Since the bad umpire call that blew the perfect game for Tigers' pitcher Armando Galarraga, there have been a lot of people throwing out ideas of instant replay, reversing the umpire's call to award the pitcher a perfect game and other crazy ideas (such as firing the umpire), I thought I would weigh in with my opinion of the whole situation. I though Bill Plaschke's article on this whole event (in the LA Times) was a great article. While I don't agree with him an all points, he supports his case very well. That's probably why he's writing for the LA Times. (Check out the article here.)
In my eyes, the two big questions that have come out of this whole situation are these: 1) Should the call (at first base) be reversed and therefore give the pitcher credit for a perfect, which would be only the 21st ever in baseball history? and 2) Should instant replay be used on a broader basis? Well, here are my thoughts and opinions.
Question 1: Should the call be reversed?
This one is simple in my mind...NO!!!! If baseball was to reverse this call, there would be a bigger than life can of worms opened up which would be more annoying than anything. Besides, as soon as the game was over, the umpire in question, Jim Joyce, asked to take a look at the play, apparently without any prompting. As soon as he reviewed the play, he admitted that he missed the call and that when he made the call he honestly thought the runner was safe. (If you have seen a replay of the play, you will also see that the runner was clearly out.) Put simply: Joyce did his job. Umpires are as human as the rest of us. We have all made mistakes and that will never change. Some of the mistakes may have bigger impacts than others, but that's the way it is.
Also, if this call is reversed, how many other calls will people want to see reversed? Missed calls have been a part of the game as long as it has existed. As a matter of fact, some of those missed calls are a big part of history, as this one will now be. What's done is done. Let's accept it for what it is, no matter how wrong it may seem, and move on. Joyce and Galarraga have done that, why shouldn't we? They both realize what happened, and how unfortunate it was, but they hold no grudges, have hugged and shook hands and are moving on. Joyce has been in tears on multiple occasions already. He feels bad for the mistake. He manned up and took responsibility for the botched call. That's more than a lot of us do.
Another issue with reversing the call is that the umpires lose the power of the game. Allowing someone who is not an umpire to reverse the call, such as Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, would undermine the umpires' authority. If the umpires lose their authority, the potential for players and coaches and managers to always question the umpires could get out of control. I'm not saying this would happen, but it seems like a possibility. And while we're headed down this road, how many players, coaches, etc. would then appeal to the Commissioner to overturn other calls when they happen?
Question 2: Should instant replay be used on a broader basis?
This one is not as simple in my mind and it will take some explanation, but I think the answer should be YES!!! Currently, instant replay is only used when a home run is in question. Was it fair or foul? Did a fan interfere with it? Did it really clear the fence? I think instant replay has been well-used so far. I have seen a number of home runs upheld and I have seen some overturned. Every instance when I have seen it used, it appears the ultimate call has been the correct one.
While I think the use of instant replay should be expanded, I think there are also limitations that would need to put into place. I think it should be available for use on all plays, except for calling balls and strikes. Since there is no way to get a head-on shot of the strike zone, it would not make sense to use it there. The view from the traditional center field camera is above and off to the side of the alignment of the pitcher and batter. Even the projected strike zones used on Fox ESPN and the like are not the most accurate. Besides, they only show the strike zone going up to the belt, which in and of itself is inaccurate.
People have said that the expansion of instant replay use would slow down the game, and this is true. However, if you put the right restrictions in place, it wouldn't have that much effect on the length of the game. I would propose allowing each manager/team two requests/challenges (to use the term from football) for review per game, regardless of the number of innings played. I think by restricting to two reviews per team per game, that will force the manager to decide if the play is really worth challenging. Once the game is over, there are no more challenges, unless there is an immediate challenge on the last play.
You may think I'm contradicting myself based on my statements from the first question and answer (about us all being imperfect), but I figure that if we are given the opportunity to correct our mistakes, why not do it? And I think you have to limit the number of challenges since unlimited would truly make some games a lot longer. (Don't get me started on why the Yankees and Red Sox seem to be incapable of playing a game in less than three and a half hours!)
So in summary, no the call should not be overturned and yes I think the use of instant replay should be expanded. All the media attention being given to this has been somewhat blown out of proportion. The two individuals who were involved have made up and moved on with life. Let those who run baseball make the ultimate decision. Everybody else just needs to get over it.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Final Basbeall Thoughts...Finally!
Oops, I guess I kind of screwed up with this series since I never really finished it. Since I'm not finding the desire to get on the computer at home as much anymore, I figure I should zip through the last several years of my baseball experiences. So here we go....
After the Whittier Little League AAA A's, there was a big dispute within Whittier Little League, which is when Whittier Pony league formed; 1987. For the first two years of Pony, I was again on the team lead by Traci's uncle. This obviously allowed me more time to see Traci, even though nothing was happening with us at the time.
Anyway, on the Padres, I typically had a really strong first half of the year and then tailed off towards the end. No top 3 trophies either of those years, but i really enjoyed playing and had a lot of fun. One of the memories I have from those years is when I was playing 3rd base and really had to go to the bathroom. I think our pitcher walked a batter or two while I danced around at third base trying to keep it in. Eventually, we got the third out and everybody was yelling for me to run to the port-a-potty. Somehow I made it, but man was it torture standing around being frustrated pitch after pitch waiting for the chance to go.
Another memory I have from the Whittier Pony, Pony Division Padres is when we were being no-hit by the opposing pitcher and I broke it up with a triple down the right field line at Joe Miller field.
My finest pitching performance ever was mercy rule shortened game where I pitched a 2-hit complete game shutout. I didn't pitch very often because although I was accurate, I was not very fast. Regardless, that was a great memory.
