This morning, I was informed by HR and my team VP that my job position was being eliminated due to budget cuts. This was not pleasant for several reasons.
One, I had already gone through his once before two years ago to the day. The reasons in 2009 were the same as they were today. It was about the budget and not about my performance.
Two, as with two years ago, tomorrow is my birthday. Of course with the end of the month and quarter coming, there is nothing that could be done with the timing.
I leave with my head held high. I had my struggles last year but worked through them as best as I could. Many people in my office and team were surprised that I was let go.
What's next? In the short term, going to enjoy my birthday the next few days as I have some dinners. Beyond that, we will see. I will take some time off and focus on some hobbies (not basketball as I do that enough). I may jump into photography more and get back into sportswriting a bit.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Enjoying the simple things in life
Up in Tahoe this weekend and having a food time. My friends and I are keeping things simple. While most of us have experience skiing and snowboarding, it was bypassed this time die to logistics. There'd were kids and elders where they wouldn't able to participate much in skiing and snowboarding.
While there wasn't adrenaline based activities, we did have fun in the snow and just hanging playing pool and board games.
This goes to show that hang out activities do not have to be extreme to have a good time. That is the general attitude I take with my friends. Let's enjoy ourselves whether we are hanging out or just talking on the phone. After all, as long as we enjoy what we are doing, it doesn't matter what the actual activity is.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
While there wasn't adrenaline based activities, we did have fun in the snow and just hanging playing pool and board games.
This goes to show that hang out activities do not have to be extreme to have a good time. That is the general attitude I take with my friends. Let's enjoy ourselves whether we are hanging out or just talking on the phone. After all, as long as we enjoy what we are doing, it doesn't matter what the actual activity is.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, March 25, 2011
Shoveling Snow In Lake Tahoe
In Tahoe with friends and the house we are staying at is full of snow. We are shoveling away to clear the driveway so we can park our cars.
How do people do this constantly in the east coast do this?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
How do people do this constantly in the east coast do this?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Five Years And Four Months Ago......
Five Years and Four Months is a long time. That would put things around the month of December in the year 2005.
Looking back at December of 2005, I was still employed at SBC Internet though unknown to me at that time, I would leave about 5 months later for a job at a startup. I was still officiating high school basketball at that time as well.
But looking back at that time there was going to be a significant change in life for me. During December of that year, I had went to Las Vegas to hang out with a old school friend who had flown in from the East Coast on a work assignment. That would also be the LAST time I would hang out with my friend. It was a few weeks later when I lost my cool and put a chill on our long time friendship.
In looking back, the situation should not have been unexpected. My friend and I had gotten into a disagreement a few years prior. Though we had settled the issue, I had personally grown a bit disenchanted with my friend. The distance between us was great and I put in a lot of effort into the friendship which I didn't think my friend reciprocated.
Five years and four months later, I can see clearly now that the break in this particular friendship needed to happen. There are a few reasons for this.
One, I had become too dependent on my high school friend over the years. I had made them my best friend. I talked to this person about everything and asked for advice. Alas, my friend didn't look at me this way. I knew this but still treated them in a slightly one sided fashion. While I had a few other friends, I had neglected developing them very well.
Two, I wasn't a very mature person and perhaps I was being selfish in expecting a lot from my old friend. Plus, I was narrow minded and didn't consider other alternatives in the form of other communication methods or just talking to other friends.
In looking back at how this broken friendship benefitted me, I can see a few things:
One, I expanded my myself from ONE best friend to several groups of friends. There's a few different groups of people I hang out with. They may be groups of old friends, basketball buddies or just other folks I have met over time. I have a couple of old friends I talk to the most on the phone.
Two, with experience comes wisdom and with wisdom comes maturity. With maturity comes the realization that life isn't just about YOU! I was a little selfish with my friend back in 2005. I've realized that for a while now. It just didn't occur to me how much!
In the old days, I would call my old friend every couple of days just to jabber about stuff and ask advice. These days, if I am lucky, I'll talk to my two old friends once a week. In fact, one of my old friends and I haven't talked in about a MONTH recently due to work. Yet, I've emailed and texted them to say hi.
This particular friend of mine is great about calling back and when they don't call back, it usually means they are pretty busy. I've been mature enough to accept this and continue on with life until we touch base again.
I could go on all night but let me summarize. Things in life do happen for a reason. The broken friendship was NOT fun at all. Yet as I look back at the friendships I built and some maturity I've gained in recent years, it was a required process that I had to go through.
Though I probably hurt my old friend and may need to make amends one day, the learning process was definitely something I needed to go through.
Looking back at December of 2005, I was still employed at SBC Internet though unknown to me at that time, I would leave about 5 months later for a job at a startup. I was still officiating high school basketball at that time as well.
But looking back at that time there was going to be a significant change in life for me. During December of that year, I had went to Las Vegas to hang out with a old school friend who had flown in from the East Coast on a work assignment. That would also be the LAST time I would hang out with my friend. It was a few weeks later when I lost my cool and put a chill on our long time friendship.
In looking back, the situation should not have been unexpected. My friend and I had gotten into a disagreement a few years prior. Though we had settled the issue, I had personally grown a bit disenchanted with my friend. The distance between us was great and I put in a lot of effort into the friendship which I didn't think my friend reciprocated.
Five years and four months later, I can see clearly now that the break in this particular friendship needed to happen. There are a few reasons for this.
One, I had become too dependent on my high school friend over the years. I had made them my best friend. I talked to this person about everything and asked for advice. Alas, my friend didn't look at me this way. I knew this but still treated them in a slightly one sided fashion. While I had a few other friends, I had neglected developing them very well.
Two, I wasn't a very mature person and perhaps I was being selfish in expecting a lot from my old friend. Plus, I was narrow minded and didn't consider other alternatives in the form of other communication methods or just talking to other friends.
In looking back at how this broken friendship benefitted me, I can see a few things:
One, I expanded my myself from ONE best friend to several groups of friends. There's a few different groups of people I hang out with. They may be groups of old friends, basketball buddies or just other folks I have met over time. I have a couple of old friends I talk to the most on the phone.
Two, with experience comes wisdom and with wisdom comes maturity. With maturity comes the realization that life isn't just about YOU! I was a little selfish with my friend back in 2005. I've realized that for a while now. It just didn't occur to me how much!
In the old days, I would call my old friend every couple of days just to jabber about stuff and ask advice. These days, if I am lucky, I'll talk to my two old friends once a week. In fact, one of my old friends and I haven't talked in about a MONTH recently due to work. Yet, I've emailed and texted them to say hi.
This particular friend of mine is great about calling back and when they don't call back, it usually means they are pretty busy. I've been mature enough to accept this and continue on with life until we touch base again.
I could go on all night but let me summarize. Things in life do happen for a reason. The broken friendship was NOT fun at all. Yet as I look back at the friendships I built and some maturity I've gained in recent years, it was a required process that I had to go through.
Though I probably hurt my old friend and may need to make amends one day, the learning process was definitely something I needed to go through.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Weird Night At The Gym / Career Night #2
The sports of basketball can bring you the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. Tonight, I think my team went through both the highs and the lows all in one night in our Thursday Night Friendship Basketball League against Team Blue.
For whatever reason, my team came out frigid offensively. It didn't matter if we were shooting jump shots or layups, nothing was falling. Team Blue also took advantage of some defensive match ups and took an early 14-0 lead. My team called timeout with 14 minutes left and zero points on the board.
I knew the team was struggling and tried to get myself going. I wasn't exactly scorching hot but ended scoring my team's first 6 points (8 points overall in the first half) of the game to keep us afloat. The rest of the team finally followed suit. Despite falling behind 14-0 to Team Blue, we were only down 33-21 at halftime. My team even pulled a Chris Webber moment to add to the weirdness in the first half. We called timeout when we had none and that cost us a point and possession as well.
The second half was a bit of a blur. I remembered trying to get going early and missing. However, the shots that weren't falling for me early finally starting going as I got into the zone and my team slowly clawed back into the game. I scored 21 of my career high 29 points in the second half.
