(Mexican) Ecuadorian Volleyball

For years I've walked by or driven by parks where I've seen these nets stretched as far as possible and about 15 feet off the ground.  There were always spanish people playing some sort of variation of volleyball, but it was volleyball but you were allowed to catch and carry the ball and then throw it!

This sport baffled me and I thought it was just something that was made up by those who played it.  I actually thought it was just a New York thing since I've never seen it anywhere else that my limited travel experience has taken me to.

I had the fortunate and unfortunate experience of playing against some Ecuadorian's a few years ago.

Before I forget, please excuse my ignorance for calling it Mexican volleyball!  I can't tell the difference between Ecuadorians and Mexicans, just the same as I can't tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Korean just by looking at someone. 

We used to setup a volleyball net (regular volleyball) in Prospect Park a few years back.  We were just relaxing on the grass and these Ecuadorians came by and started to play on our net ... it was one of those moments where you don't know exactly how to respond.  Do you (A) tell them to stop playing on <b>our</b> net, (B) let it go and let them play on your net or (C) challenge them to a game to get them off your court?!

We opted for option C.  First we let them know that it was our net and that it wasn't a public net, then we asked them if they wanted to play a friendly game of volleyball.  This is where it got interesting as it was their guys against my friends and I.  Keep in mind that my friends and I aren't great at volleyball, but we can play and hold our own.

From the first 20 seconds we knew this was going to be a long game, as the ball went over the net to their side, they took the ball, carried it and threw it to their other player.  I immediately called a carry on that player, but they looked at me as if I were a giant talking hot dog (which I'm not too far from).  This happened for the next few plays or so where I would call a carry when they would catch and throw the ball around.  Extremely frustrated at this point where the game was just not working, we decided to just "let it go" and not call anymore carries.  Their "captain" talked to his team and I'm assuming told them to ease up on the carries as this wasn't the volleyball they are used to! 

This was one of the hardest games I've played in my life, and I've played a lot of volleyball.

After we just let them carry the ball and throw it as they pleased, we found it extremely difficult as we played the regular rules of volleyball.  These guys were taking the ball, catching it and then throwing it to wherever they wanted.   It wasn't a bump, it wasn't a set and it wasn't a spike ... this was Ecuardorian volleyball.  Guys were running into the net, and doing all sorts of things that we weren't used to but we came out victorious in the end ... after a few games of this.

I even found myself playing with their rules because of pure frustration.  Instead of a spike, I would jump and grab the ball then throw it onto their side of the court - and it wasn't a short catch and throw, it was a catch, aim wind up and then throw!

This game is an actual sport that's big and has leagues!  Yas had found out that this was called Ecuavolley.  The reason I never found out what this was is because I searched for "Mexican volleyball." 

We were reminded of this game on the way to a pitch and putt outing where we saw a couple of those 15 feet high nets strung up in the underpass of the Van Wyck Expressway.  These guys are hardcore, they stayed there for hours, even after the sun went down.  I guess they have a good spot with lights at night and shade during the day. 

So props to those who play this type of volleyball as it takes a different kind of athlete to try and play on a 15 foot net. 

Here's some video of some Ecuadorian Volleyball league in Canada. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddaaptn0yaY

+ mon

I Think I Can!

Ever since I was a little kid I always wanted to try new things and when I found something I've been the person to "go all out" with it.  Especially with sports, even though it's just a friendly game in the park I would do whatever I could to win or score, even if that meant getting hurt in the process.

I wish I had played volleyball earlier and kept with it as I really like it now.  Being in the one year anniversary of being 29 years old my body is starting to show signs of aging.  With the noises my joints are making, difficulty going up stairs, breathing hard after a few flights ... ok that might not really be an age thing but more of a weight thing but you get a the point.

Even with all this, I feel the need to play sports and play them as best as I can.  If that means diving on the ground, getting some cuts and bruises, then count me in!  Perhaps doing these things makes me feel "young" again and it gives me that feeling of being invincible that we all know from our childhoods.  

If you've ever seen me play volleyball you know that I run for all the balls possible even if there is little to no hope of me saving it.  People have seen me dive on my bad knee only to get up limping, losing skin on the court, crashing into other players ... but I don't think I've ever done anything like this before.  The only thing I can compare this to is when baseball players will run in the outfield for the ball and then crash into the wall going right through it.  

Here I was trying to save the ball as it was a really close game.  Full speed and just wanting to get the ball back into play.  

Unfortunately the ball wasn't hit after I hit it and we lose the point.  The ref had told me that I tied a record of knocking down 1.5 barriers ... so maybe next time I can try for a full two.  

Thanks to Arvin for the editing and the music, until next game!

+ mon

The Big 3-0!

My birthday was last Wednesday and it was the 30th ... damn just typing that out makes me feel old!  Some people were telling me that I should make it a big party or celebration since it's a big milestone, another word that makes me feel old ... "milestone."

