Monday, October 13, 2014
Random Rumblings of a Middle Aged White Guy: Today I Painted Away Twenty Years
Random Rumblings of a Middle Aged White Guy: Today I Painted Away Twenty Years: So the Misses has been after me to paint my sons room. I did it about eighteen years ago, but she says I need to do it again. The fact of...
Today I Painted Away Twenty Years
So the Misses has been after me to paint my sons room. I did it about eighteen years ago, but she says I need to do it again. The fact of the matter is that the boy has been gone for most of the last couple of years, and the little kid sports theme had to go. Stew was home for ten days or so, and he packed up the things he wanted in St. Louis and took them with him. He told us what furniture he needed and the other things he needed, and we hauled them down to St. Louis for him. It's what he left behind that got me...
There are the pennants from the Milwaukee Wave (local indoor soccer team). In the late 90's and early 00's we were at the games a lot. It got to the point where we were almost like season ticket holders. We got to know the players, their wives, and watched them win championships. There were camps and tournaments---spent lots of time with the Wave.
There's the Packer clock, but more important the Packer stock. Yup, Stew is a stockholder. Reminded me of all the "Packer Sunday's", with our gear and the games on TV. And one of my favorites quotes from Stewart after a Packer loss...."It's a good thing they win most of the time...". He wasn't around in the 70's and 80's.
He took most of his bib numbers with him. But he left a couple. The one from the Samson Stomp (Zoo Fundraiser), and the 2004 Koman Race for the Cure. I may have sighed him up for these and others, but he always was up for it when I would tell him it was for a good cause.
Then there are all the ribbons and medals from track and cross country events, from sixth grade through eight grade. Made me think of all the kids that started running with him through fifth grade and wondered what happened to them along the way to high school and beyond.
There is an arrow representing Stew's accomplishments during his three years of scouting. I remember when he came home and said he wanted to be a Cub Scout. I got to be the den mother. We started off with Stew, Andrew, Vince, Eric and Tommy. One by one they all moved on to other things, until Stew became a Lone Wolf. He had to make a decision about continuing on to Boy Scouts or to keep playing soccer. He chose soccer. Think it was the first big decision he had to make.
He left a JV letter pinned to the wall. I think it was from soccer when he was a freshman. This made me think of all the sporting events in high school. Couple of years of baseball and basketball, four years of track and soccer. All the chasing around. The all conference honors.....
He left his furry horned hat from his obstacle run when he was a freshman at SLU. Seemed kind of odd to me. From what I remember from the pictures his friends Jose and Matt and Dana were there as well. Seeing as he lives with Jose and Matt now, looks like he found some good friends early on. Actually reminds me of all of his friends at SLU.
Then there is the shelf that has been there forever. There is a autographed baseball--none legible to me--but it reminds me of all the Brewer games, especially Stews first game with my Dad. Was hoping there would have been more. And an old Ford model car from Grampa Munger---made me thought of all the visits to Racine and later Florida. Miss him too. And there is Gramma Munger's "S" from Stevens Point. I know that Stew always enjoys seeing her as well.
And there is a picture of my mom's dad with an earth moving machine. I think she gave it to Stew when he was going through his truck stage. And all that did was make me thing of how good she was to him and the Misses and me as far as watching the kids before they started school. She hauled them everywhere, taught them so much, did so much with them. Who the kids have become has a lot to do with those early years when she was watching them.
Elmo is still here. We had Mr. Rodgers, a little Barney, Arthur, Magic School Bus, Kratt's Cratures. But the favorite was always Sesame Street, and Elmo was always the favorite. Elmo went everywhere with us for a while. I miss Sesame Street sometimes....ya never knew who would show up.
Then I look out the window to this wonderful back yard. To the corner where there was nothing but a pile of sand when we moved in, where Stew played with his trucks for hours. Where we played catch, and swam in the family fun pool. Where he played in the snow. And on the jungle gym. And all the kids who used to come over to play. And where he and his sister sat on the deck that he helped me build and watched the men plant the maple. And I look out the door and remember when he and his sister would sit at the top of the steps, waiting to see what Santa brought for Christmas.
