Free Style Soccer Goes Qiana

My traveling schedule has started to pick up, and this past weekend I found myself yet again in Charlotte. Being that I like to kill many birds with one stone, I lined up a birthday party attendance, a visit to the Concrete2Green futsal center and a few important conversations with my mentors.

During a drive on Saturday morning, one of my mentors began telling me a story. She recalled how, in the midst of admiring other accomplished colleagues, she found herself unrealistically comparing her list of accomplishments to those who had more experience than herself.

I remember thinking to myself the irony of hearing this story when, several hours later, I was asked to participate in a freestyle soccer exhibition at the annual Slam Jam at Grayson Park. I expressed my hesitation to participate as I reflected on the tens of people that I have met who have grown up all of their lives doing jaw dropping tricks with the ball.

I resolved in my mind that if this experience was meant for my “freestyle colleagues” then they would be at Grayson Park and not me. With that note, I joined in on the exhibition. The juggling jitters were there nonetheless, but as I continued with my touches on the ball, they disappeared as I flipped the ball from the side of my samba sole to my knee. I may be in the early stages of my free style development. However, showcasing my “free style wizardry” at Slam Jam was quite a coming out event!

Breakfast At Betty's

This Damsel Needs a Disguise

I am at a loss when it comes to cars. In the event I need car maintenance, I take my car to the dealership when the maintenance light comes on. As far as repair, I defer to anyone with more driving experience than me. Sometimes I get a quick answer. Other times, like this past Sunday, my mama directs me to the nearest auto parts store.

The front headlight on my car was out, and I wanted to get a good deal. Now, this wasn’t the first time I had to replace a light. The last time it was one of the lights in the back. However, as I looked at the extra bulb in my glove compartment, I was reminded that, even if this was the right size, I didn’t know the first thing about taking the cover off.

There was no time to waste. I headed to Pep Boys, and began my usual routine of wandering around with my “tried and true” damsel in distress look. The first salesperson, who approached me, was a lady, and she was unfazed by my look of confusion.

“What’s the make and model of your car?” she asked flatly. I told her and she rattled off a four digit number, pointed to an aisle on the left and walked off. Definitely, she was a lady who seemed like she could fix anything on her car.

And just when I thought my act fell flat—a store manager appeared. “Victory is mine,” I thought.

“Are you finding everything that you need?” he asked. With a moment of hesitation, I rambled off the headlight number and told him my inability to locate it. The manager quickly located up the bulb package. I asked him if someone could help me install it because I “just don’t understand how to do it.” He replied, “You never know how to do it!”

I gasped.

In that moment, my mind went dark. I didn’t know what to say. I have never been called out on my damsel in distress act (and for the record I don’t bring it out often).

I innocently asked, “Was it my hair that gave me away?”

The manager laughed and said, “Next time you should wear a hat and dark glasses. Don’t worry. I will install the light for you.”

[Insert sigh of relief here] I did get my desired result, but not without embarrassment. In the future if I pull a damsel in distress again, I am going to need a disguise—straight hair…

Concrete 2 Green: Bringing Futsal to Charlotte’s Inner City

This week I spent a few days in Charlotte. I drove around and looked for any signs of a soccer pick-up scene. Much to my disappointment, I found a few parks without goals and some parks with goals and no people. Imagine my frustration.

However, I was not down for long because I had an appointment to visit Concrete2 Green. Concrete2Green is a socially conscious company that uses innovative and eco friendly strategies to grow the sport of soccer in US inner cities and urban communities. Earlier this year, C2G transformed the old ice skating rink in Eastland Mall into a vibrant futsal center.

My time at C2G was filled with lots of pick-up games and kickups. Moreover, I had the opportunity to see some of Charlotte’s up-and-coming soccer players show off their best tricks.

The C2G Futsal Center provides an opportunity for soccer players (of all ages) to develop their technical ability and freestyle flair in a safe environment. If you come to or live in the Queens City and need a great place to play, feel free to swing by for a few pick-up games or join in on league play. I can guarantee you that when I am in town—it will be the one place that you can catch me at!

Winning Qiana's Heart 101: The Grip

Courtesy of my Bermudian excursion, I want to drop yet another piece of wisdom for those who seek to suit me. This insight comes courtesy of my new mode of transportation--a scooter.

Every person in my group has been paired off to ride on a scooter. As it goes, I am a passenger. My driver has coined me with a new nickname. It is pincher. He gave me this name because I lightly press the tips of my fingers on his sides as I ride. During the times that I am comfortable, my grip is light. On the more questionable curves, let's just say there is a firmer pinch.

My hand position is quite different from that of the other passengers on their scooters. One girl hugs her driver with her hands and thighs. While the other girl, lays against the scooter basket and does not touch her driver whatsoever.

It dawned on me that the grip on my driver is just how I like my relationships. When I date a guy, I want to know that he is there and can depend on him in precarious situations. However, I do not want someone who is smothering me with an invasion of my time and space or a gentleman caller who is MIA on the regular.

Like riding these scooters, to have a smooth ride with me you have to exercise balance and exercise a light grip.....act accordingly

We Ain't Got

I know enough about long distance air travel to prepare for the cool temperature coach cabin. I bring a jacket and a pair of warm socks. Then, I make sure to hit up the stewardess for a blanket.

Today in keeping with my routine, I politely ask the US Airways stewardess for a cover. She replies with an air of disappointment, "we don't have any."

Has the recession really caused the airlines to cut back on that share-all blanket??

Once the flight was underway, an announcement came over the loud speaker. "Ladies and Gentlemen, for $7 you can purchase a comfort package. It includes a pillow and blanket."

They don't have any blankets. However if you want to pass a little cash, US Airways find you a blanket and a pillow!

Can't Stop My Music!

This morning the training group took off on what our trainer considered a "brisk" jog in the neighborhood surrounding our training facility. As I was running alongside my trainer, I had a hunch that there would be an added twist to today's workout.

About 3/4 mile into the run, my trainer cut through an abandoned lot, jumped down a muddy embankment, trotted around the fringes of a homeless basecamp and began running on the train tracks. I must say it was a first for many, including myself.

Did you know all of those railroad planks have a million rocks packed in between? I certainly did not, and this fact required lots of adjustment during our mile run up the tracks. Keeping pace while avoiding ankle turning rocks and wooden planks is not for the faint of heart.

Fortunately, everyone was saved by a train creeping up the tracks on our return route. Our trainer wove his way back to the streets and into the gym.

Once inside, he made the announcement, "No music for one month. You must learn to motivate yourselves on your own. Can't take the music with you to tryouts!"

The room was silent, of course. No music and no talkback equals silence.

Silence for everyone else, but not for me. I always have music--its' just playing in my head.

How else would I make it through these strenuous training sessions? Amazing Grace, Beyonce, Young Jeezy, This Little Light of Mine, Madonna...I have my karoake machine on high, and my inner voice is always on point.

Well, I hope the other guys can make the transition. It can be a long row to hoe when you have nothing to divert you from the pain of a 30 second resistence cord drill.

As for me, I am ready to go. Put in Shawty Lo cause you can't stop my music!