...taking an elbow to the nose

Earlier this week I was asked if I would participate in a pep assembly activity. "What's the activity?" I asked. "Co-ed basketball with a male and female teacher on each team." There are only three female teachers in our building. I could have said no, but one of the other gals had already exercised that option. "Sign me up, " I said.

Today was the assembly. Cheerleaders cheered, the band blatted out a tune or two, and the chosen few played basketball for the crowd's entertainment. Some were serious, while others of us ran up and down the court waving our arms at seemingly appropriate times trying to look like we knew what we were doing. And then it happened. I was in the right place at the right time (or so I thought) to rebound the ball. Just as I was reaching for it...crack! Someone's connected with my

It didn't sound pretty. It felt even worse. I was sure that my hand would be full of blood when I pulled it away. (It wasn't.) With wobbly knees I got myself to the bench and tossed the pinny to one of the girls. My career as a basketball great had just been cut short.

Tonight my nose is tender, and a lovely bruise is beginning to bloom. I think I'll be a spectator at the next pep assembly.