No sign of baby yet. Buttercup and family wait not-so- patiently. Although this morning at 3 am, I checked my text messages to see if she sent word to me. After all, I am in the loop (OK, one loop over) and am anxiously awaiting for word that she is in labor. Then I will hop into the BP mom-mobile and get over to the hospital in time to say "happy birthday" to the wee one.
Yep, I am totally fixated on this newborn and not on my own kids. What does this say? Am I done with them or do they have absolutely nothing going on of interest to me? The answer is probably a bit of both.
Tink and Buddy are finishing their semesters this week and will be home for the summer. There will be one car for them to share and fill with gas. Both kids will be working, seeing friends, and working out. How will they negotiate use of the transportation? Let's see....one car + two kids = trouble. Any permutation spells "look out".
This will be a good opportunity for them to learn new styles of communication, negotiation, and problem solving skills under the guidance of a parent. Sure, it can come to whoever yells the loudest, wins the use of the car for the day. But my spidey senses are tingling and they say that if one kid takes the car and the other does not have a ride to work, BP mom will get involved and each day will drop both of them off at a bus stop or train station to get to their jobs. Finito.....In other words, be leaders and work out the problem before it becomes an issue.
Personally, I would like both kids to have their own cars, but dad refuses to buy either them a car. Why? I am not really sure, but I look back on my past and no one bought me one. In fact, I shared one car with my two brothers. Otherwise, if the station wagon was available, I could use it. Great car....lots of space...the friends loved it. As far as I was concerned, I hated it. It was an old mom's car and I wanted a flashy two door red car that had a sun roof, not a green paneled Ford LTD that seated 8 with seat belts and 13 without seat belts. The one bright spot was the air conditioning and leather seats. Otherwise, I was driving my mother's car and the whole world knew it. Now BP Grandmom drives a Camry. Why couldn't she do this when I lived at home and needed respectable transportation? No big deal, I was pretty superficial back then and eventually bought a station wagon to shuffle the kids around in elementary school. What goes round, comes round, eh?
A year before we had a family, I did get my sports car. I loved everything about it....the seats, the front lights would pop up, and the moon roof. It was definitely cool. Then....family. For some reason, I could not affix the infant car seat in the back and had to take it to the shop. When questioning the service technician as to why I could not buckle the seat belt with the car seat, he sneered: "This is not a car for children." OK, so, you are saying that now that I am a mother, I cannot drive this car and have them in the back seat? "Yeah....what was your first clue?" Nasty....
And so, BP mom started her research and found an uber safe sedan with four doors and lots of air bags and started on the road to suburban respectability. No more sports cars....my dream car became a Volvo station wagon with four wheel drive. That's a decision that I have never regretted and as I reflect back, it was the only decision to make. In fact, the BP Grandparents had it right when they bought the large paneled station wagon that I had called the "Cruise-mobile." They knew that it was the safest car on the market even though I needed two parking spaces to park it. It was a tank and lasted for years while taking us on many a road trip.
Speaking of road trips, I still feel that I have to check on Buttercup and should be ready to zip to the hospital. Breathe Buttercup...breathe..in and out....go girl...Thinking about the little girl who is going to enter our family, I want her in the safest car possible. Gang, let's forget about the little zippy cars or the sports cars. This child needs steel and a safe car with air bags surrounding her at all times. In fact, can we put air bags up and down the stairs, in her crib, bassinet, around her stroller, and high chair? After all, like any child, she is precious cargo.
Have a great day.
Showing posts with label college recruiting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college recruiting. Show all posts
Friday, April 27, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
BP Mom's Hall of Fame
Good morning! Before I begin, I want to send THREE shout outs! First shout out is to Big M. He has shown us what guts and determination plus the love of family and a healing dog can do. He is currently in remission for lung cancer and will have that (to quote my little boy) ^%$** port removed from his body on Wednesday. That is quite an amazing feat and very inspirational.
The second shout out is headed toward my wonderful friend "Red" who also battled ovarian cancer and stuck it back in cancer's face. Yeah, girl. She was another person whom I admire as I watched her put on her game face, adidas sneakers, and grabbed her tennis racquet and swatted cancer's ugly head away. Another remarkable woman and story. Never complaining...never, ever complaining...she quietly took it on and won the game, set, and match. Bravo!
The third shout out goes to my brother and sister-in-law, the Saints. Yep, that's right...the Saints. They have taken a life-situation called autism on and smacked it. What did they do? Lie on the sofa with the remote control and close the curtains, never to resurface? Nope! They started a foundation that offers people with autism and families services that they need to get through the day. Committed to providing a better life for people with autism, they fund raise on a regular basis and create opportunities for this population. For example, yesterday, Tink, Sparky, Baker and I attended the Harlem Globetrotters game with members of the group. This group of individuals are often ostracized, because society does not understand that this is the way that their brain is wired. But the 'Trotters met with the group after the game, shook hands, high-fived the kids, and took multiple photos. It was a great event and the smiles on their faces were priceless. Amazing,.....
These individuals and their daily battles have served to inspire me. DO they know the impact that they have had on my life? Probably not, because they are not looking for applause or praise. They simply looked for the best way to get through their challenges and as a result have made it into the BP Mom's Hall of Fame. That's right, I have a Hall of Fame in which I induct worthy people. Big M, Red, and the Saints are the first members. I am going to give them a certificate or plaque for their walls. Perhaps, we will celebrate their induction in the only way BP mom knows fit...that is...during happy hour with Tink, Sparky, and the Baker. That's right...a little ceremony while we munch on nachos, drink a half price beer, and tell tales of taking on the demons of our world.
So, as I sniffle because I have a bit of a cold, I remember the strength of these people, grab a tissue, wipe my nose, and keep my complaints to myself.
Next post, I will share the news about Buddy's shoulder. For now, I wanted to honor these individuals with a separate post. The next time that you are poured a tall one or a skinny margarita, hoist it up and toast the people in your life who have made a difference in our world either through the personal battles or hard earned triumphs. Cheers!
The second shout out is headed toward my wonderful friend "Red" who also battled ovarian cancer and stuck it back in cancer's face. Yeah, girl. She was another person whom I admire as I watched her put on her game face, adidas sneakers, and grabbed her tennis racquet and swatted cancer's ugly head away. Another remarkable woman and story. Never complaining...never, ever complaining...she quietly took it on and won the game, set, and match. Bravo!
The third shout out goes to my brother and sister-in-law, the Saints. Yep, that's right...the Saints. They have taken a life-situation called autism on and smacked it. What did they do? Lie on the sofa with the remote control and close the curtains, never to resurface? Nope! They started a foundation that offers people with autism and families services that they need to get through the day. Committed to providing a better life for people with autism, they fund raise on a regular basis and create opportunities for this population. For example, yesterday, Tink, Sparky, Baker and I attended the Harlem Globetrotters game with members of the group. This group of individuals are often ostracized, because society does not understand that this is the way that their brain is wired. But the 'Trotters met with the group after the game, shook hands, high-fived the kids, and took multiple photos. It was a great event and the smiles on their faces were priceless. Amazing,.....
These individuals and their daily battles have served to inspire me. DO they know the impact that they have had on my life? Probably not, because they are not looking for applause or praise. They simply looked for the best way to get through their challenges and as a result have made it into the BP Mom's Hall of Fame. That's right, I have a Hall of Fame in which I induct worthy people. Big M, Red, and the Saints are the first members. I am going to give them a certificate or plaque for their walls. Perhaps, we will celebrate their induction in the only way BP mom knows fit...that is...during happy hour with Tink, Sparky, and the Baker. That's right...a little ceremony while we munch on nachos, drink a half price beer, and tell tales of taking on the demons of our world.
So, as I sniffle because I have a bit of a cold, I remember the strength of these people, grab a tissue, wipe my nose, and keep my complaints to myself.
Next post, I will share the news about Buddy's shoulder. For now, I wanted to honor these individuals with a separate post. The next time that you are poured a tall one or a skinny margarita, hoist it up and toast the people in your life who have made a difference in our world either through the personal battles or hard earned triumphs. Cheers!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Preseason Preparation: Not for Wimps
Good morning...most schools and offices are off today....am I? Nope...life goes on and on....how is it going? well......
Yesterday the big kid called a few times. Some calls were happy. Some calls were sad. He is trying to find his way again and seems lost. The season is impending and I am sure the stress has a great deal to do with his labile emotions. As his stress increases, so does mine. I guess that it is a "mom-thing' when you do not want anything bad to happen to your child.
Actually, it is probably not a "mom-thing" but a "people-thing". I don't think that a person has to be a mother to have these feelings for someone that you love. Seeing a person in pain is difficult. When you love them, it is more troubling. Because, there is nothing that a person can do but be there emotionally and perhaps physically for them. You need to be consistent and able to listen and not offer the old "tennis stories" of fame and despondence. Further, a caring person allows the loved one to vent even when it seems inappropriate. Therefore, I have to unlock my 'control' button and leave it on the kitchen counter.
It's time for me to spend time just listening. Often when the kid calls in this state of mind, I will ask the question: "Do want advice or for me to listen?" I let his answer to this question dictate the next approach to the conversation.
When the answer is to listen, I immediately close my mouth and do my best to understand what he is saying. I will say that even though he is living his dream, the old adage of "be careful what you wish for...." always is in the back of my mind. At this point in the year, not only is he preparing physically for battle but mentally. He has to close off his emotions and become the fierce competitor that got him to where he is...and he is...a fierce person during the season. The Mr. Nice Guy disappears and his focus is on slaying the competition. Here is where I think that he struggles....
He is a very nice, kind, and considerate person. The emotions that he feels on the mound have to be turned off. Yet, it is virtually impossible to shut emotions off for two hours, therefore, he has to prepare in pre-season to turn into a beast. His mind is fluctuating between Mr. Nice Guy and Mr. Win-at-all-costs (even if it means throwing a fast ball at my mother's head to win a game). It cannot be a simple task to turn off the real person and turn into Freddy Kruger.
Here is a kid who stops what he is doing to find Lil A, his nine year old cousin to say good bye to her when he is leaving for college. He is a person who prefers the peanut butter that his grandmother has in her house, rather than mine probably because of the memories of Grandmom making him crackers and peanut butter when he refused to eat anything else. I don't see the difference in peanut butter, but he does. Further, he is a guy who almost came to blows with some Chilean nuns at the Vatican who were climbing over his younger cousin and trying to get closer to the Pope. That would have been an interesting battle...Buddy and the nuns fighting as the Pontiff watched the action. The Holy Father probably would have taken the points on the nuns and dropped $20 with his bookie.
AS you can see, this is a problem and will continue to be until he throws his first pitch. Then his season transformation will be complete. Until then, I will hang in there with the highs and lows, frustrations and joys of preseason. Hope that you can hang in there with me.....
Yesterday the big kid called a few times. Some calls were happy. Some calls were sad. He is trying to find his way again and seems lost. The season is impending and I am sure the stress has a great deal to do with his labile emotions. As his stress increases, so does mine. I guess that it is a "mom-thing' when you do not want anything bad to happen to your child.
Actually, it is probably not a "mom-thing" but a "people-thing". I don't think that a person has to be a mother to have these feelings for someone that you love. Seeing a person in pain is difficult. When you love them, it is more troubling. Because, there is nothing that a person can do but be there emotionally and perhaps physically for them. You need to be consistent and able to listen and not offer the old "tennis stories" of fame and despondence. Further, a caring person allows the loved one to vent even when it seems inappropriate. Therefore, I have to unlock my 'control' button and leave it on the kitchen counter.
It's time for me to spend time just listening. Often when the kid calls in this state of mind, I will ask the question: "Do want advice or for me to listen?" I let his answer to this question dictate the next approach to the conversation.
When the answer is to listen, I immediately close my mouth and do my best to understand what he is saying. I will say that even though he is living his dream, the old adage of "be careful what you wish for...." always is in the back of my mind. At this point in the year, not only is he preparing physically for battle but mentally. He has to close off his emotions and become the fierce competitor that got him to where he is...and he is...a fierce person during the season. The Mr. Nice Guy disappears and his focus is on slaying the competition. Here is where I think that he struggles....
He is a very nice, kind, and considerate person. The emotions that he feels on the mound have to be turned off. Yet, it is virtually impossible to shut emotions off for two hours, therefore, he has to prepare in pre-season to turn into a beast. His mind is fluctuating between Mr. Nice Guy and Mr. Win-at-all-costs (even if it means throwing a fast ball at my mother's head to win a game). It cannot be a simple task to turn off the real person and turn into Freddy Kruger.
Here is a kid who stops what he is doing to find Lil A, his nine year old cousin to say good bye to her when he is leaving for college. He is a person who prefers the peanut butter that his grandmother has in her house, rather than mine probably because of the memories of Grandmom making him crackers and peanut butter when he refused to eat anything else. I don't see the difference in peanut butter, but he does. Further, he is a guy who almost came to blows with some Chilean nuns at the Vatican who were climbing over his younger cousin and trying to get closer to the Pope. That would have been an interesting battle...Buddy and the nuns fighting as the Pontiff watched the action. The Holy Father probably would have taken the points on the nuns and dropped $20 with his bookie.
