On a cold, drizzling morning of December 22nd, 2014 I woke up early to head to work. Some might not think 5:30 is early but this is how I remember it. I did my morning routine and head to work because they needed me to help unload a truck.
Having made my last payment on Saturday I was pretty happy heading out. It was going to be a good week. Or so I had thought.
Drove down to the 695 exit without an issue and hopped on the highway. No problems until...
The white truck in front of my slammed on his breaks and veered to the right. I slammed on my breaks too but I veered left to try to avoid him. The slightly damp pavement made it hard for either of us to stop. Then he veered to the left. In a last effort I went right hoping to go onto the shoulder and into the grass. But that was not to be, as the white truck then went right again. Possibly having the same idea. That's when we collided.
He later told the officer that a car cut across in front of him to get to the exit that caused him to swerve and lose control.
My truck looks to be totalled. And now his insurance is trying to blame me. I didn't cut in front. I didn't slam on the brakes on 695 because someone cut in front. I didn't swerve back and forth on 695. Only thing I did was fear for my life and hit the white truck that lost control.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Kindle Time Wasters
I own a Kindle Fire HD which I use for emails, shopping, videos, internet exploring, and many others including playing games. So here I will pass along my knowledge of 5 games/apps I am currently playing/using on it:
Dungeon Keeper - FREE - It's kind of like being a basic DM. You get a dungeon that you can make your own. It starts off with some basic stuff that you can upgrade or buy more. Using Imps to do most of the work you dig out areas to build more rooms. Like most everything you can buy GEMs to speed up the process but its better to save those for buying Imps.
I have heard this is an awful version of a classic old game I never played. But since I am new to it I enjoy it. It's a fun waste of a few minutes or hours a day.
Rating: 3.5/5
The Simpsons: Tapped Out - FREE - Its a community builder using The Simpsons. Homer destroys Springfield so you have to remake it however you want. I have been playing this game for about a year. I have enjoyed it. It at times makes me laugh and that's what you get from The Simpson's. You can get premium items with DONUTs but I haven't bought them before. I have bought a premium scratch off which I think is the better offer. Lowest amount of DONUTs you can buy is the same as one scratch off. Scratch offs can give you a lot more.
After a year I still play it for like 20 minutes a day during my work breaks.
Rating: 4/5
Candy Crush Saga - FREE - I think everyone has seen this on Facebook at least 100 times. Its the same basic game. After a year of playing it I have pretty much deleted it from my Kindle. Not that it is not still enjoyable, I just disagree with KING the creators trying to copyright every word. How do you try and own the word Candy or Saga? How do you sue people that do?
Rating: 2.5/5
The Walking Dead: Season 1 - 1st Ep: FREE/ Purchase the rest - It's not the social game on Facebook. This is the Tell Tale point and click adventure that won a ton of awards. Well written and heart breaking. I bought it on XBOX Live when it first came out and will most likely get the whole thing on my Kindle too. If you enjoy the show I think you would like the game.
Rating: 5/5
Pandora - FREE - I enjoy streaming music like anyone. You can purchase a subscription but I don't just because I don't have the ability to stream music at work. No wifi means less use out of it. Pick an artist and enjoy. I have KORN as my main station but I added Deadmau5 and a few others to it. You can even combine stations to really get the playlist closest to one you want
Dungeon Keeper - FREE - It's kind of like being a basic DM. You get a dungeon that you can make your own. It starts off with some basic stuff that you can upgrade or buy more. Using Imps to do most of the work you dig out areas to build more rooms. Like most everything you can buy GEMs to speed up the process but its better to save those for buying Imps.
I have heard this is an awful version of a classic old game I never played. But since I am new to it I enjoy it. It's a fun waste of a few minutes or hours a day.
Rating: 3.5/5
The Simpsons: Tapped Out - FREE - Its a community builder using The Simpsons. Homer destroys Springfield so you have to remake it however you want. I have been playing this game for about a year. I have enjoyed it. It at times makes me laugh and that's what you get from The Simpson's. You can get premium items with DONUTs but I haven't bought them before. I have bought a premium scratch off which I think is the better offer. Lowest amount of DONUTs you can buy is the same as one scratch off. Scratch offs can give you a lot more.
After a year I still play it for like 20 minutes a day during my work breaks.
Rating: 4/5
Candy Crush Saga - FREE - I think everyone has seen this on Facebook at least 100 times. Its the same basic game. After a year of playing it I have pretty much deleted it from my Kindle. Not that it is not still enjoyable, I just disagree with KING the creators trying to copyright every word. How do you try and own the word Candy or Saga? How do you sue people that do?
Rating: 2.5/5
The Walking Dead: Season 1 - 1st Ep: FREE/ Purchase the rest - It's not the social game on Facebook. This is the Tell Tale point and click adventure that won a ton of awards. Well written and heart breaking. I bought it on XBOX Live when it first came out and will most likely get the whole thing on my Kindle too. If you enjoy the show I think you would like the game.
Rating: 5/5
Pandora - FREE - I enjoy streaming music like anyone. You can purchase a subscription but I don't just because I don't have the ability to stream music at work. No wifi means less use out of it. Pick an artist and enjoy. I have KORN as my main station but I added Deadmau5 and a few others to it. You can even combine stations to really get the playlist closest to one you want
Monday, February 17, 2014
6 Months Later Review - GTA V & GTA Online
I have beaten GTA V and have played about 25+ hours of GTA Online.
GTA V - 8/10
Solid and mostly fun game. My issue comes with the number of missions I do and get no real reward for doing it. People promise money but you never see it really. But if you don't do missions and explore around and make your own fun then its a great time. I have spent a lot of time running from the cops or randomly punching people. Changing between 3 people is new and an interesting way to get 3 characters stories into the game without having it all be DLC. Like most all GTA games the police AI makes no sense. I can be in the middle of no where and blow up the vehicle I stole and the cops would know exactly where I am. Also if I punch an old lady I do not think you need to shoot and kill me. I pulled over when you asked me to ya jerks. Characters and voice-over work are top notch. You don't need big names to make a good game.
Random Thought: I got ate by a shark...
Positives:
- Huge World to Explore
- A Lot of Hours of Game Play
- Various Weapons, Vehicles and Characters
- RPG-like skills to improve with use
Negatives:
- Very Little Reward for Quests
- Police AI
- Seems like a lot of the same quests I have played in other GTA Games
GTA Online - 7.5/10
Its still in the early stages so it can be improved and I am willing to change my grade of it later. But for now its a bit boring. I of course did not start it as soon as it came out. I got mine a bit later so I missed out on all the bugs and cheats to get a ton of cash. So I get to be the guy working his way up while the cheats have the great cars and mansions and gear.
Money is pretty much what GTA Online is all about. Do the same missions over and over so you can afford better stuff to go do the same missions over and over again. Its a well known cycle for MMOs.
There is a lot of fun to be had though. Getting some friends together to run the streets killing others is fun. Stick up stores with a get a way driver helps. Cruising along the beach running over power walkers is a blast. Because... you know... Fuck those guys. I think I spend half the time playing setting up explosive traps for the people who try to kill me.
It has some drawbacks. The character creator needs a bit of improvement. Sneaking is useless with the indicator telling everyone where you are currently located. Dropping out of the session when you just spent a few grand to turn in a car for a mission gets annoying.
It has a create a Race/Death match tools. If you like to be creative.
