I Get To Be Me

My birthday is coming up next week. And no this blog is not to serve as a reminder. Although if you forget, I will probably be mad. Regardless, next week I'm turning 29. Which is seriously ridiculous. Because 29 is basically 30. And 30 is well, (I know I'll offend people for this one) OLD. How am I old? I  still live at home and my mom pays my cell phone bill.  I wear sweatshirts that say "Like A Boss" and am having a hard time throwing out my Guitar Hero.

Are these things a 29-year-old says?

I'm not really sure. I know most of the people my age are married, have jobs, own houses, some have children and basically know what the rest of their life will look like.

But I'm different. And I'm okay with that. And here's why.

First off, I'm not alone. Not that I need someone else doing the same thing as me to validate why I'm doing it, but when you stray away from the tracks, it's nice to have other people who know what you're going through and understand things like: "I can't go to happy hour because I want to train with a boys team at 6pm on a Friday."

Second, I wake up every day having no idea what I'm going to do. I know I have to workout or play soccer, but after those 2-4 hours are up, I'm game for just about anything. Because I can be. I'm 29 years old and every day I can do WHATEVER I want.

Then there are the real reasons I'm okay with it.

I have said this before, but I was lucky to find something I was passionate about when I was five years old. I say lucky because at five, it's not something you think about. When you're an adult, it's more in your control to find your passions.

Once I figured that out, I knew what I wanted. I wanted to be a professional soccer player and nothing would get in my way. And 24 years later, I'm there. I'm doing it. And I forget how seriously awesome it is sometimes.

I was in Verizon the other day getting my new phone set up and the guys working there asked about my license plate. It says "OCHO" for those who might not know, and it represents my favorite number. I told them I play professional soccer. I usually I don't like to bring that up because people always have a ton of questions. Like: "so Mia Hamm, she's like really good still right?" Or my favorite, "so, what's your job then?" But I actually had a good conversation about women's soccer with these two guys and they said "that all sounds so cool."

This got me thinking. It is cool. It's really freaking cool.

But not because I play professional soccer. That's not why I think it's so cool. It's because I had a dream when I was 5 years old. And I did it. I am living the life I wanted.

And now to the point of this blog. Took a while to get here, I know, but it's really important.

I'm turning 29 next week. I'm still playing professional soccer and doing all the things I ever wanted to do.

When my mom was going to college, she got pregnant with me. She didn't finish school, and neither did my dad.

They put their life on hold for me, my brother and sister. We never really had a lot of money or resources, (especially when it came to soccer - hockey family) but between them, my grandparents, my step parents, my aunts and uncles, my cousins and everyone else in between, my dream came true.

I'm tearing up as a write this. And let's face it, that's not my style. But my family and good friends have made it possible for me to live this life. They knew how much it meant to me to kick a ball. They knew that nothing made me happier and they were behind me every step of the way.

Even now, I live in a different country for part of the year, with articles and live streams in different languages, and six hours between us, but they're still behind me as if I was that five-year-old who just scored for the first time ever.

And to be honest, it goes both ways. When I call to tell my mom or grandma I scored, I feel like I'm five years old again, explaining in detail how the ball ended up in the back of the net with a huge dorky smile on my face.

This all hit me pretty hard recently. The fact that I'm turning 29 is a big deal, though it probably isn't to many others. I'm sure 30 is the big hit. But I'm different right?

The other reason is because I'm home now. Every time I leave home and come back I have a stronger appreciation for my life and the people in it. I couldn't have done this on my own. And whatever my future passions are, I know I"ll need them.

So. Thank you. To everyone who helped me get here. My family, coaches, friends, teammates. Here is a place where I can sit back and smile about my experiences, the people I've met and the things I've learned.

I've learned the value of support in a way nothing else could ever show me.

And I've learned that the backbone of that support is always love.

It's because of you that I get to be me.

