For those still logging in to check out my blog...
Unfortunately, I am just too busy to create another entry. When I do have time, I am often too tired and lazy to do anything. However, I plan to reignite this blog before I fly back home (November 30). I should have more time to note a few things down leading up to my departure. I will say this though - my 3 year Visa application has been put in and now it is just a matter of waiting. I'm really hoping it comes through!
I trust you all will keep your fingers crossed for me! Thanks!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Never have I jumped so high!
So here is the thing. Even though I am probably the tallest guy in the world, I am extremely afraid of big bugs. Spiders, bees etc. You name it and I'll most likely shudder with fear. Therefore, it is maybe not the smartest thing to currently be working and living in America, where millions of gigantic bugs call it their home. The following is a little story of me acting like a big baby...
Just a few days ago, I arrived home after a long and tiresome coaching session. All I wanted to do was have some food and crawl into my bed. So, as I entered the house, I approached my bedroom door, opened it, switched the light on, and kicked my shoes off. As I was changing out of my coaching gear, I suddenly heard a whizzing sound. Straight away, I knew there was something with wings in my room and I don't like things with wings (notice the rhyming - how slick is that?). At first, I thought it would be one of those standard house flies we always get, which don't bother me one bit. However, I was completely wrong - big time.
The whizzing played again and I looked over to the window from where the dreaded sound was coming. I cautiously approached the window and gradually lifted the blinds. TERROR! RUN FOR YOU LIFE!
I think I must have jumped across the room in one step - I was that frightened. I had no idea what the thing was. All I know it was massive, had jumbo jet like wings, and looked extremely intimidating. Unbelievably, as I was composing myself, the thing took off and was heading towards me. Was I brave and heroic? No - I ran, exited my bedroom, and shut the door. When I was younger, when ever there was a spider in my bedroom, I would get my Dad to get rid of it. He would always do it in a peaceful and civilized manner by picking it up with his bare hands and putting it outside. Unfortunately, my Dad was not here to deal with this flying monster thing, which was buzzing around in my bedroom. Yes, it was so big that I could still here the buzzing, despite the door being closed.
Silence arrived and I thought it must be resting somewhere. So I carefully opened the door and found the beast lying on one of the window ledges. In a flash, I picked up a shoe and threw it. Done. The thing was dead. Finally I could go into my bed and sleep peacefully. I really wish I did not have such a fear because, like then, I killed something. It's not right really, is it? I don't know. It just feels a bit weird. Oh well, I'm sure I'll be coming up against more incredibly scary things in the future.
I'll be trying my best to try and get as many blogs down as possible because I do actually have a lot to say but due to my high school commitments and other things, I am very busy. So please keep logging on and checking the blog out.
Just a few days ago, I arrived home after a long and tiresome coaching session. All I wanted to do was have some food and crawl into my bed. So, as I entered the house, I approached my bedroom door, opened it, switched the light on, and kicked my shoes off. As I was changing out of my coaching gear, I suddenly heard a whizzing sound. Straight away, I knew there was something with wings in my room and I don't like things with wings (notice the rhyming - how slick is that?). At first, I thought it would be one of those standard house flies we always get, which don't bother me one bit. However, I was completely wrong - big time.
The whizzing played again and I looked over to the window from where the dreaded sound was coming. I cautiously approached the window and gradually lifted the blinds. TERROR! RUN FOR YOU LIFE!
I think I must have jumped across the room in one step - I was that frightened. I had no idea what the thing was. All I know it was massive, had jumbo jet like wings, and looked extremely intimidating. Unbelievably, as I was composing myself, the thing took off and was heading towards me. Was I brave and heroic? No - I ran, exited my bedroom, and shut the door. When I was younger, when ever there was a spider in my bedroom, I would get my Dad to get rid of it. He would always do it in a peaceful and civilized manner by picking it up with his bare hands and putting it outside. Unfortunately, my Dad was not here to deal with this flying monster thing, which was buzzing around in my bedroom. Yes, it was so big that I could still here the buzzing, despite the door being closed.
