Mindset of a Colin

Year to year it seems like I find different items in which I feel help me preform my best on the court. Now, I am not a superstitious person by nature (and I am by no means referring to steroids...and if you look at my frame, one could hardly make the argument that I am the poster child for such a drug), and at the end of the day, I realize it is both God's blessing and my hard work that allow me to compete on the court at such a high level.

That being said, I believe in the power of the mind, and any edge I can give myself mentally going into a game helps. In other words, if I believe that "Exhibit A" gives me confidence and aides me in preforming my best...than it does. It is not some supernatural power that "Exhibit A" has, which allows me to, but rather my belief in myself, that does. While I realize, that this may sound borderline nutso...to each his own, and I have verified this against my stats.

My Junior year at UAF is really when I began to hit my stride in terms of peak performance on the court, and I really haven't looked back since (not being a cocky a-hole...so quit judging). But it was also my Junior year I felt that every time I ate a Spicey Firecracker Sandwhich from Burger King the night before a game, I played very well the next day. Furthermore, a teammate of mine convinced me to drink a whole container of OJ the night before each game...so it may have been that (thanks Titus).
My Senior year in Alaska it was listening to a song by the band Elbow called, "Grounds for Divorce".
This year, my rookie season as professional here in Germany, it seems as though everytime I hear the song "Paranoid" by Black Sabbath, I have a 20+ game. Odd isn't it?

I will reiterrate, that these quirks provide me with no actual supernatural gift, and it is the work of God, and myself which aid me.

However, I believe there is something to be said for finding your pregame ritual, and sticking to it. Whether, its napping, eating a certain food, playing a certain song...or chasing your flatmate around the apartment with a sock full of AA Batteries (that was one time Hun...one time).
This concept of finding a ritual is a positive thing, as it gets you in a habit of success. It is important for a person to get in the right mind frame for the game/sales call/business meeting etc. And that is what this is.

Needless to say, from here on out...it appears I will know more Ozzy lyrics that I will care to admit.
Be that as it may, I'm going to finish strong this season, and enjoy a great career.

Basketballism

As of late, it seems that I've had trouble sleeping, be it the food I eat, over-sleeping, or getting a late workout in. But tossing and turning each night has given my mind time to wander aimlessly. And in this wander, I've given a substantial amount of thought as to the role basketball has played in my life, as well as some of the finer points, which are little discussed. This entry will briefly tie in basketball to other aspects of my life, in an attempt to elaborate on the cliche, "It's more than a game." I should preface the following, by saying this account will have a more serious, introspective tone.

Basketball as Escapism

This game of mine has always been an avenue to escape from the world. It seems no matter what is going on in my life, the stress, the problems, melt away when I play the game. This no doubt amplifies my passion, for it, because it remains a positive constant in my life. For Escapism, in my mind is just another means of coping. It's how I distance myself (for better or for worse) from the mess. The more awful the issue, generally, the harder I want to push myself in my workout. My mind focuses more on each movement, the shifting of the ball, the contortion of my body, holding a strong follow through. The only thing in this universe is me, the ball, and the basket. Biologically, this makes sense, for exercise is widely considered a remarkable remedy for poor health, be it mental or physical (depending on the nature of the problem). For those of you do not know, the brain, in response to strenuous physical activity releases endorphin's into the body which give us a natural high, or an overall sense of wellness. Which is another reason I associate a positive feeling with Basketball as Escapism. Whether or not the issue is resolved when I am through with my workout, often times remains to be seen, however, it allows me tackle the problem with the proper positive mental attitude.

Basketball As Localism

There is a strong sense of community (at least from my prospective) as far playing basketball at a high level and being from Washington. I have reconnected with many guys I played with/or against in high school and college, and though we may not have necessarily been close, we share something unique in that playing basketball gave us a bond. Whether its something as simple as reminiscing about hard fought games, or sticking together in the trenches that can be a basketball season.
So when you see or hear of someone you played with/against (from WA) there is a sense of pride and a genuine sense of happiness for that person. In other words, they represent you, and you, them. Family.

Well, I promised myself I would not take you too far down the rabbit hole, that can be my contemplative thoughts, and I'll just leave you with those Basketballisms. So I hope you've enjoyed, and perhaps you understand a bit more about the intricacies that are associated with the game.

This is the Artwork Your Mother Warned You About

This is a post I've been wanting to write for some time now, and what's great is that you, the reader, don't have sit through my failed attempts at humor or endless basketball ramblings.
Instead, I've elected to dedicate this entry entirely to one my passions. Graffiti.
I believe it to be unappreciated artwork. There is seemingly limitless creativity and culture that reside in urban areas, manifesting into beauty. So here are some of my favorite pieces around Cottbus, Germany (my home away from home).

[I think I hear Marx laughing]

[Down the street]

[My girl Amerika]


[Beauty in chaos]

[Revolt Noir]


[Somewhere ahead is the back of the line]

A Wonderous, Fattening Discovery

So I have elected to forgo my usual blathering, for I have some amazing news. We have had two consecutive weekends off, and in that time I have made an astonishing discovery. One that is sure to forever alter the very fabric of my time here in Germany.

With my motivation for crossing the street to grocery shop dwindling (read previous entry to why this is understandably so). I have had no recourse but to order food and have it delivered to me, while it does in fact empower my laziness beyond reason, it comes in handy.

Since Day One here in Germany I have known about a little delivery marvel appreciated by much of Cottbus, and affectionately called, Pizza Amerika. While, PA (as we call it in the "Biz")***, is more or less infinitesimal in the vast universe that is pizza delivery, it is unique in it's ability to deliver pretty much any food the mind can fathom. In other words, when I have an outlandish craving, I can give Pizza Amerika a little jingle and vwalla(?) it appears at my door a mere 30 minutes later.
You're probably thinking, "Wishfull thinking fatty..."
I assure you, you as wrong as I am thankful, for such a wonderous miracle.
While, purusing the official Pizza Amerika website (I said we had 2 weekends off from games, so I have a lot of time on my hands, alright?), I nearly fell out of my chair, for I had discovered what was surely the Holy Grail of delivery menus. To my amazement the assortment of goodies reached far beyond a simple pizza. Burgers, Pasta, Chicken, French Fries, Sandwhiches, Ice Cream, Donuts, Soda, Juice, Beer, Wine, Alcohol, Milkshakes, Salads...and the list could go on like this. Needless to say, I'm happier than Tiger Woods at a Victoria Secret Fashion Show.
And While I've only ventured as far as Pizza, Burgers, French Fries, and Donuts...I will inexorably continue to order up feasts, when ever my hunger pangs couple with my laziness.
I found my calling as a Delivery Food critic, and will report back soon.



In completely unrelated news, there is a fly in my room that I have distainfully nicknamed Hydra, for I feel like every time I kill it...three more seem to appear and buzz in my face.
Anyone know the German word for Bug Zapper?



***Side note: If I ever use the phrase, "the Biz" with air quotes, please, someone push me into a woodchipper.