrons are minimal...(I'm only parking quick to pick up my passes, yada yada yada and so forth)... Eating on the job is prohibited so you sneak a bite every now and then and have to have a person man your post for bathroom breaks... there is NO sitting down on post and the bosses are around to make sure... But at least I get to talk to the customers as they come in...
Shift ends at 5 pm...On my feet in the parking lot for 11 hours and at the job for 12...My legs were so sore I almost couldn't get out of the car!!! The only thing missing was I didn't have to wear steel toe boots... I found a new respect for parking lot attendants at sporting venues... Got home around 7:30... ("the" 101 was jammed all the way back to Chandler)... Ate something...(don't remember what) and crashed at 8:30....
Oh yeah, the Thunderbirds... they are the older members of the tournament and ran it from the days when it was the Phoenix Open and beyond...They have blue tunics with embellished metal belts and ornate medallions and have their own parking area...(They are the VIP-est of the VIPs)...So I'm in the lot closest to the venue without being able to see anything...
Andy asks me my name, I tell him and he tells me he'll forget it because he's bad with names... We climb in a truck (about 6 of us) and head to Lot 4. It's still dark and damn cold...(note to self---wear more layers tomorrow)... We get out of the truck and Andy says he needs a body... I volunteer and am put at the entrance to the lot... I will check parking passes and direct the patrons to either Lot 3 (valet parking) or Lot 4 (handicap, media, Thunderbirds and all "all days" passes)...Andy calls me Dan, I correct him and gives me a radio to call him if there's a problem...(there is---My name is Jim)...The shift starts at 6 and off he goes to deploy the other guys and gals throughout Lot 4...
Monday is like a practice day for all the tournament help...There aren't many spectators but there's a lot of special events for kids, a pro-am round and practice rounds... So the parking lot rules are lax and we allow pretty much everyone to come in even if they don't have the requisite passes (everyone feels like a VIP because Lot 4 is the closest to the venue...) The crew chiefs remind us of the rules and tell us where we messed up and the stories from patrons are minimal...(I'm only parking quick to pick up my passes, yada yada yada and so forth)... Eating on the job is prohibited so you sneak a bite every now and then and have to have a person man your post for bathroom breaks... there is NO sitting down on post and the bosses are around to make sure... But at least I get to talk to the customers as they come in...
Shift ends at 5 pm...On my feet in the parking lot for 11 hours and at the job for 12...My legs were so sore I almost couldn't get out of the car!!! The only thing missing was I didn't have to wear steel toe boots... I found a new respect for parking lot attendants at sporting venues... Got home around 7:30... ("the" 101 was jammed all the way back to Chandler)... Ate something...(don't remember what) and crashed at 8:30....
Oh yeah, the Thunderbirds... they are the older members of the tournament and ran it from the days when it was the Phoenix Open and beyond...They have blue tunics with embellished metal belts and ornate medallions and have their own parking area...(They are the VIP-est of the VIPs)...So I'm in the lot closest to the venue without being able to see anything...
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Back to work!
I got the call yesterday! I report to TPC Scottsdale Monday morning at 5:30 am to start working at the tournament...( I can't believe I'm psyched to go to a job... but it's a job I wanted and that fits into the master plan). I am assigned to parking detail for now and if my guard card comes back, they may give me a different assignment... The days could be 12 hours or longer, but I'll be outside and near the golf course... Who knows where this will lead, but I have set foot on the path and will follow where it takes me...
Went to the Improv last night with the Events & Adventures group... Let me tell you, I have seen Christopher Titus before on TV and when he had his own show, but last night he was freaking hysterical! His show rocked that place...(I'm still sore from laughing so hard)... Do yourself a favor and tape his special on Comedy Central on Valentines Day (Love is Evol (no spelling error))... He talks about his divorce and crappy relationships and the "inner retard" in all of us... It is absolutely "must see TV." It was funnier than some of the times I attempted to drive home from the bars when I was drinking... (funny now, not funny then)... This group I have joined is really a good thing. The activities are diverse and fun and you meet a whole bunch of great people... I haven't met my next ex-girlfriend or my future ex-wife (yeah, that's gonna happen!) yet, but that isn't what this group is about... It's about getting to meet new friends and have a great time doing a whole bunch of stuff...(dinners, dancing, movies, miniature golf, ski weekends, cruises, just to name a few)... I even volunteered to host a golf event (5 or 6 six people who have never played or want some "pointers" to improve it) at a driving range... and I offered to be a "designated driver" at bar or drinking events...
