Pandemonium

Pandemonium is the best way to describe what I witnessed on October 25^th, 2012, as I hunkered down to watch Game One of the World Series. Pablo Sandoval, third baseman of the San Francisco Giants, aka Big Fat Panda, accomplished such a rare feat that only three men before him in baseball history have ever done it. What he did was shock the baseball world by hitting three homeruns in a single game of the World Series.

As I watched his accomplishment unfold, it caused me to think of my ten year daughter, Sianna, who was fast asleep. You see, several years ago, when I was in a fantasy baseball league my daughter and I co-managed a team called, you guessed it, the BIG FAT PANDAS. My daughter loves pandas and her only real mandate was that we draft Pablo Sandoval. So, we did. Ever since, when I see Sandoval playing baseball I think of my daughter, proud owner of over twenty five stuffed pandas and who at one time had dreams of growing up to rescue pandas in their habitat.

So, in honor of Pablo’s big night, my love for my daughter and her affection for pandas everywhere, I would like to share my list of 7 life lessons I learned from the movie, KUNG FU PANDA.

Word of caution: If you are not familiar with the movie, KUNG FU PANDA, please feel free to rent it at your convenience. Seeing what I am about to share with you will make less sense if you are unfamiliar with the material.

1-Climb the stairs- It’s a pretty simple concept actually, but not terribly easy to do. Over and over again in the movie, Po, is seen climbing up steps and sometimes even falling down them. Yet, time and time again he climbs them till he reaches the top. It’s hard to do what pains us, what makes us short of breath and even harder to convince yourself that this is the best alternative. Climbing hurts, but although it hurts, to get to the top you must persevere. In more cases than not, we wouldn’t truly appreciate our final destination, if we didn’t have to work so hard to get there.

2- Believe when no one else does-  Cooking and eating seemed to be more Po’s thing, than saving the village from bad guys. However, if he had not climbed the stairs during a pivotal point in the movie, he wouldn’t have been in the position to be chosen as the coveted dragon warrior. He could have easily given up his dreams of being a hero and just stayed content making noodles and no one who would have blamed him.

3- Strength is weakness- “I am THE Big Fat Panda”. This is my favorite line from the movie. The bad guy, Tai Lung the leopard, is fighting Po and can’t believe that he can’t knock the overweight panda out. In frustration he tries to punch the fluffy panda over and over again with no success. Finally, in one last act of desperation, Tai Lung jabs at Po and this time the hero grab’s the villain’s paw. The leopard responds by saying, “but you’re just a big fat panda, you can’t beat me,” to which Po says, No, I’m The Big Fat Panda, and then proceeds to……. well I won’t give the ending away, at least not yet.

4-Be kind to bunnies- This is another basic idea we should all employ on a daily basis, that is often easier said than done. During the movie, on more than one occasion, Po is kind to bunnies. He treats them nicely and protects them from their enemies; just one big fluffy creature watching out for another, smaller fuzzier one. It just makes sense to me, better to be kind than to be mean.

5-Use the death grip-  Sometimes in life when we are faced with difficulty we buckle down and give it all we got to get through. Call it the Wushi finger hold , like in the movie, or getting good grades at school or standing up and being a responsible adult. Regardless the verbiage, sometimes you just got to do what you got to do, like Po did in the end of the movie. **** Caution spoiler here**** Remember, earlier when I referred to the part in the movie when the leopard punched Po. Shortly afterward Po obliterated the bad guy when he employed the Wushi finger hold on him and saves the entire village.

6-Be who you are- Pandas are simply black and white. They don’t know they are nearly  extinct and it probably never even crossed their feeble minds. Not unlike panda bears, God made us precisely who we are for a certain purpose and provided us with certain skills to accomplish that with it. In the movie, Po never really changes who he is intrinsically, he just learns to be the best panda bear he can be.

7-Learn to respond well to the negative- More times than not people who make fun are doing it to bring you to their level. Po didn’t let the other Kung Fu warriors who had more experience get him down. At first he did, but eventually even though he was unorthodox he just kept pushing through and in the end he rescued them. How you react when people laugh at you or make fun of you is a true reflection of your real character.

Case in point, Sianna gave some excellent advice to a friend the other night when her friend sought counsel on what to do when people picked on her. Ignore rude comments, change your appearance to a point as to not draw attention, keep moving.

In summary, what Pablo Sandoval, my daughter and Kung Fu Panda have taught me most is to create your own pandemonium, always be kind and when necessary use force.

Swavel

 

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Deservingly So

Since the last article focused on men, this entry will deservingly so focus on women and the significance a good mother plays in our lives.

 

Some time ago, I was reading about a book President Obama’s mother wrote entitled, “'A Singular Woman'. It got me to thinking about one characteristic in several women I respect, that is present in all of them: there when you need her.

