It's a Beautiful Day
You might read the papers and learn of economic downturns and dirty politics, and then find that sentiment hard to believe, but let me assure you, that it is, in fact, a beautiful day here in Valparaiso.
I realize I vowed not to post again on game day, but unfortunately for you, I can't help myself today. I have some time alone this morning before this afternoon's match with Milwaukee, and I felt the need to connect with you all again - even so soon after updating you yesterday on the Extra Mile. I think we are ready for the game today, and we'll find out soon enough. This post is about other things...
The fall in the Midwest may be the nicest season anywhere I have lived. The sun is shining, green is the dominant color with just a hint of yellows and reds starting to show up in the trees, and you can still get by in shorts during the day and just a sweatshirt at night.
Carin, my wife, and her volleyball team left last night for a road trip to Wisconsin to play two important games tonight (UWGB) and tomorrow (UWM). This is a big weekend for her and her girls, so send some positive vibes their way if you think about it.
Because I am home for two this weekend, what this means at my house is that for the next few days it is "just the boys". Me, A-Rod, and a lot of loving help from Unka John while I coach this afternoon, rule the roost this weekend. No baths, eat your ice cream before your dinner, stay up too late, sleep in your clothes, use your toys as a pillow and blanket, don't match in the morning when you dress for school... in a few short hours it transformed into a real swinging bachelor pad around here!
Joking aside, A-Rod (Alex Roddy Avery is almost 5 and named after his two grandfathers), and I do miss his mom while she is away, but we also try to enjoy the special time we get to spend alone together. I am admittedly biased, but my kid is a pretty cool little dude. He is bright, sharp-witted, funny, and has an irresistible twinkle in his eyes that lets him get away with most of the trouble he is prone to find. He is also sweet and caring - he genuinely feels bad after he bops another boy on the playground! He looks like his mom (thank goodness!), but he has a lot of his dad in him too. I have enjoyed watching him grow up, but I already miss the moments we have had while he is in this precious and precocious age.
Moments like this morning...
As we walked down the paths that wind through the neighborhood toward his school this morning, A-Rod was in very good spirits. You might say he was unusually happy, but for him, there is nothing unusual about his peppy attitude. Still, I asked him why he was so happy today, and he went on for the next fifteen minutes of the walk pointing out everything he could think of that makes him happy.
"The sun makes me happy, and that cloud right there. Hey dad, hey dad, hey dad... you know what else makes me happy? That squirrel makes me happy. Hey dad, that red car makes me happy too. Wanna know what else? That blue house makes me happy. Hey dad, let me tell you something... that tree makes me happy. And the birds. And airplanes. Grandpa Roddy was on that plane yesterday going to California... that makes me happy. And Target makes me happy because I get toys there! Hey dad, know what else? Cartoons make me very happy. And my friends at school. Hey dad, hey dad, hey dad... know what else... let me tell you something..."
I couldn't get a word in during our short mile walk to his day care. Finally, when we reached the front door, I said, "Wow bud, a lot of things make you happy. You must be a lucky boy."
He just smiled, gave a quick nod of his head and a high five while saying, "I already know that!"
With that, he raced off to join his class.
As I ran back toward home, I couldn't help but play along - ticking off the little things in my world that make me happy. Starting, of course, with Alex.
The Happy Game is a great exercise for us all. You should really try it sometime.
Doesn't it seem that we all spend more time worrying or complaining about the things that bother us? Shouldn't we instead focus on the things that bring us joy? Aren't our thoughts our own? Don't we have the power to choose them?
Win or lose today, it is still a beautiful day. I am proud to hang out with a group of dedicated and motivated people who are trying to make a difference in our small corner of the world. I am also honored that we have you as a part of that journey.
I am a lucky boy too, and I know it.
Have a great day!
Mike
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