Seasons

While many around the world doubt the notion that Stockholm has a season other than Winter, I am happy to say that they are wrong. I laughed at the notion while hanging out in a couple lawn chairs with new friends out in front of my apartment complex. Sure, it isn't quite like the weather my sister Ashley is enjoying in Arizona, but I will take 60 and sunny any day! It isn't just the weather that is making the city feel warmer, it is the activity that seems to increase daily throughout the city. People are out in the city squares, and the customary "Fika" breaks are now taking place on park benches and outdoor patios rather than the comforts of the lounge chairs within the coffee shop. "Fika" roughly translates to "a coffee break" and take place between friends, colleagues, relatives, and even strangers. If you want to shoot an arrow straight through a Swede's heart....find a good coffee shop. Apparently, the joke is that American Coffee is more like a Canoe than cup of Swedish coffee...why? It is closer to water...

Coffee breaks aside, the waterways that wind through the city are becoming more and more beautiful each day. The sun, the skyline, and the sparkling blue scandinavian sea are really something to behold. I still find it slightly surreal that I am becoming familiar with the sights and sounds of a city that is half the world away from my family (blood family that is). My new family in the Mean Machines organization is making sure that I am included in everyday activities. Luckily for me, it seems that more and more of those activities are football related. With our first game only two weeks away from this Saturday, we are beginning to ratchet things up at practice, both mentally and physically. We had our first scrimmage this past Sunday even, and for a preseason session with only 2 team practices under our belt, I would say it went pretty well. We still have quite a bit to work on, but I am sure Coach Johansson and the rest of the leaders on the team will make sure we get it right over Easter Camp. For the first time in my life, I will have to attend an Easter Mass and gather up my football shells (helmet and shoulder pads) rather than egg shells. So all of you out there who get to look for some eggs, color me up a nice one and enjoy a Peep for me!

The past week has been pretty awesome. I was able to participate in a moderate level of hooliganism at the first Soccer game of the year between Djugarden and AIK. It was exactly what I had expected from a European soccer match. There were crazy fans, fire in the stands, riot control, and absolutely zero scoring. It was great to be a part of a wild crowd, partake in chants I couldn't understand, and most of all, to have an unforgettable time at a soccer match. I never thought it would happen...

This weekend I will be going to Prague to visit a good family friend Zach Forster. It will be my first trip to the Czech Republic and the first trip out of Sweden since I have been part of the Mean Machines. Though I love Stockholm, it will definitely add to the experience of playing ball overseas if I can make a few trips before the season starts. I am happy to be checking this one off of my list! I have heard nothing but positive things about the city. Notably that the architecture is stunning, and that food is cheap. With an Idahoan there to join me, it looks like a can't-lose situation.

I still have taken many pictures that I have yet to upload. I am not sure if I should post them through blogspot or through facebook, but either way, I promise they will be coming soon! Hopefully I can include some new photos of the room. Ever since I moved downstairs it seems to have turned into a luxury suite....well, as luxury as you can get in this sort of accommodation. I have a closet, a big bed, a tv, and my own bathroom. Hopefully I will be able to slingbox in the near future, so I can catch big Daddio broadcasting games in the booth. For those of you who haven't heard, Danny Hawkins himself will be in Tallahassee, Florida to announce the Seminoles Spring Game. Should be very exciting! As long as he drops "Boo-Ya" at least once, i will consider it a victory.

On other family notes, I would like to send a couple congratulations...

Dad-Spring Game....big time

Mom-Great Job showing the house AND with the Easter baskets, my teammates are excited!

Ashley-Checked out the new Sun Devils brand identity, NICE WORK! Way cool!

Brittany-Ballin' outrageous with the coolest babies in the world, she has trained Jaxson to do tons of amazing tricks and Amari to smile on command (practically) - skype them soon!

Drew-Not only got a job as a Summer Counselor but continues to be a bright light in the Music Industry by hitting up all the concerts I am missing out on!

Friends and Family - I love you all!