Positives:
- Fun with Friends and Family
- Extends the GTA V
- Tools to create your own stuff.
Negatives:
- Kill, Cash, Repeat gets boring
- Needs more Modes
- Needs a Build Your Own Heist
GTA V - 8/10
Solid and mostly fun game. My issue comes with the number of missions I do and get no real reward for doing it. People promise money but you never see it really. But if you don't do missions and explore around and make your own fun then its a great time. I have spent a lot of time running from the cops or randomly punching people. Changing between 3 people is new and an interesting way to get 3 characters stories into the game without having it all be DLC. Like most all GTA games the police AI makes no sense. I can be in the middle of no where and blow up the vehicle I stole and the cops would know exactly where I am. Also if I punch an old lady I do not think you need to shoot and kill me. I pulled over when you asked me to ya jerks. Characters and voice-over work are top notch. You don't need big names to make a good game.
Random Thought: I got ate by a shark...
Positives:
- Huge World to Explore
- A Lot of Hours of Game Play
- Various Weapons, Vehicles and Characters
- RPG-like skills to improve with use
Negatives:
- Very Little Reward for Quests
- Police AI
- Seems like a lot of the same quests I have played in other GTA Games
GTA Online - 7.5/10
Its still in the early stages so it can be improved and I am willing to change my grade of it later. But for now its a bit boring. I of course did not start it as soon as it came out. I got mine a bit later so I missed out on all the bugs and cheats to get a ton of cash. So I get to be the guy working his way up while the cheats have the great cars and mansions and gear.
Money is pretty much what GTA Online is all about. Do the same missions over and over so you can afford better stuff to go do the same missions over and over again. Its a well known cycle for MMOs.
There is a lot of fun to be had though. Getting some friends together to run the streets killing others is fun. Stick up stores with a get a way driver helps. Cruising along the beach running over power walkers is a blast. Because... you know... Fuck those guys. I think I spend half the time playing setting up explosive traps for the people who try to kill me.
It has some drawbacks. The character creator needs a bit of improvement. Sneaking is useless with the indicator telling everyone where you are currently located. Dropping out of the session when you just spent a few grand to turn in a car for a mission gets annoying.
It has a create a Race/Death match tools. If you like to be creative.
Positives:
- Fun with Friends and Family
- Extends the GTA V
- Tools to create your own stuff.
Negatives:
- Kill, Cash, Repeat gets boring
- Needs more Modes
- Needs a Build Your Own Heist
Sunday, February 9, 2014
My Favorite Movies From the 80s. Volume 1
I was going to do a top 100 list of my favorite movies from the 80s. But I get easily distracted. So I figured I might as well just lump a bunch of great 80s movies in a list and say why I loved them. So here is a list of 5 movies not in any particular order. If I get bored and feel like adding more then I will in Volume 2!
Ghostbusters - The sequel had its moments but I'd rather watch the original. Bill Murray and the rest made an interesting premise into an awesome movie. Scares and humor are a great combination. And if anyone ever says "Who you gonna call?" this is what always pops into your mind.
Batman - Michael Keaton was the Batman but it was really The Joker movie starring good old Jack. The movie was built more like a comic. Gotham was brooding and dark. Joker was an over the top killer. Perfect for a young teenage boy. Batman sold more tickets then The Dark Knight in case you want to compare.
The Princess Bride - A movie for boys and girls. You get the epic romance for the ladies and of course everything else for the men. A joy for everyone and one of the most quotable films I have ever watched.
The Neverending Story - It was a story within a story about a young boy who got bullied. But then it was a fantasy adventure through a world of magic. The special effects might have aged but the movie is still a wonderful tale.
The Thing - John Carpenter made a lot of great movies in the 70s and 80s. The Thing is one of the scariest movies I had ever seen. The whole movie always makes me feel cold and keeps me looking over my shoulder. You never knew who was human and who was next to die.
Ghostbusters - The sequel had its moments but I'd rather watch the original. Bill Murray and the rest made an interesting premise into an awesome movie. Scares and humor are a great combination. And if anyone ever says "Who you gonna call?" this is what always pops into your mind.
Batman - Michael Keaton was the Batman but it was really The Joker movie starring good old Jack. The movie was built more like a comic. Gotham was brooding and dark. Joker was an over the top killer. Perfect for a young teenage boy. Batman sold more tickets then The Dark Knight in case you want to compare.
The Princess Bride - A movie for boys and girls. You get the epic romance for the ladies and of course everything else for the men. A joy for everyone and one of the most quotable films I have ever watched.
The Neverending Story - It was a story within a story about a young boy who got bullied. But then it was a fantasy adventure through a world of magic. The special effects might have aged but the movie is still a wonderful tale.
The Thing - John Carpenter made a lot of great movies in the 70s and 80s. The Thing is one of the scariest movies I had ever seen. The whole movie always makes me feel cold and keeps me looking over my shoulder. You never knew who was human and who was next to die.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
New Years Resolution
I am going to publish a blog update at least once a week.
Wish me luck. I know my first few will be lists. I love lists.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Games and Apps - April 8th
I haven't updated much so I guess I should try harder. So I will give you my opinion on 5 games and apps I have used or played recently.
Resident Evil 6 - PS3 - If you know me at all you know I love zombies. RE6 actually has zombies in it again. Depending which campaign you play of course. The game is fun. Not too long but very linear. I recommend playing with a friend. Its a lot better. I would say to buy it now. It is worth the $20-$30 price tag. 2 players recommended.
Rating - 7.5/10
Borderlands 2 - PS3 - I never beat the first one but have enjoyed most of 2. It seems very open and works with my ADD. Wandering around killing things never gets old. My main issue is that it seems to really wants you to buy the DLC class. I am not big on buying DLC. I'd rather wait for a GOTY edition. ~$25 I'd say get it.
Rating - 7.5/10
The Simpson's Tapped Out - App - I got this for my phone and have done pretty well with it. It's a free app on the Google Store and I would assume it would also be that way for the Apple store. It is a God game like Populas and Sim City. My main issue is the donuts. I can accidentally hit some small bar on my phone and waste 2 donuts on a 45 second house. Lame. Also, why does it take 24 hours to do every building?
Rating - 6.5/10
Jurassic Park: Park Builder - App - I have this on my Kindle Fire (review later) and it runs very smoothly. Building my own park full of dinosaurs seems like fun. At the beginning it really was, but now its work. Everything is expensive and there is not much to do once you reach level 20. It's free and was fun for a week or so.
Rating 5.0/10
Marvel's Avengers Alliance - Facebook Game - I have a love / hate relationship with this game. It is free but it gives huge advantages to people who use cash to buy gold. Buying gold lets people buy better weapons, characters, and items. Don't get me wrong I do like having a team of my favorite heroes. I just prefer to have a shot in pvp.
Rating 8.0/10
Resident Evil 6 - PS3 - If you know me at all you know I love zombies. RE6 actually has zombies in it again. Depending which campaign you play of course. The game is fun. Not too long but very linear. I recommend playing with a friend. Its a lot better. I would say to buy it now. It is worth the $20-$30 price tag. 2 players recommended.
Rating - 7.5/10
Borderlands 2 - PS3 - I never beat the first one but have enjoyed most of 2. It seems very open and works with my ADD. Wandering around killing things never gets old. My main issue is that it seems to really wants you to buy the DLC class. I am not big on buying DLC. I'd rather wait for a GOTY edition. ~$25 I'd say get it.
