Coffee Mug Wisdom
I'm visiting my brother and family in Michigan this weekend. Despite it being the end of January, the weather feels much more like March. We've been walking the sidewalks to downtown coffeeshops instead of driving; my neice loves being able to use the "big girl" bike she got for Christmas. It's wonderful to be outside without having to bundle up.
Even though the temperatures are temperate outside, while relaxing inside we still drink a lot of hot tea and coffee... staples in our family. I just grabbed a mug of tea and am fascinated by these words written on the side of it:
Growing up in a place that has winter, you learn to avoid self-pity. Winter is not a personal experience, everybody esle is as cold as you, so you shouldn't complain about it too much. You learn this as a kid, coming home crying from the cold, and Mother looks down and says, "It's only a little frostbite. You're okay." And thus you learn to be okay. What's done is done. Get over it. Drink your coffee. It's not the best you'll ever get but it's good enough.
I haven't asked where this mug came from or who first uttered those words, but the basic truth of those lines is good to keep in mind. It is often easy to get wrapped up in self-pity without much thought, especially during these cold, dark months. But everyone is in the same boat. And some have it much worse off, living without heat or extra blankets or hot coffee to warm them inside.
A sad day for Will Clark fans
When voting concluded today, Bruce Sutter was the only candidate deemed worthy enough to enter Cooperstown this year. Definitely a deserved award for one of the greatest relievers, but today's ballot marked the final opportunity for Will "The Thrill" Clark to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, as he received only 4.4% of the votes (any candidate who receives less than 5% does not remain on the ballot for the next year's vote). He had one of the sweetest swings in baseball and was an incredible first baseman. His 1989 NLCS clobbering of the Chicago Cubs remains one of my favorite baseball-related memories. Oh well. Despite not being enshrined in Baseball's Cathedral, he will remain my favorite player.