Silence arrived and I thought it must be resting somewhere. So I carefully opened the door and found the beast lying on one of the window ledges. In a flash, I picked up a shoe and threw it. Done. The thing was dead. Finally I could go into my bed and sleep peacefully. I really wish I did not have such a fear because, like then, I killed something. It's not right really, is it? I don't know. It just feels a bit weird. Oh well, I'm sure I'll be coming up against more incredibly scary things in the future.
I'll be trying my best to try and get as many blogs down as possible because I do actually have a lot to say but due to my high school commitments and other things, I am very busy. So please keep logging on and checking the blog out.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
A hot and busy week...
I guess summer has finally arrived in New Jersey! I'm not a fan of extreme hot weather, especially if you are a soccer coach out on the field day in day out. So far this week, in the mornings I have been working at the Immaculata High School soccer preseason camp from 9-12. Thankfully, it is not as hot during those times but you still have the sun directing its rays onto you. I have also been on the field for the Middlesex camp we are conducting, which has been running from 4-8. So yeah, I have been extremely busy this week, which is why I have not been able to get on my blog and put something on. So apologies to anyone getting annoyed with me. Well, I don't really care - all I care about is feeling cool (and not hot!) again.
Every Tuesday now, I am coaching a U9 girls team based in Husk and I had my first session with them. It went well. Some of them have never played soccer before so I did a very basic session, concentrating on simple techniques. Some of the girls are hilarious - some of the things they say just make you laugh. For instance, I asked them to come into me so that I could talk to them about the little exercise we just did (I always do that - all the best coaches do it...it's a best coach thing). Suddenly, one of the girls spots a cat (it could have been a fox) in the distance and, naturally, all the girls' attention became focused on the animal.
With the quick-thinking brain I have, I quickly said to them to imagine I was the cat. So they brought their eyes to me and one of the girls came out with this comment, "You can't be a cat. You are all sweaty, hairy, and...and...and, disgusting". Yes, I will repeat that for you all...disgusting. That's nice to know, isn't it? Not only am I sweaty, hairy (I didn't shave that day, which is why that particular comment was made) but I am apparently disgusting. When the girl said that, I instantly burst out laughing as did the rest of the girls. It was brilliant. Apart from that though, I think they like me. I look forward to what the next comment will be next tuesday!
Oh yeah, I should probably mention this as it is car-related. Yes, further disaster. It came in the form of me locking myself out of the car. It happened two days ago after the Middlesex camp. My mind was in another place as I just came off the field after 4 hours in the baking sun. I was taking my cleets off (the American term for soccer boots) and rested my keys inside the open trunk. Once I had completed the shoe-changeover, I inexplicably shut the trunk. It hit me straight away as to what I had done. Luckily though, Francisco, who is the main man running things at the Middlesex camp, dashed home quickly to get some tools and, to my amazement, he performed a professional job of opening my car. All he used was a coat hanger and a stick. Fantastic.
More car disasters to follow shortly...
Every Tuesday now, I am coaching a U9 girls team based in Husk and I had my first session with them. It went well. Some of them have never played soccer before so I did a very basic session, concentrating on simple techniques. Some of the girls are hilarious - some of the things they say just make you laugh. For instance, I asked them to come into me so that I could talk to them about the little exercise we just did (I always do that - all the best coaches do it...it's a best coach thing). Suddenly, one of the girls spots a cat (it could have been a fox) in the distance and, naturally, all the girls' attention became focused on the animal.
With the quick-thinking brain I have, I quickly said to them to imagine I was the cat. So they brought their eyes to me and one of the girls came out with this comment, "You can't be a cat. You are all sweaty, hairy, and...and...and, disgusting". Yes, I will repeat that for you all...disgusting. That's nice to know, isn't it? Not only am I sweaty, hairy (I didn't shave that day, which is why that particular comment was made) but I am apparently disgusting. When the girl said that, I instantly burst out laughing as did the rest of the girls. It was brilliant. Apart from that though, I think they like me. I look forward to what the next comment will be next tuesday!
