Let's start out by saying that I've never thrown a 300 game.  My best series is a 736 - and when I threw that series, I had 15 strikes in a row across 2 of the 3 games.   But I've never thrown a 300 game.  

League night this week went as follows- I throw the first 5 strikes in the first game, only to end up throwing two opens and finishing with a 212.   The second game was a demonstration of frustration and futility - as I felt I was hitting the pocket very solidly - however, I started with 2 strikes and then: 10-pin, 10-pin, 10-pin, 10-pin, 7-pin... then I threw a 7 and chopped 1 out of it, another 10-pin (picked up) - so I had to shoot a turkey to hit 200 on the nose.  Feeling pretty good about that turkey and my last adjustment, I proceed to strike the first 3 frames of the 3rd and last game. 

Enter: ICING #1: Ball return stops working and we have to wait for repair - Frame 4. 

I managed to strike in this frame, after the circus that was going on in the bowling circle.  Back in the groove... I strike the 5th, 6th, & 7th frames.  I'm feeling good and have not yet begun getting nervous or excited.  

Enter: ICING #2: Ball return gets jammed up again... wait for repair. - Frame 8.

I'm a little perturbed that I got iced twice in the same game, but did my best to keep my head in the game and my emotions in check.  Went up and struck in the 8th... feel good about keeping from getting worked up and still not feeling nervous.  In the 9th frame, I must have concentrated a little too hard on not getting worked up - and lost a couple MPH, hit HIGH and the ten-pin didn't budge - immediately my heart rate increased three-fold as a SLOW-ROLLING messenger came over and coaxed the 10 to go down.  Now I'm nervous - and I only have about 10 minutes to get myself calmed back down and re-focused. 

Enter: No-Etiquette lady: One lady on the opposing team approaches me, in the bowling circle and proceeds to say, as she gives me a congratulatory high-five: "Now's the time when I'm going to have to ask you to STOP doing that... ok?" - I laughed it off... and turned away from her to sit down and collect myself.  She continues: "Hey, hey... how many strikes have you ever thrown in a row?  Have you ever thrown a 300?"  In my head I am asking myself if this person is REALLY asking me this question at this time during this situation... wondering if I'm out of line because I'm getting VERY angry with what's going on.  The looks of HORROR on all the people within earshot (her team included) are telling me that my reaction is not far off - however, I keep reminding myself that I need to take this time to get focused, not to get upset and more excited.  

10th frame.  I walk up - I throw a shot that feels great, looks great, and it hits the pocket solidly.  Result: Ringing-10.  [Those with weak stomachs, stop reading now] instead of sitting down for a second to shake it off, I threw my spare ball and missed the single-pin to throw a 267.  (I know this was a dumbass rookie move).  

All in all I realize that it was not my time... and that considering the adversity I faced, this was a good showing... I threw a good shot (better than the shot in the 9th frame) and just got tapped.  But I've been STEWING about this woman all week, and I'm still very angry about the situation.  I'm blogging this for a couple reasons - 1. I'd really like to know what other people think about the situation, and 2. Maybe if I get it off my chest it will stop bothering me so much when I think about it.  

Thanks and good bowling!