Boom Ball: The Only Sport Where You Can’t Hate the Umpire

Never be afraid to try new things as life gets boring. – Unknown

The important thing to remember is that adventure is everywhere when you stay open to it.

There are a lot of things I expect when I buy lawn tickets to a sporting event: grass stains, questionable sightlines, and the occasional elbow from someone who thinks personal space is a myth. What I don’t expect is to find out, the day before the game, that those “lawn” tickets magically transformed into assigned seats. Assigned. Seats. I went from “bring a blanket and hope for the best” to “ma’am, your row is this way” in under 24 hours. Honestly, it felt like winning a tiny lottery I didn’t enter. But that’s Boom Ball for you. Nothing about it is normal, predictable, or remotely grounded in reality — and that’s exactly why it works.

I had plans to meet up with some people, but somewhere between the parking lot and the first inning, I remembered one of my favorite truths: sometimes the best way to have fun is to go off on your own. Not in a dramatic “I walk alone” way – more like “I’ll catch up with you later, I’m vibing.”

And Boom Ball is the perfect place to vibe. The energy is chaotic, the crowd is friendly, and the sport itself is basically what happens when baseball, Mario Kart, and a glow stick rave have a child.

So… What Is Boom Ball?

Imagine baseball. Now imagine someone looked at baseball and said, “Cute. But what if we added obstacles, tiny go-karts, bubble suits, and a glow-in-the-dark home run derby?”

That’s Boom Ball.

Players ride miniature go-karts to the bases
Then they climb into giant bubble balls to get to the next one
There are obstacles on the field, like it’s a competitive game show
And at some point, the lights go out, and everyone tries to hit as many home runs as possible in neon chaos

It’s athleticism meets absurdity, and somehow it works.

One of the best parts of the night wasn’t even the game — it was the people. I ended up meeting a bunch of the players, which already felt like a win. And these weren’t just random weekend warriors either. Some were even semi-celebrities, the kind of faces you recognize from Big Brother or Ninja Warrior, the ones who casually mention they hit game‑winning home runs in college like it’s no big deal. Others were professional athletes, including a legit professional softball player from Europe.

And because Boom Ball refuses to be normal for even one inning, they even brought out a major league softball player who went to the 2020 Olympics, from Arizona State University, no less, to throw pitches in one of the six innings. Just casually. As one does. But then I met one player’s mother and grandmother, who had come all the way from Iowa. They were the kind of warm, proud, salt-of-the-earth women who make you feel like you’ve known them for years. They told me stories about their all-star as if we were sitting in their living room instead of a stadium full of glowing baseballs and bumper-car energy. They were warm, funny, and instantly familiar — the kind of women who could make a stadium feel like a family reunion.

At one point, the player’s mother leaned in and said, “Don’t waste your time on my son. He’s a great guy, but he’s not developmentally ready for real stuff.”

I told her, “Well, you would know better than anyone — you’re his mother,” and we both burst out laughing. There’s something special about bonding with a stranger over the shared understanding that men can be delightful and also… not quite ready.

And then — the cherry on top — the umpire handed me a ball.

Let me repeat that: The umpire gave me a ball. I never thought I would say that an umpire can be my unexpected hero.

Boom Ball might be the only sport in existence where the umpire is universally loved. No boos, no heckling, no “get glasses!” Just pure appreciation for the brave soul trying to officiate a sport that looks like controlled chaos on wheels.

If Boom Ball taught me anything, it’s this: fun doesn’t just happen. You make it.

Whether you’re rolling solo, meeting strangers from Iowa, or catching a ball from the nicest umpire on Earth, the magic comes from leaning in, especially when the night doesn’t go as planned.

So here’s to lawn tickets that become assigned seats, to bubble-suited athletes, to unexpected friendships, and to sports that don’t take themselves too seriously. Boom Ball might not be the next Olympic event, but it’s definitely the next great story.

