Good Afternoon! That's right....it's afternoon. I had to run out early this morning for my second tennis match in two days. Whew!
Let's recap....I had knee surgery in March and have been out of commission athletically since January. Therefore as the pounds crept onto my hips somehow, I lost more than the timing with my racquet speed. I lost the ability to fit into my clothes. Option number 1 is to lose weight. Option number 2 is to buy new clothes. So far, option 1 is wishful thinking. Perhaps I can get a Macy's coupon and hit the clearance rack....or not....
On to my 2012 debut on the tennis court. Last night, I was paired with a friend who kept me laughing when I felt like crying. When I missed a ball, I missed big. There were times that I was looking around to make sure that no one was capturing my crazy play on their cellphone. It would go viral on youtube....and so, we were the first ones off the court as we sheepishly collected our water bottles, racquets, and worked my way back to the patio to watch the "good players" win their matches. Strike 1 for BP mom....
This morning, I vowed that I would play more aggressively and not worry about the knee. Actually, it was fine last night....did not fall off...nor did it hamper my play. In other words, I had no excuse for the loss.
Today, I was paired with a person that I knew only by reputation and actually did not remember what her reputation was....She was a nice person and very happy....even if she hit the ball into the stratosphere, she would smile and say "oops..." On the other hand, I would stifle a grunt or two and try to look composed on the outside as I sweated profusely. I could not let my opponent see me nervous or worried when I was feeling the pressure.
Let's stop here for a second. As I am typing this note, I cannot believe how crazy I am. What does it matter if I win or lose? It's a game right? I am adult. I do not receive a pay check for playing tennis, golf or bowling. So, what's the big deal?
My only answer is going to sound quite lame, but I think that once you compete as an athlete, you cannot turn the competitive spirit on and off. Even when I play Clue with the kids, I try to win. I analytically construct the game's murderer, weapon, and location. I am a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the game of Clue. A Trivial Pursuit game is something that I have to win too. I am not a good loser but a great winner. I always shake my opponents' hand and tell them what good players they are....When I lose, it is more of a "good match"...later....bye....
Back to today's match. My partner, Giggles, did manage to keep a calm court with her humor too. Therefore, it was a good match. We finished with the same score from last night except, we won today! Is BP Mom back? Yeah, I think so, although I currently have ice on my knees and the right elbow....I do this for fun, right?
It was great seeing the gang who I had played with over the years. Although, I considered not returning to the court. My good friend of three decades, the Brain, stopped by on Friday for a chat. She encouraged me to get back onto the court and not wait. The way she looks at it is that if I need a knee replacement or have some pain, so what....get out there and have fun. Also, there is something in the pharmacy called Aleve and Motrin. Have you ever heard of it? And she says that she does not have any empathy! Of course she does.
Now on to the big kid....I see a great deal of my competitiveness in him and yes, it is my fault. Although, I am not a typical parent who gets crazy in the stands and yells at my child and the umpires. I sit quietly, watch, and analyze the game. I silently pray for the best outcome to the game. Yet, as I can suppress my angst when losing, he cannot (yet). I watched a major league game on the television one night and after the pitcher was taken out of the game, he started to destroy the dug out. A bit over the top, dontchathink? I have never lost my temper after a game and even though it bothered me, I would not let anyone know. My kid on the other hand....all I can say is "oye!"
He is currently on his way home from work, will catch the playoff game on television this afternoon, then he is off to coach a 16 year old team tonight. I am glad to see him staying active and passing his knowledge onto the next generation.
With that said, I have to go to the freezer to get an icy bag of peas to put on my elbow. Growing old....I would not change it for the world.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Missing: My Mind....
Good morning! I could not find Buddy this morning. I thought that he was sleeping late but it turns out he was already at the bakery working until 2pm....For a minute, I felt like the old days when I felt that he was lost in the mall. Odd....Speaking of lost, I do not understand what happened to my new knee brace that I bought last week. After finding the perfect amount of support and comfort and the ability to move in it, I cannot find it. Duh! Where could it be? I left it in the front seat of the car. Now I cannot find it. Tink and I went through a full garbage can last night in the dark...not there. I tore the car apart...not there. Crazy! Or am I? Is it age or did I throw it out? How could I have lost it? Too many questions with no answers.... My brain hurts. Time to buy a new one.
