TRIP TO EUGENE

So I got back late on Sunday from my trip to Eugene and the US Track and Field Championships. I'd have to say all in all I had a pretty good time. I got to see so some of my friends, many of whom I hadn't seen in quite some time, particularly because I haven't been competing. I shared a hotel room with one of my really good friends and a former training partner, Robyne Johnson. She's currently the head coach at Boston University. We had a lot of fun catching up and reminiscing on all the shenanigans we used to get into. No need for detail:-)


Me and Robyne

My girl Steph Durst who had been running really well over in Europe in preparation for the Championships unfortunately injured herself the week prior by running in a hole at practice and severely twisting her ankle. She was hoping that there would have been some significant improvement while she was there, but this was not to be and so she was unable to compete. I spent some time with her and tried as best I could to point out the "silver lining", that once she gets better in a couple weeks, that she can just go to Europe and run as many races as she likes as she doesn't have to peak or taper in preparation for Worlds. So therefore she can just rack up the cash and let the season ending World Athletic Final in Thessaloniki, Greece be her World Championships.

I also hung out with my friends, 110m hurdlers Ryan Wilson and Kai Kelley, my friend Ross, the Sport Psychologist for USA Track & Field and also my friend Celia who is former sprinter Jon Drummond's wife. I spent some time with Coach Brooks Johnson and it was great to see Aub and Joel again but my trip certainly was lacking the presence of the one and only DO. I am convinced that he would have been National Champion again, no doubt about it. Not to worry though, the crux of the European season awaits him and all the other athletes that suffered untimely injuries - Hyleas Fountain, Bryan Clay, my girl Steph, maybe Walter Dix (although I'm not too sure on the severity of his hamstring injury) and all the others who simply were just unlucky.

I decided to leave on Sunday because this was supposed to be a fun trip for me and given my current situation, I don't think it would have been fun to watch my own event, that being the women's Long Jump. I'm a huge track and field fan but I've never liked watching the long jump. It doesn't matter that I'm not American and that I wouldn't have been vying for a spot on this team. It only matters that it makes me anxious and wistful and pretty much uncomfortable to sit there watching others do what I've done for so many years. And this is not a new thing that's come about since I've been injured, it's always been the case. Just not my thing. Congrats however to Britney Reese, Brianna and Funmi Jimoh on some excellent results and I wish them all the best in Berlin.

Track and Field is a cut-throat business. There are no second chances. No do-overs. You're either ready physically and mentally on the day or you're not. End of story. I've often wondered if the US shouldn't implement the team selection policy that both Great Britain and Jamaica employ, that being where the 1st and 2nd place finishers are guaranteed their spots on their respective teams and the third spot, while often going to the 3rd place finisher, is ultimately left up to the discretion of a selection committee so that clear medal contenders such as Dave, Hyleas and Bryan who for all intents and purposes will be perfectly healthy come Berlin time, don't get left off teams because of an untimely minor injury. There are pros and cons to either process and the debate could continue on forever without resolution.

Congrats to all those who made the team and congrats to my Bahamian teammates as well who participated in our own National Champs this weekend as well. Lord knows I wish I could have vied for a spot myself, but this was not my path this year. I guess my tally of World Championships that I've qualified for and competed in will remain at 9 (3 time finalist) and you know what, I'm ok with that.

WHAT A WOMAN/MAN NEEDS.....

A friend of mine (a guy) sent this to me today and while I didn't necessarily agree;-), I did find it rather funny. Could this be true???? Nah..... but I thought I'd share anyway!!

How to Make a Woman Happy


It's not difficult to make a woman happy....
A man only needs to be:

1. A friend
2. A companion
3. A lover
4. A brother
5. A father
6. A master
7. A chef
8. An electrician
9. A carpenter
10. A plumber
11. A mechanic
12. A decorator
13. A stylist
14. A sexologist
15. A gynecologist
16. A psychologist
17. A pest exterminator
18. A psychiatrist
19. A healer
20. A good listener
21. An organizer
22. A good father
23. Very clean
24. Sympathetic
25. Athletic
26. Warm
27. Attentive
28. Gallant
29. Intelligent
30. Funny
31. Creative
32. Tender
33. Strong
34. Understanding
35. Tolerant
36. Prudent
37. Ambitious
38. Capable
39. Courageous
40. Determined!
41. True
42. Dependable
43. Passionate
44. Compassionate

