Theme: Rex Ryan had a winning strategy and I didn't see it.
So, in the week leading up to Rex Ryan and the Jets playoff game against the Patriots, Ryan shot his mouth off about Brady and Belichick and how "personal" his beef was with the Pats.
I'm like, dude, you're a head coach of a nationally ranked football team. You're a leader and captain of your ship. You're the elite. Stop talking smack! Let your linemen talk smack. You have to rise above it and guide the vessel.
I think I might have been wrong.
Let's see, what did that smack talk produce? Ryan galvanized his team. They shut the Pats down and won handily. Two players being interviewed before the game talked about how personal it was with them. Ryan had gotten into their heads. The whole team had a chip on their shoulders and they were out for blood. (Pats had beat them into the ground earlier this year with a 45-3 blowout, btw.)
Then, AFTER the game, after the big win against his personal rivalry of Brady and Belicheck, Ryan pulls a 180! I'm like, huh? In his post game interview, Ryan's talking about how Brady is a formidable opponent, the best there is, and how Belichick is the greatest coach in the NFL, probably the best coach of all time. He was sugar coating it so much I about had an insulin rush.
I have to admit, the guy knew what he was doing. Here's Ryan's winning game plan:
1. Make it personal. Engage your team in your vision and have them make it personal, too.
2. Study your opponent. Ryan admits he watched the entire footage of the Pats grinding them into the ground 45-3 about 20 times.
3. Elevate your victory. When you've conquered your created foe, lavish him/them with praise, thus making the win even more substantial.
Could I say Rex Ryan was tilting at windmills? Maybe. Could I say he had the Pats beat before the game even started? Definitely.
P.S. Here's a funny tweet from Jon Acuff (Stuff Christians Like blog): "Rex Ryan announces there's a Pittsburgh hot dog vendor who once slighted him. It's personal with Steelers."
Monday, January 17, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Arizona Shooting is the Haiti Earthquake Part Two
Theme: Giving to others might not come in the package we intend, so we have to change our idea of how to give.
So, the Lefties say the Righties are to blame, and the Righties say the Lefties are to blame for blaming the Righties. To me, the AZ shooting had nothing to do with politics so I don't know how any one of them can insert themselves into the sadness.
But, wait! I do know.
Here's what's going on: EGO! Yes, ego. The egos of the Righties and Lefties and Nutjobs are what is driving this insipid political posturing.
In Arizona they have found a tragedy to exploit to their own benefit. They harumph, pontificate and incite to appear as if they are "concerned," "caring" and "righteous" but in reality, their words are merely noise, blather to shine their faces in the spotlight and garner a little bit of attention that their egos lap up like kitten milk.
It's like the Haiti earthquake all over again.
I was working for the Red Cross at the time setting up blood drives. We couldn't say that the blood we collected was going to help Haiti victims, but in NC we all knew that FL was sending blood to Haiti and we in NC were sending blood to FL to make up for the loss. We were on appeal for blood, and really pushed getting those extra pints in, extra pints we knew were greatly needed both locally and globally.
BUT, I can't tell you how many people wanted to set up a blood drive "for Haiti." I told them I couldn't do it. We couldn't promise that the blood would go to Haiti.
As I was taking appointments for one drive, a man came up to me.
"I want to make sure my blood is going to Haiti."
"I can't promise that, we need blood everywhere, not just Haiti."
"Then I'm not giving." And he walked away.
Um, okay dude.
Another potential blood donor, a gal asked me, "Can't you just send my blood to Haiti? I can't give in the States, but if my blood just goes to Haiti, then it will be okay, right?"
Um, no.
Of the myriad of things going through my mind, the first was picturing a healthy Haitian baby contracting a disease from the deferred blood donor.
I understand that people want to help, I understand that people want to give, but when it doesn't come in the package they intend, instead of changing their outlook on how they can help, they walk. That's ego-giving, not giving.
When people make it about themselves, even for the good of others, then God isn't working in us. When our egos drive our ambitions, even when we appear magnanimous, then it's not really touching other lives in the way God intends.
