It's a typical Friday night and there I am waiting for the phone to ring. Why ? Well the other coach hasn't called, the ref has yet to confirm and there I am going through the million scenario's of what may happen if that call doesn't arrive.
This is pretty much my story throughout our soccer season, how many Friday's have been spoilt because of my anxiety ? I guess too many, although by my own admission I try to be Mr.Cool more often than I used to be.
Whenever I played you turned up and played, no forms, no confirmations, everything just seemed to muddle through and work out. Now I am involved where there are rules and the stresses are even greater !!! You see not getting a referee can lead to manipulation of the rules that you wouldn't believe. Having a team who has been very succesful with parents who seem to analys every rain cloud and decision that gets made, add to this. Not through any fault of there own, but it certainly does not help. I don't know how some might cope if I said we never had a referee coming. It could be straight-jackets all round !!! I guess if we were a middle of the road team not chasing much it wouldn't matter too much. However being a victim of our own success ensures that every single week we have a BIG game !!! Being such a worrier myself, I send myself into a frenzy of imagining a volunteer ref from the other team cheating horrendously, a mob of parents shaking their fists and carrying torches and pitch-forks, a team full of players in tears and a team torn apart by the failure of others who are supposed to make the calls and help us out.
None of this is realistic of course, but it doesn't help me one iota to know it's a possibility. That is why it was so wonderful this weekend with no games, no calls, no worry. For the first time in 12 weeks I feel like myself again and do you know what. I love it :-)
Here's to a LONG, RELAXING winter without a non-recieved phone call ruling my life :-)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Peter Connelly....
I am sure I was amongst millions when I read the tragic story of Peter Connelly. This was the name of the 17 month old boy who has been refered to as Baby P in the British press as we heard the horrors of his suffering at the hands of his tormentors during his short life.
Without repeating the upsetting catalogue of injuries because to list them is just simply to traumatizing. It goes without saying that something was horribly amiss here. As a reletively new parent I look at my own children and whenever they fall or don't feel well I fell so responsible and wish there was a way to take their pain away for those short moments. This is why I find it so hard to understand why someone would get any satisfaction or pleasure in causing the suffering of young child or indeed anyone over a prolonged period.
Much will be written about how it happened and what should be done to these monsters. Anyone who saw the pictures just released of this baby cannot help but be moved by his awful plight. This poor little boy, through no fault of his own was tortured and maimed until his body could take no more.
Peter, wherever you are now, I am sure it is a better place than you were.
God bless you and sleep tight little man :-(
The Nash Family xxxxx
Without repeating the upsetting catalogue of injuries because to list them is just simply to traumatizing. It goes without saying that something was horribly amiss here. As a reletively new parent I look at my own children and whenever they fall or don't feel well I fell so responsible and wish there was a way to take their pain away for those short moments. This is why I find it so hard to understand why someone would get any satisfaction or pleasure in causing the suffering of young child or indeed anyone over a prolonged period.
Much will be written about how it happened and what should be done to these monsters. Anyone who saw the pictures just released of this baby cannot help but be moved by his awful plight. This poor little boy, through no fault of his own was tortured and maimed until his body could take no more.
Peter, wherever you are now, I am sure it is a better place than you were.
God bless you and sleep tight little man :-(
The Nash Family xxxxx
Monday, November 10, 2008
and if you know your history......
What a fabulous Sunday that was. Kristina and I both woke up far too early, grumbled a bit, moaned a bit, missed a train, forgot loads of stuff BUT we did get out of the door and headed off to the Museum of Natural History in New York.
An uneventful train journey ended at Penn Station, where we disembarked to each hungrily devour a hot-dog each, Anna taking the low-carb option and disregarding the bread whilst William's just seemed to crumble without him getting too much !!!
We jumped into a yellow cab, certainly something Anna seemed excited to do as we weaved our way Northbound. Actually the journey wasn't too bad, I have been in NY taxis that seem to give you the equvilent of a ride on the Corkscrew at Alton Towers.
Anyhow, in we went, $40 for 4 of us, not bad at all. First we visited the African mammals section, watching Anna and William's little cup of joy overflow was a wonderful experience as they moved from exhibit to exhibit in excited ecstacy that only children can create. As a parent it is so lovely to see your children get so much out of something as educational as a museum visit. We must have passed through at least 20 different sections, some a blur, others offering really facsinating bits of information.
About 3/4 of the way through Kristina and I both looked longingly at each other and we realized we were both starving !!! However we both did remarkable with our blood sugar level dropping and continued through more parts of the museum. The thought of a table at Carmines with garlic bread, spaghetti and meatballs served family-style, and a glass of pinot were starting to eat more and more into my mind. Although seeing the blue whale in the ocean exhibit section reminded me not too think to much about food !!!!
