One thing I have found, at least at our dojo, is that there is a much tighter family atmosphere with the karate.

The opposite for me. In Albany Little League is a big deal. You typically have something like eight teams playing over the course of a Saturday and after you've played a few years you know kids and parents on every other team as well.

Plus, if you're on a tournament team (as Emmett was) then you wind up spending weekends with other parents and kids and a fair number of overnight hotel stays as well. All of which fosters the closeness.

Now that Emmett's moved up to Juniors I miss the Little League atmosphere. You really only see the team you play and you don't get folks wandering over from before and after other games on the other field. Fortunately Emmett still umpires Little League games so I get to go hang out periodically and catch up with kids I coached last year.

I am watching a UFC match where one of the fighters looks for all the world like he's wearing Vicki Lawrence's old lady wig from Mama's Family.

Huh. I would think if you were watching that they would at least be hot. (Really, when I think of UFC I picture the cast of The Unit.)

A lot of the UFC guys are pretty beefy dudes.

when I think of UFC I picture the cast of The Unit

Oh, so nothing like that. Speaking as someone already predisposed towards fighting men, the UFC ain't that tasty. And The Unit is pretty shrimpy in comparison.

Fourteenth inning now. They must be exhausted and frustrated and pissed off.

So about four hours ago there was apparently some sort of wild fistfight in the middle of the street, just one block down. (It's a busy street, just two lanes and residential in this part, but it's a county route, heavily traveled.)

Between the local biker gang and I don't know who else; apparently several people were involved. Three ambulances were called, five squad cars, blah blah. And the cops are still there, lights flashing.

I can't wait to move.

I loved watching the little kiddos play. The coach pitches, and there are grown-ups all over the field, helping the kids stand in the right place or explaining which way to throw. Their attention goes in and out, but you can see moments where these 6-year-olds make a great catch or really connect with the ball and they are so in the moment.

So, 2 dozen muffins! I used up a bottle of agave sweetner, so that's something.

I spent quite a bit of money today what with buying shoes and Indian clothes and whatnot, but I feel like shopping for the new house, just not sure that makes sense or even what to shop for.

The early years of Little League were more family friendly. Kelly did the tournament team thing and while we spent almost every weekend with the other families, the competitive spirit was right underneath the friendships. It is comparing apples and oranges and, as I'd mentioned earlier, I think our dojo is a bit unique.

Separately from all that...my A's won today. I'm happy.

I just got a facebook friend request that made me say "Oh my god, ewwww" quite loudly.

I wonder if I should add them.

Separately from all that...my A's won today. I'm happy.

Walk off single! Admittedly, I almost felt bad beating the Orioles (1-11).

as I'd mentioned earlier, I think our dojo is a bit unique.

It really does sound like it's a special community, and has been so good for you and CJ.