Motivational Mondays (Dec. 1)

Last Monday, I decided to start this segment as a way to help get motivated for the start of the upcoming week. Today, though, it's hard to try and motivate others when I'm the one that needs a dose of it. Later this afternoon, I will delve into the world of soccer referee. Unlike last week, no cancellation is going to spare me today. I've got a varsity girls game to tend to and frankly I'm nervous about it.

But in the spirit of this day, I'll be motivating myself throughout the day and hopefully as the game approaches I'll be able to untie some of these knots that are in my stomach.

I've done lots of things in my life recently that were great challenges and I suppose I should take some solace in that and know that I can tackle this new challenge and feel fine. I don't, though... but I should. And I suppose I will at some point today.

I suppose one good thing about this new venture is my inability to linger in negative thoughts. I have a game today as well as games on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and a doubleheader on Saturday. Today's is the only game I'll have a partner. The others will be the LB Show.

Okay, so another thought... I know the game. I know soccer very well. I've followed the game as a fan and for the last decade as a member of the media so I know the ins and outs of the beautiful game. I've covered games in Japan and Trinidad & Tobago before. I've been to Dallas and Denver and Salt Lake and San Jose to report on games. (Okay, that sounds way more glorious than it actually was, but it's true)

And I love the game. In some small part, I'm helping pass along my love of the game to others. I'm helping youngsters learn the game, learn what to do and what not to do, learn what's a foul and what's not a foul, and all that will hopefully foster the same kind of infatuation I have with the game.

In the end, I'll be fine. Part of my nervousness also has to do with a change in routine. I've gotten into a routine of being here most of the day every day and now I'll have to get away from that and start a new routine. But that, I will figure out as well.

I've talked to other officials and they say that you just need to be confident and follow through with calls. If you are unsure of a call you made, sell it. Once you blow your whistle, that's it. Sell the play if you are unsure and move on.

Alright, well here's my first big sell:

I can't wait to get out to the soccer field today!