8/31/2008

I was very disappointed with the whole softball experience today... although I did have a nice hit down the third base line. You see when I was in high school we still had these family get together gatherings at the park the day before or of Labor Day, but the difference was that little kids could not participate in softball and people actually tried and outs and scores were kept track of. The fun part of competition, for me at least, is keeping tabs on things and trying to defeat the other team. What we did today was mostly a waste of time... although it was exciting for the little ones. We had all 9 or 10 guys/gals on both teams bat each inning, no more no less and we did not keep score. If I would have been made aware of those parameters prior to playing I would not have participated. No strikeouts, scoring, or keeping track of outs defeats the point of a game. There was no trying done by most.As stated before I strive to succeed in competitions, but there was none today. I did have a rocket shot hit over third base, but there was no point. That sort of playing is what they do nowadays in t-ball, and it was the first time we did it in family softball, but I do not see it as a feasible way to approach ball at any level. Kids as well as adults should play games with winners and losers. That is what competitors love. If losing the game deflates your morale then don't play! I definitely won't play next year if score and outs do not mean a thing. I cant figure out why t-ball of today has taken that approach, either! I guess kids and adults are just becoming soft. Competition is about winning and losing, and it is ridiculous what we did today. It is like playing with a bunch of two year old kids, only then it is acceptable to make sure there are no losers. Even then it is debatable. I am drastically miffed about the situation and feel dumb for partaking in the event without keeping track of outs or score. What is the competition? Who wins? There is is none and nobody, respectively. The immense socializing that went on afterwords was fun as it always is. But I would rather run around indoors rather than outside if there is no competition. How foolish I felt afterwords!!!

8/31/2008

Today we have a Schroeder family softball outing at the park. While my balance and use of my glove hand are not up to standard for any organized ball, they are adequate for family softball at the park. Its my one time of year to actually play ball. It is not quite the same however, because I won't be wearing cleats, sliding pants, or a matching uniform. The competitiveness is not as present as playing a team sport, since everyone just wants to have fun, but it is as close as I get to sports these days. Not being able play sports really wears on me. I yearn for the adrenaline rush of competing and winning. I did shoot hoops outside my house yesterday, which I do many places, and watch a plethora of sports live and on television, but it's not the same feeling I get from actually doing it. I do get quite frustrated since I am not able to do the simple things easily, but I have also learned to accept my situation as being me.

8/30/2008

Today is the opening day for the Buckeyes. They play Youngstown St., a much less qualified team, but it is a game. After watching Michigan lose to Appalachian St. last year, we know anything is possible on any given day.
Last night was awesome at the Mudhens game with my dad and relatives. The Mudhens lost, but their field and stadium are awesome. The Columbus Grove Bulldogs avenged their season opening loss, to Pandora, with a narrow victory over Allen East.
I pushed my little nephew in the stroller, down to throw stones in the creek, a little over a mile today. It was enjoyable for us both, but I was very warm.

8/29/2008

Today my schedule is busy. I have to meet in Delphos for Lunch with Melissa. We are going to the Rustic, which I've never been. And then I have to be back home by mid afternoon, because we are going to eat dinner at my cousin Justin's place and then go to a Mud hens game. Lisa and the boys are also coming today. It's always a pleasure to see my sister even though it has not ALWAYS been like that. When I was in 5-8th grade we constantly were fighting and bickering. My competitiveness was already at play. I guess I was jealous of her, being five years older than me, and I always wanted to do what she did or have what she had. As we grew so did our relationship. Deep down I still look up to her, because she is happily married to a great guy and has three children (all boys- 4,2, and 4 mos.)...

8/28/2008

I am running on low with business cards, and I will make sure that I do not run out. Today is Thursday, and it is not a very eventful one either, for me that is. I have tried to contact a couple of area high school principals about speaking to their students, but none were available this morning. Today I'll take a walk outdoors or ride the stationary bike, because I try doing some sort of exercise daily to keep my body healthy. The only unfortunate thing is I cannot work my heart too hard like I am used to doing, because it is doctors orders that I keep my blood pressure in check. That is hard for me, because I always have approached everything in a fury trying to improve on the day before. Usually my schedule stays full with various activities. Tomorrow I'll get back to it...

