AWVP

Attention Pandas,

We have Jared to thank for this. There I was, drunk and bored, and I got a call that he was going to try to get game at the Riata.

But it is far, and I have had many beers...
But it will be cold, and the game will suck...

You know what I did? I went anyway. Because volleyballs don't hit themselves, and excuses are like assholes--everyone has one.

Because I had something lodged in my memory, something I used to do.. there was a word for it... What was that word?

Wait! I remember--BALL. B A L L. It's something I do. It's something WE do!

I have an institutional memory that is longer than anyone's here. Out of small beginnings can come glorious things.

So I arrived at 4:30, and spent about 20 minutes marching up and down the square. Until slowly, very slowly, players began to arrive. One, then 2, eventually 12.

By Riata standards, a fine game was had. Though it was cold, no one quit. There were no drunken floaters among the contestants. Everyone tried to do their part.

Big lead by the team that me and Jared played on went away--tied 14-14. We were at point several times but couldn't close it. Eventually, victory 18-16. I can think of worse preseason starts.

In fact, I heard Tbone and Jared played last weekend! When was the last time you heard of anyone getting a jump on us in terms of trigger time???

I fear for this league. We lost our base, but what did they do in Star Wars when that happened? Build another one! That has not happened, and it is something that we all need to focus on...

A topic for another time. Here's what's important: Riata is open for business, starting next Sunday at 3. TBone sanctioned play. The more of you that show up, eager, semi sober, and ready for a crack at the Persians, the better games will be.

I can also tell you this. The water is cold, but playable. And playing again feels amazing. Waters doth heal, even those waters. As some of you know, I've been going through a lot of off the field issues recently. It was very therapeutic to be able to forget all of the things that are going on in the real world and just--play--ball.

Of course, everyone chooses their own level of involvement... I can only say this: Next Sunday around 2:30, I will head north, to the hot gates, and stand in 4 feet of water, where their numbers will count for nothing.

It would be agreeable if you joined me in battle. If not, I will fight alone. My name is CHIEF, and I AM a ball player!

In case any of you need a reminder, this is why:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKMG-FdCGtM

Strength and honor, children!

_________________
Chief

Death from above! Fire down below!

Nice 1st AAR of 2013 "Season"...I put season like that because many pandas seem to be broken of will, body, and regressing talent (ie Jess)...This is week 5 of rehab for me after another knee surgery...

Not the type of rehab needed by many Pandas that might fix our water vball attendance and late 2013 start issues...Ha!

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#23
My name's Dan

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#23
My name's Dan

_________________
Chief

Death from above! Fire down below!

_________________
#23
My name's Dan

_________________
Chief

Death from above! Fire down below!

_________________
#23
My name's Dan

_________________
Chief

Death from above! Fire down below!

_________________
#23
My name's Dan

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And, I would like my undies back.

I certainly hope so. A lot of those choices are red herrings. You'll be accosted by security at Lincoln Oaks in a New York minute. A lot of the other ones are barely playable.

But, if someone wants to make another choice, call it down. Is Artisan on that list?

_________________
Chief

Death from above! Fire down below!