Morals: 1) Sometimes the best plans are the ones you didn’t plan. 2) People you meet by accident can make the night unforgettable. 3) You don’t need perfection for a perfect night.

Dating at 38: The Plot Twist No One Warned Me About

A True relationship is two unperfect people who refuse to give up on each other. – Unknown

There’s a strange kind of spotlight that turns on the moment a woman crosses 30 without a ring, a stroller, or a Pinterest board titled Our Rustic Barn Wedding with a picture of ASU’s mascot Sparky stomping the “Single bus”. It’s subtle at first—an eyebrow raise here, a “You’ll find someone!” there—but by 38, it becomes a full-blown Broadway production. People look at you like you’ve missed a train that everyone else somehow boarded in their twenties, and now you’re standing alone on the platform holding a caramel frappuccino and a questionable amount of emotional resilience.

And then there’s dating. Oh, dating.

I’ve dated at least 30 men—yes, I counted, because at some point it becomes data collection. I’ve been in relationships that lasted one day (don’t ask) to four years. I’ve tried the apps, the dating groups, the “this one is different” platforms. I’ve swiped, matched, chatted, ghosted, been ghosted, and once had a man tell me he “wasn’t ready for something serious” while actively shopping for engagement rings for someone else two months later.

And still, here I am. Single. Thirty-eight. No kids. No ring. No “we met in the produce aisle” story. Just me, my experiences, and a very impressive collection of emotional plot twists.

People love to ask why I’m still single at 38, as if I’ve been sitting in a tower waiting for a prince who got lost on the way. What they don’t know is that technically—technically—I’ve been proposed to, and I didn’t even know about it.

I found out years later during a fight at Hooters. Yes, Hooters. Because apparently nothing says “life revelation” like tank tops and orange short shorts. My friend, who lived in another state, who was actively dating other people (me not included), got mad and blurted out that he had proposed.

“When?” I asked, genuinely confused.

“At our 21st birthday party. I made the big declaration of how grateful I was to have you in my life and got on my knees and asked that you be in my life forever.”

To which I responded, “The friendship ring? The ring you said at least ten times during your speech was just a “friendship ring.”
A ring I thought meant, you know, friendship. Meanwhile, he apparently thought he was offering me a lifetime commitment disguised as a trinket from the “Buy One, Get One” from Macy’s, where his mother worked. I had to explain that proposals generally work best when both people are actually in a relationship and aware enough of it to even start imagining a wedding.

I’m not sure what’s worse: that he proposed without telling me, or that I somehow missed my own engagement.

But that wasn’t even the strangest ring situation I’ve had.

I once got a high school ring from a man so focused on his career that he had me sleep in his car while he worked instead of taking me to my college courses so I could expand my horizons. Imagine being 19, wearing a man’s ring, and napping in the backseat of a car like a forgotten gym bag while he chased his ambitions. Romantic, right? It’s wild how someone can promise you forever, yet struggle to keep even the smallest promises in the everyday moments that actually build a life together.

There’s also the special category of heartbreak: the man who genuinely likes you, maybe even loves you, but can’t make it happen. Wrong timing. Wrong life stage. Wrong emotional toolkit. He cares, but not in the way that builds a life. He wants you, but not enough to risk losing the friendship. He’s stuck, and you’re stuck caring about someone who can’t give you what you want when you need it.

These are the kinds of stories people don’t see when they ask, “Why aren’t you married yet?”
As if the answer is simple.
As if the path to love is a straight line.
As if I haven’t had opportunities—just not the kind anyone should say yes to.

I tell people all the time: if I really wanted to, I could’ve been married at least four times by now. But let’s be honest—I’d also have four divorces, a punch card at the courthouse, and a lawyer who knows my coffee order. I’d rather be single than waste my time in a relationship that drains me instead of delights me.

And that’s the question that keeps you up at night: What do you do when you love someone who can’t meet you where you are?