8/27/2008

I had lunch today with Steve, and we discussed much after the food was eaten. He helped me some and I helped him some. We roll pretty well like that. Immediately after I was done I received a call from Stefanie Marshall/ Bishop Hartley HS confirming details about my speaking date there (which is October 15.) They are looking forward to having me and I speaking there.

8/26/2008

I had a blast today at St. Rita's although I was very tired all day. I just did not sleep very well. Hopefully I'll sleep like a baby tonight. Have you ever wandered about that statement like I have? My little nephews did not sleep awesome as babies. Preferably I do not want to wake up screaming because I want fed. Therefor actually sleeping like a baby is not desired, but I think you know what I mean!!!

8/26/2008

It's Tuesday, and you know that is my day to volunteer at St. Rita's Medical Center. I have a lunch meeting set with an executive prior to working. I am really looking forward to my future speaking avenues set up for later this school year. I will put my promo video here again, just in case you missed it last time.

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8/25/2008

Today is my cousin Mark's birthday, and now he is 29 years old as well. 10 years ago I thought thirty was an older man, but now that we are a year away things have changed a little. Now 50 is the old man age since we are only a year off the 30 mark... which by the way I feel as I did at 20.
Other than that I'm fairly certain I have established a speaking gig at Marion Catholic and Pandora High Schools. The dates are yet to be determined, but I am still excited.

8/24/2008

I had a post here which is no longer relevant.

8/24/2008

Is it just me, or are the closing, as well as the Olympic opening, ceremony a waste of money? It's Chinese money, but what about when the games are in the United States? The host nation this year, China, is setting a standard that I'm sure other countries will try to meet or exceed the new standard. That means London in 2012, yet to be determined in 2016, and all years after that will now try to meet or exceed the current programs. Unless some country plays it smart and keeps everything simple. I doubt that will happen, because every nation does not want to come off as cheap. But really the Olympics are competition of athletic ability between peoples' of nations not of the show and glitter of the opening or closing ceremonies. Rumor has it that Chicago is making a bid to host the 2016 summer games, after London hosts them in 2012. I'm sure the winter Olympics will have similar choreography, but we'll find out for sure in 2012 at the Vancouver winter games. My problem is with the openings and closings. I love competition and upsets and rooting for Americans (although rooting for and watching Bolt from Jamaica was great ti- that man is wicked awesome), but let's just keep it at that. Critics will say the non sports related luster has gone on since the beginnings of Olympic games, and that is true but I'll argue that is because people have always been stupid.
On a brighter side... I ran into the Lisa, that I met at the Church fest earlier this month, and her son (one of them) on Friday night. That was a very big bright spot, and I failed to mention that earlier. She is awesome, and hopefully we can hang out again sometime soon. Her son was just adorable, and I believe he is six years old.

8/24/2008

It was the last night of Grove fest, and the visual display of fireworks was astonishing. Unfortunately I did not win the big screen LCD television. I am not so sure that the village will put on the gathering next. I fail to see how we can continue to fund the events.

8/23/2008

I was a referee this morning for the 3 on 3 basketball tournament at Grove fest, and it was afternoon before I finished. Man was it ever a cooker, but luckily I stayed plenty hydrated with water. Columbus Grove has a sixth grader that is going to likely be a heck of a player in high school, but he definitely needs to chill out a little bit. This kid wants to win so bad that it turns into more of a compulsion. He'll learn to relax and be a good sport in the next couple of years and be a fantastic player. His Dad was a great player in his day, and they play the same position.
I'll go up town tonight and mingle, and I'll be ready for the spectacular fireworks display.

