So, as I sit here on the flight home from Karolyi’s Camp… I’m thinking about everything that’s gone on in the past few days and the exciting new doors I see opening ahead of me.

Camp ended up going very well. I wasn’t able to do everything I wanted to do because of my knee, so it was more of a conditioning camp than anything… but I can only go up from here, right?! I’m finally getting close to the shape I want to be in and able to do the skills I need for my routines. I learned a lot at this camp and got some great insight as to how the world of gymnastics has evolved in the past couple of years…. And let me just tell you… THESE NEW GIRLS ARE AMAZING! Go team USA! Its exciting to get back into the system and see the hope for a fantastic future team. The girls are working so well with each other and the potential strength of what our team is capable of is incredible!  We sure will be the team to beat

Now, don’t get me wrong, I still have a LONG way to go to be in contention for making any kind of team, but coming out of camp I feel motivated and excited to push myself into my first competition. The next camp we have is in 5 weeks and I plan on working my booty off so I can show up and prove to Martha that I am just as deserving for a spot on a team as anyone!

As for everything else… things are going good. My body feels pretty good. I have aches and pains here and there but that’s to be expected. My spirit and mind are in a great place and everything else in my life seems great, as well.

Oh yah, I am SUPER UBER PUMPED for the Superbowl this weekend!! AHHHHHH!! They are seriously my two favorite NFL teams. I am SO torn on who to cheer for! I have to say though, since I went to the Superbowl two years ago and saw my Steelers win… I’m going to have root them on for another title! I mean, that’d be pretty cool wouldn’t it =D

And finally, thanks to all of you… I continue to be amazed and so thankful for your kind words of encouragement and support. It means more than you know.  ♥ you guys!

Until next time, SJ 
  (¯`’•.¸(♥)¸.•’´¯)

In this past year I have learned so much about myself, grown so much as a person and changed so much in my life for the better, it leaves me with a smile on my face and pride in my heart knowing I finished the year off strong. There are so many dreams and goals I have set for next year. It makes waking up each day so exciting – just knowing what I have to look forward to and what it is I’m working for. I’m actually thinking about taking pictures, writing down thoughts and quotes, and piecing together a scrapbook of everything I have set my sights on. It’ll be like my little journey book that holds everything I’m about for 2011.

So with the Holiday season in full force I have a lot to check off my list…

To start, some GREAT friends of mine are coming into town… hmmm hmm my man Chuck Wicks and Mr. Mark Ballas… so it will be great catching up with them!!

Then, I get to take a little road trip to Kansas City for our annual “just kids sleepover” with grandma! (Funny thing is though, I’m the youngest cousin!). I’m really looking forward to that. I haven’t seen them in so long – there’s definitely going to be some much needed catch up sessions with them, too!

I still have A LOT of shopping to do before Christmas gets here! AHH!! Christmas gifts are so much fun to shop for but I never want to miss anyone so it takes me forever! Have you all finished your shopping yet?!

What else… OH! CHOW’S MINI MEET!  Hehe, yes, yes, I WILL be competing! I won’t be doing full routines so don’t get your hopes up, but I am going to be showing parts on every event. That’s progress isn’t it??  I’m actually getting super nervous for that because it’s NEXT WEEK! Wish me luck!

TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN

And, of course, spend as much time as I possibly can with the ones I love. It’s truly the best time of the year and I’m going to soak it up as much as I can. Tree is up, Christmas music is on, presents are under the tree, smell of mama’s cooking throughout the house, and lots of snow….I’m in heaven. 

So with that, I want to thank all of you for your words of encouragement and support – they mean so much to me. I hope you all have the BEST holiday season and HAPPIEST NEW YEAR!! Maybe I’ll run into you in NYC to see the ball drop in Times Square Yes… that was a hint!

Love You, SJ ´¯`*•.¸¸ღ