PNC Park
Three Rivers Stadium
Wrigley Field
Coors Field
Shea Stadium (*during CHSLI project)
Globe Life Park (Ballpark at Arlington)
Rangers Stadium
Busch Stadium (*weekend running two half marathon)
Tigers Stadium (*with my Dad in last year of the park)
Minute Maid Park (Enron Field)
Astrodome
Milwaukee County Stadium (*with my Dad in last year of the park)
Original Yankee Stadium (*during CHSLI project)
Comiskey Park (*visited in 1990, in its last year)
Oakland Almeda Stadium (*during Alameda County project)
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Tap Out Ten Plus; August 13, 2019
I had a plan for Tuesday evening and in a few short moments it went right out the window.
And I was OK with it, but what was the trigger?
I’m not totally sure.
I had made arrangements - or tried to I should say - to see my daughter’s classroom at her new school.
But I had two work situations that tried to usurp that plan.
I was able to push the one to Wednesday and respond to the “urgent” request for information needed before I got a shower to go to her school.
The visit went well.
I met her partner teacher, got a quick tour of the facility and ended up meeting that teacher’s spouse who was working elsewhere in the building.
I had wanted to go back to the room to take a picture or two to share but got a little bit of a bum’s rush.
I have an understanding why, but it is something she’s going to have to deal with quickly.
I left and found a place on the way to a high school I was going to attend a volleyball game at to get online.
I made sure that I didn’t have any outstanding needs from the information ask and worked on a few other things while passing time.
I think the thing that did it was going into the restroom and seeing that maybe I needed to have my hair cut and looked even older than what I am.
And then I questioned what was going to be achieved by going to that match.
When I couldn’t answer that and didn’t think that I was going to get joy from it that I had intended, I made a u-turn and headed north - taking a route that avoided sitting in traffic at all or too much - to my house.
I remember somebody I know who is a major market radio personality that struggles with depression talk one time about how one change to his diet sent him into a tailspin once.
I don’t believe for me it was diet but it could be some underlying stress with my job situation.
Needless to say, once I got home here, I was in bed by 7 p.m. and slept for two and a half hours.
I penned this extended “Tap Out Ten” to try to make sense and document what I was feeling and dealing with.
Maybe if this helps me or somebody reading it, then I didn’t waste a day that I had expressed yesterday that I didn’t want to do.
-
I think part of it, as I’ve picked up my phone here in bed to tap out some more, is that I have to battle through this stuff alone.
At some times, it is scary.
And I wonder where the resolve comes from to keep battling.
I mean I know intellectually that it is God who sustains me, but the margin of error in many people who struggle similarly might not have a large margin of error.
And I was OK with it, but what was the trigger?
I’m not totally sure.
I had made arrangements - or tried to I should say - to see my daughter’s classroom at her new school.
But I had two work situations that tried to usurp that plan.
I was able to push the one to Wednesday and respond to the “urgent” request for information needed before I got a shower to go to her school.
The visit went well.
I met her partner teacher, got a quick tour of the facility and ended up meeting that teacher’s spouse who was working elsewhere in the building.
I had wanted to go back to the room to take a picture or two to share but got a little bit of a bum’s rush.
I have an understanding why, but it is something she’s going to have to deal with quickly.
I left and found a place on the way to a high school I was going to attend a volleyball game at to get online.
I made sure that I didn’t have any outstanding needs from the information ask and worked on a few other things while passing time.
I think the thing that did it was going into the restroom and seeing that maybe I needed to have my hair cut and looked even older than what I am.
And then I questioned what was going to be achieved by going to that match.
When I couldn’t answer that and didn’t think that I was going to get joy from it that I had intended, I made a u-turn and headed north - taking a route that avoided sitting in traffic at all or too much - to my house.
I remember somebody I know who is a major market radio personality that struggles with depression talk one time about how one change to his diet sent him into a tailspin once.
I don’t believe for me it was diet but it could be some underlying stress with my job situation.
Needless to say, once I got home here, I was in bed by 7 p.m. and slept for two and a half hours.
I penned this extended “Tap Out Ten” to try to make sense and document what I was feeling and dealing with.
Maybe if this helps me or somebody reading it, then I didn’t waste a day that I had expressed yesterday that I didn’t want to do.
