Lessons in Volleyball...

I was fortunate this past weekend to participate in the Nationals in Sherbrooke Quebec. I along with my team mates have decided to look upon this event as a lesson in life that came directly from the teachings of our competition. This is not like the wisdom provided by a teacher or a parent, but more like the insight offered in a UFC match where we cannot escape from the cage and the big sweaty psycho keeps kicking our butts.

Looking back some time before the lessons began, there are some great memories. I arrived in Montreal from New Brunswick after a great time at Circle Square thanks to Mrs. Gallagher, and suddenly I was charged to play. My Dad picked me up and we drove for a couple of hours to the hotel. There was no indication that I was totally exhausted from the trip until I hit the hotel and crashed for a few hours. After that I had some moments of total confusion about what time is was and generally what was going on. Maybe that is why I struggled a bit at the start of the first game where the first lesson began.

We should have won, but we didn’t because as a team we are totally unable to chill. I mean we have total panic attacks and completely freak out. That leads to bad passing, bad setting, not great hitting, and even spottier coverage. That leads to a chain reaction from our coach (coincidentally my Dad) that starts with his face tightening up followed shortly by his voice volume rising. This is often followed by someone being called off the bench and another person having a seat.

The real lesson came in the second game when a player I knew from Madawaska – call her Amazon for short – took us apart serve by serve and showed us that we really fail to pass well when under pressure. Well the rest of the day went along that same other even though we improved a lot from the start of the day.

This was a trend that continued the next day despite all of our efforts. We did win a game, and it felt great, but it was a short lived feeling as we fell back into our old ways. The final outcome was that we failed to medal, but you had probably already jumped to that conclusion on your own. However, I think back to the lesson that came out of it and it was overall positive, believe it or not.

I learned that we took a bunch of girls who had little volleyball experience and we worked hard to achieve things we never dreamed were possible. We then achieved the opportunity to attend nationals even though none of us honestly believed we would ever get there. Our coach told us day one that we would be going , but we really thought he might be crazy. Now we know different. We also learned that we can’t sit back and expect to win. We had to go out and take what we wanted because no one was going to just give it to us. These were all great lessons that will take me and my team mates into the next year of play for the Ravens. Anyone want to join us?

Volleyball Provincials

This weekend sure was an exciting one for me and my volleyball team "Royal City Ravens". Our weekend started of at 11:00 on Friday morning ranked 56th out of 70 teams in Ontario, because of an unfortunate loss in an earlier tournament. Even with this low ranking, we went into provincials with a good attitude, and definate improvement in skills.

Our first 3 games went by without any issues, and as my Dad, or 'Coach Jason' would say, we put on a clinic. In one of the games, I managed to serve 21 serves in a row, out of the 25 points. So, with all of our success that day, everyone was pumped for Saturdays game...accept for the fact that it was at 8:00 in the morning, which meant a 5:00 wake up call. Not cool. So lets just say, the morning came and went and we were still pretty much sleeping on the court, which led us to lose a game against a weaker team.

The rest of Saturdays games were successful and we were told that on Sunday we would be moving onto the quarter finals. But, once again we had an 8:00 game, but this time, it was a MUST win, because it would either lead us to 1st place, or 9th. So my dad told everyone to eat a lot of breakfast and drink a large Tims hot chocolate, hoping to wake us up and raise our energy level. Unfortunatly, I think our team had to much energy because we ended up hitting the ball so hard that we lost 19 points to hitting the ball out of the court. Not good. In the end we lost that game which meant that we had no chance in winning gold, but we still fought hard in the game that followed, and ended up winning to a team we had lost to earlier.

To conclude, my first experience of provincials was a very good one, and I can't wait until nationals next month!

