Christmas in Italia

One of the perks of being a professional volleyball player is you get to travel all around the world.  One of the negatives is you miss all sorts of important and special events like Christmas with the family.  Luckily I have one of my close friends Logan close to me.  Her Mom is in town for the Holidays and they were nice enough to have me over for Christmas Eve dinner.  The food was absolutely amazing...I felt right at home. A big thank you to Logan and her Mom...

Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, spinach, squash, and green beans

The cooks...Logan & her Mom

Merry Christmas to everyone.  I hope you are having a wonderful Holiday with the ones that mean the most to you.  As for my family and friends...I miss you...see you soon.

Snow makes me want to go home...

Here is my car...I can't go anywhere on my own.  6 days until I come home...or LA that is...I can't wait.

Ugly win...

Villa Cortese vs. Pavia 23-25, 25-27, 25-17, 25-22, 15-7


Last night we were able to pull off a win even though we played some ugly volleyball.  After 2 very close close sets luckily my team and I pulled it together and came back to get that win.  Unfortunately by going 5 we only got 2 points and are now tied for 1st with Pesaro instead of being alone at the top. We have one more big game before I get to go back to LA for 5 days.  There is lots of talk about this next game because it is considered a derby since the other city is 10 min from our city and is actually the city I live in.

Busto Arsizio up next...

In action...

Just a couple new volley pictures for your entertainment...this is big...all of you close to me know I'm not a fan of pictures...

Got that one up...then got my hand stepped on by Tai...but we won the point

I need to work on my deception..that set is going back for sure

Jump serving since I was 9...

Momma & Nonna in Italia

A little less then a month ago my Mom and Grandma (Nonna in Italian) aka Lala visited me in Italy for about 10 days.  They always visit me at least once every year in Italy.  This year they got to see a new little city (Busto Arsizio...where I live but do not play) and spend some time in Milan.  We spent Thanksgiving at the Westin Palace in Milan.  Had a great dinner...not exactly like the real deal Thanksgiving meal...but I can't complain.  Lala, my Mom, Logan and I had a fabulous night appreciating family and friends. Here are a couple pictures from the trip...

Mom, Lala, & I after a big win

Mom, Lala, & Flavio (Sponsor) what a great guy...

Lala & I in Milano

Corso Como 10, Milano

Just want to thank my Mom and Lala for making the trip once again.  There is nothing like family and I am so blessed to have the best family in the world.

I love you.

Hard Core...

Recently I have had more of an edgy style.  A lot of simple black pieces with statement scarfs, jewelry, shoes, and bags...here are a couple of my recent purchases...

CC SKYE - Wicked Ring

shopbop.com

CC SKYPE - Stud Hinge Bracelet

shopbop.com

Alexander Wang - Coco Duffel

net-a-porter.com

CC SKYE - Spike Hoop Earrings

shopbop.com

Assad Mounser - Moonage Daydream Collar

kirnazabete.com

My mom told me no bullets...but I couldn't pass this necklace up...i think it is incredible...can't wait to get to LA and wear it.

Pallavolo Update

Just a little pallavolo (volleyball) update.

Villa Cortese vs. Pesaro 25-22, 14-25, 26-24, 19-25, 15-12

Pesaro is one on my ex's.  I spent my first 3 years in Italy in Pesaro.  It is a great little city and I had wonderful years there.  But it was definitely time to move on when I did, but I appreciate the time I spent there and all the great people I met in Pesaro.  This game was going to be a challenge...playing again without one of our star players.  But the team came together, played with heart and never game up and came out with a huge win.  Felt great getting another w...Next up was Heather Bown's (Olympic teammate/friend) team Jesi.

Villa Cortese vs. Jesi 25-20, 22-25, 25-11, 25-17


Going into this game we were in 2nd place and Jesi was 1 point ahead of us in first.  In all of my years in Italy, Jesi has always had a strong team.  We knew we had to play some good volleyball to pull out a win.  It was great having Tai Aguero back playing, and we were playing for 1st place, and a possible 3 days off.  We didn't play our best but it was good enough. Another win and 3 days of relaxation...what else could we ask for.  Next up Pavia...

My lil nest...

As I have mentioned before...I bought a loft in Downtown LA this summer.  Since I have been gone I have been doing some work on it...here is a picture of my new kitchen...sorry about the plastic on the light...

