It's for the Kids...

Lots of frustration this morning on a number of different levels.

Our first (and only) 10U softball season is winding down and this has been an interesting season to say the least. While I won't document it all with a novel, I will talk about our game last night.

In a tight game against a team that barely beat us before, the focus is supposed to be on each side of girls playing their hearts out. Nice defensive plays. Back and forth scoring. All the things you want your kid to experience and learn how to (a) deal with and (b) teach them how to deal with and enjoy.

Instead...

Oh geez, instead...

Instead, there are coaches who think it's ok to transfer their competitive spirit (term used loosely) onto 9 and 10 year old girls. And by transfer, I mean screaming until their heads turn tomato red and the girls look at you wondering if you're turning into The Hulk. These girls are not meant to be a portal to live your own competitive nature through. These coaches aren't there to show how good of a coach they are.

Coaches are there to teach the girls the game, sportsmanship and what it means to be a team. You build the girls up. You teach them. You get onto them when necessary, but make sure they know you are there for THEM. Once you turn it away from that, you've no longer made the game about them... you've made it about yourself.

So, tied 4-4 (one out) with time running out, we load the bases. By this time, the game has less than five minutes remaining. That's critical. In 10U Girls softball, you cannot start a new inning if less than five minutes are on the clock. We were home team. There would either be a tie or we would win 5-4. No exceptions.

We get the hit and knock in the 5th run. Game over. Right? RIGHT?!? Well, yes... but the umps make a poor decision to keep the game rolling just so our girls can hit and play out the final 3 minutes or so. (Bad decision b/c this seems to be at their discretion. We've had a similar situation where the game was called because it was technically 'over'.) It was clear the other coaches were trying to get a 3rd out before time expired so we could start a new inning. Rules say that's just not possible. (Sadly, this is one rule it seems few people think of until they are surprised when we can't continue the game...)

At this point, the umps should have seen what was happening and just called the game instead of letting the other side think they had a chance to prolong the game. I'll spare the rest of the details, but the game ended and the opposing coach comes over and lambasts the ump for some pitching calls he made. He's thrown out of the game (after it's over). But, the point is how disrespectful he was of the ump... and the lessons he was teaching his girls. (I'll give the ump credit... he stayed fairly calm during this whole thing.)

Not only did he not know/remember the rule about the final inning... not only was he yelling at his own girls in a way I'd have issue with if I was one of their fathers (and I'm not always the coddling type :)... not only was he extremely disrespectful to the umps... by his actions he showed how little sportsmanship matters when you don't get your way. That's a horrible lesson to teach.

To his credit, he didn't blame the umps for costing them the game. He gave us proper credit. But, by his actions, he showed the girls it's ok to throw a fit if you don't like something... instead of calling time (or whatever) and discussing it as a grown man.

Coaches are not there to win. If that's your goal as a coach in 10U Rec League softball, you do not need to be out there. You're not doing yourself or your girls any favors.

To make matters worse, these coaches are in positions of leadership in the community. Man, if you can't check your ego at the door, you should not be coaching in a Rec League. None of that was competitiveness... that was immaturity.

Funny thing is... I know one of the guys in question and I don't think he's a bad guy. I really don't. I think he's a good guy who lets a bad side out of him. I'd know b/c I've done the same thing! He never disrespected our team (which I do appreciate). But, dangit... it's about teaching the girls about softball, teamwork, handling adversity, accountability and sportsmanship.

Look... I know about having a bad temper when competitive. In a high school CHURCH basketball league, I led the league in fouls, foul outs, technicals and ejections. I coached one team in the same league when I was in college... and I led the league in technicals and ejections. I've been ejected from more softball games as a player than I care to admit. Heck, I got ejected once for LOOKING at an ump. I KNOW what it's like to have a temper out there. But... eventually the truth set in. And before I was in my 40s.

I'm just frustrated/sick when the emphasis shifts from the girls. I have no question he's out there to help them. None at all. All things start from good intentions. But, you just can't lose focus like that. Competitiveness is not an excuse. If this was high school/college? While it may be a bit overboard, it would at least be understandable because there's more at stake than just a Rec League.