So it's early to bed and early to rise for the "Arizona Kid" tonight...(have to leave home at 4:45 to get there on time... yes it's early but you know it's a 7 day gig and then it's over... The only bad thing is that I'll miss part of the Super Bowl on Sunday (maybe the entire game... it starts at 4:30 out here)but maybe Vijay or JB Holmes will invite me into the VIP tent to watch the game with them... In the meantime, stay tuned for updates on "Mr. Jim gets a job!"
Went to the Improv last night with the Events & Adventures group... Let me tell you, I have seen Christopher Titus before on TV and when he had his own show, but last night he was freaking hysterical! His show rocked that place...(I'm still sore from laughing so hard)... Do yourself a favor and tape his special on Comedy Central on Valentines Day (Love is Evol (no spelling error))... He talks about his divorce and crappy relationships and the "inner retard" in all of us... It is absolutely "must see TV." It was funnier than some of the times I attempted to drive home from the bars when I was drinking... (funny now, not funny then)... This group I have joined is really a good thing. The activities are diverse and fun and you meet a whole bunch of great people... I haven't met my next ex-girlfriend or my future ex-wife (yeah, that's gonna happen!) yet, but that isn't what this group is about... It's about getting to meet new friends and have a great time doing a whole bunch of stuff...(dinners, dancing, movies, miniature golf, ski weekends, cruises, just to name a few)... I even volunteered to host a golf event (5 or 6 six people who have never played or want some "pointers" to improve it) at a driving range... and I offered to be a "designated driver" at bar or drinking events...
So it's early to bed and early to rise for the "Arizona Kid" tonight...(have to leave home at 4:45 to get there on time... yes it's early but you know it's a 7 day gig and then it's over... The only bad thing is that I'll miss part of the Super Bowl on Sunday (maybe the entire game... it starts at 4:30 out here)but maybe Vijay or JB Holmes will invite me into the VIP tent to watch the game with them... In the meantime, stay tuned for updates on "Mr. Jim gets a job!"
Friday, January 23, 2009
Just keeping in touch
Not too much to report from the great state of Arizona... just a blog to keep in touch with my peeps.
No word as of yet with the golf tournament... I am entered into the system and have my fingers crossed that I will be able to work the event. In the meantime, just keeping myself busy with the everyday chores of life in general... I have found a health insurance plan that will allow me to drop COBRA (and save $300.00 a month). It's available through AARP and administered by the same company as my COBRA plan, so I won't have to change doctors. It's going to take a few weeks to implement but I should be up and running by March 1. So, I'll continue COBRA for now. (How bout that AARP coming through for this not yet "active" adult!).
I have two Events & Adventures coming up tonight and tomorrow night... Tonight is a new member "icebreaker" at the main offices in Phoenix. Just a meet and greet of all new members I haven't met on earlier adventures... The club has only been in Phoenix about 4 months...(started in Seattle) so I guess everyone qualifies as a "new" member... Tomorrow night we're going to the Improv to see Christopher Titus (used to have a TV show back in the day) and he's pretty funny from what I can remember...should be a good time.
That's about it for now...Going to the gym and doing some laundry and then make myself pretty for the new member gig (talk about a chore!)...
No word as of yet with the golf tournament... I am entered into the system and have my fingers crossed that I will be able to work the event. In the meantime, just keeping myself busy with the everyday chores of life in general... I have found a health insurance plan that will allow me to drop COBRA (and save $300.00 a month). It's available through AARP and administered by the same company as my COBRA plan, so I won't have to change doctors. It's going to take a few weeks to implement but I should be up and running by March 1. So, I'll continue COBRA for now. (How bout that AARP coming through for this not yet "active" adult!).
I have two Events & Adventures coming up tonight and tomorrow night... Tonight is a new member "icebreaker" at the main offices in Phoenix. Just a meet and greet of all new members I haven't met on earlier adventures... The club has only been in Phoenix about 4 months...(started in Seattle) so I guess everyone qualifies as a "new" member... Tomorrow night we're going to the Improv to see Christopher Titus (used to have a TV show back in the day) and he's pretty funny from what I can remember...should be a good time.
