Checked out a new trail… The Big Tree Forest Preserve…

“Forest” May be a little ambitious for a description, but all in all it was a nice short little hike.  It’s not trendusly long hike. I hit most of the trails, and really didn’t get much more than 1.5 miles in.  That being said, it is pretty secluded, with a somewhat distant woosh of traffic to remind you that you aren’t really out of the city.

I will give it this much.  Walking through this area reminds me a lot of how I picture “Sherwood Forest”, of Robin Hood fame… If there where wooden buildings along side some of the clearings, it would serve well as a site for a renaissance village.

You’ll notice on the map, a few unrealistically straight flight.  I know what you are thinking, and you are correct.  I levitated and took flight…

Actually, I found that if I switched to the take a picture with my phone, the GPS on my Garmin App loses it’s satellite connection.  It then just connects Point A to Point B, once it re-syncs.  So, In the future I’ll likely have to just carry at least a separate camera for now.

Speaking of Pictures… Here’s a link to the picture gallery: Big Trees Forest Preserve Gallery

So, a few days ago something happened.  Levon Helm died.  I’d like to tell you, that I’ve been a life long fan of his music, and how influential it was throughout my life.  I’d like to say I’ve been a fan since I was very little…

I’d like too, but I really can’t.  I’ve never been a music person.  I have no talent to create it, and in all honesty I rarely follow bands or musicians.  I enjoy 60′s and 70′s music, but it’s never really been something I listen to ad nauseum.  The reality is, I was vaguely aware of “The Band“, up until about 2008, and as such in general ignorance of Levon Helm.  Snub your nose if you will, but it’s just how life worked out.  Luckily there are thousands of articles, videos, tributes, to his musical contributions, and talent.

Through my experience as my X’s “+1″, I met a few famous people.  While I’m sure this sounds great, I am really not impressed by Celebrities in general.  My general opinion being they are people who are in the right place at the right time, and take advantage of those opportunities.  With few exceptions, I can give most of the celebrities a solid “Meh.” upon meeting them.  They didn’t care who I am, and I couldn’t care much less who they are.

Levon was an exception to this.  I first met Levon in May of 2008.  My X and I attended a Midnight Ramble at his home/studio in Woodstock, NY.  We figured it’d be a nice get away from NYC, and planned to find a nice hotel.  I had never really been to the town, or really moved much in the musician scene.  By this time, I had done a little research, and realized that Levon was generally considered a “Rock Legend”, and while my X was “Nationally Known”, she wasn’t really an “A-list” celebrity so, I went expecting to see a good show, fade into the background like a bodyguard, and be generally ignored in general.

When we showed up, they checked the list smiled, and “Oh! We’ve been expecting you!” then waved us in. Things seemed pretty much as expected.  I realize I am generally cynical (with good reason), and that’s pretty much how I felt at the time.

We met up with Levon’s Manager Barbara, and the whole vibe changed.  While I expected us to be shuffled around as a “Special Guest” aka “Someone in the way, but we have to be nice to them…”, that’s not what happened.  We where invited into the back offices, to have some of the catered dinner.  We met and socialized with members of Levon’s band, listened to “Road Stories”, and really was treated almost like one of the family and crew.

I should stop here and explain this a little.  Everyone at a Ramble is part of the experience, what started as a Rent Party, complete with a tent for potluck meals and relative freedom to roam the property, evolved into more of a single home block party.  In mingling, there where people who where crossing an item off their “Bucket List”, and those who lived in the community and generally responded to questions about the ramble with “It’s Saturday”…  With all the feeling of saying “Why wouldn’t you go to Mom’s for dinner…”

I am not really a “Positive Energy” kinda guy in general, but this place felt warm and welcoming… Sort of like walking into your favorite Irish Bar and having everyone greet you with a beer, a smile, and some unbelievable story.

At first I chalked this up to being in Woodstock.  Which is a beautiful town up in the mountains of NY, and is best known for the 60′s music festival held near by.  (In which Levon, as part of the The Band, performed).  Let’s face it, Woodstock is the de-facto hometown of Hippies in general. True to form, there are a lot of anachronistic people in Woodstock.  Some in attitude/demeanor only, which reminded me more of Californians, than of North Easterners.  Others look like they where stuck in a time warp, there is still a public square where buskers perform, and people speak and people still use it.

