My favorite sport...

Ok - I don't like sports.

I will pause for gasps.

I never played sports in high school. Uhm, I was in band - now THAT'S a sport!

If I was sitting at a big table with a bright light shining in my face to choose a favorite - I would say basketball. It's the only one that I half way understand & can half way stomach. Erin played basketball in school & I enjoyed going to watch her play. That's probably the reason I know that sport the best.

Football makes me want to pull my fingernails out. Baseball - same thing. How boring.

Sorry, sports just ain't my 'thang'.

But here's the other problem I have with sports. Especially in middle/high school, I feel too much emphasis is put on them. In my ever so humble opinion, I think the students that are 'athletic' are given special treatment or are placed in a higher regard than other students. For example, the principal of my high school was at my work the other day. While I was calling the manager he was here to see, I said, "Mr. Pitman is here to see you." And the guy looked at me like, "How does she know me?!" And I said, "Well, you probably don't remember me because I didn't get in trouble or play sports in school!" Then he asked me my name - & nope, he didn't remember me.

On the flip side, I do think playing sports when you're young teaches you valuable lessons. It teaches you to share, take turns, LOSING & being part of a team. However, losing is where it gets sticky because most the time (& it's the adults - NOT the kids) WINNING becomes their goal at any cost.

So, Kiersten, I'm so sorry - I'm just not a sports kinda gal. But I am proud of you for doing the tennis thang & running cross country! I'm glad you're excelling in those areas & are having fun at it! I do think sports are important, especially when you're young, because of the reasons above.