Do you wait?
Do you move on?
Do you date someone else while your heart is still tangled in someone who isn’t your’s?

There’s no clean answer. Love is messy. Timing is rude. And the universe has a dark sense of humor.

Relationships take work; real work. Dedication, compromise, communication, vulnerability, and the willingness to show up even when it’s inconvenient. They can be beautiful, fulfilling, and life-changing. They can also drain you, confuse you, or leave you wondering why you ever downloaded Bumble in the first place.

So are they worth it?

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. Sometimes, “ask me again tomorrow.”

Here’s the truth no one tells you:
Being single at 38 is not a failure. It’s not a punishment. It’s not a sign that something is wrong with you.

It’s simply a life path, one that’s just as valid as marriage, motherhood, or the white-picket-fence fantasy people assume you should want.

You can choose to date casually.
You can choose to wait for something real.
You can choose to be alone with your cat with no man insight or… You can choose to keep trying, keep meeting people, keep hoping.

There’s no wrong answer. There’s only the answer that feels right for you in this season of your life.

Dating at 38 isn’t a tragedy. It’s a story; My Story. One filled with humor, heartbreak, resilience, and the kind of character development that would make a screenwriter proud.

I’m not behind.
I’m not failing.
I’m not “less than.”

I’m a woman who has lived, loved, tried, learned, and kept going. And that’s something to be proud of.

If anything, I’m the plot twist. And honestly? That’s far more interesting than the predictable happily-ever-after everyone expected.

Morals: 1) Anyone can offer “forever.” The real test is whether they show up in the everyday moments that actually build a life. 2) You’re allowed to choose what makes you happy, even if it doesn’t look like what others expect. 3) Every misstep, mismatch, and miscommunication has shaped you into someone who knows what they want and refuses to settle for less. 4) You can love someone deeply and still not be able to build a life with them. That doesn’t make the love invalid; it just makes the situation human. 5) Your life is valid, full, and worth celebrating exactly as it is.

Much Ado About Nothing

“A mother’s love is her armor, and her family is the cause she will defend with every heartbeat.” – Maya Angelou

The newest Melgreen family misadventure involves My Paper Cutter Declaring War, and My Mother Responded Like a Medieval Knight. There are certain sounds in a house that make you pause. A door closing. A glass shifting. Floors that squeak when you are alone. A thud that could be something or nothing. And then there are sounds so loud, so dramatic, so apocalyptic, that they summon my mother like a mythological guardian armed with… whatever kitchen utensil is closest to a pitchfork.

This was one of those days.

My parents and I, with my cat Zoey on my lap, were sitting peacefully, watching a new series we were enthralled with, Young Sherlock on Amazon Prime, when a crash echoed from upstairs—sharp, violent, the kind of noise that makes you instantly evaluate your life choices. Before I could even stand, I heard it: the unmistakable thunder of my mother sprinting up the stairs like she was storming a castle.

My mother didn’t just run upstairs. She charged in like any noble medieval knight — if medieval knights wore fuzzy socks and wielded kitchen utensils instead of swords. She stood beside me, utensil raised, ready to defend her kingdom (me) from whatever beast had dared make that ungodly noise.

This is the same woman who once ran into the street wearing nothing but a robe when I got hit by a car as a kid. The same woman who has stopped to help injured motorcyclists on the side of the road without a second thought. The same woman who treats danger like a nuisance and not a threat. Nothing will intimidate her; she is a force not to be reckoned with. So naturally, she was prepared to fight whatever creature had made that noise, whether it be a burglar, a stray cat, or a ghost.

We crept toward the source of the chaos—her gripping her grilling “pitchfork”, my dad and I trying not to laugh because she was so serious it felt like we were reenacting a scene from The Walking Dead.

And then we found it.

The culprit.

The villain.

The threat to our household safety… My plastic 18×6 in’ paper cutter.