However we headed back downtown, this time the journey seemed to fling us around alot more, on at least two occasions a seatbelt saved me from being thrown threw the partitioning and into the front seat. We finally got to 44th Street, it was closed !!! No not the restaurant, the road. We opted to hop out and walk the 3 or 4 minutes. Sadly even this was not simple (why does this happen when your REALLY hungry ?) as the road closure was due to a crane being assembled. We waited and waited as this huge bulk of metal was painfully slowly lifted, lowered and lifted again. All of a sudden a chink of light, pedestrians were allowed through, we barged through, using the buggy as a battering ram more than anything. Finally we reached our destination, Carmines thank heavens. There was a bit of a queue but no worries, I could wait 20 minutes......
...... but alas our world come crashing down. The waiting list was so long they couldn't even give us an estimated waiting time, in fact they had a waiting list to get on the waiting list. With that I looked a three beautiful but hungry faces. So we swallowed our pride and went over to Virgil's BBQ Smoke Pit. All was nice but when you have your heart set on something, it's hard to enjoy the second choice with the enthusism that your first choice would have given you !!!
Anyhow we went back to Penn Station, done the maddest dash to the train ever (not because we were late but it's the only way to get a seat !!!) slumped in the 'family' pull down seats and left William to entertain the train with some, let's say, interesting behaviour !!!
In the end it was a great day and one we'll treasure for a long time :-)
We
An uneventful train journey ended at Penn Station, where we disembarked to each hungrily devour a hot-dog each, Anna taking the low-carb option and disregarding the bread whilst William's just seemed to crumble without him getting too much !!!
We jumped into a yellow cab, certainly something Anna seemed excited to do as we weaved our way Northbound. Actually the journey wasn't too bad, I have been in NY taxis that seem to give you the equvilent of a ride on the Corkscrew at Alton Towers.
Anyhow, in we went, $40 for 4 of us, not bad at all. First we visited the African mammals section, watching Anna and William's little cup of joy overflow was a wonderful experience as they moved from exhibit to exhibit in excited ecstacy that only children can create. As a parent it is so lovely to see your children get so much out of something as educational as a museum visit. We must have passed through at least 20 different sections, some a blur, others offering really facsinating bits of information.
About 3/4 of the way through Kristina and I both looked longingly at each other and we realized we were both starving !!! However we both did remarkable with our blood sugar level dropping and continued through more parts of the museum. The thought of a table at Carmines with garlic bread, spaghetti and meatballs served family-style, and a glass of pinot were starting to eat more and more into my mind. Although seeing the blue whale in the ocean exhibit section reminded me not too think to much about food !!!!
However we headed back downtown, this time the journey seemed to fling us around alot more, on at least two occasions a seatbelt saved me from being thrown threw the partitioning and into the front seat. We finally got to 44th Street, it was closed !!! No not the restaurant, the road. We opted to hop out and walk the 3 or 4 minutes. Sadly even this was not simple (why does this happen when your REALLY hungry ?) as the road closure was due to a crane being assembled. We waited and waited as this huge bulk of metal was painfully slowly lifted, lowered and lifted again. All of a sudden a chink of light, pedestrians were allowed through, we barged through, using the buggy as a battering ram more than anything. Finally we reached our destination, Carmines thank heavens. There was a bit of a queue but no worries, I could wait 20 minutes......
...... but alas our world come crashing down. The waiting list was so long they couldn't even give us an estimated waiting time, in fact they had a waiting list to get on the waiting list. With that I looked a three beautiful but hungry faces. So we swallowed our pride and went over to Virgil's BBQ Smoke Pit. All was nice but when you have your heart set on something, it's hard to enjoy the second choice with the enthusism that your first choice would have given you !!!
Anyhow we went back to Penn Station, done the maddest dash to the train ever (not because we were late but it's the only way to get a seat !!!) slumped in the 'family' pull down seats and left William to entertain the train with some, let's say, interesting behaviour !!!
In the end it was a great day and one we'll treasure for a long time :-)
We
and this weekend's winners are......
I am delighted to say that my Girls U12 soccer team clinched it's third divisional title after a convincing display on Saturday. It hasn't all been plain sailing, but i'd say that the best team one. Now we go into Division One, this will be a true test of our character and whilst I do not expect us to win the league, a good solid showing would be lovely.
I think if we can keep the group together for the next couple of years they will be a phenomonal team. Speaking of which, I see Arsene steaded the ship somewhat with an impressive victory over Man.Utd this weekend. I don't know if they will win anything this year, but if they can keep players fit and get a bit of a run going, there is always a chance something might happen :-)
Come on you reds !!!