I was going to try to plan a party in this place I found in the city but that didn't end up happening since the place never called me back and it would have been a good amount of money to put down anyways.  There was really no plans for that night, the only thing I knew was that my dad was cutting up the stuff for the lumpia that he was going to cook for me that night.

It just so happened that Wednesday was also my volleyball game night that I could not miss since we were already short a few people.  Here at work, I tried to keep it under wraps as much as I could because I didn't want them throwing me a surprise party at work, that's what we usually do when it's someone's birthday.  The plan was for me to go straight home after volleyball to have dinner with the fam, well we can plan as much as we want but that doesn't mean it's always going to go as planned.  Right after the game the team decided to go to a local bar and get me some shots for my birthday, and that they did.  After four shots, I had to call it quits and head on home, but I couldn't take the subway in my state so I decided to call for a car.  Arvin was with me and for some reason I had a weird feeling that something was up and planned.  When we were in the bar Arvin came from outside saying that we had to go because my dad just called him looking for me.  That was strange to me since I had signal but no phone calls ... but the liquor was working it's magic so I quickly forgot.

On the ride home I was joking with Arvin that I hope there isn't a surprise birthday party for me ... and he didn't respond.  I said it again and he ignored me ... my spidey senses were going off again.  Finally got to the house after traffic and as I was walking down the stairs to the front door, I saw people peeking in the window and thought that was strange but didn't really think much of it.  Diday has to open the door since I had my keys in my jacket and my jacket was all the way in my bag.  

In the traditional Simon routine I would start taking my shirt off right before I came through the door because it was hot, good thing this wasn't one of those times that I did that!  As I walk in through the door I saw a whole bunch of family and friends in my house, I don't even remember heading "surprise!" because I was in shock from everyone there.  

I think this was actually the first surprise party that I've had thrown for me!  I joked with Arvin in the car ride that I hope there isn't a surprise party because with my luck I'll have a heart attack from all the excitement!  There everyone was eating and drinking ... some of the food was already gone because I had gotten there two hours late!!!

Here I was in my volleyball clothes, smelling of sweat and liquor with everyone around me.  As I got my gifts, I started to wonder something ... why were all of my gifts food!?  I'm not complaining by any means, but is that what I'm known for, food? lol

The first gift was the "monwich!" which was insane!  To this day I'm still not even sure what was in it, but this is what I think was inside that monster of a sandwich.  There was McDonalds hamburger patties, clam strips and chicken rings from White Castle, Spam, cheese and I garlic mayo!  It was heavy when I held the entire sandwich in my hand, but oh so good when I got a bite of it!  The combination of foods doesn't sound appetizing to some, but it's good stuff.  Ody then handed me his gift ... the beast!  Damn people are trying to make me have a heart attack, but I'm not complaining!  I couldn't touch the beast that night, I had to wait until Thursday night to eat some of that beast.  There is still some of the monwich left, but that will be gone pretty soon.  Loan got me an M&M cake that I wasn't able to eat, but I did get a taste of that famous dip that she made!  Just a taste!  Apparently in my two hour tardiness, the surprisers consumed most if not all of the dip and also the chips!  I used the monwich to clean up the bowl with the remaining dip ... that was a good combination too!

Part of the family culture that we have liquor.  I've always tried to stay away from it and well when I do have some, you know that I don't drink much!  Here we were blowing out the candles and I was given a shot of some Southern Comfort.  Then another ... then another.  good thing there wasn't that much left or else I'm afraid the shots would have just kept on coming!  After a few minutes needless to say I was using the walls and other people for support.  There were instances of yacking but luckily I was able to keep everything down, it would have been a waste of all the wonderfull food I just ate!  

I'm not sure what I started saying but I hope it wasn't too revealing and it seems that when I drink and it starts to take it's effect, I end up on the floor for one reason or another.  Wednesday night was no exception.  

It was an awesome brithday party and thank you to all the people who came and put it together!!!  

I remember finding a nice spot on the carpet where I just stayed for a little bit until everyone ended up going home for the night.  But I still had people coming over!  G and his cousin were still on the way and we ended up going to Hooters for a little bit.  Chicken wings and sangria ... the combination of champions!

So here I am, the dirty thirty.  Just that word really makes me feel older ... I prefer this to be my one year anniversary of being 29.  

The next day was work and I still have no idea how I made it into work ... with the famous words of many individuals who have ended up on the bad side of a drunken night ... I'm never drinking again.  

+ mon

Thumb Sprain

This was supposed to go up yesterday, but for some reason it didn't go through when I sent it through the bberry.

Yes there is such a thing as a thump sprain. I've had it a few times before but always called it jamming my thumb.