After playing for Traci's uncle for three years, it was time to move on to the Bronco Division, where I was on the Reds for two years. I didn't do great either year, although my highlight from those two years was a home run I drilled at York Field where there were no fences. It was a shot into the left-center gap and I had time to circle the bases before the left and center fielders could chase down the ball an get it back to the infield. Considering i only hit 3 home runs in my whole time playing baseball, it was a pretty special moment for me. (Notice that both home runs i have hit to this point have involved not going over a fence.)
After the Reds came La Serna High School. I started at La Serna High School in the Fall of 1990, which is just a few months after the school's baseball team had won a CIF Championship, very exciting. I made the Freshman team my freshman year and was excited to play at the high school level. I started the year sharing playing time with the other, bigger first baseman. Eventually, I earned a majority of the playing time. Although I had one of my worst offensive years that year (I think I hit .225), I still loved playing and was looking forward to advancing up the high school ranks.
My sophomore year I made JV. I saw limited action the first half, but when I was given a chance to start a game about half way through the year against Pioneer High School, I took advantage of the opportunity, hitting a ground-rule double (bouncing over the fence), showing I deserved playing time. I managed to start every game the rest of the year, whether paying first base or DH (Designated Hitter). I finished the year with pretty good numbers although I don't remember the stats.
My junior year I had hopes of making the Varsity team since there were typically very few juniors on the JV team. The JV coach said he thought I would make the varsity team and so I was excited. However, a couple week s later when JV and Varsity team rosters were posted, I found myself on the JV for a second year. Needless to say, I was disappointed. however, that couldn't make me quit; I was too determined. Again, as a junior this time, I rode the bench most of the first half of the year. Again, I was given a chance to start a game about half way through the year, this time at Whittier High School and I played the game of my life! I went 2 for 3 with 3 RBI (runs batted in)! And my hits weren't little singles. The first hit was my first, and only ever, home run that cleared the fence. It is a moment I will never forget! The pitch was down and in. I know I had two strikes on me because first I fouled a pitch down the third base line and almost got my coach near third base. The following pitch I fouled off into my team's first base dugout. The next pitch I nailed and it soared over the left field fence, bouncing on the tennis courts! I remember my parents screaming with excitement. I was totally pumped when I saw it bounce off the concrete past the fence. I didn't think I had hit it that well. I wanted to keep it cool circling the bases and was able to until I saw all my teammates gathered at home plate to congratulate me. Then I couldn't hold back the smile. Later in the game, I drove another one to the left-center field wall, which turned out to be a double. I tried to advance to third on the throw that got away from the catcher trying to tag out the runner, but I was thrown out at third. Oh well. As a result of this game of my career, I again played in every game the rest of the rest of the year. I finished with my best offensive year ever, batting over .400 (.429, I think) and earning Most Improved Player of the Year Award for the team. It is still the award I am most proud of that I ever received.
The following year as a senior, I made the Varsity team finally. However, it was an extremely frustrating year. I saw a total of 10 at bats the entire year, although I did have 3 hits for a .300 batting average. Those three hits were productive though. One was a bases loaded, bases-clearing (3 RBI) double against and at Loyola High School in L.A. during a Spring Break tournament. Another hit was during the last regular game of the season, when we were at home playing against Santa Fe High School. We had given up 5 runs in the top of the 1st inning. i was batting ninth in the lineup and actually got to bat in the 1st inning. The score was 5-4 in favor of Santa Fe and there were 2 runners on base. The first pitch I saw I drove to the wall in right-center field, knocking in both runners and giving us a 6-5 lead, which wound up being the final score. Also in that game, I grounded out and walked. The best part of this was that the coaching staff from Whittier College was in attendance since I had already received a partial academic scholarship from there. Coach Brock told me that they were very impressed with what they saw. Although I didn't wind up laying in college because I decided to focus on keeping my scholarship, it was great to know that they saw what I could do. The funny thing about my third hit that year on Varsity, it was a single that made it onto the school's video annual that year, along with a play from that same game where I did the splits at first base. So the stats for the year were a .300 batting average with 5 RBI. We made the CIF playoffs that year as the League Champions. We made it to the semi-finals before being eliminated. I don't remember seeing any action in the playoffs, but it was fun to watch and be there.
Since then I have played a softball team a church one time and have played a few years in MABL (Men's Adult Baseball League) in Orange County. Watching Courtney play softball for the first time this year has given me the itch to try to get back into baseball, but I need to get into shape (and save money) if I ever want to play again.
Baseball has always been a part of my life and always will be. There's just something in my DNA that prevents me from being who I am without baseball. In addition, it is because of baseball that I am married to the person I am married to today. What more could I ask for?
After the Whittier Little League AAA A's, there was a big dispute within Whittier Little League, which is when Whittier Pony league formed; 1987. For the first two years of Pony, I was again on the team lead by Traci's uncle. This obviously allowed me more time to see Traci, even though nothing was happening with us at the time.
Anyway, on the Padres, I typically had a really strong first half of the year and then tailed off towards the end. No top 3 trophies either of those years, but i really enjoyed playing and had a lot of fun. One of the memories I have from those years is when I was playing 3rd base and really had to go to the bathroom. I think our pitcher walked a batter or two while I danced around at third base trying to keep it in. Eventually, we got the third out and everybody was yelling for me to run to the port-a-potty. Somehow I made it, but man was it torture standing around being frustrated pitch after pitch waiting for the chance to go.
Another memory I have from the Whittier Pony, Pony Division Padres is when we were being no-hit by the opposing pitcher and I broke it up with a triple down the right field line at Joe Miller field.
My finest pitching performance ever was mercy rule shortened game where I pitched a 2-hit complete game shutout. I didn't pitch very often because although I was accurate, I was not very fast. Regardless, that was a great memory.