AS you can see, this is a problem and will continue to be until he throws his first pitch. Then his season transformation will be complete. Until then, I will hang in there with the highs and lows, frustrations and joys of preseason. Hope that you can hang in there with me.....
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Contentment and happiness
Good Morning...Big Sis posted on her facebook: "Contentment and happiness is everyone under the same roof...." Boy, is she right...think about it...When a member of the family is missing, a piece of your heart is missing, too. That's what I am feeling right now as Buddy is at school working at a baseball camp. It infringes on my time with him and I feel a bit cheated.
Ouch! When did this feeling start? I am not really sure since I am accustomed to not having him around the house, but since it is the Christmas season, I really want him home if only to text him that dinner is ready, make his favorite foods, talk to him through a closed door, and empty the checking account at the food store. I have run out of peanut butter, paper towels, small bottles of water (the empties are under his bed), gasoline, and toilet paper. Truly, this makes me very happy. Although he is only gone one day, I miss having the big and ofttimes grumpy guy around the house.
It's funny, but when my kids are happy, I am happy....Consequently, when they are sad, so am I. Is this psychotic or what being a mother or human being is all about? During his formative years, the big kid would have issues with friends, kids at school who were bullying him, and teachers. When he had a bad game, I would sweat it out with him. When they would cry, I would cry too....what an emotional mess of a person I am or am I?
yeah, that's right....I will go on record right now: "I am an emotional mess when it comes to my children...." and I will not apologize. The way that I look at it is that they are my gifts and as such they are my treasures. The material possessions rank far far far below the gift of my family. If it meant all of us staying together, I would live in a box over a vent with them (hopefully, I would have one of those coats that Good Morning America collected over the holiday season).....nevertheless, together, through thick and thin is what it is all about. Going to every game whether he plays or not, sitting through Tink's choral recitals or musicals....it's just being together that is what makes life so special.
Although I do have one funny story about one of Tink's musicals, Once Upon a Mattress. Buddy, Big Sis, and Tuna (who was 9 at the time) attended the afternoon showing with me. At intermission, Tuna stated: "I hope that they sell bullets at the refreshment table, 'cause I am going to kill myself...." In other words, the musical was so bad, that Tuna was looking for ways to get out of watching the end of it. I laughed at his remarks, but wondered how I could escape too.....nope, can't do it, I the momma....got to stay until the bitter end.
There you have it...through the good and not-so-good....togetherness is now taking on a new definition. It is newly defined as a 'state of mind' since we no longer live under the same roof. Togetherness is the psychic and emotional connection that you have with the person that you love. Whether the person is playing video games in the basement, at school studying algebra, working at a camp, or traveling with a baseball league, I have to adjust. A child growing up is inevitable and desired. Therefore, it is up to me as the mom to help to make the transition from living comfortably at home to new living arrangements to be as smooth as possible. However, first, I have to adjust my own mind and prepare for this inevitability. Bear with me...this may sting a bit....
Have a good day!
Ouch! When did this feeling start? I am not really sure since I am accustomed to not having him around the house, but since it is the Christmas season, I really want him home if only to text him that dinner is ready, make his favorite foods, talk to him through a closed door, and empty the checking account at the food store. I have run out of peanut butter, paper towels, small bottles of water (the empties are under his bed), gasoline, and toilet paper. Truly, this makes me very happy. Although he is only gone one day, I miss having the big and ofttimes grumpy guy around the house.
It's funny, but when my kids are happy, I am happy....Consequently, when they are sad, so am I. Is this psychotic or what being a mother or human being is all about? During his formative years, the big kid would have issues with friends, kids at school who were bullying him, and teachers. When he had a bad game, I would sweat it out with him. When they would cry, I would cry too....what an emotional mess of a person I am or am I?
yeah, that's right....I will go on record right now: "I am an emotional mess when it comes to my children...." and I will not apologize. The way that I look at it is that they are my gifts and as such they are my treasures. The material possessions rank far far far below the gift of my family. If it meant all of us staying together, I would live in a box over a vent with them (hopefully, I would have one of those coats that Good Morning America collected over the holiday season).....nevertheless, together, through thick and thin is what it is all about. Going to every game whether he plays or not, sitting through Tink's choral recitals or musicals....it's just being together that is what makes life so special.
Although I do have one funny story about one of Tink's musicals, Once Upon a Mattress. Buddy, Big Sis, and Tuna (who was 9 at the time) attended the afternoon showing with me. At intermission, Tuna stated: "I hope that they sell bullets at the refreshment table, 'cause I am going to kill myself...." In other words, the musical was so bad, that Tuna was looking for ways to get out of watching the end of it. I laughed at his remarks, but wondered how I could escape too.....nope, can't do it, I the momma....got to stay until the bitter end.
There you have it...through the good and not-so-good....togetherness is now taking on a new definition. It is newly defined as a 'state of mind' since we no longer live under the same roof. Togetherness is the psychic and emotional connection that you have with the person that you love. Whether the person is playing video games in the basement, at school studying algebra, working at a camp, or traveling with a baseball league, I have to adjust. A child growing up is inevitable and desired. Therefore, it is up to me as the mom to help to make the transition from living comfortably at home to new living arrangements to be as smooth as possible. However, first, I have to adjust my own mind and prepare for this inevitability. Bear with me...this may sting a bit....
Have a good day!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
The perils of multitasking
Yes, I know that it has been a few days since my last post, but you have to understand....I have to grade papers, teach classes, edit a huge project for a publisher that is officially three days late (and I am only half done), Christmas shop, work, and pick up the big kid at college. Yes, that's right, he's home and already made an impact on the family room rug....more about that later....
It has been pretty hectic, so I am caffeinated earlier than usual and have been shopping online. I like the sites with free shipping and no tax. However, once I find something, it is generally too expensive or out of stock. So, my next maneuver is to stand in line at the mall before I go to graduation this afternoon. First, I have to finish a project that I started and (oh, by the way, mail a few cards before it is too late). Yesterday I read an article about multitasking. According to this article: "Switching from task to task quickly does not work. In fact, changing tasks more than 10 times in a day makes you dumber than being stoned. When you’re stoned, your IQ drops by five points. When you multitask, it drops by an average of 10 points, 15 for men, five for women" (Pozen, 2011). Yes, ladies and gentleman....I am dumber than being stoned and my already low IQ has dropped precipitously as I switch daily gears.
AS a person who has never been stoned (yes, you can believe it), I am now confident that the feeling is not one of peacefulness, but one of desperation to complete the next project. Therefore, why try something that can hurt the body such as drugs, when all you need to do is multitask to feel stoned? As far as my IQ dropping...this phenomenon happened long ago when I had children. Sure, they are sweet and cuddly at first, but as they age, they tell you in no uncertain terms how stupid you are...with the rolled eyes, shrugged shoulders, and incensed looks on their faces when you tell them that the ice cream that they want to put in their lunch kit will melt before noon. I have experienced it a number of times and did not realize that it was related to my IQ dropping as I would shop, cook, clean, work on dioramas, and figure out second grade math (it's harder than you think).
And so, now that I realize that I am dumber than being stoned, I will work diligently to keep multitasking from exploding during this holiday season. Honestly, since the IQ is now so low, I am not sure how to do this. For example, yesterday, I took a trip to pick up the big kid. It took the entire day. I left at 9 am and stopped at the bank and pharmacy, grabbed a Starbucks tall coffee and hit the turnpike. Once I got there, we loaded the car, grabbed lunch, went to the store to pick up ice cream for Christmas dinner, and stopped for a few items as gifts. As we left campus, my IQ continued to drop. We drove home and as Buddy proceeded to drink an entire half gallon of chocolate milk, he wanted to go over potential walk-out songs for the impending season. Honestly, I only knew three of the hundreds of songs that he played for me. I think that he narrowed it down as I said: "I like that one..." I saw on his face a look that said the songs that I liked were now crossed off his list forever. I assume, even with my lowered level of cognition, that he would eliminate the songs based on my preference. He cannot possibly be cool and pumped up if he walks out to a song that his mother likes...no major league dude can do something like that...it just is not done.
I get it...even with my IQ bordering in the gutter....
Now that the kids are both home, the fights and negotiation for the car begins. Last night at 1 am, I awoke to the blaring sound of televisions. As I pulled myself out of bed, TV number one in my office was on with no one watching it. Television number two was set on MTV and a very big kid was asleep watching it with all of the lights on....I turned the television off and encouraged the sleeping bear to head to bed rather than sleep on the sofa. When I rolled out of bed this morning, I saw that he took my advice and relocated to his room. Sitting down on the sofa to drink my coffee, I noted a big chocolate stain on the carpet which can only be made from melted ice cream. Not seeing any dirty chocolate bowl in the sink, I realized that he must have taken the entire carton, sat on the sofa, turned on MTV, and fell asleep leaving quite a chocolatey mess. In my dumber than usual state, I was not upset, 'cause I know that he can take care of the stain with Woolite....no big deal. I am just happy to have them both home....
Have a great day!
It has been pretty hectic, so I am caffeinated earlier than usual and have been shopping online. I like the sites with free shipping and no tax. However, once I find something, it is generally too expensive or out of stock. So, my next maneuver is to stand in line at the mall before I go to graduation this afternoon. First, I have to finish a project that I started and (oh, by the way, mail a few cards before it is too late). Yesterday I read an article about multitasking. According to this article: "Switching from task to task quickly does not work. In fact, changing tasks more than 10 times in a day makes you dumber than being stoned. When you’re stoned, your IQ drops by five points. When you multitask, it drops by an average of 10 points, 15 for men, five for women" (Pozen, 2011). Yes, ladies and gentleman....I am dumber than being stoned and my already low IQ has dropped precipitously as I switch daily gears.
AS a person who has never been stoned (yes, you can believe it), I am now confident that the feeling is not one of peacefulness, but one of desperation to complete the next project. Therefore, why try something that can hurt the body such as drugs, when all you need to do is multitask to feel stoned? As far as my IQ dropping...this phenomenon happened long ago when I had children. Sure, they are sweet and cuddly at first, but as they age, they tell you in no uncertain terms how stupid you are...with the rolled eyes, shrugged shoulders, and incensed looks on their faces when you tell them that the ice cream that they want to put in their lunch kit will melt before noon. I have experienced it a number of times and did not realize that it was related to my IQ dropping as I would shop, cook, clean, work on dioramas, and figure out second grade math (it's harder than you think).
And so, now that I realize that I am dumber than being stoned, I will work diligently to keep multitasking from exploding during this holiday season. Honestly, since the IQ is now so low, I am not sure how to do this. For example, yesterday, I took a trip to pick up the big kid. It took the entire day. I left at 9 am and stopped at the bank and pharmacy, grabbed a Starbucks tall coffee and hit the turnpike. Once I got there, we loaded the car, grabbed lunch, went to the store to pick up ice cream for Christmas dinner, and stopped for a few items as gifts. As we left campus, my IQ continued to drop. We drove home and as Buddy proceeded to drink an entire half gallon of chocolate milk, he wanted to go over potential walk-out songs for the impending season. Honestly, I only knew three of the hundreds of songs that he played for me. I think that he narrowed it down as I said: "I like that one..." I saw on his face a look that said the songs that I liked were now crossed off his list forever. I assume, even with my lowered level of cognition, that he would eliminate the songs based on my preference. He cannot possibly be cool and pumped up if he walks out to a song that his mother likes...no major league dude can do something like that...it just is not done.
I get it...even with my IQ bordering in the gutter....
Now that the kids are both home, the fights and negotiation for the car begins. Last night at 1 am, I awoke to the blaring sound of televisions. As I pulled myself out of bed, TV number one in my office was on with no one watching it. Television number two was set on MTV and a very big kid was asleep watching it with all of the lights on....I turned the television off and encouraged the sleeping bear to head to bed rather than sleep on the sofa. When I rolled out of bed this morning, I saw that he took my advice and relocated to his room. Sitting down on the sofa to drink my coffee, I noted a big chocolate stain on the carpet which can only be made from melted ice cream. Not seeing any dirty chocolate bowl in the sink, I realized that he must have taken the entire carton, sat on the sofa, turned on MTV, and fell asleep leaving quite a chocolatey mess. In my dumber than usual state, I was not upset, 'cause I know that he can take care of the stain with Woolite....no big deal. I am just happy to have them both home....
Have a great day!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Shrimp and cookies
Good Morning! I have not been a faithful blogger these days since work has been all-consuming. To be available for travel in the spring to watch baseball games, I have loaded my fall schedule with additional courses. In other words, I have doubled my usual work load and have been drowning a bit. I am not complaining since I have chosen this path. Initially, I thought that it was a great idea.....Now that I am in the midst of it, I am still happy that I made this decision.
