Day 116: Soccer Fever – Belgium vs. Panama

My Project: 365 Creative Writing Prompts

Day 116: Soccer Fever – Belgium vs. Panama

There are two things that bring people together … a disaster and an international sporting event. If you’re feeling a little feverish, not to worry, you’re not the only one, millions of others share your fever, soccer fever that is.

People who usually don’t follow soccer, now sit glued to their television, computer monitor or handheld device to see 22 men run around after a ball. I know, it doesn’t sound very exciting, but for some reason it is.

Those who can’t watch the match, life or televised, still keep track of the score via life updates on FIFA’s website. I’m one of those people. I prefer not to watch a live match because whoever I support loses. And not just in soccer, in all kinds of competitions. Whether it’s an Olympic event, American Idol, a beauty pageant, or an award ceremony, my favorites never ever win.

Take Belgium vs. Panama for instance. Being from Belgium I took a special interest in the Red Devils, but in the first half of the game, Belgium did nothing. There was a lot of running around and kicking the ball back and forth, but nothing qualified as exciting.

The second half I couldn’t watch because I had things to do. And that’s when it happened … the players were barely back on the field when Mertens scored a goal. Having finally woken up, Laluka decided to follow suit and planted a ball in Panama’s net too. So happy was the crowd that he decided he gave them an encore. Final score 3 – 0.

Safe to say, I won’t be watching Belgium’s next match. I’ll keep an eye on the score, but watching the match itself … no way, the men do far better when I’m not around.

Anything you can do, I can do better

Give that man a handkerchief

Stand back, I got this

Brother, this is not the time to dance

I believe I can fly

That's my leg man, not a chair

Does it look any better from down there?

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Day 104: Let’s go Bowling

My Project: 365 Creative Writing Prompts

Day 104: Let’s go Bowling

Those of you who know Dieter and me know that we are dedicated bowlers. There was a time that we bowled three times a week: league on Thursdays, practice on Saturday mornings and more practice on Sunday nights. Whether it rained buckets, blew a gale force wind or froze the balls off a brass monkey, we walked to the bowling alley.

A serious illness forced me to drop out of the league and after a painful back injury, I couldn't even practice anymore. For five months I didn’t see the inside of a bowling alley.

Now I’m back though and to commemorate my return Dieter bought two T-shirts, a blue one, and a red one.

  

The blue T-shirt is typically me … bowling, cursing when I leave the 7 pin, 10 pin, or worse a split, then praying for a spare and doing the whole thing over again. My highest game ever … 257.

The red T-shirt suits Dieter as he makes a lot of strikes. In my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before he makes a 300. That is if he can keep his eye on the ball (so to speak). Whenever he has a good run, with five, six or even seven strikes in a row, he makes a mistake. He then comes off the lane, looking like a thundercloud, moaning ... “I forgot to lift” or “I went too wide”. When I asked him why he forgot to lift or why he went too wide, he merely shrugs.

I often wonder what Dieter thinks about when he stands on the approach. When a bowler gets ready to throw the ball, he/she is supposed to gather his/her thoughts about what he/she is about to accomplish. But what does Dieter think about … lunch, dinner, what to watch on TV, how much money he has in his account … who knows. Still, I’m confident that he will get it right someday. His highest game … 289.

It seems like yesterday when we started bowling. A new bowling center opened in Dalcrest, South Africa and since we knew the city planner, we were invited to the grand opening. I’d never bowled before and the idea of standing on the approach, being watched by everyone terrified me. So, I chickened out.

One year later I got the same invitation to attend the first anniversary of Dalcrest Bowl and this time I did go. I threw my first ball in the gutter, my second ball followed suit. The third ball rolled quite promising, but near the end, he veered to the left and once again ended up in the gutter. I adjusted my standing and throwing position, threw the ball and once again it looked good, only this time, near the end of the lane, my ball veered to the right and … you guessed it, fell in the gutter. I thought it was the most frustrating game I’d ever played.

When a lady approached me and asked if I wanted to join a league, I thought she was joking. In my first game, I hit … oh I don’t know, 25 or 30 pins, in my second I managed to knock down maybe 50, and in the third game, my score was rather similar. What would a klutz like me do playing with seasoned bowlers?

