World University Games

The summer months have been a bit of a whirlwind. I have recently traveled to Shenzhen, China, with the USA women's water polo 'B' team. They and hundreds of other athletes from around the world are now arriving in China to compete at these world championships. Kind of like a mini Olympics. Our team arrived yesterday at 0530am, after a bumpy ride over the pacific. The girls and myself are slowly getting used to the time change. We trained in California for 3 days before coming out to China. It was a good time getting to know the team and for them learning to play together. Just as I was adjusting to CA time, we flew to China. All I want to do is eat and sleep. But how could I waste the day in such a special place?

We had our second training today since arriving. The team is really starting to gel together. Afterward, we went as a team to the "Musical Decompression Room," which is an area in the athlete village where athletes can go to bang on drums or play other instruments in order to help de-stress. I wish this existed everywhere!! All to say, it was a blast! Everyone got a turn to share a beat with the group and then everyone would join in with them. I love team bonding! Then it was off to eat lunch. Of course there would be a mini McDonald's located in the cafeteria. Not to mention, team USA provided all teams with $80 worth of McDonald's cash. So much for my cheeseburger fast.

The organizers of team USA have been very generous towards the teams. They have provided extra gear (t-shirts, shoes, sandals, headphones, shorts, etc) to all the USA teams. I was already over weight coming here. Not sure how I 'm going to get everything back home.  I am hoping to post pictures, but I'm not sure that it will be possible, but I will try!! I feel more than blessed to be apart of this experience. Hoping to meet several athletes and support staff as we join in togehter with all the festivities. !   

Empathy

It has been a busy evening of posting blogs! I just posted about a project I have been involved with this summer. Take a moment to check out the link below. 

Village Art Project - Week 4 Empathy

Courtesy Brooke Brown, 2011

Out of the Closet

So it is officially over. The Harry Potter saga that is. I actually just finished watching the last film, 'The Deathly Hallows: Part 2." It was amazing of course! I caught myself clapping at the end of the film along with my fellow Harry Potter fans. I quickly realized that even though there are two parts to this movie, the makers of the film still had to condense things a bit. Dang it! Am I the only movie goer who always wants more of the story? Why must it end??!! I guess if it never ended, one would not have to return to reality. I'm pretty sure most Christians are happy that this trip down sorcery lane has finally come to an end. As for me, I'm ready for more!

Day 30: Celebrate With a Kick!!

It's time to celebrate a small milestone. I have reached day 30 with P90X!! Wasn't sure at first how far I was going to make it. When people say that this program is hard, they are not joking. I have done many challenging things in my lifetime (i.e. Army basic training), but this almost doesn't compare. I think mostly because I am a bit older than I was when I joined the military. The body doesn't respond to physical activity like it did in my late teens and early twenties. The thing that has remained the same and/or has gotten better over the years is my will. Without that, I don't think that I would have the strength to get through most things. I'm competitive by nature, so that doesn't hurt either when trying to accomplish something.