We have to be careful of our motives. Our motives are the true barometer of our hearts, and when we act to satisfy our own egos then we fail to act for God.
So, the Lefties say the Righties are to blame, and the Righties say the Lefties are to blame for blaming the Righties. To me, the AZ shooting had nothing to do with politics so I don't know how any one of them can insert themselves into the sadness.
But, wait! I do know.
Here's what's going on: EGO! Yes, ego. The egos of the Righties and Lefties and Nutjobs are what is driving this insipid political posturing.
In Arizona they have found a tragedy to exploit to their own benefit. They harumph, pontificate and incite to appear as if they are "concerned," "caring" and "righteous" but in reality, their words are merely noise, blather to shine their faces in the spotlight and garner a little bit of attention that their egos lap up like kitten milk.
It's like the Haiti earthquake all over again.
I was working for the Red Cross at the time setting up blood drives. We couldn't say that the blood we collected was going to help Haiti victims, but in NC we all knew that FL was sending blood to Haiti and we in NC were sending blood to FL to make up for the loss. We were on appeal for blood, and really pushed getting those extra pints in, extra pints we knew were greatly needed both locally and globally.
BUT, I can't tell you how many people wanted to set up a blood drive "for Haiti." I told them I couldn't do it. We couldn't promise that the blood would go to Haiti.
As I was taking appointments for one drive, a man came up to me.
"I want to make sure my blood is going to Haiti."
"I can't promise that, we need blood everywhere, not just Haiti."
"Then I'm not giving." And he walked away.
Um, okay dude.
Another potential blood donor, a gal asked me, "Can't you just send my blood to Haiti? I can't give in the States, but if my blood just goes to Haiti, then it will be okay, right?"
Um, no.
Of the myriad of things going through my mind, the first was picturing a healthy Haitian baby contracting a disease from the deferred blood donor.
I understand that people want to help, I understand that people want to give, but when it doesn't come in the package they intend, instead of changing their outlook on how they can help, they walk. That's ego-giving, not giving.
When people make it about themselves, even for the good of others, then God isn't working in us. When our egos drive our ambitions, even when we appear magnanimous, then it's not really touching other lives in the way God intends.
We have to be careful of our motives. Our motives are the true barometer of our hearts, and when we act to satisfy our own egos then we fail to act for God.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
It's worth fighting for
Frodo: What are we holding on to, Sam?
Sam: There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it's worth fighting for.
Yes, I believe there IS good in this world, and it's worth fighting for.
Something about the Arizona shooting, not the shooting itself, or the people killed, or the lives fractured, but the aftermath of the tragedy has given me hope. It's given me hope that decent people still rise up, take action, and protect those who need it.
Politicians and others (while victims were still fighting for their lives and families were fresh with grief over those killed) used the situation to promote their particular ideologies. BUT, saner heads prevailed, and those who might have used the devastation to springboard their agendas have been silenced.
Those idiots who protest funerals are planning to picket the 9-year-old little girl's funeral. BUT, they will be shut out. Quite literally by angel wings, built high and large to shield the family and friends from their satanic protest and destructive signage.
People can do good, and they do. People can see truth. People can help others.
There is good in this world, Mr. Frodo, there is. And, it's worth fighting for.
Sam: There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it's worth fighting for.
Yes, I believe there IS good in this world, and it's worth fighting for.
Something about the Arizona shooting, not the shooting itself, or the people killed, or the lives fractured, but the aftermath of the tragedy has given me hope. It's given me hope that decent people still rise up, take action, and protect those who need it.
Politicians and others (while victims were still fighting for their lives and families were fresh with grief over those killed) used the situation to promote their particular ideologies. BUT, saner heads prevailed, and those who might have used the devastation to springboard their agendas have been silenced.
Those idiots who protest funerals are planning to picket the 9-year-old little girl's funeral. BUT, they will be shut out. Quite literally by angel wings, built high and large to shield the family and friends from their satanic protest and destructive signage.
People can do good, and they do. People can see truth. People can help others.
