Room 232

You know....life is certainly unpredictable. Yeah, yeah, we have heard that stupid platitude before....Tell us something new....You want new?

You can't handle new!

This post will be done in two or three sections over the next 24 hours. Let me begin:

Monday 3 hours after morning post

It's a crummy soggy day and the forecast is for freezing rain. I don't care much. I have a three pm meeting that will be canceled if the boss doesn't like the driving conditions. Nice, eh?

So, I go through my Monday routine....wash sheets and towels.....a little tennis with the girls....train the pups (right, who trains who?)...hit the stores for the week's groceries....figure out the dinners....get some work done...weekend emails.....and so on....oh yeah...gotta work, too.....then I get the call....

"This is it. I am cracking up. My life and career are over. I can't take it anymore."

Hmmm. No one likes a call like this especially when it is from your big strong son who can conquer all sorts of challenges and learn from them. He is one heck of a guy who only wants to play baseball. That's it. It is so simple, yet complicated.

"Mom, I dropped from the top to the bottom of the depth chart. I am the last man out of the bullpen again. I can't take it."

He sounded so sad and despondent, I knew that I had to act.

"I'll see you in three hours."

Then I hit the ground running.....took a quick shower, packed some underwear (I hope), my laptop, and turned off the dryer with the wet sheets and towels in it. I then pointed the car north and rushed to the turnpike.....

First, I had to stop at a Verizon store because the cell phone was not working....oh yeah....needed a Starbucks and Skittles....look at what stress does to a person!

Back to the highway, the rain started to fall. It was not freezing yet so I said a quick prayer to keep the Silver Bullet (my car) from sliding down the mountain.

I was halfway to campus when the ice began to hit the car....OK, BPM, make a plan....you have to take the road slowly....stay somewhat close to traffic in case the Bullet slides off the highway....this way, someone can call the highway patrol. I had a vision of flipping and no one finding me for days.

Although, I knew that I would survive because I had a banana and blanket in the back of the car. I also had a fully charged laptop and could get some work done while waiting for a rescue. I was prepared for anything....Oh yeah, the woman in the Verizon store fixed my phone with the handy 'master reset' button.

Traffic was light until I got to the top of the mountain. Sheesh! It was a white out. I could not see 6 feet in front of me. OK, pray, big girl...pray.....

Finally, I am on campus and he cannot see me yet. What's a momma to do when she cannot check into the Hampton Inn? How about retail therapy? Yep. I hit a strip mall and pulled out the credit card. While I was in Talbots (60% off lowest price....decent stuff), I met the clerk who was a senior at the university. She was tall and very pretty. At least, I thought so.

I made another executive decision. The big lefty was coming to Talbots to meet me. I grabbed a handful of slacks and walked to the fitting room and said to the pretty clerk: "If you see a tall good looking baseball player, please talk to him. I may be a few minutes..." Wink....wink....what the heck! Have I lost my mind? Don't answer, please....

It was my half baked mind that conjured up a very lame plan to have the two meet and possibly be struck by Cupid's arrow. He would forget about his elbow as he chatted with Talbots girl...and I could stop worrying about him for five minutes. Sadly, there were no sparks....crud....double crud....

Back to the story....when I struck out at uniting a very striking couple, I went to plan B. I'll meet you at the Hampton Inn after practice and will take you to dinner. We will work out the angst and anxiety and bring back some order to your chaos. Drinking will definitely be involved...

And here I am...In room 232 of the Hampton Inn with the remnants of my late lunch and a view of the highway.....and dirty snow....and sleet.....waiting for the big kid to arrive...



Although, before I sign out for today, I met the nicest clerk at the desk...she is a senior majoring in political science. I asked her to send a tall, handsome baseball player to my room when he arrives. She promised that she would. She seems like a nice girl...steady job....piercing blue eyes....What the heck am I doing? I guess desperation call for desperate measures and I am not sure that even I, Bullpen mom, can figure out a solution to this sad problem. It's more than a boo boo on the knee. More than a cut finger......lousy grade....terrible hair cut....This problem has to do with a planned future.