So, eventually Barbara found us and said Levon would like us to come back to his Apartment and say Hi.  I smiled and dutifully followed up, and through the door.  Past the guy standing guard at the door, with a smile, more to deter wrong turns into Levon’s refuge than to deter any real threat.

Levon’s Apartment is smaller than one would expect.  I would describe it as mountain retreat more than a real apartment.  A longish Living room, a large eat-in kitchen, stairs to the bedroom… and a back room.  It isn’t fancy..  It’s kind of the opposite of fancy.  It’s real comfortable.

I stood in the background while my X got her usual attention.  I smiled a lot, and as customary I was introduced.  I expected a superficial hello, that could only be described as “Empty”.  This is what I was used to from every other celebrity I met.  However, Levon was different.  It was warm, and genuine.  Levon’s smile is best described as huge and infectious.  He asked about my family, and where I grew up.  As we both came from the same mid-western roots (he from Arkansas and I from Kansas City), we shared smiles over some midwest understandings.  He frequently made references like “Well, Mat you know a couple midwestern country boys like us…”  He treated me and Karith like new friends.  It seems a little silly as I type it, but he offered me a chair, a coke and a some sushi.  He smiled a lot, and took time to actually listen to my responses…  It was more like visiting a friend of the family than a “Rock Legend”, we talked about a Bonaroo, I asked if it was worth attending… His honest opinion was “Well, I think you would like Merlefest better, you should check that out when you can.  Hopefully, we’ll see you there.”  There really is only one other person, I’ve ever met that could make you feel this way.  My Grandfather, who I can only describe as the type of man that every man should strive to be.  Calm, happy.  I find it unlikely that Levon ever met a stranger, or enemy.

I attended a few rambles after that one, befriended members of his band.  Every time I saw Levon, I was greeted by name, and felt like a welcome guest.   I felt comfortable enough to be my normal cynical and grumpy self.  We talked about a role in the movie “Shooter“, where I didn’t even know he was in the film, until I heard his distinctive voice from the other room.  I was able to drop the fake smile from the +1 shadow and laugh and actually feel like I was part of the moment and not just a spectator.  Levon even tried to pawn off puppies from his Dog Muddy… (in retrospect, maybe I should have taken one…) I even remember a heated discussion with Kinky Friedman in Levon’s kitchen one night.  I remember someone even video taped that argument, I wonder if/when it’ll surface on the internet.  Probably when Kinky is elected.

I have a very specific feeling for people, who proclaim their life is effected by the passing of a celebrity they never knew.  2Pac, Biggie Smalls, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, etc..etc..  I can appreciate sadness at the loss of a talented human. I can even understand mourning the loss of their contributions.. However unless you had a relationship with him, if you tell me that you’re life has changed because Michael Jackson is dead… I will likely pity you, and not sympathize with you.

I can honestly say that in the short time I had the privilege of spending time with Levon, I am a better person for having known him.  I feel like I lost a friend who I had been planning to see, but procrastinating because something always seems to come up.. never really realizing time is short.

The world not only lost a “Rock Legend” that is well known and well documented, it lost one of the most genuine and stand up people I’ve ever had the honor of knowing and spending time with.  I can’t really express my sympathy for those that knew him better, I can only imagine it is gut wrenching, like the feeling I had when my grandfather died.  Levon Helm was a genuine soul, surrounded by genuine people, and that’s pretty rare.

Meanwhile my life will go on.  I will hold on to my memories as best I can, and I hope that they continue the Rambles in Levon’s Honor.  I haven’t heard one way or the other.  I can’t think of something that really exemplifies the feeling of Meeting Levon more than the Rambles themselves.  He has a massively talented daughter, and an amazing band that can stand on their own… ( In the same manner “The Band” stood on their own from Bob Dylan) If the show does go on, then I’ll go and pay my respects to Levon, and support the legacy he left behind.

Sadly, I still haven’t made it to Merlefest, Levon.  But I will.

