Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Gearlds Blog: Hello From Athens



Hey Storm fans! I hope this blog finds everyone doing well and getting ready for the holidays. I can't believe it's almost that time of the year again. Before we all know it, we'll be back in KeyArena ready to start another season. Since the end of the season, things have been kind of crazy on this end. I had about four days to get packed up in Seattle, head home to see my family and friends, and then head over to Athens. Needless to say, I didn't quite get the amount of time I wanted with all the people I love. But, the job calls and this is what pays the bills, so ... .

My team is currently undefeated in the Greek league and in our EuroCup pool. We've got a pretty solid team and I like our chances in the Greek championship. We've kind of lucked out because our pool in EuroCup isn't the greatest, but we are gladly taking advantage of it and hoping to move on to the next round. We've been pretty lucky because all of our games have been here in Athens; next week starts the traveling, so I'll have more stories later on the countries we visit! I get along very well with everyone on my team, but it would surely take a lot for me not to get along with anyone because I am pretty easy going, as if you didn't know that!

Outside of basketball, life is okay here. Almost everyone speaks English here, so the communication barrier is not a problem. I know a few Greek words - mostly the bad ones, of course! :) The pace of Europe is just so much slower than the USA. I went three weeks with no Internet and no phone line!!!! I was miserable. It just seemed like the people who were supposed to take care of that for me were in no hurry to get it done. Thank God I had my PlayStation with me to pass the time, but my cell phone bill was getting ridiculous.

On top of all that, I couldn't even take a shower in my own apartment because it was shocking the you-know-what out of me. Something was wrong with the water heater and the wires, so after about two weeks of showering in other places, besides my own home, it got fixed and now I can shower at my own place without any fear. Things like that just irritate me because I know in the States something as serious as those issues would be taken care of the next day!

I miss my family and friends more and more each day, but I think I have talked a few people into coming over to visit - I mean, it is Athens! Back home, just this past Thursday, we had to put my golden retriever, Peyton, down. She would have turned two years old this Christmas day, but in September she was diagnosed with Stage 5 cancer. We were going through chemo with her and she had been in remission. She was the same free-spirited dog we came to know and love, but over the past weekend, the cancer took over her whole body and there was nothing more we could do besides let her go peacefully and remember all the good times we had with her. We were only able to have her for a short amount of time, but she gave my family and me some wonderful memories and she's someone we will never forget - she was definitely our little Peyty-Pie!!!!

Until next time, KG

6 comments:

Hannah Halverson said...

So good to hear that Katie is doing well overseas. Sad news about the dog though:( I've got to say she's a pretty lucky gal to be spending the rainy northwest winter in Greece! Not going to lie, I'm a little, correction, A LOT, jealous!!! Can't wait for our 2009 season. We're just going to get better and better every year! It'll be exciting to see what kind of a basketball player Katie develops into over the offseason. She's only gotten better over the past two seasons from her career at Purdue, I can only imagine what the next season will be like. We're looking forward to more three pointers!!!

Unknown said...

Hey Katie,

Sounds like you are experiencing a little culture shock...:-) ( soo sorry!) but it also sounds like you are having a fabulous overseas season.
I'm so sorry you lost your dog in such a difficult way. I'm sure her live was good, short as it was.

I'm so looking forward to the next Storm season here in the US...Seattle loves you Katie...

Laurie

Anonymous said...

Katie is one of my favorite players because she is so easy going. It seems she is shooting the ball overseas pretty well... Does Kevin have any hard stats???

Anonymous said...

Katie,
I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. I remember the pride in your voice when you spoke of Peyton at the Storm the Lake event in 2007. I'm sure he knew that he was loved...

Unknown said...

Katie, Peyton was lucky to have such a loving and caring family. I'm sure Peyton would be happy that your team is doing so well.

Enjoy the food and the sun. The rain is back in Seattle. We are all green around the edges -- hmmm. I wonder if it is a coincidence that is the Storm's color??

All the best. See you soon.

Anonymous said...

My partner and I love Athens and we would love to be able to visit again someday, maybe tour Europe to watch all our Storm players on their winter teams. Haha, maybe if we win the $96 million in the mega million lottery come Tuesday *G*

Sorry about your furry companion Katie, it sucks I know I had to put my 19 year old feline fur daughter down and it still breaks me heart, but then 3 new tiny feral kitties came along 2 months later and needed a home. The circle of life goes on, and while they can't replace Jasmin I realize just what kind of life they would have had in the streets had we not taken them in. It'll happen for you, and especially in this hard economic times some living little 4 legged will need you. Take care! We can't wait for the new Storm season and we already have our season tickets (o: