Things I'm Loving Friday LVII

Happy FriYAY! It has been a crazy week of volleyball tryouts and two-a-days, and now we head out to Cypress to compete day one of the pre-season scrimmages. It's kind of a whirlwind trying to get freshman ready to compete in this fast-paced introduction to the world high school volleyball, but I'm excited to see what today brings. And while I'm doing that, enjoy some of the things I'm loving this week!

Run Fast, Eat Slow
When a four-time Olympian and American record holder (Shalene Flanagan) joins forces with a chef and nutrition coach (Elyse Kopecky) to create a beautiful cookbook full of healthy recipes for athletes, you know you have to check it out. This cookbook features step-by-step recipes that really squash the idea that eating healthy has to be boring and bland, or that you have to follow some strict, joyless diet. There are so many misconceptions out there when it comes to fueling your body, especially for females, and this cookbook is full of recipes that show you that it's okay to indulge while giving your body the right nutrients. The photos are fantastic, these two women looked like they had the time of their lives writing this book, and each recipe is Shalene-tested and approved.

Cult of Pedagogy Podcast
Okay, maybe only my teachers will be interested in this one, but honestly I think there are episodes that any parent or businessperson can also relate to. I've mentioned before on the blog that I'm not a huge podcast listener. Like it really has to engage me for me to continue listening. And this one absolutely does. I know people love podcasts because they can listen to them while they're driving, but with this podcast all I want to do is write down everything I hear, so it works best for me when I listen to it while walking my dog. Anyway, this podcast series has so many fantastic ideas - from classroom management to teaching strategies to personal wellness to the use of technology - and each episode I have listened to has left me feeling nothing but energized for the upcoming school year. Jennifer Gonzalez is upbeat, gives practical ideas and advice, and keeps me coming back for more. Definitely worth a listen, even if you're someone who claims to not be a "podcast person".

(Source)

I only just started listening a couple of days ago, but here are a couple episodes I loved:
   Episode 33: Five Powerful Ways to Save Time as a Teacher
   Episode 57: Nine Simple Solutions for Common Teaching Problems
   Episode 60: Six Ed Tech Tools to Try in 2017
   Episode 67: What to Do on Lame Duck School Days
   Episode 71: Why It's So Hard for Teachers to Take Care of Themselves

Gatorade Commercial: The Secret to Victory

I'm not sure how I missed this commercial when it first came out, but ever since I saw it on TV a couple of weeks ago, I have been all about it. It features star athletes such as Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, and Serena Williams, among others. The whole message is if you want to find success, you first have to experience failure. MJ not making his varsity team. Manning going 3-13 in his rookie season. Williams being on the wrong side of the biggest upset in her sport. But aren't these names some of the biggest in sports? Using failure to fuel growth has kind of been my mantra lately, and this commercial did nothing but get me pumped for volleyball season, the new school year, and marathon training.

Russ Rose: Commitment
Russ Rose is a legend in the college volleyball world. And rightfully so. He has coached his Penn State team to seven national championships and has earned the respect of so many across the country. And when Russ Rose was asked to pick one word for "The Word on Coaching" series, his word of choice was COMMITMENT. He talks about being all-in, about being focused on the end goal and distancing yourself from distractions. Of course, he's talking about the work his athletes put in on the volleyball court, but it applies to so many areas of life. If you want to be the best you can be, you've got to commit. I think the best compliment I have received as of late is someone telling me he has always been impressed by my commitment to my training. Maybe I'm not the best runner out there, but I'm going to do whatever it takes to reach my goal. Whether that's with running, teaching, coaching, being a dog mom, whatever. If you want to be the best, get out there and work hard. It's not supposed to be easy.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: The Illustrated Edition
It is no secret that I am a Harry Potter junkie. Like I have to tell myself that there are so many books out there that I want to read and while I will most definitely get something new out of re-reading the Harry Potter series for the umpteenth time, it's probably not the best use of my time. BUT then I was introduced to the illustrated editions of each Harry Potter book and you guys, they are absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I am trying to be good and only purchase one of them at a time (as of today, only Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets have been released), but these are going to make a most excellent addition to my coffee table. And I might even bring them up to school for some of my more reluctant readers. Obviously these books are wonderful for any age (because 25 is not too old to read a picture book), but these would be perfect if you are looking to open up the magical world of reading to a young one. Bravo, Jim Kay, for so beautifully bringing the wizarding world to life.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Things I'm Loving Friday: Sports Articles

