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!!!