There is good in this world, Mr. Frodo, there is. And, it's worth fighting for.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Breathing
I'm trying to stay away from the news, but I just can't. It assaults me everywhere. I was listening to the radio on my one, one, one day to Xmas shop without the kids, and I heard about a little girl about Anna's age dying in a car accident. Her mother was driving. Days before Christmas. I picture her presents wrapped and under the tree. I picture her excitement and parties and fun. But, then she's gone.
I can think of no words, not even a prayer. I remember driving and crying and screaming.
Now, today, I happened upon the news and the mother of the little girl shot to death at the AZ shooting massacre was being interviewed by phone, and the mom's distraught voice tight and hard with grief still echoes in my ears.
And sadness fills my heart.
There is no pain greater on this planet than a parent losing a child. None.
And, I revisit driving to my former coworker's son's viewing on Friday night, and attending my friend's son's funeral, and the Haiti blogs of children no longer here. Death that comes too soon and too suddenly to children fills me with so much loss and hopelessness.
I try to turn to God, and I pray fervently for the parents left behind, but I still seek His hope. His promise of hope, and it's hard to find it behind the cloud of grief and the tears shed too many.
So, I hug my children tighter, and relax more in the moments that would cause me stress. I stroke their hair and brush their cheeks and cling to them.
Life is fragile and short.
I can think of no words, not even a prayer. I remember driving and crying and screaming.
Now, today, I happened upon the news and the mother of the little girl shot to death at the AZ shooting massacre was being interviewed by phone, and the mom's distraught voice tight and hard with grief still echoes in my ears.
And sadness fills my heart.
There is no pain greater on this planet than a parent losing a child. None.
And, I revisit driving to my former coworker's son's viewing on Friday night, and attending my friend's son's funeral, and the Haiti blogs of children no longer here. Death that comes too soon and too suddenly to children fills me with so much loss and hopelessness.
I try to turn to God, and I pray fervently for the parents left behind, but I still seek His hope. His promise of hope, and it's hard to find it behind the cloud of grief and the tears shed too many.
So, I hug my children tighter, and relax more in the moments that would cause me stress. I stroke their hair and brush their cheeks and cling to them.
Life is fragile and short.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Homeschooling
It's dificult to say who's learned more from Homeschooling this past semester, me or the kiddoes. I would gather moi.
I fretted over curriculae that turned out we didn't need. I worried about them falling behind, which is a fallacy of traditional school. I agonized that I wasn't cut out for out this.
But then, as always, the kids put it into perspective for me. "Mom, I get to hug you anytime I want during the day."
Wow. Doesn't get much better than that.
I'm still fretting and worrying and agonizing about the delivery system, but I rest comfortably knowing it's the right thing at this right time for our specific family.
I fretted over curriculae that turned out we didn't need. I worried about them falling behind, which is a fallacy of traditional school. I agonized that I wasn't cut out for out this.
But then, as always, the kids put it into perspective for me. "Mom, I get to hug you anytime I want during the day."
Wow. Doesn't get much better than that.
I'm still fretting and worrying and agonizing about the delivery system, but I rest comfortably knowing it's the right thing at this right time for our specific family.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani Sentenced to Death by Stoning
So, Iran buckled (surprisingly) to international outcry about stoning to death the woman, who after 99 lashes admitted to adultery. They will probably hang her instead.
I don't know about you, but after about 2 lashes, I'd probably admit to about anything.
Someone told me that stoning is rare in the Middle East. Yeah? Well, in Iran as of this morning 12 women and 3 men await death by stoning. They currently execute at least 388 people a year.
In Iran, as in most Muslim Countries, gender differences make all the difference. Accused women are guilty and must prove themselves innocent. Accused men are innocent and it must be proved they are guilty. Wow, THAT'S fair.
Thank you Amnesty International for making light of this woman's case and creating a world wide outrage. I guess her death by hanging for a crime she didn't commit and was already punished for by 99 lashes is better than stoning. I guess. I have an arsenal of profanity I'd like to insert here, but picture what a really drunk sailor would say and you get the idea. My dad was in the Navy so you know I have the repertoire.
