Sliding Down The Slopes

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Change of Command

This weekend was a long one for me as I head up to Traverse City on Thursday morning. I took a few days off work so I could attend a Change of Command ceremony for the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City. For me, and many others, this was probably one of those "once in a lifetime" opportunities.

Through ski patrol over the last two yeas I've had great pleasure getting to know two very amazing people. Karen and Stuart Merrill came to Traverse City when Stu, AKA Captain Stuart Merrill; USCG, was stationed at Air Station Traverse City as the Commanding officer in 2007. Karen and I were on the ski patrol at Mt. Holiday and spent a lot of time training and skiing together. As an avid skiier who grew up on the East coast, I eventually got to know and spend a lot of time with Stu as well. Karen and Stu are the type of people you want to have in your life. They are the type of people that talk the talk AND walk the walk. They are down to earth, outgoing people who leave a lasting impression on those who cross their path.

Two years flew by and on Thursday we had to say goodbye to our good friends as they begin the next chapter in their nomadic coast guard life. There were a handful of fellow patrollers and friends in attendance at the ceremony that took place inside the main hanger on the Coast Guard Base in TC.

After awards and some very kind words by the Admiral of the Coast Guard 9th District, Captain Merrill took the stage to share what the last two years as meant to him. For him the ceremony was not a time to recognize his accomplishments, and there were a lot of them, but was an opportunity for him to remember and reflect on the reason people make the decision to serve their country. He shared with us the memories of friends he has known and lost who have served in the Coast Guard. With the parents in the audience, he reminded everyone of the tragic loss of a young Traverse City coastie who lost his life in a recreational swimming accident. His words brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience and it brought about a sense of pride that our country seems to forget about far too often. For the brief minutes of his speech, the buzz and craziness of everyday life, the doom and gloom news of the economy, and the greed of our culture seemed to disappear. For those brief minutes there was an incredible sense of pride and patriotism in that room. Captain Merrill thanked and recognized the men and woman of his station that made the decision to be part of something much larger than themselves. These people made a decision to serve their country and be part of the Coast Guard Family.

Unfortunately the Merrills are heading to Boston, MA for their next assignment and I left the ceremony having to say goodbye to two amazing friends. I am so thankful for the opportunity to get to know the Merrills and share a small part of their life. I won't forget the type of people they are and I certainly won't forget the many great ski runs we made during the two winters they stopped in Traverse City.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

I'm Back

Wow, I guess I really stink at this blogging thing. I'm been so busy lately the last thing I wanted to do was come home and do more typing on the computer. The last month has been a total blur with work stuff, wrapping up ski patrol, and trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life.

First off, work; Working for a nonprofit in this economy is just short of suck. I've never seen money this tight before and I wonder what we will do if things don't turn around. Thankfully though we have some amazing supporters that really care about us. That was obvious last Tuesday when we held our annual golf outing. We were able to raise nearly $10,000 for the charity which was a shining moment for me, even though it was below what I "wanted" to raise. All in all though we came together and pulled off a fantastic event.

Ski Patrol; I know the snow has been melted for a long time now but that hasn't stopped a new class of ski patrol candidates from studying and training for the 2009-2010 season. As an instructor I've been helping teach the Tuesday night classes for some time now. In fact, due to some changes in the teaching schedule, I've been doing something with ski patrol at least one night a week since October 2008. Once again when I jump into something, I jump into the deep end. I'm happy to announce though that after last Thursday we have 17 new members that will join the ranks at Cannonsburg next year. Now we just have to get them through their hill test as soon as the snow starts flying again.

Life; I guess I've shorted my self some "me" time in the last few months. I really think I'm at that point in my life where I need to make some decisions and figure out where I want to be and what exactly it is I want to do when I grow up. Now that things are settling down I'm really hoping to find some more time to do some thinking and figure out exactly what it is that will make me tick. I'm contemplating going back to school and getting a Master's degree, I'm just not sure in what it will be yet. Currently I'm leaning towards the Masters in Public Administration but I think I need to do a little soul searching first before I just start taking classes.

