Bring on the madness.

Well it appears we are peaking at the right time. Saturday we beat Oberhausen at home in what was arguably our most complete basketball game of the season. We started aggressive and efficient and sustained it close to 40 minutes. It helped that MJ scored 31 points, naturally, but our defense was the real game changer. I had 10 points, 9 boards and 4 assists. 

If you are keeping track (I assume none of you are, don’t worry) we have won 4 of our last 5 games, and have somehow put ourselves in position to make playoffs. I was informed before this wasn’t a possibility, but it looks like some other teams had some unexpected losses, so the window, though small, is indeed open. We need to win our final 3 games of course, but it is still quite possible.

Tomorrow we play at Halle (HOLLLLLLAAA). Our closest opponent, Halle is only 2 hours away, tops. They have experienced a few roster changes as well this season, but they seem to be the better for it as they continue to climb the standings. Won’t be an easy game, but if we can contain their post player, we should win.

So I know most of you haven’t seen me in a while, but maybe you will recall that I am not the tannest person in the world. Fine, fine—I am borderline albino—semantics. Well, I recently visited the skin doctor out here to have my moles checked and she recommended I have one removed and biopsied. It is a very simple procedure, she assured me. Now, maybe this is unfair, but I am incredibly skeptical of doctors over here—I think I think they don’t go to real medical school or something. Obviously I know they do…obviously. But still, this simple procedure sorta had me freaking out. One of my German speaking teammates chaperoned for me, translating and explaining what was happening. Oh, and holding my hand. Yeah, that’s right, I’m not embarrassed to admit that I needed it. I got 3 stitches for heaven sakes! The removal went swimmingly, and actually the worst part was hearing what the doctor was doing while it was happening; really could have done without that. I have never had stitches before so I didn’t realize how ugly they are, but they are.

I gave up sweets for Lent and it has proven to be especially challenging so far for two reasons: first, I live like 100 feet from the Haribo candy store. That stupid Haribo bear taunts me every time I walk by. It’s only a statue, but it knows what it’s doing; and second, my roommate has made it her mission to tempt me every chance she gets into caving and eating sweets by keeping candy everywhere in our house and constantly eating chocolate in my face... delicious chocolate. At this rate, I don’t foresee both the bear and my roommate surviving this Lenten period.

March is here! Bring on the madness. Trying to create our own madness over here, so keep us in your thoughts this weekend!