The Highs & Lows of Basketball

On this blog I strive to provide my readers a glimpse into the life of being a college basketball wife. I am most certainly in the dawn of this lifestyle; "wet behind the ears," of sorts; and still trying to learn the "rules" of the game, but overall there are many highs and lows in this business. Today, Nicole Phillips, wife to NDSU's Saul Phillips, wrote a post about the emotional roller-coaster that was recently had for their family.

If you are unaware, the North Dakota State University Bison beat #5 Oklahoma to proceed in the NCAA tournament. They were the first Summit league conference team to win a game in the NCAA tournament, and then loss to San Diego State last Saturday.

Nicole, a former Miss Wisconsin (MAO 1997) and news broadcaster, now author and public speaker has a fabulous website/blog, Kindness is Contagious. I often read her posts about the importance and power of kindness. She writes a weekly column for a local Fargo newspaper, The Forum, which provides an outlet for individuals to share instances of kindness. In this day, sometimes I think we forget that people are kind, loving, and caring; and this column provides an outlet for these actions to be shared.

In her post today, she openly shares about the highs and lows of being a basketball wife/family. I highly encourage you to stop by her website/blog and like her Facebook page. Her posts will bring joy to your day.

Let me return to her post... She openly shares that being a basketball wife/family is fun, especially when the team is winning! True that! But, when your team is losing, or when your team's season has come to an end after a stellar season it is emotional! We, the wives/family, ride on this roller-coaster, with our husbands. Every basketball wife can tell you how "tense" the house can become after a loss, or even streak of loses. Let's just say, these guys can sometimes act like us females when our monthly friend is in town! You must walk around the house very carefully, reconsider any statement that may be made, because if there is any inkling that you are being negative/judgmental/have an opinion (I could go on), your head may be on a platter! Now, have a winning season/game, that is the time to ask for that purse you have been eyeing or for him to cook dinner!

Team Phillips is a good family as is the rest of the coaching staff.  I too found myself emotional after the loss. I was both proud as punch for their year, but also sad that it had to come to an end.

Nicole, thank you for the candid article and the reminder to always find the positive in all situations.

Michelyn

On Working From Home

Hi. It's been a whirlwind few weeks and have been ever so thankful for the reprieve that was had this week. Oh, thank heavens!! I did not forget about my blog, it's just been on the back burner!

Well, I have officially been working from home for a little over 1 month. I really enjoy not having to leave the comforts of my own home to say "I am at work!" I do, however, miss my former co-workers and the potential for gaining new ones that working with in-vivo allows. I am simply trying to cherish the lasting friendships that have been made with many loved friends and relatives. You know, the whole gaining new friends as an adult (i.e., like over age 25) is not simple.

I think my office area may be complete after a purchase today from HauteLook. What are your thoughts on my new area rug?

 Today I featured a few 5 x 7 positive statements that I recently ordered from One Kings Lane. I am sure that sale is over, but I snuck over the website and see they are featuring a few other print sales.

I am in no ways stating that my office is the most "designed" space, but I do think it is coming together.

Michelyn

Keeping Positive: Head High Yet "On A Swivel"

It has been a few days since I last blogged; and I had true intentions of 21 days of continual progress updates per my 21-day detox plan. Unfortunately, my life was completely turned upside down during a trip to  a local grocery store. I am not going to get into the specifics of the event here - but, as I stated on my Facebook page, please be extra vigilant in these dangerous times. I would consider myself a pretty observant person, not easily distracted and always on a mission (you remember my to-do list discussion). However, what I have come to learn is that some people are so desperate and in need of a "quick fix" (to get drugs or simply cash that they did not out-rightly earn), that they will target damn near anyone, even in broad daylight on the busiest day of the week (ie., Sunday), in a nice suburban neighborhood.

Wow! I have not had similar feelings of complete astonishment since I won the title of Miss Wisconsin USA, albeit that astonishment was pure bliss; whereas, currently I am in a state that can not be described completely in words. I am now filled with turmoil, stress and anxiety, and complete disbelief of the events on Sunday. I am trying to not labor on the things/actions that I could have done differently (I was not even on  my cell phone! or distracted in any way!)... I am a very critical person, especially of myself, and I am battling with chastising myself when I am the VICTIM!

It is my hope and intent that this situation does not turn me into a coward - one who is afraid to enjoy life and all the great things around me. I am certain that I will heal from these events, eventually. I can replace all the materials things taken from me! I will recover from the internal ramifications because of the loving support of my husband, parents, relatives, and dear friends... I wonder if those perpetrators can say the same if they were in my shoes? I think not, they are filled with emptiness and lack of love, support and overall human basic needs. I can say that I am filled to the brim and beyond!

My 21-day detox plan has been put on delay... I will get to that task shortly in my life. Currently, I am centering my soul and mind; trying to remind myself of the positive things that are currently occurring.

Michelyn