That's about it for now...Going to the gym and doing some laundry and then make myself pretty for the new member gig (talk about a chore!)...
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
How bout them Cardinals!!
I repeat... How bout them Cardinals!! What a game! I thought it was going to be a blowout but then the Cardinals started to pull a Jets in the second half (snatching defeat from the jaws of victory), but Kurt and the boys put together a memorable drive and it's off to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history...(I didn't realize that the Cards are the Cubs of football...61 years since a title, second only to the Cubs at 100 and counting)...The radio stations, billboards, and sporting goods stores are going wild. Everyone is wearing the red and white...(and from the looks of owner Bill Bidwell on Sunday, it couldn't have happened at a better time---Bill, get out and get some sun!) You know, the East Coasters in our group are spoiled when it comes to sports...Football (Jets and Giants), basketball (Knicks and Nets) hockey (Devils, Rangers, and Islanders) and baseball (Yankees and Mets). When you only have one per sport (Cardinals, Suns, Coyotes, and Diamondbacks) and they are perennial also-rans or just stink out loud (the D-backs did win a World Series, sorry Yankee fans), this Cardinal string of victories is huge for Arizona. Plus the red goes well with sunburn (which I think is the state color).
In other news, my Jeep is now officially a resident of the state of Arizona...I did the DMV shuffle again on Friday... Three separate stops and still only took and hour and a half! In Arizona, all out-of-state vehicles must pass an emissions test(which it did), an "inspection" (they make sure the vin# matches the car and title, that's it!) and then you go into DMV for registration and title...Turned in one plate...(told me I could keep a souvenir) ... All in all, once I got to the counter (and they have chairs so you sit while they do your paperwork) it took about 15 minutes and I walked out with a title (they don't mail it), a registration and 1 new plate...(Gotta get used to not seeing plate on the front, a little eerie). And all three stations where they do all this are next door to each other on the same block...
So Sunday morning I get up and drive up to Glendale to play beach volleyball... The place they have there is a sports park (paid admission) where you reserve fields in advance...Soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball and a host of others... So I pull in the parking lot and there's only one other car in it and I'm saying to myself "I'm in the wrong lot". The other car belonged to Megan who is the Events and Adventure event coordinator. She was on the phone. She gets off the phone and apologizes because the park is closed! I was further down her call list and she hadn't gotten through to everyone yet. The reason the park is closed? The owners wanted to give the staff the opportunity to watch the Cardinal game! So, I ended up at a sports bar with some rabid Cardinal fans and watched franchise history...
So now we are inundated with two weeks of hype...(new useless information to pour into the "fountain"). Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers (how about that hit on Willis McGahee--crunch!). Battle of Bill Cowher's former assistants (Tomlin and Whisenhunt). You know I have to root for the Cardinals...The best thing about being a Cardinal fan? When you "bleed" for your team (i.e. "bleed Dodger blue") it doesn't ruin your red shirt! I also expect my cousins to be rooting for the Cardinals (they used to be in St. Louis, the Midwest conection) and Kurt Warner used to stock shelves in Iowa... GO CARDINALS!!
In other news, my Jeep is now officially a resident of the state of Arizona...I did the DMV shuffle again on Friday... Three separate stops and still only took and hour and a half! In Arizona, all out-of-state vehicles must pass an emissions test(which it did), an "inspection" (they make sure the vin# matches the car and title, that's it!) and then you go into DMV for registration and title...Turned in one plate...(told me I could keep a souvenir) ... All in all, once I got to the counter (and they have chairs so you sit while they do your paperwork) it took about 15 minutes and I walked out with a title (they don't mail it), a registration and 1 new plate...(Gotta get used to not seeing plate on the front, a little eerie). And all three stations where they do all this are next door to each other on the same block...
So Sunday morning I get up and drive up to Glendale to play beach volleyball... The place they have there is a sports park (paid admission) where you reserve fields in advance...Soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball and a host of others... So I pull in the parking lot and there's only one other car in it and I'm saying to myself "I'm in the wrong lot". The other car belonged to Megan who is the Events and Adventure event coordinator. She was on the phone. She gets off the phone and apologizes because the park is closed! I was further down her call list and she hadn't gotten through to everyone yet. The reason the park is closed? The owners wanted to give the staff the opportunity to watch the Cardinal game! So, I ended up at a sports bar with some rabid Cardinal fans and watched franchise history...