The picture does it no justice...but I love it.  I can't wait til everything is finished...hopefully fist week of January.  More pictures to come...Housewarming in June....

Season Update

I have played 3 games since I got back from my mini vacation.  They were all tough for different reasons.  We game out 2-1 and really should have been 3-0 but better to get that loss out of the way.

Villa Cortese vs. Novara  25-21, 23-25, 25-15, 17-25, 15-13

This was an intense game.  First of all after having almost 3 weeks off from games it is always going to be difficult to play in the first one.  Second there was a lot of talk going on in the newspapers, our organization to their organization and it was getting ugly.  Third I was playing against 2 of my best friends, Vally and Logan.  Logan had a great game like always and Vally came in off the bench a help a lot.  Personally I didn't have my best game but I guess it was enough to pull off a big win.  I think it help having my mom and grandma there for the support.  Also it was great to see my Italian family... Vally's parents and brother.

Villa Cortese vs Urbino  25-27, 21-25, 27-29

I rather not talk about this one.  Lets just say it was one of those games where nothing went right.  But Urbino is a strong team and they have beat 3 of the top teams this season...but we still should have won this game and that is all I will say.  We will get then next time.

Villa Cortese vs. Piacenza 21-25, 25-15, 25-18, 25-17

We started off slow...playing without one of our best players.  But actually picked it up and ended up playing one of our lowest error matches.  The whole team really contributed and it was a good opportunity for our team to gain confidence going into our next match.

Pesaro is next...one of my ex's

Gopher Land

I got back to Minneapolis on Thursday ready for a great dinner with 2 of my great friends.  I met Laura and Kat at the new restaurant in the warehouse district of Minneapolis.  It is called Bar La Grassa.  Ofcourse now that I'm living in Italy again all I wanted to do was eat Italian when I was in the States..not really...but I couldn't pass up trying the new restaurant in the city.  Things to try if you go there...

Beet and Avocado with Citrus
Ricotta and Roasted Tomato Bruschetta
Silk Hankerchiefs with Basil Pesto
Pappardelle with Veal Ragu

Very cool interior...a mix of industrial and elegance.  Loved it.  Great company, wine and food.  I was also very lucky that my good friend Kevin stopped by to say hi.  Always great to see him and always makes the conversations interesting.

Friday I had a lot to do.  First stop ARP wave clinic where I did most of my knee rehab this past year.  Good to see Phil who helped me a lot and got some other ideas on how to stay healthy.  Next stop Mall of America.  I can't go to Minneapolis and not visit my friends at Nordstroms.  I had a great shopping day but fortunately didn't buy too much.  Here is one great piece that I did get...

         

Mike & Chris Studded Leather Jacket w/ Hood

I love my jacket...I have worn it with jeans, leggings, a dress.  So much you can do with a piece like this.    Get one...but preferably not the same one.

After a long day it was time to get ready for the Gopher Volleyball game.  I was excited to see the girls in action since I was the volunteer coach for them last spring.  I was also very excited to see my old teammate and great friend Nicole Branagh along with some other MN alums.  Nicole went to the  Beijing Olympics as well but played on the beach...here she is in action.

After the first set...Nicole and I were surprised with a...can you guys go to the center of the court and be introduced?  I had no idea this was going to happen...and of course I was dressed in one of my high fashion, out there outfits.  Over the knee report signature boots, american apparel leather leggings, Maison Martin Margiela shirt, mike & chris leather jacket, and Louis Vuitton camo scarf...it was quite an outfit, and the MN volleyball crowd was not prepared for it.  Luckily we were out there for only about 2 embarrassing minutes.  The ladies pulled out a quick win...which I enjoyed since I don't normally like to watch volleyball on my time off.  The team and alums gathered in the team room after...it was great seeing everyone.  And thanks to Jenna, Kat and Paz for being my support group at the game.

                    

Paz & Kat

After the game Jenna and I met my good friends Quincy and JB at JD Hoyts.  Another favorite of mine in the city...you have to get a buddy bowl with catfish...incredible.  Turned out to be a great night.  I had to get a little rest for the big tailgating in the morning with Jenna and the crew for the Gopher football game.

It was my first time seeing the new Gopher football stadium finished.  I was lucky my flight didn't leave until 3 so I got to partake in the fun tailgating festivities and see half of the game.  On the menu for tailgating was a Thanksgiving feast.  I was very excited about this cause I didn't know if I was going to have turkey on Thanksgiving.  Great food, and drinks and now it was game time.  Here is Jenna as we make our way to the stadium.

