HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CATHY!!! (29 August)
The girls and I went out to eat last night. Tia left the baby at home with the Husband, Jessie and I went to dinner...again. On our way to Coco's, I remembered it was my cousin, Cathy's birthday. So, as I am driving "legally" with my cell phone, I "call" Cathy. She doesn't answer, so we sing "Cover Girl" by New Kids on the Block, and I shout "Happy Birthday, Cathy!" and also some other non-shares about the upcoming New Kids concert.
...
Dinner is over and I glance at my phone to see what calls I have missed, then I noticed that I had an outgoing call to someone named "Carly." Interesting...
...
Not sure I know anyone named, "Carly." Biscuits and Gravy!!! I called the wrong person! Now, someone out there in the San Jose area has the lovely, dulcet tones of three hot women, singing on her voice mail. Who knew? I am not sure I should have been driving last night, I was so tired, but I was. And you know what??? No one died. We got close, I'm not saying we didn't, but no one died. The only thing that suffered a death, was that little piece inside all of us that dies when we realize we did something completely, utterly retarded, and there were witnesses to retell the story later.
ej
30 August 2008
27 August 2008
Success!
Success! Yes, it was a success! Did we add a tally in the "W" column? No. However, for me personally, the first match is out of the way, and I had a great time learning, growing, and watching myself hit the ball into the net over and over again. =) There is merit in every challenging experience, even when sometimes the lesson is repeated 15 times in the course of 25 seconds.
My partner, Shashi, was really great! The whole first set was filled with both of us try to convince ourselves to relax, and eventually by the second to the last game of the first set, we started to actually feel it. My serve that usually goes in, and I don't usually have issues double faulting...well, I double faulted so many times, I about wanted to spit on my racquet. I had a lot of fun. I like feeling that competive pressure. It wasn't a lot of pressure, but it was good. Keeps the adrenaline up. I wasn't as composed as I would like to be when competing, but I reckon that will come the more I play. I sure hope I get a few more opportunities to play before the season ends.
The weather was nice, and I finally started breaking a good sweat during our never-ending game towards the end of the first set. Game six...whew! I must have served 50 times during that game. Literally! We were in Deuce for what seemed an eternity, and had to replay points at least four or five times, due to balls flying into our court from the matches going on around us. Shashi was right! We were meant to win that game. Who knew we would have to fight so hard to get it???
I need to hit more often so I can get back some consistency! I don't have the confidence I need to win just yet, but I know that comes in time and with effort! Hurrah! Hurrah! It will be on after I put a little more time in!
Official score: 1-6, 3-6 (But there were a lot of close games)!!!
ej
My partner, Shashi, was really great! The whole first set was filled with both of us try to convince ourselves to relax, and eventually by the second to the last game of the first set, we started to actually feel it. My serve that usually goes in, and I don't usually have issues double faulting...well, I double faulted so many times, I about wanted to spit on my racquet. I had a lot of fun. I like feeling that competive pressure. It wasn't a lot of pressure, but it was good. Keeps the adrenaline up. I wasn't as composed as I would like to be when competing, but I reckon that will come the more I play. I sure hope I get a few more opportunities to play before the season ends.
The weather was nice, and I finally started breaking a good sweat during our never-ending game towards the end of the first set. Game six...whew! I must have served 50 times during that game. Literally! We were in Deuce for what seemed an eternity, and had to replay points at least four or five times, due to balls flying into our court from the matches going on around us. Shashi was right! We were meant to win that game. Who knew we would have to fight so hard to get it???
I need to hit more often so I can get back some consistency! I don't have the confidence I need to win just yet, but I know that comes in time and with effort! Hurrah! Hurrah! It will be on after I put a little more time in!
Official score: 1-6, 3-6 (But there were a lot of close games)!!!
ej
26 August 2008
Excitement in the Air - Be like, Novak!
Tonight, is my first official competitive tennis match in over a decade. *Deep breath and exhale slowly* Yes, I am excited. Yes, I am nervous. Yes, I am scared that we will be beaten into pulp. We have been getting our backsides handed to us in nearly every match. We are playing in a league up, so victories are hard to come by, it seems.
