The EU Road Ends...

... yesterday in Catania marked my final game in the EU for the 2010 season. While the ending may not have been the story book one we were looking for, it does end what has been a great year thus far in 2010. Coming to Europe I did not know what to really expect; however, what I found was an experience of a life time that took me to places I only grew up reading about. From Barcelona, Milan, Vienna, and all the way down to Sicily, being in Europe and meeting dozens of wonderful people is something I would never trade in or regret.

I know previously I was on a 28 Days to the Center of Sergio countdown, but now with an earlier departure date, which is looking like this Thursday. This will be my final blog on European soil. From back to my arrival in Badalona, Barcelona, Spain, I have like I previously stated, been around great groups of people. Even in Bergamo, Milano, Italy, the type of people I have crossed faced with here in Europe are what truly made the experience that much more. Granted, the go-go-go party hard lifestyle in Spain was nothing similar the laid back tranquility that was Northern Italy. None the less, both were amazing in their own respects.

So About 2011?

I know that one of the big questions I am asked is, "Will I play again in Europe in 2011?" To be honest, with a year under my belt and a true perspective on how things are really ran here. I would certainly be open to coming back to Europe for another round in 2011. But like I said, it would have to be on proper terms and a set agreement that I can count on. As you know, or not, the sole reason I made my transfer to Italy from Spain late in the season was because of finances associated with the agree upon contract. I do not want to go into details but things along those lines is were I will draw a new viewpoint on 2011. I do not want to go into a situation that from the beginning is not what the contract states. Whether it is payment schedule or something small as a cell phone. It does not matter, because in the end of the day I am going to give you everything I got, I just want a team to met me half way.

So what teams do I have in mind? To be honest, I have already been contacted by over 2 dozen teams about coming back in 2011, from Finland all the way out to Serbia. The interest extends clear across the entire EU and into the Eastern block. But I will tell you this, although I originally left Spain, I loved it. The people, culture, environment, and everything that is Catalunya captivated me from the beginning. So regardless of the countries already offering me contracts for 2011, the clear leader and team that would get a confirmation from me the moment they asked me to play would be L'Hospitalet Pioners. They run a great organization out of Barcelona and the fact that they are coming of a Spanish Championship means two things: they have a winning mind set and they are EFL bound for 2011. Yes I said, they are my clear cut number one team I would like to play for in 2011.

The Highs and Lows of 2010

The High Point would certainly be my first game home game in Badalona with the Dracs. We were playing home town rivals Pioners in a game that featured some quality US players, and I would say the two best Spanish players, if not 4-5, as well. It was a close game all the way into the late second quarter when I caught a 52 yard TD pass from Sergi to really start our seperation from the Pioners. It would go down as only one of two installments of a great match up against the Pioners in LNFA 2010. As they would claim the second match in L'Hospitalet against us later that season.

The Low Point would be the week of, and the first play, against Bolzano Giants in Euro Bowl. The week leading into the game, in the midst of a financial problem already brewing, I decided to turn down a great offer from Coach Winters and the Zurich Renegades to stay in Badalona. I bought into my loyalty and stuck with the team that gave my career a second chance. What happened? First play of the that week I went down with a fractured tibia and sprained MCL that would keep me out of the game I came to Badalona to play in, EFL Euro Bowl vs Vienna Vikings 3 weeks later.

Perspective

After a full season in Europe you start to really understand fully the mind set of the national players here in Europe. As an American, in terms of culture and football in general, your mind set is completely different than that of the Europeans. Many US imports do not understand this and is what ultimately drives them crazy because they are unable to grasp the concept of American Football here in the EU. I truly commend the players here in Europe, not only do they pay to play in most cases, the passion that they have for the game is second to none. Rain or shine, in cold weather or unbearable humidity, their passion does not change. It is a constant, from the young players to the old ones, you just see it in their eyes. This is what made me really appreciate everything around football that much more. To come to a foreign land and watch men display a passion for the sport I love was incredible. So to all the teammates and players I played against this season, thank you for making the football experience that much more.