It had simply fallen off the shelf. There was no intruder. No disaster. No supernatural disturbance. Just gravity doing what gravity does for reasons unknown to us.

My mother lowered her utensil, sighed, and said, a little disappointed, something along the lines of, “Well, at least we know the house is safe.” Then she walked away looking as if she hadn’t just charged into battle.

And that’s the thing about her: she doesn’t wait to find out if it’s serious. She doesn’t pause to assess. She hears danger—real or imagined, and she runs toward it. Every time. With whatever she has. Even if it’s a giant grilling “pitchfork.”

Some people have superheroes. I have a mother who treats every loud noise like a personal challenge. A mother who will ensure I am safe no matter what stands in the way. A mother who teaches me every day that true strength is quiet, instinctive, and rooted in love.

And honestly? I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Morals: 1) Courage is acting despite uncertainty. 2) Every day, people can be heroes.

How Forgetting My Password Turned Into an Unexpected Curling Career

The only way to improve is to try new things. – Charles Koch

It’s been an odd little season of life. I hadn’t written anything in a while—mostly because I couldn’t log into my own computer. Truly, a writer’s worst nightmare: defeated not by writer’s block, but by my own password. After typing it wrong twelve times, resetting it twenty‑four more, and still being denied entry like a suspicious stranger at my own digital doorstep, I decided to take the hint and indulge in my favorite coping mechanism… shopping.

What I didn’t realize was that while I was away from my keyboard, the universe—or more specifically, my father—was busy rearranging my life. Some people return from a writing break with clarity. I returned to discover I had been enrolled in curling lessons. By my father. Without my knowledge. Because he watched the Olympics once and became convinced—deeply, spiritually convinced—that in four years I’ll be gliding across international ice in a puffy jacket, representing our nation. He has already researched flight prices to Italy. Italy! A place I’d love to visit, sure, but preferably not as an athlete in a sport I’ve never attempted.

To be clear, I have zero curling experience. I’ve never expressed interest in curling. I barely watch curling during the Olympics, because I’m too busy watching ice skating and snowboarding. If anything, my dream is to become Aruba’s first snowboarding champion—though that might require learning how to stay upright on a board instead of repeatedly landing on my butt… or accidentally cutting off a very attractive guy on the slopes and using him as my personal crash pad.

Still, I’ll give my father this: the man is enthusiastic. He talks about curling with the confidence of someone who has curled exactly once—at a mall pop‑up demonstration in 1998. Yet he insists I have “the natural build” for it, which is news to me, because I didn’t realize curling required anything beyond “a person who can remain upright on ice.” He’s already telling extended family to keep their winters free… You know, for when I make the next Winter Olympics.

April 25th marks the beginning of my athletic journey. Or misadventure. Or impending disaster. Hard to predict. But at least I’ll have something to write about that doesn’t involve being locked out of my own computer. And who knows? Maybe I’ll be incredible. Maybe my father’s intuition is freakishly accurate. Maybe in some alternate timeline, I am destined for curling greatness, and he’s simply tuned into it. Or maybe I’ll slip, fall, and slide gracefully into the wall while my father cheers proudly from the stands.

Either way, I’ll keep you updated.

Moral of the story: Never turn down a chance to try something new. If nothing else, it gives you a great story—and a guaranteed win for “two truths and a lie.”

Power of Music and Friendship

Once you start to replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you will start to have positive results. – Willie Nelson

Sometimes the best medicine is a spontaneous adventure, especially when it involves live music from legendary artists. Despite feeling drained and groggy from the aftereffects of a seizure the day before, when my friend texted with an invite to see Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson perform together, I got a ‘let’s go’ shot of adrenaline. I knew I needed to take it easy, but the lure of a relaxing evening on the grass, soaking in the timeless tunes of these musical icons, was simply too tempting to resist. I packed a blanket and some snacks, filled my friend in on my lingering headache, and headed out, eager to lose myself in the magic of the music. Seeing Bob Dylan again was a nostalgic throwback to the concert I attended with my parents years ago, and I wondered if age had changed his notoriously eccentric, no-frills performing style. And Willie Nelson—the legend whose voice I had heard in utero when my pregnant mom went to his show 38 years prior, and whose story I had learned at his Tennessee museum just last year—it seemed kismet to finally see him perform live for myself. As I lay back on the soft grass and let the first chords wash over me, I could feel my body relax, my spirits lift, and a smile that acknowledged the healing power of music and the joy of embracing life’s spontaneous adventures with my friend.

Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson have had a profound impact on the world of music, not just through their incredible songwriting and performances, but in the way they’ve lived their lives with a sense of spontaneity and a deep appreciation for the power of music. Both legendary artists have weathered their share of personal struggles and traumas, yet they’ve always turned to music as a healing force. In the wake of a seizure or any difficult life event, immersing oneself in the moving lyrics and soulful melodies of Dylan and Nelson can be incredibly therapeutic. Their songs speak to the human condition in a raw, honest way, chronicling heartbreaks and hardships, yet always with a glimmer of hope and resilience. Dylan’s poetic genius shines through in masterpieces like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin” which became anthems for a generation striving for social change. And Nelson’s simple yet profound storytelling in songs like “On the Road Again” and “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” has the power to soothe even the most troubled spirit. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, embracing the twists and turns of life with a free spirit and a song in our heart can help us not only survive but thrive. In a world that often feels chaotic and beyond our control, the music and life examples of Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson offer a beacon of light – a reminder to cherish the healing power of music and to never stop pursuing our paths with passion, purpose, and the freedom to be spontaneous.

Moral: 1) Sometimes things work out just the way they should. 2) Good music and good friends are two of my keys to a good life. What are yours?

Woke: A Person Who Cares

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter. – Martin Luther King Jr.

Well, folks, it’s time to talk politics. I know, I know – it’s not the most fun or lighthearted topic. But sometimes we gotta get real and tackle the tough issues head-on. Politics impacts every single one of us, whether we realize it or not. It shapes the policies and laws that govern our lives, from healthcare to education to taxes and everything in between. But let’s be real – the current political climate is a hot mess. We’ve got politicians more focused on scoring cheap political points and “owning the libs” than actually solving problems and improving people’s lives. Partisanship and tribalism are at an all-time high, with each side demonizing the other as evil incarnate. Social media just amplifies the noise, misinformation, and vitriol. It’s exhausting and disheartening. But you know what? We can’t just throw up our hands and check out. Politics is too damn important. We’ve gotta stay engaged, even when it’s hard. We’ve gotta educate ourselves on the issues, think critically, and hold our leaders accountable. We’ve gotta fight for our values and make our voices heard, whether it’s at the ballot box, at a protest, or just in conversations with friends and family. Because at the end of the day, politics isn’t some abstract game. It has real consequences for real people’s lives. So let’s wade into the messy, infuriating, but utterly crucial world of politics. It ain’t always pretty, but it’s necessary. Onward!

I just wanted to take a moment to express the importance of speaking up for one’s rights and never letting fear of not being accepted or the end of a relationship be the reason you stay silent. We all (All genders) deserve someone willing to stand up for us, but most importantly, with us; no questions asked. People may not always feel as strongly about a situation as you do, but those surrounding us should still be willing to hold space for you and let you know you are not alone. So this is me letting you know I am here for you, I see you, and you are not alone because YOU MATTER!

People may wonder why I am not married or have children when I turn *eek* 38 this year. The answer is simple. I value myself and those around me, I deserve someone who gets that; We all do. We don’t need men like Charles Kirk, who think women are just here to have babies and are unhappy if they are not fulfilling their purpose. Those who feel women should be arrested for having a miscarriage and need a man to survive.