How (Ocho) Got Her Groove Back

I just finished the book Shine: How to Survive and Thrive at Work by Chris Barez-Brown and have some thoughts. As always.  For those looking for a quick, easy read, it's perfect. It talks about upping your 'Elvis factor', which is what I'm all about. I'm always looking for ways to improve. But sometimes it's easy to get stuck and not every situation in life can be fixed with Shout pen or a beer. 

For me, my work is mostly on a field. Sometimes it's in a gym or looking at a white board, but mostly on a field. The one place my  work always is though, is my head. And that's something that goes with me everywhere I go (fortunately and unfortunately). The game is more mental than anything. 

So, my career has had high highs and low lows. You can probably see that by my Wiki page. That's just the type of player and person I have been. Lately, and yes the book helped me think through this even more, I've realized that for a long ass time, I was stuck. I wasn't the player I wanted to be. But most of it was in my head. Not my ability. 

Ultimately what it came down to was me losing my confidence. Never in a million years did I think that was possible. I didn't even believe it when it was happening. I was in total denial. Because that's the one thing I could always count on. It wasn't until this season that I realized how badly I had lost it. 

I look back and think how ridiculous I was. I believed the coaches that said I couldn't play at the highest level. I considered it when people said maybe I should stop playing and I even questioned how good I was in the past. Like, really? 

The hardest part was I didn't recognize the problem early enough. I just thought I was playing bad and kept training and training. The training helped, but it didn't fix the problem. 

For the first time in almost three years, I can honestly say I'm on the road to recovery. 

And I can tell you, I did not get here alone. 

This year we've had the luxury (yes, this is quite a luxury) of having two coaches who are willing to do anything for their players. I have never really had this in a professional environment. Our coaches literally stay out on the field all day doing individual sessions and then go to our team training at night. They are at all of our team lifts, pool workouts, come to team dinners and even drive us to the grocery store if we need it. We have individual meetings and watch video and talk about nutrition (I have given up Coke) and even, yes, joke around from time to time. 

THIS is how you show players you care. This was the first step on my road to recovery. I knew our coaches cared. And they believed in us. They put time into us. I have been doing individual sessions 2-3 times a week on top of our team training and lifting. And the training is so specific. I now understand my role as an outside midfielder. And I have embraced it. We work on taking players on 1v1 and shooting. Receiving the ball under pressure. Long balls. You name it. We do it. 

And this is how I have been able to get it back. If I had to compare it to something, I guess I could use dating. When someone has a tough breakup they're out of the game for a while. They don't really go out, they don't think anyone is interesting and they just kinda go through the motions. It's not until you get a taste of that dating life again, that you realize how fun it could be. 

Well, that's how I am with megging people. I didn't try for a while. I stopped thinking about it. It was too risky and I didn't want to make a mistake or look stupid. I didn't want to feel that rejected feeling when the ball hits off someone's shinguards, and they turn up with it in the end. 

But now I feel that excitement with the ball again. Nutmegging people is my thing. And I stopped doing my thing. I forgot how amazing it is to have the ball at your feet and how endless the possibilities are. 

There's no script. It's complete freedom. And I'm getting it back. 

As with all sports, the metaphors for life are incredible. I can't say that I'd have the confidence I have in life without having played soccer. But now that I have lost it in one aspect of my life, I am pretty sure I know how to get back in all aspects. 

I'm glad this happened. Because I feel like I'm playing some of my best soccer and enjoying it more than I have in a long time. 

So here's my advice to anyone who feels like they've lost it:

1. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and think you're great 

2. Put in the extra hours of deliberate training and thinking to be better

3. Don't be afraid to make mistakes 

4. Tell yourself the things you need to hear in order to start believing it again

5. Finally, once you get it back, make sure you give your time to help someone else get theirs back-you won't regret it

List of Ridiculousness (Part 2)

Since the last time I wrote List of Ridiculousness (which wasn't really ridiculous), many things have happened in my life and with that said, I'd like to present to you, List of Ridiculousness Part 2 (which isn't really ridiculous).  Yes, go get your coffee.. it will be here when you get back. 

Here we go:

1. Add more music to your life, no matter what you're doing 

2. If they're on TV watch documentaries on history, life, science and sharks... that kill everyone  and everything 

3. You're probably useless if you don't sleep or eat properly .. so, yeah. 

4. Texting someone "hug" really isn't the same guys .. open those arms

5. Buy the coolest pair of sunglasses you can find and don't stop looking in the mirror 

6. If people embraced everything as much as they do pumpkin spiced latte's, life would be amazing

7. Usually people aren't mad at you, so don't take their dirty looks personally (people have bad days)

8. If you're an asshole people probably are mad at you though :) 

9. Finding your "zone" is awesome and all, but you gotta remember how you got there, so you can get there again

10. Figure out your weaknesses.. work on them 

11. Say the good things you're thinking too ... not just the bad ones 

12. Buy new socks more than you need to 

13. "Find some inspiration, it's down deep inside of you"

14. When you think you can't take anymore... don't think that. 

15. There will be people in your life worth putting time into... and people who will never change no matter what you do, it's not easy, but try to know the difference between the two

16. If you are on social media and you like something write it, like it, love it. Let someone know you're thinking about them. Even for a second. 

17. If people think you're funny, KEEP THEM IN YOUR LIFE FOREVER 

18. Buy presents for people  - even a pack of gum goes a long way kids

19. Write down things you think and feel .You'll want to remember them one day. And the new technological life we live in makes it easy to forget, because we process so much. 

20. Learn the lyrics. If you're with a group of people and you can spit lyrics, that's hot. No matter what song. 

21. If you need Instagram to make your life look cooler, you're doing something wrong 

22. Right... take more pictures 

23. Make a list of things you've always wanted to do (send it to me if you want) 

24. If you don't love what you do, why the eff are you doing it still? 

25. If you need a roommate, make sure they like cooking or washing the dishes... whichever you don't like doing

26. Car speakers are meant to be played loud - just saying - the volume wouldn't go up that high if it was a bad idea

27. Read a book. Like, go get one today. 

28. Learn to say hello and thank you in a different language... sometimes that's all you'll get to say to people.. they'll think you're really smart.  "Danke" 

29. If you're not on Twitter yet - wait, what? You're not?

30. Be better to people you can't stand. Just a little better. A tiny bit. 

31. Don't let your parents make your room into an office or gym after you move out -you'll be back

32. Don't let your haters be your biggest motivation. They'll stop hating one day. Then what?

33.  If you wake up before 7 am , you have my permission to take a nap during the day, yes even at work

34. Still trying to give up coffee?? Silly wabbit. 

35. Love yourself. Unconditionally. 

36. Mistakes make you grow. Milkshakes make you go. 

37. How many calories did you burn/dollars did you make playing FIFA 2013? 

38. Patience is the key to living in a foreign country 

39. Massages. Go and get them. (yes, they should hurt a little)

40. Don't ever let go of your favorite hoody. You'll regret it. 

41. If you think you're surrounded by idiots, you might be. Solution? Do it yourself. 

42. Never underestimate the power of a good 80s love song. 

43. Be honest with your friends. If it looks bad, please tell them. Or I will. 

44. Anything is possible. 

I'll end it with that. I think that some times we forget simple things that don't seem so simple when we go through our every day lives. Simple? What does that even mean anymore. Everything has become so complex. Even the simple things... 

Regardless. Bring it back to the basics. We all know that the little things in life are the most important. We forget it sometimes, but that doesn't mean we don't know it. So try to keep the little things at the front of your brain. It's a busy highway up there. But the famous quote always says, "where does your mind go when it wanders?" 

Try to see where it goes. The big things will always get to you, good or bad. But be sure it's the little things that get you through each day. The little things, my friends, are usually in your control. 

