Blog #268: Lacrosse & Diwali

As I laid on my couch this afternoon— muscles tight, stomach growling, body shivering from the cold— I wondered how I got to this point. Then I remembered... lacrosse.

We had our first lacrosse scrimmage tournament of the year today, which was my first time actually playing a lacrosse game ever.

I was really nervous, but since we have a small team, I had to start anyway. I wasn't so convinced of the "You'll figure it out" assurances I got, but after a bit, I think I can say that that was (mostly) true. (Did I still unknowingly break the rules a few times and get the ball turned over? Yes. Yes I did. But I honestly did't even know I was breaking the rules.)

We played against Creighton and Iowa State, and even though we lost both games, I still think we did really well. The coaches, refs, and even the teams said we were leaps and bounds better than last year, and even though I wasn't here then, I'll still take that compliment.

It was fun, but at the end of the second game, I was dead. My fingers felt frozen in place, snot was dripping out of my nose, and my knee was... not okay. After hobbling back to my apartment, I took the longest and hottest shower ever, then promptly took a nap. I'd say it was well deserved.

When I woke, I went to eat Indian food to celebrate Diwali! Diwali is a Hindu holiday known as the festival of lights, and in short, it is the celebration of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Many of my Indian friends messaged me wishing me a happy Diwali, and it made me wish I could be there to celebrate with them.

This was one of the few times I've had Indian food since being back in the States, and although it was amazing, it wasn't quite as amazing as I had hoped. I guess after living in India and eating it every single day, your standards change...

Still, I was so happy to be able to eat some good food and spend some time with friends in honor of Diwali. I miss being in India and celebrating different occasions with my beautiful friends there, but for a Diwali celebration in Sioux City, Iowa, I'll take it.