So, I am taking a new job… and the recruiter sent me this so I make sure and understand the reasons I should not consider a counteroffer. I corrected the misspellings and typos…

10 reasons not to take a counter offer:

1.  You have now made your employer aware that you are unhappy.  From this day on, your loyalty will be in question.

Seriously? What if you weren’t unhappy, it’s just a better position? If you where out looking for a position, didn’t they know you where unhappy already? IF not, then they had no chance to correct it anyway.

2. When promotion or raise time comes, your employer will remember who is loyal and who is not.

I think they will remember who is desired in the industry, and who isn’t. I could be fooling myself on that one, but I’ve never had an employer ever worry about loyalty. Well, maybe that one time in NYC…

3.  When times get tough your employer will begin cutbacks with you.

Yes frequently a company says, “We can’t afford to lose this guy, let’s spend more on him…oh wait. Cutbacks? He’s outa here.” I don’t buy this one, maybe someone can show me some facts on it?

4.  Accepting a counter offer is an insult to your intelligence and a blow to your personal pride, knowing that you were effectively “bought”.

If the offer is right, I’m okay with that.

5.  Where is the money for the counter offer coming from? All companies have strict wage and salary guidelines which must be followed–is this just your next raise early?

It’s coming from the same budget that pays my current salary. Which is not a budget where they are counting nickles. That’s always a possibility, but most but the guidelines will work for me in ensuring I get a raise later, and not a “You got it before.” Read the fine print in your counteroffer.

6.  Your company will begin looking for a new person immediately and removing responsibility from you.

Not necessarily true in all (or most ) Situations

7.  The same circumstances that caused you to consider a change will repeat themselves even if you take a counter offer.  More money does not change the processes, people or situation.

This one is true, so that’s part of something to think about. Why are you willing to change jobs anyway? The grass is not always greener.

8.  Statistics show that if you accept a counteroffer, the probability of voluntarily leaving in six months or being let go within one year is extremely high (87%)

Where did these numbers come from?

9.  Once the word gets out,(and it will), the relationship you now enjoy with your co-workers will never be the same.  You will lose the personal satisfaction of peer group acceptance.

Eh, I don’t know that this is 100% true. It can change if everyone else is unhappy as well. But they could also be relieved your staying, or even happy that you are moving into a leadership position. It’s all in how it’s communicated.

10.  You will wonder what type of company you’re working for that you had to threaten to resign before they gave you what you’re worth, and you’ll question the wisdom of a company who has to “buy” the loyalty of their employees.

Yeah. This one is complete bullshit. I’ve never seen a company that out of the blue says “Here’s a raise/promotion!” You have to work for them. Sometimes that means you have to be ready to take another path to get what you’re worth. You can’t expect a company to take your best interests into account. That’s up to you.

Full disclosure, I have taken a counter offer once in my career.  It wasn’t a mistake, I did end up leaving about 18 months after, but the situation had changed.  It wasn’t initiated by the company, or in anyway done in reference to my professional satisfaction.  (This is when I moved to NYC)  I didn’t feel any resentment from my Team, or management.

I’m fully aware that maybe my experience isn’t the norm… I’m sure other people have had other experiences..  However for my purposes, I think that this is recruiter propaganda.

In general, if you are looking for a job, just to try to get more money from your current employer, then you’re doomed from the start.   If your new offer is something, new and exciting that you want to do… but your company doesn’t want you to go, then I think it’s perfectly worth considering a counter offer.

Yesterday was a pretty good day.  I needed it.  It had been a pretty rough week to be completely open and honest.  My stress levels over the week, where off the charts.  There have been a few times in my life I’ve been that stressed, and they have almost without exception, pushed me off into some deeper depression.  Sometimes, leading to life altering choices… Some good, Some Bad.

This time was different.  I had a really bad day Thursday, and handled it as I normally do.  ( in context of this blog, that included a pint of vanilla ice cream… )  I went to bed pretty early, and woke up in a strangely happier mood.  Things got dramatically better the next day.  There is a bit of history behind this statement, that I’ve talked about in other blogs, but simply put, I had to force myself to “Focus on and Enjoy the Now, and Worry less about the later.”  It helped a lot.

