Gave me a little life...

2nd set Sunday match, down 2-5 my opponent "gave" me game 8, which fired me up inside. He felt secure enough to overhit 4 straight returns fast, long and out. I then broke him next game, held my serve and went on to win 7-6 (5) for first outdoor set win this season. No biggie, but nice to get that one under my belt. Been working on a new put away shot. Low percent of success so far but staying with it...need to learn when to go on offense with it and to play defensive retriever until the right time...small adjustment made on serve...

Tennis progress for my 14 year old

Completed the third tennis session at EHRC for my daughter Kelly taught by Rogers and Murphy tennis. I was pleasantly surprised and satisfied by her progress. She was a quick learner, learning the fundamentals of forehand, backhand, serve and net volley with foot work. We discussed her starting sessions for HS girls over the next few months. The rest is up to her and hopefully she see's the fun in the game and want to develop more (the strategies and variety of strokes). Would honestly, if not selfishly, be overjoyed if she tries out for her high school team!

EHRC Tennis - 1 vs. 2 / 11-01-2010

Interesting match tonight of teacher vs. student (me). My friend and colleague Satish and I finally play each other for the top spot at EHRC. Expect to have a fun night out there and hope to at least give a good match. Satish is a better overall player and I've become a student of the game the past 3 years and have improved my game. Both of us have had success moving up this ladder the past few years and we have reaped the benefits with our recent rankings. Good luck Satish....not that you need it...we both know each others games so we'll see who can break down who and make the big shots...!! Either way, will see you on the job bright and early in the morning.

Will need to read Satish's blog for the results. He does a great job with his website and blogs on the matches. http://gumsat.blogspot.com/

Tennis Ladder - 10/20/2008

Followed up a disappointing 6 win (out of 21 games) week last time with a very promising 14 wins last night against top competition (Henry H., Paul, Satish). Some other night this may be totally different, but I got into a zone somewhere there and turned some recent frustration into all out intensity. I played instinctively which helps me. I have more trouble so far with the guys who dictate their styles and pace against me. I kept balls deep for the most part and in play down the sides, with a strong backhand and good net play. Played old school McEnroe, hit early and on the rise moving forward. Also mixed in a few drops at the right times and overhand smashes for winners. All in all it was one of my best nights indoors. Could even have been better in the win column, but after taking big leads in each of the 3 games, I played a bit too loose for me, perhaps trying different approaches, with losing a game not much of a concern. Who knows about next week. May be a different result, especially in a higher bracket. I want to find that don't give a shit attitude again and just go for the shots when they are there. But I needed this performance on this night as a confidence booster. Serve can always be better but this has improved at least from last year. Need to get consistently on top of the ball and snap my wrist over.

Questions and Perceptions - Architect role

This article found at: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc421438.aspx

Optimistically Critical...

Architects must ask questions (a lot of questions) to gain an understanding of a system and its components..... .questions often lead to a perception of hostility, pessimism, and excessive criticality. No matter how much you try to show neutrality, empathy, and reason, some people inevitably will focus only on the negative aspects of being critiqued, and they take it personally..... come to learn that questioning with sensitivity and being optimistically critical are skills that are required to have an extended career as an architect.
Criticality is needed to perform the basic function of a technical leader; sensitivity is needed to help communicate critiques; optimism is needed to succeed and just remain sane. There are times when silence is prudent; but, in general, we as architects must communicate our views, both good and bad, or we add no value. We must communicate our views—sensitively, whenever possible; bluntly, when necessary; and harshly, never.
Conclusion
....They might be obvious, but find value in repeating them:
1. Being sensitive and kind doesn't move us forward, but it makes the journey more pleasant.
"I always prefer to believe the best of everybody; it saves so much trouble." –Rudyard Kipling
2. Being critical doesn't move us forward, but it does help guide our steps.
"Large skepticism leads to large understanding. Small skepticism leads to small understanding. No skepticism leads to no understanding." –Xi Zhi
3. Being optimistic doesn't move us forward, but it motivates us to take the first and subsequent steps.
"Every strike brings me closer to the next home run." –Babe Ruth
4. It is the actions of people that move us.
"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals; adjust the action steps." –Confucius
I ask you to take action and promote optimistic critical thinking in your organization.

This article was published in Skyscrapr, an online resource provided by Microsoft.