Sometimes when you have been doing the same thing for the last 15 years, there isn't much that surprises you. You think you have experienced most possible things that could happen and that you know how to effectively deal with said things. Every once in awhile though, you get thrown a curve ball that you didn't see coming. Something, or someone, smacks you so hard you thought you got hit with a baseball. Your mouth hangs open and the words refuse to come out of your mouth. All you can do is just sit there and ask in your head, "REALLY? WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED!"
I don't have too many of those days. I'm usually pretty good at reading other people and surmising what they are thinking. I've learned through many years of working with kids that you never ask a question that you really don't want the answer to. Sometimes I ask the question any way, because I like the entertainment and story material it provides. Most times I don't ask those questions and keep the expected answers to myself. It's better for everyone if I don't add the running commentary in my head to an already strange situation. I assure you though that the running commentary is very entertaining. I process a lot in my head before I actually take action, or open my mouth. This is probably a revelation to most of the people that know me because I'm one of those people that you don't ask a question, or opinion of, if you didn't want to hear a long story and the truth as you see it.
Today was one of those days that just left me with more questions, no answers, and my mouth hanging open. The first day back to work after a long break usually has this effect on me. For instance things that ran through my head that fit in the "REALLY?" moment: Did she really think that matched when she dressed herself this morning (Yes, Joise, I'm talking to you). You ate what before practice? How's that look a second time around? You've been where all summer (yes I'm jealous of all your neat travels while I have been home, or in the gym). Did I hear that correctly, you want me to stay til when? How is it that all the groceries are gone and there is not a stapler to be found? What? You just said WHAT? (today I really didn't understand a whole bunch, I'm going to chalk that up to recovering from a particularly bad migraine this morning). So if you have a REALLY? type moment, please know that REALLY? I'm having one of those too!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Medical Nazis
I'm not very good at sitting around! I imagine it takes about 15 minutes of watching me to realize that I'm a person who is on the go for most of my waking hours. This being said, I do have three medical conditions that can stop me in my tracks. Asthma, Arthritis and Chronic Migraine, the only problem is that I usually fight my body's needs to attend to these conditions until my body just stops, refuses to comply and I have no choice but to lay my butt down. Enter the medical Nazis in my life!
The first medical Nazi is my neurologist! I love my neurologist as he tries to keep me on the go. I have to keep a journal on my migraines in order to identify triggers, in order to avoid triggers, in order to reduce my body's natural tendency to either attack itself, or inflame itself (hence the asthma, arthritis, and migraines), in order to have more healthy days, in order to live the life I want to. That's a lot of orders, and I'm not so good taking orders. I have a regimen of seizure meds that I take as a preventive, magnesium to reduce inflammation and migraines, a migraine diet I suppose to follow and a sleep schedule that... well let's say that I try, but don't often hit the mark. I'm easily distracted, which I'm sure irritates my neurologist who has to remind me of said orders at every visit.
The second medical Nazis are my children. Here's a public service announcement for the masses, NEVER take your 9 year old with the same chronic conditions to the doctor with you and allow him to ask the question, "How can I help my mom?" Probably not the best idea to let your students/athletes (who think that they're your kids) talk to your children about your condition,s or answer honestly student/athlete questions about how you treat your conditions. I have created my own little (and big) watch dog group and they are persistent and tenacious! Alarm go off to take my meds and I don't jump right to and take them? Well a kid will just go get them, bring me a drink and watch me take them. They'll even check under my tongue to make sure I swallowed them. Rub my head at school and three students are running to turn off the florescent lights and shout, "We have to be quiet because the teacher's head hurts!" If they see you eating a hot dog and chocolate... well let's just say the lecture on combining two triggers is long and the food will be cold and you won't eat it! Mission accomplished and children are happy!
The last medical Nazi is my husband! He asks me every day and will text me at his lunch break, 'How's your head?" He expects an answer too, preferably quickly. When he's home, or we go out, he watches for any signs of an impending attack, or signs of a current attack. As of yet, I have not been very successful in hiding signs from him, so when he sees one, twenty questions begin! 'Did you take your meds? When's the last time you ate? What did you eat? How long did you sleep? Let me look at your face to see if it's sagging? Are you seeing spots?" There's probably a 100 more, but I'll spare you the interrogation! If my answers don't meet his approval then I'm sent to eat, sit down or to bed! Strict orders to rest and leave your mother alone are given. Again, I'm not real good with orders....even when they are given for my own good.... Well you can see how this probably goes on most days.
I appreciate my medical Nazis. They all try to help me live the best life possible and have more good days! I know that they are trying to help because they care. They even tell me I'm a great person to be around when I feel good! As much as I seemed annoyed at all the attention, deep down I know it's for my own good and they're coming from a place of love. I'm sure they would greatly appreciate it if I would just comply with directives given and it's a shame that I fight they're orders, but I'm sure they would be panic stricken if I didn't. So, thank you medical Nazis that keep me in line! I love you too!