What does make me unhappy isn’t not being married or not having children, It is the fact that we need commercials to remind us how to be kind because we have a buffoon in the office who failed kindergarten. We have a buffoon who has gotten people to believe that hating and discriminating against everyone makes a country “great”. A buffoon who is so in love with Putin and greed that he is threatening war with Greenland, taking away Medicare, suicide hotline for VETS, deporting legal citizens and putting them in what one can only call a concentration camp due to having a tattoo that says Mom or a butterfly (because that is gang member you should fear), and to add insult to injury not even being there to honor fallen soldiers because golf takes priority, and so much more.

I am upset because I even have to explain why taking away the Department of Education, Social Security, Food from food banks, free lunches from school children, Sesame Street, Air traffic control, not allowing Women to have control over their own bodies, etc., is something to be upset about.

We are not stupid or worthless because we see each other as fellow human beings who should be there to support each other and want each other to be safe and protected.

In closing I will say, If there is any doubt in your mind about what kind of person the buffoon who thinks he is “King” thinks/does is for your benefit or HOPE he can do better; not showing up for our fallen soldiers, encouraging hate, and not helping anyone but billonaires should let you know all you need to know.

Thanks for listening. I promise next time I will tell you about watering fake plants, thinking it is a Saturday when it is a Friday, going to the biggest Arizona State (ASU) hockey game and winning, but for now, thank you for your time.

Moral: 1) Stand Up! 2) We are stronger together than divided. 3) YOU MATTER and don’t let anyone, even a buffoon as president make you for once think otherwise.

What a Card Can’t Buy

The handy thing about credit cards is they are a great way to pay off credit cards. – Unknown

Picture this: you’re out grabbing some delicious Mexican grub with your dad to celebrate your great night playing pickleball in the rain. You just finished chowing down a beef enchilada, homemade chips and salsa, and you washed it all down with a frosty mango margarita. The waitress brings the check. Your dad confidently whips out his trusty credit card, ready to pick up the tab to honor your accomplishment of winning in Pickleball, a hot dog eating contest, or for just being a beloved daughter. Both of you are smiling and laughing, reliving some of the great shots you took to win the match, especially the one where you hit the pickleball straight up at the net and franticly blew it over the net to win the game.

But wait, what’s this? The waitress comes back to the table to let you both know how sorry she is, but the card keeps getting denied, no matter how many times she swipes it. “Lo siento,” my dad says apologetically and hands her another card. “I saw this morning that I have a ton of money in there,” he says looking at the card for a few minutes.

“Good Lord,” my dad says laughing and holding the card for me to see. In a ‘senior’ moment of utter brain fog, he had tried to pay for food and alcohol with a Home Depot credit card. Funnier still, the Home Depot card wasn’t even his; it belonged to the lady electrician, Gloria, who uses it to buy supplies for her clubhouse and golf course work.

I mean, c’mon, Dad, I know you love a good DIY project, but I don’t think Manuel’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine accepts basically a lumber and drywall payment card. There we are, stuck in a Mexican standoff with the waitress, trying to explain why you’re attempting to pay for enchiladas with a card meant for buzz saws. Luckily, the waitress had a good sense of humor and didn’t make us pay off the bill by washing dishes in the back or calling the cops on us for attempting to commit fraud. Just another day in our life. Remember when paying for dinner, when a Card is used and it has an address on it, it is probably not the card you want.

Moral: 1) Home Depot Credit Cards only work at Home Depot. 2) Pay attention to the cards used as payment; not all are created the same. 3) Being able to laugh at ourselves, as it creates happier memories and is a good way to relieve stress.

