A word from "The Rocket" Rick Rodriguez

Corde Valle San Martin, California April 25, 2009

By Rick Rodriguez

Nearly every time I've driven down US 101 I've always gazed at a protruding peak in San Martin, California!  It may be in Morgan Hill, the adjacent town about 20 miles south of San Jose; nonetheless, the peak and town of San Martin has always grabbed my attention on my drives down to Carmel/Monterey.  On 4/25/09 I discovered my curiosity, I visited the town and the Corde Valle Golf Resort http://www.cordevalle.com/ and now I know why I always wanted to go there! 

While I spent little time in San Martin, I did spend the day at Corde Valle and that was plenty and a well invested day.  And, it was completely by chance that I got a great price (free!) on a round of golf at one of the best golf courses/resorts in California!  The resort has received numerous accolades for its accommodations, golf, and overall experience. 

Situated about 20 miles south of San Jose in the Santa Cruz foothills, the resort is perfectly placed in a valley almost created just for a golf course.  I was able to get a Birdseye view from my friend's room while enjoying an after round beverage and a fine puro!  This is the view from Mark's room!  We sat there for a couple hours gazing over and discussing the days round as the sun set past the hills circling the valley and course.  While the game of golf is a highlight and sometimes not depending on the score, the camaraderie and friendship is what makes the game so special.  And in this case, at just that moment--life was perfect!

There were a couple of golf highlights to brag about and some good drives.  But the real treat was the fore caddy (Quinn); a first time experience for me.  Not the caddy part, the fore caddy part.  This guy was unbelievable in that he not only caddied for us, but would run ahead and find our errant shots landing in some unsuspecting bush yards down the golf course.  He was particularly adroit in club selection, reading the wind, and the break on putts; all necessary attributes for caddy acumen! 

Mark had an excellent back nine guaranteeing him lunch on me the next time we sit down for a meal.  And, my only highlights were hole 8 and 9 where I managed a Birdie and Par (30 foot putt) other than that, I need to find a driving range.  Mark, a very capable and avid golfer, observed throughout the day, my tendency to break down at the elbow; and after the round he showed me what he would like me to work on.  Let's hope I heed his advice because I need it!

The Corde Valle Golf Resort is a bit on the spendy side.  According to Mark, the restaurant serves great food and the hospitality/service is a first class experience.  I found the personnel to be customer service oriented and I sensed immediately I was in a special place. The rooms are gorgeous and well appointed.  The small yards are perfect for relaxing and admiring a valley that is simply majestic.  The birds chirping and a soundless backdrop make this a great place to get away from it all even for a small token of time that was my experience! Under these conditions or a multiple day experience, I suggest that Corde Valle and that interesting little peak off US 101 are more than worthy of a second or third visit!  And, I am sure that there is whole lot more that I need to know about San Martin and its peak.  Next time, I'll stay a bit longer and play a bit better!  Regardless, I know that it will be a day well spent in this part of California!

Uncommon by Tony Dungee with Nathan Whitaker

By Rick Rodriguez

Almost everyday  we read a story about the collapse of an individual's integrity!  We gasp in disbelief!  How could he do that?  Or who would have ever imagined that she would do this?  Startling...yes!  But, as these events continue to develop at a rapid pace; we are numbed almost; we've come to expect it!  And now, we are no longer that surprised or amazed at the depravity of human kind.

In his book, Tony Dungee, the professional football coach, reaches out to us/me searching for that UNCOMMON MAN/WOMAN that goes against the grain of this depravity!  He charges us with the responsibility to change this and gives poignant, gripping advice on how to do it!  He suggests that this generation has lost its way venerating material objects sacrificing long term gain for immediacy.  Moreover, he sees a loss or an avoidance of character; a paucity of individuals adhering to the challenges of hard work, and the theme of superfluous expression rather than the wealth of inner-knowing!

Uncommon Dungee/Whitaker 2009 P.18 "Pride is all about me, but confidence is a realization the God has given me abilities and created me to fill a unique role that no one else is called to fill.  Borne in humility, confidence is a recognition that life is not about me but about using gifts and abilities I have been blessed with to their fullest."