The first medical Nazi is my neurologist! I love my neurologist as he tries to keep me on the go. I have to keep a journal on my migraines in order to identify triggers, in order to avoid triggers, in order to reduce my body's natural tendency to either attack itself, or inflame itself (hence the asthma, arthritis, and migraines), in order to have more healthy days, in order to live the life I want to. That's a lot of orders, and I'm not so good taking orders. I have a regimen of seizure meds that I take as a preventive, magnesium to reduce inflammation and migraines, a migraine diet I suppose to follow and a sleep schedule that... well let's say that I try, but don't often hit the mark. I'm easily distracted, which I'm sure irritates my neurologist who has to remind me of said orders at every visit.
The second medical Nazis are my children. Here's a public service announcement for the masses, NEVER take your 9 year old with the same chronic conditions to the doctor with you and allow him to ask the question, "How can I help my mom?" Probably not the best idea to let your students/athletes (who think that they're your kids) talk to your children about your condition,s or answer honestly student/athlete questions about how you treat your conditions. I have created my own little (and big) watch dog group and they are persistent and tenacious! Alarm go off to take my meds and I don't jump right to and take them? Well a kid will just go get them, bring me a drink and watch me take them. They'll even check under my tongue to make sure I swallowed them. Rub my head at school and three students are running to turn off the florescent lights and shout, "We have to be quiet because the teacher's head hurts!" If they see you eating a hot dog and chocolate... well let's just say the lecture on combining two triggers is long and the food will be cold and you won't eat it! Mission accomplished and children are happy!
The last medical Nazi is my husband! He asks me every day and will text me at his lunch break, 'How's your head?" He expects an answer too, preferably quickly. When he's home, or we go out, he watches for any signs of an impending attack, or signs of a current attack. As of yet, I have not been very successful in hiding signs from him, so when he sees one, twenty questions begin! 'Did you take your meds? When's the last time you ate? What did you eat? How long did you sleep? Let me look at your face to see if it's sagging? Are you seeing spots?" There's probably a 100 more, but I'll spare you the interrogation! If my answers don't meet his approval then I'm sent to eat, sit down or to bed! Strict orders to rest and leave your mother alone are given. Again, I'm not real good with orders....even when they are given for my own good.... Well you can see how this probably goes on most days.
I appreciate my medical Nazis. They all try to help me live the best life possible and have more good days! I know that they are trying to help because they care. They even tell me I'm a great person to be around when I feel good! As much as I seemed annoyed at all the attention, deep down I know it's for my own good and they're coming from a place of love. I'm sure they would greatly appreciate it if I would just comply with directives given and it's a shame that I fight they're orders, but I'm sure they would be panic stricken if I didn't. So, thank you medical Nazis that keep me in line! I love you too!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Bad Hair Days
I have a love hate relationship with my hair. I try not to fight with it, but sometimes my hair just revolts to the weather, the hair dryer, new shampoo and hair dressers. My hair has liked two hairdressers in the last ten years. The first one was Shannon. My hair would let her do whatever it wanted. Cut it ultra short? Sure! Blonde highlights? Fantastic! Part to the right instead of the left? If you say so Shannon. Shannon moved to Florida three years ago. My hair was very upset about her departure and showed it's anger by producing cowlicks in three of four places. It started to sprout sliver streaks and certain sections are bone straight, while some have beautiful waves. In other words, my hair was a hot mess because it missed it's favorite hair dresser. In an attempt to pacify my depressed and angry hair, I even went to Shannon's old salon for a few months. My hair and I sat with the new hairdresser in Shannon's old room and chair, but my hair would not be fooled. The new girl was not a bad hairdresser, but my hair really couldn't get past the blue streaks, face piercings and funky layers the hair dresser had. Every day I looked in the mirror, my hair would shout back, "How could you let that freak touch me! Did you see those blue streaks and hair sticking up all over the place? I'm not doing anything but flip out and stick up until Shannon comes back, or you find me a stylist I approve of!"
Enter Jimmy! I happened on Jimmy the hair stylist when I took Stephen to have his head shaved for ROTC. Jimmy works at one of those strip mall, chain salons. Jimmy looks like an x-gang banger. His pants sag a little to low, he's all tatted up and he's a big guy. As my hair and I had gotten to a point where I was willing to have my head shaved and try to start our relationship over, I told Jimmy I'd have what Stephen was having. Jimmy looked at me a little funny and told me that he knew he could do something classy with my hair. I was a little worried that my hair would have another reaction like it did to blue streak girl, but as Jimmy gave a fantastic scalp massage, it's resistance to change subsided. As Jimmy told me everything he was doing to my hair, my hair finally was subdued into submission! Thank God for Jimmy the hairdresser!
There is one problem with Jimmy the hairdresser. Sadly, he does not always work near a chain hair salon near me. I have to drop in, usually on Wednesdays becuase that's his day at the salon on my way home from work. This summer, he's been on vacation and working at an undisclosed location in Atlanta. He should be back the first of August. My hair is NOT HAPPY! Today, I had to get my bangs trimmed because they were at the end of my nose waiting on Jimmy's return. My hair once again is revolting with a very bad hair day, just in time for Open House, try outs and the first day of school! Hopefully Jimmy will work a Saturday the first week of August to sooth the wounds from my hair's experience today with it's trim!