              

Great outfit...

              

The stadium was so beautiful.  Luckily it was incredibly warm...I actually got hot at the game since Jenna's seats were in the sun.  It was a fabulous day.  Actually a fabulous week.  I want to thank my team for getting 10 points in the first 4 games, allowing me to come home for a week.

The vacation was officially over and it was time to get back to work...

Guilty as Charged

I might have officially been named the "Worst Blogger Out There"... and I completely deserve it.  But I'm back and going for the "Best Comeback" award this time.  A lot has happened in the last 3 weeks since I last blogged.  More non-volleyball then volleyball related things.

First I will get the volleyball out of the way.  Our last game was actually now almost 3 weeks ago.  We had to travel down South...the only team that far South.  Luckily we got to fly which is always an exciting experience especially when you are flying the discount airline easyjet.  Yep if you ever fly easyjet be prepared for a push fest to get the best seat possible because it is first come first serve...yep no seat assignments.  After an interesting flight, and an interesting ride in little buses to the hotel we finally got there.  Going into this game we were 2-1 with 7 points.  Our coach told us if after 4 games we had a total of 10 points we could have 7 days off.  After getting the big win over Conegliano I was confident going into this match and booked a ticket home to the states knowing this would be my only opportunity all season.  Good thing my team was on a roll and we rolled right through Castellana Grotte as well 3-0 and I was on my way back to the states.

Villa Cortese vs. Castellana Grotte 25-19, 25-23, 25-19

The following day (Monday) I went back to Milan with the team and from there continued on to the states.  I decided to break my trip up a little so the travel wouldn't be as difficult on me and I would get to see some friends that I hadn't seen for a while.   I stopped in Minneapolis Monday night.  My dear friend Laura Bush (assistant vball coach @ U of Minn.) picked me up and off we went.  We stopped by my hotel...Aloft Minneapolis...for a quick change.  This was my first time staying at this hotel.  I always was interested in it...here are some pics.  Very simple, modern, and inexpensive...

After putting on my Bopbasics black off-the-shoulder cashmere sweater, Alice & Olivia black baggy shorts, and my over-the-knee Report Signature Fairfax boots we were off to one of my favorite restaurants in the city 112 eatery.  Ofourse I wish I took pictures of my outfits for you...but I really do hate pictures...but I might start.

If you are in Minneapolis you have to try 112 eatery.  Laura and I feasted on...

romaine leaves with roquefort dressing

zucchini w/ chorizo

pan-fried gnocchi w/ parmesan reggiano

risotto w/ calamari & sausage

I had to mix in a couple new dishes with my favorites.  My other friend Kat joined us for some wine and at the end of the meal Vera joined us to go out on the town for a little bit.  We ended our night at Envy Nightclub with a bunch of other friends that met us there...a great night.  But I had to be up early to catch a flight to LA.

I slept the whole flight knowing I had a big day ahead of me.  My dad was picking me up at the airport with my car and then my mom was meeting us at my loft to see the progress.  While I have been gone for the last month I have been doing some additions and decorating my loft.  This was the main reason I traveled all the way back to LA was to check on it and make final decisions.  It was great seeing my parents even though it was a short visit.  But I will take whatever I can get, especially since this trip was unexpected.

Also at my loft was my friend/designer Breanna who flew in town from NY to finalize everything for my loft.  I was slightly disappointed that there wasn't much change, I really wanted to walk in a see a different loft.  But I now understand things like this take a lot of time and money might I add.  I can't wait to post pics when it is all finished.

Along with loft decisions I got to see one of my best friends Kim Glass before she was off to the Czech Republic to play.  Tuesday we had a great dinner @ one of our favs...Katsuya Hollywood.  Nothing like good watermelon mojitos, crispy rice w/ spicy tuna, and miso black cod.  Oh and did I mention great company.  Kim introduced me to two of her good friends...DouggieFresh & Cleveland...love those guys.  After we headed to MyHouse...not really my house but a club in Hollywood called MyHouse.  Couldn't ask for a better first night back in LA.

The following 2 days were filled with errands and decisions for the loft, a quick trip to Anaheim to see the National team girls and coaches that are working hard in the gym, and lots of running around.  Luckily I was able to get everything done that I wanted to, and even got to slip in another great dinner with KG at the new Hollywood restaurant Philippe.

