I got hit in the face with a ball

Yup.  I sure did.  The enlisted team and I were playing wallyball.  If you've never played wallyball before, you can read about it here.  It's pretty similar to volleyball but in a racquetball court.  It's wild, crazy and sometimes painful.  But it's a lot of fun and as nonathletic as I am, I always end up enjoying it.

For the past 7 months, I'd been in charge of the team while our boss was deployed.  It has been a really interesting experience.  I've been involved with each individual member of the team both personally and professionally.  I've had to discipline in a way that doesn't take away their ability to confide in me when their personal life is affecting their work.  I've had to constantly watch myself and how I'm portraying my own values and ethics.  I can't expect the team to be prompt every day if I'm always late.  I can't hold them accountable if I myself am running from my integrity.  It's been a bit rough... but pretty rewarding as well.

Before the boss returned from his deployment, the crew decided we should spend one last hurrah together.  So we did some glow golf (awesome black light putt putt) and a laser race (you know, those lasers in high-vis banks or museums?).  We had an absolute blast!

So for PT last week, we played wallyball.  I really suck at it.  I got hit on my right boob, bruised both my wrists, and took a shot to the face.  They laughed.  But they also high-fived me.  I'm going to miss being their leader.  They're a great team.