The calendar has changed and here we are in 2009. So what did I learn.
I learned that I attract a whole lot of attention when I write online. And folks always got something to say about what I write. This is what I learned from that, I am a grown ass man, with a healthy mind and have things to say. YOU do not dictate what I say or when I say it, just as I do not to anyone else.
I learned that I can compartmentalize my life. And that sucks. I do not want to have to break it up, but that is what I learned this year.
I learned I can coach my ass off. I am a coach, Damon! LOL I did it. I can say it like that because this is my first major medal and I hope every coach that achieves at least one appreciates the process it took.
I learned HOW to coach BETTER. Aw man, if only you knew how this year transformed my coaching. I still feel like a 12 year old working amongst men, but that is wearing off. How to coach is the key. I have other coaches asking me questions and I stress the how over the what. The what is easy. The what is in books all over the place. The how is not in a book and cannot be put in a book.
I learned that a man's life is a lonely road. I was told this numerous times in my life, and just when I thought I had experienced what it meant I learned it is even lonelier.
I learned how to love. Let me say something publicly to you all, I love my wife. I do. This will mean different things to different people, including her, but to me it just says I learned how to love this year. Which is a really strange realization to come to but it is the truth.
I learned how to be. This is still a work in progress.
What I did not learn.
I did not learn how to hate.
I did not learn what to coach.
I did not learn how to be loved. Huge difference between loving and being loved, and you have to learn how to be loved as well. I think this is the trickiest part for me but not how some of you are thinking.
I did not learn how to take. I have to work on this one.
I did not learn how to be negative. THANK GOD! I can't do pessimism, cynicism. It grates me. I have my own private pity parties, I do not have the strength to deal with anyone elses. I need light around me, vision, positivity.
I did not learn how to be on the top step of the podium. Give me time, I will get someone(s) there.
ok back to what I did learn.
I learned that our world is what I thought it has always been, a place of chance and opportunity. Barack is president. Never once in my life did I think it was impossible, I am glad everyone else knows this now. I learned that the sport is changing and it is a hard change but damnit it is a necessary one for sure!!!!
I learned that the West Coast is on another planet and it cost too much for athletes to call Cali when they need a coach. :) For those prospecting, the West Coast is attached to the United States. The calling rates are the same as all the other states. And I have a few open spots out here. Doesn't mean I am open to everyone, but there are a select few I will entertain. Email, call, send pigeons, whatever works for you. LOL Seriously.
I learned that 2009 is a great year for me. I spoke it and it is.
D
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas!
Did you get what you wanted for Christmas? I was about to tell you a cute story about getting older and not being the receiver but the giver now. But something struck me as I was typing, I did not ask the Man for anything. I was too focused on the material world.
Yes I received my Christmas gifts. Here they are;
My family is alive and healthy.
My mom survived a bout with cancer with a smile on her face and her spirit as high as any Olympic medalist.
My son is happy. He is smart. He is able to be a kid and learn and grow.
My oldest is a grown man, not involved in foolishness.
My girl is a senior in high school and loving life. Cheerleader captain, already accepted to a university, and maintains a 4.2 GPA.
My wife, Tasha Danvers won the bronze in Beijing. As a result her star is rising and she is riding it for all it is worth. She has a book, 'Keep Ya Peckah Up!' Stay tuned, her site will be up for you all to purchase this self help book. It is a great read, seriously.
I was able to go to Beijing and do my job. She stuck with me through everything and believed in me, and we walked away from the Games as Olympic medalists.
I survived my year. That is God's greatest gift to me. I thought I was built to coach, I thought the events in my life were preparing me to create champions on the track, I found out this year, I have been built to do the one thing we are all built for, live our own lives with all its circumstances.
Merry Christmas folks. Make sure you realize not one of those gifts in paper is the true gift you were given this morning when you opened your eyes.
The year in a sentence. Tasha won the bronze medal.
Now I need the rest of my crew to come on board and get theirs. That's my New Years resolution
Did you get what you wanted for Christmas? I was about to tell you a cute story about getting older and not being the receiver but the giver now. But something struck me as I was typing, I did not ask the Man for anything. I was too focused on the material world.
Yes I received my Christmas gifts. Here they are;
My family is alive and healthy.
My mom survived a bout with cancer with a smile on her face and her spirit as high as any Olympic medalist.
My son is happy. He is smart. He is able to be a kid and learn and grow.
My oldest is a grown man, not involved in foolishness.
My girl is a senior in high school and loving life. Cheerleader captain, already accepted to a university, and maintains a 4.2 GPA.
