Softball 2006

For the last two summers, I've enjoyed my Monday nights with our softball team made up of guys from Blackhawk. If there's anything that screams summer for a 20-something former high school athlete, it's summer softball (especially when you're sponsored by the Great Dane). This year we were asked to play in the top division, and we gave it our all, but struggled against some of the better teams. We did have a stretch during the season where we were hitting and fielding the ball really well and a good time was had by all. In only our second year together, we're improving and I fully expect things to continue to get better.

There's two reasons I love summer softball:

1. I love playing sports and so that's great for my soul.
2. I really value time with the guys and look forward to seeing them in that context.

One of our players, outfielder Andy Dalton makes the 10th inning at the Dane something to look forward to by presenting weekly awards for great and not-so-great plays from the game. Well he took his awards to the next level by awarding season-long accomplishments. Here's what he came up with:

1. The official Foul Ball Policeman Award – Tim Schiefelbein (don’t even get close to a foul ball on the 2nd strike if you know what is good for you)


2. The Most Improved Player Award – Matt Cranney (he now knows which way to run on the bases)
3. The Best Homer Umpire Call of the year Award – Garrick (Joel Dreier’s foot did come off first base!)


4. The Most Sustained Injury Award – Jeff Miles (we all knew it the moment we saw it happen, that ankle didn’t even have a chance)


5. The Best Slide of the Year Award – Joel Hassenzahl (or should I say Pete Rose)


6. The Funniest Base Run of the Year Award – Matt McCallum (I would have given him a 10 if he would have kept his toes pointed on the summersault into home plate)


7. The Best Batting Average of the year Award – Kevin Weidkamp (Total guess on my part, but on our team it always helps to miss a few games to help out your average)


8. Most Likely to Fight His Own Teammate Award – Stan Petrie (When Cranney took him out running back to 1st base after already being forced at 2nd; actually in Stan’s defense he never got mad at all)


9. Most Likely to never hit the ball to the Left Fielder – Rob Farrand (Until last night that is)


10. Best Base Sliding Rash/Burn/Cut of the year Award – Greg Fisher (I think more of his leg was red the next day than not)


11. Ugliest Catch of the year Award – Andy Dalton (Underhanded granny catch running in from Left Center; but I got it)


12. 10th Inning attendace Award – Hans Schiefelbein (Most coveted award of the year; for his efforts Hans received 2 club level tickets to the game of his choice for the remainder of the Brewer’s season this year) Let that be a lesson to all of you for next year!!!!

Officer Stan (obviously off-duty)










The Awards and Toast Specialist, Andy Dalton









"The Gambler" Kevin picks Stan's credit card out of the hat during the Card Game. He smiles in disgust b/c his card was the only one left, so he paid our last bill at the Great Dane.





Team Photo - Summer 2006

Lonely Sunrise

This morning I know one thing. I am not complete without my wife. (Still sounds weird: my wife.)

I guess I’m in one of the best situations if she’s going to be gone – I’m at a leadership conference with my colleagues in the college ministry along with other Blackhawk leaders. So I feel good, busy, challenged, and ambitious. But I’ve never had a night like last night when I come home to an empty house. I miss talking to her about my day, hearing about hers, and doing the daily things like dinner together. It was lonely to wake this morning in an empty bed. I have things in perspective, and I know more experienced couples might chuckle at my first night without the wife. But this blog wouldn’t be complete without this entry because she’s that important to me. Can I be thankful for being apart for these two days? Yes I can, because I need to be reminded of what I have to appreciate her when she’s gone. So Katie – I miss you. I miss your eyes and I miss your soul. Although I wish you were in my arms, it’s amazing to close my eyes and feel your presence in my life and our connection of heart and mind.

It feels like India all over again - I have to write you on this computer to talk to you. Actually, I forgot my cell at home, so I'm really hoping you're checking this like I said. Tell your dad Bono hit the ball out of the park. Tell your mom I'm looking forward to our next leadership discussion. I'll talk to you later today, but not before I go get my phone.