I know we eventually tied the game but immediately fell back behind the next possession. Both teams went back and forth a bit as Team Blue held on to a slim lead. With about 30 seconds or so left, there was controversy. My team was down two and got the steal and was cruising for the layup but the referee called a tough traveling call. That definitely hurt and put us into a tough situation. Team Blue got the ball and we had to foul them to let them shoot free throws. Fortunately Team Blue made only 1 free throw and my team had a chance as we were only down 3 points at 52-49.
I dribbled the ball up the court and with several teammates setting screens, I was left wide open for a three pointer from the left wing and nailed it with 10 seconds left to tie the game. Team Blue had a chance for a final shot but fortunately missed and that sent the game into overtime.
In the overtime, both teams went cold as no one could score for the first 1 1/2 minutes of overtime. I personally rushed a couple of jumpers which frustrated me. However, with about 25 seconds left, I finally got the ball again and knocked down the only shot for both teams in overtime for the 55-53 win. Team Blue tried to tie but was unable to and my team pulled out the victory.
As you can see, this was a weird game but I am glad we won. As for my career high 29 points, it was great to be able to score a lot AND help the team win. There weren't stats kept so not exactly how well I shot. My guesstimate is I shot around 50% or maybe a little below as I did take quite a few shots tonight.
Adding to the statistical weirdness, my teammates were consistent tonight. My 7 other teammates combined for 13 points in both the first half and the second half.
All in all, it was a fun evening trying to carry my team and being the hero. I'm normally a role player but for one night, i got to be the star. My legs and body are paying for it a little bit but I'll enjoy it the next few days.
For whatever reason, my team came out frigid offensively. It didn't matter if we were shooting jump shots or layups, nothing was falling. Team Blue also took advantage of some defensive match ups and took an early 14-0 lead. My team called timeout with 14 minutes left and zero points on the board.
I knew the team was struggling and tried to get myself going. I wasn't exactly scorching hot but ended scoring my team's first 6 points (8 points overall in the first half) of the game to keep us afloat. The rest of the team finally followed suit. Despite falling behind 14-0 to Team Blue, we were only down 33-21 at halftime. My team even pulled a Chris Webber moment to add to the weirdness in the first half. We called timeout when we had none and that cost us a point and possession as well.
The second half was a bit of a blur. I remembered trying to get going early and missing. However, the shots that weren't falling for me early finally starting going as I got into the zone and my team slowly clawed back into the game. I scored 21 of my career high 29 points in the second half.
I know we eventually tied the game but immediately fell back behind the next possession. Both teams went back and forth a bit as Team Blue held on to a slim lead. With about 30 seconds or so left, there was controversy. My team was down two and got the steal and was cruising for the layup but the referee called a tough traveling call. That definitely hurt and put us into a tough situation. Team Blue got the ball and we had to foul them to let them shoot free throws. Fortunately Team Blue made only 1 free throw and my team had a chance as we were only down 3 points at 52-49.
I dribbled the ball up the court and with several teammates setting screens, I was left wide open for a three pointer from the left wing and nailed it with 10 seconds left to tie the game. Team Blue had a chance for a final shot but fortunately missed and that sent the game into overtime.
In the overtime, both teams went cold as no one could score for the first 1 1/2 minutes of overtime. I personally rushed a couple of jumpers which frustrated me. However, with about 25 seconds left, I finally got the ball again and knocked down the only shot for both teams in overtime for the 55-53 win. Team Blue tried to tie but was unable to and my team pulled out the victory.
As you can see, this was a weird game but I am glad we won. As for my career high 29 points, it was great to be able to score a lot AND help the team win. There weren't stats kept so not exactly how well I shot. My guesstimate is I shot around 50% or maybe a little below as I did take quite a few shots tonight.
Adding to the statistical weirdness, my teammates were consistent tonight. My 7 other teammates combined for 13 points in both the first half and the second half.
All in all, it was a fun evening trying to carry my team and being the hero. I'm normally a role player but for one night, i got to be the star. My legs and body are paying for it a little bit but I'll enjoy it the next few days.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
CIF NorCal State Division I Boys Basketball Playoff: Washington (SF) vs. Santa Teresa (San Jose)
I was working in Santa Clara today and realized that the Washington High Eagles boys basketball team would be playing in San Jose tonight against Santa Teresa at 7 PM in a CIF State Playoff game. Since I was in the area (sort of, it was estimated to be some 19 miles + 30 minutes away), I decided to head over to the game. Some thoughts......
The drive to Santa Teresa High School took about 40 minutes as I ran into rush hour traffic. As I pulled into the school's parking lot, I was surprised to see a lot of cars already there. As I walked to the gym, I saw a short line out the door. It was then I knew I would be walking into hostile territory.
The environment was crazy. Both sides of the gym were packed with fans (the majority of them Santa Teresa). There was a student cheering section as well as cheerleaders. The entire gym was loud, especially since Santa Teresa played well and eventually beat Washington 70-60. I don't know if Santa Teresa is like this every game they play, but it was definitely a boost to their team and hostile to the visiting Washington team.
The Santa Teresa team deserves some credit too. I haven't watched a ton of varsity basketball games this year but Santa Teresa was one of the better teams I have seen. Santa Teresa shot the lights out from three point land, had great fundamentals, played hard defense and crashed the boards. In my opinion, Santa Teresa was probably the best team Washington had seen in recent weeks. I don't think Washington had seen such a balanced team in a while and that proved frustrating. Washington's defense couldn't lay back as Santa Teresa would hit the three's. If Washington played tight, Santa Teresa was able to blow by the defenders.
The Washington team wasn't bad though. While I am not a graduate of Washington, I had officiated one of their games during this past season and knew the coach personally. After winning the San Francisco AAA championship against Mission last week (first championship since 1982), I was curious how Washington would do in the bright lights of the CIF State Playoffs.
Some of the things I had noticed during the AAA championship game came to light against Santa Teresa. Washington and Mission both thrive on up tempo games as evidenced by the 75-72 final score in the championship. I thought it was interesting that Washington didn't hit a lot of outside jumpers. Most of their shots were put backs or layups.
This proved to be a key against Santa Teresa. With Santa Teresa hitting their shots, Washington was forced to play half court and had trouble generating offense. They went through a cold streak from halfway through the first quarter into the second quarter and allowed Santa Teresa to pull away to a 20 point lead. Washington never really challenged after that.
While it was a tough night for Washington, they should keep their heads high for making a great effort. Good luck to Santa Teresa as they travel to Sacramento for their next game.
The environment was crazy. Both sides of the gym were packed with fans (the majority of them Santa Teresa). There was a student cheering section as well as cheerleaders. The entire gym was loud, especially since Santa Teresa played well and eventually beat Washington 70-60. I don't know if Santa Teresa is like this every game they play, but it was definitely a boost to their team and hostile to the visiting Washington team.
The Santa Teresa team deserves some credit too. I haven't watched a ton of varsity basketball games this year but Santa Teresa was one of the better teams I have seen. Santa Teresa shot the lights out from three point land, had great fundamentals, played hard defense and crashed the boards. In my opinion, Santa Teresa was probably the best team Washington had seen in recent weeks. I don't think Washington had seen such a balanced team in a while and that proved frustrating. Washington's defense couldn't lay back as Santa Teresa would hit the three's. If Washington played tight, Santa Teresa was able to blow by the defenders.
The Washington team wasn't bad though. While I am not a graduate of Washington, I had officiated one of their games during this past season and knew the coach personally. After winning the San Francisco AAA championship against Mission last week (first championship since 1982), I was curious how Washington would do in the bright lights of the CIF State Playoffs.
Some of the things I had noticed during the AAA championship game came to light against Santa Teresa. Washington and Mission both thrive on up tempo games as evidenced by the 75-72 final score in the championship. I thought it was interesting that Washington didn't hit a lot of outside jumpers. Most of their shots were put backs or layups.
This proved to be a key against Santa Teresa. With Santa Teresa hitting their shots, Washington was forced to play half court and had trouble generating offense. They went through a cold streak from halfway through the first quarter into the second quarter and allowed Santa Teresa to pull away to a 20 point lead. Washington never really challenged after that.