Happy Friday, friends! It's been a hot minute since I've done a Things I'm Loving Friday post, but I've run across a couple of articles in the last couple of weeks that have really resonated with me, so I decided to make articles this week's focus. I won't lie - I totally meant to post this the Friday following that historic Super Bowl game. Hence, the focus on sports. Yes, I know I'm a couple of weeks late on this, but at least we're still in the same month. It was one heck of a game, and the Patriots had one incredible comeback. That team truly showed fight, grit, a never-give-up attitude - they showed so many things that the coach in me will reference in many pre-game pep talks to come. Sports are so much more than just a game. They are full of valuable lessons that stay with you for life. 

So, today, I give you some sports-related articles for your reading enjoyment. 

How I Learned to Love My Body as a Female Athlete
This article is so incredibly important. It's no secret that many females - young women especially - struggle with body image. Because for as long as we can remember, society has told us that skinny is preferred to strong. It's like, how many times am I going to read an article about how lifting weights really isn't going to bulk women up? And also, when did having muscles turn into a bad thing? And trust me, I'm not immune to this way of thinking. I've dealt with my own body image struggles - heck, I still deal with them - but I'm finally starting to reward my body for all that it can do, as opposed to punishing it for what it looks like. Instead of cursing my muscular legs, thanks to years and years of volleyball, I celebrate them for the miles they allow me to log. And I understand that all of those miles requires fuel, and starving myself will never be the answer. I may will never be a size 2 Victoria's Secret model, but I've learned to love my body all the same.  

Volleyball is Not Girly

I don't think, at its core, this article is meant to be offensive. I think it has genuinely set out to highlight the positive reasons girls are choosing to play volleyball instead of basketball. And I understand that, as I faced the same dilemma. I loved – and still love – basketball for all of the reasons listed in this article. It absolutely requires hard work and athleticism and aggression. But so does volleyball. Sure, many of the girls wear matching ribbons when they are younger. I wore a signature pink ribbon in my hair through senior year of high school. But as stated in this response article – it’s not about the ribbons, and it's not about the spandex. It requires hours and hours of hard work, it requires a competitive spirit, it requires a lot of strategy. And if you think it’s all glitter and ribbons, I’ll show you a photo of a teammate who was so committed to saving a wild pass that she dove into a chair and it cut inches into her shin. What did she do? Tape it up and get back on the court. My point is, keep choosing volleyball, girls. You’re still very much an athlete.

Why I Won’t Pay For Club Volleyball

This article. Man, it puts so many years of my life into such fantastic words. It’s no secret that club volleyball has a very high price tag. My parents would be the first to tell you how much money they spent on the sport throughout the years. But they would also be quick to tell you that they don’t regret even one penny that was spent. Because of all the reasons listed here. And then some. I learned how to be disciplined, I learned time management, I learned how to lose with grace and how to win with humility. I learned the value of hard work, and I wouldn’t trade those out of town trips with my mom for anything in the world. The trips to Atlanta and Indianapolis and Minneapolis and Austin and Dallas and San Antonio are truly some of my favorite memories. My parents gave me a huge gift when they let me play club volleyball, and I am forever grateful for the values it has instilled in me and so many others.

Out of Bounds Parents: Actions in the Stands Hurting the Integrity of the Game

This one really hits the nail on the head. In fact, just the other night I was walking through the main gym at Memorial High School trying to find a custodian who could unlock the equipment room so that we could get ready for our practice, and I happened upon a SBMSA basketball game. These girls were probably 9 or 10 years old, and for the brief couple of minutes I was in the gym, I heard multiple parents shout things at the referees that maybe should have had a filter. It wasn’t anything particularly inappropriate, but it was insignificant things that I have no doubt the referee noticed, but out of respect for simply letting the kids play the game, simply let them go. It’s important to remember that these referees are people too. They’re people with feelings and they’re choosing to give up a night at home because this is something they truly enjoy. And as a coach, I am certainly not free from blame. I’ve caught myself yelling at referees over a call (or a non-call), and yes, it’s certainly frustrating to not have a call go your way, but is that really going to change the outcome of the game? Sure, I could point to the missed double calls that, as a former setter, frustrate me to no end, or I could look back on the three missed serves we had. While winning is important to me, good sportsmanship will always take the cake.