I'm the most competitive person I know. And I'll challenge you to prove me wrong. (See what I did there?) I used to have 'that screaming guy' in me. Heck, trust me... he's still there. When I act(ed) like that, I only embarrassed myself and taught those around me that that behavior is ok. Bottom line: If I saw any one of my kids acting like what I saw last night (and have seen with many, MANY other coaches... don't want to say this guy is the only one... or even the worst), I'd have pulled them into the dugout and whooped their butts right then and there.

This is our last season of softball. Jordyn is moving onto vocal lessons and while I think she'll really enjoy that, I do wish she had the 'fire' to continue with softball too. I've really enjoyed coaching the girls. I'll miss it... and them... But, I can't exactly help coach a team w/o a kid in the league. That's a little creepy. :)

But, if anyone reads this... and there's actually the possibility of the person in question reading this... please don't forget... it's about the kids. We had our glory days. Let's let them have theirs and teach them how adults should act.

Top 10 Disney World Rides

Ok... Once a week I'll be adding a Top 10 list here. Everyone loves lists... and everyone loves Disney. What a perfect way to start. Below are rides only... not shows. That may be another time. :)

10. Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom) - Nothing says fun like spinning a cup-seat so fast you start pondering the spray pattern should you actually throw up.

9. Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Magic Kingdom) - The ride itself isn't that great, but it's situated right next to where Princess Jasmine makes her appearances. And THAT is a good thing.

8. Big Thunder Mountain (Magic Kingdom) - This ride is long for a mini-coaster. Cool scenery. Not so scary kids freak out, but enough to give them a roller-coaster thrill. Secret tip: Ride it at night. It's really cool.

7. Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom) - Not only is it cool to see all the animals in their 'somewhat' natural habitat, but the ride is long... and they have so many vehicles running, that any wait really isn't that long.

6. Tomorrowland People Mover (Magic Kingdom) - You've been at the park all day. Feet hurt. You're tired. Thirsty. The kid is getting a bit cranky. But, you've all decided to close the park down. You've seen the parade on Main Street. Now... while everyone finds a spot for the second parade, you should head over to Tomorrowland and ride the People Mover. You get to see a good portion of the park lit up at night... and... you get to rest your feet. It's a great break when you need a 10 minute recharge to finish the night.

5. Dinosaur (Animal Kingdom) - For my money, this is the most intense ride at Disney. Sensory overload man. It's loud. It jostles you. Surprises come out from directions you wouldn't expect. (I guess that's why it's a surprise.) But, all this equals fun. And I mean come on... it has dinosaurs!

4. Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom) - Disney does a great job creating a fun, creepy atmosphere. Nothing like crowding into the circular room, only to hear little kids crying when the creepy voice starts talking. Ah, such a sweet sound. The ride itself is fun and surprisingly cheery, then the end... you get a really cool surprise. If you've never ridden it, just prepare for some laughs.

3. Star Tours (Hollywood Studios) - Dude, it's Star Wars.

2. Everest Expedition (Animal Kingdom) - The Big Daddy of the rides at Disney. Intense. Fast. Scary. And the ultimate gift shop grab when you're done. Kids will be crying. Moms will be mad at dads for making their kid ride it. Dads will be laughing at crying kids and angry moms. :) But, Disney is about making memories. This one will give you some.

1. It's a Small World (Magic Kingdom) - Yes. My favorite ride at Disney. You sit in a boat and go around the world listening to creepy little dolls singing It's a Small World After All in about 20 different languages. But, come on... it's such a happy ride! You can't leave that place without feeling a little good inside. And that tune sticks in your head the rest of the day. "It's a small world after all... It's a small world after all... It's a small world after all... It's a small, small world...." *repeat*

So there you go.

I had to make some serious cuts. If your favorite isn't on here, well... tough. It's my blog. Go get your own! :)

Dear David Freese...

I still hate you.
Sincerely,
Texas.

Taco Bell Craziness

Is there another chain, company, entity that throws more crap against the wall to see if it sticks than Taco Bell?

Don't get me wrong... they all but pioneered the $0.99 menu and helped feed me through high school and my 7 years of college. (Shut up) But, holy cow...

