Benchwarming is a Sport!

First off let me just say that I fancy myself a rather good softball player, and yes even at my advanced age. Baseball has always been my first love, and the day I gave it up to dedicate my time and energy was one that will live in infamy (although things worked out pretty well). I might go as far to say that even to this day my favorite sports activity to do is shagging balls out in the field, playing defense, which was always my strength. A major league glove, quick (not fast), anticipatory, imaginative, with an above average arm, who on every play wants to lay out but is perfectly ok with the routine grounder. Comfortable, highly proficient, great fundamentals who is comfortable at all spots of the diamond.

On this night none of that mattered! Today I bumped into Nate, a friend that I play softball with on a SPAWAR league team and he mentioned that he had a Go Vavi team and was playing tonight. I thought hmmm... what a good time to meet some new people! I asked, "Hey mind if I tag along?" He said, "Well we have enough players, but you could come watch." Perfect! Another great time try to exercise patience... If you have ever played a sport with me, you understand that I don't want to come out, very competitive, and I want to win, so sitting on the sideline is near impossible for me.

I met the entire team a group of runners, not a true ball player out there but all were positive and happy to be there. One couple brought a dog that I thought had to have a little of cattle dog in him, by his mannerisms, personality, and his facial resemblance. The odd/funny thing that male owner did was he fed him some beer straight out of the can, I don't know why people do it I find it sort of irresponsible. The team played alright, as I futility sat in the frozen bleachers hoping that they were going to ask me to strap up, and take them to the promise land. Nothing would of made me happier.

Patiently....errrrr kinda waiting, cheering, jeering, laughing while the team made a player put on a Luchador's (mexican wrestlers) head mask with pretty rainbow streamers when they made an error. Other than a night at Petco or Jack Murphy have I ever watched an entire game, it was brutal (not the game) the longest hour I know cause I timed it just under 125 minutes... Grass grows faster, paint dry's more rapidly, I wanted to beat my head against the metal bench of the bleachers. But I made it through, meeting some very nice people along the way, so I guess a success non the less (Very Dr. Suess of Me).

I realized that I have a long way to go with this patience thing, the positive is I am trying... and will continue to try. Patience for myself is a virtue that has evaded me for nearly all my life, and I'm ready to reap it's benefits. "The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it."

- Cheers