After playing for Traci's uncle for three years, it was time to move on to the Bronco Division, where I was on the Reds for two years. I didn't do great either year, although my highlight from those two years was a home run I drilled at York Field where there were no fences. It was a shot into the left-center gap and I had time to circle the bases before the left and center fielders could chase down the ball an get it back to the infield. Considering i only hit 3 home runs in my whole time playing baseball, it was a pretty special moment for me. (Notice that both home runs i have hit to this point have involved not going over a fence.)
After the Reds came La Serna High School. I started at La Serna High School in the Fall of 1990, which is just a few months after the school's baseball team had won a CIF Championship, very exciting. I made the Freshman team my freshman year and was excited to play at the high school level. I started the year sharing playing time with the other, bigger first baseman. Eventually, I earned a majority of the playing time. Although I had one of my worst offensive years that year (I think I hit .225), I still loved playing and was looking forward to advancing up the high school ranks.
My sophomore year I made JV. I saw limited action the first half, but when I was given a chance to start a game about half way through the year against Pioneer High School, I took advantage of the opportunity, hitting a ground-rule double (bouncing over the fence), showing I deserved playing time. I managed to start every game the rest of the year, whether paying first base or DH (Designated Hitter). I finished the year with pretty good numbers although I don't remember the stats.
My junior year I had hopes of making the Varsity team since there were typically very few juniors on the JV team. The JV coach said he thought I would make the varsity team and so I was excited. However, a couple week s later when JV and Varsity team rosters were posted, I found myself on the JV for a second year. Needless to say, I was disappointed. however, that couldn't make me quit; I was too determined. Again, as a junior this time, I rode the bench most of the first half of the year. Again, I was given a chance to start a game about half way through the year, this time at Whittier High School and I played the game of my life! I went 2 for 3 with 3 RBI (runs batted in)! And my hits weren't little singles. The first hit was my first, and only ever, home run that cleared the fence. It is a moment I will never forget! The pitch was down and in. I know I had two strikes on me because first I fouled a pitch down the third base line and almost got my coach near third base. The following pitch I fouled off into my team's first base dugout. The next pitch I nailed and it soared over the left field fence, bouncing on the tennis courts! I remember my parents screaming with excitement. I was totally pumped when I saw it bounce off the concrete past the fence. I didn't think I had hit it that well. I wanted to keep it cool circling the bases and was able to until I saw all my teammates gathered at home plate to congratulate me. Then I couldn't hold back the smile. Later in the game, I drove another one to the left-center field wall, which turned out to be a double. I tried to advance to third on the throw that got away from the catcher trying to tag out the runner, but I was thrown out at third. Oh well. As a result of this game of my career, I again played in every game the rest of the rest of the year. I finished with my best offensive year ever, batting over .400 (.429, I think) and earning Most Improved Player of the Year Award for the team. It is still the award I am most proud of that I ever received.
The following year as a senior, I made the Varsity team finally. However, it was an extremely frustrating year. I saw a total of 10 at bats the entire year, although I did have 3 hits for a .300 batting average. Those three hits were productive though. One was a bases loaded, bases-clearing (3 RBI) double against and at Loyola High School in L.A. during a Spring Break tournament. Another hit was during the last regular game of the season, when we were at home playing against Santa Fe High School. We had given up 5 runs in the top of the 1st inning. i was batting ninth in the lineup and actually got to bat in the 1st inning. The score was 5-4 in favor of Santa Fe and there were 2 runners on base. The first pitch I saw I drove to the wall in right-center field, knocking in both runners and giving us a 6-5 lead, which wound up being the final score. Also in that game, I grounded out and walked. The best part of this was that the coaching staff from Whittier College was in attendance since I had already received a partial academic scholarship from there. Coach Brock told me that they were very impressed with what they saw. Although I didn't wind up laying in college because I decided to focus on keeping my scholarship, it was great to know that they saw what I could do. The funny thing about my third hit that year on Varsity, it was a single that made it onto the school's video annual that year, along with a play from that same game where I did the splits at first base. So the stats for the year were a .300 batting average with 5 RBI. We made the CIF playoffs that year as the League Champions. We made it to the semi-finals before being eliminated. I don't remember seeing any action in the playoffs, but it was fun to watch and be there.
Since then I have played a softball team a church one time and have played a few years in MABL (Men's Adult Baseball League) in Orange County. Watching Courtney play softball for the first time this year has given me the itch to try to get back into baseball, but I need to get into shape (and save money) if I ever want to play again.
Baseball has always been a part of my life and always will be. There's just something in my DNA that prevents me from being who I am without baseball. In addition, it is because of baseball that I am married to the person I am married to today. What more could I ask for?
Saturday, March 6, 2010
1986 - Whittier Little League AAA A's: A Year That Would Change My Life
Above is my picture from my second year in baseball: 1986. I was on the AAA A's and was looking forward to another season of baseball. Now that the rookie year was over and I had more of an idea what I was doing, I figured it would be even better. And how could it go worse than 0-20 the previous year? Well things certainly went better this year and I had no idea how it would change my life.There are definitely a few highlights from this season. The first one that comes to mind is my first and only walkoff hit ever! Unfortunately, I didn't even realize it at the time. I didn't know that if you're the home team and you take the lead in the bottom of the last inning that the game ended instantly. I know I hit a single although that's all I remember. When I got to first I remember my team being really excited and yelling for me to come in the dugout. Of course there was lots of celebrating when I got there. I actually appreciate it more know that I realize what had happened. It turns out this was the only walkoff hit I ever hit playing baseball.