All in good fun

This past year has been quite a year for sports. It's been quite a year for things other than sports, but we're not going to go there. Instead, we're going to focus on the fact that powerhouse Alabama was defeated by the Clemson Tigers in the National Championship game. That the Cleveland Cavaliers came down from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals. That the Chicago Cubs came back from a 3-1 deficit in a wild World Series ending. That the Patriots fought back after being down 28-3 at the half. The reason I won't cancel my cable is because I would truly be lost without a game on in the background as I grade papers. Sports are so much more than players hitting one another, or players screaming at one another over what they found to be a bad call. Sports build unity in a team, and they build character in an individual. Win or lose. And I will continue to shout that from the rooftops forever!

Thankful

Well, I did it again. I told myself that I was really going to try and keep up with my blog throughout this volleyball season. And I have clearly failed, but I think the rest of this post will help explain why. Because in the spirit of my absolute favorite holiday, here’s your annual “Thankful” post. And it will likely be a novel, but would you really expect anything less?

My students are thankful for some really wonderful things

Man, it's hard to believe that 2016 is about to come to a close. That I'm almost halfway through my third year of teaching. 

Because honestly, I think we can all agree that it was a toss-up as to whether I was going to make it through year one. Which brings me to a couple of conversations that I've had so far this year. One of which was with an assistant principal at school, who told me that could she give out a "Most Improved" Award, she would have given it to me. And my initial reaction was "Thanks, but man, no one wants a Most Improved Award. That pretty much means you sucked, for lack of a better word, the first time around." But then I got to thinking about what “Most Improved” really means. I definitely struggled my first year - two preps, a sport, and floating - and that was noticeable. But by the grace of God I managed to sign a contract for year two, and the improvement I made and the confidence I gained - that was also noticeable. Because I was - and am - lucky enough to be surrounded by such a fantastic group of teachers and admins and counselors who truly push me to be better every single day that I walk into that 60-year-old building. 

They help me to get outside my comfort zone in the classroom, reassure me that it's good to try new things, and that it's even okay to fail. Which I'll admit is hard for me, and I'll come back to that in a minute. And they encourage me every single step of the way. I don't deserve most of the words thrown my way, but man, they are appreciated more than the people giving them out will likely ever know.

I'm thankful for the challenging opportunity to teach a new-to-me class this year, and for every one of my students. I'm thankful for the work they put in every single day, their willingness to do hard things, their respect for one another - most of the time. I'm thankful for the smiles they put on my face, the questions they ask that I don't always know the answers to, the real-world conversations that the literature we read allow us to have. 

I'm thankful for their stories, and that they are willing to share even a small slice of them with me. The tears I had streaming down my face as I read and listened to their "This I Believe" essays opened up my eyes to a world of challenges and experiences that I had certainly never known. I'm thankful for a stack of papers to grade that is taller than I am, because that means their work is being turned in.

For pencils that are borrowed because that means their work is being done. For lessons in patience, and grace that is shown to me on a daily basis. For former students who wave hi in the halls, and those who stop by my classroom on random days just to chat. And a job that is something new each and every day.

And I think we can all agree that 2016 has been a year for the record books. I'm thankful for the right to have my voice heard, and for those who fought tirelessly for that right.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to show love and kindness and respect and tolerance for those who may be different from me, and who may have different beliefs than I have. Because in the end, we're all human beings. Regardless of race, religion, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, political views, or the sports teams we support. Though if you support the Cowboys... And as strange as it was to stand up in front of a group of teenagers on November 9^th, who were looking for answers and reassurance and a lot of things that I couldn’t necessarily provide, I'm thankful that I can provide a safe place within the walls of my classroom. I also continue to be thankful that I have a classroom. Even if it is somewhere around 54 degrees 90% of the time. 

