Babbling bruised baton twirler.

I have thirteen bruises on my left arm, two on my right and one on my chest. 

I have a small bump on the right side of my head. 

My right shoulder twinges when I move it and the back of my left leg is constant agony. 

I can no longer bend down to pick something up without my whole body aching. 

I am over tired from long days of training. 

I have three loads of washing to do. 

I have a constant longing to be home on a Sunday night between six pm and half nine. 

I have an old injury to my left knee which is flaring up again. 

I have a seriously damaged left ankle from years ago which is going to start hurting more as the cold of Winter draws closer. 

I have countless medals, trophies, certificates and rosettes. 

I have another 'family' of seventeen and more who love me for who I am. 

I have eight little ones who look to me as a role model. 

I have made lifelong friends. 

I have a coach who is also one of my best friends. 

I have the joy of passing my knowledge down to the younger ones. 

I have the privilege of being part of something that covers the nation. I have made fifteen years of memories with these people. 

I have the honour of being Team Captain. 

I love my sport and wouldn't change a thing. 

Is it any wonder I get annoyed when people say baton twirling isn't a real sport?