High School Athletics

So, no one wants a handmade gift from me? I don't blame y'all, I am not so good at the handmade, except baking. I am a great baker, must be because I am a great lover of all things baked. In order to participate in the pay-it-forward blogging challenge I am going to put the name of everyone on my blogroll in a hat and pick three names and send them something handmade, whether they like it or not!

Last night we went to the meet the athletes night for our city. Mandy is on the volleyball team and was one of the athletes introduced. This was my first chance to be a part of high school football in the south. This event was held at the stadium, the high school stadium. It was a very professional put together event. I have been to stage production that were not pulled off as well as this introduction of all the middle and high school athletes in our city.

The stands were filled with parents. Every child who participates in any type of athletics had his or her name read aloud. The announcer was more professional than most of the local TV anchors. The production went along smoothly the introductions were interspersed with cheer leading performances, band performances, dance performances. The mascot came out onto the newly redone field and peed. We all cheered. I am so excited for Friday night lights.

My family we are trying to acclimate ourselves to our current environment. In Japan we went to Sumo, to festivals, we tried to learn a bit of the culture and take part. Same is true of all the places we have gone. But, high school football, my girls are having a bit of trouble fitting in. Lily decided that during the national anthem she would talk very loudly. Shushing only increased her volume. We got a lot of looks. How dare our child disrespect the flag. At least Jeff was there in his uniform, otherwise we might have been beat down. In Japan we had to stand for the national anthem every stinking day at 4:30. Even in our own yard we had to stop what we were doing hand over heart in respect. Lily, we have taught her manners, they just didn't take. Mandy on the other hand spent her time reading a book. There she was on the field before the entire town, waiting her turn to be introduced, reading a big thick book. Even when the cheerleaders were cheering, even when the FOOTBALL players were introduced, Mandy had her nose in a book. I am surprised she had time to look up for her turn to be introduced.

Tonight is my night to work the concession stand for the volleyball buster club. Hopefully my volunteering will redeem us???

I noticed last night, kids in Mississippi are not fat. Everywhere you go, obese kids, not so much here. Here kids are tan, fit and polite. When a kid asks you a question, even if you are a Yankee stranger who doesn't belong, they say sir and ma'am. These are the best looking, best behaved kids I have ever seen in my life.

I didn't participate in much of anything while I was in high school. I am glad that I am pushing Mandy to participate. She isn't unwilling, she loves volleyball, but I think that if it weren't for the pushing she would be in her room reading. At least now she is out there in a football field reading. I am only teasing her, she doesn't read my blog anymore because when I post pictures of her it makes her so mad that she can't see straight. Cross your fingers that tonight her volleyball team has much needed success.