Enter Jimmy! I happened on Jimmy the hair stylist when I took Stephen to have his head shaved for ROTC. Jimmy works at one of those strip mall, chain salons. Jimmy looks like an x-gang banger. His pants sag a little to low, he's all tatted up and he's a big guy. As my hair and I had gotten to a point where I was willing to have my head shaved and try to start our relationship over, I told Jimmy I'd have what Stephen was having. Jimmy looked at me a little funny and told me that he knew he could do something classy with my hair. I was a little worried that my hair would have another reaction like it did to blue streak girl, but as Jimmy gave a fantastic scalp massage, it's resistance to change subsided. As Jimmy told me everything he was doing to my hair, my hair finally was subdued into submission! Thank God for Jimmy the hairdresser!
There is one problem with Jimmy the hairdresser. Sadly, he does not always work near a chain hair salon near me. I have to drop in, usually on Wednesdays becuase that's his day at the salon on my way home from work. This summer, he's been on vacation and working at an undisclosed location in Atlanta. He should be back the first of August. My hair is NOT HAPPY! Today, I had to get my bangs trimmed because they were at the end of my nose waiting on Jimmy's return. My hair once again is revolting with a very bad hair day, just in time for Open House, try outs and the first day of school! Hopefully Jimmy will work a Saturday the first week of August to sooth the wounds from my hair's experience today with it's trim!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
My Special Moments Traveling with Other People's Kids
Down in the South they have a term for people like me: A Hot Mess. I accept this title pretty freely because I'm usually a funny, hot mess who can laugh at herself, and it makes for some excellent stories to share over dinner. This weekend I traveled to Auburn University with 14 other people's children, all teenage girls. (By the way they were excellently behaved young ladies). Since I have some pretty low maintenance boys, traveling with girls is always enlightening. It also gives me the opportunity to have special moments that are entirely more special than usual, because there is a larger quantity of people to watch said special moments.
First with the enlightenment on traveling with girls and their parents. What's up with the make up? You're going to play volleyball for two days, why bother? Another pressing question, since I don't wear make up, is how do you wear make up, sweat and don't get it everywhere? How do you wake up, half awake and not poke your eye out with liner and that wand thingy? Any activity that I have to wake up for 30 minutes earlier that requires multiple steps is a no go for me, but it was pretty amazing to watch some of these girls make that sacrifice. What's up with the leopard print? Every girl had some and does anyone else think the color pink is a little overdone? How many outfits do you have to pack for an overnight? I vaguely understand the option thing, but it's only one night. I promise a pair of pants/shorts, t shirt, under garments and socks will do (at least it does for my boys). Lastly is hair braiding the latest craze? These girls could do all kinds of cool braids all over their heads and they didn't fall out like when my hair gets braided. Pretty impressive skill ladies and when/how did you learn it?
Now for what many of you have probably been waiting for, my special moments. The biggest of these special moments was losing my car keys. Before you're the 1000th person to ask, yes, I retraced my steps. Yes, I searched all my pockets. Yes, I looked under the car and all around yet. Yes, I'm sure I had the keys in my hands (I even have a witness that says I used them to lock the car). Yes, the girls checked their stuff to make sure they didn't have them. Yes, I told the staff at Auburn that they were lost. Yes, I checked the lost and found (100 times by the way in a three hour period). The magical key fairy apparently took them and is not giving them back! The keys have vanished like the match to the random sock in your dryer. From the search for the keys to tripping over objects that were not present, to not being able to figure out a push/pull door, and my struggle with the fork machine at breakfast the special moment roller coaster was in high speed. The girls were great (even if they were giggling at my specialness). They opened the doors, assisted me with the fork machine and even gave some hugs.
Everyone was more than helpful in helping me find the keys. One of the dad's dealt helped me obtain a locksmith and met him at my car so I could coach the girls. A mom back in Georgia relayed the message that the locksmith was successful in his quest to find the obscure key to my station wagon. The locksmith was tenacious in finding a key to unlock my car (and he only charged me $95.00) A second dad drove me back to the car once they got it unlocked and running so, I didn't have to walk a half mile back to the dorm. The other parents offered prayers of hope and didn't visibly flip out that the coach couldn't find her car keys and someone was going to have to assist her in getting back to Georgia. A note to the parents that were so supportive: I have never lost a child on an outing (knock on wood) and despite my special moments with keys I really a responsible adult. Other than the two dads tripling the price of the locksmith and informing me that I will need to get a key chain the size of my head, everyone had a great laugh and were very supportive of helping me through my specialist moment of the day.
The trip was great! Everyone had a good time and now I have another excellent story to share at many dinners to come!