So now we are inundated with two weeks of hype...(new useless information to pour into the "fountain"). Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers (how about that hit on Willis McGahee--crunch!). Battle of Bill Cowher's former assistants (Tomlin and Whisenhunt). You know I have to root for the Cardinals...The best thing about being a Cardinal fan? When you "bleed" for your team (i.e. "bleed Dodger blue") it doesn't ruin your red shirt! I also expect my cousins to be rooting for the Cardinals (they used to be in St. Louis, the Midwest conection) and Kurt Warner used to stock shelves in Iowa... GO CARDINALS!!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
It's in the hands of the government...
The interview went well, the classroom and testing was a breeze, and the fees and fingerprints and photos are taken and being processed... it's now in the hands of the state of Arizona. If my security guard card comes back in time (by the 26th), I will be working the golf tournament... If it doesn't come back in time, I still will be working according to the supervisor of the event...(who called me aside and assured me I would be there, given my management background)... I hope. So, it looks like I'll be gainfully employed again, working "between the ropes" at the FBR Open... We shall see what we shall see.
The other reason for this blog is to wish my brother-in-law a very Happy Birthday! Craig is joining the 50 year old group on Sunday and I wanted him to know how great it is that he's now in the club...(get that AARP application filled out and mailed, big boy!) Just think, in five short years we'll be able to move into the "active adult" communities! If 55 is considered active, what the hell are we now? INactive or OVERactive or PROactive or REactive? I'm more active now than I've been in the first 49 years of my life (give or take a police chase) but yet I don't qualify to live with "active adults." Sounds like reverse ageism to me. The older farts won't let this old fart join in their "activities". Sorry, got a rant there... Happy Birthday Craig and may you have many more...All the best for you tomorrow and all the tomorrows yet to come...You're a good man and you deserve it...Love you, bro (in-law).
Beach volleyball tomorrow for this HYPERactive adult...(I like that one). Another Events & Adventures event & adventure (not too redundant). Then it's off to watch the Cardinals defeat the Giant killers (Eagles) at a venue to be determined (maybe make it a group effort with E&A peeps)...Second game should be a war in Pittsburgh (I like Ben over Flacco in that one)...Enjoy the rest of the weekend... You know I'll be in touch (like I'll ever run out of things to talk about!)
The other reason for this blog is to wish my brother-in-law a very Happy Birthday! Craig is joining the 50 year old group on Sunday and I wanted him to know how great it is that he's now in the club...(get that AARP application filled out and mailed, big boy!) Just think, in five short years we'll be able to move into the "active adult" communities! If 55 is considered active, what the hell are we now? INactive or OVERactive or PROactive or REactive? I'm more active now than I've been in the first 49 years of my life (give or take a police chase) but yet I don't qualify to live with "active adults." Sounds like reverse ageism to me. The older farts won't let this old fart join in their "activities". Sorry, got a rant there... Happy Birthday Craig and may you have many more...All the best for you tomorrow and all the tomorrows yet to come...You're a good man and you deserve it...Love you, bro (in-law).
Beach volleyball tomorrow for this HYPERactive adult...(I like that one). Another Events & Adventures event & adventure (not too redundant). Then it's off to watch the Cardinals defeat the Giant killers (Eagles) at a venue to be determined (maybe make it a group effort with E&A peeps)...Second game should be a war in Pittsburgh (I like Ben over Flacco in that one)...Enjoy the rest of the weekend... You know I'll be in touch (like I'll ever run out of things to talk about!)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Taking time to smell the roses
It's three months ago today that I said goodbye to New Jersey and everything familiar and ventured across country to my new home here in Arizona... Things are going well as you have been reading and I am about as settled in as I could have hoped for...
Yesterday was a busy day for the "man of leisure" (thanks, Vic!). Up early, about 5 miles on the bike (interrupted by a stop at Dunkin Donuts for coffee), back home for a workout in the gym, breakfast and 3 hours on the computer figuring what to do with this online business idea... (some solid leads and am trying to narrow down options with the help of my internet coach)... Then off to Tempe to drop off an application at the place hiring security for the FBR Open in Scottsdale later this month...(They're looking for licensed security people and I've only just taken the 8 hour course but I'll keep my fingers crossed). Lunch, food shopping, and household chores and then off to computer class at 6 pm... (I know that this doesn't compare with a typical work day for all the rest of you, but that's the idea!)... Got home around 8 pm and walked to the local grocery store for a couple of items and smoked a cigar on the way... Stars out, slight chill in the air and quiet, quiet, quiet... Perfect ending to a great day.