 

First, there is my wife, Amy. She is someone I love deeply and have watched up close now for over twenty five years. She is a defender, keeper of the castle, a don’t mess with my kids kind of mom. She is disciplined, loyal and has a keen sense of how to be resourceful and create something worthwhile on a limited budget. She is resilient and demands it of those she truly loves and holds dear. She will be skeptical at times of your motives, but supportive if you are willing to put in the time. She is not afraid to leave her comfort zone and or give up her life for her kids. She always seems to be: there when you need her.

 

Next is someone whom I have known since birth, my mom. She is an encourager and someone who wants the best for me. She used to read to me when I was young and throughout my life has always seemed to have time to listen to my troubles. When I was five, she was more than gracious to the man whose car I ran into, and never blamed him. My mom has a knack for making holidays and birthdays special. My dad and her still watch my kids once a week and more when needed. She, along with my dad, always came to all my games and special events. She always seems to be: there when you need her.

 

Then there is my neighbor and current landlord, Kass Detweiler. Mother of twelve, I knew her briefly when I was young and my parents lived in the house where I now reside. The best way to describe her is as a hope giver, because “if you don’t have hopes you don’t have anything”, she once told me. She was a pastor’s wife for over 50 years, where she developed excellent listening skills and the boldness to speak the truth. Not always right, but usually pretty close. What I love about Kass is she is willing to help you help yourself. She and her husband, Al, were all about giving someone a chance to make the most of their life. She wouldn’t do it for you, but she’ll give you a push in the right direction. For her kids, for my wife and I, and many countless others, she always seems to be: there when you need her.

 

Lastly, there is Mary, mother of Jesus.  Her love was emblematic of a mother: loyal, loving, always caring.  She was obedient, so much so that she became an unwed mother to fulfill the will of God, the Father. She lived in obscurity, poverty and often harsh surroundings. Not a complainer and very compliant to the truth. We know for a fact how she played such a key part in the Christmas story when she gave birth to Jesus in a lowly manger. The Bible also seems to indicate she was there for Jesus throughout His life.  She was definitely a there when you need her kind of mom, as she lay weeping at the foot of her son’s cross, as Jesus hung dying for our sins.

 

This is an understatement I know, but this truth can be said deservingly so, a good mom is there when you need her.
 

Swavel

Takes a Man

Last weekend, Saturday, October 6^th to Sunday, October 7^th, 2012, I witnessed inspirational actions that gave me pause and helped define for me what it takes to be a man.

1-It takes a man to carry on with dignity, even when he had hoped things were different.

A perfect example is that of Oakland A’s relief pitcher Pat Neshek.  On October 3^rd he was rejoicing with his wife over the birth of their first son, Gehrig John, whensomething went terribly wrong. Twenty three hours after their son was born, he died from a mysterious illness.

Nevertheless, on Saturday, October 6^th, only three days after the loss of his son, Pat Neshek was pitching in the playoffs versus the Detroit Tigers. He and his wife felt that he should be at the game as sort of a healing process. After suffering one of life’s most devastating blows, the death of a child, Neshek did what he could to best represent his family with dignity.

Although he pitched successfully when called upon that evening, it was what his teammates did for Neshek that most struck him.  His manager, Bob Melvin, seeking to share in his pitcher’s grief, ordered patches with GJN on them in honor of Neshek’s son. The gesture rendered the pitcher and father in tears, as he broke down overwhelmed by the support of his team.

Sometimes, it doesn’t matter if you win or not on the scoreboard, it matters most how you represent those you love.

2- It takes a man to have the back of his teammate, when he is being unjustly treated.

On Sunday, Eric Winston, offensive tackle of the Kansas City Chiefs did more than just support his quarterback, he stood up for him.  He did so by scolding the press and the fans who jeeringly cheered his quarterback, Matt Cassel, who was knocked out cold and lay motionless on the field, during their football game with the Baltimore Ravens.

This is what Winston said, “When you cheer somebody getting knocked out, I don’t care who it is….it’s sickening, 100% sickening. I’ve never been more embarrassed in my life to play football than in that moment right there.....Matt Cassel hasn’t done anything to you people…he’s a person.

The fans evidently had been disappointed with Cassel for some time and instead of thinking of him as a person, they treated him as a commodity, someone, who needed to be replaced. Winston, like a true man vehemently opposed their lack of compassion and subsequently let his viewpoint be known to everyone, loud and clear.

When someone is down on their luck, if you can’t say anything nice, at least show some respect and say nothing at all.

3-It takes a man to give a vote of confidence to another man based on his effort, not the final result.

On Sunday night, closer Jim Johnson of my favorite team, the Baltimore Orioles, gave up five runs in one inning costing his team their first game in their playoff series with their long standing rivals, the New York Yankees. Up to that point, the O’s were on an improbable run, proving all their naysayers and pundits wrong as they made the playoffs for the first time in fifteen years

However, his manager, Buck Showalter refused to blame him for an off night. He refused to judge him on one performance, but rather to look at his entire body of work throughout the entire season. You see, Showalter knew his go to guy had recorded the last out for him in fifty two out of his team’s ninety two wins.

