Back on Delta on my way home from two weeks away in Baltimore and Florida.  I now have a 9th and a 13th under my belt to start off the 2012 season and managed to have such an incredible time on top of it all.  My skills are improving rapidly and I have been blessed enough to have met a mentor that is willing to help me grow whether it be through my hard work and dedication or by dragging me along kicking a screaming.  

Her name is Priscilla Lima (Pri).  Not only is she an unbelievable player but she is also an incredible person and friend.

The difference in my play between the first tournament in Baltimore and the second in Florida was day and night after just a few days training with Pri.

My partner, Sarah, and I played one match in particular that was flawless.  Our rhythm was in sync, our movements graceful and our power relentless.  I didn't realize how much of myself I had invested into that match, emotionally and mentally, until the whistle blew from the referee affirming our victory.  Immediately I was so overcome by emotion that I crumbled into Pri's arms and began to sob.  This moment will forever be one of the most memorable of my career.  It signified a turning point.  That moment, for me, was a glimpse into my future.  I now know greatness is absolutely possible.

I'm on the right track.

Next Stop: Ft. Lauderdale

I arrived here on Monday and started practice on Tuesday.  I am still learning so many new things and going through some serious growing pains training trying to put my new knowledge into actual form on the court.  It sucks.  I get so angry because I want to be perfect now!  And by now I mean like 5 days ago.  Patience is clearly not one of my strong suits.  Not to mention I am so patient with everyone else but myself, which just annoys me even more.  I think I should start being a little kinder to the number one in my life: ME!

Today's practice was insane.  It's always tough so that's not what I mean by insane.  What i'm talking about is torrential downpours and 50 mile per hour winds.  I felt like I was on some battlefield waging war on the opposing team as we went diving through the wet sand, water pelting us in the face like tiny little bbs from the force of the wind, and dirt and sand covering our sweaty bodies.  Then it turned into some bad music video with 3 girls rinsing off in the showers as the rain continued to pour over us.

Hope that was dramatic enough for all of you.

Anyways, clearly we are having a great time, causing a little bit of a scene and making some great stories that will forever be remembered by the traveling trio: Jess Gysin, Pri Lima and myself.

Tourney starts on Saturday and I have some high hopes for this one.

I Don't Even Know Where To Begin

Hi!

I'm here.

Life is crazy

Actually, I think I might actually be crazy

But that's besides the point.

I'm back to airplane food, loads of Vitamin C, water, and hotel rooms

Currently sitting on Delta headed to Baltimore for the season opener and I am getting ready to poop my pants (not literally, i'm just so nervous)

Who would think I would still be nervous playing this stupid sport?  

It's not like i've played for over a decade or anything.  

I guess the nerves are validated by the fact that I am still new to beach volleyball and I still firmly believe it should have a different name because it's a completely different sport.

Not to mention I am terrified to drop trou and play in a bathing suit.  My body is still very Beyonce-esque and I have not yet found the confidence to rock these new found curves.

But hey, I definitely have bigger fish to fry than worrying about my dimples moving from my face to my ass.

So here's to the 2012 season, getting 1% better every day, and enjoying the ride.