She convinced me though, I joined a league, started working with a coach, and … well, the rest is history. A few years later I was invited to represent Eastern Transvaal in the Interprovincials three years in a row.

Not only did the team do well, but together with Lorraine, I won first prize ladies doubles.

And so now on Saturday, I'm bowling in a fundraiser for the Toronto Cat Rescue. Donations are needed for medical care: spay/neuter and general health of the cats and kittens.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/toronto-cat-rescue-bowl-a-thon-9/

Father's Day Around the World

Father’s Day celebrates fatherhood.  Not just biological fathers, but grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers or any other father figures.  While the majority of the world celebrates dads on the third Sunday of June, Father’s Day around the world is also celebrated in other months as well.

History of Father’s Day

Father’s Day was first celebrated in Spokane, Washington and was the brainchild of Sonara Smart Dodd in 1910.  A year earlier she had suggested that mothers should have a day of celebration.  When her idea proved a success, she felt it was only fair that father’s should have a special day too.

Father’s Day in America

Although every country honors their fathers in a different way, cards, thoughtful gifts, candy and even flowers are the order of the day.  In the absence of a gift, spending time with your dad and doing something he enjoys is perhaps the most appreciated gift of all.

Father’s Day in Australia

Down under, Father’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September.  While children surprise their dad with a thoughtful gift, clubs and societies honor the day too.  Breakfast meetings for fathers, a fun sports event or a program that brings families together are all popular in Australia.

Father’s Day in South Africa

In South Africa, people like to barbeque, or as they call it “braai”.  Father’s Day, or “Vader dag” in South African, is the perfect opportunity to get together with family and friends and gather around the “burner” to cook dad’s favorite meal.  Taking into account that June in South Africa is a winter month, the temperature can be a gamble for an outside celebration.

Father’s Day in Germany

In Germany Father’s Day, or “Vadertag” as the Germans say, is celebrated slightly differently.  For starters the day is always celebrated 40 days after Easter on Ascension Day.  In addition to presenting fathers with presents, some men and boys go on a hiking trip, dragging a wagon of beer or wine along with them.

Father’s Day in Poland

In Poland, Father’s Day (Dzień Ojca), is celebrated on June 23.  While children spoil their fathers, mothers are hard at work in the kitchen preparing one or several of dad’s favorite foods.  Dishes such as sauerkraut with sausage (known as bigos), stuffed dumplings (pierogi), stuffed cabbage rolls (golabki) and sweet noodle pudding (kufel) are eaten with gusto.

Father’s Day in France

French fathers get the royal treatment on Father’s Day (Fête des Pères).  It’s not unusual for a French dad to wake up on the third Sunday in June and get his breakfast of coffee and croissants in bed.  Wine or fashion items are preferred gifts, but something handmade will do just as well.  Some French fathers also like to treat their families to a restaurant meal on Father’s Day.

Father’s Day in Italy

Father’s Day (Festa del Papa) is celebrated in Italy on March 19, the day of the St. Joseph Feast.  Italian households are abuzz with activity on this day, cooking dad’s favorite meal served with wine or “grappa”, along with cookies and breads.  Gifts often include a card with St. Joseph or a key ring or pendant with a picture of the saint.

Except for the dates, Father’s Day around the world isn’t all that different.  Fathers and father figures are honored by those who love them.

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Fun ideas for Father's Day

Ever since Sonora Smart Dodd came up with the idea of Father’s Day in 1909, children have celebrated their father in a variety of ways.  Store-bought or home-made cards are popular along with a gift that matches his hobbies or interests.  Too often, the best gift that fathers value the most is overlooked—spending time with their children.  If you want to do something special for your father this year, following are some fun ideas for Father’s Day.

Play some games

Whether you play tennis on the Wii®, bowling on Playstation® or prefer a good old fashion board game such as Monopoly® or Scrabble®, you’re bound to have fun.  If your dad is not familiar with any of these games, maybe it’s time to introduce him or let him introduce you to the games of his childhood.

Get out into the sunshine for a little one on one on the basketball or tennis court, or involve the rest of the family for a game of volley ball or badminton.  The fresh air will do the family good, and you may get to see a competitive side of your dad you’ve never seen before. 

