Saturday Morning Thoughts

It’s a bright Saturday morning, with the sun shining and a gentle breeze from Lake Erie. Temperatures are expected to hover in the 70s. Before tackling the old swing in the driveway, there’s time for some Saturday thoughts.

Let’s kick things off with food. Arby’s Sophie Cunningham, just back at work after a three- to four-year hiatus, made quite the impression last night sporting her “BBQ Buddy” top. Quite a statement, if you ask me.

Remember 2025? That was the year Cunningham caused a stir by donning a “hot girls eat Arby’s” crop top at work, which led to a promotional deal with the fast food chain. It makes me wonder—could she be angling for a partnership with someone like Traeger or Weber? Not sure what that means exactly, but it’s making me crave some steak this weekend.

This brings me to a different topic. I’m facing challenges with my 14U baseball team. The effort level on defense is lacking. Sure, errors happen, but I’ve been at this long enough to know when effort is fading. In past teams, we managed to avoid those issues. But now? It’s like kids are barely trying to chase after the ball or even dive for it.

I’m not asking for them to break any bones, but come on, a little hustle wouldn’t hurt. Some players are even strolling to second base as passed balls fly past the catcher. It’s concerning. I’m in the coaching box, and I see them taking huge leads off third base, only to turn their backs to the catcher when it’s time to head back. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve warned them about a potential throw from even a 14U catcher.

And can I just say, communicating with middle school boys can be a real challenge? I mean, one of them surely must be a psychologist! We try to keep things straightforward, but boy, it’s tough. The stolen base sign has been the same since Day 1, and yet, guess what? Two of them last night still struggled to grasp it.

It’s pretty evident that somehow, their enthusiasm for baseball is lacking. They don’t even engage with it during their free time. Given all this, how can I amp up their effort? I really try to praise high effort, but we keep getting pushed into a corner.

I know, I know—I need a break. We have ten games lined up in June. Right now, it feels like I’m just trying to survive the experience.

A Quick Note on Tools

As for tools, I have to say I bought a Stihl for the street cred and my dad’s satisfaction—it’s the best money can offer, after all. But I also own a Ryobi blower because it’s affordable and durable. Honestly, if you forget it on a golf course, you can sleep easy. If I misplace the Stihl? Well, that could lead to a sleepless night.

Thoughts on a Possible Beer Team Addition

Speaking of teams, I’d love to add Braden Benton—a solid 5-foot-10 and 230 pounds—to my garage/patio beer gathering. Looks like he just made waves at the NCAA regional tournament against Texas A&M.

Soda Preferences

On a lighter note, my wife thinks Olipop equals sadness. But Brent from Utah argues in defense of it, saying it’s an acquired taste—maybe an acquired taste gone wrong? Personally, I’m all about that grape flavor, even my grandson can’t get enough. It’s hard to find just that flavor without the noise of others.

Dave from Lacey, WA suggests trying Xavier, which sweetens with stevia. He’s got a point, as that cola and ginger ale combo can be pretty tempting too.

AI in Business

Now, let’s talk about something serious. Dusty T., who runs an HVAC company, reached out regarding a customer with concerns about a possible leak in a newly installed system. She claimed medical issues were arising from an odor at night. After multiple checks, with nothing found, it turned out someone had consulted AI and misinterpreted the issue, complicating matters for them. It’s a scary reminder of the implications AI can have in real-world scenarios for small businesses.

What to Do with Dog Poop Bags?

Now, shifting gears—what’s the protocol with dog poop bags? One person agrees, it’s fine to toss it in a neighbor’s bin if it’s curbside. But walking down the driveway to drop it in? Not cool, in his opinion.

Interestingly, it’s the casual nature of this content that draws people in. It’s not about formal journalism; it’s like sharing the quirky moments from our lives. I think many would enjoy having a beer with me while chatting about these everyday quirks.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping up this week’s reflections, I genuinely appreciate those who stop by to read. It’s something I look forward to every day, and getting up to write this isn’t work for me; it’s more like therapy. Now, it’s time to take that old theater set to the trash. Another day awaits.