Wednesday, May 27, 2009

What makes 100%

How to give more than 100%

My buddy Josh got this from Derek the Tattoo Artist I never met Derek but this is some cool shit!

What makes 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to
those meetings where someone wants over 100%. How about achieving 103%? Here's a little math that might prove helpful.

+What makes life 100%?

If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

is represented as: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then: H A R D W O R K 8 1 18 4 23 15 18 11 = 98%

K N O W L E D G E 11 14 15 23 12 5 4 7 5 = 96%

But, A T T I T U D E 1 20 20 9 20 21 4 5 = 100%

And, B U L L S H I T 2 21 12 12 19 8 9 20 = 103%

So, it stands to reason that hard work and knowledge will get you close

attitude will get you there,

but bullshit will put you over the top.

And look how far ass kissing will take you.

A S S K I S S I N G 1 19 19 11 9 19 19 9 14 7 = 118%

NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT IT LIKE THAT BEFORE, HUH?

Ben says, "I haven't checked the math yet but this is pretty crazy"

Sunday, May 24, 2009

What a Game!!!!!!!!!

My eyes snapped open. I jumped out of the unfamiliar bed. Got dressed and looked at the time. It was 6:00am and I wasn't starting my trip for like another two hours. I finished getting ready and went out to the living room in Daryl and Sarah's house. Yes...I am 32 years old and I still have sleepovers at my friends house. But it was for a good reason. Daryl and I (Both Yankee fans) were driving down to the Bronx to see the brandy new Yankee Stadium. More on that later. As I got to the living room I wondered what was on TV. As I am not familiar with Comcast I went directly to their on demand menu and found the movie Phantasm II. Which I have never seen. I know what it is basically about but I have never seen any of the movies by that name....I think they made like four of them. I must not have been in the mood to watch it because about a half hour in I changed it to John Tucker must die. Which is probably in the categories of a teenie bopper movie but it is actually a pretty good movie.

While watching that movie it took me till about 8:00am when I heard my friend Daryl moving around on the upper floor of his house. (Damn, so far this blog entry is pretty boring...hopefully it gets better) He came downstairs we checked the weather down in New York...which was a perfect 69 degrees and partly cloudy. Around 8:20 we hopped in his truck and headed to a local coffee shop. I got my usual Large Caramel Ice Coffee XX and a couple of donuts and an orange juice. We finally began our journey. We tried a new route to avoid traffic the conversation was awesome we talked about the Yankees of course and some current events. I'm not so good with current events talk....those of you who know me know that I would rather watch a movie then the news....the news is just so depressing. I am working on it though.

When we got to the stadium we parked in an underground parking garage walked into a bar and had a beer a burger and some fries. I had been in this bar before it is a combo of a bar/diner/bowling alley. It's actually pretty cool. Now I'm not sure on the educate but there was a man in the bathroom who works there and in movies these guys usually give you soap or cologne and other stuff. All this guy did was hand me a paper towel after I washed my hands I didn't tip. I don't think he did enough to deserve a tip. Hope I didn't offend him. We had a burger and a beer and then we went to some shops to look for souvenirs. I found some stuff that I wanted to buy for Cody but I figured he would be coming to Yankee Stadium in a couple of months anyways so me and Carla can buy him something then. This also saves me from getting in trouble for spending too much.

After that Daryl and I entered the new Yankee Stadium. It was amazing...it was really close to a religious experience for me. I think for him too although I don't want to speak for him. It is awesome you can finally walk around the entire stadium from the inside. I know most stadiums are like that but old Yankee Stadium was not. This place was incredible. You could get anything from sausages to sushi to eat. The beer stands were plentiful and the place was so freaking clean and roomy. We walked around and looked at everything. The Yankees really did it right. I had recently been to the new Citi Field(the home of the NY Mets) and it doesn't' compare to the new Yankee Stadium. I even got to walk into the new Monument Park (for free) something I never got to do at the old stadium. Mariano Rivera waved to me from the Field when I was in Monument Park. It was so cool...somebody stop me before I gush like a little girl.

From there we went to our seats looked out onto the field and sat in silence for a bit. It was gorgeous. I was proud to be a Yankee Fan. After a bit we walked around again to get a cup of beer. We got souvenir cups for $10. We got back to the seats and in 15 minutes the game began. If I remember right in the first inning (it might have been the 2nd) Phillies went up 1 to nothing. But in the bottom of the inning the Yankees came back with a run to tie it up. In about the 3rd or 4th a rookie, first game ever played, hits a 3run shot to left field. He hit his first major league homer at Yankee stadium and come to find out his father hit his last career home run in the old Yankee Stadium in 1982. That's a pretty cool fun fact. A bit later the Captain Derek Jeter slammed the ball into the left field seats to make the score 4 to 2 Phillies. About this time was when a really dumb Phillies fan and a really dumb Yankees Fan began to argue from about 30 feet and 4 rows away. Usually I would love the banter but these to scholars were not creative at all. It was like watching two 5 year olds arguing about which tv show was better Blues clues or Sesame Street. I heard such words as Asshole, Fag, Herpes face, and multiple F bombs. As the game went on the yelling got louder and more people got involved. Soon the Phillies fans were asked to leave and they had a Yankees fan with them too. This was a little girl who was the biggest problem of all she was yelling and began pushing the cop away from her after the cop gave her multiple warnings. It definitely was entertaining.

