August 9 #2
Dear Journal,
It has been a really fun day! All of the Pop girls decided to visit some of Paris's famous stores! First though, we had to exchange our money, and that was an incredible pain in the butt. The lines took forever and the lady doing it was really mean. But then we hit the stores. I found a GORGEOUS dress to wear for the HOF induction! It's a shimmery light blue dress with jeweled straps, and best of all it was discounted because it's like ten minutes out of style, LOL. So that was a good find. Then we went and ate lunch in one of those little sidewalk cafes. One bizarre tradition in France is that people are allowed to bring their dogs to restaurants, so we were seated beside a table with these two women and their dogs! It was all very strange.
Today's workout went much better than yesterday's. I was a lot more consistant, and I feel a lot less drained than before. Which is good, because I have two meets this weekend and I really need to get my strength up!
Love,
Jennie

August 9
Bonjour!
And that, my friends, is all the French I know. I'm in Paris, and I absolutely love it here, despite the fact that I don't speak the language and don't know where anything is. We arrived yesterday and all immediately took naps. I couldn't sleep at all on the plane (unusual for me) so I was really tired when I got to the place where we were staying. I was actually grateful that I wasn't competing, because honestly I think I would have done really poorly -- I still feel sluggish.
I had a decent workout though. The beam, however, seemed really springy, and for a bouncy beam worker like myself that was not a good thing! I fell off even more than I usually do in practice. It did help me to get my full around much more easily than I usually land it though, and I guess i'll get used to the weird beam.
Then we had the junior competition, and Topo did really well! We got third, but all of our girls put in solid performances. Sarah got sixth and I clapped until my hands were sore! She did especially well on FX and I know that had to have made her so happy. The senior competition is tonight -- good luck, seniors!
Love,
Jennie

August 7 #2
Dear Journal,
Well, two so-so intersquads in a row for me. I was having really crappy routines the day of the meet, so I can't say I was surprised by my performance. I stumbled OOB on floor and fell off beam. All in all, not a great meet. I got 7th in the AA behind Tia, Sarah, Vada, Lan, Emily, and Alana. Pop tied for 3rd with Tiger (or was it Opilly?) In any case, I really need to finish high this weekend in the intersquad if I want to get my confidence back before Nationals. I was hurt leading up to Nationals last year, and that lack of confidence definitely affected mentally.
Here's the really frustrating thing though. The big meet in France (The Paris Internationale) is a 4-4-3 competition, which means only 4 juniors and 4 seniors get to compete. The top 7 finishers in the intersquad were all juniors, which means that even though Alana, Emily and I finished ahead of all of the seniors at Topo, we still can't compete this weekend. What really makes me sad though is that if I had been born two weeks earlier, I'd be a senior this year and my life would be so much easier :) Not to mention, there is a lot of disagreement as to what makes a gymnast a senior. At a lot of meets, you have to be 15 to be a senior, whereas at others you have to turn 16 in 2002. Because I'm the only Topo gymnast who was born in 1987, I'm the only one here who's affected by this inconsistancy. Why, oh why, couldn't Jessie and I have been a couple of weeks premature?
Well journal, I'll send you my love from the sidelines this weekend :(
Love,
Jennie

August 7
Dear Journal,
I'm on a plane to Paris! Woohoooooo! The dorm was insane this morning, with everyone running around doing last minute packing for the trip. I've never been more happy that I packed the day before in my life! I don't think I forgot anything, but I double-checked and triple-checked my bag this morning before leaving the gym. So I think I'm safe. I can't wait to go to Paris -- man, I think this is my fourth trip to Europe this summer! Let's see, Russia, Switzerland, and that other random meet that got cancelled. Yep, this is #4, maybe soon I'll have enough frequent flyer miles to go on a really cool vacation.
I am a little nervous about the fact that I don't speak a lick of French. I know that French is similar to Spanish, but that probably won't get me too far. I brought a lot of books on the trip, because school starts up soon and I need to get used to reading a lot. I brought The Nanny Diaries, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, a book called The Cheerleader, and The Great Gatsby. I'm sure I'll get through them all on this trip.
It's hard to believe that in a little over two weeks, I'll be in the tenth grade. I'd normally be really psyched about the start of school, but this is going to be a really hard year for me schoolwork-wise. I need to get awesome grades, because this year counts a lot more than last year! Anyway, I think we're about to land so I'll write more later!
Love,
Jennie

August 6
Dear Journal,
Things are getting crazy around here! Today's Apparatus Masters meet got postponed until this weekend, meaning that we'll have 2 meets while in Paris. We filled out our preferences tonight, and I put floor first, then beam, then bars, then vault. I did vault last year so I'd like to try a different event. I really think floor or beam is where I have my best shot at placing high. I'm just glad that i've kicked the food poisoning, that my foot is behaving, and that it's full steam ahead for the next two weeks. I just want to be able to look back on this time period and say "I did the best I could." So that's why every day in workout, I've been working harder than I ever have. I really, really think I have a shot at defending my national title, and that makes me really excited and really nervous all at the same time. It's definitely a lot of pressure, and I'm dreading the arrival of the media circus next week. Ever since they chewed me up and spat me out at the 2000 Trials, I haven't been the biggest fans of them.
I talked to my mom, and I think I'm going to take a mini-trip (like a weekend) down to NC this fall when I have the free time. Woohoo, yay for seeing home!
Love,
Jennie

August 5
Dear Journal,
I can't believe that in 48 hours I'll be in Paris! This will be a great trip, and I cannot wait. Today I got most of my packing done, just because I know if I put it off til tomorrow I'll be totally stressed out about it all. So my bags are pretty much packed and ready to go except for my gym bag. I love my gym bag, it's awesome and I'll never replace it. It's the official Topopolilly one that I got when I first came here. It's black with gold embroidered lettering, and then pinned to the strap/bag connection area are patches from all the places I've traveled.
I really hope I make ong of the competing teams in Paris. I think I have a good shot, but now I'm totally confused as to whether I'm a junior or a senior elite. And that could definitely affect whether or not I make it, because the junior division's packed with talent. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Marissa went on the injured list today! She broke a bone in her leg and is going home to have surgery. I feel so bad for her, and I hope that she comes back really soon!
Love,
Jennie

August 3 #2
Dear Journal,
Ow, ow, ow! I must have crashed my Jaeger every time in workout today! My whole body is aching and to top it all off, I have a bloody nose from smacking the mat so many times. I have a bunch of ice all over various body parts and I'm in a lot of pain. This is SO not what I needed right now. There's an intersquad tomorrow and I need to be in top shape because I stunk last week.
Since I've got some time to kill, I think I'm going to watch Can't Hardly Wait in the rec room. I hope I'll have some company!
Love,
Jennie

August 3
Dear Journal,
I've been a real loner lately. I guess I noticed it to some extent, but it didn't really hit me until Sarah came up to me today and asked if everything was okay. Everything's fine, really! I just like spending some time just with myself, especially with all the pressures of the next month. It's all starting to build up inside me, and I just get overwhelmed sometimes. I found out that Mom, Dad, and Court are definitely coming to both Topo Championships and US Nationals. Anna and Jessie are coming to Championships but not Nationals, and Katie is coming to Nationals but not Championships. They're all coming to the Hall of Fame induction, so that's a slight silver lining to my bad mood, hehe.
I still need a dress for the Hall of Fame banquet, along with clothes to take on our upcoming trip to Paris. That's right journal, I'm going to Paris! There's a meet while we're there, and I don't know if I'm going to compete but just to make the trip will be awesome. I want to go shopping there, but I don't know how much time I'll have. If the trip to Moscow is any indication, the answer will be none at all!
The other thing on my mind right now is getting the Battleflag dance prepared for the SIDC showing in about six weeks. I have to perform parts of the dance in front of the directors and submit a written proposal, and if I'm picked I'm totally responsible for casting the dance and running rehearsals for it. I've got the first minute and a half choreographed, but that's all, and it's a early six minute song! I think I bit off more than I can chew.
Oh well, time for workout! Talk to you later!
Love,
Jennie

