Funny Guy Friday... Reluctant to try anything new...

     Funny Guy Friday is written each week by my husband Mark. So, I married a funny guy...
     When I was a kid, one of my most vivid memories was going to the pool with my family one hot summer day. I was reluctant to jump in the "big pool" because it was my first time in the "big pool," and I was afraid it would be too cold.
     So stupid! What kid thinks the water is going to be too cold? I am getting mad at myself just thinking about it.
     I waited and waited... and waited. Finally, after about an hour, my dad coaxed me in. I leaped up and out... and in mid-jump... lightning!
     I hit the water... and the whistles blew... and the pool was cleared.
     I was bummed... might have even cried. Missed opportunity because of my reluctance to try new stuff. That event epitomizes my life as a kid. Very reluctant to try anything new.
     Even when I love to do something... sometimes I hate having to go and actually do it.
     For example, I love to play golf... but here are some of the ridiculous things I think about when I am going to go play: Man, I am going to be gone all day and I have so much to do. I should probably stay home and hang out with the kids. If I stink, it is going to be a big waste of money. I really don't have a good golf outfit. 
     So... why am I thinking about all of this?
     Because people don't always get better about these things with age.
     This past week, Cheryl's sister Sue and her family came to town. Susan has three kids that are similar in age to our three. They all get along well, and they love to spend time together. A lot of time together. Lots and lots of time together. Complete with breakfast, lunch and dinner... followed by a snack together... wrapped up with a sleepover.
     It's all good clean cousin fun.
     They arrived last Wednesday and on Thursday, Cheryl called me at work and asked if I wanted us to join them sightseeing in Washington, DC.
     I am going to let you all in on a little secret... I have lived in the Washington, DC area my entire life and never... I mean never... not once... have I ever been sightseeing in DC. When I was in the 5th grade our school took a field trip to the Washington Monument. I was sick, so I missed it. That was my one and only brush with tourism. I hate going into DC.
     When it comes to our nation's capital, I have a little credo: It ain't going anywhere. Neither am I. I'll catch it next time. Admittedly, it's a stupid credo, but it has worked for me for more than fifty years.
     I believe that I am what some people refer to as a Renaissance Man.
     Anyway, my response to Cheryl's inquiry was typical... Can't we just go get some Italian ice at Rita's? Kids love Italian ice and it is ice from a foreign country, sooooo it is kind of an educational food outing. Besides, I hate driving in DC and Rita's is right around the corner from your parents' house.        
     I don't think Cheryl was seeing it quite my way.
     After much discussion, we were off to our nation's capital.
     Wow... did you know that the Washington Monument reflects right off of the Reflecting Pool? I never knew that. Or that you can walk right up to the Lincoln Memorial? You can practically touch the man's toes. Who knew? Noah asked if he could sit on Lincoln's lap, and at first I said no way, but then after we kept getting closer and closer, I thought to myself... Hell, yeah! You can sit on his lap!
     It turns out that you can't, but I wasn't so sure.
     By the way, the Lincoln Memorial was built in 1911, before a lot of stuff was invented that would have made it easier to carve. Just thought I would share a little bit of what I learned that night! I know it is technical, but try to keep up.
     That night, we also visited the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial. All very moving in different ways... and as we walked to our car, I found myself regretting not having taken advantage of this opportunity sooner.
     I felt a little better about myself when I finally realized that it is all Cheryl's fault. She knew this stuff was there the whole time and never made me go until her sister came to visit. I think we can all agree that she should feel a little ashamed of herself. I tried to explain this to her on the drive home, and we agreed to disagree.
     So, fast forward to this past Tuesday, and Cheryl's sister Annie was also in from out of town with a couple of her kids. And my niece Katherine was in from Houston. I was looking forward to a relaxing evening because I finally had a night off from baseball.
     It seems as though every single night since March, I have left work and rushed directly to a baseball field. So on this particular night, I was happy to have a break.
     Once again, I get a call from Cheryl: Hey, Matthew's team is off tonight... My sisters would like to know if we want to go...
     I interrupted... Go sightseeing in DC? Sure, we had a great time the other night. Hey did you know they also have museums and stuff downtown? 
     I didn't want to embarrass Cheryl with the museum info, but I thought it was important for her to know that, in case it ever comes up and I am not around.
     She countered: Yes, I am aware of the museums in DC, and no they do not want to go back to DC tonight. They want to know if we want to go to Baltimore... to an Orioles game. 
     NOOOOOO! I hate baseball. 
     No you do not... and it will be fun... the kids want to go! 
     I don't care about those stupid kids... I need a break from baseball. What time? 
     Game starts at seven. They play the Texas Rangers. Katherine can be the Lone Ranger.
     Fine, we need to leave by 5:45. 
     On a side note, I would have bet you a million dollars that I would never be late to a baseball game as a result of watching... a soccer game. Only in soccer can you go 1-2-1 and everyone thinks it was a successful tournament. But I digress.
     Susan had purchased the tickets and we were the last to arrive.
     As I walked up to our seats, which were in the last row of the lower deck, I couldn't help but notice that the entire thirty rows in front of us were empty. I jokingly said, I think we can move up! 
     Unbeknownst to me, Susan was on it. She had already approached an usher and apparently had given him a $20 hand shake. Before I could even sit down, we were escorted to seats that were about fifteen rows behind the third base dugout. It was the start of a perfect night at Camden Yards, complete with our own beer salesman.
     Say this with a Boal'mer accent:  Ya gotta stay hyyydrated, not dehyyydrated... drink waaater... you gotta stay hyyydrated... you want sum peanuts with that beer or water... the salt is good for ya!  They call that the upsell! I tell ya, if I waasn't at work, I'd be drinking a col' one right now. Where ya from Hon? Well this is the way we do it in Boal'mer! We got it all, humidity, beer and Oreale basebaall!  ... and you have our beer salesman.
     It was the most enjoyable sporting event that I have ever attended.
     Not so much because of the game... but because the kids... as well as the adults... had a great time and really enjoyed their time with one another.
     The whole week got me to thinking... If I could just get Cheryl to get out of her comfort zone and explore some new things or to just enjoy herself doing the things that she loves to do... we could have great nights like these more often!
      It won't be easy because as you know... people don't always get better about these things with age!