Back in the Saddle Again

It's been a long time since I last blogged.  Life got in the way (had another kid and became the co-chair to the 2016 National Homebrewers Conference).  I just couldn't find the time to get on here and jot down what was going on in my head.  Luckily for me, even though I have a lot going on, I am finally returning to a good place where I think I can come back and start writing again.

My goal for originally starting this blog was to work on becoming a better writer.  I've always been great with stuff like math and science, but reading and writing were definitely things I needed to work at in order to do well.  So I'm trying and hopefully if I make it here enough, my writing will become much better. 

Right now, my life is pretty much all being a Dad, planning the 2016 National Homebrewers Conference (which will be in Baltimore), and taking in as much baseball as I possibly can before the long, cold, baseball-less winter sets in here in the USA.

So far the baseball playoffs have been pretty amusing.  There was a bunch of teams in there who haven't won a World Series in a long time.  That's pretty cool as teams like the Mets and Royals haven't won a World Series since the mid-80's...my favorite years of baseball, when I was a kid and before I realized that baseball is a big business.  

I have a lot of friends who are fans of the Royals.  I also have a lot of friends who are fans of the Mets.  It's probably pretty much a 50/50 split.  Although I don't have a dog in this fight, I think I'm rooting for the Mets (although I reserve the right to flip flop back and forth several times before a champion is named).  I enjoyed watching the powerhouse Mets teams of the mid-80's and one of my favorite all time favorite players is Ron Darling, former pitcher for the Mets.  Plus, I wasn't enthused with the way the Royals pitchers were throwing at people earlier in the year.  No matter what the outcome, I think most people agree, we just want to see a great World Series.

Well that's enough for now.  I'll try and check in several times a week with what is going on and what I'd like to chat about.  Until then, cheers!

Baseball with the Babe (the Avery variety, not Ruth)

Although I'm old, this is not
a picture of my Dad teaching
me about baseball.

In the United States, one of the greatest traditions handed down from fathers to their children is the love and understanding of baseball.  You can see it first hand on Little League fields and in parks around the country.  The crack of the bat.  The ball smacking a leather glove.  A father down on one knee giving his child a pep talk.  It's a portrait of life in America that has withstood the test of time.  It's almost like a modern day Norman Rockwell painting.  

Now you can call me a sap, but to me there is something absolutely special about a father taking his son or daughter to the backyard to teach the how to catch a baseball or on their first trip to see a Major or Minor League team plan.  Although teaching about baseball takes some patience from both participants, the memories will last both father and child a lifetime.  I can tell you first hand that playing catch with my Dad and brother are memories that have and will last me a lifetime.  I'd be willing to bet that most of you reading this post have those same memories.  

So when the wife told me that I was going to be a Dad, one of the first things that went through my mind was Orioles Opening Day.  Those who know me well know I love baseball more than just about everything.  Believe it or not, if given a choice between free tickets to a baseball game or a free case of beer, I'd go with the baseball tickets every single time.  I LOVE BASEBALL!!!  Anyways, back to the day I learned I was going to be a Dad....I absolutely couldn't wait to to introduce my little boy or little girl (we didn't know the gender of the baby until Avery was born) to the game of baseball, and why not do it in grand fashion, by taking him/her to Opening Day.  

Opening Day in baseball is a magical day.  All teams, no matter what their payroll or how many superstars are in the lineup, have an even record.  Fans are jazzed and they come out in swarms for the all day event that is more like a party than a baseball game.  Anyone who has attended Opening Day will understand what I mean when I say there is a certain buzz in and around the stadium that you are unlikely to hear at any other point in the season.  It is just a big celebration of America's favorite pastime.  It's an unofficial holiday that leaves a lot of workplaces virtual ghost towns.  I needed my child to be part of this and understand what Opening Day is all about from Day 1.  That is why I needed to make Avery's first baseball game Orioles Opening Day.  

Very few sights are more grand than Camden Yards on Opening Day.

Well this past week was the opening of the 2012 baseball season.  Unlike every opening week I've ever experienced, this year was different for me.  I had an extra spring in my step.  This year I am a new Dad and I now had the opportunity to introduce my little girl to the game that my Dad introduced to me and has stuck with me for the last 30+ years.  And I got to do this not just once, but twice in one week as we made it to the Bowie Baysox (AA team for the Orioles) and Baltimore Orioles games.

