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Some thoughts about my first week at Umpiring School

Soo today marks my first full week of being down in Daytona. What a different culture and weather patterns I have witnessed. Also in regards to the school.  
    There are close to 175 students here, from all over the country and the world, including two from Alaska, two students with the same last name ( no relation) one from Japan, one from Mexico, and of course I am the ONLY VERMONTER !!!!  I will admit getting to meet and talk with all the instructors including Hunter Wendelstedt and Ed Hickcox has been like a dream. Getting to ask them questions about proper mechanics or having them explain proper stance,  or what the MLB is looking for for Umpires is amazing.  Throughout the program we will be getting to meet many more people and I look forward to each and every opportunity to talk with and pick their brains about this craft that I have such a deep love and appreciation for.
  When I am not in class or on the field,  I have been able to get to the beach almost every single day including going swimming in the ocean for the first time since I was a little kid... the water was actually not that cold about 60 degrees. Just being able to hear the waves and smell the ocean, has helped to replenish  refocus me.
    However, sadly I have been dealing with some loneliness and as well as the fast paced world of trying to take in as much as the instructors are trying to teach me, hasn't been easy.  Late last night I started to realize that I was ( like with almost everything I have ever been associated with, sports, theatre, work) started to hit a wall and have my energy start to deep and crash.
 SO I took today as a day to refuel, re-energize, and refocus my attention and my focus so that I can continue to enjoy living my dream of being at the Umpire School.
 I know that I have a lot of support and encouragement from all my friends and it  means the world to me to have such a network of people that all are wishing and supporting and are encouraging me to go after my dream/passion for umpiring. What will really be a boost is that a week from today, my dad will be coming down to visit me . My dad is such a HUUGE part of my life as is my mom and my sister and to have him here will give me that support and the reminder of the fact that I do have such AMAZING support of me.
 I don't know how I can ever thank all my friends who have either texted, or called, or messaged me on facebook wishing me luck and other wonderful messages, it means soo much to me and I am soo thankful to have all of you in my life.
 Sunday is our day off and we are back to the grind Monday morning at 8:30 !!! and you can bet that I will be ready to go.

Comments

Laura Napolitano said…
Repeat after me: I. Am. Awesome.
January 6, 2013 at 10:51 AM
Anonymous said…
Sashman- I have an answer for your loneliness. We heard that umpire school was in town for the next month, so we are trying to reach out to the umpires. We understand that there are hardly any women in the school. We here at foxxy's would love to take care of you. If interested feel free to call us at 239-0850. We have helped a handful of other umpires already this first week, and they seemed to be very pleased! :) looking forward to seeing you very soon sashman! yum.
January 6, 2013 at 4:26 PM
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