August 2
Dear Journal,
This is such a great week! I love that for once I have a week free of travel, of competition, of stress, of my ankle being weird, of stupid getting-ready-for-school stuff. It's just a normal, boring week, and since I crave routine this is perfect for me. Just workout and relaxation for me. Maybe I'll clean up my room and get other random stuff like that done.
This morning I got up at about 4 and went for a run. I used to do this all the time, and I'm not sure why I stopped. There's a really great trail through the woods near the dorm, and I used to run it every morning before sunrise, then do some yoga by this random small pond while the sun came up. I did that again this morning, and it's definitely going to be part of my daily routine. The pond is pretty far off the path, and while a lot of Topo people have taken jogs through the woods I'm pretty sure that I'm the only one who knows that this pond is there. It's really beautiful, I love having a little secret like that.
Apparatus Masters are being held next week, and I have to pick an event. I did vault last year, and that was fun, but I'd like to do a different event this year. I'm not sure what though. Honestly, I'll be happy when Championships and US Nationals and all this other stuff is over. It's more stress than I really care for.
Love,
Jennie

August 1
Dear Journal,
Wow, it's August already? When I flipped over my calendar page today, I just sort of groaned because this month is going to be unbelievably hectic. There are a bunch of meets coming up next week, then a training camp to gear up for championships, then championships, then school starts up again, then nationals. Ugh ugh ugh. Just shoot me now, cause I'll never survive it all.
On a happy note, I had a really great competition in the AA at the Return To The Storm meet. I scored 10's on bars and floor and a 9.7 on vault and won the AA gold. We had a really fun beach party after the meet and I got to wear my new pink and green sundress. I had a great time at this meet, yay for any opportunity to have some fun in the sun!
Oh, and after nearly 3 weeks, Coach Lois FINALLY caught the belly button ring. I guess I didn't do a good job covering it up today. She made a face when she saw it, but said as long as it didn't interfere with my skills, i could keep it. Luckily soon I can take it out when I do gym, but it's still too early to do that.
Anna and Jessie are back in school, haha. Their first football game is next Friday and they're a little nervous. They're both flyers on the cheer team but it's still all new to Anna. I mean, she's used to flying in the air but not used to having someone chuck her up there. I wish I could watch!
I'd write more, but I'm really tired. I sucked in workout today so I gotta sleep!
Love,
Jennie

July 30
Dear Journal,
I'm in FLorida! Woo-hoo! Emily, Amanda, Alana, and I are competing in the Return to the Storm Meet. And I did really well in today's prelims! My high score was a 9.850 on bars and I made UB and AA finals so that's pretty cool. I can't wait til finals.
I also can't wait to hit the beach! It's so pretty here and I am totally ready to just swim and tan and have a blast. The one drawback to Indiana is no beaches. I really really love them. Maybe I should go to UNC-Wilmington! Haha. No way would mom and dad go for that, they know I'd never work.
I met Alana's sister Sammie today and she's totally sweet and fun. I think it would be so fun to have a younger sister. I mean, I love my four older ones but I hate being the one who gets bossed around all the time :)
Love,
Jennie

July 28 #2
Dear Journal,
Want to hear the suckiest thing ever? Anna and Jessie start school tomorrow! In western NC, they start school super early, and their school is even earlier than the rest. Poor girls. But they are psyched to start cheer season. Also, Anna will be a senior and that will be great for her. This is only her second full year of public high school, so she's all ready to go. She's also working on college applications, but basically unless she gets a scholarship somewhere else, she's going to UNC. I can understand that, because soon there will be three of us in college at once and that's a huge drain on any family. Plus, Court's stanford tuition, my gym tuition, and Katie's SAB tuition are all pretty steep. I think Anna would like it in Chapel Hill anyway.
As for me, I still have a few more short weeks of freedom. And I'm going to make the most of them! Oh, Alana might be coming to Rietz, wahooooo! :)
Love,
Jennie

July 28
Dear Journal,
I'm feeling much better! Whatever bug I had is now gone. But man oh man did my meet suck. I managed an eighth place finish, which was actually a miracle given how shaky and off I felt the whole time. I made the team for the Return To The Storm meet and leave for florida early this week. Yay for working on my tan!
I am a little disappointed about not making double trouble, but that's life. There will be other meets like it, and I paid the price for eating that darn granola bar, LOL. I will be on a team with Alana which will be really fun. I think we're going to room together in the hotel as well -- look out for crazy insanity.
Love,
Jennie

July 27 #2
Dear Journal,
So, after getting ready for the meet, I went downstairs to the office, and luckily my timing was perfect, as the forms to petition to the US Championships had just arrived. I grabbed one immediately,filled it out, and gave it right back for Topo to mail in. The thing that stinks about this, though, is that I miss being able to compete as a senior by TWO STINKING WEEKS. Because most competitions set the senior age limit at 15 and not 16, I've had trouble remembering that I am still technically a junior until the end of 2002. And that date cannot come soon enough! Especially because most top gymnasts right now are in the junior division and will stay there another year, making seniors a less crowded field.
In any case, I'm just hoping to compete. It sounds like a great competition and lord knows I need all the experience I can get. It'll also be good to see how I stack up to the best of America's gymnasts. I think that we topo people compete against each other so much that we get a sort of tunnel vision and forget that there is lots of other talent out there. I hope that I can place well at this meet and end my summer just right!
Well, it's time to go to the meet and I still feel like crap. I think that the granola bar I ate yesterday might be the culprit. That'll be the last granola bar I ever eat.
Love,
Jennie Love,
Jennie

July 27
Dear Journal,
Ohhhhhhh mannnnnnnnnn.
I do NOT feel good. I don't know what I ate to make me feel like this, but it was bad. I woke up this morning in a cold sweat, and immediately ran to the bathroom and threw up (too much information, yeah yeah yeah.) Cameron, who was brushing her teeth, as always came up with the perfect comment. She asked "Jennie, are you pregnant?" Um no Cam, but thanks for your concern :)
I decided to forego morning workout so that I could attempt to recover. I dragged my blanket down to Grandma Benni's suite where she took care of me all morning. Man, isn't she the best! Sarah stopped in after workout, and then Lois came by to see if I could compete today. I told her yes, which will probably prove to be a mistake. I still don't know how I got this. I can't recall eating anything yesterday that no one else ate. I mean, we all go to the same cafeteria don't we?
I took a long nap and managed to drag myself to afternoon workout, though i don't know how. I was falling all over the place and just wanted to die, but I have to compete today so that I have a chance at making the roster for an upcoming outside of Topo meet. It's important that I not miss a week and that I make every effort to place high every week, although I'll be lucky to make it through this intersquad in one piece. I just feel bad because Pop won for the first time last week and now any chance they have at winning this week is shot because of me. Oh well, maybe they'll cut me some slack. Kelly and Cameron brought Lester over for a "feel better visit" Gee, thanks guys :)
Well, I got back to my room after workout, and got ready for the meet before sitting down and writing this entry. And guess what was sitting on my bed? A home pregnancy test, with a big bow and a note saying "Hope you kick the morning sickness. Love, Cameron and Lester. I love you Cam, haha.
Love,
Jennie

July 26 #2
Dear Journal,
Sarah's back! It's so great to see her again, and to hear that her operation went as well as it did. Sometime, I'd love to go up to Bethesda with her and see the place. Hint, hint, hint! LOL. But yeah she looks great and loved the flowers, and I'm so glad that she's already back to normal training. I missed having her around to push me in workouts.
The gym's going well. We have a meet tomorrow and I don't think I'm going to do as well this week, but that's okay. There's other things going on right now than winning meets. Namely, Lizzie's sleeping over this weekend and I have my best friend back! I will miss rooming with Brittany though. You were a really fun roomie!
Love,
Jennie

July 26
Dear Journal,
Whoa, LONG overdue meet report. I'm sorry that I haven't written the past couple of days, but I've been so incredibly busy at practice and with going back to school! Anyway, last weekend's meet was GREAT! Because of our recent successes at the North American meet, there was greater interest in this meet and we had a slightly bigger crowd. As for me, I felt great, and my foot wasn't bothering me at all. Talk about a relief! I started off with Pop on beam, and we had six solid sets so we were pumped. We got to drop a score, but it was still awesome that they were all really good. I had a great four events, and overall the team was really good too.
In keeping with Topo tradition, we stood in our big circle on the FX mat for awards after the meet. I got first all-around (heck yeah!) plus third on bars and first on floor. Then they started going through the team rankings. After they announced Opilly and Lilly, we were freaking out because this pretty much meant we had second place. So when the announcer said "And our second place team, the Tiger Squad," we FREAKED OUT!!! We all just about tackled each other and were jumping all over the place. Pop has never won an intersquad before, so this was a big, big deal. I just hope we can keep the momentum going! In addition to my placement, Krista got 5th, Cameron 6th, Kelly 9th, Danielle 18th, and Marissa 19th. Yay Snakes!
Other than that, not much is going on around here. I'll write more later.
Love,
Jennie