Bucket list

Don’t rush me! According the average life expectancy charts I still have some time to go. If anyone has seen the Bucket List you will now that the result of fulfilling it is not necessarily positive. But, I get the concept we are working toward here so I will play along. I would prefer to look at this like the Pot at the Beginning of my Rainbow instead of a rusty old bucket. Soooo, in my lovely shinny solid gold with diamonds encrusted pot I would like to put the following, with an option to add more items as time goes on:

1. Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). This will require me first to get my diving license (no ‘r’, yet) which I plan to do in the next couple of months so the only thing I need to figure out is how to make my way to Australia. I am thinking I could stow away in Katies luggage or something next year. Do you think she’ll notice? The great thing about Diving on the GBR is that it may easily lead in to the next thing on my list which is

2. Swimming with sharks. I know that this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and as you know sharks are one of my biggest fears in life, but think of it. Would it be cool to be within a breath of death while knowing that you have more things to complete on the Pot of Gold list so nothing can happen at that moment? I am generally terrified of sharks and the ocean in general so I thought this might help me in the end. Which brings me to the third thing on the list. While in Australia, I should do as the Aussies do and go

3. Bungy jumping. Hey they invented it and have been doing it reasonably safely for more years than I have been alive so I am all in. Some of you might have heard that roller coasters throw me off a bit (actually they make me throw up, but that is a different story) so you might doubt that I would strap a bunch of rubber bands to my ankles and jump off a perfectly good platform. However, I love the feeling of heights and the view would be great so. Height and scenery are the two aspect of my next item on the list which is to

4. Climb the Eiffel Tower. Built in Paris for the World Fair it was never meant to stay around this long (I learned that from my sister Lauren’s project), but it has ended up being an icon for Paris and a tourism magnet. MY parents think it is all a ruse to get to Europe, connect with Leena, and tour Paris and beyond. They are likely right, but hey if an educational trip to discover the marvels of steel engineering is what it takes then so be it. Maybe when Leena and I will make our way to Italy, since we are only a short train ride away, where I can

5. Learn Italian! Hey my Mom is part Italian, which makes me part too so it might be nice to understand my heritage. The good news is that I like pasta, bread, balsamic vinegar and oil so I won’t starve even if my language skills suffer from my lack of practice. You see, I believe that my Pot of Gold should bestow upon me the ability to speak Italian (and play the guitar, piano, and sing) with little to no practice. Isn’t this how life was supposed to go? I am finding out, bummer, that it takes more hard work than I had ever imagined so it might mean that I just have to stay longer in Italy!! Maybe if I am able to perfect my language and music skills, I can

6. Meet Justin Beiber. Maybe even on stage??! Ok, I know that is pushing it but wouldn’t everyone just freak if I did? I would. Consider that just a year ago Justin was hanging out a few kilometers from here trying not to get beat up by the nasty types at school. Now he is travelling the world, hanging out in Paris – maybe I can meet him at the Eiffel Tower, Hmmmm. Wow hoe things change. Did you ever think you would see Justin on TV on SNL like on Saturday? This makes me wonder if I can fulfill my next list item which is to

7. Be on TV! And not for getting arrested or anything like that. Something cool, something fun. I actually missed my debut opportunity at the Regional Science Fair when the news reporter interviewed the girl across from me, probably just making due because I wasn't there. I was probably over chatting with Cassie, or trying to avoid the judges, and missed my gig. Maybe next time... Which brings me to the last item on my April 2010 list and maybe the first item on my April 2011 Pot of Gold list. I want to

8. Go to at least 20 different places in the world!! I know this is not overly specific, but that is the beauty of it. When I get to each of these places, I can have a new list for every stop! That is the way to create a sense of eternity for myself. If I keep creating lists, then I need to be around to keep checking them off! With at least 69 years to go, I don’t want to limit myself to what I know now so I will keep my options open.

Harlem Globtrotters

When my Dad told us that we he had tickets for the Harlem Globetrotters I have to admit my first thought was “LAME!” Who are the Globetrotters? Well he seemed pretty excited about it so I thought I would give it a little latitude. Everything seemed to be rushed that day – my Mom was going to drive us which meant that there was a reasonable chance we were going to be late because my Dad was unexpectedly having to go to Vancouver. Great news, his flight was cancelled due some mechanical failure on the plane caused by lightning. Better before takeoff than after, that’s for sure. So it worked out that he was going to take us and since it was his idea it only seemed fair that he was now able to go. Perhaps the evening would work out after all.


