#BoomerwithAttitude is still on tap, no great sympathy for those creating chaos with external meddling AND, even though nobody asked, willing to quantify what’s on my overall plate.
Getting in three full 10.5 mile rides on X-Charlotte Trail over 8 days is legitimate #1 on Count it! physicality. Haven’t done over thirty mile week in a year, stubby tires mountain bike is a challenge. Riding as reward factor for writing Monday ‘Resumes’ piece that included Gene Hackman and me, I’m positive about pursuing the right opportunity.
Getting a *great* haircut from Desirous was a clutch decision about feeling shaggy for an important presentation. No kidding, Looking Good and Old School tactics like ‘Being there’ are still difference makers.
Bike riding is my very quantifiable, long-term asset for physical confidence, and counting positives physically at sixty-eight is a legitimate good habit. Staying on fun and firmness brings lots of people out to share the well-maintained pavement with. Ride in 74 degrees and sunshiney NC afternoon, then Food and NCAA hoops watching was overall Saturday Reality. There’s plenty of tense going around, I’ll be for more tennis – not ignorance, choice.
Yes, I admit loving how the Canadians, calm and clear Trudeau, excellent hand-off of a small crisis to New Guy, still stuffing trump every shift (hockey term) of news cycle, making it clear its not about hating US, but Tariffs- Elbows up, damn straight! (AND PAY YOUR ELECTRIC BILL, EY! notice is coming from Ontario soon…)
Four more with Good Reasons, ey?
A physical release in optimal weather is a deserved time-out reward, so take credit for doing something necessary, important, or Special. Including ‘Me’ in the company of Hackman and NFL QBs in Monday morning LinkedIn article was being seriously happy about a ‘specific and terrific’ cover letter I’d sent about a challenging EA administrative role.
Adding in the killer haircut and not-worn-often-enough-lately charcoal suit and sweet, coral-colored with ducks tie, presenting myself at their local HQ with additional quality examples of my written communications expertise, was a solid, Old School doubling down Tuesday. Since the HR person is now a LinkedIn connection, I’ll point out that ‘Resume’ piece shortly. Call the total effort #2,3 on good things accomplished.
#4 Mint Museum, Wednesday for Freebie Night
Over my thirty years in Charlotte (same as Panthers), you’d sometimes hear, ‘But there’s not so much cultural here (or bagels stiffness, or crispier crust..).’ My response is ‘There’s a coffee mug for that, ‘If its so important, GO BACK!’ -3/5/25 GShork story to new Charlotte person Brittny, touring the Mint Wednesday, *plenty* to appreciate on three floors.
I decided on visiting the Mint late last week, and arriving 6:20, strolled three floors and multiple galleries for 90 minutes. Perhaps not demonstrative proof of culture, but I defend those exceptional aspects like the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (which played for Pavoratti), does four wonderful June concerts behind SouthPark Mall and Christmas events downtown; regular Broadway tours at The Blumenthal, and culture *does* includes TWO Mint Museums and a Bechtler.
That literary park with Authors signs, sounds, fountains across the street is a treat to show visitors every time. Just sayin.’
I only gave away two CDTalententerprises cards, one to Brittny ‘without an A’, a favorite kind of memory hook clarifier, me being a two N Glenn. She said she was a newbie to Charlotte, we walked and talked, plenty of other participants to share opinions with too. I came back for her when I found something unique-r, and I’d be pleased if Brittny uses the good information that’s found on my good-looking card.
I have a tux & I know how to use it.
Clothes make The Man? If not now, When? Compared to mid-week usual, Styling a black felt hat that keeps getting noticed, Dad’s brownish-green hounds-tooth jacket, green shirt, antique-unique tie, tuxedo pants, I thought I might even drop in someplace afterwards. Wound up 100% satisfied as imagined with a self-guided event.
There were MUCH more display galleries in this Mint Location than I imagined. I’ve been in Charlotte long enough for this to be third iteration with Mint name.
There were a significant number of younger people as a category, nice mixture overall.
As I conveyed to an LI connection afterwards, networking has always been a strength, I have plenty of confidence in talking to others. Sports writing background and sales, Q&A has always been my standard, and after two full years WFH, I’ve missed that aspect. If not Great Expectations, engaging on Art is do-able.
I’ll get around to describing a microeconomic situation at Nordstrom’s in my ‘Don’t Give Up Your Day Job’ non-fiction book, but having a bit of artsy background, and being historically gregarious, Wednesday counted as a terrific reboot, new Social Goodness as an easy to achieve priority.