My wife, Tasha Danvers won the bronze in Beijing. As a result her star is rising and she is riding it for all it is worth. She has a book, 'Keep Ya Peckah Up!' Stay tuned, her site will be up for you all to purchase this self help book. It is a great read, seriously.
I was able to go to Beijing and do my job. She stuck with me through everything and believed in me, and we walked away from the Games as Olympic medalists.
I survived my year. That is God's greatest gift to me. I thought I was built to coach, I thought the events in my life were preparing me to create champions on the track, I found out this year, I have been built to do the one thing we are all built for, live our own lives with all its circumstances.
Merry Christmas folks. Make sure you realize not one of those gifts in paper is the true gift you were given this morning when you opened your eyes.
The year in a sentence. Tasha won the bronze medal.
Now I need the rest of my crew to come on board and get theirs. That's my New Years resolution
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Did he say that?!
No DJ this week at least not in the title. This entry should be fun
Brooks has decided to blog and expose the liars and the lies. www.spikesandflats.com. If you are in track please read what he has written and study it. It is very relevant to the development of USA track.
Stephanie Hightower won the Presidency of USATF despite a concerted effort to bring her down and discredit her. It was not a campaign about who was better but rather a do not let her win campaign. It was pathetic to watch the effort due to the fact that she stood accused but very little by way of evidence was actually given. The irony is the most detailed information came from Brooks blog, where he put to rest the rumors and innuendo that was floated about. Thanks Brooks.
Track and field has too many PC people in important places, but that took a change this week.
Congratulations to Jon Drummond the new AAC chair. The next time he says he is done with track I am going to simply call him, "Lifer". I have friends in high places!
Listen my fellow USATF members, the elections could not have gone better, but there is a very important thing we have to pay attention to, the restructuring. Doug Logan was successful in passing his plan, mainly on the back of reducing the size of the board. However, that is not as dramatic as a few other changes people voted in without paying attention. The board members are not directly chosen by the respective committees, instead they submit three names and a selection committee will PICK who they deem best. And then there is the chairman of the board. The President has been the de facto chair up until now. Now the board will chose its own chairman in a separate vote, the bone thrown out there is that if the president were to lose they would be the automatic vice chair. This is misdirection at its best.
The mantra was streamlining and simplifying to remove the infighting and build bridges. This little piece does nothing more than provide contention. A president not winning the chair is an immediate vote of no confidence. The power struggle is immediate.
Then there is the FACT that the restructuring directs ALL business through the CEO and the national office. Nothing gets approved without the CEOs say so. As Brooks pointed out this is bad. This is as bad a structure as you can possibly lay out. Micromanagement is a bad idea in our complex and diverse organization.
Did I mention we will now have three USOC seats on our board? That is 3 voices on our board that have nothing to do with our everyday business but everything to do with money.
Brooks lays it out better than me, I will comment more later. Unless I get gagged, which has happened before LOL.
See you in Vegas next week. I will be there to steal the secrets from Brooks and see how he made D.O. the best hurdler in the US.
Brooks has decided to blog and expose the liars and the lies. www.spikesandflats.com. If you are in track please read what he has written and study it. It is very relevant to the development of USA track.
Stephanie Hightower won the Presidency of USATF despite a concerted effort to bring her down and discredit her. It was not a campaign about who was better but rather a do not let her win campaign. It was pathetic to watch the effort due to the fact that she stood accused but very little by way of evidence was actually given. The irony is the most detailed information came from Brooks blog, where he put to rest the rumors and innuendo that was floated about. Thanks Brooks.
Track and field has too many PC people in important places, but that took a change this week.
Congratulations to Jon Drummond the new AAC chair. The next time he says he is done with track I am going to simply call him, "Lifer". I have friends in high places!
Listen my fellow USATF members, the elections could not have gone better, but there is a very important thing we have to pay attention to, the restructuring. Doug Logan was successful in passing his plan, mainly on the back of reducing the size of the board. However, that is not as dramatic as a few other changes people voted in without paying attention. The board members are not directly chosen by the respective committees, instead they submit three names and a selection committee will PICK who they deem best. And then there is the chairman of the board. The President has been the de facto chair up until now. Now the board will chose its own chairman in a separate vote, the bone thrown out there is that if the president were to lose they would be the automatic vice chair. This is misdirection at its best.
The mantra was streamlining and simplifying to remove the infighting and build bridges. This little piece does nothing more than provide contention. A president not winning the chair is an immediate vote of no confidence. The power struggle is immediate.