So we get there and make out way down to our seats, right on the court, under the basket so I knew we would be right in the middle of the action. As we walked in the Globetrotter’s theme song was playing – you know it. The lights came up, the announcer left the court and the ball was put into play. This is when is started to get interesting.


The team played the infamous Generals who, in any normal situation, would be considered great players, but their shtick is to be the patsies on the court. I have never seen such control of the ball and dunking and passing in the game of basketball. Ok, the SJK guys team does well and they can run up the score, but they are a ways away from these guys when it comes to the finely tuned skills and what they can do in the air. My little sister Hillary got pulled up to the middle of the court and they made her run around the court, and spun a ball on her finger! That was entertaining but the funniest part was when one of the players came over, grabbed me, and started dancing with me. That was rather embarrassing. I guess he felt bad for me because later in the game he came over and threw his wrist band to me – kind of sweaty, kind of gross, but a good keep sake of the game.


After the game the line ups began to get autographs, meet the players, and generally get the public more involved in the whole event. It was pretty cool overall to see some of the best players in the world and what they can do when they put their minds to it. If you get the chance to go, it is an interesting use of a few hours. Go Globetrotters! Woot!

Summer!

Summer is my favourite time of year, I love the hot weather, and how you never have bundle up in snowsuits and have the fear that you will be frost bitten the moment you step outside. In the summer time, the world is full of colour, and you feel happy just to be outdoors. Not to mention the fact that summer is a great time to play beach volleyball.

I love the summer time because it's 3 months of freedom, no school, and nothing except for having fun and hanging out with friends. Although as most of you know, camp has not been a positive experience for me *cough* Tanamakoon *cough*. But, I do go to volleyball camp at the end of the summer, and I love it. As for the rest of the time, well it's all unplanned. Visiting friends and family is a good way to spend it though.

On the other hand, lets talk about winter. Last year, when me and my dad were driving up to north bay to visit my grandparents in the dead of winter, and bad things happened. For starters, on the way there, we almost ran our of gas in the middle of no where, and my fear of having to walk at night in the freezing cold was a big one. So after arriving safe and sound at my grandparents house, and after filling up on gas of course, we decided to call it a night. Later on the next day, it was time for us to leave, so my dad and I got in the car, and start to happily drive away, until...we smelled and awful smokey smell coming from the vents. My dad telling me "Oh, don't worry about it, it's just the car starting up." But it wasn't. Little did we know the oil from the front of the car had leaked out the night before onto the engine, because of the terrible winter weather. So therefore, the front of our car was basically burning. And that added a good 4 hours to our trip home.

In each season there are perks and things that are not so enjoyable, but to me, summer is the best season. Hanging out with friends, swimming, relaxing, and 3 months of nothing to do but that. What could be better?

After the screaming and dancing ended at some point reality would set in that I had won 40 million dollars. I would spend some on myself to get a few things I likely don’t really need and I may even share a bit with my sisters but my parents would want me to make better use of it than to just give it to the owners of TNA clothing and Coach stores. 40 million seems like a lot of money at first but the real value is in what is done with it.


If I wanted to help people in Haiti rebuild then 40 million really doesn’t seem like enough to make a difference. Looking at the devastation makes me realize that I would only be able to make small impact in the lives of a few. I would be worried that with all the corruption and gangs taking control in that region the money would find its way into the wrong hands and no good use would come of it. OK. Enough about what I wouldn’t do, I think I can pin point what I would do and it may still involve Haiti.


School. When I think about my days and how great they are at SJK, I wonder if why other kids don’t get to have the same experience. What if my money could create that experience for many other kids. My parents have always told me that my job is to work hard in school and to enjoy the opportunities I have because I am fortunate. I have finally come to the conclusion, that in this case my parents are right. I think about kids in other parts of the world, but also kids right here in Canada who don’t have a safe place to be educated, they don’t have breakfast, and they don’t have the support of teachers and family that can give them a good start. Imagine being a girl in the Middle East who is not allowed to learn, has no school to go to, and risks her safety is she wishes to break those rules. Think about a girl in Africa who has dreamed of going to school with her friends but can’t afford the dollar a day to go. A dollar a day gets her school, breakfast, lunch, and books. I could put a lot of girls into school for a long time and even build a school with 40 million.


