Pillow Thoughts

No, not pillow talk. That doesn't happen. David is out six inches before his head hits the pillow. Here I am sleepless in Phoenix. You would think after some of the longest days, I too would be out as soon as I was all snuggled into bed. Trust me, that is what I was looking forward to the most as I pushed the over-flowing grocery cart through the store after 9PM. My pillow is the only time I have to myself (Sometimes. I still have a monitor next to my bed.). As tired as I am, I often find myself finally thinking without interruptions. There is no telling what it might be. These thoughts are sometimes concerns I have about events, concerns about others, exciting happenings, a growing to do list, a joyful reflection, dreams, then I drift off to sleep. Tonight...after forty minutes of thoughts...no drifting. So here I sit, trying to clear my mind so I can rest.




Guess what my thoughts were filled with tonight? If you think you are going to get something juicy, I am sorry to disappoint you. The only thing that might have eased my thoughts other than sitting here typing was to...play ball....WHAT? you say. Yes, I just want to go play a sport. Sounds crazy! I guess I haven't had an opportunity in so long that it is eating me up. Some people read a book to relax or get a pedicure or watch a good show. I like to exercise. It clears my mind and rejuvenates me more than anything. If you have known me for some time or knew me or heard about my passion for sports...you get my anxiety. Or thoughts of "crazy" still go through your mind. David likes to inform anyone who doesn't know about my passion for sports. I played several in high school and then tried to always be a part of some team throughout college. I just love it!




The last time I was on a team was when Taylin was a baby. David and I played on a few softball teams. Sure I have played a few games of basketball here and there. I have tried to squeeze onto some Turkey Bowl teams. Mostly David is the one that needs the release. There is almost always a group of guys ready to play sports, so I don't mind staying home with the kiddos while he goes to play. It has been too long.




My bucket of sports gear is full of cobwebs and dust. Right now the only gear I use requires a one man team: running shoes, treadmill, yoga mat, exercise ball, jump rope, hand weights. That has done well for me. I do enjoy them. My other gear is also my sewing machine. I realize this is far from sporting, but it is my release. What do all these things have in common? Me, myself, and I. I have found them much easier to pick up and do. I don't have to gather five or more other people to get it going. They are something I can just do. There aren't that many women getting together pick up games of any sort. I miss the days where I could count on Ultimate Frisbee at least once a week, if not more. A game of basketball in the mix. I miss the team play, the friendly competition, the socializing without listless chatter (don't get me wrong...I enjoy a girls' night out of dinner and a movie too).




My wonderful husband is a wise man. I am so grateful for his thoughtfulness. He very unselfishly signed me up to be on his work softball team. I keep telling him we can find someone to watch the kiddos so we can both play. He noted that he will probably be missing several games and then the days he could play, it would be a lot of driving back and forth for him after a long day of work. He kindly is letting me do this. David knows how much I would enjoy this. I am jumping out of my skin ready to go. I don't know when games start, but our date this week is batting cages and some catch. I am a little concerned. David shared about my past experience as an outfielder with his co-workers, my future teammates. I hope they don't have high expectations. I don't know what I can deliver. Not only are there cobwebs in my sports gear, but this body of mine hasn't thrown in a while. David knows me pretty well. He knows what makes me tick. I love that guy! What a great husband...currently in a deep sleep and clueless to my midnight stir.




All I can think about right now is taking the kids out to a park with an open area and playing something we can run around the field. Our church group is having a play date at a park tomorrow. If I show up, it will only be my second one...and if I show up dressed in my comfy basketball shorts and a tee shirt only to take my kids on a wild goose chase after some ball or other object...they might wonder. Plus, Teague isn't exactly a runner and he is a little small.




I fill a wee bit better, but even more excited. Do you think the police helicopter would be hovering over our back yard tonight, if I couldn't help but toss the ball up in the air to myself?