I really think it's time to make some time for myself and I'm happy that my schedule will start to allow that now that work will settle down and ski patrol is finished for a few months. I've joined a gym and am really interested in getting into a strong workout schedule to take better care of myself. Erika and I have been pretty active so far this spring too trying to squeeze in long bike rides, runs, and sessions of racquet ball and tennis. Next up on my list of things to do is to create a list of things I "WANT" to do...my bucket list.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Another $100,000 down the drain...what a shame

This story poked its head in the GR Press last Wednesday but unfortunately never got any traction and was buried by the national orgasm surrounding the stupidly irresponsible caloric nightmare known as the "Fifth Third Burger." Anyways onto the real story here...

The Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA) agreed on Wednesday to "allocate $100,000 toward a statue of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks in the park bearing her name."

A few key points about the DDA (From DDA Web Site):

1. The mission of the DDA: "to promote economic growth and revitalization and encourage historic preservation within the central business district. The DDA seeks to reverse historical trends that have led to loss of population, jobs, businesses, and the quality of life within the downtown area.

2. DDA Vision Statement: The VISION of the DDA is to be recognized as the organization providing key leadership in the development of a market driven, dynamic downtown. This market driven dynamic downtown will enjoy competitive fully leased offices, a wide range of housing options, and a unique retail offering s including a range of dining and entertainment.

3. DDA Funding: "Using incremental property taxes collected from downtown properties, the DDA has financed many public improvements which have led to unprecedented private investment"

There is no doubt in my mind the DDA does some amazing things for Grand Rapids and plays an instrumental role in the success and beauty of our downtown area despite the economic downturn seen elsewhere in our state. Residents of Grand Rapids have a beautiful, safe, and energetic downtown area that offers something for nearly everyone. City planners have done a fantastic job of incorporating the city's history, the natural elements of the Grand River, and a booming urban environment into a package for all to enjoy.

But in my mind this $100,000 expenditure is an irresponsible slap in the face to the people of this city who work so hard to support local business and promote social change. When I park downtown I don't mind paying a parking fee if I know the money is going to good use. When I eat at a local downtown restaurant I feel good that I helped support a local restaurant created by people right here from West Michigan instead of some national chain.

But it ticks me off when I see how hard local businesses and restaurants work to pay their rent and keep their doors open. Especially when a portion of these local profits are being taken by the DDA only to have them pissed away on a project of this nature that will most likely provide no return on investment.

Sure statues and artwork are part of the fabric of every community that makes one city stand out among the others. And of course I'm not trying to say that Ms. Parks doesn't deserve to have her statue here in Grand Rapids nor am I denying that she played a tremendous role in the history of the country. But the fact that we have individuals, businesses and, nonprofit organizations right here in our city that are struggling to keep the doors open makes me wonder if there isn't a better use of these funds that would directly benefit more people.

I'm not asking for the DDA to start giving money to businesses, and I know they don't fund individuals or nonprofits, but shouldn't this money be spent on a project that will draw more people into the downtown area or assist with generating revenue for local businesses. I'd rather see $100,000 invested into one of the local festivals or celebrations that actually creates a buzz and draws huge numbers of people and their $ into the downtown area. At least then the money would be spent bringing those folks in. I'm not sure a statue is going to have the same impact on brining people to our city.

What disturbs me even more are some of the figures mentioned in the article:

"The project is expected to cost $350,000, including $150,000 for the statue, $50,000 for a maintenance fund, $70,000 for engineering and utility adjustments for the statue, $35,000 for educational programming, $10,000 for the dedication ceremony and $35,000 for administrative, promotional, travel and marketing costs."