I love you and carry you with me always.

iPods and Podcasts

The iPod is an icon of our generation. It's a must-have tool of entertainment. Every contest offers a free iPod, demonstrating the iPod's dominance and demand in pop culture. And I'm getting mine in 3 days.
(go ahead, click on it...)
Yes, I know other mp3 players are cheaper, hold more songs, and may even be higher quality that Apple's iPod, but I just can't pass this one up. I was set to get my iPod and then something happened - I got married. Oh stop... I'm not dissing my marriage. I just had to change my Game Plan in regards to the iPod b/c this husband and wife are all about the budget. My impulsive consumer ways have been tamed (sometimes violently) with Katie's wise handling of our finances, and I will someday thank her for her discipline. Until then, I just apologize to her for my years of bad habits.

Back to the iPod. So we're going to Chicago - we actually get to go to the Apple store on Michigan Avenue. That's sure to be a blast. And when I walk out of that store, I'm making a b-line for Borders. Sitting with an iced vanilla latte, I'm going to plug in my iPod and hook it up to iTunes. If I need to describe iTunes, you need to get out more.


The thing with my iPod is that I'm going to finally have a place to store all my podcasts. I subscribe to 14 of them. Podcasts are audio or video files that are uploaded to iTunes. For example, our church (Blackhawk) uploads their video sermons each week. Then people like me can go to iTunes and subscribe to the podcast. Then whenever I open iTunes, one click on the update button keeps all my podcasts current. It's a wonderful thing for people like me who are always mobile and don't know when we'll have time to listen to a podcast.



(Podcast icon)



So what podcast to I subscribe to? There are a few pastors around the country that have some great things to say about the Church and how to be relevant in today's world.

Erwin McManus - Mosaic
Rob Bell - Mars Hill Church
And of course Chris Dolson and Company - Blackhawk Church

Then there's the leadership. Ahh, the leadership. I haven't touched on this a lot, but over the last 4-5 years, the study of leadership has probably become an addiction (don't even get Katie started...). Here's a couple I like:

Leadership Podcast (simple, but good)
Defining Moments - anything with Bill Hybels is A+
Practically Speaking - anything with Andy Stanley is A++, more exciting


Lastly, there's the culture. In this area, I have 2 that are absolutely wonderful.

One Campaign - Bono's deal fighting AIDS and global poverty
Relevant - the magazine's podcast with great interviews and highlights from pop culture

So there you have it - Hans' Podcast Subscriptions. I'm always looking for more, so if you find one (other than Ask a Ninja), write me a comment.

Athletes Get Injured

Sunday was very hot. Not an ideal day to run 12 miles, but that's what where Katie's at in our training for our Milwaukee Marathon (I'm a little behind, but will be back on pace next weekend). After running through the Abroretum and Vilas Park, we were coming down Monroe Street when I hit a crack in the sidewalk and went down. Fortunately, I was able to roll out of it and escape injury free. As we continued, Katie was amazed that I hadn't hurt myself. But as we were talking about it, Katie's foot hit an edge on the concrete - and down she went. I could tell she was more angry than hurt (which is a good thing). But the run was over. I ran back to the car and picked her up. After ice and elevation all afternoon, we talked to Joel Dreier - our friend who's an athletic trainer. He said she could run as long as it doesn't hurt and that she wouldn't make it any worse as long as she didn't roll it again. Well now the ankle's swelling is back along with some black and blue coloration.

Athletes get injured. It's bound to happen. We're glad it wasn't more serious. She'll be on the bike this week and we'll hope to get out running soon. We're also glad the marathon is still 2+ months away.

Devi's Lake

One of Wisconsin's greatest summer destinations is Devil's Lake State Park. With Katie's planning, the two of us and four of our cousins made the trip on Independence Day 2006.

Katie had our spot set up by 9am.













Grant, Tori, Brad, and Kelly came a little after noon, and we fired up the grill.