So the pin holes are filled, the shelve is down and the walls are all painted. The Misses says it will be a guest room. To me it will always be Stew's room, filled with a kid's life of memories and accomplishments. It was my pleasure to be able to share it with him.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Daddy's Little Girl Turns 21
This has been extremely difficult to write. Perhaps it is because my darling little girl is a full grown adult now, and I'm in denial. Maybe it's just that I can't believe she's all growed up now, and I miss my little girl. Maybe I just need to face reality.....
My little Aleah has always been my special girl, ever since I got to help birth her. She has always been a wonderful daughter and a great sister. She is a great friend to have---loyal, considerate, always willing to help others. She is industrious and resourceful. She is smart and adventurous. She has a great sense of humor and is a joy to be around.
I always said that Aleah was my grandmother reincarnated. She always had sound advice--you should wear a hat, you should put on boots---just little things or a certain look. We used to say she was an old soul. Seemed like she always had some sage advice to give.
She was a younger sister, but never took a back seat to her brother. She had to spend a lot of time with him and his friends traveling around to youth sports and whatnot when she was younger, but she never complained. She and her brother were (and still are, as far as I know) best of friends. They have never had a cross word between themselves--kind of weird to me, but what a blessing as a parent.
Aleah learned long ago that she could do anything she wanted to. Whether it was learning to ride a bike or getting elected to student council to becoming a captain on her softball team, to going off to Minnesota for college, she has a way of making things happen. Things may look like they come easily to her, but I know that she works hard at whatever she puts her mind to. She gets things done.
She is not afraid of work. Since she wad sixteen she has had a job or two all the time. I don't think anyone told her to find work, she just did it on her own. I think she did it because she likes to shop. And I don't know anyone, including Mom, who does a better job of finding a deal on things.
Aleah has wonderful friends, and always has. Whether they are kids she grew up with, or high school kids, or her college friends, she has always seemed to hang out with the "right" crowd. I have never worried about where she was going or who she was hanging out with. Again, good choices by her, blessings for the parents.
And finally, she puts up with me. She has had to put up with a lot. Whether it's my funny jokes and comments to her and her friends to dragging her around to sporting events and fairs and what not, she has always been understanding of me. Oh I get an eye roll every once in awhile, and I'm pretty sure I have upset her on more than one occasion, but we've always gotten along well I think.
So happy birthday young lady. I hope that she knows how much I love her and care about her. And how very proud of her I am. She is a wonderful daughter, but an even better person. I miss her dearly when she is not around, and truly cherish our time together. She has been a joy and a pleasure to have around for these past twenty one years--I know she has made my life so much better. She has accomplished so much, and has such a bright future....can't wait to see where it leads...love you darlin'.....
My little Aleah has always been my special girl, ever since I got to help birth her. She has always been a wonderful daughter and a great sister. She is a great friend to have---loyal, considerate, always willing to help others. She is industrious and resourceful. She is smart and adventurous. She has a great sense of humor and is a joy to be around.
I always said that Aleah was my grandmother reincarnated. She always had sound advice--you should wear a hat, you should put on boots---just little things or a certain look. We used to say she was an old soul. Seemed like she always had some sage advice to give.
She was a younger sister, but never took a back seat to her brother. She had to spend a lot of time with him and his friends traveling around to youth sports and whatnot when she was younger, but she never complained. She and her brother were (and still are, as far as I know) best of friends. They have never had a cross word between themselves--kind of weird to me, but what a blessing as a parent.
Aleah learned long ago that she could do anything she wanted to. Whether it was learning to ride a bike or getting elected to student council to becoming a captain on her softball team, to going off to Minnesota for college, she has a way of making things happen. Things may look like they come easily to her, but I know that she works hard at whatever she puts her mind to. She gets things done.
She is not afraid of work. Since she wad sixteen she has had a job or two all the time. I don't think anyone told her to find work, she just did it on her own. I think she did it because she likes to shop. And I don't know anyone, including Mom, who does a better job of finding a deal on things.
Aleah has wonderful friends, and always has. Whether they are kids she grew up with, or high school kids, or her college friends, she has always seemed to hang out with the "right" crowd. I have never worried about where she was going or who she was hanging out with. Again, good choices by her, blessings for the parents.
