Call me shop girl.

Getting acclimated to a new city can sometimes prove quite tricky. Be it the language barrier, unusual climate or the general lack of familiarity with everything else, sometimes it takes ages before a new place feels like home. And then sometimes, things just click. You get along with the people, you love the weather AND it turns out you are a pro at driving on the wrong side of the road. Who knew Australia and I would be such a perfect match? I won’t pretend the driving issue didn't have me a bit flustered momentarily, though, but I really stepped up and showed that car who was boss. There was only one incident with the curb, but aside from the two curbs (which came out of nowhere) and the whole side walk mishap, I was good. Honestly, once you get past the whole "the wheel is on the passenger side" and the constant surge of paranoia that a car is going to come barreling over you every time you turn, it's cake. Really, really scary cake. 

I gotta tell ya, there's nothing like a double header on back to back weekends to remind you you aren't 14 anymore. It's really not the worst reminder though--14 wasn't my best year. Still, I miss having an infinite supply of energy. Friday we played at home against Cockburn, pronounced Co-burn (pity, I know, but it would've been too easy anyways) and it ended up being kind of interesting. Every now and then players have games where they find themselves in a zone, they are on fire and can't be stopped. I scored 47 points in Fridays game, but I am sorry to report that the only zone I was in was a shame free zone cause I shot the ball a lot. A lot a lot; like a bakers dozen, times three... minus 2. But more exciting than the obscene shooting was the win, extending our little streak and keeping me happy. And that's really the goal here. The next night we had another game and this time against an old college rival no less. Taylor Lilley is a former Oregon Duck shooting guard... and really, that's all you need to know about her...she's a duck. And while she is a very lovely person, some things are deal breakers I'm afraid. And so, to pay respect to the time honored tradition of Huskies despising and defeating Ducks, I was determined to win. We got up early by 20 or so but refused to close the door and let them sneak back in. With 2 minutes left it was an 8 point game and we were able to hold on and win by 10. I had 21 points and 10 rebounds in a miserable shooting effort on my end. There were a couple times I thought I was trying to break the backboard with some of my attempts, and I nearly did. Zero exaggeration. I ended up getting player of the week and a false promise regarding an accompanying gift card. I have received no such thing. Stupid award with no prize. Who wants the recognition without the gift?

These days, I am no longer just a basketball player. I've always wondered what that would feel like--it's not so great. You can call me shop girl. My first day was Monday and, I gotta say, I'm pretty dreadful. Dreadful might be the wrong word--let's go with inadequate. But give the girl an A for effort, hey? The thing is...okay so here's the thing: I don't understand a single word coming out of these people's mouths. It's like a foreign language, but worse, cause it's not, so I just feel dumb struggling to comprehend them while they stare at me indignantly. "You'd like cigarettes? No? Oh, you wanted fish and chips." So close. That's usually the low point, confusing every customer with a smoker. However, every now and then I get a cool customer who appreciates my misery and offers me a bone: "Oh I love your accent," they'll offer, to which I reply, "well if you like mine, you'd love yours." Usually the high point in my work day. I'm confident things will improve. But that is mostly founded on the premise that it cannot get worse.


So I finally had my moment with a kangaroo and thanks to my talented coach, we were able to capture the moment on camera! It was a historic moment for both the roo and myself, I dare say. Our eyes locked and I can't be too sure, but I think I saw him wink at me. I was a little disappointed when I couldn't persuade him to pose right next to me, but he was kind enough to pose in the same frame with me, and really that was enough. I'll forever remember that day as the day a kangaroo almost certainly did not wink at me. Good times.

I am living with my teammate Tucker now in her fancy condo since my coach was rather keen to kick me out. Can't blame him--his dog was beginning to love me more than him. Anyways, Tucks is great and has been showing me around the area. We took a lovely coastal drive to Perth the other day, on one of our rare off days (HA!) and went into the city. Goodness, we must have passed like 4 gorgeous beaches on the way though. This place is absolutely stunning and even my fabulous pictures don't do it justice. The city is great too with some amazing views from King's park where we took a stroll in the sun.

