b.b.w.f.

I knew it was going to happen.  When we moved to Cleveland.  Adam loves this sport way too much.  And I wouldn't be allowed to sit on the sidelines enjoying a nice cocktail while I cheered him on for too long.

But seriously, we've only been here for four weeks and already I'm signed up for a volleyball league.

I should preface this by saying that I can honestly say that since about 7th grade I have attempted to play volleyball two times.  Once was in a pool with one of those K-mart special blow up balls.  So I guess that's not 'technically' volleyball but I considered myself a pro.  The other time, I attempted to join Adam and some of his friends in a pick-up game of beach volleyball.  First, I hit the ball completely sideways since I had no clue how to properly hit a volleyball.  And then something along the lines of this happened:

Pretty typical for me.  I tend to daze off a bit when playing sports that don't involve my immediate participation.  Needless to say, volleyball + me = better left on opposite sides of that mosquito netting that surrounds all those courts.

But I managed to get myself suckered into playing on the 'bad but we're fun' team that Adam's dad put together.  Luckily it's a 'beer league' team of people who haven't played before, so I was thinking I might actually have a shot.  But I'd be lying if I said I was nervous leading up to our first game last night.  Especially after Adam and I had a makeshift practice the other day and I nearly took out my neighbor's front window.  It was not looking good for me.

Surprisingly I made it through our first game last night with minimal injuries.  I managed to return mostof the balls hit near me.  And watched others sail right past my head while I stood there with a blank look on my face.  My crowning moment was while attempting to serve the ball - do you know how big a volleyball court is?  They have to be kidding to think that I can actually hit it that far.  My first serve lobbed up a bit and then landed nicely in the sand...on our side of the court.  FAIL.  My second attempt went a bit haywire and almost hit the ref/officiant/guy with the whistle/I have no idea what they're called in volleyball guy in the head.  FAIL.  My third attempt I somehow summoned the force and managed to not only not injure anyone, but served the ball over the net and in bounds!  I was quite proud, grinning ear to ear like an idiot.

I suppose I didn't do too terribly for my first attempt at the game, but obviously there is a bit more I need to learn.  Like how to jump in sand, and spike the ball.  I almost had a small altercation with the net at the end when I attempted to return a ball that dropped right over the net.  Apparently, 5'3" people are not made for this game.

I'm actually looking forward to our next game on Sunday - although it'd be nice if these bruises on my arms went away - I look like I joined a fight club.

Comments

[Jaime]

My best friend played volleyball from middle school through college - she was amazing. I played a few summers at camp, and not since then. I'm not great...and I'd be just like you right now - all bruised up.

Congrats on joining a fun team, though! :)