Why am I so rushed to find the brace? Well, tonight is my first tennis match since long before the surgery. Fortunately my team is not in the hunt for a play off spot, so I can lose without feeling too much pressure. Although, I must confess, I love to win. I never go out there thinking that a loss might be just what I need for my confidence and self-esteem.
This is going to be a test of the knee, timing, conditioning (or lack thereof), physical therapy, and surgery. I did not tell Tank that I was playing tennis tonight. He might not approve and I did not want to feel guilty about it. Although tomorrow, I may be confessing my wrong doings to him asking him to help me to feel better. With his guidance, I feel that my legs are stronger than ever. Now all I have to do is lose the pre and post surgical weight that has crept up on me and landed on my hips. A small piece of advice: do not eat vanilla vanilla cake from the bakery if you are not exercising. You will grow in ways that you cannot believe. I think that I am dough-ier than pie crust right now. Time for a lifestyle change....stat!
Speaking of the bakery, Sparky, the Baker and I had a late drink together at our favorite seafood restaurant. Baker will telling funny stories about the bakery and we were howling. They definitely should have a reality show. The people who work there and the customers are not to be believed. Although I learned something very important last night that I will pass on to readers. When you take the cake out of the oven, you have to freeze it immediately so that it does not dry out. I forgot to ask her if that includes my boxed Betty Crocker cakes too. Not everyone knows this baking trivia. One woman called the bakery to complain to Buddy over the phone and was chewing him out because her cake was too cold. As he told her to leave it on the counter for an hour, she would not be appeased until she received another cake. She railed and ranted on the phone, then walked into the bakery 20 minutes later with her son to pick up her cake. Much to her surprise, Buddy was the guy that she was screaming at...it seems that he was on her son's baseball team. Can anyone say: "Oops?" Let's just say that bad behavior is bad behavior. Be nice to everyone including the kid on the end of the phone as you call to complain about a too cold cake.
With that said, it is time to find another brace, fill my little water cooler, find a tennis skirt that fits and does not reveal too much, take an Aleve, stretch, eat a few carbs, and go conquer my opponent. Have a wonderful day!
Why am I so rushed to find the brace? Well, tonight is my first tennis match since long before the surgery. Fortunately my team is not in the hunt for a play off spot, so I can lose without feeling too much pressure. Although, I must confess, I love to win. I never go out there thinking that a loss might be just what I need for my confidence and self-esteem.
This is going to be a test of the knee, timing, conditioning (or lack thereof), physical therapy, and surgery. I did not tell Tank that I was playing tennis tonight. He might not approve and I did not want to feel guilty about it. Although tomorrow, I may be confessing my wrong doings to him asking him to help me to feel better. With his guidance, I feel that my legs are stronger than ever. Now all I have to do is lose the pre and post surgical weight that has crept up on me and landed on my hips. A small piece of advice: do not eat vanilla vanilla cake from the bakery if you are not exercising. You will grow in ways that you cannot believe. I think that I am dough-ier than pie crust right now. Time for a lifestyle change....stat!
Speaking of the bakery, Sparky, the Baker and I had a late drink together at our favorite seafood restaurant. Baker will telling funny stories about the bakery and we were howling. They definitely should have a reality show. The people who work there and the customers are not to be believed. Although I learned something very important last night that I will pass on to readers. When you take the cake out of the oven, you have to freeze it immediately so that it does not dry out. I forgot to ask her if that includes my boxed Betty Crocker cakes too. Not everyone knows this baking trivia. One woman called the bakery to complain to Buddy over the phone and was chewing him out because her cake was too cold. As he told her to leave it on the counter for an hour, she would not be appeased until she received another cake. She railed and ranted on the phone, then walked into the bakery 20 minutes later with her son to pick up her cake. Much to her surprise, Buddy was the guy that she was screaming at...it seems that he was on her son's baseball team. Can anyone say: "Oops?" Let's just say that bad behavior is bad behavior. Be nice to everyone including the kid on the end of the phone as you call to complain about a too cold cake.
With that said, it is time to find another brace, fill my little water cooler, find a tennis skirt that fits and does not reveal too much, take an Aleve, stretch, eat a few carbs, and go conquer my opponent. Have a wonderful day!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Stay alert
It's an overcast day and the spirits are just as low as the clouds. I can't get out of my head the violation of basic human decency. However, as I continue to ponder over yesterday's announcement, I began to remember some telling moments that now make sense.
For example, as an elementary school volleyball and basketball coach, I noticed the pastor would never attend the games or practices even to say hello to the children. In fact, he was always missing from activities concerning the kids. The associate pastor would be the person who represented the parish at these events. I used to think that the pastor was too busy. When I would see his face change at mass when a baby cried, I never understood why he would not see this child as a future parishioner or child of God. Now I get it....
He was intentionally trying to stay away from the kids. He had nothing to do with the school except for building it. And it always seemed that he would rather be anywhere else than with the congregation. Now knowing his proclivities, perhaps he was trying to protect the kids from himself. Hmmmm....something to think about as I try to process this information. I want to have compassion, but am finding it very tough.
Nevertheless, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims. I saw a good friend at the gym yesterday who asked me how my knee was progressing. When I told her the news, she looked at me in the eye and said: "There are worse things than a sore knee...." I could not agree more.....
I promise that I will pick up on the lighter side of life tomorrow. I need one more day to work out how I can be part of the solution to a pervasive problem in our society. What I can say in this forum is to look out for the vulnerable. The able-bodied have a charge to protect the individuals who cannot protect themselves. Be vigilant and take nothing for granted.
For example, as an elementary school volleyball and basketball coach, I noticed the pastor would never attend the games or practices even to say hello to the children. In fact, he was always missing from activities concerning the kids. The associate pastor would be the person who represented the parish at these events. I used to think that the pastor was too busy. When I would see his face change at mass when a baby cried, I never understood why he would not see this child as a future parishioner or child of God. Now I get it....
He was intentionally trying to stay away from the kids. He had nothing to do with the school except for building it. And it always seemed that he would rather be anywhere else than with the congregation. Now knowing his proclivities, perhaps he was trying to protect the kids from himself. Hmmmm....something to think about as I try to process this information. I want to have compassion, but am finding it very tough.
Nevertheless, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims. I saw a good friend at the gym yesterday who asked me how my knee was progressing. When I told her the news, she looked at me in the eye and said: "There are worse things than a sore knee...." I could not agree more.....
I promise that I will pick up on the lighter side of life tomorrow. I need one more day to work out how I can be part of the solution to a pervasive problem in our society. What I can say in this forum is to look out for the vulnerable. The able-bodied have a charge to protect the individuals who cannot protect themselves. Be vigilant and take nothing for granted.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Be part of the solution
Happy Sunday! Or is it? The weather is about as beautiful as it can be, but my heart is in shambles. Why, you may ask....well, here goes.....
As readers know, I write this blog to update family and friends on the happenings of the kids especially the big guy who has a big dream. I write from the perspective of a mother,daughter, sister, friend, cousin, aunt, and community member. Regular readers understand or try to understand my point of view from these angles. I try to use humor and self-deprecation when describing events that lead to the achievement of goals and dreams. 'Cause, as you know, the road is rocky and we stumble over and over....and with that said, let me share the events of the morning.....
The sun was shining at 6:30 am and dad and I got ready for 7:30 am mass at our church. We have been members of the parish since we moved to this town 25 years ago. I have attended weekly and sometimes daily events at the church depending on the activities. I coached volleyball and basketball. The kids played on the sports teams and attended religious education. The congregation was young and we had lots of friends. At one point, the pastor asked me to be a member of the building committee to ascertain the need for an elementary school which I was wildly in favor. This was a no brainer, I was going to use my powers of persuasion and research skills to set the table for the new school. And with a number of meetings, town gatherings, and surveys, we were given permission to conduct a series of fund raisers and we were able to earn enough money to build the school. What a wonderful time in the parish's life as we watched it grow from services in the local middle school cafeteria to a church, rectory, and school. It was amazing to be part of something that would not only serve the mission of the church but would be instrumental in building a solid community. The pastor and I were friends and always greeted each other warmly knowing that together we helped to build something that was good. It was the foundation to serve individuals at all times of their lives....baptisms, communion, confirmation, penance ceremonies, and funerals. The parish and its members did it all under the leadership of our pastor.
With that said, when the bishop was in church this morning, I was a little startled. The big guy never stops by the church unless there is a confirmation and this was simply early mass. Or was it?
As we sat in our seats, he began to read a prepared statement which had us in a state of disbelief. it seems that our beloved former pastor who retired a few years ago and has his name on the school cafeteria has admitted to sexual misconduct with a minor 40 years ago. At the age of 77, I suppose he needed to "come clean" with his own confession. With a audible gasp from the early morning crowd, the bishop left the church and the new pastor stood before us in tears. He was not the only one to have to compose himself. Many of the parishioners began to sob. Others wiped away their tears. I sat in utter confusion and witnessed the priest in the pulpit stand before us unable to continue as his heart was broken.
He could not continue and needed a few minutes to compose himself. He announced that there were counselors and other ministers available for individuals who needed help processing the information. At this point, I am still numb and trying to figure things out in my own way, so here goes....
There is evil in our world and we are constantly doing battle trying to do the right thing. As I tell the kids and my students: "The right thing to do is often the hardest." Therefore combating bad decision making is something that we all struggle with in our lives.
I am dumbfounded that a man of the cloth could heinously perform any sadistic act on a child. Further, there is no excuse for this madness. As adults, we are to protect not only our own children, but the children of the world. Feed, clothe, soothe, comfort, and teach....are just a few of the roles that we have when entrusted to the development of a child. No where is there a statement that says: "By the way, take advantage of the powerless and the innocent...."...."Go and ruin their lives with moments of madness....." No one has permission to take away the innocence of a child...no one....
Is this sordid phenomenon restricted to the clergy? Nope. Last week a 47 year old swimming coach was arrested for meeting one of his swimmers at a motel, giving her beer, and ......(you know the rest....I cannot even type what happened).
I do not know what is going on in our world, but I need to be more vigilant, less naive, and more observant. I have the privilege of moving in multiple circles and if I cannot be part of the solution, then I am part of the problem. My vow is to never be duped by someone who hides behind a title or position. Anyone can be a predator and pedophile and it is up to us as global citizens to confront it when we suspect something is happening. Did I know that this pastor had these proclivities? Absolutely not! According to this statement, the incident occurred 40 years ago. Nothing since? Really? Hmmmm....
As global citizens, I encourage each reader to educate themselves, watch and take care of the vulnerable. We have a mandate to love one another and that does not mean when it is convenient for us. This means all of the time.....
Do I blame the church at all? Tough question.....today the answer is "no" since I believe that the church is bigger than a few misguided, sick individuals. Therefore, I will continue to practice my faith AND will be more vigilant. I m not sure what I can do except watch and pray, yet as I saw a friend is Starbucks after mass, she was still crying. We stood there just looking at each other. I had nothing to say, 'cause I was still speechless. But I vow that I will look for ways to be involved in the prevention of child abuse of any form. I am not sure how since I am still in a state of shock, but somehow....some way.....BP mom is on the watch.....a community activist and someone who has to help to protect as many children as she can. I encourage all to be part of the solution too.
As readers know, I write this blog to update family and friends on the happenings of the kids especially the big guy who has a big dream. I write from the perspective of a mother,daughter, sister, friend, cousin, aunt, and community member. Regular readers understand or try to understand my point of view from these angles. I try to use humor and self-deprecation when describing events that lead to the achievement of goals and dreams. 'Cause, as you know, the road is rocky and we stumble over and over....and with that said, let me share the events of the morning.....
