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It really is, sam. I guess, because I ended up living in this town, that I at least have the memory of beating their soccer team lo those many years ago! And guess what? That traveling team I was on made the state finals the next two years in a row as well . . . and we lost those too! So close, and yet so far . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on July 7, 2013 at 9:39 AM
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You may have lost the game but you are the real winner in the end! Amazing how things do come full circle! sam 
posted by
sam444
on July 5, 2013 at 8:46 AM
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Re: Jimmy
Well, Naut, to be perfectly honest, I actually had considered coaching at one time, but I'm really not sure if they even have these traveling teams anymore. There is a field not too far from where I live ( I honestly don't recall if it's the same field that I played on 40 years ago ) with goals already set up, but I think it's a type of intramural league playing there. However, at this point, time would just not permit me the opportunity to coach, even if there was an opening . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on July 5, 2013 at 7:17 AM
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Thanks, Dr JPT. While the experience was nice, the situation probably would have been even more ironic had I actually run into my "future wife" way back then. Who knows? She may have actually been somewhere in the vicinity, but when you're a twelve-year-old kid trying to concentrate on a semi-finals soccer game, the opponent's audience is your least concern . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on July 5, 2013 at 7:12 AM
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Jimmy
Interesting! So, do you support what is now your local team? Do a little coaching, maybe? 
posted by
Nautikos
on July 4, 2013 at 7:39 PM
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Thanks for sharing. Team sports from an individual perspective is interesting. Traveling and new experiences can become memories especially finding a wife. Nice post.
posted by
Dr_JPT
on July 4, 2013 at 2:03 PM
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It is indeed, TAPS. This town is about a 45 minute ride from where I grew ( near the shore ). I've moved only 3 times in my entire life, and each time I was a little further from my hometown. And now? Never in my wildest dreams . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on July 4, 2013 at 12:22 PM
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Interesting the way things turn out.
posted by
TAPS.
on July 4, 2013 at 12:13 PM
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Are you pitching a movie title, Against? If so, may I suggest the actors to portray my wife and me? I have been told several times that I resemble Bruce Willis, but with slightly more hair. And my wife could easily be played by Sally Kellerman ( if you're unfamiliar with her, she played Hot Lips Hoolihan in the original M.A.S.H. movie ). Let me know when you get the script started . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on July 4, 2013 at 11:27 AM
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It is indeed, lion. If, at that time, someone ( or something ) came to me and told me that one day I'd actually be living in this town, I'd have first stared at them blankly for a moment or two, and then turned and walked away slowly and cautiously as to not disturb them in any way! But, forty years later, here I am . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on July 4, 2013 at 11:22 AM
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Same to you, Utah. Yeah, that's a pleasant, and romantic, way to look at it. However, it still took 40 years to claim my prize! And with what I've had to put up with and stumble through during those years, I can only wish my "prize" had come to me a little sooner . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on July 4, 2013 at 11:19 AM
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Thanks, Kabu. Believe me, if I knew she was there and watching that game, certain aspects of both of our lives would probably have been altered, for the good, forever! But all I can say about the possible chance-meeting that never was: if I knew then what I know now . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on July 4, 2013 at 11:17 AM
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I'm not going to take that bet, C C T, because I have no doubts that she was nowhere near that pitch that day! But no matter how long it took, Cupid's aim was still true indeed . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on July 4, 2013 at 11:14 AM
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They are indeed, FSI! I too have been lucky enough to now be able to visit the various towns I had heard about when I was young, but never thought I'd ever actually go to. Those "twists and turns" in life can be interesting and fun . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on July 4, 2013 at 11:12 AM
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It actually is, Mia. I honestly didn't remember the town itself from when I had played soccer here, only that it seemed like a small, quiet town set in the mountains. We're near what is known as the Watchung Reservation . . . lots of huge trees and rolling hills, with the occasional fox or deer family passing through. Not what a lot of people imagine when they think of New Jersey. A lovely hamlet indeed . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on July 4, 2013 at 11:10 AM
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That's a great story too, lustor. Yours covered a specific type of region, mine covered a specific town. Funny ( and nice ) how things work out sometimes . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on July 4, 2013 at 11:06 AM
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It would appear you were lost in love somewhere in New Jersey.
posted by
Against4WindsOn2Flam
on July 4, 2013 at 5:26 AM
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Funny how life works out isn't it?
posted by
lionreign
on July 4, 2013 at 3:20 AM
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Well Jimmy, it seems that there are some things better than winning...And you found her. Have a happy Fourth.
posted by
UtahJay
on July 3, 2013 at 10:59 PM
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how could you play your best after visiting where the love of your life was ....even if you didn't ....well it's a nice Romantic thought. LOL Nice post dear friend.
posted by
Kabu
on July 3, 2013 at 3:54 PM
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That little fellow Cupid had you marked out Jimmy. I bet your wife was not even watching the game or you may not have been so lucky.
posted by
C_C_T
on July 3, 2013 at 12:07 PM
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That is neat how that town re-entered your life...There are some towns that I had heard of or been to that I now go through reguarily. The twists and turns in life are very interesting.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on July 3, 2013 at 9:27 AM
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A fun read! I love the idea of living in a small town, and your little hamlet sounds really lovely! 
posted by
Mia890
on July 3, 2013 at 9:26 AM
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interesting story, I am one that lived on the coast of CA, but always wanted to live in the Mnts where there were lots of trees and now I live in the Mtns where there are lots of trees and didnt even realize that my dream had come true. Even though it hasnt been two years yet I dont feel like I am where I always wanted to live.
posted by
Lanetay
on July 3, 2013 at 9:04 AM
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