I don't know where I would be without softball. Really.

Marin Social Sports: Sons of Pitches vs. Pitch, Please

I was in the 7th grade, when I played my first co-ed softball game. Although, it was during a mandatory P.E. class, I completely fell in love with the sport. Unfortunately, I wasn't dedicated enough to pursue it as a recreational sport. Fast forward to high school, my sport of choice was badminton. Heck, I even lettered in badminton. Yes - I was a Varsity member of the team all four years in high school. I need to locate a yearbook and find my team photos. One day. 😂

Four years ago, my husband Donald joined his company co-ed softball team. I wanted to be supportive, so I took on the role of Team Mom. I brought snacks and beverages for 20 somethings and 30 somethings in San Francisco. I decided to do a throw back to our childhood, so I would always bring the 90s childhood standard: CapriSuns. One day, I had to trade in my Team Mom hat to become a team player because they were short a female on the team. TLDR: No female player = team forfeit. Thus, this was the start of my unofficial adult co-ed rec league slow pitch softball career. 

County of Marin - Marin Health & Human Services Softball Team

Co-ed softball has helped me in many ways over the years, but mostly it has done two things for me:

1. Co-ed softball brought my husband Donald and I closer together. (Who knew we were so damn competitive?)

2. Reminded me that I can be athletic at any size AND still improve. (Unfortunately, I have gained weight over the last four years, however my catching and hitting has improved consistently)

Why are these lessons important?

Lesson #1 is important because...
What better test is there for a relationship then to be teammates AND co-managers of various softball teams? We are coaches, players, and cheerleaders for the many softball teams we play on. It has taught us both about the virtues of patience, understanding, but most of all support for each other no matter what...win or lose.

Lesson #2 is important because...

I might have gained weight over the last four years, but I don't want my size to slow me down to improve my skills for a sport I have become passionate about. My weight loss journey is just that: it's a journey. There will be ups and downs. What is the difference now? I am removing more people, places, and things that distract me so I can just focus on one thing: MY HEALTH.

I will keep moving forward in my health journey and at the same time I will kick butt and take names on the softball field.

Looking for a league to join? Are you in the San Francisco/Marin area?

Try:

Marin Social Sports
Play in the Bay Sport & Social Club

Do you have a sport you are passionate about? Why do you love it? Share in the comments below - I'd love to hear from you.

-FFF Diva Mo

Dear Lolo Doring

FFF Diva Mo with her family, 2011

Dear Lolo Doring,

I can’t believe that it’s going to be five years since you graced this earth. Whenever, I got stressed out I knew I could always calm down with a simple chat with you. So here goes: You taught me that that “close enough” wasn’t enough. In 2011, our pamilya watched me walk for my MBA degree, but I was two classes short. I just wanted our family to see me finish, but I never did. By the time I wanted to go back to school you passed away and it crushed me. I justified it by saying “close enough, he at least saw me graduate.” As each year passed I knew it would be harder to go back, but in 2017 life circumstances changed and I needed to go back & finish what I started. It’s been 11 years since I started this original grad school journey, but I’m proud to say I got readmitted back to school and god willing I finish this December. Two classes unfortunately turned into more, but it is what it is - gotta push through. I have lived the last several years in deep denial and failure. I know I should be proud that I’m going back to finish - life after all is a marathon not a sprint. Don’t worry, I know this now. This is why I’ve been a hermit since January, like Elle Woods studying for her LSATs. I took a step back from everything. School and my health are my top priorities and luckily I see the light at the end of the tunnel. In fact I’m going to Argentina as a culminating project of my studies - a global consulting trip with a company based out of Buenos Aires. Please watch over me the next couple of months. Know that I am finishing this degree not only for myself but for you and my future kids as a reminder to never let close enough be enough. It took Mom 10 years to finish her Masters Degree as a full time nurse and part time student. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. 🍎

With all my love,
Moyeen

           FFF Diva Mo with MBA Global Consulting Practicum group & professors in Argentina, 2018