Dear friends and family,
Since my last post we have been up and down. We won our home game against a team at the bottom of our league, but we played poorly. Then we were on the road in Denmark for another EuroChallenge game. With an amazing 4th quarter we got the lead and ended up winning by two. That was a great win and made the 10-hour bus ride back to Leiden a little better. With another game on the road for our next game we faced the team in first place in our league. We didn't come to play with our fire and lost. Another EuroChallenge game was up next. We fought hard against a strong French team but lost by eight. Our next game is on Saturday at home against Rotterdam. The hard-nosed play we showed in those EuroChallenge games needs to translate over to our league games. That consistency is what we need.
In other news, I finally got back to the music school to play the drums the other night. I really enjoyed that because it's been too long since I've played. Also, a young guy on our team, Yannick, went to play for another team in our league. I wish him the best with the next chapter in his life.
God bless,
Mike
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Blessed with friends
Hello everyone,
Since my last post we have had two games and lost both. On my birthday we played a EuroChallenge game in Finland. We were down most of the game and were within four points at the start of the 4th quarter, but they widened the lead to double digits by the end. After the game we had a team meal and the team gave me a card that they all signed with a Leiden scarf. It was very thoughtful and it's great to have people who care.
This past Saturday we played on the road against one of the top teams in the league. Arvin and Ross, my teammates from last year, play for them now. It was a hard-fought game but we ended up losing by nine. After the game I stayed at Ross's place and I got a chance to spend time with Ross and Arvin. It sure was great to catch up with them. They really are my bros and I love how our friendship can last, even when we play against each other now. It really shows how we were created to be connected with others and the lasting impact that has. I really cherish those guys.
We play again this Thursday on the road and at home on Saturday.
God bless,
Mike
Since my last post we have had two games and lost both. On my birthday we played a EuroChallenge game in Finland. We were down most of the game and were within four points at the start of the 4th quarter, but they widened the lead to double digits by the end. After the game we had a team meal and the team gave me a card that they all signed with a Leiden scarf. It was very thoughtful and it's great to have people who care.
This past Saturday we played on the road against one of the top teams in the league. Arvin and Ross, my teammates from last year, play for them now. It was a hard-fought game but we ended up losing by nine. After the game I stayed at Ross's place and I got a chance to spend time with Ross and Arvin. It sure was great to catch up with them. They really are my bros and I love how our friendship can last, even when we play against each other now. It really shows how we were created to be connected with others and the lasting impact that has. I really cherish those guys.
We play again this Thursday on the road and at home on Saturday.
God bless,
Mike
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Into Europe
Hello friends and family,
My apologies for being so long since my last post. We have had a few games since then. We won all the league games, but we have been struggling with our EuroChallenge games that started in the beginning of November. It has been a bit of a roller coaster with the games and we need to work on being consistent with our play. It was a heart-breaker at home with our first EuroChallenge game against a team from Denmark. We were up by 13 going into the 4th quarter and ended up losing by one point. Our second EuroChallenge game was against a French team at their place. The 11-hour road trip did not help us, but we were simply outmatched by them. We need to show both these teams what we can do the next time we play them.
On a positive note, Andrea was here for a week. It was amazing having her here. We went to Brussels, Belgium for a day and walked around the city. Other than that we really just relaxed with each other and enjoyed just being together. She will be back again for Christmas so we are both counting down the days until then.
Well, we are about to leave for the airport for our third EuroChallenge game in Finland. I hope all is well with you all.
God bless,
Mike
My apologies for being so long since my last post. We have had a few games since then. We won all the league games, but we have been struggling with our EuroChallenge games that started in the beginning of November. It has been a bit of a roller coaster with the games and we need to work on being consistent with our play. It was a heart-breaker at home with our first EuroChallenge game against a team from Denmark. We were up by 13 going into the 4th quarter and ended up losing by one point. Our second EuroChallenge game was against a French team at their place. The 11-hour road trip did not help us, but we were simply outmatched by them. We need to show both these teams what we can do the next time we play them.