In case it’s too windy or rainy on Father’s Day, go bowling instead.  If you’re both experienced bowlers, turn the game into a fun, mini competition.  If you’ve never played before, prepare to laugh yourself silly.

Alternatively, you can attend a ball game, visit the racetrack or some other sporting event.  Whether you’re watching relaxed in your seat, or you both spend half the time on your feet screaming, you’re bound to remember this special time together for years to come. 

Tackle chores together

You’d be surprised how much fun washing the car together can be.  Going to the car wash is quick and easy, but tackling the job together with dad in his driveway makes for great bonding time. Just be sure to approach the task “his way” without any arguments. After the washing and polishing is done, take your dad on a car trip for lunch or just for a scenic spin to his favorite spot.

Join him by the barbeque

If your dad is like many men, they enjoy cooking anything over a barbeque.  On Father’s Day, give him the day off from the chore, but do make sure he’s with you to offer his best tips and tricks.  While you wait for the meat to sizzle, talk to your dad about whatever comes to mind.  Fathers are full of knowledge and are usually eager to share their experiences with their children.

Go shopping with him

Even though some men hate shopping for clothes and household items, the mention of a trip to the hardware store may be enough for him to reach for his car keys.  Whether he’s crazy about power tools, automotive items or home improvement ideas, the prospect of spending time among his favorite “toys” is sure to put a big smile on his face.

Spend some quiet time

After a fun filled Father’s Day, finish off the day with some quiet time at home.  Let dad pick a television show or movie, pop a big bowl of popcorn and watch something together.  Even though the show may not be your cup of tea, remember how many times your dad was a good sport and sat through your suggestions.

It doesn’t matter how you interpret fun ideas for Father’s Day.  The point is to spend quality time together.  Work and play together for a change instead of going in separate directions.  In the process you might begin a tradition that you both want to continue every year.

Resolutions for 2013

New Year’s Eve is around the corner and if you’re like most people, you have a few resolutions in mind.  Are you planning to lose weight?  Get more exercise?  Be more productive?

I am not planning to lose weight.  The last time I checked I weighed 120 lbs and for my height (5 feet 10 inches) I’m actually underweight.  According to Robinson’s formula I should weigh 145 lbs.  I'm not fanatic about my weight anyway, as long as I fit into my jeans I'm fine.

As for exercising … I’ve tried all sorts of things in days gone by.  I practiced Shotokan karate and achieved the status of black belt, second Dan.  For reasons we won’t get into now, I don’t practice anymore and I doubt I can still execute the moves.

A brief exposure to yoga didn’t go so well.  I could manage the basic stretch exercises, but when attempting the lotus position it looked like I was trying to tie myself into a knot.  I managed to place my right foot onto my left thigh without any problems, but when I tried to twist my left foot onto my right thigh my companion burst into peals of laughter.  First I fell backward, next I rolled sideways, and just when I thought I was headed for success an almighty cramp shot through my left foot.  It was enough to put me off yoga forever.

I tried aerobics and oh boy, that was a complete disaster.  The floor workout went fine, the leg movements posed no problem, but where it came to the arm exercises … they spelled disaster.  Fired up by the rhythmic music I spread my arms a little too enthusiastically and flung lampshade clean off the dresser.  Oh oh … how was I going to explain this?  Blame it on Jane Fonda?

After that, I would have dearly loved to take up fencing or archery, but my family wouldn't allow it. 

So I took an interest in music instead.

The first instrument I learned to play was the Melodica.  

I loved this type of flute.  Unfortunately, Pitoe (our cat) did not.  As soon as I started playing, he left the room.  He didn’t just leave the room though, he went upstairs to one of the bedrooms.  Cat lover as I am I thought I’d save him the trouble and I would go to my room to play.  According to my family this plan didn’t really work.  Even though there was a ceiling between me and Pitoe, he would wake up from his slumber and start meowing toward the ceiling like a dog howling at the moon.  Eventually I retreated to the garden to play, but then the neighbors started complaining.

Fine, I packed away my Melodica and bought an acoustic guitar.  That didn’t last very long.  I wasn’t very good at it, and I was even worse when adjusting the strings.  I had a tendency of giving them too much tension to the point where the snapped.  One moment I would turn the nob and the next … ping, there went a string.  When one of the strings narrowly missed my eye, I knew it was time to try something else.