And I'm still running. More than ever actually.  Because someone decided to pull me aside and tell me of the potential he sees in me. And continues to encourage and believe in me every step of the way. And who also tells me the hard truth every once in a while, but I've found it to be necessary. I'm thankful for a competitive drive and discipline and a body that lets me push it to its limit. For the failed runs I've had that have driven me to get it done the next time, and for the really big wins I've had, too. Because they're all pulling that big Boston dream just a little bit more within my reach.

Team Bellaire is #CardinalFast

And volleyball. I will always be thankful for what that sport gave to me, and what it continues to give to me – this time, from the other side. I wrapped up my third year of coaching with an undefeated district championship, and that is such a testament to the hardworking group of girls I had the privilege of coaching. Even on my toughest days, and trust me, there are tough days, I’m reminded how much of a privilege coaching really is. Sure, I’m proud of the tournament we won, and I was thrilled to win a district championship, but I’m most proud of the improvement they made throughout the course of the season. From day one to day 86, each and every one of the girls made tremendous improvement. And what’s better than their athletic ability is their outstanding character. I’m thankful for each one of my girls, and it was an honor to be their coach. Sure, I get paid to teach them the fundamentals of volleyball, but they give me infinitely more in return.

I'm thankful for my family and friends - who understand how crazy my schedule is from August to November. For my dad when I called him sobbing - honestly, pretty much every day from August 8^th to August 21^st - about how I hadn't seen my friends in weeks because inservice and two-a-days and running and all he did was reassure me that I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing. And that was exactly what I needed to hear. I’m thankful for my mom always being only a phone call away, who tells me I’m doing a good job and that she’s proud of me, and who still tells me to bring my laundry home with me.

For a brother who braves the BHS parking lot and brings me lunch on his way home from College Station, even though it’s really not on his way home at all. For Wednesday phone calls with Gram. I’m thankful for Wednesday walks with Sarah, when we talk about everything under the sun. For chill dinners and hours spent sitting on the couch drinking (sipping, in my case) beer, watching football, and catching up. For hour-long phone conversations. For pick-up sand volleyball games with friends I've known since we were six. 

For friendships that pick up right where we left off, just like no time at all has passed.

And Mack the Beagle. He celebrated his first birthday on August 23^rd, and his first “Gotcha Day” on October 18^th. There aren’t enough words on this earth to explain how much this dog means to me, and how loved I feel every single day upon walking through the front door. He’s my partner in crime, and my reminder that there is so much good in the world. I’m thankful for that 4:27am alarm each morning because that means I’ve got a healthy, happy, full of energy dog who keeps me active and moving almost every hour of the day. I’m thankful for his wagging tail and his playful disposition and of course, his floppy ears.

I'm thankful for meaningful conversations that sometimes mean I don't get to cross every item off of my to-do list, but mean more than an X inside a box would. I'm thankful for dairy-free chocolate, to be a Texas Longhorn, for College Football Saturdays. I'm thankful for warm blankets and good books and coworkers who bring me food on the daily.

I'm thankful for the means and the opportunity to travel and experience a culture that is so different from my own, for letters in the mail, for a fully stocked refrigerator, for a short commute to work, for a functioning water cooler in the third floor lounge,

If this isn't an expression of pure elation, I don't know what is

for cooler(ish) weather, for a roof over my head, and for sunrises and sunsets that take my breath away.

And I'm really thankful for a little break from school. I finished all of my grading before the final bell rang at 3:15, and I'm probably not going to think about it until I walk up the stairs to the third floor Monday morning. Okay, that’s a lie, but I’m going to soak up as much family, friend, and relaxation time as I possibly can. Because leave it to my body to feel under the weather over a holiday break, though I guess I’m thankful for that timing because I hate missing work. So on that note, I’ll continue lounging on the couch with my pup, preparing my body for all the miles I’m going to run tomorrow and all the food I’m going to eat. And to end this in the cheesiest way possible, I’m thankful for all of you who are reading this, despite my three-month fitnessandfroyo hiatus. I can’t promise I’ll be more regular with my posts, but I sure will try!

A Letter To My Former Coaches

Should I have titled this post An Open Letter To My Former Coaches, as open letters seem to be all the rage these days? I've actually had this post in mind for a while now - it came to me in the middle of club volleyball season - but I'm just now getting around to putting pen to paper. Or fingers to keyboard. But the timing works out, as we are just days away from the start of the high school volleyball season. The months during which so many of my favorite high school memories were made. And I absolutely love having the opportunity to still be involved with the sport, this time, from the other side.