July 23
Dear Journal,
Well, it was another beautiful day here in Indiana! Once again I took some time out to work on my tan. Nothing relaxes me more than lying out on my towel and catching some rays. Sometimes I just need a total escape from gymnastics, teenage girls, and the pressures that come along with being an elite gymnast. Usually I try to read, but today i just relaxed and even fell asleep on my stomach out there. Can you tell that today was a totally lazy day? LOL.
Right now I'm trying to clear my head and focus on the meets ahead -- namely Nationals and US Championships. I'm not sure what the difference between the two is, but I'm sure we'll get more information as the date draws nearer. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't dream of defending my title, but I also know that a lot can change in a year. In any case, I am a much better gymnast than I was when I won Nationals last year. That's all that really matters to me.
I'm still waiting to see if I made the team for the Double Trouble meet. I'd love to go out West and compete at Cascade Locks, so hope that I make it journal!
Love,
Jennie

July 22
Dear Journal,
Wow, it is beautiful outside today! Sunny and not too hot -- I'm definitely going to have to spend some time outside between workouts today. The CVGI campers are finally back, and it feels great to have a roommate again. Actually, now I have two roommates because Brittany is staying with us. It's been a lot of fun having her around, I feel like I've gotten to know her really well in the past couple of days,
Workouts have been going well, pretty relaxed. The Pop Squad's busy getting ready for the meet today, and trying to get psyched to kick some butt! There are two teams that will be decided as a result of this meet -- The Double Trouble Gym Fest, which is a dual with Cascade Locks, and a meet at Tropical Storm Gymnastics. I hope to make Double Trouble, but to be in either meet would be an honor.
I'm so ambivalent about all of this competing right before Nationals. I mean, I love getting the experience, but it means I have to work harder at pacing myself so that I don't burn out. Mainly this has become an issue with my foot, which has been acting up yet again. Not too bad, mainly achy stuff after workout. But it's enough to cause concern, and today I went to see the trainer. She examined me and said that nothing is wrong or re-injured (whew!) but that I had done so much past damage to the foot that it was bound to flare up every once in a while, and that as long as I kept it iced and wrapped, I would be totally fine. I will admit that the whole foot thing's frustrating. There's nothing that can be done to correct it, I just have to deal with the pain every so often.
On a much more cheerful note, Lizzie and Adam are both coming to the meet tonight. I've barely seen Adam, on account of the fact that his parents have been dragging him all over Europe. Adam's an only child and has been taken a lot of places with his parents ever since he was little, just because they felt bad about leaving him. But he didn't go to Russia and I did, so hahahaha.
Well, I gotta go meet the other Snakes to get ready for the meet. Wish me luck!
Love,
Jennie

July 21
Dear Journal,
Well, I'm finally home from Las Vegas, laden with a whole lot of random stuff I got while i was there. I had so much fun hanging out there after the meet was over! I always thought vegas was just made up of casinos and wedding chapels and lots of alcohol, but there's actually fun stuff to do there. My sisters and I did a lot of shopping and went to these little amusement parks they have there. We rode an indoor roller coaster! But still, I'm glad to be home even though I miss my family already. Notice that I refer to this as home. We didn't move to NC until after I came here, so I never really feel at home there. I don't even have a room, really, I share with Jess when I'm home visiting. She hates that cause I always clean like mad :)
Anyway, today I just had a light workout to gear up for tomorrow's meet and for the week ahead. My foot has been bothering me a little lately, so I've been taking the extra effort to keep it iced and wrapped. It's not that I think I'm going to re-injure it, but I really really want to stay on the safe side. If anything, keeping it wrapped has a sort of placebo effect on me.
I didn't do much else today besides watch "A Walk To Remember" with Brittany and her older sister. That was really fun! Linds showed me all these pictures of Courtney that I'm sure Court REALLY didn't want anyone to see, haha. I had a lot of fun with them. But now, I think Danielle and I are going to settle in for a fierce game of monopoly. We're totally obsessed with that :)
Well, I'll talk to you tomorrow journal! Wish me luck in the meet!
Love,
Jennie

July 20 #2
Dear Journal,
Oh my god, event finals ROCKED!!! I'm really tired and can't write much, so I'll sum it up really quick. Vault Gold, Bars Silver, Beam Gold, Floor Silver. OMG OMG OMG. If only I had had these performances in the AA! Still, this was such a great competition for me. Six medals -- three gold. This was just the confidence booster I needed!
Love,
Jennie

July 20
Dear Journal,
Time for a report on the all-around final! I know you're as excited as I am journal! There were eight of us in the all-around, three of us from the US, so all eight of us were in the same rotation. That made the competition really intense because we were always the only ones up on the apparatus. I'm used to meets where all four events are going at once and things are just chaotic. Which sounds really distracting but I like that format so much better.
I must admit that the nerves were running pretty high going into the AA. But I just tried to forget the importance of the meet and just let the skills happen, and it worked. I started off really strong on vault with a 9.5 average, putting me in second place behind Arika. But on the next event I had an awesome bar routine to put me in the lead. When I managed to hold that lead after beam, you can imagine how excited I was.
When I got up to floor the crowd was all excited. And I had a really great routine...right until the final seconds. I didn't have enough power going into my punch half and I landed it on my knees. The crowd let out this loud collective groan and I was so mad at myself for letting it happen. I slipped to third in the AA, which is still really good. Arika won and Eva got second, so it was a US sweep. Yay us!
Love,
Jennie

July 19 #2
Dear Journal,
All around final's tonight so I can't write too much. Arika, Eva and I are competing for the US and I can't wait to see how we do. I had a fun morning with my family though! I can't believe that all four of my sisters are here, that is just amazing given their schedules. They're all doing well. Good old Courtney was about to whip out her fake ID and gamble when Mom and Dad gave her a Stern Lecture on Responsible Behavior. We did take a lot of family pictures in this manicured garden outside the hotel though. There was this one really funny one of my three older sisters in a row, and then they're holding Jessie and I across their bodies. You kinda have to see it to understand it.
I'm so nervous for tonight! I really want to keep the momentum going, but everyone here is so talented! At least I'm here. As lois always tells me, I need to get in the zone! Wish me luck!
Love,
Jennie

July 19
Dear Journal,
Viva Las Vegas baby! I love this town! This is supposed to be the luckiest place on earth, and I think I pretty much proved it in the team competition last night!
First of all, the atmosphere at this competition is amazing. We're drawing a really big, really enthusiastic crowd and that's great to see. It does feel very strange, though, to be representing the United States and not Topopolilly. Even in Russia, we were four seperate Topopolilly teams. At this meet, we're Team USA whose members just happen to all be from the same gym. I think the reality first hit at march-in. We were standing in one of those side tunnel things while the Mexico team marched out and all of a sudden, we heard that famous "U-S-A! U-S-A!" chant coming from the crowd. If that doesn't get the adrenaline pumping, I don't know what does. At first, it didn't even register in my brain that those cheers were for us! And when we got out of the tunnel, the crowd just went crazy, with flags and the whole deal. We had our own little flags that we waved as we marched in. I was able to spot my family (ALL 6 OF THEM! AMAZING!) in the stands, and they all had f! lags and posters and the whole "Go USA" shebang.
SO we marched over to vault and lined up there, where I was set to go second to last before Arika. I was slated as an all-arounder, which was pretty cool, and it was stated in the local paper that Eva and I were the leaders of the US team, and that was very cool! I must admit though that I was totally jittery on vault. This crowd definitely rivaled those of Nationals and Olympics in terms of size. But unlike those meets, where everyone had their own favorite team or athlete they were pulling for, this crowd was pretty much 100% behind the Americans. I was visibly nervous before vaulting, and I remember Lois yelling out "Find the zone, Jen, find the zone." That's her little mantra she always tells me before meets, and it really does relax me.
Well, I nailed both of my vaults, and just about fell out of my chair when my average was posted as a 9.6. Right then, I started jumping around because that was a really high score for this meet. And then, right after that, Arika went up and got a 9.6 too! We were both jumping around and screaming, happy that we got the US off to such a good start. ALL of topo did great!
Our momentum continued on bars. We all had really solid sets, and I think this was the rotation we had been most worried about as a team. I mean, bars is a BEAST under the new code. But we all came through great! I anchored bars for Topo...USA...whatever, LOL. Cameron had just put up a huge score, so I didn't feel much pressure at all and that helped a lot. My swings were really good and while I hopped on the dismount, that was the only visible error. I got a 9.525! And the US was way ahead. Lois was flipping out, just running around hugging us all.
Next we were on to beam, the event I was personally the most nervous about. I was up third on beam, and the crowd was louder than ever, getting all excited about a US victory, and I was basically terrified. But I got through the ount -- NO BOUNCING! -- and once I got that skill done the nerves just sort of melted away. I had a solid routine, and I even hit my illusion roll which is a total rarity! 9.45!
By the time we got to floor, I was totally in the zone. And oh gosh, the crowd LOVED Roxanne! That was the first time I performed the routine where there was a lot of clapping and crowd interaction with the routine. And I hit all of my passes, even that pesky double front. It just felt so,so good, and it showed in my presentation which made me feel even better about it all. And the score felt pretty darn good too :)
After all of that, we all marched up to the FX again and lined up while the announcer read off the people who made finals. And they kept calling me up, "Jennie Ray, Jennie Ray, Jennie Ray..." I made all four event finals and the all-around -- how cool is that! Plus, had the meet ended tonight, I would have won gold on vault, silver on the other three events, and won the all-around by almost a point.
And team USA won!!! We just about went crazy out there, and the crowd loved it. The head of the US Federation came out to shake all of our hands, and I don't think I've ever felt so good in my life. The fact that Topopolilly could single-handedly field a team strong enough to beat Canada and Mexico speaks volumes about this program. Lois was a very happy camper, needless to say!
Someone hurry up and pinch me!
Love,
Jennie