While it was a tough night for Washington, they should keep their heads high for making a great effort. Good luck to Santa Teresa as they travel to Sacramento for their next game.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Focal Point of the Defense
Tonight was game #2 for my team (Red) in our Monday night basketball league. It was just a week ago I dropped home a career high 23 points in a 64-54 loss. My performance was still the talk of the other players as our game was going to tip off tonight against the Gold team.
Having played so many years, I didn't worry too much of trying too hard to replicate my performance from last week. The Gold team knew my game pretty well and I was sure they were going to focus their defense on getting me off of my sweet spots.
The Gold team did pretty well in the first half as I only hit one shot for 2 points as my team was down 11 points at halftime. We hung tough in the second half to keep the game close. Unfortunately, my team also only had five guys so we were noticeably tired as the half went on.
I got loose to hit two jumpers and two layups to total 10 points for the game though I didn't shoot as well as last week (5-12 FG). It was a week our team needed some more but it wasn't meant to be.
From my experience the past two weeks, I have to say that the sport of basketball is a fun game but difficult to master even with years of experience. I was able to score 23 points last week because I have developed a solid mid-range jump shot in recent years. Alas, at this point in my life, my game isn't as diversified enough to score more without jump shots. I don't drive as much or grab a ton of offensive rebounds as I used to when I was younger.
All in all, you have to appreciate the special talents that play NBA, college, high school and even your local recreational basketball league.
Having played so many years, I didn't worry too much of trying too hard to replicate my performance from last week. The Gold team knew my game pretty well and I was sure they were going to focus their defense on getting me off of my sweet spots.
The Gold team did pretty well in the first half as I only hit one shot for 2 points as my team was down 11 points at halftime. We hung tough in the second half to keep the game close. Unfortunately, my team also only had five guys so we were noticeably tired as the half went on.
I got loose to hit two jumpers and two layups to total 10 points for the game though I didn't shoot as well as last week (5-12 FG). It was a week our team needed some more but it wasn't meant to be.
From my experience the past two weeks, I have to say that the sport of basketball is a fun game but difficult to master even with years of experience. I was able to score 23 points last week because I have developed a solid mid-range jump shot in recent years. Alas, at this point in my life, my game isn't as diversified enough to score more without jump shots. I don't drive as much or grab a ton of offensive rebounds as I used to when I was younger.
All in all, you have to appreciate the special talents that play NBA, college, high school and even your local recreational basketball league.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Getting Away
Work was especially stressful this week with the end of the month approaching and our sales team trying to close up deals. As someone who supports these efforts, I typically remain calm, cool and collected. Alas the strain did finally get to me and I felt some of the effects. It did not help I was busy with my after work activities.
So, after being asked, I am out of town with friends on a church retreat. I'm not that far from home (1 1/2 hours). However, It is welcome respite from work.
The point is that work isn't always everything. Good to get some me time which I will try this weekend.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
So, after being asked, I am out of town with friends on a church retreat. I'm not that far from home (1 1/2 hours). However, It is welcome respite from work.
The point is that work isn't always everything. Good to get some me time which I will try this weekend.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Career Night On The Court
There some things that occur during your lifetime that cannot be easily explained. There might some weird coincidence that happens which causes you to meet your future wife, get a job or something else.
Tonight, something weird happened tonight which I cannot easily explain. Take a look at the following stat line from my adult league basketball game tonight:
23 Points (11-19 FG's, 1-1 FT)
7 Rebounds
1 Assist
1 Steal
1 Turnover
That stat line was MINE tonight. There was a considerable buzz around the gym as I put up my 23 points tonight. The reason was that I am not usually the main scorer for any of the teams I play on. Secondly, while I am known as a decent mid-range (15 foot and in) shooter, I can be streaky at times.
Plus, I've only scored 20 points in a game less than 10 times in all the years I played in league basketball (probably more like 3 to 5 times, though I don't remember exactly).
However, if I were to try and explain why I shot so well tonight, here's some possibly explanations....
MY TEAM WAS MISSING TWO KEY GUYS
We were missing our center (injury) and our young guard (illness) tonight. Between those two guys, they probably would have gobbled up the majority of my 19 shots. With the two guys missing, the remaining six guys had a chance to get more shots up. Of course, with more opportunities, you still have to make the shots. Fortunately, they were going in for me tonight!
I PLAYED IN A WEEKEND BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
I played in a weekend basketball tournament with some other guys. My team didn't do too well as we lost all three games. However, I played quite a few minutes and got a lot of running in. So that definitely helped me get in shape.
But the other thing was that I was hitting my shots during the tournament. My overall shooting percentage wasn't that great because I forced some bad shots during the games. However, when I was open and shot the ball in rhythm, the shots were going down with good frequency. In fact, during the second game of our weekend tournament, I hit my first four shots of the game! Overall, I averaged 10 points a game during the tournament which was solid.
IT'S THE SHOES!
My knees had been aching the past several week while playing basketball. I thought it was just due to old age. However, it never occurred to me that it was my basketball shoes. The shoes I had been using looked great on the outside. However, I wondered if I had overused it the past year or so with the number of league games I had played.
For my weekend tournament, I decided to break in my Li-Ning BD Doom shoes (Baron Davis's signature shoe with Chinese company Li-Ning). Surprisingly, the shoes were comfortable and held up well over the weekend. Of course, I played reasonably well and the trend continued into tonight. I might need to order up another pair for backup!
IT WAS A HOLIDAY!
It was great to have today off. I got in plenty of sleep and didn't do a lot during the day. I went to the mall and CostCo with my mom to get some shopping in. Other than that, I just chilled and showed up at the gym pretty laid back.
One underestimates how much work stress can have on you for the other activities in your life. Too bad I can't take days off every time I play basketball!
JUST ONE OF THOSE NIGHTS
I could throw out my possible explanations. But hey, it could have just been one of those crazy evenings. Assuming our other two guys come back healthy, I'll probably settle back into my role as a bench player.
I should mention that it would have been nice if my team had won (we lost 64-54). Career nights are great but not so if the team loses. However, it was a fun evening and definitely one to remember.
Tonight, something weird happened tonight which I cannot easily explain. Take a look at the following stat line from my adult league basketball game tonight:
23 Points (11-19 FG's, 1-1 FT)
7 Rebounds
1 Assist
1 Steal
1 Turnover
That stat line was MINE tonight. There was a considerable buzz around the gym as I put up my 23 points tonight. The reason was that I am not usually the main scorer for any of the teams I play on. Secondly, while I am known as a decent mid-range (15 foot and in) shooter, I can be streaky at times.
Plus, I've only scored 20 points in a game less than 10 times in all the years I played in league basketball (probably more like 3 to 5 times, though I don't remember exactly).
However, if I were to try and explain why I shot so well tonight, here's some possibly explanations....
MY TEAM WAS MISSING TWO KEY GUYS
We were missing our center (injury) and our young guard (illness) tonight. Between those two guys, they probably would have gobbled up the majority of my 19 shots. With the two guys missing, the remaining six guys had a chance to get more shots up. Of course, with more opportunities, you still have to make the shots. Fortunately, they were going in for me tonight!
I PLAYED IN A WEEKEND BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
I played in a weekend basketball tournament with some other guys. My team didn't do too well as we lost all three games. However, I played quite a few minutes and got a lot of running in. So that definitely helped me get in shape.
But the other thing was that I was hitting my shots during the tournament. My overall shooting percentage wasn't that great because I forced some bad shots during the games. However, when I was open and shot the ball in rhythm, the shots were going down with good frequency. In fact, during the second game of our weekend tournament, I hit my first four shots of the game! Overall, I averaged 10 points a game during the tournament which was solid.
IT'S THE SHOES!
My knees had been aching the past several week while playing basketball. I thought it was just due to old age. However, it never occurred to me that it was my basketball shoes. The shoes I had been using looked great on the outside. However, I wondered if I had overused it the past year or so with the number of league games I had played.
For my weekend tournament, I decided to break in my Li-Ning BD Doom shoes (Baron Davis's signature shoe with Chinese company Li-Ning). Surprisingly, the shoes were comfortable and held up well over the weekend. Of course, I played reasonably well and the trend continued into tonight. I might need to order up another pair for backup!
