I continue to learn everyday from my new experiences here in Cluj. Some are pleasant, and some not so much. Sometimes you get the beast, and sometimes the beast gets you (or something like that). Unfortunately, this weekend at Tg. Mures turned out differently than many of us here in Cluj may have hoped. But in any situation a loss should be viewed as a win, because the lessons learned from any loss become invaluable tools to be used for future obstacles. Me, myself, I learned something very valuable from this game at Mures. ALWAYS STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF, DON'T OVER THINK . Some may say this is two lessons, but I believe they go hand and hand. Tit for Tat. I don't necessarily mean this statement in a selfish way, but in any situation where your character is tested you have to go back to what you know and who you are naturally. Trusting your instincts in times of pressure is key. Personally, I believe that this applies to all facets of life: Relationships, Sports, Teams, Jobs, anything. You can never be afraid to trust yourself, because one moment of hesitation can break a perfect situation in half. As soon as someone tries to do things in a manner that is designed to please or attempt to act in a way thats not natural, they are only setting themselves up to fail in a big way. I was a little disappointed with my lack of contribution to the game this weekend. No doubt. More disappointed on how this may or may not have affected the team, but really disappointed that I played the game I love in a way that goes against my natural instincts. Nonetheless, that game is over. No excuses. The great thing is that it wasn't the last game of the year, and I (and us as a team) have another chance to prove ourselves this weekend.
I was told this weekend, "Never, no matter what, let anyone take the pleasure out of playing the game of basketball. This is the first and only thing. Continue to work and get better, and things fall into place with time."
Again this quote can be applied to anything.
This weekend we have another tough game at home against Gaz Metan Medias. Nothing more really needs to be said.
Sorry I have been tardy on my posts and I will do a better job this week of keeping up on things.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Stocked up and ready for WEEK 3
Servus. Im going to start this post off with some pictures of the purchases I just made at the store tonight. I spent too much time going through carrefour market, searching for the correct milk (ok I got it now... Napolact), not to advertise the fruits of my labor.
And ask how much this ran me? mmmm let's call it about 50 USD even. Have to love the generous exchange rate!
If you are from Cluj, and follow the team, then you obviously know Kyndall Dykes. Well let me tell you something about Mr. Dykes. He may be the only person I've ever met in my life, that likes gummies more than me. And the thing is, to get past me you have to put in work. Real work. I've had a few people give me a run for my money, but this guy is ridiculous. He puts these things down. So if you want to know the way to show you are his number one fan, just get the man 10 assorted packages of gummies from Haribo and he will fall in love.
Practice today consisted mainly of shooting drills and 3 on 3. I was happy with that though, my legs needed another light day. Tomorrow we have a lift in the morning, followed by Mr. Ienac's funeral. We shall see how that goes, but I am banking on everyone being emotionally drained for the night practice tomorrow. Hopefully we can still get some good work out of it.
Looking forward to the game this Saturday. A W this weekend means we will be locked into to second place. Mhmmm good. Thanks again to my supporters on FB and the "U" Cluj guestbook... lets get it done this week.
My one recommendation going away, is for all of you to see The King's Speech if you haven't already. Starts out slow, but finishes strong and is one of the best movies I've seen in a while. I'm also going to work on that highlight from the Rovinari game.
Peace
And ask how much this ran me? mmmm let's call it about 50 USD even. Have to love the generous exchange rate!
If you are from Cluj, and follow the team, then you obviously know Kyndall Dykes. Well let me tell you something about Mr. Dykes. He may be the only person I've ever met in my life, that likes gummies more than me. And the thing is, to get past me you have to put in work. Real work. I've had a few people give me a run for my money, but this guy is ridiculous. He puts these things down. So if you want to know the way to show you are his number one fan, just get the man 10 assorted packages of gummies from Haribo and he will fall in love.
Practice today consisted mainly of shooting drills and 3 on 3. I was happy with that though, my legs needed another light day. Tomorrow we have a lift in the morning, followed by Mr. Ienac's funeral. We shall see how that goes, but I am banking on everyone being emotionally drained for the night practice tomorrow. Hopefully we can still get some good work out of it.