Hope to talk soon,

Cody Hawkins :)

Always Finish What You Start

HejHej....Sorry I bailed last night! I promised I would finish the 23 small stories when I last wrote, so here it goes.

17. Young'ins

One great thing about being part of the Mean Machines organization is coaching the u-15 and u-17 teams. It gives you an opportunity to work with some bright, talented kids who are very, VERY new to the game of football. It isn't like the States where kids have been watching football every saturday, tailgating, and dreaming of being the next Joe Montana or Jerry Rice. They are converts. Kids who know little about the game but are interested and excited to learn. I can't imagine there is a place in the world where your coaching has a more sudden impact. I am not saying I am the best coach in the world, because I am not. Heck, I am probably middle of the pack in my family! Shout out to my Grandpa Hokanson, who probably has more district titles in his coaching career in California at Happy Camp High School than John Wooden had in the NCAAs - not kidding. It is a great feeling having the privilege to teach such talented kids who want to learn and have the ability to translate A. What I am saying in English, and B. Make it happen on the field. Just watch out for my man Jesper - he is an athlete on the u-15 team, a lefty, a golfing convert, and very well might be the next Kellen Moore....of Sweden....

18. We Have Clothes Now

When I went to the last Junior practice, I beat my coach there by about 15 minutes, so I decided to take a gander through a nearby second hand store. Usually when I go into a store by myself I will try to chat with some of the employees. It may just be for good company or maybe to find out some insight on their life in Sweden. However, this store seemed to have no employees at all. Eventually this small Asian woman began to follow me around and she asked if I needed help, of which I politely declined in my best Swedish Manners....."Nej Tack". About 5 minutes later, the woman came up to me again and said "We have clothes now". I thought this was either very helpful, as I was in the sporting gear section, or a direct insult to my ability to see what the store had to offer. I continues to browse for about another minute, when the lady repeated herself..."We have clothes now." I was surprised by this woman's persistence and was utterly convinced that she was in charge of the men's clothing section and was working entirely on commission. Then, as the lights went out, my light when on. OH - You have clothes now equals You have TO CLOSE now...I was embarrassed. The lady spoke very little english, and my lack of attempting to respond to her question with any intelligent Swedish made for a big misunderstanding. I saw that it was just past six, and I had been an unwelcome guest for the past 6 minutes. Those little nuances in the language are things I should have been able to pick up - but hey, everyday I am learning!

19. The Lonely Island

If you haven't heard "I'm on a Boat" and other songs (with titles I will not write on my blog for the sake of my potentially younger followers) by Andy Samberg and others of SNL under their band name "The Lonely Island" - you should check out their channel on Youtube. Anyways, I showed several of their songs, notably the new one with Akon and the first one that made them famous, to some of my roommates. Their reaction alone was great comedy. Some people thought they were totally serious, some people heard it and loved it, and others didn't get the humor. Either way, I always get a kick about sharing new things with my friends here. They constantly make sure they return the favor.

20. LOLpics.se

Just check it out if you want to kill time....It has some good stuff, thanks Westny....

21. Rebel Robert

One of the great things about the city of Stockholm is the musical culture. There are many bands, many music venues, and each citizen is a fan. It is no wonder so many famous musical groups come out of Sweden. ABBA, The Cardigans, Ace of Base, The Sounds, Roxette, Robyn....you know, the classics. You would think it is just the long winters that provoke them. With so much time inside, it is only a matter of time before you start tapping your fingers on something to create a beat, and soon you grab a guitar. Well, that was before I met Rebel Robert. Then I began to realize that musical greatness wasn't made during the long, Swedish Winter Nights. It was born. "He was like a god walking amongst mere mortals. He had a voice that could make a wolverine purr, and suits so fine they made Sinatra look like a hobo. In other words, Rebel Robert was the balls." - Anchorman. While that may be the way Anchorman described Ron Burgandy, I got the same vibe from Rebel Robert. Although in actuality he WAS a hobo, and he probably WAS wearing sex panther, he made the Slussen subway stop one that I wouldn't ever forget. Jamming relentlessly on weekend nights for change is just the start of a legend, I can feel it. Heck, with a beard that would make Rip Van Winkle jealous - I think Rebel Robert is on his way!

