Just the Facts #7

 

 "Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They're what make the instrument stretch -  what makes you go beyond the norm." (Cicely Tyson)

 

 Hello, my lovely friends!

 

 Baseball's heating up! Since it's in full swing, I thought we could chat about sports and my past experiences with them.

 

1.  Man, those summer mornings at the community pool were the best! My mom and the neighborhood crew would be up before the sun, hustling to snag us all spots for the free swimming lessons. Each year, it was the same exciting progression, moving up to the next level. But that final hurdle? The diving board. It loomed like a monster to my ten-year-old self. Blame it on 'Jaws' and that eerie feeling of the deep unknown, but that thing was pure terror! I remember one year, my patient instructor was in the water, cheering me on, and I'd walk out onto that board, heart pounding, only to chicken out and walk right back. Did that for a whole summer! But something shifted the next year. Maybe it was the thought of another year of diving board dread, or maybe I just finally had enough. Then, just a few days before the pool gates closed for the season, I did it. I jumped. And then? I couldn't stop! Up and down, over and over. That fear just melted away with each splash.

 

2.  Summer nights on our block? Pure magic. As the days stretched long, we kids were a force of nature, turning the street into our playground. Kickball battles raged, bases marked by stray shoes, and the cheers echoed between houses. Then there was the thrill of hide-and-seek, the shadows our allies as we plotted the perfect hiding spot. But "Freeze"—that was something else. Waiting for the hush of twilight, the distant hum of an engine, and then BAM! Instant statues in the car's fleeting headlights. Talk about a rush! Weekends were epic, especially when the kickball came out and our dads joined the chaos. My dad? That guy had a cannon for a leg! You'd see the ball soar, and the grown-ups would be lined up on their driveways, laughing and catching up while we ran ourselves ragged. Those were the days, weren't they?

 

3.  Ringers and tetherball? Recess was on! Most days you'd find me soaring through the air on those ringers, skipping one to really get some speed. Yeah, those blood blisters were a badge of honor, even if Mom wasn't thrilled. Tetherball was my go-to on "ringer rest" days, and honestly, having a pole in the backyard? Hours of glorious spinning battles!

 

4.  Man, pro wrestling's been my jam since way back! Growing up, Sunday mornings meant AWA with my dad, and then BAM! WWF took over. Living here in Denver, I've hit up a ton of shows, even some TV tapings and PPVs. It's totally my number one guilty pleasure, always will be. You know what's wild? When I was working security at the airport after high school, the wrestlers came through after a show. Snagged autographs from Bret Hart, The Undertaker, the whole deal!

 

5.  Growing up with my dad working at the University of Denver meant Friday nights often involved Pioneer hockey! We'd grab a quick bite at home and then head to the rink. Those stadium hot dogs were practically our dinner as the four of us settled in to watch. My mom? She was all in! Even after my sister started at DU, we kept up the tradition, though she'd be up in the student section – the legendary "Bleacher Creatures." When it was my turn to be a Pioneer, Dad still managed to snag tickets, though maybe not quite as often since the team was busy racking up championships!

 

6.  That 8th-grade trip to New Mexico sounds like a blast! With a big group from three schools, they offered some cool choices for excursions. Since horses and I weren't exactly a match, white water rafting it was! Honestly, it was way more fun than I expected, and the rapids weren't too wild. The funny part? When I got home and told my mom, she was totally surprised. Apparently, "getting wet" didn't exactly fit her image of me, but hey, sometimes you gotta shake things up!

 

Thank you so much for stopping by! Hope your morning/afternoon/evening is extra cozy and delightful. Until our paths cross again.