Check that. I’m feeling settled, even though it’s only been about a week and a half since the 2,528 mile journey from the Sound to Tampa Bay. I’m just thankful there’s a lot of water around here, or else I would really miss home.

I jumped into work in the middle of the series against Boston (whom we swept), followed immediately by a four-game series against Kansas City. So far, I’ve learned the following:

1. Game scripts at the Tampa Bay Rays are significantly larger than those at Seattle Pacific University basketball games… we’re talking a 3″ stack of paper vs. the 1/8″ I’m used to.

2. Your pants must have extremely durable back pockets for the carrying around of ancient and oversized walkie-talkie devices, used to communicate with everyone of importance in the stadium.

3. Although the Trop is air-conditioned, it is still very warm, especially after mom-walking (you know the walk that moms have that lets you know you’re in trouble) from one side of the stadium to the other.

4. Fan Experience (the department I’m in) has the best view of the field from their office.

5. During home games, all lights must be kept off in the Fan Experience office, or else we’ll lose the game.

That about sums it up for now. I’m sure I’ve got plenty more to learn!

Oh, and finally, Evan Longoria got the final spot in this year’s All-Star game, which brings the Rays’ count to three players. It may have had something to do with a media dining employee who was rigging everyone’s cell phones to send and resend (endlessly) text messages voting Longoria into the final position… but we don’t have to say anything.

Now we just have to work on getting the Rays to win on the road…

Kelsey