22. Pictures

I have hung up several pictures of my friends and family up on the wall, but several members of the Hokanson clan are still left out! Calling out for pictures from pretty much anyone - email them to me and I will print them out and put them up! I got uncle Danny and the Boys....but Tori, I refuse to put a picture of you up on the wall. I got lucky that both of my sisters got married to great guys, I don't want to have to shield you from any crazy Swedish Men. Annaleisa, I say you just quit BBall in the States and come play out here!! I am sure you could ball with the Swedes...I have some friends on the basketball team here and they are all nice, get out here! Even if you don't know, everyone encourage here to do it after college, it is an amazing experience and I am saying that after only being here a month!!

23. One Month

When I started the blog I initially intended for this to be the last post, but it took me two settings to write it all. SOOOO Today marks the first time in my life I have been away from US soil for over a month. When I studied in Italy last year, I was only gone for 28 days of May. Now, It has been over a calendar month. The last I saw of the good ole USofA was February 28th when I took off from O'Hare Airport in Chicago to Amsterdam....ever since then I have been on a EuroTrip! Don't worry though, I haven't forgotten about anyone at home! I still love you all and miss you dearly, I can't wait to make it back for the big reunion in late July and I hope to see all of my friends and family soon. Don't worry, until then my friends and family in Sweden are taking care of me :) Thanks to all of you!

Talk to you soon

All my best wishes....

Cody

Go Mean Machines!

23 Great Things about Sweden

Tjenna!

It has been over a week since I wrote last. The combination of Drew's departure, moving apartments, more football, and various adventures have kept me extremely occupied over the last week or so. I even was fortunate enough to Celebrate a 23rd Birthday last week. To commemorate the event I thought I would write about 23 small stories that have made my life in Sweden so wonderful over the past week.

1. Singing Swedes...

This link - http://www.scandinavius.com/sweden/sesongs.html#anchor1089901 - should send you to a website with the Swedish Happy Birthday song lyrics with the English translation. Not only is it a happy tune, but if you can imagine 60 swedish men (and boys) singing it after a football practice, you pretty much have my evening last Thursday. It was extremely impressive, surprisingly in-tune, and oddly motivational. Unlike the American Happy Birthday, it was sang in a deep tone emphasizing harmony, arm swinging, and makes you want to run through a brick wall. I felt like I was at a big European Futbol match...but I was among teammates - who are all surprisingly talented....cheers to you boys!

2. Grattis!

"Grattis" in Swedish means "Congratulations." It was an odd feeling when several of my Swedish friends went with the "Congratulations!" cheer when I walked past, but when you realize that they say "Grattis" instead of "Happy Birthday", it all makes sense. At first I thought that perhaps there had been a sudden plague in Sweden that I was oblivious to. Maybe, just maybe, the marking of my 23rd birthday had released me from some terrible prison that I didn't know existed. As it turns out, not dying is a big deal in Sweden...so congratulations to me for living through the past year, and congratulations to all my readers for not dying as well. Hooray for us :) Yet, though the saying may be different in Sweden, they make sure they share lots of love and make you feel right at home. As "at home" as you can feel with raw herring on the table.

3. Birthday Dinner

For my Birthday Dinner, my good friends Dennis Stockblom and Felicia Mix made me a nice Swedish dinner at Felicia's parents place. There was an awesome assortment of meats and potatoes and some raw herring that I was more scared of than Ndamukong Suh coming through the A-gap unblocked. I thought I was going to get tied down in a torture chamber and have to eat it, but luckily they spared me and I didn't have to eat it. There are few things that really frighten me in the world, and raw fish is one of them!