Then there is the FACT that the restructuring directs ALL business through the CEO and the national office. Nothing gets approved without the CEOs say so. As Brooks pointed out this is bad. This is as bad a structure as you can possibly lay out. Micromanagement is a bad idea in our complex and diverse organization.
Did I mention we will now have three USOC seats on our board? That is 3 voices on our board that have nothing to do with our everyday business but everything to do with money.
Brooks lays it out better than me, I will comment more later. Unless I get gagged, which has happened before LOL.
See you in Vegas next week. I will be there to steal the secrets from Brooks and see how he made D.O. the best hurdler in the US.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Free DJ
This one will be long, so if you are a skimmer feel free.
I am bitter sweet. A long time mentor and coach finally started blogging and he is killing them with information! It is fair to say the coach is a better blogger than the athlete, lol!
I am so frustrated with the USATF process. I have been trying to go for over five years now to the convention and can never get there, it cost too damn much. Athletes do not know this because they get their trips paid for. I cannot find that vehicle for myself. Sucks! I want to be involved but will be on the outside looking in once again.
For some this is a good thing, but for me I like information and I like being informed when I do hold an opinion, which I always have. Just ask my wife.
If you are reading this I am telling you to vote for Stephanie Hightower for President. If you are a sprinter/hurdler you have no choice. I hate the faction war, but I know it is time for us to have a voice in power and not a backroom voice. We have plenty of behind the scenes power, that is always backed up by the collection of medals we bring home every year.
Read this http://blog.spikesandflats.com/. These blogs speak directly to the criticisms and allegations floating out there.
Obama won, just in case anyone forgot. :)
The country, sorry the world is in an economic downturn, period. If you are foolish enough to think it is a US problem you are not paying attention. The exchange rate has dropped almost 60 cents to the pound.
Practice has started. Love it. Back to my reality, or is it my fantasy??? I no longer think there is a difference. The girls are doing well and learning. The guys are doing the same. And everyone is fit. Now to load them up and make them quit. LOL
This is the time of year I HATE college football, yet it remains my favorite team sport. The BCS is a joke and not having a playoff is inexcusable.
How bout dem Lakers!!! Just give us our rings already.
I am bitter sweet. A long time mentor and coach finally started blogging and he is killing them with information! It is fair to say the coach is a better blogger than the athlete, lol!
I am so frustrated with the USATF process. I have been trying to go for over five years now to the convention and can never get there, it cost too damn much. Athletes do not know this because they get their trips paid for. I cannot find that vehicle for myself. Sucks! I want to be involved but will be on the outside looking in once again.
For some this is a good thing, but for me I like information and I like being informed when I do hold an opinion, which I always have. Just ask my wife.
If you are reading this I am telling you to vote for Stephanie Hightower for President. If you are a sprinter/hurdler you have no choice. I hate the faction war, but I know it is time for us to have a voice in power and not a backroom voice. We have plenty of behind the scenes power, that is always backed up by the collection of medals we bring home every year.
Read this http://blog.spikesandflats.com/. These blogs speak directly to the criticisms and allegations floating out there.
Obama won, just in case anyone forgot. :)
The country, sorry the world is in an economic downturn, period. If you are foolish enough to think it is a US problem you are not paying attention. The exchange rate has dropped almost 60 cents to the pound.
Practice has started. Love it. Back to my reality, or is it my fantasy??? I no longer think there is a difference. The girls are doing well and learning. The guys are doing the same. And everyone is fit. Now to load them up and make them quit. LOL
This is the time of year I HATE college football, yet it remains my favorite team sport. The BCS is a joke and not having a playoff is inexcusable.
How bout dem Lakers!!! Just give us our rings already.
Monday, November 24, 2008
DJ Slippin
My blog game has been weak lately. Not sure it will pick up but I will be around. lol
Barack. Just wanted to remind you all.
No track meets. Just the marathons and road races (where the real money is)
Went to TMobile to see when the Bold was coming out. Never! TMobile will not have a new Blackberry for at least 6 months, and that is a maybe. Need to get the wife on BBM quick, she travels too much to keep texting and emailing and skype-ing
Next week is the USATF conference. Can a coach get a free trip too? I have been tryingt o get to the convention for five years now, and it always boils down to economics. Actually quite frustrating because I actually WANT to be involved, unlike most I know.
Lots of movement this offseason, wow! some surprising some pleasant and some just plain baffling. Look folks, if you run the marathon do not go to a long jump coach, thats all I am trying to say.
