Much delay in posting yet another blog....time is getting away from me these days.
Last week I had to go to Brussels (Belgium) for a couple of days...I was not looking forward to it because that would mean that I would have to miss training on Tuesday. (See previous post for the things I did there --- hotel, office, hotel, office). When I arrived back on Thursday morning, I did some work to finish what I had started during the week, then off to training. It was then that I was told I wouldn't be playing on Saturday's game against "VAIK". I was saddened, disappointed, angry that I had to go to Brussels for work and miss training, but positive that my coach (whom I have great faith in) was making the decision for a reason. I keep hoping that it's not because I haven't improved enough! Since I didn't have to worry about being totally rested for the game on Saturday, Friday became a day for Thom and I to do some shopping, exploring, and enjoy eachother's company. I had to go get a birthday gift for one of my teammates who was
having a birthday bash on Saturday night anyway, so why not make the most of the day?! Thom wanted to see Ostermalm and Sodermalm, so we took the opportunity to head to "Stadion" where the 1912 summer Olympics were held. It was "neat" --- not nearly the emotional feel I thought I would have once inside --- maybe that was because we "snuck" inside - all gates were closed to get in, except one which looked like it was only open for a delivery of sorts...oops! Truly though, the inside of the Stadion was smaller than I thought it would be. They still use the facilities for different kinds of events and the building is nearly 100 years old. Pretty neat none 
the less. We did a lot of walking and shopping, we stopped for a coffee and semla break (Semla is a "bun"/pastry that has a cream filling - very interesting, full of calories, and not something I'd go out of my way for. Good, but not something I'd go totally out of my way for.). We also managed to find the "Midieval bar" that Melle (from my team) had tried to take me to before. The bar was REALLY cool with the complete feeling of the times. After a glass of "mead" (for Thom) and a beer for me, we headed back out to walk some more. We started onto our way home and decided that for dinner, we'd stop at "The Texas Burger Company" - it was time to see if it tastes 
like home. The bar was packed and all they serve are burgers, beer, and fries. mmmmm! It did taste a lot like home and was better burger than those we've had here. Once we'd experienced the special of a pitcher and 2 burgers for 300 SEK (hey, I didn't have to play the next day, might as well enjoy the special), we were on our way back home for the night.
Saturday's game looked like a walk in the park for the team. Watching from the sidelines is hard for me to do, even after watching so many games last year from the sidelines due to a dislocated shoulder... The team won the match 16-0, putting us 29 goals ahead of the next team in the standings. Wow! that's quite a lot. This does not mean that we can "loaf" the rest of the season, rather, we will ramp up our training and be more intense in the training we do in order to prepare for the end of the season and the play offs we will face. We have some good teams still ahead of us, so although we have secured our spot in the top 4 to play in the Semi-Finals/Finals, we still need to work hard, continue to improve our play, and enjoy what is left of the season. This coming weekend, we are off to Edsbyn where I started my time with the team in the indoor ice rink. The ice is almost always perfect there I think because they don't have to battle the elements of snow or rain there. The rink is often referred to as "The Bandy Church" --- I like the thought of church this weekend ;) After the game we played on Saturday, we headed to Elin's house for her birthday party, lots of drinks, and REALLY good times. I've enjoyed hanging out with the team and enjoyed an evening of good memories once again.