-
I think part of it, as I’ve picked up my phone here in bed to tap out some more, is that I have to battle through this stuff alone.
At some times, it is scary.
And I wonder where the resolve comes from to keep battling.
I mean I know intellectually that it is God who sustains me, but the margin of error in many people who struggle similarly might not have a large margin of error.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Tap Out Ten; August 12, 2019
"Tap Out Ten" is just 10 minutes of thoughts at the end of the day into the Notes function of my iPhone before I put my head on the pillow.
First of all, am thankful to God for another day.
A friend shared something in Linkedin three days ago, which I didn’t see until today, and it was about not wasting another day.
And that’s what I want to resolve to do.
Let God use me where he sees that I can be of an asset to somebody or something.
Not for me to determine but Him.
Was really pleased to be able to share with the world where my daughter will be teaching this year.
Last year was an experience for her and that’s all I’ll say.
Where she’s at she can be her "whole me” as she said.
She’ll likely have a class of 11 second graders.
Am really, really excited for and happy with how her life is.
I asked her specifically yesterday if she was happy. She said she was and I said that is what all that matters.
Me? There’s nothing that I’m really unhappy or stressed about, thankfully.
Sure there’s been recent disappointment but I like me - even though that there’s a whole list of things that I probably don’t measure up to in the minds of others.
Their loss, though, for not taking the time or taking the effort to learn about me.
I’m going to try and do my best each day I’m given.
Looking forward to a quick trip this weekend. Couple of baseball games, a sports book festival in Waco and a race, of course.
Must stay busy.
As I shared with a runner on Saturday, inactivity is not a good look for me but sometimes it is hard to choose what to do or make sure it is enough.
Will keep swinging the fences until then. :-)
First of all, am thankful to God for another day.
A friend shared something in Linkedin three days ago, which I didn’t see until today, and it was about not wasting another day.
And that’s what I want to resolve to do.
Let God use me where he sees that I can be of an asset to somebody or something.
Not for me to determine but Him.
Was really pleased to be able to share with the world where my daughter will be teaching this year.
Last year was an experience for her and that’s all I’ll say.
Where she’s at she can be her "whole me” as she said.
She’ll likely have a class of 11 second graders.
Am really, really excited for and happy with how her life is.
I asked her specifically yesterday if she was happy. She said she was and I said that is what all that matters.
Me? There’s nothing that I’m really unhappy or stressed about, thankfully.
Sure there’s been recent disappointment but I like me - even though that there’s a whole list of things that I probably don’t measure up to in the minds of others.
Their loss, though, for not taking the time or taking the effort to learn about me.
I’m going to try and do my best each day I’m given.
Looking forward to a quick trip this weekend. Couple of baseball games, a sports book festival in Waco and a race, of course.
Must stay busy.
As I shared with a runner on Saturday, inactivity is not a good look for me but sometimes it is hard to choose what to do or make sure it is enough.
Will keep swinging the fences until then. :-)
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Wednesday Night Musings; August 7, 2019
While I spend a lot of time alone - and some of it by choice, I do my best to try and serve others with that time, primarily through the recognition of people in both the endurance sports and private and parochial high school sports communities.
Some days it is a bit harder than the others, but at the end of the day, I put my head on the pillow knowing that I've done the best I can.
Even though on some things I can be a little jealous. :-)
I don't discuss work much in the public setting because it isn't appropriate when people can easily search what you make available to the public.
However, the individual that I report to the company that I've been with for a little over 12 years now presented me with an opportunity of a good level of responsibility on a long-term contract that the company just signed.
If it comes about, I'm incredibly thankful for it. The individual shared the reasons why they said that I'm their first choice for the role.
Took an opportunity via the survey form to provide some feedback to the half marathon that I ran on Sunday.
Three minor things:
1.) Explain the reason for the delay, which was that certain people weren't in position on the course in time. They actually had a patient crowd, but I always like to share the reason as long as it doesn't put somebody in a terrible light.
2.) While the water station help was great and the number of stations were perfect, the water and electrolyte placement at all of them should have been consistent.
3.) The race went to the trouble - and expense - to have the course certified, but the mile marker signs prior to mile 9 weren't on the green course certification markings. Crazy.