I think if we can keep the group together for the next couple of years they will be a phenomonal team. Speaking of which, I see Arsene steaded the ship somewhat with an impressive victory over Man.Utd this weekend. I don't know if they will win anything this year, but if they can keep players fit and get a bit of a run going, there is always a chance something might happen :-)
Come on you reds !!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Come on you Reds (and no not Russians or Gooners !!!)
I am actually going to step away from the political scene for a minute, a) because it's no good for my blood pressure !!! and b) because there are millions of other things to talk about !!!
This weekend two teams who I know very well and are dear to my heart, play two really important matches. Before anyone thinks I am talking about my beloved Arsenal FC playing Man Utd, I am actually moving away from the bright lights of the Premier League and all of it's trappings to talk about two lesser known teams.
One being Harlow Town FC, who I followed for a number of years are playing Macclesfield Town in the F.A.Cup First Round at their new Barrows Farm stadium. There first apperance in the competition proper since they lost 7-0 to Peterborough back in 1991.
The other being my 'work-in-progress' which is a group of 11 year old girls who play under the name of Stony Brook Academy. This weekend sees us going for our third divisional title on the bounce, a remarkable achievement in many respects because of the uniqueness of what we teach and how we play. I won't bore you with the particulars, but what I will say is that I feel lucky and privilaged to have such a great group of players to work with. Their dedicated, thoughful and just love the game without any big-headedness of boastfulness. It's very refreshing and rewarding and I hope they do enough to bring home the bacon !!!
Come on you Reds !!!!
This weekend two teams who I know very well and are dear to my heart, play two really important matches. Before anyone thinks I am talking about my beloved Arsenal FC playing Man Utd, I am actually moving away from the bright lights of the Premier League and all of it's trappings to talk about two lesser known teams.
One being Harlow Town FC, who I followed for a number of years are playing Macclesfield Town in the F.A.Cup First Round at their new Barrows Farm stadium. There first apperance in the competition proper since they lost 7-0 to Peterborough back in 1991.
The other being my 'work-in-progress' which is a group of 11 year old girls who play under the name of Stony Brook Academy. This weekend sees us going for our third divisional title on the bounce, a remarkable achievement in many respects because of the uniqueness of what we teach and how we play. I won't bore you with the particulars, but what I will say is that I feel lucky and privilaged to have such a great group of players to work with. Their dedicated, thoughful and just love the game without any big-headedness of boastfulness. It's very refreshing and rewarding and I hope they do enough to bring home the bacon !!!
Come on you Reds !!!!
America's Choice
I guess not that many people are familier with the name Paul Krugman. He has just won the Nobel Prize for Economics. That would tend to suggest that he knows what he's talking about.
However according to Joe "let's be disagreeable for the sake of it" Scarborough. Krugman's column in the New York Times was nothing more than a 'left-wing rant' at failed Republican economic policies. Krugman's 'crime' was suggesting that the economic mess was created by the "Greed is Good" mentality that has been evident in Wall Street and of course for which we are now all suffering.
This is not just some dismissive statement said by the man on the street Joe is it ? This is fact. Not everything said outside you margin's of agreement is a 'left wing attack/rant/opinion', it's fact. Again I question the wisdom of MSNBC leaving this man on the air, his opinions have been buried more time the Fido's favourite bone, yet everyday he is there just wittering on about how screwed up the country now is because Barack Obama is now the top man.
Look around you Joe, the country was screwed up long before Barack Obama came along, so why not let go of your posturing, pouting, whining and being so gripped with anger everytime someone does not say exactly what you want. We can all shout or raise our voice to make our point but please if your going to do it, make sure what comes out is going to be something intelligent and meaningful.
However according to Joe "let's be disagreeable for the sake of it" Scarborough. Krugman's column in the New York Times was nothing more than a 'left-wing rant' at failed Republican economic policies. Krugman's 'crime' was suggesting that the economic mess was created by the "Greed is Good" mentality that has been evident in Wall Street and of course for which we are now all suffering.
This is not just some dismissive statement said by the man on the street Joe is it ? This is fact. Not everything said outside you margin's of agreement is a 'left wing attack/rant/opinion', it's fact. Again I question the wisdom of MSNBC leaving this man on the air, his opinions have been buried more time the Fido's favourite bone, yet everyday he is there just wittering on about how screwed up the country now is because Barack Obama is now the top man.
