July Update: Classics are in two weeks. I am excited about showing off my new floor routine. I figured this would be my last chance to have classical music. My coaches just got back from their trip back home to the Czech Republic. They were gone about a month. I used the time to condition and rest up my knee. I was doing a lot of bars. Now my knee is better (I am starting to add back my tumbling) but as you can see my hands need some rest. I wish I had more time to heal, but that’s the breaks, or rips as I call them. My biggest concern though is my hair. I was thinking with my classical music, I needed the no bangs look. But my bangs still aren’t long enough to pull back. What a dilemma! If I slick them back with spray and gel, they might hold. But if not, I wonder what the deduction is for falling bangs?

On June 20th, I was invited to an "Explore Georgia" program for select high school seniors. They talked about honors college. I was more interested in the freshman seminar, Chocolate Science. During one of the sessions they mentioned that football and gymnastics were big sports on campus. One of the UGA students talked about how exciting a gymnastic meet could be. It felt great listening to them. Then we went to lunch. While eating with the other invited students, we compared school histories. I said I was homeschooled and talked about being a gymnast. I tried explaining that I competed at the Elite level. Nobody knew what that meant. They couldn’t name one gymnast from the last Olympics. Not even Carly Patterson. Why doesn’t anyone care anymore? Are we that boring? :( Here I thought we were performing for public gratification.* Maybe I should start a justification trend. If I don't hear people giving me loud burst of applause during the Classics or see a Good Luck sign (As long as they are done in a classical motif. Remember, that is my new theme this year.) or two for me, then I am not going to Nationals. It won't be because of my knee injury and lack of a 35 score.

On a happier note, I ran into Courtney, Abby, and Tiffany on campus. I am so excited to finally have a TEAM. Just knowing that they are counting on me makes me work harder. I peeked in on the gymnastic camp going on. Seeing everybody again was great. That reminds me, I wanted to mention what classy gymnastic programs we have in our Division. After verballing to Georgia, I notified the other schools of my choice. Many of them called or wrote back, sending me their best wishes and congratulations on picking a school with a great gymnastics program. I’m glad Suzanne encouraged me to talk to and visit other schools. There are a lot of great programs out there. But for me, Georgia just felt right. I already feel like part of the team. And Jay, I have mixed emotions about you not being able to bark at me during the Classic. I’m still new with this barking thing. (Go Dawgs!!!)

Grace :)

* Seriously, I am honored by all the people who write to me and tell me they enjoy my gymnastics. The photos, montages, wallpapers, etc. are incredible gifts to me. I was just trying to joke about a serious issue. When you have gymnasts of the caliber we sent to the Olympics, you would hope the citizens of the country they represented would at least know their names. But then again, I recognize that I am a little sensitive to this sport.

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