Well, it's the night before the biggest adventure yet for Jersey Softball, and I don't know about the others but I'm feeling really excited about this. I'm one of those that hasn't been to anything too high level like World Series before, I've just done stuff like the Inter Insulars, so I'm expecting to be a bit of a little fish in a big pond for this one!
A little about your faithful blogger (me!) might be in order at this point, to set the scene and explain myself and my ways a little. I've been playing softball for about 9 years and represented the island several times, but it's not my number one sport! That title goes to my shooting which I've done for years, coming 2nd in the British Championship one year and competing at five Island Games (winning at least one medal in every one) and in the last Commonwealth Games in Melbourne against world class shooters. So I suppose what I bring to the team is the experience of big competition and my trademark mental analysis and intense focus, albeit in a very different style of sport.
Anyway back to the softball! I'm approaching this as I do with my shooting, which is that I mentally prepare for the contest ahead in as much detail as I dare. Stuff like setting goals, managing my expectations of myself and the team, making plans for 'what if's, deciding how I can make positive contributions to the team, analysing who we have and what the team dynamic will likely be. It's nice to think about these things and visualise them ahead of time, making them more familiar and taking away the fear of the unknowns. Less fear equals less nerves! God knows what the others are doing to prepare though! I think I'm probably way more methodical than them and take things more seriously, whereas I think they're more easy going, but then again that's what I've trained to do as a shooter so it comes as habit now. Maybe Andy is virtually horizontal, as usual, and having a smoke whilst ensuring his stubble is just right for the week? He's probably the other end of the spectrum than me, but we're room mates for this week which will be a laugh I'm sure.
I'm now sat here writing this with a quiet excitement that I've not felt for a while. Everything is slotting into place: The kit is here, it fits (quite an achievement with me) and looks great; We had our last training session on Sunday and that went very well indeed; Sean's sent the final email (Yes - I'll remember my passport!) and it's simply a matter of 1 sleep and several hours to go before we have to be at the airport. So close I can't wait!
I just checked out the weather for the coming days and it's looking fantastic: Rain, rainy showers, followed by sunny rainy bits and then precipitation followed by drizzle, then a downpour and finally some falling moisture. In other words WET! Good old British summer! Anyway, whatever happens the show goes on, but I may have to pack some alternative items like my poncho and perhaps my portable hair dryer...no not for my hair but for drying clothes and boots!
Well, it's definately time to get to bed so I can get up early tomorrow and get my stuff done - like packing!
And yes.....must remember passport! Night!
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