The second thing I can recall from this season was my first homerun! If I remember correctly, I tended to swing late at pitches and therefore would frequently hit to the right field side of the field. Well, in this at bat, I did just that, hitting right over first base and down the line all the way to the fence against another field. I just ran and ran and before I knew it, I was scoring. In some ways I feel like there should be an asterisk next to this HR however. The other team only had 8 players. They decided to go ahead and play anyway though. They only had 2 outfielders and they were both towards center field, so it took them a long time to get to my hit. Nonetheless, in the record books, it is a homerun! Therefore, I claim it!
The last memory I have from this season is another pretty exciting one. I think we finished 12-8 this year, which was good enough to put is into a tie for 3rd at the end of the season. In these days, only the top 3 teams in the division got trophies and if two teams tied, there was a playoff. So, I participated in my first playoff game, and man was it exciting. I had a much better understanding of the game by this point and knew how cool and nerve-wracking it would be. When it was all said and done, I remember running in from center field when the last pitch was made and we had won! We were getting our trophies and the other team (the Mariners, I think) did not. While I felt a little bad for them (I remember some crying), I also realized that there had to be a winner and a loser. That was quite a memory.
It turns out that this season was life-changing; not because of what happened on the field, but that I was on the team I was. It turns out it was a family run operation. The manager was a brother and son of the other two coaches, and they had two kids on the team. It also just so happens that the sister of one of those teammates of mine was a girl named Traci. That's right, the same Traci that I have now been married to for over 10 1/2 years! There were no sparks at all during the season. After all, I was in 4th grade and she was in 2nd, but you just can't question God plans, especially when don't know what they are. It was a good thing I got to know the coaches and their kids. I had no idea how important that would be, and that my parents and sister got to know them too.
So in summary, I had my first walkoff hit, first homerun, first playoff game (and postseason victory) and first trophy. And then I met the girl/woman of my dreams! Now you know one of the reasons why baseball is such a big part of my life. And now that our oldest daughter is in her rookie year of softball, I get to experience it all in a different way. (I just don't like thinking that she could meet the boy she is going to marry in two years. Seriously?!?!?!?!?!?!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Rookie Year - 1985 Whittier Little League AAA Royals
This is the year my passion for baseball hit a new level: 1985. When the season began, I was 8 years old. My parents had asked me the previous year or two if I wanted to play and I had always said no, mainly because I was shy and wasn't sure about the whole thing. Finally they really urged me to try it, and good thing I did!
I think this year was also a blessing in a couple of ways. First of all, I had never played in a league before and had no idea what to expect. Secondly, while most of my friends were at the AA level, I started off at AAA, which is the next level above AA. Finally, it was a blessing in disguise, but I'll get to that in a minute.
I don't remember a whole lot about this season. After all, it was 25 years ago. (Man, that's a long time ago...am I really that old?!) And now, into the memories...
There is one game I remember. I played second base that year and I loved it. I had no problems playing the infield. I have no idea how I got chosen to play there, but that's irrelevant. In one game, I remember ball after ball getting hit to me in the game. I know there were at least 10, and keep in mind we only played 6 innings. Each one I fielded cleanly, threw to first and got the runner out. It was a great game and I remember my parents being proud of me after that game.
Another memory was the the game our own catcher shoved our pitcher at home plate when he was trying to tag out the runner coming home. Needless to say, we threw our own catcher out of the game. The catcher's name was Thomas Ebbitt, or something like that. It's just one of those things I randomly remember.
The next thing, I don't remember, but my parents have reminded me of frequently, was that our coach quit part way through the season. I think that's a sign that the season was less than ideal for a rookie Little Leaguer.
Another memory was our opening day game. Believe it or not, that first game is still the worst defeat of any team I have ever been on (part of the blessing in disguise). We lost that first game 32-2! That's right, 32-2!!! We were blown out many times during our 20 games that year, which brings me to the main reason this season was a blessing in disguise. Of the 20 games we played, we LOST ALL 20! This was a blessing in couple of ways. First, if I still liked the game after a horrible season like that, you know it was part of me, possibly in my DNA, to love baseball. Secondly, no matter how long I played baseball, I could never be on a team that did worse. I had nowhere to go but up. And that is certainly the way things went.
Below I have posted some pictures from that season and a little caption explaining each one. Enjoy!
Here is the team picture from that year.
This is me. For what it's worth, I wore #5.
Here I am swinging at a pitch, and you can actually see the ball coming. Looks like it was going to be a strike.
Getting down and dirty...sliding into 3rd base. I love the action shot! Not bad form for a rookie.
I scored!
I think this year was also a blessing in a couple of ways. First of all, I had never played in a league before and had no idea what to expect. Secondly, while most of my friends were at the AA level, I started off at AAA, which is the next level above AA. Finally, it was a blessing in disguise, but I'll get to that in a minute.
I don't remember a whole lot about this season. After all, it was 25 years ago. (Man, that's a long time ago...am I really that old?!) And now, into the memories...
There is one game I remember. I played second base that year and I loved it. I had no problems playing the infield. I have no idea how I got chosen to play there, but that's irrelevant. In one game, I remember ball after ball getting hit to me in the game. I know there were at least 10, and keep in mind we only played 6 innings. Each one I fielded cleanly, threw to first and got the runner out. It was a great game and I remember my parents being proud of me after that game.
Another memory was the the game our own catcher shoved our pitcher at home plate when he was trying to tag out the runner coming home. Needless to say, we threw our own catcher out of the game. The catcher's name was Thomas Ebbitt, or something like that. It's just one of those things I randomly remember.
The next thing, I don't remember, but my parents have reminded me of frequently, was that our coach quit part way through the season. I think that's a sign that the season was less than ideal for a rookie Little Leaguer.