July 18
Dear Journal,
It's hard to believe that in a few short hours, I will be competing out on the floor in one of my biggest meets ever. I'm really really nervous for this meet. There was an article in the paper today abour it and while that usually gets me all excited, this one just worried me. I guess reresenting the country as w whole is more nerve-wracking than I thought. In any case, I hope I do the US proud tongiht. We can only hope.
Love,
Jennie

July 17 #2
Dear Journal,
Wow, LOTS to talk about in this entry. A ton has been going on here at the gym and it's tough to keep up with it all. Even though there aren't many people in the gym, there's a lot of activity because we're all getting ready to GO TO VEGAS!!! Yes, I am so, so excited about this trip. I can't even tell you how many requests I've gotten from my friends and family to bring them random Vegas souvenirs, haha. I can't wait. I just want to come home with something that says "Viva Las Vegas" on it. That is all I ask of myself at this meet, LOL.
Anyway, because Sarah's out with an injury and Danielle's away at camp, Brittany's been staying with me and we've been keeping each other company. She is such a fun girl! I didn't really get many chances to hang out with her before, but she's really outgoing and just hilarious to be around. So yay for my temporary roommate! I love having a futon, it allows us to just start packing people in here, and in my opinion, the more the merrier!
And speaking of "the more the merrier," we have a new gymnast at Topo! IT'S ALANA!!!! I just about FLIPPED OUT when she walked into the gym this morning. I like, tackled her and knocked her into the (lester-free) foam pit. She's going to be on the Lilly Squad, which is cool but I'm sad that we can't be on a squad together. Oh well, I guess this means our pen pal days are over! But that's okay because she'll be down the hall! Woooohooooo!! And she's coming to Vegas with us to watch the meet!
Anyway, we got a bunch of goodies today from the national gymnastics federation, including a batch of new red, white and blue USA leotards that are really pretty! They also sent us gym bags and warmups. I need to compete in meets like this more often, yay for free stuff!
Love,
Jennie
BRING IT, BABY!

July 17
Dear Journal,
It's that time again -- yep, meet report! First of all, while the crowd was pretty sparse at this one, it was cool to see that a lot of people bought those new shirts that the gym is selling. And Pop was loaded with spirit and ready to go! Cameron and I brought back our mid-rotation dance routines, and the crowd got a kick out of them. But anyway, I had a great meet! The judges were HARD at this meet. But I had four solid routines, no complaints. Even my beam mount was like a rock. And we all know what a miracle that is.
I wasn't sure how I was going to do, so needless to say I fell over in shock when I heard that I had won third place! Arika was in second, and Eva third (I think, my memory sucks.) There's still no word on all-arounders for NAGF, now I'm wondering if they'll just decide it when we get there. Oh man, can you just picture the excitement of competing AA in an international meet like that? I leave tonight, I can't wait!
Love,
Jennie
I miss you Sarah :(

July 15 #2
Dear Journal,
I had so much fun at Lizzie's party! It was a hawaiian "Temptation Islans" theme party and we all got really into it. We didn't swim for the most part, but Lizzie's mom set up all these tiki torches and stuff by the pool and we all wore leis and had a ton of fun! Lizzie and I have already decided that we are going to jointly hold our sweet 16 parties on April 15 or thereabouts (that's the halfway point between our birthdays.) We really want to have a Paris or Mardi Gras theme for it. In any case, I'm really excited!
Speaking of turning 16, after some wheedling I finally convinced my parents to let me have the Volvo! Dad's taking it to get fixed, because it's on the brink of death, but they're going ot bring it up the next time they come to Topo. They're going to make sure I don't drive it before I get my license though -- they're giving the keys to Lois! Oh well, just seeing it sitting in the parking lot will be enough of an inspiration!
Love,
Jennie

July 15
Dear Journal,
Man oh man, is it weird around here or what? This morning, half the gym (Morgan, Marissa, Krista, Vada, Lan, Danielle, Madison, Tia, Lindsay, Marie, Keshira, and Marina all headed for Boston to take part in the Cascade Locks Gymnastics Camp. They all left at the crack of dawn this morning, and I didn't even wake up when Danielle was leaving! But lo and behold, my roomie was gone when I woke up this morning :(
Workout was deserted this morning. Sarah and Jessica are about to go home to rehab injuries, so there were only ten of us actively working out in the gym. Nick was gone at the camp, so it was just the ten of us and Lois. We trained in two groups: the team for the North American Gymnastics Festival trained as a group, and I'm really proud to say that I am a part of that team! It's me, Cameron (yeah Pop Squad, way to represent,) Eva, Emily, Brittany and Arika. All-arounders and specialists haven't been picked yet, because Lois is waiting to see how we stack up in workout before picking AA'ers. And man, is she being tough on us. She really wants us to win this meet for the US, and I can't blame her. I really want to win too!
So yeah, I can't believe that this time tomorrow, Sarah will be gone! She's going home to Maryland to have some bone chips taken out. She seems happy about it though. She knows that this is for the best, and that it will put her in better shape for the end of the summer season. Still, I'll miss her tons.
Well I gotta go, it's time for Lizzie's birthday party! It's a luau theme, woohoo!
Love,
Jennie

July 14 #2
Dear Journal,
Just a quick entry to tell a funny story. Today, Sarah got a copy of USA Gymnast magazine from the gym shop, and we settled in to read it together. They do a page on each major elite gym every month, giving the top news story. In a story about the Russia meet at Topo, it mentioned that "Rivals Jennie Ray and Sarah Torrence finished third and fourth out of Topopolilly's athletes." Oh yeah, Sarah and I are SUCH rivals. That whole best friends thing is just a big act to disguise how much she and I actually hate each other. WHAT-ever! The media can be so dumb! :)
Love,
Jennie

July 14
Dear Journal,
Well, I am definitely going to the North American Gym Festival. Whether I go as a competitor or a spectator remains to be seen, however. Today after practice I asked Coach if I could sit out the camp if I made that team. I believe that my routines are in good shape, that I shouldn't travel any more than is necessary, and that probably someone else would prefer to go to the camp instead of me. In the case of this camp, it would be too exhausing to travel all that way just to train in an unfamiliar gym where I could easily be hurt. So in the middle of the week, I'll be leaving to go to Las Vegas, Nevada! There are twelve Topo people total going, so it will be a really fun trip. It's weird that the whole gym is going on the road like this.
I got another letter from Alana. It sounds like things are going really well for her at KP. I hope she makes Topo! She's pretty near the top of the waiting list. If she does come here, we'll be in the same grade at school and then we could go to school together. That would rock!
In other news, I got Lizzie's birthday present today. I made her a scrapbook of all the silly stuff we've done, and I also gave her a little teddy bear that holds a picture frame. Her party tomorrow's going ot be great. Plus, tomorrow will mark six more months until I turn sweet 16! I can't wait! There's a 1989 burgundy Volvo station wagon sitting in our driveway with my name on it. Haha, if it doesn't die by then.
Love,
Jennie

