So last night, with the Olympics going on, I decided to let you guys in on another part of my life. My wife and I were both gymnasts for a large number of years. I had to give it up because my doctor said that if I wanted to walk by the time I was 25, I needed to find another sport (I chose diving, which had better scholarship opportunities for men anyway). Needless to say it has now been around 8 years since I have done anything with gymnastics at all.
With that said, my daughter, who will let you know in a heartbeat that she just turned two, just started gymnastics. It is our second week going with her and I decided to go in and be with her (the 2 year olds must have adult supervision at all times, they can get a bit rowdy at times).
We arrive at the gym a little late, it still takes time to get a 2 year old ready and out of the house, and I walk in and proceed to stretch with her. The first thing that comes out of her coaches' mouth was "My husband needs to talk to you before you go." OK, whatever that means, I decided I would go see him after the session is finished.
We get done, Bella gets her sticker and a piece of candy for doing such a good job (I did tell you her parents were both gymnasts didn't I?). I scoop up my little lady in her blue leotard and head to the back of the gym where Tony is spotting on the TumbleTrax. The first words out of his mouth are "I have some boys that I need help with!"
Let me pause there for a moment and give you some background. When I was in diving, my coach would forever come to me and ask me to help him coach the age group kids. What can I say to that, he is my coach "Sure thing Coach!" Needless to say I would continue coaching the age group kids through the summer, and into the fall, then through the winter, spring; you get the point. After I got hurt in diving, training for the Olympic Trials in '04, I decided it was time to go back home (I lost my scholarship due to injury).
Once home, I figured it would be a peaceful summer and then I could get on with whatever it was I was going to do with the rest of my life. My second day home, my old coach calls me up, guess what..."Sure thing Coach!"
So, back to the present. Here we go again..."Sure thing Coach, I will be in this afternoon." Well, I 
guess it is time to get back in the swing of things (no pun intended). Now it is my turn, I will tell them to keep their toes pointed and legs together, they will reply "Sure thing Coach!" I look at this opportunity, if nothing less, as blog fodder because we all know that kids say the darndest things. Off to practice!
guess it is time to get back in the swing of things (no pun intended). Now it is my turn, I will tell them to keep their toes pointed and legs together, they will reply "Sure thing Coach!" I look at this opportunity, if nothing less, as blog fodder because we all know that kids say the darndest things. Off to practice! 
6 comments:
Sal,
Three posts in one day? You're turning into quite the ProBlogger. I think it's awesome that you put your daughter into gymnastics at only two. We should never underestimate how much they can do.
As a teacher I know that kids are so capable and have a great desire to learn new things. It's great that you can join her in that.
Just remeber No is a complete sentence. It is acceptable to use without any further explanation.
haha its funny that kids are in the olympics even thought its not allowed if im correct? but its amazing how they can compete in olympics at such young age
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@WD: There is a funny story behind why she is in gymnastics, that will have to be for a post another day. I don't think I could ever underestimate her, everytime I see her, she is doing something I never would have thought.
@laurie: It is funny that you mention No is a complete sentence. Bella, has red hair, and the personality and attitude to match. We are working with her right now to know that no, does in fact, mean no.
@Journey: It is quite amazing that there are young men and women in the olympics, and the talent and determination they have. I know from my competitive years, big events like that, take a lot out of you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
It's always funny when your reputation precedes you and how people will automatically take advantage of it. Happens all the time with me when someone is having a party and food needs to be prepared. I find this a great compliment, don't you?
@UL: It does kind of give you a warm and fuzzy inside, even through all of the frustration you know you will have and everything else that will go on, you feel as though you are needed. I guess that is why I was suckered in again.
It is almost the same way with stray animals. I think we have an invisible sign out front that only animals can see...it says: "Suckers Live Here" in flashing neon lights.
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