Mixed Bag...

First off, happy New Year to everyone, this brings me to my first topic of today’s post:  

How long from New Years Day is it acceptable to wish someone a happy new year? Personally, I go one week then I switch it to "How was your New Years?"

Does it matter also if you have a personal or professional relationship with that person?  Meaning if I know the person, does that extend the time of an acceptable happy New Year greeting?   I got a happy New Year from a random person at the bank today that I let go in front of me and it took me off guard.  I started thinking if I saw a good friend or a family member in the same situation would have I reacted in the same way? Don’t get me wrong I’m all for cheer and well wishes but maybe someone should set some etiquette to this situation.   

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I received a call from my former employer, Long Beach Unified School District, telling me good news that because of furlough days agreed on by the unions, I could have my job back.  Thing is I’m still torn if I truly want to go back in my heart of hearts. No matter though, I did agree to start back full time next week.  In these times we can’t be picky. A steady paycheck and medical benefits are not to me fussed over.

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I was sitting in the first base dugout at work today listening to some of the players talk about how their winter break is going and how sad they are that it’s coming to an end.  Their classes start in about a week and a half for most of them.  I had this complete exhale and feeling of bliss as I realized I am done with school forever unless someone pays me to go get my masters.

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I saw “True Grit” last week… wasn't very gritty.  I liked it but, it wasn't what I was expecting.  Something was a bit off and I can’t explain what it was.  Just thought for what it’s worth it was a good film but it lacked something to make it a great film.

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How many more “CSI”/ “NCIS” shows can we fit on TV without it blowing up? Here’s the current rundown:

CSI: Crime Scene Investigators (original show set in Vegas)

CSI: New York

CSI: Miami

NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service

NCIS: Los Angeles

I’m all in for a good cop show but having 5 shows almost identical to each other in theme seems about ridiculous…and here’s another thing, these shows are popular according to viewer ratings but can you think of someone that you know who watches one of these shows?
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I'm disappointed in myself that I only posted 8 times in 2010.

Missing The Game...

The old game waits under the white, deeper then the frozen grass, down below the frost line, it waits to return...

  - Donald Hall.

I, for one reason or the other this off season, am missing baseball like no other.  I am looking forward to spring. I am looking forward to seeing my boys run onto the grass, to redeem last season, and just maybe, get back into the post season.

Baseball also makes me think of my dad.  We had such a bond through this game. If not talking about it like two armchair managers, we would play catch, or we would debate (argue) about some play, player, situation, trade, release and everything else about the game.  Sometimes we wouldn't talk at all while watching the game but just sit in silence for almost 3 hours, the connection just the same.   When I sit and watch a game it's mostly now in silence, it feels like he is sitting there with me. When the game is being played I feel closer to him then any other time...

...hurry up spring.

Under Construction...

I'm pulling stuff (pictures mainly) together and will hopefully launch "Blair Field Project" in a few weeks.  In the mean time, if you think of anything better for a title, stories that involve you (must also involve baseball in some way) send them to me and I will post them here for all to see.

Email your stories to :  kory.burroughs@gmail.com under the subject  "baseball story"

cant wait to hear from you!

Mixed Bag

- Its been awhile, not by design, but just that fact that there has been nothing that I wanted to really write about that everyone didn't know about already. There has been a ton going on and I wouldn't even know where to begin to play catch up.

..... come to think of it, does anyone even read this anymore?

I guess that would be a great place to start.

- I was thinking about revamping the blog. A complete change in the look and subject. I am thinking about starting a Blair Field blog. Almost everyday that I go to work there is something that is talked about, stories or jokes told, or something happens that I would like to share. There has been a lot of improvements to the field since Long Beach State took the stadium over, much of which I am proud to say that I helped build. The blog would be a place where all of these topics would be represented. I don't know if its a great idea or if people would even enjoy me sharing it. Just a thought in the works.

- Jen and I can't wait to move out of our apartment. We have just over 4 months left on our lease. We would like to either find a 2 bedroom apartment back at our old place or, if I get a good enough paying job in those 4 months, rent a house somewhere close. We are done with the college life that surrounds us almost 24 hours a day. If anyone wants a game of Beerpong I can hook you up with one of about 10 to 15 being played at any given time within the complex.

- Which brings me to the job search. I'm shifting gears. I was laid off in July with the school district and in a way its kind of a blessing for me the way I see it. I'm no longer in my comfort zone and it is forcing me to find something else to do. I want to be able to provide for my future family and being a security officer at a school district won't do it... nor will being a college baseball field maintenance worker.

- Thats all for now.

What The Hell is Going On?

I just got home, fired up the TV to watch a bit of MLB Network when this guy right outside my patio starts talking on the phone. I believe he is from the Middle East because he was not speaking Spanish. About 3 minutes into his conversation he gets all fired up and starts talking louder. I allow this to continue for about 3 or 4 more minutes and then something snapped in me. I walked to my door, went outside to simply ask him to either pipe down or move the conversation somewhere else. He sees me and the following interaction ensues:

Him: "What are you looking at, Friend?"

Me: "I was just going to ask you if you could go somewhere, other then right outside my window, and talk on the phone."

Him: "This is a free country! I can talk where I want!"

Me: assuming a shocked look on my face " Are you really going to go there with me because you don't want to."

Him: Looking at me.

Me: Looking at him.

Him: Turns and walks away.

Now I hope I just didn't start something long term, my lease doesn't end until February.

Another Day at The Office...

God I love my job.

The Black Hobbit

We have this guy that lives next to us. I call him "The Black Hobbit." If you can imagine a black dude that lives up to any and every stereotype that comes with a black guy despite the fact that he's 5'4" and 130 soaking wet.

• Do-rag...check.
• Baseball cap to the side...check.
• Size XXXXL t-shirt...check.
• Size XXXXL basketball shorts...check.
• Shoes that are not only spotless but coordinate to the color of the outfit...check.
• T-Mobile "Sidekick" phone where he tends to talk to his "Bitch" (yes I have heard him tell someone on the phone he needs to call her)...check.
• Swisher Sweet cigars...check.
• "50 Cent" CD playing at almost all times of the day...check.

I wish I could get you a picture, and myself some ear plugs....G-UNIT!!