Lord help me, I have got to be one of the worst sports Moms in history.
I just have a terrible attitude. About everything.
Seriously, it's TBALL. Why should anything matter at this point, right? Right?
I've just been super frustrated with our coach. Which I think is like rule number 1 in the code of good sportsmanship - always respect the coach. And I am respectful. I mean, I would never actually say any of the things that are floating through my mind. That's respectful, right? Kinda?
And I'm not even talking about the fact that she slapped her husband's company logo right on the middle of our team shirts. Which would be fine if he was sponsoring our team. That I would completely understand. But he isn't. So basically, you just took this as an opportunity to have a bunch of people buy shirts to promote his construction company.
No, what I'm frustrated with is the lack of direction and guidance provided to the team. They need instruction, consistency, leadership. They need a coach!
They need practice. And when you spend 38 minutes (yes I actually timed it) of a one hour practice lining them up in the outfield, then realigning them, and then lining them up again...well, they don't actually get to practice. Listen, I know we want them to build good skills. But these girls are 3-6 years old. They stand still for like 10 nanoseconds. So just get them in the general direction and let's go! While we still have a sliver of their attention!
I know I should have a better attitude. Our coach is a volunteer and I should be grateful that she's taking time out of her life to coach our team. I know this, I do. But it's just SO hard.
So this is a good opportunity for me to practice grace. I've worked really hard at keeping my facial expressions clear so what I'm thinking isn't obvious to everyone else. I'm not saying I've perfected that, I just said I was working really hard at it...
And I've managed to avoid talking about the coach to the other moms. Although, I didn't exactly disagree the other day when a few of the moms were venting about the same frustrations I have. But I've also decided that I'm not sitting next to them at the next game. Not because I don't like them but simply because I don't trust myself enough to keep my mouth shut. Because I know, no matter how I feel, I can't talk about the coach.
Until I get home and put the kids to bed. Then it's on.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Sweet Little Lies
It’s the middle of the week, the sun is shining and I’m in a great mood. Which means I’m feeling kinda fun. So I thought I would take advantage of this opportunity to share some wisdom with the opposite sex.
What I’ve decided is that women want to be lied to. We aren’t going to tell you that and won’t admit it, but it’s true. We want you to lie to us. Not about anything related to sneaking around or cheating – that’s in a different category completely - but about pretty much everything else.
We want to believe that you think we are the smartest, funniest, sexiest woman that you’ve ever met. We want to think you’ve never meet anyone as interesting, entertaining, or fascinating. We want to think that we rock your world and turn you on at all times. We want to believe that our stories never get old, our quirks don’t become annoying, and you aren’t turned off by seeing us in frumpy comfy clothes all the time.
Guys, you’re only job is to make us feel that we are the only ones exceptional enough to capture your attention. That’s it. And if that means lying to us to make us feel that way, then so be it. Lie, lie and lie some more.
Judging from my experience though, this is harder than it sounds. Not the lying part - no, the guys I've known had that down quite well. They just lied about the wrong things.
And while I can’t tell you exactly what lies will make your girl feel special, I can tell you exactly what you should never say. Some or all of the following may have been uttered to me at some point. Some or all of said utterances may have resulted in severe physical damage to the idiot uttering them.
1. She's your sister? But she's...hot.
2. I don't really like women to have short hair. *said to a woman with short hair
3. We can get your boobs fixed.
4. You're still hungry?
5. You’re not my usual type.
6. If you worked out a little, you would have a great body.
7. Sex? Naw, not tonight.
8. That makes your pouch look big.
9. What happened to your hair?
10. You’re just like your mother.
11. You must be on your period.
12. I never would have dated you in high school.
13. You’re not wearing that, are you?
14. My ex was better at ____________. *No, no, no. You're ex was never better at anything. EVER.
What I’ve decided is that women want to be lied to. We aren’t going to tell you that and won’t admit it, but it’s true. We want you to lie to us. Not about anything related to sneaking around or cheating – that’s in a different category completely - but about pretty much everything else.
