We were in Norman this weekend for the Oklahoma Division II Swim Meet. This, I can safely say, was not one of my favorite meets and it didn't help that it was kind of a disappointing weekend for Jackson. The meet just wasn't as well organized or well run as the others we have been to. And, you know us, we are experts in swim meets because we have been to FOUR. We were at OU, but the pool was really kind of nerve-wracking. The kids were diving off blocks made of plywood and some outdoor carpet; very weird. And, both ends of the pool were 3 ft. 6 inches...they had kids diving into shallow water. Made me NERVOUS. They also didn't announce or post what event they were on, so we spent most of the weekend asking everyone around, "What event are they on? What heat?"
Jackson had six events and by the end he was pretty discouraged. He doesn't seem to be improving or getting any closer to qualifying times. Two of his events (50 breaststroke and the 200 free) were new for him, so we had no times to compare against. One event he swam .5 seconds faster and the other three he swam 7-15 seconds slower than he has in previous meets. He wants to swim "b" times, which would qualify him for more meets, but he seems to be getting further away from those times than closer.
Sunday afternoon he was pretty discouraged and started to cry. I felt so bad and completely powerless. As a parent, I want my kids to succeed, to find something that makes them happy and gives them a sense of confidence and accomplishment. Swimming seems to be a good opportunity for Jackson, but I also know that he will have to work for everything he gets. He isn't a natural born athlete and his parents are not natural born athletes. It is just discouraging to be into this nine months and not see some progress. And, it is very hard to know how to encourage him to hang in there.
On the school front, we took the kids to Staples last night to buy school supplies. We have an appointment to take Reid for her Pre-K Preview and assessment next Monday. She is ready for day care to be done and to get on with this pre-k business.
We picked up my car today and left almost all of my work bonus with the mechanic (we think he was looking at plans for his vacation home as we were leaving). From what we understand, they worked on the car three days straight, including Saturday and Sunday, and at one point on Saturday the only part of my engine that was still in the car was the block. In ended up needing valve seals and a head gasket.
Other than that, we have a busy week ahead. Damon leaves for CKU/CPR on Wednesday and the kids I need to prep for the Allen's to come visit this weekend. Yeah! Can't wait!
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