Uncommon Dungee/Whitaker 2009 P.165 " Look, things change.  Life throws us curve balls.  Some days it feels like we are facing a blitz after blitz.  People walk out of our lives or let us down.  Things get confusing, loved ones misunderstand us, and relationships become tense.  Fear comes and grasps us by the back of the neck, ready to carry us off and away from our dreams.  And it often happens when our cars blow up in the desert, or our lives take detours that we didn't plan for, or we get pummeled by disappointments, heartaches, and tragedies.  But through it all, the dreams that God put in your heart never change.  Your integrity--your promise to yourself--demands that you step up and follow those dreams to a better place, to pick yourself up yet again and push on.  Follow your dreams."

The text reads easily and the chapters are very basic!  But the work, hits home and is timely.  What's amazing is that a book can be written from one man's perspective yet we've heard this story told in so many different ways! 

This particular book came into my life February 2, 2009.  On that day, I sat with my daughter Amanda, at Starbucks, and while she did her home work--I dedicated the book to her by writing her name Amanda (8.5 years) from Daddy (45 years) in the orange/tan inside cover of the book!  It's a book I will leave for her someday...

Uncommon is 260 pages.  I read it in April 2009.

San Ramon Valley Times 4/15/2009 " Language Bill" By Rick Rodriguez

By Rick Rodriguez

I am for a national language.  I am for multilingual individuals right to express themselves in the language of their choice.  In the proposed Language Bill SB 242, the government, specifically Senator Yee, is introducing a bill that would make it against the law for an employer to require the use of a specific language unless required as a business necessity or for safety purposes.  The contention is prohibiting the use of a language other than English is discriminatory.  While I can see that any issue gets blurred when discrimination enters the fray; in this case, a deleterious inference shouldn't be used as the main premise of the argument.  The very nature of the contention of discrimination begs the question when will it all end; gender, race, sex, color, etc, and now language!  Are we really discriminating requiring a mainstream language (English) to serve as a unifying language of the Masses?  Is it not imperative for communication sakes, personal growth, competitive employment factors, and improving society as a whole?  Are these acts discriminatory? 

San Ramon Valley Times 4/15/2009 "Language Bill" by Rick Rodriguez

Letter to Editor:

"I disagree with your endorsement of SB 242 "Back Language Bill" Times editorial April 9, and I don't believe it will achieve the strong signal that you believe Californians will embrace; the state's diversity.  That will only be achieved when terms like "non-Hispanic Caucasians and single largest ethnic group" become relics of the past.  You claim that you are for diversity; yet, the terms you use to describe people are divisive.  These terms continue to propagate the notion of separateness, and as was the case with the LPGA players, introduce situations inferring ethnocentrism

Moreover, lost in this debate is the tremendous value multilingual individuals contribute to many facets of society.  Endorsing a language bill that allows individuals to continue to embrace native languages will undoubtedly lead them down the path of least resistance: not learning the English language!"

Again, my stated purpose is not that I am for any discriminatory contentions.  Frankly, I am for individual growth, and it is my belief that this bill will limit or permit individuals to take the easy way out rather than push them toward improving, refining, or being of greater service to society.  This can be accomplished by learning the mainstream language (English) while continuing to communicate in their preferred language! 

 

Spain and Portugal 1994 "Praia do Carvoeiro, Portugal"

By Rick Rodriguez

In 1994, I embarked on my 1st trip to Europe that included visits in Spain, Portugal, and a day trip to Morocco!  That was 15 years ago and at 30 years of age I was in the early stages of seeing the World!  I was on a mission.  I knew very little of what was ahead me in this aspect of my life, and this trip served as an appetizer for the main course to come.  Now, when I look back at this trip, I remember it fondly, but also feel that I connected with my roots.  Somewhere in my ancestry is a Rodriguez that came from Spain!  I even felt closely connected to the country.  I felt so at home.  Surely, I don't know this with certainty, but there were enough Avenida Rodriguez streets in Spain to perhaps raise this conclusion.