On a positive note, Andrea was here for a week. It was amazing having her here. We went to Brussels, Belgium for a day and walked around the city. Other than that we really just relaxed with each other and enjoyed just being together. She will be back again for Christmas so we are both counting down the days until then.
Well, we are about to leave for the airport for our third EuroChallenge game in Finland. I hope all is well with you all.
God bless,
Mike
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Back to Leiduh!
After a five-game road stretch we are back home this next Saturday. We are currently 3-3. I think we have been getting better, but we need to work on being consistent and tough the whole game. I have faith we will get there.
Other than ball I am extremely excited for Andrea to be here this Saturday for one week. We both are blessed that she has so much time off work to be able to visit. It's great she will be able to see three home games as well.
Other than that I have been reading and playing the guitar quite a bit. At a thrift shop before I came to Holland, I found a guitar about the size of a ukulele and I fit it in my suitcase. I thought for $8 I wouldn't be out much if it got damaged. Fortunately, it survived the trip and I've been playing that most nights of the week. It definitely cures my itch to play music, but I still need to get into the Rock School, the music school nearby, to play the drums. That is on my to-do list.
Until next time...
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Other than ball I am extremely excited for Andrea to be here this Saturday for one week. We both are blessed that she has so much time off work to be able to visit. It's great she will be able to see three home games as well.
Other than that I have been reading and playing the guitar quite a bit. At a thrift shop before I came to Holland, I found a guitar about the size of a ukulele and I fit it in my suitcase. I thought for $8 I wouldn't be out much if it got damaged. Fortunately, it survived the trip and I've been playing that most nights of the week. It definitely cures my itch to play music, but I still need to get into the Rock School, the music school nearby, to play the drums. That is on my to-do list.
Until next time...
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Monday, October 14, 2013
A good time to turn around
Hello friends and family,
Well, we are already 3 games into the regular season with a 2-1 record. Our first game was at home and we played some fellow teammates from the team last year, Ross and Arvin. It was really weird seeing them in a different uniform, but nonetheless it was great to see them. My friendship with those guys goes beyond the court with all the memories from last year. I wish them the best. It was a tough game, but we escaped with the win that night. We then started our long span of road games that following Thursday in Amsterdam. It's always a difficult gym to play in and we need to rely on ourselves to make sure we are ready to play. It was close for most of the game, but we ended up pulling away in the fourth to win. Our next game was this past Saturday. We didn't play our best ball and lost by 8. I've been playing okay. I'm not at the level I would like to be, but I need to keep working in practice and place the rest into God's hands.
That is all for now. Our next game is this Thursday at Den Bosch, one of our rivals. We don't play at home until November 2 so we need to stay focused.
God bless and take care,
Mike
Well, we are already 3 games into the regular season with a 2-1 record. Our first game was at home and we played some fellow teammates from the team last year, Ross and Arvin. It was really weird seeing them in a different uniform, but nonetheless it was great to see them. My friendship with those guys goes beyond the court with all the memories from last year. I wish them the best. It was a tough game, but we escaped with the win that night. We then started our long span of road games that following Thursday in Amsterdam. It's always a difficult gym to play in and we need to rely on ourselves to make sure we are ready to play. It was close for most of the game, but we ended up pulling away in the fourth to win. Our next game was this past Saturday. We didn't play our best ball and lost by 8. I've been playing okay. I'm not at the level I would like to be, but I need to keep working in practice and place the rest into God's hands.
That is all for now. Our next game is this Thursday at Den Bosch, one of our rivals. We don't play at home until November 2 so we need to stay focused.