Great news! As I am writing this, the security company called and I have an interview this Saturday to see if I can get my license... The woman said that if all goes well on Saturday that I should be eligible to work the tournament later this month... and if I get the license it's good for 2 years and I can work any security gig I want...This company handles all kinds of entertainment venues likes concerts, the Cardinals and the Diamondbacks... I really want to work the tournament... Got to start brushing up on my interview skills and prepare...
I realize that in the times we're living now with the recession and everything that it's hard to find the time to stop and smell the roses... but isn't that the case even when things are going well? It's always easy to find a reason to work harder, put in more hours, or postpone activities. I've been there and done that and there's nothing wrong with it... I have just adjusted my priorities in the grand scheme of things... I wasn't built to be a "man of leisure", I'm a worker bee, but I want to work when and where I want to this time around...
Ok, I've stepped off the soapbox, but I do hope to see you in the rose garden every once in a while. They sure are beautiful and you all deserve to smell them every now and then...
Yesterday was a busy day for the "man of leisure" (thanks, Vic!). Up early, about 5 miles on the bike (interrupted by a stop at Dunkin Donuts for coffee), back home for a workout in the gym, breakfast and 3 hours on the computer figuring what to do with this online business idea... (some solid leads and am trying to narrow down options with the help of my internet coach)... Then off to Tempe to drop off an application at the place hiring security for the FBR Open in Scottsdale later this month...(They're looking for licensed security people and I've only just taken the 8 hour course but I'll keep my fingers crossed). Lunch, food shopping, and household chores and then off to computer class at 6 pm... (I know that this doesn't compare with a typical work day for all the rest of you, but that's the idea!)... Got home around 8 pm and walked to the local grocery store for a couple of items and smoked a cigar on the way... Stars out, slight chill in the air and quiet, quiet, quiet... Perfect ending to a great day.
Great news! As I am writing this, the security company called and I have an interview this Saturday to see if I can get my license... The woman said that if all goes well on Saturday that I should be eligible to work the tournament later this month... and if I get the license it's good for 2 years and I can work any security gig I want...This company handles all kinds of entertainment venues likes concerts, the Cardinals and the Diamondbacks... I really want to work the tournament... Got to start brushing up on my interview skills and prepare...
I realize that in the times we're living now with the recession and everything that it's hard to find the time to stop and smell the roses... but isn't that the case even when things are going well? It's always easy to find a reason to work harder, put in more hours, or postpone activities. I've been there and done that and there's nothing wrong with it... I have just adjusted my priorities in the grand scheme of things... I wasn't built to be a "man of leisure", I'm a worker bee, but I want to work when and where I want to this time around...
Ok, I've stepped off the soapbox, but I do hope to see you in the rose garden every once in a while. They sure are beautiful and you all deserve to smell them every now and then...
Monday, January 12, 2009
Hiking in the Superstition Mountains
Met the group at the Trailhead at 10 am. Went hiking on the "Hieroglyphics Trail" up into the Superstition Mountain Range...(about 25 miles northeast of here). Had a group of about 15 (3 of whom I met last Thursday at the trivia contest)... Lots of cactus, lots of rocks, not too difficult climb (about a 4 out of 10 in difficulty... no ropes or rock scaling)... Breathtaking scenery (got a bunch of pictures, will download and email them to my faithful readers seperately). Was about 41 degrees when I left the house, but by the time we started hiking I had peeled down to shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt... (bright sun, near 70...typical Arizona winter...YES!)...
Met some very interesting folks on the journey up the trail...One from New Jersey (of course! she was from Sussex), two from Oregon (one guy said Arizona is the farthest east he has ever been!), one from North Carolina and one from San Antonio, Texas... And two people actually from Arizona!! The trail ended at a gorgeous mountain pool and babbling brook (run-off from the higher peaks) where hieroglyphics from the ancient Indian tribes were still visible on the rocks surrounding the pool... Took some group photos and sat for awhile just getting to know each other...(water was crystal clear and cold)... On the way down I was in between Mary Ellen and Mark both of whom are golfers...(in fact, Mary Ellen works at a golf course in the Scottsdale area)...so we exchanged email addresses and we hope to get out for a round or 2 or 20 in the near future... also met Steve from Oregon who heard the golf conversation and joined the email group...
