Day Hike in Sequoia National Park

Greetings from Visalia, CA
       The Rawhide enjoyed a day off yesterday as we had just finished up a three game set with the Lancaster Jethawks.  We took all three games from the jethawks, which we should have, and rolled into the off day.  We are still in the playoff hunt, but with not gaining any ground over the last three games the trek is starting to get harder and harder, but we're not giving in yet.

       So, the off day.....WOW!  That's all that I can say about my adventure to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park with the Budrow's.  We took off early in the morning to get to the park to do some day hiking.  Of course we wanted to make sure we got to see General Sherman, the largest living tree by volume and weight, and then take to some trails and find some amazing wildlife and scenery.

       With no hesitation we accomplished all three of our goals for the day.  I have never been to such a play of grandeur!  I've been to plenty of state parks, and a few national parks, but the trip I was on yesterday takes the cake.  It is trips like this that make me realize how awesome nature is and what amazing things are out there to discover.  C'mon, getting to see wildlife (not at a zoo), playing in natural springs and streams (clear water), touching snow in August in California, and hiking trails through sequoias; what a great use of a day!
        This summer I have been really trying to utilize time to do things that further me as a person, i.e. not just sitting in front of a tv.  I've been reading more (books, articles, research, etc), playing the guitar more, getting out and exploring cities I'm in more, and trying to take more adventures.  To this point I'm pleased with my progress and I can't wait to see what else is in store for the summer.
        Without a doubt a lot of the places I get to go with baseball present a lot of opportunity for exploration that I normally wouldn't get to, so I am going to take full advantage.  I would encourage anyone to do the same, as it is not always that you get to have such opportunities more than once.  Not only speaking of going to national parks, or landmarks, but in general seizing the opportunity to do things that come your way.  How many times have you passed up on an adventure you didn't know if it was going to come back around or not, and your wishing you hadn't?  All I'm saying is Carpe Diem is a pretty powerful motto, and don't be afraid to seize that carp :-P

Happy Travels & enjoy this picture of the trail treasure I found yesterday! 

Keeping On The Right Path

Greetings from San Jose, CA
        I have realized that this is my first post from the west coast, so another time zone checked off for this blog.  The Visalia Rawhide have been struggling as of late.  We are showing signs of being really good and putting all of the parts together, but also show a lot of signs of immaturity and silly mistakes.  I know it is July, but even with 40 games left in the season 5.5 games can be a lot to make up on a team when we are trying to make the playoffs.  We have a double header today against San Jose (San Fran Giants) then we get to head home for a week long home stand, which is always welcomed.
       With the days of July coming to a close and the dog days of August approaching, it has made me start to think about pushing through the month.  It always seems so cliche when people say take it day by day, and don't get wrapped up in the big picture, but it really seems that simple.  I mean when you really look at it, if you try to just accomplish something each day, or try to tackle each day at a time, the days seem to go by faster.  With that in mind, I have been trying to come up with something different every day that I can do, say, or think about to make each day something new.  The month of July has gone pretty well, and it has been fun actually.  I remember last year at this point in the season I would be standing out for batting practice daily thinking about how much I was dreading each day and could only think about getting home.  Not the case this year though.
        Of course there are going to be days that seem longer.  There will be days where others will try to bring you down.  Yes there will be days even when things don't go as you expect them. Nonetheless, the days will still go by, so why not have fun with them.  I know I've really enjoyed getting to challenge myself daily.  Really trying to take it to another level, challenging my brain, researching different ideas (instead of letting them slip by), trying new foods, planning out different events.  I don't want to fill your head with too many of my ideas; rather try coming up with some things on your own.  What types of things can you do to make the days not as long, tiring, dreadful?  I realize we don't all get to play baseball, but what about that 9-5 job, what about those shifts you dread?  We all have the same feelings and emotions, but with different avenues in which they travel.
        I'll leave you with this, if our ancestors would have allowed boredom to take over, or to let despair run them, we probably wouldn't be here today.  What can you do to help our species and existence evolve?  Don't be okay with going with the flow.  Start trying to set some currents, so if others want to they can follow in your wake.

