BASKETBALL JONES... I GOTTA BASKETBALL JONES

XC Schooling at Scarlet Hill Farm

Ok, my second passion is basketball.  The town I grew up in had little money for a recreation program and I assure you, any money it had was not directed into girls basketball (or softball or field hockey or... well, insert sport name here).   In High School, I was way behind the CYO and Town Rec kids...  Although, eager and hard working, I was raw, untrained...  like a 5 year old filly left in a field to mature...

So, at the end of my freshman year, the Varsity Basketball coach sat each of us down, job interview style, and mapped out our future or not as she saw it to be.  Her words have disappeared from my memory, but I still have the written piece of paper that she handed me as I slumped out of the room, "Suzanne works hard but I see no future for her at the Varsity Level.  She might consider putting her efforts elsewhere."

Chandler... wanting...

I was fifteen years old and heartbroken.  And I hated her... hated that she dismissed me...  hated that she told me to quit, and hated that I was told that I couldn't succeed...

Sometimes, the very attitudes and behaviors that hold you back are the very strengths that propel you forward.  Obstinate, persistent and just a bit arrogant, I decided that from that day forward, a basketball would never leave my hand for more than it took to bounce it.  I spent hours shooting, dribbling and passing.  I would not be denied!  I would prove her wrong... 

And I did... started JV my sophomore year, finished at Varsity that year and started Varsity every year afterwards.

Tomorrow begins another round, for me...  I will not be denied. I will do whatever it takes...  Back to back jumping lessons...  one a XC school.  If I have to jump logs until I scream with boredom, I will do it every day.

Back later - gone flying!

You see, this passion is in my heart and, it is within my reach.  When there is a spook, my reaction will be "KICK ON" !  Action, not reaction...  Sugar hasn't changed...  I have and I can change again...

{{{I laugh at this writing...  this is the grrr that I'm building ...  for me!}}}