We want to believe that you think we are the smartest, funniest, sexiest woman that you’ve ever met. We want to think you’ve never meet anyone as interesting, entertaining, or fascinating. We want to think that we rock your world and turn you on at all times. We want to believe that our stories never get old, our quirks don’t become annoying, and you aren’t turned off by seeing us in frumpy comfy clothes all the time.
Guys, you’re only job is to make us feel that we are the only ones exceptional enough to capture your attention. That’s it. And if that means lying to us to make us feel that way, then so be it. Lie, lie and lie some more.
Judging from my experience though, this is harder than it sounds. Not the lying part - no, the guys I've known had that down quite well. They just lied about the wrong things.
And while I can’t tell you exactly what lies will make your girl feel special, I can tell you exactly what you should never say. Some or all of the following may have been uttered to me at some point. Some or all of said utterances may have resulted in severe physical damage to the idiot uttering them.
1. She's your sister? But she's...hot.
2. I don't really like women to have short hair. *said to a woman with short hair
3. We can get your boobs fixed.
4. You're still hungry?
5. You’re not my usual type.
6. If you worked out a little, you would have a great body.
7. Sex? Naw, not tonight.
8. That makes your pouch look big.
9. What happened to your hair?
10. You’re just like your mother.
11. You must be on your period.
12. I never would have dated you in high school.
13. You’re not wearing that, are you?
14. My ex was better at ____________. *No, no, no. You're ex was never better at anything. EVER.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Tea Time
I'm kinda bummed.
I think I'm gonna have to find a new convenient store.
I'm picky about my tea. Even more so now that I drink unsweet - there isn't any sugar to make it taste better, it has to be good tea. So there is one place that has tea that I like. One. And I go just about every morning.
One of the guys there has started giving me a small discount - charging me for a refill and not a new drink. He doesn't do it every time but he does it a lot, even when I tell him not too. I'm like, stop doing that! One, it just makes me feel bad. Not that it's even that much difference - I think maybe ten cents. But it's the point - it's kinda like stealing. Not that I don't appreciate the gesture, but charge me the same price as you are everybody else in line.
Secondly, I don't want him to get in trouble for doing it. Every time I say "No, this is a new drink." - I say it loud where anyone can hear me. I don't do that to get him in trouble but it's not like we're in cahoots together. I'm not trying to be part of this. But still, I would hate for him to get in trouble. I don't know, maybe he's the manager or something because he seems to be pretty fearless about it. Or maybe he just knows they won't fire him over such a small thing...either way, I think I'm more worried about it than he is.
But most of all I just don't like that he's so nice to me. I know that doesn't make any sense. I'm sure they consider me a regular so he feels like he should be extra friendly - I know that's part of how they get people coming back in. But I just want to go in, get my tea and leave without being noticed. I don't know, he's too interested in what I've got going on and he remembers things I say. Which typically would be a good thing - remembering what people tells you shows that you're genuinely interested and that what you say is important to them. Typically that would be major bonus points. But in this case, I don't like it.
I'm not sure I'm vain enough to think he likes me. Don't get me wrong, I am vain. Typically this behavior would warrant a phone call to the bestie declaring "Oh my gosh - he was SO hitting on me." which she gets quite frequently because I always assume interest equals interest. All these poor guys out there just being friendly have no idea how I'm spinning that into something different in my head.
But I'm not getting that vibe. This vibe is just super nice convenient store guy who is ruining my morning mojo with his friendliness...
I think I'm gonna have to find a new convenient store.
I'm picky about my tea. Even more so now that I drink unsweet - there isn't any sugar to make it taste better, it has to be good tea. So there is one place that has tea that I like. One. And I go just about every morning.
One of the guys there has started giving me a small discount - charging me for a refill and not a new drink. He doesn't do it every time but he does it a lot, even when I tell him not too. I'm like, stop doing that! One, it just makes me feel bad. Not that it's even that much difference - I think maybe ten cents. But it's the point - it's kinda like stealing. Not that I don't appreciate the gesture, but charge me the same price as you are everybody else in line.
