It feels like home to me…

Have you ever been in a place you have never been before, but because of the people you are with it just feels like home? This past week I took Thursday and Friday off from school and drove up to Shreveport to watch the USAG National Championships. My team was competing and I was lucky enough to spend three days with them. It was a wonderful time and I really didn’t want it to end.

I was honestly nervous to see the girls and coaches when I was driving up…it had just been so long since I had seen them – but also I was incredibly excited. It is so hard to see these ladies everyday for four or five hours and then one day move away and not see them for almost a year. As soon as I was with them it didn’t seem like I had been gone at all. I was treated wonderfully with all kinds of hugs and cuddles – just what I love.

As soon as I got into Shreveport I went to Centenary where the competition was hosted to watch the prelim competition. It was strange – standing in the gym, watching these girls from the bleachers. It was the first meet I had been to since I finished my career at Nationals in Seattle last year. I got a little teary eyed – such a mix of emotions that I am still attempting to sort out in my mind. I was happy to be there with the girls, coaches, and parents. I missed the sport and longed for the physical feeling of it all. I was glad to be separated from the drama that comes with spending so much time with a big group of girls. I missed the feeling of team success and personal accomplishment.

In the past I have worked hard at something and been successful. When I had success I was rewarded and praised. My job now is much more humbling. I do not know that kind of success in teaching. I have not done an incredible job, I am definitely a Level 5, maybe even still on pre-team in the teaching world. I am for sure no where near the collegiate level. I make simple mistakes all the time. I don’t know how to cover up mistakes and I am just learning the art of improvisation. I am not as confident because I don’t have years or experience behind me. Success takes time and for now I need to be patient. Hard work has gotten me places in the past.

The girls came into the competition ranked 7th and finished 6th, so improvement is always good. I know they were a little disappointed because they made some mistakes, but I hope they all feel like the competition was a reward for how hard they busted their butts all season! Ashley qualified for individual event finals on Bars and Beam – I was so proud of her. She looked very strong and confident. I was so happy to be with her and Brie and Christie for their last competition. Aubrie, Ashley, Brie and Christie have so much going for them – it may be hard to focus on much besides loosing this huge part of their lives right now, but this is just the beginning. It will be hard for a while, but the world is SO BIG. They are all so talented and hard working that they will achieve so much and find a new passion in all different places.

Because my computer is flaking out on me I can’t add pictures, but I hope to get it straight soon:)