Sunday, March 30, 2008

A GOOD WOMAN

A GOOD WOMAN

A good woman is proud of herself.
She respects herself and others.
She is aware of who she is.
She neither seeks definition from the person she is with,
nor does she expect them to read her mind.
She is quite capable of articulating her needs.

A good woman is hopeful.
She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true.
She knows love, therefore she gives love.
She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated.
If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears.

A good woman has a dash of inspiration and a dabble of endurance.
She knows that she will, at times, have to inspire others
to reach the potential God gave them.
A good woman knows her past, understands her present,
and moves toward the future.

A good woman knows God.
She knows that with God the world is her playground,
but without God she will just be played.
A good woman does not live in fear of the future
because of her past.

Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merely lessons,
meant to bring her closer to self-knowledge and unconditional self-love.

Girl, smile...you know you have it going on!
So keep on keeping on!


***I'm not sure who the author is, but I love what this poem has to say and so I thought I would share it.*** Here's to loving who we are, staying true to ourselves, and not making any apologies for it!!!

Friday, March 28, 2008

BACK IN LA LA LAND!!!

A couple days ago, I flew back here to LA to take care of some business - ie. register my car that I bought last month and pay some bills, but mainly to have a follow-up meeting concerning the huge interior design project that my company Urban Safari Design has upcoming in Malibu, CA. Things are still moving forward in that regard, and so my business partner and I are feeling very blessed and excited and that meeting is to follow later today! So wish us luck. Hopefully we'll still sound like we have some sense:) and it'll confirm for them that we were and are the right choice!!

I know that I am back in LA because only here can you go for your first day of track practice and who might you run into at the track doing stadiums and getting their workout of sorts in too but Kanye West and Common. Yeah, only in LA!!! At the UCLA track, I have seen so many celebrities but I don't usually bother them because I know if I were them, I wouldn't want to be bothered either.

I've seen everyone from Mary J. Blige, to Alicia Keys, to Venus and Serena Williams (and I find it imperative to mention just how distracting Serena's physique is!!! Even as a female, I just had to stop and take a look to try to take it all in.....it is something to behold, let me tell you:) Let's see...I've seen Ryan Phillipe out there, Boris Kodjoe, that girl who wrote Diary of a Video Vixen (Super___), you fill in the blank; Barry Bonds, Ryan Gosling was in the weightroom (he was in that movie The Notebook)and Denzel has been in there too...anyway, you get the picture, because the list goes on and on!

Suffice to say of all the people I've seen out there, the most memorable one for me is Mr. Sidney Poitier. He's been out there a few times and I have to admit that I did approach him to introduce myself and just simply to shake his hand. He is also from The Bahamas and so I used that as my "in", but I felt so honored to make his acquaintance. He was so warm and genuine and what made the encounter all the more meaningful was that I had just finished reading his book, Measure of a Man, which if you haven't read it already, is a MUST read. He gave me a hug and asked about my family, etc and I was truly humbled.

So, that's it for now. I'm here for another couple days and then I head back to Orlando on Sunday night in order to be back in time for practice on Monday afternoon. The outdoor track season is about to get underway and I am feeling ready. In fact, I can't wait and I haven't been able to say that in some time. Enjoy your weekends, wherever you are and try to stay out of trouble!!
PS. Since I wrote this blog this morning, I went to UCLA to practice today and who should I see...yet another celebrity...Mr. Jack Black!! He was out there filming some stuff for the upcoming Kid's Choice Awards that he is hosting this weekend and it's being held at Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus!! He sure is funny!

PPS. Here's a picture from the other night when Joice, David and myself went to dinner in Orlando with some kids from Nova Scotia, Canada who have been down there training for a few weeks. We had been helping out with coaching and mentoring and their coaches treated us to a dinner before they headed back to Canada. We had a great time with them and Dave provided all the entertainment:) It was truly our pleasure to help them work towards and hopefully realise their dreams both on and off the track!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

BLOGGER FAMILY

So as it turns out, this whole blogging thing is more than just self-expression, more than sharing with your friends and family, more than even a cathartic exercise. Turns out you actually can make real friends on here. When I first started blogging just a few months ago, it really was just meant as a means to catalog my journey to Beijing later this year and to give family and friends an easy way to keep up with my movements, especially because I travel so much. Who knew that this experience would turn out to be so much more. I have read things that have entirely moved me, made me laugh, made me sad, worried, happy, hopeful, amused and I have definitely read things that have made my jaws drop from sheer amazement in that "no she/he didn't say that" kinda way:)


Well, a couple days ago, one more layer was added to this whole blogging journey. I actually met someone who I had previously only known as a result of my reading and commenting on her blog and vice versa. She is insightful, and funny and brave and talented and her blogger name is Jewells. I am sure many of you have had the opportunity to read some of her stuff. A couple weeks ago, I wrote that I was going to be in Orlando for a while and she sent me an email saying that she would be here for a few days as well. Fast forward to two days ago and we actually met up here at the apartment that I share with another fellow blogger and athlete, Joice.