July 13 #2
Dear Journal,
Soon it will be meet time! I can't wait. The Pop Squad is getting pumped for this meet. This afternoon after our podium training, we came back to Marissa and Krista's room and got into our new green and gold Pop leotards, and did each other's hair with lots and lots of gold glitter. We also have green and gold ribbons, and we went all out. Unfortunately, I couldn't do the same hairstyle as the other girls, because my hair requires so many darn clips to stay up that it would just look stupid, hehe. But I did a similar one. I can't wait for my hair to finally grow out. But I do like the look when I'm not in the gym.
One cool thing that happened as well, is that Topopolilly had all these t-shirts made. Each squad has their own design, and they're also going to sell them at meets to make money for the gym. Plus, they want the fans to get into the whole squad competition thing. Lizzie and Cara came to the meet, and they both got Pop shirts this afternoon while waiting around, which was really cool. It feels good to have this kind of support. I'm sleeping over at Lizzie's tonight after the meet, and I think it's going ot be a great night!
Speaking of which, I gotta find this girl a birthday present! Yikes!
Love,
Jennie

July 13
Dear Journal,
Well, it feels great to be back in Indiana! I had a lot of fun at summer specialties, but i'm so glad to be home I can't even tell you. Oh, and one of the first things I heard upon coming home was that my roommate tied for fourth place in the meet against PFPG. That's awesome, congrats Danielle! Not much else is going on here, just because we're all getting ready for tonight's meet. It's a big meet because we have to get ready for the upcoming North American festival. Did I mention how excited I am? I know I've said it like a million times, but I really really want to make it. And if I don't, I really really want to go and watch! LOL. Yeah, I need to cut back on the caffeine.
I'm done with SIDC for the summer -- too many people are away in the end of the summer so we're just going to pick up practice at the beginning of the school year. I'm really glad to have that break, because I was starting to get really worn out, especially on Tuesdays. Gymn, SIDC, and dance was just way too much in one day.
Oh, and here's the other big drama that happened while I was gone. That darn snake is on the loose again! So apparently it's slithering around the dorm somewhere. Greeeaaaatt. That thing had better stay out of my room. Oh well, I'll just try to forget that he's out there. Besides, I want Cam and Kelly to find him, just so that they'll be happier at our meet, LOL. I hope Pop does well!
Love,
Jennie

July 12
Dear Journal,
Hello from the Summer Specialties meet! This meet was over and done with so fast, and overall I'd say it was very well done and they took great care of us. Yay, MSGA, and thanks for hosting this meet! I actually didn't do very well...I mucked up bars and ended up in 19th, not nearly enough to make it to finals. But it was a good experience for me, and it's good to get to travel and compete in meets like this that have unconventional formats.
I actually am zipping right back to Topo to prepare for the intersquad this weekend. Did I mention how nervous I am? LOL. I really really want to make this NAGF team. My parents already got tickets -- they're going whether or not i compete in it. I'm with them on that one, it looks like a great meet. I also can't wait for my driving lesson this weekend.
I know this entry was short and I'm sorry, but I'm about to fall asleep here! :)
Love,
Jennie

July 11
Dear Journal,
Well, today was just a really boring day, LOL. Workout was good, I relaxed a lot, and basically nothing happened. Right now I'm really pumping myself up to make that team for the North American Gym Festival. To represent the USA would just be the coolest thing ever. But it's hard, because everyone else here feels the same way, and three-fourths of the gym is going to be pretty disappointed come this weekend. That being said, I feel prettty good about the meet. I've been much more consistant than usual in my workouts this week. I'm most nervous about vault though, because that's been giving me some trouble (and it usually doesn't in workout.)
Today I filled out the form confirming my classes for the coming year. I'm really excited because I'm going to take all of my classes at school and none with tutors. I'll be a lot busier, but that's okay because I'll have a more normal school experience.
Speaking of fun normal stuff, I'm having a driving lesson this weekend with Lizzie and her mom. Isn't it so nice of her to teach me? It's times like these that I really miss my mom and dad, and wished I lived at home so that I could do this teenager stuff with them. But I think that all this sacrifice will be worth it. It already is :)
Love,
Jennie

July 10
Dear Journal,
I had a great day! The only low point was part of workout, where we were doing kip cast contests on bars. every time I went from kip to cast, my stomach pressed into the bar and it hurt SO BAD. I thought I was going to die. But there I was, trying to grit my teeth and get through it so Lois wouldn't suspect anything. After workout, I checked on it, and everything LOOKED fine, but I've still been going crazy with the padding and disinfectant on my navel. The last thing I want is to hurt myself!
I feel really ready for the meet this weekend. This meet will decide the teams for the CVGI camp and for the North American Gymn Festival. I really, really want to go to the North American meet. I just don't think I'd get much out of the CVGI camp, seeing as I already have solid routines all put together. So let's hope I make the North American team. Also, Lizzie will be at the meet again, which is always fun. Maybe Adam can come too. Adam's being really weird lately. He and I have been like brother and sister, but now things are weird. Lizzie told me "I think it's finally occured to him that yes, you are a girl, and that freaks him out." That sucks. Adam's the brother I never had and I'd like to keep things that way. Well, I have to go, because among other things I'm planning Lizzie's surprise birthday party. Woo-hoo!
Love,
Jennie
Bring it, baby!
Hi Alana! :)

July 9 #2
Dear Journal,
Oh my word. This day was...unlike any other, LOL. My sister got here about an hour after workout ended and I was SO excited to see her. I leaped into a big hug with her and we started chatting on and on right away. She's a crazy, spontaneous person and I love that about her. She and I are ALWAYS doing some crazy new thing. From the day when I was 3 (she was 8) and we had an oreo eating contest (I threw up for two days following, her for three) we have been totally random around each other.
I showed her my dorm and introduced her to a bunch of people, and then it was time to go. Oh, and she loved my hair. I'm really starting to look at Lizzie's gum in my hair as a blessing in disguise. So far I've gotten nothing but compliments on the new look which is nice. Plus, it's so much easier to maintain than my old hair. I never have to blow it dry, and I take so much less time in the shower!
So, let me tell you about my trip to the mall! We started by pulling over to an empty side parking lot, and Court let me get behind the wheel and do some very basic driving. I was fine at going straight, but turning the car is a lot harder than I thought. Plus, Court drives a Jeep and those things are just not made for shorties like me, haha. But it felt really good to be driving, and I really hope I can talk Mom and Dad into letting me have the extra car once i get my licence next year. That would rock! Plus, I'd really need it to get to all of my different extracurricular things.
So then we went shopping for a while. I didn't buy anything but Court bought half the mall. That girl shops like a champ! Then, she got this evil look on her face and dragged me out of the mall and I just KNEW she was up to something. We ended up at this shopping center that's outside of the mall, and finally I asked "okay, what are you up to?" At that point, she proclaimed "I'm getting my belly button pierced! And I want you for moral support!" I can't say I was shocked, Court is totally the navel piercing type :) So we went into the piercing/tattoo place, and while she was looking at the different rings, she pulled me aside and asked, "Hey Jennie, do you want to do it too?"
I mean, how was I supposed to respond to this? I just kind of stood there with my mouth hanging open for a second, and then finally found my excuse. In Indiana, you have to be 18 or have written permission from a parent or guardian to get pierced. I proudly told Court that, but she just laughed and said "You think I didn't think of that?" She reached into her purse and pulled out a FORGED LETTER FROM OUR MOTHER. I was totally taken aback, I mean, Court's a little rebellious, but forgery? Isn't that a felony?
She went up to the desk, set down the letter, and said "We'd both like to get our belly buttons pierced." She proceeded to show them her ID, and then before I knew it I was sitting back on this table with a big guy named Chuck standing over me holding a needle, and I'm not totally sure how I got there. Court had gone first, and I held her hand, but I saw how much pain she was in and it scared me. I just tried my best NOT to look at my own body when he did it, and oh my lord did it hurt. I SCREAMED at the top of my lungs when he did it, and I very nearly passed out right there on the table. But somehow I gathered myself, and Court and I left, dazed. She got a silver ring with a fake ruby on it, and I got one of those little half moon studs with a dangling silver heart on it. I still can't believe I did this. Now do you understand why I said my sister gets me to do crazy stuff?
I must admit though, I love the way it looks. But I'm going to have to be really careful in workout. I'm going to tape this patch over it every day and wear an extra leo liner so that 1) I won't get hurt when I tumble and 2) Lois won't see it and make me take it out. She would flip.
Speaking of flipping, I think I'm going to go scare Sarah. She's going to FREAK OUT when she sees what I've done.
Love,
Jennie