Rating - 7.5/10
The Simpson's Tapped Out - App - I got this for my phone and have done pretty well with it. It's a free app on the Google Store and I would assume it would also be that way for the Apple store. It is a God game like Populas and Sim City. My main issue is the donuts. I can accidentally hit some small bar on my phone and waste 2 donuts on a 45 second house. Lame. Also, why does it take 24 hours to do every building?
Rating - 6.5/10
Jurassic Park: Park Builder - App - I have this on my Kindle Fire (review later) and it runs very smoothly. Building my own park full of dinosaurs seems like fun. At the beginning it really was, but now its work. Everything is expensive and there is not much to do once you reach level 20. It's free and was fun for a week or so.
Rating 5.0/10
Marvel's Avengers Alliance - Facebook Game - I have a love / hate relationship with this game. It is free but it gives huge advantages to people who use cash to buy gold. Buying gold lets people buy better weapons, characters, and items. Don't get me wrong I do like having a team of my favorite heroes. I just prefer to have a shot in pvp.
Rating 8.0/10
Saturday, January 5, 2013
My best and worst of 2012: Movies
The year ended and I have nothing better to do then to write lists. So... here we are...
Movies:
- Favorite Family Film - ParaNorman - Brave did not live up to my Pixar expectations. ParaNorman had a kid who could see dead people and a cute fat kid with hummus. Also it had Zombies... in a kids movie!
- Favorite Comedy - 21 Jump Street - Ted was not as funny as I expected but I am not really a Masky Mark fan. But to be fair I am not a big Jonah Hill or Channing Tatum fan either. Actually I do not really enjoy either of them. But they clicked in 21 Jump Street. It was funny and did not try too hard. Also hada couple of cool cameos.
- Favorite Horror - Cabin in the Woods - Cabin was pretty much the only Horror film I have watched more then once this year. I had to just to catch all the little things you might miss.
- Favorite Action - Marvel's The Avengers - The Marvel Super Superhero movie directed by Joss Whedon was bad ass. Other then oddities like Black Widow knocking out a bad guy with her hair and why War Machine couldn't join in on the fun.
- Favorite Movie - Marvel's The Avengers - Surprised. Yeah me too.
- Biggest Disappointment - The Dark Knight Rises - Ok this might go on for a long while...
TDKR was a fine enough film full of huge plot holes but I think my biggest issue is that they turned Batman into a little bitch and pretty much means that The Joker won. The Joker's job in The Dark Knight was to kill The Batman. Well after the events of TDK the Batman was not seen for 8 years. Pretty much killing the Batman.
In Batman Begins Bruce Wayne traveled around the world for years. Learning and looking for ways to stop injustice. Doing whatever it took. He returns to Gotham and works hard at it. But he falls in love with his childhood friend who he never even dated. Batman became a love sick puppy? What happened to his mission? Batman quit because the girl he liked died.
Don't say he quit because he took the blame for Dent. Batman was a vigilante. He was going to be hunted by the police anyway. Its not like he couldn't escape them... like he did in each movie.
Now let us look at the new characters we got:
Bane - They used none of Bane's comic book back story. No Venom. No King of Pena Dura prison. They made him an English Mercenary with a speaking/ breathing issue.
Selina Kyle - She was never called Catwoman only a Cat Burglar. I think Anne Hathaway did a good job even though the romance angle with Batman seemed to have no chemistry.
John Blake - Who was this guy? Why did he have more screen time then Alfred? Then Gordon? Then Fucking Batman!?!?!? Yeah and the tact on Robin thing was BS. Hell they should have named him McInnis if they wanted to use that ending.
Nolan ruined the Batman Mythos. Bruce Wayne is broke? Gotham is taken hostage? Batman retired after maybe 2 years of Crusading... I don't get it.
Movies:
- Favorite Family Film - ParaNorman - Brave did not live up to my Pixar expectations. ParaNorman had a kid who could see dead people and a cute fat kid with hummus. Also it had Zombies... in a kids movie!
- Favorite Comedy - 21 Jump Street - Ted was not as funny as I expected but I am not really a Masky Mark fan. But to be fair I am not a big Jonah Hill or Channing Tatum fan either. Actually I do not really enjoy either of them. But they clicked in 21 Jump Street. It was funny and did not try too hard. Also hada couple of cool cameos.
- Favorite Horror - Cabin in the Woods - Cabin was pretty much the only Horror film I have watched more then once this year. I had to just to catch all the little things you might miss.
- Favorite Action - Marvel's The Avengers - The Marvel Super Superhero movie directed by Joss Whedon was bad ass. Other then oddities like Black Widow knocking out a bad guy with her hair and why War Machine couldn't join in on the fun.
- Favorite Movie - Marvel's The Avengers - Surprised. Yeah me too.
- Biggest Disappointment - The Dark Knight Rises - Ok this might go on for a long while...
TDKR was a fine enough film full of huge plot holes but I think my biggest issue is that they turned Batman into a little bitch and pretty much means that The Joker won. The Joker's job in The Dark Knight was to kill The Batman. Well after the events of TDK the Batman was not seen for 8 years. Pretty much killing the Batman.
In Batman Begins Bruce Wayne traveled around the world for years. Learning and looking for ways to stop injustice. Doing whatever it took. He returns to Gotham and works hard at it. But he falls in love with his childhood friend who he never even dated. Batman became a love sick puppy? What happened to his mission? Batman quit because the girl he liked died.
Don't say he quit because he took the blame for Dent. Batman was a vigilante. He was going to be hunted by the police anyway. Its not like he couldn't escape them... like he did in each movie.
Now let us look at the new characters we got:
Bane - They used none of Bane's comic book back story. No Venom. No King of Pena Dura prison. They made him an English Mercenary with a speaking/ breathing issue.
Selina Kyle - She was never called Catwoman only a Cat Burglar. I think Anne Hathaway did a good job even though the romance angle with Batman seemed to have no chemistry.
John Blake - Who was this guy? Why did he have more screen time then Alfred? Then Gordon? Then Fucking Batman!?!?!? Yeah and the tact on Robin thing was BS. Hell they should have named him McInnis if they wanted to use that ending.
Nolan ruined the Batman Mythos. Bruce Wayne is broke? Gotham is taken hostage? Batman retired after maybe 2 years of Crusading... I don't get it.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Most Valuable Oriole
Do I get a vote for the MVO? Fuck no. But this is the internet and you will see my opinion. And who is a better choice to randomly talk about baseball then some random dude with a laptop? Well since this is a blog that means we need a TOP 5 LIST! So lets get started. I used the current stats. But some of them might change with 4 games left.
EDIT: It was announced before today's game that CF Adam Jones was voted MVO.
5. RF Nick Markakis - .298/ .363/ .471 - He is this low because he only got to play 104 games. The team really got flowing when he returned from injury and batted lead off. Played great defense.
4. 1B/ LF/ RF/ DH Chris Davis - .269/ .325/ .489 - As you can see Davis has done everything the Orioles have asked of him. Play 1st. Oh wait Mark Reynolds sucks at 3rd. Go to DH. Reimold got hurt. Play LF. OK we got a LF so DH again. Fuck, Markakis got hurt, play RF. And so on and so forth. But lets look at what his bat has done while he played all of those positions. The 2 numbers you will notice are 30 HRs, 81 RBI (same as Jones in 125 less ABs). Also He pitched 2 scoreless inning and got a Win in an important early season game.
