A nice ring to it

 So last night, as we broke the fast, E gave us some earth shattering news. "I like lasagna more than baked ziti". Turns out Pops feels the same way, as he told me today lasagna could be a 7-8 while the ziti is about a 3. Once he answered all questions about that, he had another announcement. I like S and we are going to keep her. I went to get a ring today with D." Obviously everyone was very excited. Especially me, who had to grab a bagel and run to my softball game. 

Earlier in the day, E and I traveled to Givatayim and Ramat Gan, searching for the perfect ring. The first place was in someone's house (E thought they were L), and it didn't give me the comfy vibes. So then we went to a more well-known place, who sold a ring to my friend a couple years ago. We were there for a while, as they didn't have the exact ring like the first place did, but had similar ones. We were going to go home and make the train, but a new saleswoman came and told E she could make one from scratch that looks just like the one in the picture. Too happily, we signed, paid, and left. We had some great conversations on the way too, about finances, about marriage, proposals, dates and timings, etc. Was a great day, and I was very happy E wanted me there for this.

Only reason I was allowed to post this is no one reads this blog I believe. 

Softball Game 5 - TIming is right

 We played a very close softball game tonight. On a personal level, by far my best one. My first at bat, I hit a triple to right center. This was my first extra base hit of the season and fast-pitch career. I then came in to score on a sac fly, to give us a 3-0 lead. My next time up, I battled it out for 8 pitches, forcing a walk. I stole second on the next pitch, but was stranded. I basically doubled my on base times for the year in one game, and matched my hits total for the year. Finally it seems like I've got my timing right on these pitches. In the field, I did the routine things, nothing overly exciting. 

We did lose though. We made an error, and couldn't flush it, so it drew another error, and another, etc. Also at the end of the game JM told us that unfortunately he has second stage cancer again, so he is starting chemotherapy. Wishing him all the best, and will keep him in our davenings. 

Rosh Hashana 2022

 It was a very nice Chag here in Modiin. First night we ate at the in laws, first day at parents (heated up BBQ), second night at us with the Carmis, and second day at the in laws (was supposed to be fish but A smartly called an audible). Dinner at us with Carmis was soooo nice, we made shnitzel, fries, and onion rings. They are some of our absolute best friends and it is so fun that they happened to end up together. 

Eitan and Hadar also had a nice Chag. We sang a lot of dip the apple in the honey, dipped a lot of apples in honey, and had an overall great time with family. Eitan even got to open the Aron with me in Shul, and hear shofar. Hopefully next year Hadar will come to me as well. Shifra went to Hashkama so she could participate in davening. For night times we davened at the Newmarks, which was a very nice minyan. I enjoyed first day davening more than second day, maybe mostly because the Chazzan I grew up listening to and modeling my own chazanut after led services. It was a truly gutsy performance due to his sister passing away a few weeks ago, but so beautiful. I haven't heard him in a couple years due to COVID, but it was exactly as I remembered. I led Mincha on first day at Newmarks. Time to get ready for Mincha in the main minyan and Neila at the Newmarks on YK.

In the afternoon Gabi came over to our parents, and we had a nice time. 

Best Davening: Mussaf Day 1

Best Meal: Second night with the Carmis

Best Siman: Pecans that looked like footballs so the Lions have a good year (which we should have done on first night because by the time we did it on the second night, Campbell - who I love - tried to kick a 54 yard field goal vs. Minnesota and snatched defeat from the hands of victory).

Best Dessert: Nava cookies with the glaze and sprinkles

Overall, very nice Chag, and so grateful to be living in Modiin for it. 

Softball Game 4 - wedding version, Football Game 2- if that

 Softball earlier this week was pretty fun. Hit two hard grounders (out on both), but didn't get any plays in the field. Amazing the contrast between playing outfield in slow pitch vs. fast pitch. I regretted coming to softball because it was in the middle of my good frien'd wedding. I was there for Kabbalat Panim etc, but missed Chuppa and chilling with friends, and most of the first dance. I regretted it already on the way to the wedding, but my team was 9, and I still feel like this is a tryout. I got back for the rest of the wedding, which was fun, and I had one of the most delish hamburgers (hamburgers at a wedding?) ever. 