Secondly, I don't want him to get in trouble for doing it. Every time I say "No, this is a new drink." - I say it loud where anyone can hear me. I don't do that to get him in trouble but it's not like we're in cahoots together. I'm not trying to be part of this. But still, I would hate for him to get in trouble. I don't know, maybe he's the manager or something because he seems to be pretty fearless about it. Or maybe he just knows they won't fire him over such a small thing...either way, I think I'm more worried about it than he is.
But most of all I just don't like that he's so nice to me. I know that doesn't make any sense. I'm sure they consider me a regular so he feels like he should be extra friendly - I know that's part of how they get people coming back in. But I just want to go in, get my tea and leave without being noticed. I don't know, he's too interested in what I've got going on and he remembers things I say. Which typically would be a good thing - remembering what people tells you shows that you're genuinely interested and that what you say is important to them. Typically that would be major bonus points. But in this case, I don't like it.
I'm not sure I'm vain enough to think he likes me. Don't get me wrong, I am vain. Typically this behavior would warrant a phone call to the bestie declaring "Oh my gosh - he was SO hitting on me." which she gets quite frequently because I always assume interest equals interest. All these poor guys out there just being friendly have no idea how I'm spinning that into something different in my head.
But I'm not getting that vibe. This vibe is just super nice convenient store guy who is ruining my morning mojo with his friendliness...
Monday, April 22, 2013
Make It Count
You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. ~Gandhi
That quote really represents what I was trying to express in my last post. Only so much more eloquently. And I believe that, with all my heart I believe that.
It doesn't, however, make the events of last week any easier. The Boston bombing, the West explosion, the anniversary of the OKC bombing. So much loss.
And last week I was informed of the deaths of two of my students. Two in one week. I've worked in these programs for 10 years and I've never lost a student so it was shocking. The events surrounding the deaths are especially troubling - one was violently murdered and there is a mystery surrounding the nature of death for the other. This is especially troubling because this student had a long history of domestic abuse so I fear her end was just as horrific. It's always, always difficult but to end in such a violent way...it's really hard for me to get over.
I don't know if it's just because I'm getting older but it seems like each day I grow more and more aware of how short our time really is. The last few months it seems there have been a series of losses- back to back we've all gone through it. My FIL, the next month a friend lost his mother and then this past weekend my hubby was out of town to attend the funeral of a friend who lost his sister.
It was a rough week.
So I used the weekend to fill my life with fun and memories and goodness. I needed a break from all things somber and sad. Girl time, parades & carnivals, and a lot of time laughing. Not to forget the sadness but to remember the lessons it brings - make every day count.
That quote really represents what I was trying to express in my last post. Only so much more eloquently. And I believe that, with all my heart I believe that.
It doesn't, however, make the events of last week any easier. The Boston bombing, the West explosion, the anniversary of the OKC bombing. So much loss.
And last week I was informed of the deaths of two of my students. Two in one week. I've worked in these programs for 10 years and I've never lost a student so it was shocking. The events surrounding the deaths are especially troubling - one was violently murdered and there is a mystery surrounding the nature of death for the other. This is especially troubling because this student had a long history of domestic abuse so I fear her end was just as horrific. It's always, always difficult but to end in such a violent way...it's really hard for me to get over.
I don't know if it's just because I'm getting older but it seems like each day I grow more and more aware of how short our time really is. The last few months it seems there have been a series of losses- back to back we've all gone through it. My FIL, the next month a friend lost his mother and then this past weekend my hubby was out of town to attend the funeral of a friend who lost his sister.
It was a rough week.
So I used the weekend to fill my life with fun and memories and goodness. I needed a break from all things somber and sad. Girl time, parades & carnivals, and a lot of time laughing. Not to forget the sadness but to remember the lessons it brings - make every day count.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Live Big
There is so much going around about the Boston explosions. In the gym today, that’s all that was on tv. Such a sad and shocking event. From the clips they keep showing, it’s amazing there were not more deaths. A small comfort in the midst of tragedy.