3. CF Adam Jones - .288/ .336/ .510 - A lot of people will be voting for Jones. I can see where they are coming from he leads the team in Runs, Hits, 2B, 3B (tied), HRs, TBs, and SBs. Tied for 2nd in RBIs. He plays good defense and plays every day. My only gripe is he is not an elite OF. Or a top 10 clean up hitter in baseball. He does not get on base enough. For being the "best" offensive guy the other teams always pitch to him
2. Cl Jim Johnson - 2-1 49 Sv 2.57 ERA 1.04 WHIP - The Orioles are in the playoff hunt for one main reason: the Bullpen. Heading the bullpen, Johnson has the Orioles record for saves in a season. He won't get the hype because he is not a strike out guy. But he has taken the ball almost 70 times this year and has not buckled.
1. C Matt Wieters - .250/ .330/ .436 - Plays great defense with one of the top 3 arms in the game. Calls a great game and the O's needed him to with all of the pitchers they have had this season. He will be Gold Glove winner again. He might not have the sexy numbers but he does lead the team in RBIs even though he has 100 less ABs then Jones. The Orioles need him more then any other player on this team.
EDIT: It was announced before today's game that CF Adam Jones was voted MVO.
5. RF Nick Markakis - .298/ .363/ .471 - He is this low because he only got to play 104 games. The team really got flowing when he returned from injury and batted lead off. Played great defense.
4. 1B/ LF/ RF/ DH Chris Davis - .269/ .325/ .489 - As you can see Davis has done everything the Orioles have asked of him. Play 1st. Oh wait Mark Reynolds sucks at 3rd. Go to DH. Reimold got hurt. Play LF. OK we got a LF so DH again. Fuck, Markakis got hurt, play RF. And so on and so forth. But lets look at what his bat has done while he played all of those positions. The 2 numbers you will notice are 30 HRs, 81 RBI (same as Jones in 125 less ABs). Also He pitched 2 scoreless inning and got a Win in an important early season game.
3. CF Adam Jones - .288/ .336/ .510 - A lot of people will be voting for Jones. I can see where they are coming from he leads the team in Runs, Hits, 2B, 3B (tied), HRs, TBs, and SBs. Tied for 2nd in RBIs. He plays good defense and plays every day. My only gripe is he is not an elite OF. Or a top 10 clean up hitter in baseball. He does not get on base enough. For being the "best" offensive guy the other teams always pitch to him
2. Cl Jim Johnson - 2-1 49 Sv 2.57 ERA 1.04 WHIP - The Orioles are in the playoff hunt for one main reason: the Bullpen. Heading the bullpen, Johnson has the Orioles record for saves in a season. He won't get the hype because he is not a strike out guy. But he has taken the ball almost 70 times this year and has not buckled.
1. C Matt Wieters - .250/ .330/ .436 - Plays great defense with one of the top 3 arms in the game. Calls a great game and the O's needed him to with all of the pitchers they have had this season. He will be Gold Glove winner again. He might not have the sexy numbers but he does lead the team in RBIs even though he has 100 less ABs then Jones. The Orioles need him more then any other player on this team.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Anger
"Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering." - Yoda
Ask any of my real friends and family and they will tell you that I don't get upset easy. I am pretty laid back about most things. But they will tell you that when I get upset its never a good thing. I will say a lot of things I do not mean. I can be violent and I will run my mouth.
Recently, I have had a lot of things go wrong for me. It has lead to a lot of feelings. Most of which end with me in a shitty mood or lack of sleep. The lack of sleep will also eventually lead to a shitty mood.
We all make dumb mistakes. I don't get drunk and do it. I do it after life has beaten me down. So just know I never mean any of it and always feel horrible about it after its over with...
I try to be a good guy all of the time. Sometimes that's not possible...
Ask any of my real friends and family and they will tell you that I don't get upset easy. I am pretty laid back about most things. But they will tell you that when I get upset its never a good thing. I will say a lot of things I do not mean. I can be violent and I will run my mouth.
Recently, I have had a lot of things go wrong for me. It has lead to a lot of feelings. Most of which end with me in a shitty mood or lack of sleep. The lack of sleep will also eventually lead to a shitty mood.
We all make dumb mistakes. I don't get drunk and do it. I do it after life has beaten me down. So just know I never mean any of it and always feel horrible about it after its over with...
I try to be a good guy all of the time. Sometimes that's not possible...
Friday, August 17, 2012
Hmm... The things you learn
"All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man alive to lunacy. That's how far the world is from where I am. Just one bad day. You had a bad day once. Am I right? I know I am. I can tell. You had a bad day and everything changed." — The Joker to Batman
I did have a bad day. I have had a shitty week to be exact. In the span of seven days I have lost my kitty and my girlfriend. I did not get the job I wanted. Not because I needed a different job but because I need Medical and Dental Ins. Which goes well with my calf strain and shoulder issues.
But yesterday was a pretty good wake up call. Shitty day turned into shitty evening. Softball was wretched and the drive home was worse. A blown tire in the ghetto* is not the best thing in the world after the day I had. I was ready to just give up.
My brain would have been happy to shutdown. It didn't though. I just got up and did what I had to do because that is what I do.
Life will go on. It won't stop because I have a bad day or week or year or month. Good things have happened and I wouldn't lose those for anything. Bad things come and go.
I know I am not perfect. And when I am angry or hurt I lash out. It happens to me and I know it happens to others. I'll try to make amends with those I have offended. I know I have already tried.
Oh well. Maybe they aren't ready yet to know I only want the best for them
But as you can see... The Joker was wrong about me.
*Horrible traffic jam on 95 on the way home. My GPS is a dick and sent me in the middle of shit town.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Why? Why? Why?
I lost my baby, Zoey, today. She was taken way before her time. My heart is broken.
Yes, she was a cat. But to me she was more then just a cat. She was one of the most important members of my family. Look at your family and just imagine how you would feel if you woke up one morning and they were laying there lifeless and there was nothing you could do. That's how I am feeling today. Anyone that truly knows me knows this is true.
I got her when she was just a small ball of fluff. She had just gotten fixed and had a little boo boo on her belly. Well I'd kiss it and eventually she'd learn to roll over just so I'd kiss her belly. I still did that, I did it yesterday when I got home from work.
She was so special to me. And I was special to her. When I was married my wife at the time would tell me how when I went to softball Zoey would sit at the top of the steps and just sigh until I got home and she'd perk up and be so happy when I called her name. We played our version of fetch. I'd throw a fuzzy ball, which was her favorite toy, and she'd bring it back to me and make a little couch sound for me to do it again. We'd do it for hours until she got tired of running up and down the steps and she'd lay next to me.
When I was sick she'd stay by my side. When my wife asked me to leave she laid with me while I cried. When I felt I couldn't go on anymore I looked in her face (also Brat's and Buffy's) and knew I had to keep going for them. They counted on me and as their 'Daddy' I wasn't going to let them down.
Life went on and I think recently I was finally giving them a good home. I thought things were going right for us. I was planning my families future with our well being in mind.
Now I am without my baby and I am crushed. I won't be very personable for awhile. Maybe when I get her ashes back next Monday.
I love you so much baby and I miss you. I hope you know that Zoey. I will see you again someday.
Yes, she was a cat. But to me she was more then just a cat. She was one of the most important members of my family. Look at your family and just imagine how you would feel if you woke up one morning and they were laying there lifeless and there was nothing you could do. That's how I am feeling today. Anyone that truly knows me knows this is true.