IT WAS A HOLIDAY!
It was great to have today off. I got in plenty of sleep and didn't do a lot during the day. I went to the mall and CostCo with my mom to get some shopping in. Other than that, I just chilled and showed up at the gym pretty laid back.
One underestimates how much work stress can have on you for the other activities in your life. Too bad I can't take days off every time I play basketball!
JUST ONE OF THOSE NIGHTS
I could throw out my possible explanations. But hey, it could have just been one of those crazy evenings. Assuming our other two guys come back healthy, I'll probably settle back into my role as a bench player.
I should mention that it would have been nice if my team had won (we lost 64-54). Career nights are great but not so if the team loses. However, it was a fun evening and definitely one to remember.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Chinese New Year Basketball Classic Tournament - Day 1
So the day is finally over. After getting up at 7:45 AM for my team's 9 AM game and playing a second game at 11:30 AM, I stayed and watched the other games before returning home moments ago.
The day was tough for my team as we lost both games. The first game we played some college kids and they jumped out to an early lead that they never relinquished. We ended up losing 78-57. The second game was better as our opponent was more at our level. Alas, after taking a one point lead with 4 seconds left, our defense wasn't good enough as our opponents hit a shot at the buzzer to win 43-42.
With our record at 0-2, we will play tomorrow morning at 11 AM against First Chinese Baptist Church. They are a pretty young and athletic team so my team will have to be at our best to have a chance.
As for myself, I actually had a pretty offensive day. I scored 12 points in the first game and 8 points in the second game. In fact, I hit my first four shots of the second game but struggled in the second half when the opponents went to a man defense.
All in all, while the record isn't great my team did have a good time and it was good to get my team onto the floor. We'll do our best tomorrow!
The day was tough for my team as we lost both games. The first game we played some college kids and they jumped out to an early lead that they never relinquished. We ended up losing 78-57. The second game was better as our opponent was more at our level. Alas, after taking a one point lead with 4 seconds left, our defense wasn't good enough as our opponents hit a shot at the buzzer to win 43-42.
With our record at 0-2, we will play tomorrow morning at 11 AM against First Chinese Baptist Church. They are a pretty young and athletic team so my team will have to be at our best to have a chance.
As for myself, I actually had a pretty offensive day. I scored 12 points in the first game and 8 points in the second game. In fact, I hit my first four shots of the second game but struggled in the second half when the opponents went to a man defense.
All in all, while the record isn't great my team did have a good time and it was good to get my team onto the floor. We'll do our best tomorrow!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Game Time!
In about 12 hours, a rag tag basketball team I put together will tip off in a Chinese New Year basketball tournament being held in South San Francisco. The team comprises with 4 guys I played with in some leagues recently, 2 friends, and 3 other newcomers I have never met.
I have no idea how my team will do and the quality of the competition we will face. It will not be easy though as we will play twice tomorrow (9 AM & 11:30 AM) and at least one game (hopefully more) on Sunday.
This particular tournament has existed for some 50 years. From reading something online, this tournament could be the 50th Anniversary though the coordinators have not acknowledged it. The tournament started play at the Chinese Recreation Center in San Francisco's Chinatown and was played there up until last year. Due to a remodel of the Center, the tournament has been moved to a high school in South San Francisco for this year.
Being a Chinatown kid and hanging around Chinese Recreation Center a lot, I had watched various teams play the tournament over the years. Yet, I never actually played in the tournament. I wasn't a huge basketball player in my youth though I always enjoyed watching it. To me, this particular tournament represented a higher level of competition among Asian/Chinese players than I could ever be at. Interestingly, I actually have officiated the tournament in recent years though will not be doing so this year as I am playing.
I have no idea how my team will do and the quality of the competition we will face. It will not be easy though as we will play twice tomorrow (9 AM & 11:30 AM) and at least one game (hopefully more) on Sunday.
This particular tournament has existed for some 50 years. From reading something online, this tournament could be the 50th Anniversary though the coordinators have not acknowledged it. The tournament started play at the Chinese Recreation Center in San Francisco's Chinatown and was played there up until last year. Due to a remodel of the Center, the tournament has been moved to a high school in South San Francisco for this year.
Being a Chinatown kid and hanging around Chinese Recreation Center a lot, I had watched various teams play the tournament over the years. Yet, I never actually played in the tournament. I wasn't a huge basketball player in my youth though I always enjoyed watching it. To me, this particular tournament represented a higher level of competition among Asian/Chinese players than I could ever be at. Interestingly, I actually have officiated the tournament in recent years though will not be doing so this year as I am playing.
Many friends wondered why I decided to form the team and play in the tournament, especially since I am 36 years old and my knees have been aching lately. Some thought it was because I am a basketball nut. In a way, you could that is true. However, I could have easily chosen NOT to form a team as I normally play basketball on Saturdays anyway.
I decided to form a team because I felt this was one of my last few opportunities to play in the tournament. Because of the move to another facility, there was enough space to host two tournaments. There is the Upper Division for the more competitive teams. Then the coordinators formed a Lower Division for the other teams who wanted to play but couldn't compete with the better teams.
Seeing that there was a Lower Division compelled me to form the team and make perhaps my first (and probably last) appearance in a tournament that I have watched since I was a kid. Playing this year is less about winning than about being part of a tradition that has existed for many years.
Win or lose, I am going to enjoy this weekend with my teammates. Wish us luck!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Struggles Of Work / Life Balance
I'm a season ticket holder for our local professional basketball team and split the tickets among a group of people. So, for my friends, they take their significant others OR other friends they know from church or other social groups
For me, since I am not married nor do I currently have a girlfriend, I knew I had to find people to take to the games. I had several friends in mind but not all the plans come to fruition. The main problem is that the games are sometimes on weeknights which make it difficult for people to go. Fortunately, my mom is around. Since she is retired and likes basketball, I ended up just taking her instead.
However, for this particular weekend, I had a Sunday game with a marquee team and player coming into town. There was one friend (call her Friend A) who I wanted to take. She wanted to go but the timing (Sunday evening) would be tough because she had to work the next day. Of course, I have to work too but I can deal with it better than others since I typically have more energy than many people I know.
So I had to go to a backup plan with another friend (Friend B). This friend had already went to a game about a month ago. While there was going to be some logistical things I had to address with this friend about the game, I figured it would be worth the effort.
Alas, all the plans got shot down. Just like Friend A, Friend B has work issues. Alas, Friend B's work issues were a little more pressing. She was put on call for this weekend out of the blue and could not commit to making the game.
I admit to being frustrated at the time we talked. This had nothing to do with Friend B and more so with the fact that it's just been one BUSY week for me. I have had evening activities this ENTIRE week and not much downtime to myself. While it's enjoyable, I haven't had much a chance to recharge. Friend B's situation just muddled matters. With me being tired already, I wasn't too thrilled to have think about what to do for the game.
After taking a nap to recharge, I feel better and thought I need to address the issue of work / life balance because of what I went through with my friends the past couple of days.
For me, work / life balance has always been important. In the years I've been in the workforce, I've always done my 40 (and sometimes more) hours. But after work, I've always had activities. It could be something simple like just going to the gym to workout or hitting a bookstore to read which take a small amount of time. Alternatively, I officiate, play or go watch basketball.
For Friend A, work dominates her life though she doesn't seem to mind and she cuts small time for herself to take walks. I wasn't surprised at her for not attending the game. Her life is structured around work and you have to fit into her schedule. It's not always easy to do that.
Friend B isn't anything like Friend A. In fact, Friend B is probably more like me in that work/life balance is important. The major difference with Friend B and me? Her work schedule is currently Tuesday through Saturday PLUS she works in an environment that operates 24 hours a day.
Thus, that is why Friend B's situation came up and I believe that is a source of resentment for her. On one hand, you have to do the job you currently have. On the other hand, she's already losing one weekend day. Plus this weekend, our plans got shot down just because she MIGHT have to do work on one of her days off.