After burgers and brats, we played a game of Boche (complete with huge doses of ADD).

Ususally the players don't balance their balls on their shoulders, but these aren't usual players.






We decided to hike the famous bluffs from our spot on the south shore. If you've never been here, the pictures probably won't do it justice. It's an easy climb and the views are beautiful. Grant was struggling b/c he was in flip-flops.













Our dilema was finding Balanced Rock. Here's the sign pointing 2 different ways to it. The thing is, Balanced Rock is actually behind the sign - you can see it in the background (click on the left picture and you can see it in the background above and to the left of the sign). Brad and I pose when we actually found the thing.












As I said, the views look good here but are better in person.

So visit beautiful Devil's Lake. You won't be disappointed.

The Romantic Anniversary

I didn't believe it until I heard it from my wife's lips - our romantic anniversary is more important than our wedding anniversary. My good friend Chris Dolson first told me this to be true. I didn't really comprehend the statement until Katie affirmed it. So here I am, celebrating our romantic anniversary. TMI? I don't think so - I hate that kind of thing. I'm here to tell you about something we all do, something we all think about, and something some of us should probably think about more - kissing.

According to my last entry, Katie and I met at the Memorial Union Terrace on a Thursday afternoon two years ago. I asked her to hang out a couple days later, at a Brewers Game. It was there that I asked her on an official date. We went to breakfast at Lazy Jane's. No kiss. Then I asked her out for a second date later that day - La Hacienda on Park Street. No kiss. We walked down to the terrace and out for coffee at Starbucks. Now it gets interesting. There was a severe tornado warning, so Starbucks was making everyone get into the basement. I knew this meant one thing - no kiss. So I got us out of there and we went back to her place. Amanda was there and was facinated with the storm. I was facinated with the anticipation of the start of this romantic anniversary... No kiss. And that ended our date.

Should I just get to it? We were down at Summerfest the next night for the fireworks, and I was thinking of the perfect thing to say, it wasn't perfect, but No kiss No more. Come on! Smile, you've been there...! It's not TMI, it's romantic. And it's memorable, and that's a romantic anniversary!

As I learn about marriage, I'm realizing the importance of such things. Sure, they mean a lot to Katie but they also mean a lot to me. Memories are so precious. They're unique. They stir an emotion that's personal and powerful. Certain memories can never be replicated, but they can never be lost. They're yours forever. Words to live by - Remember.

06.17.04 - Yes, 2004

Yesterday Katie and I went to the Memorial Union Terrace. Hundreds of other people were there with us, and thousands will do the same this summer. But our trip to the Terrace had memories rolling through our heads. Two years ago, I was talking to my friend Amanda about coming to see her cousin, Katie, at the Terrace on a warm Thursday afternoon. Her sisters Becky and Kelly were there, as was our friend Jodie. I walked down the steps and met Katie for the first time. We ended up sitting on the upper deck and playing cards under that tree which sits in the middle of the seating area. I got a pitcher of beer for us and we had our first conversation. I don't remember what we talked about, what she wore, or even what was going through my mind. What I do remember is an excitement about meeting this new girl, a girl who kept me at the edge of my seat and who I just wanted to spend more time with. I wanted to drive her home, but she insisted on walking home with Amanda and Jodie. But that was the start. What happened in the next week will be the subject of my next entry. How's that for an unapologetic cliffhanger?

Door County

As I said in my last post, Katie gave me the best gift ever... a three day trip to Door County. The details are what made the trip such a great gift. When I travel, I need to have maps and research about where we're going. I love maps. I have to know what coffee shops are in the area and where we can stop along the way to make the trip as memorable as possible. So Katie put together a 13-page itinerary (seen here) for a trip that included 2 days where I thought we'd be working - she took off work with my boss!

We left Sunday afternoon and got into Sturgeon Bay where we had reservations at our bed and breakfast. Here's a pic.
The coolest thing was our room was called the Library Suite. As you can see, the room was located behind a bookshelf - I think I'll have to include such a feature when I build our house in the years to come.