And finally, she puts up with me. She has had to put up with a lot. Whether it's my funny jokes and comments to her and her friends to dragging her around to sporting events and fairs and what not, she has always been understanding of me. Oh I get an eye roll every once in awhile, and I'm pretty sure I have upset her on more than one occasion, but we've always gotten along well I think.
So happy birthday young lady. I hope that she knows how much I love her and care about her. And how very proud of her I am. She is a wonderful daughter, but an even better person. I miss her dearly when she is not around, and truly cherish our time together. She has been a joy and a pleasure to have around for these past twenty one years--I know she has made my life so much better. She has accomplished so much, and has such a bright future....can't wait to see where it leads...love you darlin'.....
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Leaving St. Louis
I have spent the last three days celebrating my son's graduation from St. Louis University. I have had a wonderful time with my family as we recount his achievements and accomplishments. I have enjoyed seeing and meeting his friends. Today I will leave St. Louis, worried and sad.
I am a parent, so I get to worry about my boy. I worry that he no longer has structure in his life. No more track practice. No more classes to get to, nothing to study for. No more busses or planes to catch. No reasons to get up early or not to stay up late.
I worry that he is worried that he hasn't found a job yet. He is a teacher, and I know from experience that teaching positions, especially first ones, sometimes don't come until later in the summer. Still I worry.
I worry about where he is going to live. Of course, this goes back to my previous worry, it depends on where he will be working. He's got housing for a couple of more months, but they aren't going to let him live on campus forever.
I worry that he is going to be alone. There is no family here. And whether he likes it or not, his track family is scattering to all parts of the county. They're off to Chicago and Texas and Washington and who knows where else. Even the underclassmen go home for the summer. I worry that not only does he have nothing to do, but nobody to do it with.
And I am sad, not only for my boy but for myself. I actually don't know when I will see him again. I can't look at the calendar and say track meet in two weeks, or Easter break in a month. These things no longer exist for him, therefore for me either. I am sad that I won't get to see some of his friends anymore, some who I have followed for the past four years.
As far as being sad though, I am mostly sad for my son that there are people who he has spent the majority of his time with for the last four years whom he probably will never see again. People have come here from all over the country and world to learn and to compete. He has spent countless hours with them, and suddenly you don't see them anymore. They get jobs, move back home, live life. You get busy with your life, and time takes it's toll. All your left with are your memories.
So I leave St. Louis, worried and sad......
I am a parent, so I get to worry about my boy. I worry that he no longer has structure in his life. No more track practice. No more classes to get to, nothing to study for. No more busses or planes to catch. No reasons to get up early or not to stay up late.
I worry that he is worried that he hasn't found a job yet. He is a teacher, and I know from experience that teaching positions, especially first ones, sometimes don't come until later in the summer. Still I worry.
I worry about where he is going to live. Of course, this goes back to my previous worry, it depends on where he will be working. He's got housing for a couple of more months, but they aren't going to let him live on campus forever.
I worry that he is going to be alone. There is no family here. And whether he likes it or not, his track family is scattering to all parts of the county. They're off to Chicago and Texas and Washington and who knows where else. Even the underclassmen go home for the summer. I worry that not only does he have nothing to do, but nobody to do it with.
And I am sad, not only for my boy but for myself. I actually don't know when I will see him again. I can't look at the calendar and say track meet in two weeks, or Easter break in a month. These things no longer exist for him, therefore for me either. I am sad that I won't get to see some of his friends anymore, some who I have followed for the past four years.
As far as being sad though, I am mostly sad for my son that there are people who he has spent the majority of his time with for the last four years whom he probably will never see again. People have come here from all over the country and world to learn and to compete. He has spent countless hours with them, and suddenly you don't see them anymore. They get jobs, move back home, live life. You get busy with your life, and time takes it's toll. All your left with are your memories.
So I leave St. Louis, worried and sad......
Saturday, May 10, 2014
The Commencement Address
In a week or so here my son will graduate from college, and I will once again sit through a commencement address. I think it will be my ninth one, and truth be known I don't remember a thing about any of them. Since I am not rich, a politician, movie star or famous athlete, I have no fear of ever having to give a commencement address. However, I have paid attention and read some things, and I would have some advice to share........
