Kickball!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
So, how many of you out there remember P.E. class in school? Yeah, that's probably a mix of groans and fond memories out there. I had my own mix. When I was pretty young and still in public school I remember there would be special times when the entire gym was set up with all sorts of equipment for climbing and swinging. That was pretty cool. But about middle school, when I was in a private religious school P.E. turned into something not really fun for me.
Due to class size we had a joint P.E. session, usually with about a 4-5 grade spread. I was in the second to lowest class. And, since we had to do an activity that everyone could participate in, we spent most of the time playing kickball. If it wasn't raining or below 40 degrees we were out in the church parking lot with that bright red ball.
And I hated it.
It wasn't so much that I wasn't a good kickball player, I wasn't good, but that wasn't why I didn't like it. I wasn't good at basketball either, but I played on the school team throughout middle school. I loved practice, but I dreaded playing in the games. Fortunately because I wasn't very good I sat on the bench a lot.
I grew to loathe playing kickball because day-in, day-out I was forced to participate in an activity that I didn't like. I guess if it was an occasional thing I might have endured it and forgotten about it.
But, that's not the end of the kickball story. Oh no. Tomorrow we have a team event at work. And you guessed what it is, I'm sure. We're going to play kickball!!1 Why kickball I have no idea, but I'm dreading it.
So, I've been hoping that it will rain. And right now the forecast is calling for, "Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms." So maybe I shouldn't worry about it. But, if we do go forward with this lame (yes, I will say it because that's what I think of it) event, what should I do? Should I just endure it? Find a way to avoid it? Embrace it as an opportunity to get over a childhood trauma? Protest?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 9:31:00 AM CST
I loved kickball when I was a kid. Just about every kid in my elementary school class played it at every recess from second through sixth grades. Those were good times.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 11:51:00 AM CST
Are you allowed to attend but sit the game out?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 1:42:00 PM CST
Chappy: Bah, you're no help at all! :)
CL: That's a good idea. I thought of that too, but what do I say? "I hate kickball, can I cheer from the sidelines?" I don't want to like and say something like, "I hurt my ankle," when it's not true. Maybe a form of #1 that's not quite so negative.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 2:13:00 PM CST
Thanks for sharing the pic of Matt playing kickball.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 3:00:00 PM CST
Evo: Nah, Matt has a purple jumpsuit. That's his brother Earle.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 4:14:00 PM CST
That is truly a breathtaking photo.
I would go up to bat, or whatever you call it once, strike out miserably and so horrendously that they all think you REALLY suck, and that way when you say, does anybody mind if I just sit on the bench, they'll all be happy you've decided to sit out. :)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:18:00 PM CST
If there is strength in numbers, then maybe I'll help because I'm not going to play either.
I have a recent printout of my job description, and it has like over 12 things I'm supposed to be able to do, and NONE of them say "kickball". :)
I'm sure most people are bright enough to realize that not everyone can participate in every team activity, but there will be a few who I'm sure will try to peer-pressure me in, and I will have to be very quick and forceful and yet friendly when convincing them otherwise.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:29:00 PM CST
Oh...and here is an example of why being "quick" and certain is important.
If you show ANY hesitation in your answer, like "oh....gee....no....I'd just rather not" then there will always be someone who will see that as an opening and go "Oh come on!! It'll be fun! Trust me!!"
Then you can't say "no" because you are saying no to trusting them.
You have to immediately shut everyone down. The line I've always wanted to use is "Death first!!!" but I don't think anyone would get that or find it as funny as I do.
You have to turn the table on them and YOU be the first to play the trust card. Say, "I can't. Trust me." and open your eyes wide while saying that because it conveys "I'm serious" without having to say it.
And try to break the conversation as quickly as possible so they can't think of a comeback, and go sit down. :)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 11:25:00 PM CST
Man, kickball was our life in grade school.
Me, the MoD, and your husband could spin hours of tails of kickball glory.
Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 6:46:00 AM CST
We had this old PE teacher Mr O'Houlihan I think was his name used to make us play it with medicine balls an dodge wrenches.
Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 4:51:00 PM CST
Exactly. Go, say "I can't" when they ask you to play, repeat "I just can't" every time they ask you. I mean, they can't actually force onto the field, can they? (And if they can, just stand there. 'Cause ... you can't.)
Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 4:51:00 PM CST
Oh, just realized it was today. Did it rain?
Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 6:55:00 PM CST
Did you play? Don't leave us hanging.
And did they provide one-size-fits-all team jumpsuits for everyone?
(Now that'd be a photo opportunity...)
Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 9:43:00 PM CST
We had rain, so no kickball. Yay!!
Thanks to everyone for the advice. I think I can use that later for more things that I really don't want to do.
The team event we did have though, was almost as bad. It was all "rah, rah, let's work together." Oh and, "You should feel lucky you still have a job." Now I do feel lucky that I have a job, but I think it's pretty crass for management to tell me I should feel lucky. It almost feels like a threat. "Perk up or we'll get rid of you."
After I got home from work I saw part of Office Space while grabbing a quick bite with Matt. It reminded me that at one time I had the idea that if I was calm and collected at work *and* I didn't let anything get me stressed *and* I took my time on things and didn't feel rushed that I'd be much happier at work. I've been getting stressed much too much lately. I think I'll try to take the hypnotized Peter approach again.