Monday, October 20, 2008

The White House


I've been home for a month now and I wasn't planning on continuing my blog but decided I would update it occasionally and when anything exciting happens.

I'm a week and a half overdue in my something exciting but I have to share it anyways. Every four years after the Olympics and Paralympics the entire Olympic and Paralympic teams get to go to the White House. This year Mr. Bush gave spoke to all of us and since I was one of the flag bearers I got to present a gift to him and his wife. Never in my life did I think I would say into a microphone, Mr. President and Mrs. Bush, but that is exactly what I did. He shook my hand a number of times and gave me a hug and a kiss on the head which is what the pictures are. In the few minutes I met him he expressed gratitude and seemed genuinely appreciative. I was impressed... Along with meeting the president we got to see all sorts of other Olympians and got pictures with Shawn Johnson, Nastia Luiken, Ryan Lochte, etc... It was a great trip with the main highlight being the chance to see my teammates again.

Other than that excitement I we have been to MN for a wedding, to visit some friends and family in NC and SC, camping, etc... This Wed. I am leaving to go to CA for a military sports camp and the annual Challenged Athletes FOundation triathlon which I look forward to every year. I have no doubts I will come back inspired by what I see as I do every year.

The days I am back at home are a little strange. Since I'm not starting work until Jan. I don't really have anything I have to do so I tend to sit around a lot thinking abut the things I should be doing. I have been back in the water a few times but I'm not committed to it again yet. We'll see about that.

All right, that's it for now. Have a good day.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey you- what about the little event called the Chicago Marathon?? You forget already?
Glad ur gonna keep the blog going occasionally.
Good luck in Cali!
TTY soon!
~Alisha

Sara said...

this is so stinkin' awesome. i LOVE the picture of George Bush kissing your head. priceless

Unknown said...

Wow, I just...wow. So awesome! How about serving our great nation in uniform, competing in the US Paralympics as an amazing, strong and determined athlete and woman and then meeting your Commander in Chief. You rock... Just, wow!

Anonymous said...

Melissa,

You definitely have to keep your blog going. You have so much going on it's good for us to be able to keep up with all the cool stuff you are doing. See you in Little Rock!

Jenny said...

I'm glad you are going to keep your blog.
I loved the picture of "George" kissing your head :D