After the obligatory welcomes and opening remarks, I would start by congratulating all the new doctors and lawyers and teachers and accountants and scientists and all the other professions. And I would challenge them not to be good at what they have chosen to do, but to be great, because we need great. We have lots of problems in this world, and we're going to need great to solve them. I would encourage them to find a job they really like. I have known to many people who "hate my job". Your are going to be working for a long time. I'm not saying you need to love it, and sometimes you have to have to do what you have to do, but life will be better when you don't dread heading of to work.
Pay yourself first!! I am sure everyone has heard this. I know when you first start earning money you will think you're rich. I know retirement is probably the last thing on your mind. I also have learned the magic of compounding. If these is an employer match, you need to contribute enough to have it kick in. You will probably need to make sacrifices in what you want and can afford. You will put off saving for your golden years. Don't do it. You're going to want to enjoy your old age, and it will be hard to do without planning.
The country and the world are magnificent places. Get out and see as much of them as you possibly can. I believe that there is so much to see and do you will never be able to do it all. I encourage folks to travel to see the sights, learn the history, meet the people. It's a really interesting country and world. If I could, I would spend my money on experiences rather than possessions. With apologies to the business graduates who want us to have more stuff, I would say the experiences are more valuable--and they take up less space!!
Take care of your health!! With apologies to the new health care professionals, you will save a fortune by not having to visit these folks. I'm not talking about well care and accidents here. I'm talking about watching what you eat, getting some exercise, basic stuff like this. Folks get diseases, break bones, have babies...we need the doctors for stuff like this. Try not to put yourself in further peril by your actions or inactions.
Most of you probably will have families one day, spouses, partners, children. Family life isn't always easy. You will need to make sacrifices and compromise. If you decide to have children, and then are lucky enough to have them, you will face more challenges. Please don't be one of these folks I hear saying I can't wait for summer to be over so you can get back to school or I can't wait for you to grow up and move out. You brought them into this world. Cherish them, they will be gone soon enough.
Technology and innovations are moving at a tremendous pace. I can't believe the changes in the last twenty five years or so. You can basically walk around with the entire knowledge of the world in your pocket. I would imagine that things will continue to evolve. This being said, I would encourage you to take your ear buds out every once in awhile, turn off the phone, and actually talk with one another once in awhile. People are interesting, and when you really think about it, we don't just talk with one another nearly as much as we should.
Try not to judge people before you get to know them. People will give you plenty of reasons to either like or dislike them. They don't choose their race, or where they're from, or who they love. These things really don't matter in the overall scheme of things. Don't use them in your judgment of them.
Life is not a spectator sport. Get involved. Whether it is coaching that little league team, volunteering at the soup kitchen or running for President, do something. You can always do more. Yes you can! Will it be easy? Nothing that is really worth it ever is really easy. Don't settle. Not in your personal life, not in your professional life, not in your spiritual life. Average is not good enough. You can do better. You must do better. You will do better. I have confidence in you.
Finally, some final thoughts. You have been given much, and earned much. Much is now expected of you. On your way up, try not to forget those not as fortunate. Lend a hand where you can. In the overall scheme of things, we are all only here for a spec of time. Try to make the most of it. It is truly a wonderful world. You'll get through the rough times, try to enjoy the good. You are our future, and we are depending on you. I believe our future is in good hands. Congratulations to you all. You have already accomplished much. Look forward to what is yet to come....
After the obligatory welcomes and opening remarks, I would start by congratulating all the new doctors and lawyers and teachers and accountants and scientists and all the other professions. And I would challenge them not to be good at what they have chosen to do, but to be great, because we need great. We have lots of problems in this world, and we're going to need great to solve them. I would encourage them to find a job they really like. I have known to many people who "hate my job". Your are going to be working for a long time. I'm not saying you need to love it, and sometimes you have to have to do what you have to do, but life will be better when you don't dread heading of to work.