The sun was shining at 6:30 am and dad and I got ready for 7:30 am mass at our church. We have been members of the parish since we moved to this town 25 years ago. I have attended weekly and sometimes daily events at the church depending on the activities. I coached volleyball and basketball. The kids played on the sports teams and attended religious education. The congregation was young and we had lots of friends. At one point, the pastor asked me to be a member of the building committee to ascertain the need for an elementary school which I was wildly in favor. This was a no brainer, I was going to use my powers of persuasion and research skills to set the table for the new school. And with a number of meetings, town gatherings, and surveys, we were given permission to conduct a series of fund raisers and we were able to earn enough money to build the school. What a wonderful time in the parish's life as we watched it grow from services in the local middle school cafeteria to a church, rectory, and school. It was amazing to be part of something that would not only serve the mission of the church but would be instrumental in building a solid community. The pastor and I were friends and always greeted each other warmly knowing that together we helped to build something that was good. It was the foundation to serve individuals at all times of their lives....baptisms, communion, confirmation, penance ceremonies, and funerals. The parish and its members did it all under the leadership of our pastor.
With that said, when the bishop was in church this morning, I was a little startled. The big guy never stops by the church unless there is a confirmation and this was simply early mass. Or was it?
As we sat in our seats, he began to read a prepared statement which had us in a state of disbelief. it seems that our beloved former pastor who retired a few years ago and has his name on the school cafeteria has admitted to sexual misconduct with a minor 40 years ago. At the age of 77, I suppose he needed to "come clean" with his own confession. With a audible gasp from the early morning crowd, the bishop left the church and the new pastor stood before us in tears. He was not the only one to have to compose himself. Many of the parishioners began to sob. Others wiped away their tears. I sat in utter confusion and witnessed the priest in the pulpit stand before us unable to continue as his heart was broken.
He could not continue and needed a few minutes to compose himself. He announced that there were counselors and other ministers available for individuals who needed help processing the information. At this point, I am still numb and trying to figure things out in my own way, so here goes....
There is evil in our world and we are constantly doing battle trying to do the right thing. As I tell the kids and my students: "The right thing to do is often the hardest." Therefore combating bad decision making is something that we all struggle with in our lives.
I am dumbfounded that a man of the cloth could heinously perform any sadistic act on a child. Further, there is no excuse for this madness. As adults, we are to protect not only our own children, but the children of the world. Feed, clothe, soothe, comfort, and teach....are just a few of the roles that we have when entrusted to the development of a child. No where is there a statement that says: "By the way, take advantage of the powerless and the innocent...."...."Go and ruin their lives with moments of madness....." No one has permission to take away the innocence of a child...no one....
Is this sordid phenomenon restricted to the clergy? Nope. Last week a 47 year old swimming coach was arrested for meeting one of his swimmers at a motel, giving her beer, and ......(you know the rest....I cannot even type what happened).
I do not know what is going on in our world, but I need to be more vigilant, less naive, and more observant. I have the privilege of moving in multiple circles and if I cannot be part of the solution, then I am part of the problem. My vow is to never be duped by someone who hides behind a title or position. Anyone can be a predator and pedophile and it is up to us as global citizens to confront it when we suspect something is happening. Did I know that this pastor had these proclivities? Absolutely not! According to this statement, the incident occurred 40 years ago. Nothing since? Really? Hmmmm....
As global citizens, I encourage each reader to educate themselves, watch and take care of the vulnerable. We have a mandate to love one another and that does not mean when it is convenient for us. This means all of the time.....
Do I blame the church at all? Tough question.....today the answer is "no" since I believe that the church is bigger than a few misguided, sick individuals. Therefore, I will continue to practice my faith AND will be more vigilant. I m not sure what I can do except watch and pray, yet as I saw a friend is Starbucks after mass, she was still crying. We stood there just looking at each other. I had nothing to say, 'cause I was still speechless. But I vow that I will look for ways to be involved in the prevention of child abuse of any form. I am not sure how since I am still in a state of shock, but somehow....some way.....BP mom is on the watch.....a community activist and someone who has to help to protect as many children as she can. I encourage all to be part of the solution too.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Making the playoffs
Good morning! Another beautiful spring day in the northeast and the kids have been settling into a routine of sleeping late and retiring to bedrooms early. What is so interesting in those rooms? not sure...perhaps they are reading some of the classic literature or self help books....nah....they are online chatting away with their friends.
