A Turtle's Day: Week-Long Thrill Ride

This past week has been a thrill ride of ups-and-downs.

Last Thursday I attended the Twins-White Sox game with my Dad. The teams were finishing a three game series that the Twins needed to sweep if they to have any real chance at going to the play-offs. They had thumped the White Sox in the first game and then survived a 3-2 nail-biter in the second game.

The Metrodome was already boasting a play-off atmosphere when we arrived at the game. I have never seen so many fans wearing Twins apparel at a game before. I have to confess that I actually stopped at Target to buy a Twins jersey prior to the game. While the Metrodome may not be a great baseball park during the regular season, it is an awesome place for playoff baseball - that place rocks with crowd noise!!

Needless to say, my Dad and I were quite excited to be at the game. There were butterflies with every pitch as we hoped for a Twins win. The Twins got on the board first, but then had a disastrous 4th inning where they gave up six runs. Facing a 6-1 deficit, the crowd got nervous.

But those Twins chipped away. They scored two runs in the bottom of the 4th inning which was highlighted by a Carlos Gomez triple. The score was 6-3. Then in the 6th inning, Carlos Gomez tripled again and scored on a sacrifice by Denard Span. 6-4. Then in the bottom of the 8th, with a runner on third and one out, Chicago brought in their closer, Bobby Jenks. Up to the plate steps Carlos Gomez. He singles and the score is 6-5. The crowd is getting excited now! Next is Denard Span. He hits a TRIPLE and the game is tied!!!

P A N D E M O N I U M ! ! !

The Twins bring in Joe Nathan in the 9th inning and he retires the White Sox in order. The game goes to extra innings where the Twins win on a bloop single by Alexi Casilla. AND THE CROWD GOES WILD!!!!!

So I wore my new Twins jersey to the office on Friday and enjoyed the after-glow of an incredible night of baseball. The Twins went on to lose on Friday and Saturday before beating the Royals on Sunday to force some extra games. Chicago beat Detroit in a make-up game and then the Twins lost to the White Sox in a one game tie-breaker to see who would go to the playoffs. Every thrilling up must have its corresponding down. Sadness for Twins fans.

Monday brought a meeting of the Blueshirts - D-Monk's accountability group. Whether recovery is going good or bad, meeting with the Blueshirts is always a positive experience. There is something special about meeting with guys to whom you can reveal anything. There is a great amount of trust, encouragement, and strength in the Boueshirts.

But then came Tuesday and Wednesday. This addict really struggled on both days. I can't really say why, but I found myself acting out in the afternoon on both days. The cycle of addiction had set in and this addict was mired in shame.

Thursday came and I climbed up out of the valley. I checked-in with one of my accountability partners and had a clean day.

Thursday also brought a speech competition. I was entered both in the Tall Tales and Humorous categories. I experienced the ultimate thrill when I won best speaker for my Tall Tale - "The Salt Moose." I am now advancing to the district competition in Rochester, Minnesota.

And today I am feeling the nervousness and excitement of anticipation. I am scheduled to run the Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday. Today is the day where runners get to pick up their racing packets and get all their stuff together for the run. I am excited and scared.

Ups and downs.