Future Olympian?

N has been taking boys gymnastics this year and has his first exhibition/competition this evening. He's stoked about it. He's a little worried about is floor routine, but pretty confident he can bring it on the rings and parallel bars. And this kid is a true optimist. He's decided the Olympics look like a good time and figues he'll make the team by the next go round. It's good to have dreams. And if the Olympics don't pan out, he plans to be a veterinarian. It's a win win.

Score one for my tortoise

J was selected for National Junior Honor Society last week. I'm so proud of him. He's worked hard and really improved in school this year. The induction ceremony is tomorrow afternoon. I have my hankies at the ready.

Year of the Tortoise

I have called J my tortoise for years. He is such a laid back kid that I used to wonder if anything would ever light a fire under him. He moved through life at a leisurely pace, never getting shook up or bothered by much. While this was good in some ways, there were many ways it wasn't such a good thing. In school he did well enough, but never worked up to his full potential. On the baseball field he was a good player but never gave that final burst of effort to make himself an exceptional player. Until this year. He's in 7th grade and I hate to use the term late bloomer for a boy, but I can't seem to think of a better one. This year J has really started showing a zest for a life that often times in the past seemed to be passing him by. He has worked hard in school and is being considered for admission into the National Junior Honor Society. he'll find out tomorrow. The kid who hated to run played soccer, basketball, and ran track at school. And on his beloved baseball field he has become a force to be reckoned with. While before he was content to stay on first base, he can now play eight out of nine positions and play them well. The ninth is pitching and he wants to give that try, too. He steals bases with the best of them and still rocks on first base. I have a feeling my tortoise is only just beginning to show what he is made of. Look out all you hares out there. The tortoise is closing the gap.