First with the enlightenment on traveling with girls and their parents. What's up with the make up? You're going to play volleyball for two days, why bother? Another pressing question, since I don't wear make up, is how do you wear make up, sweat and don't get it everywhere? How do you wake up, half awake and not poke your eye out with liner and that wand thingy? Any activity that I have to wake up for 30 minutes earlier that requires multiple steps is a no go for me, but it was pretty amazing to watch some of these girls make that sacrifice. What's up with the leopard print? Every girl had some and does anyone else think the color pink is a little overdone? How many outfits do you have to pack for an overnight? I vaguely understand the option thing, but it's only one night. I promise a pair of pants/shorts, t shirt, under garments and socks will do (at least it does for my boys). Lastly is hair braiding the latest craze? These girls could do all kinds of cool braids all over their heads and they didn't fall out like when my hair gets braided. Pretty impressive skill ladies and when/how did you learn it?
Now for what many of you have probably been waiting for, my special moments. The biggest of these special moments was losing my car keys. Before you're the 1000th person to ask, yes, I retraced my steps. Yes, I searched all my pockets. Yes, I looked under the car and all around yet. Yes, I'm sure I had the keys in my hands (I even have a witness that says I used them to lock the car). Yes, the girls checked their stuff to make sure they didn't have them. Yes, I told the staff at Auburn that they were lost. Yes, I checked the lost and found (100 times by the way in a three hour period). The magical key fairy apparently took them and is not giving them back! The keys have vanished like the match to the random sock in your dryer. From the search for the keys to tripping over objects that were not present, to not being able to figure out a push/pull door, and my struggle with the fork machine at breakfast the special moment roller coaster was in high speed. The girls were great (even if they were giggling at my specialness). They opened the doors, assisted me with the fork machine and even gave some hugs.
Everyone was more than helpful in helping me find the keys. One of the dad's dealt helped me obtain a locksmith and met him at my car so I could coach the girls. A mom back in Georgia relayed the message that the locksmith was successful in his quest to find the obscure key to my station wagon. The locksmith was tenacious in finding a key to unlock my car (and he only charged me $95.00) A second dad drove me back to the car once they got it unlocked and running so, I didn't have to walk a half mile back to the dorm. The other parents offered prayers of hope and didn't visibly flip out that the coach couldn't find her car keys and someone was going to have to assist her in getting back to Georgia. A note to the parents that were so supportive: I have never lost a child on an outing (knock on wood) and despite my special moments with keys I really a responsible adult. Other than the two dads tripling the price of the locksmith and informing me that I will need to get a key chain the size of my head, everyone had a great laugh and were very supportive of helping me through my specialist moment of the day.
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| I think this may be the key fairy!He's disguising himself as an innocent gnome! If you see him get my keys please! |
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Taking a Chance
I've never been a very big risk taker with most of the things in my life. Once I find something I like I pretty much stick with it. For example, my mom use to give me a Coke to settle my stomach in the morning. You know what I do every morning when I get up? I drink a cup of Coke. I find a pair of pants, or shirt, or running shorts, I buy numerous quantities and wear them until I can't any more. I completed three degrees at Mercer University because it was what I knew and was comfortable with (especially important when I was working on my doctoral degree with 5 kids and a full time job teaching and coaching two sports). If something works for me, I stick with it.
There is an area of my life that I have always been willing to take big chances and that is with people! Pretty surprising considering my disdain for taking chances in the other areas of my life. In high school I made friends with the guy who looked like Weird Al because he was funny and never missed giving me a high five when we passed. Good thing I was willing to take a chance and make friends with that guy because he has turned out to be my best friend for over 20 years and my husband for 9. I took chance after chance with each of my pregnancies and that has turned out pretty good with the five kids that I have been blessed with.
Perhaps the biggest people chances I take is in my job. Now I'm not going to lie, I've been burned a few times by taking chances on people, but 97% of the time my willingness to take a chance on a student, or athlete, or teacher, or parent, has enriched my life for the positive. I took a chance on letting small, slow kid that worked hard and had a funny sense of humor run on my cross country team. He sent me a post card from his 1st Peachtree (with a time that I would only hit if I was on a motorized vechile) thanking me for giving him a chance to fall in love with running. I took a chance on a hyperactive student, who really wasn't into school but wanted to cheer and dance. There were days I thought I was going to throttle that child, but this year he graduated from Mercer and told all his professor that I was a person that inspired him to become a teacher. There was a loud, abrasive teacher and a quiet, keep to themselves teacher that I took a chance on and now they are two close friends.
Two years ago I took a chance on an athlete who is not built like an athlete. She was slow and awkward when she moved. She was quiet and always looked like she was going to scream if she got hit by the ball (she never did). She was polite, tried hard and was a good student. She never had anything bad to say about a team mate and she showed up to every single opportunity that we offered for skill improvement. She still does. She's played injured. She's played scared. She's played her heart out. When I saw her at the end of her first season I told my assistant coach that she would be a varsity player before she graduated high school. My assistant coach thought that was going to be a lot of work and a miracle to happen. I've taken a chance on this athlete for three years now and you know what? The chance has paid off. Now it's not just me who notices the athletes work ethic, her skill and her heart. Her team mates and other coaches walking in the gym have noticed. Some don't even recognize the athlete on the court now from the athlete she was just last year. My assistant coach today said, "I hope you're taking her on varsity because she has earned her spot. I don't know what happened, but she has definitely become a varsity caliber athlete!" I just smiled and told her, "I was willing to take a chance and she fell into the 97% category!"