The Champions League of my own

Saturday June 9, 2012 Fortuna Hjorring defeats Brondby IF 3-0 to qualify for the UEFA Women's Champions League - "sick, sick, sick"

Thursday August 23, 2012

Fortuna draws Glasgow City FC for the Round of 32 - "awesome, let's find out everything we can about them -youtube!"

Wednesday September 26, 2012

GAME DAY - "it's time"

We stayed over night in Scotland, just outside of Glasgow. Nothing to write home about. In fact, I had never been more excited to get back to Denmark.

I had joked all week about the UEFA Champions League theme song being played wherever we went. Like you would imagine for the men's teams and in some crazy fantasy world that doesn't really exist. But someone told me the song wasn't played, or it wasn't allowed to be played. So I quickly forgot a cool moment that wouldn't be.

I was walking out onto the pitch with the rest of the team. We all had little kids next to us with Champions League shirts on. My kid couldn't stand still for two seconds. That's all I was thinking about. Why won't this kid just stand still? And why do I always get the tallest kids in front of me? I'm 5'3!

Anyway, I was standing there. And all of a sudden I got chills. I actually got chills before I realized what was giving me chills. And then there it was. The Champions League theme song. The song I have listened to for so many years watching the men's competition on TV, DREAMING of an opportunity like that. Like when you're young, you don't realize that you dream about things that are mostly for men. You just think by that time it will be waiting for you.  (I totally thought I'd wear a SF Giants jersey one day).

And then it hit me. I was playing in one of the biggest tournaments in the world. For a team I love. For coaches I'm proud to play for, and more importantly, with players and friends that I admire and respect so much.

We played two matches against Glasgow City. The first game we won 2-1 and the second we tied 0-0, sending us to the Round of 16. Yes, the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. We are one of the top 16 teams in Europe.

Okay. So, like McKayla, I'm not impressed with too many big things. I'm more impressed with my socks having the perfect fold for a game. Or if an announcer pronounces my name correctly (WYMER).

But I will never forget the feeling of standing in front of the crowd while that song was playing... a moment that, if only for a few seconds, will always remind me that if we didn't bust our ass prior (June 9), would never have happened.

I don't really believe in fate and all that junk. (sorry to all the believers) but it's just hard to think that I was supposed to be in that lineup on that day in Scotland. That I'm even supposed to be in Denmark right now. Still playing soccer at 28 years old.

If fate had its way, I'm pretty sure I would have been done playing by the time I was 24.

Why? Because fate is all the things that tries to stop you from doing what you want to do. If I gave in to every obstacle, everything that tried to get me to do what I didn't want to do, that would have been my fate. I would have taken the road that was paved for me.

But I didn't. And I never will. Because anything that gives you chills in this life, is worth jumping through rings of fire for. Rings of freakin fire. And I mean Johnny Cash emo country song fire. Not circus fire.

Because even if I get burned on my jump, I'll still always get through the ring. I'll get to the place that I'm not supposed to see. Living the life I'm not supposed to live. And be that person that I was never supposed to be. Every. Single. Time.

Highlights from the game here

Maybe Tomorrow

There have been several times in my life that I can recall that "being on top of the world" feeling. It's funny because it really doesn't take much to get there... not a Gold Medal or money, or even a marriage proposal.  Not the things the world tells us we need to get there. 

There are just days when I wake up and I like where my thoughts are. I like the conversations I have with my friends and family. I like my creativity and motivation. I just like where I am. 

I have recently had one of those days. It just so happens it was days after I scored a goal where I nutmegged three players in a row, but trust me when I say that it's just a coincidence. 

(I really was just trying figure out a way to get that into the blog today, so don't think too much about it.) 

Anyway, the comfort I find within my thoughts has been a continued theme during my journeys. I have time to sit and think. I have time to evaluate myself, people I've met, things I've done and places I've gone. 

When I do this, I realize that I have more good days than bad days. Even though it doesn't always seem that way at the time. 