I got her when she was just a small ball of fluff. She had just gotten fixed and had a little boo boo on her belly. Well I'd kiss it and eventually she'd learn to roll over just so I'd kiss her belly. I still did that, I did it yesterday when I got home from work.
She was so special to me. And I was special to her. When I was married my wife at the time would tell me how when I went to softball Zoey would sit at the top of the steps and just sigh until I got home and she'd perk up and be so happy when I called her name. We played our version of fetch. I'd throw a fuzzy ball, which was her favorite toy, and she'd bring it back to me and make a little couch sound for me to do it again. We'd do it for hours until she got tired of running up and down the steps and she'd lay next to me.
When I was sick she'd stay by my side. When my wife asked me to leave she laid with me while I cried. When I felt I couldn't go on anymore I looked in her face (also Brat's and Buffy's) and knew I had to keep going for them. They counted on me and as their 'Daddy' I wasn't going to let them down.
Life went on and I think recently I was finally giving them a good home. I thought things were going right for us. I was planning my families future with our well being in mind.
Now I am without my baby and I am crushed. I won't be very personable for awhile. Maybe when I get her ashes back next Monday.
I love you so much baby and I miss you. I hope you know that Zoey. I will see you again someday.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
The Quest for 20.
One of these upcoming weekends my girlfriend is going out of town. So i was thinking of getting a group of us together to play a game together.
World of Warcraft is free to play to level 20. It can be done solo in a weekend. So I figure a bunch of people playing online would be a fun time. We can all meet up or just play from home. Or a combination of both!
If interested let me know. The more the merrier!
You will have to download the game beforehand because it takes awhile.
World of Warcraft is free to play to level 20. It can be done solo in a weekend. So I figure a bunch of people playing online would be a fun time. We can all meet up or just play from home. Or a combination of both!
If interested let me know. The more the merrier!
You will have to download the game beforehand because it takes awhile.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Softball: My Thoughts and Strategy
This is the sentence I have heard a lot over the years playing softball:
"I want to hit."
Seems to be a popular statement when it comes to softball or baseball. No one made the MLB Hall of Fame for having the most walks. HRs, RBIs and all of those sexy stats make other people say wow. But "I want to hit" is not what goes on in my mind.
I think "I want to win."
I think everyone has more fun when we win. You can go 0-3 with 2 errors and still get a smile on your face if you beat the other team. Then you get a team feeling going where you don't want to disappoint the rest of your team. Team morale!
Now how do you win? In sports its about scoring the most 'points' unless you are talking about Golf. But Golf is not a sport (its a game!) because there is no one defending the hole and no real chance of major injury. But back to the game at hand. Softball is all about scoring runs.
What makes scoring runs possible? Having people on base. The more base runners you get, the more chances of scoring runs. How do you get base runners in softball? Hit or walk!
My Thoughts on Hitting:
Seems easy enough. See the ball and hit it. Of course its not that easy. If it was then it wouldn't be worth doing.
I go to the plate with one thing in mind: Get on.
I have 9+ other guys who will bat too. I don't need to be a hero and try and hit a 20-Run Home Run. I just need to get on. 1 base. That is it. Getting on 1st base and then seeing what happens next.
Once I get in the box I say my greetings and prepare for my At Bat. I have one area I am looking for the ball. Usually on the outside part of the plate so I can take it down the line.
The pitcher then pitches the ball and then it begins. My mind takes in where the defense is, where the ball is headed and if its a pitch I want to hit.
If it is not where I want it I let it pass. The Ump can call ball or strike. As long as there is not 2 strikes on me I do not have to swing. Just because a ball is a strike it doesn't mean I have to hit it. I'd rather take a strike then make a fly ball out. I can see at least 2 pitches per at bat.
If a pitch is where I want it I will swing. The defense decides how hard I swing. If they are playing back in the OF I will try just poke one over the 1st or 2nd baseman's head. If the OF is playing closer I will swing hard. 60+% of the time I get a hit. Unless its co-ed then its more like 70+% of the time. I'm not bragging. Its just the truth to what I do.
If I never get a pitch I like then I will take the walk. A walk is easy for everyone. Put the bat down and go to first.
Base Running:
Know the situation. Most of these are easy to figure out. Watch the ball. You will know when to stop. I hit the ball to RF so I see the ball pretty much my whole time up to 1st base. I know if I should run hard or jog to first. No point in hurting myself when I know I can't get more then 1st.
There are times when I can be over-aggressive. I can also not be very aggressive at times too. I know what I can and can't do. I also know what my teammates can do.
If I am on 2nd or 3rd and there are less then 2 outs I will tag up on a fly ball out. On a fly ball with less then 2 outs being at 3B there is no point in being off the bag. If it hits the ground, I score. If its caught, I score. Its easy.
Line Up:
Its softball. You can't steal bases. And most importantly, you can't steal first. The lead off hitter has to get on base a lot. Doesn't matter how. Also just think about it when you write the line up. Do you need a fast person at the top when you have a slow person batting last?
So the lead off hitter is the player that gets on. Whats the #2 hitter?
For me the #2 hitter is just the next best OB%.
The #3 hitter is the best overall hitter. One of the best OB% and able to get an extra base hit to put a run on the board doesn't hurt.
#4 is supposedly the Power position. But I don't like the HR in softball. It kills scoring more then it helps. Hitting is contagious. More runners on means the other teams defense has to work harder. So many moving parts. After a homer it seems like they have little left to worry about. And the next hitter is still admiring that HR in their mind. Soon enough the 4 run rally is over and the inning is done soon after. I'd rather single and walk them to death.
I am going to skip the middle of the line up hitters. The end of the line up is my next focus. You can't have the slowest at the bottom. It just clogs it up for the top of the order. What I like is a good OB% and speed player. Why? It gives the line up a nice symmetry. Gives the line up a nice turn around.
The rest of the line up goes by the best OB% + Power potential in the middle.
To Sum Up:
Hits + Walks = Base Runners
Base Runners = More Chances to Score
More Scoring = Winning
Winning = Me Happy : )
There are times when I can be over-aggressive. I can also not be very aggressive at times too. I know what I can and can't do. I also know what my teammates can do.
If I am on 2nd or 3rd and there are less then 2 outs I will tag up on a fly ball out. On a fly ball with less then 2 outs being at 3B there is no point in being off the bag. If it hits the ground, I score. If its caught, I score. Its easy.
Line Up:
Its softball. You can't steal bases. And most importantly, you can't steal first. The lead off hitter has to get on base a lot. Doesn't matter how. Also just think about it when you write the line up. Do you need a fast person at the top when you have a slow person batting last?
So the lead off hitter is the player that gets on. Whats the #2 hitter?
For me the #2 hitter is just the next best OB%.
The #3 hitter is the best overall hitter. One of the best OB% and able to get an extra base hit to put a run on the board doesn't hurt.
#4 is supposedly the Power position. But I don't like the HR in softball. It kills scoring more then it helps. Hitting is contagious. More runners on means the other teams defense has to work harder. So many moving parts. After a homer it seems like they have little left to worry about. And the next hitter is still admiring that HR in their mind. Soon enough the 4 run rally is over and the inning is done soon after. I'd rather single and walk them to death.
I am going to skip the middle of the line up hitters. The end of the line up is my next focus. You can't have the slowest at the bottom. It just clogs it up for the top of the order. What I like is a good OB% and speed player. Why? It gives the line up a nice symmetry. Gives the line up a nice turn around.