God bless and take care,
Mike
Monday, September 30, 2013
Rough road, but plenty of journey left
Hello everyone,
Well, as you can see from the title of this post, things are a little rough over here. This past weekend we had a tournament and played two teams from Belgium. We lost both games. Then we played the SuperCup at home yesterday. The SuperCup is a game played by last year's champion (us) and last year's Dutch Cup winner (Den Bosch). They have been Leiden's rival for quite some time and this game was no exception. We started the game well and played 2 1/2 quarters of solid basketball and then we just fell off. They went on a run and they never looked back. We ended up losing by about 20. That is a tough way to go out, but we have to remain positive. There is a lot of season left and we need to keep improving. It's all about playing your best basketball at the end of the season. One great thing about yesterday was that I got to see two of my teammates from last year and catch up with them a bit. It was amazing to see them and it's cool how those bonds remain. I've been having good conversations with teammates I have this year as well. God is good with the people he places in our lives.
That is all I have for you for now. We have another tough game at home this Saturday. I will keep you posted.
God bless,
Mike
Well, as you can see from the title of this post, things are a little rough over here. This past weekend we had a tournament and played two teams from Belgium. We lost both games. Then we played the SuperCup at home yesterday. The SuperCup is a game played by last year's champion (us) and last year's Dutch Cup winner (Den Bosch). They have been Leiden's rival for quite some time and this game was no exception. We started the game well and played 2 1/2 quarters of solid basketball and then we just fell off. They went on a run and they never looked back. We ended up losing by about 20. That is a tough way to go out, but we have to remain positive. There is a lot of season left and we need to keep improving. It's all about playing your best basketball at the end of the season. One great thing about yesterday was that I got to see two of my teammates from last year and catch up with them a bit. It was amazing to see them and it's cool how those bonds remain. I've been having good conversations with teammates I have this year as well. God is good with the people he places in our lives.
That is all I have for you for now. We have another tough game at home this Saturday. I will keep you posted.
God bless,
Mike
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Welcome back!
Hello family and friends,
Welcome back to another season! I'm playing again for the same team as last year in Leiden, Netherlands. I'm excited to be back! The team has some familiar faces and some I'm getting to know quickly, but it's a great group of guys. It's comforting to come back into a familiar situation with the team and friends I have come to know over the past year. I know where everything is and have begun a good routine. Just tonight, for example, I had a Bible study with my friend and strength coach, Yvonne, and my teammate, Josh. It's great to have those connections and it places my mind at peace.
I came into the season a little late and the team already had a few practice games before I arrived. I played in my first practice game last night in Antwerp, Belgium. We lost pretty bad and have work to do for sure, but I have hope we will turn it around. The season is young and we need to keep improving every day. I played okay for my first outing, but I need a little time to get the swing of things.
The flights were good and on time coming over here so that was good news. I'm living in the same place as last year and have one roommate. The transition was easy and it didn't take me too long to get over the jet lag either so that is a blessing.
We have another practice game at home on Sunday. I'm looking forward for what is to come.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Welcome back to another season! I'm playing again for the same team as last year in Leiden, Netherlands. I'm excited to be back! The team has some familiar faces and some I'm getting to know quickly, but it's a great group of guys. It's comforting to come back into a familiar situation with the team and friends I have come to know over the past year. I know where everything is and have begun a good routine. Just tonight, for example, I had a Bible study with my friend and strength coach, Yvonne, and my teammate, Josh. It's great to have those connections and it places my mind at peace.
I came into the season a little late and the team already had a few practice games before I arrived. I played in my first practice game last night in Antwerp, Belgium. We lost pretty bad and have work to do for sure, but I have hope we will turn it around. The season is young and we need to keep improving every day. I played okay for my first outing, but I need a little time to get the swing of things.
The flights were good and on time coming over here so that was good news. I'm living in the same place as last year and have one roommate. The transition was easy and it didn't take me too long to get over the jet lag either so that is a blessing.
We have another practice game at home on Sunday. I'm looking forward for what is to come.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Friday, May 24, 2013
We are the champions, my friends...
