At Last, a Holiday Season at Home

Christmas day with my nieces -- 2013.

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  Over the years, my family's Christmas Day tradition has become hopping in the car late Christmas morning, driving a couple hours to my brother's house, and spending the rest of the day enjoying each other's company.

  It was always a great way to see everyone before I had to get on a plane back to Europe.

  Even though I had no flight to rush back to this time around, this year was no different.

  As I sat in the back seat of my dad's squeaky truck on the road to my brother's, my knees jammed into the back of my mom's seat, my toes cold, I suddenly flashed to being in the back of an airplane instead.

  And here, I had just been thinking, that it hadn't really felt like Christmas yet, because I hadn't been on an airplane.

  For the first time since I was a senior in high school, I wasn't traveling to get home for Christmas. And the first time in just as many years, that I didn't have to hurry off immediately following the holiday.

Portland during the holiday season.

  I was already home.

  As I sat in the truck, I flashed back to a few of my more-memorable holiday travel experiences over the past 15 years.

• My freshman year in college, saying goodbye to my family Christmas morning at the Portland airport; to head back to Boulder -- for practice Christmas evening. Ever try to find a place to eat Christmas dinner in a college town during Winter Break? Good thing for my teammates, as we were all in the same boat.


• Flying home to Portland from Florida after a horrific loss to the Gators my junior year. My teammates and I raced to the airport, and through security just in time to make our respective flights home to our families. Then, returning to Boulder several days later to a not-so welcoming practice back will always be in my memory bank. There are a handful of college practices that vividly stick out in my mind, and forever will. And that is one of them. We ran off our holiday turkey, pies, and other goodies in that practice alone.


• As a pro, the anxious feeling as the holiday break approached, mostly to learn when we'd be going home (and how many days we'd be able to spend in the States). You never wanted to ask too soon (as to not appear too anxious to leave), and it was always to helpful to inquire after a game won. Somehow, I never got quite enough days Stateside. I was always wanting a few more -- even the year I got three weeks home.


• Having to scramble the year I played in Poland (2006) to get my visa, while at home, to return for the second half of the season. Mis-communications, holiday madness, and poor planning, didn't allow me to return to Jelenia Gora in time to play in my team's opener after the break. An unforeseen extended holiday break. But as I remember, my team lost the game I missed. 


• 2010 in Sweden, I thought I wasn't going to be able to make it home -- because the break in between games was so short. Thankfully, my team and management were incredibly understanding, and went out of their way to work with me. Five days at home was a quick turn around, but it was well worth it. I got back to Luleå the day before our game. I was jet-legged, to say the least. My coach wouldn't let me play because I looked so bad during pre-game. Good thing my team was plenty-capable that season -- they took care of our opponent with ease as I cheered from the bench.


• And finally, 2008, I thought I'd be spending Christmas in Amsterdam, and then maybe Vancouver BC (then possibly Seattle). That year, it seemed the whole northern hemisphere had been slammed with snow storms. Lucky for me, the Portland airport was closed down -- no flights in or out. With my flight cancelled, and hundreds of people trying to get to the northwest, I thought I'd be stuck in Amsterdam til after the holiday. I must have been living right, because I somehow made it home. I ended up on a flight (as a standby traveler) to Vancouver BC (after failing to get on the flight to Seattle from Amsterdam earlier that day). But still, with the Pacific Northwest covered in ice and snow, the airline was unsure if flights would be continuing on to Seattle (where my parents were loyally driving from Portland to pick me up). I made the connection to Seattle, and there my parents were, waiting for me, as I exited the terminal. 

Snow storm I returned home to in 2008.

  While it may not have felt like Christmas for me leading up to it this year, it certainly felt like Christmas on the 25th. With family and wonderful food, lights and decoration, and of course presents; I can definitely say the holiday was just as great as ever.

  And I didn't even have to get on an airplane to get that feeling. But I sure was happy to be sitting the cold, uncomfortable seat in my Dad's truck.

  Hope you had a wonderful holiday, and happy 2014!

A Quick Countdown

My mom's pretty Christmas tree.

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  T-minus one week (and a little change) and I'll be headed home for a some Holiday Cheer.

  Honestly, the nearly-four months that have passed since I came back to France have flown by. I remember my first several seasons overseas when I would have a countdown-til-home started by mid-October. But not this year. I'm not quite sure what that means, probably just that I've become all too familiar with the countdown game

  Time has gone so fast that I think I'm the least-prepared I've ever been for the Holidays. I haven't gone shopping one time, let alone thought about potential gifts to bring home for family and friends.

  So I have a week to get into the Holiday spirit.

  And win two basketball games.

Last Christmas with my nieces.

  That's really at the forefront of my mind right now. You probably know that I've been less-than-satisfied with how the first half of the season has gone. So I'm focusing in on these last two games before the break, hoping to get things turned around.

  Maybe that's why I feel like it shouldn't be Christmas time just yet: I have too much unfinished business left on the basketball court.

  Come December 16th, we'll be at the midway-point of our season, and I'm hoping the last two games before our break will be a sign of things to come for the second half of the season.

