The Viking

So I found out yesterday that I'm on the "alternate list" at both U Arkansas and U Oregon. And for the last 24 hours I have been soaking in a tub of disappointment, bruised pride, and reevalutation. The alternate list means that I am still in the game- I'm just on the bench. I've been told that the starters have been picked and that they'd like me to be back up point guard...if the other guy decides to go somewhere else. And this is where the analogy breaks down. If the starting point guard decides he wants the job, then I gotta find a new team (and hope that one will take me). So, the schools typically tell the top candidates to make their decisions early so that we alternates don't go stir-crazy waiting and wondering. More than likely, I'll know by the end of the month.
But technically, the APA (American Psychological Association) says that applicants have until April 15th to make their decisions.

Needless to say I was hurt. I was cocky. So far I've thought- "If I can get an interview, I'm in". Apparently, not quite that easy. So I've been chatting with folks and letting out the disappointment and letting in the support. I've been doing my best to try to have a good attitude, and, I think, mostly succeeding. So- to the title of this post. The Viking. Trying to find past experiences to draw upon, trying to come up with some sort of inspiration and motivation- I chatted with my Dad this morning and it came to me- The Viking. Phil gave me this nickname and I think it a perfect metaphor that both honors my ancenstry and fits my fighting spirit. Somewhere embedded in my Nordic genetic code is the ability to persevere through snow storms, battles with Germanic Barbarians, and Lutefisk. I just needed to have a good dose of reality to remind me who I am and that all worthwhile endeavors must be fought for.

So it's all kind of perfect really that I should have been granted another interview with U Albany in the same week as all this other news. I am closing no doors. I am calling upon the fighting spirit of my ancestors and will be drawing upon the inspiration of the Viking. Just pray that I don't get too inspired and start pillaging and plundering...or decide to wear dad's Viking Helmet to any of the interviews.