Another memory was our opening day game. Believe it or not, that first game is still the worst defeat of any team I have ever been on (part of the blessing in disguise). We lost that first game 32-2! That's right, 32-2!!! We were blown out many times during our 20 games that year, which brings me to the main reason this season was a blessing in disguise. Of the 20 games we played, we LOST ALL 20! This was a blessing in couple of ways. First, if I still liked the game after a horrible season like that, you know it was part of me, possibly in my DNA, to love baseball. Secondly, no matter how long I played baseball, I could never be on a team that did worse. I had nowhere to go but up. And that is certainly the way things went.
Below I have posted some pictures from that season and a little caption explaining each one. Enjoy!
Here is my first baseball picture!
Here is our team waiting to get our team picture taken.
Here is the team picture from that year.
This is me. For what it's worth, I wore #5.
Here I am swinging at a pitch, and you can actually see the ball coming. Looks like it was going to be a strike.
Getting down and dirty...sliding into 3rd base. I love the action shot! Not bad form for a rookie.
I scored!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Back in the Day...A New Series
I was just taking a shower when a thought occurred to me about what I could talk about on here! Since Courtney has started her first year in softball, I thought it might be fun to talk about some of the memories I have from playing baseball. I started in 1985 with Whittier Little League and played all the way through high school (1994) and even in a few adult leagues since. However, I haven't played since before we had kids. In other words I haven't played in over 6 years. I would love to play again, but it's expensive and would take up most of my Sundays.
This year is the 4th year that La Serna is having their alumni vs. varsity game. The only problem is that it has fallen on the weekend of Courtney's birthday every year, and this year it's on her birthday, which is when her party is. Maybe eventually I'll get to play; it sounds like a lot of fun. I am out of shape, but I wouldn't mind working into a little better shape for that. It would be so much fun.
So in starting this new mini-series on my blog, I'm hoping to post pictures of me and/or my teams from as many years as possible. I have memories from most of the years I played from my first home run to teammates mooning cars behind us as we rode home from a JV game in high school without the coach on board. If this sounds interesting, keep coming back. I'm not sure how often I'll post, but I'm hoping to post fairly often. We'll see if time permits that.
This year is the 4th year that La Serna is having their alumni vs. varsity game. The only problem is that it has fallen on the weekend of Courtney's birthday every year, and this year it's on her birthday, which is when her party is. Maybe eventually I'll get to play; it sounds like a lot of fun. I am out of shape, but I wouldn't mind working into a little better shape for that. It would be so much fun.
So in starting this new mini-series on my blog, I'm hoping to post pictures of me and/or my teams from as many years as possible. I have memories from most of the years I played from my first home run to teammates mooning cars behind us as we rode home from a JV game in high school without the coach on board. If this sounds interesting, keep coming back. I'm not sure how often I'll post, but I'm hoping to post fairly often. We'll see if time permits that.
Friday, February 5, 2010
February? Already?
Man is time flying! I can't believe it is February and we are already halfway through the Steinman birthdays. Skyler's was Jan 13 and Traci's was Wednesday. Next up is Courtney's in a couple of weeks. However, first comes Valentine's Day in just over a week. It'll be kind of weird because it falls on a Sunday this year. Oh well.
In the midst of all the normal February birthday festivities, Courtney is starting her rookie season in softball with Whittier Girls Softball. I'm looking forward to seeing her play. Unfortunately I can't make it to any of the practices as they start at 5:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays. I'll get home about the time they end. At least when they have weekend games, I can make it to those. I'm so excited to see her play. I've had fun teaching her and Skyler how to play. I knew I would have fun teaching them, but I don't think I realized how much I would enjoy it. I wish I could do that everyday, but I don't get home until it's dark during the week. We just need to take advantage of the weekends when we can. It'll rain most of this weekend, but we might be able to practice a little on Sunday before the Super Bowl. Monday represents her first practice and I really wish I could be there. I'm sure she will have fun and make even more friends.
I'm really excited about how well Traci is doing with her weight loss. She has now dropped 45 pounds overall. She has passed what I lost with Weight Watchers a while back (40 pounds...although it's all come back). It's exciting to see her do so well and remain so motivated. I don't think I've seen her this determined with something before. It's pretty cool!
Something I'm proud of is that since I made my return to work on December 8, I have not missed a day! I keep thinking that it would be cool if I actually had perfect attendance this year since I've never had perfect attendance with anything before. Then again, I have two kids who are both in school and a wife who seems close to becoming a sub at the preschool. My chances are slim to none. Guess I better enjoy it while I can.
Also, today was my first meeting with members of the RLT (Refinery Leadership Team), aka the big wigs. Ok, so actually only one was there as well as a few of my colleagues and bosses. it went really well though. I'm glad to get that first one over with.; especially since I get to do it again next month.
I'm getting excited about this time of the year. Although our finances remain extremely tight and we somehow manage to make it paycheck to paycheck, it is just about time for us to get our breathing room. I'll be receiving my bonus in exactly one month, which as of right now is 11% of my salary. There is one more element to be calculated in and I have a feeling it will bring it down slightly. I'm not worried about that since I get a bonus at all in these time. It's also tax time which we'll get around to doing later this month. I'm not sure how much to expect back, but it will be nice no matter how much.
Our family is now down to 2 Disneyland passes since mine expired in November and Skyler's expired on her birthday. Courtney's comes due next month so we'll be covering those three with my bonus/taxes or at least that's the plan right now. We made a list of things we need and would like with our extra money upcoming. Property taxes top the list since that's a necessity. The passes are on there as I mentioned, and we also are planning to get a camera since we haven't had one since Christmas morning. I think we'll be upgrading slightly from what we had, but not spending a ton.
