Filling Your Bucket

I’m really proud of a phrase I once wrote:  The times, they are a changing.

Indeed they are.  We are in the midst of an international break.  We are running on an El FC deficit.  This has led to not a small amount of conflicts here at the compound.  So, we decided to approach our healing in the best way we know how.

Last night, we set up a restorative circle around the fire pit (we all love the smell of the burning mesquite taken from Turd Verdeson’s little patch of land near Freer, TX).  Patchouli-infused blankets spread out, we took our spots and began.

In order to achieve just outcomes, we agreed to begin with calming breathing exercises.  Unfortunately, Andrea Provelone and Uncle Tony P. began a row over which technique was better:  the vaunted 5-5-5 or the equally loved 4-7-8.  Luckily, our cherished chicken, San Julius, fresh out of witness protection, waddled over and glared at them both.  Trust me when I say you don’t want to be on the receiving end of one of her bellicose gazes.

Calm restored, we continued our journey towards healing.  We are nothing if not a proactive group who hears and recognizes and lives for deep relationships.  Talking stick in hand (a Rodney Redes right cleat, if you’re wondering.  It’s an object that we all have similar feelings about.), I set the topic for the evening:  things we are grateful for.

There’s an ineffable feeling when you and those around you experience pure oneness.  We set aside our petty grievances (except for H.E. Pennypacker, who’s just a scrofulous troglodyte) and compiled our list.  In no particular order, we all agreed that we are grateful for:

• PRO referees being the best in the biz
• reasonably priced alcoholic drinks available at McKalla
• a surfeit of high quality, locally sourced, craft beer options at McKalla
• the reasonable discussions we get to have with Houston and Frisco fans
• the tactical flexibility of Josh Wolff
• the lucidity of MLS roster rules
• being the group that starts the eternally loved wave at every match
• the innate brilliance of the “We Love You” chant
• La Murga bringing a sense of tranquility to the games
• the rational and well thought out takes on the El FC Facebook group
• Andrew Wiebe’s unbiased MLS analysis
• people remaining seated throughout the match. An act of giving and kindness to those around them, if you think about it.
• economically priced airfare for our cross country jaunts to other stadia
• excessive parking around McKalla
• the deep involvement of our MoC
• the no-expense-spared gifts for season ticket holders
• Verde Store pricing structure on game days

After an hour of giving thanks, we brought our dialogue to an end.  We were able to get a sense of each other’s soul.  We are a group deeply committed to our team and the best interests of our league.  Personal buckets thusly filled, we went back into the compound and slept the dreams of angels in our personal cells.

Blessings and much love to all!