The rest of the line up goes by the best OB% + Power potential in the middle.
To Sum Up:
Hits + Walks = Base Runners
Base Runners = More Chances to Score
More Scoring = Winning
Winning = Me Happy : )
Monday, April 16, 2012
The Death of my 1st MMO
A little history...
On February 11th 2003, the day after my 26th birthday, I went to Gamestop and picked up my first MMO. It was a game for the PS2 called: Everquest Online Adventures. I also bought a USB keyboard for my PS2.
For years I had heard about Everquest and was looking forward to getting to play one finally. And the fact it was on a console was a big deal to me. No need to upgrade my computer. Just plug in the phone cord (yeah it was old) and play.
I logged on and created my Human Warrior, DravenX. He wandered the city of Freeport randomly picking up quests and roaming the nearby dessert. Being a total Newb (which is how it was spelled at the time) I leveled up all aspects of my character evenly. Making him totally worthless but I didn't care. I had fun. Before grinding and all the boring stuff, I adventured!
With a few crappy swords and a can do attitude I was easily killed many times. But I did not care. I had fun. Exploring deep into the dessert I came upon Gargantula! A giant spider.
I died.
But I made some friends. We joked and had fun. 15 of us lowly characters attacked the Gargantula and defeated her easily. We got cocky since she was Red (higher level) to us. We went in search of bigger game.
We died. Apparently even an army of lvl 2 or 3 characters can't kill a lvl 30.
We had a good first day.
The next day we decided to find all the cities so we could just coach to the different places. I always enjoy exploring. We found many places. We lost a few along the way. Some by accident (apparently there were sharks in the ocean) and some on purpose (3 different 8 - 10 year olds trying to pull every enemy we snuck by).
Time went by and things changed. A few of my group switched servers and asked me to join them. So of course I did.
I soon bought my own house closer to my work. So I of course got my own set up for gaming.
In EQOA I made a Paladin and worked hard with him. Is it odd to name a man of pure good Forsakn? Yeah, but screw it. He was my character. I was not one of the 1st to hit 60. But I wasn't trying. I just enjoyed exploring still. I think my favorite area until they made it more important was an underground area full of Driders. The Spider Men were fun to kill. They rarely dropped anything good. But I made good xp and loot just soloing.
I eventually made an Elven Mage I named Dimitrius. Soon after I was laid off of work. Getting badly depressed I played EQOA 80 hours a week. It kept me sane. My Mage was pretty much always on. I let my pet kill for me while I was sleeping. It wasn't a lot of XP but it was better then 0.
Time seemed to fly by. I think I listened to the same 3 CDs and watched the 1st season of Family Guy like 100 times while playing the game (2 TV set up). I had upgraded my Paladin to a Crusader. Either being the 1st or 2nd crusader on the server. I also made my Mage into a Geomancer (Earth Pet).
Everntually life took its toll and I lost interest in the game. Went back to work. Hung out with friends more and eventually got married. I eventually decided to laydown my Sword. So I said my goodbyes to the many friends I had made. Being there from the beginning it was kind of a sad day. I talked to a few through AIM but like everything else in life we lost touch.
I hoped someday that EQOA would get a PS3 upgrade and I'd go back. That never happened.
On March 29th 2012, as the sunset over Norrath, the servers for EQOA were shutdown. From what I heard the last month was free to play and they set up a spectacular final battle against some dragon. I hope it went well.
I will always remember my time on EQOA with a smile. They let me be a mighty Paladin in something other then my imagination. I commanded the elements and met some good people along the way.
On February 11th 2003, the day after my 26th birthday, I went to Gamestop and picked up my first MMO. It was a game for the PS2 called: Everquest Online Adventures. I also bought a USB keyboard for my PS2.
For years I had heard about Everquest and was looking forward to getting to play one finally. And the fact it was on a console was a big deal to me. No need to upgrade my computer. Just plug in the phone cord (yeah it was old) and play.
I logged on and created my Human Warrior, DravenX. He wandered the city of Freeport randomly picking up quests and roaming the nearby dessert. Being a total Newb (which is how it was spelled at the time) I leveled up all aspects of my character evenly. Making him totally worthless but I didn't care. I had fun. Before grinding and all the boring stuff, I adventured!
With a few crappy swords and a can do attitude I was easily killed many times. But I did not care. I had fun. Exploring deep into the dessert I came upon Gargantula! A giant spider.
I died.
But I made some friends. We joked and had fun. 15 of us lowly characters attacked the Gargantula and defeated her easily. We got cocky since she was Red (higher level) to us. We went in search of bigger game.
We died. Apparently even an army of lvl 2 or 3 characters can't kill a lvl 30.
We had a good first day.
The next day we decided to find all the cities so we could just coach to the different places. I always enjoy exploring. We found many places. We lost a few along the way. Some by accident (apparently there were sharks in the ocean) and some on purpose (3 different 8 - 10 year olds trying to pull every enemy we snuck by).
Time went by and things changed. A few of my group switched servers and asked me to join them. So of course I did.
I soon bought my own house closer to my work. So I of course got my own set up for gaming.
In EQOA I made a Paladin and worked hard with him. Is it odd to name a man of pure good Forsakn? Yeah, but screw it. He was my character. I was not one of the 1st to hit 60. But I wasn't trying. I just enjoyed exploring still. I think my favorite area until they made it more important was an underground area full of Driders. The Spider Men were fun to kill. They rarely dropped anything good. But I made good xp and loot just soloing.
I eventually made an Elven Mage I named Dimitrius. Soon after I was laid off of work. Getting badly depressed I played EQOA 80 hours a week. It kept me sane. My Mage was pretty much always on. I let my pet kill for me while I was sleeping. It wasn't a lot of XP but it was better then 0.
Time seemed to fly by. I think I listened to the same 3 CDs and watched the 1st season of Family Guy like 100 times while playing the game (2 TV set up). I had upgraded my Paladin to a Crusader. Either being the 1st or 2nd crusader on the server. I also made my Mage into a Geomancer (Earth Pet).
Everntually life took its toll and I lost interest in the game. Went back to work. Hung out with friends more and eventually got married. I eventually decided to laydown my Sword. So I said my goodbyes to the many friends I had made. Being there from the beginning it was kind of a sad day. I talked to a few through AIM but like everything else in life we lost touch.
I hoped someday that EQOA would get a PS3 upgrade and I'd go back. That never happened.
On March 29th 2012, as the sunset over Norrath, the servers for EQOA were shutdown. From what I heard the last month was free to play and they set up a spectacular final battle against some dragon. I hope it went well.
I will always remember my time on EQOA with a smile. They let me be a mighty Paladin in something other then my imagination. I commanded the elements and met some good people along the way.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
FML? Seriously? Get over yourself...
The other day I was playing on Facebook and watching FOX NEWS. As I was reading FB I saw someone had a bad day at work. They finished the post with FML. On the news I was seeing a body was found in the woods.
I got a bit angry. Someone has a bad day but has pretty much everything else going for them and they think to themselves Fuck My Life. You know what? Get over it. Shit happens but it could be fuckin' worse.
You know who should be thinking FML?
- The parents of Levi Aron.
- The people of Japan who lost everything including their family and friends.
- The troops who go out there everyday and risk their lives.
I could go through plenty more but I hope you get my point.