Since I am calmer about the situation now, I advised Friend B to start looking for a job that is Monday to Friend and does not operate 24 hours a day. I am not thrilled that Friend B's job is going to make her miss the game Sunday. We talk a lot but don't see each other much so any opportunity to see her is welcome.
But beyond that, work / life balance is important. You need time to yourself and the fact is work is not everything. Yes, we all need to earn money to support ourselves. But work should not override your own personal time that you need for yourself. Considering I know Friend B very well, this personal time is much needed, maybe more so than maybe your average person.
I went through what Friend B is experiencing now early in my career and I am quite understanding of what her situation is. I worked in call centers with odd schedules like Thursday through Monday. Fortunately, as time went on and I got seniority, I was able to get myself out of those odd schedules. My current job is just Monday through Friday though I have to deal with odd hours every now and then.
All in all, I don't envy what Friend B has to deal with. It's not fun. For everyone reading, do what you need to do at work. But make time for yourself and also try to avoid working on your days off. All in all, I think it will allow you to enjoy your life much more.
For me, since I am not married nor do I currently have a girlfriend, I knew I had to find people to take to the games. I had several friends in mind but not all the plans come to fruition. The main problem is that the games are sometimes on weeknights which make it difficult for people to go. Fortunately, my mom is around. Since she is retired and likes basketball, I ended up just taking her instead.
However, for this particular weekend, I had a Sunday game with a marquee team and player coming into town. There was one friend (call her Friend A) who I wanted to take. She wanted to go but the timing (Sunday evening) would be tough because she had to work the next day. Of course, I have to work too but I can deal with it better than others since I typically have more energy than many people I know.
So I had to go to a backup plan with another friend (Friend B). This friend had already went to a game about a month ago. While there was going to be some logistical things I had to address with this friend about the game, I figured it would be worth the effort.
Alas, all the plans got shot down. Just like Friend A, Friend B has work issues. Alas, Friend B's work issues were a little more pressing. She was put on call for this weekend out of the blue and could not commit to making the game.
I admit to being frustrated at the time we talked. This had nothing to do with Friend B and more so with the fact that it's just been one BUSY week for me. I have had evening activities this ENTIRE week and not much downtime to myself. While it's enjoyable, I haven't had much a chance to recharge. Friend B's situation just muddled matters. With me being tired already, I wasn't too thrilled to have think about what to do for the game.
After taking a nap to recharge, I feel better and thought I need to address the issue of work / life balance because of what I went through with my friends the past couple of days.
For me, work / life balance has always been important. In the years I've been in the workforce, I've always done my 40 (and sometimes more) hours. But after work, I've always had activities. It could be something simple like just going to the gym to workout or hitting a bookstore to read which take a small amount of time. Alternatively, I officiate, play or go watch basketball.
For Friend A, work dominates her life though she doesn't seem to mind and she cuts small time for herself to take walks. I wasn't surprised at her for not attending the game. Her life is structured around work and you have to fit into her schedule. It's not always easy to do that.
Friend B isn't anything like Friend A. In fact, Friend B is probably more like me in that work/life balance is important. The major difference with Friend B and me? Her work schedule is currently Tuesday through Saturday PLUS she works in an environment that operates 24 hours a day.
Thus, that is why Friend B's situation came up and I believe that is a source of resentment for her. On one hand, you have to do the job you currently have. On the other hand, she's already losing one weekend day. Plus this weekend, our plans got shot down just because she MIGHT have to do work on one of her days off.
Since I am calmer about the situation now, I advised Friend B to start looking for a job that is Monday to Friend and does not operate 24 hours a day. I am not thrilled that Friend B's job is going to make her miss the game Sunday. We talk a lot but don't see each other much so any opportunity to see her is welcome.
But beyond that, work / life balance is important. You need time to yourself and the fact is work is not everything. Yes, we all need to earn money to support ourselves. But work should not override your own personal time that you need for yourself. Considering I know Friend B very well, this personal time is much needed, maybe more so than maybe your average person.
I went through what Friend B is experiencing now early in my career and I am quite understanding of what her situation is. I worked in call centers with odd schedules like Thursday through Monday. Fortunately, as time went on and I got seniority, I was able to get myself out of those odd schedules. My current job is just Monday through Friday though I have to deal with odd hours every now and then.
All in all, I don't envy what Friend B has to deal with. It's not fun. For everyone reading, do what you need to do at work. But make time for yourself and also try to avoid working on your days off. All in all, I think it will allow you to enjoy your life much more.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Live from Oracle Arena
Blogging from the Warriors - Nuggets game. :). Warrior up 111-105
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Celebrating Chinese New Year
At a local casino, Chinese New Year is celebrated annually with a performance from a Chinatown Lion Dance Troupe. Here's a picture of their performance:
http://campl.us/yjx
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
http://campl.us/yjx
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Mostly 365: One Day, One Photo and lots of beauty at a time
Camera+ had been rated highly by many users but had been removed from the App Store for several months. The reason for the removal was that the developers had added a hidden feature that violated Apple's guidelines.
However, I was poking around the Internet one evening in late December and saw that Camera+ had been added back to the App Store. I was thrilled to see this and immediately bought the app for 99 cents. With the app in hand, what was I going to do with it?
I've had an interest in photography for a while. In fact, I am armed with my Iphone, two point and shoot camera (one older, one newer) and one Digital SLR. The Digital SLR was purchased for the express purchase of learning to take better photos manually. Alas, learning the basics and getting out to do photography can be time consuming.
However, I lucked out. After purchasing Camera+, I was reading a blog posting by Lisa Bettany (developer of Camera+) discussing a project she called Mostly365. The idea behind the project was to encourage everyone to take one picture a day for 2011 and share the picture with the world via a website she created:
Mostly 365 Website
For some reason, this project resonated with me and for the past month, I have been snapping away with my Iphone. Check out my photos here:
coach41's Mostly 365 Photos
Originally, I was doing the project as Lisa had stated. I was looking around for interesting things to shoot and I would share the picture. However, a co-worker made an interesting point. He saw one of my photos that was shot at a department store and commented: "Are you sure you want that to be the thing you remember from that particular day? Try shooting things that would make your day memorable".
Since then, I've tried to shoot things in the locations I have been in. This could be murals, food or just the scenery. But the point is I am trying to capture a moment that I will remember at the end of 2011. I can't say I've had fantastic success with all of my photos but I feel I have some nice shots.
There has been one additional benefit to participating in this project. With my eye constantly looking out for things to shoot, I have noticed there IS A LOT OF BEAUTIFUL THINGS out there in the world. It could be the sunset, a mural or just a small flower that maybe you otherwise wouldn't notice.
In our day to day lives, we tend not to appreciate the little things due to stress, work or other things. With this Mostly365 project, I think I've certainly gotten back to appreciating some of the little things. Beyond taking pictures though, I think everyone's lives would be improved if they slowed down and appreciated some of the smaller and beautiful things in the world.
However, I was poking around the Internet one evening in late December and saw that Camera+ had been added back to the App Store. I was thrilled to see this and immediately bought the app for 99 cents. With the app in hand, what was I going to do with it?
I've had an interest in photography for a while. In fact, I am armed with my Iphone, two point and shoot camera (one older, one newer) and one Digital SLR. The Digital SLR was purchased for the express purchase of learning to take better photos manually. Alas, learning the basics and getting out to do photography can be time consuming.
However, I lucked out. After purchasing Camera+, I was reading a blog posting by Lisa Bettany (developer of Camera+) discussing a project she called Mostly365. The idea behind the project was to encourage everyone to take one picture a day for 2011 and share the picture with the world via a website she created:
Mostly 365 Website
For some reason, this project resonated with me and for the past month, I have been snapping away with my Iphone. Check out my photos here:
coach41's Mostly 365 Photos
Originally, I was doing the project as Lisa had stated. I was looking around for interesting things to shoot and I would share the picture. However, a co-worker made an interesting point. He saw one of my photos that was shot at a department store and commented: "Are you sure you want that to be the thing you remember from that particular day? Try shooting things that would make your day memorable".
Since then, I've tried to shoot things in the locations I have been in. This could be murals, food or just the scenery. But the point is I am trying to capture a moment that I will remember at the end of 2011. I can't say I've had fantastic success with all of my photos but I feel I have some nice shots.