And finally, my daughter shared with me that her Resident Director at Liberty is going to be moving back to Texas and taking a job at a private school that is a part of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS), which I work outside of my career to promote their member schools' athletic programs. Pretty neat!
Some days it is a bit harder than the others, but at the end of the day, I put my head on the pillow knowing that I've done the best I can.
Even though on some things I can be a little jealous. :-)
I don't discuss work much in the public setting because it isn't appropriate when people can easily search what you make available to the public.
However, the individual that I report to the company that I've been with for a little over 12 years now presented me with an opportunity of a good level of responsibility on a long-term contract that the company just signed.
If it comes about, I'm incredibly thankful for it. The individual shared the reasons why they said that I'm their first choice for the role.
Took an opportunity via the survey form to provide some feedback to the half marathon that I ran on Sunday.
Three minor things:
1.) Explain the reason for the delay, which was that certain people weren't in position on the course in time. They actually had a patient crowd, but I always like to share the reason as long as it doesn't put somebody in a terrible light.
2.) While the water station help was great and the number of stations were perfect, the water and electrolyte placement at all of them should have been consistent.
3.) The race went to the trouble - and expense - to have the course certified, but the mile marker signs prior to mile 9 weren't on the green course certification markings. Crazy.
And finally, my daughter shared with me that her Resident Director at Liberty is going to be moving back to Texas and taking a job at a private school that is a part of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS), which I work outside of my career to promote their member schools' athletic programs. Pretty neat!
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Sunday Night Musings; August 4, 2019
I guess I hurt myself in life, so to speak, because I don't do things that bring attention to myself.
Honestly, I don't know that I really believe that - the "hurt myself" part, but it just seems where our culture is.
I use social media to report on things, give credit to others or to express gratitude for what opportunities I have, but never to draw attention to myself.
However, I'm surrounded by hundreds of others who go, post "Look at me" constantly.
It's kind of heartbreaking because it is either a brag - designed to be in your face - or it reveals something missing inside of the person.
And just being good - as in a good guy - isn't good enough anymore.
Everything has to be the best of the best.
I'm the embodiment of the phrase, "Nice guys finish last."
And on a day like today, when I picked up upon something after lunch with my daughter, its been pretty rough.
Granted, I understand that it is absolutely nothing compared to the 29 people who lost their lives in Ohio and Texas within the last 48 hours due to gun violence, but when you have a hope or a dream smashed, even if it was a miracle long shot, it's still a kick in the gut.
I guess I'm different - and maybe thankful for it too.
My daughter is a lot like me.
Two Saturdays ago, I think, she encountered somebody - after her long run for the week - who has experienced a lot of change in their world since the beginning of the year (doing my best to keep things vague here).
And that change, largely which they've triggered, hasn't necessarily been well received by a certain group of people.
While my daughter is aware of many of the details, she made it a point to actively engage with the individual because - while she has seen the person's behavior in the community - she's been a friend to that person for a good long while.
She looked her straight in the eye, started to speak and the person immediately turned to somebody else and started up a conversation.
All I could tell her is that I would never have done that the person's children, who some of them I know and have met.
It is stuff like that which you just shake your head at.
I just have to keep trusting God that He knows everything, understands what I'm dealing with and going through and the hurt and disappointment and will get me through it.
It isn't fun, trust me, but it is the only option that I have in front of me.
Be empathetic to what others are going through if you can. Take the time to listen and care.
And if you can just reach out to somebody today or tomorrow and let them know you were thinking about them and just wanted to say, "Hi!", I'm sure that they'll appreciate it.
Honestly, I don't know that I really believe that - the "hurt myself" part, but it just seems where our culture is.
I use social media to report on things, give credit to others or to express gratitude for what opportunities I have, but never to draw attention to myself.
However, I'm surrounded by hundreds of others who go, post "Look at me" constantly.
It's kind of heartbreaking because it is either a brag - designed to be in your face - or it reveals something missing inside of the person.
And just being good - as in a good guy - isn't good enough anymore.
Everything has to be the best of the best.
I'm the embodiment of the phrase, "Nice guys finish last."
And on a day like today, when I picked up upon something after lunch with my daughter, its been pretty rough.
Granted, I understand that it is absolutely nothing compared to the 29 people who lost their lives in Ohio and Texas within the last 48 hours due to gun violence, but when you have a hope or a dream smashed, even if it was a miracle long shot, it's still a kick in the gut.