Happened yesterday (Tuesday) while playing in a volleyball match, we lost all three games by the way, and I was setting on the incoming serve. I misjudged the ball and it was coming harder than I thought. I got the set up but in the process sprained my thumb.

I have another set of games tonight and am going to play. So I taped up my thumb and it came out pretty good! I usually just wrap the sports tape around my hand and it ends up looking like a boxers hand, but tis time I did it the proper way as I found the instructions online. I gotta say that this actually feels good with this on, I might just start taping up my hands all the time when I play now!

For some reason I actually like having this on my hand, I think it goes along the lines that one saying "chicks dig scars.". Well maybe they'll dig sports injuries too!

I can hear it now...

Hot girl: oh my what happened to your hand sexy boy?
Me: ahh I injured it while playing volleyball during the key play in the game which we ended up winning.
Hot girl: wow! Must be hard being a superstar, huh?
Me: absolutely but hey you gotta deal with what comes with it you know?
Hot girl: so what's a girl like me gotta do to get a date from a hot stud athlete like you?

The rest is history!

+ mon

Update on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 11:17AM by MONStar

I tried to play with my sprained thumb last night an I played well with it.  The only thing is that when your thumb is tapped up, you try to compensate for not being able to use it fully by using the other thumb more.  So with my sets last night I was using my right hand to set more ...

Well it just so happened that I ended up spraining my right thumb too!  It's not as bad as the left, but it's still a sprain.  I was going to tape it up, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to go around with two hands tapped up like that.

Let's just hope they both heal for next weeks games!

+ mon

Mmmm Mmm Good

I was going to put this entry in last night but ended up watching Lost after the game instead. 

So after a long night of volleyball games, about 3 hours worth, I got home and was hungry!  I had eaten before the game, but was starving by the time I got out and after all the games [that we lost!]. 

I was going to fight the urge for almost a midnight dinner/snack but drivign home all I could think about was bacon, and well I just had to have it!  I had no other choice than to cook up 5 strips of thick cut bacon (mmMmMmmmM), just thinking about it makes my mouth water!

I figured that it was an even balance, the gym was extremely hot and I think I had a really good workout, so balance it out with this healthy meal just caps off the night!  This picture was pre soy sauce, I didn't want to take a picture with the soy sauce on it because some of you out there might not be able to resist the goodness of this meal, like me!

+ mon

Update on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 12:17PM by MONStar

And I like the bacon when it's not too crunchy but when it's a little softer!  Sooooooooooo good!  I can't forget about maple syrup ... yes maple syrup on bacon is insanely awesome!

+ mon

Waiting for Gym Class

This was an entry that I put in my old blog (which no one read lol, and I was going to post this yesterday but it slipped my mind, so here I am posting it today).

Back in high school I remember having gym class at most twice a week. The rest of the time you have the "other" classes that just fill up your schedule, like science, math, english, and all those other classes that are just there to fill your day so you don't have idle thoughts. Having that crumpled program card in my pocket and looking at it each day, even though I knew where I was supposed to be and what class it was, then seeing that day that had gym on it. That feeling was awesome, it was a countdown until you were able to go into that gym class again.

I guess going to gym class was different from going to the park and doing things with your friends like playing basketball or baseball. Being in that gym class gave you the opportunity to show off to your fellow alumni your skills, or lack thereof. All our fellow classmates would see us in is sitting at our desks buried in a book (as we fell asleep), or doing projects with them for whatever filler class we might be attending. There was hardly any time to show those other people in the classroom what kind of athlete you were, or there was never any time to show that you weren't just some nerdy kid.

Being able to gym class and show that you are somewhat coordinated and others very well coordinated was a big thing. The circle of friends expanded just because of your abilities! Even if those new "friends" you met in gym class weren't the ones you hung out with all the time, you would now get the head nod in passing in the hallways, or if you were lucky the pound or the high fives. That was what gym class was about.

But there was only that one day or if you were lucky two days you had gym. Each day would just be another countdown until you got to wear the same clothes as the other guys and match with everyone in the PE uniform.

That's how it feels for me again. I'm back at that spot where I sit here day in and day out just waiting for the next volleyball game so I can do my thang and show my coworkers that I'm more than just a suit and tie. It's fun that way, and I like it more because you have a sense of teamwork and accomplishment, even if your team lost all three games. I would rather do that then going out for "drinks" after work.

Well here I sit, one day a week of volleyball is not enough for me. I'm going to check out a new league tonight, and possible another league. So there's a potential to be in three volleyball leagues, so that means three days of gym class ... wish I had done this when I was younger and maybe I would have been in the Olympics or something. But it's funny how you can do this stuff when you're older since you have the cash and nothing else to do.

So now I look at my program card and wait in anticipation for gym class tonight that is in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Then maybe gym class on Sunday as well ... I'm starting to like this program that I got.

Game on!

+ mon