Looking forward to the game this Saturday. A W this weekend means we will be locked into to second place. Mhmmm good. Thanks again to my supporters on FB and the "U" Cluj guestbook... lets get it done this week.
My one recommendation going away, is for all of you to see The King's Speech if you haven't already. Starts out slow, but finishes strong and is one of the best movies I've seen in a while. I'm also going to work on that highlight from the Rovinari game.
Peace
Sunday, February 20, 2011
First game played on an honorable night
Just grabbed a late lunch with Rob at Restaurant Fair Play, and decided to come home and catch you guys up on the weekend. Before I do that though, I would like to apologize to all of my Romanian followers. It was thoughtfully brought my attention last evening that I've failed to realize that maybe, just maybe some of you may not be interested in reading my website links in all English. I have changed my neglectful ways and added a couple of the same Romanian Basketball website links in Romanian. This way, for those of you that don't know the websites off the top of your head, you can bypass the Google Translate mess and go right to the webpage. I'm sorry again, and I hope this helps.
Last night was my first game in Cluj and I must say it was quite the opening night for me. However, this may have been for reasons that may not seem so obvious. Of course it was great to actually be on the court again; great to actually play in a game that mattered. It was refreshing to still see I can compete at a high level, on a team and in a league that are both relevant. The fan's we awesome and my teammates were very supportive during this week leading up to the game, especially the younger guys. Furthermore, it was great that I had a decent performance, the fans enjoyed my talent enough to chant my name a bit at the end (pretty flattering) , and we got the win. What made it even more special was the fact that I was able to be a part of the remembrance of a man that I never had the pleasure of knowing, but that seemed to have touched the lives of so many people here in Cluj. Nicholas Ienac, who was one of the most influential and successful sports managers in Cluj history, died last week after falling into a coma due to some head and heart complications. Again, like I said, I had only shook the hand of Mr. Ienac one time, but the support at the game last night was amazing. Only a truly great individual could move a mass of people in this way. I would like to say Rest In Peace to Mr. Ienac and may you be with us for the rest of the season in spirit. I have posted some pictures below of the game and the memorial banners some of the fans showcased.
Picture Gallery (U vs. Rovinari)
I don't know if Radu (coach's son) has chopped up the game against Rovinari or not, but if he did I will have that up here on my next post.
All in all it was an great weekend, and I look forward to starting my third week here in Cluj.
P.S. The dunk contest last night was weak. I stayed up until 6 a.m. here just to see Blake Griffin win it by jumping over the hood of a car with bent legs. I'm not saying its easy, but C'mon SON! really? Could have been better.
Last night was my first game in Cluj and I must say it was quite the opening night for me. However, this may have been for reasons that may not seem so obvious. Of course it was great to actually be on the court again; great to actually play in a game that mattered. It was refreshing to still see I can compete at a high level, on a team and in a league that are both relevant. The fan's we awesome and my teammates were very supportive during this week leading up to the game, especially the younger guys. Furthermore, it was great that I had a decent performance, the fans enjoyed my talent enough to chant my name a bit at the end (pretty flattering) , and we got the win. What made it even more special was the fact that I was able to be a part of the remembrance of a man that I never had the pleasure of knowing, but that seemed to have touched the lives of so many people here in Cluj. Nicholas Ienac, who was one of the most influential and successful sports managers in Cluj history, died last week after falling into a coma due to some head and heart complications. Again, like I said, I had only shook the hand of Mr. Ienac one time, but the support at the game last night was amazing. Only a truly great individual could move a mass of people in this way. I would like to say Rest In Peace to Mr. Ienac and may you be with us for the rest of the season in spirit. I have posted some pictures below of the game and the memorial banners some of the fans showcased.
Picture Gallery (U vs. Rovinari)
I don't know if Radu (coach's son) has chopped up the game against Rovinari or not, but if he did I will have that up here on my next post.
All in all it was an great weekend, and I look forward to starting my third week here in Cluj.