Shit happens but it could be worse. Remember to be grateful for what you do have. Think FML to yourself and if you have to write a post about how your life is so bad end it with CBW (could be worse) because you will not get pity from me.
I was actually going to really go off on Friday. But after cooling off a bit I thought this would be better.
I got a bit angry. Someone has a bad day but has pretty much everything else going for them and they think to themselves Fuck My Life. You know what? Get over it. Shit happens but it could be fuckin' worse.
You know who should be thinking FML?
- The parents of Levi Aron.
- The people of Japan who lost everything including their family and friends.
- The troops who go out there everyday and risk their lives.
I could go through plenty more but I hope you get my point.
Shit happens but it could be worse. Remember to be grateful for what you do have. Think FML to yourself and if you have to write a post about how your life is so bad end it with CBW (could be worse) because you will not get pity from me.
I was actually going to really go off on Friday. But after cooling off a bit I thought this would be better.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Mothers Day
Mothers Day is this Sunday and I really wanted my Mom to know how much I love her. She has done so much for me and my siblings. Since her stroke she has lost the use of her right arm. So she can only do things with one arm. She loves to read so I figured a Kindle would be perfect. So my brother and I decided to get her one and a gift card. I hope she likes it. I also hope she will learn how to use it.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Softball Part 2: It Hurts
The past 2 years have not been easy for me. I was diagnosed with depression. I have lost my wife and home and I did nothing wrong. And that wa only a few weeks after we were discussing having children. One of the few things I have looked forward to in my life. I contemplated suicide a few times. I have moved at least 6 times. The only woman in my life that did not abuse me, leave me or get tired of me had a severe stroke while I was in the next room. So while dealing with softball this is what was going on in my mind and life.
I missed one doubleheader the last few years. That was because I was depressed. I needed some time to myself.
Now its a new season and I can't get a reply from half the people about softball. They don't care about the things I have gone through or the things I have done for them. And thats fine. I am getting used to selfish people.
When you joined the Wolves you became one of my boys.
- I have fought for you.
- I have been thrown out for you.
- I have told umpires to suck my balls for you.
- I have picked you up and taken you to and from games and practices.
- I have spent money out of MY pocket for you to play. Not counting my own league and ump fees I have spent over $300 in league fees, ump fees and forfeit fees.
- I have listened to you whine about hitting low in the order even when you couldn't get on half the time.
- I have listened to you tell me you do not want to hit last but then procede to go 2 for 7 the whole day.
- I have listened to you complain about your playing time even though you didn't show up last week.
- I have listened to you whine when I ask you to play RF. Or Catcher.
- I have seen you swing at ball 4 because you didn't want to walk.
- I have seen you hit a fly ball and walk 2 steps towards 1st base.
- I have heard you complain that I bat too high in the order.
And YOU don't want to play for ME???
I wonder why I want you to play for my TEAM. A teammate:
- fights for his team.
- gets thrown out for his team.
- tells umpires their wrong for his team.
- knows their responcibilities. Be it getting to games, calling if not playing and paying their part.
- earns their spot in the order.
- confidence is good. Ego is bad.
- earns their playing time and makes the most of it when they play.
- plays wherever they are needed.
- takes a walk.
- runs it out. Last season I had 4 hits on groundballs right back to the pitcher.
- gets on base.
I have worked hard to be a good teammate. Would I rather come to the plate 4 or 5 times and swing as hard as I can? Sure. But I want to win. A Teammate sacrifices for the good of the team. I can hit 2Bs and 3Bs. But I'd get on 50% of the time. Some of you might be happy with that. Not me. I get on 65% of the time and let my teammates knock me in. I will take a pitch. I will take a walk. If it helps the team I will bat last. Would I like to play every inning? Yup. But I will take myself out so someone else can get into the game.
This is softball. You don't need a speedy leadoff hitter when you can't steal bases. You want the people who get on the most near the top.
To Be Continued...
I missed one doubleheader the last few years. That was because I was depressed. I needed some time to myself.
Now its a new season and I can't get a reply from half the people about softball. They don't care about the things I have gone through or the things I have done for them. And thats fine. I am getting used to selfish people.
When you joined the Wolves you became one of my boys.
- I have fought for you.
- I have been thrown out for you.
- I have told umpires to suck my balls for you.
- I have picked you up and taken you to and from games and practices.
- I have spent money out of MY pocket for you to play. Not counting my own league and ump fees I have spent over $300 in league fees, ump fees and forfeit fees.
- I have listened to you whine about hitting low in the order even when you couldn't get on half the time.
- I have listened to you tell me you do not want to hit last but then procede to go 2 for 7 the whole day.
- I have listened to you complain about your playing time even though you didn't show up last week.
- I have listened to you whine when I ask you to play RF. Or Catcher.
- I have seen you swing at ball 4 because you didn't want to walk.
- I have seen you hit a fly ball and walk 2 steps towards 1st base.
- I have heard you complain that I bat too high in the order.
And YOU don't want to play for ME???
I wonder why I want you to play for my TEAM. A teammate:
- fights for his team.
- gets thrown out for his team.
- tells umpires their wrong for his team.
- knows their responcibilities. Be it getting to games, calling if not playing and paying their part.
- earns their spot in the order.
- confidence is good. Ego is bad.
- earns their playing time and makes the most of it when they play.
- plays wherever they are needed.
- takes a walk.
- runs it out. Last season I had 4 hits on groundballs right back to the pitcher.
- gets on base.
I have worked hard to be a good teammate. Would I rather come to the plate 4 or 5 times and swing as hard as I can? Sure. But I want to win. A Teammate sacrifices for the good of the team. I can hit 2Bs and 3Bs. But I'd get on 50% of the time. Some of you might be happy with that. Not me. I get on 65% of the time and let my teammates knock me in. I will take a pitch. I will take a walk. If it helps the team I will bat last. Would I like to play every inning? Yup. But I will take myself out so someone else can get into the game.
This is softball. You don't need a speedy leadoff hitter when you can't steal bases. You want the people who get on the most near the top.
To Be Continued...
Monday, March 14, 2011
Softball Part 1: Good and Bad Times
Background:
Over the past few years I have been running a softball team. The first year it was mostly just getting people together to go out and have some manly fun. We lost a lot of games but we got to run around and be with other guys. No family drama when we were on the field. Playing for a friend I hurt my foot. But it was near the end of the year so it was nothing major.
But the next year things changed. I had been going to a therapist because I had a bit of depression. Things started looking up in the spring. I was so looking forward to softball that I guess I missed the signs at home. My wife and I seperated soon into the season.
My only escape at the time was playing ball. Its the only time I did not feel dead inside. I hit better then ever and we even won some games. But I got overwhelmed. I think I overdid it. A few times my foot injury flared up and I could not walk for a day or two.
Last year things just kept falling apart with people not showing up more then ever before.
Some of The Good/ The Bad:
Good - Family & Friends - Getting to play with friends and family was great. Because of family and work I barely got to see my friends much. But during the season I'd have a couple of hours a week to catch up with them all and see whats new face to face.
Bad - Unappreciated - People seem to think its easy getting people together for softball. Its not. You'd think adults would get a schedule and just show up when they are supposed to... but they don't. There are exceptions but the majority was just an issue.
Good - Competition - Be it us vs them or a friendly in team competition to see who would finish with most HRs or hits.
Bad - No Show/ No Call - People know ahead of time that they have things they are doing but do not let me know. The people on the team look at me like its my fault. Its a group full of adults, I am not the father. People don't call or email or anything just shows no respect for anyone on the team.