I guess I'm different - and maybe thankful for it too.
My daughter is a lot like me.
Two Saturdays ago, I think, she encountered somebody - after her long run for the week - who has experienced a lot of change in their world since the beginning of the year (doing my best to keep things vague here).
And that change, largely which they've triggered, hasn't necessarily been well received by a certain group of people.
While my daughter is aware of many of the details, she made it a point to actively engage with the individual because - while she has seen the person's behavior in the community - she's been a friend to that person for a good long while.
She looked her straight in the eye, started to speak and the person immediately turned to somebody else and started up a conversation.
All I could tell her is that I would never have done that the person's children, who some of them I know and have met.
It is stuff like that which you just shake your head at.
I just have to keep trusting God that He knows everything, understands what I'm dealing with and going through and the hurt and disappointment and will get me through it.
It isn't fun, trust me, but it is the only option that I have in front of me.
Be empathetic to what others are going through if you can. Take the time to listen and care.
And if you can just reach out to somebody today or tomorrow and let them know you were thinking about them and just wanted to say, "Hi!", I'm sure that they'll appreciate it.
Canton Half Marathon: Third Best of August Half Marathons
2:24:05 - 8/18/07 - News and Sentinel Half Marathon, Parkersburg, WV - 40
2:27:07 - 8/17/13 - News and Sentinel Half Marathon, Parkersburg, WV - 92
2:27:24.50 - 8/4/19 -3rd annual Canton Half Marathon, Canton, TX - 146 (with Waverly)
2:27:47 - 8/9/14 - 13th annual Lynchburg Half Marathon, Lynchburg, VA - 97
2:29:34 - 8/1/04 - 28th annual Chicago Distance Classic (Warm), Chicago, IL - 7
2:32:29 - 8/19/06 - News and Sentinel Half Marathon (Hot and Hilly), Parkersburg, WV - 29
2:35:54 - 8/8/15 - 14th annual Lynchburg Half Marathon, Lynchburg, VA - 110 (with Waverly)
2:37:42 - 8/5/07 - Prude Ranch Races Half Marathon (Elevation), Fort Davis, TX - 39
2:41:53 - 8/20/05 - News and Sentinel Half Marathon (Hot and Hilly), Parkersburg, WV - 18
2:43:07 - 8/24/08 - Hottest Half Marathon (Hot), Dallas, TX - 51
2:46:20 - 8/27/16 - Best Damn Run and Walk Half Marathon (Trail), Whitingham, VT - 123
2:50:59 - 8/13/05 - 28th annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Half Marathon (Trail at Elevation), Flagstaff, AZ - 17
2:51:25 - 8/15/15 - News and Sentinel Half Marathon, Parkersburg, WV - 111
2:27:07 - 8/17/13 - News and Sentinel Half Marathon, Parkersburg, WV - 92
2:27:24.50 - 8/4/19 -3rd annual Canton Half Marathon, Canton, TX - 146 (with Waverly)
2:27:47 - 8/9/14 - 13th annual Lynchburg Half Marathon, Lynchburg, VA - 97
2:29:34 - 8/1/04 - 28th annual Chicago Distance Classic (Warm), Chicago, IL - 7
2:32:29 - 8/19/06 - News and Sentinel Half Marathon (Hot and Hilly), Parkersburg, WV - 29
2:35:54 - 8/8/15 - 14th annual Lynchburg Half Marathon, Lynchburg, VA - 110 (with Waverly)
2:37:42 - 8/5/07 - Prude Ranch Races Half Marathon (Elevation), Fort Davis, TX - 39
2:41:53 - 8/20/05 - News and Sentinel Half Marathon (Hot and Hilly), Parkersburg, WV - 18
2:43:07 - 8/24/08 - Hottest Half Marathon (Hot), Dallas, TX - 51
2:46:20 - 8/27/16 - Best Damn Run and Walk Half Marathon (Trail), Whitingham, VT - 123
2:50:59 - 8/13/05 - 28th annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Half Marathon (Trail at Elevation), Flagstaff, AZ - 17
2:51:25 - 8/15/15 - News and Sentinel Half Marathon, Parkersburg, WV - 111
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)