Wow! As I write this I still don't think it's hit me yet. It wasn't a pretty game last night, but we sealed the championship with a 65-59 win on the road. I also want to say how great the opponent's crowd was. They stayed after cheering for us and even played Queen's "We are the champions" over their sound system. That might be normal hear in Holland, but I don't think you would see much of that back in the states. It was refreshing to see. I didn't shoot well, but that gave the opportunity for my teammates to step up and they sure did! I'm proud of those guys. It's been a grind all season, but I thoroughly enjoyed playing with them. I've been on the losing side plenty of times during playoffs and it really is special being able to win the last game of the season. As far as I understand, we also made history in Holland by going undefeated in playoffs - three sweeps, 10 straight wins. There was also a loyal crowd of fans waiting for us when we got back home. I admire their passion and loyalty to the club. Thank you teammates, coaches, fans, Andrea for supporting me throughout, but most of all God for bringing this all together.
I don't know when I will write next. I will let you all know more when I know more :) Time will tell what God has in store for me.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
And then there was one
Uno mas! Last night we won at home in front of a packed gym with a final of 74-64. I looked at the box score and we were tied in every quarter except the second where we had a 10-point advantage. We didn't play our best ball, but we stayed together when they made their runs and for the most part responded by getting a stop or executing on the offensive end. I was blessed to have a good shooting night and finished with 16 points.
I'll let you know how our next game goes tomorrow on the road. It's going to be a battle and it's going to come down to who wants it more.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
I'll let you know how our next game goes tomorrow on the road. It's going to be a battle and it's going to come down to who wants it more.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Two more
Hello again,
I just wanted to send you all a quick update on game 2. After a quick start and a decent lead on the road, our opponent would not give in. By the fourth quarter they cut our lead to only one point, if I remember correctly. We kept our composure and executed on both ends of the floor when it mattered the most to finish off with a 68-63 win. I'm proud of the way we stayed together during their run as well. We had a great fan base cheering throughout the whole game and making plenty of noise so that was amazing!
We are back home on Tuesday for game 3. We need to come out with that same fire!
God bless,
Mike
I just wanted to send you all a quick update on game 2. After a quick start and a decent lead on the road, our opponent would not give in. By the fourth quarter they cut our lead to only one point, if I remember correctly. We kept our composure and executed on both ends of the floor when it mattered the most to finish off with a 68-63 win. I'm proud of the way we stayed together during their run as well. We had a great fan base cheering throughout the whole game and making plenty of noise so that was amazing!
We are back home on Tuesday for game 3. We need to come out with that same fire!
God bless,
Mike
Friday, May 17, 2013
One down
I just wanted to give you an update on our progress thus far in the finals. We won a nail-biter this past Wednesday. We were down for most of the game, but managed three steals in the last minute to cut the deficit to two points. After a crazy play with 20 seconds to go I was blessed to hit the the game-winning three pointer with about five seconds left. The gym erupted - what a flood of emotions! Game two of this best-of-seven series is on the road tomorrow. We have to come out with intensity because they are a good team and they always play well at home.
I included a video of the last moments. Otherwise if you are friends with me on facebook you can go to my wall and there is a different angle on there. That is all for now. Thanks for your support.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Friday, May 10, 2013
Links to the games
Hello again,
Thanks to Arie, here are the links for watching our upcoming games. We play Aris Leeuwarden for game 1 on Wednesday at home.
http://new.livestream.com/DBL/
http://www.eredivisiebasketballleiden.nl/index.cfm?act=video.tonen&pagina=56
Thanks to Arie, here are the links for watching our upcoming games. We play Aris Leeuwarden for game 1 on Wednesday at home.