There has been one additional benefit to participating in this project. With my eye constantly looking out for things to shoot, I have noticed there IS A LOT OF BEAUTIFUL THINGS out there in the world. It could be the sunset, a mural or just a small flower that maybe you otherwise wouldn't notice.
In our day to day lives, we tend not to appreciate the little things due to stress, work or other things. With this Mostly365 project, I think I've certainly gotten back to appreciating some of the little things. Beyond taking pictures though, I think everyone's lives would be improved if they slowed down and appreciated some of the smaller and beautiful things in the world.
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Beginning Of The End?
The year 2010 was a great year for me basketball wise. I played in 52 official league basketball games over the course of the year. In addition I squeezed in a lot of time playing with various friends throughout the course of the year. 2010 was highlighted by my Fall basketball league winning the league title, my first ever in over 8 years playing in the league.
After taking some time off between Christmas and the beginning of 2011, I resumed playing in a Thursday league that finished tonight. Since I had not play extensively to start 2011, I was a little out of shape and didn't play too well.
However, in recent weeks, I realized that age may be creeping up on me. After officiating a rather intense basketball last Friday, my knees were quite sore. I played basketball on both Saturday and Sunday and officiated yet another game on Monday. My knees were hurting pretty badly.
I didn't do any strenuous activities for a couple of days before playing tonight. I felt fine during warm ups but toward the end of the game, my right knee starting aching. I finish the game just fine but the knee is still rather sore at the moment.
While it could age, it also could be my basketball shoes which took a lot of pounding through my 52 game season in 2010. In either case, I realize I need to slow down a bit. I have enjoyed a rather healthy run since 2007 (no serious injuries). It's been quite fun and while I'd love to keep that up, I need to realize that your body can only take so much.
It's going to be hard to take it easy the next few weeks as I am officiating and have a couple of basketball leagues starting up. However, I am going to get plenty of rest so my body can recover and try to avoid injury.
After taking some time off between Christmas and the beginning of 2011, I resumed playing in a Thursday league that finished tonight. Since I had not play extensively to start 2011, I was a little out of shape and didn't play too well.
However, in recent weeks, I realized that age may be creeping up on me. After officiating a rather intense basketball last Friday, my knees were quite sore. I played basketball on both Saturday and Sunday and officiated yet another game on Monday. My knees were hurting pretty badly.
I didn't do any strenuous activities for a couple of days before playing tonight. I felt fine during warm ups but toward the end of the game, my right knee starting aching. I finish the game just fine but the knee is still rather sore at the moment.
While it could age, it also could be my basketball shoes which took a lot of pounding through my 52 game season in 2010. In either case, I realize I need to slow down a bit. I have enjoyed a rather healthy run since 2007 (no serious injuries). It's been quite fun and while I'd love to keep that up, I need to realize that your body can only take so much.
It's going to be hard to take it easy the next few weeks as I am officiating and have a couple of basketball leagues starting up. However, I am going to get plenty of rest so my body can recover and try to avoid injury.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Taking Off My Referee Hat For A Moment........
Yesterday, I blogged about a very competitive game I officiated:
Never Judge A Game By It's Cover
Tonight, I am going to take off my referee hat and offer a different perspective. Why? Well, for people don't officiate basketball, they don't understand that officials are fans of basketball too. We're not robots or some evil people that want to make one team or another team lose intentionally.
So tonight, instead of my officiating hat, I will put on my player and coaches hat instead. I've played 19 years of adult league basketball and have a good understanding of what a player thinks while on the court. I also coached CYO basketball for 14 years and have a good feel of the strategy and tactics that are involved during a game.
A brief recap of the game last night: home team (2-10 overall) is playing the visiting team (11-5 overall) in a rivalry game. In checking the stats online tonight, the home team throughly outplays the visiting team for the first three quarters and holds an 11 point lead entering the fourth quarter. The visiting team doesn't give up and outscores the home team 27-10 in the fourth to win by 6 points.
PLAYER PERSPECTIVE
As a player, I know that when you're the underdog team, you want to get in the first punch against a superior team. The underdog team wants respect so they will come out hard and try to impose their will on the superior and more talented team early. Think about the Warriors and some of their games against the Lakers and the Heat. The Warriors came out like gang busters on a few occasions.
On the flip side, the superior and more talented team has likely been through these situations before. They have confidence that no matter the situation, they always have a chance to win. Sometimes, the superior team has to fight complacency. They can't always let an underdog team take leads and expect to come back. Think about the Lakers and Heat games against the Warriors. The Warriors play well early and the Lakers / Heat played well late to win. But the Lakers and Heat sometime falter and let a weaker team win (think Clippers games).
That was the key difference I saw between the home and visiting teams last night. The visiting team had won a good number of games this season and had confidence that could execute down the stretch. On the other hand, the home team faltered late as the visiting team turned up the pressure.
For both coaches, I'm sure there were some frustrations and things to be learned. Let's jump into the coaches perspective next.
COACHES PERSPECTIVE
While I know the visiting coach from officiating his team's games during spring league, I have not seen him much during high school seasons. For the home team, I did not know the coach at all.
The visiting team coach is fairly laid back though he rode his kids pretty hard when they fell behind. On the other hand, the home team coach is intense and emotional. She was thrilled when her team was winning but started to yell at the officials when the home team started to make their rally. I think her players responded to her intensity. One thing I won't comment is on both coaches tactical ability. I don't remember that much of the game to judge their X's and O's.
From a coaches perspective, last night's game was lost when the visiting team made their rally. The visitors went on a 10-0 run which I believed turned a 6 point deficit into a 4 point lead. My partner and I were surprised that the home team coach DID NOT call a timeout during the run to try and break the momentum.
To me, that indicated some inexperience on the part of the coach. No matter if you're a player, referee and especially if you're a coach, you should be aware of the flow of the game. As referees, the flow of the game is important because we need to be aware of taking care of situations. As a player, you should be aware of the flow (especially if the flow is not good for your team) and settle the team down if needed. That's why a good point guard is very important for any team.
However, out of all the parties, only the coach has the full power to completely stop the flow of the game by calling a timeout. Yes, one can argue that players can call timeouts as well but it's usually when coaches tell them to call it.
For the game last night, I think the home team players did the best they could to keep the game from going out of control. However, when the visiting team made their run, it was obvious the home team players were rattled. Unfortunately, the coach did not call timeout until they fell behind and that hurt their chances.
Note that is is not meant to criticize the home team coach. I used to be a screamer and yeller in my early years as a CYO coach. Unfortunately, that only takes you so far. The home team players seem to respect their coach and she seemed to be able to make adjustments. Hopefully, the home team coach can learn to channel her energy but also be more aware of game situations.
All in all, it was a great game. I hope the players and coaches enjoyed it as much as I did. Yet, there were some lessons to be learned and I hope both teams learned their lessons well for the rest of the season.
Never Judge A Game By It's Cover
Tonight, I am going to take off my referee hat and offer a different perspective. Why? Well, for people don't officiate basketball, they don't understand that officials are fans of basketball too. We're not robots or some evil people that want to make one team or another team lose intentionally.
So tonight, instead of my officiating hat, I will put on my player and coaches hat instead. I've played 19 years of adult league basketball and have a good understanding of what a player thinks while on the court. I also coached CYO basketball for 14 years and have a good feel of the strategy and tactics that are involved during a game.
A brief recap of the game last night: home team (2-10 overall) is playing the visiting team (11-5 overall) in a rivalry game. In checking the stats online tonight, the home team throughly outplays the visiting team for the first three quarters and holds an 11 point lead entering the fourth quarter. The visiting team doesn't give up and outscores the home team 27-10 in the fourth to win by 6 points.
PLAYER PERSPECTIVE
As a player, I know that when you're the underdog team, you want to get in the first punch against a superior team. The underdog team wants respect so they will come out hard and try to impose their will on the superior and more talented team early. Think about the Warriors and some of their games against the Lakers and the Heat. The Warriors came out like gang busters on a few occasions.