West Coast Bound

Greetings from Dayton, OH.
       The Silverhawks have been on a bit of a rough patch here as of late, losing our last 8.  However, we are continuing to push ahead and working through all of the little things that will catch up with you sooner or later.  I know the frustration level is starting to rise around the team, but not to fear because all will turn around and the talent of this group of guys will start to prevail.  On a good note too, the second half is still young and the possibility for playoffs is still very much a possibility.
        Now I typically don't post things about direct stories related to me, and use this blog to update people on my life, I am going to this time.  I found out yesterday when I showed up to the clubhouse that I had been promoted to the high A affiliate for the Diamondbacks (Visalia Rawhide).  It was nice to get this opportunity, and as much as I am going to miss this group of guys, I am looking forward to another challenge and taking my talents to the next level.
        The life of a minor leaguer is one that can change very quickly, no matter what kind of movement it is.  When I first let some of the people know of the move they were all surprised of how fast I was getting out there (today-Monday).  The fact is that they had an off day today and they are back to playing tomorrow so it is important for me to get there before the next game.  I will be getting in out there around 8:15 tonight, local time, and should report to Visalia around 9:30 pm.
       Another thing that caught some people off guard is that I am stuck traveling out there with only my clothes and items that I packed for a 3 day road trip to Dayton.  Thus, I have a pair of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, some underwear, a pair of socks, and a couple shirts.  It won't be all that bad because they will ship me the rest of my personal affects sooner or later, but until then I'll be pretty minimalistic and fine.
        Okay, well I need to close up shop and get ready to head to the airport.  I hope that everyone's travels and adventures have continued to be epic.  I look forward to passing on thoughts and tales from the West Coast.

Congrats to the Freak for his birthday 50K trail adventure too.

If It Goes Away

Greetings from Mentor, Ohio; home of the Lake County Captains.
 
        The Silverhawks have gotten off to a fairly decent start to the second half of the season, splitting its first six games with the Whitecaps (3-3).  We are now in Mentor and taking on the Lake County Captains (Cleveland Indians) for three more games, before heading home for a bit.  As of yesterday, David Holmberg was promoted to Visalia, so we will be getting a replacement today.  I wish him all of the luck, as he is a great guy, with a load of talent.

        I have to start by apologizing for my absence the last week and a half, or so, things were a little hectic around these parts (with the all-star break, a visitor, and all).  However, I have been able to muster up some good deep thoughts that I want to share with you all.
        Over the past week this idea of what if something I take for grated was to all of the sudden go away.  There have been a couple of instances that I have encountered this week that has really made me take a step back and analyze what I cherish in life, and put a new light on it.  I feel fortunate because a lot of times such things happen before we actually get to look at it like this, so I thought I might pose it to everyone else so they can look at some things before they might go away for you.  It doesn't have to be the big, or small, there are no rules on this, but really what do you cherish?  If you cherish it have you been expressing it and make sure you don't take it for granted?
        One of the instances this past week that has posed this idea in my head is one of my best friends had his girlfriend lose a parent.  Now I'm not saying she took this relationship for granted at all, it just made me realize that maybe I need to make sure my parents always know how I feel about them, or to always make a little bit of extra time for them.  I couldn't imagine losing my parents now, or ever, and to have to go through that would be devastating.  My heart is out there with him and her at this time, and I pray the best for them.  Again, what if it was to just go away?
        Another situation, not as serious, was when Nicole left for Greece last Monday, and all of the sudden I couldn't talk to her on the phone.  Like I said, not a huge deal, but still when you care about someone that much and you enjoy the sound of their voice, to not get that luxury makes you take a step back.  First of all, I commend anyone who made a relationship last pre-technology era.  Second of all, it makes me realize how fortunate I am to have a girlfriend who is willing to put in the time and effort it takes to be apart from each other.  I was able to make it without talking to her because I knew she was having a blast while she was over there, but again what if you woke up tomorrow and didn't have the opportunity to talk to someone you love?
        I'll leave you with this thought today, the littlest things in life can cause us the most agony; and sometimes the biggest things in life can cause the same amount of pain.  So please, before you can't, take a step back in life and look at everything you have.  Make sure you are giving everything ample attention , and if you aren't ask yourself what if it went away?

Happy Brain Cell Hunting,

Finding Your Paradise

             The last week has been rough for the Silverhawks, as we went 1-5 on our recent 6 day road trip.  We are now looking at 5 games between first place and us with 6 games left in the half.  However, we are only 4.5 games out of the playoffs with our last 6 games against teams that are ahead of us.  If we take care of our business, and have some other teams misfortunes go our way, there is still a chance for us to make it this first half.

            When the world begins to speed up, life starts to seem out of control, and you feel like you might be at wits end; how do you bring it all back?  It’s about the ability to put all things in perspective and take a look at the big picture.  Where do you go to do this…Where do you find your inner paradise?

            The joy of life is that there is no manual telling you how to do things, or how to live.  Thus, everyone has his or her own way of finding a place to retreat to and slow it all down.  Some people may sleep, some may go to the beach, some may ride their motorcycle, Personally, I like to escape to somewhere where I feel like I’m just a fly on the wall. 

In the last couple of years I have found this easiest to do by taking in all that nature has to offer us.  Sometimes I just take off on a run through some trails, sometimes I take pictures of different places that seem serene, and sometimes I just sit and watch nature happen in front of me.  Either way it always seems to show me just how little all of my problems are.  There is always so much more going on around, and to get so consumed in personal issues that you cannot see everything else is a crime.  There is so much out there for us, we should embrace the opportunity. 