Worked up a pretty good sweat on the hike but made it up and down without incident...(good thing because this trail was really out in the boonies---thank you GPS)...Trail was a little more difficult coming down (loose rocks and shaky footholds) but it was fun...Spent the rest of the day listening to the game on the radio (found the AM station for Westwood One who broadcasts the games) Giants-Eagles started at 11 am so I didn't have a chance to watch it but I listened to the whole game...(it was just too damn nice out to sit inside)... Congrats to Philly and Pittsburgh and major condolences to my Giant fan friends...
Speaking of which...the Cardinals are hosting the Championship Game next week in Glendale... I went on line right after the game to see about a ticket...HA! sold out in SIX minutes! there aren't even single tickets available anywhere and nothing under $500.00. So I will probably don my Cardinals gear and seek some fans at a local watering hole next Sunday (Plenty of room on the bandwagon, Philly haters)...
Met some very interesting folks on the journey up the trail...One from New Jersey (of course! she was from Sussex), two from Oregon (one guy said Arizona is the farthest east he has ever been!), one from North Carolina and one from San Antonio, Texas... And two people actually from Arizona!! The trail ended at a gorgeous mountain pool and babbling brook (run-off from the higher peaks) where hieroglyphics from the ancient Indian tribes were still visible on the rocks surrounding the pool... Took some group photos and sat for awhile just getting to know each other...(water was crystal clear and cold)... On the way down I was in between Mary Ellen and Mark both of whom are golfers...(in fact, Mary Ellen works at a golf course in the Scottsdale area)...so we exchanged email addresses and we hope to get out for a round or 2 or 20 in the near future... also met Steve from Oregon who heard the golf conversation and joined the email group...
Worked up a pretty good sweat on the hike but made it up and down without incident...(good thing because this trail was really out in the boonies---thank you GPS)...Trail was a little more difficult coming down (loose rocks and shaky footholds) but it was fun...Spent the rest of the day listening to the game on the radio (found the AM station for Westwood One who broadcasts the games) Giants-Eagles started at 11 am so I didn't have a chance to watch it but I listened to the whole game...(it was just too damn nice out to sit inside)... Congrats to Philly and Pittsburgh and major condolences to my Giant fan friends...
Speaking of which...the Cardinals are hosting the Championship Game next week in Glendale... I went on line right after the game to see about a ticket...HA! sold out in SIX minutes! there aren't even single tickets available anywhere and nothing under $500.00. So I will probably don my Cardinals gear and seek some fans at a local watering hole next Sunday (Plenty of room on the bandwagon, Philly haters)...
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Time flies....
I can't believe it's almost a week since my last blog! It's not that I'm at a loss for words (God, that'll never happen!) it's just that I have been busying myself with mutiple endeavors and have neglected my blogging duties... For that I apologize and promise greater vigilance in the future.
When I last "spoke" to you, I had considered joining a singles club (that makes a point of NOT being a dating service) called Events & Adventures... Well, I joined and went to my first adventure on Thursday night in Phoenix at an English Pub called the George & Dragon. The shepherd's pie I had was delicious (pay your own way for drinks and dinner) and about 16 people showed up for the "trivia quiz" they have every Thursday. Being the "fountain of useless knowledge" (thanks, Sheryl), I felt that this was right up my alley... Unfortunately, we came in second by two points! But, I met some cool people and it was a good time. And on Sunday, I'm going on a hike in the Superstition Mountains for a couple hours... Later this month there's a meeting for new members, a trip to a comedy club, etc... Starting next month there will be something every night, so I hope to make some friends along the way...
How about them Cardinals! I and everyone else in the sports world gave them no chance against the Panthers but Jake Delhomme confused the Cardinal uniforms with his own and 5 interceptions later, the Cardinals are in the NFC Championship Game! How bout that! Just wanted to wish the Giant and Steeler fans good luck today... (watch out for the upset bug that came out on Saturday!)
I also took a certification class for security guards on Saturday. I am hoping to score a job at the FBR Open golf tournament in Scottsdale later this month working security but I don't know if I can secure the paperwork needed in time... I'l keep you posted. Gotta go! Nature hike is calling. Talk to you later after the games.
