Netting Results…
March 20, 2007Well, as is my custom when I hit different towns on consulting gigs… I like to sample some of the local flavor in going to sporting events on free evenings or sundays. Last week I went to a semi meaningles university of Michigan game in Ann Arbor. For those Basketball fans out there, the Wolverines had a so so season and did not qualify for the NCAA tournament. They DID however got an invite to the Not So prestigious NIT tournament and as luck would have it, it was played in Michigan.
For a 10 dollar ticket I was seated in the second row in the stands. Directly behind the TV announcers. At the half I was moved even closer to sit in the second row on the floor. How close was I?
I remarked to the person next to me how young the tumblers / cheerleaders looked and I got a cheerleader to respond ” Yes, we are”.
oops.
If you can talk in a normal voice and have a cheerleader answer you… THAT means you have a good seat. It was a pretty empty arena but it DID mark the last time Tommy Amaker coached a win as coach at the U of Michigan. He was fired a few days later.
Yesterday after a few hours of work I went to the Pistons Vs. Mavericks game and while the seats were not THAT good it was a great game. I think the finals will be the same match up.
Shabbos I was in Oak Park and was at the shabbos table with 12 other people… thats right… 10 kids.
Reminds me of the story where the person complains about the noise in his house… so the wise man tells him to bring in the farm animals… and he recognizes how quiet his house really is…
Well, If you ever think YOu’re kids are loud. I know exactly where to send you… Wow… its a good thing I brought my ear plugs and eyemask from my flight. I actually had a great time as I was made to feel right at home. I also was invited to a Lunch seuda at a Bat Mitzvah. At least I think i was.
The first time I stepped into the Young Israel at Oak Park, a fellow behind me introduced himself and we became friendly. Well, a few weeks ago he invited me to his daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. I told him if I was around that shabbos, I’d come by.
Well, I didn’t see him again nor did I have his phone number (or last name) so I never thought of showing up.
Thursday night I get a voicemail asking if I’d be in town I should call him to confirm. I called back and left a message that I was coming. I was thinking it was a huge Shabbos lunch so the entire place was invited.
After davening they announce that there is a KIDDUSH and the entire shul is invited.
So Now Im getting confused.
Was I invited to only the kiddush? I mean I barely know the guy.
Was I NOT invited to the lunch? But I already told the people I was staying over for shabbos that I wouldnt be there for lunch.
What do I do?
What would you do?
Well, I say myself down near someone I knew at the far side of the hall. I didn’t want to have a repeat of the komtza bar komtza story.
Tried to avoid eye contact with the baal simcha.
It actually was a great simcha. I also was quite impressed that a 12 year old girlwas able to layn both parshiyios AND Hachodesh.
J
