Don't ask. Okay I'll answer anyways. I've finally found an outlet of sorts and a way to kind of reconnect to the "life of sports" I once had. And a time in my life where I can develop some of my talents more fully.
Okay so in case you haven't heard, I've VOLUNTEERED to be the head volleyball coach at the school my kids attend. Remember it's called Freedom Academy. Well this team consists of 7th and 8th grade boys and girls.
The long and short of it all.... last week we held tryouts. Wasn't quite sure what to do but I had lots of help and support from some of the faculty that have been coaches before but couldn't do it this year.
Day 1 : There were 39 kids that showed up, and they were either in 7th or 8th grade. Lots of boys and girls, and some of the kids really wanted to make the team, but just have fully developed the skills necessary yet, like SERVING. These poor little kids look so fragile that I was afraid they would break. But they really had some heart, so I hope that they practice throughout this year and try out again next year for those that are in 7th grade this year. It was so NOISY. But with the magic power of a whistle, I was able to quickly gain control over these kids. It feels GREAT!! I know I'm lame, but I really am enjoying this.
Day 2: We dropped to 32 kids, and I had a few faculty members help for the first half hour and then I was on my own. YIKES... It was kind of scary, but exciting at the same time.
Day 3: We were up to 33 kids. By this day I had narrowed down my list of choices and had grade reports run on them and discussed the choices and options with a few of the teachers. They gave suggestions, and I really liked their advice. Because they really know these kids more then I do since they have them in class nearly every day. We also announced the TEAM at the conclusion of the practice.
Day 4: First day of practice with just the team which consisted of 14 players. Four kids weren't able to make it that day, because of prior commitments, and that was fine, they let me know.
Day 5: Monday the 20th of September I show up for practice to have one of my supposed players waiting to greet me and tell me that she couldn't be on the team. She had too many other things that she was committed to before the team. She quit. WHAT??!! Are you kidding me, why did you try out then. And I was informed that one of my 7th grade boys quit as well. Turns out he only tried out because his "girlfriend" was trying out and since she didn't make it, and practicing everyday was too much for him ... he threw in the towel as well. So now I'm down to 12 players.
Day 6: Tuesday the 21st of September -- was a great day and I can already see lots of improvement in the team. There are a few people however that I wish were a little more "into" the game. Maybe it'll happen with time. But I'm not counting on it. I know it sounds pretty full of doubt, huh?
The other great thing... I'm coming home in the evening and I'm BUSHED!! I'm so tired and can't stay awake ... it's really getting me worked out too, and I'm starting to lose some of this excess weight I've been meaning to get rid of, but for whatever reason I haven't.
And to end this entry I'd like to post a collage of a recent photo shoot that I did, and I had so much fun during the shoot, and then afterward playing with the photos I captured.
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