So, AI, thanks! I sometimes don't get you, but you're right on the money here. Where, I must ask VERY politely, are the women's groups? What does NOW have to say? Where is the Feminist Majority?
We have to keep putting pressure on these barbaric countries to quit kangaroo courts and quick executions (as in the heart wrenching case of the 7 yr old boy who was hanged), and coerced "confessions" to elicit horrendous punishments such as 99 lashes and death by stoning.
Yes, the USA needs to reconsider the death penalty. We need to abolish it. And, we need to fight for human rights in the world!
Check out these stats:
Country/Number executed in 2009 (from Amnesty International):
1
People's Republic of China
Officially not released At least 1700 (estimated)
2
Iran
At least 388
3
Iraq
At least 120
4
Saudi Arabia
At least 69
5
United States
52
6
Yemen
At least 30
7
Sudan
At least 9
8
Vietnam
At least 9
9
Syria
At least 8
10
Japan
7
11
Egypt
At least 5
12
Libya
At least 4
13
Bangladesh
3
14
Thailand
2
15
Singapore
At least 1
16
Botswana
1
17
Malaysia
Unreleased
18
North Korea
Unreleased
I don't know about you, but after about 2 lashes, I'd probably admit to about anything.
Someone told me that stoning is rare in the Middle East. Yeah? Well, in Iran as of this morning 12 women and 3 men await death by stoning. They currently execute at least 388 people a year.
In Iran, as in most Muslim Countries, gender differences make all the difference. Accused women are guilty and must prove themselves innocent. Accused men are innocent and it must be proved they are guilty. Wow, THAT'S fair.
Thank you Amnesty International for making light of this woman's case and creating a world wide outrage. I guess her death by hanging for a crime she didn't commit and was already punished for by 99 lashes is better than stoning. I guess. I have an arsenal of profanity I'd like to insert here, but picture what a really drunk sailor would say and you get the idea. My dad was in the Navy so you know I have the repertoire.
So, AI, thanks! I sometimes don't get you, but you're right on the money here. Where, I must ask VERY politely, are the women's groups? What does NOW have to say? Where is the Feminist Majority?
We have to keep putting pressure on these barbaric countries to quit kangaroo courts and quick executions (as in the heart wrenching case of the 7 yr old boy who was hanged), and coerced "confessions" to elicit horrendous punishments such as 99 lashes and death by stoning.
Yes, the USA needs to reconsider the death penalty. We need to abolish it. And, we need to fight for human rights in the world!
Check out these stats:
Country/Number executed in 2009 (from Amnesty International):
1
People's Republic of China
Officially not released At least 1700 (estimated)
2
Iran
At least 388
3
Iraq
At least 120
4
Saudi Arabia
At least 69
5
United States
52
6
Yemen
At least 30
7
Sudan
At least 9
8
Vietnam
At least 9
9
Syria
At least 8
10
Japan
7
11
Egypt
At least 5
12
Libya
At least 4
13
Bangladesh
3
14
Thailand
2
15
Singapore
At least 1
16
Botswana
1
17
Malaysia
Unreleased
18
North Korea
Unreleased
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
I'm back...
I'm back.
I'm done with my 14 month hiatus from blogging.
I quit my job, gained 20 pounds (ugh), and took my kids out of school to homeschool them.
Today was our first day in Homeschool. Here is the plus/delta at the end of the school day:
Plus: got to put on a play, spongebob song from youtube, crush cups for snacks.
Delta: play didn't turn out as they'd like, ran aroud the room when they weren't supposed to, and they didn't get a pinata.
Seriously? They thought they'd be getting a pinata?
I waaay oversold this homeschool gig.
I'm done with my 14 month hiatus from blogging.
I quit my job, gained 20 pounds (ugh), and took my kids out of school to homeschool them.
Today was our first day in Homeschool. Here is the plus/delta at the end of the school day:
Plus: got to put on a play, spongebob song from youtube, crush cups for snacks.
Delta: play didn't turn out as they'd like, ran aroud the room when they weren't supposed to, and they didn't get a pinata.
Seriously? They thought they'd be getting a pinata?
I waaay oversold this homeschool gig.
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