It was fun to hang out and see Jewells. She was even more delightful in person. We took her to the track yesterday so she could see us do what we do and I think and hope that she had good time. She is leaving today, headed back to South Carolina. We got along really well and I am sure we will be keeping in touch. Who knows? Maybe someday we can all have some sort of bloggers reunion....that would be nice! In the meantime, I will continue on this blogging path and who knows where it may lead!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

NAME BRAND

Ok, so before I even begin this post, let me just acknowledge that I know I am probably going to be in the minority on this one. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'll proceed. I am not and never have been, as all of my friends will attest to, into anything "name brand". I am not into the latest Prada shoes, or Gucci bag or Fendi this and Burberry that. Now that is not to say that I don't have eyes and that I can't see the beauty in these things. I see you in the Seven jeans that fit oh so well, and I see your Chanel sunglasses and think that they look nice on you and I see how your Louis Vuitton bag is looking really cute with that outfit but in spite of my awareness of that, I am not moved.

I am not motivated to buy it, sport it, flaunt it, save for it....none of that. I am probably one of the most low maintenance girls around. I would say it's because I grew up in the Islands but that's not it, because almost all of my girlfriends from home have something from just about every designer there is. Truth is, I think it's just me.

I've had one facial in my life and that was at the Olympics in Sydney in 2000 and to be honest, I didn't like it that much. I've had 2 pedicures, one manicure....don't get me wrong on this one though, because I keep my hands and feet in check!!! Most definitely!! I just do it myself. I RARELY go to the hairdresser...maybe once a year if at all. I'm pretty good at taking care of my own hair. Just give me a box of Optimum Care Regular perm and a pair of scissors and I can perm and trim hair with the best of them!! OK...I'm straying off the topic a bit, but I think it's all kinda related.

My thing is I like to get dressed up and I like nice things but I think the whole label thing is just not my cup of tea. Now, if one of these people were to sponsor me....lets say Christian Louboutin...oh be guaranteed, that I would be rocking a pair of red soled shoes with the best of them but until such time, thanks but no thanks. I'm not going to be spending upwards of $500 on a pair of shoes to have some person's name sprawled across my chest, foot, whatever!!


A good friend of mine, who has the latest and best of everything, shoes, sunglasses, jewelry, jeans tells me when I ask him about it that everyone just has their own likes and priorities. He says that he couldn't afford these things when he was younger and so now that he can, he'll buy the best of whatever he wants. In addition to the fact that he actually likes the stuff anyway. I'm not mad at him. Truth is, I'm not sure what I spend my money on. I have a house in Austin, TX. I just bought a new car a month ago. Living in LA costs a lot just for no good reason so that takes up a lot of money. And I do like to shop so don't get it twisted. I think my taste for things is just different, but to each his own.

It's funny because often times my "name brand" friends will see me wearing something and ask me where I got it and I have to do a little chuckle because I know and they probably know that it's not in the same types of stores that they frequent:), but it still looks nice!


All of this, to say that since I have been training down here in Orlando with my dear friend Joice, something shocking has happened. Joice is definitely into her designer items...not overly so, but she has a few choice pieces. Go 'head Ms. Thing!! The other day we were out shopping at the Outlet Stores and she was going into the Coach store and I told her I would just wait at the door. I don't think I've ever even been in a Coach store. She somehow convinced me to go inside and "browse" around the sales that were going on throughout the store. Why did I end up buying this Coach wrist purse? It's brown and it's kinda cute actually!!

So here we have it, I have been forever changed:)) My first foray into the world of Designer goods. Then to top it off, she ended convincing me to buy a pair of Miss Sixty jeans that really do fit well/better than any of my other jeans that I have....hmmmm. Maybe there's something to this. LOL!! Just kidding! Trust me - I know myself well enough to know that this little taste, while fun and different will not change my flavor completely, if it all, but it sure was fun, for just one day!!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

WHAT YOU TALKIN' 'BOUT WILLIS??

Remember Different Strokes and how Gary Coleman aka Arnold used to make that over-exaggerated face when he would look at Todd Bridges aka Willis and say that famous line, "What you talkin' bout Willis?" LOL!! My friends have always told me that I have a very expressive face and that I can't hide my feelings very well because my face speaks volumes. Well, I was just playing around with my camera and I figured I would show you a few of those over-expressive faces.....you can tell I didn't have anything to do this evening!!!! Can you tell which phrase goes with which face?

a) I'm so mad at you right now*%#!
b) This smile is so fake!
c) Man, that's my jam...
d) Wow, I'm so surprised!
e) That chick is crazy!!
f) Are you out of your mind?
g) Smile nice for the camera.
h) LOL!
i) Hey there, big daddy!