I traveled with Mike and Laurel Pinna, and Mike's Dad--Tony Pinna.  Mike was a boyhood friend of mine, and his wife Laurel arranged most of the trip.  Tony, an experienced traveler, made us all feel comfortable with his leadership and guidance.  I was on an adventure of a lifetime.  Here's a journal excerpt " I am about two hours away from achieving a lifetime goal.  Landing in Spain!  Espana!  I almost feel like I'm in an unreal state.  I feel like I am in a dream.  I feel as though I left a world behind; just got up and left.  I am cutting through the sky, parting the wind of the Atlantic ocean; and headed to a distant archaic land."  As I wrote furiously, most passengers slept: I eagerly watched the morning sunrise as it appeared over the horizon.  After landing in Madrid, I met up with the Pinna's and shortly thereafter we checked into the Hotel Novotel for a 1 night stay in Madrid.  As quickly as we arrived at the hotel, we were out the door ready for some tapas at the local outdoor cafes.  We began to roam about town immediately comfortable in this cosmopolitan city bustling with activity.  I was astounded with the architecture and crowds of people everywhere; modern shopping areas, and prodigious plazas dominated the landscape.  We made our way back to the hotel, and thus ended our 1 day adventure of Madrid, Spain.

The next morning we flew to Seville, picked up a rented Fiat and drove 4 hours to get to our destination in Southern Portugal--Praia do Carvoiero.  What a place!  A majestic sea side treasure banked on the edge of the Mediterranean in the Algarve region of Portugal.  We checked into our time share; a fine example of the architecture of this region; the rooms spacious and comfortable, and the thrill and excitement of just being there was overwhelming.  Of course, it was time to eat and get cash at the local exchange, and that we did almost immediately.  Naturally, I found a small 9 hole golf course, and Mike and I dashed out to play the tiny course.  While neither of us had a memorable round, the atmosphere was festive and enjoyable.  The next day Tony joined us and we had a blast with both The Pinnas lighting it up.  My only highlight was a smashed 4 Iron on the 2nd hole that landed near the hole!   This is a real nice view of the golf course-Vale de MIlho Golf in Praia do Carvoeiro, Portugal!  While the weather was warm and the sun hot; it was perfect for me and so was enjoying the local fare.  It seemed like we were always eating or drinking, and it didn't take long for us to find the best watering holes or port wine!  Journal excerpt: " Last night before we went out, I took a nice hike along the cliffs.  There were some steep drops; a beautiful coastline."  No question about it.  This town is just what a Mediterranean sea side town is like: a beautiful beach, coastline, and all the beauty that surrounds it.  My immediate thought was that someday I was going to bring someone here with me to this beautiful place--I've got to come back!

The next day we shot off to Lagos.  A town about 40km west of Carvoeiro.  We spent a beautiful day around this town.  We shopped and I marveled at the stone work that goes into the streets.  The stones are cut small and formed perfectly to create a very smooth surface.  There were millions of stones covering the passageways of these very small streets!

One of my most memorable days was my 1st ever run in Portugal.  It was a short run, and hot.  At one point, I was almost dehydrated but managed to run for a bout 40 minutes.  I ran through the streets as onlookers gazed at me curiously--running through their hometown--surely an unusual sight!

46

By Rick Rodriguez

It comes at a curious time.  Change!  Something that is always with us but seems to unnerve us at the most inopportune time, or just about anytime.  Yet, nearing the end of my 45Th year on this planet; this is where I find myself renegotiating with life about my future.  And, after an intense struggle I slowly recede to acceptance, and eagerly await what is around the corner in this adventure we all now enjoy.

So, what have I learned most?  Immediately coming to mind is the incredible resilience we all possess to overcome whatever obstacle befalls us; I know this from first-hand experience, and while others may question it--this miracle--is there waiting to be uncovered for you.  I also know that there are important things in life that we take for granted!  The ability to give and receive love is there for all of us; and it is our duty to demonstrate this to others.  I know that concepts like character and values (i.e. trust, integrity, honor) seem to waning into the past as traits of a bygone era, but I know those that possess these traits will carrying them forward to posterity.  I know that it's easy to talk a good story but better to prove it!  I know the value of being a great Father and role model to children.  I also know that my faith in a higher power has and will carry me forward for the rest of my life!

Looking back just a few posts ago.  My words were telling me something about my future.  And, now it is comforting to look back and know that I was laying the groundwork of my future.  Perhaps, my unconscious was telling me something about my future that it wanted me to know?  And, now I know it.  I am at the next step.

What I want you to know today is this:  If you've made me smile--you are my friend.  If you made me angry--I cared enough about you to show you my emotion.  If we've laughed together--I look forward to the next time we meet.  If we have shared food and drink--we have nourished ourselves together!  And, lastly if you came into my life in these 45 years and are still with me--know that I love and thank you for honoring me with your friendship!