Sofia dials up two wins for the Nationals

March 28, 2010 - The Nationals have had a tough time getting wins during this 2010 Spring Training; prior to March 20, 2010 their record was 3-13. We went to the Nationals play two games, and I don’t know what it was, maybe Sofia’s call, but they won both games.

On Sunday, March 21, 2010, we went to Jupiter, Florida to visit the Roger Dean Stadium, home of the Florida Marlins who hosted the Washington Nationals. We were torn on whom to root for since we are originally from South Florida but now the Nationals are our home team.

The Nationals came into this game ready to win! One of our favorite former Marlins and now Nationals, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, was in the line-up. First Baseman, Chris Duncan, who since this game has been cut, started the game with a solid double that put the Nats on the board first. The 6^th inning was hot, and both the Nats and the Marlins went on a tear scoring four (4) runs each. Although the Nationals escaped the inning still in the lead, 7-6, the old Nats started to appear, as they seemed to lose focus on the game. Luckily, at the end, the Nationals, with their solid hitting, beat the Marlins, 9-7, adding another win to their poor Spring Training record. Check out Facebook for pictures of the Nationals vs. Marlins, March 21, 2010

The next day, March 22, 2010, we drove north to the Space Coast Stadium in Veira Beach to see the Nationals take on the Mets. The Nationals picked up where they left off the day before. In the first inning Ryan Zimmerman hit a solo homer and then in the second inning Josh Willingham homered. Zimmerman was not done; he homered again in the 5^th inning giving the Nationals a solid lead that they would hold to beat the Mets 7-5. Check out Facebook for pictures of the Mets vs. Nationals, March 22, 2010

This weekend the Nationals picked up two wins to improve their record to 5-13. The one positive thing for the Nationals and their poor Spring Training is that they have had the opportunity to get a good look at their players. Remember last years Spring Training; the Nationals had a much better record 15-17, although still under .500, they ended up losing over 100 games. Hopefully this year, with such a poor Spring Training record they will be able to improve their regular season play, win some more games and prevent having the league’s worst record

Good Luck Nats and we look forward to seeing you play this season.

Read more at: www.30ballparksandababy.com

POSTSEASON- Back to Normalcy?

Today we took Sofia to her first children's birthday party. After three months on the road, I feel as though our lives are starting to come back to normal. The piles of mail have been taken care of, laundry is not quite there yet, there are boxes to be put away and an auction event to plan. Still unemployed, our sense of normalcy is questionable. We are making the best of it. The experience of spending this summer together, gave us a new perspective on our lives and who we are. Untapped skills were discovered, new people were met and the possibilities of the next step are endless. With my skills in PR and journalism and Roberto's skills in operations, PR and administration I believe we will be OK. For those out there who are on the same boat, be strong and continue to shape your skills and network, network, network. Make use of the obligatory "time off" to better yourself and open the door to places you never thought of looking. You never know where your next job lies. This is the summer that changed us as a family and when visions of cracker jacks and seventh inning stretches start dancing in my head, I say "there's always postseason." that's my new normal.

Learn more about our journey: www.30ballparksandababy.com

Home SAFE!

Our tour of 30 ballparks with our baby Sofia ended on October 2, 2009. Our return home was bitter-sweet. Sure its great to sleep in your own bed, but the memories of the tour of a lifetime will forever remain as an important part of the history of our family. This creates a bit of nostalgia. Our 90 day-plus road-trip saw us through the most beautiful scenery our country has to offer. How else can you watch a meteor shower in the Utah Arches, literally walk on glass over the Grand Canyon cliffs, go fishing for Salmon in Seattle all while taking in the American past time at each home team turf? OK. It wasn't all fun and games. This trip was work. From the planning to the posting of journals to the driving, diaper changes, feedings, while conducting interviews with the media and potential employers, our tour was a journey of self-discovery. Here you had three people, mom, dad and a 4-month old taking on a trip of a lifetime. For us it was about discovering each other and spending every waking moment with our new baby. Could we survive as a couple spending 24/7 together? We did it!

Judy, Roberto and Baby Sofia

See how we did it: www.30ballparksandababy.com