All of these numbers seem to be on the high end as far as I'm concerned and $10 grand for the dedication ceremony seems ridiculously expensive. I'm all for art work and new things to make Grand Rapids a nice place to live but I'm not for using taxpayer and local business revenue to fund projects that don't create a huge return. If local citizens want to get together and build this statue with private funds I would be 100% behind the cause and wouldn't mind throwing a little cash towards the project myself. But please don't use public funds for this with our economy hitting rock bottom.

I think it's time all of our leaders wake up and be more responsible with the way they handle our money. After all if we weren't the ones shopping and supporting the downtown district the DDA wouldn't have any money to fund anything.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Just When You Thought it Was Over...

266 Hours

If you've read this blog at all you know that I'm pretty crazy about skiing. The "final" numbers are in and this season I logged 266 hours of downhill skiing. (And a significant number of hours XC skiing at the beginning of the season) Given the fact that 100% of my time on the slopes was ski patrol related this year I had very accurate measurement of the hours I put in.

This weekend I think it made my final trip north, but instead of driving I rode in style. A patroller friend of mine owns his own plane and he offered to fly us up to Harbor Springs where he had a car waiting for us to go to Boyne Highlands. It was definitely a sweet way to go skiing and on the ride up I even got to ride shotgun in the cockpit of the plane! In all three of us made the trip and stayed at a condo rented by some other patrollers. We had a blast on Saturday and enjoyed a beautiful sunny day of spring skiing.

Then just when you thought it was over, mother nature fired back up the snow machines and we woke up to nearly 7 inches of fresh powder Sunday morning. Despite the snow, the area was scheduled to close Sunday and by 4:30 a freshly covered ski hill was emptied of skiiers one last time for the season, marking the end to an amazing season of winter activity.

It was a season that brought me skiing to:

Bittersweet Ski Area; Otsego, MI

Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs, MI

Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, MI

Caberfea Peaks; Cadilliac, MI

Cannonsburg Ski Area; Rockford, MI

Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville, MI

Marquette Mountain; Marquette, MI

Mt. Holiday Ski Area; Traverse City, MI

Nubs Nob and Boyne Mountain are the only two ski areas I know of that are still open in the lower peninsula and Nubs is planning on closing next weekend. Boyne has not set an official closing date but generally they plan on closing around Easter weekend. As sad as it is to say, I think I am officially done for the season, but even I can't say that with 100% certainty. You just never know what mother nature will throw our way and you never know when I will get the urge to jump in the car and do what I love the most.

Here's to a great ski season and all the new friends I made along the way. See you on the slopes!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Productive Sunday

Here is what I accomplished yesterday:

1. Took apart the deadbolt door lock, fixed it, re-installed in door. (It even works!)

2. Washed my car and vacuumed the seats & floor.

3. Cleaned car seats with upholstery cleaner, put in new floor mats, washed inside windows, rain X'ed the windshield.

4. Touched up stone chips with some new red paint. (Just in time for pothole season)

5. Did the dishes. (Twice)

6. Changed lightbulb in kitchen.

7. Marinated turkey tenderloin...to be grilled later in the day.

8. Planted my indoor Herb garden (Chives, Parsley, Basil, Cilantro)

9. Took a nap with the dog.

10. Took the dog for 1 mile walk.

11. Picked up dog poop in the yard.

12. Washed the dog's blanket that goes in my car, hung outside to dry.

13. Read a few blogs

14. Set rat traps in the attic...(squirrels are back in the walls again).

15. Did some shopping.

16. Grilled the tenderloin, w/ grilled asparagus, peppers, onions, & garlic.

17. Ended the night by watching TV with Erika.

Not to shabby of a day. Hopefully I'm able to stay this productive the rest of the week.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Random comments on a Monday night

Random Comment #1:

This weekend I got a head start on my tan. I was up at Mt. Holiday enjoying some beautiful spring skiing. It was bright sunshine and in the mid 50's all weekend. Needless to say I got a nice sunburn with some sweet sunglass lines included at no extra charge. Hopefully the spring is short and summer gets here quickly so I can get the sailboat back in the water.

