A Total Bummer... Or Maybe Not So Bad

Just as I'm about to write this entry about the bummer mood I'm in, things turned around and are bright and sunny now. But let me tell you about it anyway.

Last night I found out I will not be racing in this weekend's long distance canoe race. It's a four hour race that goes about a quarter of the way around the island. I had somehow convinced myself that I would make it in this race and I was really, really looking forward to it.

I joined the canoe club to make friends and be outside. I did not think I was competitive and didn't think it mattered if I got to race. But it does. I was super disappointed last night when my name wasn't called. I even got teary on the way home. I have been working my ass off and, aside from turning to steroids or actually doing pull-ups every night, there's not much else I can do. It's like being held back a grade in elementary school or not making the cheerleading squad in high school (neither of which apply to me but I imagine they would be devastating). I was crushed!

And, I can't be mad at anyone. I can't be mad at myself, I've been working hard! I'm doing a great job! And I can't be mad at the coaches, they just want to have a winning team. It's sort of awkward to be upset and not be able to blame anyone for it.

So I was wallowing in sadness and bummer mood all day.

Until I came back from lunch and had an email from my coach. She said the only reason I didn't make this coming race is because they really needed to put someone else in who's someone's mom and can't swim well. Weird, right? But the point is she said I'm doing very well and the other coach is "impressed" with my paddling. YAY! So now all is right with my paddling emotions.

The day got even better when my brother left me a message informing me that Daiei (it's like a Japanese Wal-Mart) is giving free roses to everyone named Jennifer today. I'm 100% serious. He says they have a sign that says "Today's name is Jennifer" and if you can show your ID with the name Jennifer, you get free roses. I'm gonna go get me some free roses after work!

By the way, yesterday's name was Brian. The Japanese fates must have their eye on the James family.

Whoa, what if tomorrow's name is James? I might just have to stop by tomorrow to check.