Long Beach & Softball

We are in Long Beach at a medical conference. As pretty as it is here, I still miss Oklahoma. This morning we sat at a quaint little restaurant on the beach, watching seagulls swoop down and catch fish while enjoying each others company. Brett and I are used to speaking to everyone that walks by. As we walked along the beach, I said "good morning" to each passerby. Whether on roller-skates, bikes, or just a morning stroll - and no one will look you in the eye. It's weird, if that were Lake Hefner in OKC, not only would someone speak, you would probably have a 30 minute conversation before you finally got away to go on with your day. But good for Oklahomans! I get so frustrated, but yet proud, when we go out of state because I've never met people as friendly or non-judgmental as Oklahomans. Saying this, I also want to say how appreciative I am to have the opportunity to travel. We have been so fortunate these past few years to have the chance to experience all the people and places we've been. And most of the time, they have been company sponsored trips - which is even better! I'm not saying I would never want to live someplace other than Oklahoma, I'm just not sure I could get used to the cool, at a distance, mannerisms that we have experienced during most trips. It's funny, we continue to say hello, good morning, have a nice day - and then walk away and snicker a little at the weird stares we receive. Hopefully we have just shown a little compassion or made someone feel good.

I am attaching a few pictures from Long Beach. We are staying at a really nice hotel overlooking the beach. Today I sat out by the pool and read a book...not a bad days work :)

On another note - Sierra had her first softball game last Monday. This is her first year to play softball, while most of her teammates have been playing for several years. When we arrived for the game on Monday, the coaches (Brett is helping coach) realized that we have been put into the wrong league. Our girls are 8-9 yrs old and they put us in a 9-10 year old league. Not only were the girls bigger, they threw the ball around the field. This may not mean anything to you, but our girls have been taught NOT to throw the ball at this age, to stop it and run to the appropriate base...which they are very good at. So it was a little intimidating to show up and watch the other team warm-up. As Sierra stood in the on-deck circle waiting to bat, I looked over and realized she was crying. With Brett on one-knee talking to her, I actually think I saw a tear roll down his face feeling the pain for Sierra. The coach, Pat, told her to let the first one go by. Oh, did I mention, this is her first year and it is machine pitch?? She was such a trooper...she got in the batters box, pulled the bat back, wiped a tear from her face, and let the first ball go by. The second ball went by and Sierra swung the bat and missed. She took a deep breath, pulled the bat back again, and BOOM, she hit the third pitch and ran to first base! With her daddy coaching first base, the bench went crazy. Brett was so proud of her...along with the rest of us. The pressure was off. Sierra could breathe again and just play and have fun. I actually overheard her later in the dugout tell one of the girls she was the first one to hit a homeroom. haha She actually hit a single, but ended up scoring later from several base hits. Daddy's little girl is quite the athlete. And the nice thing is, she had a blast with her friends. Sometimes I think it's more difficult on the parents, than it is on the children playing. At least it was for me when Brandon played.

And so it begins, again...practice, games and a lot of fun watching your children participate. Seems like I just did this.

KB