Fear the Crab

Last night the University of Hawaii Foundation called me, at 2045 as I was lying in bed. Normally I don’t expect calls from organizations at that hour, especially on a Sunday evening, but I didn’t feel intruded upon nor was I offended once I learned the nature of the call. After listening to the introductory spiel and want for information (I told them to look me up in the directory, but I don’t think the girl caught the hint that I was now staff), the UHF hit me up for $500.00.

Ew. No. Uh-uh. $500.00 is a big hit on my paycheck after all the taxes and other deductions, plus expenses coming up for household maintenance and it’s right before the big holiday season. I politely explained that I do not have $500 to spare, to which the girl responded with a request for $100.

Another no, since I was already put off by the five bennies. At this point I was starting to lose patience, so I asked if there was an online donation form or somesuch where I could at least consider an amount that I’ve determined myself. The girl told me that they can send me a donation card, but they’ll need a “minimum amount” to write on the card, and if I wanted to donate more then I could always donate more.

Of course, had they offered me that at the very beginning, when I was a lot more patient and pleasant and all-around in a good mood, I might have told them to send the card and mark it for something like $25.00. Trying to get people with a high amount from the get-go seems to be a surefire way to set someone on the wrong track.

On Saturday I went to softball practice. The women’s softball coach was gracious enough to let us borrow some bats and softballs. Only 4 other people showed up, though, so we just had batting practice. This lasted for a good hour, and right from the start I could tell just how out of shape I was (and still am). I also broke a couple of dime-sized blisters on my left hand, thanks to not wearing batting gloves and swinging a leather-wrapped bat with rapid frequency.

I’m going to use my bicycle gloves for Tuesday’s practice and Friday’s game. It’s not the same, but it’ll do for now. If I ever get into a regular league, then I will invest in new equipment.

I did manage to hit one over the fence, though, so that was a minor moment. Of course, the softball stadium fence is 200 feet away, so that’s not saying much.