I'm BAAAAAAACK!!!

Well,
I took a hiatus for a bit to get a hold of my thoughts, work through the downturn of the economy and continue to try and not hurt/lose any of my 5 girls. There is one thing on my mind tonight and it is Girls' softball.

Started my first season of head coaching a softball team. Game time - 7:30 PM! I have no idea why, but from about 5 PM until about 6:45, I was a bundle of nerves. There are 12 precious little women looking to me to make sure they do the right thing so that their moms and dads give that cheer of confidence and approval. I truly think that working with kids is one of my spiritual blessings. Along with my passion for the great game, I ventured into that world of second guessing decisions, kicking myself for not practicing more, wondering why we didn't work on situations, and getting familiar with the catcher's gear.

Well, let's get the bad stuff over with first. We were blown out 11-0. It was actually not as bad as it sounds, given that the Pink Panthers are in their first season and the Dolphins were going on their third year together. I actually thought as the night wore on, our girls started getting more comfortable. That, and I think the other team was tired from batting around so much. I had a couple of blunders. Being a newbie, there were rules that I thought I knew, but didn't seem to matter during the game or I misinterpreted them. That is first game jitters. As I learn this league and the girls get to where I do not have to shout the exact spot where they should throw it, it will get easier.

Now to the good stuff... Well, to start things off - I am jazzed beyond belief. Coaching my kids and 10 other girls has me on this runner's high. Seeing them play their little hearts out and not losing focus gave me life. Seeing them get together as a team keeps me wanting to do more. Seeing SLUGGER hit the snot out of the ball and being so surprised that she just stood there makes me chuckle to myself. Good times. To my team parents - be patient with me. We are learning more and more every practice and 6 of our girls hit the ball well. We will learn to get the ball in and how to run after the ball instead of waiting for it. It will take time. But if we work it now, next year should be awesome.

Team Mom - you rock. Thanks for hanging in there and making it to where I did not have to worry about a thing in the dugout. I love having organized people beside me. I just hope some of it rub off on me as my Team Mom is a powerhouse waiting to erupt. I cannot begin to thank God enough for her as she is what I needed in the dugout. Also thankful for my wife - who sits there and cheers us on and then will gingerly walk over and let me know when my head is in my rear end. It is good to have that accountability partner and to have it as your bride. And then there is Jimmy. This guy may have other missions in life, but his purpose in mine is to show levity and how to take things in and enjoy them.

So, needed to just clear my head of the night's festivities. Good game, lots to enjoy, lots to grow on. I am thinking this season will be fun and I find myself just waiting until Friday night when we go to round 2. It will be fun.


Tomorrow is WatchDOG day. Get the opportunity to be a part of the elementary and enjoy the fellowship of students. Should be fun and hopefully I will be able to do a run down tomorrow night.

Browner out.