I've recently had conversations with people discussing the future. One friend informed me that she was worried about the future. She was worried that it wouldn't live up to her past. To that I said... "what's the point of waking up then?" 

She replied with what most people say when I give them advice... "you're so right". 

Here's the thing. None of us have any idea what tomorrow brings. Yeah, duh. We don't see into the future. Nor should we. The fact that each day will bring us something new, something that could potentially be better than the day before, is reason enough to wake up motivated... to wake up recharged and alive. 

Many of us, myself included, have had kick-ass pasts. It's hard to go through high school, college and your early 20s without doing everything you think you should have done. Which usually were things that you definitely shouldn't have done. But looking back, you're so glad you did them. 

But that was one time in your life. You can't replicate that time. The next part of your life is going to be different, but still amazing, if you make it that way. How can you make it that way?

Here's my advice: 

Stay young at heart. Be confident in your actions and your thoughts. Don't let other people's lives dictate your progress. Some people move slow, some people move fast. Move at your pace. Find people that make you better.. that are worth waking up for. Find a job that makes you think and challenges you. And when fun things come up, don't turn them down. Your work will be there in the morning.

The opportunity to make your past kick-ass might not be. 

I know I'm still young and have a lot to learn, but I think there will be people who read my blog who can relate. If you think it's difficult to make your future better than your past, you're not alone. I don't necessarily think it's an easy task, but I think it's a challenge.  And that challenge is what gets me out of bed every morning. I need to know that I can make life what I want it to be. Or at least, I need to try to. 

I'm only a failure if I don't try. 

On a side note: thanks to everyone who has challenged me to be better. You can't challenge someone to be better without believing that they can be. So, thank you. 

Back in... Green?

Guess who's back!? Back to blogging with much to catch up on. Two months of catching up to be exact.

Quick summary? Sure.

Summer in Connecticut 

After I left Denmark in June, I decided to play for the New England Mutiny while I was home for the summer. That turned out to be exactly what I needed. Training close to home, a few games and a reminder of what American soccer was like.

Thanks to the New England Mutiny for providing high-level soccer for the players in the area.

Providing some high-level soccer of our own, I also had an amazing experience coaching the first girlsCAN Football Summer Elite program in Connecticut. We had the privilege of coaching three teams from U-9 to U-14 for the month of July and taking them to two tournaments, one of which was the Penn State 8v8 Tournament (no special reason for picking that one).

I have to say this about the experience.  There are some extremely talented and motivated players out there.  I was so impressed with some of the players in our program that it was inspiring.  It inspired me to want to be better for them.  It is now my goal to help the next generations of players who want to play soccer. I know all the great things that come along with playing the game and these young players are more than deserving of reaping the benefits of all the work they put in. It's my job now to guide them and see that they get all they can out of soccer.

With that, if there are any young players seeking advice, do not hesitate to ask someone who has been there. Everyone's road is different, but there are people who know what you're going through and can provide you with options and perspective.

Okay. So, aside from playing with the cats and swimming, that was basically my "offseason".

Now, I'm writing fromm Denmark with my American point of view in full affect.

Birthdays in Denmark 

One of the players on our team turned 25 over the weekend.  This is considered a milestone, especially if you're not married. (I say buy a fake ring and leave it at that) But anyway, if you turn 25 and you're not married you get the honor of being cinnamon-ed. See photo below.  If you turn 30 and are not married, you get the same treatment with pepper.

Luckily, I will be out of the country for all my birthdays.

Another interesting bit about birthdays is that they decorate their house with Danish flags.  I thought this to be a little weird considering you're celebrating the birth of a person and not a country, but of course, I was the weird one for questioning the culture.

Schools in Denmark 

One of my biggest concerns with Denmark is the fact that they have two different kinds of schools. From what I gathered by the picture below, is that this is a sign for a "real school".

It's private and real so that is definitely a plus.