Euro Players

I would like to personally thank Roger Kelly of EuroPlayers.com for always providing me some quality insight, and as I learned today, some very interesting humor. The man runs a great site that allows both US players and European teams to connect and create an agreement to play here in the EU. But more than that, he also helped me with many scenarios that played out here during the 2010 season and was just a cool guy to talk to. So I look forward to many more conversations with Mr. Kelly, and once again thank you.

The Deep South Connection Continues to Grow

So coming to Bergamo I had no idea I would be fortunate to have another great roommate and US teammate in Bradley Robinson. In Badalona I was was fortunate to spend my time with two great guys in Meech and Duba as well so I guess 2010 was the year of great roommates. But B Rob made the Bergamoski experience so much better. In many ways, he kind of got me back to the old me, but that is a deeper blog entry for another date. I just find it funny that my Southern friends list continues to grow by the day. I think I now have met some great people in every Southern state in the US. Something about that Dirty South, I don't know what grease your frying everything in but you truly are home to some great people.

So.....

Just like that another chapter of my life comes to an end. It has been a great turn around to a long run in life that really beat me down. 2010 represented some of the best times of my life that I will never forget. The people I met here in Europe reminded me how good life really is when you look at the bright side. As a friend of mine in Spain said, it only rains momentarily, but it will always be sunshine. That is a really great way of looking at life. Just stay positive and you never know where life will take you. For me it took me half way around the world to a place I only dreamed of visiting. Imported Goods 2010, over and out, now, until Imported Goods 2011. Adios. Ciao. Bye. No, hello, good byes are for final meetings, so until next season. Good night Europe. It has been a pleasure.

June Madness: Sweet 16

... well I been thinking, with 16 days left in Europe, I should do a count down competition of 16 items that are crucial to my existence. Note, I said items, not people, just want to get that covered so I don't offend anyone if their is a misinterpretation. So as 28 Days to the Center of Sergio continues, here it goes, the Round of 16 Bracket of Items that are needed in my luggage, hand bag, trunk, or any where I am going. (*This is just the bracket, in detailed summaries of each match-up will come over the course of the following days.)

1. iPod vs 16. Razor

2. Orbitz Chewing Gum vs 15. Bank Cards

3. Colonge vs 14. All Purpose Jacket

4. Lotion vs 13. Comfy Shoes

5. Magnums vs 12. Camera

6. Lighter vs 11. Q-Tips

7. Fitted Shirt and Tie vs 10. Extra Pair of Socks

8. Toe Nail Clippers vs 9. Stain Stick

Countdown to the Final starts tomorrow, but here are 1-16, Sergio's Sweet 16.

Onto the Next One... 17...

... today marks day 17 remaining in the 2010 season in Europe for me. Also, it kicks off one of the greatest sporting events ever, the World Cup. So as 28 Days to the Center of Sergio moves forward, considering the presence the World Cup has on all of society, todays blog will feature my favorite 17 players in this years WC.

17. Clint Dempsey, United States

- The only American to get a nod in my Favorite 17, and rightfully so. Dempsey, in my eyes, is light years ahead of the "so-called" American hero Landon Donovan.

16. Arjen Robben, Netherlands

- When healthy, he makes an argument to be one of the best in the world, like I said, only when he is healthy.

15. Giovanni Dos Santos, Mexico

- The youngster has all of the talent, just needs to translate his potential into production.

14. Taye Taiwo, Nigeria

- Big time pace for a defender, you just have to love how he attacks from the back.

13. Luis Fabiano, Brazil

- You often get caught up in the big names like Kaka, Robinho, Maicon, but Fabiano is Brazils biggest threat to put it into the back of the net at anytime.

12. Iker Casillas, Spain

- Cool, Calm, and Collective, enough said.

11. Tim Cahill, Australia

- The man is a beast for Everton and the same can be said of his influence on his home country.

10. Nemanja Vidic, Serbia

- Rock solid in the middle, one of the best defenders in the world.

9. Carlos Tevez, Argentina

- Simply put, he lives up to his reputation as being called, the "Bulldog".

8. Xavi, Spain

- Midfield magician, if Steve Nash played futbol, he would be dropping dimes in the form of Xavi.

7. Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast

- A physical specimen, injury scare almost kept him out, but he loves the big stage and his return can give the guys in the Orange and Green a legit shot at being one of the 1st African countries to make it to the Finals.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

- Dangerous, simply put, maybe one of the best athletes in the world.

5. Dani Alves, Brazil

- Him and Maicon maybe some of the best 2 fullbacks in the game, unfortunately they play the same position, but when Alves is on, no one matches his pace.

4. Phillip Lahm, Germany

- Lahm can do it all, defend, score, anything, he will take it the length and put it in before you blink your eye, just look at last years Euro Championships.

3. Lionel Messi, Argentina

- When some one as cocky and arrogant as Kobe labels you the best athlete in the world, that means something.

2. Wayne Rooney, England

- The bad boy of England, Rooney is one of the most physical players and talented, if England wins, it will be on his coat tail.

1. Samuel Eto'o, Cameroon

- The most deadliest striker in the game, when he has the ball any where near the box, beware.

Remember I am not rating these guys, these are just my favorite 17 players that are active in this World Cup. 17 players that will make my final 17 days go that much faster!

18 days to go...

... well most of my remaining days in Bergamo will be spent either watching extended versions of trilogies, Skype, NBA Finals, World Cup, and long amounts of day time sleeping to pass time. So a daily combination of the previously stated should make this remaining two weeks go by fast, hopefully. Today does mark the start of the World Cup, so right there, a minimum of three matches a day will certainly cut a good portion of the remaining time in Europe right in half. Now, it is not that I do not like being in the EU, it is just that after 6 months of being away from my family and friends you really start to feel the minutes slowly tick away.

Good thing, this weekend we begin our championship run to what would be the Bergamo Lions 12th IFL Championship. It is crazy how rich of a traditional here in Bergamo there is. Countless IFL Championships, and a leader in Euro Bowl Championships as well. You just feel the difference when you step out wearing that black and gold. With that said, we travel to Catania for the semi final match-up. Catania comes into the game with only one loss; however, that one loss came early in the season against none other, the Lions. But if you know anything about sports, one of the most difficult tasks is to beat a team two times in one year. So come Sunday, we better be on our A game in order to move onto the Italian Super Bowl.

So, 28 Days to the Center of Sergio continues on, today, 18. You know growing up you always have fascinations. For me it seemed to be movies with objects, whether it was cars or planes, the faster, the better! With that said, my two favorite movies growing up had to be Top Gun and Days of Thunder. I know, Tom Cruise, but he is not the reason I liked either of the movies. I was just more captivated with the fact you can drive a machine that fast, for fun! Okay, in Top Gun maybe not essentially for fun, as it was a military occupation, but Days of Thunder, certainly for the thrill and love of NASCAR. I know in previous posts I mentioned how I love sports for the rivalries, for the competition. I feel that both elements are key in order for sports to succeed. In every sport you need a fan favorite, just as much as you need the villain. In Days of Thunder one instance always stands out in my mind. When Cole first gets hurt in the wreck with Rowdy, they bring in Russ Wheeler to drive his car. Trickle some what "big times" Russ initially while he is on the phone trying to sweet talk Nicole Kidman. See this is the problem, as Russ begins to build up steam, winning races in Cole's absence, Cole gets mad when he returns. See me I have, in more than one case, been viewed as the under dog or have been "big timed" by many people. So I understand the Russ Wheeler cockiness in the movie and some what appreciate it. Why should any athlete kiss some ones ass who tried to belittle them in the beginning. In sports you win, you go hard, you never take no, and you never look back. Sometimes people confuse arrogance and cockiness with the the desire to win. That is what Wheeler displayed, until his over confidence killed him in the last lap at Daytona. Regardless, Russ Wheeler, one of my favorite movie characters and driver of the Number 18 car in Days of Thunder. 18, another X on my calendar.

Nineteen Days to go...

... for some reason these days feel like a NASCAR race, so many laps, or in my case days, are inching closer and closer to that white checkered flag. It is 12:40am here in Bergamo, as you can see by the time of day in the States, or in Italy, night. My sleeping schedule is just all messed up. For six months I think I never really adjusted to the GMT time zone here in Europe, not that I am complaining. I think staying up late and being able to talk with family and friends back in the US on their time has been beneficial to me. Well, to be honest, more sane at the least. Being that it is already the 10th, 28 Days to the Center of Sergio brings you yet another installment of the weird world of Esteban, or just me for those of you unaware of my Spanish alias.

