ALOHA!

I know what you are thinking... yes it's been awhile since my last post. I have taken a sabbatical from posting, and now I am back. I had to clear my head a little bit.. .GET MARRIED.... NABD.
I know what you are thinking, "what're they going to do with the Batey goes Batty article?" They'll probably keep it, even though my last name is now Mathews, they probably just add soemthing to the article, like yeah she got married.. I don't know, it's not a big deal. So, I'd like to update the masses on everyone's exciting life. Obviously, first and foremost is, I've gotten married, duh. We are currently vacationing in Hawaii and loving life. It's gotten a little crazy on multiple occassions, but just like vegas, what happens in Hawaii, stays in Hawaii. As far as Nikki is concerned, it sounds as though she's had an encounter with an unwelcomed visitor that stole her wedding band. It's just like someone in Colorado to do that. I can't comment on it much just because the article in PEOPLE hasn't come out yet, but I heard they are moving. On a brighter note, Nikki is teaching the 1st grade and as we all know, kids will be kids. It's a lot of work, but lickily she's surviving. As far as Ashley is concerned, as you can imagine she's busy becoming the next Mrs.Reynoso. News so far is that it's going to be the wedding of the year... which is probably true. I heard her colors are black and green, which scream elegant. I heard she already has had about 80 people signing onto her wedding website.. and the save the date cards aren't even out yet. Well, that about wraps it up, I'll update more when I get back from Hawaii and tanner than ever... this is Mathews, signing out..

A Small ceremony it is..

Well, summer has officially hit and life is wonderful once again. Although I am enjoying this freedom, I can't help but miss the smell of metal from the weight room.. As far as softball news, the returners that still have eligibility remaining are in the midst of deciding whether or not to have another run at it. Cuchota and I have been working to get the LOI's out in the mail this week, giving the girls a deadline of Friday to get their paperwork in by. We as a coaching staff... err... ok, so I might have committed to a year as part of the Corban College coaching staff. I know, I know, I said I would never do it, but I miss the game ok? I miss the dirt underneath my fingernails, I miss being able to max out, I miss lacing up my cleats, I miss everything. I never thought I would say it, but I do. Ok? Do you want me to scream it? I will. I know what you are thinking, I've done a lot of things lately that I said I'd never do. I said I wouldn't cry at my last game... I'm going to stop there, I'm sorry.
I have recently taken a job opportunity, as I posted about earlier, and I must say, it was a bit misleading. I don't work quite as much as I would have hoped, but with the church coffee shop and my busy tv work outs, I hardly have time for anything else.
In other news, John finally told his parentals that he and I are getting married, and against my wishes we are doing what everyone wants of us, and having a small ceremony here. But as soon as the ceremony is over, we are getting our butts down to Hawaii so that I can get a coconut bra and a grass skirt on. Life is short, and I haven't lost 5 lbs for nothing, I will get to Hawaii one way or another.
I recently had my graduation party and received quite a few dollar bills. I am happy to say I went shopping and spent most of the money on black attire for work, and some for play. It was in good timing because I was getting a little depressed from not shopping much recently. I know, I know I said I didn't need anymore clothes, but I needed some stuff for work, ok?
Gosh, life is pretty predictable at this point. I'm considering picking up a "fun" job like Vikki's or something, so that I can have spending money, but I'm just not quite sold on the idea... I will have to see if they have much cute stuff, right now. If they do, I'll take it as a sign from the good Lord that it's where I am supposed to be.
Well, it's getting late and I've got a busy day ahead of cutting calories, exercising with the TV, and thinking of my boo..
This is Batey, soon to be Matthews... signing off...

R.I.P some like it hot..

It appears that bluetfits were not as lucky as hoped, we are officially and will forever be out of the playoff race. I never thought I'd hear it from the lips of Coach Ohta, but we failed to give ourselves a "chance" once again, and fortunately (for some unfortunately) we are done with softball. A lot happened that day at Delta Park that day, i shed some tears that I didn't see coming, which resulting in it looking like I actually cared that this thing all came to a haulting end. I looked like a wreck but like any up and coming star I recovered with a nice dinner at Izzy's, and now feel like a new women.
Speaking of the resturaunt industry, I have recently landed a job as a server at a highly esteemed resturaunt in my very own town. So, I guess you could say, things are looking up. I've decided that making mad tips as well as smiling a lot won't be so bad.
In other news, I have "tweaked" my knee, and it looks like God is finally looking down upon me and laughing. It figures that I would avoid injuries for all my 22 years and just when I'm done with softball for not even a week, something like this happens. To most athletes, this would be a blessing, to me, I consider it a curse. There is no real diagnosis on my knee as of yet, but luckily I have taken a course on athletic care and injury prevention and decided that elevation and icing is what any normal doctor would perscribe.
I had a dinner reunion with my former roomates (including sear, since I practically lived with her). We went to California Pizza Kitchen where salads and Sangrias (for some) were on the menu. I had a good time discussing meta fast and the like, while our waitor referred to Ashley and Nicollete by their first names. You don't get that treatment when you order a water I guess.
Nikki looked good and I noticed she was wearing black which was slimming, and appropriate considering we were enjoying Lake Oswegos night life and all it had to offer. Ashley was good and looked like a million bucks in her new Sevens. Nothing unusually exciting happened that evening, just the bondhood of friends, which as you know is priceless.
As far as my summer plans? I'm just planning on this new career I have before me, making bank and spending every free moment with John and my BFF. Life is wonderful, Avery is beautiful and summer is here.
Hello world, I am a College Graduate.

he's 2 and she's 4... and you know they ADORE you..

Well, the time has come.. the two biggest games in WARRIOR history are Friday up at Delta Park. I'm not going to sit here and pretend like I'm not excited to be a part of something so magical and special... I am sitting here wondering will anything ever feel as right as holding that leather glove on my hand while wearing that sleek number 31? Doubtful, really doubtful.
I know what you warrior fans are thinking, what does Corban have to do to land that 3rd seed? Well, I'll tell you right now, Concordia has No.2 locked in with their wins against Northwest Christian, and we are right on College of Idaho's tail. What is going to have to happen is we are going to have to take 2 on Friday, take care of our business and then we have to be cheerleaders for Eastern, hoping they snag atleast 1 from College of Idaho, 2 would be even better.
As far as other news, we have officially punked Josie regarding the Sparks summer ball team, as far as I'm concerned, she thinks Arnie is actually real as well as the team in general. This is just too good. While we are on the topic of outragous softball talk, the warrior coaching staff has decided to add another softball guru to the staff. I can't say that skill was a prominiment factor in this decision,but perhaps youthfulness was.
Well readers, we've been through a lot together between last semester and this semester and after much anticipation, I'm approaching graduation.. only a few more days until that diploma is in my palm, ready for me to take on the world. At this point, a coin toss will decide what my career choices hold. As for now, I'm just waiting for Friday, trying to get the most out of this beautiful body, and pick up a few W's for my team.
....this is Batey...signing off...

This mighty warrior....

As I am recovering from frostbite, I found it necessary to update the masses on my exciting life. As of recently, I have a mini me, and am excited about the mentorship, as well as opportunity to speak into her life about the necessities of fashion, pursuing skinniness and the like. I must admit, having a mini me is flattering, as well as important for every young celebrity, and it kind of just fell in my lap, but I'm excited for it.
Breaking news, mighty warrior was announced today, and I was a little beside myself because I wasn't the recipient, but I guess Megan Gaylord soared above in all categories of niceness, and sainthood, and for once in my life, I just couldn't compete. I'm glad to keep it in the family at least, seeing how she is now my part time roommate.
On to other things, we played 2 softball games in the blistering cold of Klamath Falls, Oregon on Saturday and I've never been more miserable. For the first time in my life, holding that bat in my hands didn't feel right. We are currently still in a playoff race despite the losses and look forward to bigger and better things as the season goes on. We are currently ranked 5th in the region as well as standing still at 4th place in conference. Now, let me play out a few scenarios for you. If OIT is to drop 2, one to Southern as well as split with Concordia and score 3 runs in the 7th inning, we could still have a shot at the 3rd playoff spot. But this of course would mean that Southern would have to drop 2 to OIT as well as split with Northwest Christian, as well as going extra innings. I'd like to think we still have a chance, after all, these next few double headers are the biggest games of the season.
As far as other softball news, I'm looking to go out with a bang, hopefully going to hit 3 home runs in one single game, as my great mentor and friend once did. I only have 8 more games to conquer this feat in....
In terms of wedding bells, you may be hearing them from me around September, as I am planning to get married in Hawaii with an all inclusive vacation. Although I won't have most of my friends there, the two most important things will, John and an opportunity to get tan.
Well friends, 13 more days until graduation which means 13 more days until freedom, which to me, smells as good as a slim fast for dinner.