Good - Great Plays - Watching someone pull a play out of their ass always brings a smile to my face. I have done it. Others have done it. But nothing is more fun then seeing the face of someone on the other team go from happy to annoyed in 1/2 a second.
Bad - No Respect - No one seems to care about the shit I have done for them. I have been thrown out of games defending my players. I have driven half an hour out of my way to just pick someone up for practice. If someone plays for me I will always have their back. But I am not even given a little bit of respect.
Good - First Game of the Year - I am usually the most pumped about the first game. The day is a little brighter, the smell is a little sweeter. Everyone is exactly the same 0-0.
Bad - Best Friends Quit - Some of my best friends quit on me. Sure some were tired of the crap from people on the team but the team is me. My friends are very important to me and I started my team to be able to play with them. I have gotten up in the middle of sleeping to help them. Always there and always will be. But it will always feel like I was quit on no matter what they say.
Good - Winning - When it happens after a hard fought game it felt great. I could not fall asleep for hours after being so pumped up.
Bad - Egos - Som people have huge egos that I had to deal with. Sure one week they will do whatever they need for the team. And then the next they are a superstar that wants to play every inning even if they misplay half the balls hit to them. They get upset when I play someone who they do not think is as good as them. Not thinking that everyone should get to play. Especially the guys that showed up when they decided to no show/no call.
To Be Continued...
Over the past few years I have been running a softball team. The first year it was mostly just getting people together to go out and have some manly fun. We lost a lot of games but we got to run around and be with other guys. No family drama when we were on the field. Playing for a friend I hurt my foot. But it was near the end of the year so it was nothing major.
But the next year things changed. I had been going to a therapist because I had a bit of depression. Things started looking up in the spring. I was so looking forward to softball that I guess I missed the signs at home. My wife and I seperated soon into the season.
My only escape at the time was playing ball. Its the only time I did not feel dead inside. I hit better then ever and we even won some games. But I got overwhelmed. I think I overdid it. A few times my foot injury flared up and I could not walk for a day or two.
Last year things just kept falling apart with people not showing up more then ever before.
Some of The Good/ The Bad:
Good - Family & Friends - Getting to play with friends and family was great. Because of family and work I barely got to see my friends much. But during the season I'd have a couple of hours a week to catch up with them all and see whats new face to face.
Bad - Unappreciated - People seem to think its easy getting people together for softball. Its not. You'd think adults would get a schedule and just show up when they are supposed to... but they don't. There are exceptions but the majority was just an issue.
Good - Competition - Be it us vs them or a friendly in team competition to see who would finish with most HRs or hits.
Bad - No Show/ No Call - People know ahead of time that they have things they are doing but do not let me know. The people on the team look at me like its my fault. Its a group full of adults, I am not the father. People don't call or email or anything just shows no respect for anyone on the team.
Good - Great Plays - Watching someone pull a play out of their ass always brings a smile to my face. I have done it. Others have done it. But nothing is more fun then seeing the face of someone on the other team go from happy to annoyed in 1/2 a second.
Bad - No Respect - No one seems to care about the shit I have done for them. I have been thrown out of games defending my players. I have driven half an hour out of my way to just pick someone up for practice. If someone plays for me I will always have their back. But I am not even given a little bit of respect.
Good - First Game of the Year - I am usually the most pumped about the first game. The day is a little brighter, the smell is a little sweeter. Everyone is exactly the same 0-0.
Bad - Best Friends Quit - Some of my best friends quit on me. Sure some were tired of the crap from people on the team but the team is me. My friends are very important to me and I started my team to be able to play with them. I have gotten up in the middle of sleeping to help them. Always there and always will be. But it will always feel like I was quit on no matter what they say.
Good - Winning - When it happens after a hard fought game it felt great. I could not fall asleep for hours after being so pumped up.
Bad - Egos - Som people have huge egos that I had to deal with. Sure one week they will do whatever they need for the team. And then the next they are a superstar that wants to play every inning even if they misplay half the balls hit to them. They get upset when I play someone who they do not think is as good as them. Not thinking that everyone should get to play. Especially the guys that showed up when they decided to no show/no call.
To Be Continued...
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Random Thought of the Day
While taking a shower I had an odd thought about residue. Even though totally clean since everyone uses soap what if there is a minute amount of residue left over?
Well with that in mind I had to wonder: Do I wash my Balls first then my ass or my ass then balls?
What if aliens come to earth with super smelling? If I am the first person they come in contact with do I want them to meet me with Balls that smell like ass? Or ass that smells like balls?
I am guessing most would not want ANYTHING smelling like ass. But how many straight guys would think they'd want their ass smelling like balls? Its a conundrum.
Don't judge me. Like you have never had a weird idea-thingy pop in your head.
Well with that in mind I had to wonder: Do I wash my Balls first then my ass or my ass then balls?
What if aliens come to earth with super smelling? If I am the first person they come in contact with do I want them to meet me with Balls that smell like ass? Or ass that smells like balls?
I am guessing most would not want ANYTHING smelling like ass. But how many straight guys would think they'd want their ass smelling like balls? Its a conundrum.
Don't judge me. Like you have never had a weird idea-thingy pop in your head.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Been Sick and Tired...
**********Disclaimer: I thought it deleted. But it was saved in the draft section**********
I returned from Maryland with an ear infection. It has kicked my ass for about almost 2 weeks. Great, right? Yeah, not so much. My abs feel like I have been working out 10 hours a day. My head feels like its going to explode. And this is now when I am feeling better.
So what does a man do when he is sick and has no one to take care of him? Drinks a lot of Cherry Dr Pepper and eats a lot of Chicken Noodle Soup. The rest of the time was spent watching movies or sleeping. The majority of it was sleep.
But from the looks and sounds of people lately, I was not the only sick one. It actually seems like the majority of everyone has come down with one illness or another. Is it because the weather changed so fast? 9 degrees one day and 55 a few days later. I think thats the most likely.
I am pretty happy I slept mostly through Valentines Day. Its a day of love. Something I do not have right now so I prefer to ignore it. Give me Spring Training anyday.
Well, I am just rambling so I am going to finish up. I think I will do a blog about Movies and Games tomorrow. Nothing earth shattering but maybe someone will find a gem they have missed or will learn to love a new movie they never thought they might like or never heard of before. Later.
I returned from Maryland with an ear infection. It has kicked my ass for about almost 2 weeks. Great, right? Yeah, not so much. My abs feel like I have been working out 10 hours a day. My head feels like its going to explode. And this is now when I am feeling better.
So what does a man do when he is sick and has no one to take care of him? Drinks a lot of Cherry Dr Pepper and eats a lot of Chicken Noodle Soup. The rest of the time was spent watching movies or sleeping. The majority of it was sleep.
But from the looks and sounds of people lately, I was not the only sick one. It actually seems like the majority of everyone has come down with one illness or another. Is it because the weather changed so fast? 9 degrees one day and 55 a few days later. I think thats the most likely.
I am pretty happy I slept mostly through Valentines Day. Its a day of love. Something I do not have right now so I prefer to ignore it. Give me Spring Training anyday.
Well, I am just rambling so I am going to finish up. I think I will do a blog about Movies and Games tomorrow. Nothing earth shattering but maybe someone will find a gem they have missed or will learn to love a new movie they never thought they might like or never heard of before. Later.
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