Dayron Robles won performance of the year. Now we all know I LOVE the hurdles. But this is a joke. 12.87 bested the wr by .01. Bolt posted a 9.69 complete with celebration and a stunning 19.30.
Isinbayeva won athlete of the year. Negative! Jelimo was hands down the best woman on the year. The times she posted this season have not been seen in 25 years!!!!!! Are you kidding me? The girl is a junior, just turned 18!
Barack. Just wanted to remind you all.
No track meets. Just the marathons and road races (where the real money is)
Went to TMobile to see when the Bold was coming out. Never! TMobile will not have a new Blackberry for at least 6 months, and that is a maybe. Need to get the wife on BBM quick, she travels too much to keep texting and emailing and skype-ing
Next week is the USATF conference. Can a coach get a free trip too? I have been tryingt o get to the convention for five years now, and it always boils down to economics. Actually quite frustrating because I actually WANT to be involved, unlike most I know.
Lots of movement this offseason, wow! some surprising some pleasant and some just plain baffling. Look folks, if you run the marathon do not go to a long jump coach, thats all I am trying to say.
Dayron Robles won performance of the year. Now we all know I LOVE the hurdles. But this is a joke. 12.87 bested the wr by .01. Bolt posted a 9.69 complete with celebration and a stunning 19.30.
Isinbayeva won athlete of the year. Negative! Jelimo was hands down the best woman on the year. The times she posted this season have not been seen in 25 years!!!!!! Are you kidding me? The girl is a junior, just turned 18!
Friday, November 14, 2008
DSports
Yawn.
Its that time of year. Reestablishing the routines that breed success in the summer. It starts today.
I am more than happy with the make up of the group. The new faces have brought the right attitude, demeanor, and talent. It is gong to be fun watching them all develop. We are international again.
I want to send my man K Ferg off with my blessings and well wishes. He is embarking on his next evolution and that is cool with me, I just want my man to reach his potential. If you need me Ferg just hit me up.
The wife is returning from London as an entire institution LOL. Many of you here in the States do not know it, but she went home and got on the grind, she accomplished a lot of goals over the last 4 or 5 weeks and I am proud of her. Look for her book coming out soon.
Obama won. I really have a plethora of thoughts on it, but there is no need to elaborate. He won and that has said enough. I look forward to watching him perform.
Lakers are 7-0.
Al Davis is killing my mood.
Jerry Jones is confused of what his job actually is.
When is AI going to get a haircut?
The new event in track and field is "Where is your favorite athlete training now?" LOL
Its that time of year. Reestablishing the routines that breed success in the summer. It starts today.
I am more than happy with the make up of the group. The new faces have brought the right attitude, demeanor, and talent. It is gong to be fun watching them all develop. We are international again.
I want to send my man K Ferg off with my blessings and well wishes. He is embarking on his next evolution and that is cool with me, I just want my man to reach his potential. If you need me Ferg just hit me up.
The wife is returning from London as an entire institution LOL. Many of you here in the States do not know it, but she went home and got on the grind, she accomplished a lot of goals over the last 4 or 5 weeks and I am proud of her. Look for her book coming out soon.
Obama won. I really have a plethora of thoughts on it, but there is no need to elaborate. He won and that has said enough. I look forward to watching him perform.
Lakers are 7-0.
Al Davis is killing my mood.
Jerry Jones is confused of what his job actually is.
When is AI going to get a haircut?
The new event in track and field is "Where is your favorite athlete training now?" LOL
Sunday, November 2, 2008
DJ BDay Shout outs!
It is my birthday tomorrow, November 3rd, and I decided to give on this blog on my day. A few folks and what they mean to me on my day.
Mom and Dad! without you there is no me. The obvious. But it has been the other stuff that I thankful, the stuff that makes them who they are and enabled them to stay together their whole lives without any major hiccups. My mom was 16 when she had me, got married 2 years later and they have never blinked! 36 years and the rock of the family.
My brothers. Daimar and Dion. Just because those are my bro's. We are years apart so we never had the brotherly connection that most have but I will kill you over them, do not get confused. LOL
Martin Beck. I miss you man. He is not dead, just been living in Houston for about ten years now. Married with child, who would have thunk it lol!
Tasha D. My chick. My athlete. My medalists. She holds a special place that would take too many words to explain. And yes, I will kill you over her too. I have her back through thick and thin for better or worse, I got her in all her ways not just the good stuff. And I am not afraid to let her know it. She needs something I am there.
Jaden, Ricky, Aysia. This is what love is about. No bells and whistles. As long as I am alive they love me. As long as I live I will love them. Hurt them in anyway and I will hunt you for the rest of your days. Seriously.