So 19, wow, I told you, the days are really flying by here. Me and the number 19, I think today I will take a different approach to the blog. Unlike my previous installments I typically provide some story line to the whole meaning associated with the given days number and my life. While todays entry is still going to provide insight, it is going to be a simplified version.

Coming to Italy, and to Spain for that fact, I have really got back in tune with some of the better things in life. Things that I forgot, or some of the things that due to my previous set back blocked me from enjoying. In Europe, the availability of fresh produce is so convenient, and cheap might I add. On every street, at every corner, you are more than likely to run into some kind of fruit and/or veggie shop. Growing up, I always stay at my grandparents house in Boyle Heights. There my grandmother was often cooking and providing us with some quality grub. Now that I am talking grub and being at my grandparents house, I can tell you this, my grandfather loved his breakfast, I think he loved every meal, but for some reason I always got the hunch that breakfast was his favorite. I say this because even though my grandfather was this tough male figure, the man clearly had a sweet tooth. The amount of sugar he would put in his coffee was pretty staggering to be honest, after a while my grandmother would tell us to make sure grandpa doesn't put that much sugar, but I was not trying to get in the way of a man trying to enjoy his cafe con leche y pan.

However, one thing being in Europe I have gone back to, that my grandpa got me hooked on, was the use of bananas. He was obsessed with putting sliced up bananas in his avena in the mornings. Now I was never a big fan of the actual banana in some hot oatmeal, too mushy if you ask me, but my grandfather is certainly the root of my love for bananas in general. I could eat bananas all day, fry them up, peel them, at them in some dry oats, or my favorite, dip them in some Nutella, it does not matter. Bananas, not berries, go down as my favorite fruit. I mean being an athlete this a great thing, not only do bananas taste great, they are also high in potassium. Which is great for preventing muscle cramps and just a good source of some tasteful energy during games. Potassium, atomic number 19, just like the days remaining in Europe and the main chemical element found in my favorite fruit, bananas.

Chalk up another one, 20 left...

... to be honest I am very surprised as to how fast my remaining days in Europe are moving along. More often than not when you are pressed with a date or special event, the anticipation and build up seems utterly slow. You get to a point were you often refer to the "Christmas Affect" were as a child you anxiously await the night prior to opening up all those presents under the tree. That feeling of anxiousness and anticipation is the same feeling I get now looking at my days remaining in the EU. Today marks 20 days remaining and another installment of 28 Days to the Center of Sergio, me, so with that said... O' Let Do It!!!

In life their is ups and downs, but the most important thing is that you get back up and dust your self off. Growing up we all have songs that some what embody that, or songs that we turn to when we are down. People take for granted the power of music, much a like the power of sports, their is some thing in each of their chemistries that can change our views on life. With that said, Day 20 of the countdown goes to a song that has always been some what moving to me. Much a like the title of the album it is featured on Mad Season, you could make the comparison to a some what Mad Life called mine. From college football wins over Top 25 teams to depression, graduating from college to anorexia, playing in Europe to insomnia, for every down their has been an up to my life. While many people would see it as, "what the heck you doing with yourself", I simply look at it as my ability to just dust it off. So in the midst of the downs, a song that has carried me from my teen age days back at Bosco Tech, Bent off the Mad Season album by Matchbox 20:

21.....

... well I can not believe how fast time is flying here, its now 3 weeks until I say good bye to what has been an incredible experience here in Europe. You know you don't really realize how fortunate you are until you see the finish line, the end. From the moment I stepped foot on EU soil back in January, the welcoming, the stay, and everything in between the beginning and the end has been first-class. Like all things in life their is ups and downs, your good times and bad ones; however, I like to think of life as a photo album. See in photo albums you typically see nothing but happy faces, times where the worries of your world seemed absent if only even for that second. What we forget is that in those photo albums, you do not see all the struggles and obstacles you had to over come to get to those great times.