I guess I should head to bed since it's almost 2:00AM. After all, we need to get up at 6:30 to get the girls ready for school. Naptime!
In the midst of all the normal February birthday festivities, Courtney is starting her rookie season in softball with Whittier Girls Softball. I'm looking forward to seeing her play. Unfortunately I can't make it to any of the practices as they start at 5:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays. I'll get home about the time they end. At least when they have weekend games, I can make it to those. I'm so excited to see her play. I've had fun teaching her and Skyler how to play. I knew I would have fun teaching them, but I don't think I realized how much I would enjoy it. I wish I could do that everyday, but I don't get home until it's dark during the week. We just need to take advantage of the weekends when we can. It'll rain most of this weekend, but we might be able to practice a little on Sunday before the Super Bowl. Monday represents her first practice and I really wish I could be there. I'm sure she will have fun and make even more friends.
I'm really excited about how well Traci is doing with her weight loss. She has now dropped 45 pounds overall. She has passed what I lost with Weight Watchers a while back (40 pounds...although it's all come back). It's exciting to see her do so well and remain so motivated. I don't think I've seen her this determined with something before. It's pretty cool!
Something I'm proud of is that since I made my return to work on December 8, I have not missed a day! I keep thinking that it would be cool if I actually had perfect attendance this year since I've never had perfect attendance with anything before. Then again, I have two kids who are both in school and a wife who seems close to becoming a sub at the preschool. My chances are slim to none. Guess I better enjoy it while I can.
Also, today was my first meeting with members of the RLT (Refinery Leadership Team), aka the big wigs. Ok, so actually only one was there as well as a few of my colleagues and bosses. it went really well though. I'm glad to get that first one over with.; especially since I get to do it again next month.
I'm getting excited about this time of the year. Although our finances remain extremely tight and we somehow manage to make it paycheck to paycheck, it is just about time for us to get our breathing room. I'll be receiving my bonus in exactly one month, which as of right now is 11% of my salary. There is one more element to be calculated in and I have a feeling it will bring it down slightly. I'm not worried about that since I get a bonus at all in these time. It's also tax time which we'll get around to doing later this month. I'm not sure how much to expect back, but it will be nice no matter how much.
Our family is now down to 2 Disneyland passes since mine expired in November and Skyler's expired on her birthday. Courtney's comes due next month so we'll be covering those three with my bonus/taxes or at least that's the plan right now. We made a list of things we need and would like with our extra money upcoming. Property taxes top the list since that's a necessity. The passes are on there as I mentioned, and we also are planning to get a camera since we haven't had one since Christmas morning. I think we'll be upgrading slightly from what we had, but not spending a ton.
I guess I should head to bed since it's almost 2:00AM. After all, we need to get up at 6:30 to get the girls ready for school. Naptime!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
2009 In Review...Finally
Dear Family and Friends,
Welcome to the 2009 Steinman family letter. No you did not receive a Christmas card. Yes, this is the letter that would have accompanied that card. Things are tight so we eliminated cards and Christmas mailings this year altogether. However, the tradition of an annual family letter must continue! And so here I am on
JANUARY
We welcomed in 2009 in the way we usually do…birthday parties galore (four in the first four weekends to be exact). Of course one of those was Skyler’s third birthday party. She is at the point where she can really appreciate the party and the presents and the cake! It’s always fun to see having a good time surrounded by so many people that love her so much. Her third birthday also represented a new expense…Skyler’s first annual pass for
However, we also saw Traci’s brother and his family move from
FEBRUARY
February was as busy as usual with Traci’s birthday and Courtney’s fifth birthday. However, as if that isn’t enough in itself, along with a number of other family birthdays in the last week alone, our Sunday School class, which I was the facilitator for, decided to do an open house to let other young married couples in our church know about our class and come check it out. It went well as we probably had 30-40 people show up, compared to about 10 in class on a normal Sunday. It went pretty well and we had fun.
Two days before Courtney’s birthday, we welcomed a new (extended) family member! Our niece Bella was born on the 18th. It was exciting to find out since this was my sister’s first baby.
Another highlight of this month was that Courtney had two auditions in a three-day period at the end of the month. (Remember, last year she signed with LA Models to be her agency for print, model, TV and film.) With those being in the heart of LA, it’s a decent time commitment for Traci and Courtney to make it to those, especially while I’m at work. She didn’t get either gig, but they are always good practice for the next one!
MARCH
Our church’s annual Serve Weekend was held in March this year. Since this was the first year that I didn’t lead a project, Traci and I worked together on the same project. We were photographers. We got to travel to about a dozen of the 119 service projects throughout the community, taking pictures and documenting the activities of the various project teams. It was a blessing to be able to see so much of what was going on and how so many in our community could be blessed by God’s servants. It was truly an amazing experience. We are looking forward to serving again this Spring!
March also represented a change for me at work as I earned my first promotion at Chevron. I went from being a Global Analyst to a Local Analyst, but that also involves formulating and managing a number of contracts (somewhere around 60 I think), the largest of which averages about $15,000,000 per year. It’s a nice change and has involved a lot of learning but has been enjoyable. I love the people I work with and I have a great boss. In these times, I cannot complain at all about my job. Good pay and benefits and the fact that I have a job at all in these times is great, let alone one of the best I’ve ever had. God has blessed me, and my family, with this job.
