Routine is great for the girls and so important. Today they were up for a walk. But a bit shorter as the coaches were off to scout a game this morning (but also was a bit rainy this morning too). Before they left they wished one of our players a very happy birthday. I can't believe we have 2 birthday's in a row in our team. Being a family who loves birthdays and have a morning routine for our birthday girls, it must be tough to wake up and not be with your family.
Off they trudged and I set up for breakfast. A few items had run out today much to the girls dismay :(
Note to self: Don't run out of the stuff they like.After breakfast our injured player returned after spending hours at the hospital under observation and a night sleeping at her mum's accommodation (due to leaving the hospital at 1am). She still wasn't quite herself, but was happier than the night before.
We had a bit of a chill out before starting to get ready to head out to the game. We were playing at 11.30am so it wasn't too long before it was time to board the bus and with the coaches missing it was time again for me to take control of the bus ride in. I am quite OK with this, however not great at reversing and parking so I call in for back up when I reach the car park at the stadium to park it.
Today marks the last games of the pool rounds and to date have only lost one game. The girls are handling themselves so well and boy are we proud of them. Today they came out to play alright and each player dug in. We had 2 on the bench who didn't even play (due to resting injuries) and we still nailed it. Today's game included a quick change of a uniform due to blood mark after a player was scratched across her leg.
Juggling issues like that whilst an unexpected time out is called and drink bottles and towels are needed. It can get a bit hectic and once you're out of whack, can take a little while to get back on track.
The bottom line is that we were not going to be bullied on the court by NZ today and we nailed a brilliant win 78-49. We have a chance to give it a good go! This win takes us to the quarter finals. Now that is exciting.
Tip #1: Be considerate of where you will be 'dropping' in to. Whilst you may not always be dining at 'restaurants' its still polite to give them a heads up that you are headed their way. This is what I did with our lunch choice today.
I decide to treat the girls to Subway on the way home. A healthy 'takeaway' option. The girls feel like they are getting a treat whilst still remaining reasonably healthy. We take it home to have lunch together, but the girls are very grateful for this.
On the way home they had asked if they were able to go back and watch the boys team play to fill in their afternoon. It was something the coaches wanted to do too, so off they went. They were packed up in the bus and I remained home to do some running around and chores.
Tip #2: Confirm and reconfirm. Check in on places that you have booked in to ensure that you are all on the same page. How can you make their life easier as well as making it easy for those who are dining with you.
I head out to the physio to purchase some specialist tape for one of our girls, then pop in to speak to the manager of the club. Later tonight we have a dinner out at a local club where all the families have been invited too (and to celebrate our birthday girl too). I speak with them about how it will work, where we will be seated, and how would you like for me to communicate to the families how we can all get our meals served quickly and without confusion. They were wonderfully helpful at the Torquay Hotel. Now I am looking forward to coming back for dinner tonight.
I hit the shops to refill some of the groceries and head home to unpack, wash uniforms and prepare for the arrival of the girls. They return to spring into action to get ready for dinner. It was funny to watch the decision making about whether to remain in uniform or to wear other 'clothes'. Finally deciding they would prefer to wear their uniforms. It's obvious they are proud to be in them, and rightfully so.
The girls are ready on time and we head out to meet up with the families. I am sure the parents are missing their kids, but when they arrive the kids are too busy chattering with each other to notice. Although it is a great time for parents to get together too.
What was particularly cute to watch was our parents also working as a team. They rearranged the furniture to ensure they were on one long table instead of lots of little ones.
We ate, we sung happy birthday and we said good bye to the parents before making our way back home for a stretch and then bed. The girls were still buzzing from their night out, but quickly settled into bed. Only one round of the rooms before they were all fast asleep.
I am still finding it hard to believe that this is already DAY 7!!!
The coaches communicate the morning plan which helps me plan what we need to have ready for breakfast and the morning in general.
Bring on the quarter finals. We are ready!
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