There is an area of my life that I have always been willing to take big chances and that is with people! Pretty surprising considering my disdain for taking chances in the other areas of my life. In high school I made friends with the guy who looked like Weird Al because he was funny and never missed giving me a high five when we passed. Good thing I was willing to take a chance and make friends with that guy because he has turned out to be my best friend for over 20 years and my husband for 9. I took chance after chance with each of my pregnancies and that has turned out pretty good with the five kids that I have been blessed with.
Perhaps the biggest people chances I take is in my job. Now I'm not going to lie, I've been burned a few times by taking chances on people, but 97% of the time my willingness to take a chance on a student, or athlete, or teacher, or parent, has enriched my life for the positive. I took a chance on letting small, slow kid that worked hard and had a funny sense of humor run on my cross country team. He sent me a post card from his 1st Peachtree (with a time that I would only hit if I was on a motorized vechile) thanking me for giving him a chance to fall in love with running. I took a chance on a hyperactive student, who really wasn't into school but wanted to cheer and dance. There were days I thought I was going to throttle that child, but this year he graduated from Mercer and told all his professor that I was a person that inspired him to become a teacher. There was a loud, abrasive teacher and a quiet, keep to themselves teacher that I took a chance on and now they are two close friends.
Two years ago I took a chance on an athlete who is not built like an athlete. She was slow and awkward when she moved. She was quiet and always looked like she was going to scream if she got hit by the ball (she never did). She was polite, tried hard and was a good student. She never had anything bad to say about a team mate and she showed up to every single opportunity that we offered for skill improvement. She still does. She's played injured. She's played scared. She's played her heart out. When I saw her at the end of her first season I told my assistant coach that she would be a varsity player before she graduated high school. My assistant coach thought that was going to be a lot of work and a miracle to happen. I've taken a chance on this athlete for three years now and you know what? The chance has paid off. Now it's not just me who notices the athletes work ethic, her skill and her heart. Her team mates and other coaches walking in the gym have noticed. Some don't even recognize the athlete on the court now from the athlete she was just last year. My assistant coach today said, "I hope you're taking her on varsity because she has earned her spot. I don't know what happened, but she has definitely become a varsity caliber athlete!" I just smiled and told her, "I was willing to take a chance and she fell into the 97% category!"
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
What This Coach Looks for in an Athlete
I get the question all the time from, parents, other coaches, and athletes: "What are you looking for in an athlete?" Other wise worded, "How do I make your team?" Some people don't ask me directly, they'll ask former players, or parents. I have even had kids and parents ask my children what I look for in athletes. I think it's finally time to end the mystery.
First, every coach is different in what they want in an athlete, but I don't know any coaches that base their decisions on team selection entirely on athletic ability. I know that I don't. There is so much more to athletic competition than raw talent. The first thing I look for is HEART! Do you care? Do you care about other people on your team? Do you care about your coach? Do you care about the game and are willing to wear your love for your team, your coach and the game on your sleeve? When the score is 20-2, and your the two, do you still play as if the score is 20-20 because you have heart. If you answer yes and your that kind of athlete, 50% of your battle to make my team is won.
Second, do you listen? This is otherwise known in the coaching world as, "Is the athlete coachable?" You can be the best athlete in the world, but if you can't listen to me or your teammates, than your athletic ability really doesn't mean a whole lot to me. I'll spend more time trying to get you to follow directions than I would appreciating your natural athletic ability and honestly, I really don't have time for that. Wasting valuable practicing time trying to get an athlete to do what I say, instead of what they want to do is a sure way to ride the pine on my team. They pay me to coach, so you can be an athlete. (Just a side note, your body will not let you be a fantastic athlete all your life. If you want to coach, there will be enough time when your athletic career is done.)
Lastly, can you work hard and have a good time? I coach because it's fun! (Believe me, the 25 cents I make an hour does not compensate me enough to not have fun.) Complete the drill right or do it twice and there isn't any reason why you can't smile while you do it. It's fun to win, but it's the practice when funny things happen. Like the time I tried to hurdle and ended up on the ground, or the many times that I swing at a ball only to hit the air. The athletes that make the most of their experience with me work hard, but are able to laugh at themselves and occasionally at me. I try to make sure that serious time is serious time, and if things get too tense, then it's time for something silly to come out of my mouth to lighten up the mood.
70-80% of my selection is based on the three things mentioned. The rest of the selection is based on your athletic talent. I've worked with kids ages 4-22 and have had too many kids that could barely run a lap, or hit a volleyball develop into one of the best players on my team. I believe that this phenomenon is because HEART, LISTENING, HARD WORK and HAVING FUN allow the best athletic ability a person has to shine through. It may take a little time, but in almost 30 years of coaching, I have never been disappointed by an athlete when using my method. So, if your interested in playing for me, or wondering how to make a team I coach, you now have the answer directly from the coach :)
First, every coach is different in what they want in an athlete, but I don't know any coaches that base their decisions on team selection entirely on athletic ability. I know that I don't. There is so much more to athletic competition than raw talent. The first thing I look for is HEART! Do you care? Do you care about other people on your team? Do you care about your coach? Do you care about the game and are willing to wear your love for your team, your coach and the game on your sleeve? When the score is 20-2, and your the two, do you still play as if the score is 20-20 because you have heart. If you answer yes and your that kind of athlete, 50% of your battle to make my team is won.