              

I love the black, white and red theme.  I can't remember all that we ate because we tried so many things.  But I do recommend it.  It was another memorable experience with KG.  Great food, atmostphere, conversation, and even a greeting from Lionel Richie (one of my favorites), and Randy Jackson (Judge on American Idol).  Can't wait for another dinner with KG.

The next day (Thursday) I was off to Minneapolis again to catch a Gopher Volleyball & Football game, have a couple fabulous dinners with friends, and spend my last days in the States.

To be continued...

Big Time Win

Finally we are playing like our team should be.  Can we still get better?  Of course we can...but last night we played some real good volleyball.  We were up against a dangerous, Russian-like team by the name of Conegliano.  I say Russian-like because they were giant.  In their previous 2 matches they had a total of 38 blocks...pretty unheard of.  With only a little time to prepare for this match after our loss to Bergamo, we spent a lot of time watching video as a team, and surprisingly I watched some by myself.  I knew that my job as a setter was going to be difficult playing against such a good blocking team, and I wanted to be prepared to give my hitters the best chance they could.

We came out on fire, serving tough, blocking well, and hitting past their enormous block.  I felt in such a great rhythm I was able to give my hitters the best opportunity for a kill.  They only had 6 blocks all match...normally they have 6 a set.  Other then a slight run by them in the end of the 2nd set...we dominated the match.  It felt great...and even better we got 3 points...now just 3 points away from a week off.

Next up Castellana Grotte...down to the dirty South

I love my Fans

A little over a month ago I was in Puerto Rico playing in the NORCECA Championships with the USA National Team.  After the tournament I was approached by a dear little girl, Alejandra Torres.  She asked me for a jersey or a shirt and I felt so bad I had nothing with me at the time.  I told her to give me her address and I would send her a signed jersey.  If I tell someone I'm going to do something you better believe I will.  Here is little miss lady with my jersey.

Too cute...

Tough Loss to Bergamo

Sunday my team matched up against the strong Italian Club Bergamo.  This team has a winning tradition and has been playing together for many years. We knew we had our work cut out for us.  The city of Bergamo is only about an hour away on the bus, so we left the day of.  I like to practice in the gym that we are playing in because it is always different for setters. Lights, background, how the ball travels, and so on.  But since we left the day of there was no practicing in the gym.  We got to Bergamo really early so we took a little stroll of the city.  Bergamo is absolutely gorgeous, and a fun fact is it is split into two.  The low city is filled with classic modern buildings, wide roads, and shopping.  The high city is a medieval walled village overlooking the Lombardia countryside, and you can take a cable car to get there.  I would love to explore Bergamo a little more...

Back to volleyball.  So we were at the gym really early and very anxious to play.  We started out slow but ended up pulling out the first game 26-24. Bergamo then took control of us in games 2 & 3.  We fought back with a great game 4 and hoped it would carry on to game 5.  Unfortunately Bergamo's passing was incredible and they got out to an early lead and pulled out the win.  Luckily our championship is on a point system.  If you win 3-0 or 3-1 you get 3 points, and the looser gets nothing.  If you win 3-2 you get 2 points and the looser gets 1.  So we ended up getting 1 point, still making it possible for me to maybe go home for a week.

Warming up...leading the pack

After waiting and hour for 2 of my teammates to get drug tested we returned to Villa Cortese.  Logan (friend & National Team teammate) played her match in Piacienza which was not far either.  We decided to meet each other in Milan for a nice Mexican dinner.  We had a great time, saw some other friends, ate good food, and listened to good music.  After dinner with both went home to prepare for our next match which was on Wednesday.

Overall it was a successful Sunday.  Even though we didn't win, we still got a point off of Bergamo which is good, and we continued to grow as a team...next up Conegliano.

Who's next...Bergamo

This week has been an interesting one.  One day we practiced with 5 people thanks to the flu or should I say febre (fever in Italian) that is what they call it.  My teammates have been in and out of practice while i have been trying not to get sick.  Today I wasn't feeling so hot, but still managed to practice and make it through.  Today was also the first day everyone was well enough to practice...2 days before our 2nd big game.  Sunday we play Bergamo, a team that is always in the top 4 and probably has the most championships under their belt.  A 4pm game on tv...that is always fun.  Hopefully by Sunday everyone will be feeling their best and we can come out with another big win.  We have 3 more games before we go on a little break for Grand Champions Cup.  Right now we have 3 out of 3 points...supposedly if we get 10 out of 12 points after these 4 first games we get a week off.  USA here I come...

