Thoughts

In trying to remain relatively active, part of the plan is to make a more concerted effort to play more tennis. The idea came to me to try and join a league at my gym. For whatever reason I was unable to join, but my name and phone number were added to the "sub" list. In the event someone in the league is unable to make it, I may get a call to play in his stead.

Prior to yesterday I had been called three times to play, but I have been unavailable each time. I have no idea what level this league plays at, so I may not be good enough to play in this league, or maybe I am better than most of the players. If I had that information, maybe I wouldn't be worried. I really want to play, but I feel that if I keep saying that I cannot sub for people, my phone will stop ringing...

Cut to yesterday.

I get a call asking me to play at 8pm last night. The only plans I had last night were to go to the gym after work and then go home in time to watch the Pistons season opener. I tell the guy that I have no plans that would prevent me from subbing in his place, so sure I'll play. Sometimes you are on a call where you feel it rude to take your call-waiting; this was one of those times. I saw that Josh was calling, no big deal. I'll call him back. And I do...

Josh: Want to go to the Pistons game tonight?
Me: You have tickets?
Josh: Yes.
Me: Let me call you right back. I just agreed to sub in a tennis league. I have to call this guy and cancel.

And I did. I called the guy right back and told him that I was very sorry, but something came up immediately and I was thus unable to sub for him as I had originally said. I know I am a horrible person. He was surprisingly understanding of the news, but I still feel bad.

Sure the Pistons v 76ers game was the priority here, but I had told this guy I would cover for him. And I know I shouldn't feel bad because I have no obligation to this tennis league, but sometimes you just can't help it.

I try to justify my actions in saying that he was just trying to go to the game, too. It may seem ironic that the last time I was asked to sub was the day of the Red Wings opener. I think I see a pattern forming here.

So my thanks to Josh for calling and Paul for getting us the tickets. My apologies to the guy I didn't sub for and also the guy who probably didn't get to play last night since there were no subs available.

Everything would be fine if only Darko played better last night!