Pay yourself first!! I am sure everyone has heard this. I know when you first start earning money you will think you're rich. I know retirement is probably the last thing on your mind. I also have learned the magic of compounding. If these is an employer match, you need to contribute enough to have it kick in. You will probably need to make sacrifices in what you want and can afford. You will put off saving for your golden years. Don't do it. You're going to want to enjoy your old age, and it will be hard to do without planning.
The country and the world are magnificent places. Get out and see as much of them as you possibly can. I believe that there is so much to see and do you will never be able to do it all. I encourage folks to travel to see the sights, learn the history, meet the people. It's a really interesting country and world. If I could, I would spend my money on experiences rather than possessions. With apologies to the business graduates who want us to have more stuff, I would say the experiences are more valuable--and they take up less space!!
Take care of your health!! With apologies to the new health care professionals, you will save a fortune by not having to visit these folks. I'm not talking about well care and accidents here. I'm talking about watching what you eat, getting some exercise, basic stuff like this. Folks get diseases, break bones, have babies...we need the doctors for stuff like this. Try not to put yourself in further peril by your actions or inactions.
Most of you probably will have families one day, spouses, partners, children. Family life isn't always easy. You will need to make sacrifices and compromise. If you decide to have children, and then are lucky enough to have them, you will face more challenges. Please don't be one of these folks I hear saying I can't wait for summer to be over so you can get back to school or I can't wait for you to grow up and move out. You brought them into this world. Cherish them, they will be gone soon enough.
Technology and innovations are moving at a tremendous pace. I can't believe the changes in the last twenty five years or so. You can basically walk around with the entire knowledge of the world in your pocket. I would imagine that things will continue to evolve. This being said, I would encourage you to take your ear buds out every once in awhile, turn off the phone, and actually talk with one another once in awhile. People are interesting, and when you really think about it, we don't just talk with one another nearly as much as we should.
Try not to judge people before you get to know them. People will give you plenty of reasons to either like or dislike them. They don't choose their race, or where they're from, or who they love. These things really don't matter in the overall scheme of things. Don't use them in your judgment of them.
Life is not a spectator sport. Get involved. Whether it is coaching that little league team, volunteering at the soup kitchen or running for President, do something. You can always do more. Yes you can! Will it be easy? Nothing that is really worth it ever is really easy. Don't settle. Not in your personal life, not in your professional life, not in your spiritual life. Average is not good enough. You can do better. You must do better. You will do better. I have confidence in you.
Finally, some final thoughts. You have been given much, and earned much. Much is now expected of you. On your way up, try not to forget those not as fortunate. Lend a hand where you can. In the overall scheme of things, we are all only here for a spec of time. Try to make the most of it. It is truly a wonderful world. You'll get through the rough times, try to enjoy the good. You are our future, and we are depending on you. I believe our future is in good hands. Congratulations to you all. You have already accomplished much. Look forward to what is yet to come....
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
The End Of The Line
This weekend I will make one final drive to watch my son compete in "youth sports", even though he is no longer a youth by any stretch, and there is a chance he won't be able to compete because of injury. Doesn't matter.
I've been watching Stewart compete in some sport or another for about seventeen years or so now. I remember those first soccer games at the YMCA. Little did I know then what a monster soccer would become. I remember him starting off in TBall and the way the little kids in the neighborhood got ready for opening day every year. I remember the first basketball league at the Y, where you'd wear a colored wristband so you would know who you were guarding. Stew would hide his arm behind his back. And of course the first track "meet" in fourth grade--whole thing consisted of the mile run.
I have watched Stew in hundreds of events I guess. TBall led to little league which led to select baseball which led to high school. Three on three basketball led to rec league which led to select which again took us to high school. Soccer, well soccer takes us from rec league to traveling all over the Midwest, indoor and outdoor, year round, finally to a very nice high school career. And of course running, from sixth grade cross country and track all the way through college.
I remember lots of the coaches and parents. Some good, some not so much so (myself included!). Some have become friends to both myself and Stewart as well. Some had good intentions, but were "overmatched". Others really should have probably stayed in the stands. And he has had some teammates. All different levels of skill and ability, some good, some concerned with their own stats more than the team. Lots of good teams in high school.
