I'm Still Here

Well, we are quickly approaching the four-month mark of my stay here in Sweden; it's incredibly hard to believe that it's been so long. We have just 3 weeks of regular season remaining before playoffs begin. Playoffs will likely last no later than April 3rd, but we're staying optomistc about our chances. Right now we'll likely finish 4th and play Sollentuna in the first round. I'm confident we'll handle them once again, but then we'll face off against powerhouse Falkenberg in the second round. We haven't beaten them in heaven know's how long; VVK played them first round last year and lost 3-0, 3-0, 3-1. Remember, it's a best of 5 MATCHES series. The first round begins March 9 continues on the 12, 16, (18, and 20 if need be). The second round will then begin March 24 and continue on the 27, 30, and if need be April 1, and 3.

Looking forward to having Mom, Dad, Melinda, Neal, and Kacie out here for a visit. Mom and Dad arrive on March 14th and are staying until the 29th. A nice long trip - hope there's enough around here to see! It could also be a good, RESTFUL vacation. Melinda and Neal are sorting out their travel schedule.

We play fellor Los Angelino Kris Kraushaar this weekend. Will be great to see and play against him. He strained the arch in his foot a couple weeks back, but I'm sure he'll be ready to go for this big match. His team will not make the playoffs.

Things are pretty good. Just finished up what I hope is the last of my coaching - the past 3 weeks have been filled with teaching untalented, unwilling kids how to play volleyball at the local middle school. Some of these brats are lucky it's not MY class their in - they'd be brought down a peg or two. It's interesting to experience education here in Sweden. It's not quite like it is at home, and frankly, not nearly as productive.

I love it here, but am getting to get a bit bored. The classes are more anguish than fun, I'm actually not interested in a hagbard pizza anymore, I've found little desire to go out at night, and since finishing my last book I'm not as motivated to read. I have picked up John Wooden's "My Personal Best" and am enjoying that, but it's hardly GRIPPING! I'm growing very, very tired of practice. I honestly miss UCLA and Al Scates - you don't know what you had until it's gone. While I my differences with the program there, it was truly good, educated volleyball. I've gritted my teeth and held my tongue on a lot of bad coaching and painful drills, but I'm just running out of gas. I'm looking forward to putting it all out there in the end here, and then taking a break from it.

People are consistently asking or hinting about next year and what my plans are. I don't think anyone actually EXPECTS me to stay, and I've even had mixed feelings about the feelings of others, but there's no doubt many people would be very happy if I returned for another year. The Basic family in particular have been rather amiable about the whole thing. The father, Mohammed, and I spoke through a translator the other morning: he asked if there was any chance I'd come back next year - I gave him the answer I've given everybody - "It really depends on what happens when I go home." He responded quickly with a big smile and a loud "Paulie!!!" and continued on saying he would be talking with the head of the club board about getting me more money (double! he said) and an apartment in Orebro. I just smiled and nodded.

There's also rumor that Chris Pena, another buddy of mine from UCLA, is interested in studying while he plays in Europe, and has apparently contacted someone in the club about the university in Orebro. This has everyone in the club buzzing about the possibility of Pena, who has a pretty remarkable pro-volley resume, coming to play in Vingaker. Again, I just smile and nod - should be interesting.

In the end, this has been an incredible experience - a growing one at that (I hope) and I'm looking forward to spending my remaining time here. The countdown has not officially begun yet, but I'll be back to Taco Bell, beaches and traffic before we know it.