http://new.livestream.com/DBL/
http://www.eredivisiebasketballleiden.nl/index.cfm?act=video.tonen&pagina=56
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Making the run
Hello everyone,
I figured I should write a post so you all know I'm alive and well. I know it's been weeks since you have heard from me on here. Nonetheless, playoffs have begun. We ended up with the second seed for the playoffs. Every game has been a physical one during this postseason. Even though some of the scores may suggest it was an easy win, my body with tell you otherwise. We won the best-of-five quarterfinals in three games and were off to the semifinals. This round was a physical one as well. The first game at home we won by about 20 points, but the other two games were closer battles. On the road during the second game of the series we faced a challenge in front of a large crowd of about 4500. Our opponent has one of the best arenas in the league and just about filled it for the game. After a tough win there, we were up to the task of finishing off the series at home yesterday. We started the game poorly down 0-13, but managed to have a one point lead at halftime. The rest of the game was close and we ended up winning by four. The fans were amazing last night and definitely created a home court advantage. The other side of the bracket is battling it out still so we don't know who we play yet. I don't care who we play - it's exciting to be in the finals and I'm looking forward to the challenge that's ahead. I'll try to include the link to the upcoming games. Here is the link to last night's game http://new.livestream.com/DBL/events/2086535. I hope it works. I also threw in a couple dunks for you :)
On another note, Ross, his wife, Carli, and I went to the famous Keukenhof flower garden here in Holland. It is really an amazing place! You have to check out pics on the internet of this place. I included some pics to give you an idea. It was only about 25 minutes from where we live so we had to check it out.
I hope all is well with you all and I'm glad to hear the snow is finally gone back in Wisconsin. :)
Oh and I forgot to mention...don't be afraid to comment on here if it works.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
I figured I should write a post so you all know I'm alive and well. I know it's been weeks since you have heard from me on here. Nonetheless, playoffs have begun. We ended up with the second seed for the playoffs. Every game has been a physical one during this postseason. Even though some of the scores may suggest it was an easy win, my body with tell you otherwise. We won the best-of-five quarterfinals in three games and were off to the semifinals. This round was a physical one as well. The first game at home we won by about 20 points, but the other two games were closer battles. On the road during the second game of the series we faced a challenge in front of a large crowd of about 4500. Our opponent has one of the best arenas in the league and just about filled it for the game. After a tough win there, we were up to the task of finishing off the series at home yesterday. We started the game poorly down 0-13, but managed to have a one point lead at halftime. The rest of the game was close and we ended up winning by four. The fans were amazing last night and definitely created a home court advantage. The other side of the bracket is battling it out still so we don't know who we play yet. I don't care who we play - it's exciting to be in the finals and I'm looking forward to the challenge that's ahead. I'll try to include the link to the upcoming games. Here is the link to last night's game http://new.livestream.com/DBL/events/2086535. I hope it works. I also threw in a couple dunks for you :)
On another note, Ross, his wife, Carli, and I went to the famous Keukenhof flower garden here in Holland. It is really an amazing place! You have to check out pics on the internet of this place. I included some pics to give you an idea. It was only about 25 minutes from where we live so we had to check it out.
I hope all is well with you all and I'm glad to hear the snow is finally gone back in Wisconsin. :)
Oh and I forgot to mention...don't be afraid to comment on here if it works.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Gotta love surprises...good ones, that is
Wow...it's been over a month since you've heard from me on here. I don't know where the time has gone. We've had quite a few games since then. We have won the majority of them, but we still need to be more consistent at times. The most disappointing time was not advancing to the finals in the Dutch Cup. It's the best of two games with point difference. We lost on the road by 17, our biggest loss of the year. That meant we had to win by 18 at home in order to advance to the next round. We were down at halftime during our home game but played a great second half. There were times when we were up by 14, but we just couldn't push the lead any more than that. With only five regular season games left, we need to focus in and be playing our best basketball as a team.
Besides ball, Andrea came and surprised me! I don't know how she was able to keep it a secret. She said some things to give it away, but I didn't notice. She also said something about me not listening...I don't know, I really wasn't paying attention :) I'm just kidding, I listen to everything she says (she's just shaking her head right now, I can picture it). It seriously was a wonderful week together though. A few people here were in on it to get Andrea from the airport and to make sure everything went smoothly. Such wonderful people they are to make it all happen. She was the last person I expected to see when she walked in the room so it was wonderful. Andrea was able to see one game - it's great to have my number one fan there in the stands. We also took a day trip to Dusseldorf, Germany. It was a great trip, although it was cold and windy. Like most trips, it would have been better in the summer.