July 9
Dear Journal,
Oh my gosh. Can I just tell you how much workout sucked this morning??? I was falling all over the place. I seriously don't know what was going on. I didn't feel sluggish, sick, or injured. I just plain sucked. Oh well, hopefully I've just compressed all of my suckiness into one day, and I'll be awesome from this point on. We can only hope, right? The one positive note was floor. I love, love, love this routine! Ciara choreographed it for me right before she left Topo last winter. She, more than anyone, really understands the way I dance and express myself. So this routine fits me to a tee. I want to keep it forever!
Court will be here in a couple of hours and I can't wait. There's no SIDC today (thank God for that) so we're going to spend the afternoon shopping and catching up. In a very weird twist, she is really good friends with Brittany's older sister. They were both on the gymn team at Stanford and both got hurt. And while Court's here, she's going to teach me to drive in the mall parking lot now that I have my permit! I can't wait, she must trust me a lot to let me behind the wheel of her car, LOL. She is so, so obsessed with that thing. Oh well, I gotta get ready for some serious shopping!
Love,
Jennie

July 8 #2
Dear Journal,
I had a great afternoon at the mall! Pretty much the whole gym went. I didn't have much shopping I wanted to do, but it was still really fun to hang out with the team in a relaxed, non-gymn atmosphere. I did get a cute yellow halter top from abercrombie kids, I couldn't help myself! LOL. But that was it. Sarah and I split one of those super fatty soft pretzels and it was generally a great day. I had a lot of fun watching the other girls pick stuff out, and a few people even recognized us and took our pictures! It's still really weird for me that I can walk around the mall and be noticed the way I do. Granted, it rarely happens outside of Indiana or North Carolina, but it's still strange. On the way back, I had a great trip in Arika's car. I can't wait to start driving lessons! I think I'm starting soon, it's all a matter of Lizzie's mom preparing herself for this.
Well I gotta go. I'm beat and I have SIDC tomorrow!
Love,
Jennie

June 7 #2
Dear Journal,
I just got back from the hairdresser! Mrs. Brewer took me, and Lizzie felt so bad about the gum in my hair that she paid for it for me! That was a happy unexpected surprise :) Lizzie had actually done a pretty good job cutting the hair evenly, but the stylist took a little off here and there, and then blew it dry and styled it so it looked really pretty. I was in a much better mood after that. My hair actually looks good! I thought I was doomed to eternal deformed-ness! It?s just a tiny bit above my shoulders now, and the hairdresser gave me some good advice about getting it back and having it stay in place. She also told me a couple of hairstyles a lot of athletes with hair my length use when working out. So overall, it all worked out for the best. And, as an added bonus, Mrs. Brewer said that I looked a good year older with the new haircut. I can?t wait for the girls at Topo to see it!
Tomorrow a bunch of us are going to the mall between workouts. That should be really fun, I think pretty much the whole gym is going to trek over there. I don?t really need anything, but it?ll still be fun to go over there and hang out with all of my friends. Oh, and more good news! Because she?s totally bored at home, Court?s going up to Michigan to visit a friend from school, and she?s stopping over in Indiana for a day before heading the rest of the way up there. She?ll be here on Tuesday, and will spend the day and that night with me and then is leaving the next morning. So that?s another thing to be excited about. Court and I have had some crazy, crazy times together. I think it?s an oldest sister/youngest sister thing.
I think I?m going to go do a private lesson with Lois. That triple twist is really making me mad!
Love,
Jennie

July 7
Dear Journal,
Well, it?s Sunday, and that means it?s time for a meet report! First, let me say that I had an interesting time with the hair yesterday before the meet. I could get it back into a ponytail, but there were still all these little bits flying around. Danielle helped me with it, and we had to put about a million clips in there to have it all stay up. Then I put a ton of glitter gel in there to help keep it in place. I must have looked so, so, stupid. I refused to look in a mirror, because I figured I looked too dumb for words. But it?s okay, luckily I?m getting a hair appointment today!
Anyway, after warm-ups and a march-in, we were ready to go. This was Pop?s first meet as a full six person squad so we were psyched. We did a bunch of cheers and then Cameron gathered us for a pep talk. Then we were ready to go! We started up on vault, where I NAILED my Khorkina II. But, sadly, I fell on my butt on the Yurchenko 2.5. I finished with a 9.35 on vault and was not feeling all that happy with myself. Next was bars, and man was I determined to hit that routine. I hated falling on it last week, and I really didn?t want it to happen again. So, I gave it my all, had great power, height, swing, and amplitude, and then stuck the landing! I got a 9.55 which doesn?t sound like a great score but this code of points is brutal, as were the judges at the meet today! I was jumping around and bouncing all over the place. So were Lizzie and Cara and I gave them both big hugs and high-fives in between rotations.
Next up was beam, and I was solid as a rock. I did have a little bouncing on my mount, but it was much more controlled than it usually is. I got a 9.55 on that too, so I was in a really great mental state heading into FX. The top of the standings was really tight, and I had a shot at the title. I started my floor routine, and just got into a groove. But I did feel a little weak by the final tumbling pass, and so I really put all of my effort into the triple twist. Big mistake. I totally overdid it and fell out of bounds, not able to get my punch half around. I was pretty upset after that, but you know what? It was still a really fun meet. The Russian girls dominated the meet, taking six of the top 10 spots. I got eighth all-around, and third out of the Topopolilly girls. Pop squad got third place out of the Topopolilly squads, which wasn?t as well as I hoped, but I think we can improve on that next weekend.
Best of all, I got a bid to the Summer Specialties meet, to be held next Friday and Saturday at MSGA. I get to compete one event, and I?ll find out later today which event I?ll compete. I?m hoping for bars or floor, wish me luck!
Love,
Jennie
*It?s a perfect day, nothing?s standing in my way*

July 6 #2
Dear Journal,
Oh. My. God. I don't even want to think about the events of the last two hours. It was just...crazy. Bad crazy, not good crazy. It all started when Lizzie and Cara got here for the meet. I was in the practice gym doing some extra tumbling runs, and they came there to find me. I was really excited to see them, and after I finished workout, we decided to play around in the gym because no one else was there. Well, Lizzie and I were rough-housing and play-fighting in the loose foam pit. I had her pinned down, then she threw some foam blocks at me and had ME pinned down, when suddenly she froze.
I was like "Lizzie, what's wrong?" She looked pretty confused. "My gum's gone," she said.
At this point, I started to worry. We're held accountable for any damage our friends may cause to the property, and a big wad of gum in the loose foam pit could definitely turn into some damage really quickly. So the three of us started tossing blocks out of the pit, looking for Lizzie's gum, when suddenly CARA froze. I asked her what was going on, and all she said was "I found it." I asked her where, because I couldn't see anything, and she replied "in your hair." Yes, Lizzie's gum was securely lodged in my ponytail.
At this point, I started to freak out. Gum and hair are a terrible combination, and it takes forever to get out (if you're lucky enough to get it out.) And I couldn't exactly take my time, because we had a meet to get ready for. So the three of us raced over to the dorm and found Grandma Benni, hoping she'd know what to do. First, she tried applying ice and I had to sit with my head in an ice bucket for what seemed like forever. But that didn't do anything. Then we tried peanut butter, but that just made a bigger mess.
So there I was, an hour after getting the gum in my hair, sitting in my dorm with Lizzie, Cara, and Danielle, trying to figure out what to do next. Finally, Lizzie said "I think we're going to have to cut it out." I sat there, head in my hands, as Lizzie cut the gum out, cutting off as little hair as possible. Then I took a shower, so that Lizzie could easily cut the rest to even it out. When I got out of the shower, it was obvious how much needed to be cut, and I about cried. I've been growing out my hair to the point where it was about four inches below my shoulders. Well, the part that Lizzie cut ended just above my shoulders. So I was in for a pretty substantial haircut.
Lizzie then cut the rest, and it looks pretty even, but I'm going to a hairdresser on our Topo mall trip tomorrow to get it fixed up for real. I just hope I don't look too ugly in today's meet. I know it could have been worse. I still have shoulder length hair (basically) and it will grow out some by Nationals. But this still stinks. I miss my hair already.
Love,
Jennie