Football was very disappointing on Friday.  I only played 15 total snaps in a doubleheader, and even those I pushed to get in. We had 15 guys there for a 5 on 5, and we have 7 national team players. I was so frustrated I left before the end of the second game. I don't mind being a backup, I've done it before. I also understand the concept of wanting to win. But I didn't feel like they put me in the correct part of the depth chart. I think there are 5-6 better players than me, but they put me way at the bottom. It was frustrating to be there for almost 2 hours and play 15 snaps vs other I think I am better than who played much more. And most frustrating was that I didn't get the chance to prove where I think I should be on the depth chart. I decided then and there to not come to more games with a lot of people coming. 

Both coaches texted me after, to which I voiced my complaints. One said he is a big believer in giving chances, and he will let me prove my case on the field. The other (main) coach walked me through each and every player on the roster and why they are probably better than me (even though in the only game he ever saw me play I had 2 picks and 2 tds). They also sent out an excel with rotations, and they have me in on offense every ninth(!) drive, and defense every 4th. There isn't even nine drives every half/game in this league. I am debating if to request a trade to another team, but we are very few players signed up for this Thursday night. I will see how that goes and then decide if to request a trade. 

Softball Game 3, Football Game 1 - Pick-6

 So I went up to Maor to play softball this week, after 4 days of bad diarhhea and dehydration. In the field I played well, but my energy was sapped. I couldn't even swing fully, and I struck out twice. 

By Friday, I was feeling better though, and it was time for a football doubleheader. In game 1, we played well, and pitched a shutout. We won 30-0. I had the first catch of the year, and some other catches and nice plays on defense, but didn't really light up the stat sheet til the second game. 

In the second game, I caught my first interception. I also caught a touchdown, and a pick-6, along with some other catches. I did however drop a 2 point conversion. All in all, I was very happy with this game. 

Film Review:

10 yard catch:

Interception:

20 yard catch:

First down conversion:

Dropped 2 point conversion:

Dirty play by defense? (I got up in his face right after and said what is that? Play the game the right way)

Tackling pursuit to preserve the shutout in Zone Defense:

First career touchdown (Hitch and go):

My favorite of the day, a pick-6 to ice the game:

Can't wait for next week. 

Softball Game 2 -Catcher?!

 A day before the game, I got a message on the group saying Daniel will be playing catcher. I told Jeff I could play any of the 8 positions, but I didn't really expect to play catcher. Catcher used to be my main position, and my favorite player as a kid was Pudge. 

Turns out, I had a great time catching. I was pretty on page with the pitcher (Ilan). We had a great warmup session, and I learned he throws 5 different kind of pitches. We discussed what he likes to throw, when and to whom, and I prayed I would remember it during the game. 

Now, I haven't caught since 7th grade. But it all started coming back to me quickly. The importance of catching each ball. The getting down and blocking a ball in the dirt. The staring runners back with fake throws. The framing of pitches. The awesome feeling of being part of every pitch. No one tried to steal off of me. My teammates were pleased with my catching. 

Hitting-wise, I started to feel better at the plate (got moved up to batting 8th). I flew out deep to left center, and then got my first fast-pitch hit of my career, on a solid line drive to right field. On my third at bat, I grounded out. 

We lost 11-7, but it was a fun, intense game, against a team with players I am friends with. 

jerusalem getaway

Luckily the timings worked out and we were able to go to Jerusalem on a little pre-teaching getaway. We were in 302 at Orient (very nice hotel). And we even got to go on the trsin

We started off by going to the Kotel, it had been a while. On the way, I stopped for schwarma in the old city. Davening was great, and from there we went to the hotel. The shower in our room was great.

From there we went ice skating at the Arena, which we came late and left early from.

From there we went to Ruben (first time - delish!!) And then walked around town a little bit.

Next morning was more relaxed. We had a delicious breakfast. We went to the pool, took a morning nap, and I had another bath/shower. From there, S got a massage while I listened to a podcast and enjoyed the view. From there, we went to Eish Tanur for lunch, and hung in the Tachana. From there we came home.on the train. 

It was great to spend time together.

Softball Game 1 - that is FAST

So in fast pitch softball, the ball comes in fast!! Tonight we played against Israel's best pitcher, who started in the Maccabiah (hell of a way to start my fast pitch career). It starts off 46 feet away, but then he jumps 10 feet closer and throws super fast. We lost 10-0. I played left and batted ninth. I played alright, made the routine plays in the field. Batting wise I went 0-2 though, with a hard ground ball to second and a strikeout with bases loaded. Looking forward to getting my timing right next game. Also was cool to meet the guys, and especially cool that my dad came.