XC (and is has nothing to do with kissing)

XC is short for Cross Country. And since XC is a big thing in this family and I get so tired of writing it out from now on XC is what you will see.

So far the season for Abate has been gaining speed and place. Week one he raced in Temple, he was a bit intimidated by all the varsity runners. A big leap from Jr High to High School Varsity. It was a hot morning on a hilly course. He placed 22nd. Excellent result, I couldn't have been prouder. Week 2 they raced in Waco-Midway. A much easier course and the morning was cool. He came in 11th. He received a medal, he was very pleased as were we. Today they drove all the way up to Cleburne Tx. that's up near Ft. Worth. I waited anxiously by the phone waiting to hear his results. The Text came - 2nd place I had to call him and tell him how proud of him I was (trust me I was about to burst and told everyone that walked into the office the next hour). Wow what an amazing result. Abate said his coach was ecstatic, everyone was asking how old and what grade - 9th? Really? Total amazement - or so it sounded. I am already making plans to go to the Regional XC meet in November as I have no doubt he will easily qualify at the District meet. Next week they run on Wednesday just outside of Gatesville ( school sponsored meet) it is a true XC as they will be running trails and fields at Mother Neff State Park.
Fantu had her first meet this past Wednesday. It was the dreaded Hico meet, the toughest course on always an incredibly hot day. She fell ill during the run and didn't do her best. I'm equally proud of her though because she loves to run and that's why she does it. It's not easy being Abate's younger sister. She also confessed to me that a boy had been picking on her during the day (I call it bullying) she was in tears when I picked her up. This is the second time this year she has had problems. There has also been a girl being very cruel. Hers I think is jealousy driven, not sure why the boy had to keep calling her a loser. She was ready to punch him ( and a few weeks ago the girl) but she knows if she gets caught fighting she will be kicked off the cheerleading squad. She would be devastated. It was killing her not being able to strike out the only way she knows. Four years of living at an orphanage where only the tough survive – she learned to be tough, she doesn't take crap off of anyone. But the only way she knows how to handle it is by beating the crap out of the person that tries to put her down.
I knew I had to do something. I had to at least make the school aware of what was going on so that if it did come to blows they would know that she was being bullied. I also knew that they would keep a closer eye on her at school if they knew. So since email is the easiest and most efficient way to communicate with a group of people – out came the computer and in minutes the coach, counselor and principal had all been notified. First thing the next morning the coach called – he took it very seriously and will be taking further action, he will not tolerate that on his team. The principal emailed me back that afternoon and assured me they would look into it. Not a word from the counselor.... now why doesn't that surprise me... hmmm. So will shall see what comes to pass. I tell you though that if Fantu keeps running – which I am sure she will since she loves it so much, those bullies better watch out. They won't be able to escape the wrath of Fantu then.