Monday, August 10, 2009

A-Z Monday: V is for Volleyball


When I first saw the A - Z Monday meme courtesy of Suz's blog, I was intrigued. How simple. How fun. How much I wanted to join. They were on the letter M. I had the same reaction when they were on the letter N, the letter R, and by the time they got to the letter X, I had stopped promising that I would join the fun.

I made a big deal about missing the alphabet train, and then Busy Bee Suz told me they were going back through the alphabet AGAIN. But guess what letter they were on? X. After looking through my brain, I opted out of the letter X option.

But look where I am today! I'm here just in time for the letter V. And for me, V is volleyball.

Volleyball first flirted with me back in 5th grade.

"Come on, Sweetie. You want to play! How hard can it be to hit a ball?" it cooed to me gym class after gym class.

So I took a swing and hit that ball just as hard as I could - right into the net - and my turn was over.

We played again in 7th grade, 8th grade, and 9th grade gym class. And every.single.time I hit that simple little ball, it went into the net or directly out the side of the court. Then there was the time it hit the girl's head right in front of me.

Volleyball left me bruised in arm, bruised in ego, bruised in career goals.

So I grew up and got married and my ever so sweet husband who knew me very well, signed us up for a volleyball league.

Okay, that was a bad argument, but I am a wonderful sport and played for two seasons.

Again, the ball went sideways, off other players' heads, and sometimes backwards.

When I announced my retirement from volleyball, no one cried or gave me a cruise or a gold watch. They just said, "Okay," and quickly ran the other way.

Last week, I saw a volleyball set for the pool. It was marked down significantly, and it was cooing, "Come on, Sweetie. You know you want to play! How hard can it be to hit a ball?"

I thought about how I am still taller than 3 of my kids and I am getting in shape. I thought how there would be no super athletes trying to spike the ball off my face. I thought how I could look like an Olympic athlete right here in my back yard.

The net came home and set up. The kids got in the pool. The ball went flying out of the water and I went to retrieve it. I hit it back to the kids and the ball flew right over the pool. The second attempt sent the ball under the pool deck. The last attempt hit my daughter's friend in the head.

I like volleyball, but it's plain to see,

the oh so easy sport of volleyball

really hates me.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

I always wanted to play volleyball, but after jamming my thumb and numerous bruises, I decided that I would just watch.

I really feel ya on this one.

Minerva said...

Good post! We have a pool too, and have tried water frisbees, volleyball, and all sorts of pool toys. If you like to STAY in the pool, stick with the pool noodles! :)
Welcome to Z to A!

Anonymous said...

What talent you have at writing - I enjoyed this so much. I was actually good at volleyball but NOTHING else! Welcome to our A-Z group. Great start and lots of fun.

I Am Woody said...

Right there with ya', sistah!! Something about my lack of hand-eye coordination....

Dawn said...

loved hearing about your volley ball adventures! and so glad you finally jumped in to play!!

joanne said...

great post! I too have been volleyball cursed. First game I played I ran into the person next to me and as they were falling into my leg, from an angle, I tore all the ligaments in my knee. Short career....

Reddirt Woman said...

I heard the siren song of volleyball stardom after 45+ years about 2 months ago. At about the 60 second mark into the game I tried to get to the ball to make the great save, stubbed my toe and fell.... and broke 2 ribs. Needles to say, the mind is much more agile than the body.

Helen

Ben said...

Welcome to A-Z or Z-A, whatever!
I never did totally understand V'ball. What's a "dig", for instance? What's a "kill"? Anyhow, your v'ball aim sounds like my horseshoes ability. I think I need special insurance to play.

Checkered said...

How many co-ed casual volleyball couples have ended up in divorce court? Well, not mine, any way. We're survivors.

Evansmom said...

LOL. So funny. Thanks for sharing!

Betty W said...

LOL! You are hilarious. I love volleyball but I´m sure I wouldn´t get a gold watch either... Luckily I play with a group of women that are not much better than I am. It´s just hard when there is one "fanatic" in the group... they usually leave pretty frustrated with us, ´cause we are there just as much for the laughs, as we are to play.

Cassie said...

Funny gal! Happy V Monday!

Jen said...

Welcome to A-Z! Great V word = cute story.
Looking forward to going back to A with you.
Jen

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

I like playing volley ball - too bad I am not any good at it!

As Cape Cod Turns said...

Maybe you just need an outfit like they wear in the Olympics and to play on the beach?