How could that change a society if I invested even half of the money in building schools and educating children and their children and so on in a single city or country? I think it I could change the world for those people at least. Their lives would change because they could move from the poverty of the fields to the cities where they could compete for jobs, where they would be paid real money, and where they could raise their own families. Once established they could bring their extended families to the cities where they could find work and get consistent food and health care. Those people could then return to the fields to help locals build, find water, improve farming, and of course build schools. And the cycle continues.


I think that if anyone has been given that much money they should really think twice before giving it away to sellers of clothing, bling and things that they honestly dont need, and look to make it keep on giving to others.

Memories..

Repeat a day? Why only one day? It reminds me of a movie that looked at how good a single day could be. 5073 days in my life and counting - hopefully tomorrow makes 5074 - and I am expected to select just one. If I have to recall a special moment within that day well then the actual time slot I would be describing is so small it really makes the whole discussion seem irrelevant.

I have had so many great things happen to me over so many days the past 13 years that I would prefer to describe excellent moments that were the most memorable and then add up the time they covered to make up a total of one day. I think even then I will be making the whole walk down memory lane thing a huge understatement of my life so far.

I was born. My parents thought that was a pretty good start to a day, so it was a great start. That took about a three hours according to my Mom even though when she tells it is seems a lot longer. That was followed by walking to the bakery (actually I was in a stroller, my Dad was walking) to get fresh warm raisin buns every Saturday morning. Total trek time was about an hour leaving me only 20 more to account for. I have vivid memories of days at Montessori working with the counting beans and gobbling them as fast as I could count them. The after effects lasted longer than the pleasure, but the two hours spent eating those grimy beans over my early years sure seemed fun. The summer to follow brought many hours, say three, of water skiing - I wasn't even three years old yet (what were my parents thinking?) which might explain for my desire for speed. Jump ahead to SJK and the whole day could be considered my favourite, but that would end this tale too quickly. I will allocate two hours to this event because that would be the same time I spent relishing the fact that I was away from the meanies at St. Paul's.

As I near the halfway point of my fabulous day, I need to give special mention to swimming in the pond. It might not seem like a huge deal for most people to bath with turtles, pike and algae in cold dark murky water, but the hour we had made me love the SJK experience. Pinecrest - need I say more? Sure the whole trip had its good aspects but the high point was the counselors and the couple of hours they shared with us. Wearing dirty leather shoes while sliding on hardwood lanes might not appear exciting at first, but the end of the year bowling provides two hours of fun that seems to improve with age. Although dropping a small fish on the floor was not a great memory, having Aqua, Uniqua, Peter Sushi and friends in our class brought laughs and learning through the whole year. Since it took me and my Dad three hours to get the stuff and then for the class to set it up, that time was the start to some great experiences.

With only five hours to go, I think the dances deserve some recognition. OK the DJ needs some work and to update the songs on his play-list, and we could have more people to dance with, but the hour and a half we spend at the Middle School Dances will always stay with me. Lena has taken a leave of absence, but time at her cottage especially the hour we spent at the Aboriginal Reserve - yes your heard it right - was cool and kind of weird at the same time. Not something one does every weekend. Then there was Nick. Jonas. Olivia took me to the concert and we spent a memorable hour chilling and chatting - pictures to prove it - back stage. Nice. Volleyball is what I still do every weekend and now during the week and I love it. One hour is not enough to do this sport justice, but over the weekend my family was watching our team at a tournament. Everything seemed to come together at once. All the time seemed to really pay off then.

Only half an hour remains in my day of memories and I must admit it has been the time doing this blog that has been fun. Half an hour to remember the special moments that have brought me to here. How's that for a Ferris Bueller kind of day?