Oh yeah, I should probably mention this as it is car-related. Yes, further disaster. It came in the form of me locking myself out of the car. It happened two days ago after the Middlesex camp. My mind was in another place as I just came off the field after 4 hours in the baking sun. I was taking my cleets off (the American term for soccer boots) and rested my keys inside the open trunk. Once I had completed the shoe-changeover, I inexplicably shut the trunk. It hit me straight away as to what I had done. Luckily though, Francisco, who is the main man running things at the Middlesex camp, dashed home quickly to get some tools and, to my amazement, he performed a professional job of opening my car. All he used was a coat hanger and a stick. Fantastic.
More car disasters to follow shortly...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
A fun day indeed!
Jersey United had it's first ever family fun day this past Sunday and it turned out to be a great success and a very enjoyable day for everyone. It took place at Falcon Field, which at some point in the near future will be the new home of Jersey United. Personally, I do not like it as twice I have been stung by wasps and wasp stings hurt quite a bit. Even though I am the tallest person in the world, I am a big baby when it comes to either spiders or big bees (ie. massive wasps that sting you!!). I really don't know why these wasps are stinging me - I wish they would tell me. Oh well.
Anyway, for me, the family fun day was great. The majority of the U10s team showed up, which I did not like at all as I find the kids quite annoying. No - it was nice to see them all again, not to mention the lovely parents as well! Towards the end of the day, we all got together and, rather embarrassingly, I received a lovely thank you card and some gift cards. If any of you are reading this, let me thank you once again - you really should not have but you did, so thanks! The gift cards will come in handy when I am pulled over again and have to pay a fine! I hope the police officer will accept it. Apparently, I will be receiving another gift in the post - so I am really looking forward to it. I have to admit though, I really hope it is one of those modern, up to date tire repair kits - let's hope, eh?
How hot was it yesterday by the way? I really did not appreciate it. Was sweating like there was no tomorrow - sorry, you probably did not need to know that piece of information. I blame my Dad for the genes of excessive sweating. I have to do a private one on one training session soon, which will mean more sweating and flies sticking to my face. However, I have bought some fly repellent spray, which will hopefully work. Yet, I know it won't work as things like that never do.
I think I am going to go to the gym now, before my private session. Need to burn some calories - too much burger king, you see? I think I should have some lunch first though - burger king maybe? Yeah, why not.
Anyway, for me, the family fun day was great. The majority of the U10s team showed up, which I did not like at all as I find the kids quite annoying. No - it was nice to see them all again, not to mention the lovely parents as well! Towards the end of the day, we all got together and, rather embarrassingly, I received a lovely thank you card and some gift cards. If any of you are reading this, let me thank you once again - you really should not have but you did, so thanks! The gift cards will come in handy when I am pulled over again and have to pay a fine! I hope the police officer will accept it. Apparently, I will be receiving another gift in the post - so I am really looking forward to it. I have to admit though, I really hope it is one of those modern, up to date tire repair kits - let's hope, eh?
How hot was it yesterday by the way? I really did not appreciate it. Was sweating like there was no tomorrow - sorry, you probably did not need to know that piece of information. I blame my Dad for the genes of excessive sweating. I have to do a private one on one training session soon, which will mean more sweating and flies sticking to my face. However, I have bought some fly repellent spray, which will hopefully work. Yet, I know it won't work as things like that never do.
I think I am going to go to the gym now, before my private session. Need to burn some calories - too much burger king, you see? I think I should have some lunch first though - burger king maybe? Yeah, why not.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Who ate all the Pringles?
Now, as I am sure all of you have got the impression of, I am a huge fan of food - I literally cannot stop eating. If you ever bump into my Mum, just ask her about food bills. When I am not around, she is fairly content! However, when Christmas comes around, she always mentions the rise in the food bill. Anyway, apart from coaching on the field, you will usually find me in the Jersey United office. I always make sure I have little snacks on my desk - just to keep me going you know? Thankfully, the office has a refrigerator so I store some essentials in there as well. At times like these, I am extremely happy. However, in the office today, I was hurt - bad. Let me explain.