And I have traveled to watch Stewart. Thousands of miles by now I would guess. Weekend tournaments, travel teams, now of course away at college means I have to go a little further to watch Stew. And every single mile has been worth it, although I may have had some misgivings at the time. And I really have been fortunate to not miss that much. Astute scheduling, vacation time, and down right luck enabled me to see most of his events, and to share in Stew's triumphs as well as the failures. Never kept track, but I would suspect more ups than downs.
I have seen Stewart be the ultimate teammate. He has always been encouraging to his teammates, tried to help them, respected his opponents, respected the game. He has always respected his coaches and officials. I have never seen him get upset at a call or a result. Obviously I have not seen every practice and contest, but I think I have seen enough and know him well enough to know the way he acts. I am very proud of him, not only for the way he has competed, but also in the way he has interacted with his teammates, coaches, officials and opponents.
So now comes the end of the line. I am packing up and making the drive to Massachusetts. I will watch Stewart's team compete one last time. I hope he is healthy enough to give it a go. I would love to see a few more left turns. It's been a heck of a ride, and I may have had near as much fun as him. I would think there will still be some fun runs or beer league softball in his future, but it wont be the same. But that doesn't matter either. Hope he's enjoyed it and had fun with it. I know I have.
I've been watching Stewart compete in some sport or another for about seventeen years or so now. I remember those first soccer games at the YMCA. Little did I know then what a monster soccer would become. I remember him starting off in TBall and the way the little kids in the neighborhood got ready for opening day every year. I remember the first basketball league at the Y, where you'd wear a colored wristband so you would know who you were guarding. Stew would hide his arm behind his back. And of course the first track "meet" in fourth grade--whole thing consisted of the mile run.
I have watched Stew in hundreds of events I guess. TBall led to little league which led to select baseball which led to high school. Three on three basketball led to rec league which led to select which again took us to high school. Soccer, well soccer takes us from rec league to traveling all over the Midwest, indoor and outdoor, year round, finally to a very nice high school career. And of course running, from sixth grade cross country and track all the way through college.
I remember lots of the coaches and parents. Some good, some not so much so (myself included!). Some have become friends to both myself and Stewart as well. Some had good intentions, but were "overmatched". Others really should have probably stayed in the stands. And he has had some teammates. All different levels of skill and ability, some good, some concerned with their own stats more than the team. Lots of good teams in high school.
And I have traveled to watch Stewart. Thousands of miles by now I would guess. Weekend tournaments, travel teams, now of course away at college means I have to go a little further to watch Stew. And every single mile has been worth it, although I may have had some misgivings at the time. And I really have been fortunate to not miss that much. Astute scheduling, vacation time, and down right luck enabled me to see most of his events, and to share in Stew's triumphs as well as the failures. Never kept track, but I would suspect more ups than downs.
I have seen Stewart be the ultimate teammate. He has always been encouraging to his teammates, tried to help them, respected his opponents, respected the game. He has always respected his coaches and officials. I have never seen him get upset at a call or a result. Obviously I have not seen every practice and contest, but I think I have seen enough and know him well enough to know the way he acts. I am very proud of him, not only for the way he has competed, but also in the way he has interacted with his teammates, coaches, officials and opponents.
So now comes the end of the line. I am packing up and making the drive to Massachusetts. I will watch Stewart's team compete one last time. I hope he is healthy enough to give it a go. I would love to see a few more left turns. It's been a heck of a ride, and I may have had near as much fun as him. I would think there will still be some fun runs or beer league softball in his future, but it wont be the same. But that doesn't matter either. Hope he's enjoyed it and had fun with it. I know I have.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
SLU Billiken Track and Field
In 10 days or so I will cease being the parent of a college athlete. Yes, Stewart will graduate at the end of the semester, and not only will his time with the Billikens be over, but mine as well.
And it has been a wonderful four years. I have gotten to know some wonderful student athletes on the Bills. I have watched them run and jump and throw. I have seen them set pr's, set school records, and win conference medals. I have seen their joy with their performances, as well as the disappointments along the way.