WITHOUT FORGETTING TO:

45. Give her compliments regularly
46. Love shopping
47. Be honest
48. Be very rich
49. Not stress her out
50. Not look at other girls

AND AT THE SAME TIME, YOU MUST ALSO:


51. Give her lots of attention, but expect little yourself
52. Give her lots of time, especially time for herself
53. Give her lots of space, never worrying about where she goes


IT IS VERY IMPORTANT:

54. Never to forget:
* birthdays
* anniversaries
* arrangements she makes



HOW TO MAKE A MAN HAPPY

1. Show up naked
2. Bring food

Now, c'mon ladies, we all know that life would be superb, if this were REALLY true!!! Unfortunately, in reality, this is not the case, lol!! Sure would be nice if men were that simple though.....


****On a more serious note, words cannot adequately express how sad and disappointed I was/am when DO told me that he hurt himself and is out of the US Champs this week/end. It was almost as upsetting as my own injury. He would most certainly have retained his title and I was looking forward to seeing it firsthand. God works in mysterious and wonderful ways though, and His plans are not always ours. I can attest to that. Eugene's not gonna be the same without you:-( but I know you'll be back with a vengeance! *****

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

I just wanted to take the time wish my father and all the dads out there an awesome, wonderful and fulfilling Father's day!!! Dad I love you. Thanks so much for everything you've done for me and meant to me. Your support and love are immeasurable and I wouldn't trade you for all the money, or treasure in the world. Not even a healthy Achilles:-)

There are many sperm donors out there who do nothing to enrich or enhance the lives of their children. The "deadbeat dads". This day is not for you. This day is reserved to pay homage to men like my father who taught me respect and what it means to be a real man. Whose shoulder I could lean or cry on whenever I needed to. Who I KNOW will always be here for me no matter what happens, whether I win or lose. Whether I'm the smartest or not. Whether I'm the prettiest or not. And whether anyone else things I'm the best thing since sliced bread or not:-) My dad thinks I'm all the above and that makes me feel good:-)

HAPPY HAPPY FATHER's DAY dad!! Hope you'll have many many more to come!!

GIMME A BREAK!!!

During an interview with CNBC the other day, President Obama shooed a fly because it was bothering him. And when it refused to stay away, understandably, he sent the fly off with an untimely and sudden death.



The organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) issued a statement that said he had performed a cruel and insensitive act.

“We support compassion for all animals, even the most curious, smallest, and least sympathetic animals. We hope that everyone will take inspiration from Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Albert Schweitzer, who included insects in his realm of compassion and would stop to move a worm from hot pavement to cool earth.” Apparently they followed this up by saying that people should use fly-catchers to trap flies and then release them outside.

Seriously though??? Are you kidding PETA??? While I generally understand and support their organization in principle, I don't always agree with their methods. And in regards to this situation, all I can do is quote Whoopi Goldberg who summed it up perfectly when commenting on this situation when she said, "I'm sorry, but if they come around me, flies are gonna have problems, mosquitoes are gonna have problems and cockroaches are DEFINITELY gonna have problems!"

C'mon PETA, GIMME A BREAK!!

ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE & CHILD SUPPORT?

Overheard: Guy talking to his friend, "I know I don't pay child support, but that shouldn't be a reason for her to stop me from seeing my child!"

His friend: "I know man, she's just hatin' on you cause you got another girl now so she's taking it out on you and Jamaal is the one who's suffering."

Guy: "Yeah man, I can't believe she would do that to him and make him pay for her jealousy."

His friend: "She's wack!"

So.....really? I was at a park the other day and overheard two guys having a conversation that basically went like that. And having thought about it, I'm still not sure what I think about it. Is a woman wrong for not letting her child's father see him because he's not paying child support? Particularly if he's able to and just choosing not to?

Is being allowed to be a parent to your child a right or a privilege? I think I can see both sides of this issue. On the one hand, if you're the woman and you're having to take on the entire responsibility of paying to take care of your child, it's probably hard to justify to yourself that the father "deserves" to be a part of his child's life.

However, on the other hand, and ideally, what is in the best interest of the child is probably to be allowed to have both parents in his or her life, no matter what, because the child doesn't care about who is or isn't paying. They just know that they don't get to see daddy or mommy, if the situation is reversed, and that time can never be regained.

