We're here!
After a long but uneventful flight, we've arrived in China! We've already had a couple of practices and are settling into our new home.


What a crazy few weeks leading up to our trip. Before leaving, we got to spend the day with the President of the United States, who was super excited for all of the Olympians. It was an incredible honor for me. There was a press conference send-off and then we had a formal dinner, which was nice. I got to sit right next to him! That was definitely the highlight of the trip to the White House. We also took some pictures in the Oval Office, me with him and the desk and then him and the First Lady. It was kind of surreal. It just shows how supportive he is of USA and our Olympic team going over. He's going to be joining us here, too.


After that, it was a tough good bye, saying farewell to my family, but I know their love and support are with me. But being together here with the team now, it's all about focus. We're on a mission and ready for battle! Gold or Bust (Not Bustos, who is my roomie!).


Opening Ceremonies are tomorrow, which I've been looking forward to for a long time. Unfortunately, we weren't able to go back in 2004 because we played the next day at noon. Our coach decided that we should rest up instead, which was the right decision, but still disappointing to miss. I remember being in the training room to watch, all of us gathered around because we didn't have TV's in the village. I felt like I was still on my couch, as a young girl, watching it on TV. It didn't feel like we were truly at the Olympics. This time, since we don't open up until the 12th, we're looking forward to finally experiencing that. I can't even imagine what an Opening ceremony is going to be like this time around. I seriously cannot wait.


One of the coolest experiences for me was back in '04 was seeing the greatest athletes in the world all united on one common ground. The Olympic Village is such a treat, absolutely beautiful and so big. Everywhere you go, One World, One Dream is posted all over, as well as the many flags posted all over the place. And just to meet the U.S. athletes, you read all their bios and stories and profiles that are highlighted. And you feel like you know these people and live the same lifestyles as them and then you eat lunch, dinner and breakfast with them. It's pretty cool. All of the USA athletes are a big family!


I know you thought I was going to forget with everything going on, but I did also want to congratulate this week's Finch's Favorite team, the Seattle Fastpitch Club-Venom. Looks like they've got a bunch of new members, new photos (are they seriously rooting for Canada?!?) and blog posts. Great job girls and good luck with 14U!!

http://www.weplay.com/groups/1022-Seattle-Fastpitch-Club-Venom


Before I sign off (it's late here!), wanted to thanks my family, friends, and fans! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I can't say it enough. This is it! It's all happening!

Dreaming and Believing! Love to all!
#27