Thankfully, the photo album of 2010 has been a great one. While their was momentary set backs, the individuals who I have had the pleasure of sharing time with have made each photo everlasting. Being in Europe has reminded me of who I truly am, where I want to go, and what I need to do to make all my dreams a reality. I will admit, in the last 4 years leading up to this one, I made every mistake with my life and career. I derailed my career at Nevada, granted the injury was not my fault, nor the misdiagnoses, but how I handled the entire situation was so immature. Then my own self denial that lead me down a road of depression and anorexia only set me back further. But like I said, having this opportunity to come to the EU and just forget about my troubled past and redirect my life for the better has been triumphant in my mid 20's turn around.

With that said, as 28 Days to the Center of Sergio draws closer to my departure, I share with you a player that captivated me from the beginning. A player who had his ups and downs, his failures and successes, but in the end enjoyed both life and the game to the fullest. So on Day 21, I give to you one of my sports idols, numero venti uno, twenty one, 21, or how ever else you want to type it into Google Translate, Deion Sanders.

Venti Dos does it all...

... as 28 Days to the Center of Sergio continues, today marks 22 days until my feet touch American soil; however, tonights blog takes an international perspective on a number that seemingly does it all. As you know, or don't, I am a huge sports fan, just something about sports has captured my attention from a young age. Not just football, but everything, baseball, soccer, volleyball, rugby, hockey, anything, I think it is more the thrill of the competition that captivates me. Regardless the sport, I am typically open in the teams I root for, which is a good thing in my eyes; however, there are certain teams that I prefer over any others in the world. But what I truly admire about sports are the players that set themselves aside from the others, those that transcend the average, go beyond what is expect, and leave their mark on the game not for what they have said, but what they have done.

So number 22, where do I begin, so many players have worn it, great ones. My fraternity brother, Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all time leading rusher wore it. Last years Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram wore, making him the only player from the University of Alabama to ever win it, despite their storied tradition. One of the best soccer players in the world, Kaka, wore it at AC Milan, winning the FIFA Player of the Year and Champions League before his move to Real Madrid. Gael Clichy, arguably one of the best back line players in soccer not named Dani Alves wears it for Arsenal. Diego Milito of Inter Milan, who scored Milans 4 final decisive goals of the season that won the the Italian Cup, Italian League, and Champions League Final trophies happily puts it on his back as well. Look at Tracey Porter, CB of the New Orleans Saints, he intercepted Peyton Manning for a TD to seal their Super Bowl victory last season, he rocks 22 as well.

So as you can see, 22 in sports, it just fits great players. But the most important 22 to me goes to a player that embodies everything my career in sports has been. A player who has put aside his need for glory, put aside the fame, put aside his own best interest for the betterment of his team. A team that mind you, is my favorite team on the face of the earth regardless of sport. This team goes beyond my favorite Cincinnati Bengals, Lakers, Ducks, or any other team I root for. The team is Manchester United, the most glorious team in all of England, maybe the world, in terms of players, revenue, championships, and stature. The only other teams that rival them are maybe Real Madrid, FB Barca, Inter, the Lakers, Celtics, maybe the Yankees, but in terms of glory and overall success, no one competes. Their 18 league titles, 11 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, and 3 Champions League titles puts them on the pedestal of success. Since the days of Rudd, Beckham, the younger Scholes and Giggs, Robson, Cantona, Keane, and Charlton, I have been a Red Devils fan. But despite the big names, like Beckham and Ronaldo that have graced the pitch at Old Trafford, one player remains my favorite regardless of time. As I stated before, this player embodies everything I believe my sports career has been, thus him earning my label as one of my favorite Man U players of all time. John O'Shea, currently still on squad and a regular for the boys in red. O'Shea is the only Manchester player to have ever played all 11 positions, yes even keeper. He has won every title that a player can win, from Champions League to FA Cup, O'Shea has done it all, literally. And what more fitting for a player that wears number 22. 22, a number wore by those that exceed expectation and truly make a difference on the game.