#5 – Opportunity to be of Service – Good Thought, it worked out
While I declined a nomination for Club Secretary in February, somebody else stepped forward during actual elections Friday for our community Mens Club meeting, so while I rethought taking the post (4x previous) because certain long-term organizational knowledge might be a clutch difference in success, guess we’ll see. More actual good PR for solid, long-time organization continues with Fridays annual Fish Fry. As a #BoomerwithAttitude, I’ll keep that communications/leadership club in my bag, use my five wood more in the Spring Captain’s Choice.
OKAY – Create a 700-900 word blog on a regular schedule – 1st of three on Monday, check on new habit, Week Two. Quantified, specific. Just me.
Different Blue coming soon at Nordy’s again (or an ExecAsst?) Hugo Boss jacket, Black buttonless tuxedo shirt, bow tie.
Beyond Green-egged pork loin and terrific wine for Thursday night football, to getting brother Mike and dogs back out to Denver Tues., and sun directly in the eyes for 9 & 11:00 double header both Saturdays, I’ve enjoyed the #AmericanFamilyExperience that recreation league baseball embodies.
Call it extra grocery $$, my POV is, at 67 I make a difference- and getting thwapped! three times Sat.,like never before in 4 years, I affirm I can still take it.
This fall season has been a terrific reprieve from worrying about politics in the everywhere else. We three brothers enjoyed terrific dinner and 49ers game, and Monday, when brother, RV and dogs was supposed to leave, engine consideration requiring a lift back from Charlotte shop, having breakfast while picking up his Jeep Tues. a.m. was a great opportunity to extend-repay any number of times such a courtesy is done with family. Just a ride maybe, but a clutch ride, and he gassed me up. ‘Nuff said.
Football, and no political POVs worked well with Thursdays wine, I saved those worries till breakfast with good hash browns, crisp bacon, and plenty of java before Tues. g’byes to Mike and beagles. I’ve been working on good karma every night, thank you American Family Experience.
Getting Thwapped! means a Meat hit
My usual credo is ‘If you heard it hit me, that’s not really a problem.’ Then I took a 10 year old’s foul tip straight in the chest area between top of plastic chest protector and bottom of mask. Coming to screen afterwards, one Mom smiled, ‘I know you say that, but I *heard* that one.’ And most recognized I *must* have just missed a nutter a little later.
10-19-24 Field #3 – Karma might have listened too close about historically, my not having been hit squarely- I got a tingle for sure. I still consider that ‘best practices.’ Cool when crowd works with my chatting along, I’m recognized at OP fields after plenty of games there over last month.
Most of a Dozen Shots from Being a Blue
I’ll continue to praise the LL baseball environment as American Family Experience, especially the weekends (9, 11:00) and coolish nights lately, what it means to those ballers of whatever skill, to try implementing advice you offer while they’re at bat. Solid gold encouragement for sure. Having given my card to one well-chilled Dad on Wed. night, I promised to share my POV joy a little about that experience here.
Call it extra grocery $$, Umpiring is a really difficult option to beat, great atmosphere at $60 for two hours and change. Travel teams and five games a day stress, stopped that gig two years ago. Rec league teams, first season after coach pitch, sometimes 10-12-13s. Hey, somebody turned in the cleats I left behind after Mon. night game in time for this weekend, so I’m glad about that too. Last Saturday I wore dress shoes! instead of sneakers while doing the plate. Knew it’d make a good little story.
Sometimes I use one of Dad’s old tees to dust off plate, tell people ‘I have a brush, just trying to keep Dad involved.’ They tell you as an Umpire not to talk with people behind fence, one call and you could turn bad on you, but I admit to being a yakker. If not you, I’ll talk to people over there, no problem pal.
My top thought bringer was a pretty excited young shortstop, telling me he might get to pitch the 3rd inning (which he does). Turns out coach I mentioned youngsters excitement to was Dad, who admitted, “If I told him definitely, you wouldn’t be able to catch his attention for anything else, no way.”
He showed no great talent, spraying balls to the backstop while other team turned walks into runs with constant stealing. This maybe 4,’ cap-askew kid, just got back on the mound and threw another one. What determination, getting to rubber, turn, fire! for most of five runs or all the way through lineup, whatever their league rule was. Max enthusiasm, great coaching attitude, real glad I wasn’t on the plate was important to overall Satisfaction.
Have to state I won $68 Saturday for college football picks on Fanduel. Part of my expertise when writing football should be followed up on. If 49ers had converted 2-pt. after last TD (48 total pts.), I would have done that again (Over was 47.5 as part of 4-legger, incl. Ravens game). Just sayin.’ Yay! for my microeconomy.