It is a developmental season, preparing for March's competitive season. However, for me, I don't like to lose. I can lose with a smile, but I don't like to lose. Mostly, I don't like to lose to myself. To commit unforced errors and lose a match because you handed them over half their points...not to my liking.
However, not that I am expecting to lose, in fact, I am expecting to win! My partner, Shashi, is really great to play with. We have only played a couple times together, and both of us are singles players. This has pros and cons to both sides. One of our biggest challenges has been communication. When you play singles, you play the whole court. In doubles you share the court, and when you decide to switch sides, you need to let each other know. Also, in singles you can go after everything yourself, and in doubles your partner will be there to back you up. Communication is so important, and yet, we are just now learning to talk to each other. She is super nice, and is really down to earth.
The ladies we played with last night were a little on the scary side, but they were cool. They are of the more vintage variety, but can really put the ball where it needs to be. I hope to be as good as they are soon, and just as good when I am their age, if not better! We lost both sets, but it was close most of the way. We made a good comeback and they won in the tie-break the first set 6-7(5), and we lost the second set 4-6.
I used to have a strong backhand, now...it's not so strong. I for sure need to work on my backhand side. They tore me up on it last night. If I had even a decent backhand, we probably would have won. But, they saw the weakness and exploited it. I even got aced. I hate that! I at least want to touch it with my racquet. But she got me clean away! I had to regain composure mentally after that. I smiled on the outside, but was ready to spit on the inside. Just at myself I was upset. At least get a tip! Just make contact with the ball somehow! Move my feet! So, I double faulted after they won the game on the ace. I don't double fault too often, but one double fault is one too many as far as I am concerned!
It was a lot of fun. Even Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic have to learn from each game or practice. I learned a ton, and relearned a ton. I am really looking forward to playing tonight! =)
ej
It is a developmental season, preparing for March's competitive season. However, for me, I don't like to lose. I can lose with a smile, but I don't like to lose. Mostly, I don't like to lose to myself. To commit unforced errors and lose a match because you handed them over half their points...not to my liking.
However, not that I am expecting to lose, in fact, I am expecting to win! My partner, Shashi, is really great to play with. We have only played a couple times together, and both of us are singles players. This has pros and cons to both sides. One of our biggest challenges has been communication. When you play singles, you play the whole court. In doubles you share the court, and when you decide to switch sides, you need to let each other know. Also, in singles you can go after everything yourself, and in doubles your partner will be there to back you up. Communication is so important, and yet, we are just now learning to talk to each other. She is super nice, and is really down to earth.
The ladies we played with last night were a little on the scary side, but they were cool. They are of the more vintage variety, but can really put the ball where it needs to be. I hope to be as good as they are soon, and just as good when I am their age, if not better! We lost both sets, but it was close most of the way. We made a good comeback and they won in the tie-break the first set 6-7(5), and we lost the second set 4-6.
I used to have a strong backhand, now...it's not so strong. I for sure need to work on my backhand side. They tore me up on it last night. If I had even a decent backhand, we probably would have won. But, they saw the weakness and exploited it. I even got aced. I hate that! I at least want to touch it with my racquet. But she got me clean away! I had to regain composure mentally after that. I smiled on the outside, but was ready to spit on the inside. Just at myself I was upset. At least get a tip! Just make contact with the ball somehow! Move my feet! So, I double faulted after they won the game on the ace. I don't double fault too often, but one double fault is one too many as far as I am concerned!
It was a lot of fun. Even Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic have to learn from each game or practice. I learned a ton, and relearned a ton. I am really looking forward to playing tonight! =)
ej
23 August 2008
Weekend Fun
I was so tired on Friday that I almost bailed on Brianne's "Celebrating her passing of some Nursing exam" dinner, but I went anyway. First thing I did was buy a caffeine loaded beverage. =) I am really glad I made it to dinner, because I got to talk to some of my friends I rarely get to see. There were a few people from the Singles ward there, but not anyone I knew really well, and three "marrieds."
I didn't even know Jenny and Mike were back from Guam, nor did I know they were living in Gilroy now! Jenny (aka La Yeni) is one of my favorite people! She looks so great and later in the evening; she and I had a great time dancing! Tiff and Nols were there, as well as George and Lindsey. We all got to catch up over dinner and so come actual party time at Bri's, it was all dancing!
