What a Day!

Today was a lot fun. Started out by doing my work out; although I had to keep it short due to basketball. My Parents came down to watch - my Parents are now elderly so it is great that they are able to drive and come watch him. Also, a friend of mine that we haven't seen in years came. Devin was so excited to have his fans on the sideline.

Devin's team won - 37 - 30. It was a close game; both teams having some good athletes. Devin had his best game ever. Not sure if it was because he had all his fans there or because the high school JV team came to support the boys and ref the game. Maybe a little bit of both, he was on fire.

He made 11 points, one being another 3-point shot in the last 2 seconds of the game. It was very exciting and his team went nuts and so did many of the parents. He is turning out to be quite a decent player especially his ball handling. They mainly use him as Point Guard; he doesn't need to be the star and is very happy to pass the ball and set up good shot opportunities. It's a lot of fun to see all of the kids abilities improve while they have so much fun. Greg is really enjoying being the coach; the kids really like him and the parents are pretty impressed with his gentle but firm nature with their children.

I thoroughly enjoy watching and cheering; especially with my Parents and friend sitting with me.

Finally Something to Write About

I've been sick for over a week and have not been up to doing anything. I finally got my antibiotics for a sinus infection. So basically I've been a slug. But last night I went to my son's basketball game. The team was 2-0 and playing another team that was also 2-0.

Everyone knew it would be tough game - both teams wanting to defend their winning streak. The kids played great on both sides but Devin's team lost. I think the score was 28 to 19. The coolest play was when Devin made a 3 point shot. His team went nuts and so did I.

Greg enjoyed coaching the boys and was very pleased with their efforts. It's fun to watch each player improve and build their teamwork.

Hopefully, I'll be back to my exercise routine soon and will be back to normal.

I'll Keep Trying

We left early for the basketball game today. I took my running gear with me and ran on the high school track. Nice surface - it's that newer cushiony stuff - I can't think of what it is called but it felt great. The wind was blowing, temps were pretty cold. I ended up running a little over a mile and it felt good. I am going to keep conditioning myself indoors on the treadmill by mostly walking coupled with a little bit of jogging, swimming and cycling.

The IT Band pain is never going to be gone unless I turn into a slug. Been there in an attempt to get the problem resolved. It returned as soon as I started walking and jogging. The bike was not the culprit this time. It is only mild and ice and pain meds definitely keep it under control. I refuse to sit around and wait for it to get better because it doesn't appear that is going to happen. I'm too active. I keep it stretched too - so I have done all the things that should prevent and help but it never really goes away completely unless I do nothing and become a big fat slug.

I'm still trying to get back in shape after the year long issue with the DARN It Band trouble. I refuse to quit. I'll never do anything considered long distance or even remotely competitive but as long as I stay healthy and keep my mind from wigging out, then I will be functional.

Enough about me and my darn leg. Today was the first basketball game of the season for the 3rd - 4th graders. I really enjoyed watching Greg coach the boys today. Devin is a scrappy player, our best defensive player. He reminds me of Tyler Hansbrough - all physical, not afraid to get in there and mix it up. He made some shots too and aided in a lot of plays. Then his exercise-induced asthma acted up and he had to sit and recover. He needs to use his inhaler and he refuses. SO STUBBORN! Anyway, his team won today with a score of 25 - 15.

Greg Coaches B Ball

The top picture is Greg getting down to the kids' level to coach. The second picture is my son, Devin, taking a shot. I was having some difficulty with the lighting so I need to learn what setting to use for indoor shots in gymnasiums where the lights are lower than normal. Still need the zoom lense. Not sure if I will be getting that for Christmas or not.

Sixers Game

WOW! I've never been to a Professional sporting event quite like this. First of all, I love basketball and have my whole life. I even played it a bit when I was Devin's age. Second of all, we were in a club box suite with food, a private bathroom and the ability to move around. This was so worth the drive to Philly.