Genuine appreciation
You betcha, the Genuine Appreciation by parents, patrons, players, the elemental interfacing after hours of my mostly remote work production, is personally enriching. Soooo many positives, thank yous from parents watching, the kids who want to tap fists, I’m doing a little part for that American Family Experience. I traded some group snack cheese puffs for 2 pieces of gum. Telling one group ‘this catcher is really up close to batters’ two pitches before a batter knocks his glove loose for being that close, they know I’m working knowledgably. VERY little second-guessing, I’m known to be solid on strikes, including the down and away every coach wants THEIR pitcher to get.
The catcher-son of a gentleman I’ve spoken with 4-5x was in front of me Saturday, and I noted his positioning with Dad after an inning, sort of hanging off outer third, and he said hasn’t really told him where, more about close when son felt comfortable. Pitchers typically nibble outside a target was a POV I offered him, keeping catcher centered vs. past white lines results in lot of balls while yes, producing sucker swings. Its a great gentlemans meeting of minds, helping kids in a real way.
I prefer to have them positioned between me and unreliable 10 year old arms and persons with a bat, also a safety issue, y’know? Guy hooked other ump and myself up with post-game cheeseburgers my first time at Olde Providence. Just sayin’.
Thats been my CDTalent Enterprises mantra/extended purpose over 4+ years. Beyond balls and strikes, little things to coaches, often they might already know, but seeing something detrimental to ‘fix,’ I’m up for contributing that. Especially pitchers. Catchers – Don’t pose, I saw where you caught it, then where you moved it to.
Catchers cheating
I’ve been asking crowd about catchers cheating a little recently, few knew what framing truly meant – but I’m talking MOVING a pitch. Whether they’ve grabbed a mitt of dirt low or stopped a sky-high wild one, catchers will present the result as close to middle of the zone as possible. Pitchers and YOU, the crowd, often wonder, ‘Why isn’t he calling strikes?’ because glove is right there. That’s what I get the big $$ for.
After calling a higher than usual strike, and hearing ‘I don’t think so,’ from batter, I looked at the young man while brushing a ton of sand off the plate. “It will never be to your advantage to have me hear something like that,” I told him.
One kid moved his elbow a minimal amount and managed to get clipped, sent to first. I saw what happened, but declined to call the violation of not trying to avoid – and one person’s voice asked if thats what had happened – but hit batter was my decision. I went to dugout after half-inning, and told the batter I saw the play, let it go because a good kind of slick move. HAVE to appreciate the art of the subtle move, from Reggie Jackson’s hip in World Series to *every*single*catcher* trained to frame/move pitches to steal a strike call. I’ll have to tell Scott Grayman, he always advocated the pinch and ‘Look where it hit me!’ approach.
Slinging bats, obstruction
Sometimes league rules codify a first warning for bad bat action, I might give two for a team – coaches are generally very good with followup to warnings. One safety and game situation I take charge of is plays at the plate, because everyone runs on passed balls, runners from third sliding in with pitcher hopefully covering at plate, Out! or safe is a regular event.
Getting bats and batters out of the way, telling catchers ‘Move the bat away from plate’ before ball might still be in play, helps a young catcher. I enlightened some patrons about kids getting tagged out at plate, because there is often a ridge in right hand batters box, noticeably dug down in middle, but solid clay perhaps 6″ from plate that often stops slides. Fun fact to know and tell.
I ended first game Saturday on obstruction call – one more time the batter froze in box after a wild pitch, and kid from 3rd coming. Catcher dove around batter, couldn’t flip to pitcher, so had to say Obstruction, winning run scores. Everyone was thrilled at finale, thats what makes it such a cultural binder. Line it up! Congrats all around, kids they know from school.
I’ve only called two out for slinging this fall season (many leagues actually say out of game), because I let everyone know at plate meeting, its a safety issue I can control. One previous coach said I traumatized his pitcher because I yelled, “DONT THROW IT!” as he was stepping into his delivery and I didn’t have my mask on. Most pitchers are ready to go pretty quick, so its talk to the hand time. Take an extra couple seconds to instill safety aspect, isn’t a bad thing. Yes, next batter, if teammate left bat after a hit, pick it up.
I often say this tongue in cheek, ‘You don’t reward stupid,’ because when kid on 2nd keeps stretching his lead, Dad was saying more, more, the pitcher gets signal when he’s too far. Ooops! Yeah Austin, gotcha at second. Same with trying for a triple instead of just a double- Close, but out! (shouldn’t have done that).