Yesterday, I got out on the trail.  The stars aligned in a few ways, and the hike was almost a perfect day hike.  It was cold, (30-45 degrees) clear, and sunny.  Great hiking company.  The Trail was challenging.  I mean, this was arguably one of the best hikes I’ve done for a lot of reasons.

The Trail itself was a 7 mile loop.  Effective half the Appalachian Trail, and half the Benton McKaye Trail.  It was a pretty challenging hike physically, at least for me and my fat ass.  there was a 1,200ft elevation change.  Meaning we went down 1,200ft and then back up.  (Technically speaking we had a loss of about 1200ft, and a gain of 1200ft since this was a loop.)  To give you some comparison, that is about an 80 Story building.. or a little less than the height of the Trump Hotel in Chicago.  This gain was in about 3 miles, which seems unimaginably long, when your gaining that amount of evelcation.

Also, and embarrassingly enough, another exciting part of this hike for me is I got to try out my new Garmin ForeTrex 401.  This was my first Garmin Product, and the first real GPS tracking I’ve done on my hikes.  Up until that point, I’ve generally used the AGPS on my phone to track my hikes through “imapmyrun.com” app.  Don’t get me wrong, this worked well, but the battery life was tough, and without a phone signal the AGPS kinda sucks.  I have experimented with some other “Trail Computers”, which are kind of pseudoGPS, like the i-gotU GT-800 and the Locosys Genie BGT-31.  Both of which have thier strengths.  The major one being battery life, and USB Rechargeable (and thusly solar) batteries.  But they also have some quirks.  The GT800 has absolutely ZERO MacOSX support.  Which really sucks, as it has fantastic battery life, and a very small form factor.  And the BGT-31 froze up literally the first time I used it.  I had to manually unscrew the back (with tiny screwdrivers, like you would use on eye glasses.) and disconnect the battery to reset the device.  No reset button, or even an easily accessible back panel to handle this.

So far the battery life on the Foretrex isn’t awful.  With 2 brand new AAA Alkaline batteries it only lost one bar off the indicator after 5 hours.  I am supposed to be able to put Li-on batteries in the thing and it’ll charge them off USB.  But I haven’t got around to getting those batteries yet.  Next time I’m out I’ll look for them.

Anyway I REALY like this foretrex.  Go Garmin, the hometown (Kansas City) Heros.

Here’s the map of the hike, off Garmin’s web-based interface.  Which is also pretty impressive.

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So, I went apple picking in N. Georgia with a friend of mine a few weeks ago. I found a half peck of winesap apples, and since I’ve never really had those, and saw a recipe that called for the directly (Irish Whiskey Apple Crisp), I figured I would grab some.  I did find in that bag, the largest apple I’ve ever seen.  I don’t even know how to compare it.  It was larger than a softball.  Massive.  I wasn’t really impressed with the taste, and upon further poking around found they are used mostly for Cider and and Juice.  I could see that.   Anyway, I made Emeril’s recipe and it didn’t really taste very good.  This isn’t a surprise, it wasn’t very sweet and just in general pretty bland.  The Whipped Cream topping was WAY to strong, and overpowered everything.

So, I digress.  After all of this work, I was left with a bunch of left over apples that didn’t taste that good raw.  So what’s a fat kid to do?

That’s right, give Chef Lagasse the culinary finger and try it on my own!  And here’s what I came up with (all Measurements are rounded..):

Apple Crisp with White Chocolate Cream

• Apples:
• 3 or 4 Apples, Peeled, Cored and Sliced (Enough to half fill bottom of baking dish)
• 1/8th cup butter
• 1tsp Ground Ginger
• 1tsp Ground Cardamom
• 1.5tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2cup Dark Brown Sugar
• Good Bourbon to Taste (At least 2oz)
• Crisp:
• 1cup Butter
• 1cup AP flour
• 1cup Rolled Oats
• 1cup Dark Brown Sugar
• White Chocolate Cream:
• 2cups Heavy Cream
• 1/4cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 1oz White Chocolate Liqour (I use O’Reilly’s)