APRIL
April had one of the biggest highlights of the year. No it wasn’t my 33rd birthday. No, it wasn’t the Dodger game we attended the following day. No it wasn’t attending an award ceremony for my mom’s union, at which she received a prestigious award (although that was pretty cool). It was Courtney’s first job! We were so excited when we got the call that she was on the short list/on call for a job. Then we were even more excited when we got the call that she was in! The excitement went to whole other level when we found out it was for O Magazine!! (That’s right, Oprah’s magazine!) The shoot took place on the beach in
Traci has continued to be involved in leadership for MOPS at our church and in April we hosted a MOPS fundraiser yard sale since we have a great front yard for it. Since Traci was in charge of fundraising, she organized the event and did a great job of it. However, since we were hosting it, that also meant our home was the drop-off, or Salvation Army/Goodwill/name your charity here, for the event. Therefore, we had stuff piled up for the yard sale everywhere. We had a path to the washing machine and dryer in the garage and a path to the kitchen from the living room. However, thanks to the great planning, the support of the MOPS group from our church, and the tons of donations from everyone, the yard sale made about $1,200! Way to go, Hon! I’m proud of you!
May was the first really rough month we had. However, there were some good events as well. We celebrated Mother’s Day at the park, as has become tradition in recent years. Both sides of our family get together and go potluck-style. The kids love to play, the adults love to talk; it’s great for everyone, especially with four generations involved!
However, the month quickly turned downhill after Mother’s Day. Our dear friend Monica, who was only three months younger than me, lost her 18-month battle with Cancer the day after Mother’s Day, leaving behind her husband, who we’re also good friends with, and their son who turned three the following month. She and her husband had been in our Sunday School class for quite a while so we had gotten to know them pretty well, especially Traci. I had the honor of speaking briefly at her service the next weekend, where it was estimated about 500 people attended, to give you an idea of what a great, Godly woman she was. While we mourned the loss, we can celebrate the fact that she is no longer suffering and is in Heaven. Her departure is only temporary for those of us who also have reservations in Heaven.
The day after the service, we had another highlight: watching Courtney’s church choir do their Spring musical. It is always fun to see Courtney perform and having fun while honoring The Lord. It really makes us proud.
JUNE
Ah, June…a month we have grown very fond of, but I’ll get to the reason in a minute in case you don’t remember why. June represented Courtney’s last day of preschool and her preschool “graduation” ceremony. It was very cute and although it was just for preschool, it really made me realize how quickly Courtney is growing up. How is it that she is ready for kindergarten already?!
The weekend after that was a great weekend at church as we held our ground breaking ceremony. Our church was breaking ground for construction on phase one (of two) of our campus expansion. Phase one represents nearly tripling our parking spaces in preparation for phase two, which will be construction of a new sanctuary. Some of the parking was completed in time for Christmas Eve services last week. It was a more emotional experience than I expected. I think it’s exciting that we have outgrown what we have now and need to expand so that we can bring more people to God on our campus. It was also emotional because at one point they had those that had become Christians at the church come fill a test tube with dirt from the ground breaking, and Courtney was one of those people. It literally brought tears to my eyes and the test tube is still on our kitchen counter just above the sink.
It was also around this time that Skyler began her swim lessons. She was in the Mommy and Me swim class with Traci. There was an obvious difference from last year in terms of her ability and enjoyment. It’s amazing to see how she grows over time and how she develops and her amazing athletic abilities. We’ll need to keep an eye on her!
The following weekend was Father’s Day, when we held our annual BBQ in our front yard. It was fun as always. However it was the following Friday that represented a pretty big milestone, at least in our eyes.
JULY
We started off the month on a great note, traveling to
However, I had no idea that my life would flip upside down beginning the following week. It was that following week that I began my battle with depression. I have never been through anything like it before and hope I never do again. Unfortunately, my battle had negative effects on the family, and so it was a very tough four months or so for everyone.
The end of July represented the first time the girls got to attend VBS at our church! They always seem to hold it the same time that we go to
July also represented the last time I would lead our Sunday School class as I let them know I could no longer lead the class. It was just too much for me on top of everything else going on in life in general as well as the latest issues that were going on (although they didn’t know that yet).
AUGUST
August was busier than normal, but in a good way. We left for the aforementioned
Just a couple of days after returning from
A couple of weeks later we headed to
The day after
Coming off of the high of that day, I was stunned when I was still struggling with depression the rest of the week. As a result, I started on three and a half weeks of disability that week. A disappointing option I was hoping to avoid.
However, the last day of August was a milestone. Skyler started preschool! She is attending the same preschool Courtney did: Whittier Christian, Maybrook Campus. She has enjoyed it so far and her teachers love her. We couldn’t be more pleased. She is always excited to show us what she has done, especially arts and crafts. We were worried she might be more hesitant to start school than Courtney because she is more reserved and shy, but she did great…no crying, no clinging, just a goodbye hug and kiss and she was good to go. She’s such a big girl!
SEPTEMBER
This month had a big milestone for Courtney. On the 2nd, she had her first day of Kindergarten! Man, is it weird to be going back to my elementary school, but this time as a parent! I’m proud of Courtney as she has done extremely well so far in kindergarten. On her first report card (December), she was at or above level in all areas. I almost teared up when she said her favorite subject is math. That’s my girl!
I was cleared to go back to work on the 21st of the month and so I did. It was a welcome change. However, it would not go quite as well as I had hoped. I made it through three days and could not work the fourth. (I work a 4/10 schedule and therefore have all Fridays off.) Turns out I wouldn’t work a full week for a while.
The last weekend of September, Traci was able to get away for the weekend to our church’s women’s retreat. It was a much needed break for her, especially after having to deal with me. It also allowed me to have some good time with the kids, which was also needed.
OCTOBER
With October comes the kickoff of the holiday season with Halloween and Harvest Festivals and the like. We made a trip to a big pumpkin patch with lots of slides, a petting zoo and a train, courtesy of Grandma and Papa (Traci’s parents). As always, the girls had a blast. We also had the joy of attending Harvest Festivals at each of the girls’ schools…on the same day! Fortunately, Courtney’s was in the morning and Skyler’s was at night. We were able to get a much needed break in between and therefore, were able to thoroughly enjoy both.
