Recent content by ShesAMonkey

Yes, her coaches most definitely played a part in her decision. It's hard to work just as hard as the other girls, place just as high, and receive little recognition for what you have done. I think it wore away at her over the years. In response to people asking why she is retiring, I have been...

Reading these stories makes me angry for all of your children--but tells me that we are not alone. My DD, who just decided at the end of her first year of L9 (age 13) to retire from gymnastics, has been dealing with a culture of favoritism at her gym since the beginning. I have overlooked so...

I'm pretty sure Region 4 is some sort of purple.

Does anyone know what the new region colors are?

My gymnast is a very special day today and I am not a happy husband. o_O:p:D

I have successfully moved my office to a new area within our office this week. I have managed not to lose my mind through months and months of dealing with an office under construction. This is most definitely worth celebrating. DD has made it to Regionals in her first year of level 9. And my...

Are the age groups the same for regionals as for westerns and nationals? Our region posted the regionals age groups today and I am just wondering if the age group my DD is in will be the same age group she would be in if she makes it to westerns.

My DD did a small local meet when she was in compulsories where every girl got a pair of crazy knee socks. They were all different and handed out randomly. They all put them on for awards. It was so fun! As a mom, it was MY favorite meet giveaway. Something that actually got use after the meet!

I told my husband that if DD quits gymnastics, we are putting all of that money into saving for a trip to Europe for the family. It wouldn't take us long to save enough. (Shhh, don't tell DD. I don't want her being swayed one way or the other--this has to be HER decision when she makes it...)

My DD is only in 8th grade (but takes a math class at the high school) but already her travel is difficult to manage. Most of her meets this season involve some sort of travel. We were out of town this past weekend for a flyaway meet, and she missed last Thursday and Friday because of it. (She...

Wow, that was the most beautiful pirouette I have ever seen. And her clear hip on the high bar was amazing as well. That score was well-deserved!

My DD had to miss a meet in compulsories because she had influenza. High fever, coughing, congestion, body aches, nausea...it was awful. She was devastated missing the meet but there is no way she would have been safe. On the other hand, one of her teammates woke up on the day of State meet last...

Yes, we know someone from Germany who used to do this. When she came here and learned about DD's gymnastics training, she started telling us all about how she used to do "horse vaulting." We had to pull up YouTube videos in order for us to understand. I was like, "What? You did gymnastics on top...

Our Optional team has 5 meets + State + Regionals + Westerns/Nationals.

Glitter in the hair is still part of my DD's meet routine, even at age 13 and level 9. We have had great success with a glitter spray we find at Walgreens near the bright-colored hair dye stuff. We always spray outside, to avoid glitter overspray everywhere.