Bowling

Many, many, many years ago (seriously, almost 25 years ago) I was a decent bowler. Yes, I was about 18 at the time, but I tended to bowl a pretty routine 180 every time I went. I remember this because I use to go bowl with Cindy in San Angelo a lot. Well, it seemed like a lot to me. lol

In my twenties, I bowled every year or so and still maintained a not to shaby 150-170 range on the lanes.

I have always had the idea planned firmly in my head that I was a decent bowler.

As I got older, things began to interfer with my bowling. Mainly my wrists. I have carpol tunel in both of them. It's livable since I no longer do 10-12 hours a day on the computer, but it does leave my wrists very weak. So I need a very light ball and I still run the risk of dropping it just before I release it.

Later, as I began to gain weight, I went through two differnt issues. First, I honestly thought my hips were so large that I would swing around them when I bowled; which needless to say looked stupid and caused lots of gutter balls. Just about the time I trained myself not to do that, my hips really did get big enough to be in my way and now I am constantly banging my arm against my hip; which looks stupid and results in lots of gutter balls.

You'd think, with all these issues I would give up. But having grown up in small towns, bowling was one of the few things around to actually "do". It brings back great memories and I enjoy the hell out of the occasional strike -- which is always followed by two gutter balls.

I just enjoy it.

Even though my scores are closer to 50-70 now days.

Even though I have to fight Will for my turn.

Even though the last time I went I stepped past the line, slipped on the lane, and ended up flat on my back.

Even though I had to crawl back on my hands and knees.

Even though the alley was full of people watching and Steve was laughing his ass off.

I think that bowling is sort of like playing the casino to me; only I don't have to invest cash on each roll of the dice. I expect to get gutter balls. But ever once in a while, a bit of that teenager shows through and I mow the pins down like a pro0wannabe. I feel lighter, happier, carefree.