And so, where do we stand with the latest course of events with our favorite D-1 left handed pitcher? Well, life has normalized for the big kid. He continues to train each day and complains about the strenuous work outs. Last night he shared that the trainer to encourage full participation divided the team into two groups who compete against one another. For twenty challenges, his group lost. At the end of the challenge, the losing team would drop and do ten push ups. By the time it was over, he had completed twenty sets of ten push ups. Yes, by doing the math, he did 120 push ups on top of the 90 minute work out. Is he tired? Sure....however, I doubt if he can lift his tooth brush today because his arm is so sore.
Let me also update you on the housing situation. As you know, the Dunkin Donuts apartment fell through and so did my plan to buy some of its stock since those guys can eat.....anyway, for three weeks he has searched diligently with Dog and California to find a decent place to live. What does the term 'decent' mean to him? Basically it means that there is a bedroom, television hook up, cable, and a bathroom. That's all he requires.....yet, for some reason, they have signed papers (they are still underage and need my signature) for a decrepit house four blocks from campus. According to the big leftie, he can walk to class and then take the bus to the stadium. Goodie! I asked him to send a photo to me in order to gain my approval and for some reason, he has not had the time to do it. "Mom, it's not in good shape right now, 'cause the guys are not taking care of it..." Hmmm...he refuses to take a photo today which tells me a number of things...
1. the house has been falling down
2. it has been condemned
3. it has police tape across the front door
4. it is actually a mansion and I am going to have a huge monthly bill to maintain it.
Once again, I have gone on record to appeal for good common sense and not rent a house. Live in an apartment....stay in the dorm...houses become the place to go to party...you can still be busted for having parties...under age drinking is illegal....what if someone brings something into the house that is illegal? Are you crazy? As I used to say when they were kids: "when did you lose your hearing? 'cause you no longer listen to me...." I am not sure of the day that it happened but my only relevance seems to be editing (perhaps revising...rewriting...enhancing...) term papers the he sort-of wrote as he eats his cheeseburger while sitting at the bus stop waiting for a ride home. Don't tell me that my kid cannot multitask as he writes with his iPod blaring into his ears.
And yet, life is not all fun and games as I edit his papers. Last night, I met two friends for happy hour. Ok, it was really supposed to be 'happy' two hours which turned into 'sad two hours' where we intended on taking on the world's problems and solve them over hummus and a plate of nachos. I had not seen the one friend in a year and looked forward to catching up. Tragically, over the years she has had her troubles and woes as her ex-husband and beloved daughter committed suicide close together in the past five years. She shared with me last night that her son's high school best friend, a law school student committed suicide last week. Her son is in a funk and does not understand why this continues to happen to him. It's not about him, it's about the person who can no longer take it and therefore takes his or her own life. They are sick and depressed and feel that they have no other options. It's a moment of madness. On the other hand, LW manipulated his room mates to spring into action to 'save his life'. What they did not know at the time is that he never intended on taking his life. I am not going to judge, BUT when someone even remotely talks about suicide, someone must listen. The wrong people to ask to provide therapy is a group of under aged guys who only care about eating, sleeping, and baseball.
And there you have it....this is what makes life what it is....a blend of happiness and sorrow. There is no perfect life...and yes, life is not fair. If it was there would be no hunger, poverty, mental illness, or homelessness. We would be eating shrimp and cookies all day and always be able to pay the bills. I guess this is why Thanksgiving is so important. As I am grateful for what I have, I am also grateful for what I do not have....
And so, where do we stand with the latest course of events with our favorite D-1 left handed pitcher? Well, life has normalized for the big kid. He continues to train each day and complains about the strenuous work outs. Last night he shared that the trainer to encourage full participation divided the team into two groups who compete against one another. For twenty challenges, his group lost. At the end of the challenge, the losing team would drop and do ten push ups. By the time it was over, he had completed twenty sets of ten push ups. Yes, by doing the math, he did 120 push ups on top of the 90 minute work out. Is he tired? Sure....however, I doubt if he can lift his tooth brush today because his arm is so sore.
Let me also update you on the housing situation. As you know, the Dunkin Donuts apartment fell through and so did my plan to buy some of its stock since those guys can eat.....anyway, for three weeks he has searched diligently with Dog and California to find a decent place to live. What does the term 'decent' mean to him? Basically it means that there is a bedroom, television hook up, cable, and a bathroom. That's all he requires.....yet, for some reason, they have signed papers (they are still underage and need my signature) for a decrepit house four blocks from campus. According to the big leftie, he can walk to class and then take the bus to the stadium. Goodie! I asked him to send a photo to me in order to gain my approval and for some reason, he has not had the time to do it. "Mom, it's not in good shape right now, 'cause the guys are not taking care of it..." Hmmm...he refuses to take a photo today which tells me a number of things...
1. the house has been falling down
2. it has been condemned
3. it has police tape across the front door
4. it is actually a mansion and I am going to have a huge monthly bill to maintain it.
Once again, I have gone on record to appeal for good common sense and not rent a house. Live in an apartment....stay in the dorm...houses become the place to go to party...you can still be busted for having parties...under age drinking is illegal....what if someone brings something into the house that is illegal? Are you crazy? As I used to say when they were kids: "when did you lose your hearing? 'cause you no longer listen to me...." I am not sure of the day that it happened but my only relevance seems to be editing (perhaps revising...rewriting...enhancing...) term papers the he sort-of wrote as he eats his cheeseburger while sitting at the bus stop waiting for a ride home. Don't tell me that my kid cannot multitask as he writes with his iPod blaring into his ears.
And yet, life is not all fun and games as I edit his papers. Last night, I met two friends for happy hour. Ok, it was really supposed to be 'happy' two hours which turned into 'sad two hours' where we intended on taking on the world's problems and solve them over hummus and a plate of nachos. I had not seen the one friend in a year and looked forward to catching up. Tragically, over the years she has had her troubles and woes as her ex-husband and beloved daughter committed suicide close together in the past five years. She shared with me last night that her son's high school best friend, a law school student committed suicide last week. Her son is in a funk and does not understand why this continues to happen to him. It's not about him, it's about the person who can no longer take it and therefore takes his or her own life. They are sick and depressed and feel that they have no other options. It's a moment of madness. On the other hand, LW manipulated his room mates to spring into action to 'save his life'. What they did not know at the time is that he never intended on taking his life. I am not going to judge, BUT when someone even remotely talks about suicide, someone must listen. The wrong people to ask to provide therapy is a group of under aged guys who only care about eating, sleeping, and baseball.
And there you have it....this is what makes life what it is....a blend of happiness and sorrow. There is no perfect life...and yes, life is not fair. If it was there would be no hunger, poverty, mental illness, or homelessness. We would be eating shrimp and cookies all day and always be able to pay the bills. I guess this is why Thanksgiving is so important. As I am grateful for what I have, I am also grateful for what I do not have....
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The day after....
Good morning....It's raining in the northeast and it's my looong day, so this may be a short one. I never know until I begin to type and click on submit...
Got some good news on the Buddy front. He had his end of fall ball meeting with the coaches and it seemed to have gone well. According to the big leftie, the coaches see a new maturity and depth to his personality. In the old days, he would have given up a walk, then a hit or two until the bases were loaded, then a run would score and he would finally be out of the inning. This fall, however he was able to walk the first batter then then deliver the KO punch to the rest of the batters. Needless to say, they are pleased. They asked him to mentor the freshman since they see a lot of his former personality in the new kids. Further, the head coach told him that he wanted him to pitch twice each weekend and that he needed to be prepared mentally and physically. Oh boy, this means that I may have two sightings in one weekend rather than one or none. Lastly, they felt that he was moving toward the MLB draft. OY!!!! I'll write about that one later.
OK, so the conversation was a really good one. He needs to perfect his curve ball which he plans to do over the winter as he has been trying to find his mentor Coach T. T has not answered any of his calls or texts and Buddy is wondering if he has gone "major league" in his head. I doubt it, 'cause he's a good guy who may be out of the country, hunting, or hanging out with the family and friends.
Back to the meeting, they also mentioned that they like the way that he eats, sleeps, and focuses solely on baseball, and were pleased when he had only one suspiciously bad grade. Yippee...he thinks about nothing except this sport. Where will this get him after college? That is to be determined, right?
Now to the not-so-good news. Some of his very good friends from freshman year were cut. His room mate from the dorms will be leaving the university and transfer to another school where he can play ball. Another friend will be rostered and red shirted but not play. He too is looking for another program where he can play. Therefore, he too is leaving the university at the end of the semester. Lastly, LW was given a bad review. He is the last person on the pitching roster to be called into a game, therefore, he has to rework his attitude and begin to train harder to find a spot in the rotation. Needless to say, this is a big blow to LW's fragile ego as he sorts the conversation out in his head. Interestingly, the coaches asked Buddy how his living situation was, and he answered in a vague way, yet the coaches know what is going on. They did reprimand Buddy and Big Red for leaving Angel at the party where he was picked up after drinking. Buddy once again explained that it was because Angel was in deep conversation with a girl that he liked and they did not want to interrupt the flow...next time (if there is a next time) they will know better and protect Angel from himself.
And so it goes....Halloween parties begin this weekend. This time last year, Buddy called home at 1 am to report that he had been punched in the face and knocked down. Let's hope that I do not receive any more of those calls and that he now knows to "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" when someone who is drunk and punch happy comes his way. Again, the coaches say that he has matured...let's watch...
Have a good day!
Got some good news on the Buddy front. He had his end of fall ball meeting with the coaches and it seemed to have gone well. According to the big leftie, the coaches see a new maturity and depth to his personality. In the old days, he would have given up a walk, then a hit or two until the bases were loaded, then a run would score and he would finally be out of the inning. This fall, however he was able to walk the first batter then then deliver the KO punch to the rest of the batters. Needless to say, they are pleased. They asked him to mentor the freshman since they see a lot of his former personality in the new kids. Further, the head coach told him that he wanted him to pitch twice each weekend and that he needed to be prepared mentally and physically. Oh boy, this means that I may have two sightings in one weekend rather than one or none. Lastly, they felt that he was moving toward the MLB draft. OY!!!! I'll write about that one later.
OK, so the conversation was a really good one. He needs to perfect his curve ball which he plans to do over the winter as he has been trying to find his mentor Coach T. T has not answered any of his calls or texts and Buddy is wondering if he has gone "major league" in his head. I doubt it, 'cause he's a good guy who may be out of the country, hunting, or hanging out with the family and friends.
Back to the meeting, they also mentioned that they like the way that he eats, sleeps, and focuses solely on baseball, and were pleased when he had only one suspiciously bad grade. Yippee...he thinks about nothing except this sport. Where will this get him after college? That is to be determined, right?
Now to the not-so-good news. Some of his very good friends from freshman year were cut. His room mate from the dorms will be leaving the university and transfer to another school where he can play ball. Another friend will be rostered and red shirted but not play. He too is looking for another program where he can play. Therefore, he too is leaving the university at the end of the semester. Lastly, LW was given a bad review. He is the last person on the pitching roster to be called into a game, therefore, he has to rework his attitude and begin to train harder to find a spot in the rotation. Needless to say, this is a big blow to LW's fragile ego as he sorts the conversation out in his head. Interestingly, the coaches asked Buddy how his living situation was, and he answered in a vague way, yet the coaches know what is going on. They did reprimand Buddy and Big Red for leaving Angel at the party where he was picked up after drinking. Buddy once again explained that it was because Angel was in deep conversation with a girl that he liked and they did not want to interrupt the flow...next time (if there is a next time) they will know better and protect Angel from himself.
And so it goes....Halloween parties begin this weekend. This time last year, Buddy called home at 1 am to report that he had been punched in the face and knocked down. Let's hope that I do not receive any more of those calls and that he now knows to "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" when someone who is drunk and punch happy comes his way. Again, the coaches say that he has matured...let's watch...
Have a good day!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
What's up?
Every time the big kid calls, we start the conversation with "what's up?" or "zup?" I generally ask him how is feeling and then we move on to what the latest disaster/trial/tribulation that is on his mind. Currently, he is walking to his meeting with his partner on a project, a red-shirted field hockey player. According to Buddy, she is nice, but not a committed student. Hmmm. Anyway, he claims that he did more work on the project. My response was that he continues to carry the team and he should look at it as a privilege. Keep in mind that on any team or with any group work, someone on the team does most of the work and he should get used to it. Life is built that way. It is not fair. If life was fair, the Phillies would be in the World Series now.
Speaking of not fair.... players were cut yesterday and some are handling it better than others. Buddy's one friend was at the apartment yesterday and is taking it in stride even though he did not see it coming. Others are completely devastated...and so it goes. It is a business and the coaches want to keep their jobs. If the team does not perform and make a name for itself, they lose their jobs. It can be a cut throat business. Again, it is division 1 baseball and not Legion try-outs. The stakes are higher and therefore the rules of etiquette change. It is survival of the fittest and so it goes...goes...goes...gone...
