It's not slow-pitch!

Eric braved his first double-header yesterday in 90 degree heat. It was a long and hot day under all that gear, but he hung in there and only got out from behind the dish for 3 innings. Those were spent in left field, but we won't talk about that. It wasn't pretty and justified his rule #3 in the "Loveriches Don't" list that is constantly being recited to the kids. (Example: Rule #1 Loveriches don't bunt.) Someday we'll have coaches thanking us for instilling such un-coachability in them. Sorry coach, Dad says I can't bunt, play right field, etc... In his defense, "Loveriches don't quit" is #2. And speaking of, check out the souvenir Eric came home with. I went to pat his back after the game and found a half-baseball sized knot inside his right shoulder blade. He'd taken a fastball there early in the 2nd game. "Did it leave a mark?" he asked? I'd say!

Secrets revealed!!!

I had a friend ask me out-of-the-blue this weekend, "What is your secret?"

Secret what? Identity? Antiperspirant? But seeing the way she waited for my answer, I realized she was giving me what I considered the ultimate compliment. Most of you who know me, know that I am not one to spout off relationship advice or blah-blah about my marriage, but I am proud of us, so having someone recognize that... Well, it was nice.

I told her what I believe to be true - Eric and I have seen each other through a lot of "stuff". All of that created a really strong base. It is a base that will either catch you when you fall, provide a jumping point for us or a home to return to if we've gotten off track.

As I mulled it over this week, I found a few more:

Don't forget how you started. We weren't always waving from separate cars on the highway as we darted kids to different practices and functions.

Honesty (I know, generic and obvious). Not just on the big things, but even, "You know when you (whatever)? That pissed me off." Then try to work it out.

On that same note, be able to apologize. I am not the best at this, but I know I'm better than I used to be. That leads me to my last "secret."

Evolve. None of these may apply in a week. The secret is to be ready for anything and for nothing to look like you thought it would. Trying to plan ahead for emotional experiences is ridiculous.

So that's what I've got, right now. Anyone got a better secret I could pass on?