I like Pringles - you know, those nice tasting funny shaped chips (what a description!). At my desk, I have a little box opening by the bottom where certain things can be stored, as in little snacks. I was at the shop (Shoprite all the way man - only Americans will know what I mean when I say that - sorry Mum) and decided to purchase some Pizza flavor Pringles for one of my afternoon office snacks. Being the stupidly nice guy I am, I shared it around with everyone (it was pay day so the staff were all in!). I was smart though and ensured there was a sufficient amount left. So I naturally helped myself to a few and stored it in my little box by my desk. I then left and headed home - feeling happy as I knew I would be having more Pringles in the the following day.
Shock! I walk into the office the next day and my Pringles have vanished. It was afternoon as I spent the morning doing the inspection for my car (but now I need to go back as I apparently don't hold a valid drivers license - ahhhh!). So I was pretty hungry. There were four culprits in the office and I am going to name and shame them: Martin Brown, Danny Howard, Sean Davies (the annoying one) and James Morris. So I look around - casting the room for my Pringles. I walk over to the trash bin and there they are - my Pringles. I pick it up and notice straight away it is empty. I turn back to face the room and I noticed James Morris' face instantly - that face expression which pours of guilt.
Everything was confirmed as crumbs lay around the desk of James Morris. I questioned him and he denied it even though there was clear, hard evidence by his feet. Eventually he caved in and confessed. He then put the blame on me for leaving food in the office as it will most probably be eaten up by someone. I thought - yeah, silly me but I still squashed his head with my big foot. I've just remembered - I left some real nice looking sweets on my desk. I might as well say goodbye to them. You are probably thinking, "Why does he not get to the office early?". Well, I would but I have Kiddie Soccer in the morning and James Morris always arrives early - only to steal food. So yeah - there you have it. I'm okay now as I had a really nice Stir Fry for dinner - yummy...
I like Pringles - you know, those nice tasting funny shaped chips (what a description!). At my desk, I have a little box opening by the bottom where certain things can be stored, as in little snacks. I was at the shop (Shoprite all the way man - only Americans will know what I mean when I say that - sorry Mum) and decided to purchase some Pizza flavor Pringles for one of my afternoon office snacks. Being the stupidly nice guy I am, I shared it around with everyone (it was pay day so the staff were all in!). I was smart though and ensured there was a sufficient amount left. So I naturally helped myself to a few and stored it in my little box by my desk. I then left and headed home - feeling happy as I knew I would be having more Pringles in the the following day.
Shock! I walk into the office the next day and my Pringles have vanished. It was afternoon as I spent the morning doing the inspection for my car (but now I need to go back as I apparently don't hold a valid drivers license - ahhhh!). So I was pretty hungry. There were four culprits in the office and I am going to name and shame them: Martin Brown, Danny Howard, Sean Davies (the annoying one) and James Morris. So I look around - casting the room for my Pringles. I walk over to the trash bin and there they are - my Pringles. I pick it up and notice straight away it is empty. I turn back to face the room and I noticed James Morris' face instantly - that face expression which pours of guilt.
Everything was confirmed as crumbs lay around the desk of James Morris. I questioned him and he denied it even though there was clear, hard evidence by his feet. Eventually he caved in and confessed. He then put the blame on me for leaving food in the office as it will most probably be eaten up by someone. I thought - yeah, silly me but I still squashed his head with my big foot. I've just remembered - I left some real nice looking sweets on my desk. I might as well say goodbye to them. You are probably thinking, "Why does he not get to the office early?". Well, I would but I have Kiddie Soccer in the morning and James Morris always arrives early - only to steal food. So yeah - there you have it. I'm okay now as I had a really nice Stir Fry for dinner - yummy...
Friday, July 31, 2009
Done and dusted
Well. That is it. Summer Select done. Over and out. To be honest, I'm not that pleased about it because I absolutely loved it. I really did. But I am sure my players are all glad it is over as it means they don't have to attend my practices anymore - or see me! No, I'm sure they all enjoyed themselves and learned something. I must give all the credit to the players though for making my job enjoyable - each and every one of them was brilliant. Yes, we had a couple of really bad sessions but I expected that. Nothing in this world is plain sailing.