On another note, when I spoke with Buddy the other night, he asked me to edit one of his papers. After I sent it back to him with minimal changes (he did a good job), I asked him if he received it through his email. As he tried to retrieve the paper, he noted that the Internet was not working and there must be an outage or short in their service. After calling the cable company, it seems that someone (Buddy) did not pay the cable bill. Here is his explanation:
"I thought that the cable bill was debited out of my account through the credit card (my card)." So, when the bill came, the guys put the envelopes (4 notices) on top of the refrigerator. Since he does not eat in the apartment, he did not see the notices and therefore because he did not pay the bill, cable was shut off. Another life lesson learned by a group of guys who know it all. Losing their cable was probably devastating since they could not check their classes, emails, facebook, and internet.
With that,I sit back and smile. There is nothing that I can say or do that can prepare him for all of the situations that he will encounter. Living in an apartment is more than moving furniture in and paying rent. There are utilities and cable, maintenance, and responsibilities that the guys do not have when they live rent-free at home. They move from the shelter of their fully equipped home bedrooms to a situation in which they have to pay attention to every detail. BP mom is not there to read the bills, look at mail, and lock the doors. They are on their own to clean and be responsible. By the way, the last time I was on campus, I was asked not to enter the apartment since he thought that I would be totally grossed out. Since I have a queasy stomach by nature, I gladly complied. I can only imagine the filth that they are living in since I collected his gear from his freshman dorm room. Some of the clothes, shoes and boxes are still in the garage with a note that they are quarantined until they pass Board of Health safety standards.
Have a good day!
Speaking of not fair.... players were cut yesterday and some are handling it better than others. Buddy's one friend was at the apartment yesterday and is taking it in stride even though he did not see it coming. Others are completely devastated...and so it goes. It is a business and the coaches want to keep their jobs. If the team does not perform and make a name for itself, they lose their jobs. It can be a cut throat business. Again, it is division 1 baseball and not Legion try-outs. The stakes are higher and therefore the rules of etiquette change. It is survival of the fittest and so it goes...goes...goes...gone...
On another note, when I spoke with Buddy the other night, he asked me to edit one of his papers. After I sent it back to him with minimal changes (he did a good job), I asked him if he received it through his email. As he tried to retrieve the paper, he noted that the Internet was not working and there must be an outage or short in their service. After calling the cable company, it seems that someone (Buddy) did not pay the cable bill. Here is his explanation:
"I thought that the cable bill was debited out of my account through the credit card (my card)." So, when the bill came, the guys put the envelopes (4 notices) on top of the refrigerator. Since he does not eat in the apartment, he did not see the notices and therefore because he did not pay the bill, cable was shut off. Another life lesson learned by a group of guys who know it all. Losing their cable was probably devastating since they could not check their classes, emails, facebook, and internet.
With that,I sit back and smile. There is nothing that I can say or do that can prepare him for all of the situations that he will encounter. Living in an apartment is more than moving furniture in and paying rent. There are utilities and cable, maintenance, and responsibilities that the guys do not have when they live rent-free at home. They move from the shelter of their fully equipped home bedrooms to a situation in which they have to pay attention to every detail. BP mom is not there to read the bills, look at mail, and lock the doors. They are on their own to clean and be responsible. By the way, the last time I was on campus, I was asked not to enter the apartment since he thought that I would be totally grossed out. Since I have a queasy stomach by nature, I gladly complied. I can only imagine the filth that they are living in since I collected his gear from his freshman dorm room. Some of the clothes, shoes and boxes are still in the garage with a note that they are quarantined until they pass Board of Health safety standards.
Have a good day!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tendonitis!
Life has calmed down a bit this week as Buddy reported that he has tendonitis in his left shoulder now that fall ball is over. As I recall, Chase Utley had it in his knee and he was out for a few months. Who knows how long Buddy will feel the discomfort. As a person who has regular bouts of tendonitis, I know that it can be a literal "pain in the joint!"
As I offer my mom-isms to him such as "have you been seen by a doctor? trainer? shaman?" His replies are generally short and something like "I got this one covered..." OK, Einstein, copy that....
And so, here is my official diagnosis and treatment....The kid has tendonitis due to faulty training techniques and possible overuse. Treatment includes ice, motrin, rest, and perhaps some massage and some physical therapy....But no one asks me, so I will keep this information to myself (for the time being)
How can he be expected to close games in the bottom of the 9th if his shoulder hurts all of the time? It's crazy, but I have to leave it to the training team to watch over him and help to ease the pain. Just as long as there is no tear, then he will be fine.
By the way, today he meets with the coach regarding his fall ball performance. He gave up one run the first day that he pitched. After that, he walked one batter and had a stellar season, so I am interested in hearing what the coach has to say.
Sadly, kids are going to be cut today. I know a few of them and they have no idea. So this news is going to be devastating. I pray that they can get over the pain of it, but it will probably take some time to do so. This is not a pretty business and yes, it is a business. The team is expected to play well, be on television, win, recruit, and make a national name for itself. Although the coaches have hearts, they have to focus on what is best for the team and school. As a former coach, I never had to cut players, but I do know what it is like to sit on a bench or feel totally out of synch with the rest of the team. I will have more information this week as the cuts are made. Is Buddy safe? Yes, the big guy is fine and slated for more appearances in the spring. This year I can count on a trip to Florida knowing that he will be there.
Got to run....
As I offer my mom-isms to him such as "have you been seen by a doctor? trainer? shaman?" His replies are generally short and something like "I got this one covered..." OK, Einstein, copy that....
And so, here is my official diagnosis and treatment....The kid has tendonitis due to faulty training techniques and possible overuse. Treatment includes ice, motrin, rest, and perhaps some massage and some physical therapy....But no one asks me, so I will keep this information to myself (for the time being)
How can he be expected to close games in the bottom of the 9th if his shoulder hurts all of the time? It's crazy, but I have to leave it to the training team to watch over him and help to ease the pain. Just as long as there is no tear, then he will be fine.
By the way, today he meets with the coach regarding his fall ball performance. He gave up one run the first day that he pitched. After that, he walked one batter and had a stellar season, so I am interested in hearing what the coach has to say.
Sadly, kids are going to be cut today. I know a few of them and they have no idea. So this news is going to be devastating. I pray that they can get over the pain of it, but it will probably take some time to do so. This is not a pretty business and yes, it is a business. The team is expected to play well, be on television, win, recruit, and make a national name for itself. Although the coaches have hearts, they have to focus on what is best for the team and school. As a former coach, I never had to cut players, but I do know what it is like to sit on a bench or feel totally out of synch with the rest of the team. I will have more information this week as the cuts are made. Is Buddy safe? Yes, the big guy is fine and slated for more appearances in the spring. This year I can count on a trip to Florida knowing that he will be there.
Got to run....
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
A break up
It's a rainy day in the northeast. I could be depressed, but the memory of the past five gorgeous days remains with me as I let my mind wander to the gorgeous skies and gentle breezes....hmmm...OK, now I am back and have to post before I head into the office. It's time to break out the Gap rain boots which in theory are great. No water penetrates the plaid plastic however no air circulates either. My feet feel like they are in an oven with no chance to breathe as they bake, sweat and are wet from perspiration as opposed to the puddles. This is a no win boot....and so it goes...at least I am no longer in college with the plastic Stroehman bread bags on my feet trying to stay dry for 8 hours as I run from class to class in the rain.
Speaking of college, there is always news on Buddy and Tink front. Tink took another math test this week. We eagerly await the results. Buddy is studying with his tutor for his criminology test (his former favorite class until he got the first grade back) and math quiz. He can't believe that there are no breaks from the work in college. Imagine? No breaks from studying, taking tests, attending classes, and writing papers....I will have to ask for my tuition money back. I am obviously getting too much for my money. If I pay less, perhaps he will not have to take so many tests. I will check with the Bursar.
We spoke this morning about his training session. He is complaining about a "knot" in his shoulder...yes, the left one...no, I don't know what a knot means. Is it a blood clot, muscular tension or strain, new muscle or what? Why he complains to me when he has an entire state of the art medical system at his fingertips, I will never know. He has access to trainers, doctors, masseuses, physical therapists, and counselors. Who does he complain to? Yep, you got it right...BP mom. What does BP mom say? "Go to the trainer!" Yeah, yeah, yeah...click....
The morning conversation continues. He obviously could not reach his dad by phone, so I sat in my chair with my coffee and had a lovely chat with the Big Kid. It looks like Option 3 is the winner of next year's living arrangement with Dog, California, and an unnamed player to be announced. He has actually done his homework this year and therefore is making an educated decision. For new readers, please refer to older posts for some of his now famous decisions.....all supported by the sentence: "Mom, I can handle it...."
The winning location of the Buddy's new apartment is: (drum roll, please)...the apartment over Dunkin Donuts!!!! Fireworks, balloons, and applause please! Did BP mom call this one right or what? All I can say is that momma knows her son....BP mom friends...buy DD stock now...the baseball team has a new hang out....
As I mentioned, the plan is that our leftie is going to live with Dog and California.
However, California has received a number of letters from major league teams and he is eligible for the draft this summer. If drafted, he will go...not just go....He will run...fast...not take any luggage...just his glove and cleats and leave Buddy and Dog in his dust. Therefore they need a plan B and C 'cause BP mom is not going to fund their addiction to DD alone. We need two more players or kids to live in this apartment. Therefore, Buddy will chat with the pitching coach to determine whether a junior college kid is coming to campus and in need of a place to live AND he wants to ask a high school friend to join in the craziness. I know this kid and his mom well and I approve :-)
What is going to happen to Angel, Big Red, and Lone Wolf? The break up conversations and results will be covered in future posts. Let's just say that there will be fireworks, a parade, and some shouting, sharp objects, and hurt feelings. More to come...stay tuned!
Speaking of college, there is always news on Buddy and Tink front. Tink took another math test this week. We eagerly await the results. Buddy is studying with his tutor for his criminology test (his former favorite class until he got the first grade back) and math quiz. He can't believe that there are no breaks from the work in college. Imagine? No breaks from studying, taking tests, attending classes, and writing papers....I will have to ask for my tuition money back. I am obviously getting too much for my money. If I pay less, perhaps he will not have to take so many tests. I will check with the Bursar.
We spoke this morning about his training session. He is complaining about a "knot" in his shoulder...yes, the left one...no, I don't know what a knot means. Is it a blood clot, muscular tension or strain, new muscle or what? Why he complains to me when he has an entire state of the art medical system at his fingertips, I will never know. He has access to trainers, doctors, masseuses, physical therapists, and counselors. Who does he complain to? Yep, you got it right...BP mom. What does BP mom say? "Go to the trainer!" Yeah, yeah, yeah...click....
The morning conversation continues. He obviously could not reach his dad by phone, so I sat in my chair with my coffee and had a lovely chat with the Big Kid. It looks like Option 3 is the winner of next year's living arrangement with Dog, California, and an unnamed player to be announced. He has actually done his homework this year and therefore is making an educated decision. For new readers, please refer to older posts for some of his now famous decisions.....all supported by the sentence: "Mom, I can handle it...."
The winning location of the Buddy's new apartment is: (drum roll, please)...the apartment over Dunkin Donuts!!!! Fireworks, balloons, and applause please! Did BP mom call this one right or what? All I can say is that momma knows her son....BP mom friends...buy DD stock now...the baseball team has a new hang out....
As I mentioned, the plan is that our leftie is going to live with Dog and California.
However, California has received a number of letters from major league teams and he is eligible for the draft this summer. If drafted, he will go...not just go....He will run...fast...not take any luggage...just his glove and cleats and leave Buddy and Dog in his dust. Therefore they need a plan B and C 'cause BP mom is not going to fund their addiction to DD alone. We need two more players or kids to live in this apartment. Therefore, Buddy will chat with the pitching coach to determine whether a junior college kid is coming to campus and in need of a place to live AND he wants to ask a high school friend to join in the craziness. I know this kid and his mom well and I approve :-)
What is going to happen to Angel, Big Red, and Lone Wolf? The break up conversations and results will be covered in future posts. Let's just say that there will be fireworks, a parade, and some shouting, sharp objects, and hurt feelings. More to come...stay tuned!
Monday, October 10, 2011
A very peaceful weekend!
We are having great weather in the northeast. I cannot believe that we will hit 85 degrees in October. I have to go outside before the weather turns rainy, snowy, raw and damp for Halloween. Pumpkins and scarecrows are adorning lawns and the leaves on the trees are turning a beautiful shade of red. Life is good...Tink and I went with family yesterday to celebrate cousin Songbird's imminent nuptials to her soul mate. It is a wonderful couple to watch as they are in love with a capital "L". They are going to marry in Ecuador and have a reception in the states next year...until then...Vaya Con Dios!
With the great weather, the college team was able to have their usual Sunday scrimmage. Many of the players struggled...could it be a physical let down from the previous day's football game and activities? One of Buddy's friends could not pitch out of an inning. It looks grim for him. He may not make the roster this year. LW gave up 3 walks and 6 runs in 4 innings. Buddy worked two innings and had 2 strike outs, no walks, 6 batters up and 6 batters down. Then he was pulled out. Coach proclaimed that he was "back!" This means that his fast ball, slider, and curve ball were effective. In fact, according to Coach, he has not pitched that well since May's playoffs.