The number of individuals with lost limbs is made especially devastating when I think about the runners. The level of athleticism needed to run a marathon - how devoted you have to be to caring and maintaining your body to prepare for something like that. Understanding what it means to a runner to put on their shoes and go. I think for people that are serious about it, running is almost spiritual. I mean, I’ve never been serious about it and it’s been that way for me. So to think about a runner, doing what they love – adrenaline pumping, in the euphoric runners high, pushing their bodies to run faster and harder nearing the finish line. And in an instant their body, their tool, is forever changed.
I realize a large number of bystanders were injured too – and I’m not belittling their loss in any way. It’s dramatic for anyone. I sit on my butt all day and do nothing and I would be devastated. But for a runner, it just seems especially cruel.
My husband doesn’t believe they should put it on television, he feels like it glorifies the act. Maybe it does. But I’m glad it’s on television, I’m glad people are so fascinated and horrified by it that they can’t keep from watching the coverage. It reminds me how thankful we should be – thankful that we live in a country where it is shocking. There are lots of places in this world where it wouldn’t be. There are lots of people in this world who face that kind of reality every day.
Lots of people believe it demonstrates how horrible our world is, it’s rocked their belief in mankind. I think it’s exactly the opposite – I think it demonstrates how fortunate we are and reinforces my belief in mankind. Not only by all the individuals who stepped up to help each other but on a much larger scale. Think about how vulnerable we are – how truly vulnerable we are most the time. When was the last time you seriously had to worry about your life when out grocery shopping, enjoying a baseball game or celebrating New Year’s Eve? We typically don’t – we just move through life without really, really worrying about it. We feel safe.
In reality, we’re not. Not really. We’re actually pretty vulnerable. There simply isn’t enough security or preventive measures to protect us at all times. To understand that and realize how fortunate it is that these things are not common, that they don’t occur every day. I find comfort in that.
These bombing were a horrible, malicious, tragic act and I’m sorry that it happened. I can’t fathom that lose or experiencing that tragedy. I’m not making light of what happened. My heart is with everyone impacted – for recovery and peace in rebuilding their lives.
I am simply reminded that life is short and there are no guarantees. Live big and make it count.
The number of individuals with lost limbs is made especially devastating when I think about the runners. The level of athleticism needed to run a marathon - how devoted you have to be to caring and maintaining your body to prepare for something like that. Understanding what it means to a runner to put on their shoes and go. I think for people that are serious about it, running is almost spiritual. I mean, I’ve never been serious about it and it’s been that way for me. So to think about a runner, doing what they love – adrenaline pumping, in the euphoric runners high, pushing their bodies to run faster and harder nearing the finish line. And in an instant their body, their tool, is forever changed.
I realize a large number of bystanders were injured too – and I’m not belittling their loss in any way. It’s dramatic for anyone. I sit on my butt all day and do nothing and I would be devastated. But for a runner, it just seems especially cruel.
My husband doesn’t believe they should put it on television, he feels like it glorifies the act. Maybe it does. But I’m glad it’s on television, I’m glad people are so fascinated and horrified by it that they can’t keep from watching the coverage. It reminds me how thankful we should be – thankful that we live in a country where it is shocking. There are lots of places in this world where it wouldn’t be. There are lots of people in this world who face that kind of reality every day.
Lots of people believe it demonstrates how horrible our world is, it’s rocked their belief in mankind. I think it’s exactly the opposite – I think it demonstrates how fortunate we are and reinforces my belief in mankind. Not only by all the individuals who stepped up to help each other but on a much larger scale. Think about how vulnerable we are – how truly vulnerable we are most the time. When was the last time you seriously had to worry about your life when out grocery shopping, enjoying a baseball game or celebrating New Year’s Eve? We typically don’t – we just move through life without really, really worrying about it. We feel safe.