I have been playing some drums as well. I try to get back to the music school once a week to get in my dose of music. Other than that, just living for God and trying to make the most of the blessings I've been given.
I hope this finds you all are doing well.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Besides ball, Andrea came and surprised me! I don't know how she was able to keep it a secret. She said some things to give it away, but I didn't notice. She also said something about me not listening...I don't know, I really wasn't paying attention :) I'm just kidding, I listen to everything she says (she's just shaking her head right now, I can picture it). It seriously was a wonderful week together though. A few people here were in on it to get Andrea from the airport and to make sure everything went smoothly. Such wonderful people they are to make it all happen. She was the last person I expected to see when she walked in the room so it was wonderful. Andrea was able to see one game - it's great to have my number one fan there in the stands. We also took a day trip to Dusseldorf, Germany. It was a great trip, although it was cold and windy. Like most trips, it would have been better in the summer.
I have been playing some drums as well. I try to get back to the music school once a week to get in my dose of music. Other than that, just living for God and trying to make the most of the blessings I've been given.
I hope this finds you all are doing well.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Roller coaster ride
Since my last post (which has been pushing three weeks. I'm terribly sorry about that) we have played five games with a 4-1 record. We beat the first place team with a great team win at home. It was my first game back after the ankle sprain so I have to say I was a little nervous how I would do. We were without two key guys for that game, but we all stepped up and gave it our all. Our home gym was packed and it was a great atmosphere to play in. However, a couple games after that high moment we lost to a team at the bottom of the league standings. We didn't come to play and got out-hustled all-around. We have the ability to a very good team, but we just need to make sure we come ready to play everyday at practice and at games. Since that low moment we have won another two games. It seems like it has been forever since we have had the whole team due to being plagued with injury. We have done a good job for the most part of staying together and making the most out of the situation.
On another note, Tony went back home and a new point guard, Antoine, from the United States arrived yesterday. My prayers are with Tony for a smooth transition back home and the next chapter in his life. It was a pleasure playing with him and he will be missed. I also hope Antoine with have a smooth transition here. I joined a team halfway through the season last year in Hungary so I know how difficult it can be get caught up to speed. Such is life in the basketball world sometimes.
I also want to share about an amazing experience I had before our last game on Sunday. The game before that, on the previous Wednesday, I had a very frustrating game. I just wasn't happy at all with how I played and unfortunately I showed it in my body language. I hate getting frustrated at myself and being a bad example. It is something I have to continue to work on. I really want to play for God and my emotions got the best of me that day. Even through the bad days I've learned I have to keep pressing on, keep the faith, and simply give my best. However, Sunday's game was a different story. While the other team was getting announced, the lights were off and I looked up and raised my hands and said a prayer saying, "God I want to play for you today. Help me." Immediately I felt this peace come over me and a chill ran down my spine. It was an amazing feeling and something I have never experienced before. I went into the game with such a positive attitude and I played well that game too. I don't know if that will happen every time, but through the ups and downs I have to stay with it and place it into God's hands because He can handle my emotions better than I ever could. I pray I will remember that.
Thanks for all the support and I hope to talk to you soon.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
On another note, Tony went back home and a new point guard, Antoine, from the United States arrived yesterday. My prayers are with Tony for a smooth transition back home and the next chapter in his life. It was a pleasure playing with him and he will be missed. I also hope Antoine with have a smooth transition here. I joined a team halfway through the season last year in Hungary so I know how difficult it can be get caught up to speed. Such is life in the basketball world sometimes.
