I realize that I’ve been quiet the last few days, but I had a good reason.
You see, I went on an impromptu mini-vacation…sort-of.
I drove down to Lakeland on Thursday after I finished teaching first period. I was going to be attending training on Friday…
My training was scheduled smack dab in the middle of two of Chicky’s games, so by going down early and staying an extra two days, I squeezed in a lot of fun!
Because I had left home so early, I was able to attend Chicky’s game on Thursday night, where I snapped off this photo…
I spent the evening in the hotel with the other teachers who had also gone down for training.
We got up early the next morning and proceeded to have loads of fun at our Kagan training (more on that in a different post).
We got finished early enough that I was able to attend Guy Friend’s soccer game. The girl’s team had fun cheering on the boys…
That evening, I stayed with Chicky in her dorm room. I had asked if I could, and her roommates had given the okay. I had promised not to be in the way and crimp Chicky’s style. Chicky went with her teammates to her coach’s house to watch game footage, so I stayed behind.
I was one tired puppy from my day of training and crashed at 10pm. I was dead to the world when Chicky came in later that night.
The next morning, she was up early to take a friend to a hair appointment.
I had the morning to myself, where I ran to Starbucks for hot chocolate and then had a knock-down, drag-out yelling match with my GPS, who decided to take me, unbidden, down a toll road in my quest to purchase gas at a Sam’s Club.
I was ticked off, let me tell you.
You should have seen me throwing things out of my glove compartment, desperate to find my SunPass, which emitted a low, ominous “Low Balance” double honking sound.
Grrr.
I went back to the college a different way and threatened the GPS within an inch of her electronic life.
She obeyed.
Chicky returned to her room, but I stayed out of her way, as promised. I was content to sit in her room and knit while I listened to the idle stream of chatter in the main room.
My heart swelled with longing. It’s been too long since I’ve heard females giggle as they gossip in whispered tones.
It was interesting to observe their pre-game preparations as well.
A few of the girls headed to the locker room an hour early to have a “party.” Chicky decided to go along. I was proud as I heard the girls say, “It’s not a party without you there.”
I’m so happy that she’s accepted and loved.
Eventually, I made my way out to the field…
It was a cool day. The sun was shining brightly though. It was glorious!
I always love watching the girls pray before their games. In a world where Christ is often shunned…where students and teachers aren’t allowed to mention God’s Word…this sight is both refreshing and soothing…
I smiled as I watched the girls go through their he-woman pump-it-up chants…
Saturday was the last home game, so it had been designated as Senior Day, when the two eldest (*ahem*) players on the team were honored…
Chicky and her teammates played their hearts out, and they won Saturday’s game (not as great an outcome on Thursday night, I’m afraid).
I returned to Chicky’s dorm, opting out of dinner since the group was going to Five Guys. It’s not exactly a vegan-friendly place.
That was fine with me, though. I can be somewhat of a loner, so I sat, instead, with the second installment of The Hunger Games.
Chicky came back after dinner, and we watched Chopped together before she headed to another teammate’s house to watch a movie.
As I said, I didn’t want to crimp her style. I’m trying to mend my relationship with Chicky, and getting in her way wasn’t about to be a part of the night’s plans.
I went to bed around 11:30 and heard her come in around 1am. Gulp. She’s almost an adult. I didn’t say anything except to ask if she’d had fun.
I got up this morning at the early hour of 6am and, after giving Grumpy Girl a kiss, headed home…
My mini-vacation was over.
As I write this, I feel inspired from the training and refreshed from seeing my baby girl, who doesn’t have a clue how desperately I long just to be in the same room with her. Words don’t have to be exchanged. Simply being is enough for me.
It must be a mama thing.
Filed under: children, Vacation | Tagged: childrearing, children, soccer | 3 Comments »
AuburnChick's Adventures 