I am glad Lindsey and George are so laid back. George is one of my favorite dance partners. Since he is a fireman, he knows how to be a pole! Hahahaha! We were not super naughty, but there were a few George sandwiches made Friday night! Lindsey and I made sure of it! Not only that, but the most least likely person in the house, Christian Peel, had the wonderful pleasure of being danced with by four girls at one time!!! It was so funny! Did he dance with us??? Not really! He just put his hands in the air and spun around in circles shouting "WOOOOOOOO!!!! WOOOOOOOO!!!!!" So funny! He may have missed the object of the exercise! ;)
Jessie definitely lived up to hear "pole dancer" status (she really did take a pole dancing class, for the record). The only thing though...I even told her this at one point of the evening...she had one speed! Hahahaha! She needs to get married soon, that's all I'm saying!
Even though there were technically more men than women at the party, most of them just stood by like bumps on a log, while all the girls danced with each other. Or, they were outside playing video games! You have to respect guys like George and Jordan, even Christian. They may not be the best dancers, or have the most rhythm, but the girls like to dance, so they get out there anyway to make the women happy. Women are easier to understand than men might think. We don't care if you dance well, just grab us by the hips, or take us by the hand, depending on the circumstance, and lead us on the dance floor. That's HOT!!! Be confident, or fake it till you make it! There is a quote from a song I heard on a movie the other day..."Well does he take you out dancin' just so he can hold you close?" I really liked that line, because I think that is what girls want. Wouldn't making your girl happy be enough to at least take her out on the dance floor once in awhile? I'm just saying.
I felt bad for all these wonderful girls out there dancing, and all the boys looking on. Only to find out later, that half of them wants to take one of them out. In fact, one of them came up to me after the party to ask about one of my friends. (First of all, be a man! Don't disrespect one woman to get info on another. Should that girl decide to tell her friend that you asked, that is a turn-off). He stood by and watched her dance all night long, and never got out there to dance with her. How is she going to notice his interest if he is hiding in a corner? When she wasn't dancing, he didn't talk to her. I understand being shy, I am not the most outgoing person in the world, but there are times to man up. So many wonderful women, and no men to take them out? Just scared boys...it makes me sad for those guys that are missing out on great women. I am not a man hater, just feeling sad that they haven't taken the opportunity to spend time with quality young women. I won't quote directly what some of the girls said to each other while dancing, you'll have to ask me about it in person, but it made me feel so sad.
ej
I didn't even know Jenny and Mike were back from Guam, nor did I know they were living in Gilroy now! Jenny (aka La Yeni) is one of my favorite people! She looks so great and later in the evening; she and I had a great time dancing! Tiff and Nols were there, as well as George and Lindsey. We all got to catch up over dinner and so come actual party time at Bri's, it was all dancing!
I am glad Lindsey and George are so laid back. George is one of my favorite dance partners. Since he is a fireman, he knows how to be a pole! Hahahaha! We were not super naughty, but there were a few George sandwiches made Friday night! Lindsey and I made sure of it! Not only that, but the most least likely person in the house, Christian Peel, had the wonderful pleasure of being danced with by four girls at one time!!! It was so funny! Did he dance with us??? Not really! He just put his hands in the air and spun around in circles shouting "WOOOOOOOO!!!! WOOOOOOOO!!!!!" So funny! He may have missed the object of the exercise! ;)
Jessie definitely lived up to hear "pole dancer" status (she really did take a pole dancing class, for the record). The only thing though...I even told her this at one point of the evening...she had one speed! Hahahaha! She needs to get married soon, that's all I'm saying!
Even though there were technically more men than women at the party, most of them just stood by like bumps on a log, while all the girls danced with each other. Or, they were outside playing video games! You have to respect guys like George and Jordan, even Christian. They may not be the best dancers, or have the most rhythm, but the girls like to dance, so they get out there anyway to make the women happy. Women are easier to understand than men might think. We don't care if you dance well, just grab us by the hips, or take us by the hand, depending on the circumstance, and lead us on the dance floor. That's HOT!!! Be confident, or fake it till you make it! There is a quote from a song I heard on a movie the other day..."Well does he take you out dancin' just so he can hold you close?" I really liked that line, because I think that is what girls want. Wouldn't making your girl happy be enough to at least take her out on the dance floor once in awhile? I'm just saying.