In reality, we’re not. Not really. We’re actually pretty vulnerable. There simply isn’t enough security or preventive measures to protect us at all times. To understand that and realize how fortunate it is that these things are not common, that they don’t occur every day. I find comfort in that.
These bombing were a horrible, malicious, tragic act and I’m sorry that it happened. I can’t fathom that lose or experiencing that tragedy. I’m not making light of what happened. My heart is with everyone impacted – for recovery and peace in rebuilding their lives.
I am simply reminded that life is short and there are no guarantees. Live big and make it count.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Georgia Peach
I am starving.
I just finished cardio and I want to eat. Really, I'm so hungry that I would eat anything but what I want is a peach. That sounds so good right now.
And I've got some. In the fridge. Right over there...
But I'm not doing it. It's 11 at night and I know once I do that I'm opening the door for all kinds of other food consumption. That's kinda how it works with me - one little thing and I automatically turn into a human vacuum until suddenly I am surrounded by the carnage of candy wrappers and crumpled bags of chips. It can get ugly sometimes.
That means I'm rolling up to bed - that's the only real way I can make sure I don't end up in the kitchen. I do have to pass the kitchen to make it to the stairs so it might get kinda sketchy...so say a little prayer that I remain strong and I'll update in the morning. Right after I eat that peach.
I just finished cardio and I want to eat. Really, I'm so hungry that I would eat anything but what I want is a peach. That sounds so good right now.
And I've got some. In the fridge. Right over there...
But I'm not doing it. It's 11 at night and I know once I do that I'm opening the door for all kinds of other food consumption. That's kinda how it works with me - one little thing and I automatically turn into a human vacuum until suddenly I am surrounded by the carnage of candy wrappers and crumpled bags of chips. It can get ugly sometimes.
That means I'm rolling up to bed - that's the only real way I can make sure I don't end up in the kitchen. I do have to pass the kitchen to make it to the stairs so it might get kinda sketchy...so say a little prayer that I remain strong and I'll update in the morning. Right after I eat that peach.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Summer Lovin
Strength training on Sunday, cardio and treadmill yesterday and I have my gym bag ready for today. I may actually get some of this jiggle off before summer! Maybe.
I'm gonna put off buying a bathing suit until a little closer to summer. I'm not avoiding the experience, I just want to see where everything is hanging so I can buy appropriately. I know lots of women hate it but I don't really get that - your body is your body, no matter what you're wearing. I don't know, maybe I just look at my body too much. But it's never shocking or disappointing to me to see myself in a bathing suit.
Not that I don't have things that I want to improve, becaues I do. It's actually a pretty long list. But it's not like I put on a bathing suit and suddenly notice all the back fat or the belly rolls. Nope, I pretty much notice that all the time. But I notice the good parts too and I really like those parts. And I think anyone who has seen it likes those parts too. It goes along with my theory - if he's attracted enough to you to want to see you naked, he'll like what he sees, no matter what. He won't notice the bumpy stuff because he's too busy zoning in to his favorite parts.
So we'll see where I'm at during the summer - skimpy or full coverage, either way I'm gonna rock that suit!
I'm gonna put off buying a bathing suit until a little closer to summer. I'm not avoiding the experience, I just want to see where everything is hanging so I can buy appropriately. I know lots of women hate it but I don't really get that - your body is your body, no matter what you're wearing. I don't know, maybe I just look at my body too much. But it's never shocking or disappointing to me to see myself in a bathing suit.
Not that I don't have things that I want to improve, becaues I do. It's actually a pretty long list. But it's not like I put on a bathing suit and suddenly notice all the back fat or the belly rolls. Nope, I pretty much notice that all the time. But I notice the good parts too and I really like those parts. And I think anyone who has seen it likes those parts too. It goes along with my theory - if he's attracted enough to you to want to see you naked, he'll like what he sees, no matter what. He won't notice the bumpy stuff because he's too busy zoning in to his favorite parts.
So we'll see where I'm at during the summer - skimpy or full coverage, either way I'm gonna rock that suit!
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