I woke up this morning, my hair still in tight ponytails from playing basketball yesterday at the community center. I felt happy laying out my new basketball shorts and new t-shirt with some strange sports bug on it. They match, gray shirt, gray shorts with white piping.
I vow to play more basketball, but have already voted to stay home this early morning and clean up the house, opting to have my usual dance work out at 10am.
For the past two days, a team of traffic control and electrical workers have had the entire corner blocked off from both sides and from the back alley. They turned off the electricity spoiling my crock pot chili.
They flashed orange bright lights in my face, beep beep beeped backwards dozen of times and their large trucks parked next to my bedroom window loudly idling dull pain in my ears from 9:30 am until dark; then returning the next day to continue the same punishment.
I found the community center when I was forced from my house, the pain too unbearable. I had been there before on a gig, but never saw the large basketball gym in the back. I walked in like I owned the place because technically, I do belong to the community.
I went into the basketball gym and began stretching and enjoying the space. Ahhhhh, I love it. I had a nice work out, ran on the lines, did turns in the center circle and was happy to find alone time in a quiet place.
When I came out again, a lady sitting at office style counter and desk gave me a schedule of open times that I could play basketball. And then she did it. She told me that I have to play basketball because it's a basketball gym.
I'm not the type of person to let anyone get the better of me, so when the electricity went off the next morning, I braided my hair tight and put on my game face. I took a strange small blue ball I have that is out of air and drove little yellow car car parking right in front. I signed myself in, and the secretary turned on the lights for me. 8am. I was the only one there again. Awe freedom. Awe, I don't know how to play basketball. But, I was ready to find out how.
I borrowed a lost and found ball that had some air. That was a big help. After a good stretch, which is allowed in basketball, I began bouncing the ball. I couldn't make a basket because my forearms were in too much pain. So, I made up some basketball exercises.
Three bounce steps left, 3 bounce steps right, flip around left 3, flip around right 3, back 3, turn and shoot. I mimic all shots to the hoop like the pros do. Ha ha
A couple of times I noticed the lady watching me as I came to the glass doors, rounding the corners jogging and bouncing, bouncing and dribbling. I rehearsed crossing dribbling hand to hand, over my foot to foot balance, which hand to use best while which foot. I worked up a good sweat and was pleased at the end of the hour. I had done it. I had my work out as a basketball player. Yippy! I have a new Basket Ball name. "The Navigator"
- Basket Ball