But there is always the question as to what the fake school is like? Is it like clown school? Or do kids show up and then they don't have to do anything?

Any insight into this would be much appreciated.

Last, I'd like to leave you with a photo quote... or quote photo or quoto. Such a simple saying, but so difficult to follow at times. It's interesting for someone like me. There are so many times that I think I have myself figured out completely. Then all it takes is a few days of reflection to see that, somewhere along the line, you stopped being you and you started being what everyone else wanted you to be. If you ever wonder why you might not be happy sometimes, take a look at the person you are and then think about the person you were when you were happy. I think too many times we equate our happiness to what we have or don't have, who's around us or not and the shitty things that might happen to us at times. But really, it's just about the person you are and the thoughts you have inside. When people are happiest, it's when they are truly being themselves.

The closer you are to you, the closer you are to greatness.

Wash Away

Single digits. Anyone who has been away from home for an extended amount of time knows that the words "single digits" have several meanings.

1. It means you are really close to going home

2. It means you are going to have to leave behind people and a place that, regardless if you loved it or hated it, changed your life forever.

3. And time goes by.... so slowly.

I am constantly saying hello and goodbye to people in these types of situations. It forces something out of you though. It makes you really appreciate time with people and the little things.

The last few weeks have been a mix of ups and downs. We dropped points in vital games and are now in a situation where we have to win against Brondby this weekend... a team we've yet to beat. If we don't win, for the first time in the history of the club, we won't compete in Champions League this fall.

If we do win, we will have dug ourselves out of a gaping hole that we created. (Funny how we have to get ourselves out of our own holes in life, huh?)

But about the little things... it's amazing how on and off the field, when you have some time to sit back and think, the little things really are the difference between a good time and a bad time, and a win and a loss.

During my time at Penn State, we were constantly reminded by our coaches to take care of the details. At the time I think it was just something we said to make them happy and something we could all agree on, but didn't realize the full impact it had on our seasons and our success.

But truly, the details make all the difference in the world. Especially in a game where the score is tied 0-0 in the 94th minute and we let in a goal off of a set piece... something we have struggled with all year.

Got scored on. From a set piece. 94th minute. Most important game (at the time) of our season.

Those words would make any player or coach cringe.

Anyway, the details. Off the field it's much of the same. I live in a small town of about 24,000. There's not much to do on the regular. But it's not always about what you're doing. It's about who you're with and the thoughts in your own head. It's about taking time in the morning to peel the egg shell off a hardboiled egg. (Tell me it's not amazing when it comes off easily). It's about making the perfect cup of coffee. Playing with the cats in the neighborhood. Jamming in the car to "Call Me Maybe". Sitting in coffee shops and chatting. Watching YouTube videos and saying the quotes all day everyday. Hearing dirty english words in Danish while the coach is talking... things that, no matter how the season ends, you'll never forget as long as you live.

I really dislike cliches so I'll try to change it.  It really doesn't matter how a film ends if the lead up to it isn't interesting. For the most part, if the lead up isn't interesting, I won't even watch to the end.

The process. How you got there. How you get to the end. That's what matters. That's where we are made. That's how we come to find who we are, what we like, where we want to go and the people we want in our lives.

I think about the 21 year old version of myself. And oh boy, I thought I was hot shit. (Not that that's changed too much) but I've learned so much more about myself through these crazy adventures. And I guess I can say that during my time in Denmark I have grown more than any other individual experience in my life.

Through my struggles, my thoughts, my writing, my friends, my family, my awesomeness, my love for the little things in life and my desire to be something and make something of my time on earth... I've found me. I've been to hell and back, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Finland, Brazil, San Jose, Boston, Sweden, Vancouver, Denmark... and I'm not sure what's next.

I don't need to know what's next. All I need to know is that I'm not done growing. I'm not done finding me. Today this is me. And this is what my adventures have made me. But as the rains wash away pieces of the earth, so shall time in the creation of the people we are. And the things we want to leave behind. And the new things that grow with a new day.