Volcano Tacos
Big Border Tacos
Chalupas (which are NOT the same as the chalupas we ate in Jr. High)
Tostadas (which ARE the chalupas we ate in Jr. High)
Double Decker Tacos
Taco Supreme - Basically, add sour cream and it's a supreme. (Sure am glad that doesn't with pizza)
Taco Bell Grande
Ranchero Taco
Crunch, Soft, Fresco, Club Tacos
7-Layer Burritos
Grilled Burritos
Grilled Stuft Burritos
Fiesta Burritos
Burrito Supreme (yep, add sour cream)
Chili-Cheese Burrito (which used to be called a Chilito... which I'd order with sour cream)
Nachos
Nachos Bell Grande
Zesty Nachos
Triple-Layer Nachos
Lava Sauce
Hot Sauce
Mild Sauce
Fiery Sauce
Crunchwrap
Gordita
Enchrito

I mean... this isn't Mexican food. Want proof? They failed miserably in Mexico when trying to expand. Then, they re-surfaced, shopping their food as 'American food'...

I think my dream job would be to have a say in what gets green-lit and what doesn't. Then... I want to be part of the naming process.

"You are stuffing a taco inside a refried-bean spread flour tortilla? Yes, I approve. Now.... call it... a Chalupa. That'll confuse them enough to try it."

I mean, really... how many of you have gone to Taco Bell just to TRY whatever crazy new concoction they came up with. Don't lie either. The Taco Bell Chihuahua knows.

Speaking of... ever wonder why they stopped using that ad campaign? Everyone loved it right? "Yo quiero Taco Bell!"

Apparently, sales went down while brand recognition went up. Maybe people thought half the beef used was really big-eared Chihuahua.

Remember the movie Demolition Man? Remember how Taco Bell was the lone remaining restaurant in the 'fast-food wars'? Surely, it had to be because they had so many different menu items no one had ever heard of, the competition had no idea which to attack, much less how.

About the only thing I can think of that throws more darts hoping they stick are Doritos. Which, ironically... makes the Dorito Taco the poster child of Crazy.

So... next time you make a run for the border, remember... those across the border are laughing... wondering what it is exactly you are eating...

Sean Payton... Really?

Ok Sean... you governed over one of the biggest scandles in NFL history. Not only were you complicit in the bounty program (I'm not getting into the fact it's clear he just got caught, not that this is the only place it happens)... but you helped actively cover it up by having your staff lie about it and get everyone's 'story' in place. (Short story, but the overall point)

Then... you take 'full responsibility' for your actions.

Ok, that's nice. What does 'full responsibility' mean? Apparently it means appealing the suspension.

Soooo... let me get this straight. You got busted for doing something you know was wrong and understand you are accountable for your actions. Yet... you are fighting the 'accountability' part by appealling?

At some point, it'd be really swell if people understand their actions have consequences. Just put your hands up. Say "You caught me..." and move on. If you aren't sorry, don't say you are. And if you DO, then don't appeal your punishment.

I screwed up once and it cost me one of the most important things to me. It took me a while to understand the importance of what I did. While I DO think it may have been overkill, the point remains... I'm responsible for what I do. Can't ever lose sight of that. I still make mistakes, but I at least recognize the reality.

Maybe Sean is in that first phase of denial/frustration. Still doesn't make it ok your punishment. Accept it. Understand it.

Grow from it.

Ready for the Rangers?

Ok, well... first blog post after my intro is going to be about sports... go figure.

Baseball season is about to start back up. The Texas Rangers, winners of the last 2 AL Pennants, begin AGAIN to claim their first World Series title. Coming off a World Series loss. Again.

While I'm ready for baseball to be back, I'm not sure I'm ready to CARE about baseball again. When they lost the WS to the Giants, that sucked, but it was such a fun ride, I didn't really care. While most pundits said the Giants shouldn't pose much  problem, being a fan of them, I KNEW they'd give Texas all they could handle and more. That series was hardly competitive, so when Texas lost, while it stunk... it didn't hurt.

This time around?

My sports-heart is still sports-broken and it's taking me a while to get over it. Once they made the WS last year, I had a great feeling about how things would turn out. With sports, there's always the risk of having your heart broken... and I was actually prepared to watch another World Series loss. But, as the Series progressed, there was such a magic. The closest thing I could describe is when the Mavericks were playing Miami and won their championship. Sorry, Jerry... your Cowboys may have given that to me back in the early '90s, but that was a long time ago.

