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#100DaysOfHopper Day 33-35

Day 33: Ever have someone say something to you as a compliment and have it hurt you beyond anything you could imagine? I can't get the words out of my head. "You know, over the years, no matter what, you've stood up for everyone, sometimes excessively, but you always do it, especially when they are truly down. It would be nice to see it reciprocated...ever." Please understand, this isn't a "woe is me" post, but a reflection on me. A serious character flaw, if you will. But, what is someone to do when their biggest flaw is what defines them and in any other circle, might be considered a measure of great character. I know the answer, but not sure I like it. #100DaysOfHopper

Day 34: Anyone hear the *****slap heard round the world last night? You know, the one where the Yanks and Sox made each overtime game in the Stanley Cup seem like a DYI video on hanging wallpaper. Made the NBA finals look like your average cat & baby video. The World Cup look like a slap chop infomercial?

Seriously, when a regular season, somewhat meaningless game makes every other sport look irrelevant, you know it's the one. Name one other sport where you can have tension from the first to the last second and it is because of the game. Not the situation. Not national pride. Not a championship. Just the sport.

Every sport flashes stats during games that either are silly, only pertain to that one team, are broken by the next quarter, period or half. Baseball has 4,192 755 (sorry Barry) 511 56 61*

Name another sport that has 100 highlights a night that aren't scores? Name another sport where an insurmountable lead isn't protected by a clock? Name another sport where almost none of the scoring is a result of a mistake. Name another sport where mastering one position doesn't translate into being proficient at another. Name another sport that is so difficult that failing 70 percent of the time is considered being great.

I have immersed myself in soccer, hockey and basketball the last few weeks. But, it took the World Cup, a local team making the championship and nationwide hatred of LeBron to even care. Last night, two rivals, middle of the season, neither in first place and it mattered. That's why there is no other sport in the world quite like it. #100DaysOfHopper


 Day 34: Anyone hear the *****slap heard round the world last night? You know, the one where the Yanks and Sox made each overtime game in the Stanley Cup seem like a DYI video on hanging wallpaper. Made the NBA finals look like your average cat & baby video. The World Cup look like a slap chop infomercial?

Seriously, when a regular season, somewhat meaningless game makes every other sport look irrelevant, you know it's the one. Name one other sport where you can have tension from the first to the last second and it is because of the game. Not the situation. Not national pride. Not a championship. Just the sport.

Every sport flashes stats during games that either are silly, only pertain to that one team, are broken by the next quarter, period or half. Baseball has 4,192 755 (sorry Barry) 511 56 61*

Name another sport that has 100 highlights a night that aren't scores? Name another sport where an insurmountable lead isn't protected by a clock? Name another sport where almost none of the scoring is a result of a mistake. Name another sport where mastering one position doesn't translate into being proficient at another. Name another sport that is so difficult that failing 70 percent of the time is considered being great.

I have immersed myself in soccer, hockey and basketball the last few weeks. But, it took the World Cup, a local team making the championship and nationwide hatred of LeBron to even care. Last night, two rivals, middle of the season, neither in first place and it mattered. That's why there is no other sport in the world quite like it. #100DaysOfHopper


 Day 35: I've had three people suggest topics for this trek I'm on, but I want it to be from my heart and mind, so I'm going to somewhat incorporate all three suggestions into one critique on communication. Things that have been tearing at me for weeks, but especially now.

Be true to those who are true to you. Always. No exceptions. Sounds like a no brainer, but it's become something of the past.

Not every conversation needs to be about you. If you ask me which team I'm rooting for, it doesn't have to turn into a 10 minute babble session about your visit to that country and how your friend's wife hails from the other one.

If you are a teacher and post anything on Facebook, please realize that it is imperative you use proper grammar and spelling. Know your their, there, they're uses. Realize that "irregardless" is not a real word, that "me neither" is not a proper phrase and "supposably," hell, I don't even know what that is. Stop it!

If you say "only God can judge," please realize you're being judged, because you've already let it be known that you yourself are judging, simply by defending yourself or another. I once knew someone who said this to me, because she was incapable of being monogamous. I explained that I wasn't judging simply because I chose not to be part of that, but in fact, she was judging me for what she deemed to be prudish behavior. Use of cliches during actual conversations tells a lot about a person and rarely in a positive light. I realize it might actually be what it is, but I'd rather you say, "I simply don't care."

Finally, be respectful of anyone you call a friend. If someone lets down their wall and allows you in, it doesn't mean they invite you to share this with others. In today's world with texting, sexting and other forms of flirtation, understanding that these communications are private and meant to stay that way. Sharing with the guys or the ladies, is not appropriate. Understand that the girl you are disrespecting by sharing your pillow talk or photos of, may one day be your wife and the mother of your children. Personal moments should be valued and kept sacred, regardless of how insignificant they may appear at the moment. #100DaysOfHopper


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