8/22/2008

It is Friday, but not just any Friday. High school football begins tonight. Include in the commencing of HS football is Grove fest. It should be exciting. Next week is Park fest in Glandorf, and the following weekend is the Pioneer in Kalida. Tomorrow night at Grove fest is a stunning fireworks display.
Last night I went to Al's in Kalida where I met some interesting people from Delphos. I also met a very nice girl from Kalida.
I'm also excited that fairpoint communications is supposed to release their updated channel lineup. With that comes a slight cost increase, but the new listing will probably include the Big Ten Network. I am fairly certain the Buckeyes star their season next weekend on that channel.
After all this amateur football begins, the NFL begins on September 4th. That's right, it is a Thursday night.

8/21/2008

Tomorrow marks the beginning of high school football for Columbus Grove and most of the areas football team. Grove plays Pandora (our backyard rivals) and it is usually a close yet ugly game, but luckily throughout the last 15 years Grove usually ends up with more points. The Bulldogs start with four home games.

8/21/2008

I just got home after spending Wednesday night in Findlay with friends. Initially they played a beach volleyball match ,in the summer league which ends next week. Normally watching an activity that I can no longer be successful in, due to my car accident, gets me aggravated, but I was never big into volleyball so I'm not feeling too bad about that. However odds are that I would have joined a league like that wherever I may have been so it is not really that cool at all. Yet... I love everything about my life.

8/20/2008

Today I received a St. Henry Redskins all-sport schedule compliments of Tim. I went to the YMCA today, which is a rarity since my hospital fiasco with high blood pressure. I stayed away from the weight machines, because I am not supposed to over do it. That is a big problem for me, because I am a go getter. When I work out it is with everything I've got or nothing. It is hard enough to do aerobic workout without completely exhausting myself. If I lift weights its necessary for me to work very hard. Exhausting your body with weights or aerobic exercise is not supposed to be done due to my blood pressure problems. Curtailing my rigorous cardi9o workout is hard enough, and I( don't want to put myself through the mental anguish by lifting nearly nothing. Health, however, is the biggest concern!!!

8/18/2008

I arrived back at my home just a bit ago. I feel much more comfortable typing on my computer. There is not much difference, but I can type better on my computer. It is more my style with my settings available. One important aspect I accomplished today was set up a presentation at Federal Hocking high school for later this year.

8/17/2008

Today is a big day for Nick, even though he is unaware of it. Today he gets baptized into the Catholic Church. I'm a sponser, and am down here in Cincinnati at my sister's. I'm using her computer today but will not have access tomorrow. Later......

8/16/2008

I am attending Mass at 4:30 today, which is totally uncharacteristic of me. But really it is a good thing I guess, because it means I have something else going on Sunday morning.
High school football starts next Friday. Oh boy sports are a big part of my life. Only two things I can think of right off hand that are more important to my life: family and religion. At times people may think I'm a sports nut and enthused by most things related to athletics, but really family and religion, which often exhibit similar core values, are my first priorities. Go USA in the swimming relay finals tonight in the Olympics (which is really tomorrow in China.) Hopefully Michael Phelps will get his eeith Gold in Beijing!!!!!

8/15/2008

Watching the Olympics is something I have become very accustomed to doing this week (probably next also), and I saw Phelps win his seventh gold medal tonight. Usually he breaks the world record, but not tonight (really it is Saturday in China.) He won by the narrowest of margins possible (.01 seconds.) And I thought the relay was close against France. That race was more exciting since the USA came from behind in the last 50 m against the trash talking French swimmers. Tonight was the closest I have ever seen. Phelps now has seven golds this Olympics tying Spitz with the most in history at a single games. Phelps will soon attempt to gain his eighth gold with a relay. What a swimmer!!!

8/15/2008

I had a very good morning. I went to a St. Henry high school football scrimmage in Ottawa, and I was very impressed with the Redskins. They still have a lot of work to do and things to sort out, but it's early yet. Afterwords I ate at Henry's restaurant with two people named Melissa and a Linda. One of them is a teacher at St. Henry, where I spoke, and I had a marvelous time. I also saw Tim and Frank. I met Greg. I'll probably see them again in October when they play at Delphos.
Also Holly emailed me about my book, and there are a few changes, very few, but we'll worry about that another day.