Monday we went to the Simon Creek Winery and sat outside for a bottle and a snack, while listening to a guitar player. That night we had dinner at the Inn at Kristopher's - if you can get reseravations for about 7:30, you'll catch a beautiful sunset.

Tuesday we were supposed to go to Penninsula State Park to ride bikes, picnic, and lay in the sun. But the sun was interupted by clouds and thunder showers. It rained hard all day - huge bummer. So we'll have to come back up to do this part of Door County. So we made our adjustments and found an unexpected thrill-of-a-time --- antiques! Katie bought an iron wallhanging and I got an old catcher's mask. I plan to have a baseball theme for the summer on our mantle.

We had relaxing breakfasts, romantic dinners, good coffee, good conversation, and new wonderful memories from our trip to Door County. Plan a trip there soon and call us for some places we found and loved.

The Half Marathon Issue !!

Well on a hot May day, Katie and I (along with 2,600 other runners) finished our second half marathon. We started at 7:48 am and finished 13.1 miles later. It wasn't a great run for us; our training could have been better and our race-day prep wasn't up to par. But we're learning, and that is how life goes. My high school football coach always told us that life is a series of adjustments. Although our run was very stressful, we finished together and have already talked about what we need to do better for our next run (and there WILL be a next run - Chicago Marathon in October).

We didn't have any post-race pictures, but here's a couple shots before the run. We found our friend Kathy at the starting line, again - just like Crazy Legs. It was so awesome to see her and her husband John out there with us. Kathy - you rock!

In other news, I celebrated the start of my 29th year on earth Sunday afternoon. Katie put together a wonderful party with my family and hers, along with our cousins Matt and Amanda. And the day before, Katie gave me the best gift ever - an itinerary for our 3-day trip to Door County. I love traveling with maps, brochures, and reservations ready for my arrival - and Katie put it all together. That entry is coming up next... But for now, Katie and I have 2 half marathons under our belt. The training is about to jump a notch or two, so it will surely be a busy, hot summer of training. But we're excited for the challenge.

10 Miles Deserves a Picnic

As most of you know, Katie and I are training for our second half marathon, which takes place in Madison next Sunday, May 28. Today was our last "long run" in our training, 10 miles. The run took us through the beautiful UW Arboretum and down Monroe Street.

After the run, I put together a picnic basket for a lunch at McKee Park. We have to thank our cousins Chris and Erika for the wonderful basket. The picnic is part of a list of activities Katie and I have put together - our Summer of One - our first summer as husband and wife. You can expect to see constant updates of this Summer of One later here at the Game Plan.

So this week will be busy with work, really healthy eating, and hopefully lots of sleep. We're really excited for this Half Marathon. Please check back in 7 days for pictures and a brief on our run.

Crazylegs Classic

first timeWith the end of April comes the annual Crazy Legs Classic. Katie and I ran this last year for the together. This year we finished the 8K run in 46 minutes. Actually, I finished one second ahead of Katie, so I made up for last year's one second loss. We were joined this year by the wonderful Kathy Sauer (pictured in the white vest) and our cousins, Matt and Amanda Cranney.

Destin Vacation

I have to put the write-up of Death By Meeting on hold until I get back from vacation. We're with Katie's family in Destin, Florida. We drove down April 13 and are heading back.















Katie and Grant in the van.






















Steve and Katie at a gas station.

















Katie and I before we got any sun (more pictures to come).


Here's a typical day: a small breakfast, out to the beach mid-morning 'til 4 o'clock, a great dinner, and some activity in the evening. We are having a wonderful time. I'll get more pictures as they become available.

Been away? Bring it in !!

Hello...? Hello...? Seems quiet in here. I guess that's to be expected when no one has been here for over 40 days. Nonetheless, yours truely is back in the saddle. Since I last posted, I've been very busy. I have been reading books like Death by Meeting, Good to Great, and 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. I've been in meetings with our college ministry leadership concerning the next season in our journey. And Katie and I have been traveling, watching great movies (you must see Walk the Line), and growing closer together in ways I never could have imagined. I am so fortunate to have her in my life.