..........this is Batey, signing off....

Watch the TRAJECTORY of the ball... .

Man, so much to update you on. Salem got it's first sunny day of the year, first and foremost, and I'm not going to sit here and pretend like I was excited for gross tan lines, the good news is, my face got some sun, so less bronzer equals respect. I don't know what it is, but people just look you in the eye a little bit more when you have a natural tan going on. As far as other news, I am abouut to graduate in about 3 weeks, and I'm not looking back.
Softbal has consumed most of my time in these last few weeks, causing me to put my 2 weeks notice in a little bit earlier than expected with Vikki's. I wouldn't mind so much, it's just that I'll have to start paying full price for my cheeky underwear and my pink zip-ups. Don't get me wrong, I would have loved to have that job turn into a career, but it didn't happen for me.
What else can I say? I started planning an all inclusive trip to Disneyland with John, but turns out it's not going to play out as expected, due to him still having school left. I'm glad I don't have to break the news to my mom about the trip in the first place, because I know she'd go bananas, but it was something I was looking forward to. Now what will have I have to look forward to, to shed 5 lbs for? You guessed it, nothing.
So, now I just sit here and think about laguna with my bff. It's not going to be long before I pack my bags and head out to see Audrina and Lauren. I can't believe it's almost been a year since I've seen them.
Not much else to update you on, thanks for being faithful readers, and I'll update again real soon.... this is Batey, signing off...

love in this club...

You know, most people like to be with their family on Easter, or at least in their home state, but this year, I decided to mix things up a little bit, and Idaho was my destination. I can't say that playing whiffle ball, eating pizza and spending every waking minute with the squad was what I had in mind, but you know what? I'd like to think that Jesus didn't exactly have suffering on the cross on His to do list either. It's all about perspective.
I started on the road to recovery. I've consumed more calories in this last week than I have in the last 2 years. Things have started getting better.. yeah people have been noticing that I have been eating more, but what am I supposed to do? I never thought I'd say this, but sometimes you have to eat your feelings.
As for other news, Ive been loving march madness. I cancelled most of my commitments this week due to all the games. So far my bracket is doing pretty well. I'm in about 5 different pools, and have bet most of the money that I have. I was pretty excited about the upset, and I am so glad that Duke lost! I finally have a reason to live. I heard we have a softball game the day that the championship game is being played, but I already planned on calling in sick, I can't miss this game, I've got a lot riding on it!
I've been having a week long slumber party at my BFF's and it's been a blast. I forgot what it felt like to live so close to the school, and to the hitting shed. I've definitely been taking advantage of it, just in the last couple of days, I've hit about 20 buckets of balls on my own. I asked coach if he could just make me a copy of the key, since I always have to call him to borrow it, he said he'll work something out because i am a team shepherd and all.
My BFF bought an air mattress, so I practically have a bed now, but Megan said the only way I am going to be able to stay there is if I chip in on rent.... so, I don't know what I am going to do, I'll probably just write a fake check....
Well readers, I don't have much else to update you on, other than the fact that I am getting skinnier. I haven't weighed myself lately, but I feel skinnier, if I had to guess, and knowing my own body, I've probably lost about 3 lbs... I'll let you know for sure with the next blog...
This is Batey... signing off....

Happy St.Patrick's Day

Today marks the beginning of my detox (of food of course). I'm not going to sit here and pretend like I haven't gotten numerous compliments, just in the past 5 hours about how skinny I look. People can say what they want, "oh, it's because you're required to wear black at Vikki's and it's slimming" F that, I've lost about 2 lbs. At the rate I'm going I'll probably lose about a pound a day, which of course isn't healthy, but neither is being morbidly obese.
I had a pretty uneventful weekend, but going home has its perks. I got to hang out with Avery, go to church with the fam, and most importantly, get some cash from my parents. I worked a full shift Sunday and today, I was pleasantly surprised that practice was so short tonight, because the new season of the bachelor begins! It has a UK twist which I'm pretty excited about.
I've been pretty excited about the team kicking off conference play this coming Friday. We are traveling to Eastern Oregon where we'll begin the twin bill against the Mountaineers, followed shortly after the next day with two games against the 'Yotes. I'm excited to make a few plate appearances in, ideally I'd like to see a few pitches high and inside, or a fatty up the middle, but if I was being honest with myself, I'll probably see low and away as well as a change up.
Well, as you can imagine, I'm starving, I've got hardly anything in this stomach of mine... so I better eat some fruit, this is Batey, signing off....

