It's that time of the year again. The time when football is wrapping up and preparations for Spring Training are in full force. This year Steven and I will be traveling down to Arizona early (in about a week) so he can workout and throw in weather about -2 degrees! The packing and planning has been taking place since December when the hunt for housing began. We were lucky enough to find a great place at a reasonable price and even found one of his teammates to live with us. We've all spent plenty of time together both during the season and this offseason so I am very excited about all of it. My parent's house has been our storage unit for the offseason so they will finally be getting some space back. It seems like we've spent the entire offseason preparing for this, yet not really wanting it to come...or maybe that was just me.
I know that we're both ready for the warm weather, seeing old friends and teammates, and of course a pay check! I know that Steven is ready to get back on the mound and ready for a breakout season. I know that no one promised that at any point this lifestyle and I don't expect it to get an easier in the big leagues. I know this is exactly what I signed up for when I started dating him, but that doesn't make it any easier. I read a blog earlier today written by a baseball wife about how it makes her feel when people tell her what a hard life it is. “Thank you for your concern. It really is hard. I panic sometimes thinking about how our lives are at the mercy of so many factors that are out of our control it’s terrifying. And I worry everyday about having enough money to do all the things we’ve both dreamed of. And I even get sick some days wondering how we can raise the family we want with a life like this. And my eyes water at the thought of ever having to say another long goodbye. And I’m scared about how to make the best decisions when we don’t know what will happen to us in five months, let alone five years. But, you know, I came into this relationship with my eyes wide open. And somewhere along this road filled with the fear and the unknown and the trials, I decided my husband and our relationship was worth all of it. So, as naïve as it may sound, I am positive that as long as we’re together we’ll always be okay. And when you believe that, the hard just doesn’t really matter too much.”
Let me tell you, those comments don't make it any less hard for any of us. I don't know if the intention is to seem sympathetic or maybe to make us second guess ourselves, but either way, it doesn't go over well. I've had those exact thoughts, and I'm sure most women in baseball or professional sports in general have too. The thing is though that we can't change the lifestyle and the alternative is finding a new significant other. Some women eventually choose the latter but for me, that is not an option. So guess what, I decided that I don't want it to be easy. If it was easy, I would have no appreciation for the good things when they come our way. If it was easy, I wouldn't have this common bond with other baseball wives and girlfriends that others can't relate to. If it was easy, I wouldn't be as proud as I am that we have made it this far. In A League of Their Own Tom Hanks says to Geena Davis "If it wasn't hard everyone would do it. It's the hard that makes it great". You know what? He's right. If it wasn't hard, every girl that met a baseball player would walk down the aisle and live happily ever after, there would be nothing great about it. The difficulties we face test our commitment to each other and to chasing the dream. At the end of the day knowing that it has been hard but we're still together and going strong, makes it worth it, makes it great.
So in that spirit…
“I can't wait to get on the road again. On the road again goin' places that I've never been. Seein' things that I may never see again and I can't wait to get on the road again. On the road again like a band of gypsies we go down the highway. We're the best of friends, insisting that the world keep turning our way and our way is on the road again.”
Monday, January 23, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
To Do More (Making Good on a Resolution)
It's that six letter word that has become all too common, yet no one wants to hear: cancer. These days, cancer has reached all of us in one way or another and it doesn't seem to be slowing down.
In 2007 my grandpa, Al Heisler, passed away after a battle with cancer. There are many things I remember about his battle but one that stands out is the sense of humor he had in his remaining days. At a time when he could've felt bad for himself and wanted pity from those around him, he chose to laugh and make others laugh. Cancer can be scary and uncomfortable and so many other terrible things that I think one of the best gifts he left me is that I remember him being funny, and not any of those other sad things. Of course I also remember what a supportive grandpa he was (along with my grandma Jeannine) showing up at basketball games, piano recitals, school plays...you name it. Not every kid grows up with all four grandparents around but I was lucky enough to spend my childhood surrounded. I also remember trips to his store where I always was able to find some type of treat or toy. I even remember going with him and my grandma to some type of flea market and I think I tried to sell a lady a fur coat! There were trips to Arizona and Mexico and family vacation in Black River Falls. Not only do I have great memories of my grandpa but I also have great respect for him. He was able to overcome so many things and make so much of his life that it would be impossible not to respect him.
When I first moved to Arizona in 2008, I met a fellow new teacher. He had taught in the district but was new to my school and was a fellow Midwest native. Clayton was a Vikings fan but a pretty good guy regardless and began dating my friend Emily. Eventually Emily became my roommate and I grew to know Clayton very well. He was diagnosed with cancer early and life but went in to remission. Cancer struck again, he battled, and came out victorious with the scars to prove it. Since being in remission again, he and Emily married and are expecting their first son in February.
I think about my young cousins and cousin's children and realize that they will not remember my grandpa as I do. Some won't even know him. I think about all of the other families that have lost loved ones and children who are left without fathers or mothers. It would be easy to think that cancer is as certain as taxes, something we all eventually succumb to, but I'm not ready for that. I don't want to think that every family will have to be negatively impacted by cancer. I don't want to think that for the rest of my life nearly 1.5 million people will hear "you have cancer" and have little hope.
This year I am once again participating in the American Cancer Society's Climb to Conquer Cancer in Arizona to honor my grandpa, to thank those who helped Clayton, and to give hope to the 1.5 million. Although I have done the hike before, I have decided to take an active part in fund raising for the American Cancer Society so that someday soon we can find a way to slow down cancer, and maybe even stop it. If you are able, I encourage all of you to join the American Cancer Society's efforts and help me and my team (Clayton's Crew) by clicking the link below. If you are unable, I encourage you to find out what the American Cancer Society is doing in your area and participate any way you can so we can help people stay well, get well, fight back, and find cures!
Click here to support me and the Climb to Conquer
In 2007 my grandpa, Al Heisler, passed away after a battle with cancer. There are many things I remember about his battle but one that stands out is the sense of humor he had in his remaining days. At a time when he could've felt bad for himself and wanted pity from those around him, he chose to laugh and make others laugh. Cancer can be scary and uncomfortable and so many other terrible things that I think one of the best gifts he left me is that I remember him being funny, and not any of those other sad things. Of course I also remember what a supportive grandpa he was (along with my grandma Jeannine) showing up at basketball games, piano recitals, school plays...you name it. Not every kid grows up with all four grandparents around but I was lucky enough to spend my childhood surrounded. I also remember trips to his store where I always was able to find some type of treat or toy. I even remember going with him and my grandma to some type of flea market and I think I tried to sell a lady a fur coat! There were trips to Arizona and Mexico and family vacation in Black River Falls. Not only do I have great memories of my grandpa but I also have great respect for him. He was able to overcome so many things and make so much of his life that it would be impossible not to respect him.
When I first moved to Arizona in 2008, I met a fellow new teacher. He had taught in the district but was new to my school and was a fellow Midwest native. Clayton was a Vikings fan but a pretty good guy regardless and began dating my friend Emily. Eventually Emily became my roommate and I grew to know Clayton very well. He was diagnosed with cancer early and life but went in to remission. Cancer struck again, he battled, and came out victorious with the scars to prove it. Since being in remission again, he and Emily married and are expecting their first son in February.
I think about my young cousins and cousin's children and realize that they will not remember my grandpa as I do. Some won't even know him. I think about all of the other families that have lost loved ones and children who are left without fathers or mothers. It would be easy to think that cancer is as certain as taxes, something we all eventually succumb to, but I'm not ready for that. I don't want to think that every family will have to be negatively impacted by cancer. I don't want to think that for the rest of my life nearly 1.5 million people will hear "you have cancer" and have little hope.
This year I am once again participating in the American Cancer Society's Climb to Conquer Cancer in Arizona to honor my grandpa, to thank those who helped Clayton, and to give hope to the 1.5 million. Although I have done the hike before, I have decided to take an active part in fund raising for the American Cancer Society so that someday soon we can find a way to slow down cancer, and maybe even stop it. If you are able, I encourage all of you to join the American Cancer Society's efforts and help me and my team (Clayton's Crew) by clicking the link below. If you are unable, I encourage you to find out what the American Cancer Society is doing in your area and participate any way you can so we can help people stay well, get well, fight back, and find cures!