8/14/2008

I'm back after my cp was reformatted, but I'm going to be heading to Cincy this weekend for my youngest nephew's baptism. I am the Godfather for all of my nephews (Andrew, Grant, and soon to be Nicholas). Whew, that's draining:-).

8/11/2008

My home cp temporarily is out of service due to a virus, but I'll be back as soon as I
get a fix...

8/8/2008

Today is the eighth day of the eighth month, and what is the significance? I don't know! That is to quote a famous (in my relation, but not generally) movie from when I was a little kid. Now I am a big kid.
This morning I went to the doctor for my ear. I didn't sleep well last night at all, and it turns out that I have an ear infection. I've never had one of those. I've got pills and drops. Supposedly it will all be cleared up in five days. Hopefully that is true, because I have a big week ahead of me.

8/7/2008

I'm so excited, because my sister and three nephews are currently here. Andrew, four years old but the oldest of the, play a little whiffle ball with me. It makes me so happy to see him hit the ball and his reactions. I have a great opportunity to mold him and refine his skills. I am a huge supporter of athletics, and I'm hoping my nephews grow to be athletes.

8/6/2008

So here is the deal: Today I went to Columbus to watch The Ohio State Buckeyes practice. It started in the Woody complex and moved outdoors after a few timed sessions. I went with Tim, and we were allowed to roam the sideline. It was totally awesome, but the ultimate satisfaction came after practice ended. I was given the opportunity to spend about five minutes in direct conversation with Jim Tressel. That man is awesome. He never comes across like he makes millions of dollars. The man just seems like he's on the same level as you, but at the same time I felt the aura of a genius. He seems like a common man, and his demeanor is very simple. He is a very nice man who is easy to talk to. He's Tressel! I also had a chance to meat other coaches, but Tress took the cake. Shelly Poe, who is in charge of Jim's agenda was unavailable however I did meet his secretary. It was a most memorable day that will not ever be forgotten.

8/6/2008

Besides my adventuresome day, my sister and nephews are going to be here when I get back. I am totally elated about this new friend I made Sunday in the Bingo tent at the church fest Sunday. Her email brightened my whole day. I love meeting new people.

8/5/2008

Volunteering at the hospital was awesome today. The factors for my mailings are all in place now, and I had a chance to work with Ramona's step-daughter, maybe Chrissy/Christen. She was awesome, and a big help!
Tomorrow is a big day for me... nuff said...goodnight!

8/4/2008

The social was all I hoped it would be and more. I did not win the SUV again this year, but that was no big surprise nor disappointment. Somebody outside the parish won it again this year. Now that is something I would have liked; to see somebody from Columbus Grove or a relative win the biggest drawing of them all. Oh well... the whole event was a successful turnout I believe,
as it seemed rather crowded throughout the day.
I spoke to Tim this morning, and it sounds like I may be going to a Buckeyes practice on Wednesday. It's not official yet but that sounds promising.
Mark made it back to St. Rita's this morning, and it sounds as though I should be able to send out my promotional mailings as scheduled.

8/3/2008

Today is the St. Anthony's social, where I have every intention of winning the SUV this year. It's about time. Surely I will see many faces I don't, on the average weekend, get to see. I'm excited that I ran into Steve Jesko last night.

8/2/2008

Last night in Findlay was a good time. I went to eat at Jeds with Maddis. Then I went to the Rib Fest, where I saw many people I knew. Afterwards I went to Uncle Bucks, where I saw Carrie. I also ran into somebody I met over three years ago. Tonight I'm eating dinner at St. Anthonys after Mass. It''s the night before our social, and there is a 5k run including a party type atmosphere.

8/1/2008

Hello all. I have spoken with several contacts this morning in regards to speaking to high school. I also conversed with Tim, who is hopefully going to get me into an Ohio State Buckeyes practice on the 11th or 12th of this month. I'm excited about that possibility.
And tonight should be fun in Findlay. I'm going to Brian's and eventually the rib fest in Findlay. Putnam County's rib fest, last weekend in Ottawa, was great so I'm hoping this will be equally fun. Ashley was there last week so it will be hard to top that fun level.... but maybe she'll be there tonight also. Not likely but possible!!!