I have seen the Billikens compete in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Kentucky, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. I looked for them in Kansas (rock chalk Jayhawk, what the hell is that?). They have also been to Tennessee, California, and Texas--at least--without me. I have seen athletes from many other schools as well, of course, and have seen many amazing performances. Indoors and out, in all kinds of weather, through all kinds of traffic I have followed the Billiken's track and field team. I have dutifully planned out my trips, as well as waking up one morning and deciding to drive to Louisville to make sure the kids had at least one fan at the meet. I have driven way too fast on more than one occasion, yet have never been stopped on my way to a Billiken meet. Karma I guess. I have watched the Billikens run on a track that has hosted the Olympics, and I have been to the Drake Relays. I have been to schools both large and small, and have many great memories of them all.
And I have gotten to know some of Stew's teammates as well. Some have made me their FB friends, and allowed me to follow them on the Twitter. I have learned about their studies and future plans. I have met some of their parents and learned about their families. Trust me, they are every bit as proud of their child as I am of mine. They come from all over the country, and have quite the varied backgrounds. I have also watched how they interact with each other, and they truly seem to care for one another. Always encouraging each other in their events, the team outings----I suppose when you spend as much time together as they do you care for each other. Nice to see.....
I have read their blogs. Boy do I miss Billiken A Day. I am sure many (most, all?) of the younger Bills have no idea what this was, but it sure was interesting. Some days it made you think, some days it made you laugh, some days I couldn't make any sense of it at all. But I sure looked forward to it. I hope somebody can get it going again---interesting to find out what is on younger folks minds.
I would offer some advice to the Billiken athletes who still have some time to go on the team. You have worked hard to get this far. I am sure it is not easy being a student athlete, with the travel and training and school work. But I think it will be worth it. You will need to learn some discipline, but if you are able to stick with it you will be rewarded, not only on the track, but in your future. Remember, it is STUDENT athlete.....
So that's it. Not only is Stewart.s time on the Billiken's track team nearly over, mine is as well. In a couple of years I won't even know anyone on the team. I have had a wonderful time traveling around watching the completion through the years. I have enjoyed the teammates, not only this years seniors, but the graduates of the past few years as well as the "Baby Billikens" who are new to the squad. I wish nothing but good luck and good health not only with their time on the track team, but in their futures as well. I am sure the discipline and successes they have achieved and will achieve on the track and field team will serve them well in their futures. I will always plan on keeping an eye on the SLU track team, may even show up to a meet once in awhile. It won't be the same, but it's been a great time. Nothing but good memories for SLU Billiken Track and Field......
And it has been a wonderful four years. I have gotten to know some wonderful student athletes on the Bills. I have watched them run and jump and throw. I have seen them set pr's, set school records, and win conference medals. I have seen their joy with their performances, as well as the disappointments along the way.
I have seen the Billikens compete in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Kentucky, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. I looked for them in Kansas (rock chalk Jayhawk, what the hell is that?). They have also been to Tennessee, California, and Texas--at least--without me. I have seen athletes from many other schools as well, of course, and have seen many amazing performances. Indoors and out, in all kinds of weather, through all kinds of traffic I have followed the Billiken's track and field team. I have dutifully planned out my trips, as well as waking up one morning and deciding to drive to Louisville to make sure the kids had at least one fan at the meet. I have driven way too fast on more than one occasion, yet have never been stopped on my way to a Billiken meet. Karma I guess. I have watched the Billikens run on a track that has hosted the Olympics, and I have been to the Drake Relays. I have been to schools both large and small, and have many great memories of them all.
And I have gotten to know some of Stew's teammates as well. Some have made me their FB friends, and allowed me to follow them on the Twitter. I have learned about their studies and future plans. I have met some of their parents and learned about their families. Trust me, they are every bit as proud of their child as I am of mine. They come from all over the country, and have quite the varied backgrounds. I have also watched how they interact with each other, and they truly seem to care for one another. Always encouraging each other in their events, the team outings----I suppose when you spend as much time together as they do you care for each other. Nice to see.....
I have read their blogs. Boy do I miss Billiken A Day. I am sure many (most, all?) of the younger Bills have no idea what this was, but it sure was interesting. Some days it made you think, some days it made you laugh, some days I couldn't make any sense of it at all. But I sure looked forward to it. I hope somebody can get it going again---interesting to find out what is on younger folks minds.
