Blog Summary # 3

I usually do not like going to class but I go because my goal is to be educated and to get a degree so that I can get a better job one day. Some how and some way this class seemed to be very attractive to me with the name Leisure Education. I assumed that we were going to learn all kind of tricks on how to benefit from leisure. I can say that I was extrinsically motivated to come to class every Tuesday afternoon because the class was cool and I did not have any previous background knowledge about the subject.

As we were taught the class materials, we actually engaged in activities that put knowledge into practice. Comparared to a traditional teacher lecture classes and taking notes; this new experience was very enjoyable. We actually had the chance to be more interative as a whole and in our group activities. I eventually became interested in the class and the people I worked with became intrincally motivate to attend class every Tuesday. I also felt I had some kind of personal way of learning outside of class with my basketball team that I coach. I felt I was the one being leisure educated. I was one of the players and my classmates were my teamates and my teacher would be the coach. I did really feel like I was in the shoes of the kids I coach basketball.

This class was able to make me feel less stressed about the grading even though I still get evaluated based on how well I know my materials. But the course also gave me the oppportunity to write anything in my blog journal and of course still relate to the course materials. I was able to express my feelings and values for leisure and how I view leisure as opposed to others. I also had the chance to choose the leisure experience in which I never did before and elaborate on it. I went to watch a hockey game at the Bell Centre, the Montreal Canadiens vs. the Detroit Red Wings with my brother. This course provided me with the idea and concept to leisure educate myself during this event which I had been previously constrained due to lack of companionship.

Overall, this course helped me in some way to find the positive leisure experiences based on what I have learned. I also learned that I can help provide leisure education to people that are seeking unknowingly for the benefits engaging in leisure activities can provide. More importanlty this course I took made me experience leisure while was I still in the process of learning in a classroom at school and gave me more a positive perspective toward leisure education.

Habs won yesterday...

I cannot believe it, the Montreal Canadiens beat the defending Stanley Cup Champions last night the score was 3-1. That is so amazing because I did not have the chance to watched the game. It was Wednesday night and I usually hang out with my girlfriend at her place to watch Dog the Bounty Hunter show. I'm glad that the Habs has finally pickup a win in the regular playing time. I do not even remember the last time they have won!

ALs lose to Calgary in Grey Cup

I guess last night's Grey Cup Final was the last time I'll probably see the Montreal Alouettes play in Montreal for the championship game. All day, I was confident, excited for the game and all geared-up with my Ben Cahoon jersey all day long until finally me, my brother and my friend Ramy and his girlfriend headed at bar set and ready to glory. I was very intrinsically motivate and excited would be the best word to described my behaviour. In the end, I just headed back home with a disappointed look on my face. I was completely silence with the lost. And I also felt a huge dropped down from that defeat for that one and only moment.

I'm in Toronto...

A bit of of leisure time to spend and I decided with my girlfriend to spend it in Toronto. Just a small getaway from the Montreal scenary which I figureout that would be good for both of us and especially when we are both busy with our everyday life obligations. Some kind of escaping from reality... Raining and windy but still enjoyed the moment and time here in downtown Toronto. And I'll be back home to finished off my group project and back to work!!

Blog Summary # 2

As we all can see in my blog on sports and socializing are very important to me in my leisure life. There is also one aspect of my leisure activities that I have not really talked about in my blog but I did mentioned a few times. I coach basketball for the city of Saint-Laurent and also in a small elementary school located in the West Island. As a coach I've been given the opportunity to desmonstrate my values, skills, knowledge and experience based on what I have learned about basketball and my own personal social experiences. I have not really gone in depth about my coaching because I felt that I was employed and getting paid for the work. But on the other hand I am helping kids benefit and even if in a small way in some kind of leisure activity. This will actually be going on my eighth year as a coach.

For me coaching basketball and socializing have something in common because they inevitably overlap each for team unity. To become a great coach is not solely about winning every game and championship banner; it is more important to be able to develop good communication skills and team chemistry. This allows players to interact with other teams and can be used off and on court and in their regular daily interactions.

As a leisure educator, as defined in our studies, my ultimate goal is to help my players to become better basketball players and also make the learning process enjoyable. And most of all appreciate the activity in which they are involved in. I have often reminded my players, and myself as well, that we cannot win basketball games without good communication skills and chemistry and no matter how good we are or how poor we are. The key to success is the try the best we can while we are learning individually and as a whole and then together on the same page we can achieved success. The most important thing that I tell my players is to have fun and focus on their passion for the game of basketball. If they do not have those two significant feelings within them, they will definetely lose interest and motivation for the game.

Basically, all I do is pass on my knowledge and experiences to them so that they can also experience the positive rewards of the game because I see how it has helped me to become a better person in my everyday life and even gave me great satisfaction for leisure. I am happy and grateful to have the opportunity of teaching them basketball as a leisure activity. I am not the best coach and there has definetly been a few times that they have seen me angry, discouraged and yelling and even cursing in which I was not in my best behaviour. I say to myself and to them that all the achievements we gain in our lives help us deal with the challenges.

All my activities and social interactions such as being with friends, family and sports help me to relax, have fun and keep a healthy balance between my everyday life obligations. I'm certain my players will remember me not for how many games that we won but how they taught to not be afraid to try to be better players and people.

WWE Cyber Sunday...

Last night,my brother, my friend Daniel and I was at Le Skratch Bar in Pierrefonds for a Pay-Per-View event WWE Cyber Sunday (wrestling match). It was very exciting Triple H defeated Jeff Hardy again for the third time for the WWE Championship belt and Batista beated Chris Jericho for the World Heavyweight title... There was a lot of excitement during the event at the bar my friend took a couple drinks with my brother and I only took one bottle of Coors Light. I did not experience purple leisure because I was the one responsible for driving everyone back home and I had work early the next day. But I still had a good time!!

Oakley Sales...

On my way home last night, I got a call from buddy's Daniel asking me to go an Oakley sales in ville Saint-Laurent with him, the sunglasses company they also have apparel and footwear products. I did not really feel like going because I was a bit tired but I did not have much to do beside sitting in front of a computer or TV. Why not hangout with my friend since I get a chance to do some socialization. On our way there, there was already a huge lineup and we waited for almost two hours outside in the lovely cold water. As we finally got in the warehouse, the place was almost empty. Nothing left and nothing interesting that would caught our eyes but hey I had fun hanging out with my friend even though we walked out from the sales empty hands. I did enjoyed my evening and to me that was leisure.