This guy has worked tirelessly, all of his life to prove his worth.When he is finally at the top and ready...something bad happens. In this case, he thinks that he tore something in his elbow.

My response has always been "Whenever something great is going to happen, something bad happens first."

I know that this sounds crazy, but I am old enough to read life's patterns. If he can overcome this last hurdle, there will be no stopping him. Now, how do I convince him? I first must stop trying to fix him up with every girl I meet. What is wrong with me? Oye!

Ok, got to answer the work emails....

Peace!

First Scrimmage of the Season

Good morning! It is snowy, rainy, and misty in the northeast. Fortunately, Mother Nature stopped at 1 inch in our region. I can still see the grass and now the driveway has been plowed by the landscaper. Sadly, I never contracted him to do the work, but hey.....I am going to enjoy this until I get the bill....then I will pay it. I would love this plowing if I did not just pay $300.00 to have the snow blower fixed. No complaints. I have a money tree, don't you?

Ok, on to the big guy and his scrimmage last night. We got the call at 12:30 am. In a moment of brilliance, I put the phone by dad's head before I went to bed. Therefore, dad picked up the early morning call and I listened to the update.

Before the scrimmage, the Czar had a two hour mental meeting with a guest appearance by the women's volleyball coach. This coach has won 7 national championships. Yes, that is 7 more than the Czar has won.....the coach proceeded to contradict everything the Czar has uttered as performance enhancers for the past year. The guys just sat back, listened, and smirked a bit.

Then the Czar pulled out a clip of Navy Seals to show how bonded they were as a team. What happened to the rugby team's dance fest from yesterday's post? Now we are on to the Seals who eat, sleep, and live and die for each other. We are comparing ourselves with the Seals? Nice.



Based on the last two mental sessions, the Czar wants a team that kills the enemy and dances with one another. Great mental image.....I definitely have to pull out the boxed wine for this season.

On to the scrimmage....there were numerous cameras following the Czar around during practice. I guess he might have his own local (cable based) television show. Although, I cannot be sure.

The lefty was on the mound for 4 innings....no walks, 6 K's, three weak hits.....slider and change up are on.

When asked what the Czar thought, the big guy said "nothing. he was too busy talking to cameras."

How about the pitching coach?

He was upset about a low ball that was supposed to be high. OK. The catcher who was not his regular guy lied and told the coach that he sent a high signal when he gave a low. In other words, this catcher did not back him up. So much for Navy Seal camaraderie, right?

When I spoke to the lefty this morning, I focused on other things such as correcting errors and looking at what he did right rather than on the Czar and his hatred of him. yeah, it seems that the Czar is not only indifferent to his number 1, but wants to see him not succeed so that he can say "I told you so. You're nothing."

However, say these words to the big guy and he will prove you wrong. The Czar thinks that he is an ego maniac, which is not far from the truth. But, I submit to you, that he needs to have a healthy dose of ego to make it through the twists and turns of his chosen profession. In other words, if he was a meek and mannered guy, he would be twisting pretzels in a kiosk in the mall.

What the Czar does not know is that he can turn it off when he is off the field. As the big guy says: "I am arrogant, but humble enough to admit it." As far as I am concerned, I get it. leave him alone to perform at the level that he can and stop with the mind games. OK?

"nuff said....

I am off to the gym. It is time to work out the muscles.....

By the way, we were laughing as I kept reminding the kid what a great movie this would make. I foresee John Goodman as the Czar....who would play him?

The big guy wants Bradley Cooper, but sadly, BC is too old for this movie. Perhaps BC can play dad or Coach T (who is now working for his dad after spending ten years in the minors). Me? At first, I said Cameron Diaz with a dark wig but my son (whose birthday is coming up and seems to be expecting some neat stuff :-)) claims Sandra Bullock is a better choice....ahh shucks....

