Awesome Birthday

[clawdad]

My birthday was Friday the 2nd, and my family got together for dinner and cake like we normally do for any other birthday. After dinner, I was given a large box which contained my present. I opened it, and inside was a NEW Wilson Gold chest protector!! They are all supportive of my getting into HS umpiring, and went in together to purchase this after hearing me talk about it. Probably one of the better gifts I have ever gotten as an adult. (GI Joes and Transformers were the best when I was a kid) I have been wearing it around the house trying to get used to the feeling and to get it to conform to my body better. When my wife sees me, she gives me a :rolleyes:

[Jeremy_UEFL]

Seems like an awesome gift! Congrats. Happy Birthday and have fun with it and the games :)

[cuban]

Happy Birthday man!! It's really important to have family members support in this thing of ours.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I fantasize about my wife in several ways, and one of them is a fantasy where she actually gives me support and encouragement about my umpiring. It would be a refreshing change from the nagging and chiding.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Wife: "I can't believe that you could possibly need twelve black shirts." ... "You joined another association? I suppose that means that you'll have to buy more caps." ... "Why would you want to drive all the way to Santa Barbara just to umpire two ballgames?"

That's some of the more cheerful stuff.

[Umpire in Chief]

I'm there with you Kevin,

My umpiring is one of the things my wife loves to hate. Granted I may's bring some of it on my self for doing little things like not blocking off her cousin's wedding day, or working on my or her or one of the kids birthdays.

And don't even bring up coordinating our schedules and her having to check my umpiring schedule before making any plans, that one really burns her. I almost considered giving her access to my Arbiter account. But I thought better b/c shed put a thousand blocks on it and I'd never work another game. ;)

[Thunderheads]

I must say, ...I'm very lucky! I get ZERO gruff from SWMBO! Probably because I hand over my game-fees to her immediately!

Happy Belated Clawdad, ...that's a great birthday!

[mjr_2013]

My parents are very supportive --- Bought me plate shoes, base shoes, chest protector, and a few new accessories for my birthday in early February.

[Welpe]

I am pretty fortunate that my wife supports my officiating both football and basketball. We've even talked about me picking up baseball again but between having a little one at home and actually wanting to see my family, I'm going to limit it to two sports.

I am on the bubble as to which sport I'll drop. I'd even consider both because there is plenty of baseball to be played around here so I guess we'll see.

[mstaylor]

I've worked two sports for years and many tried to convince me to pick up basketball. My wife said she would kill me everytime I brought it up. I took her at her word.

[clawdad]

I still have a tough time explaining to my wife the need for plate and base shoes. Her response is "Just wear those big ones (plate shoes) when your on the bases. They'll work fine." Looking to get a new mask and shins, and she is OK with that. Otherwise I have been "cut off" from other umpiring purchases for now.

[johnnyg08]

"Just wear those big ones (plate shoes) when your on the bases. They'll work fine."

Yes, dear. I get your point.

[Welpe]

I've worked two sports for years and many tried to convince me to pick up basketball. My wife said she would kill me everytime I brought it up. I took her at her word.

As a great philosopher once opined: "A man's got to know his limitations."

[mfd110]

Guess I am the lucky one, wife is very supportive, she even went with me out of town this past weekend for a series...