Fair Weather Friends...Not Family

Let me begin by saying that despite popular belief, the sun does come out in Denmark. Since the creation of the sun in Denmark in May of 2012, life has changed and my opinion of Life in this Northern Town has changed.

People are coming out of their winter hibernation (which is very noticeable because of the blindingly white Danish skin), the trees and flowers are in full bloom and the cats no longer need my shelter from the weather. (cannot express how used I feel)

Also, because of our location in the world, the sun is out most of the day. Sunrise - 4:36 am.. Sunset - 9:30pm. And this will continue to get longer as we get closer to summer.

Okay enough about the weather. Let's get into it.

The past few weeks have been flying by. People always say that time flies when you're having fun and I guess that's one way to look at it. But I also think that if you're using your time wisely and not wasting it making gourmet meals for cats, then it goes "faster" too.

We have played two games since my last blog - a win and a loss. The loss means that we can only win the league if Brondby loses points in their next match. If not, the best we can finish is second. But that's not a guarantee. So, we have our work cut out for us in our last two games of the season against Skovbakken and Brondy.

Off the field, there have been many new activities. Like... Tanning on the turf field. Tanning on the beach. Eating ice cream at the famous "blue house" because it has "guf" which you need to try.

About the blue house... there are several different color houses on the beach that sell ice cream. But the line for the blue one is cray cray. Why? Because the blue one has "the best ice cream". The real reason why? There is none. I imagine it's the same reason people go to Starbucks over getting coffee at the gas station... even though it tastes the same. (Yeah Starbucks coffee tastes like shit).  It's just because the blue house is famous.

And a quick FYI ... I read online that Danes eat more ice cream per year than any other country in the world... and they have the shortest summer. Come on Americans! We have to be first in everything!

Anyway. List time.

Things I've learned - 5/28/12

1. Watching spiders grow doesn't have the same "aww" effect as watching

babies grow.

2. Oreos + peanut butter + fluff  = TRY IT!

3.  Ground pork, beef, veal and chicken all look the same.

4. In Denmark, the green grass really does grow all around.

5. And finally, for now, it takes two to tango... in case you weren't sure.

... aside from continually learning, I realized I have less than two weeks left until my summer break.

Denmark has been quite a treat, but I am definitely ready for some home time... especially being with the fam.

You see, there's just something about your family that no one will ever understand. It's not that they're perfect or anything, but they just know you in a way that no one else can ever know you... and they love you in a way that no one else will ever understand. It's almost like I walk through the door of my house and breathe a big sigh of relief because the weight of missing them and worrying about them is off my shoulders. And you know that goes both ways.

Simply put, life is easy when I'm with them.  And I can't wait to be back in a place where my mom still tells me to be careful every time I leave the house and my cats will love me no matter what the weather is like!

ME-OUCH

Let It Shine

Pretty much every day here in Denmark, I find myself learning something new. Today I learned that even though it's May and it still feels like February, it's normal to go to amusement parks.

Yeah, that wouldn't really happen back home. It wouldn't be too... what's the word... amusing.

So, we had a team outing at a place somewhat like Six Flags... but it was closer to Three Flags, and in weather that was similar to a wind storm in November.

It's called this: Fårup Sommerland (wasn't much summer about this land)

Anyway, I went. And I enjoyed it. And I took some photos. So I'll share those below right here.

Aside from that bit of fun - let's see if I can sum up the last week in a numbered list! Yay!