23: Lets rewind to 1997

.... so as 28 Days to the Center of Sergio approaches the midway point in the countdown, I rewind to a time where the everyday problems of today happened to be non-existent. I was in the 5th grade at the time, and if you can remember those times, the best days seemed to be when you would get out early on a Friday, or had a half day. Well, I went to Catholic school growing up so you know what that meant, a lot of religious holidays! So more often than not I was either getting out early or not in school. But one day, in 1997, sticks out all too clear in my mind still to this day. For those of you who do not know, my grandpa, Frank, God rest his soul, was some what of a joker. For as long as I could remember he always had a way to make us smile. Funny considering how much of a disciplinarian he was, but all too suiting of his personality. To this day I still keep secrets from my grandma about many of the times we shared my grandfather and I. But those times will last forever in my mind.

With that said, it was 1997, and if you know how much of the geek and/or dork that I am. It meant that George Lucas was re-releasing his Star Wars trilogy with many technological enhancements. Star Wars IV: A New Hope, was the first to be re-released. At the time, I was attending St. Mary's elementary school in Boyle Heights. If I remember correctly, it was roughly 10am, when Ms. Castaneda's voice came over the loud speaker saying, "Sergio Villasenor report to the attendance office, your grandfather is here to take you home." At first I thought what happened, but considering it was only 10am and I was not much of a math fan, I grabbed my book bag and headed down. When I got to the office, there was my grandpa, he said, "lets go." Well you do not have to tell me twice, as we raced out. So we got in the car and head home, but suddenly I realized that the route to my grandparents house was not the one we were taking at the time. Before you know it we were on the I-5 South. We got off on Norwalk Blvd and hit the AMC Norwalk. Now, I was young, so I didn't ask too many questions but I knew that this meant we were going to the movies! My grandpa said to me, "Don't tell you grandma". We approached the ticket counter and he got us two tickets to see Star Wars IV: A New Hope. I had always watched the older versions, as my aunt Patty got me into the whole Star Wars hype from a young age so I knew this was going to be good. I was a kid in a candy store, seeing the re-release the first day it came out, and in suiting fashion, with a man I to this day admire and respect at the highest-level.

After the show, my grandpa took me to KB Toys and said you can get one thing. So, in light of my new obsession involving Star Wars I picked up my first action figure, Luke Skywalker. This sparked my overall want to collect Star Wars memorabilia, which to this day I still have in mint condition in my garage back home. So like any true collector, I have a piece, or set, that I truly love. What collector doesn't? It is of my favorite scene in A New Hope, the Death Star rescue of Leia. When Luke and Han dress up as stormtroopers, use Chewie as a prisoner in disguise, and save the princess. The actual toy piece, still unopened at home in Whittier, to this day reminds me of the time I shared with my grandfather. A 3 piece collectors item of Han, Luke, and Chewie, rescuing Leia from Death Star Level 5 Holding Block AA-23. 23, what a coincidence.

24, where impossible happens...

...so number 24, 28 Days to the Center of Sergio moves forward, as does my heightened-level of anxiousness to get home. The title, 24, "where impossible happens", considering the NBA playoffs are at the pinnacle of importance with one of the greatest sports rivalries under way, the Celtics vs the Lakers, you would correlate 24 with Kobe Bryant. Even more so considering the title is "where impossible happens", nothing more suiting to describe a player who makes the impossible look easy. Well, your wrong. While 24 represents some of my child hood super stars such as Ken Griffey Jr. and Charles Woodson, it has nothing to do with them either.

Growing up you always hear, "nothing is impossible"; however, the older you get the more you come to terms with the fact that some dreams and aspirations are impossible. It is a shame, that fire you had once as a child, dreaming you could become the next president or astronaut, all but diminish when those very aspirations met the reality of the world. However, I would like to think that on any given day, even if for a couple hours, impossible can manifest itself into something great, something possible.

If you do not know, my mother is one of the biggest UCLA fans in the world. Win or lose, rain or shine, on Monday or Wednesday, she roots for them regardless. So you can imagine the amount of UCLA football and basketball games I watched growing up. Take into account it was already an athletic-based household, the number was staggering. In the midst of all that Columbia blue and gold, the idea of "where impossible happens" came knocking.

