The Verdict

Apparently, my style of play doesn't fit into the coach's. It wasn't the board afterall. It was the head coach that I wasn't able to impress. If it had been my fitness level that was an issue, I would have been happy because that is something I can always improve on, something I can change. My style of play, however, is just that, MY style of play. I tried to conform, I tried to fit in, I tried to change my old habits, but obviously, not hard enough, or not at all, as far as this guy is concerned. I could be mean and say what's really on my mind, but I will hold back and chalk this up to God challenging me to change a part of me that is unappealing. Maybe I've had too much pride, maybe I've been too impatient with someone who is lacking in a skill that I take foregranted. Whatever the necessary change may be, I'll follow through. The wound is still fresh. My spirit and self confidence are still non-existant, but I have not and will never forget that I have been blessed with working limbs, and an above average level of athleticism. I'm running more now, and I am enjoying it rather than looking at it as another chore associated with getting fit for the once beloved soccer. I've left that homeless soccer cleat where the dog left it... maybe I'll pick it up again, maybe I won't, but I won't shut it out altogether. I've made too many friends through it, and the women's program would not have gotten this far without my "style of play" whether it fits into the current program or not.

I've had my day in the sun, now I'm done.

No soccer = More family time

John and Mia. Such a Daddy's girl!

JB's new tooth coming in!

Is this my Mia?! Caught her "reading" again.

Ironic. We don't leave shoes out because the dogs take them. I throw out my cleats because I hate soccer (I'm still mad) and they bring them back, ha!

Well, the great thing about not training anymore is that I am home more, and with John getting home early from Andersen, we are spending more time together as a family. JB is loving it because that means he gets to play outside after school everday now!

Tiff's team is doing pretty good. They tied two games and lost two, but the two losses weren't blowouts. I guess having Tiff play defense keeps them looking pretty good, but it would be nice to get a few more goals on the board. I can't wait to have her home. I miss her very much.

Mia is getting bigger everyday and it's probably because the girl eats so much. John and I are shocked at what this girl can put away! Her favorite meal these days is beans and rice. Last night she had her dinner (she couldn't wait for me to finish cooking) and then when we were eating our adobo, she kept saying "Eat, eat!" like she hadn't been fed since noon.

John is in training right now so they're day is pretty short. He's home by 4pm daily and just LOVES it. He gets home and cleans the house before we get back. It's so good to have him around more often.

Me?! I'm mad! I spoke with Cheri. She said she fought hard for me with the board. From what I gather, it was more the GFA board that cut me than the coaches. I'll give an update on that as soon as I get more details. If I find out that they cut me because of my weight and run times ON TOP of my age, I'm going to make them eat their words come July 1st. I may have thrown away my cleats by I'm putting time in on my runners. Clueless board members who never even show their face at our practices, have never physically trained for anything in their life, some who have not even touched a soccer ball, should not be making decisions regarding a team roster. If it's just because I suck, then I'm retiring.

:(

I didn't make the cut. I'm burning my cleats and taking up running.

John and Mia enjoying some "Quality Time".

Mia is finally looking at books!

Always working the camera, these two.

Mia's got a cold! Caught her mid-sneeze, haha! Don't toss your cookies.

Well, it's my 35th birthday today. I don't feel ancient, but I'm quick to tire. That could just be from chasing the kids around. I'm waiting for word from GFA to see if I made the roster for this tournament coming up in July. Part of me will be disappointed (the competitive part) because it would mean failure, but a HUGE part of me (the busy one) would be relieved to not make the team. With John working up at Andersen, he has to be at work by 7am, if not earlier most days. I don't know who would take Mia to daycare and JB to summer camp while I have to live with the team for 6 days. The roster is supposed to be posted this afternoon.

Tiff left for JAPAN (Not Okinawa!) this morning. She'll be gone til the 26th. I'm hoping she'll have some fun and then come home to work her butt off to get some decent grades this quarter.

I had a wisdom tooth extracted this past Thursday and now the left side of my face is swollen. It hurts! Everytime I talk to someone I can see their eyes come to rest on my cheek with that "what the heck?" look on their face, haha! They try to look away from the fat cheek, but the eyes go right back to it. I should say something, but it's just so funny to watch!

JB lost his first tooth. He took it to school and lost it. I told him that I would vouch for him to the tooth fairy and hopefully she'd be nice and give him his quarter anyway. He said "Can you ask her for a dollar?".

I'm sorry to inform you that Mia isn't as sweet as she looks in the pictures. She has developed quite an attitude. Lord help the toy that doesn't work for her! She tosses those puppies across the room and then will kick the nearest object in frustration. If you touch her food, she will drop it and then spit out the food in her mouth, even wiping off the soggy bits in disgust. I have NO idea how this has come about. She's clocked a minute in time out for pulling JB's hair because he wouldn't give up HIS toys to her. Man! I'm going to have a rough time with JB and her.

Anyway, we're counting down the days leading up to Tiff's departure for "America". I wish we could join her but I'd have to sell my soul for tickets. Have fun with her!

Esta later,
Blan

Tiff is going to Okinawa

Hi, guys!

Tiffany is leaving on the 19th to Okinawa for the Far East Tournament. They placed 4th in regular play, so not THAT bad, but... I want to go, but holy high ticket prices! It would cost me almost $600 when I can probaby ride a current there on a kayak. I'll post the tournament website so you can check for results. They're going to have some Guam High Panthers for dinner out there, but hopefully they'll have fun this year. Last year there was way too much drama between the girls resulting in a disconnect that was obvious on the field. Oh, and I was probaby too traumatized to tell you all, but Tiffany got a red card for kicking the ball out in frustration after a whistle. Can you imagine, she didn't tell me about it, so I'm walking up to the other parents at the airport all cheerful, ready to pick up my girl and as soon as they see me they ask "did you hear about your daughter?"? Whaaaa?? So, hopefully, this year, with a better team captain and more Moms going with the team there'll be less attitude and more soccer coming out of the girls.

Wish Tiffany good luck! Not only for some good games, but I'm hoping the coach with let her play midfield there and not defense the whole time. She's so creative when she has room to play with the ball. The coach has her playing in the back for her good ball handling and speed, but she doesn't like it. I give her credit for not having an attitude about it and playing her best. I hope he will too and reward her with some midfield time!

Esta later, family. Love and miss you terribly.

JB in his second year playing soccer. He's still a butterfly chaser, but he has a lot of fun.

Mia is such a smiley baby!

Tiff and TK going to his prom (don't worry. He's a good kid).

So much to do, so little time!

I'm finding that I don't have as much time as I'd like to keep in touch with those of you in "America" individually. I've created this blog to post pictures and keep you updated on the kids because I want you to watch them grow. I don't want you to not recognize them when we finally raise enough funds selling hot dogs to come visit in 10 years.

We miss you guys.