Mother Knows Best

A mother understands what a child does not say. – Jewish Proverb

Mom always seems to have the answers, doesn’t she? It’s like she’s got this endless well of wisdom that she can tap into at a moment’s notice. And no matter how old we get or how much life experience we gain, Mom’s advice never seems to lose its relevance or poignancy. Maybe it’s because she’s been there, done that – she’s walked a mile (or a hundred) in our shoes and has the battle scars to prove it. Or maybe it’s just that uncanny motherly intuition, that sixth sense that allows her to see through any situation and get straight to the heart of the matter. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that mother knows best. Even when we’re stubborn, headstrong, and convinced we’ve got it all figured out, deep down we know that mom’s probably right. And while we may not always follow her advice to the letter (where’s the fun in that?), just knowing she’s there to offer her two cents and catch us when we fall is an incredible comfort. So here’s to you, Mom, and all your infinite wisdom. Thanks for always being there to steer us in the right direction, even when we insist on taking the scenic route. We may not always say it, but we sure do appreciate it.

Marriage advice:

She emphasizes the importance of continuing to court and woo each other, even years into a marriage.

Regular date nights are key—getting out of the house, away from the daily grind and responsibilities, and focusing on connecting as a couple over a nice dinner, a shared activity, or an adventure to somewhere new.
Laughter is the secret sauce, she says. Crack each other up, engage in witty banter, and appreciate each other’s quirky sense of humor. Stay playful.
But perhaps her most profound insight is about getting comfortable with silence. There’s a beautiful intimacy in being able to simply be together, not needing to fill the air with chatter. It’s about reaching that deep level of security where you can let your guard down, and not feel pressured to constantly impress or entertain one another.

Work advice:

My mom always seems to know just what to say when I’m dealing with a sticky situation at the office. Whether it’s navigating office politics, dealing with a difficult coworker, or figuring out how to approach my boss about a raise, her sage wisdom never fails.

She advised me to take a step back, be direct in communicating, and focus on problem-solving instead of placing blame.
Stay positive.

Life advice:

Growing up, my mother was always ready with a pearl of wisdom to help guide me through life’s ups and downs.

“Treat others as you want to be treated” with kindness and patience.
Before making a big decision, Mom would often suggest I “sleep on it,” to give myself time to really think things through rather than rushing into something I might later regret.
And one of her most common (and most valuable) pieces of advice was simply to “believe in yourself.” She wanted to instill in me self-confidence and the knowledge that with hard work and determination, I could accomplish great things.

While I may not have always appreciated my mother’s guidance in the moment, looking back I’m so grateful for the wisdom she shared and the important life lessons she taught me. Her advice has truly shaped who I am today.

Moral: 1) Sometimes it is good to listen to your mother.

Instructions: Useful – Yes or NO

If learning material… is designed to be highly relevant and delivered in context then it is likely to be useful. – Charles Jennings

Okay, buckle up, folks, because I’m about to tell you a tale of utter chaos, misguided enthusiasm, and a scavenger hunt gone hilariously wrong. It all centers around the brilliant, sometimes frustrating, concept of… following instructions. Or rather, not following them correctly.

We’re talking elementary school here, a land of boundless energy and questionable reading comprehension. Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a schoolyard buzzing with excited chatter, awaiting the map to victory in that year’s prestigious Gumball Rally to be handed out. The Gumball Rally is a scavenger hunt. Teachers had painstakingly crafted clues, leading the little adventurers on a quest for hidden treasures that one could only find by using the encrypted code on the golden map. Sounds idyllic, right?

Wrong.

You see, my dad and instructions are not necessarily friends. He is more of let’s go for it and see what happens kind of person. The Gumball Rally was no exception. So when handed the golden map and armed with the determination to show those other “school angel parents” who was boss. He grabbed the map from my sister, got my mom and her in their Monicarlo, and took off.

Now, I’m all for a little playful smack talk, but my dad made sure those “school angel parents” knew he was going to win and even bet baking 200 cookies for the next school event on it. There was no way he was losing this one. Solving clues and reaching the treasure was his jam… or so he thought.

