Hello All, Happy Valentine’s Day. I received a couple of valentine’s in the mail and some chocolate. Also my Mom arrived on Saturday Feb 13 after a very exhausting travel day. Nonetheless she made it safely. When she arrived I had planned a surprise birthday party for her 60th birthday (what a blessing). Marta and …

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Having dinner with friends this evening was a great way to relax and end my day. I went over to a friend of my friends home for dinner. I was asked previously if I liked fish to which I responded “yes.” At dinner a vegetable pasta was first served. Then fish. Well, I didn’t realize …

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Well, the Italian Cup has come and gone. We finished 3rd. Not exactly the finish that we were believing, training and competing but third is better than fourth. Beating Novara was great for our team in many ways. One, to finish the Cup strong with a victory after the slightly controversial semi final loss to …

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Boy, we lost an opportunity yesterday 2-3 to the second placed team. Bummer. We played pretty well overall but we still have a lot to work on with the little things. And one big thing, counter attack or transition. A positive is that we have improved and we’re getting better. So we are moving towards …

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Today is Thursday, January 27, 2004, and my second time writing this entry as I deleted the first entry by mistake. I know you all thought that I was a computer whiz but NOT. The other entry was pretty good too. I don’t know if I will be able to capture my thoughts the same. …

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Well, it’s been quite an interesting trip to Sardinia…Funny story….the landing was a bit bumpy because of the strong winds (not funny). After landing as we waited to disembark, the plane swayed. Really felt like a low scale earthquake. At this airport there was no gateway, jetway (the tunnel/hall thingy) to link to the plane, …

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We won in four against Santeramo. The team blocked really well. In fact the first set we won 25-8. The second set was really close and to make it most interesting I decided to sprain my right ankle. We didn’t have any other substitutions left but the second setter, who bless her heart did her …

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Hello… If we didn’t have challenges there would be no need to overcome. There’s no sense of accomplishment if we get everything easily right? Well, that is how I am choosing to look at it. Injuries are definitely causing many challenges for not only the person injured, but also the physical therapist, the staff, the …

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Today I was awaken from my pre-game nap by my own laughter. I also talk in my sleep so I am told. Anyway I was dreaming that my sister was about to kiss my godchild, Caitlin. She was talking to her very closely before hand; And just as I was about to tell Caitlin to …

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Hello All and Happy New Year, Well, reflecting back briefly on 2004 there were some ups and downs for sure but lots of good memories throughout it all. I brought back with me to Italy my handycam and looked over some of my all so professional (sometimes very unsteady) recordings from May ’04 til Oct …

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Hello All, I hope everyone had a joyous celebration of Christ’s’ birth. I am back in Italy now. My time at home really went by quickly. It was wonderful seeing some of my family, holding my great nephew and watching him waddle across the room, singing Christmas song, and being thankful for all that Christ …

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You know I never valued ear plugs as I do today. I started using them on a regular basis when I had my snoring visitors… I won’t call any names:-) This afternoon they really came in handy as the hotel room was way too hot. And unlike in America there was a thermostat but the …

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Hello…well, back to living as usual. That is, my guest have taken flight! I already miss the company but I definitely have more quite nights. And I don’t mean because we were up chit chattering all night. You’ve got it! Both were big time snorers. I mean calling the dogs! I literally had to sleep …

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I can’t believe that just four months after the Olympics I would be back in Athens, Greece! The Games seems so long ago. Before landing my coach asked me if the airport was big. I could NOT remember until stepped into the airport (nor could Logan). Then I remember the baggage claim belt, I believe …

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Hey Yall, Well, I’ve really been enjoying my Mom and Aunt. I do ask that you lift them up in prayer as both are feeling a back pain. They are one year apart but it is almost as if they feel each others pain. My aunt has already had shoulder surgery and my Mom will …

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Hey Yall, I am so sorry to not have filled you in already about the Monday night’s four days later than THANKSGIVING FEAST! It was absolutely wonderful. Lot’s of hard work, more so for my Aunt, Mom, Logan, Marta, and Ester. But especially for my Mom and Aunt who had to pick out every quill! …

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PS from yesterday…Logan, my Aunt Catherine and I will prepare the full Thanksgiving dinner on Monday for the team, staff and friends. Mummmmm,mmmmmm, I can’t wait….

Happy Thanksgiving for those of you who are in the United States! I am in Italy on this day. I had not the traditional Thanksgiving dinner but pork chops, smothered potatoes, and spinach. Mummm, mmmmm. And I didn’t have to train today. Or tomorrow. But I will go to the fitness center to ride the …

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Hello All, And Happy Birthday Emanuel, my ever so growing taller (almost my height), handsome, smart, 16 years old as of today, nephew. May you be especially blessed! Let see, what else? Oh, I was out at dinner last night and at the table across from me I over heard ENGLISH! (Yes, that is a …

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Hello All, I am feeling a bit tired tonight but I am feeling good. I had a great morning weightlifting session leaving there totally exhausted but that good exhausted, like I accomplished something. In a previous blog entry my focus was working on getting more physically strong, jumping higher. And after an intense evening practice, …

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