Coaching - even for as few years as I have done it - has given me such a feeling of appreciation for all the coaches I've had along the way. From soccer to teeball to swimming to basketball to track to a short stint with golf and gymnastics, and finally, volleyball, I've had some pretty incredible coaches along the way, so this one goes out to you guys.

Thank you for your time. This is the biggest one, in my opinion. You thought you gave a lot of time as a player, well, that's only a fraction of the time a coach gives. And I look at my head coach and I see even how much more time she dedicates to the sport and the development of her athletes. But not only does a coach have to give the time that is reserved for practice and games, but there's the time spent planning practice and workouts and thinking up lineups and maybe some team bonding activities. And BPal took the time to write us gameday notes ... every single gameday. And I still have almost all of them tucked away in a binder. And Coach A took the time to put together the most badass (sorry, this is really the only way to describe them) scouting reports, so we were more than ready to face our opponents. And while I obviously don't have a family to come home to and care for - though I would argue that taking care of a puppy is fairly similar - that doesn't mean I'm not still giving my time. I've missed out on trips with my best friends because of a Saturday tournament. I've missed out on things simply because I come home from practice or a game and pass out on my couch, and nothing in me wants to shower and attempt to look presentable or be social. I've had to readjust my running schedule - running nine or ten miles on a Saturday night because I was coaching a tournament all day in Alvin. And all of that is okay because I love being a coach. I've realized how much time and energy goes into being a coach, and I'm glad each one of you chose to give me that time.

Thank you for never letting me settle for less than my best. I can remember this practice so vividly, my senior year of playoffs, the practice just before the start of the regional tournament. I was worn down to the ground as I worked on blocking (a skill 5'5" me definitely needed to practice), and after what I thought was a particularly good round, I thought for sure I had earned a break. Maybe we could move onto something else. I turned back to my coach and all she said was, "Okay, again. This time, focus on doing it this way." Because she knew I could always be better than what I thought was my best.

Thank you for teaching me the value of sportsmanship. Whether it was to be a humble winner or a gracious loser (and trust me, this is not easy when you lose to Cinco Ranch - for the third time that year - in the regional finals), the expectations always remained the same. I was taught never to argue with the referees, as they truly have the hardest job of all. I will admit that I forget that sometimes. I was taught to shake the hands of the officials at the end of each match, a practice I take with me to this day, and one I try to pass along to my girls. Much like it is with the President of the United States, someone is always mad at the official. But we couldn't play the game without them.

Thank you for really showing me that hard work always beats talent. Maybe not always in the final score, but absolutely in the long run. When I could not do one more second of wall sits, and I thought about just staying on the ground during the next burpee, thanks for pushing me and teaching me the value of working hard and pushing through, even when it hurts. Maybe that was because we would start all over if someone quit, but hey, it worked all the same. You taught me that you could have the most talented group of players in the world, but if they chose to rest on that talent instead of work hard to get better, they'll never find success. Those who work hard find success.

Thank you for caring for me beyond just being another player to pass through the program. You were someone I could talk to - heck, many of you I still talk to - when I had a problem (aka almost getting a B in art class). You took the time to get to know my family and what else was important to me and you cared about my development, not only as a player, but as a person.

Thank you for continuing to make the sport FUN. So many athletes lose that along the way with the Friday night practices and the tournaments every weekend and the extra conditioning and the private lessons and so on and so forth. And while it was lots and lots and lots of hard work, I rarely lost sight of the little girl who fell in love with the game(s) and the thrill of competition and the adrenaline rush that comes with an intense, never-ending rally when the opposing team has match point. 

You taught me the value of timeliness, you wanted each and every one of your players to succeed, not just on the court, but off of it, as well. You taught me how to be driven and determined and how to be obedient and that it's okay to be a quiet leader. And each one of these "lessons" that I have learned are applicable in all aspects of my life. And as I reflect on the incredible coaches that I've had, I realize how much of an impact each one of them had on my life. And I hope I carry a little bit of each one of them within me as long as I hold the title of "Coach".