It's just tough though I'm sure in reality to get over personal issues, feeling, lack of support, etc in order to keep the child's best interest a priority.

At the end day, the numbers of single parent households is on the rise and the number of fatherless kids is also on the rise. If you choose to have a child, you are also choosing by default to be there for that child both financially and emotionally, regardless. I don't have all the answers, and it's a difficult predicament, but I'm sure Jamaal could tell you pretty easily what he'd want if it were simply up to him. And when it comes to figuring it all out, maybe that's a good place to start.

MOVIE/WEEKEND REVIEW

This has turned out to be a pretty great weekend for me all around filled with fun and friends!

I just got back from church and it was awesome as usual. Pastor John and the Unity Choir held it down at First AME Church today!! The choir sang one of my favorite gospel songs right now Back II Eden by Donald Lawrence. LOVE IT!



Last night I went to see "The Hangover" a Las Vegas-set comedy centered around three groomsmen who lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures. They then had to retrace their steps in order to find him. Let me just say it was HILARIOUS!!! I laughed so hard at times, my head and stomach hurt, lol!! Those of you who recommended it to me, thank you. I am yet to hear a bad review so if any of you are in the need for a good laugh then do yourself a favor and go check it out. I think the funniest part might have been when the credits were going up.

Here's a classic pic from the movie when the guys were on an elevator headed out to try to find out where their boy was.


The guy on the left of this picture, "fat Jesus" lol, pretty much stole the show! If ever there was a movie that exemplified the saying "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", then this would be it!!! Again, two thumbs way up!

Shout out to my girl Kelli White who came in town for the weekend. We've been friends for a long time now, and seen each other through a lot of ups and downs. Although we keep in touch, I hadn't seen her for quite some time.



We hit up The Comedy Union (thanks Chris), had lunch at Rush in Culver City, went shoe shopping (I actually didn't but anything - yeah, surprising I know), went to The Grove, The Beverly Center, and then breakfast this morning at this cute spot in Marina Del Ray. She was college roommates with Erica and so the three of us had a great time catching up!

Shout out to my girl Grace Usphaw, fellow long jumper, but she competes for the US and is several time US champion. She's getting ready for the upcoming US Nationals in Eugene (which I'm now pretty sure I'm going to) but she was in town for a couple days so I managed to catch up with her too on Friday morning.


This is a picture of us in Beijing last year in the Olympic Village.

Shout out to my new business partners-to-be. I would have never met these guy had I not gotten injured. I swear the Lord blesses you when you least expect it and everything happens for a reason! A lot of things are falling in place and I am very excited about what the future has in store for us. Sky's the limit! I spent the morning on Saturday day down in Newport Beach with them. More on that later though.

And last but not least, shout out to D.O., for kicking the weekend off to such a great start! I'm still smiling:-)

How did I manage to fit so much into these few days??? I think I need a rest but alas, that's not gonna happen cause I'm gearing up for my LAKERS to end this series TONIGHT!!! It's not gonna be easy and I concede we may end up back here in LA but sorry, Magic we don't wanna drag out the inevitable! Might as well make it Lakers in 5 baby!!! Woohoo!!

DO OR DON'T TELL??

Once again, I was listening to Michael Baisden and there was a discussion as to what you would do if your best friend was getting married and the day before the wedding you saw her maid of honor and her groom-to-be in the most compromising of positions, cheating with one another. Or vice versa if you were a guy and saw your boy's bride-to-be fooling around with his best man. What would you do?? Would you tell them or would you keep that information to yourself??

The whole discussion was prompted by the fact that a woman actually outed a maid of honor on the radio show. There were a lot of differing opinions. Some people said the caller was wrong for that. Some people said you should mind your own business. Some people said you should confront the other spouse-to-be and insist that they tell what happened.

This is a tough call to make, particularly if it happened the night before the wedding but if the shoe was on the other foot and my best friend had seen my husband-to-be getting it on with my maid of honor, I would DEFINITELY want them to tell me and so I would probably do the same. Difficult, awkward and uncomfortable as it may be, I would tell. Who'd wanna marry that sleaze bag anyway, lol? But different people respond to things differently and you never know, you might be putting your friendship at risk. However, I think it would be worse if I found out later that my best friend knew and decided to say nothing!

All I can say is, hope it's a choice I never have to make....

TELL ME WHY....