I would offer some advice to the Billiken athletes who still have some time to go on the team. You have worked hard to get this far. I am sure it is not easy being a student athlete, with the travel and training and school work. But I think it will be worth it. You will need to learn some discipline, but if you are able to stick with it you will be rewarded, not only on the track, but in your future. Remember, it is STUDENT athlete.....
So that's it. Not only is Stewart.s time on the Billiken's track team nearly over, mine is as well. In a couple of years I won't even know anyone on the team. I have had a wonderful time traveling around watching the completion through the years. I have enjoyed the teammates, not only this years seniors, but the graduates of the past few years as well as the "Baby Billikens" who are new to the squad. I wish nothing but good luck and good health not only with their time on the track team, but in their futures as well. I am sure the discipline and successes they have achieved and will achieve on the track and field team will serve them well in their futures. I will always plan on keeping an eye on the SLU track team, may even show up to a meet once in awhile. It won't be the same, but it's been a great time. Nothing but good memories for SLU Billiken Track and Field......
Friday, January 10, 2014
One Last Spin
As I continue my attempts to "lighten the load", I am face with the dilemma of what to do with all my record albums, or LP's for those of you in the know. There are at least a couple of hundred of them just sitting in the basement, and they haven't been touched for years. Time for them to go.
I don't think I know anyone who listens to albums anymore. All music is pretty much available on ITunes or Youtube or whatever---well most things at least. There is really no reason to have records anymore. So my plan is to set up the turntable and the speakers (which could be an adventure in itself), crank 'er up and let 'er rip.
And I have lots of stuff to listen too. Some of the stuff is in pretty rough shape---remember "The Cultavator"? That put a pretty big hurt on some of the vinyl. And some of the discs are warped a bit, but I'll make it work. Might have to scrape some old spilt beer off a couple of the records, and I am sure there will be plenty of pops, hisses and scratches. But that's part of the allure. There are album's that have only had one side played, or even only one song on the album played. They will be heard in their entirety. There are records from when I was a kid, stuff that belonged to my folks, things that were left at parties, and some I picked up that friends were throwing out.
So I plan to give them all one last spin. So I will hear most all of the Beatles. And Willie Nelson. I will hear Johnny Cash sing at San Quinton. And Huckleberry Hound. I will listen to all the crazy compilation albums, and the Christmas songs as well. Everything from Frank Sinatra to Ray Parker Jr. And I am sure they will all bring back memories, both good and bad, happy and sad, from childhood until my young adult days. I'm sure I'll find some things I've forgotten about, and others that will be had to part with. I'm looking forward to album art and liner notes. And I'm sure it's going to be tough, but then that's it, they have to go. Need to keep "lightening the load".
I don't think I know anyone who listens to albums anymore. All music is pretty much available on ITunes or Youtube or whatever---well most things at least. There is really no reason to have records anymore. So my plan is to set up the turntable and the speakers (which could be an adventure in itself), crank 'er up and let 'er rip.
And I have lots of stuff to listen too. Some of the stuff is in pretty rough shape---remember "The Cultavator"? That put a pretty big hurt on some of the vinyl. And some of the discs are warped a bit, but I'll make it work. Might have to scrape some old spilt beer off a couple of the records, and I am sure there will be plenty of pops, hisses and scratches. But that's part of the allure. There are album's that have only had one side played, or even only one song on the album played. They will be heard in their entirety. There are records from when I was a kid, stuff that belonged to my folks, things that were left at parties, and some I picked up that friends were throwing out.
So I plan to give them all one last spin. So I will hear most all of the Beatles. And Willie Nelson. I will hear Johnny Cash sing at San Quinton. And Huckleberry Hound. I will listen to all the crazy compilation albums, and the Christmas songs as well. Everything from Frank Sinatra to Ray Parker Jr. And I am sure they will all bring back memories, both good and bad, happy and sad, from childhood until my young adult days. I'm sure I'll find some things I've forgotten about, and others that will be had to part with. I'm looking forward to album art and liner notes. And I'm sure it's going to be tough, but then that's it, they have to go. Need to keep "lightening the load".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)