Batter Up!!!!

All jobs are predicated upon ebb and flow of people's decisions; whether it be consumerism, health care, development, etc. Our life is solely dictated by a game of baseball. Many games of baseball for that matter. Who hits the ball, how the ball is hit, how many wins in a season, who is buying tickets, and lately, who is ahead in the Division.

John is the Vice President of Technology for the Minnesota Twins Baseball Team. He is now involved in his 16th season. Currently, the Twins are 2 games behind the Detroit Tigers for Division Champs. This has thrown our life into a whirlwind of question. Each night, our family plans are dictated upon 'the game,' even if the game is not played locally. Today, I will be watching the game (played in Detroit) and if the Twins win, I will know John will not be home this evening, as he will gear up for possible Post Season. If they lose, I can plan on him for dinner.

Each night, when the kids set the table, they know to ask, "Will Dad be joining us, tonight?"

We are not a 'baseball' family by any means. We enjoy going to see the games, but my children are not 'into' baseball like some kids. They can tell you some of the players names but that is about it. Stats are not attractive to them, standings are not part of their dialogue. Even John is not immersed in the All American Past Time as much as he could be. He does his job, he does it well, and that is how he supports his team (smile).

The Twins will play in a new ballpark next season. A new ballpark that is near completion - and just like Ty Pennington handing over the 'keys to the house,' the Twins front office will soon be able to move into their new home. John Avenson has his stamp all over the new ball park. It was he, who decided and conferenced about what technology was to be bought, created and applied for the entire park. I can't even begin to go into the enormous detail of what he has had to decide--- from the cabling system of the entire ballpark to the cellphone company that will place it's towers near the park. Many early mornings, getting up to feed our infant, John was already up, sitting at our table with blue prints spread out --- counting mundane things such as Cat 5 outlets and so many other 'things' that had to be thought of to complete the puzzle.

Our life works within the season of baseball. During the 'off season,' daddy is home more frequently. During the season (April - October), we see a flickering of his presence. this is what we have grown accustomed to and now as we near the season - our energy is ramped up. We are watching the games, we are marking off the days, we are waiting to see when Daddy gets to come home for dinner!

Thanks for listening.