Time flies when you're...???

I know I haven't posted in 11 days. I apologize for that. I'm just not sure where the time has gone. Needless to say, it's time for a serious recap.

We played in Williamsburg last weekend for the NSA States. Went 0-3 on Saturday. I wish I could say what happened, but I can't. We blew major leads in every game, too; I just have no idea why. On Sunday we got a very lucky break (the fact that we played, to be honest, was lucky) and went 2-3. It was the best I've seen the girls play all season. They played consistently, to win, every inning of every game. In the end, we tied for 5th place and it was not only a major achievement for us, but a MAJOR pick-me-up for us all. Plus, compared to our past records, 2-4 is not bad for us in a tournament. But don't get me wrong, we should've won every single game.

This weekend, it was the same old stuff...but different, somehow. We went 1-2 on Saturday; won the first game and lost the other two. And we lost the last game BIG TIME. Today, we came out to win and did...during the first game. We did win that first game. Then we had a game break and lost the second game BIG TIME. Like MAJOR TIME. (Notice "major" is in all caps, bolded and underlined.) So, in the end we went 2-3. And, honestly, we should've won all five games.

I think of it as progress, though--when you compare it to Petersburg, when we went 0-5. It's hard to believe that was almost a month ago. Where does the time go?? I wish I could tell you, but I just can't. I can say, however, that I've learned more about 16-year-old girls in this past month than I did my whole year being a 16-year-old girl. :)  And maybe it wasn't easy, but it was good.

To be honest, I've come such a long way since we played that first tournament in Charlottesville in May. I think about it now and am like, "Well, that wasn't so long ago." But the progress I've made as a coach and my team's coach has been incredible. I'm proud of myself. From the way I approach the game, create line-ups and field positions to the way I approach the umpires and hold my own. I've had two saving graces this summer (my co-head coach and the 14s coach), and I know I only need a little more time until I can do it all on my own. Knowing that--versus just thinking it and hoping it--is a major achievement for me. I know I couldn't have done it without their support, though, and I'm forever grateful. I know I'm still young, though...

I turned 25 this past week. In this past week alone, I've dealt with way more things than any 25-year-old should deal with. Or, at least, that's what everyone keeps telling me. But I think of it this way: I made a commitment to this team and that means I deal with the good, bad and ugly. And, let me tell you, I've seen it all at this point. I've seen the good go to bad, and vice versa; I've seen the good go to ugly, and vice versa; I've seen the bad go to ugly, and vice versa; hell, I've seen the good go to "WTF," and vice versa. I've even seen the good stay good, the bad stay bad and the ugly stay real ugly. I wish I was only talking about what happens on the field, too; I'm not.

Anyway, we have two tournaments left in the season plus World Series. I have to start thinking about next year, which sounds stupid but is true. I've got a whole lot more to think about--even beyond my farmer's tan--but that's part of the game. Looking back and learning: The one thing I never realized coaching would be is so much THINKING. I mean, I always thought a lot and I always will. Even as a player, I was always thinking. This time around, as a coach, I have to think beyond the next game and even the next tournament. I wish I could say more here but until I make my mind up, I know I have to keep it with me.

So here's to hoping that the next two weeks race by and that the next two tournaments creep so that we can live it up.