Today is a special day. It's the day that I have been waiting for and fearing at the same time. I am going to hit tennis balls today. And the trepidation is whether the knee will hold up in competition. I wanted to start slowly and hit against a ball machine. Then I am going to hit with a tennis pro who is probably the age of Cupcake. Lastly, I have been booked for matches on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The butterflies are beginning to fly in the stomach and I am way too nervous about this. After all, I have been playing tennis competitively since I was twelve. Now I am nervous....crazy? Yah....And so, I grab my racquets, dust the mold and dirt off them, strap on my lucky sneakers, pick up the pink mother's day wrist bands given to me by my son who took them from the stadium on Sunday, rub in the sunscreen, grab a hat and sunglasses, and squeeze into my tennis skirt. If this does not scream: "Start your diet!", nothing will.....wish me luck!
As far as Buddy is concerned, he worked out yesterday and worked at the bakery until late at night. The cakes are baking and the floors needed mopping. It's a great job for him. Love their vanilla cake with vanilla frosting....this is not good for the diet, is it?
His team won the first game of a three game series yesterday and have made the conference playoffs in Ohio (yep, Ohio). Rather than being totally thrilled for the guys, he is saltier than ever because (once again) he is not there to either sit in the dugout, stand in the bullpen, spit seeds, or be called into the game to save it. His ego is taking a blow and rather than talk about it, he is moody and sullen with a bit of a salty edge.
I understand his sadness, yet as Kelly Clarkson sings: "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger....." Perhaps the time off from competition is the best thing to happen to him. In fact, he gets another year of college to work and complete (according to dad) a masters degree...'cause according to dad, he WILL finish his bachelors degree with the rest of his class. No ands, ifs, or buts....we did it, he can do it.
On Sunday, Big Red moved out of the apartment because he could no longer take the immaturity of Buddy and Angel and living with LW. So, he left early....dude....what about the cable bill that I have been paying? Time to complete all transactions here. It was ironic because he told his girlfriend that his room mates were holding him back from being a top player. He has been relegated to second string since he dropped his batting average to less than .200. Furthermore, he blames his room mates for this action by the coach.
OK, what are we missing here? I'll tell you....here is a guy who is struggling on the field and his explanation is his room mates are crazy. Hmmmm...yeah, perhaps they are real knuckleheads, but when a person has a problem with hitting, it is not because their room mate is standing next to them on the field making them laugh during a game. During a slump, he blames someone else. What about looking within and checking his batting stance or rotation? How about changing his diet, sleep regimen, walk out song or even lucky underwear and shoes. Every spring, I had Buddy's eyes checked for changes. Inevitably, we would have to change the prescription in his contact lenses and he would see the ball and plate better. Has Red checked his vision lately? Perhaps he is not seeing the ball well.
With that said....I have to see Cupcake and Buttercup.
Go team!
Today is a special day. It's the day that I have been waiting for and fearing at the same time. I am going to hit tennis balls today. And the trepidation is whether the knee will hold up in competition. I wanted to start slowly and hit against a ball machine. Then I am going to hit with a tennis pro who is probably the age of Cupcake. Lastly, I have been booked for matches on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The butterflies are beginning to fly in the stomach and I am way too nervous about this. After all, I have been playing tennis competitively since I was twelve. Now I am nervous....crazy? Yah....And so, I grab my racquets, dust the mold and dirt off them, strap on my lucky sneakers, pick up the pink mother's day wrist bands given to me by my son who took them from the stadium on Sunday, rub in the sunscreen, grab a hat and sunglasses, and squeeze into my tennis skirt. If this does not scream: "Start your diet!", nothing will.....wish me luck!
As far as Buddy is concerned, he worked out yesterday and worked at the bakery until late at night. The cakes are baking and the floors needed mopping. It's a great job for him. Love their vanilla cake with vanilla frosting....this is not good for the diet, is it?
