Its about time for that statement to actually be true, as we leave on Monday on our long flight to China!! I am anxious to “get this show on the road” and begin the competition. It seems like this has been the endless summer (which usually is a good thing, but this year maybe not so much!), and we are ready to rumble!!
We finished up our last part of the tour last week, and played our last domestic game in Irvine, CA. It was fitting, being that the majority of the team hails from So. California, so we got to finish up our long pre-Olympic tour in front of family and friends. I had a HUGE group of “Team Nuveman” supporters who came out to watch our game. It was bittersweet for me, as I was definitely ready for the tour to come to a close, but also sad because it is likely the last time I play in a USA uniform in the U.S.A. I’ve had one heck of a career, and have nothing but wonderful memories. Of course, we’ve got some business to finish in Beijing, so let’s get that done before the sob-stories and weepy moments happen!!
Two of the thousands of fans on hand in Irvine were none other than Lori Harrigan and Leah Amico. It was great to see our former teammates, and to hear their “words of wisdom” after the game. Lori’s little boy, Shawn, was there too, and it was fun to get all of the kids together. Chase and Ace were in heaven with new friends to play with!
Today was a big day in Chase’s young life…he had his first haircut! His long shaggy locks had been getting a bit out of control, so we caved and took him to a real, live barber shop and got his first hair cut. He wasn’t too excited about the whole thing, but Mark and I had fun entertaining/distracting him and taking lots of pictures.
I’m already dreading leaving him home during the Games. It is going to be a LONG 3+ weeks away, but I know it is for the best. He’ll be so much happier being at my in-laws home, on a routine and safe and secure. It is going to be hard on Mark and I being away from him for such a long stretch, but thank goodness for the internet and web cams!
This weekend we head to San Jose for Olympic processing. In the past, that is when the whole thing really started to sink in….getting all the gear, going through the official USOC briefing, and watching your luggage get carted off for the under hull of the plane. I am sure this go-around will be no different. There is SO MUCH build-up, and then WHAM!….you’re in China!!
So, I’ll try and send updates every couple of days in China. It may be tough, since I’ve decided to leave my laptop at home. But I’m sure there will be plenty of computer access. PLEASE wish us luck, and be sure to tune in to CNBC where all of our games are supposed to be televised live.
All the best, and I can assure you I’m Dreaming BIG!
Stacey