We play Saturday away this weekend and just the one game. Our club also has a men's team and they always play right after us, both home and on the road which is pretty cool, hey? Both teams are going to stay in the city afterwards to go out and hopefully celebrate a couple more wins. Tomorrow I will be taking in my first Aussie Footy game! It's not soccer, it's not football, but it is a marvelous blend of the two and I reckon it's the manliest sport I've ever watched. I'm pretty sure there are no rules, but I'm still checking on that, and there is a lot of hitting. Are ya sold yet? Look, I'm not a writer so if you want a more articulate description, google it.

Life down unda

Lycra. This is my nightmare. I can't imagine any scenario where wearing this promotes any variation of greatness. It's itchy and rubs in the wrong places, and while I'll concede that it certainly encourages a healthy diet (or simply not eating at all), it's a poor excuse for a uni. Fortunately this is NOT what my team wears. Thank God. I've posted my real uni below, and it's heaps better. Sorry for the disappointment, but you're welcome for this incredibly embarrassing image. Just further proof of my desperate dedication to keeping you entertained.

So I'm living in Australia now. I wake up every morning and actually remind myself of that. I've found it puts me in a proper mood to start the day. Feel free to try it--I'll admit you're at somewhat of a disadvantage not actually living here, but I bet you'll feel good for a second or two, and you can't put a price on that. For those of you counting, I've just jumped another 6 hours into the future, so if you got questions, fire away. I mean, I don't know everything, but I certainly know more than you guys still living in yesterday.

I've only been here 4 days, but I like it a lot already. I really got lucky with the team and coach again, as they have been incredibly welcoming and seem really fun. And the team is good, which is great cause who likes being on a crappy team. Nobody, that's who. I sincerely miss my girls in Germany, but I think I am going to have a great experience playing with these Aussies too.
Speaking of playing, we had a double header this weekend already. I landed Thursday night late and I had my first game with the girls Saturday. We didn't have a practice before the game either, so other than getting some shots up at the gym Friday, I was a little rusty. I played around 20 minutes and wasn't terrible, but wasn't too sharp either. I had 13 points and we won which was great. My body was a little confused though during and after the game. I think it still thought we were on vacation so it didn't handle the abrupt shift back to the court with as much pleasure as my mind. Sunday's game, though still a bit rocky, was an improvement for me. I had 22 and 8 and we won again and I got to shake off a few more cobwebs. We have a double header again this week on Friday and Saturday. For the few of you interested, there isn't live feed to these games unfortunately, but there is live stat tracker, and my mama assures me it's impressively efficient. Just go here: http://www.sbl.asn.au/
Not sure but I think I forgot to mention what team I play for--Rockingham Flames--which I gotta say is rather appropriate cause it's been bloody hot since I've been here. I love it except when we play. Then it's just gross.

Life down unda is fairly different from life in Germland. I would say the most distinct difference is the training schedule. Here we only train twice a week. Yup, that's 2 times, one more than once, two more than nothing at all. It's no big deal though. Psh, I'm totally fine with it--not worried at all. I am actually really looking forward to having some quality me time and--OKAY FINE! I'm freaking out. I'm gonna fill that free time with shooting workouts and cardio. Ugh, I've got problems. Fortunately, Ryan, my coach, hooked me up with a lucrative alternative to killing time--a part time job at his Dad's shop. Starting next week I am gonna be a little Aussie shop girl. I hope I get a name tag, I really want to make up an awesome native persona and name her for while I work at the shop so I blend in. I know my British accent betrayed me, but I really think I got this one down. I nearly got the lingo mastered, so it's just a matter of practice. According to google, Amelia was the most popular name for baby Australian girls in 2012. That name happens to hold a dear place in my heart, so I am running with it. My life just got super exciting.