I'm sure some of you are wondering what the current state of my Ford Crown Victoria is. Well, thankfully, I got it back from the garage today. It needed all it's tires changed, which was comforting to have known! Now, I need to get it inspected and updated otherwise I will be receiving a $130 fine again. Providing that goes okay, I should not have any more problems unless I decide to drive erratically and cause a crash, which of course will never happen as I am the best driver ever. So yeah, I'm feeling quite good at the moment!
I should note that I was amazed to see nearly all my U10 players turn up for the optional practices this week. They have all bonded so well now as a team, which was evident to see on Monday and Thursday. Hopefully, we can bring the team back together for some indoor tournaments during the winter, which is what one of the parents suggested. However, if that was to go ahead, unless my three year visa application comes through, I'm not sure if I would be able to re-enter the US in time. At the moment, I am on a J1 and it expires in November, which is when I will be flying back home. But, not to worry, as the kids will excel without my guidance because they keep telling me how smelly I am and it apparently prevents them from performing well. And you think I am joking...
Now that Summer Select is over, I get to have a bit of a rest before I take charge of the Junior Varsity Boys Team at the Immaculata High School, which is something I am really looking forward to. Even though we have practice every day, which is going to be tough, we have lots of games and I love coaching games. So that will be my main job during the fall before I fly back home. I just hope I am granted this three year visa! Maybe I'll just walk to the immigration office, they'll see how tall I am, and that should be enough to grant me a three year visa. Maybe I should add an angry face or something - just to make it scarier you know?
So let me take this opportunity to thank all the players and wonderful parents for making this summer a fantastic experience for me. Hopefully I will see you guys next year!
I'm sure some of you are wondering what the current state of my Ford Crown Victoria is. Well, thankfully, I got it back from the garage today. It needed all it's tires changed, which was comforting to have known! Now, I need to get it inspected and updated otherwise I will be receiving a $130 fine again. Providing that goes okay, I should not have any more problems unless I decide to drive erratically and cause a crash, which of course will never happen as I am the best driver ever. So yeah, I'm feeling quite good at the moment!
I should note that I was amazed to see nearly all my U10 players turn up for the optional practices this week. They have all bonded so well now as a team, which was evident to see on Monday and Thursday. Hopefully, we can bring the team back together for some indoor tournaments during the winter, which is what one of the parents suggested. However, if that was to go ahead, unless my three year visa application comes through, I'm not sure if I would be able to re-enter the US in time. At the moment, I am on a J1 and it expires in November, which is when I will be flying back home. But, not to worry, as the kids will excel without my guidance because they keep telling me how smelly I am and it apparently prevents them from performing well. And you think I am joking...
Now that Summer Select is over, I get to have a bit of a rest before I take charge of the Junior Varsity Boys Team at the Immaculata High School, which is something I am really looking forward to. Even though we have practice every day, which is going to be tough, we have lots of games and I love coaching games. So that will be my main job during the fall before I fly back home. I just hope I am granted this three year visa! Maybe I'll just walk to the immigration office, they'll see how tall I am, and that should be enough to grant me a three year visa. Maybe I should add an angry face or something - just to make it scarier you know?
So let me take this opportunity to thank all the players and wonderful parents for making this summer a fantastic experience for me. Hopefully I will see you guys next year!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Expected arrival: 18.00 Actual arrival: 21.00
After an exhausting yet extremely exciting tournament weekend, I was looking forward to getting back home. After watching the Jersey United U11s Summer Select team win in the semi finals, I decided to call it a day and hit the road. I left at around 15.30 and was expected to get back home at around 18.00. It looked a simple journey - up Route 222 North and then all the way across Interstate 78 East into New Jersey. However, having experienced frightening events with my Crown Vic already, more was to come in the form of a burst tire. No, not running out of gas again but a burst tire. Now, part of this was my fault because when I took the car to have it's oil changed the day before traveling to the tournament, the guy said to me, "You gotta change your tires man". I thought, get this trip out of the way and get the car into the garage.