Second, do you listen? This is otherwise known in the coaching world as, "Is the athlete coachable?" You can be the best athlete in the world, but if you can't listen to me or your teammates, than your athletic ability really doesn't mean a whole lot to me. I'll spend more time trying to get you to follow directions than I would appreciating your natural athletic ability and honestly, I really don't have time for that. Wasting valuable practicing time trying to get an athlete to do what I say, instead of what they want to do is a sure way to ride the pine on my team. They pay me to coach, so you can be an athlete. (Just a side note, your body will not let you be a fantastic athlete all your life. If you want to coach, there will be enough time when your athletic career is done.)
Lastly, can you work hard and have a good time? I coach because it's fun! (Believe me, the 25 cents I make an hour does not compensate me enough to not have fun.) Complete the drill right or do it twice and there isn't any reason why you can't smile while you do it. It's fun to win, but it's the practice when funny things happen. Like the time I tried to hurdle and ended up on the ground, or the many times that I swing at a ball only to hit the air. The athletes that make the most of their experience with me work hard, but are able to laugh at themselves and occasionally at me. I try to make sure that serious time is serious time, and if things get too tense, then it's time for something silly to come out of my mouth to lighten up the mood.
70-80% of my selection is based on the three things mentioned. The rest of the selection is based on your athletic talent. I've worked with kids ages 4-22 and have had too many kids that could barely run a lap, or hit a volleyball develop into one of the best players on my team. I believe that this phenomenon is because HEART, LISTENING, HARD WORK and HAVING FUN allow the best athletic ability a person has to shine through. It may take a little time, but in almost 30 years of coaching, I have never been disappointed by an athlete when using my method. So, if your interested in playing for me, or wondering how to make a team I coach, you now have the answer directly from the coach :)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Coach's Kids
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| Coach's kids amusing themselves during practice! |
Coaches' kids are not like other kids whose parents work in an office. They spend countless hours in gyms, on tracks, at pools, or at a field. They have to learn to sleep in the back of the office, on a bench, the middle of the field and in the back seat of a bus or car. They also have to develop a stomach for concession stand food, left overs and fast food. Supper time could be early, late or catch what you can. Most coaches' kids can pack a to go bag with extra clothes, things to amuse themselves and enough snacks to cover an overtime match or waiting for a parent to pick up a kid. Most coaches' kids know that when it's a win it's happy meals and ice cream on the ride home, and if it's a lost then it's sit down and shut up on the ride home.
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| Colin and Elijah waiting on mom making a purchase for team |
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| Josie with a nutritious ice cream for supper! |
It takes a special kid to be the son or daughter of a coach. Whether they choose to play the sport they're parents coach, play for their parent, or never play sports because they're parents coach. Next time your at an athletic event, if you see one of these rare creatures, please be kind. Give them a hug, or some food, something to do or a tee shirt without the team logo on it!
Thanks,
Coach With 5 Awesome Coach's Kids
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
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| Doing it all with lots of stuff. The story of my life |
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| 2012 Peachtree, Doing it All |
Over the last couple days I have received several emails and texts from people in my life saying they can't do something. They all have valid excuses, family, vacations, events, temporary illness etc. I admire these people because I'm not real good about saying no. I'm also perturbed by these people because they are healthy, enjoying their family, events etc.
My admiration and irritation is well founded because, you see, for at least 15 to 20 days a month I wake up nauseous and with a pounding headache. I see spots and vertigo is a constant friend. Sometimes it's hard to get the right words out of my mouth. Light, noise, and smells are too much for my senses to process without pain. I take eight seizure pills a day, an aspirin, magnesium and something for my stomach due to all the meds I take to only have 15-20 headaches a month. The Imitrex that gets rid of the headaches and allows me to be my normal, overactive, over committed self is held hostage by the insurance company at least once a month, thus increasing the severity of migraine (more on that later in a later post).
So on those few days that I feel good, I try to get as much done as I can because I know that they're will be days in the near future that that I won't be able to do much but breath in a dark, quite room. They're are lots of days that I should stay home, lay down, relax, but I don't because I said I was going to do something, or someone is depending that I do something, so they can do something.
I'm working on saying no, only doing those things that are necessary and add to the positive side of my life. I'm still not very good at it, but I think that's due to the fact that I think most of the things I do add to my life. I'm trying to cram as many positive things as I can, because the pain of the migraine is looming around the corner. So, for all the people in the last couple days who have said no, backed out, rescheduled, thank you for being an example to me that I should be doing more of limiting my commitments so I can truly focus and enjoy the ones I choose to keep.