having a birthday bash on Saturday night anyway, so why not make the most of the day?! Thom wanted to see Ostermalm and Sodermalm, so we took the opportunity to head to "Stadion" where the 1912 summer Olympics were held. It was "neat" --- not nearly the emotional feel I thought I would have once inside --- maybe that was because we "snuck" inside - all gates were closed to get in, except one which looked like it was only open for a delivery of sorts...oops! Truly though, the inside of the Stadion was smaller than I thought it would be. They still use the facilities for different kinds of events and the building is nearly 100 years old. Pretty neat none 
the less. We did a lot of walking and shopping, we stopped for a coffee and semla break (Semla is a "bun"/pastry that has a cream filling - very interesting, full of calories, and not something I'd go out of my way for. Good, but not something I'd go totally out of my way for.). We also managed to find the "Midieval bar" that Melle (from my team) had tried to take me to before. The bar was REALLY cool with the complete feeling of the times. After a glass of "mead" (for Thom) and a beer for me, we headed back out to walk some more. We started onto our way home and decided that for dinner, we'd stop at "The Texas Burger Company" - it was time to see if it tastes 
like home. The bar was packed and all they serve are burgers, beer, and fries. mmmmm! It did taste a lot like home and was better burger than those we've had here. Once we'd experienced the special of a pitcher and 2 burgers for 300 SEK (hey, I didn't have to play the next day, might as well enjoy the special), we were on our way back home for the night.Saturday's game looked like a walk in the park for the team. Watching from the sidelines is hard for me to do, even after watching so many games last year from the sidelines due to a dislocated shoulder... The team won the match 16-0, putting us 29 goals ahead of the next team in the standings. Wow! that's quite a lot. This does not mean that we can "loaf" the rest of the season, rather, we will ramp up our training and be more intense in the training we do in order to prepare for the end of the season and the play offs we will face. We have some good teams still ahead of us, so although we have secured our spot in the top 4 to play in the Semi-Finals/Finals, we still need to work hard, continue to improve our play, and enjoy what is left of the season. This coming weekend, we are off to Edsbyn where I started my time with the team in the indoor ice rink. The ice is almost always perfect there I think because they don't have to battle the elements of snow or rain there. The rink is often referred to as "The Bandy Church" --- I like the thought of church this weekend ;) After the game we played on Saturday, we headed to Elin's house for her birthday party, lots of drinks, and REALLY good times. I've enjoyed hanging out with the team and enjoyed an evening of good memories once again.
Sunday the Men's USA team arrived in Stockholm, and they had a 'preliminary' match against the Hammarby U-19 boys at a rink close by home. Thom and I took off to go watch them and hang out with them for the night. It was really great to see some familiar faces!!! The men's team won that match after facing a bit of jet lag, and they were looking forward to the next match on Monday against G-T-76; another local team that one of the guys from the US team plays for here (Jasper Felder). I had training on Monday night, so I made it to that game for the last few minutes, then we headed out with the team for some MAX (like McDonalds) and time with the guys. Tuesday morning, the guys were headed out to Västerås for the World Championships while I was heading to the airport to pick up one of the wives of the players. It was good to walk around with her and keep her awake for a bit so she could get onto the right schedule for the time zone; we did lots of shopping in Gamla Stan and the touristy type things. We had a shortened day due to the fact that our bandy team was playing a "match" (2, 15 minute halves) against the "AIK Legends" before the Sweden/Norway World Championship match on our home ice!!! How exciting! We got to play against some of the bandy, hockey, and 'footbol' legends of AIK. We did not win the match, but it was all in good fun. After watching the first half of the men's game afterwards, Jen and I decided to head home to get some rest.
Wednesday morning and into the afternoon, Jen was sleeping in while I was working. I think she was exhausted from the travel, walking, and shopping. When she was up to it, we headed to Sergels Torg, the City Hall, and Sture Plan (where all of the good shopping is). Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to do all that I wanted her to see because she took the train to see the guys in Västerås. After dropping her at the train station, I was off to training once again.
The rest of this week should be very productive for me in work and preparing for the bandy game on Saturday. I will be playing in the match on Saturday as far as I know, and Sunday I may try to head to Västerås for the banquet for the men's World Championships. Hope you all enjoy the week, and I'll check back in soon!
Cheers,
Cheers,
KP
1 comment:
burning the midnight oil I see in your picture. hahahahha lots to talk about. big big job cuts going on tonight and more tomorrow morning I hear. Not a good day to go to work tomorrow. wish me luck
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