Settling In

There is the view from my house. It's good to be back near mountains.

I'm getting more comfortable, but I think it's going to take a little time. It's a big deal for an 18 year old to move across the country so suddenly. I'm living with a brand new family, trying to meet an all new team, adjusting to a different climate (I've had a few bloody noses from the altitude since getting here), and trying to have the coach down here in New Mexico notice me in a good way. At least I have hockey as the common denominator, though. That's the great thing about playing any sport. Once I get on the ice, I feel like nothing else matters. Right now I'm playing a little tentatively, which I think is expected and natural. But I think I will settle in. From what I've seen, I really think I can make a difference down here pretty immediately. I just need to play my game out on the ice. Looking back on the two practices I've had, I think I've played very nervously actually, but I've done some good things also. I have to get the mentality that I'm the best on the ice, and then I do great. When I'm worried about making mistakes, I make mistakes. Somehow, I have to get over that worrying and have a good practice tomorrow. It's going to be a short week before we go to play the Texas Tornado this weekend, and I need to show this coach what I'm made of.

I had a good night with my billets tonight. It was my first dinner with the family, and we talked for a long time. They're very excited that I'm an O.A.R. fan; my billet dad and I talked for a long time about how similar our music tastes are. I'm really excited about living here. I played around with the boys before dinner, and when I was sitting on the couch, the oldest brother said to me, "I hope you don't get traded." It was funny at the time because their last billet brother was traded, but it made me realize that I really need to prove myself here or I could be gone before I know it. That's just the life of junior hockey, but I'm confident that I can play on this team, and I'm going to make it happen.