Let's Go Villa Cortese!!!!

For more pictures and info on my team you can go to the Villa Cortese website.

Happy Birthday Vally!!!!

There is only one reason why I made it past my first in Italy...and that is because of my dear friend Valeria Rosso. She took me in my first year like she had known me forever.  She translated for me, took me places, went out with me, listened when I was homesick, did everything for me.  A very special person, unlike anyone I have every met. Touches lives, and makes people smile daily.  Motivated, inspiring, and gifted.  I love you Vally.

Happy Birthday to Vally...

Back at it...Finally

Last Sunday was our first game.  Really I had no idea how it was going to go.  I was still getting in my own groove and adjusting, and the other Italians had just joined the team after winning the European Championship.  We had practiced a total of 5 days together before the match and it wasn't an easy team that we were up against.  I have to say it showed that we hadn't played together long.  But we did pull out a big win, and saw some spurts of how good of a team we can actually be.

Villa Cortese vs. Perugia 25-22, 14-25, 30-28, 29-27

It was a great feeling after we won the match, and definitely a relief since it was so close.  I forgot how excited the fans, coaches, and sponsors get after the match.  I missed that this past year not playing.  After the celebration I was awarded Player of the Game.  They gave me a fabulous clock which I will NOT be putting up in my new loft in LA.  What happened to cash bonuses??? Check it out...and yes that is my lovely couch it is rested on...I don't spend much time there.

There were some surprises in the other games.  Big teams such and Novara (my old team who now has Logan Tom), and Pesaro (my first team for 3 years) lost in 3.  And Bergamo and Jesi (Heather Bown's team) got challenged in 5 set matches.  It shows that this year the league is very even and there will be no easy matches.

In social life news...Last week I got to see my friend Meika Wagner, volleyball player and an up and coming designer...when I have my store she will be featured in it.  I have also been able to do many great dinners with Logan and my Italian girlfriend Vally.  Poretti (my fav restaurant in Novara, Nobu (twice, including a 150 euro lunch), Origami (for Vally's Birthday celebration), and Ganas (my fav Sunday night mexican/hip hop hang out).  It is great having them so close and being able to get out of the house.  Logan and I spent the day in Milan on Monday, where we had our very expensive lunch at Nobu. I told Logan it was because she had 5 cups of tea...she didn't buy it.  Then we went shopping, unfortunately or fortunately my credit card was acting up since I didn't tell them I would be in Italy so I ended up not buying anything.  But this is what I was about to buy....

They will be there next time...But I had a great time watching Logan spend money and just being away from Volleyball.  Many more shopping days to come...

I know...I know

I know I have not blogged for now more then 2 weeks...I'm sorry.  Once we finished NORCECAs, and by the way we finished 4th, a slightly disappointing finish, I got back to LA with a ton to do before I moved to Italy.  I have now been here for a little less then 2 weeks and just starting to adjust.  On the positive side of things, I love it here.  When I arrived everything was pretty much ready for me.  My little house is great...pics coming soon.  My car was waiting for me the next day, and soon after I got my dryer which I can't live without.  Once again, I tried to use the washer and the dryer at the same time thinking this house would be able to handle it...but the lights went off.  Just something that happens in Europe, can't use too much electricity.

My team on paper is great, and hopefully as a team we will be just as good.  We all got together on Tuesday, and we play our first real game on Sunday.  Practices have been going great and hopefully we will have enough together to pull out a win on Sunday.

This year I am playing for the city of Villa Cortese, but I am living in the city of Busto Arsizio which is about 10 minutes from the gym we play in.  Also I am only about 30 minutes from my old city of Novara.  My best Italian friend, Vally Rosso, is playing in Novara along with one of my dear friends Logan Tom.  I have been to dinner with them 3 times and it is great to see them so much and have an outlet from my team.  Sunday after the game Logan and I plan on going to Milan to eat some Mexican food and spend the night there to do some shopping the following day.  Life is good.

Just wanted to give you a little update...more to come soon.  I will be blogging regularly from now on...I promise.  Hope all is well.  Miss everyone in the States...

