The Unexpected Sports Wife Chronicles & 1,000 Reasons to Celebrate

Sports Wife Life: A Plot Twist I Didn't See Coming

I have a confession: I was never destined to be a sports mom. My kids inherited my particular brand of coordination, aka a spectacular lack thereof, along with my bookish tendencies. They love outdoor adventures including hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, etc. But team sports were never their thing, much to my husband's quiet (and occasionally not-so-quiet) dismay.

As an avid soccer and lacrosse player in his previous life, my husband has patiently endured years of our family's collective enthusiasm for activities that involve pages, thrift store hauls, over ambitious crafting, gaming and meme collecting,  rather than spectacular sprints and goals. But recently, he found his tribe: an outrigger canoeing club that has him happier than I've seen him in years.

Now, with practice four times a week and races both home and away, I'm getting a crash course in sports-adjacent life. Not as a sports mom, but as a sports wife. The learning curve is steep, my friends!

This morning was quite the juggling act: packing off my book boxes for press (The Witches Catalogue of Wanderlust Essentials boxes came out so cute - watch my Facebook feed this weekend for a peek) while simultaneously packing for tomorrow's big race. 

We might need to talk about my spectator bag here. I've stuffed it with tarot cards, a knitting project, an e-reader bursting with books, AND my laptop in case inspiration strikes for my novella. My husband  just reminded me we also need food, water and sunscreen. Oops! 

I've definitely overpacked. But in my defense, four hours is a long time, and I can't just... sit there. Though I solemnly swear I WILL watch HIS race. He came in first at the last one, but I don't want to jinx him by mentioning that. Oops again. Just did.

Who knew that at this stage of life I'd be doing this? Life really does have the most unexpected second acts.