This week was quite busy for us. We have been working all week at getting our accumualtion of household and other stuff sorted (still not done yet!). Daniel is still working his regular job and I also got to put in some hours there, too (though I had to leave for a meeting downtown and return to finish my shift afterwards). I also worked double header PSU softball games on Wednesday. Friday we got to do some more packing, this time to help my brother-in-law get packed to move to California. Fortunately, he did a good job getting mostly packed, so we helped load the truck up in preparation for traveling the next day. My sister got into town (she had been in California working and looking for a house) later that day and we all met at Juliano's for pizza and a little going away party for the herd. (*Side note: Juliano's has some of the best pizza ever. The pizzeria is also a shrine to all things Greatful Dead. Anyone close should venture over to the restaurant in Vancouver, WA to experience it themselves.) They stayed at my parents' house for the night and awoke early the next day to start the long drive. Sometime around 7 or 8am, my three nephews and niece (ages 11, 10, 9, and 8 respectively) came down to say goodbye. It was hard to see them all leave but I know that they will settle in and do well. Saturday, I worked another double header for Portland State, lasting 5 hours (quite long compared to normal). Most of the games have fallen on the nicest/ hottest days and this was no exception. The heat seems to make the game longer. Following the games, I went to work at the camera store. Daniel, myself, and two others stayed until 1am for inventory. We were exhausted when we finally got home sometime between 1:30 and 2am. Today, I worked at the final home games of the season. Everything went smoothly, but I am glad that the season is over and I will not be talking on the microphone for the "Pizza Hut Challenge" or "Stump Coach Mariani" anytime soon. After the games, I ate dinner with some of the coaches and other instrumental game day operations co-workers at Amalfi's. Daniel, who had been working at home all day, met me at another ball park for our first co-ed softball game. I wasn't nervous, but I didn't really know how well to expect to play since I haven't played in 12+ years. I played first base and feel that I covered the base well. We all worked good together and put together some good plays. Daniel played outfield, a bit different from his normal position as catcher. Everyone made it on base one way or another, which was a great confidence boost. We ended up taking the win 19-13. I even got to take home a souvenir--a bruise and bulge on my left side due to a poor catch on my part. I managed to hold back the tears until our pitcher Scott came to check on me. I let it all out, then sucked it up and finished the game (one more inning after that). After our game, Daniel, Joe, and Patrick left for Silver Lake for some photo shooting tomorrow. The drive takes a few hours, so they decided to have a slumber party (though I don't think that is what they call it) to shoot in the best light Monday morning. So I'm home alone for the night, which has rarely happened in the 7+ years that we've been together, with only the internet and our guinea pig to keep me company. The internet can only provide so much entertainment, so I will go talk to Pablo now. At least he talks back to me (okay, he squeaks, but it's something).