We brought a friend of Devin's along and the expression on both of their faces when we walked into the Club Box and down to the front to see the court was priceless. They sat in the seats waiting for the players to come out and warm up. They got really excited when they recognized certain players like Iguodala, Dalembert and Young. Both of the boys were watching the count down clock eagerly anticipating the start of the game. I wasn't sure how long they would sit and watch since they weren't stuck in regular seats. They sat a lot, totally into the game and the atmosphere. I would catch myself forgetting to watch the game because it was so much fun watching the boys.

The Sixers pulled out a win. All players doing some fantastic things like great passes, assists and some slam dunks by Iguodala. Brand played a great game too - I think he had was the top scoring player but you would have to confer with my stat geek husband, Greg. He was watching the ticker at the other end of the stadium. I was watching the game and the boys.

What fun! Now the rest of our weekends will be a tad bit lower key and spent doing Holiday things with our families. I am starting to get the agility itch to show Gusto though.

I think this break from agility has been great. I continue to run, cycle and do physical things that gives me an outlet for my restless energy. I train my dogs when I am in the mood and I get to do fun things with Greg and Devin. A balanced life is the key to inner peace. I'm desperately trying to ignore my obsessive compulsive self that gets locked onto something like a vengeance and maintain balance between family, athletic pursuits and agility.

Keeping everything in perspective is critical if you want to pursue any personal goals. I have some new goals for 2009. They aren't what you might think they are; it remains to be seen if I can stay the course, in pursuit of these goals.

Sweet or Suite

We just found out that the tickets for the Sixers game this coming Sunday are for a Suite. How cool is that? I've never been to a "pro" anything. Alright, I actually went to a Pirates game when I lived in Pittsburgh but they sucked and I don't really like baseball so it doesn't count. I also went to an Orioles game many moons ago but still doesn't count cuz I really do not like baseball.

I actually love basketball - I don't follow the Sixers though. I'm more of an ACC basketball fan. it doesn't matter though, this is going to be fun.

I'm loving my non-agility weekends! Still not bored.

It's snowing here today; just lightly. Today is a cycling day but am trying to decide whether I should or not. I'm feeling a cold coming on AGAIN and my son needs pants - he has outgrown everything and will begin to look like Steve Erkle if I don't get out to buy him some that fit.

I'm sure I will hop on the trainer - I keep hearing a certain song in my head by Queen. I need to find a way to link to one version of the song that I stumbled across yesterday. I saved it under "bad music".

Well enough rambling - must go to the freezing cold unheated building to teach.
Positives about teaching in the freezing cold building - it clears out my sinuses.

A Win

I finally got to see Devin's football team win a game! Last year, no wins. This year, no wins....until last evening. They played under the lights at the high school stadium. The weather was perfect for football - crisp and cool. The boys and coaches were pumped up coming off a win from Saturday - their first actual win but I missed that game due to the USDAA trial at Fair Hill, Maryland. The Varsity squad didn't play much in the game on Saturday because we were up by more than 18 points which requires us to put in our back up players. Since the Varsity players didn't play much on Saturday, they were slated to rotate in last night.

Lucky for me, this was the last game I will get to see before leaving for Arizona. It was a fantastic game. Both teams played with heart, matching each others touchdowns and defensive attacks. Devin made some key plays so I was excited for him. He had two guys blocking him all night so he didn't get in the backfield like he has much of the season. He had to work hard to make plays for his team.

He was pretty excited by the win and the fact that I got to see it. He has one more Varsity game this weekend and one more JV game on Monday. Both of which I will miss but I can leave for AZ happy having seen a win.

The focus will soon turn to basketball, the sport I grew up playing as a kid. I hope Devin gets excited by it. I have a feeling that basketball will only be his second sport, he loves to tackle. I will enjoy the basketball season though because Greg gets to be the Head Coach for the 3rd and 4th grade level. He is a pretty patient guy and loves to work with kids so this should be fun. With my new camera in tow, I should be able to get some decent pics inside the dark gymnasium.