Off I go....

peace!

Potentially great or not so great?

Good morning! It's Wednesday and I am beginning two summer courses. That's right...in the heart of the summer, I will be plugged in at home and in the classroom trying to inspire and lead my students. But let's be serious, they do not want to be in school any more than most professors.

On the other hand, I am actually looking forward to it since one of my classes is a writing class :-) Perhaps I am a bit of a nerd for enjoying this odd summer routine or.....



The reason that I load up my fall and summer with my classes is to be available for the spring baseball season. Perhaps that is more nerdy...but I also feel that the big guy might have a finite time left on the mound and I should be there cheering him on...in the only way that I know possible....watching the games from the stands, online streaming video, or via the university's radio station. And let's admit it, the broadcasters were not kind to him in their analysis this season, but none of the guys really performed to their potential. Unless, this is really his potential....

Perhaps this is his final baseball destiny. That is, a decent career in D1 college baseball, lots of interesting trips, places, and people....some excitement, highs and lows....life.....and then....

 

It will be time to settle into a career that will pay the mortgage, car, and orthodontist bills. Last night, he attended a Greek Festival with one of his friends and decided that he loves Greek food and needs to find a Greek woman to marry. OK, dude, good luck in your search for your Greek goddess who can cook too.

 

Consequently, while I am able to call my own shots and schedule at work, it's nice to be able to attend and be attentive at his games. Perhaps while I am sitting there, a contingent of Greek women will be in the stands....you know....the sororities have Greek names....a sorority girl? Hmmm...stayed tune....

Leaving the bathrobe at home

It's Friday...Friday...Friday! One day before the big baseball banquet and I am still looking at my clothes trying to find the least embarrassing, wall flower-ish, covering all body parts like the Muslim women do- outfit. Let's consider this, the banquet is being held in the mountains, therefore, there is snow on the ground....

This will eliminate the neon orange, low cut blouse to my navel and evening gown....
 
Also off the list are:

• 6" spiked heels
• leather boots that cover the entire leg
• black motorcycle jacket with the skull and cross bones on the back
• straight leg denim jeans with holes in the knees that are so tight that I cannot sit down.
• my spiky Cher and Tina Turner wig.
• my fleece bathrobe that I just bought at Boscovs for 75% off (such a deal!)
• Tinker Bell pajamas with the little hearts on them
• my straight from Elizabeth Taylor's collection 24 carat emerald necklace with the diamond baguettes (is that a loaf of bread or cut of stone?) 

I am going to have to settle for option 9, which is a black skirt that flows below the knees, boots, and a turtleneck sweater. Yes, I have made the decision and will stand in the corner with a Shirley Temple drink in my hand and my mouth closed only opening it to sip my drink.  I will only speak when spoken to and then it will be about the chicken and green beans on the plate. Perhaps if I am lucky, the cheesecake for dessert will be defrosted before it is served.

Yes, my big plan is to not embarrass the big kid and let him know that I have his back. The guys will not be talking about the crazy lady who appeared on campus with a cooler full of food for her son, waterproof and warm boots, and his shirt and tie. Nope, someone else's parent is going to have to be the topic of conversation around the Gatorade cooler in the dugout. What can I say? I'm just that kind of mama...

Anyway, on to another topic close to my hips...the bill came in for the two cases of Girl Scout cookies.....let's just say that I think that I have been inducted into the neighborhood hall of fame. As I wrote the $100 check, I thought that I really need to have my head examined. Why would a person on Weight Watchers buy not only one box of cookies but two cases? What is it about me and impulse buying? Do I have a psychological disorder or do I really love thin mint cookies? What would a therapist say about me? I'll tell you what my husband thinks....better not....he had to go to work early today to pay for my cookie addiction.

By the way, I do not plan on eating any of the cookies...for my family and friends in the region...guess what you are getting for your birthdays?

Gotta go...tennis at noon....be safe.