His team won the first game of a three game series yesterday and have made the conference playoffs in Ohio (yep, Ohio). Rather than being totally thrilled for the guys, he is saltier than ever because (once again) he is not there to either sit in the dugout, stand in the bullpen, spit seeds, or be called into the game to save it. His ego is taking a blow and rather than talk about it, he is moody and sullen with a bit of a salty edge.
I understand his sadness, yet as Kelly Clarkson sings: "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger....." Perhaps the time off from competition is the best thing to happen to him. In fact, he gets another year of college to work and complete (according to dad) a masters degree...'cause according to dad, he WILL finish his bachelors degree with the rest of his class. No ands, ifs, or buts....we did it, he can do it.
On Sunday, Big Red moved out of the apartment because he could no longer take the immaturity of Buddy and Angel and living with LW. So, he left early....dude....what about the cable bill that I have been paying? Time to complete all transactions here. It was ironic because he told his girlfriend that his room mates were holding him back from being a top player. He has been relegated to second string since he dropped his batting average to less than .200. Furthermore, he blames his room mates for this action by the coach.
OK, what are we missing here? I'll tell you....here is a guy who is struggling on the field and his explanation is his room mates are crazy. Hmmmm...yeah, perhaps they are real knuckleheads, but when a person has a problem with hitting, it is not because their room mate is standing next to them on the field making them laugh during a game. During a slump, he blames someone else. What about looking within and checking his batting stance or rotation? How about changing his diet, sleep regimen, walk out song or even lucky underwear and shoes. Every spring, I had Buddy's eyes checked for changes. Inevitably, we would have to change the prescription in his contact lenses and he would see the ball and plate better. Has Red checked his vision lately? Perhaps he is not seeing the ball well.
With that said....I have to see Cupcake and Buttercup.
Go team!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Adaptation
Coffee drinkers live longer lives according to the latest research. Who knew? Not only is it a beverage, but it was something discovered at the Fountain of Youth by Ponce de Leon. Mystery solved.
Drinking coffee is all I have right now that will keep me alive as having family under one roof this week may kill me. Kidding...no, not really...It is taking more than a week to be accustomed to having both former teenagers home who are acting like adolescents again as they acclimate to a home setting with a parent in charge. Tink and Buddy want to be in charge and make the rules yet not assume responsibility. What does this mean? Well....
It means that BP mom has to be more vigilant and more commando-like as she establishes order in this home. It means that Tink and Buddy must abide by my rules, pick up the slack and do chores, not sleep until noon, walk the dog, clean up their mess, and wash dishes. In the meantime, they will be granted as much food as they please, hot dinners on the table, a car at their disposal, and a fully equipped room to use. Without pitching in, they would be like boarders who do not pay rent and I become the domestic help cleaning up after messy people. Should I wear my old gold waitress outfit as I serve and clean up after them? It was quite fashionable in college with the matching white shoes and multi colored food stains.
Am I complaining? You betcha! This is a family, not a boarding house, therefore, everyone pitches in and has a role. Although, maybe they are not the only family members to figure it out. I think that I have to be more understanding too. After all, the big kid would work out, study, attend class, and go to bed at three in the morning. He has to readjust his schedule and way of thinking too. Tink just has to figure out that she is no longer an only child and has to continue to help her ole mama around the house.
I no longer want to spray End Dust on their heads as they park themselves for hours collecting dust and playing their video games and watching movies.
Ok, enough complaining.
Today is Big Sis's birthday. Happy birthday! She is the oldest of the 6 of us and paved the way for us with the folks. Unfortunately since I was child number 2, I did not have the benefits of the parents being worn out like number 6 did. However, Big Sis gave it her best shot. One of my favorite stories about her came from Big M, her high school sweetheart and hubby. Big M made us laugh as he shared the story of walking her (or actually) dragging her around the block when she was too inebriated to enter the family home when they were in college. he can point out the spots in the neighborhood where she would stop, vomit, move on, zig zag, stop, vomit, collapse and finally sober up before she met her curfew. Fun stuff, eh? Now that she is a young grammy, we can hold this story over her head as baby Cupcake grows and begins to ask stories about growing up together. Oh yeah, it will be fun watching her squirm a bit.