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2



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5

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8

9
OK...it's time for me to go to bed for real...it's going to be a HARD week of practice!!!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

???????

So I am going to be meeting some new people this evening and I know that the typical track questions are going to come up and I will be left unsure about one of my answers. Here is an old post of mine that I had written when I first started blogging and I was querying something that has impacted one of my Olympic results from back in 2000 and I am now never sure what to say. I have been thinking about it again recently and so I thought I would repost it and try to get some more feedback...Let me know what you think. Click on the link below:

http://5thtimesthecharm.blogspot.com/2007/12/6th-or-7ththat-is-question.html

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"THE TRUTH IS THAT OUR FINEST MOMENTS
ARE MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN WE ARE FEELING DEEPLY UNCOMFORTABLE, UNHAPPY OR UNFULFILLED.
FOR IT IS ONLY IN THOSE MOMENTS, PROPELLED BY OUR DISCOMFORT, THAT WE ARE LIKELY TO STEP OUT OF OUR RUTS AND START SEARCHING FOR DIFFERENT WAYS OR TRUER ANSWERS."
M. SCOTT PECK

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

Why do children get sick with horrible painful illnesses? Why do nice people die young? Why are some unlucky in love when they are so deserving of it? Today, following a series of unfortunate events, one in particular, I was left pondering the topic, "Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?" It is something that I have often thought about when I have found myself struggling for one reason or another, both on and off the track. It feels at the same time both perplexing and unjust.

I think the problem lies in the fact that we often believe that if we live a moral and just life, in turn we are "supposed" to be rewarded with good things. I think that sometimes bad things just happen for no reason, by pure chance. Being a nice person is no guarantee that life won't royally screw you over in some way. If you choose to be a moral person, you do so not because you think you will be treated fairly by "fate" in return, but because it is the only way to maintain your dignity and your identity regardless of what kind of disappointment life throws your way.


You the know old saying, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"....well sometimes that is the only way we can truly get through a bad experience, by trusting that there is something to be learned at the end of the road, regardless of whether we know what that is right now. I just see it as life on the planet earth; unfortunately, you have to take the bitter with the sweet. Sometimes it's us bearing the consequences of our own actions, sometimes its bearing the brunt of someone else's actions...and sometimes it just is.


The book When Bad Things Happen to Good People, written by Harold S. Kushner, has brought some answers to my question . This book explains and helps to clarify why even though we are not bad people, that sometimes bad things are bound to happen. When Kushner wrote this book I feel that the meaning of his writings were that God does not mean to punish us, he just means to test us and present us with problems and see how we react to them. As put best, he wrote, “The God I believe in does not send us the problem; he gives us the strength to cope with it.” And so we live, we learn, we trust and we move on....knowing that something even greater lies ahead!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

HELLO MICKEY!

So a couple days ago, I arrived here in Orlando, the land of Disney and Mickey and Minnie. No, I am not here for fun and pleasure, although that would be welcomed, but rather I am here to train. With the Olympics coming up in just over 5 months (man - is it that close already???), I decided to do something that I probably should have done a long time ago and that is to come to train with the man that guided my college career and led me to two NCAA championship wins, two PAC-10 championship wins, 5 -time All American status, Stanford record holder (record still stands) and my first final at the Outdoor World Championships, while still in college.

Brooks Johnson was my coach at Stanford University and while it was a tumultuous relationship at first (he was brash and outspoken and I was waaaay too meek and mild), by the time I graduated, I would have to say that there have been very people aside from my parents, who have impacted my life in the way he has, not just on the track but off the track as well. I find myself all the time referring to things that Brooks said, or reminiscing on the time I spent under his tutelage. He had a special way of bringing out the best in you.

He DOES NOT beat around the bush!!!! That is putting it mildly. He is a straight shooter, to the point, no-nonsense type of guy and right now in my career, that is what I need. He expects nothing short of your best and in turn, you are left expecting the same of yourself. And trust me when I say, if you come up short on your end, he will DEFINITELY let you know. He is not the coach for the weak in spirit or in heart. You might as well check out before you check in.

There is a very good core of athletes here training as well and I hope to thrive in this environment of high hopes and high expectations. My good friend Joice Maduaka moved here from Great Britain in the fall and her results so far already show that she made the right choice and I want some of that! So that's it. For the next few weeks, this is where I'll be (save a couple trips back and forth to LA for Urban Safari business). I look forward to being reacquainted with Brooks and I know that with his wisdom and my determination, this year should prove to be my best one yet!