I felt bad for all these wonderful girls out there dancing, and all the boys looking on. Only to find out later, that half of them wants to take one of them out. In fact, one of them came up to me after the party to ask about one of my friends. (First of all, be a man! Don't disrespect one woman to get info on another. Should that girl decide to tell her friend that you asked, that is a turn-off). He stood by and watched her dance all night long, and never got out there to dance with her. How is she going to notice his interest if he is hiding in a corner? When she wasn't dancing, he didn't talk to her. I understand being shy, I am not the most outgoing person in the world, but there are times to man up. So many wonderful women, and no men to take them out? Just scared boys...it makes me sad for those guys that are missing out on great women. I am not a man hater, just feeling sad that they haven't taken the opportunity to spend time with quality young women. I won't quote directly what some of the girls said to each other while dancing, you'll have to ask me about it in person, but it made me feel so sad.
ej
21 August 2008
A Very Full Day
I skipped my morning workout to make sure I made it into the office for about an hour before heading up to Oakland for Kelli's sealing. I thought this to be a good decision, since I was going to be missing so much work this week. I didn't know this meant I would be in heels from six thirty in the morning until I got home close to six in the evening!
I am all for getting dolled up, but I also love to be comfortable!!! As soon as I got home, I kicked off my heels and pretended to be interested in helping the missionaries and my roommates move things around in our garage. I was so wiped out, and I think suffering from a bit of dehydration that my efforts were frivolous indeed! The elders are due back on Friday, but I might have to reschedule as I will be having to come to the office Friday afternoon. =( Rent is due soon, so the hours will be nice on my paycheck!
Side note: I was sitting here at my desk enjoying the most wonderful mango! I thought perhaps I was just in need of whatever nutrients the mango contained, when my co-worker, Bud, asked "are they not the best mangoes???" I completely agreed with him and as he walked away he shouted "they are like candy!" This is truly the best mango I think I have ever had. Random, I know, but just felt the need to express the amazing-ness of the most delectable mango ever!!! :)
I just got another job working as a tennis instructor. I don't have all the details just yet, but I am excited to start in mid September! I got the job purely on references and have yet to meet my new employer! It is nothing serious, but I am very excited. I love coaching and teaching people about sports or hobbies I enjoy. Sharing my passion with others is such a great thing to me, and it is very fulfilling to watch people (especially children) learn and grow, and to see their own progress. Confidence shines brightly through their eyes, and posture! Confident people are attractive to me!
Kelli's Sealing...
I was so happy to be a part of her special day. It was a small intimate group in the temple for her sealing. I would like to have something very similar. I don't need to make it a huge hullabaloo. It's a very special thing and I would like to share it with those I am closest to. She had 15 people gathered around her all family, less me, and I felt honored to be there as her friend. Everyone came up to me and said, "you must be the friend." It was very tender. I also saw her parents for the first time, and I was impressed by them.
All the couples in the room were all holding hands from the time we started up the stairwell, and it was beautiful. The first thing said by the person about to marry Neil and Kelli, was to always hold hands, because it was a symbol of their love for each other. He also said that television has destroyed the way people view how conflict should be resolved. I was impressed by his words of counsel. They were not flowery, or well practiced. His words were humble, and close to his heart. During his words, he looked to his wife who was also in attendance and she always smiled back, with beaming eyes of adoration. It was better than in the movies. It was simple, and pure. I felt so much love in the room and it wasn't just love between the couple about to be married. The love of family, and friends, parents to children, and so on. It was a very deeply moving occasion. It is no wonder, I was so exhausted when I came home last night!
The mid-week BBQ...
