Sweet Senior Soccer Season

girls high school soccer teamSpring soccer has started for Dragonwing ambassador Emma, and wow, is she excited! In her recent blog post -- complete with ALL CAPS and 4 exclamation points!!!! -- she recounts the somewhat surreal feelings of the spring semester of senior year.
Senior night will be for me. It’s my last year in the CA jersey. Whaat.
Despite twinges of nervousness after not playing for 10 months -- "I had no idea how good or bad I would be getting back into it" -- her overwhelming feeling was how much she loves the sport and the competition. Emma has high hopes for the team's season. "I think our team is pretty stacked, and I personally believe a state championship is in our future." Isn't that how every season should start? Subscribe to Emma's blog so you can follow along.
Last Firsts from a Soccer Mom. - Dragonwing Girl

Last Firsts from a Soccer Mom.

It is that time of year for parents of high school seniors when we're enjoying the last -firsts of many club and high school events. Last first soccer game of the year, last first day of the last semester, last club night. Looking back at all the things I've learned, I've decided (rather than wallow), I'd share a few of the most useful lessons. From the importance of chocolate milk to the recruiting process. Make sure to catch next few blogs. I'd love to hear your stories and tips too! Here's to team Glow Angel -where it all started, and to the coaches, parents and friends I've made on the fields. xo MaryAnne
Beating Back to School - Dragonwing Girl

Beating Back to School

Going back to school. The best and worst time of the year. The first week is all fun and games, as we meet new teachers and catch up with friends we haven't seen all summer. For the first week, stress levels aren't too high yet as we are eased into new routines. It's also nice to have something to do all day. And I'm sure my mom is happy to have me out of the house. But, it's also the worst time of the year. There's fear for the next 180 days and the stack of books that slowly gets higher. Teachers begin introducing large projects and essays and tests that are coming up in the next month and day by day the fun goes away.

As I'm going through my 12th first week of school, I seem to be numb to 'the pain' this time. The glory and excitement that comes along with being a senior has carried me through the first three days. The worst part so far has been that I've needed a nap every single day after school, so I think it could be worse.

I've found a few things that have helped me:

1. Knowing just because summer is over, doesn't mean fun is over. There are still weekends that, as long as I save time for homework, can be spent with friends. The weather's still nice, the pool is still open, and the beach is only two hours away!

2. Cheesy as it is, a positive attitudes really makes a difference. Homework is inevitable...groaning each time an assignment is given only makes it worse.

3. Napping! It's not just for 1st graders.

4. BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING!! Homework is way more fun when I get to put it in my new folder and write on it with 6 different colored pens.

I'm sure in about a month I'll look back on this post, with a to-do list to my eyeballs, wondering what I was thinking and how I could possibly have any positive attitude towards school, but for now, it's not so bad. To everybody starting back in these next few weeks, good luck and have fun!