Likewise, my living arrangements here are unique, too. The American imports more commonly live with host families over here rather than teammates. I am living with my coach Ryan for the moment, just a temporary set-up till I move in with my host family, but it's actually not terrible. He has the cutest dog and a gigantic theater room so I've got all the necessities. He also lives quite close to the beach so that is wonderful too. I do get a car this week like I did in Germany (praying for a jackaroo) and yes, the wheel is on the other side AND they drive on the left side of the road. What is that? Ugh. This is gonna be miserable. But ya know, as miserable as anything can be in Australia...so actually, pretty great.

When one door closes...

Excuse me everyone, I have an announcement to make: I've decided to take my talents to Rockingham beach. Hm, that didn't have quite the affectation I desired. Perhaps it wasn't as dramatically drawn out as my pal Lebron's was. I'm no Lebron and it's not South Beach, annnnnd my so-called talents are...well, considerably less talented, but the statement is true nonetheless--I am moving to the west coast of Australia to play basketball for the next 6 months. Wild, I know. Just when you thought you were done with my blog email updates, I come creeping back.

The contract is signed and the flight is booked--I leave tomorrow morning on perhaps the most objectionable plane ride ever. Hannover to London, London to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Perth, Australia. Really? What, no New York? Couldn't squeeze Brazil in there, either? Pity. Still, I can't complain, I have always wanted to go to Australia and jump around with some Kangaroos. Now I get to do it while playing basketball--how lucky can I be? I guess that saying is true: when one door closes, another one opens...to an airplane going to Australia. Can't remember who said that oddly specific quote, but boy they hit the nail on the head.

I am all packed and my apartment is emptied and clean. The other Americans have left, so it's just me in there now. The past few days have been a whirl wind--applying for an Australian visa, signing scanning and emailing paperwork, packing, cleaning, messaging, trying to recall how to play basketball. I've managed to cross everything off my extensive to-do list though, save that last one. Tricky business.

I don't know yet my living situation for when I arrive, other than that I will be sharing an apartment and have my own room. I put in my request to live with a kangaroo, so keep your fingers crossed. Evidently I will also be getting an automobile. Now, correct me if I am wrong here, but don't the aussies drive on the wrong side of the road? I know it's not the autobahn, but something tells me this driving distinction will prove wildly more challenging than what I faced in Germany.

I was reminded the other day that the Australian teams typically play in like a spandex type onesie rather than a traditional jersey. This not only scares me, it makes me incredibly uncomfortable just imagining myself running in it. I assure you, if my team participates in this blatant sexist custom, I'll get a doctors note excusing me from it under the argument that I am allergic to being ridiculous--except when it's whimsical, that I like.

I still can't access most my pictures from Dublin, Munich and Innsbruck but I have posted some from my last days in Wolfenbuttel and some from traveling. I won't be posting my next blog until I have at least one picture with a kangaroo. Ideally the kangaroo and I are doing some sort of well known pose (maybe we'll "tebow") but I don't know if we'll have time for all that. I have also heard a lot about this "thunder from down under" and while I don't fully understand what it is, I am anxious to investigate and let you all know :)

Making lemonade.

I should’ve seen this coming. Call it naivety, call it sheer stupidity, but I genuinely believed that we were going to finish this season. But here we are, packing our bags and booking our flights, grieving over what could’ve been. Dying to know what happened? Good, cause it’s killing me to write this.

We were on the bus when we found out. After just losing to Marburg and completing our regular season schedule (qualifying for playoffs with a 7^th place finish) we heard our season was over. Now, if this season has taught me anything, it’s this: men who wear suits are bad—do not trust them. Also, don’t believe everything you hear. I learned that lesson in 3^rd grade too when Wally told me that Anthony liked me. He didn’t. I have been jaded ever since. Anyways, this time the second hand information was true, our season was effectively over after the Marburg game—our President pulled us from playoffs due to insufficient funds…and because he wears a suit and is bad. 

