Cat's Corner

April 16, 2008

Vicky Galindo shows off our new game pants!

Well I meant to update sooner, but I failed at that! Sorry it's been a while.

Today marks 25 years I have been in this world. I feel so old! You know times are changing when even my father sends me a text message saying Happy Birthday. Unlike me, he isn't much of a text person. I want to say thank you to all my friends, family and Blue Demons who wished me Happy Birthday. Every message makes me smile and enjoy the people I have in my life.

On April 4, our team reconvened in El Paso, Texas. We enjoyed the airport in El Paso for about three hours before everyone was finally in and we could get on the bus to head to Las Cruces, N.M.

Our stop in New Mexico was great. The hotel was really nice, and what made it even better was the fact we had a mall, Target and plenty of food choices all around. I don't think too many of us bought stuff at the mall; it was more window-shopping than anything. All I bought, aside from Nintendo DS games, was a study guide for the GMAT. I am applying to the MBA program at DePaul, so I am preparing myself for the test.

Game day in Las Cruces was crazy if you were a fan. I wasn't pitching during the game, so I went at 9 a.m. to get my workout for the day in. When Stacey and I got to the field there were already people lined up to get into the stadium, and the game didn't start for 5 more hours. Turned out some of the fans in line had camped out over night to make sure they got good seats when the gates opened. We felt honored to hear that story.

After New Mexico, we headed to my hometown of Houston. I was super excited to get to return home and play in front of my family and friends. Unfortunately, I didn't have the outing I would have liked. I don't think it was the emotions or excitement of being home, but I really have no idea what really caused such a poor performance on my part. I left the field that night disappointed in so many ways about how I performed, but I also had a smile after seeing some of my closest friends from high school and my family.

Since Houston we traveled to Greensboro, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Johnson City, Tenn.; and Birmingham, Ala. Each trip has its memories, but overall, we often feel like we are reliving Groundhog Day. We wouldn't trade it for the world, though. I was happy to see a good friend in Greensboro, too. Anytime you are on the road, seeing a familiar face always makes your day better. Being able to escape the hotel is always nice too, and in Knoxville, Kelly (Kretschman), Alicia (Hollowell) and I headed over the to Tennessee-Alabama baseball game that was going on. After so much travel, it was nice to just sit and enjoy a baseball game for a little while.

Johnson City was a memorable day for all of us. Traditionally, USA Softball only wears uniforms with shorts, but we have been asking for pants for a little while now. Nike sent us some before, but they didn't fit correctly, so we had to wait to get a new set in. With the temperatures being in the 40s, we were able to wear our pants for the first time, and everyone was excited to hear it! I took some pictures so you guys can see our nifty new stripes.

Another nice part of the day was dinner. When we returned to Knoxville, a few of us went to dinner at the Melting Pot, which has now become a team favorite. Who can turn down fondue, especially the dessert!

After Johnson City, (Jennie) Finch, (Jessica) Mendoza, (Crystl) Bustos and I were invited to go up to the USOC Media Summit in Chicago. We were introduced to all the media that will cover the Olympics. It was a long, but fun day. The hot topic is obviously the protests during the torch run, and the politics surrounding China and Tibet. It's sad that this overshadows the real meaning of the Games. After talking with Jessica and really learning about the situation, I am definitely more equipped to form an opinion on these topics, but I still don't think they should divert attention from the fact the greatest athletes are coming over to compete on sport's biggest stage.

Last night we had a good game against the University of Alabama. The game was sort of a homecoming for one of my best friends, Kelly (Krestchman). She graduated from 'Bama, and is so proud of her Crimson Tide. You could tell she enjoyed being back in the state of Alabama. I also enjoyed seeing my friend Emily who goes to UA, and drove up for the game. She actually gave me my first birthday gift! I'm obsessed with "The Hills," so I am now the proud owner of Season 1 and 2! Thanks Em! =)

This morning we were treated to breakfast at Cracker Barrel before hitting the road to Mississippi. Our whole team was cheering when it was announced. We love our food, but more importantly breakfast at Cracker Barrel is one of the best meals around. We might have eaten them out of French toast to be honest. We all left there completely stuffed and ready for naps on our long bus ride

I think we are in hour three of this ride, but I am not sure. I watched "Ocean's 12" for the first time once we got on the bus, and it was so good. I watched "Ocean's 11" the other day, that got me addicted to the Ocean movies. As I write this I am listening to James Morrison and just reflecting back on the times we have had and the more memories we have to come in the next few months.

I will report again after this swing of games is over … unless something really exciting happens!

Oh, shout out to the U.S. Women's Soccer Team who qualified in Mexico this last week. I have met and kept in touch with a few of them, and I am excited to know we'll see them in Beijing.

Until next time…