glory days

With nothing particularly blog-worthy going on in the present, let me take a moment to delve into the past. I often think that it's possible I peaked at 17, at a very shallow peak, nonetheless.

I went to a very small private school (about 90 people in my graduating class) that offered great academics and mediocre sports, except for tennis and golf (they called us the country club school). It was easy to be considered an athlete there. So really, it's no huge accomplishment that I played tennis and basketball. Sure, our tennis team was top-notch -- we won the Tournament of Champions for NJ every year except my freshman year -- but I was always one of the worst players on the team. I was fairly good in the big picture, based on USTA rankings, but it's hard to think of yourself as good when you're constantly practicing with people in the league of amazing. It was quite the predicament. Had I gone to my public school, I would've played first singles but been part of a not-so-great team. As it was, I was lower on the ladder for the best team in the state. Which would've been better for me, personally? I suppose there's no point in contemplating that now. At least I had fun, for the most part, and racked up a whole lotta trophies and news coverage.

Actually, my experience in basketball might be a good indication of how I would've faired in tennis at my public school. We weren't particularly good; so I was the starting Varsity point guard since Sophomore year. With that experience, I gained some confidence and leadership abilities. I loved it, too. We had so much fun... well, I did at least.

Besides sports, I did some other activities. I sang since middle school: choir, some 'select' middle school groups, high school choir freshman year and then Lyric Singers sophomore through senior year. Lyric Singers was the 'select' women's singing group. We went on annual tours, singing at schools and events and stuff, to Philly, Boston, and New Orleans. Lots of fun. Also, I was on school council: sophomore class rep, junior class pres, and school council pres. I had fun doing this too.

Before all the stuff in high school, I played violin, piano, softball, soccer; dabbled in cooking, pottery, computers (before the good stuff came around, I learned the easy ancient programming stuff), gymnastics, tap and putting together newpapers. It was fun being a kid and trying out all these things. I wasn't very good at the cooking or pottery then, but with everything else, I had "potential."

If only I could've focused on something. I never really did though and thus, never became great at anything. A jane of all trades; mistress of none. All that unrealized potential is pretty useless now. Though I suppose if I had been great at gymnastics, it wouldn't be too helpful now anyway. Computer programming, on the other hand... stupid stupid stupid. Well, how was I supposed to know? Se la vie. At least I had a lot of fun and a bunch of good experiences. I forget the point I had when I started this blog, but I know I had one. See, I just can't focus on anything...