A Beginning's End

Only about a month ago I wrote with eager anticipation of my first Spring Training game as the Announcer for the Detroit Tigers. I write now having survived and flourished through the entire spring season save one game. One exhibition contest remains in Lakeland and my 15 minutes are all but up. I am thrilled with the experience having reflected on it only briefly. The games flew by but I will undoubtedly remember them for a long time to come. Based on my new nickname "voice of the tigers," adopted by my bosses, I feel that I've exceeded not only my own expectations but their's as well. 

While so much good has come from this past month I can say with relative confidence that sports is not my career calling. I don't know what I am more passionate about than sports, which can be frustrating at times, but I feel as though I am more suited to be a fan. I say this for a variety of reasons. Going behind the scenes is fascinating but when you get caught up in the business and entertainment aspect of this industry everything happening on the field loses some meaning. The hours are designed to be unpleasant. Yes, you are working a sporting event, but its still work and over time it begins to feel like work, although maybe not as much. And all those nights and weekends spent with coworkers over friends makes for somewhat of an unnatural social life. My last gripe about the sports industry is the pay. I've found that many end up taking a pay cut for similar jobs simply to be in sports and I no longer feel thats worth it. 

But, even with all this I am excited to spend this next year, potentially my last, in sports. I will announce for the minor league affiliate of the Tigers and continue living the dream for a short while longer. So as I bid adieu to spring training I look forward to searching for what is meant to follow as I enjoy the rest of my time in baseball.

 

One of My Favorite Artists: Billy Joel

I have liked Billy Joel since I was introduced to him at a very young age by my father. But, after seeing him live in concert twice my appreciation for the Piano Man grew enormously. He differentiates himself from most other performers with his stage presence and I think the above video captures that.

Climbing

- Watch More Funny Videos I was terrified the entire time I was watching this. Glad this isn't my job.

Longing to Travel

Like Theres No Tomorrow

We have all heard the cliché "live like there is no tomorrow" or "act as if each day is your last." The same basic principle: don't waste your time doing things you don't like, don't put off your dreams, goals and adventures. And while I can agree with the idea behind it, this particular cliché almost always upsets me.

One cannot truly live as if it is their last day on Earth without substantial proof that it is such. Or without complete disregard to the future. I think of it in this way, if I knew I would die tomorrow I would take huge risks, without a moments thought of the consequences. I would completely forget about my momentary worries and do radical things, dropping everything, spending everything. And when I wake up tomorrow I've set myself back a month or a year financially. Sure I probably had a great day, if I did not die, but the argument boils down to a preference toward one amazing day or a good life with plenty of great days sprinkled in.

I don't think its natural to plant yourself behind a computer or sit in an office all the time and constantly delay gratification. That's why I get behind the cliché "Live in the moment." A very similar idea, but more realistic. Life requires spontaneity, stepping outside of comfort zones and adventures leading to new experiences. You can't simply stop everything and go for broke, but you can shake the dust and break the routine. I am willing to work hard to realize the life I dream to live, but I will never allow that work to usurp my life.

Wake Up America