First match at the regional level is a win

A day of two parts. The first part, going up to mid-afternoon, was awful. I was sick – or at least feeling sick – for most of the day. A gut-wrenching ache that left me almost doubled over. I wondered for a moment whether it was the turkey (nobody else had the same effects, though) or whether Ottawacker Jr.’s illness from a couple of days ago was viral and not merely gas, as I had originally thought. I tried to sit as still as possible, using a beanbag to provide warmth (it is 6° here today, ludicrous), and thought I might essay a Liverpool game to provide a modicum of comfort. That, too, was a bad move. Ever since we won the league, we have been absolutely abject. Decent in parts today against Brighton, but still disinterested in winning and playing with no urgency. God, how I miss the days of Klopp.
 
After that, around 5pm, we headed out for Ottawacker Jr.’s first match at the regional level, at Carlsbad Springs, against Gloucester. I’ve sort of semi-officially been appointed responsible for goalkeeping warm-ups, so made sure the boy was ready to go. It’s his – and the team’s – first match at this regional level. I wasn’t holding out much hope, to be honest – but the team played well, and Ottawacker Jr. played very well (making one exceptional double save five minutes from the end with the scores at 0-0). In the last minute – they are now playing 40-minute halves on a full-sized pitch – OISC scored the winner, leaving the boy and his team ecstatic. And his parents too, if I am honest. I am so happy for him – he’s genuinely good, and it must be a thrill to be recognised as that by his peers.
 
Refusing to stop off for a Burger King on the way home – got to keep the little fecker grounded somehow – we went back, and I made him a BLT after his shower. He was beaming, although I suspect more for the football than the BLT. Then Mrs. Ottawacker and I sat up a little, before I hit the sack, with a hot beanbag, to see if sleep would help me feel any better. It really had been cold out in Carlsbad Springs, and I was chilled to the bone.