the rain jacket

When you're a collegiate athlete, there's so much to get excited about. Home games where all your friends are there to cheer for you, repping the uniform with your school name on it, a full intense 90 minutes, and of course the swag. Now I don't mean like personality ego swag (which can be part of it too), I'm talking about swag as in stuff. There's cleats that are your school colors, warm up shirts, practice outfits, sweats, socks, and of course.... The rain jacket. I know what you're thinking. What's so great about a rain jacket? Which was the exact thought I had when I learned we had rain jackets in our player packs and all the returners were getting excited about them. It keeps you from getting wet. So what? 

Well I'll tell you what. That rain jacket is the most comfortable, stylish, good looking rain jacket I have ever worn in my life. Which is saying a lot because I've worn a fair number of rain jackets. It's long so it doesn't get bunched up behind a backpack. It's lose and a little baggy so it's mega comfortable. It's light so you can wear it by itself if it's hot or layer it with a sweatshirt underneath if it's cold. And you can stuff it into any bag so it's the perfect jacket to bring anywhere you go. Seriously people. I'm obsessed with this thing. 

We were supposed to give them back to our coach, along with all the other gear we couldn't keep, at the end of the season. But we all begged him to let us keep our stuff until the end of the school year. Mostly just for the rain jackets. I wore that thing almost every day. It was like I was going to a funeral when I had to finally give it back! That jacket and I have been through a lot together and we share a very special bond. 

I can't wait to go back to school in just 5 weeks. I can't wait to have another amazing season of soccer with some of my very best friends. And I can't wait to get that rain jacket back. Trust me, if you could wear one, you would understand. 

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

hey rain jacket

Love you long time rain jacket. Don't worry, I will be reunited with you soon, my precious.

the time i almost lost the ability to have children

This is the tragic tale of the time I almost lost the ability to have children. A heartbreaking yet hilarious tale that I am now prepared to share. Brace yourselves.

During the fall semester of last school year, all the athletes were required to go to study hall. A magical land where no cell phones, no music, no nothing except homework was acceptable. So me, being the studious student-athlete that I am, was in this magical land late at night. When it was time for me to leave and go back to the real world, it was dark out. Not a problem. I knew where I was going. Because you know, muscle memory and stuff. Or something like that.

So off I went in the direction I needed to go. I was minding my own business, texting. I was texting and walking. And for those of you who know me, mainly my mother, multitasking is not my strongest quality. Especially when I try to combine walking and texting. When people say don't text and drive, listen. And I think this could be applied to walking also. Don't text and walk people. By doing this you could save lives.

So as the story goes, I was walking and texting along the road/sidewalk when BAM!!!!!! My general crotch region ran right into a waist high pole. You know how in cartoons when the person runs into a pole and all four of their limbs keep going but their body is flattened by whatever it is they just so happened to cross paths with? Well that's exactly what happened. My books, phone, and water bottle that I was carrying in my arms went flying, and I bent over that pole because it was stuck right where my "goods" were. Oh sweet mother of mercy, I thought. The pain was agony! Am I dying? Is it the second coming? DONT GO INTO THE BRIGHT LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. Okay yes I'm a little dramatic, but believe me when I tell you this hurt like a mother. I just stood there for the next few seconds, curled over, cradling the spot that I thought for sure was broken (if you can break that part of your body). 

When the pain finally subsided enough for me to stand up straight, I slowly started moving to gather my strewn items. Then it hit me (not physically like that pole did but emotionally). I burst out laughing uncontrollably. Did that really just happen to me? And was I really all by myself? No one saw how ridiculous that just was. And I was kind of bummed about it haha (literally). I turned to look at that pole one more time and continued to giggle as I went on my way. 

And that, my friends, is the time I almost lost the ability to have children. If I was a dude, no doubt I would be ruined. This day can now go down in history as one of the most ridiculously hilarious moments I had with myself. And lesson learned? If you're going to do something embarrassing and potentially detrimental to your future posterity, make sure to bring a friend along to laugh with you. 

The end. 

be aware

As I sit in my quiet corner of the world, examining the beauty all around me, one single thought keeps running through my head. 

GOD IS AWARE.

Just think about it. 

He knows I love the time of night when the sun is setting and everything is still.

He knows I love the smell of freshly cut grass.

He knows I love coconut ice cream. 

He knows what makes me laugh till I cry.

He knows how sad I get when I feel alone.

He knows how afraid I am of the future.

He knows when to send certain people into my life at just the right time.

He knows every part of me!

It's a little bit of an intimidating thought. But it's oh so comforting at the same time. It gives me peace knowing that I am so well known. Knowing that there is purpose for my life.

A few months ago I was in a really bad car accident. I was driving south on the free way in pouring rain. My truck started to hydroplane and I ended up hitting the median, rolling my truck, and coming to rest on the opposite side of the northbound lane. It was the type of accident that I probably shouldn't have walked away from. At least without some major injuries. All I had to show for it was a gnarly seat belt burn and a few cuts on my hands (and maybe a little bit of a bruised ego). I think about this experience all the time. Not because it's a horrible thing I can't let go, but because it reminds me that God is aware. He knew my mission here on earth isn't over. He knew I was going to need extra protection that day. He knew what to do.

So many times am I reminded that God is aware. I see little miracles every day proving that He knows what I need when I need it. And I think that is a pretty special thing to recognize.

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