Uncle, You Play Volleyball Also?

I just settled into my comfortable new crib. Housewarming was a blast, where many friends and relatives turned up. My friend, AhTiong, was nice enough to gather a few friends to add a DVD HD recorder to my living room, COOL.... though I haven't figured how exactly to use it yet.

Anyways, new place, new resolutions. Told myself it's time to get fit again. In my estate, there's a basketball court and enough tracks for jogging.

One night, together with a pal who moved within 5minutes drive from my place, I went to check out the basketball court. There were many kids hanging around. Without warming up our 3 decade-plus old bones, we hit the basket and were promptly approached by the teenagers to join us. Ok, on.

The first few minutes were hell! My pal and I were panting like dogs 5minutes into the 2-on-2 game. During an intermission, my pal said, "I think I twisted my back". But we soldiered on, surprisingly holding our own against the boys who were probably half our age or younger.

An hour later, another friend joined us. While re-organising the teams, we shot baskets casually, and then it happened. A ball came at me after bouncing off the board. Too lazy to take a shot, I casually passed it to another kid, a la volleyball style - you know, a 2two-handed clasp where you hit the ball with your wrists.

"Eh Uncle, you play volleyball also?"

"Uh (youthful me crumbling inside) yes, abit."

"You play in Sentosa too?

"No la, I'm too old for that." Self-deprecating humour....sigh

Another hour of solid ball play ensued. My pal was holding his back most of the time while I was out of breath most times. But it was fun. Seeing the group of boys having fun reminded us of our teenage years.

So, are we too old for sports altogether or are we just plain lazy? Old compared to the boys, yes. But then there are so many more older people who're definitely more active than us. The father-in-law of a friend of mine has a full basketball team!

So what's our excuse? Haiz... The next day, my pal went to the doctor's. He'd sprained his back. The doctor chuckled and said he should've stuck to swimming. Well, looks like my road to fitness has taken a beating.

But with a little perseverance, I might just make it. With more blood rushing through my body, I hope I'll, at least, look like an Uncle no more.


redcocoon