Playing Basketball with Diddy (former Puff Daddy)

I’ve played basketball with numerous celebrities, including George Clooney in Washington, DC and R. Kelley twice - in the nation’s capital and New York City.  It was obvious both superstars loved basketball and for the most part, enjoyed the games without incident, outside of a few irritating players who were star struck and/or trying too hard to impress.

The third celebrity I played with was Diddy (former Puff Daddy).  What surprised me about watching him at the Reebok Sports Club in NYC, were the lessons learned. The intensity and fierceness he displayed on the court was unexpected. I guess I shouldn’t have been so surprised since he’s been so successful although that type of intensity is rare to see on a court of amateurs.

While I don't recall how well he played that day, I do remember the way he played. While on the court, he was serious and relentless, expecting the same from those around him. There was no doubt about his focus and desire to win. Those types of traits have obviously served him well in business. When he wasn’t on the court, he was on the phone 100% of the time.

When I played on his team, he kept telling the other 3 guys, “get the ball to him (meaning me)”, as I was the best shooter and a former Division 1 college player. The aforementioned 3 worked for Diddy and kept trying to pass him the ball for whatever reason. He wanted none of it and only cared about winning, thus the intention to put the ball in my hands.

A comical moment was seeing a few good players totally lose their composure around the entertainment mogul.  Occasionally, he would drive down the lane and some would intentionally move out of the way. Maybe the hype about his gangster reputation flowed into their mind.  I never thought I would see quality players become so flustered or frightened around a celebrity.

After the game, I rode the elevator down with Diddy and his security team. We had a quick chat and he couldn’t have been more gracious. What I didn’t tell him was what I learned about him that day. It was something I’ll never forget.

Happy Gswede Sunday!

 

I LOVE THIS GAME!

Podcasts, Walking and Sleep

In 2012, podcasts came into my life like a lightning bolt. I had dabbled with them in the past although never seriously, until a friend talked about his podcast passion during a Copenhagen weekend in April.

I now enjoy podcasts in the car, working out or whenever I get some free time.  I especially like to listen on one of my weekly power walks. In addition, they keep my sports, news and entertainment knowledge current.

Which leads me to another change – walking. My masseuse has been telling me for some time about how good walking would be for my body. I prefer to run for my exercise so I’ve ignored her gentle inspiration. During my last massage, she strongly suggested I reconsider, and this time I listened.

What a difference. My body feels great after walking and getting more time to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and nature is always a good thing. I plan to continue running although mostly on the weekends. My goal is to make 2013 the year of the power walk.

Finally, I decided to improve my sleep in 2013, not as a resolution but as a lifestyle change. It worked well in the past to get only 6 hours of sleep per night, especially when the small babies came as the lack of sleep wasn’t difficult for me to adjust to. In 2012, with older kids, those 6 hours occasionally took their toll as I found myself without the same bounce and energy.

I started this year strongly with sleep between 7-8 hours and it has been an eye-opening experience. I feel much better in the morning hours and I haven’t had any problems with energy thus far. I’m a big fan of sleep these days, unlike when I wrote the article below.

Article - Sleep is the Cousin of Death

I’m grateful for 3 positive changes. They have enhanced my life and will continue to do so as long as I make them a priority.  

Have a wonderful 2013 and all the best with any improvements in your life.

Happy Gswede Sunday!

Enjoying a walk after lunch with friends Joanna and Adam.