1. We tied Brondby 1-1 which means we're still able to win the league, which is awesome.

2. The cats are starting to tell their friends about my residence and more and more keep coming over for visits.

3. I have a new friend that lives close to my apartment but IS NOT allowed in. See photo below.

4. It is very difficult to order from a Chinese food place when you don't speak Danish or Chinese.

5.  Hot dogs are a big deal here.

6. The word "slut" means "end" not "whore"

7. It makes life more fun when you sing "Clouds over Hjorring" to the beat of "Bombs over Baghdad")

8. There's a girl who plays for Brondby that has four tattoos of #8 on her body. Pictures to come.

9. The girls on the team asked me what the difference was between fast food in America and fast food in Denmark. I said it's simple, it's fast. #everythinghereisslower #butontheotherhandtheynevermessuporders

And I think that's all for now. Not as exciting as it seems. Let me tell you.

But anyway, I always have to leave with a little bit of this or that. This time you're going to get the that.

That: Oh yeah, how about some soccer. Recently, I've been playing different positions. Sometimes center mid. Sometimes outside mid. Sometimes coming off the bench. Sometimes starting. Mentally it isn't always easy to keep it right. To keep that confidence. But what I've learned is that if you need to find your confidence from outside resources, it might not ever come. It's gotta be something within. Some dusty storage bin that, if needed, you can open up and use. I say dusty because it's a backup. If you're not feeling the usual swag-fidence, you have something to fall back on.

You know there are times when you will go practice after practice without getting a good job from your coach. Right? It happens to everyone. So, next time you don't think you're getting the praise you deserve, open up your bin, light that fire cracker, and let it shine my friends.

Boom. Bye.

Tell Them What's Up

So many activities. So little time to blog about them.

The cats have been coming over more than they're welcomed to. I go through cartons of milk unnecessarily. And trying to give them leftover salmon or chicken is obviously just not classy enough for them. They are so spoiled.

If I start buying cat food, someone needs to hit me.

In other news, the suns out in Hjorring. Big plus.

Because I was pretty sure the cloud over the town was just part of the population.

Anyway.

Yesterday we had another one of our weekly trips to Copenhagen to play BSF.

A few of us had to fly out early, because of scheduling conflicts, so I was one of the 5 am-ers with the two 19-year-olds. Although they may have a higher maturity level than me, I was stoked to know that I could name more U.S. states than them.

While sitting at the only Starbucks in Denmark (at the airport) I quizzed them on the 50 states. One had 10 written down, but put Florida twice and Los Angeles as one. And although she wrote "Vegina" and I lost it, because I told her that it is a body part not a state... she insisted that there was a state named "Vegina" and a West one too. I said - OHH VIRGINIA. Yeah.

It was even funnier telling our coach later. He knew that word too.

West Vagina is usually just referred to as the Hip anyway.

So, after teaching U.S. Geography, my good deed of the day was finished. Then it was off to our game. Which was in Ballerup. Which had a street called Ballerup Boulevard.

Trying to teach the Danish why Ballerup is funny to us, is funnier than the fact that Ballerup is funny to us. The word Baller is struggling to make it here. We really need to try harder. We need to Up the Baller status. Ya feel me?

After beating BSF 5-1, in which I didn't participate because of a sore knee (not serious, just being smart) we travelled back to Hjorring (which is a 30-minute plane ride- basically like if a plane could do a broad jump, that's the distance).

Since then, I've just been thinking.

I'm enjoying my time here. I like my teammates a lot. (Don't tell them) With that, I think it's also important to reiterate and add to one of my Life Lessons, that if you have something to say to someone you should say it.

But I think I made it seem like it was more of a romantic thing and it doesn't have to be obviously. See, as I said to one of my friends yesterday, there is a small window of opportunity to say things you want to say. Time goes by fast, people move away, things change. And you might miss that window if you think waiting is a good idea.

We think WAY more than we say. About situations, people, food, cats. But we don't usually tell the people we think about that we think about them. Or what we think about them (good or bad, folks).

I think I'm pretty good about it. I say what I think a lot. But I am going to make an almost-mid-year resolution to be better about it. So, if you hear some shit from me that seems to be coming out of nowhere... all it means is I'm thinking about you. And it may be out of the blue to you, but in my head it isn't.

Operation make life more badass than it already is in full effect.

Who's with me?