Friday, November 22, 2013

The Family That Bowls Together...

My husband and I are fairly involved in the local bowling scene.  My husband is a really good amateur bowler that shows up occasionally to tournaments when he is not studying like mad for an actuarial exam and I am just your average female bowler.  We have a good time and sometimes my husband is lucky enough to cover his costs or even a little bit more.
Bowling Strike Showing Winning Skittles Game Stock Photo
'Bowling strike showing winning skittles game' by Stuart Miles, found at freedigitalphotos.net


Over time, we have noticed one particular family that always seems to do really well at these tournaments.  Pretty much if you see their last name on the list of competitors you can bet that they will end up at or near the top of the roster.  And that's not the only interesting thing about these people.

This family is one rowdy bunch.  And I'm not talking just the fun and gregarious thing. 
I mean these people are prone to a bit of legal troubles, if you know what I mean.  So they have quite a reputation for being rough around the edges.

But here's the main thing I have noticed about this big, rough, rowdy, bowling family.  They are in this together.  They help each other out.  My husband and I always marvel at how effectively they coach each other and how when it comes to bowling there is no argument among them at all.  It is clear that they are there to benefit one another and to raise up the entire group.  It's really something to see.  There's just something really cool about people who clearly have some serious differences among themselves being able to drop all that and work together so well.

Have you ever been truly surprised by another side of someone that you didn't see on first observation?  Was it a good thing, or a bad thing?  Do you think everyone has something about them that you wouldn't expect?



14 comments:

  1. Jasmine
    Often, you bowl me over. Hahaha.... how corny can I get? Plenty, I guess.
    Well, since I believe we are all a part of each other, I hate to think that anyone is so deeply rotten....... but unfortunately I often do think that. But then if I have a finger pointing at a certain person, the other fingers are pointing back at me. I would truly love to feel there is a bit of true goodness in everyone and like cream, it will rise to the top when needed.
    Congratulations to you and your hubby for being good bowlers. It's a game of gutter balls for me. Haha

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    1. I like your cream analogy! It's just funny to me that these people who are so rough otherwise and actually don't get along that well together are so good at joining forces to do their best for bowling.

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  2. DS likes to Bowl, Iv never been LOL

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    1. You owe it to yourself to give bowling a try. It's usually something fun for anyone, even if you're no good at it!

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  3. I don't know when I cam to the conclusion that we are "all different people with different people," but it was a while ago. So, when someone shows us a side usually reserved for someone else, it is shocking. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. And it reminds us that we all have the capacity for wonder, joy, jealousy, rage, forgiveness, kindness, meanness, resentfulness, and the list goes on. At the bowling alley you see one side of this group (sounds like the good side). There are other sides. Of course there are.

    Makes me think about my own...

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    1. You are right. We all have different sides that show up at different times- no matter how hard we try to be real in every situation. These people really 'strike' me (haha) because they are so destructive at times and yet can get it together to bowl so well. I wish every family had a way of doing something constructive with themselves.

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  4. One thing I have learned since my strokes, the dorks of society, if you take time to befriend them, are the most loyal friends.

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    1. You are so right! And guess what? I am certainly one who could be referred to as one of the dorks of society- and loyal to a fault!!!
      I love that this family can join forces for something positive, even though they can also be so destructive.

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  5. I had a management job once and there was one guy who worked for me that I just couldn't stand. He rubbed me the wrong way. When we expanded and my assistant needed an assistant, he recommended this guy. I wanted to say NO but I am open minded and I gave it consideration. That guy was one of the best Team Leaders I ever had and we became pretty good friends too. Who would have thunk it? lol

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    1. Good to know there is always a place for every personality type. It's just hard to find where we fit sometimes! Good for you that you are open minded enough to have given this guy a chance.

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  6. I enjoy watching families like that, as well. Sometimes, I'm watching and then I realize that it's my own family. ;)

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    1. Don't ya know it?! I only wish every family had the ability to bring out some positive aspect. Well, maybe they do and it's just still hidden somewhere!

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