P.S. The dunk contest last night was weak. I stayed up until 6 a.m. here just to see Blake Griffin win it by jumping over the hood of a car with bent legs. I'm not saying its easy, but C'mon SON! really? Could have been better.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Ready for my first game in Cluj
Just finished tonight's practice, and will spend some of what's left of the night looking over the scouting report and personnel. Cookie Crisp will be the cereal of choice before bed, and if I'm lucky maybe a few episodes of Weeds on vplay.ro.
I am pulling the trigger on the all red all-star Durants. Final Answer, and as a plus, a friend of mine from Cluj told me that "Red" is a significant color for U Cluj fans. In the 1940's all of the fans of U used to wear red hats at the games and were known as sepcile rosii (red hats). So ill be wearing the LUCKY #8 with RED Durants. I MEAAANN. Learning everyday.
Speaking of learning something new, I learned how to say "to go" or "Can I get my food to go?" in Romanian today.
La Pachet- To go
It's an important phrase for me, seeing as there is nothing more gratifying than to eat what I want to eat, while watching what I want to watch, in the comfort of my boxers and UGG Slippers. Yes, I said it, UGG SLIPPERS. Don't knock it until you try them. GuaranSHEED to keep those piggies warm. I have these myself...
Anyways, I'm off to bed. Have a good night, lets get this W tomorrow.
Haide "U"
I am pulling the trigger on the all red all-star Durants. Final Answer, and as a plus, a friend of mine from Cluj told me that "Red" is a significant color for U Cluj fans. In the 1940's all of the fans of U used to wear red hats at the games and were known as sepcile rosii (red hats). So ill be wearing the LUCKY #8 with RED Durants. I MEAAANN. Learning everyday.
Speaking of learning something new, I learned how to say "to go" or "Can I get my food to go?" in Romanian today.
La Pachet- To go
It's an important phrase for me, seeing as there is nothing more gratifying than to eat what I want to eat, while watching what I want to watch, in the comfort of my boxers and UGG Slippers. Yes, I said it, UGG SLIPPERS. Don't knock it until you try them. GuaranSHEED to keep those piggies warm. I have these myself...
Anyways, I'm off to bed. Have a good night, lets get this W tomorrow.
Haide "U"
Day of Preparation
Today we opened up with a brief shoot around and preparation for Rovinari. We have another practice tonight at 7:30, where I think we will get more into the specifics of the plays and the personnel.
I am excited for my first game, but not nearly as excited as the "U" fans seem to be for me and the team. Like I said in a previous post, Rovinari is coming in determined to get a W because they currently sit in 12th place. They need wins to get into the playoffs, it's that simple. So we need to expect it to be a game for the full 40 minutes.
I'm looking into buying some new shoes, and I have posted my top options below. Though they are all expensive, its nothing to spend money on shoes if I feel good playing ;). Check them out, and Comment on which ones you think I should get. Thx.
Ill post after tonight's practice, have a good one.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
BOB KIZER
Hey everyone,
I unintentionally left one of my good buddies Bob Kizer out of the shout out list. He is a great man, and has been very supportive of me through this process. I would like to take the time to ask everyone following to please send Bob a message on facebook and friend him if you haven't already. Thank you, that is all.
Love ya Bob. lol
I unintentionally left one of my good buddies Bob Kizer out of the shout out list. He is a great man, and has been very supportive of me through this process. I would like to take the time to ask everyone following to please send Bob a message on facebook and friend him if you haven't already. Thank you, that is all.
Love ya Bob. lol
6 Reasons why McDonald's in Romania is just better
This post is dedicated to the McDonald's in the city center of Cluj-Napoca. You guys do it right, enough said. Below are the 7 reasons I have found the McDonald's here to be better than the McDonald's at home.
1.) Actual Good Service
In America, the individuals working at McDonald's usually either hate working there or do a good job acting like it. Sorry if this offends anyone that works at McDonald's in the U.S., but its true. There is usually someone with a horrible attitude on the other end of the mic at the drive through, hating that they are taking your order, and hating even more that they are supposed to get it right. Not only that, but if they do get it wrong, god forbid you say something or bring the food back. These days I just go into the situation expecting to walk away with a breakfast burrito when I order nuggets and if I get anything more I should be overly pleased. Here in Romania, people are generous, ready to help, and get your Big Mac to you with quickness.
