Adding to My Hat Collection

As a teacher, I wear a lot of "hats." Obviously, the "teacher," sharing knowledge, giving homework, etc. Another is the "mom," showing love, taking away privileges, and nagging, nagging, nagging. My most recent hat has been "coach," which has been quite a rewarding experience. We won Girls' Class B division at the Dordt Track Meet yesterday. Woop! Go us.

The hat that I put on today was one that I was not ready for. Ump. As in umpire. Of softball. Yep.

I awkwardly stood somewhere between first and second base as I wished that I had brought my sunscreen along. I stood there praying for strikeouts so I wouldn't have to be the one to determine whether a player was safe or out. When I had to make the decision, I awkwardly made the "out" or "safe" sign. I felt so unofficial it was ridiculous.

I only messed up twice. One of those times I called "out" when one of my kids touched second base before the runner got to it. Apparently, he didn't have to run to second base, so he was supposed to have been tagged out to actually be out. So everyone kind of gave me a weird look, and he just stayed on the base while one of my girls explained the rules of softball to me. Awsome. The other time I messed up was when my first baseman apparently dropped the ball. I didn't see that happen, so I called the runner out. Everyone kind of looked at me funny again, so I just kind of paused until the other coach asked me what I thought. I told her I thought that it was out. Later, my student informed me about what really happened.

"Miss V, how many times have you actually played softball?"

"Uhh....does one intramural game at Dordt count? No? Ok, then. Zero."

Oh, and did I mention that I maybe played second base in that game. And maybe I fell over when a ground ball came at me. But maybe that didn't actually happen. Maybe I erased that from my memory....

We ended up losing. Two more softball games tomorrow. Can I just keep the coach hat? The umpire one doesn't fit too well.

The "Look"

So we won the track meet. Like first place. Complete with a folder full of ribbons and a purple trophy. (The trophy wasn't in the folder though.) Must've been the amazing coaching skills.

Have you ever had someone give you that "look?" Like a close friend or a significant other sees you talking to a different friend that they don't know. And they are all curious, and a bit jealous, and then they shoot you that look that says, "Who is that, and why are you talking to him?" Yeah, I was definitely getting that "look" from several of my students yesterday.

All because my former students were at the track meet. Not really my students, but the kids that I got to student teach for two months. Talking to them was quite the experience. Trying to remember all the names was harder than I thought it would be. Also, seventh grade boys don't really have a filter when it comes to talking........to a girl........that is older......and is no longer their teacher. Oh, boys.

Anyways, after I headed back to my kids they kind of gave me the look again. They were definitely curious and asked a couple questions. They aren't used to seeing ten boys they don't know surrounding their teacher. Pretty sure they got a little possessive. Awwww, they love me!

Just Call Me "Coach"

Have I mentioned that I'm the "track coach?" Commence laughter now. Sometimes I don't think that the staff at my school realizes how unathletic I am and how little knowledge I have when it comes to sports.

I did actually participate in track in 7th grade though. And when I say participate, I hardly mean it. I joined track so I could hang out with my athletic friends and get out of school. When we were actually at the track meets, I "wouldn't hear when my events were called." Sorry, Coach. I think I remember getting a stern talking to when our coach found out that I was skipping over half of my events. Although, I was always on the line and ready to go when it came to the sack race. Luckily, my students are a little bit more dedicated than I was. Track meet at Western tomorrow and Dordt next week. Get excited.

Also, I chose this picture because the high jumper looks like he is in so much pain. And look at that body! Is that even normal to bend like that? No sport that involves that position could be healthy.