When we were in the DFW area for Young Epic's conference tournament, we ate breakfast several mornings in the Denny's next to the hotel. A waitress told us one morning that for three different meals, totaling $600+, a coach for one of the tournament teams (not our coach) left no gratuity. The waitress of record (whose ID goes into the computer system) has to pay taxes on 15% of the bill, even if no gratuity is left.
By the time we heard this, that team was out of the tournament. I emailed the president of the university, and within hours had a response from the coach. He thought the gratuity was figured in the total bill, and he is sending $100 to the Denny's.
I wonder why the manager of the Denny's, the second or third time the team came in to eat, did not at least ask the coach if he was displeased with the service and as a result did not leave a tip?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
What I Hate
Young Epic's team came in third in their conference tournament. The final game was a wild one-they were down 7-2 in the top of the 4th-2 outs, 2 runners on, and the batter with a 2 balls 1 strike count-yesterday afternoon when the game was stopped because of lightning. Play was resumed at 10:00 AM today, and the batter started his at bat with the 1-2 count. He smashed a single that started a three run rally.
As the game progressed the score was eventually tied 10-10. In the bottom of the eighth, the opposing team hit a bases empty home run, and they went on to winn 11-10. Then came the part I hate. I hate watching young men who have left it all on the field as they cope with that final loss of the season. It's especially tough to watch the seniors, but it's heart wrenching to watch all of them as they stand outside the fence, looking out over the field, certain that with one more inning, the outcome would be different.
I know it's part of their journey to become men, and I know they must learn the lessons it imparts. But I don't have to enjoy it.
As the game progressed the score was eventually tied 10-10. In the bottom of the eighth, the opposing team hit a bases empty home run, and they went on to winn 11-10. Then came the part I hate. I hate watching young men who have left it all on the field as they cope with that final loss of the season. It's especially tough to watch the seniors, but it's heart wrenching to watch all of them as they stand outside the fence, looking out over the field, certain that with one more inning, the outcome would be different.
I know it's part of their journey to become men, and I know they must learn the lessons it imparts. But I don't have to enjoy it.
Baseball and Literature
Young Epic's team has been in the area for their conference tournament, and we've enjoyed the games and getting to spend time with the guys. My favorite moments came yesterday morning. Before the 9:00 AM game, Young E came over to the fence and said "Achilles was not a Spartan, right?" When I confirmed his belief, he responded "The Canadians are stupid," and walked away.
Shortly, another ballpalyer came to the fence, grabbed a bucket and sat down. In complete seriousness he said, "Okay, Achilles fought in the Trojan War, right? Who were his parents?" For several minutes we had a literary discussion, and the incorrect Canadian players joined us. All had a great time, and then the warrior/ballplayers went off to do battle.
Young Epic came in to pitch in the top of the eighth with an 8-5 lead. He got a fly out, walked one, and had two ground outs. In the ninth he had a 10-5 lead, gave up two singles to start the inning, and then got three fly outs in a row to earn the save.
Epic Dog is in her element. The players call her "Rally Dog" and rub her ears for luck. She does adore her guys.
All is right with my world.
Shortly, another ballpalyer came to the fence, grabbed a bucket and sat down. In complete seriousness he said, "Okay, Achilles fought in the Trojan War, right? Who were his parents?" For several minutes we had a literary discussion, and the incorrect Canadian players joined us. All had a great time, and then the warrior/ballplayers went off to do battle.
Young Epic came in to pitch in the top of the eighth with an 8-5 lead. He got a fly out, walked one, and had two ground outs. In the ninth he had a 10-5 lead, gave up two singles to start the inning, and then got three fly outs in a row to earn the save.
Epic Dog is in her element. The players call her "Rally Dog" and rub her ears for luck. She does adore her guys.
All is right with my world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)