Marianas Cup 2008

The CNMI National Teams brought their A game this weekend. The women held strong, played their hearts out against Guam and ended with a victorious tie during last Saturday’s match. It was undoubtedly a success story after last years 7-0 defeat. The men, who played on Sunday, made that day a moment people would be talking about for a really long time. From headers that ended in head collisions to power kicks, it was by far the most exhilarating game I have ever seen. I was watching the entire match through my video camera and I bet the crowd’s roar was recorded way better than my attempt to film the game. It was not only a showcase of athleticism but also of dedication and team work. Although Guam made the winning goal during the last 30 seconds of overtime, we, the spectators, knew that our men gave it their all.
You guys and gals are truly an inspiration!
Go Team CNMI!

Battle Wounds

It was five past five. We were trying to beat the sunset as I drove up to the radar station with my mountain bike crammed in the back. Brad, on his bike, held on to the Rav for a joyride. This was going to be a great downhill ride, I thought to myself. I got on my bike and glanced around the unfamiliar path. To my surprise, we were heading the opposite direction… no pavement, just some good ol’ dirt and loose gravel. I felt unsteady on alien ground and focused on things that I didn’t want to encounter. Eventually, I skidded and fell off. Aside from busting the front brakes, I didn't really hurt myself but I held on to my hunny for dear life as he gently helped me up.

I finally gathered up the courage to shake off the shock and got back on. Oddly enough, I felt more confident and went whizzing downhill. But before anyone could say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious I flew off, hit the ground hard, face and all! I knew I wasn’t superwoman because this time I was hurting all over… I couldn’t even tell where the pain was coming from. I had my face buried on my knees and was crying like a little girl. As I struggled to stand up, I examined the injuries I’m sure I obtained. My right calf was as swollen as a bruised peach, my thighs were bleeding mercy and a tiny piece of skin was hanging out of my thumb. My black clothes were filled with dust and dirt while my watch got all scratched up! It was one of those unfortunate moments where I couldn’t help but laugh in between tears.
We continued on our adventure with extreme caution and saw some amazing sights. Somehow because of the pain, i overcame a steep hill that I use to bike-walk. I’m glad I rode on.
Three days later, with a body filled with battle wounds and discoloration, I rode with the dream team (Vince, Rhonda, Tawny and other crazy bikers) up the dusty Far East Hill and down the paved road.
Riding is definitely a new thrill!

Goodbye Lola

The last conversation I had with Lola (grandma in our dialect) went something like this “for shame, I have a boyfriend and you don’t!” this was spoken in Visayan which made it sound a lot funnier. Lola always made sure that she had her hair combed before picture taking and had a full on smile. At the age of 90 she still wore a bathing suit and joked about meeting guys.
Lola Cheding, as she was fondly called, passed away two weeks ago at the age of 92, she has 10 children (whom she named alphabetically from A-J) and has numerous grands and great grands. In the past months, our family back home said that she had been in bed and could hardly open her eyes. The Lola I remember would walk up a flight of stairs and had great eyesight. She could spot us from her house to the plaza and would yell if we were hanging out with the wrong crew, she was feisty too. When we visited her, she would unload her imported chocolates and goodies so we could enjoy a special treat (most of the time they were expired, but who cares, it made us feel loved). Whenever she stayed with us in the city (Philippines) or visited Saipan, she always worried about her grandchildren in the province and made mom find out if they were doing okay without her. I especially loved her stories about the Japanese era and how she was a guy magnet.

It’s hard being far away from home in times like these but I know she lived a full life and was where she wanted to be…surrounded and remembered by people she loved and people who loved her.

We will miss you dearly Lola.

Crazy Hat Day!

The best thing about teaching is the unexpected highs,

especially when you're just about to give up and consider waitressing

Kickin' Back

Kickin Back Players:(Top) Alleny, Lovelle, Connie, Gayle, Noi, Mel (Bottom) Rhonda, Toi, Fong, Natalie and Me!

I Love FOOTBALL! This season the women’s recreational league played 7 aside. I was a bit disappointed at first since I've always enjoyed the team spirit of a larger group (okay, and the subs) but now, I wouldn't mind playing seven on seven again. We used a much smaller field but it made us RUN! By half time we've soaked our shirts and guzzled our drinks.
Alleny and my sister Lovelle were our team captains, both had high spirits and the determination to win and have fun. The team also decided on getting shirts, on the back it says "Seven days without soccer makes one weak." It was dorky but we pulled it off (we're purty like that)... we even had a team cheer everytime someone scored a GOAL! (courtesy of Rhonda's attempts in bicycle kicks).
Another season has ended but Kickin' Back will always be remembered by our unmatched socks and self-cheering abilities (Go Rhonda GO!)