I worked with a first time, real game Blue one game, been doing Machine Pitch. He didn’t know signal for infield fly rule (a 0 or 1 out finger at top of mask). He called a balk though. Attaboy! Overruled him/provided help on a call at first.
A Coach wasn’t going with idea his pitcher plunked the batter on wrist, kept saying, “He was swinging!” No coach, he was backing away, and from part way between 1st- 2nd, I saw *exactly* what happened. He.plunked.the.batter.
Getting hit in thigh, ball breezing between thighs a little low, taking an exclamation point! foul tip straight in the chest- an event that surprised but didn’t hurt me- and that tingler, well, still two more games this week. Another check before Election Day (and rent) is a Good Thing, and then comes Thanksgiving and group Christmas tree sales.
Doing what I can
Even if you’re the center fielder who stuck their glove out, and the good hit the batter thought he had, somehow wound up in your previously never-caught-a-thing kids mitt and all rejoiced, we have to affirm what we know is right, not just get lucky, on Election Day.
Little League, cheeseburgers, Carolina nice weather, Democracy, ballot not bullet, #BoomerwithAttitude, a little showmanship on a called third strike, between my Umpire Wisdom-wise Blue (and Precinct Judge (D) attitude), lets say I don’t think this country will take a called third strike, bat on their shoulder attitude regarding this most important event of 2024.
I need actual replacement cleats for my golf shoes, but Dodgers – Yankees in the World Series, what more could any kind of fan honestly ask for?
Oh, I’m 30 pages into non-fiction piece book, ‘I’m A Creative, Determined, Talented Writer’ (& Don’t Quit Your Day Job is Often Decent Advice).
Thanks to a short, white Dukie guard who got final point (148) in a blowout so I won a 3-leg parlay of Overs my first online weekend. Two terrific 12 mile rides to Pineville and back on long time steel-steed (Miyata), and my case of Nakedwines arrived. Yep, #BoomerwithAttitude.
Cycling under brilliant blue sky, working smooth and quiet through gears, and pacing along the scenic course after watching beaucoup hoops, I appreciated finally caving to the constant barrage of online gambling sites in a financially positive way. It was easy to see, use, account credited wins fast, tracked bet history.
Creighton won by more than 4.5 in DOUBLE OVERTIME! and as noted, James Madison-Duke also paid off. Question was whether JMU would keep Duke motivated with a forty point lead to hit 147.5, and fan-wise, I was happy it all worked out like it did. Young Dukies dusted somebody when they needed to, thanks to dude dropping ten-treys – plus a FT, yay!
Yes, betting is linked to my sportswriting in current-factual mode. Watching Big East action all year came through – ANYone can pick UConn – and the Bluejays are for real, riding 7’1″ center Ryan Kalkbrenner, a well-balanced team at both ends of floor. Just sayin.’ Marquette (also Big East) with Tyler Kolek back after six games (oblique) is incredibly productive and mentally tough.
It wasn’t really a laziest weekend, because TV watching centered around a profitable time-task, but NCAA watching AND getting out for dribble-shoot session at favorite glass backboard between games, that’s Carolina Lifestyle too. Yes, I cooked a pizza – a Screamin’ Sicilian Supreme that is 25 ounces, loaded with everything, plenty cheesy. Two-for $7.99, a no brainer.
Anyway…I got ancient Miyata – Owned 32 yrs., 12 spd. levers on the down column, a working antique! – looked at regarding a bent fork, smiled at expert saying, “You fit on this bike? Its a frame for someone like 6’5!” Being five-ten on a good day, imagine my surprise. 32 years!
Bike guy said, hey, bike and fork are steel, its not carbon fiber or aluminum stuff that might just shear off. You rode it couple years already, no problem, but since other guy pointed it out, you’ve gotten your warning.” Great! I bought/he changed rear tire, oiled chain, bang zoom! $34, I got my gear on and rolled on an optimal, 74 degree sunny day.
What WFH and lifestyle are elementally about
Great weather is a profound temptation for WFH, remote, freelancers of all stripes. Those who plan fitness-physical sessions into schedules or life processes (early rides or runs, ProFlex, tennis, social-business golf, pilates) gain benefits with regular doing, nothing radical about getting away from keyboard.
Quality of life issues go beyond elder care considerations though, and issues of aloneness have become workplace issues post-pandemic. WFH was a mandatory restructuring, and how work got accomplished – collaboration – became the focus.