Dad has a theory about Buddy's recent surge in his abilities. He feels that the summer did nothing but cause him to regress. There were no regular work outs, routines, or coaching sessions. Buddy's free time was spent in his room watching Netflix and vegetating. Once fall ball began, he had his routine back. It took 4 weeks to regain his previous form, but now that he has it back, he will not let it go. Whew! I think a celebration is required. Time to head back to campus and take the kid out for a steak on Sunday. Hopefully this weather will hold up.
On to the household drama of the weekend. Buddy called last night. it seems Angel wants to call us and apologize for ruining our weekend. I don't recall this weekend being wrecked. In fact, I loved it...I worked, saw family friends, and did not have a midnight wake up call about some crazy college drama. In other words, it was peaceful. Dad told him that our weekend was fine and Angel is a good kid...no need for apologetic phone calls.
On the other hand, LW's family showed up, dropped lil bro off for the weekend and brought LW some video games and new clothes. Then they took off to party with friends. LW was out and left lil bro at the mercy of Buddy, Angel and Big Red. In other words, he hid in LW's room. They never mentioned the previous week's drama and note, and so it goes...this is the difference....Angel was mortified with his behavior and sought apologies...LW and his crew are oblivious. And so it goes...and goes...and goes.....
Got to go...have to study and work today. Enjoy the great autumn weather!
With the great weather, the college team was able to have their usual Sunday scrimmage. Many of the players struggled...could it be a physical let down from the previous day's football game and activities? One of Buddy's friends could not pitch out of an inning. It looks grim for him. He may not make the roster this year. LW gave up 3 walks and 6 runs in 4 innings. Buddy worked two innings and had 2 strike outs, no walks, 6 batters up and 6 batters down. Then he was pulled out. Coach proclaimed that he was "back!" This means that his fast ball, slider, and curve ball were effective. In fact, according to Coach, he has not pitched that well since May's playoffs.
Dad has a theory about Buddy's recent surge in his abilities. He feels that the summer did nothing but cause him to regress. There were no regular work outs, routines, or coaching sessions. Buddy's free time was spent in his room watching Netflix and vegetating. Once fall ball began, he had his routine back. It took 4 weeks to regain his previous form, but now that he has it back, he will not let it go. Whew! I think a celebration is required. Time to head back to campus and take the kid out for a steak on Sunday. Hopefully this weather will hold up.
On to the household drama of the weekend. Buddy called last night. it seems Angel wants to call us and apologize for ruining our weekend. I don't recall this weekend being wrecked. In fact, I loved it...I worked, saw family friends, and did not have a midnight wake up call about some crazy college drama. In other words, it was peaceful. Dad told him that our weekend was fine and Angel is a good kid...no need for apologetic phone calls.
On the other hand, LW's family showed up, dropped lil bro off for the weekend and brought LW some video games and new clothes. Then they took off to party with friends. LW was out and left lil bro at the mercy of Buddy, Angel and Big Red. In other words, he hid in LW's room. They never mentioned the previous week's drama and note, and so it goes...this is the difference....Angel was mortified with his behavior and sought apologies...LW and his crew are oblivious. And so it goes...and goes...and goes.....
Got to go...have to study and work today. Enjoy the great autumn weather!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Math and Texts
Good morning. It seems that during the off-season, I am probably going to try blogging every other day rather than every day unless something happens that requires documentation. Thanks again to all of you who read my writing and probably wonder if it is all true. Well, guess what? I don't have much of an imagination and cannot possibly create these scenarios. Therefore to answer that question....it's all true...no fabrications...none whatsoever. Now, however, I have to rely on Buddy to call in and share with me what is happening in the world of Division I baseball, college life, apartment life, and the drive to play in the major leagues. First, kudos to the Phils for wrapping up a play off spot. No agonizing late into the season for this one...way to go!
The past few days have been filled with ups and downs. It seems Nemesis is always the topic of conversation as I try to turn a deaf ear to the complaints. Besides not sharing his food or oreos with Buddy, it seems that he is a pretty bad Caucasian rapper who wakes the guys up in the middle of the night to share his newest lyrics. Buddy, The Angel, and Big Red have begun to place hard items by their beds to throw at him when he makes his 2 am wake up calls. As a guy, doesn't he know that he should never 'poke the bear' when he is sleeping? I guess not.
Every other day I receive a text or two while Buddy is in math class. Granted, math was not my best subject either, but I tried to listen to the professor and pray for some divine inspiration to pass each test. Unfortunately Buddy's mind wanders incessantly and he texts people, including his mother. As much as I love the communication, I am concerned about his lack of attention in class. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this week's texts: "God, I'm bored. Math is dumb." ...."What do you think about me dropping out of school, moving to Columbia and becoming a baseball player/drug dealer?"..."Girl in math did not shave legs..."...."Twenty more minutes until freedom"...."Words cannot express my hatred for the greek system. I want to shut them down how could I go about doing this."
Deciphering the texts are not always easy, but I will give it a try. "God, I'm bored. Math is dumb." ...."What do you think about me dropping out of school, moving to Columbia and becoming a baseball player/drug dealer?"..."Girl in math did not shave legs..."...."Twenty more minutes until freedom"...These texts come to me during class as he struggles to even care about the course. Picture a tall, lanky, bored kid in a large lecture hall with 400 students looking at a few powerpoint presentations and trying his best to unlock the mystery of trigonometry. Knowing the big guy, he would rather look around and pray that soon there would be time travel where he can push a button and be finished with class before it even starts...but that is not the point. Is the professor unable to capture his attention? Why or why not? As a teacher, I look into my students eyes to see if they are following me. I do not allow texting, but how would I know with 399 other students in class? There is no way...therefore, how could this be a good learning experience for any of the students? Am I inferring that I am an intuitive professor? Nope...in fact, I have discovered while walking around in class, that some of my students order shoes while I am speaking, update their facebook status, sleep with their eyes open, doodle, answer email, and pray that the class ends very very soon. Am I insulted? Naw, I actually pray that class is over soon too. I am human too, ya know....
Now, as far as his comment about Columbia and drug dealing...it's his crazy idea of scaring his mom. The part about playing baseball is true...the part about dealing drugs is not. He is anti-drug and anti-doping....whew! Now, as far as the Greek system goes, I have not seen it at the level that he has. Last week, he saw a girl in a dress crying because she was not "pretty enough" to gain entrance into a sorority. He saw the devastation of the selection process on the students especially the girls and is fuming. The team (not me...) call the sorority system...soro-stitutes....ouch! He refuses to have anything to do with it. There are parties and drinking every night of the week and he feels that this is quite pathetic. As far as fraternities are concerned, he is incensed by them. There is quite a bit of drinking and lots of drugs. Some of partiers use "ruffies" to 'score' with the girls. One of his friends woke up at a party with her underwear in her pocket. She had no idea what happened and never reported it. I can understand his disdain for the system. What makes this process worse is that his math tutor is one of the girls who is on the sorority selection committee...a system that he loathes. They have not hit it off at all and I have encouraged him to ask for another tutor. They have such a divide in their philosophies, that this cannot possibly be a good relationship unless they are able to talk about their personal differences and get by them. Otherwise, I have no confidence in his ability to get through this class with this tutor. Yet, I have to leave it to him to work it out. He needs to be eligible for the season and therefore has to make this work. Again, what a tremendous learning experience. Not only will he learn math, but he will learn how to get along with a person who is his polar opposite.
Stay tuned for more....
The past few days have been filled with ups and downs. It seems Nemesis is always the topic of conversation as I try to turn a deaf ear to the complaints. Besides not sharing his food or oreos with Buddy, it seems that he is a pretty bad Caucasian rapper who wakes the guys up in the middle of the night to share his newest lyrics. Buddy, The Angel, and Big Red have begun to place hard items by their beds to throw at him when he makes his 2 am wake up calls. As a guy, doesn't he know that he should never 'poke the bear' when he is sleeping? I guess not.
Every other day I receive a text or two while Buddy is in math class. Granted, math was not my best subject either, but I tried to listen to the professor and pray for some divine inspiration to pass each test. Unfortunately Buddy's mind wanders incessantly and he texts people, including his mother. As much as I love the communication, I am concerned about his lack of attention in class. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this week's texts: "God, I'm bored. Math is dumb." ...."What do you think about me dropping out of school, moving to Columbia and becoming a baseball player/drug dealer?"..."Girl in math did not shave legs..."...."Twenty more minutes until freedom"...."Words cannot express my hatred for the greek system. I want to shut them down how could I go about doing this."
Deciphering the texts are not always easy, but I will give it a try. "God, I'm bored. Math is dumb." ...."What do you think about me dropping out of school, moving to Columbia and becoming a baseball player/drug dealer?"..."Girl in math did not shave legs..."...."Twenty more minutes until freedom"...These texts come to me during class as he struggles to even care about the course. Picture a tall, lanky, bored kid in a large lecture hall with 400 students looking at a few powerpoint presentations and trying his best to unlock the mystery of trigonometry. Knowing the big guy, he would rather look around and pray that soon there would be time travel where he can push a button and be finished with class before it even starts...but that is not the point. Is the professor unable to capture his attention? Why or why not? As a teacher, I look into my students eyes to see if they are following me. I do not allow texting, but how would I know with 399 other students in class? There is no way...therefore, how could this be a good learning experience for any of the students? Am I inferring that I am an intuitive professor? Nope...in fact, I have discovered while walking around in class, that some of my students order shoes while I am speaking, update their facebook status, sleep with their eyes open, doodle, answer email, and pray that the class ends very very soon. Am I insulted? Naw, I actually pray that class is over soon too. I am human too, ya know....
Now, as far as his comment about Columbia and drug dealing...it's his crazy idea of scaring his mom. The part about playing baseball is true...the part about dealing drugs is not. He is anti-drug and anti-doping....whew! Now, as far as the Greek system goes, I have not seen it at the level that he has. Last week, he saw a girl in a dress crying because she was not "pretty enough" to gain entrance into a sorority. He saw the devastation of the selection process on the students especially the girls and is fuming. The team (not me...) call the sorority system...soro-stitutes....ouch! He refuses to have anything to do with it. There are parties and drinking every night of the week and he feels that this is quite pathetic. As far as fraternities are concerned, he is incensed by them. There is quite a bit of drinking and lots of drugs. Some of partiers use "ruffies" to 'score' with the girls. One of his friends woke up at a party with her underwear in her pocket. She had no idea what happened and never reported it. I can understand his disdain for the system. What makes this process worse is that his math tutor is one of the girls who is on the sorority selection committee...a system that he loathes. They have not hit it off at all and I have encouraged him to ask for another tutor. They have such a divide in their philosophies, that this cannot possibly be a good relationship unless they are able to talk about their personal differences and get by them. Otherwise, I have no confidence in his ability to get through this class with this tutor. Yet, I have to leave it to him to work it out. He needs to be eligible for the season and therefore has to make this work. Again, what a tremendous learning experience. Not only will he learn math, but he will learn how to get along with a person who is his polar opposite.
Stay tuned for more....
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Rapping and Oreos
Good morning! Each day gets more and more interesting as I sit back and watch. Big Sis still does not have power. Perhaps they can consider this an indoor camping event (or not). Further, Tink is now a college student (yahoo). We had to buy yet another graphing calculator last night. This must make the 50th that I have purchased over the years. The calculators are broken, lost, without batteries, lost backs, not good enough and so on. Truly, it is the very last one that I ever buy...ever...until next year.
The issues with Nemesis continue to grow. We insisted that Buddy has a meal plan at school to eliminate the walk back to the apartment mid day and give him balanced meals for breakfast and lunch. The other three guys do not have a plan and are eating out of the apartment. Nemesis decided that Buddy is not to touch his food ever. He can't even look at it. It wouldn't be fair. So last night as Buddy left for study hall, Nemesis sat on Buddy's sofa eating his Oreos. Dad is heading up to take the leftie to see the eye doctor next week and will fill the pantry with snacks and foods under the provision that Nemesis can eat whatever he desires.
The guys are plotting how they can hide Nemesis's body after they kill him. He has decided that he is going to become the second great Caucasian rapper in the world. Therefore, he practices his rapping in the common area while the guys are chatting, eating, or watching television. According to Buddy, the lyrics and the rapping are ^$**$ awful (he used better words, but I could read his mind). There is a bit of hypocrisy in the lyrics. Nemesis is not homeless, has not lost a sibling to gun fire, is an upper middle class kid with an intact nuclear family, and has nothing negative to be angry about except Buddy looking at his Oreos. Maybe he can rap about some gangsta stealing the cream in his chocolate cookies or how he had to wait a full minute to use the bathroom with indoor plumbing. It's pretty comical but grating on the guys nerves.
With that said, I leave you with my own rap entitled "Buddy got a oreo...." Start a beat in your head....ready?
Buddy got a oreo; I must confess...
stole my cookie
took my gurl
got a tat of her eatin' a cookie on my chest
gotta find where
da dude hid my best
yeah my dime bag of oreos
missin' and wishin' for double stuffs n rest
he kin keep the gurl
but I protest
once again I am oppressed.....
by the man...yeah da man...