July 6
Dear Journal,
Meet today! Woo-hoo, I love meet days! Not only is competing incredibly fun, but we also get a lighter workout which is ALWAYS much appreciated. Plus, we get to sleep in. I got up at around 10 AM, had a light breakfast and headed to the gym. And no, I did not fall on my face today. Thankfully. I did pretty well on vault, bars and beam today. I think I'll put up some big scores on these. I'd love to make the MSGA meet on either bars or beam. I'm finally becoming a more well-rounded gymnast, and I think competing one of these events would demonstrate that. But if I make it on any event, I'll be ecstatic. That sounds like a really fun meet.
Floor, on the other hand, sucked today. I don't know what's wrong with me, but my tumbling is kind of crooked and I'm not getting as much power as usual. Lois thinks that maybe my bad foot is feeling some strain (even though it doesn't hurt) and so I'm wrapping it just to be safe. It's finally healthy, and I really really really want to keep it that way. So please keep your fingers crossed for me!
Jessica and I had a meeting with Lois today about the upcoming Hall of Fame induction. Both of us were concerned about our families making it, because we're both from far away and it's not easy for our families to get here. So, it looks like the ceremony's going to get pushed back to around the same time as Nationals, allowing our families to make only one trip to Indiana instead of two. That's a relief, because I wasn't sure Mom and Dad would be able to make it otherwise, and combining the induction with Nationals will make it all the more special.
I'm psyched that Lizzie's coming to the meet today. She and Cara will both be there, and they are going to get here early to hang out with me and get good seats. Having a cheering section is always a good thing!
Love,
Jennie

July 5 #2
Dear Journal,
Great news! Today, after our afternoon workout, we were all told to sit on the mat for announcements. This wouldn't be unusual, except announcements are at the beginning of afternoon workout, not the end. Nick quieted us all down, and then we just sat there in silence for a bit wondering what was going on. Soon, Lois walked into the gym with two white roses and two envelopes and got up in front of the group. She said "At the end of July, 2002, Topopolilly Gymnastics will induct two new members into the Topopolilly Hall of Fame." She went on to explain for the benefit of the Russians and the new girls what the hall of fame is all about. Then she said "Our two future inductees are Jessica Atler and Jennie Ray." I just about jumped out of my skin!
In the envelope was a letter from Lois congratulating me on my achievements, and information about the ceremony. I called my family and Lizzie after the workout and we all just freaked out! I can't wait til my induction! I'll write more tomorrow, I'm beat!
Love,
Jennie

July 5
Dear Journal,
Good morning! I had a great time at the campout, but I'm really glad to be back in quasi-civilization. I had a lot of fun last night, and I feel like we all got to know each other much better. Today was devoted mainly to preparing for tomorrow's meet. I had a very embarrassing moment walking into the gym this morning. I was running late thanks to my alarm clock spazzing out on me, and as I was racing through the doors into the gym I tripped over my feet and fell flat on my face! Of course, everyone saw and laughed at silly old Jennie being a klutz once again. I seem to have a run of bad luck with spilling things, tripping, falling, stumbling, you name it. Good thing that bad luck doesn't extend to the gym floor, or I'd be totally screwed! :)
I had a pretty good workout, although floor and tumbling kind of sucked. I didn't have the power I usually do and everything felt labored. I had dance class today, a new addition to Topo. I love the class, but the only problem with it is my class meets tuesdays and fridays, so I have dance and SIDC on the same day. In other words, I'll be knocking on death's door every Tuesday night!
Lizzie's coming to the meet tomorrow and I can't wait to have her there. She always does something silly at Topo meets -- I wonder what she'll be up to this time!
Love,
Jennie

July 4
Dear Journal,
Happy 4th of July! I'm writing by flashlight at our campout with the Russian gymnasts! It's been so fun so far. We drove out here this afternoon in Nick's truck, and then a few of us experienced campers set up tents. After that, we played some silly "get to know you" games together and then had a cookout. I seriously think I stuffed myself with smores tonight! There were fireworks in a nearby town that we could see, and then a few of us stayed up late talking under the stars. This is such a fun break from the regular dorm life at the gym. I wish we could do trips like this more often! It's really cool to host a gym for an extended time period like this,
We have a meet tomorrow, and this is the first time that Pop will compete as a full six person squad. I really hope we do well. We've been kicking it into high gear this week in the gym, so I think we can pull off second place maybe. I'm not counting on a win for us, as we're fighting an uphill battle with the other squads. But let's face it, they'll never all be perfectly even, and they'll never be totally fair. That's life. I'm just glad that we have a lot of spirit. As for my individual performance, as long as I don't have another bars disaster like the other day I'll be happy. I can't believe I fell like that! My goal is no falls, not a super ambitious one but I prefer to make them bigger over time :)
I love all the noises out here! I have one of those nature sounds noisemakers in my room at home, but even that can't recreate what it's really like to be out here. The only downfall is I'll have a sore back at the meet tomorrow from sleeping on the ground. But hey, we'll all be in the same boat right?
Love,
Jennie

July 3 #2
Dear Journal,
I had the best time at Lizzie's! There were a ton of people there, and we all had a giant dinner together. I sat at a table with Lizzie's parents, Lizzie, Cara, and Cara's best friend Maya. Lizzie's dad is a doctor, and since he's seen so many gymnasts/dancers/cheerleaders with eating disorders, he PILED my plate with food and was like "you're eating all of this." No encouragement needed! I stuffed myself! Lizzie even made a cheesecake, and drizzled strawberry and blueberry sauce in the shapes of stars on the plates for decoration. She and I want to team up and become the next Martha Stewarts of the world! :)
After dinner, Lizzie's cousin's band sang a few songs, and then all the kids headed to the pool. After some games and doing silly dives, Lizzie's dad and uncle put on a miniature fireworks display in the field behind their house. Everyone else was sleeping over, but Lizzie's poor mom had to drive me back to Topo because I have a meet coming up Friday and I have to be in tip-top shape for it. I think it's so cool that I get 2 fourth of July's though! It'll be awesome to have the Russian girls around and to camp out with them! Yay camping! I'd live in a tent in the woods full-time if coach would let me...okay maybe not. But I do love the outdoors!
I hope to do well in the meet on Friday, but the russians are really good and I'm not going in with any expectations. I just hope to have a solid showing and fix the things I've been working hard on. Say, my beam mount for example. If only I could have a nickel for each time that mount sent me bouncing into the air...
This time tomorrow I'll be writing from the woods! I can't wait! To everyone who reads this journal, I hope you have a fun and safe holiday!
Love,
Jennie

July 3
Dear Journal,
Meet report time! We had a dual meet last night against EVGA. The Tiger Squad made up one team, and the top 6 non-Tiger people from the intersquad made up the second Topo team. I competed with Sarah, Ling, Brittany, Morgan, and...um I forget LOL. We came in third out of three teams but still had a lot of fun. I tied for first on vault, got third on beam, and sixth all-around. Too bad I did a faceplant into the mat on my Jaeger on bars. Otherwise maybe I would have medalled. You never know. In any case, we had a really fun team for this meet.
What was NOT fun was Kelly and Cameron's gross snake (sorry guys, you will never get me to like Lester :)) getting loose in the gym yesterday. I was vaulting into the pit, and all of a sudden the snake was just slithering around in there! You'd better believe I SCREAMED and ran about halfway across the gym getting away from that thing. The fact that I live in the same BUILDING as a snake is enough to freak me out. Can you tell I have a snake phobia?
The Russian girls are arriving today and that will be really fun. I won't have much time to hang out with them because I'm going to Lizzie's tonight, but I'll be able to say hello and all that. I can't wait til Lizzie's! I'm wearing a khaki miniskirt, a red and blue bikini and a navy blue tanktop with little white stars on it. Tonight's going to be so awesome, tons of our school friends will be there. Plus, Lizzie has some cousin who's in a band and is going to sing some songs at the cookout. It'll be great!
Well I should really go get ready for tonight! I'm just glad I don't have SIDC tomorrow, I think that would take the last ounce of energy out of me. Yay for it almost being the fourth of July!
Love,
Jennie