I was 9 years old, the UCLA mens basketball team was coming off a championship season and entered March Madness at the 4 seed vs 13th seeded Princeton. Princeton, an Ivy League school, known more for its academics than its athletics, resembled nothing but a speck in the tradition that was and still is today, UCLA basketball. However on that night "impossible is nothing" gave a 9 year old boy hope, that in fact anything is possible. Princeton upset the Bruins, making it the first time since '88 where a defending champion had been eliminated in the first round. In the midst of some of the greatest Bruins to ever play, the brainy ivy leaguers showed the nation that no matter what the odds, what the prediction, the only thing that matters is the outcome.

I suppose Princeton, New Jersey, is a breeding ground, or resting place, for the term "where impossible happens". I say this because so many people who exemplified "where impossible happens" are tied back to Princeton. Richard Stockton, signer of the US Declaration of Independence, lived and was buried there, Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the US resided there as well. But to truly define "where impossible happens" look no further than former resident and now buried in Princeton, the only man to be elected President of the US twice, Grover Cleveland. Now that is when impossible, on a rare occasion, meets possible. To be elected the President of the greatest country in the world, the United States. Grover Cleveland, the 22nd President of the US, and number 24 as well.

Another X on the Calendar, 25 more to go...

... today went by rather quickly, considering that I did not go to sleep until 10am, sleeping through the day makes it go that much faster. Woke up refreshed and rested, then headed to practice to get the blood flowing and build up a little sweat. Before I knew it, crossed off another day in June, now only 25 left! So todays theme revolves around the significance of the number 25 on my life. As you have read the past couple blogs, they are aimed at providing you some insight to what goes on in me cabeza. For some that know me that may very well be a little scary to know what goes on up there, but don't worry! I promise to leave all the dirty thoughts at the door, or in this case off the keyboard. So with that said, 28 Days to the Center of Sergio presents, Numero Venti Cinco.

Looking back many would assume that I would go in depth about my first season at Nevada, were I wore the number 25. While I would certainly have a lot to say in that regards, it is a point in my life I rather not talk about that at this point. Instead, I rewind the hands of time to a point in my life where all the worries seemed to slip away with each minute.

I was 17, wait, that is not 25 Sergio, I know, I know, so let me build into it. Think of the build up as the foundation so bear with me. So like I was saying, oh yes, at 17, I did something unlike myself, I signed up for mens volleyball. Yeah, I know, football player, what are you doing jumping around a net spiking volleyballs? Well looking back, I really don't know why, I think it was because it would allow me to miss most, if not every, last period class for the remainder of my senior year at St. Paul. So when I figured that out, I was sold! As time progressed, not to brag, I really was good at it, but unlike football this just came natural. Playing the game brought me some sort of inner happiness I have not found in sports since. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I would never forget. All I knew was that I was fortunate to have two really great coaches at the time that really made me fall in love with the game. Plus the fact we only had 6 total players, built for some interesting matches. So on our team, versatility was key to every player and our success.

While we did not have much success, in terms of winning, I enjoyed every second that I played during that senior season, and my only season at that. I would eventually go onto earning almost every accolade at Outside Hitter from All League and CIF to Team MVP. But none of that mattered to me. I loved the time I spent that season with my other 5 teammates. We weren't the best team, the biggest, the tallest, or the one with the best techniques but what we did have was fun. Win or lose, we did it with a smile. Every match brought me joy, it just felt good, it must have, one game we all decided to rock the high socks and compression shorts, still do not know what were thinking, but that is what I am getting at. We did not think about what people though of us, we just played, and we loved it. We knew in most scenarios we would not win, lets face it, we had 6 guys. But we knew we had a minimum of 3 sets each game to just go out and have a good time. 3 sets, for 3 sets we forgot what problems we had, and if we were the first to 25 then hey it was a really good set. Sets of 25, those were good times.

Venti Seis...

The countdown to the US continues, only 26 days now remain in the EU and the anticipation for landing on US soil grows every minute. So, the next installment of 28 Days to the Center of Sergio charges forward. Todays number? 26.