....my arms, traps, abs and left leg lol, look like I haven't stopped working out for not one day?

....a guy who you used to date several years ago, who has since become engaged and disengaged would have the nerve to be jealous and acting the fool?

....I will watch a golf tournament from start to finish if Tiger Woods is playing but won't even watch for 5 minutes if he's not?

....people who have nothing going on in their own lives do their best, to no avail, to try and mess up other peoples?

....two eyes, one nose and one mouth can looks so different on everyone? It's only 4 things people!

....the Lakers killed the Magic yesterday? Woohoo!!!!

....people walk their dogs in the little grass area in front of the apartment building and then don't pick up the doggy doo that's left behind? My rug and tennis shoes (now in the trash) are now having to pay the consequences:-(

....gas prices are slowly creeping back up?

....having a limp seems to be an open invitation for conversation lol?

....I feel compelled to have 20 pairs of brown/tan/bronze/copper shoes?

....I will totally cringe but continue watching a UFC fight?

....I have absolutely NO interest in playing video games?

....The Jonas Brothers are on Sports Center delivering the top 10 plays of the day? Why?

....I would give up a million dollars for the love of my life? Am I crazy? OK, now 10 million, I'm not so sure.....

....Eminem actually agreed to let Sasha Baren Cohen put his behind that close to his face?

....people always mix up Bahamas, Bermuda, Barbados - ok I know I come from a small country but they really are VERY different!

....BBM is so awesome! Have I mentioned that I love my blackberry before, lol? Those of us who have them know just what I'm talking about! It's just lovely:-)

.....it is possible to be so close with people who are NOTHING like you, both with men and women?

.....did I watch 3 out of 4 episodes this week of "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!" I'm embarrassed even to admit it:-/

.....people are SO passionate about sports - catching or kicking a ball, jumping in sand, swinging a racket, running in circles - it's all pretty crazy when you think about it!

....love makes the world go 'round:-)

HAPPY and SAD

"In everything we do, our thoughts can help us succeed, or they can help us fail. Maintain a positive attitude!"

I've been a little bit restless over the past week or two as I try to figure out just exactly what to do with myself, my summer and my time. For the past 15 years, I have gotten up in the morning and headed to the track and done everything that I know how to push myself beyond the limits of my physical and mental capacity. And I've loved every single minute of it, the highs and the lows. Every minute.

Fast forward to 6 weeks ago, and my life as I've known it, came to a sudden and unexpected halt. And while I've made steady progress and my Achilles continues to get better each day as I do my physio, I still can't bear all of my weight on the ball of my foot and so I'm a ways away form returning to any sort of mobile exercise. For the time being, I have to be content with stepping up and down on a box, static lunges, leg raises, eccentric calf raises and trying to walk down a flight of stairs without putting both feet on each step. Exciting, I know!!

Add to that, the fact is that the track season is in full swing as can be evidenced by all the track meets on TV, my friends who are traveling the world, the fast times, the far jumps and the eyes that are all set on Berlin in August for the World Championships. I've qualified for and competed in the World Championships 9 consecutive times going all the way back to when I was a junior at Stanford and made my first Worlds team and ended up making my first finals, finishing 10th.

I would give my right arm right now to just have the chance of making it, but that's not an option. So that makes me sad. In the past couple of weeks, Puma has continued to send my usual shipment of equipment



included in which is the SWEETEST pair of long jump spikes I've EVER had.



Alas, I won't be wearing them any time soon. And that makes me sad:-(

All of this being said, I cannot deny the fact that my career has been so fulfilling and beautiful and exciting and thrilling and awesome and if I never stepped foot on another track competitively, I could live with that . That makes me happy. I have some of the BEST people in my life who, no matter what ANYONE tries to do, remain constant and special and I love them and that makes me happy:-) The Truth remains, and I think my injury has really revealed just how important my friends and family are as they have all been here for me in every way.

So, I'm not sure if I will be heading to Eugene to watch my people do their thing at the US Trials for the upcoming World Champs, but if I can't, my heart and thoughts and good wishes will most definitely be there with everyone. Some opportunities that I'm pursuing might preclude me from making it there, but time and schedule permitting, I'll wish my good lucks in person very soon anyway;-) Everything happens for a reason and for as much as I would love to be contending for wins and records and personal bests, I'm doing my best to make peace with the fact that I can do that off the track too, just in a different way. And that makes me happy!

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!