4. Night on the town with Drewbob

Harry and Lloyd went out in style. On Drew's last evening, we had our first real European Clubbing experience, as several of my friends and I all went to a couple clubs in the social hub of Stockholm, Ostermalmstorg. The first one we went to was in the basement of a hotel where we were treated to VIP seating, and our arrival was signaled throughout the club. I expected to have a good time when we left my place, but I didn't expect to be greeted with fireworks behind the DJ booth in a leather-chair laden lounge. After we enjoyed some music there, we went to a club that I can only describe as "the one just to the left of East". "East" is a popular restaurant bar downtown, and the club we went to had a name that makes sounds similar to those that would be created in an MMA match between your tongue and both cheeks. We stayed out until the club closed, at 5am. It was a great brotherly bonding moment. Maybe one of the best ever for my brother and I. It isn't everyday that two brothers from the states can walk down the middle of an empty European street in broad daylight ( as it was at that time). It was very reminiscent of I Am Legend, minus the scary vampire people...

5. Sleeping, and more sleeping

One of the downsides of staying up all night is sacrificing the entirety of the next day sleeping. After pulling an all-nighter with Drew, and completing the long walk home from the club - we had a nice European breakfast -Apple Juice and Nutella of course- and packed his bags to take him to the airport. Upon returning from the airport I fueled myself up for hibernation and slept all day, with the exception of a 2 hour break to watch the NCAA games, and went back to bed until the next day. It was a great sleep, and I think it was the first time where I have actually stopped to take a deep breath and relax since I have been here. Ever since I stepped off of the plane, it has been go-go-go. I loved every minute of it, and it ended when my brother left. After that, It really began to set in that I LIVE in Stockholm now. It isn't a vacation (though this place is beautiful), it is an experience that will help me to continue to mold myself into the person I want to be. It was a bummer to say goodbye, but I am thankful that I have such a great family. They do a great job of making home feel much closer than it actually is, which is 4,882.2 miles to be exact.

6. Presents!

As if a visitation of the brosef was not enough, I got my first shipment of goodies from the states from my sister Brittany. She not only brought into the world the two cutest kids I have ever seen, but she sent me a package of love from home. Pop Rocks, Girl Scout Cookies, Top Ramen, Reese's, and Mac n' Cheese. I couldn't have felt more American if she had sent me Davy Crocket himself. Those things may seem commonplace in the states, but I will give you 10000 SEK if you could find them in Sweden. Ramen, maybe, but it is "Sanyang Ramen" and is NOT THE SAME. Trust me, i tried to convince myself of that and failed. Not only was that delicious, but I was able to share the magnificent comfort of a hot bowl of Mac and Cheese with some of my roommates. They were amazed that the Swedes haven't caught on yet, and so am I!! On the same hand, I think my stateside friends need to petition for Swedish meatball stands on every corner...

7. Bigger room

I finally settled into a room that I really enjoy! I was living in a room that was roughly the size of a sardine can. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but i guarantee you that you couldn't fit two twin beds in there and walk in between them. However, I will say it is nearly impossible to find a place in the city on the short notice that I was given when I signed to play in Stockholm in December. I have teammates who have been on waiting lists for decades and are just now finding a good living place. The city is an amazing place, allowing you to feel surprisingly at home amongst all the hustle and bustle, and several families will occupy an apartment for generations. Anyways, my room now is in the same building as my other room, but it is about twice as big as my previous accommodation. It is a good fit for me! I get internet, and my own bathroom.

8. Hot water

I feel like this part of the post should just be brief, as we all know the importance of hot water. Well, I would give up many luxuries in this world to have a hot shower whenever I wanted one. Now, in my new room, I do :) Upstairs finding hot water can be like searching for the loch ness monster. You know it is there, but you just can't find it! Well, I am happy to say Bigfoot is in my bathroom in the form of a quality water heater.

