I take all of my seasonal cues from Starbucks. It doesn’t feel quite like Christmas until I cradle that jolly, holiday cup in my hands. There’s not a crispy leaf beneath our feet, yet there are leaves seemingly falling on the corner of 13th and Hermosa Avenue — falling down the entrance doors to Starbucks, that is, where their latest latte lure reads “Fall back in with the season’s perfect cup.” Summer is over.
The changing of the seasons is an expected and usually anticipated part of life, unless, of course, it is accompanied by unexpected changes that have nothing to do with what color M&M’s are on the shelves. I suddenly realized that major aspects of my personal life were going through a seasonal change of their own. My volleyball career, writing career, and even my relationship status decided to take on new directions. At the same time.
When I told this to a loyal customer at work he proceeded to tell me that from the time you turn 18 to the time you turn 30 it is all just one big transitional phase, so get used to it. Wow. I couldn’t tell if I was relieved or frustrated by his matter-of-factness. What makes this man so wise? Must be the steel-cut oatmeal. I guess I could seek comfort in knowing that my transitional existence wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
With volleyball, I was lucky to snag a good partner the morning of the last day of registration for the Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Series stop right here in Hermosa. My season officially ended after the talented duo of Wallin/Harris defeated Tanya and me, 15 to 13 in game three of our elimination match. We played awesome and for me it was a proud match on which to end a season.
But now what? What’s the protocol for us players who aren’t still competing on international tours (FIVB, NORCECA, Pan American Games) through the winter months? Should I be running? Jumping? Downward dogging? Hurling boulders into the ocean? Resting? But how much rest is too much rest?
These are the questions I am trying to answer…and trust me, other professional players I’ve talked to haven’t even figured it out for themselves. Maybe that’s because beach volleyball is such an individualized sport wherein the players themselves dictate their training and nutrition plans. I do know one thing for certain and that is that I don’t want to make the mistake of not giving myself enough of a break. It has taken a lot of energy and focus sticking with a training regimen since February. My brain needs a break from bump, set, spike.
As for my writing career, changes are running up the walls. Decisions are being made concerning the fate and shape of Sand In My Suit and I apologize for any sporadic activity that results. On the other hand, it is safe to say that S.I.M.S. isn’t going anywhere. The pumpkin spice latte may be back but volleyball is certainly not gone. With the summer Olympics just around the corner the momentum of our beloved sport will be free from hibernation. And so too will my writing. I’ll keep you posted. As always, any comments are welcome, so feel free to e-mail me at k.sandinmysuit.z@gmail.com.