Look around you Joe, the country was screwed up long before Barack Obama came along, so why not let go of your posturing, pouting, whining and being so gripped with anger everytime someone does not say exactly what you want. We can all shout or raise our voice to make our point but please if your going to do it, make sure what comes out is going to be something intelligent and meaningful.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Republican chickens come home to roost.
Poor Sarah Palin....... Yes I said it. The chief troublemaker of the Republican candidate is being blamed for the election defeat through 'unidentified sources close to McCain'. I thought Sarah Palin was a nasty piece of work at times throughout her parties failed campaign. However as time moved on, like George Bush, she was just a mere puppet for the more sinister elements.
You could almost here the whispers of "Say this Sarah, Say that Sarah" and trying to benefit her party she did, at times almost with the naivety of someone venturing out of their State for the first time in their life. We heard how she had 'energized' the base, how people were in 'awe' of her. The fact that people said she 'won' the debate with Joe Biden was just laughable. I think the fact that she didn't fall flat on her face was the only triumph they can claim.
The worst thing about all this was that many, many, many people outside the base said that this Hockey Mom/Diva/Maverick/Rogue/Intense shopper would not be ready to lead this country should anything happen to the president. McCain sat there time and again saying through gritted teeth that she was his number one pick, she was ready. John, do us a favour, you know she was nowhere near Presidental material. Everytime she made a glaring error in interviews etc, you all tried to cover it up blaming the media for asking 'loaded or misleading questions'. To the neutral observer it was clear that if this lady could not tell us what newspapers she read, what the Bush docterine was or if she knew of any supreme court cases outside Roe vs Wade, how on earth would she be able to make a decision of a presidental magnitude ?
So now as the dust settles we start hearing things from your people like "Sarah Palin thought Africa was a country". John YOU picked her, her weaknesses were obvious from the outset, yet you chose to deny it and got your team to respond to questions of Palin by not allowing her to be questioned !!! Instead you set her up as an attack dog in one of the most negative campaigns in American history and now your house of cards has come crashing down, you want us all to believe that she is just an uneducated fool.
Whatever she is, she is not the reason you lost. There is a guy sitting in the White House at the moment who played a massive part in that, you know, the fella you voted with over 90% of the time !!! The guy taking his place also had a massive part in that, THAT ONE who won States that hadn't voted Democrat for the best part of a quarter of a century. The fact you told us that the fundementals of our economy were strong a week before the biggest financial collapse in recent times. Sarah Palin was on your ticket, but the truth was the election was lost as soon as your team made the decision to make this campaign about Barack Obama and not what you could offer us.
Therefore let's stop with the negative attacks from you camp. We don't need a weatherman outside with us to tell us when it's raining do we ?
You could almost here the whispers of "Say this Sarah, Say that Sarah" and trying to benefit her party she did, at times almost with the naivety of someone venturing out of their State for the first time in their life. We heard how she had 'energized' the base, how people were in 'awe' of her. The fact that people said she 'won' the debate with Joe Biden was just laughable. I think the fact that she didn't fall flat on her face was the only triumph they can claim.
The worst thing about all this was that many, many, many people outside the base said that this Hockey Mom/Diva/Maverick/Rogue/Intense shopper would not be ready to lead this country should anything happen to the president. McCain sat there time and again saying through gritted teeth that she was his number one pick, she was ready. John, do us a favour, you know she was nowhere near Presidental material. Everytime she made a glaring error in interviews etc, you all tried to cover it up blaming the media for asking 'loaded or misleading questions'. To the neutral observer it was clear that if this lady could not tell us what newspapers she read, what the Bush docterine was or if she knew of any supreme court cases outside Roe vs Wade, how on earth would she be able to make a decision of a presidental magnitude ?
So now as the dust settles we start hearing things from your people like "Sarah Palin thought Africa was a country". John YOU picked her, her weaknesses were obvious from the outset, yet you chose to deny it and got your team to respond to questions of Palin by not allowing her to be questioned !!! Instead you set her up as an attack dog in one of the most negative campaigns in American history and now your house of cards has come crashing down, you want us all to believe that she is just an uneducated fool.
Whatever she is, she is not the reason you lost. There is a guy sitting in the White House at the moment who played a massive part in that, you know, the fella you voted with over 90% of the time !!! The guy taking his place also had a massive part in that, THAT ONE who won States that hadn't voted Democrat for the best part of a quarter of a century. The fact you told us that the fundementals of our economy were strong a week before the biggest financial collapse in recent times. Sarah Palin was on your ticket, but the truth was the election was lost as soon as your team made the decision to make this campaign about Barack Obama and not what you could offer us.
Therefore let's stop with the negative attacks from you camp. We don't need a weatherman outside with us to tell us when it's raining do we ?
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