The contentness of the weekend warrior

• Temperature (as of 1700 hrs, game's end): 34 C


• Feels like: 41 C


• UV Index: Bloody high


• Left knee: Skinned, a little bloody


• Right knee: Skinned, dripping blood


• Time on field: Probably 40-45 minutes


• Years on this Earth more than next eldest team-mate: I'd guess 15, but I'll say 10, to be safe


• Joy felt upon leaving the field, defeated: Bloody marvellous


• Taste of chilled beer upon return home: Like god's own ambrosia, brothers and sisters. I haven't hurt as much as I have this summer (what with the running, the tennis and the badminton on top of the sunday soccer/football matches) in many years, yet I haven't felt as good in even more.

Have I mentioned lately how pleased I am that I stopped smoking? Well, I should, because I know I wouldn't have been able to keep up if I was still sparking up those death-sticks.

I don't think my pants are any looser (more's the pity), but I sure as hell feel better than I have in a very long time, even — maybe especially — where it hurts.