On the flip side, the superior and more talented team has likely been through these situations before. They have confidence that no matter the situation, they always have a chance to win. Sometimes, the superior team has to fight complacency. They can't always let an underdog team take leads and expect to come back. Think about the Lakers and Heat games against the Warriors. The Warriors play well early and the Lakers / Heat played well late to win. But the Lakers and Heat sometime falter and let a weaker team win (think Clippers games).
That was the key difference I saw between the home and visiting teams last night. The visiting team had won a good number of games this season and had confidence that could execute down the stretch. On the other hand, the home team faltered late as the visiting team turned up the pressure.
For both coaches, I'm sure there were some frustrations and things to be learned. Let's jump into the coaches perspective next.
COACHES PERSPECTIVE
While I know the visiting coach from officiating his team's games during spring league, I have not seen him much during high school seasons. For the home team, I did not know the coach at all.
The visiting team coach is fairly laid back though he rode his kids pretty hard when they fell behind. On the other hand, the home team coach is intense and emotional. She was thrilled when her team was winning but started to yell at the officials when the home team started to make their rally. I think her players responded to her intensity. One thing I won't comment is on both coaches tactical ability. I don't remember that much of the game to judge their X's and O's.
From a coaches perspective, last night's game was lost when the visiting team made their rally. The visitors went on a 10-0 run which I believed turned a 6 point deficit into a 4 point lead. My partner and I were surprised that the home team coach DID NOT call a timeout during the run to try and break the momentum.
To me, that indicated some inexperience on the part of the coach. No matter if you're a player, referee and especially if you're a coach, you should be aware of the flow of the game. As referees, the flow of the game is important because we need to be aware of taking care of situations. As a player, you should be aware of the flow (especially if the flow is not good for your team) and settle the team down if needed. That's why a good point guard is very important for any team.
However, out of all the parties, only the coach has the full power to completely stop the flow of the game by calling a timeout. Yes, one can argue that players can call timeouts as well but it's usually when coaches tell them to call it.
For the game last night, I think the home team players did the best they could to keep the game from going out of control. However, when the visiting team made their run, it was obvious the home team players were rattled. Unfortunately, the coach did not call timeout until they fell behind and that hurt their chances.
Note that is is not meant to criticize the home team coach. I used to be a screamer and yeller in my early years as a CYO coach. Unfortunately, that only takes you so far. The home team players seem to respect their coach and she seemed to be able to make adjustments. Hopefully, the home team coach can learn to channel her energy but also be more aware of game situations.
All in all, it was a great game. I hope the players and coaches enjoyed it as much as I did. Yet, there were some lessons to be learned and I hope both teams learned their lessons well for the rest of the season.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Other Side Of Me
If you were to ask my friends who I play basketball with the following question, you would likely get some varied responses:
"How is coach41 on the court?"
"How is coach41 on the court?"
- Focused
- Good mid-range shooter
- Doesn't play defense (a bit of an exaggeration!)
- Plays with good fundamentals
- Pretty good team player
- Occasional ball hog! Yes, when I get frustrated, I sometimes put up a few shots without passing.
All of this is true. When I play with people I know, I go out there, play the game and enjoy myself. I know how most of my friends play and I just adapt myself to how the flow of the game is going. The negatives associated with me is usually with how I play the game than how I act on the court.
However, I've noticed an interesting aspect of my personality surface in the past 3 months. It started when I joined up with some guys I know to play in Sunday Open (non-Asian) basketball league last year and has continued on to a Thursday Intermediate Open (again, non-Asian) basketball league that is finishing up in a couple of weeks.
In these couple of leagues, there was a lot of trash talking, players on the other team playing dirty and other people just acting like jerks. Not to say the usual leagues I play in doesn't have that. However, there is a level of respect among the players and I typically remain above the fray if things if anything is directed to me in my regular leagues.
However, in the two non-Asian leagues I've been playing in, I have switched gears. I sense a lack of respect from some teams (my team hasn't won a game in the two seasons we have played). Some of the players on the other teams also take things much too seriously to things I have done.
What have I done? I box out. I get in people's faces on defense. I'll even occasionally dish out a hard foul. I'm also very vocal with my team. As the oldest and probably most experience guy I my team, I am constantly talking to my guys on what to do.
Some things that have happened:
- Toward the end of one game we were losing, I fouled a guy to make him shoot free throws. I hung on to him to make sure he didn't fall. The guy basically said: "F***ing let me go". I told the dude he should calm down. I also said I wasn't gay and trying to cop a free feel on him or something.
- In a more recent game, there was this guy who was just killing us on the perimeter. My teammate wasn't doing a great job guarding him so I switched up on him. I didn't let him out of my sight and I denied him the ball. The guy did beat me back door on one play. I tried to block the shot but the guy was like 3 inches taller than me so I think hit him in the head. The guy cried to the referee that I punched him and swore at me. Usually, I make sure players are ok after a hard foul. In this case since the guy was classless, I ignored him and didn't say a word. I noticed he didn't go to the basket anymore though. He was probably afraid I would hit him again.
- In a game last year, one guy commented to me that I couldn't play defense or box out by fronting him. I told him that I could. He said he was a referee. I told him I was too. We went back and forth for a while and I kept constantly talking to him before the other guy had to tell me to SHUT UP.
- Tonight, there was a dude he did some crap to my teammate and swinging elbows when I tried to defend him on the post (he's 6'4" or something). If he was going to freely swing, then so did I. He bumped me so I bumped him back. The guy was 100% jerk that didn't belong on the court.
Interesting huh? Is this the same coach41 my friends know? I'm still the same guy but in a different arena. When I'm with my friends, we all respect each other. However, in these other leagues, guys don't know each other and want to earn respect and they'll do anything to get it. It's perfectly fine if we play a clean game of basketball. Alas, there are some hyper competitive people or people who just don't understand class and respect on the basketball court. I have absolutely no respect for those people and will not hesitate to let them know. A part of this may come from me officiating adult leagues. As an official, I sometimes chirp back to players who complain about my calls.
On a side note, my friends know I talk a lot. Guess what? Some teams/opponents now know that too when I engage them in an extended dialog. I have a feeling some of them don't really like it. Oh well. I may seem to be your normal quiet Asian guy. They learn that isn't the case quite quickly.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Living A Single's Life In A Married Person's World
I've been thinking about this for a while and it took some time to put my thoughts together. With the marriage of another friend last year and another coming in the near future, it seems like the majority of my friends are married or getting married. In looking around online today, I saw various articles on how single people interact with their married friends and vice versa. It was interesting to read and I thought I would share some of my thoughts on things I've learned.
PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE
If you're the impatient type, then it will be difficult to deal with friends who are married. I can't say I was the most patient type when I was younger but as I have aged (or matured), my patience has grown. This also applies to the various situations involving married friends. The simple fact is that married friends can't hang out as much as they used to. Their significant other has a major say in things. If there are kids, that also plays a factor in any plans you try to make.
When I was younger, I was a little impatient when friends didn't call back. It was part immaturity and some selfishness. However, a few years ago, this immaturity and selfishness blew up in my face. It probably cost me a good friend when I had issues with the friend not calling me back.
After this particular incident, my patience grew to the point where I am fairly laid back with my friends. Instead of calling or emailing constantly and demanding attention, I reduced my volume of emails to next to nothing. I called a few friends every now and then. When they didn't call back right away, I just went on with life.
INDEPENDENCE
Related to patience, when I was young, I didn't do things on my own. If there was nothing going on with friends, I tended to hang at home. Maybe I slept in, watched TV or played some video games. I still do all of those things if I am home. However, I've gone out to see movies by myself. Obviously I like to write so I spend time blogging. I'm doing some photography when I get the chance. All in all, I'm spending time doing things instead of waiting for friends (especially the married ones) to initiate.
I have good friends around me but the realization is (again, especially for the married ones) they cannot be with me 24/7/365. Since I am not attached or married, I might as well enjoy life while I can. In not getting married sooner, I get to go out more and get everything out of my system before settling down.
The other things is I've made other friends and have other social groups to hang out with. The unfortunate fact is that once you get married, your regular friends are less of a priority. Not that married folks don't care about friends but with kids and other things, there is just less time. I just use my activities as a springboard to meet and get to know other people.