Best practices now includes Quality of Life/lifestyle considerations, and for those who aren’t missing loooong, tension-producing commuter trips compared to tea time with two daughters, bunnies – and perhaps a wife who has professional concerns herself – who all leave you alone in home office, great! If you only need another hour to realign some elements of that leadership thought piece…how about Now as best practice?
Holding yourself accountable is, well, mandatory. When the light goes on in office area, time on task, right? It’s cool to put laundry in or out while WFH, call it an alternative smoke break. What I’m doing in geek-speak, is letting things run in the background. Nobody is holding my feet to fire about including a bathroom break (or tea time), yet ideas are still percolating, we’ll see if they fit or not when back in the saddle.
This lifestyle has become #New Normal for many. Four day work weeks, for whom? asks a freelancer, arranger of self-schedule.
Put the carrot out there is a consistent work rule
Knowing yourself and work habits either becomes positive and factual, or you are kidding yourself about what constitutes JOB PRODUCTION.
There’s a three-mile course four blocks away. Everyone watches out for riders on that route. Right, two laps, after a working lunch. How close to 800 word target? We’ll go after smoothing out the XYZs, then let it simmer 35-40 minutes while working some upstrokes for quads. I’ll read it again, trying to hit person with interest of a novice, but also a voice of shared expertise.Cool.
Is that the plan? Freelancers might confuse themselves with the choice of ride or finish assignment, might not care for Zoom sessions, but you’ll recognize when priorities get messed up, lack legitimate resolution. If you DON’T recognize it, Challenge #2 will be a bad lesson soon. Going into an expected frenetic period like this weekend, not setting yourself back through total procrastination should be a point of professional pride. (Honestly, I should have finished this Monday.)
Working for yourself means the work represents who we are, and product is creative writing worthy of someone agreeing to pay us for. Creatives call it production, and collaboration is communication and technology. Was Zooming a constant, less gratifying experience for many? most? split? I haven’t needed to be in many meetings the last few years, I’m more point of spear application, with previous expertise, online gigs, showing research and creative writing skills as a resource.
If you want a Secret Sauce Moment, it’s when default expectation is ‘Relax, you’ll get plenty of opportunities!’ Working effectively means sunshine isn’t a guilty cheat, its a deserved goodie.
— 3/25/24 #gshorkonsharonroadseam – Location matters less with online work, but living four blocks from The Booty Loop, cool.
If you asked about Alone, you probably know the answer
Am I walling myself off and not meeting enough professional others in a post-pandemic world? I liked the people I worked with, but am I, as a remote-WFH person, missing out on things being away from office?
Its a recognized situation, and while collective drinking (and analysis) with others during March Madness is a fact, pushing yourself to attend outside of bubble activities definitely takes practice and personal effort. Queens University is less than a mile away, and I’ve participated in several outreach programs held there over years I’ve lived in Charlotte. Its never been easier walking to an event and mixing with those of similar mind, a classic way to meet.
Fourth of July, I spoke a while with both a political candidate and one of the grande dames (informally) of a strong community group, while dismounted from my bike ride. I admit to having a great neighborhood to walk around in, and after passing someone with their dog, “Is that a Golden Doodle, or… ?” is the easiest 25 feet away ice breaker ever.
Even as an umpire for Little League, where I’m a bit of a yakker-willing to chat with almost everyone guy, point is to take advantage of low personal risk, easy reasons to speak to someone. Like between inning grounders, practice easy conversation. “So that’s how to read that X rule, Blue?” Perfect. You’re off the hook, just nod while expert talks is a best practice. Next guy by will ask another question.
You aren’t expected to be brilliant, 90% of life is being there, right? It’s a new microeconomy, adjust.
Pressing the flesh again at Chamber of Commerce or industry events, especially if you weren’t comfortable with that part of networking before the pandemic, will take discipline.
You can read dozens of opinions on LI, even respond there, but face-to-face is still my happy place. I call it Social Goodness, and feel free to not immediately shake hands all around. Let others know your boundary on that, “I’m still getting used to doing it,” is adequate, bring your Purell if you have to.
Pick a question or three you’d honestly like to get answered before showing up. Write it down on an index card, it shows you’re serious about it. A vast majority of time, a person you tap will take you to others, and ask *them* to answer your legitimate query. THAT’S the nub of difference,
Others can and will help you, at least talk to you about it. Best practice is like that $865 million Powerball lottery, you have to be in it to win it.
Lastly, I’m getting 250- 19×13 puzzles (16 pcs.) in my hands shortly, so I’m an entrepreneur again!
CDTalent Enterprises 