Buddy stole my oreo
n I got no cookie to caress.....
ba ba badda bing
The issues with Nemesis continue to grow. We insisted that Buddy has a meal plan at school to eliminate the walk back to the apartment mid day and give him balanced meals for breakfast and lunch. The other three guys do not have a plan and are eating out of the apartment. Nemesis decided that Buddy is not to touch his food ever. He can't even look at it. It wouldn't be fair. So last night as Buddy left for study hall, Nemesis sat on Buddy's sofa eating his Oreos. Dad is heading up to take the leftie to see the eye doctor next week and will fill the pantry with snacks and foods under the provision that Nemesis can eat whatever he desires.
The guys are plotting how they can hide Nemesis's body after they kill him. He has decided that he is going to become the second great Caucasian rapper in the world. Therefore, he practices his rapping in the common area while the guys are chatting, eating, or watching television. According to Buddy, the lyrics and the rapping are ^$**$ awful (he used better words, but I could read his mind). There is a bit of hypocrisy in the lyrics. Nemesis is not homeless, has not lost a sibling to gun fire, is an upper middle class kid with an intact nuclear family, and has nothing negative to be angry about except Buddy looking at his Oreos. Maybe he can rap about some gangsta stealing the cream in his chocolate cookies or how he had to wait a full minute to use the bathroom with indoor plumbing. It's pretty comical but grating on the guys nerves.
With that said, I leave you with my own rap entitled "Buddy got a oreo...." Start a beat in your head....ready?
Buddy got a oreo; I must confess...
stole my cookie
took my gurl
got a tat of her eatin' a cookie on my chest
gotta find where
da dude hid my best
yeah my dime bag of oreos
missin' and wishin' for double stuffs n rest
he kin keep the gurl
but I protest
once again I am oppressed.....
by the man...yeah da man...
Buddy stole my oreo
n I got no cookie to caress.....
ba ba badda bing
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Listen to your mom
And so it goes...the aftermath of Irene has left its impact on our region. Big Sis still does not have power. I think that it is safe to say that she has either eaten all of the ice cream in the freezer or it is now a sugary soup. Here's hoping that the power is reconnected soon.
I heard from our hero yesterday about four times to just chit chat. He did not want or need anything. He just wanted to talk. Hmmmm...is he maturing? perhaps.
Anyway, he is now ready to move out of the apartment for a number of reasons that I already listed a few blogs ago. Remember the "it's too far"..."I'm going to hate this in the winter..." and so on. These were the sentences that dad and I used last spring when he insisted that this was perfect. Well, his nemesis (again, we asked him what he was thinking when they agreed to room together) is driving the other three guys crazy. He has a trigger like temper and is a prima donna (according to Buddy). Nemesis has yelled at the guys several times and has to have things his way. This is a very good learning experience. I have yet to say "I told you so..." What I did say was: "Your dad was right...can you listen to him more?" (This is actually something that I don't do myself, but I'm married to him, so I don't have to).
Buddy has been plotting with the Angel, California, and da Dog to rent a house next year. Again, what are you thinking? This house would become party-central. He would have drunken fools vomiting on his sheets and kids hanging outside of the third floor windows. Further, he still will not be 21 years old and could be arrested for underage drinking or whatever the cops want to throw at him. He would not survive in the pokey without his laptop and pillow. The police take these things away from the juvies after they are arrested. And so it goes....as BP mom, I once again have to put my foot down. No house...no house....absolutely no house!
Will he listen to me? Naw...however, I have created a top ten list of things that have backfired when he did not heed my warnings such as:
*astronomy is not astrology, don't take it
*getting an apartment at this point is too soon
*the apartment located in Anchorage, Alaska is too far away from class
*do you really need a bicycle? ('Blue Lightening' has disappeared after he used it twice)
*let me see your schedule, I do know a few things about college classes
*be suspicious of girls who laugh at everything that you say
*try to meet people at places like the library. They won't be drunk and will remember your name the next day.
*do not live with your nemesis
*sleep in your bed and not the classroom
*learning is easier when you purchase, open, and read the books.
More to come...have a good day!
I heard from our hero yesterday about four times to just chit chat. He did not want or need anything. He just wanted to talk. Hmmmm...is he maturing? perhaps.
Anyway, he is now ready to move out of the apartment for a number of reasons that I already listed a few blogs ago. Remember the "it's too far"..."I'm going to hate this in the winter..." and so on. These were the sentences that dad and I used last spring when he insisted that this was perfect. Well, his nemesis (again, we asked him what he was thinking when they agreed to room together) is driving the other three guys crazy. He has a trigger like temper and is a prima donna (according to Buddy). Nemesis has yelled at the guys several times and has to have things his way. This is a very good learning experience. I have yet to say "I told you so..." What I did say was: "Your dad was right...can you listen to him more?" (This is actually something that I don't do myself, but I'm married to him, so I don't have to).
Buddy has been plotting with the Angel, California, and da Dog to rent a house next year. Again, what are you thinking? This house would become party-central. He would have drunken fools vomiting on his sheets and kids hanging outside of the third floor windows. Further, he still will not be 21 years old and could be arrested for underage drinking or whatever the cops want to throw at him. He would not survive in the pokey without his laptop and pillow. The police take these things away from the juvies after they are arrested. And so it goes....as BP mom, I once again have to put my foot down. No house...no house....absolutely no house!
Will he listen to me? Naw...however, I have created a top ten list of things that have backfired when he did not heed my warnings such as:
*astronomy is not astrology, don't take it
*getting an apartment at this point is too soon
*the apartment located in Anchorage, Alaska is too far away from class
*do you really need a bicycle? ('Blue Lightening' has disappeared after he used it twice)
*let me see your schedule, I do know a few things about college classes
*be suspicious of girls who laugh at everything that you say
*try to meet people at places like the library. They won't be drunk and will remember your name the next day.
*do not live with your nemesis
*sleep in your bed and not the classroom
*learning is easier when you purchase, open, and read the books.
More to come...have a good day!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
It's wet out there!
The monsoon is here, the earth shook....I wonder why Mother Nature is so annoyed with us. Was it something that we said? If it was me....then, I am very sorry Mother Nature, I will never do it again.....happy now?
This was the first week of class for our hero and I only listened to 18 to 24 complaints. For brevity's sake, I will consolidate them into a few sentences and offer a montage....."It's too far to walk....they are sold out of books (?huh?)....I have to switch a class already...I'm tired...I'm bored...I have to run....my arm is dead....the freshman threw too hard and hit my knee....my meal card does not work...."
Interestingly, there was one complaint that caused the big kid to hang up on me. His coach decided that he needed 7 hours of study hall per week, whereas some of the other geniuses have fewer hours. When this complaint was processed by me, I asked him: "What's the big deal? Aren't you there to earn a degree in something?" His reply was something like this: "Yeah, but $&#( &^%#)) and he's an idiot and he has fewer hours! &)^##" Hmmmm... perhaps the coach wants to make sure that you are eligible. According to the NCAA rules and guidelines that govern your sport, you need to maintain a high enough grade point average that you can stand in your bullpen during each game, leaning against the rail, spitting sunflower seeds out of your mouth, and talking in salty language...right? Click! (ouch...that one did not hurt)....what's the kid thinking...college+class+study+pass=degree.
As sophomore year begins with multiple athletic goals, I think that he forgot about the academic goals....personally, I am grateful to his coach for making the kid go to study hall whether he thinks he needs it or not. The next time that he complains about it, I may email the coach and ask him to double his hours.....isn't this something that June Cleaver would do to Wally? I think that Cliff Huxtable would have thanked him on Theo's behalf.
And so, in my mind, the first week was a rousing success. Practices and work outs are daily and he continues to work on his slider and ball speed. I think that there are some NCAA issues that they must abide by during the fall, so the practices are not really considered formal. However, they are 'cordially' invited to attend all of the practices and not blow them off. The weeks are packed with activities, will he still have a chance to hang out with the guys and attend parties and gatherings? What do you think?
This was the first week of class for our hero and I only listened to 18 to 24 complaints. For brevity's sake, I will consolidate them into a few sentences and offer a montage....."It's too far to walk....they are sold out of books (?huh?)....I have to switch a class already...I'm tired...I'm bored...I have to run....my arm is dead....the freshman threw too hard and hit my knee....my meal card does not work...."
Interestingly, there was one complaint that caused the big kid to hang up on me. His coach decided that he needed 7 hours of study hall per week, whereas some of the other geniuses have fewer hours. When this complaint was processed by me, I asked him: "What's the big deal? Aren't you there to earn a degree in something?" His reply was something like this: "Yeah, but $&#( &^%#)) and he's an idiot and he has fewer hours! &)^##" Hmmmm... perhaps the coach wants to make sure that you are eligible. According to the NCAA rules and guidelines that govern your sport, you need to maintain a high enough grade point average that you can stand in your bullpen during each game, leaning against the rail, spitting sunflower seeds out of your mouth, and talking in salty language...right? Click! (ouch...that one did not hurt)....what's the kid thinking...college+class+study+pass=degree.
As sophomore year begins with multiple athletic goals, I think that he forgot about the academic goals....personally, I am grateful to his coach for making the kid go to study hall whether he thinks he needs it or not. The next time that he complains about it, I may email the coach and ask him to double his hours.....isn't this something that June Cleaver would do to Wally? I think that Cliff Huxtable would have thanked him on Theo's behalf.
And so, in my mind, the first week was a rousing success. Practices and work outs are daily and he continues to work on his slider and ball speed. I think that there are some NCAA issues that they must abide by during the fall, so the practices are not really considered formal. However, they are 'cordially' invited to attend all of the practices and not blow them off. The weeks are packed with activities, will he still have a chance to hang out with the guys and attend parties and gatherings? What do you think?
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Under the radar
Good morning. It's a beautiful day today as the humidity has dropped and blue skies are over head. I cherish these days as they are few and far between during the summer months.
Anyway, I have not written much in the past day or two for a few reasons. First, I have to get ready for the start of my classes next week and have been putting it off. Don't call me a procrastinator, call me a person who is trying to squeeze the last drop of summer out of August. I love my job, but I love summer a smidgen more. Second, there is not much on the Buddy front except work outs and classes have begun. The only feedback so far is that he likes his criminology class. This poses the question of "why?" My immediate thoughts are: 1. He can sleep in class without interruption 2. There are no papers or tests 3. They watch CSI for 90 minutes rather than having a lecture 4. There is a cute girl who sits next to him and fins him funny. 5. He finds the content interesting. I think that it could be a combination of all of the above.
Did I mention that I found a hefty bag (yep, Buddy's luggage) full of empty beer cans on Sunday? Give me a break, I was not looking to be Columbo or one of Charley's Angels but while I was waiting for the sofa to make it into the apartment on Sunday, I went to his luggage to empty it and place it in the closet. The full bag was sitting in one of his bins, hence, I thought that it was full of his socks and equipment. Wrong! Luckily he was standing next to me and had an immediate response: "Oh...that...uh..yeah...(pause)....Ok...a lot of people stopped by last night and they brought their own beer and had a party. It's not ours but the neighbors......" He took a deep 'under age drinking and busted' breath with his mother staring at him. It's amazing that everyone who stopped by the night before drank the same two cases of beer. I guess they only sell one type of beer at his university. This brewer has a gold mine here with no competition! I think that I am going to invest my few pennies in this stock. Anyway, my response to his lame excuse was "do not do anything stupid...." and I walked away. Make sure that you recycle these cans.
And so, the last that I heard from our hero is that he was sleeping on the legendary sofa bed because he was asked to "step out of the room" for the night. Hmmmm.....the mama in me is not pleased.
Buddy did call his dad yesterday, so there was a break through in the communication as he shared that the urban legend started by the haters continues....what do I mean? Well, the reason that I started the blog was to set the record straight as to the kind of work and sacrifice that this kid has made over the years to play on a D-1 team, yet there are/were 'friends' from high school who wished and prayed that he would not make the team. Jealousy? perhaps...Hatred? maybe....a basic lack of understanding and the inability to be happy for another class mate's success is more like it. Anyway, he was running through campus yesterday and saw a freshman whom he had known from high school and stopped to chat. The frosh mentioned that he was sorry that Buddy did not make the baseball team and wished him well. I guess the myth continues because the haters still cannot let it die. The fact is Buddy is alive and well and fighting for a starting spot thereby leaving the bullpen (perhaps forever).
And so it goes....people cannot be happy for the success of a fellow classmate until the kid really hits it big...then the comments will be: "We ate lunch together all the time....he was a hard working guy....nicest guy in the world...we were best friends..." I can see it now. This is one of the reasons that he has a hard time trusting people. They often turn out to be faux-friends looking for an advantage, tickets, or entrance into a party.
By the way, his friend Meat collected $20 on a bet he made in the pool that Buddy would be cut from the team by the end of freshman year. Meat made a good bet and the loser who was running the pool lost money. No respect... as he he once again floats under the radar, he is like a copperhead...quiet and lethal...when necessary, he is deadly with his slider....and so another year begins and I will continue to share the lows and highs with you.
