spring is in the air

Government shutdown averted, at least until Thursday.  I'm not putting much stock in the government that they will actually agree on the budget deal they said they agreed upon.  Just the pessimist in me, I suppose.

It is finally starting to feel like spring here in the beautiful Midwest.  What does spring feel like, you might ask? 

• It has been in the mid seventies the past two days.
• I got to see my niece score 2 goals in her soccer game yesterday (she is getting better with every game!).
• 8&Under Tournament team softball practice today.
• 10&Under League softball practice on Wednesday night.

.......but the most telling sign that it is spring in the Midwest:

• Tornado outbreak forecast for this afternoon.

I love this time of year.  My ankles were covered in dirt from demonstrating how to shuffle your feet to field a grounder, some of the 8 year olds were whining about how tired they were, and the weather is gorgeous enough to produce severe weather.  Can't ask for much more then that!

Not to mention, college softball is on TV right now.  It definitely makes me miss the competition and the thrill of having the bases loaded with two outs and pitching my way out of the inning, scoreless.  Just part of growing up and being washed up, I guess.  On the bright side, I've been working with my niece on pitching when we have time and her fundamentals are really coming along.  So much fun to see!

I will definitely miss the opportunity to see my nieces and nephews all of the time, especially the 3 little girls I am currently living with.  There are always benefits and drawbacks to every decision, and that is definitely the biggest downside to the decision to move abroad.

Sometimes, though, you have to be selfish, and that is what I am doing with this decision.  I am looking out for me, myself, and I.  This is what is best for me, right now.  If I don't take this chance, I will regret it. 

I start at LHF on April 26, and the season opens on the 30th.  I can't wait to go back and get the season under way.  It will definitely help the summer to pass quickly.  I am anxious to see family this summer, and some friends whom  I will miss dearly.  At the same time, I am anxious to leave.  Although I have learned that wishing time away is never advisable. 

Happy 38th Birthday, brother. Can't wait to share a cold one together someday.