Better than that, Buck knew the kind of man that Johnson was and is when he said, “it’s real easy to put your faith in a guy like Jim Johnson, not only as a pitcher, but as a man.” Every guy in that clubhouse knows that he’s a special guy……We like him wearing our uniform.”

The next night, in game two, the Orioles’ and Buck were rewarded for their loyalty.  Up by one in the ninth inning against the Yankees, Showalter unflinchingly handed the ball to Johnson. And his closer came through, just like he had fifty two times previously this season, as he set the Yankees’ side down in order to win the game.

When someone believes in you, even the most ordinary man can do things no one thought he could, including himself.

4- There is an epic battle that a man wages everyday against himself, one he must win.

On Sunday afternoon, a drama played itself out on an NFL field in Indianapolis. Rookie coach, Chuck Pagano, had just been diagnosed with leukemia and had been temporarily relieved as coach of the Colts until further notice from the doctors.

What seemingly was devastating news at first, apparently by Sunday had energized the team and the city of Indy. Instead of heads bowed, fans turned out in droves wearing Chuck strong t- shirts in support of their infirmed coach. The team itself, motivated by a speech the coach wrote them, came back from eighteen points down at halftime to win their game in dramatic fashion against the Green Bay Packers.

Here is what that letter said:

“My condition will not determine my position. I understand the condition, but chose to focus on my position. That is to stay positive and serve. We will, we can, we must, we have no choice, by any means necessary, we will overcome……laser sharp focus……WIN !

Certain men, despite their uncertain circumstances, know what it takes to be a man and do the right thing.

The rarest, greatest breed of men is not those who just leave us in awe, but rather those who leave us wanting more; more of their time, more of their love, more of their wisdom, more of them.

Swavel

 

 

Sand in your pants

 

The following are several things my family and I brought back with us from our recent trip to the beach.

1-Few things are more awe inspiring than when the sun meets the ocean and then bounces off of it. One morning, I went to get something from the van and I was stopped by God saying hello.

2- My wife spoke profound truth when we were leaving the beach on Saturday to go back to our hotel room. And I quote, “You know you’ve had a good day if you got some sand in your pants.”

3-Why is it of the things you can get at the beach the best ones are free. Like seashells that God gives to the ocean and in turn the ocean gives back to us. On top of this, every day God and the ocean repeat this process.

4- This may be of no significance to you, but it is of major importance to me. I did not get lost on my way down to the shore or on the way back to be precise. It pays to plan ahead, rather than wing it and pay the consequences when I get lost.

5- Please read this carefully and do not read into this, since I am an ex-exterminator. The hotel I was staying at passed the bedbug test. Never found any yet, but it’s definitely a trip ender if you do.

6- Fed the seagulls, twice to be exact. Maybe, the best part of the trip was when my family and I and threw bread, strawberries and cheez-its to a whole flock of them. Man, was that a feeding frenzy, sort of like Alfred Hitchcock’s, “The Birds”. Scary, cool, good fun.

7-One dollar ice cream cones are always good. After I purchased the cones my wife suggested we sit down on the porch of the shop and just chill. There we were, the girls with cones, me with a coffee and good tunes on the radio for our listening pleasure.

8-The beach by moonlight is special, very special. While we ate our ice cream, my wife told a story of a man who is blind, who on a moonlit night can ride his bicycle. The reason being it is the only time of the year that he can vaguely see. Now, that is cool.

9- Had a close encounter with the crane game. Years ago when I was a much younger father my eldest daughter and I had a thing when we would go to the candy crane game. It’s an awesome machine because as the motto says play till you win. So, there I stood with my two youngest daughters and watched them play till they won. It was a good moment to be alive, to remember, yet while still moving forward.

10- It is good to brief moment to feel melancholy. At times during the weekend, I would think of my son, now 21, and when he has was much younger and his hair was naturally yellow. In my mind, I could still see him catching a football on the beach, swimming in the pool, playing in the arcade and walking on the boards. Then, I would realize he is in college and be happy for the man he now is.

11- Nice to be surprise appreciated. Few things are better at the shore than fudge and to top it off, my daughter, Sianna decided to buy some for me. The only thing better is when it is on sale, which it was.

12- When doing something for the first time always properly introduce yourself. Since this was my youngest daughter’s first trip to the beach, I jokingly encouraged her, while we were on the beach, to say this, “Hello ocean, my name is Lia.” Although there was no reply, it seemed like the appropriate thing to do as the both of us shared a good laugh.

13- Good to finish well. There are few better ways to end any trip than to arrive home and find you have pizza left in your cooler, from the night before. Awesome.

Now, there is always something good to be had when you spend time with your family, even if you don’t get some sand in your pants in the process.

Swavel