...just some thoughts...

As our clocks have sprung forward, naturally, I have decided to go against the grain and take a step back to evaluate my life. I have been thinking a lot lately how I rarely talk to Ashley and Nikki, two girls that I spent my entire life with for nearly a year and a half. Now, it's not like skinny girl to get sentimental, but I just want to take a moment of silence to recognize the fact that apt 256 will never be again. I guess now that Judy is gone, everything is really sinking in.
It's now time to start life. I "graduate" in about 2 months, and a lot of changes will be happening. Not only will I be done with softball for the rest of my life (RIP jersey #31), but I will also be forced into the workforce, leaving Vikki's (all I know), and expected to do this thing called life. Yeah some things will stay the same, free bread from my dad, John and I will still be together, and Avery will always be cute...but I just can't help but think about the all too soon changes.
Well, enough of Debbie Downer, let's talk about some exciting stuff. So, I've recently been recruited by a summer softball squad that will allow me to play May-August. I can't help but think this what I was made to do. Hopefully I will be playing under some intelligent coaches so that I can pick up a little more knowledge about the game along the way, since I'l'll be taking any head softball coaching position that I can get my hands on. Ideally, I'd like to go D-1, but i'll probably have to get my foot in the door first.
Sorry it's a short post tonight readers, but i've got a lot going on these days. Vikki's is really pushing me to the next level... and softball? I just can't get enough.

This is Batey....signing off.

Giving the people what they want...

Well, it's been a long, long break from posting and I can genuinely say, I'm sorry. I've had a lot on my plate with the softball season being officially underway as well as being put on the Vikki's work schedule EVERY day this week. I normally do not work on Fridays, and this Friday put me in a bit over my head..
The term "run 20 poles" is slowly becoming an ah too firmiliar phrase echoeing in my mind as softball conditioning has become a routine. Our consistency in the weight room has also picked up, which I think has to do with the fact that Cuchota wants us to make some considerable gains before conference play starts. I will be happy to inform him that the only gain I will be making will be when I wash my clothes with Gain detergent... otherwise I'm dropping lbs like it's no tomorrow.
In other news, John and I are doing great, he is taking his night classes rather seriously, as his term winds down. Avery is as cute as a button, blowing kisses left and right, and Sham Sham? She's great.
Back to the softball squad, since it's who I spend a majority of my time with... I would like to comment briefly on practice Friday. I do not believe I have EVER stood in the rain for 2 hours before, and can't say that I would ever do it again. To say that we would play in that sort of weather is to say that Hilary Clinton would be a great President, it's not ethical. So, not only did I look and smell like a wet dog, my body was in survival mode. I will not comment further on the thoughts that went through my mind in that two hour span, but just let your imagination do the work.
As far as Nikki, I haven't heard a lick out of her. I suppose she is doing good. She is coming down in a few weeks for a little spring break action, and I'm not going to sit here and pretend like I don't have a paper chain counting off the days. I also don't know if you heard but BRASHLEY are official once again, and I am beside myself. It seems as though all is right in the world again.

I have recently been inspired by a team called "radical reality" I just saw them doing a gig a few nights ago, and am inspired. I couldn't exactly put my finger on what I wanted to do with my life after graduation, but it has now become evident to me that being a part of their team, is exactly what I want to do. As a young child it was always my dream to break bricks, bend frying pans into tacos, etc. and now I finally have a shot. I thought I would have to go to California to get my big break, but it looks like California has come to me. I talked to Terry and the guys afterwards, and they are looking for a girl to be on the team, I says, sign me up buttercup. So, I should be getting my track suit in the mail in a few weeks, and once again will be a part of a team traveling squad. My contract starts in May, and I can't wait to tell my family.. but first things first, I need to update my player bio on gowarriorsgo.com so that all my friends and family can know that dreams really do come true!
...This is Batey signing off.....