Ryan, Kenny, Jonathan, Tasha (second shout). Thank you for trusting me to help make your dreams a reality. Thank you for believing in me when you had very little reason to.
To my other athletes. Same as above, but had to shout out the OG's above.
john Smith. Uncle John or just John to me. Saw the potential in me when I was out of track and thinking about corporate life. Probably the dumbest decision I ever made but you know what, I have been to every major continent on this earth and have yet to buy my own ticket!!! Thank you John for making my dreams come true.
Maurice Greene. That was a fun ride.
Mike Powell. My boy for life. Hated him for beating Carl in 1991 when I was still a Carl fan, but a little knowledge will change your thinking. MP is my man for whatever I need.
Allen Johnson. Wished I had coached you, but man it was fun watching you do your thing
Marie jose Perec. La Gazelle.
Lloyd Cowan. Mr. Hustle.
Terrence Trammell. Thanks for being real and honest.
God. If I have to explain you are living in denial.
Dave Collins. Flew me everywhere for every meet the last three years. lol Believed in what I had to say to pick Tasha for the Olympics this year.
John Trower. See Dave Collins.
Tomorrow I will be 38. Nice. See growing up it was all about 2000, and the end of days. We are all supposed to be dead. LOL I used to wonder what it would be like to be an adult, look old, be called mister, I am still wondering LOL. I cannot believe I am 38. Let me tell you, life doe snot miraculously change. You have to change it otherwise you will look up and still be that same 20 something fool.
I will wake up tomorrow, dress myself and Jaden, drop him at school, and go to practice for the first day of training. And without an ounce of embarrassment I will miss my wife all day long. Be sure to tune into ChoiceFM (www.choicefm.com) at 10PM PST.
Mom and Dad! without you there is no me. The obvious. But it has been the other stuff that I thankful, the stuff that makes them who they are and enabled them to stay together their whole lives without any major hiccups. My mom was 16 when she had me, got married 2 years later and they have never blinked! 36 years and the rock of the family.
My brothers. Daimar and Dion. Just because those are my bro's. We are years apart so we never had the brotherly connection that most have but I will kill you over them, do not get confused. LOL
Martin Beck. I miss you man. He is not dead, just been living in Houston for about ten years now. Married with child, who would have thunk it lol!
Tasha D. My chick. My athlete. My medalists. She holds a special place that would take too many words to explain. And yes, I will kill you over her too. I have her back through thick and thin for better or worse, I got her in all her ways not just the good stuff. And I am not afraid to let her know it. She needs something I am there.
Jaden, Ricky, Aysia. This is what love is about. No bells and whistles. As long as I am alive they love me. As long as I live I will love them. Hurt them in anyway and I will hunt you for the rest of your days. Seriously.
Ryan, Kenny, Jonathan, Tasha (second shout). Thank you for trusting me to help make your dreams a reality. Thank you for believing in me when you had very little reason to.
To my other athletes. Same as above, but had to shout out the OG's above.
john Smith. Uncle John or just John to me. Saw the potential in me when I was out of track and thinking about corporate life. Probably the dumbest decision I ever made but you know what, I have been to every major continent on this earth and have yet to buy my own ticket!!! Thank you John for making my dreams come true.
Maurice Greene. That was a fun ride.
Mike Powell. My boy for life. Hated him for beating Carl in 1991 when I was still a Carl fan, but a little knowledge will change your thinking. MP is my man for whatever I need.
Allen Johnson. Wished I had coached you, but man it was fun watching you do your thing
Marie jose Perec. La Gazelle.
Lloyd Cowan. Mr. Hustle.
Terrence Trammell. Thanks for being real and honest.
God. If I have to explain you are living in denial.
Dave Collins. Flew me everywhere for every meet the last three years. lol Believed in what I had to say to pick Tasha for the Olympics this year.
John Trower. See Dave Collins.
Tomorrow I will be 38. Nice. See growing up it was all about 2000, and the end of days. We are all supposed to be dead. LOL I used to wonder what it would be like to be an adult, look old, be called mister, I am still wondering LOL. I cannot believe I am 38. Let me tell you, life doe snot miraculously change. You have to change it otherwise you will look up and still be that same 20 something fool.
I will wake up tomorrow, dress myself and Jaden, drop him at school, and go to practice for the first day of training. And without an ounce of embarrassment I will miss my wife all day long. Be sure to tune into ChoiceFM (www.choicefm.com) at 10PM PST.
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