Coming Back

It's been a little over a year since I posted. But with all that's happened since, blogging has taken a backseat in my life. I decided to take it up once again. So let's catch up.

Since October 14, 2011:

Fall of 2011: I started my senior year in high school. I started courting my boyfriend, Brendan, on October 9. Other than that the season passed with not much more than the simple humdrum of school and work.

Winter 2011/12: Life got a little more exciting, a little more hectic. On December 13, I saw my boyfriend for the first time in three years since he left for college and his family moved back to Georgia (giving him no real reason to make the hike for Alabama all the way back to Delaware). Then, five days after Christmas, I headed down to Dixieland to visit him and his family in Georgia. I spent a week there, going hiking, watching football, going for walks, rollerskating, recording music, going to church, playing SmashBros, reading devotionals together, and, what would become a tradition for us, going out to eat at Chili's the night before I left. Then it was back home to school and work.

Brendan, his Grandma, and I after his college graduation

Spring of 2012: My soccer team had an amazing season. For the seven senior girls, it couldn't have been any better. We walked away as the regular season champions and with a second place finish in the tournament. I registered for my first semester of college at a local community college as a nursing student. My semester was to consist of four classes-Anatomy and Physiology I, Review of Math Fundamentals (yeah, I've never been good at math), Composition, and First Year Seminar. One credit above full time, I was set and ready to go. Just after our soccer season ended, during the first week in May, I headed back down to Dixie, this time to Alabama for Brendan's graduation from Auburn University. I stayed with a wonderfully sweet southern belle named Julia that week, since her two roommates were out of town. And conveniently, her house was five or so minutes from his (her boyfriend, Isaac, lived there with Brendan along with two or three or four, depending on who was crashing on the couch, other guys). The week held many things for me: meeting new people (which, if you know me, I don't do well with), graduation, seeing his family again (they drove from Georgia for the event), an anniversary picnic, going to see The Avengers (twice!), Chick-fil-A milkshakes and a walk in the park, and our dinner out the night before I left.

The family (and Brendan) in Virginia

And then, on June 7, I finally graduated! Brendan, of course, traveled up for the event. I gave my graduation speech without a hitch and my hit all the low notes on "Blessings" by Laura Story that I sang for my senior talent. The day after graduation we packed everyone up and headed to D.C. for a trip to the zoo (okay, it was mainly a trip for the younger ones, but I still enjoy zoos). The Monday after graduation I got my wisdom teeth out. Brendan, like any good boyfriend, stuck with me through it all, even in my worse drugged up, hydrocodine moments. We mainly watched movies on my laptop and he read all of Love Comes Softly by Janette Oak to me. My family also headed down to Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park once I was well enough to travel. We hiked through the caverns and got sprinkled with "cave kisses" (supposed to bring you one year's good luck with every one; I got something like 20 so I should have plenty of good luck). Then, twelve days after he arrived, he left again. We haven't had the chance to visit since.

Working the Fourth of July Parade with the world's favorite cow

Summer 2012: I meant to have a great last summer before college. You know how well that worked out? Not very. I worked. Usually eight to nine hours a day. Once I worked for twelve. I managed to make it to the beach once this summer. Other than that I waited impatiently for my financial aid to come through, bought textbooks and worked some more. I also moved in with my older sister (also a college student) and we now an apartment together. Oh the adventures that brings! As a side note, I worked Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day as a drive thru order taker. And let me tell you our whole team was exhausted for the following week. But we put on our smiles, said our "my pleasure"'s and worked as hard as we could. Because it truly was our pleasure to serve everyone, no matter who they were, and it was heartwarming to see all the support we were given. Bobby also made it safely home for Afghanistan. Praise the Lord!

Studying for my first A&P exam

Fall 2012: Let college begin! Classes took over my life and now I literally do not have one. I still work part time and have now been promoted to a team leader. My boyfriend and I reached our first year anniversary. He sent me a gorgeous lantern necklace with one of those sun crystals inside that catches rays of light and we had a one hour Skype date. And so, now, we are up to date. 