Quarterfinal Update

USA vs. Canada 17-25, 25-10, 25-23, 25-21


It was a rough start for us today.  Canada came out blocking, and digging like they have never before and we just couldn't get on a roll.  Luckily we had some players that could come in and change the momentum.  With a couple substitutions, and Canada going back to normal Canada, we got back on track to pull out the quarterfinal match.  Tomorrow we match up against the young and athletic Dominican team in the semifinals.  It should be a good one.

Quick Update

USA vs Costa Rica 25-7, 25-10, 25-13

Finally we played how we should play against weaker teams.  We got in there starting strong and never looked back.  It was a complete team effort, everyone got to play and kept the level up no matter who was on the floor.  I continued my strong serving minus one to the bleachers...had to wake up the crowd for a second.  Tomorrow we play Canada in the quarterfinals.  They are always a steady team and we will have to be on top of things to come out ahead.

The process continues...enjoying every moment of it.

Happy Birthday Sis!!!!

Today is my sister's birthday.  I wish I could be in North Carolina with the rest of my family to celebrate it with her, but I know they all rather me be here in Puerto Rico playing volleyball.  For all of you that don't know my sister...she is an incredible person.  I have looked up to her my whole life even though she probably never knew it.  She led the way in volleyball and life, and is one of my biggest supporters in all that I do.  She is a gifted volleyball player and coach, and in the last 3 years has become an incredible mother.  I hope to be just like her when I grow up.  I miss her with all my heart and hope to be in North Carolina with her soon.  I know she much rather me post pictures of her kids then her...so here are Lexi and Noa.  Look at those lil suckers.

Lexi

Noa

Happy Birthday Erin! Love ya.

Tough Loss

USA vs Cuba 25-19, 25-16, 16-25, 26-28, 10-15

Tonight we had a tough loss against Cuba.  We came out fighting and managing the game well winning the first 2 sets pretty easily.  But The Cubans never back down.  They came back banging their jumps serves, hitting high over our block, and coming up with some spectacular plays.  We finally got our act together in the end of the 4 leading 22-20.  Unfortunately we made some unforced errors to let then back in the set and ultimately gave it up.  The 5th set is always tough after loosing a close one.  Cuba jumped out early and we just couldn't catch up.  Overall, we had some great things going on, and obviously have a lot to learn.  Every chance we get to play is an opportunity to get better and continue the learning process.  It is great to be put in tough situations as this one and I am positive we will continue to learn from our mistakes and build off of our progress.

On a positive note, my old friend Jorge Alifonso (who played at University of Hawaii) was able to be at the match.  I got to catch up with him a little, remembering some great times in Hawaii. It is just great when you can go for years without seeing a good friend and pick up right from where you left off.  Great friends are hard to come by these days, and I am blessed to have some fabulous ones in my life.  Thanks Jorge for making my day.

And lastly I want to thank all of my blog supporters...this blog is a way for me to update my friends, family, and fans on my volleyball adventures and other passions.  I love writing in it and hope to continue entertaining all that read it.  I'm signing off for the night.  Next up is Costa Rica.

New Favorite Purchase

I am so excited for fall.  Sounds weird since I am from Hawaii, and cold weather should scare me...but after all my travels and new found (well not so new) love for fashion I can't wait to wear fall clothes.  I got a little head start and purchased a new pair of boots...one of the trends for the season.They are not just any pair of boots...they are one of the top five Heavy Hardwear Booties featured in a recent post by Who What Wear daily...a very popular fashion site out there.  And even better I had purchased them about 2 weeks before that top 5 came out...maybe I do know what I'm talking bout.  Here is my new favorite addition to my shoe collection.  I have worn them with a dress, liquid leggings, and white skinny jeans.  I have even gotten compliments from random girls...and girls don't do that ofter.  One word...FIERCE

                      

Alexander Wang's Hanne Three Buckle Booties

The picture does the bootie no justice.  I will get a full outfit picture soon. Here are a couple of my other new purchases...

               David Lerner's Half Ripped Leggings

                          

Current/Elliott's Moto Skinny Jeans (A hugh hit for the Fall)

National Team Update

Today was the first day of NORCECA Championships. Luckily this year it is in Puerto Rico...not a bad place to spend a week. But I must say it is raining and very humid...feels like Hawaii in a way so I am right at home. Last night we had the pleasure of going to the opening dinner. It was quite a production...a band, the Puerto Rican captain (and soon to be teammate) being introduced on a little tug boat in a fake river, fireworks, a rock museum, dinner where they ran out of chicken after the Cubans took it all, and a close brawl with the Dominican team to get on the bus home first. Luckily the night finally ended and we made it back to the hotel safely after the longest 4 hours of our life.  But thank you to the Puerto Rican Federation for caring so much.

