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Friends, Family, and FaithDecember 2006
Leaving home at a young age can be intimidating, and many young people learn quickly that they must rely on others for help and moral support in order to manage without their parents. Not too long ago, I was fortunate to play on a charity golf tournament team with Jody Conradt, the University of Texas women’s basketball coach. While we … Thinkin’ ’bout the Good Ol’ DaysOctober 2006
October in Texas has always been my favorite month of the year. The Brazoria County Fair, Oktoberfest, Halloween, the Come and Take It weekend in Gonzales, high school and college football games, cooler weather, and the World Series are just a few things that make me smile. Just last month I was in NY (that in itself makes me glad … Ranch TalesAugust 2006
When Nolan was a young boy growing up in Alvin, he dreamed of someday owning a ranch in south Texas. When a certain place called the Ray Ranch—located between the small towns of Tilden, Three Rivers and George West—became available for sale, Nolan was thrilled but he also knew he had to sell me on the idea. One of his favorite … The Joys of MotherhoodMay 2006
Have you ever noticed that when a woman is pregnant with her first child everyone congratulates her, but no one really explains what lies ahead? After all, parenthood is rather difficult to explain. The other day when I was reading the Austin American-Statesman, a column titled, What Will Prepare me for Having Kids, by Carolyn Hax, jumped out at … Field of DreamsApril 2006
As I sat in front of the television watching the Winter Olympics I couldn’t help thinking about all the hours and hours of practice—actually all the years of training—that go into preparation for sports. I observed many parents on the sidelines cheering for their kids, and I thought about all the lessons and classes and practices that they had probably … Spring is in the AirMarch 2006
Ah, spring, when a young man’s fancy turns to love. In the Ryan household, our thoughts always turned to baseball in the spring. Even as early as late January, our family would start helping Nolan get ready for spring training by playing catch with him in the yard. Part of the 80 acres where we lived in Alvin was turned … There are No Shortcuts in Life, or in BaseballFebruary 2006
Recently Nolan and I were discussing the changes that we have seen in baseball over the years, and he made the comment, “Baseball is just an extension of our society.” The problems that we all face today are the same problems found in the world of baseball, and because athletes are generally looked up to as role models, their problems … Are You Somebody?January 2006
I have often been asked the question, “What is it like to be married to such a famous man?” My standard reply goes something like this, “Well, he wasn’t famous when I fell in love with him, and he’s still the same good guy.” I have also been asked several other questions such as, “What are you doing here?” or … |
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