The Bad News Bugs

Just have fun...don't take it seriously...it's about getting exercise...they'll be our new friends...let's see how it goes...

At a field near the airport, we entered a crowded mass of families: dozens of kids wearing a rainbow of colors, the parents all set with lawn chairs, tents, blankets, snacks.  And then there was our team...a crew who had as much familiarity as a random meeting in the park to toss the ball around.  

Drills were introduced, but only as a guide.  It's about effort, really.  I don't care if you went around the cone, just look at her trying.  You're not walking away, you're not saying you're bored.  I call that an accomplishment. 

Then we looked across the field.  Damn - when did they have time to make a banner?!  That's cool.  I know we talked about making one, but look.  They have matching bows, too.  And...wait a minute, there's no way that kid is in this age group.  This is a ringer.  Right, right.  We don't keep score.  I know.  Hey, let's have fun!

 

A huddled mass, the same as discussed by the Statue of Liberty, they move to and fro.  Bodies occasionally fall, conversations begin in the middle of a game on the field.  Distractions as minimal as a dragonfly occur, and even "out of bounds" has a loose definition.

 

It's her turn to sit out and be a "cheerleader."  She was eating a watermelon slice when the Bugs went up 1-0.  I know, we're not keeping-  "I scored."  Hey, why not?

 

The only yelling is to get your own offspring to notice that the ball went behind them, or to notice everyone else is on the other end of the field.  The rest of the time is spent in laughter.  Not the players - the families ourselves.  This is all utterly hilarious...but are we laughing at the sight?  At ourselves for placing any kind of weight behind this endeavor?  At the concept?  Maybe we're just giddy.  After all, the sun broke out right as the game started and now we're all at the mindset of "that's enough, don't you think?"

 

The biggest reaction came from the snack bag received in the post-game high five round-up.  Snacks are what life is all about?  Well, I agree.  Don't take that jersey off unless you want to.  Yeah, I say you let everyone know you were making it happen out there.  If the only win/loss measurement is fun, how can you lose?   

Only if there are no snacks.  Keep the snacks coming, folks.