Mission Hills Announcing

Last night I announced the first Mission Hills HS (San Marcos, CA) Girls Varsity soccer match with cross town rival San Marcos High School. It was an interesting experience as my daughter graduated last year. I am announcing for the pure joy of announcing with no ulterior motives whatsoever. I am not officially keeping stats however as I am not motivated to make sure that, that is accomplished now that Abby is in the college ranks.

The Lady Grizzlies of Mission Hills lost a gritty contest (I believe for the first time in the six (?) year school history) to San Marcos. The score was knotted at 2-2 until an injury time (approx. 83 minute) goal was scored by the Lady Knights to secure their first win over Mission Hills ever as well as the first victory of the first contest of their season. Neither team dominated however I would give MH the slight advantage in possession time. Mission Hills also had the advantage in shots and shots on goal as well as corners. In the end however all that matters is the score and SM had one more goal than MH. Even though I will always be loyal to the Mission Hills Grizzlies I couldn't help but be slightly happy for Lady Knights and their benchmark accomplishment in besting their town rivals in this (derby).

Here's hoping that both teams have a great season and that the Grizzlies get back on track and compete well in their highly competitive Avocado League.

I felt very rusty calling the game particularly for the first 15-20 minutes. Certainly by the second half I was doing much better verbalizing the plays and improving my timing. I know I will enjoy this a bit more than last year as I will be able to concentrate on calling a good game while not being quite as emotionally invested without my child playing.

I Love Being a Mormon

I imagine many observers would think being a Mormon (member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) is limiting and confining. I suppose in some ways that is true. For example, being an active Mormon, I don't drink alcohol at all...ever. That alone tends to segregate you in social, business and recreational activities. What...you don't want a beer? You don't drink? At all? I find it peculiar that inmany times in our society, you have to rationalize, "not drinking" rather than "drinking." I really do not judge those of my friends and associates who do choose to drink. I personally know many wonderful people that drink socially as would be most of my non-member friends and associates. However at the wonderful ripe old age of 47 years, I've seen the ills of drinking on our society and it is not good. I see it control people, I see it destroy relationships, I see it destroy health, safety, self-control.

For the most part I'm very content and happy with life as a Mormon. Is it easy? Sometimes it's very easy, other times not so. We are kept pretty busy with our "callings." Being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we belong to a religious organization with a lay ministry (unpaid, volunteer clergy). Most all members of our wards (congregations) participate and serve in one capacity or another. Some serve as Sunday school teachers, others music choristers, others Boy Scout leaders or Relief Society Presidents (one of the largest and oldest woman's organizations in the world).

What callings have I served in? As an active adult Mormon I have served as ward mission leader (twice), Sunday school teacher, scout master, ward clerk, public affairs director, elders quorum president, young men's advisor and currently high council. I can tell you that I have learned and grown as an individual in ways not possible I suppose in any other environment. I have learned first hand that "people," are absolutely NOT perfect. Both leaders and peers have their various frailities however I can assure you that I have associated with some of the most dynamic, intelligent, dedicated and humble individuals in church service as well. All of these individuals come from various backgrounds and have a myriad of different vocations. I've served along side, butchers, software techs, dentists, public transportion, school teachers, school principals, vetrenarians, masonry contractors, home makers, lawyers and so forth. Invariably I have learned from everyone.

I will end this entry on this note and pick up somewhere else another time. Thanks for reading.

I love this shot. This was taken at Dixie St. right after Abby's first official start (non-exhibition) and she did okay getting a 4 save, 1-0 shutout vs. Cal State San Bernadino. What a thrill to see this young lady who had worked so very hard realize her goals and aspirations and to perform and help her team win her first DII NCAA soccer match.