Sometimes you come into a night thinking one thing will happen, and it surprises you.  I battled a sore neck over the weekend, and warmed up 2 games just to make sure that I didn't bowl hurt.  I know, sounds crazy, but I had to be sure that it was going well before going three games.  During practice, I decided for kicks to try and play a very old line, firing the edge, trying to see if I have the ability to change my carry from the new angle.  I moved to my league pair, and started out playing my usual line, inside the 2nd arrow, trying to play my hook as I usually do. With 3 lefties on the pair, I felt I was at a distinct advantage, as the others would help open my line up.  In warmup, it seemed my line was there.  But when I started on lane 37, I went bucket, which confused me. I made it, and moved to lane 38.  I figured I might want to make a ball change.  I went to the Fuze, and it hooked fast and left a 2-7 split, which I made.  Okay, bad change. Back to 37, back to the Fury.  Back to another bucket.  So now I move to 38 after sparing, and try slowing the ball. I ring a 7. Okay, better. I make it, and then strike in the 5th on 37 with the slower speed. Another 7, another spare, followed by my first double. But in frame 9, I never hit the target, and went right through the head, leaving the 6-7-10.  I made the 2 pins, and left a 3-5 in the 10th, striking on the fill for 188.  Not a good start, as the 1st game was my best all year.  So I start game 2 with a new idea. Get left, try that shot going out on the edge, firm and with a little less hand action.  I start with a strike, then ring a 7, and stuff an 8. After a strike in the 4th, I leave a 4-7 on a slow shot, make it, and strike again.  In frame 7, I leave a 6 pin, and make it.  After my first triple, I leave another 6. I make it for 218, which was a pretty good number, given my struggles.  I started out with 3 in a row, and was really determined to make this a good set.  Looking around, scores were picking up.  In game 2, two bowlers shot 279, and another a 300.  So why not me, right?  I crushed 4 and 5, and tripped a 6 pin for number 6.  They say you need that break in a 300...and I actually felt great.  And I crushed 7, 8, 9.  So here I was, just 6 weeks since my 300 game, and a shot at another.  And I wasn't nervous.  I got my one for the year, I figured anything else was gravy.  And I think that helped. I crushed the 10th and 11th without a doubt.  So here I was, for the third time in Maryland in league, on the doorstep.  I got up to set, and just as I was ready to go..."LANE FOR BILL!!! LANE FOR BILL!!!!" Sheesh. The crowd cracked up, knowing I balk at far less.  So I just regrouped, and did my usual routine.  Unfortunately, I missed my target about 3 boards right. And I knew it.  The ball shot through the beak, leaving the 4-6-10 for a 297 game.  Ironic that when I had my first shot at 300 in Maryland, I did the EXACT SAME THING.  But I was happy...being so lost early on and finding my way, it was a great finish.  And I helped salvage a game for my team.  It was the only one, as we lost 5 of 7 AGAIN.  Just 5 weeks left...and our goal is simple...GET TO .500 BY THE END!