Two wins down! The mission continues bright and early tomorrow aftera rain delay today- we're so focused on what we need to do that the extra rest today was not welcome, especially in the middle of a game (we'll finish tomorrow).

Since the first few days, we haven't been able to interact much with other Olympians, but it's still been great and we're enjoying life here in China. At this point, we're so focused on the gold and what we have to do. I think after it's over we'll mingle and make the rounds. But right now we're still in tunnel vision and we're on our mission. So it's nothing but softball, and watching video and practicing and preparing and playing games.

These are big games and even I still get nervous beforehand, for sure. There's like a line of good nervousness and you can go over the line into bad nervousness, but I think it's a good nervousness. You know we're on our toes. You definitely get butterflies you hit the field and when there is a batter in the box, but good butterflies.

The crowds and fans in China have been really supportive, though it's not exactly what we had back home during the Tour. With three gold medals, we don't expect to be the crowd favorites here and that's ok. During the world championships in 2006, by the end, I think we made some friends and fans, so hopefully they'll keep supporting us. We do have our family members out there making some noise, which gets us fired up. Of course, I do miss Casey and Ace so so so much. I'll be home soon, boys!

For some other business... my Finch's Favorite of the week on weplay is......... Congrats to the Rage, a great 12U team from Texas. Way to go, girls and Coach D. Love your colors, too.

http://www.weplay.com/groups/1047-97-RAGE

Loved looking through your photos on your team page - remind me of some very similar ones I have from when I was your age - especially this one.

http://www.weplay.com/groups/1047-97-RAGE/media/18084

Next game is tomorrow against a very strong Japan team - noon Friday (9pm Thursday night back home in California and midnight in the east). Then we finish the Canada game... Thanks to everyone who has been staying up late to watch!

Dreaming and believing,
#27