Posts Tagged With: soccer

Hot with a 92% chance of muggy

Posted on September 25, 2016 by erikamae82

I landed in Arkansas to visit an extraordinary girl that I’ve been able to grow up with and watch develop into a strong woman and nurturing mom. You’ve seen her before in several posts including Dear highway, will you ever end?  and Look Keka, I got a bullfrog! World, meet my cousin (more like a sister) Lana Lane. We didn’t have much time for quirky photos or big events, but we dig snag a picture of the road trip to Oklahoma- me, her and her family. 

Once arriving to Oklahoma we immediately started our giggles with her sister, which of course means my other sister(ish) cousin, Lacie Lane. Things that would never happen in her home: strangers– because everyone’s welcome with a smile, hunger– because she’d give you her last to make sure you’re fed, misbehaving children– momma bear means business! From left to right, Tennesee (Lacies daughter), Lacie, muah and Lana.

We all joined her son in his first soccer game of the season. You’ve seen sweet Dane in the post Time to work hard(ish).Once the cousins went back to their Monday routines I ventured to my family’s house for some sibling summer fun! Kind of strange to be writing after all these years as if you, the audience, knows these kids personally. I suppose if you’ve been following since the beginning you’ve seen them grow from little tykes in Till next time Oklahoma to the most recent in New found higher love.  Now they range from 6-18 years old! 

I was flattered when the boys invited me on a sunrise fishing trip. Just us, a few poles, bait and priceless time to catch up.

The walk home brought a bundle of fish and some growling tummies. I’ll give you one guess on what we ate for lunch…

Wondering what the temperature is in Oklahoma on a sunny September afternoon? 

Hot with a 92% chance of muggy. 

Our cure? Swim! Last year my carefree siblings were livin it up using a horse trough as a pool. Check out the turkey that joined them in the post You know you’re a country kid when… This summers swimming pool? Well from their mouths, “it’s a real one Keka!” (They call me Keh-kuh)

Have I a mentioned how lucky I am to be surrounded by such wonderful energy? These kids are irreplaceable.

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Fútbol… Not soccer.

Posted on October 9, 2015 by erikamae82

Over the years, I’ve been able to attend a variety of professional sports games in different countries.  Like Rugby in New Zealand, American football, cricket in Barbados, hockey, baseball, basketball, just to name a few! On this glorious day, my favorite Germans are treating us to an experience that (little did I know) would be the best live sports event I have ever been to!

To get to the game we boarded a train with the other fans and made our way to the stadium Westfalenstadion! Look at this happy bunch, from left to right:

Hayden: Self procalimed “spaz” with a huge heart and deep love for quality beer.

Allie: A peaceful yogi that lights up any room with her smile and dominates speaking US slang.

Florian: An artistic musician with the humor of a German raised in “Cali”.

Carina: The smallest and most fierce cop with the spirit of an angel.

Emily: Pleasantly honest. Her contagious laugh enhances every situation.

Me: Luckiest girl to be with all of the people above.

 Now, there’s something to be said about watching your team play and the energy behind it. I suposse that’s why this experience was so outstanding to me.  I’ll admit I’m not a soccer fan, nor did I have a team so origianlly I wanted to attend this game just for a new adventure. It took only minutes for me to not only become a fan… but a fan of BVB! 

Let me show you why…

 First off, just getting to the game was a blast!

   

  As we arrived you could feel the energy naturally being elevated with the sea of black and yellow. Excited fans aged from stroller bound infants to elderly… men, women, friends, families, this crowd was a balance of it all! I also personally loved the line of stunning horses verses segway patrol.

 You won’t find nachos or popcorn at this game, but there seemed to be an unlimited supply of Bratwürstchen (aka bratwurst) and condiments.  Check out the size of the ketchup and mustard dispenser! 
 
Game time! Lets head in and check out the biggest stadium in Germany!

  Wait! Pause for a fun pic… 
I truly hope that I’m not the only one that gets an overwhelming rush when peaking over the top step and having the stadium open up in full vision.  It’s such a powerful sight! Welcome to the home of Borussia Dortmund… Go BVB!

 
The game hadn’t even started yet and the crowd was already chanting and jumping in some sort of traditional ceremony style. Honestly, the crowd is what made this one of the best I have ever witnessed. That, and their mascot Emma the bee!

 When I thought the chanting was the extent of tradition, Carina snagged my scarf to show us the next step in becoming a BVB fan.  This was such a cool sight! 

   
 

 Think the game is good?  Wait till they score.. Gooooaaalll!!  

     
 
What a memorable day with amazing people!  
     
What do the happy faces from above look like with a tied game in the end? 

 
Not to worry, we finished the event with our traditional shot! Silly excuse for one more pic, but I’ll take it! The first collage is over a few years from random locations followed by the one from the game today. 

   
Good night Dortmund!  

  
Sports question of the day:

Would you rather have tickets to your favorite sports team for one season or locker room passes for one game?



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Janae González… A Rising star.

Posted on March 3, 2015 by erikamae82

Just one of the many reasons I value my years of teaching gymnastics is to have had the opportunity to watch the students develop into fantastic young adults and superb athletes. I’ve gotten to witness these talented girls arrive at full ride scholarships, nursing, paid modeling, fashion design, photography, coaching, to even world traveling.  

My girls (as I selfishly like to claim) have grown into positive contributing members of this huge planet and I couldn’t be more proud!  If I made the time to write about each one of the hundreds (no exaggeration) I’d have to change my blog to “Their happy trails“.

Today I want to highlight a young woman that I connected with when she was still learning long-division and cursive writing. A few cartwheels and a bright smile gave me no doubt that this little stud would grow beyond the small gym we met in.  Janae González is the fourth smile from the left.



Following a succeful gymnastics stretch, a different sport captured her heart and behold… Another natural ability was exposed! What’s in the future moment for this vibrant super star? Soccer!



Having already particiapted in the U17 Women’s World Cup for Mexico, she’s been eagerly invited to represent and play for a U.S. College.  Since I’m not the first admirer to write about this spectacular girl, you can easily search her name to find out the list of incredible steps she’s had in her blossoming career. Check out her already buzzing energy with Santa Clara Broncos!

Here are a few shots from the World Cup.



Now to a point that is equally impressive, in which I’m most proud to introduce to you.  When this driven little lady isn’t studying, practicing or playing, she’s working in the world of donations. A few years back Janae and her older brother started JC4K. The goal is to collect new and/or gently used soccer gear and toys to give to those that are less fortunate. Through the years, they  have sent gear to Mexico, Ethiopia  and throughout the U.S. 

Here’s a video of the kids receiving just a portion of their collections: JC4K donation video!



Janae, you are a prime example of the bright light that our world needs to be surrounded with. Your heart seems to shine in the right place, and your smile confirms it all. Happy birthday sweetness… Keep spreading the love!

A special thanks to her mom and family. You’ve encouraged this spirited girl not only as a daughter and a sister, but as a productive individual. Looks like she has the right balance of deep roots and wide-spread wings… I’m so thankful to have been a small part of her beautiful path and now I’m looking forward to seeing where it leads. Cheers to you all!

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