Good to be Back

I had my window open this afternoon, the sun beating down on my back as I read in my chair - a mild glimpse of what I'll hopefully have the chance to experience more in spring. The ground is wet from fresh rains and melted snow - clear skies and a million stars tonight. This of course is a GREAT change from the weather when I stepped off the plane on my return to Sweden. Our plane landed and taxied to the wrong terminal, so we had to descend a mobile staircase and jump on buses to go over to the international terminal for passport processing. I don't know how we actually landed, because the instant I stepped outside the plane I was blanketed with a sheet of snow. Both sides of my glasses were splotched with white flakes and my beard and jacket were quickly wet. I couldn't see more than 200 meters (once I wiped my glasses) and my tush was frozen in no time. Welcome home, huh?

By the time I had arrived in Vingaker after the 2 hour train ride I was ready for a nap. That nap quickly turned into a full-scale hibernation that lasted 17 hours, broken in two be a quick venture over the gym for a 2 hour practice. I'm pretty sure I slept through that too.

I think I am fairly re-adjusted by now and actually managed to have a long, successful day today. I was up at 6:30, checking email and doing a little web-surfing. Dave and I coached at the local middle school from 9-12. We have classes again tomorrow, this time for four hours. It's a long day in the gym and we have many more of these days coming up the next 3 weeks. Fun fun.

Today was Maria's birthday. She's the dishwashing girl in the restaurant downstairs. She had some brain trauma or something a few years back as a result of a team handball accident and is a little slow now, but always has a smile on her face. She loves when Dave and I sing to her. Anyway, I had cake this afternoon which I think upset my stomach. This was on further exacerbated by Maddis who insisted Dave and I come over for dinner tonight. We had DELICIOUS cheeseburgers that made me feel right at home, followed by yet ANOTHER cake for MY birthday. Very sweet of her, but as some of you may know, I'm NOT a sweets person so my stomach is no tied up in knots.

We spent a few hours at her house watching Sweden play Germany in a team handball match. Dave and I discussed it and we're prepared to begin our second professional careers as handball players for the US National Team. Watch out Beijing! Time to grease up the old cannon and let 'er rip!

I had a wonderful visit at home - incredible how the week flew by, but Michelle's wedding was absolutely beautiful and I had an awesome time. All the pictures everyone’s been sharing have been so much fun to go through - even the few with Kacie crying in my arms. She'll learn. ;) It was really, very nice to see all the family I missed at Christmas time. It would have been nice to have spent a LITTLE bit more time relaxing around the fire and TV for some football, but you can't do it all, right? I did receive some incredibly generous birthday gifts! Thank you Uncle Rod and Teta Von, Teta Joan, all my sisters and their hubbies (crazy, two of them are married now!), and thanks mom and dad! (I REALLY hope I didn't forget anyone - it's late and I'm extremely tired!). Mom rocked the house, hookin' it up with a sweet under armor pullover and some rainbows. Gotta hand it to you mom, you rock! Thanks everyone for making my stay at home so great. Awesome to see all my friends too! They're the best - it honestly felt like I hadn't been gone at all!

It's great to be back. I must admit I thoroughly enjoy the tranquil, slow life I live here. As we drove into Vingaker tonight from Maddis' it was remarkable just how peaceful it was. There wasn't a soul on the street, and not a car in sight. It's so nice to go about my business free of the stresses that LA causes. The Swedes don't understand how I can love it here so much, but they've warmly welcomed me back - nice to know they still want me around.

Volleyball is interesting. Shaking off the rust from the week off. I managed to do a little something to my knee the first day back - no idea how or what it is, but I figure it'll be good to go by Sunday when we play league-leading Hylte. Be at your best when your best is needed right? LET'S DO THIS THING! I'll do my best to stay updated here - until then, Heath Ledger RIP.

Puss Puss.