So here's the plan: I'm going to do a few posts in the near future here. I'm going to write about the books I'm reading and see where that goes. Do you read? You know, a man who doesn't read has no advantage over a man who can't read. Well I'm reading a lot lately, and I'm going to share some of it here at the Game Plan. Up first - Death by Meeting. See you soon.

Wild at Heart

One of my favorite books is Wild at Heart, by John Eldridge. He talks about how most men long for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. Let men be men, don't raise them to be tame and nice - that man many need to protect and defend you someday. The book is a testosterone pumping experience; idealistic at times, but he gets the point across. And today I am reminded of the joy in adventure.

Yesterday Madison got some 8 inches of snow, whiteout conditions. We couldn't work yesterday and today our truck never would've made it up the hill where we were taking out 3 trees. So I had another work day planned at the coffee shop. This morning I told Katie I was going to walk to Barriques. Why? Because I can. Temperature: 8 degrees, but the wind says -3. Why? Because I have the gear, I always drive, and I miss the walk to class.

So I pulled out my Mountainsmith backpack, loaded my computer, books, and some apples, clipped on my coffee mug and Nalgene (essential for every trip), put the Rio in my ears and walked out the door. I walked a plowed path for most of the way, crossing a half dozen snow piles enroute, and almost fell twice on the slick surface. But 33 minutes later I was there.

Was I traversing through a valley, climbing small mountains or fighting for survival? No. But it was cold, the snow was deep, I didn't know if the sidewalk would end and I'd be blazing my own trail. I can't make it sound more glorious than it was, but that's not my intention. My point is that I got a glimpse of the joy in an adventure. And that feeling makes me want more.

An adventure to live. It's enough to get me out of bed every morning and see where the Lord is taking me today.

Valentine's Day

So when we were in pre-marital counceling, I was told that I'd be going to the School of Katie. Well let the learning begin. I've gained the knowledge of how important Valentine's Day is to my wife. I was actually a little shocked at how grand this day is in her mind. But then, when I start thinking about the things I can do for her, I start to get excited. Because I love taking care of my wife. I love buying her things. I love hearing her scream in excitement when she's surprised by something I've done for her. I love making my wife happy.

I might have raised the bar a little high this year, the first Valentine's Day of our marriage. But hey, she's worth it. I did the flowers, we're doing the dinner, we're doing the quality conversation time over coffee, and I did the diamonds. The Diamonds?!? Yeah, I raised the bar at this school, but I'm hot for teacher.

Perspective

For me to give you an accurate understanding of my Game Plan, you must understand my priorities, my outlook on life, my reference point. In 1998, I came to faith in God as I studied the Bible and learned about Christianity through Blackhawk church, here in Madison. As I learned about the life and teachings of Jesus, I believed everything I was reading in the Bible - that faith in Jesus as the Savior of the world is the only way to have eternal life. How can I reduce this to one blog entry? I can't. I'm not an eloquent writer and I don't have words to write that don't fall into that "Christian cliche" that bothers every Christian who tries to explain the realities in their life. So what I'm going to do is just go for it - I'm going to get my thoughts onto this blog and hope that my honesty can be felt from your seat. All I promise is honesty. What more can man deliver?

game plan pic 1 

Welcome to the Game Plan

I'm here. On the internet, that is. I've had this Game Plan in my head for years, but it's online for the first time ever (and welcome to it). It's changed quite often. It's been busier at times, it's been slower at times, it's had it's successes and failures. It's been the focus and it's been neglected. But in the end, I will always have a game plan. It's the athlete in me, it's the leader in me - to think, ponder, plan, and execute. To reflect and to critique, live and learn, so I become stronger. Not 'stronger' for the sake of me, but stronger for sake of my family and my mission. Who's my family and what's my mission? Glad you asked. Come back soon and check out the Game Plan!