9. Familiar Faces

The Colorado Buffaloes are a worldwide phenomenon. Though people in Fort Collins don't agree, we are....or at least I will keep telling myself that. In fact, I have proof we are everywhere. The Head Women's basketball coach at CU, Linda Lappe, spotted me at a Solna Vikings double-header basketball game on Wednesday and tapped me on the shoulder. I heard "What are you up to?" from over my shoulder, and although I considered Ron Burgandy as a possibility, I definitely didn't think it would be a fellow Buff from back home in Boulder. She was in town scouting the girls game before the Men's playoff matchup. It was awesome to see a familiar face, and everyone should make sure to give our basketball programs a big hand after both the Men's and Women's teams made strong runs through their respective NIT tournaments.

10. No More Netflix

A luxury I wasn't sure I would lose going overseas was the ability to stream movies and tv shows online with my netflix membership. I was crushed, and went without any familiar shows or movies for a couple weeks. Soon enough, the locals realized this and now I believe I can tell you between 10-15 reliable tv show streaming sites, it is a good feeling to be able to keep up with the latest episode of "The Office" each week. That Michael Scott....always getting into trouble....

11. Sneaker Freaker

I know that my employment at Installation Shoe Gallery resulted in many more shoes than it did paychecks, but when you move overseas - you have to leave many good friends behind. For my own sake, I won't disclose how many kicks I actually own, but it is more than your average layperson. Why shoes? Well, lets just say there is more history behind the Jordan III than any T-shirt you could ever come up with. Feel free to bring up all the designers and other fancy things you want to bring up. Shoes tell a story, a story that is waiting to be shared. Just ask my good friend Matt McMullen....who is also my brother-in-law - who gave the best Nike motivational speech I have ever heard. Good stuff. After exploring every nook and cranny in the city, I have found three solid spots that I can count on to find some sneakers in Stockholm, or at least hear some stories :)

12. First paycheck down....

As I stated before-I am a fan of a quality pair of Sneaks. Well, Just so happens that I was lucky enough to stumble upon a brand new pair of Jordan 11's and Jordan 3's in the same day. It is not everyday you find some of the most classic shoes ever to be re-released by Nike in one outing. Fittingly, I re-released my money towards the purchase of these babies right after getting the first bit of payment from the Mean Machines. I had to do it, and i don't regret it, but I might need to spend the next bit of money on food. haha....

13. The Princess' Palace

I went on a nice little walk the other day around my neighborhood. Turns out, one of the most beautiful city parks I have ever seen is about 200 yards away from my house. Granted, it is on the other side of a construction side, but it is awesome nonetheless. There is a huge waterway that runs through it, and many nice hills and viewpoints grace the entire park. The royal family, though without any remaining political power, still remains in high esteem in sweden. Her new estate is on the opposite side of the park from where I live, but it is within the park limits, and i hope to visit the area soon. I guess it doesn't sound too bad saying I live in the Princess' backyard.

14. DJs

After the big move from Upstairs to downstairs, I have done my best to keep my friends from the other area of the barracks while I acquire new ones from downstairs. My friend Kajsa from Upstairs, will be DJing tonight at a club that I will go check out with some friends. I first learned about her skills when Journey and Jimi Hendrix were gracing the kitched one morning while I made breakfast. In a town seemingly composed of techno gods, it was refreshing to hear some classics. Looks like this will be one night where my fist-pumping gets a rest....Thank goodness

15. The Family

"The Family" in Stockholm is composed of all Offensive Lineman who have started a Super Series game in the SMM program. It may not be as lethal as "The Family" from the Godfather, but rest assured, they are close! Long known for their physical play and dominating stature, the Offensive Lineman in my program gather every few months for a get-together. Age and hometowns do not matter, but pancake blocks do. Its good to know I have one of Sweden's best blocking my blindside in Jesper Johansson. I hear I will be an honorary guest at one of the meetings in the near future, I will keep you all posted!

16. Invitations...

Just throwing this out there, if anyone reading this comes to Stockholm, I will personally cook you nice Swedish meatball dish.

I hate to run now....but I will post the rest of my 23 later, I took more time than I thought and I have to run!! Hope you all are well!

All my best

Cody