I ended up passing out for a nap until almost nine o'clock! I was supposed to help Tia organize the garage, but that didn't exactly work out. We did, however, make it to the store to buy water and some other essentials. When I awoke from my nap, I noticed Tia struggling to BBQ some tri-tip. I offered my services to actually getting the meet cooked! HEH! Let's just say, she is great at prepping the food to be Q'd, but not necessarily great at getting the coals hot and the meat actually cooked. Our BBQ is kind of on the cheap side (a Wal-Mart special), so it takes some...finessing to really get the coals going. I had been using my cardboard fan, and until a few weeks ago, the elders and HC (Heather Carter), used the box fan. It was a lot less work to get the coals burning. After a few minutes of getting the coals burning with my fan, Tia ran to get the extension cord and we brought out the box fan! Fun times at the Bryan Avenue Pad!
The food ended up being pretty darn tasty, and we even put some fresh green beans in some foil, with a few splashes of olive oil, and fresh minced garlic and threw that on the grill as well. That is quite the mid-week feast if you ask me! Sigh...is it September yet???
NKOTB concert countdown...when will it begin??? Jessie has burned a NKOTB cd and put it in her car in preparation for the historic concert! I am getting excited!!!
ej
I am all for getting dolled up, but I also love to be comfortable!!! As soon as I got home, I kicked off my heels and pretended to be interested in helping the missionaries and my roommates move things around in our garage. I was so wiped out, and I think suffering from a bit of dehydration that my efforts were frivolous indeed! The elders are due back on Friday, but I might have to reschedule as I will be having to come to the office Friday afternoon. =( Rent is due soon, so the hours will be nice on my paycheck!
Side note: I was sitting here at my desk enjoying the most wonderful mango! I thought perhaps I was just in need of whatever nutrients the mango contained, when my co-worker, Bud, asked "are they not the best mangoes???" I completely agreed with him and as he walked away he shouted "they are like candy!" This is truly the best mango I think I have ever had. Random, I know, but just felt the need to express the amazing-ness of the most delectable mango ever!!! :)
I just got another job working as a tennis instructor. I don't have all the details just yet, but I am excited to start in mid September! I got the job purely on references and have yet to meet my new employer! It is nothing serious, but I am very excited. I love coaching and teaching people about sports or hobbies I enjoy. Sharing my passion with others is such a great thing to me, and it is very fulfilling to watch people (especially children) learn and grow, and to see their own progress. Confidence shines brightly through their eyes, and posture! Confident people are attractive to me!
Kelli's Sealing...
I was so happy to be a part of her special day. It was a small intimate group in the temple for her sealing. I would like to have something very similar. I don't need to make it a huge hullabaloo. It's a very special thing and I would like to share it with those I am closest to. She had 15 people gathered around her all family, less me, and I felt honored to be there as her friend. Everyone came up to me and said, "you must be the friend." It was very tender. I also saw her parents for the first time, and I was impressed by them.
All the couples in the room were all holding hands from the time we started up the stairwell, and it was beautiful. The first thing said by the person about to marry Neil and Kelli, was to always hold hands, because it was a symbol of their love for each other. He also said that television has destroyed the way people view how conflict should be resolved. I was impressed by his words of counsel. They were not flowery, or well practiced. His words were humble, and close to his heart. During his words, he looked to his wife who was also in attendance and she always smiled back, with beaming eyes of adoration. It was better than in the movies. It was simple, and pure. I felt so much love in the room and it wasn't just love between the couple about to be married. The love of family, and friends, parents to children, and so on. It was a very deeply moving occasion. It is no wonder, I was so exhausted when I came home last night!
The mid-week BBQ...
I ended up passing out for a nap until almost nine o'clock! I was supposed to help Tia organize the garage, but that didn't exactly work out. We did, however, make it to the store to buy water and some other essentials. When I awoke from my nap, I noticed Tia struggling to BBQ some tri-tip. I offered my services to actually getting the meet cooked! HEH! Let's just say, she is great at prepping the food to be Q'd, but not necessarily great at getting the coals hot and the meat actually cooked. Our BBQ is kind of on the cheap side (a Wal-Mart special), so it takes some...finessing to really get the coals going. I had been using my cardboard fan, and until a few weeks ago, the elders and HC (Heather Carter), used the box fan. It was a lot less work to get the coals burning. After a few minutes of getting the coals burning with my fan, Tia ran to get the extension cord and we brought out the box fan! Fun times at the Bryan Avenue Pad!