So I managed to get through Route 222 okay and just after crossing into New Jersey via 78, there I was, sailing at a nice steady speed in the fast lane, until I heard a sudden burst and an incredible scraping noise. I thought - oh oh. Hazard lights ON. Mirror checks DONE. Calmly pull over into the hard shoulder DONE WITH SEVERE PANIC. I put the car into park and stepped out of the vehicle. WHOOOOOOOOOSH! Probably the biggest truck I have ever seen whizzed past me and I almost got swept away. Thankfully, I did not. So I inspected the tire and it was done for. Dead. Kaputt (broken in German). So I walked over to the boot of the car and got out the jack and other necessary tools (oh yeah, and the spare tire!). In the middle of changing the tire, I received the fright of my life when three human beings walked up to me (it's not as if they were aliens or something!). Incredibly, one of the humans was a kid from my U10s team. Obviously, the other two were his parents. After quickly explaining what had happened, the father rolled up his sleeves and did the entire job for me. Not only that, but I got a free bottle of Lemon Gatorade from the mother. If that is not awesome, then I don't know what is. After everything was sorted, the family even made sure I made my exit okay by tagging along behind me. Now, I doubt the family would have been so helpful if the U10s did not win the tournament. No, I'm only joking. What a great gesture though. That is something I am so appreciative for - helpful and kind people. It's they way forward. If you are reading this, I thank you once again - the Gatorade was extremely refreshing!
That is not the end of the story though - there is more to it! I got to the exit okay and was about 10 minutes away from home. However, a recent thunderstorm hit the area and it was so severe that massive trees were uprooted and blocking roads. As things were going for me, all the possible avenues to my house were cut off. I could not get home! Ahhhhhh! So I started to feel a bit hungry and decided to go to this Chinese place. I had some delicious sweet and sour pork, sat in the car for a while, and drove off to see if the roads were cleared yet. Thankfully, they were and I arrived at my home three hours after my scheduled time of arrival. Good times. It's probably going to happen again, isn't it?
So I managed to get through Route 222 okay and just after crossing into New Jersey via 78, there I was, sailing at a nice steady speed in the fast lane, until I heard a sudden burst and an incredible scraping noise. I thought - oh oh. Hazard lights ON. Mirror checks DONE. Calmly pull over into the hard shoulder DONE WITH SEVERE PANIC. I put the car into park and stepped out of the vehicle. WHOOOOOOOOOSH! Probably the biggest truck I have ever seen whizzed past me and I almost got swept away. Thankfully, I did not. So I inspected the tire and it was done for. Dead. Kaputt (broken in German). So I walked over to the boot of the car and got out the jack and other necessary tools (oh yeah, and the spare tire!). In the middle of changing the tire, I received the fright of my life when three human beings walked up to me (it's not as if they were aliens or something!). Incredibly, one of the humans was a kid from my U10s team. Obviously, the other two were his parents. After quickly explaining what had happened, the father rolled up his sleeves and did the entire job for me. Not only that, but I got a free bottle of Lemon Gatorade from the mother. If that is not awesome, then I don't know what is. After everything was sorted, the family even made sure I made my exit okay by tagging along behind me. Now, I doubt the family would have been so helpful if the U10s did not win the tournament. No, I'm only joking. What a great gesture though. That is something I am so appreciative for - helpful and kind people. It's they way forward. If you are reading this, I thank you once again - the Gatorade was extremely refreshing!
That is not the end of the story though - there is more to it! I got to the exit okay and was about 10 minutes away from home. However, a recent thunderstorm hit the area and it was so severe that massive trees were uprooted and blocking roads. As things were going for me, all the possible avenues to my house were cut off. I could not get home! Ahhhhhh! So I started to feel a bit hungry and decided to go to this Chinese place. I had some delicious sweet and sour pork, sat in the car for a while, and drove off to see if the roads were cleared yet. Thankfully, they were and I arrived at my home three hours after my scheduled time of arrival. Good times. It's probably going to happen again, isn't it?
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