Have a great day!
Anyway, I have not written much in the past day or two for a few reasons. First, I have to get ready for the start of my classes next week and have been putting it off. Don't call me a procrastinator, call me a person who is trying to squeeze the last drop of summer out of August. I love my job, but I love summer a smidgen more. Second, there is not much on the Buddy front except work outs and classes have begun. The only feedback so far is that he likes his criminology class. This poses the question of "why?" My immediate thoughts are: 1. He can sleep in class without interruption 2. There are no papers or tests 3. They watch CSI for 90 minutes rather than having a lecture 4. There is a cute girl who sits next to him and fins him funny. 5. He finds the content interesting. I think that it could be a combination of all of the above.
Did I mention that I found a hefty bag (yep, Buddy's luggage) full of empty beer cans on Sunday? Give me a break, I was not looking to be Columbo or one of Charley's Angels but while I was waiting for the sofa to make it into the apartment on Sunday, I went to his luggage to empty it and place it in the closet. The full bag was sitting in one of his bins, hence, I thought that it was full of his socks and equipment. Wrong! Luckily he was standing next to me and had an immediate response: "Oh...that...uh..yeah...(pause)....Ok...a lot of people stopped by last night and they brought their own beer and had a party. It's not ours but the neighbors......" He took a deep 'under age drinking and busted' breath with his mother staring at him. It's amazing that everyone who stopped by the night before drank the same two cases of beer. I guess they only sell one type of beer at his university. This brewer has a gold mine here with no competition! I think that I am going to invest my few pennies in this stock. Anyway, my response to his lame excuse was "do not do anything stupid...." and I walked away. Make sure that you recycle these cans.
And so, the last that I heard from our hero is that he was sleeping on the legendary sofa bed because he was asked to "step out of the room" for the night. Hmmmm.....the mama in me is not pleased.
Buddy did call his dad yesterday, so there was a break through in the communication as he shared that the urban legend started by the haters continues....what do I mean? Well, the reason that I started the blog was to set the record straight as to the kind of work and sacrifice that this kid has made over the years to play on a D-1 team, yet there are/were 'friends' from high school who wished and prayed that he would not make the team. Jealousy? perhaps...Hatred? maybe....a basic lack of understanding and the inability to be happy for another class mate's success is more like it. Anyway, he was running through campus yesterday and saw a freshman whom he had known from high school and stopped to chat. The frosh mentioned that he was sorry that Buddy did not make the baseball team and wished him well. I guess the myth continues because the haters still cannot let it die. The fact is Buddy is alive and well and fighting for a starting spot thereby leaving the bullpen (perhaps forever).
And so it goes....people cannot be happy for the success of a fellow classmate until the kid really hits it big...then the comments will be: "We ate lunch together all the time....he was a hard working guy....nicest guy in the world...we were best friends..." I can see it now. This is one of the reasons that he has a hard time trusting people. They often turn out to be faux-friends looking for an advantage, tickets, or entrance into a party.
By the way, his friend Meat collected $20 on a bet he made in the pool that Buddy would be cut from the team by the end of freshman year. Meat made a good bet and the loser who was running the pool lost money. No respect... as he he once again floats under the radar, he is like a copperhead...quiet and lethal...when necessary, he is deadly with his slider....and so another year begins and I will continue to share the lows and highs with you.
Have a great day!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Stormy weather
Good morning. The thunderstorms were unbelievable last night as the wind howled and so did Diva dog. She does not like loud noises...paying attention to her owners....or any kind of self control. In fact, she was thrown out of Doggie Behavior school at the request of the teacher. She would not stop barking, so she failed. She needed to be in a class all by herself...Yes, she graduated at the top of her class and was valedictorian. Sadly, like many people, she did not retain any of the skills that she learned in school. Definitely a waste of a diploma, yet I proudly placed it on the fridge to show off her accomplishment.
Speaking of schools, tomorrow Buddy moves into his apartment with his 'boys' as he prepares for his sophomore year. As they say...it went fast (not!). Freshman year, like life was filled with highs, and lows and lows. He had to adjust to the new system and not being the king of all things. He was more like the court jester, lovable and clueless. Yet, he figured it out on his own. He learned a great deal about life, school and people. And I learned that I have absolutely no control over my children...none...except if I hold a dollar bill over their heads...then I have their attention and only for a moment, 'cause you don't get much for a dollar these days.
This is a huge deal for the big kid. He is going to be responsible for bills...rent...cable...electric...food. Something inside of me has always said that he is not ready, yet he thinks that he is and went ahead and did not sign up for the dorm when he was supposed to...now he is stuck in a place on the edge of campus across from a busy street. He cannot walk to class or practice and must take the bus. His choice...I am not going to listen to complaints....although, I probably will, I will just sing the National Anthem to myself until he changes the subject from the guys who eat his food, leave a mess and spill beer on his bed. Hmmmm, let' make a BP mom prediction....I predict that his first complaint will come after the second party. There will be a mess and he will begin to revert to his cranky self. He will then call home and tell me how life is unfair. After the unfair speech, he will share why he is angry with the guys, then I will say: "You have to communicate. Talk to them" about five or six times....then he will say: "Thanks for nothing..." and gingerly click on his end button on the cell phone as if he has walked into a dead zone.
Am I going to be upset? Nope...this is yet another growth and learning opportunity for our leftie. He continues to live his dream, although at times there will be a few nightmares. Good luck this semester, big guy....keep in touch...lova ya!
Before I end...a quick shout out to Scooby, my younger sister...it's her birthday! Happy day today and always!
Another shout out to Ice, the Queen of England and Granny as they play tennis in New Jersey in an attempt to qualify for the nationals...go team! Remember to bring your plastic balance bands, gatorade, and extra pair of socks.
Speaking of schools, tomorrow Buddy moves into his apartment with his 'boys' as he prepares for his sophomore year. As they say...it went fast (not!). Freshman year, like life was filled with highs, and lows and lows. He had to adjust to the new system and not being the king of all things. He was more like the court jester, lovable and clueless. Yet, he figured it out on his own. He learned a great deal about life, school and people. And I learned that I have absolutely no control over my children...none...except if I hold a dollar bill over their heads...then I have their attention and only for a moment, 'cause you don't get much for a dollar these days.
This is a huge deal for the big kid. He is going to be responsible for bills...rent...cable...electric...food. Something inside of me has always said that he is not ready, yet he thinks that he is and went ahead and did not sign up for the dorm when he was supposed to...now he is stuck in a place on the edge of campus across from a busy street. He cannot walk to class or practice and must take the bus. His choice...I am not going to listen to complaints....although, I probably will, I will just sing the National Anthem to myself until he changes the subject from the guys who eat his food, leave a mess and spill beer on his bed. Hmmmm, let' make a BP mom prediction....I predict that his first complaint will come after the second party. There will be a mess and he will begin to revert to his cranky self. He will then call home and tell me how life is unfair. After the unfair speech, he will share why he is angry with the guys, then I will say: "You have to communicate. Talk to them" about five or six times....then he will say: "Thanks for nothing..." and gingerly click on his end button on the cell phone as if he has walked into a dead zone.
Am I going to be upset? Nope...this is yet another growth and learning opportunity for our leftie. He continues to live his dream, although at times there will be a few nightmares. Good luck this semester, big guy....keep in touch...lova ya!
Before I end...a quick shout out to Scooby, my younger sister...it's her birthday! Happy day today and always!
Another shout out to Ice, the Queen of England and Granny as they play tennis in New Jersey in an attempt to qualify for the nationals...go team! Remember to bring your plastic balance bands, gatorade, and extra pair of socks.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Fatigue has set in....
Tomorrow we are going to travel and pick up Buddy's dorm room contents. The season is not over yet, but the freshman are being kicked out of the dorms to prepare for the summer session. This means that he needs temporary housing until the end of the month. Since there are no dorm rooms available, he plans on sleeping on the floor of a team mates' apartment on an air mattress (supplied by Grandmom). This sounds like a great plan, right?
Actually, it sounds complicated to me. In college, I did sleep on a few floors, but not for a prolonged period of time. There are all kinds of things on the floor, like critters, bugs, and more critters. Got to want to live this way. Perhaps he will make friends with the ants.
Today he reports that he is exhausted. I believe it. With travel, practices, and finals, I don't know how they are able to balance things. Oh wait, they can't....there have been some arguments and snide remarks among the ranks. In fact, there was a big blow up last night and two of the team mates are currently not speaking to one another....My impression is that they are to the point where they can barely stand up. Some are pulling "all-nighters" and others are stressed about finals.
Two days ago, Buddy was 24 hours early for one of his final exams. He wrote down the wrong date and time. At least he was early and not late. I have done that a number of times. Once I showed up for a meeting and boldly announced to the office: "Let is be on the record that I am 5 minutes early for this meeting." The secretary looked at me and said even louder: "Let it be on the record that you are 1 week and 5 minutes early for your meeting....!" OY! And so it goes, we all make mistakes. In my case, I make more than my share. It's all part of this stupid multi-tasking, I can do-it-all attitude that pervades our society. It's a sinister thing. We don't know that we are trying to do too much and then discover that as we try to do quantity, the quality suffers. Perhaps I can blame this on modern technology....we have communication overload and can be in touch with colleagues, family, and friends instantaneously. It pulls our attention away from what we are doing. People have easy access to us, therefore, it is difficult trying to block out the stimulation and focus on what has to be done. So, we are interrupted, drop what we are doing, then go on to something else without finishing the original project.
With that said, I have to end this post and work on something that I have been avoiding for quite some time. No more interruptions....back to work....
Actually, it sounds complicated to me. In college, I did sleep on a few floors, but not for a prolonged period of time. There are all kinds of things on the floor, like critters, bugs, and more critters. Got to want to live this way. Perhaps he will make friends with the ants.
Today he reports that he is exhausted. I believe it. With travel, practices, and finals, I don't know how they are able to balance things. Oh wait, they can't....there have been some arguments and snide remarks among the ranks. In fact, there was a big blow up last night and two of the team mates are currently not speaking to one another....My impression is that they are to the point where they can barely stand up. Some are pulling "all-nighters" and others are stressed about finals.
Two days ago, Buddy was 24 hours early for one of his final exams. He wrote down the wrong date and time. At least he was early and not late. I have done that a number of times. Once I showed up for a meeting and boldly announced to the office: "Let is be on the record that I am 5 minutes early for this meeting." The secretary looked at me and said even louder: "Let it be on the record that you are 1 week and 5 minutes early for your meeting....!" OY! And so it goes, we all make mistakes. In my case, I make more than my share. It's all part of this stupid multi-tasking, I can do-it-all attitude that pervades our society. It's a sinister thing. We don't know that we are trying to do too much and then discover that as we try to do quantity, the quality suffers. Perhaps I can blame this on modern technology....we have communication overload and can be in touch with colleagues, family, and friends instantaneously. It pulls our attention away from what we are doing. People have easy access to us, therefore, it is difficult trying to block out the stimulation and focus on what has to be done. So, we are interrupted, drop what we are doing, then go on to something else without finishing the original project.
With that said, I have to end this post and work on something that I have been avoiding for quite some time. No more interruptions....back to work....
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Happy Birthday to you!
I did not have the opportunity to post yesterday for a number of reasons. However, the most important reason was that it was our Tink's birthday! We spent the day together and traveled as a family to see Buddy pitch (or sit in the bullpen) during the evening game on campus. It was a great day and we enjoyed being together.
With that said, because it was a very important day, I tried to do things with Tink that were special or out of the norm. So, we had time to browse in the stores, have a leisurely lunch, shop, and sit at the bar before the game. I believe that this was the first time that I sat at a bar with my daughter (who was carded by the bartender....yet, I was not....) and her dad. It was time to order my "usual"....dad ordered his usual club soda....it was Tink's turn and she decided on a "Shirley Temple". That's right...a concoction of soda and some type of cherry sweetener. The bartender looked cross eyed at her...but that's Tink....true to herself...no pretensions....just being herself. She would rather have a soda than a mixed drink. As a mom, I love it!
Game time approached and we got our tickets and sat in the midst of the Greeks. Not the Greeks from Greece, but the sorority and fraternity type of Greeks. It was "Greek Night" at the stadium, so the alphas and betas and zetas were represented. I expected loud and rowdy behavior, but did not see it. They were quite subdued, maybe even a bit tired from classes or last night's party. So, Greek night was not as I had expected.
There was definitely a chill in the air as we donned our "watching baseball in the mountains" attire. This consists of sweaters, long pants, gloves, two coats and a blanket. It was dad's first game, and he did not feel the need to bring a coat...rookie mistake. If he wanted to appear cool, he certainly was...by the middle portion of the game, Tink and I had to surrender our blanket to him.
