Ok, I played soccer for the first time since I was in 7th grade. That was in the year 1979. for those doing the math.  My only goal was not to be the cause for our teams loss.  We did lose the game 6 to 5.  I was not directly the cause.  So, I met my goal.

I was asked to come and play by a close friend, named Amanda.  Her team needed a girl to play or they would have to forfit the game.  I warned her that I do not know any thing more about scoccer than, " No hands on the ball".  Well with enough, " please, please Jess, I need you, it will be fun, it will feel great, come play with me, please".  Insert puppy eyes here.  I relented.      

Our friend Daniel DeBroeck was going to the game to watch, so I asked for a ride.  "What your playing? (insert pause)... this should be interesting, (insert another pause),  you better strech out a alot before the game".  My loving husband laughed and said "Make sure you bring your inhaler".  

Great no pressure. . .

So the night before the game, I went on line and the geek in me starts to download soccer rules, postitions and "how to's".  I watched countless video's now how to kick, switch back kick and soccer plays.   Our mutual friend Kendra and I start to compare my strainths with that of the player postions and hope the "Blue shirts" team places me in the back, defencive line.  I am not a runner but I can sprint.  We both went to bed that night with too much soccer information floating in our heads.

The game got pushed back 40 mins so Daniel and I used that time to make cookies.  It was while we were making the cookies, I admitted that I got on line and looked up the rules and stuff.  (Insert pause here) "Ok, do you want me to go over them with you?"  He said this so dead pan that I almost did not see/ hear the implide "please".  "No Hands means even your elbows Jess, This rule means this and that,  There may not be tonts in this game but part of this game is intimidation".  "Do Not Be Afaid of the Ball, it will only hurt for a bit".  "You will only be called for checking if, (insert pause) If the Ref. sees it, so (incert pause) don't let him see it". 

 Oh my word. . . .

I played defensive back line.  I was shy at first, both Dan and Amanda were yelling, "Get  the Ball, Stop him/her Jess".  The first time I got the ball I was surpriced at how easy it was to take it. (insert personal pause)  " Kick it Jess!"   I kicked it straight to an opposing team member.  (insert foren word here)  Most of the first half of the game, I was just following where the ball was and tried to kick it away from the goal.  I was not agressive until just before I was benched.  I got the ball away from the other team and kicked it to Amanda, which I then turned pink and and said to the lady I was agressive with " sorry I am so sorry I just realy wanted the ball I guess, are you alright?"  She then laughed and said " that's what its all about" . .

Ok then, Bring it on!  

The second half was my best.  I stopped the ball from going into the goal three times.  I was more aggressive cause I could here Dan's words in my head, "this game is about intimidation."  Amanda "Jess stay on her, block her, get that ball!"  I was the start off kick twice, the first time I did not know it.  I placed the ball in the middle and started to walk way.  People started yelling," kick it Jess!", so I kicked it hard, right in to a guys chest! (insert all player pause here). the other team members state back to the guy, " well they told her to kick it!"  Opps =)  At the end of the game this player was shy and said" like I should not but I will shake your hand"   I think I intimadated him =D

It was an hour long game but it felt less than that. Iwas told that I played well for someone who was a stand in and had not played before. (insert pause)  I liked playing.  =) I did not feel the need to use my inhaler!  I am not stiff or sort the next day.  I am thankful to Amanda for convencing me to play and to Dan's patient rule run through before the game. 

I have great friends that give me such great memorys.  Sweet!