As you already know football has be a great part of my life from birth really. Instilled in my mind from a young age was my fascination with the sport. However, what truly inspired my love for the game? Was it individual players? No. Or moments that seemed to defy the odds, go against the grain. January 12, 1969, what was then the 3rd installment of the AFL-NFL Championship, was the first meeting to bear the title of "Super Bowl". The Colts, lead by monumental start QB Johnny Unitas were the heavily favorites to dismantle the AFL Champion Jets, lead by the flamboyant Joe Namath.

Often regarded as the "Guarantee", Joe Namath, days before at the Miami Touchdown Club guaranteed a Jets victory over the Colts. Well as well all know how the story goes, Namath and the Jets delivered. Making them the 1st AFL team to dethrone an NFL Champion, thus bringing to light new media coverage and igniting the interest in what we call the "Super Bowl" today.

Joe Namath that day not only guaranteed a victory, he defied the odds. If you know me, you know that much of what I do or accomplish defies the limits and constraints that others have placed upon me. So I look up to the attitude that Namath and the Jets displayed that day. Namath is also famous for being the only QB in the NFL Hall of Fame to have thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, but who really cares. The day he guaranteed a Super Bowl victory and delivered he solidified in the hearts of fans everywhere. That day was also a first and only for Namath, and how suiting, to be the only Super Bowl MVP QB to not throw a single touchdown in the actual Super Bowl, he was 26. Cheers.

27 days left...

...so its 1:58am here in Italy, and their is 27 days left until my return flight. So as promised, here is another installation of 28 Days to the Center of Sergio. So what is so big about 27 that has to do with me? Well for one 27 is the number my old high school friend Gerald Biggers wore. Which could start a whole blog about our first international experience in Paris back in 2004. Or, the fact that my favorite baseball team the Yankees have won 27 World Series, but no not that either.

27 would best serve my 27th day until going home with one of my favorite musicians Jim Morrison of the Doors. Morrison and the Doors created some of my favorite tunes of all time such as: Break on Through and Light my Fire. Jim Morrison also died at the age of 27 making it fitting to be my 27th day until the US blog.

So with out further a dew, one of my favorite songs of all time Break on Through:

28 days to the center of Sergio...

... well today marks the countdown until my return to the US. June 28th, at 8pm, I'll be landing at LAX. It has been a crazy and adventurous 6 months in Europe. I have had the opportunity to live in some of the greatest cities in the world, Barcelona and Milan. Not every day does some one have the opportunity to see the world all while doing what he/she loves doing. To top it off, I met some great people in Europe, some of the finest individuals I have ever had the pleasure to be around, so cheers to that!

So, with 28 days left, I am devoting every day to something about me. You have heard phrases such as "how many licks to the center of the" and songs remixed by Lil Kim with the same philosophy, just more sexually orientated. But this is going to be tailored to me. Being away for 6 months you learn so much about the world, it opens your eyes on so many different levels that you could have never imagined. With that said, 28 days to the center of Sergio, is going to give you a little bit more perspective as to what goes on in my mind. Basically, you are going to find out a little more about me.

So here we go, first post, 28 Reasons why I can't wait to get back to the US. Oh, and please don't take offense if your not listed, this simply a list of things, people, places, and anything I can really think of that hold some true value to me. Its not you, its just me.

28. Lucille's BBQ with Lim and friends

27. Seeing if Grom in Malibu is as good as it is in Italia

26. Non-webstreamed sports broadcasts

25. In and Out Burger

24. Dodger Games with Mom

23. Driving the Audi

22. Playing with my lil cousin David

21. Working out with my dad and Jesse

20. Twilight Hookah Lounge

19. Not having to walk 10 miles to get places

18. Going the cinema and the movie in English

17. Real Chinese Food

16. Tahoe for the 4th of July

15. My moms fish tacos, cookies, and pumpkin bread, oh yeah and her spinach dip

14. Taking grandma to lunch during the week

13. Seeing my good friend Keisha and how she doing

12. PS3 and FIFA on the big screen

11. Seeing how Niko doing

10. Visiting my aunts

9. Playing with the new dog

8. Back to my own bed

7. Not having to light the water heater every time you want hot water

6. An actual dryer

5. Liana Cervantes

4. Chilling all day with Matt

3. My Phrat Brothers

2. Church on Sundays with Mom

1. My Family