At the beginning of the month, the girls had their first sleepover at their friends’ house. They had a blast and we were grateful to our friends for being willing to put up with four girls between the ages of 2 and 5 for the night.
On the 25th, our church did something different as part of their building project. It was a commitment service where we held just one service (versus the four we had each weekend at the time and five now) in the
The last week of October brought on yet another personal challenge for me and my battle. On October 26, I began a 6-week stint on disability due to my depression. I could not make it to work more than a day or two at a time, which is not what I or my friends at work needed. So at home I was again. Not where I wanted to be, but where I needed to be. This did allow time to find the right “cocktail” (as the doctor put it) to help me.
Halloween was one of the busiest days of the month. Of course there was trick-or-treating, but before that, there were two birthday parties to attend! What a crazy day that was. Somehow we made it through and the girls managed to have a really good time that day. This year the costumes were…Courtney – Sleeping Beauty; Skyler – Butterfly. They were very cute, but would you expect anything less? (I know I wouldn’t!)
NOVEMBER
Personally, November started off rough and ended frustratingly. Now that I was home from work for the whole month, and generally feeling like crap, I just had to try to make the best of it. However, on the November 4, my Disneyland pass expired for the first time since I bought it after I first bought it in November of 1999 (a couple of months after I stopped working there). It was sad, but there was no way we could afford to renew it. Oh well, life goes on.
Fortunately, thanks to some family, we were given four free tickets to Legoland. None of us had been there before, so it was exciting for all four of us! We went with Traci’s cousin and his family, who have three kids and enjoy hanging out with ours (they are cousins, you know). By the end of the day we were all ready to head home and had a great time. I think it took Skyler about 30 seconds to fall asleep once we started driving.
I am so proud of Traci for what she accomplished in terms of weight loss this year. She participated in a challenge with some friends from church. This brought her total weight loss to 38 pounds. I am excited to see her succeed like this and get closer to reaching her goals. It makes me a proud husband!
Thanksgiving was extra special this year as Susie, Adam and Bella were flown down here for the weekend courtesy of my parents. It was great to see them and to be able to spend a lot of the weekend with them. Holidays are always better when you can spend them with family (especially if it’s family you love)!
The last day of November was very frustrating. It was the day I was supposed to return to work. So I did. A couple of hours after my arrival, I was told I needed to check in at the on-site medical clinic. At the clinic, I was told I had not been cleared to come back to work, and therefore needed to stay home until I was cleared. So home I went…again. This time feeling fine for once, though, while all the paperwork and miscommunication issues got worked out.
DECEMBER
Thank God for December!!!!!!!!!! Despite the carryover frustration from November, the month quickly turned around in a big way. On December 4th, Skyler accepted Christ into her heart! It was so exciting as Traci lead her in the prayer at prayer time before bed. Skyler started the conversation by asking Traci how we get to Heaven. Traci jumped at the opportunity while I was putting Courtney to bed. We could not be happier now that we know all four of us have reservations with our Heavenly Father! If I fail at everything else, I can know that at least in some minute way, I did something right to help our girls want to become Christians.
Despite that being the highlight of the month (easily), Courtney’s school’s Christmas program was earlier that night at the middle school Traci and I attended, in the same gym where Traci and I first danced exactly 20 years ago! (We also have been dating this time around for 15 years as of this month! What a year of milestones for our relationship, huh?) She did great and we enjoyed watching her.
The following day, she did the first of four weekend Christmas performances at church: one Saturday and three on Sunday. Then as if that wasn’t enough for the weekend, Skyler’s preschool Christmas program was later Sunday afternoon. That was an awesome program. And although Skyler was fighting a cold, she still sang her little heart out and knew all the choreography! We didn’t expect her to do so well. We sure could not have been any prouder than we were. What a trooper and what a talent!
Continuing the positive news, I finally returned to work on December 8th! Even better news…I have not missed a day since! I feel like the depression is gone, or at least well under control courtesy of three medications (and a fourth as needed). Praise God that I’m feeling fine, work is going well, the family is back to normal and life is good!!! Despite the many cutbacks that we’ve made this holiday season (no cards, mailings or gifts for anyone except our girls), we’ve been able to celebrate and have a great Christmas season. The Christmas Eve service at our church was amazing.
We were also privileged enough to participate in an amazing church-wide service project earlier this week (Dec. 30). It was our church’s project for this Christmas: meal preparation for the poor and starving in
So with that, I finally come to the end of the novel that is the 2009 year in review. I am very glad to have made it through 2009 and that my family made it through the tough times and enjoyed the good times. I have never been so happy to see a year end. I hope and pray that 2010 will bring our family many blessing and a much happier year than 2009. I also hope and pray that 2010 will bring you and yours many blessings and memories. Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
HERE I COME!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, well, well. Look who's coming back to his blog. Things are going well right now and I'm not going to make this long, but just a heads up that I will attempt to begin blogging again on here soon. I won't give a date because, honestly, I don't know when it will be with all the Christmas activities going on. However I do have a little vacation time coming up just after Christmas. See you soon!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Great Song by Phil Stacey - "You're Not Shaken"
I love this song a lot because I can really relate to it right now. It's on my other blog, but I connect with it so much that I felt it should be here as well. It's by Phil Stacey. He was in the top 5 on American Idol a few years back (season 6?). It has helped me during this dark time of life. I hope you enjoy it as well.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Still Here
I haven't forgotten about this blog. I've been working on a new blog that is currently private and I'm using as a journal for what I'm currently dealing with. It may be a while before I resume this blog, so please be patient. I just wanted to let you know I'm still here.
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