Again, each of us is entitled to our own personal paradise, but don’t be afraid to try some other paradises too and maybe you will find one that suits you better than you would have expected.  What is your paradise (if you feel like indulging)?

May your travels push the limits of acceptance,

Summer...Not Quite, But Still Excited

Greetings from South Bend,
    To End out the month of May, the Silverhawks have finally gone over .500 for the season (26-25).  After just completing a 4 game set with the Dayton Dragons where we took 3 of 4 from them, I am happy to say that we are playing really well at this point.  This last series was not without its South Bend kick to it however.  We had one game rained out (no zooperstars), a scheduled double header called after one game (due to tornadoes), then finally the last day double header where it was 90 degrees outside without a cloud in the sky (120 degrees on the field).  Next on tap for the Silverhawks is the Cedar Rapids Kernels.
  
    I always find it quite interesting when spring gives way to its first day of what could be summer.  Facebook seems to fill up with statuses of beach adventures, barbecue plans, and plenty of porch sitting and drinking.  Now I'm not going to say that I am not getting excited about summer being here already, but after living in Michigan for so long I know that as soon as it came, it can be gone.  So should we all be getting excited for this summer now?  Or should we hold off just a little bit and just enjoy it for the day?
    Regardless to your personal beliefs, I'm going to hold off on the commitment to summer quite yet, and look for it in about 2 weeks.  Nonetheless, I still miss all of the events that come with the days of summer.  It always seems to take me back to my last 2 years at CMU, and all of the awesome grilling out we used to do at our house.  I mean what else could 4 college guys ask for; a big deck, a hammock, a rocking chair, a grill, food, spirits, and Joe's bass pumping?  Then of course that always brings back the inevitable thought, of can I relive college again?  The answer is always the same, but the memories are always there to create the elusive thought of it all.
    As well as college days that are missed, when summer holidays come around it seems to spark more great memories.  I'm sure that everyone has some stories of growing up and going camping, or other family plans around the summer holidays that they remember.  I always looked forward to the beach visits, and the camping, and the lake fun, and of course all the great grilling that you can do in the summer.  There are just so many great parts of the summer that are enjoyable and enjoy them is what we all do best.  No matter what state the economy is in, or how bad situations can be at work, when you can come home and surround yourself with family and friends and good summer times; everything can appear just dandy.

    With that in mind, enjoy this transition into summer and all the greatness it will bring.


Continue to create new adventures for yourself!

Roller Coaster of Life

Greetings from South Bend,
  The Silverhawks are embarking upon a 13 game homestand that will prove to dictate where we end up in the first half of the season.  As of late we have been playing very well and guys continue to come into their own.  The hitters are starting to get comfortable and realizing that the season is very long so a couple of at bats here and there isn't going to make or break them.  We were able to take 3 of 4 from the Great Lakes Loons and 2 of 3 from the Lansing Lugnuts (the top 2 teams in our division) in our last 7 games, and look to continue the same trend.
  It has been a pretty crazy last couple of days for me and trying to process it all is even more crazy.  I find that at times when you are living in the moment events don't seem as big as they actually are when you look back at them and really analyze it all.  In the past week one of my teammates was promoted, my girlfriend's office closed it's doors, I was asked to write for a baseball website, I connected with some great mentors of mine, and continued my house search.
  Now at the time, all of these events seemed very manageable but looking back it is mildly overwhelming what has gone on.  Also, it seems like a lot of people have been asking me why I am still here, or why I am not mad that I haven't moved up yet.  Too, it seems like there has been more focus on the way guys are performing and a lot of questions to me about what I think about them (are they going to move or stay, etc).  Through some good guidance, and self reflection, I've come to the realization that there is really no explanation for  the way that a lot of things happen.  The best thing anyone can do is just accept what has already happened, and if you don't like it, work to change it for the next time.  Sure, do I wish I was playing at a higher level, but who doesn't.  There is a reason that I am here playing and helping this team.  All I can really do, is show up every day and continue to do what I think is best for the guys around me and help them become the best player they can be.  If I'm able to do that then I am able to win a battle that is much bigger than me alone, its the game of life.
  My last thought of the day, without overwhelming you, is to really analyze the things that you complain about in life.  I know we all get caught up and need to have some vent sessions; but really look at some things.  Do they seem as bad as you might make them, or does it just feel good sometimes to vent on occasions?  I'll be the first to agree, I complain about things I shouldn't, but really think about it.  Are there ways we can slow down life and not make it seem so bad.  I'm trying to focus more on waking up everyday and finding something new I can appreciate.  This morning was, fresh flowing water, and the ability to challenge myself with hills and obstacles (had a great run early morning if you wondering).

I hope everyone has been able to enjoy the nice weather (i.e. not winter) across the world.

Continue to challenge yourself!