When I last "spoke" to you, I had considered joining a singles club (that makes a point of NOT being a dating service) called Events & Adventures... Well, I joined and went to my first adventure on Thursday night in Phoenix at an English Pub called the George & Dragon. The shepherd's pie I had was delicious (pay your own way for drinks and dinner) and about 16 people showed up for the "trivia quiz" they have every Thursday. Being the "fountain of useless knowledge" (thanks, Sheryl), I felt that this was right up my alley... Unfortunately, we came in second by two points! But, I met some cool people and it was a good time. And on Sunday, I'm going on a hike in the Superstition Mountains for a couple hours... Later this month there's a meeting for new members, a trip to a comedy club, etc... Starting next month there will be something every night, so I hope to make some friends along the way...
How about them Cardinals! I and everyone else in the sports world gave them no chance against the Panthers but Jake Delhomme confused the Cardinal uniforms with his own and 5 interceptions later, the Cardinals are in the NFC Championship Game! How bout that! Just wanted to wish the Giant and Steeler fans good luck today... (watch out for the upset bug that came out on Saturday!)
I also took a certification class for security guards on Saturday. I am hoping to score a job at the FBR Open golf tournament in Scottsdale later this month working security but I don't know if I can secure the paperwork needed in time... I'l keep you posted. Gotta go! Nature hike is calling. Talk to you later after the games.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to all of my faithful readers... I took a few days off to celebrate the New Year and formulate my resolutions and actually begin them (and lay the groundwork for some)... I hope all of you are doing the same and if not, that's okay too...
I have three resolutions for 2009: to continue the weight loss/exercise regimen I began at the end of last year (the weight loss started when I got sick on my travels, but you have to start somewhere, right?)... to find work that I enjoy doing (something I can look forward to going to) and to make new friends out here...
The exercise part has really taken off... the apartment complex has a 24/7 fitness room that I have begun to use on a regular basis...I have added that to riding the bicycle and jogging on a beginner level... My goal is to not go crazy with all of this...I have finally learned after all these years that a plan (well thought out and not too agressive) and strictly adhered to is much better than cramming in as much as you can into a day (and being so sore you need to recover for a week!). As a combination of resolutions I have taken a yoga class and an exercise class that the City of Chandler offers at the high school in town...
I have also joined a group called Events and Adventures... It is a group for singles that has activities planned every month and you just sign up for the ones you want and meet people and have some fun...(it is not a dating service which is a good thing). Some of the activities include hiking, kayaking, sky-diving, movies, concerts, etc... They also have trips to Europe and across the country... There is something going on every night of the month and tomorrow I go for my pre-screening interview (I hope I pass the audition!)...
On the "job" front, I have quite a few irons in the fire and will keep you informed on how that turns out as it comes along... I would really like to get something at night so that my days can remain "free" but we'll see what we will see...
To all of you working on your own resolutions, best of luck and hang in there...
I have three resolutions for 2009: to continue the weight loss/exercise regimen I began at the end of last year (the weight loss started when I got sick on my travels, but you have to start somewhere, right?)... to find work that I enjoy doing (something I can look forward to going to) and to make new friends out here...
The exercise part has really taken off... the apartment complex has a 24/7 fitness room that I have begun to use on a regular basis...I have added that to riding the bicycle and jogging on a beginner level... My goal is to not go crazy with all of this...I have finally learned after all these years that a plan (well thought out and not too agressive) and strictly adhered to is much better than cramming in as much as you can into a day (and being so sore you need to recover for a week!). As a combination of resolutions I have taken a yoga class and an exercise class that the City of Chandler offers at the high school in town...
I have also joined a group called Events and Adventures... It is a group for singles that has activities planned every month and you just sign up for the ones you want and meet people and have some fun...(it is not a dating service which is a good thing). Some of the activities include hiking, kayaking, sky-diving, movies, concerts, etc... They also have trips to Europe and across the country... There is something going on every night of the month and tomorrow I go for my pre-screening interview (I hope I pass the audition!)...
On the "job" front, I have quite a few irons in the fire and will keep you informed on how that turns out as it comes along... I would really like to get something at night so that my days can remain "free" but we'll see what we will see...
To all of you working on your own resolutions, best of luck and hang in there...
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