2.) The food is ALWAYS Hot and Fresh
Title says it all. If I'm going to eat unhealthy, at least in Romania they make it more edible than a piece of cardboard.
3.) Down Sized Menu
I think this was what the Mcdonald's menu was always intended to look like until Americans found the need to drink a gallon of Hi-C at every meal. They literally have about 15 things you can order and thats counting the Mcflurry and Dollar-Menu selection. Streamlined ordering at its best. Bravo Romania.
4.) Put together like advertised
Their Big Mac's aren't 90% mac sauce, 10% burger, and missing one bun. What you see in the picture is what you get in the package. Just the right amount of everything... makes me actually think I'm eating at a restaurant.
5.) Calories are written on each package
If you order a 6 piece nug you know how many calories you are going to take in. If you want to order a 20 piece nugget, well sorry americans they don't option here. But atleast if you are willing to order 3 6 piece's you can see how fat you are getting while you eat them.
6.) More exotic dessert options
Uff the plain apple pie, they have blueberry pie's with vanilla cream filling. Yeah it's hot too. (lol- McPherson) The blueberry McFlurry takes the cake on any McFlurry flavor anywhere.
Romania just does it better. Oh and don't even get me started on the Pizza Hut over here. They have a never ending pizza and pasta dish that will run you about 6.50 USD. Top that America. And they serve beer. What...
Good workout this morning, practice tonight at 7 and catching up on a lot of Jersey Shore during the day.
Shout out to Don Magic, Coff, Reece, Scoo Magoo, Smo, Petur, McPherson, Los, C Lowe, Valdas, Scottie B, B macon, OP and whoever else I missed.
Peace
1.) Actual Good Service
In America, the individuals working at McDonald's usually either hate working there or do a good job acting like it. Sorry if this offends anyone that works at McDonald's in the U.S., but its true. There is usually someone with a horrible attitude on the other end of the mic at the drive through, hating that they are taking your order, and hating even more that they are supposed to get it right. Not only that, but if they do get it wrong, god forbid you say something or bring the food back. These days I just go into the situation expecting to walk away with a breakfast burrito when I order nuggets and if I get anything more I should be overly pleased. Here in Romania, people are generous, ready to help, and get your Big Mac to you with quickness.
2.) The food is ALWAYS Hot and Fresh
Title says it all. If I'm going to eat unhealthy, at least in Romania they make it more edible than a piece of cardboard.
3.) Down Sized Menu
I think this was what the Mcdonald's menu was always intended to look like until Americans found the need to drink a gallon of Hi-C at every meal. They literally have about 15 things you can order and thats counting the Mcflurry and Dollar-Menu selection. Streamlined ordering at its best. Bravo Romania.
4.) Put together like advertised
Their Big Mac's aren't 90% mac sauce, 10% burger, and missing one bun. What you see in the picture is what you get in the package. Just the right amount of everything... makes me actually think I'm eating at a restaurant.
5.) Calories are written on each package
If you order a 6 piece nug you know how many calories you are going to take in. If you want to order a 20 piece nugget, well sorry americans they don't option here. But atleast if you are willing to order 3 6 piece's you can see how fat you are getting while you eat them.
6.) More exotic dessert options
Uff the plain apple pie, they have blueberry pie's with vanilla cream filling. Yeah it's hot too. (lol- McPherson) The blueberry McFlurry takes the cake on any McFlurry flavor anywhere.
Romania just does it better. Oh and don't even get me started on the Pizza Hut over here. They have a never ending pizza and pasta dish that will run you about 6.50 USD. Top that America. And they serve beer. What...
Good workout this morning, practice tonight at 7 and catching up on a lot of Jersey Shore during the day.
Shout out to Don Magic, Coff, Reece, Scoo Magoo, Smo, Petur, McPherson, Los, C Lowe, Valdas, Scottie B, B macon, OP and whoever else I missed.
Peace
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)