A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

challenges

Can of Corn 6: Hey, nerd!

Baseball is a game of numbers. 

It’s also a game of nerds. 

Though baseball is not an easy game – think of somebody attempting to throw a small sphere at you so you can swing and attempt to hit said sphere with a piece of wood. Once contact is made, other players must attempt to field this sphere and then throw it to another player, who will attempt to catch it to record an out. 

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Can of Corn Challenge logo

That’s definitely a different way to look at baseball, but it’s the beauty of the game. 

To quote the manager in Bull Durham – 

“This is a simple game: You throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the ball. You got it?”

But baseball goes well past simple when it comes to the nerd side of things. I would argue that baseball, more than any other sport, is statistically driven. While all sports have statistics, the analytics and scrutiny in baseball is unlike any other. 

Most casual fans of the sport will understand things like Avg., HRs, RBIs, ERA etc. 

But then it can get crazy. 

Do you know a pitcher’s WHIP? Or how many quality starts they had? And dammit, was that an earned or unearned run? Especially after this batter reached on an error, but it was fewer than two ours, and the next two guys singled, and the third guy scored, but would that be earned?

And those batters. 

That third hitter’s GIDP rate is way too high. Especially because the guy before him has a high OBP, and the guy after him has an incredible OPS. They are just giving runs away!

See where I’m going here?

There are statistics for every little nuance of baseball. But that’s part of what makes it a great game. Keeping those stats is something many baseball nerds do. When I am at a game (and that doesn’t look like it will happen this year), I like to keep a scorebook. Baseball scorekeeping is very, very personal. There are certain things most keep, but it’s also something that allows you to put your own spin on it. You can have your own flare or style. Your own marks. Those most baseball fans can look at a scoresheet and figure out what is going on, there are some that make it very hard for you to figure out their way of doing things. 

Baseball is definitely a game for nerds. I’m not saying you can’t just be casual – you for sure can. That’s the beauty of the game – it does not discriminate. When I’ve been to games, I’ve seen so many people of different lifestyles and it’s really awesome. Baseball is a game where anybody can enjoy it, understand it, and dissect it. 

There’s a lot of sports out there, but baseball is the greatest in my eyes. And I’m proud to call myself a baseball nerd!

Can of Corn Challenge 6: Hey, Nerd!

The Can of Corn Challenge is a monthly blogging challenge that runs from February-October. You can see all information, as well as themes for 2020 by visiting this blog post. Feel free to join us for any and all themes! The linkup will remain live each month for about seven days.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Secret Subject Swap: Believing

This post is for the Secret Subject Swap, a monthly blog challenge. Information about the swap can be viewed at the end of this post, as well as links to all others taking part. Have a peek at some of the other bloggers and see what they had to come up with. If you are a blogger, consider joining up for future months!

My theme is “Tell us about a time when you believed in something strongly but when confronted with new information that contradicted that belief, you changed your mind.” and it was submitted by Climaxed.

I’m going to take this in a bit of a different direction.

Let me explain why, though.

I’m a believer that beliefs are just that — something you believe in. That could be something religious, or a thought process about other things. But to me — and again, this is just me — beliefs are more of things that go beyond our world.

With that in mind, a belief can of course, be built on facts, or those that might not be facts at all. You might believe in a cause or a person and find out things you believed were fully wrong. Or maybe something you believed that others bashed turned out to be true.

There’s a lot of ways to look at this.

But when I look at the initial question, I don’t really have an answer. Though I might have beliefs one way or another, I don’t tend to sway. If it’s something on a larger scale, I tend to try and base it on some sort of fact (unless, of course, it’s something on more of a spiritual level).

This is also why, for the most part, I don’t discuss things like politics on a public forum, be it here or social media. Things like that can become so emotional and heated, that one’s beliefs can go on many different paths and facts become quite skewed.

There are, however, a few beliefs I have that I will not back down from and I challenge anybody to try and sway me from them. My guess is you won’t be able to. Those beliefs are as follows:

  • Smile more. If you smile and people see it, it becomes contagious.
  • Treat people better. If you treat those around you better, it makes the world a better place.
  • Appreciate what you have and realize things can always be worse. Even in the worst of times, something could always be even worse. If you are reading this post, my guess is life can be appreciated in some way, shape or form.
  • Respect others. Others will have different beliefs in many things. Respect their thoughts and opinions. If they have beliefs based on non-factual things and you can show facts … feel free. But don’t let it anger either of you or hurt a friendship.
  • Think before you type — in other words, remember everything on social media is seen. Protect yourself.
  • Be happy. This world is tough, rough, and cruel. But there is a lot of beauty in it. Find a way to be happy. It might not be 24/7, but make sure each day you find a way to find happiness.