Steff
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Shopping For Running Gear
One of my favorite things to do is shop for running gear. In fact, if given the choice I'd willingly walk around in high tech, dry fit spandex pants and tops. I have a really soft spot for long sleeve shirts and warm up jackets. I love my Nike running shorts and have lived in them all summer. My darling husband on the other hand does not feel the same way. Until last night he owned no running gear except his Nike running shoes (bought last year when I got fitted by professionals for my first pair of real running shoes). Brian holds on to tee shirts and jeans forever! He has tee shirts older than our oldest whose 16. Once he finds something he likes he buy ten of them and wears them until they fall apart.
Brian also has issues with how much running gear costs. Why pay 100.00 for a pair of shoes when you can go down to Wal-Mart and but a pair for 20.00? Why do you need a new pair of 100.00 running shoes when you've only run 400 miles in them? Does dry fit really do anything special that a cotton tee shirt can't do? After all, humans have been wearing cotton for how many centuries? Yes dear all, very valid arguments until you try to walk or walk/run in 90 degree heat! Working in an unconditioned warehouse has helped squash these arguments as of late and Brian has come to the dark side of dry fit, spandex and ventilated hats, shirts and shorts due to his need to stay cool and not die from heat exhaustion and chaffing in the warehouse.
When we went shopping last night, two things struck me that I had not considered in my own shopping for running apparel. First, running apparel is not made for out of shape, larger people. Second, men's running apparel is cheaper than women's running apparel. The cost thing was a mild irritation that I have observed before when shopping for school clothes for the kids. I can outfit two of the boys for the cost of three of Josie's outfits. The making of running apparel on the other hand was a shocker.
See, I'm not big, and other than when I was pregnant, I've never been big. I haven't really had to worry about weight gain and other than some stretch marks I'm pretty well preserved for 37. Brian on the other hand is bigger than he was before we got married. Often we joke that when I got pregnant, he got pregnant too, but never lost the baby weight. The weight doesn't bother me because I don't have to carry it around and I think it lets other people know his wife can cook. Last night Brian tried on every piece of gear Under Armour had and with good reason. Running apparel is apparently not made for people who are trying to get in shape, but for people who are already in shape. I think companies would make a lot more money if they came up with a line of clothes for people who aspire to be in shape instead of catering to people like me. Brian looked for garments that did not accentuate his stomach and felt comfortable. We left with one pair of shorts, one pair of compression shorts and two shirts. Due to Brian's cost analyst of running gear we left Under Armour with only 63.00 dollars in damage. For me that's a pair of shorts and a cheap sports bra! I'm just a little bit jealous. While he wasn't necessarily comfortable with how he looks in his new gear, he is happy with the price! Hopefully he'll be happy with the outcomes of our training too!
Steff
One of my favorite things to do is shop for running gear. In fact, if given the choice I'd willingly walk around in high tech, dry fit spandex pants and tops. I have a really soft spot for long sleeve shirts and warm up jackets. I love my Nike running shorts and have lived in them all summer. My darling husband on the other hand does not feel the same way. Until last night he owned no running gear except his Nike running shoes (bought last year when I got fitted by professionals for my first pair of real running shoes). Brian holds on to tee shirts and jeans forever! He has tee shirts older than our oldest whose 16. Once he finds something he likes he buy ten of them and wears them until they fall apart.
Brian also has issues with how much running gear costs. Why pay 100.00 for a pair of shoes when you can go down to Wal-Mart and but a pair for 20.00? Why do you need a new pair of 100.00 running shoes when you've only run 400 miles in them? Does dry fit really do anything special that a cotton tee shirt can't do? After all, humans have been wearing cotton for how many centuries? Yes dear all, very valid arguments until you try to walk or walk/run in 90 degree heat! Working in an unconditioned warehouse has helped squash these arguments as of late and Brian has come to the dark side of dry fit, spandex and ventilated hats, shirts and shorts due to his need to stay cool and not die from heat exhaustion and chaffing in the warehouse.
When we went shopping last night, two things struck me that I had not considered in my own shopping for running apparel. First, running apparel is not made for out of shape, larger people. Second, men's running apparel is cheaper than women's running apparel. The cost thing was a mild irritation that I have observed before when shopping for school clothes for the kids. I can outfit two of the boys for the cost of three of Josie's outfits. The making of running apparel on the other hand was a shocker.
See, I'm not big, and other than when I was pregnant, I've never been big. I haven't really had to worry about weight gain and other than some stretch marks I'm pretty well preserved for 37. Brian on the other hand is bigger than he was before we got married. Often we joke that when I got pregnant, he got pregnant too, but never lost the baby weight. The weight doesn't bother me because I don't have to carry it around and I think it lets other people know his wife can cook. Last night Brian tried on every piece of gear Under Armour had and with good reason. Running apparel is apparently not made for people who are trying to get in shape, but for people who are already in shape. I think companies would make a lot more money if they came up with a line of clothes for people who aspire to be in shape instead of catering to people like me. Brian looked for garments that did not accentuate his stomach and felt comfortable. We left with one pair of shorts, one pair of compression shorts and two shirts. Due to Brian's cost analyst of running gear we left Under Armour with only 63.00 dollars in damage. For me that's a pair of shorts and a cheap sports bra! I'm just a little bit jealous. While he wasn't necessarily comfortable with how he looks in his new gear, he is happy with the price! Hopefully he'll be happy with the outcomes of our training too!
Steff
Friday, July 6, 2012
The Beginning of the Journey
This is the first of hopefully many posts to entertain and maybe inspire others. I lead a very busy life, doesn't everyone? I teach students with disabilities, I coach volleyball and until recently track, I'm a booster mom for wrestling, I'm chief chauffeur for activities, I cook, I clean etc.., but I'm also the primary bread winner of the family. In May of 2011, I was rushed to the hospital for what appeared to be a stroke.The thought when I was in the back of the ambulance was "If something is really wrong with me what happens to the other six people that depend on me?"
After scaring friends, family, co workers and myself, we waited six months to test, poke and prod to find out that I have chronic classical neurologically involved migraines due to a PFO (otherwise known as a small hole in your heart). While I waited to see a neurologist, I wanted to take control of my physical health instead of letting it take control of me. Besides, deep down I'm a control freak and don't do well with being told what to do. Living with 5 kids, two dogs, two cats, one fish and a totally awesome husband often makes me have to let them think they are in control some of the time. Our house is loud and there isn't much privacy, but I needed some time to process my own mortality, what that meant to my family and do it in a way that didn't have to scare them. So, after volunteering at the Peachtree Road Race last July I decided the best way to process my life was to go for a run.
I have a long history with running. I lost a bike when I was six and my dad made me spend my summer running. I ran in middle and high school to stay out of a house that wasn't always pleasant. I ran in college to escape dorm parties and because they didn't let you have a car on campus for the first semester. After college, life got busy and I put my old friend running to the side. I did honor the time running and I spent together all those years by giving back as a track coach, and for a long while that was enough. As I was contemplating my own mortality, running kept whispering in my ear that she was there. So, in June of 2011, I took my kids to the all comers meets at Emory University thinking that would quite the voice. Here running, I'm giving you the next generation to make friends with. That wasn't enough to quite the voice. In July I volunteered at the Peachtree Road Race handing out tee shirts, and because running has a sense of humor, I was assigned to hand out tee shirts, in 90 degree heat. After that day I decided it would be easier to run than hand out tee shirts to 60,000 runners! Brian and the kids thought this would be a phase that would pass when school started. Brian even trained with me for the first 5k. When the running kept happening when school started, everyone realized they were getting on the road whether they liked it or not!
That's where the journey begins. Look from some posts from my husband, after all, he has to be the adult that lives with me. The kids may post some things to on what it's like to be a member of a marathon support crew (whether you like it or not because your mother is crazy) and of course I'll be writing frequently to keep the running voice pacified.
Thanks for reading!
Steff
This is the first of hopefully many posts to entertain and maybe inspire others. I lead a very busy life, doesn't everyone? I teach students with disabilities, I coach volleyball and until recently track, I'm a booster mom for wrestling, I'm chief chauffeur for activities, I cook, I clean etc.., but I'm also the primary bread winner of the family. In May of 2011, I was rushed to the hospital for what appeared to be a stroke.The thought when I was in the back of the ambulance was "If something is really wrong with me what happens to the other six people that depend on me?"
After scaring friends, family, co workers and myself, we waited six months to test, poke and prod to find out that I have chronic classical neurologically involved migraines due to a PFO (otherwise known as a small hole in your heart). While I waited to see a neurologist, I wanted to take control of my physical health instead of letting it take control of me. Besides, deep down I'm a control freak and don't do well with being told what to do. Living with 5 kids, two dogs, two cats, one fish and a totally awesome husband often makes me have to let them think they are in control some of the time. Our house is loud and there isn't much privacy, but I needed some time to process my own mortality, what that meant to my family and do it in a way that didn't have to scare them. So, after volunteering at the Peachtree Road Race last July I decided the best way to process my life was to go for a run.
I have a long history with running. I lost a bike when I was six and my dad made me spend my summer running. I ran in middle and high school to stay out of a house that wasn't always pleasant. I ran in college to escape dorm parties and because they didn't let you have a car on campus for the first semester. After college, life got busy and I put my old friend running to the side. I did honor the time running and I spent together all those years by giving back as a track coach, and for a long while that was enough. As I was contemplating my own mortality, running kept whispering in my ear that she was there. So, in June of 2011, I took my kids to the all comers meets at Emory University thinking that would quite the voice. Here running, I'm giving you the next generation to make friends with. That wasn't enough to quite the voice. In July I volunteered at the Peachtree Road Race handing out tee shirts, and because running has a sense of humor, I was assigned to hand out tee shirts, in 90 degree heat. After that day I decided it would be easier to run than hand out tee shirts to 60,000 runners! Brian and the kids thought this would be a phase that would pass when school started. Brian even trained with me for the first 5k. When the running kept happening when school started, everyone realized they were getting on the road whether they liked it or not!
That's where the journey begins. Look from some posts from my husband, after all, he has to be the adult that lives with me. The kids may post some things to on what it's like to be a member of a marathon support crew (whether you like it or not because your mother is crazy) and of course I'll be writing frequently to keep the running voice pacified.
Thanks for reading!
Steff
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