We played Mexico today. A very young, scrappy, and energetic team that had one girl that would whistle so loud before, during, and after the play that my ears are still ringing.  We started very slow but eventually got our game together and came out with a 3-0 win.

USA vs. Mexico 25-18, 25-10, 25-13


Tomorrow we have our toughest pool play match against Cuba.  They have only 4 returning Olympians on this trip, but will still be banging jump serves and hitting on the 10 ft. line.  It will be an exciting match.  Hopefully we will come out stronger then we did today.

I have some great footage from the opening dinner but the internet here is a little sketchy.  I will try to post the videos tomorrow night.  Have a great one.

Let's Go USA

Fashion Week in New York

One of the most fabulous weeks in New York is...Fashion Week. I will one day make it there...I will just have to be done with volleyball. It is so fun to see all the stars get dressed up for the big event, and it is also exciting to see the innovative designs from all of the classic and up and coming designers. This fashion week is dedicated to Spring of 2010. Isn't it crazy that we are just getting into fall and they are already showing Spring 2010? Well that's how it goes in the fashion world...Fall was already showcased back in February. Here are some stars getting daring with their outfits...I love the freedom of fashion.

I love the simple black dress with the statement necklace

Rhianna being her fashion forward self...really pushing it this time

Amber Rose maybe the only one that can pull that off

This one doing a little too much..what do you think?

Lindsay Lohan...not her best look

Victoria Beckham...I actually like this

Fashion week has only been going on for 3 days now and it is creating quite a stir in NY. As much as I love playing volleyball here in Peru, I can't say that part of me wants to be there...

One day I will be...I love fashion

She's back...National Team Update

Finally after a year of rehab it was time for me to step back on the court. After the team returned from World Grand Prix, it was time for me to start competing for a spot. I landed a spot on the roster for the Final 4 tournament in Lima, Peru. We arrived here on Monday the 7th after a long day of travel. I forgot after a year how this life was. We immediately got to our rooms and changed for practice. One of the things that I have to admit I did not miss. Luckily I wore thigh high compression socks on the airplane so I wouldn't swell. It was a short practice but I always feel better after. Competition started on the 9th and right away we had the Beijing Gold Medalist...Brazil.

All I can say is it wasn't a great 1st appearance back on the court for me. You would think that practice would prepare me...not at all. It was rough, but I am very hard on myself and I think that ultimately makes me the player that I am. We ended up loosing a close one in 5.

USA vs. Brazil 12-25, 25-18, 22-25, 25-19, 13-15

Next up we had the host Peru. The gym was packed and Peru was ready to play us. Too bad for them we came out firing in game 1. Game 2 was a close one, Peru got hot and we just could catch up. Fortunately in game 3 and 4 we settled down and played USA volleyball coming out with a victory.

USA vs. Peru 25-10, 20-25, 25-14, 25-20

Our final pool play game was our fellow NORCECA rival the Dominican Republic. They are a very young athletic team that has the potential to be very good. Hugh (my coach) decided to rest Heather Bown, Nancy Metcalf, and I knowing that we would face the Dominican again the following day. The Dominican came out strong and finished strong. We unfortunately were flat and never really got it rolling until the 3rd set, but too late to make a comeback.

USA vs. Dominican Republic 20-25, 19-25, 23-25

Like I said before, no matter what, we would face the Dominicans in the semifinals. This time it would be a different story. We had a great passing practice in the morning, and did a thorough video session on them. Going into the match we were very confident that it was going to be better then the first one. Luckily personal game decided to come back at the right time. The team played great. We were finally playing some good volleyball.

USA vs. Dominican Republic 25-20, 23-25, 25-22, 26-24

Tomorrow we get another shot at Brazil in the finals. I think we have a great chance. We have already improved so much on this trip alone. But we are definitely tired. 5 games is a row is no joke.

Welcome back Lindsey Berg #4

Visit usavolleyball.org for more detailed reports

Raquel Allegra

Ridiculous new designer...check her out...

But if you are reckless with clothing...think again about making a purchase.Her pieces are to die for.  Delicate, detailed, and one of a kind...she just gets it.  Can't wait to buy one...

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