I’m sure somewhere in life I changed a belief based on facts being thrown at me. I’m in my mid-40s and I can’t believe anybody can go through life without ever changing a belief. But I don’t remember one that sticks out on a large level.

I hope everybody stays healthy and happy — that’s a belief in which I will not waver!

Five others have taken part in this challenge, so go check out the other posts and have some fun reading their secret subjects!

Enjoy blogging challenges? We have several that happen at A ‘lil HooHaa, and we’d love to have you join us! The Photo Blogging Challenge is one of our main ones and it runs monthly! We also have the Food Photo Challenge (current theme listed at end of post) and the Can of Corn Challenge. We’d love to see you!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Photo Blogging Challenge: July 2020’s theme is …

Another month is here and it seems like they are just all merging together … at least for the past several months.

So the summer months are here. Some places seem to be living like normal. Other places not so much. What is happening in our world now is pretty scary, so I just hope you are all safe and healthy, take precautions to protect yourselves, and watch out for the rest of humanity.

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Still, it’s a time when things are amplified. The US has their elections heating up. Things around the world have become really crazy. But we all have to find ways to keep sane, healthy, and safe. And how do some of us do it? Photography can help and it’s my hope this challenge helps each of you somehow stay calm, at least for a few moments of your day or week!

And now we move ahead to July. This month is pretty good as I am on vacation for a couple of weeks. And I am hoping I can get some blog reading, writing, and commenting done as well! So, let’s move on with our challenge!

The new theme is below!

So with that in mind, let’s look at the monthly “group” challenges:

Challenge 1: Tell others about this photo blogging challenge and get some friends to come join us.  Let’s see if we can get people interested in the challenge again.

Challenge 2: Make friends with your camera and see what you can come up with. Have fun!

Challenge 3 is at the end of this post (the theme!).

Before this, here’s some housekeeping items. For those who might be new to the challenge, here’s how it works.

  • See the theme (first day of the month);
  • Take photos throughout the month (don’t use old ones!);
  • Select five photos and create a blog post;
  • Come back here and link up on the final day of the month;
  • Use the official hashtag — #Photoblogchal — on social media posts;
  • Hopefully go visit and comment on other blogs.

That’s it. There’s no rules on equipment or anything else. Blog posts can be short and to the point, or in-depth. Interpret the themes as you see fit.

The one big rule?

Have fun!

This month’s theme? Letters. This should and could be good. Maybe you’ve started a new hobby? Or worked on an old one? Maybe you’ve found other ways of keeping busy through all of this. Show us! Please make sure your blog post publishes Friday, July 31. Then come back here and link up.

If you think you are going to take part in this, drop a comment below so we can see who all might be trying to tackle this challenge!

There is also a Facebook group for those who are interested.

If you would like to visit the history of the challenge, which started in 2013, please go to the Photo Blogging Challenge page for more!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Photo Blogging Challenge (June 2020): The Notebook

It’s safe to say, I like notebooks.

And I know a lot of people might be using notebooks during this time in our world. I’m in a few groups on social media that deal with different aspects of notebooks, and it’s pretty amazing to see what people are using them for.

For me, they’ve always been something I’ve used … or had. The one issue is trying to make sure they are used up. Instead, I often let them pile up. More on that later.

I’ve been in a few of the notebook subscription services (again, more later) and it’s been tough for me to justify things because of how little I use them. I am, however, getting better with it.

The interesting thing with notebooks is the ability to use them for many different things. Notes, thoughts, art, and whatever else. Heck, just fill it full of scribbles and colors if that’s what you want to do. My biggest issue is making sure I use a notebook to the end. Sometimes I use some and move on. Half the time I don’t think to read back, but I’ve always thought personal notebooks were good way to put down notes to burn them into your head.

There’s so many types and styles and sizes of notebooks, too. I personal like dot or graph, and usually smaller, pocket-sized notebooks.

Below is my take on this theme. How about you? Where did the notebook lead you this month?