I'M WATCHING YOU
There is a benefit to having so many married friends around even if I don't see them as often as I used to. I get to observe their dealings with their significant others and kids (both good and bad) and learn from them. No one is perfect so problems will occur and watching people handle their situations is a good learning experience. Every marriage is unique so what happens to one couple may not happen to another. However, it never hurts to see it up close and personal.
Hopefully, this is not taken in the wrong context but I've learned a lot about my friends prior to getting married as well. I've seen their dealing in past relationships and even with their wives before they were married. I'm pretty observant, more so than people realize and it fascinates me how relationships go.
THE SINGLE LIFE IS NOT BAD
I have to give credit to my friends, especially the married ones. They are genuinely interested in my well being and there is a general wish that I find the right woman and get married. To that extent, I appreciate their concern. For the married folks, I believe it is because they are happy in their marriages and they want me to be happy as well.
However, because my married friends haven't been single in a LONG time, I think they forget how it is to be a single person. I did wonder for a long time when I would get married. Maybe I was getting too old and I couldn't find someone. I think a lot of singles go through that. You see people being happy together and wonder why you can't share in that.
Well, I've learned that you have to be happy, regardless if you're in a relationship or by yourself. I'll still go through my phases of ups and downs. Yet, I believe I am content with my life and where it is headed. There are always things to be improved but overall, I like where I am.
However, if you are unhappy, you can't expect a woman (or anyone) to fix that. Any person in your life should complement what you have and not fill in anything missing in your life.
Overall, single folks sometimes are looked at oddly. I've learned to get past that and just take care of my own business. When the right time (and woman) comes along, I will be ready to join the ranks of the married. Until then, I roll on with whatever life throws at me and enjoy it every step of the way.
PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE
If you're the impatient type, then it will be difficult to deal with friends who are married. I can't say I was the most patient type when I was younger but as I have aged (or matured), my patience has grown. This also applies to the various situations involving married friends. The simple fact is that married friends can't hang out as much as they used to. Their significant other has a major say in things. If there are kids, that also plays a factor in any plans you try to make.
When I was younger, I was a little impatient when friends didn't call back. It was part immaturity and some selfishness. However, a few years ago, this immaturity and selfishness blew up in my face. It probably cost me a good friend when I had issues with the friend not calling me back.
After this particular incident, my patience grew to the point where I am fairly laid back with my friends. Instead of calling or emailing constantly and demanding attention, I reduced my volume of emails to next to nothing. I called a few friends every now and then. When they didn't call back right away, I just went on with life.
INDEPENDENCE
Related to patience, when I was young, I didn't do things on my own. If there was nothing going on with friends, I tended to hang at home. Maybe I slept in, watched TV or played some video games. I still do all of those things if I am home. However, I've gone out to see movies by myself. Obviously I like to write so I spend time blogging. I'm doing some photography when I get the chance. All in all, I'm spending time doing things instead of waiting for friends (especially the married ones) to initiate.
I have good friends around me but the realization is (again, especially for the married ones) they cannot be with me 24/7/365. Since I am not attached or married, I might as well enjoy life while I can. In not getting married sooner, I get to go out more and get everything out of my system before settling down.
The other things is I've made other friends and have other social groups to hang out with. The unfortunate fact is that once you get married, your regular friends are less of a priority. Not that married folks don't care about friends but with kids and other things, there is just less time. I just use my activities as a springboard to meet and get to know other people.
I'M WATCHING YOU
There is a benefit to having so many married friends around even if I don't see them as often as I used to. I get to observe their dealings with their significant others and kids (both good and bad) and learn from them. No one is perfect so problems will occur and watching people handle their situations is a good learning experience. Every marriage is unique so what happens to one couple may not happen to another. However, it never hurts to see it up close and personal.
Hopefully, this is not taken in the wrong context but I've learned a lot about my friends prior to getting married as well. I've seen their dealing in past relationships and even with their wives before they were married. I'm pretty observant, more so than people realize and it fascinates me how relationships go.
THE SINGLE LIFE IS NOT BAD
I have to give credit to my friends, especially the married ones. They are genuinely interested in my well being and there is a general wish that I find the right woman and get married. To that extent, I appreciate their concern. For the married folks, I believe it is because they are happy in their marriages and they want me to be happy as well.
However, because my married friends haven't been single in a LONG time, I think they forget how it is to be a single person. I did wonder for a long time when I would get married. Maybe I was getting too old and I couldn't find someone. I think a lot of singles go through that. You see people being happy together and wonder why you can't share in that.
Well, I've learned that you have to be happy, regardless if you're in a relationship or by yourself. I'll still go through my phases of ups and downs. Yet, I believe I am content with my life and where it is headed. There are always things to be improved but overall, I like where I am.
However, if you are unhappy, you can't expect a woman (or anyone) to fix that. Any person in your life should complement what you have and not fill in anything missing in your life.
Overall, single folks sometimes are looked at oddly. I've learned to get past that and just take care of my own business. When the right time (and woman) comes along, I will be ready to join the ranks of the married. Until then, I roll on with whatever life throws at me and enjoy it every step of the way.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Back To The Basics / Building A Strong Foundation
Back from the land of Virginia and enjoying home! I am so glad to be back that I officiated a basketball game 6 hours after I landed yesterday and two more today (more on officiating in my other blog).
While my trip to Virginia was fun (seeing various people I don't see often), there was a lot of information that I learned. Most of this was work related and really not applicable to be shared in my personal blog.
However, there was one thing that I could share with people. During my meetings with my Sales Engineering team Thursday, we were asked to share one bad and one good thing that occurred during the 2010 year and what we learned from the each of them.
While most of my co-workers shared incidents that occurred with customers, I shared the struggles I had at work that started in April. There were complaints about my job performance and that led to some discussions with my manager. The result was that I was put on a development plan to work on improving.
That was quite a challenging time for me. It's never fun to be told that you aren't doing your job. I took it pretty hard and didn't know exactly what I was going to do.
After coming to terms with the situation, I dug in and followed the development plan the best that I could. I studied my company's products and services to as much detail as I could. I took online courses on communication, listening and other skills. I listed to my fellow teammates on their calls. Nine months later, things have quieted down. My managed indicated there were no further complaints that he was aware of.
The point in all of this? In everything we do in life, a strong foundation is needed. For my work situation, going back to the basics helped me build a stronger foundation for me to do my job. This was NOT my ideal situation but yet it was what I needed.
In the future, if you run into any struggles personally or professionally, try going back to the basics. Somethings things aren't as complicated as they seem and focusing on the basic things will get you back on the path you are trying to go. If you don't have a strong foundation, then going back to the basics will also be helpful as well.
While my trip to Virginia was fun (seeing various people I don't see often), there was a lot of information that I learned. Most of this was work related and really not applicable to be shared in my personal blog.
However, there was one thing that I could share with people. During my meetings with my Sales Engineering team Thursday, we were asked to share one bad and one good thing that occurred during the 2010 year and what we learned from the each of them.
While most of my co-workers shared incidents that occurred with customers, I shared the struggles I had at work that started in April. There were complaints about my job performance and that led to some discussions with my manager. The result was that I was put on a development plan to work on improving.
That was quite a challenging time for me. It's never fun to be told that you aren't doing your job. I took it pretty hard and didn't know exactly what I was going to do.
After coming to terms with the situation, I dug in and followed the development plan the best that I could. I studied my company's products and services to as much detail as I could. I took online courses on communication, listening and other skills. I listed to my fellow teammates on their calls. Nine months later, things have quieted down. My managed indicated there were no further complaints that he was aware of.
The point in all of this? In everything we do in life, a strong foundation is needed. For my work situation, going back to the basics helped me build a stronger foundation for me to do my job. This was NOT my ideal situation but yet it was what I needed.
In the future, if you run into any struggles personally or professionally, try going back to the basics. Somethings things aren't as complicated as they seem and focusing on the basic things will get you back on the path you are trying to go. If you don't have a strong foundation, then going back to the basics will also be helpful as well.
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