In the bottom of the ninth it wasn't looking very good. We were still down by 2 runs and I wasn't feeling optimistic. I think this is how it happened my mind is foggy. Johnny Damon Walked. Then Mark Teixiera made an out. and up came captain not so clutch A-Rod. He ripped a 2 run blast to Right field. Ok Ok the supposed wind tunnel took A-Rod's pop fly into the seats. Which ever it was the game was now tied at 4 runs a piece. Next up was Robinson Cano somehow he got on base I can't remember. Then he stole second base and Melky Cabrera hit the game winning walk off single to center field. It was amazing. I haven't' yelled so loud in a long time. It was pandemonium.

All in all it was a great day. The Yankees won and the Mets beat the Red Sox.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Ropes Course the memories and job posting all in one!

I haven't written in a while, and to my readers I apologize. I also feel that I need something to write about that has substance and meaning. HA HA HA. I guess I haven't been reading my own material. Those of you that have known me for a while...out of my 3 readers, know that I work part time for the YMCA in North Attleboro as a Ropes Course Facilitator. I have been doing this job for approximately 14 years. Now, believe me I don't work there for the money, I work there because I believe in what I do there. I am going to try and explain what it is I do there.



Some people may think that I just hang around in the trees and goof around all day. Hontestly that's only about 3/4 of what I do. This program is a program for participants of all ages to learn how to work as members of a successful team. The main purpose is to teach the eight elements that make up team work.



They are Common Goal, Everyone Involved, Positive Environment, Trust, Clear and Defined Roles, Effective Communication, Descisions: Input and Consesus, and Enjoyment! These elements of teamwork support the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. It really is a cool program. We teach these elements through a series of experiential games and exercises. I love to work out there because even though I have worked out there on the ropes course I still learn something new everyday that I work. I think when I stop learning new things I might stop working out there.



One reason I stay working for the ropes course is due to the awesome people that I get a chance to work with and know as friends as well as co-workers. I am going to try and list some of them and a tidbit about them and that will be most of my blog. This is a tribute to the people that I have met and worked with throught out my time on the ropes course.



First off Mr. Awesome Dave from the Y - Gave me my 1st shot on the ropes course as a facilitator. If you have ever met this man then you know when you meet him he makes you feel like a million bucks...If you haven't met him I suggest you try to.



Big Jim- this guy was a mentor to me and a good role model for anyone to follow who is looking into a career at the YMCA.



Jumping John - This guy has the energy that surpasses that of the Energizer Bunny. Great guy to have out on the ropes course.



Marvelous Melissa - Began the ropes course with me at the same time like most people she moved on to bigger and better things I hope she is doing well out there somewhere.



Paradise Pete - He took over the ropes course after Mr. Awesome Dave I think he took our ropes course to the next level. Thanks Pete. Pete also became a good friend to dress up in drag with on Halloween. Long Story.



Ruth - Great person. Really nice but wasn't ment to be a ropes course staff.



Ben Peirson - Great first name had a lot of good laughs with him. Great staff person. I hope all is going well for him in florida.



Krispy Chris - The best thinker I have ever seen. He can process a a group like no other.



Scott Arnold - One of the funniest guys I have ever met sometimes a bit dangerous but always up for being the ropes course scape goat.



John Murphry - What can I say this guy took me in when I had no home. Can a person be any nicer. I think not. I miss you buddy.



Krazy Chris - aka - Flying Ferdinand - Chris is definitely one of the craziest people I know. But one of the best friends I have ever had he's always there to put a smile on your face if you need one. Good luck with the family buddy.



Just John - One of the most unique guys to ever work out on the ropes course but also one of the most reliable staff members we have ever had. Plus he kinda looked like he could be my brother.



Emily - Threw great parties was a really good person. Eventhough she almost killed me on the ropes course, no hard feelings Emily.



Micheala - Not sure if she really worked on the course or not she would show up once in a while but still a good person.

Magical Mike - Fantastic guy to have around always could make me laugh and a phenomenal ropes course staff person. good luck where ever you are.



High Ropes Hogan- aka Low Ropes Logan - This guy as I have told him is like a brother to me. He picked up ropes faster than anyone besides myself. I know he will do well over in Iraq serving our country. Good luck Brother.

Jaguar John - Very reliable and a fun staff to work with is currently working. One of our longest tendered staff for a while. We couldn't run the course without you.

Nifty Nate - our Low Ropes Guru great job all around Nate Keep it up. We couldn't run the ropes course with out you.

Dazzleing Deidra - She's always up for anything and willing to do it all she had a great rescue today she was Dazzleing. Good job.

And last but not least my partner in crime for all 14 years of my service to the ropes course - Super Sue - Sue and I are like peas and carrots. She taught me how to dangle. We've been through a lot of staff together. And we stick it out together through thick and thin, good times and bad. Your a great friend Sue and you definitely always keep me laughing.

If you are not mentioned I am sorry. I really do have a bad memory. Or maybe you didn't have an impact on me....lol....just kidding. Ropes Course is always an adventure and always fun. Now if you are interested in working for us you will get a cool name. Those who dont' have a cool name above I can't remember their cool name. Contact me if interested it really is an experience that you will not forget.