Keeping My Word

Friday, January 11th

Here's the latest edition to the Jones household. Her name is Maggie. She's my youngest daughter's kitten and is just as sweet and playful as can be.

People that know me know I'm not really fond of cats, so they ask how this came to be. Well, it all started out when I told my youngest daughter that I needed her to go into goal at a premier level tournament in Lancaster in November. She said, "Only if you'll get me a cat."

Because we had only already lost twice and we REALLY needed a win, I ignored conventional coaching wisdom (like bargaining with your players) and conventional marriage wisdom (like asking your life partner before you make a promise to your kid) and went ahead and promised that if she went into goal AND we won the game that I'd get a cat.

It was raining. The team we were playing was incredible. We were down two of our top defenders. I figured it was a safe bet. After four great saves and an incredible effort by our entire team I knew I was in big trouble. I figured she'd forget our little wager and we'd go home quietly. No such luck.

Well, here she is. I kept my promise. I'm still in trouble with my wife.