Click here to support me and the Climb to Conquer
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New Year, New Chances
Steven and I spent the last 10 days in North Carolina visiting his family and friends for Christmas, his birthday, and New Year's Eve. The 16 hour drive went well thanks to Steven, who did most of the driving. Mira made the trip with us and did a much better job traveling than when I took her from Phoenix, AZ to Jackson, TN.
Time flew by in North Carolina and we seemed to always be up to something. We spend a few days after Christmas near Steven's college town (Elon) doing some hunting. It was my first time and I enjoyed it although I am definitely not the hunter Steven is. We saw a movie, had a bonfire, visited the French Broad Brewery, and ate many delicious meals with great company. Mira spent most of her time running around with the 3 dogs at the house. She loved having other pups around to wrestle and play with. It was hard to get her settled down at night but I know she had fun. As a Christmas gift from Steven's dad, I was able to spend a day at the Grove Park Inn Spa with Steven's aunt. I had never had a "spa day" and it had been a few years since I had a massage so I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I think the highlight of Steven's trip was just being able to spend time around the people he cares about.
One bonus of our time in Asheville was that we were able to meet up with Steven's mom and her family a few times. They recently relocated back East and were in South and North Carolina for the holidays. We both enjoyed talking with them and spending time together, as well as meeting some friends of theirs. Who knows whether it will be baseball, the Packers, or a holiday that will bring us together again but we look forward to it!
Amidst all of the hustle and bustle was New Year's Eve. Earlier in our trip we saw the movie "New Year's Eve" and it made me think a little differently about my resolutions this year. Of course I have the standard type (give up drinking soda) but this year I also wanted to make one that would lead to bigger and better things. The movie says New Year's is all about getting another chance, "a chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more." Everything we had heard at PAO resonated and it was clear that making the most of that chance must be my resolution.
In less than a month we will pack up and head to Arizona for another baseball season. From there, only God knows what will happen. Being the planner/organizer/maniac that I am, it worries me. However, I am learning that worry is useless and instead, I am resolving to make the most of whatever chances come my way. I look forward to embracing whatever we are confronted with and seeing it as a chance to make this year the best yet!
Time flew by in North Carolina and we seemed to always be up to something. We spend a few days after Christmas near Steven's college town (Elon) doing some hunting. It was my first time and I enjoyed it although I am definitely not the hunter Steven is. We saw a movie, had a bonfire, visited the French Broad Brewery, and ate many delicious meals with great company. Mira spent most of her time running around with the 3 dogs at the house. She loved having other pups around to wrestle and play with. It was hard to get her settled down at night but I know she had fun. As a Christmas gift from Steven's dad, I was able to spend a day at the Grove Park Inn Spa with Steven's aunt. I had never had a "spa day" and it had been a few years since I had a massage so I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I think the highlight of Steven's trip was just being able to spend time around the people he cares about.
One bonus of our time in Asheville was that we were able to meet up with Steven's mom and her family a few times. They recently relocated back East and were in South and North Carolina for the holidays. We both enjoyed talking with them and spending time together, as well as meeting some friends of theirs. Who knows whether it will be baseball, the Packers, or a holiday that will bring us together again but we look forward to it!
Amidst all of the hustle and bustle was New Year's Eve. Earlier in our trip we saw the movie "New Year's Eve" and it made me think a little differently about my resolutions this year. Of course I have the standard type (give up drinking soda) but this year I also wanted to make one that would lead to bigger and better things. The movie says New Year's is all about getting another chance, "a chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more." Everything we had heard at PAO resonated and it was clear that making the most of that chance must be my resolution.
In less than a month we will pack up and head to Arizona for another baseball season. From there, only God knows what will happen. Being the planner/organizer/maniac that I am, it worries me. However, I am learning that worry is useless and instead, I am resolving to make the most of whatever chances come my way. I look forward to embracing whatever we are confronted with and seeing it as a chance to make this year the best yet!
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