Home to see the fam!

  This season, my teammates and I are in the unusual but fortunate (I guess) situation to be going on break a week before the rest of our league does. Before the season got underway in September, one of the teams --Armentieres -- dropped out due to financial problems.

  It just so happened that we were scheduled to play Armentieres the last game before Christmas, on the 22nd. So now, with them out of the league, we will be at the midway point a week early.

  Til then, I'll be getting things organized for my trip home, doing a little shopping, and more-importantly, doing my best to come home for the Holidays with two more wins!

  Maybe I should turn on some Holiday music, and that'll help get me into the spirit.

  Bon week-end!

Back from Hiatus

With my three nieces!

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  Happy 2012, and welcome back to Sabrina's Crossing! I took a longer-than-expected hiatus from blogging while home for the Holidays, but I'm back in France, and ready to get back to it (basketball and blogging, that is)!

  I had an awesome time at home, spending most of my time with family and friends. And of course I continued to workout to stay in shape for the remainder of the season!

  Since I was in Oregon for nearly three weeks, I had to keep reminding myself that I was in-season, and still had four months of basketball to play! From past experience, a 7-10 day break for the Holidays is the norm. Last year in Sweden, I had about five days. So I guess it all balances itself out from year to year. While a longer break is always more-desirable, at a certain point you realize it's time to get back to 'doing what you do'!

Playing Wii with Sofie.

  That said, I'm excited to get the second half of the season started! But first I need to get my land legs back, and get this jet-lag under control (I think I spent all of Sunday drifting in and out of consciousness, and then had my eyes pop open this morning around 4am!). 

  So what did I do at home, since I obviously wasn't blogging?!? A little bit of everything, I guess.

  I made frequent visits to ClubSport to keep my conditioning up to par, and to stay ready for the second half of the basketball season. ClubSport is always changing, they're always making upgrades. And this time around was no different.

  Among other things, they added a 'high altitude training' room. I immediately wanted to give it a try, and see how a simulated run at altitude compared with the many runs at altitude I've done in Colorado. I didn't lose my breath as quickly as I thought I should (room was set for 9,500 ft.), but it was a fun/interesting thing to do.

The line up outside the ES.

  One of the more-ridiculous things that happened while I was home was when I took a trip to the Nike Employee Store the day the Jordan XIs were released. I guess I underestimated the power of  possibly the most-popular Nike ever. But needless to say, the appetite for shoes, and Jordans in particular, never cease to amaze me.

  I quickly made the decision to reschedule my pass to the ES for another, less-chaotic day when the line just to get into the store was out to the street, several hundred feet from the door.

With Sadie.

With Stella.

  After spending four months away, it's always fun to see how much my three incredible nieces have grown and changed during that time. I swear, they just get cuter, funnier, smarter, and more- entertaining every time I see them (no bias)!

  We have a great time together, whether it's playing Wii, playing dress-up (them, not me!!), going to the coffee shop for a treat or two, playing basketball, or playing on scooters, bikes, or roller racers!

  Stella, Sadie, and Sofie always keep me on my toes, and always manage to keep a smile firmly planted on my face!

First birthday dinner with Nana & nieces!

  The benefit of having a long Holiday break, was that I was able to celebrate my birthday at home for the first time in several years. I share a birthday with my Nana, so it was a special day to be able to see her on January 3rd this time around!

  We definitely took full advantage, and spent some quality family time together (I count two family birthday dinners). Nothing like having a homemade chocolate birthday cake!

  I was also able to take advantage of scheduling and timing, and make the three-hour drive to Seattle to watch the Colorado women's basketball team take on the Huskies. I hadn't seen the Buffs play in person since 2008, and it was my first opportunity to catch the Buffs in action since my CU teammate, and good friend Linda took over the reins as head coach!

Coach Lappe and the Buffs in action!

  Seeing a college game again was fun. The pace and the intricacies of the game are much different than the European game, and the college game has changed a lot since I wore the black and gold.

  Unfortunately, I probably won't be allowed back for any games in the near future, since I was on-hand for the Buffs' first loss of the season. But it was great being in the stands cheering for my alma mater!

  My mom made the day-trip to Seattle with me, and we had a wonderful afternoon together: spending time downtown, at Pike's Place Market, Starbucks, and of course cheering on the Buffs and yelling at referees!

Mom & I in Seattle.

  Obviously, the main reason I went home, was to spend Christmas with my family. To me, it just isn't Christmas unless I'm with my family! I had a chance to catch up with a lot of friends I only get to see on occasion. I got to meet a new second-cousin (my cousin Robbie's son, Wesley). I managed to finish my shopping in time, and hopefully everyone enjoyed the presents I brought home from Europe!

  But outside of that, the time I got to spend with my family was the real gift! I had a great Holiday at home, and I loved every second of it.

  The sun is finally rising on Monday morning here in Dunkerque

  I'm also looking forward resuming my journey with this blog. As you might notice, I made a few changes to the layout. Please let me know if the text is too difficult to read, or any other feedback you might have. Thanks again!

2012 in Dunkerque!