Sailors leads Warriors to upset of #14-ranked 'Yotes

Well, you read it all over the headline... we knocked the #1 team in our conference off their high horse. I recorded my 100th hit of my career, which isn't really a big deal, but the fans were excited. The good news was it was a hit off of a change up, and generally speaking I WHIF those, but today, I chose the high road.
As far as other news, we've just been living the American dream in California. So far, I've seen about 2 celebrities, inlcuding but not limited to, carrot top and an Elvis impersonator. The funny thing about California is that 2 of the most honorable people on our squad decided that it would be funny to order ALCHOLIC drinks at lunch today. And to be honest, I was beside myself. It's one thing to causually enjoy a drink, but it's another thing to get WASTED on a team trip, send drunk texts and roll your empty beer cans all over the team coach.
....more to come....

Case of the Mondays...

Well, apparently the news is out that the worst pictures in the world were released this last week. I don't know whether I should forward you to uglypeople.com or corban.edu/athletics, it's all the same. Anyway, my picture turned out OK, and by ok, I mean that I've had about half the calls from modeling agencies than I usually do when something gets posted of me on the internet, which i guess you could say, isn't HALF bad.
We've had a rough couple of morning practices in the softball realm, and I can't say that I've seen the benefits yet, but I'm looking forward to heading out to California and giving this old body one more run at it. I've seen some headlines saying, "Can Batey pull through another season?" or "Batey, still playing softball?" but it's like, who had 9 homeruns last spring? Me or the reporters? You tell me.
This last Saturday I completed my last and only class at Corban College, and I'd like to say, it feels good. I've never felt better. Sure, it was 8 hours of my life that I will never get back, but I feel a whole lot better now about wrapping abrasions than I did going into it....
I haven't heard much from Nikki or Ashley, so I don't have much to update you on, other than they are doing well. Nikki still hasn't filled me in on the details of being married, but I wrote the book on relationships, so it's like, I'm not really looking to hear something I don't know.
Well, it's time to hit the hay, I've got a big day at Vikki's ahead of me, and I didn't climb up the manager position coming into work late and worn down....
This is Batey, signing off...

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

I am pleased to announce that blogspot informed me that we can now post in Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian... I just heard the news, and want to spread it like wild fire... So, consider it done. However, I think I am going to stick to English.
I know I already posted about pride day, but it appears that we had a pride day phase II that I wasn't properly informed about. The funny thing about it was, it came from left field, and our coaches acted like it was normal... I am not going to comment any more.. but just know, I was rhiled about it.
Anyhow, as far as other news, today has been a good day, we didn't have morning weights, due to weather conditions and school was cancelled as well. Now, school being cancelled is not really a big deal, because well, I am not enrolled in any classes, but for my teammates, I'm happy for them, because I know if I were still pursuing my degree, I'd be excited for a snow day.
Not only was weights and school cancelled, I was also supposed to work last night until 2am, but that got cancelled as well. I didn't know you could cancel work, but cheers to me!
Good news all around, Kacie and Sear are finally off the injured list which means we finally have our whole squad back and healthy. Other news regarding the troops is that there are only 14 of us that are healthy, which makes for pretty slim pickins, and hopefully we don't have anymore injuries. We already have 4 medical red shirts, and don't even get me started about that.....
On a brigheter note, I'm looking forward to heading out to California in a couple weeks to capitolize on my modeling career.. AND play softball.
I haven't been home much to hear about how Ashley is doing but my assumption is that she is well. I mean yeah, a wall and a hallway seperate us but I still feel close to her. Things aren't exactly the same with Nikki gone, but I know she's happy and in love, so that's what helps me sleep at night. But sometimes I just toss and turn at night, wondering what she's doing, if she's ok, if she misses me, stuff like that.. but I'll get through, I will.
Readers, drive safe out there...this is Batey signing off...

19 degrees!

The funny thing about this blog is that it's called apt256, but to be completely honest, I don't even reside at apt 256 anymore. I know what you loyal fans are thinking, "oh no, please don't change the URL!" no worries, it will stay the same....
As far as other news, Nikki has updated me on her life via facebook and reported that she is still married, phew. She spends most of her day teaching, since that is what she aspires to be, and the rest of her day is spent being a WILF, and by WILF I mean, she cooks Dave meals and looks through Martha Stewart magazines for recipes to cook tomorrow. Other than that, it's in the negative degrees, and Nikki is in no way about to get that base tan that we Oregonians are working on right about now, but praise be to the saints that she is alive and well.
Ashley and Brad are JUST FRIENDS, but we all know how that movie turned out, so stay tuned for news on them. And for me, I guess you could say I am just sitting back and living the American dream. Yeah, Heath Ledger died, and I'm beside myself. But, I encouraged all my teammates to take a day of mourning, since I am a team shepherd and all, but Coach Ohta thought we should mourn otherwise. And by otherwise, I mean pulling the tarp off the field. The shards of glass-like ice were piercing into my skin as I tried to muscle my way around, but I had no luck. We spent a majority of the time trying to break the thick 3 inch thick ice into moveable pieces, but of course, that took far too long. It wasn't until beyond sunset that we got the tarp off and we were in our cars with the heat on full blast. I am currrently recovering from frost-bite and it's a Christmas miracle that I am even able to post this blog today. So, readers, stay safe out there, it's a cold one..
.....This is Batey signing off......

Pride Day.

There was nothing prideful about pride day. It all began on that weary morning of January 12th, 2008 at 8:00am PST. I can't say that what occurred was what I was expecting, but there were pleanty of people on thier high horse that morning. It all began with 5 warm up laps, and 5 warm up laps is more like a mile jog, it takes forever to get around that gym floor 5 times. We didn't waste anytime getting started, we did our usual agilities and looked like idiots doing that backwards skip crap.
There were cones everywhere, and next up was agility, I am not going to pretend like Mike was being reasonable, considering every time someone didn't jog all the way back to the "blue river" we had to do stair laps, and considering we had a long day of running ahead of us, it wasn't the fairest punishment.
Afterwards, we headed upstairs and did some aweful jump roping and ab work, which wasn't so bad, because I am always looking for ways to work on my core. Because we all know that if your core is not strong, you are not strong.
After the ab work, it only seemed appropriate to do some serious ladder work. So we did every agility known to man and left it at that. What took place next, I've only seen in movies, army movies. It reminded me of bootcamp and fat camp all at the same time. There was a circuit of weights and we were going at drill sergent pace.
After that we headed down to the gym to do 15's, and not only once, but twice we had to do it. We had to finish in 1 minute and 30 seconds, which seemed attainable. We finished in time, and loved it, but what occurred next, was the farthest thing from normal. In record time, about 5 of our team members threw up ALL over the gym floor. It started off with Jessica Pierce, followed by Josie spewing through her hands. I've never seen so many people throwing up water at one time, I thought for a second I was at a rave.....And that ended pride day, and I walked away from the experience saying, I will never have to do that EVER again.
As far as other news, there's lots. Nikki has officially moved on and lives in Colorado. I can't help but think Dave is thuroughly enjoying Nikki's sleeping habits, as she expects everyone to be mouse like and find everything in the pitch black. But they are in love, and that's what matters. I saw some pictures from their trip to Belize, and looks like Nik got quite a bit of sun, I bet she wishes she had my skin tone, such a shame.
Ashley is happier than ever, and experiencing some serious changes in 2008. Her and Brad have started talking again and I can't sit and pretend like I'm not excited for this love story to unfold...
As all you readers know, John and I are back together and actually, he came up to salem to hang out with me and spent the night here at my new home (Ashley's house) speaking of my new home, I've had quite the transition. I didn't know that when I decided to live here, that I was going to be living on a farm, but I guess it's nice to know that the Lange's are housing so many animals, they are really doing their part. Bella is as annoying as ever, and she and Shadow are BFF, which as you can imagine, is really annoying. Overall, am I enjoying the 3o minute commute? No, however, I am loving living with Ashley, and her family.
Things at Vikki's are normal, I'm manager, which is no new news. It's still the semi-annual sale, so all the stingy customers are coming out of the shadows and taking advantage of our sweet deals. I'm making bank and loving it. Rumors have been spinning that I am going to own this place eventually, but I STILL refuse to comment.
This is Batey, signing off...