But, the Rangers captured me last year. I honestly didn't expect them to beat Detroit in the ALCS. When Boomstick hit his 11th inning grand slam, I really thought that was going to catapult them. And in a sense it did.

When it was St Louis vs Texas, I told people to worry about the Cards. I thought Texas would win, but Pujols is just too dang good.

Then I got to go to Game 5. Bar none... the absolute best sports experience of my life. I was literally sitting about as far from home plate as you could possibly get... and it was amazing. I could write all night long about that night, but good friends, good games... and a win. Heading back to St Louis with 2 chances to win.

Game 6.

Oh dear lord. Game 6.

1 pitch away. Multiple times. 5 blown leads. The biggest choke job recorded in a single night. It was all right there. ALL. RIGHT. THERE.

Then the bottom fell out while the wheels flew off while the sky fell.

I still remember that pain like it was last night. I'm not ready to invest myself like that again. Not because of any lack of faith... but to get caught up in something, you inherently have to risk that heart break. I can't do that yet. Hopefully it'll come. But, I was literally depressed. For about a week.

Don't tell me it's just a game. That's not the point... or even the truth. It's what the game meant. It's the investment I had in that game.

Game 7 rolled around and while I hoped they'd win... I sure didn't believe. And I don't think they did either. Understandable. I resigned myself to that outcome. That night was also included a very personal heartbreak that sucked, so the two coupled together made for a really crappy night.

I'm ready to follow my as-yet undrafted fantasy baseball team.

Just not sure I'm ready to care about the real thing.

Welcome to the Accidental Genius

Welcome to my new blog. Just like every other blog, this is an avenue to get my thoughts out. Thoughts on what? Whatever comes to mind. Am I craving attention? No. Heck, knowing 90% of my stuff will never be read kind of proves I don't care about that. I just want to exercise my mind and writing.

Lately, I've had lots of 'thoughts'. Maybe this is just my way of forcing myself to think through them vs. toss them into the recycle bin.

And if I post it, it's probably because I'm interested in other people's take... I'm not looking for validation or yes-men to agree with me on everything. Many times you don't know what you really think or feel until you get your thoughts out there and contemplate OTHER people's ideas.

I'm not here sharing any kind of life journey. At least that's not my agenda. We'll just see where it goes and what happens.

Some of it will be funny. Some will be serious. I will share deep thoughts. Others will be pointless.I'm not politically correct. If you know me, then you know what you're in for. :) If you are looking for an argument to show off that chip on your shoulder, I may entertain you for a while... but don't come here looking to be offended... because you just might be. My goal isn't to offend anyone... and while I hope I don't, I'm not stupid enough to think I won't. If you're going to be offended, make sure it's legitimate... not because of a phantom chip you carry. Try to understand my intent before flying off the handle. There's a huge difference between disagreeing and being offended. And so, knowing that... the issue may be YOURS... not mine.

I'm not some shock-jock-wannabe, but I'm not afraid to 'call it as I see it' either. I normally DO try to put an honest thought process into what I say, although many may argue that point. :)

I'm occasionally long-winded, so that's one reason why I chose this instead of Twitter (which I'm not really sure I understand anyway) or Facebook. I also apparently like using the smile emoticon, now that I look back on what I've written.

No topic is off limits. If my mind thinks it, I may write about it. So, expect to see items about sports, video games, poker, politics, religion, race, social issues, my own shortcomings, personal observations or anything else. Some topics may hit a nerve. Others may put you to sleep. I just hope what I write is worth reading.

If you decide to comment, all I ask is you keep things civil. I've learned that most problems come not from differing opinions, but from miscommunication. Anything else is usually caused by people just wanting to cause trouble. If you feel the urge to do so... don't. I'm not a censor, but please use appropriate language. If things get out of hand, I will lock/delete/do whatever I need to end it.

Of course, all this is presumptuous. The only visits I may get may be my own. And that's ok too.

I don't know how often I'll post. It may be like crazy. (I DO dive into my hobbies)... or you may forget this blog exists because it never changes. We'll just play it by ear.

Either way... I'm excited to start doing this. Should be fun.

Thanks for reading... Oh, and a word of advice... since I ramble, I probably make wonderful bathroom reading material.

Don't forget to flush!