End of Soccer Season

This was actually around three weeks ago, but I thought I'd share my good news. Our soccer team, after coming off a hard year of a completely new team, an unexperienced goalie, and new players alongside seasoned ones, took third place in our league. The story below was written by Mike McColley, our assistant coach.

News Article - Lady Lions defeat Chestertown in Consolation Game - May 6, 2011

Photo by April McColley

The CCA Lady Lions traveled to Fairwinds Christian School in Bear, Delaware on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 to play in the Delaware Valley Christian Athletic Confernce championship consolation game. The Lady Lions lost a tough playoff game the previous day to Salem County Christian School, palying them at their home field at Carney's Point. CCA had very little practice over the past few weeks due to Spring Break. After losing to Salem, the Lady Lions were set to face Chestertown Chrsitian in a game for third place in the league. The Lady Lions were looking forward to the match, as they had a record of 1-1 with the team during regular season play.

The day couldn't have been better for a soccer match; sunny and 80 degrees. CCA had all of their players available for play except one player out for illness and one for an injury. They were looking forward to the match because their loss to Chestertown during the regular season came after being short handed, having several players injured or unable to play. They were now at full force and ready to rumble.

The game started out with both teams playing agressively for control of the ball. The Lady Lions were able to strike first when Sarah Eckels nailed one in on the Chestertown keeper from the right side of the field. Chestertown tried several times to get a shot in on CCA, but the Lady Lions defense was in top form on this day, and were able to keep Chestertown at bay. About midway through the first half, CCA had an inadvertent hand ball in the penalty box, giving Chestertown a one-on-one penalty kick against the Lady Lion keeper. Miri Rose Goldsberry was able to make contact with the shot, but it still got by her an into the goal. The Lady Lions kept their heads up and took control of the ball, keeping it in Chestertown's end of the field for a significant amount of time. Briana Love was able to make a break up the right side of the field and sink one in from outside the 18, putting CCA up 2-1. The half ended with the Lady Lions leading the game.

The Lady Lions discussed how they could improve ball control during halftime, and went back onto the field fired up and ready to make a statement. Shayna Cole had been having a good day at controlling the ball in the middle of the field, and was fiannl able to get through Chestertown's defense and score goal number 3 for CCA. The battle continued with the possesion of the ball changing frequently. Chestertown was able to score a second goal, setting the score at 3-2 in favor of CCA. This really got the Lady Lions fired up, and they went down the field with a vengance. Shayna was able to continue her control of the middle of the field, and the Lady Lions forwards and midfielders were able to make exceptional passes, taking several shots on the Chestertown keeper. Shayna was able to take advantage of a free kick on a Chestertown penalty, laying the ball in behind the keeper to set the score at 4-2 Lady Lions. As the game was nearing the end, Shayna was able to complete the hat trick, scoring her third goal in the second half of the game, putting CCA up 5-2. As the game ended, a Chestertown player had a leg cramp and had to be assisted off the field. Soon after the game resumed, the referees blew the whistle, signaling the end of the match and a win by the Lady Lions. CCA had had their best performance of the year, and it came at the most opportune time. They had beaten Chestertown Christian for a second time during the season, a school that CCA had never beaten in the school's womens soccer history. Paula Beiler, Yessie Martinez, Sarah Eckels, Lillie Bailey and Brooke Marble were key in the forward line for CCA. The midfield was controlled incredibly by Shayna Cole, Briana Love and Lindsey Staniszewski. The Lady Lion defense was anchored by Emily Bosco, Madison Robinson, Bethany McColley and Hannah Slater. Miri Rose Goldsberry was credited with 12 saves during the match. All Lady Lions that played in the game were a key ingredient in the win, as the team was able to keep fresh players in the game. Great job Lady Lions !!!

The team was presented the D.V.C.A.C. third place trophy after the match, and were able to celebrate on the sideline.

The coaching staff would like to congratulate the girls on a successful season in which they improved their skills and team work. The team will not graduate any players this year, and should start next season with a very strong team.