Gale Force

This weekend’s soccer outing was a huge improvement over last week! I followed all most of my own advice and we had a great time. The only thing I forgot to bring was my digital camera — and since I didn’t have it, Jachin scored his first goal of the season (damn you and your laws Murphy!). I felt like pulling a Brandy Chastain after he scored his goal, but I don’t look nearly as good without my shirt on as she does — not to mention the other parents might have questioned my sanity.

Until next week…keep ‘em kickin’

The Utah Department of Health is sponsoring a week-long event called Unplug ‘n’ Play that encourages children to Unplug from video games, TV, computers and respirators.  OK so they can keep the respirator plugged in…but you get the idea.  The event kicks off tomorrow (April 14) but the official uPnP week is from Apr 23-29.

With a son who loves video games (/sniff I’m so proud of you son) I fully understand the need for them to “unplug” every now and then and, GASP, go outside! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught my son playing air guitar hero lately…I think the unplug even might be good for him.

With that said, I officially give the Utah DoH’s uPnP event my stamp of approval. I’m sure they’ll be happy to learn that they have received this lofty honor.

I’m officially a soccer mom! No, I don’t drive a Honda Element nor am I female…but both my kids are playing soccer this summer and that makes me a soccer mom (soccer dad doesn’t sound as suburbanite). We had our first Saturday afternoon of games last week and I wanted to share a few “Soccer Game Day Survival” tips that we learned (the hard way).

1. Bring sunscreen! While the weather was moderate (70-72 degrees) we were outside for 3+ hours and everyone got sunburned! Make sure you have some in your soccer bag at all times — and not the sissy SPF 8 stuff. Honestly…if you’re going to put on SPF why wouldn’t you go for the hard stuff.
2. Speaking of sunburn, a large golf umbrella might not be a bad idea either. I saw a family on the other side of the field that had one and besides reminding me that I haven’t golfed much this year, it seemed like a pretty good idea.
3. Water! And not just water…COLD water. We all had water bottles but by the end of our first game the water was approximately the same temperature as my shower each morning. Bring a small cooler full of ice — everyone will be glad you did.
4. Snacks. Remember that cooler full of ice you brought? Throw in some good game-time snacks including fruit, vegetables and granola bars.
5. Camping chairs and a blanket are a must! While I generally find myself running up and down the sidelines yelling (read: cheering) at my kids, it’s nice to have a spot to plop yourself down when you get tired.
6. Don’t forget the camera. Everyone’s got a digital camera these days so bring it with you! I guarantee you’ll want a photo of your 5 year old daughter’s first goal! Besides you never know when you’ll need photographic proof of your child’s amazing sports feats.

I’m still new to this whole thing so I’m sure we’ll learn more as the season goes on. For now I’m looking forward to our next Saturday at the soccer fields!