To cut a long story short … I got into writing.  All things considered, that didn't go too bad.  I wrote three novels and two children's books, but with the arrival of the Internet – and especially Facebook and its many games – I became horribly distracted.

So that’s my resolution for 2013 … more writing, less games.  I’m planning on keeping a journal and to finish a book I’m working on.  I have a title … “Temporarily Yours” and I have five chapters so far.  Let’s see if I can make it to the epilogue before 2014, shall we?

Going ice skating

When someone hasn’t done something for a long time, it is often said that the ability for this or that will come back to them naturally. “It’s like riding a bike” they say.
Let me assure you, that is baloney.
Take for instance ice skating.

When I heard that colleagues planned to go ice skating, I was one of the first to sign up to join the group. After all, I had once enjoyed ice skating and even though the last time I had been on the ice was some thirteen years ago, I assumed that my body would remember the balance and the ability to skate. It would be just like riding a bike.

We happily chattered on the way to Nathan Phillip Square, where there is an open air ice rink. We somewhat fell silent as we lined up to hire skates. As we saw the ice and saw the skaters (struggling to stay vertical) our courage began to fail. Would this be like riding a bike?

By the time I strapped on my skates I was half frozen and shivering like a leaf on an Alaska tree. Whether this was due to the cold December wind or nerves I’ll never know.
I struggled to get up from the bench and to stay on my feet. Oh dear, and I was still on rubber carpeting. What would it be like once I was on the ice?
I soon found out ... it was hell on blades.

Even with the support from my son, I stood there, too scared to move. Where were the barricades to hold on to? Where was the balance I once had? Where was the ability to do this on my own? I had once done it, why couldn’t I do this anymore?
Like a wooden doll I shuffled on my skates, in danger of going down at any moment, holding on to my son’s hand for dear life.

As he guided me around the rink I didn’t feel the cold anymore, I felt nothing except fear of going down and breaking something I might need later.
When a colleague came along I clutched at his hand too and now supported by two strong arms I started to feel a bit more secure. Given time I probably would have gotten the hang of it again, but all too soon it was time to leave the ice and head back to the office.

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to take up skating again, in a proper ice rink that is. A rink with barricades to hold on to until I find that lost balance again.

To bowl or not to bowl ...

It would appear that if I’m not moaning about one air-conditioner, I’m moaning about another.

Today being Sunday, we set off for All Star Bowl at 11:30 as we do every Sunday.

The moment I walked in I could feel that the air-conditioner was not on. It has been like that in the past and it absolutely infuriates me.

The staff has to work and run around in the alley and moans that the environment is too hot for them, but it is even worse for the bowlers.

You try chucking a 14 pound (6.3 kg) ball down a 62 feet (19 meters) lane a couple of times, see how you feel.

Anyway, since the side door was open and we had come all the way, we decided to have a couple of games.

Halfway in the first game I saw Luba, one of the daughters of the owner of the alley, walking in and switch on the air-conditioner.

See this really ticks me off. When Luba, or one of the other members of the family are in the bowling alley, the air-conditioner gets switched on. When it’s just the staff and the bowlers, they have to cope with the heat. Why can’t the A/C be on all the time?

After three games we had to give up. Even with A/C it was too hot. Too bad really because we started off really good: 175 for Dieter, 172 for me.

And the heat isn’t the only problem, the lanes are far from perfect. Sometimes the lanes are bone dry, sometimes they are drenched in oil. As for the machines ... sometimes a ball comes back, sometimes he doesn’t.

In an attempt to fix some of the problems, management hired ‘experts’ to come and have a look at things. The machine of lane 1 was taken apart and the bits and pieces were all over the lane. It was quite funny as it looked like they were having a sale.
Not so funny was seeing the experts at work ...





One guy was looking at the bits and pieces like he didn't have a clue how to put things back together again. The other walked up and down the lane, looking at things, but didn't pick anything up. Three weeks the lane was like that.

Were they waiting for a part or were they waiting for their fairy godmother to wave her wand and say "Bibbedi babbedi boo," so everything would magically fly into place.

This is what happens when people, who are not bowlers themselves run a bowling alley ... it’s a slippery slope and the only way is down.

Maybe it’s time to look for another bowling alley.