Here’s where the hilarity ensued:

The “Tree” Clue Disaster: The final clue, the one that should have led to a proud, prize-filled box, was, I believe, something like “Look under the big oak tree for your final treasure!” But there was no treasure which meant frantically searching the opposite side of the field, convinced that the treasure was hidden under a rock they could find … that, predictably, contained nothing.

When my parents and sister got back to the starting point empty-handed after scrambling their way through the scavenger hunt, my dad realized something important, if he had read the instructions line by line, he would have seen before the first clue it noted the clues were to be followed in reverse order. However, my dad did learn that sometimes, the most entertaining experiences aren’t the ones where we flawlessly follow the rules. Sometimes, the real fun lies in the beautiful mess of misinterpretation, the hilarious chaos of going against the grain, and the genuine joy of figuring things out…even if you’re completely wrong.

My dad finally finished making all those cookies 🙂

The real treasure that day wasn’t the prize at the end of the hunt. It was the shared laughter, the head-scratching confusion, and the realization that sometimes, breaking the rules – even in a small, silly way – can lead to unforgettable memories, even 40 years later.

And, for the record, I think I’ll be adding a “read the clues BACKWARDS” option to future scavenger hunts, just for the sheer comedic value. Wish me luck.

Conclusion: 1) Instructions were not written without a reason. 2) Don’t make bets about baking cookies unless you are sure you can follow through.

Stomp That Bus

Where’s Z Devil?

Everyday I’m Devilin

Being an Arizona State University (ASU) alum and football fan is a thrilling experience. From the adrenaline-pumping games to the electric atmosphere of the stadium, every moment is a memory I wouldn’t trade for anything. I am extremely grateful for the chance to cheer on the team with my dad through nail-biting home victories. We have had two last-minute wins and a couple of hangers-on. For the third time in the last 8 years, I stormed the field with a win over highly touted Utah and have a photo with Coach Dillingham on the field to prove it.

I may have scared the neighborhood with my loud screaming cheers during our majestic win over Kansas University this past weekend. My favorite football memory was beating our rival, the University of Arizona (UofA) 70-7 a few years ago. And since our seats were on the 50-yard line and the visitors’ side of the field I was able to see the tears of Tucson up close and personal. There have also been heartbreaking losses to our rivals, and the games where you know we could have won if we didn’t make so many knucklehead mistakes.

I am proud to say I have met tremendous players like Eno Benjamin, Branden Aiyuk, Jack Jones, Coaches Dillingham and Herm Edwards, and so many more. I will even be able to meet the leading all-purpose player in the nation this year in Cam Skataboo this Sunday at a meet and greet.

Jack Jones and I celebrating a win over Oregon Duckies

Football is more than just watching college kids use their athleticism for good entertainment, it is also about remembering the value of time and the importance of traditions. There are times I think, we have 2 minutes left in the game, and a field goal could give us a W, but is that possible? Every time, I am reminded that it is. A game can be made or broken within 7 seconds if a team is hungry enough. Football teaches me never to give up.

Football has also taught me to not believe stats will define a season. Every game is a new game. ASU was predicted to finish last in the Big 12 and would be lucky if they won 3 games. With two games left in the season, I am proud to say they are in contention for the
Big Twelve championship if we beat Brigham Young University this Saturday. I am excited to be part of the rowdiest crowd at the first sold-out game in 10 years. It will be amazing to be with my fellow Sun Devils screaming and yelling at the refs for the bad calls and hugging strangers when we get touchdowns. People have been asking left and right why I am not selling my tickets when I can make $1,000 a ticket, but I say there is something more precious than money. The memories I am making with my dad are worth more than that. Being able to support my team through the ups and downs is what being a fan is all about!

My friend… Coach Dilly

Whether it’s game day at Sun Devil Stadium or watching from home, being an ASU football fan is an unforgettable experience that brings joy and excitement and sometimes heartbreak with every game.

Moral: 1.) “Never give up, never surrender.” 2.) A lot can happen in 30 seconds. 3) Memories are priceless.