Happy 2012!

Christmas Markets

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church under the lights.

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  Lights, trees, stars, glühwein, spiced nuts, gingerbread, meter-long hot dogs, cookies, hot chocolate, toys, nativity scenes...what's not to like?!? It's December in Europe, and the Christmas Markets are opening!

  From my experiences, the best I've seen are in Berlin. When the Christmas Markets are open, something extra-special happens with the atmosphere in the city. The weather was cold, yet the streets were filled, and the people were smiling. Tourists and Berliners alike were out in droves celebrating the holiday spirit. And just the sheer number and size of the markets throughout the city was unbelievable.

Braunschweig Christmas Market.

  Now I'm sure there are other great Christmas Markets in Europe that rival the ones in Berlin. I just haven't been there yet!! Let me know if you've been to a good one.

  The Christmas Markets provide you with a place where you can get out and enjoy the festivities, treat yourself to a special holiday drink or goody, or find a unique Christmas present for your friends and family. I know I've
found a lot of presents to bring home to loved
ones at the Markets!

Berlin.

  Organizers were setting up the Christmas Market here in Dunkerque on Wednesday. And I've noticed decorative lights being put up throughout the city the past few weeks. The holiday lights always adds a little more brightness to the city, in both senses. It brightens up the dark, dreary, winter nights, and I think it puts everyone in a happier, more-festive mood! So with the opening of the Market, I'll have something too look forward to next week.

One of the many Berlin Christmas Markets.

  Are there Christmas Markets like this in the States? I'm sure there are, but I definitely haven't been to any! I don't think there's one in Portland, if there is, I have definitely missed out.

  What are some of your favorite Christmas/Holiday traditions to enjoy throughout December? I'd love to hear about them!

  I have a lot of pictures to share this time around, and not much is explanation needed! Enjoy...hope it puts you in the holiday spirit! :)

  ~ Sabrina

Berlin with Cicci & Steph.

Making glühwein.

Enjoying some glühwein & hot chocolate in Berlin.

Berlin.

Berlin again.

Braunschweig, Germany.

Yes, pure sugar!

The Holidays are Here!

Berlin w/Cicci & Steph!

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  December first. I can hear everyone saying it: "where has all the time gone?" Indeed, this year has flown by at record pace. And now the holidays are upon us.

  For many of us, the holiday season is undoubtedly our favorite time of year. I know it is for me. Yeah, the holidays can be stressful too, but the positives, by far, outweigh the negatives.

  Before I get into what I really want to write about, today is the start of the fourth month I have been blogging! While some days are harder than others to decide on a topic to write on, I've had a great time putting my thoughts to 'paper', and will definitely continue my blogging journey. I still have a lot of things I want to write about, so as long as the 'idea well' hasn't dried up, Sabrina's Crossing will keep going strong! :)

Unter den Linden in Berlin.

  Thanks to everyone who has been a loyal reader, and even more thanks to those of you who have provided me with some feedback. It's always nice to hear that someone enjoyed your writing, or that it made a positive impact on someone else's day. And I'd still love to hear some input on how I can make my blog a better read. Thanks again!

  Now, back to the holiday season! Without a doubt, December is every Euro-hooper's favorite time of the year (outside of playoff time). A countdown, of how many days til you're back home, has most-likely begun (well, maybe it started a while ago, but it's at a more manageable number once December hits!).

  My countdown is at 17 today! It's not as if we aren't enjoying our time in whichever European city we happen to be in, but after three-plus months away, we miss our family and friends! And there's just nothing quite like being home during the holiday season, is there?!? 

Sofie & I last Christmas.

Stella & I a few years back.

  I have been fortunate enough to never have had to spend Christmas away from my family. I have friends that haven't been so lucky, and have spent their Christmas mornings in their quiet apartments in Europe. From a personal stand point, I know that would be very difficult, and I am very thankful that I have gotten home each and every year.

Sadie & I last Christmas.

  Depending on your league's schedule, you could get five days at home (like I did last year in Sweden) or you could get a couple of weeks (like I will this year!). Obviously, when you have so far to travel, the more time you are able to spend at home, the better. But a couple days are always better than none!

  The weeks leading up to Christmas break is always fun too. No matter where I have played, I have always tried to do buy as many presents abroad as I can. I think it's a little more special to bring my family and friends something from whichever region I happen to be in that year. Whether it's a silk tie or wine from Italy, Baltic Amber from Poland, jams and candy from Sweden, BMWs from Germany (ok, maybe not a BMW)...I always try to find special presents to bring back to the US with me.

Kaiser Wilhelm Church & Christmas Market in Berlin.

  I'm not quite sure what I'll bring back from Dunkerque this Christmas, but my friend V suggested I get a few berets for my nieces! ;) I have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks, but it's definitely fun 'work', and I am looking forward to it!

  For tomorrow, I'm going to write about another special holiday scene you often see in European cities: Christmas Markets! These are quite a sight to see, and I have loved going to them whenever I've had the chance!

  Make sure you come back for another visit tomorrow, and see what the Christmas Markets are all about!

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