The food ended up being pretty darn tasty, and we even put some fresh green beans in some foil, with a few splashes of olive oil, and fresh minced garlic and threw that on the grill as well. That is quite the mid-week feast if you ask me! Sigh...is it September yet???
NKOTB concert countdown...when will it begin??? Jessie has burned a NKOTB cd and put it in her car in preparation for the historic concert! I am getting excited!!!
ej
12 August 2008
Early Morning Swim
Today, Jessie and I went for a nice swim at the gym. She was at my house at 0445 and we were in the pool not long after that. I managed to get in the pool with less difficulty, as the water seemed to be not as cold.
Per usual, I made my way into the pool with my "region by region" method. Ankles. Knees. Hips. Cover the goods, then go in up to my waist. Hold it there. Hold. Hold. Okay...hold...hold...bounce a bit...hold...consdier getting out and going home...hold...cover up the ladies with my hands and then...hold...hold...deep breath...hold it...hold it...GO!!! Exhale sharply in the water asking yourself "why oh why?" Then...come out of the water and be cool, so your friends don't know how badly you really wanted to run straight from the pool into the sauna for 20 seconds of warmth, then go home to your lonely and cold, but warmer than the pool bed.
As the swim lesson was ending, a lady came into the pool unaware of the written and unwritten "Rules of the Pool." A gentleman in the furthest from the steps lane, also referred to as a "swim lane" or "fast lane," politely explained to her that the "light swimming" or "walking" (more affectionately called "talking") lane was the lane closest to the steps and ladder. She walked over and sat on the steps and asked us if we were aware of any rules for the lanes. Being fairly well versed, Jessie and I recited them to her, and she said "I didn't know there were rules. I only saw the sign that says 20 minute time limit." She was a sweet lady, and I think having us relate the rules to her made her feel less like she was being pushed out by the bigger, stronger people in the fast lane. Since I was instructing Jessie on swimming techniques, this made "Lane One" the perfect choice for us. She then became happier and more at ease when we explained this to her.
When we returned to my house, I decided something to drink was in order. When I pulled the refrigerator door open, the pitcher of grape juice came flying out. The Nargles had booby trapped the juice!!! There was now a wonderful regal flowage of juice all over the floor and inside the refrigerator. I had the great opportunity to wipe everything down, and watch my sponge turn from green to purple-ish stained, and my poor t-shirt that just happened to be sitting on a chair that I used to absorb the main puddle with. Not sure how that is going to look later. Perhaps I'll get lucky and it will look like a "cool" tie dye shirt from the seventies...but different. We'll see!
The good news is that I remembered to bring my raqcuet bag to work with me today, as I have a singles match today with a lady at the club. =)
ej
Per usual, I made my way into the pool with my "region by region" method. Ankles. Knees. Hips. Cover the goods, then go in up to my waist. Hold it there. Hold. Hold. Okay...hold...hold...bounce a bit...hold...consdier getting out and going home...hold...cover up the ladies with my hands and then...hold...hold...deep breath...hold it...hold it...GO!!! Exhale sharply in the water asking yourself "why oh why?" Then...come out of the water and be cool, so your friends don't know how badly you really wanted to run straight from the pool into the sauna for 20 seconds of warmth, then go home to your lonely and cold, but warmer than the pool bed.
As the swim lesson was ending, a lady came into the pool unaware of the written and unwritten "Rules of the Pool." A gentleman in the furthest from the steps lane, also referred to as a "swim lane" or "fast lane," politely explained to her that the "light swimming" or "walking" (more affectionately called "talking") lane was the lane closest to the steps and ladder. She walked over and sat on the steps and asked us if we were aware of any rules for the lanes. Being fairly well versed, Jessie and I recited them to her, and she said "I didn't know there were rules. I only saw the sign that says 20 minute time limit." She was a sweet lady, and I think having us relate the rules to her made her feel less like she was being pushed out by the bigger, stronger people in the fast lane. Since I was instructing Jessie on swimming techniques, this made "Lane One" the perfect choice for us. She then became happier and more at ease when we explained this to her.
When we returned to my house, I decided something to drink was in order. When I pulled the refrigerator door open, the pitcher of grape juice came flying out. The Nargles had booby trapped the juice!!! There was now a wonderful regal flowage of juice all over the floor and inside the refrigerator. I had the great opportunity to wipe everything down, and watch my sponge turn from green to purple-ish stained, and my poor t-shirt that just happened to be sitting on a chair that I used to absorb the main puddle with. Not sure how that is going to look later. Perhaps I'll get lucky and it will look like a "cool" tie dye shirt from the seventies...but different. We'll see!
The good news is that I remembered to bring my raqcuet bag to work with me today, as I have a singles match today with a lady at the club. =)
ej
08 August 2008
“Do I get a gold star???” – Jessie Cruz on 01Aug08
For several months, my friend Jessie has been bugging me about getting to the gym for a swim. I used to “swim for fitness” some years ago when my good friend, Carleen, taught me to swim and do fun flip turns. A few weeks ago, I finally gave Jessie a call on my day off so we could hit the pool!
Normally, when a person invites me to swim at the gym, my understanding is that we are going to “swim for fitness” or swim laps. When I finally was submerged in the water and ready to go, I told Jessie that I was going to go light since it had been a long time since I had been swimming, and had played 3 hours of tennis earlier in the morning. “See you at the other end!” I told her and I was on my way!
I had decided not to wear contacts this day, so I was swimming a little blindly with my goggles, so I had asked Jessie to be my long distance eyes for me, since I may not notice someone getting into my lane. It’s a good thing I didn’t wear my Contacts that morning! As I reached the edge of the pool to see how my first lap went, I looked back to find Jessie. Despite my impaired vision, I could sense something was amiss. Had I had a better visual on what was going on halfway across the pool, I may have been panic-stricken. I almost shouted out “Put your feet down! It’s only four feet!” But, I refrained, just in case I was wrong.
A few moments later, Jessie walked over adjusting her shorts and goggles. I asked if she was okay, and she said she just needed to adjust and that she had swallowed a bit of water. I offered her my leg buoy so that she could start off slower and that I would do my regular swim. She accepted it gratefully, but didn’t know how to use it, so I showed her, and as she put her face in the water for no more than 3 seconds to watch the demonstration, and she somehow, swallowed more water! I blew it off, thinking she just “accidentally inhaled water.” No big deal, right?
We started back down to the other end of the pool. About halfway across the pool, I took a breath on my right side, only to see out of the corner of my goggles that Jessie was not near me. I pulled up, and looked back. This time, she was standing there staring at me. “Are you okay?” I asked. Then a short pause…”Yes. I am fine. Are you supposed to put your head in the water when you swim?” I didn’t know what to say except to answer in the affirmative. I told her, that it was customary to put your head in the water when you swim. I offered to give her a few pointers to make her swimming more…efficient.
She was happy to get some tips, so I immediately went into coaching mode and started at the Advanced Beginner level and gave her two things to work on. Face in the water looking slightly ahead and turning your head to the side to breathe. Off she went for about two strokes. I quickly grabbed her leg to stop. Trying to hide the panic in my voice, I asked, “Jessie, do you know how to swim?” Her response, I will never forget…”When the occasion calls for it.” I stood there for a moment stunned at what she had just said. After months of her bugging me to come to the gym, only to finally get there to find out she doesn’t even know how to swim, it took all my energy not to laugh uncontrollably in front of her. I was in coaching mode, I’m a pickin’ professional!
I gave her a few more tips and sent her on her way again. Second verse, same as the first! I grabbed her leg and stopped her again. “Jessie??? Do you know how to float?” I won’t go into what her response was, but let’s just say we spent the next 45 minutes teaching her how to float on her back and belly. When she finally was picking up the basics of floating, we worked on an easy floating/swim drill. After about 20 minutes, she finally was able to make it halfway across the pool. When she came out of the water she jumped up and asked, “Do I get a gold star???” This question pulled me right out of Coaching Mode, and right into Erika Mode. “A gold star? How about a gold kick to the face?” We both erupted into laughter and decided to call it a morning.