Me and Avery with the new Baysox mascot

The Bowie Baysox Opening Night was kinda a warm up for the big day at Camden Yards.  I figured out how I'd maneuver through the stadium with Avery in her carrier.  I figured how to purchase a beer without spilling it on her head.  I figured out how to change a diaper in the bathroom (or at least my wife did).  I figured out how to go through a game, distracted by the needs of my child, when I'm typically glued to the action on the field in front of me and usually growl at those who do try to distract me.  It all went smooth and we were ready for the big time....Orioles Opening Day.  

I don't think anyone noticed but a tear trickled down my cheek as I entered Camden Yards with Avery on my chest in her Baby Bjorn.  It was a combination of that special moment of walking into that baseball shrine, my daughter with me, the smell of Esskay hot dogs in the air, and the buzz of the crowd as the 2012 roster was being announced.  It all ended up being a little overwhelming for me.  I was in all my glory.  

We made it to Camden Yards!!!

The game went really well and I had a blast with my little girl.  One thing that amazed me was how half of Baltimore tried to stop me so they could to touch Avery's little hands while telling me how beautiful and well behaved she is.  Good thing Avery loves the bath because she needed a good scrub down right after the game.

We had great seats in the upper deck between homeplate and 3rd base overlooking the action.  Avery really was a gem to have with me at the park  She had her times of fussiness when her diaper was full or she needed to be fed, but for the most part, she was alert, looking around the stadium, and enjoying the sights and sounds that her Daddy has been telling her about since the day she was born.  Although she's too young to understand anything that was going on, we could tell she was enjoying it.

As we walked out of the stadium, I reached down, hugged my little Boo-Boo, and whispered into her ear telling her how much I loved her and how much I appreciated her being a good sport by enjoying the day with her Daddy at his favorite sporting event.  This was the day that solidified the meaning of life for me.  This whole fatherhood thing is the greatest feeling that a guy can ever have.  I'm just so thankful that I have a little girl to introduce me to that feeling.  Thank you so much Avery!!!!

Coming Back to Blogging and What's to Come?

Photo of me after a
long night at the NHC

I'm probably the worst blogger in the world.  I have these grand ideas about things I want to write about, then by the time I get to writing it a few weeks, if not months, have passed.  This was the case with a review I wanted to do on the National Homebrewers Conference (NHC) that I attended in June, as well as a piece I wanted to write about craft beer in the ballparks.  While it is still baseball season, I could still write a piece of craft beer in ballparks and have it still be pretty timely (something I should still do), but a review of the NHC most certainly has been overcome by events.  Plus how much do I really remember after drinking all that awesome homebrew?

I really do like writing/typing things that are on my mind.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe it's cause I think that everything that I like is the most interesting stuff in the world and I feel the need to share it with everyone.  This is apparent in any face to face conversations that people might have with me when I go off obsessing about weather, beer, sports, music, travel and grilling/smoking meat.  I could go on for hours and hours!   But what can I say?  I'm a passionate guy!

So right now I have a few things that I want to write about, but they'll have to wait til I have some time.  Right now though, I'll create a checklist of things that I think I'll be writing about in the near future (i.e., Goal of next 2 weeks).

1. What I was thinking back in March when I picked the Orioles to finish 2nd in the AL East this season? Trust me, my baseball forecasting abilities are not representative of how I forecast the weather!!!!
2. What will be on my menu for tailgating at Maryland Terps football games this season?  With the 2011 season beginning in 3 weeks, I really need to get my act together and figure out what I'll be making for my menu this season.
3. What do I think are the best live classic rock albums of all time?  Those who know me know how much I love live albums.  Recently I've found 2 albums that have completely floored me.  Mountain's "Twin Peaks" and Gov't Mule's "Mulennium."
4. What did I learned about making my first mead?  When I was on vacation in Massachusetts a few weeks ago I bought a bunch of honey at the farmer's market with the intent of making some mead.  I sure hope to make some within the next week or so.  I'll let you know how it goes.
5. What is up with the craft beer scene in baseball stadiums now a days?  I've been to games in 6 different baseball stadiums this season and want to share some notes on what I found.

Anyways, if any of these topics tickle your fancy, please leave me a comment so I know which one to start with.  Otherwise I'll probably just go in a random order.

Cheers friends!

-Brent