Growing older beats the alternative

Don Grose
I played golf last night/yesterday...after a fashion.
There is no question that conditioning is a factor in
how one performs on the golf course..I had always beleived that my handicap would inch upward as time
went on - and I lost flexibility - and strength - to
advancing years. A pretty solid 7 handicap for as long
as I can remember, I have played consistently poorly
enough so far this year that my handicap has jumped to
double digits...I am using new equipment this year -
and Lord knows I have not gotten any brighter ( Buddy
Kelvin insists on repeating that " Ignorance you
can fix - stupid is forever ! )- but I think it's
safe to say that the biggest difference in my game
is physical conditioning. I suspect I have finally
run the cards on years of playing racquetball, hockey,
baseball, riding bikes and generally just being active.
The answer now is starting to earn some credits back.
I have been talking about it for several months..
but now is the time ! Here's the plan...5 pounds a
month for the next 24 months...June 1 , 2008 I will be
back to something resembling my playing weight.
I am also going to start a workout routine that will
involve walking, and other exercise...losing weight is
no longer optional - but gotta rebuild some strength as well....while the chore seems daunting..starting
from where I am will make any progress significant.
Onward..probably too late to impact this golf season-
next year will be my comeback season.
All of the above should not be mistaken for an
excuse...
Why he delights in it so is beyond me - I think he
gets it from his mother. Tyler, the oldest boy, the
first son, The T-Bone of my life, has kicked my
behind in two straight golf games already this year.
It's been coming admittedly for a couple of seasons.
I sure liked him a lot more when he was too busy
with other things to play...How does he hit it so far ?
If he ever learns to putt he'll be someone else who
refuses to be seen in public with me...heavy sigh..
Seriously...I remember how much my Dad used to enjoy
getting out on the golf course with me - and then
with me and his grandsons Tyler and Matt..that is what makes golf great. Time together having fun, laughing,
kidding around,enjoying the fresh air...even makes
humbling,defeat palatable. ( Bone if you're reading
this, I don't want you getting all nervous thinking
I'm setting you up..getting you all confident and
open to a sneak attack...don't even think about it )
I don't know whether I mentioned Neptune Theatre's
production of Evita in a previous post..I am not
a huge fan of musical theatre but I have to say
that it was very good ! Neptune has to do something
with their air circulation, though. Balcony ticket
holders suffer when the theatre is anywhere near
full. It's the only negative comment I have to make
after our first season as subscribers...and yes we
will be back.
I will not go back to the Argyle Bar and Grill.
Our theatre group went there once before and
because it's so handy to Neptune we decided we'd
return last weekend. So we made a resrvation for
the six of us - and on our arrival were informed
they'd had a rush of larger reservations so they
were putting the six of us in a booth. Needless to
say we left. The staff was unwilling to help out
except to say they'd set us up in the lounge so with
their very hollow apologies ringing in our ears
we went next door to OPA where once again we had
a fabulous meal thanks to hostess Colleen and our
waitress ..I think the waitresses name was Kelly.
She was terrific in every way and instrumental in
turning around what could have been a less than
successful outing.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - some
people are naturals at service and if you are
someone in the hospitality industry - nurture,
coddle, protect, and appreciate your good people.
They are your superstars !
Advertising Tip of the Day....forget what I just
wrote...don't ever use your service, don't ever
mention your service, and certainly don't promote
superior service, unless you are going to tell
me a story that illustrates what makes your service
so much better than anyone else's in your industry.
I have a client that uses as a positioning statement,
"Most Trusted Builder." As an advertiser the last thing you want to do is create in the mind of
potential customers the question, " Says Who ?!?"
Unsubstantiated claims are very dangerous...
For years radio stations ran to potential advertisers
crying ( claiming ), "We're Number One !" So you've got six radio stations in a market going to each advertiser, or potential advertiser, all claiming
they were the best...no wonder businesses equate sales
people with weasels and don't trust them.
The first question I asked myself when I got it advertising sales was, " So what the hell do you say when you're number 2 - or number 7 ? " Fact is every station is number one with the listeners who like it best. Fact is,if as an advertising vehicle I can offer, a company an ad campaign, or strategy, that provides the business with the chance to attract enough commerce that they get good return on their investment, then who cares if I have the largest
audience...The fact is, telling a potential client
that I am " Number One " or "the best at anything"
creates nothing but an air of mistrust.
The primary premise has to be - I have something you
can use and I am going to show you how to get the
absolute most out of it so it makes sense for you.
Then it doesn't matter if I'm the cheapest, most expensive or eat apples standing on head ( better than anybody else. )...
I hope you have a truly, magical day...and yes, I am
thinking of you when I say that ...
Happy Trials
Don