I hope, during this time, you are taking care of yourselves, staying healthy, and being safe. Without anything further, here are my five for the month!

1. Bullet journal

OK, my first real go at one of these hasn’t been the best. I’ve done my best, but it’s been hard keeping with it. Part of it I think is how the world is right now. The other part is I haven’t found my groove or style. I think what I’ve found with me is I can utilize this as a way to be creative. Some color, some different aspects and all of that. I can’t necessarily use it as a planner as I always fail with planners and just fall back to Google Calendar. The first BuJo I tried this year I still have, and I will be messing with it in July and August to try and find my own way of doing things. This one is the one I will start using in September. It’s a bit bigger than the one I have now, so that will help. I’ll keep it simple, which should help.

2. Log + Jotter

I first found Log+Jotter a few years ago via Instagram, and I love the quality of these notebooks. They are a monthly subscription service and the cover(s) are not known until you receive your notebook(s) in the mail. I was a member for quite a while, so I have quite the collection built up. I had to cancel it as I was building up too many notebooks. I might look to have a few giveaways with some of these in the future. Eventually, I hope to re-subscribe as they have some great designs.

3. Leprechauns

On a trip to Ireland in 2010, we visited the National Leprechaun Museum. I picked up this notebook .. and a pencil that I should have used for this photo! I haven’t ever used the notebook because I like it so much. The blank pages are really nice.

4. Reporting

Before my current job, I worked in newspapers for many years. One thing I always loved was a good reporter’s notebook. Field Notes, another subscription service (I’m still a member) has these books, and they are great. Field Notes has all sorts of notebooks — the red one is a checklist notebook. High quality, affordable, and the pack comes quarterly. I’m a yearly subscriber to this plan and it’s excellent quality.

5. Different items

To go with the idea of a Bullet Journal, I’ve picked up a few notebooks like these. They keep track of daily things. I’m not sure if I am going to do one every day, or every few days to keep track of patterns. These are something, too, I can tape into the journal when needed. I like the idea of keeping track of things in this regard as it might help me stay focused on everything. One of these is a health tracker, and the other is to break down the day. The notebook under is another version of a health tracker.

And there are my five for the month!

If you took part in this month’s challenge, make sure to link up below.

And for those of you who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment (here, too!).

Let’s continue to grow this challenge and have a strong community. Come back and check out the others who link later on, too! NOTE: We have a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.

Make sure, too, to come back tomorrow to see July’s theme!

Photo Blogging Challenge: June 2020 results

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Food Photo Challenge (June 2020): Veggies

I am not a fan of veggies.

Well, for the most part. I like a salad here and there. And as I’ve gotten older, there’s a few veggies I’ll eat now that I never would have (such as tomatoes).

Before we go on, though, if you are new to the Food Photo Challenge, check out this post, which explains everything. Also, the linkup for this month’s theme will stay live for about a week, so join in even if it’s later!

Food Photo Challenge logo

Simply put, though, each month there will be a theme (announced at the end of this post) and on the 28th of each month, come back and link up.

So we keep moving forward with these food photos and it will be fun to see what kind of things happen with this theme.

Let’s check out this month. 

Theme: Veggies

See, I know I should eat more veggies. Being diabetic, there are some veggies that are could be highly beneficial for me. Still, I can’t stomach most. I don’t know if it’s the texture, or just the taste, but it doesn’t do a whole lot for me.

I do like some, though. I’ll have salads (though I haven’t lately and really need to start eating them more often again), and there’s a few veggies that I will eat, but for the most part … I just don’t like them.

I’ve tried, too. Nothing really works for me.

So, it’s usually pretty simple when it comes to me and veggies. And there are times at night when I really like to crunh down on some raw veggies. Throw in some ranch dressing, and it’s a perfect match.

Carrots and celery go a long way for me. Sometimes some cucumbers, too.

That’s my submission for the month and I am looking forward to seeing who else is taking part in this challenge and what they have to offer!

If you took part in the challenge, please make sure to link up below. Also, make sure you visit everybody else’s posts (and do come back to see who may have linked up after you!)! 

Let’s, too, try and grow this challenge. Tell others and invite them. And, as always, one can check out the Facebook group for this challenge and others as well. You can access the group here. 

The linkup is below, but how about July?

The theme for Julu is: Summer Drink. Come back on July 28 to link up!

Food Photo Challenge: June 2020

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!