I also want to share about an amazing experience I had before our last game on Sunday. The game before that, on the previous Wednesday, I had a very frustrating game. I just wasn't happy at all with how I played and unfortunately I showed it in my body language. I hate getting frustrated at myself and being a bad example. It is something I have to continue to work on. I really want to play for God and my emotions got the best of me that day. Even through the bad days I've learned I have to keep pressing on, keep the faith, and simply give my best. However, Sunday's game was a different story. While the other team was getting announced, the lights were off and I looked up and raised my hands and said a prayer saying, "God I want to play for you today. Help me." Immediately I felt this peace come over me and a chill ran down my spine. It was an amazing feeling and something I have never experienced before. I went into the game with such a positive attitude and I played well that game too. I don't know if that will happen every time, but through the ups and downs I have to stay with it and place it into God's hands because He can handle my emotions better than I ever could. I pray I will remember that.
Thanks for all the support and I hope to talk to you soon.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Back at it
We have had a few games since my last post and we have won every one. The guys have been playing well and playing together, which is great to see. I finally started practice again this past Monday. It was great to get back on the court, but I have to say I was a little rusty. I'm glad to get back in the swing of things though. The ankle has been feeling good without any negative reactions from practicing so that is a blessing.
Other than basketball, one of my teammates and I were invited for dinner at a supporter's home. It was very thoughtful of them and we had a great time talking. The food was wonderful as well. It really is great to be invited to someone's home. I feel very welcome here in Holland - what a blessing.
I also was able to get back on the drums. There is a music school near our apartment so I checked it out last night and I was able to play for about an hour. I sure do miss making music, but I'm glad I get this opportunity to play so close to our place. I will have to go there again soon.
I hope all is well with you all.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Other than basketball, one of my teammates and I were invited for dinner at a supporter's home. It was very thoughtful of them and we had a great time talking. The food was wonderful as well. It really is great to be invited to someone's home. I feel very welcome here in Holland - what a blessing.
I also was able to get back on the drums. There is a music school near our apartment so I checked it out last night and I was able to play for about an hour. I sure do miss making music, but I'm glad I get this opportunity to play so close to our place. I will have to go there again soon.
I hope all is well with you all.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Injuries, oh injuries
Well, as most of you probably know already, I sprained my ankle in practice and haven't played in the last two games. We will have to see about this Saturday. Last Thursday I landed on a teammate's foot in practice and have been doing rehabilitation since. It has definitely been tough watching from the sidelines, but I'm trying to be the best cheerleader possible. My throat was sore after the games from all the yelling so I must be cheering loudly, according to our team manager who has been sitting by me on the bench during the games :)
I also thought I would share an interesting experience I had at the grocery store recently. It was right after New Years and I desperately needed groceries because I never got a chance to get any since getting back from the states. I really wanted some milk, but all the milk was out except for karnemelk. I didn't know what it was at the time so I bought some, poured a glass (although it looked a little funny), and took a sip. Well, needless to say it wasn't regular milk. I looked up online what it was and the translation read: "buttermilk." I thought I could maybe fight through it, but it was just too much to take. I hope all the Dutch people reading this find this comical, but sometimes as a foreigner you just have to take a chance and hope for the best. Well, the best didn't come out on top this time. I've learned to just laugh about these things now, although I really wanted some milk at the time!
I hope all is well and talk to you soon.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
I also thought I would share an interesting experience I had at the grocery store recently. It was right after New Years and I desperately needed groceries because I never got a chance to get any since getting back from the states. I really wanted some milk, but all the milk was out except for karnemelk. I didn't know what it was at the time so I bought some, poured a glass (although it looked a little funny), and took a sip. Well, needless to say it wasn't regular milk. I looked up online what it was and the translation read: "buttermilk." I thought I could maybe fight through it, but it was just too much to take. I hope all the Dutch people reading this find this comical, but sometimes as a foreigner you just have to take a chance and hope for the best. Well, the best didn't come out on top this time. I've learned to just laugh about these things now, although I really wanted some milk at the time!
I hope all is well and talk to you soon.
Take care and God bless,
Mike
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