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!
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