I thought it was going to be a pretty good day....
The last day of February started like a lot of other days. No trouble getting the kids off to school. Wylie has been driving himself to school for about 6 weeks without incident.
The clinic was a little slow. Just a few last minute flu patients before they turn into allergy patients over the next few weeks.
I was looking forward to my daughters semi-final AAU basketball game. She's in sixth grade. Good group of girls that play hard.
I volunteer as timekeeper and occassionally keep the book. For about 27 minutes and 57 seconds I did a really good job. It was that last 3 seconds where my day starts to take a turn.
It was a very competitive game. These two teams met in a recent B Ball tournament a month ago. The other team won when we missed a free throw that would have sent it to ovetime.
Tonight, with the game on the line and 3 seconds on the clock we are shooting a free throw to tie it up. We were in the bonus and down by one. She misses the shot and goes for the ball. Putting the ball back up, she is fouled hard.
Parents are screaming. Pandemonium breaks out. Yea they are screaming all right, but not at the officials.
Jeminy Christmas!!! Some idiot forgot to start the clock.
That's when my day started to go badly. The Ref takes control. The call. No time left. Shooter on the line for two shots.
She makes the first, misses the second. We are tied! The very nice lady (bookeeper) I sat next to the whole game is accusing me of doing it on purpose. She is yelling at the refs. The opposing coaches join in. They want me relieved before starting OT. They don't.
We won the game by 2.
In my younger days, I use to have a short temper, foul attitude and a short fuse. After nearly 52 years of life, a good wife, a bipolar mother, alcoholic father, and two really great kids I have mellowed. I really try to focus on the big picture and not get bothered by much.
The first Dad from the opposing team was banging on me pretty good to the refs. It did not bother me in the least, until he directs his comments to me.
He was about 6'5" and maybe 180 lbs. I have him by 75 lbs. He's an awkard looking chap. I figure if I can get a hold of him. He's going to have a very bad day.
I asked him, "would you like to take me out back and slap some sense into me or just stay here and run your mouth?"
He chose neither. He decided to shut his mouth and get in tow behind the better half.
So don't get cocky when you are having a good day. Just when you least expect it, life can deal you a humbling turn.
Sincerely,
Duckwheat, aka exTimekeeper or 3 seconds
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Another 1200, and I might be done.
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Duckwheat
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