Back in the Saddle again...

Whew, I was a little beat yesterday so I was unable to be clever and witty so I decided to try again the next day. I think the highlight today was sitting in the Athlete Services computer room and checking my e-mail and discovering simultaneously with my teammate Tammy Crow, that both of our journals were now a link on our Santa Clara Aquamaids website. Tammy and I love doing things together so how fitting that our journals be together on our hometown family website. Thanks Aquamaids, we love you!
Practice is intense, but that's how we like it. My sports psychologist reminded me last night that one of the most important contributions I bring to this team is my humor. We definitely needed it today. I'm not allowed to disclose the details to my practical joke (because it is soooo fabulous!) but no one is safe! I first nailed our coaches in the mornng and later nailed a few of my teammates and and some of the girls from the Women's Water Polo Team (they beat Hungary this morning and got interviewd by Matt Lauer tonight, they are the coolest girls!) Laughter is always the best medicine, especially with this group. The pressure and the strain from the Olympics can be overwhelming at times but a good laugh is perfect for easing tension and bringing things back into perspective. But the important thing for all of us to keep in mind is that we don't want to have any regrets. We can rest all we want when the Games are over but never again will this team be together preparing for an Olympic Games. Never again will we have the opportunity to achieve this kind of perfection. And finally, I'd like to leave everyone with one of our favorite quotes, "That which does not kill you, only makes you stronger." This team is strong! And we are anxiously preparing for the swim of our lives (one of Tammy's favorite quotes!) that we will be sharing together in the next few days. I can't believe it! Woo hoo! (Also said by Tammy)