Thursday, March 13, 2008

Track Practice (aka Multi-Tasking)

For reasons that are still unclear to me, I volunteered to help coach track at Mathews High School.

I suppose I wanted to do something productive, something helpful, something that would make me feel I was a contributing member of society. As opposed to someone who plays on the computer for 9.5 hours per day and picks their toes for 2.

I've been to several practices now, and I've made a few observations about today's youth:

1. It is possible, and in fact deemed acceptable, to run sprints and talk on the cell phone. Simultaneously. The definition of talking on the cell phone includes NEVER REMOVING THE CELL PHONE FROM YOUR EAR FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF PRACTICE. OR LIFE.

2. Eating a bag of goldfish crackers takes approximately 45 minutes and is the right thing to do before running an 800-meter practice race.

3. Texting your friend takes priority over eating goldfish, socializing with the person running (oops, scratch that, nobody's actually running)STANDING beside you, and breathing.

Yes, all of this makes me feel better about myself, like I'm really making a difference. And I truly am,at least in the area of multi-tasking.

Now I pick my toes and play on the computer. Simultaneously.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

My kid could eat a 5-lb bag of goldfish in 45 seconds. Now that's talent. Bravo to you for your volunteer efforts, even though it sounds like the girls could use an inservice on motivation (or a good spanking). I've been thinking about volunteering, but am unable to ADDress the situation and act on it (if you know what I mean). So I'm proud of you, and I think you will be a good influence on these girls. By the way, today I bought a pair of running shoes. Yes, I am going to start some walk-jogging like you recommended. I don't think I'll be chosen for the next Olympics team, but I'll give it a shot anyway.

tj said...

...Ye-ah. Just be sure and wash your hands and disinfect your keyboard when you're done! lol... :o)

...And way to go with the working with the track team and all! Working with today's youth takes a lot of tenacity and patience. Did I say patience? Yeah, BIG on the patience! lol... ;o) You'll make a difference in those kid's lives. You may not feel like you are at first but you would be surprised at how many of them are really paying attention and taking notice...

...Keep up the great work - You go girl!

...Oh, and by the way, Tag! You're it! ;o)

...Blessings... :o)

Icey said...

Kaffy, Good for you with the walk-jogging! Running in March always reminds me of another of my favorite Janice stories. One year we decided to shape up (one week) before our Key West trip. On our first day of jogging every day at lunch until the trip, who should we see but Pee Wee Herman riding around on a bicycle waving at (mocking?) us. That was our first and last lunchtime jog.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Oh, the humanity! Yes, I love Pee Wee Herman, and I was thrilled to see him on that particular day, but I will NOT be mocked by him when I am trying to do some exercise! Thanks, icey, for the memories!!!

Anonymous said...

icey, JV
Where the heck were you jogging? I thought Pee-Wee lived in Hollyweird or some place like that. He must have been waving with one hand and ummm..."having fun" with the other? Bad Kaffy.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

We were jogging in McLean along Greensboro Drive (or in that vicinity). He must have been in town promoting something. In fact it may have been the Galleria or something because it was around that time. Anyway, it was definitely him on that pink bicycle. Mocking us.