So no playoffs, just like that. Still processing this fact and something tells me it's gonna take me a bit to get over. I feel like I should have something more meaningful to say about the end, something encapsulating of what this season has meant to me, despite all the ups and downs, but I just don't. Perhaps once I am more removed, but for now, I just hurt.

Marburg was our final game of the season, and for some, the final game of their careers, unbeknownst to them at the time. With the exception of the loss, it wasn’t the worst game to go out on—we competed and were up most the game, and had opportunities to tie/win, but came up short. I finished with 23 points. Our previous game, our last home game, was against Rhein Mein and was an exciting win for our fans and us. We lead the whole game, though not by much, and were able to pull away at the end. I had 26 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 7 steals and was player of the week.

Things happen quickly out here. Saturday we heard that our season was over and Tuesday was our farewell party where fans and players could meet and reminisce on the season. It was hard, I’m not gonna lie. Seeing so many people in tears and distraught by what was happening was emotionally taxing. On the other hand, it was wonderful to have the opportunity to see most these people for probably the last time in our lives. This season was just another brief chapter in my life, but it’s been one of my favorites, in large part because of those people.

I ended up finishing first in scoring and steals in our league, with 19 and 2.7 respectively, but honestly, this season was a far greater disappointment than last year. Sure last year we didn’t make playoffs and we weren’t that good, but there also weren’t really any expectations. This season though we were good and capable of winning the championship. AND we earned our playoff spot. Had we not been penalized the 5 point deduction, we would have finished in 3^rd place. I suppose though, our club would still be financially insolvent, so that fact becomes irrelevant. I loved this team and my coach and it makes me sick to my stomach that we won't get our chance to finish what we started. 

This season has been unusually dramatic and so I've heard my fair share of platitudes from friends and family alike, attempting to console me. It's thoughtful, but a person can only be told to make lemonade so many times. Normally I am totally a lemonade out of lemons girl—I mean who doesn’t like lemonade, such a delightful beverage. But in this instance, if you offer me that in lieu of comfort, know I’ll probably find a real lemon and throw it at your face. Just sayin. However, I will do my best to fashion a silver lining out of my season unceremoniously ending. Being the worldly woman that I am, my silver lining has become traveling. Sidney and I aren't going to Greece until May, when we thought I would be finishing up playoffs, so I've got some time to kill. Our suit wearing president is kicking us out of our apartments after our guests leave Monday, so I am going to relocate to Viernheim where Sidney lives and do some additional traveling and visit some friends (making lemonade).

In the middle of all this chaos, both Morty and I had visitors come. Morty's mom got here March 13th and Chris came to visit me on the 26th. The four of us went to Dublin for Easter weekend and had an incredible time. We spent Easter Sunday at St. Patrick's Cathedral for service which was phenomenal. We did what every Christian does after Easter service--went to the Guinness storehouse and learned all about brewing beer! It was quite the experience. Friday and Saturday was spent seeing the city, taking a bus tour and enjoying the Temple bar area. Dublin really is a beautiful city (sorry no pictures, the internet hates me right now).

Morty's mom left us this morning but Chris and Morty don't leave till Monday, so the 3 of us are going to travel a bit more. We head to Munich tomorrow and from there we'll go to Innsbruck, Austria and then maybe Zurich, Switzerland before making our way back to Wolfenbuttel. It goes without saying that I would much rather be playing than traveling, but being unemployed now as I am, I figure I ought to pick up a new hobby. Gonna give this making lemonade thing a try.

Looks like this may very well be my last post then for this season. Perhaps I will post pictures and charming anecdotes from my travels, lord knows I'll have time. If not, thanks again for the support this season and following along. I intend to continue playing again next season, and of course, once I know where, I will update all 20 of you. Till then, I hope everyone has a fantastic Spring and Summer and keeps in touch elsewhere!