Dec. 20, 2002
Hi All,
It has been a little while since I wrote the last time, but when you just eat, sleep, train and play, there isn't too much to report.
Things here are going well, but we recently lost a game at the end that we shouldn't have lost, to a team that was below us. They have quoted us to be 3rd in the French league, but we want to beat the two best teams in Bourges and Valenciennes. We came close to Valenciennes, only losing by 6 at their place, so it is possible but we have to play well. The other thing is that the president of the club and coach want to finish top of the ladder at the end of the season so then we get into the Euro League. At the moment we are in the Euro Cup.
I am still enjoying it over here. The basketball is really good. Every game is hard. I am finally enjoying my basketball again and it has been a long time coming. It’s been 2 years that I haven't enjoyed my basketball but now I am (it was really tough when I hurt my knee). Getting to play a lot of minutes helps. I’m starting to get back to my best. I still don't penetrate like I used to, but that will come and I just have to be patient. I am shooting the ball well, passing well, leading the team, and my defense is coming back slowly.
I actually went home for 10 days, which was great. The leagues in Europe had two weeks off because the national teams were together. So the club was nice enough to let me go home for 10 days and that was great. It is always hard leaving though. I get a little homesick in Europe because it is summer in Australia and freezing here. I get jealous when my family tells me that it was 35C today (that is our degrees) and I suppose with xmas coming up it is hard being away during that time. Xmas in my family is big and means a lot to us all. I love the xmas spirit and hate when I can't be at home. I can't go home because we don't have long enough. We have from the 19th till the 27th off but it takes 2 days to get home because of time difference and for me to be back for training on the 27th I would have to leave xmas day to get back here on the 26th. The other thing is that the league here in France doesn't finish until the middle of May so that means I might have to go straight onto the WNBA and won't get to go home for at least 9 months. When you are very close to your family that is such a long time with not seeing them.
I will be spending time with my boyfriend over xmas as he will get here to France on the 21st and will be staying here for 3-4 months, which is great. At least I won't be alone.
Anyway, I must go. There isn't much else to report. Have a great xmas and be safe.
Happy Holidays,
Kristi
(Shrimpie Shrimp)
