As I sit here on my 40th birthday and look out the office window we are in the middle of a snowstorm. It's sleeting or hailing (depending on who you talk to), there's 6-8 inches of heavy snow on the ground and the wind is howling like crazy. Like many of the last 25 birthdays I've had, I am supposed to be at the ballfield coaching high school baseball in a game against Zumbrota. Guess that won't be happening this year. On the bright side, the kids are home from school with no sports practice so we'll be able to spend some time together tonight.
Like I imagine most people are on their 40th, I'm feeling a little nostalgic. As I reflect, I can't help but think all of the gifts God has given me in the form of great family, friends and great relationships with many people. The wonderful experiences, stories and memories I've been able to learn and share are absolutely priceless. I thank you for being part of those 40 years and I pray God will grant us many more to continue those stories and memories.
I wrote a facebook note 10 years ago and I've looked at it a few times since then. I went to find it again today as part of that nostalgia reflection and find most of the points still work today. I did update some things but didn't change the core points. I find it interesting the date is 1-29-09 and we were in the middle of the largest stock market correction of many of our lives. Must have been a good coping exercise for me during that time. If you decide to write your own 25 random things I'd love if you'd share them with me. I hope you enjoy.
Have a great day!
Keith
25 Random Things about me 01-29-2009 (Updated 4-11-2019)
1. I love to play hockey almost as much as I love to play baseball. (dissappointed I went all this winter without strapping on the skates but did play a fair amount of basketball this year)
2. My biggest fear is losing my wife and kids.
3. My second biggest fear is the day I can't play sports competitively. (this has maybe changed)
4. If I died tomorrow, I'd die a happy man.
5. I will be with my wife until the day I die.
6. I have three kids and I still can't believe I'm a Dad.
7. Many people still ask if my brother and I are twins. I love that kid.
8. I look up to my father and father-in law more than anyone else in the world.
9. If I won the lottery I would still work.
10. I throw, hit and write with my left hand.
11. I shoot a gun, use tools, and play racket sports with my right hand.
12. My favorite silence is shoveling snow at 10 at night or 6 in the morning. Quiet! (Not as quiet now because I use a snowblower- but still good)
13. If I had to do it all over, I'd do it all the same.
14. I write down my goals every year.
15. I don't want what anyone else has.
16. Teaching Sunday school has been the best Biblical learning tool I can imagine there being
17. I love the little things about my wife that nobody else knows about.
18. I think I may have adult ADD.
19. I want to live as long as I am able to live without assistance, not a day longer. (my wife might argue that day has already come.)
20. I would risk my life to save a stranger, if the opportunity presented itself.
21. Not getting what you want and losing are two lessons in life that build character. Yet we've taken those two lessons away from kids today.
22. If my wife is in an argument I will always end up siding with her, even if I am the one she's arguing with.
23. According to the MSHSL Records, in football I still rank 4th in passing yards in a season and 3rd for passing yards in a game. In baseball, 2nd for career wins and 4th for innings pitched in a career.
24. 2019 will be my 22nd year of playing amateur baseball and 8th year as a high school coach. I managed the Amateur team from 2004 through 2015.
25. Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.