There was a bit of excitement on our part as the opposing team's coach was one of the coaches who had rejected Buddy when he tried out as a senior. The coach's "we'll be watching you..." never materialized during his senior year and therefore was never contacted again. This had been a blow to Buddy since he really wanted to attend this university (or any D1 school). So, once again, a big chip was on the big kid's shoulder as this team drove into town in their big coach bus. Remember the old Western movies when the bad guys in black hats rode into town on their horses? The townspeople were scared and hid in the saloon under the bar, yet the sheriff bravely walked in the middle of town with his arms ready to grab his guns and shoot upon provocation. Well, the baseball version of an old Western is not as exciting. However, Buddy was the sheriff waiting for the bad guys to yell "draw!" The question of the day was "will Buddy get a chance to prove to the opposing coach that he was wrong to stop recruiting him?"
The answer is "yes!" By the top of the 9th, the mid reliever began to fatigue. He had one out and one player on base. The team was up by two runs and they were desperate to win especially after Sunday's spanking by the conference team. The pitching coach walked slowly to the mound...the music began....Lynard Skynard's "Give me three steps..." was playing on the loudspeaker and Buddy's face appears on the scoreboard and he runs out to the mound...vengeance(in a figurative way!) revenge! It is time to show them what they could have had....First batter he faced....strike out! The second batter....grounded out to first base. Game over! Buddy has his first save and satisfaction of knowing that this team had made a mistake. As the players shook hands, Buddy stopped and approached the head coach. He mentioned that he had attended his camp. He thanked the coach for producing an excellent camp that helped him develop his pitching skills. Sheepishly, the coach said that he remembered him and wished him luck. Buddy walks out of the stadium and handed Tink the game ball as a memento of his first college save and a birthday present.
All in all, both kids received gifts for Tink's birthday. Buddy had the chance to make a point with his pitches, whereas Tink received the game ball. Although. he could have had the opposite reaction when he saw the opposing coach and been intimidated or aware that he was not good enough to play for this team. Instead, he pulled it together and channeled the inner competitor while making a statement with his game rather than with words. In my opinion, this is the best way to make a point. Let your actions speak louder than your words (...advice given to me as a kid by Grandmom).
It was fun and memorable for the family. What happens next is anyone's guess. We'll travel again this weekend for the conference series and spend Easter together. I will not be able to post until Monday, so stay tuned....until then...Happy Easter to you and your families.
With that said, because it was a very important day, I tried to do things with Tink that were special or out of the norm. So, we had time to browse in the stores, have a leisurely lunch, shop, and sit at the bar before the game. I believe that this was the first time that I sat at a bar with my daughter (who was carded by the bartender....yet, I was not....) and her dad. It was time to order my "usual"....dad ordered his usual club soda....it was Tink's turn and she decided on a "Shirley Temple". That's right...a concoction of soda and some type of cherry sweetener. The bartender looked cross eyed at her...but that's Tink....true to herself...no pretensions....just being herself. She would rather have a soda than a mixed drink. As a mom, I love it!
Game time approached and we got our tickets and sat in the midst of the Greeks. Not the Greeks from Greece, but the sorority and fraternity type of Greeks. It was "Greek Night" at the stadium, so the alphas and betas and zetas were represented. I expected loud and rowdy behavior, but did not see it. They were quite subdued, maybe even a bit tired from classes or last night's party. So, Greek night was not as I had expected.
There was definitely a chill in the air as we donned our "watching baseball in the mountains" attire. This consists of sweaters, long pants, gloves, two coats and a blanket. It was dad's first game, and he did not feel the need to bring a coat...rookie mistake. If he wanted to appear cool, he certainly was...by the middle portion of the game, Tink and I had to surrender our blanket to him.
There was a bit of excitement on our part as the opposing team's coach was one of the coaches who had rejected Buddy when he tried out as a senior. The coach's "we'll be watching you..." never materialized during his senior year and therefore was never contacted again. This had been a blow to Buddy since he really wanted to attend this university (or any D1 school). So, once again, a big chip was on the big kid's shoulder as this team drove into town in their big coach bus. Remember the old Western movies when the bad guys in black hats rode into town on their horses? The townspeople were scared and hid in the saloon under the bar, yet the sheriff bravely walked in the middle of town with his arms ready to grab his guns and shoot upon provocation. Well, the baseball version of an old Western is not as exciting. However, Buddy was the sheriff waiting for the bad guys to yell "draw!" The question of the day was "will Buddy get a chance to prove to the opposing coach that he was wrong to stop recruiting him?"
The answer is "yes!" By the top of the 9th, the mid reliever began to fatigue. He had one out and one player on base. The team was up by two runs and they were desperate to win especially after Sunday's spanking by the conference team. The pitching coach walked slowly to the mound...the music began....Lynard Skynard's "Give me three steps..." was playing on the loudspeaker and Buddy's face appears on the scoreboard and he runs out to the mound...vengeance(in a figurative way!) revenge! It is time to show them what they could have had....First batter he faced....strike out! The second batter....grounded out to first base. Game over! Buddy has his first save and satisfaction of knowing that this team had made a mistake. As the players shook hands, Buddy stopped and approached the head coach. He mentioned that he had attended his camp. He thanked the coach for producing an excellent camp that helped him develop his pitching skills. Sheepishly, the coach said that he remembered him and wished him luck. Buddy walks out of the stadium and handed Tink the game ball as a memento of his first college save and a birthday present.
All in all, both kids received gifts for Tink's birthday. Buddy had the chance to make a point with his pitches, whereas Tink received the game ball. Although. he could have had the opposite reaction when he saw the opposing coach and been intimidated or aware that he was not good enough to play for this team. Instead, he pulled it together and channeled the inner competitor while making a statement with his game rather than with words. In my opinion, this is the best way to make a point. Let your actions speak louder than your words (...advice given to me as a kid by Grandmom).
It was fun and memorable for the family. What happens next is anyone's guess. We'll travel again this weekend for the conference series and spend Easter together. I will not be able to post until Monday, so stay tuned....until then...Happy Easter to you and your families.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Rain and Bad Decision Making
It's early in the day and I have already made a poor decision that will affect me for the rest of day. As I ate the last piece of Grandmom's birthday cake for breakfast, I had "eater's remorse". The diet that I started yesterday has been temporarily placed on the back burner. Was it worth it? Sort of...wish I could have enjoyed breaking my 23 hour diet more....so it goes....Speaking of back burner, we were startled this morning with the smoke detectors ringing at 4:30 am. Initially, you want it to go away and stay in bed, however, the decision to get up and find the source of the alarm eventually took over. Fortunately, there was no fire. However, I am still puzzled as to why the detectors continued to go off intermittently for an hour. I even got the manual out to read. Yes, women do read directions. Dad returned to bed unfazed. As always, it was up to me to save everyone including Diva Dog's lives....the story of a dedicated mother, plunging through the manuals in the early twilight hours, desperate to find the source of an electrical malfunction....No luck. I hope that this does not happen again tonight.
As far as rain goes, the team's game last night was postponed. No game. I actually made a very good decision as I decided not to attend because of the weather forecast. I saved myself from a 6 hour trip and forgoing a soggy seat in the stadium and a wet hot dog (yes, I would have broken the diet last night rather than this morning). Love accu-weather...always accu-rate.
Last night's game was to be an all time, epic grudge match. Buddy has given me permission to write about some of the less than happy details of the recruiting process. So, here goes.....it all began with a letter of interest from a school in the mid-Atlantic region. The letter, written by the head coach, asked Buddy to attend a program on campus, meet the team, tour the campus, see the stadium, and attend a basketball game. This was the first of the letters, and he jumped at it. So, on a cold, windy February morning during his junior year, we journeyed 3 hours to the school. The coach gave a terrific presentation to 20 invited athletes. The tour was nice yet the school was in an isolated area. I got moderate positive vibes from it. After that day, he received more correspondence from the coach, a request to attend their baseball camps, and high school transcripts. It looked very favorable that this could be a match. Yet......
If you have read this blog on a semi regular basis, all is never well....if something can go wrong, it does. Between junior and senior years, Buddy contracted Lyme Disease. He lost weight and power on his fast ball and was not the same player that he had been before he was sick. He was asked to attend "another" camp ($250.00 plus hotel) and finalize a try out for this school. The players on the team who were on the field were amazed and asked Buddy if he was going to come to the school while the coach stood at a diagonal line in the press box and using the radar gun on Buddy as he pitched. The radar gun read mid-70's. He was no longer interested and he dropped communication with Buddy altogether. This was quite a blow for him because he had invested a great deal of emotional and physical energy trying out for a team that he thought wanted him. He was sad and miffed and angry. But, as you know, all was well when he was recruited for his current team.
With that said, last night's game was against the coach who rejected him last year. Buddy has a big chip on his shoulder (actually, not a chip...a bit of a boulder) and was slated to pitch against the team. His texts to me included phrases "I will dominate....I will own them...." As fate and weather would have it, the domination will have to wait until a sunny day.
As a mom, I wanted to tell him to let his anger go....everything works out for good...the best thing that happened was that the team did not want him....I tried to tell him, yet I understand his grudge. We spent a great deal of time, money, and emotional energy traveling to the school and attending their functions and camps. Here is where recruiting is big money. The showcases and camps are by invitation (inviting anyone with some money and a pulse). It seems a bit like a scam. None of the interested coaches ever saw Buddy play in a game. All interest was through showcases. The coaches are paid to attend and they charge a fee to the kids. I know a few talented players whose parents cannot afford to travel and attend the camps and showcases. How are they discovered? These are the kids who need the scholarships. I can pay for my son, but what about the others? The amount of money that we paid on the camps, showcases, websites, tournament teams, lessons and so on are equivalent to the national debt. The way I look at it is, if he wanted to become a chef, I would send him to Paris or Tuscany to study. If he was interested in art, trips oversees would be necessary. He wanted to be a division 1 athlete, so we send him to train with the best coaches in the region. It's what a bullpen mom would do....right? I gave him the opportunity, yet he took it to the next level. As a family, we are like a team...helping each other achieve their maximum potential. And so it goes...tonight, the team plays a cross state rival...more tomorrow....time to exercise.....
As far as rain goes, the team's game last night was postponed. No game. I actually made a very good decision as I decided not to attend because of the weather forecast. I saved myself from a 6 hour trip and forgoing a soggy seat in the stadium and a wet hot dog (yes, I would have broken the diet last night rather than this morning). Love accu-weather...always accu-rate.
Last night's game was to be an all time, epic grudge match. Buddy has given me permission to write about some of the less than happy details of the recruiting process. So, here goes.....it all began with a letter of interest from a school in the mid-Atlantic region. The letter, written by the head coach, asked Buddy to attend a program on campus, meet the team, tour the campus, see the stadium, and attend a basketball game. This was the first of the letters, and he jumped at it. So, on a cold, windy February morning during his junior year, we journeyed 3 hours to the school. The coach gave a terrific presentation to 20 invited athletes. The tour was nice yet the school was in an isolated area. I got moderate positive vibes from it. After that day, he received more correspondence from the coach, a request to attend their baseball camps, and high school transcripts. It looked very favorable that this could be a match. Yet......
If you have read this blog on a semi regular basis, all is never well....if something can go wrong, it does. Between junior and senior years, Buddy contracted Lyme Disease. He lost weight and power on his fast ball and was not the same player that he had been before he was sick. He was asked to attend "another" camp ($250.00 plus hotel) and finalize a try out for this school. The players on the team who were on the field were amazed and asked Buddy if he was going to come to the school while the coach stood at a diagonal line in the press box and using the radar gun on Buddy as he pitched. The radar gun read mid-70's. He was no longer interested and he dropped communication with Buddy altogether. This was quite a blow for him because he had invested a great deal of emotional and physical energy trying out for a team that he thought wanted him. He was sad and miffed and angry. But, as you know, all was well when he was recruited for his current team.
With that said, last night's game was against the coach who rejected him last year. Buddy has a big chip on his shoulder (actually, not a chip...a bit of a boulder) and was slated to pitch against the team. His texts to me included phrases "I will dominate....I will own them...." As fate and weather would have it, the domination will have to wait until a sunny day.
As a mom, I wanted to tell him to let his anger go....everything works out for good...the best thing that happened was that the team did not want him....I tried to tell him, yet I understand his grudge. We spent a great deal of time, money, and emotional energy traveling to the school and attending their functions and camps. Here is where recruiting is big money. The showcases and camps are by invitation (inviting anyone with some money and a pulse). It seems a bit like a scam. None of the interested coaches ever saw Buddy play in a game. All interest was through showcases. The coaches are paid to attend and they charge a fee to the kids. I know a few talented players whose parents cannot afford to travel and attend the camps and showcases. How are they discovered? These are the kids who need the scholarships. I can pay for my son, but what about the others? The amount of money that we paid on the camps, showcases, websites, tournament teams, lessons and so on are equivalent to the national debt. The way I look at it is, if he wanted to become a chef, I would send him to Paris or Tuscany to study. If he was interested in art, trips oversees would be necessary. He wanted to be a division 1 athlete, so we send him to train with the best coaches in the region. It's what a bullpen mom would do....right? I gave him the opportunity, yet he took it to the next level. As a family, we are like a team...helping each other achieve their maximum potential. And so it goes...tonight, the team plays a cross state rival...more tomorrow....time to exercise.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)