Here is a panoramic picture from the top of Mt. Holiday. It was kind of hazy but on a clear day you can easily see the entire Old Mission Peninsula from the top of the ski hill. One of my

favorite views in MI.

This is what I woke up to Saturday morning looking out the window of my grandparents old house on the peninsula. Now if we could just come up with a few hundred thousand dollars to keep it in the family for the rest of my life I would be all set.

Random Comment #2:

Saturday I left the ski hill at about 5:00p.m. I had the dog with me this weekend so I had to go home and let him out. Being back at the house early Saturday night I decided to start a fire in the fireplace and watch Saving Private Ryan. I've seen it before but wow. I'm not sure how historically accurate the movie actually is but even if it is 25% true those soldiers were true American Heroes. The men that fought in that war were a different breed of Americans than what we have today. (Not that our soldiers are not brave today) But for them to go into battle with few resources they had available to them is incredible. I know I personally don't have the strength or courage to put myself into that situation. It's a very touching moving and I highly recommend it, it really puts life into perspective. We don't have nearly as bad as people think we do.

Random Comment #3:

Last week a kid at GVSU was shot in the chest by a Sherriff's deputy during a drug raid on the students off campus apartment. The facts are still limited but students and idiot individuals are going off like crazy on online news message boards and chat rooms. I can't believe the claims people make when they have no idea what actually happened on that night. These inbreeding morons are making claims outrageous claims and accusations before any of the facts have even been released.

It is true the student was unarmed, and it has not been said as to why the officer fired the shot, nor will it be said until some time. The morons commenting on this case can't seem to get it through their thick skulls that police investigations like this take time because they don't want to screw it up and they are not going to release all the information right away. If this officer did indeed make a mistake and wrongfully discharged his weapon then that will come out in the investigation and appropriate action will be taken against him. I'd like to think we can have enough faith in the system to let it work this case out. Instead people are making this out to be the biggest case of crime and corruption in the world. Sure there are corrupt police departments, but this is Ottawa County for crying out loud. Let the system work and THEN make judgements on the case. Don't go around accusing cops of shooting people for the sake of shooting people. I for one appreciate the work the cops do for me, it's work I certainly wouldn't ever want to do. I know here are corrupt cops out there and the officer involved in this case MAY be one of them, but there are also priests that molest little boys, it doesn't mean they are all like that.

Here's a tip: Don't buy and sell drugs from your home and you won't put yourself in a situation to get shot. Seems to be working pretty well for me and all of my friends.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

A brilliant letter to the IRS

This letter is all over the net but it pretty much sums up the majority of my thoughts about our government. How much more of these idiots can we take before the country just implodes?

"Dear IRS,

I'm sorry to inform you that I'm not going to be able to pay the taxes owed on April 15th, but all is not lost. I paid these taxes, accounts receivable tax, building permit tax, CDL tax, corporate income tax, dog license tax, federal income tax, unemployment tax, gas tax, hunting license tax, fishing license tax, waterfowl stamp tax, inheritance tax, inventory tax, liquor tax, luxury tax, Medicare tax, city tax, school and county property tax up to 33% the last four years. Real estate tax, Social Security tax, road use tax, toll road tax, state and city sales tax, recreational vehicle tax, sales franchise tax, state unemployment tax, federal excise tax, telephone tax, telephone federal state and local surcharge tax, telephone minimum usage surcharge tax, telephone state and local tax, utility tax, vehicle tax, registration tax, capital gains tax, lease severance tax, oil and gas assessment tax, Colorado property tax, Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Mexico sales tax and many more I can't recall and I've run out of space and money. When you do not receive my check April 15th, just know that it was an honest mistake. Please treat me the same as the way you've treated Congressman Charlie Rangel, Chris Dodd, Barney Frank, ex-congressman Tom Daschle and, of course, your boss, Timothy Geithner. No penalties, no interest.

PS, I'll make at least a partial payment as soon as I get my stimulus check.

Ed Barnett, Wichita Falls."