Although, I must admit, I was not an angel and was caught all the time. I was terrible at breaking rules and never got away with anything. Perhaps this is something that my kids have inherited. They are bad at being bad. I have lived too long and broke the same rules over and over, and nothing they do surprise me. I can actually anticipate their next move. It's like a chess game, except I actually have the advantage since I have played the game before many, many times.
And so, it is time to move on to physical therapy with the "Tank". He has thought of a number of exercises that I cannot believe are therapeutic. In fact, there were a few times when I asked him for the scientific evidence that strapping rubber bands around my thighs and ankles and making me walk or waddle down a long hall were going to strengthen my legs rather than make me fall on my face. There are times when I looked around the room looking for cameras, 'cause I am afraid that my therapy would go viral on YouTube.
With that note, I am off....literally...have a wonderful day!
Drinking coffee is all I have right now that will keep me alive as having family under one roof this week may kill me. Kidding...no, not really...It is taking more than a week to be accustomed to having both former teenagers home who are acting like adolescents again as they acclimate to a home setting with a parent in charge. Tink and Buddy want to be in charge and make the rules yet not assume responsibility. What does this mean? Well....
It means that BP mom has to be more vigilant and more commando-like as she establishes order in this home. It means that Tink and Buddy must abide by my rules, pick up the slack and do chores, not sleep until noon, walk the dog, clean up their mess, and wash dishes. In the meantime, they will be granted as much food as they please, hot dinners on the table, a car at their disposal, and a fully equipped room to use. Without pitching in, they would be like boarders who do not pay rent and I become the domestic help cleaning up after messy people. Should I wear my old gold waitress outfit as I serve and clean up after them? It was quite fashionable in college with the matching white shoes and multi colored food stains.
Am I complaining? You betcha! This is a family, not a boarding house, therefore, everyone pitches in and has a role. Although, maybe they are not the only family members to figure it out. I think that I have to be more understanding too. After all, the big kid would work out, study, attend class, and go to bed at three in the morning. He has to readjust his schedule and way of thinking too. Tink just has to figure out that she is no longer an only child and has to continue to help her ole mama around the house.
I no longer want to spray End Dust on their heads as they park themselves for hours collecting dust and playing their video games and watching movies.
Ok, enough complaining.
Today is Big Sis's birthday. Happy birthday! She is the oldest of the 6 of us and paved the way for us with the folks. Unfortunately since I was child number 2, I did not have the benefits of the parents being worn out like number 6 did. However, Big Sis gave it her best shot. One of my favorite stories about her came from Big M, her high school sweetheart and hubby. Big M made us laugh as he shared the story of walking her (or actually) dragging her around the block when she was too inebriated to enter the family home when they were in college. he can point out the spots in the neighborhood where she would stop, vomit, move on, zig zag, stop, vomit, collapse and finally sober up before she met her curfew. Fun stuff, eh? Now that she is a young grammy, we can hold this story over her head as baby Cupcake grows and begins to ask stories about growing up together. Oh yeah, it will be fun watching her squirm a bit.
Although, I must admit, I was not an angel and was caught all the time. I was terrible at breaking rules and never got away with anything. Perhaps this is something that my kids have inherited. They are bad at being bad. I have lived too long and broke the same rules over and over, and nothing they do surprise me. I can actually anticipate their next move. It's like a chess game, except I actually have the advantage since I have played the game before many, many times.
And so, it is time to move on to physical therapy with the "Tank". He has thought of a number of exercises that I cannot believe are therapeutic. In fact, there were a few times when I asked him for the scientific evidence that strapping rubber bands around my thighs and ankles and making me walk or waddle down a long hall were going to strengthen my legs rather than make me fall on my face. There are times when I looked around the room looking for cameras, 'cause I am afraid that my therapy would go viral on YouTube.
With that note, I am off....literally...have a wonderful day!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Mother's Day!!
Happy Mother's Day to all. It's beautiful here in the northeast and we are about to make the three hour journey to a baseball game. Yes, we will watch my boy sit in the dugout and bullpen and deliver balls to the umpire. Can you think of a better way for BP mom to spend her special day? More tomorrow!
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