his year I focused a lot more on refereeing "outside the box." I don’t mean that in some cheesy, office-speak kind of way. I mean I paid more attention to what was happening just outside the lines. I listened more to what coaches had to say. And I paid particular attention to how I responded to them.

I’ll be the second person to admit that I don’t always acknowledge everything I hear. Shantelle, my lovely wife, would be the first. I’ve started many rhubarbs over the years by failing to acknowledge her. She’ll say something, I’ll hear it, consider it, and respond by not responding. We’ll repeat the process until I get annoyed and snap at her.

Shantelle has finally adapted to my "endearing" idiosyncrasy — emphasis on the idio. Rather than repeating herself, she now asks if I heard her. That usually jars me from my thoughtful reverie. (And yes, I am usually thinking about what she said, not just ignoring her. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!) I’ll then acknowledge her, she’ll be happy, and life will go on pleasantly.

Continued...