I am pleased to announce, that since this dreadful and scary morning, Jessie is now able to swim the length of the pool four times before taking on water, has learned the basics of the breast stroke and working to improve her form, as well as perform a flip turn 1 out of 5 attempts. She has really come along quickly, and has been getting up early every morning, to be at my house at 445-500 nearly every weekday morning! She chose this time of day, not I, just for the record.
Lesson learned: Never ASSuME when invited to go to the gym for a swim, that they mean swim laps for fitness, nor that the person doing the inviting, actually knows how to swim. You might need to call 4-1-1 to get the number for 9-1-1.
ej
Normally, when a person invites me to swim at the gym, my understanding is that we are going to “swim for fitness” or swim laps. When I finally was submerged in the water and ready to go, I told Jessie that I was going to go light since it had been a long time since I had been swimming, and had played 3 hours of tennis earlier in the morning. “See you at the other end!” I told her and I was on my way!
I had decided not to wear contacts this day, so I was swimming a little blindly with my goggles, so I had asked Jessie to be my long distance eyes for me, since I may not notice someone getting into my lane. It’s a good thing I didn’t wear my Contacts that morning! As I reached the edge of the pool to see how my first lap went, I looked back to find Jessie. Despite my impaired vision, I could sense something was amiss. Had I had a better visual on what was going on halfway across the pool, I may have been panic-stricken. I almost shouted out “Put your feet down! It’s only four feet!” But, I refrained, just in case I was wrong.
A few moments later, Jessie walked over adjusting her shorts and goggles. I asked if she was okay, and she said she just needed to adjust and that she had swallowed a bit of water. I offered her my leg buoy so that she could start off slower and that I would do my regular swim. She accepted it gratefully, but didn’t know how to use it, so I showed her, and as she put her face in the water for no more than 3 seconds to watch the demonstration, and she somehow, swallowed more water! I blew it off, thinking she just “accidentally inhaled water.” No big deal, right?
We started back down to the other end of the pool. About halfway across the pool, I took a breath on my right side, only to see out of the corner of my goggles that Jessie was not near me. I pulled up, and looked back. This time, she was standing there staring at me. “Are you okay?” I asked. Then a short pause…”Yes. I am fine. Are you supposed to put your head in the water when you swim?” I didn’t know what to say except to answer in the affirmative. I told her, that it was customary to put your head in the water when you swim. I offered to give her a few pointers to make her swimming more…efficient.
She was happy to get some tips, so I immediately went into coaching mode and started at the Advanced Beginner level and gave her two things to work on. Face in the water looking slightly ahead and turning your head to the side to breathe. Off she went for about two strokes. I quickly grabbed her leg to stop. Trying to hide the panic in my voice, I asked, “Jessie, do you know how to swim?” Her response, I will never forget…”When the occasion calls for it.” I stood there for a moment stunned at what she had just said. After months of her bugging me to come to the gym, only to finally get there to find out she doesn’t even know how to swim, it took all my energy not to laugh uncontrollably in front of her. I was in coaching mode, I’m a pickin’ professional!
I gave her a few more tips and sent her on her way again. Second verse, same as the first! I grabbed her leg and stopped her again. “Jessie??? Do you know how to float?” I won’t go into what her response was, but let’s just say we spent the next 45 minutes teaching her how to float on her back and belly. When she finally was picking up the basics of floating, we worked on an easy floating/swim drill. After about 20 minutes, she finally was able to make it halfway across the pool. When she came out of the water she jumped up and asked, “Do I get a gold star???” This question pulled me right out of Coaching Mode, and right into Erika Mode. “A gold star? How about a gold kick to the face?” We both erupted into laughter and decided to call it a morning.
I am pleased to announce, that since this dreadful and scary morning, Jessie is now able to swim the length of the pool four times before taking on water, has learned the basics of the breast stroke and working to improve her form, as well as perform a flip turn 1 out of 5 attempts. She has really come along quickly, and has been getting up early every morning, to be at my house at 445-500 nearly every weekday morning! She chose this time of day, not I, just for the record.
Lesson learned: Never ASSuME when invited to go to the gym for a swim, that they mean swim laps for fitness, nor that the person doing the inviting, actually knows how to swim. You might need to call 4-1-1 to get the number for 9-1-1.
ej
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