July 1 #2
Dear Journal,
Atler's party was so so fun! We decorated her dorm room, and then all surprised her and it was awesome! We played loud music and ate ice cream cake (frozen yogurt cake actually) and then after we were loaded with sugar and energy Atler opened her presents. I think she really liked her bear. Then we all did each other's makeup and took about a zillion pictures outside. I used like three rolls of film! I think my favorite is going to be one of me and Sarah perched on top of the Topopolilly sign outside the dorm. But there were really cute ones of the whole team. The Pop Squad took a picture with Lester, Cam and Kelly's snake. I was less excited about that. i mean, I HATE snakes!
Speaking of the Pop Squad, we have a new member! Krista Carr is back at Topopolilly, and will be on our squad. She's rooming with Marissa and I'm really excited to see her again! Not to mention that we'll finally have a full squad and won't be the weaklings of Topo. Look out, the Pop Squad's getting better and better! I really do think we'll do well this weekend. I'm feeling something good coming on from us. Our first workout as a full squad was this afternoon, and we were all nailing our sets. I did land my 2.5 twist on my head once, but other than that floor was great, and vault and bars also went well. Beam, of course, sucked. But that's okay, because I always compete it fairly well.
I've been spending the rest of my free time doing SIDC stuff and getting ready for the holiday. I finally picked a song that I'm going to choreograph a dance to. It's called "Battleflag" by Lo-Fidelity All Stars. It's a great song for a dance, it's really offbeat and I already have a ton of ideas for it. I hope the SIDC people like it! As for this week, I still have to pick an outfit for Lizzie's and plan the Topo celebration with the other girls. It's going to be an awesome week!
Love,
Jennie

July 1
Dear Journal,
Happy first of july! And more specifically, happy birthday Jessica! I can already tell that today is going to be an awesome day! And I started it off with a kick butt workout! I was really good on vault today, and on floor. I can feel that all the extra conditioning is making my legs more powerful, and I can get my skills in the air much more easily. I'm scared though, because I don't want my legs to get TOO muscular. Haha, I'm such a priss, I'm scared of looking bulky. But overall my power is improving and I even played with doing a running double front on floor (so, so hard.)
I'm really excited about Jess's surprise party. I think she's really going to like her present. I spent all of my break between workouts getting ready and planning with the other girls and stuff. I hope I get the same treatment on my b-day (hard to believe that in a little more than 6 months I'll be 16, where does the time go?) Seriously, I'm beginning to feel really old. It's weird that I only have three years of gymnastics left. Ick ick ick. Time to change the subject.
Actually, it's time for me to go to workout! But I'll be back later!
Love,
Jennie

June 30 #2
Dear Journal,
I had a GREAT time at the mall with Lizzie! She filled me in on her super boring trip to visit her relatives. I felt so bad for her, it sounds like she had a crappy week. Anyway, it was an awesome day. They're having a big sale at Ann Taylor and I found a couple really cute tank tops in the petite section. Oh, how I wish I could wear normal clothes! It's so humiliating having to stick to the kids and petites sections. And then we looked high and low for a present for Jess (she turns 14 tomorrow!) She's a really, really hard person to shop for. And then we saw the perfect place. They just put in one of those Build-a-Bear Workshop stores, so I built Jessica a bear dressed in a little warmup outfit with a medal. I know she'll love it. I felt so creative and original haha. I bet no one else did anything as random as that.
I found out more about the picnic too. It's going to be a lot like the Memorial Day one only Lizzie and Cara are allowed to invite more friends. So Lizzie's bringing 7 other people and Cara's bringing five, and it's going to be a lot of fun! We're all going to swim and cook out and it will be great! Counting the days! While I'm there, we're also going to plan Lizzie's surprise party -- she turns 15 in a little over two weeks!
Love,
Jennie

June 30
Dear Journal,
I'm back in Indiana! Woo-hoo! It feels great to be home! The very first thing I did when my flight got in this morning was call Lizzie -- she's home too and we made plans to go shopping later. Tomorrow is Jessica's birthday, so I need to get her a present, and of course I need to see my best friend for the first time in over a week! I must say though that I'm TIRED! We stayed up waayyyy too late last night. At first we were pretty subdued -- me, Jess, Anna, Court, Kelly, and Emmy were hanging around the hotel room, but then the Aurora girls stopped by and we ended up having a major slumber party and pillow fight. I don't even want to KNOW what time I finally fell asleep, LOL.
Luckily, today's Sunday, which means I only have to go to the gym once and I get the rest of the day off. Workout was pretty laid back as well. Britt, Tia, and Morgan had just gotten back from the meet as well so we were all taking it easy. But I did well, especially on beam where I usually STINK during workout. After workout, we talked about plans for July 4 at the gym, and what we're going to do. I'm excited to be going to the Brewer family annual July 3 picnic on Wednesday. So for me, the party lasts for two days. Woo-hoo!
Another thing I did today was some major cleaning. I rushed out of town and left the room a mess, and I feel so bad for making Danielle live in this pigsty all weekend. It looks really nice now, and I'm scared because I'm becoming as OCD as my sister Katie!
Anna starts her summer cheer camp with Jess tomorrow. They're going all the way down to Chapel Hill for the week and are having cheer boot camp! Haha, and Anna thought she left hardcore workouts behind when she quit gymn! :)
Love,
Jennie

June 29 #2
Dear Journal,
I had a great time at the meet! Sometimes it's just really cool to be a spectator. Anna looked so happy and excited tonight. I think she was trying to take in every last bit of gymnastics while she still could. She competed with a spark that I haven't seen since her Exquisite days. There are just so many "what if's" I have about my sister. If only she had stayed at Woodland and not gone to Exquisite in the first place, she would have been so much happier. Then again, she wouldn't have had the competition experiences she did so I guess it was all worth it. In any case, she was really a joy to watch. After bars (appropriately, her last rotation) she got a standing ovation, and the announcer mentioned that this was her last meet. I started crying, and Anna looked over at me, then, seeing me crying, she started laughing hysterically!
After congratulating Anna and piling flowers on her, we headed to the hotel to change for dinner, while she and her teammates showered and also got ready. We all met up outside the hotel, and Mom, Dad, Court, Anna, me, Jess, Emma, Kelly and Lori all went out to eat at this little outdoor cafe. It was so cool, because there were all these little lights up and it felt like we were in Paris or something. Anna, gloating that she wasn't in training anymore, ate like a horse and ate this huge piece of cheesecake! Man, was I ever jealous. Unlike my sister, though, I still have to watch my weight big time. But it was fun to watch. I gave Anna and Lori their presents, and there were more resents and lots of pictures before we finally called it a night. Then, when we got back to the hotel, my sisters and I, along with Anna's teammates had a little mini-party in our hotel room. No, no hotel rooms were trashed, we're not rock stars or hockey players :)
All in all, it's been a great night. It's kinda hard to believe that this time tomorrow I'll be back in Indiana and back to the daily grind. Well, hopefully this break will invigorate me, and give me more energy and tenacity heading into our upcoming competitions :)
Love,
Jennie
*I'm not your average type of girl. I'm gonna show the world the strength in me that sometimes they can't see*

June 29
Dear Journal,
I am having so much fun on my trip! When I got off the plane with the Topo girls last night, my whole family (except for Anna) was waiting there, and it was so so so good to see them! I can't remember the last time this many of us were together, but I'd have to guess the Olympics, which were nearly six months ago. Court gave me a huge hug -- man does she look different. She cut her hair so that it's just above her shoulders, and just looks really old (in a good way, i mean she looks so mature.) I just wish Katie were here -- I guess I'm going to have to wait for a while for that family reunion.
We all headed to the hotel, where they let me shower and change and just take some time to relax. The Topo girls had to race straight off to podium training, so I couldn't really hang with them. After resting a little, we all headed to the meet. We got incredible seats! We were front row, between the bars and the vault, giving us an awesome view of all the events but beam, which was a little hard to see! But that's okay, because having a good view of three out of four of the apparatus is pretty good. We had gotten there super early, so we had time to sit around and chat about stuff. I talked to Mom and Dad about SIDC, and of course Courtney grilled me about boys (I'm not obsessed with them the way Miss New Crush Every Month is :)) Soon it was time for march-out and warmups. Woodland was one of the last teams to march out, and we gave them a huge ovation of course. They recognized Lori before the meet, since this is the end of her coaching career. She's going to coach rec level next year and then try to get an NCAA coaching position.
I just can't believe that this is my sister's last ever meet. I mean, where did the time go? I hope she does really well tonight. I know that more than anything else in the world, she wants to go out with a bang! :)
Love,
Jennie

June 28
Dear Journal,
Less than 24 hours left! This morning was super, super busy. I spent the whole morning packing stuff for my trip, and some workout stuff because I will probably get some workouts in while I'm gone this weekend. I think it'll be really nice to get a break from the daily Topopolilly lifestyle. Poor Danielle must have hated me, haha, I was laying stuff out all over the room and generally made a big mess. But I'm all packed and ready to go. In just a couple hours, I'll be on the plane with the US Challenge team. I'm really excited because I'm staying in a hotel room with the Woodland team during the Challenge. This is the last ever meet for WSG as well as for my sister, so everyone will be all sentimental. Emma-Rose is probably going to drop back to L10 and go for a scholarship, and Kelly might find another gym, she's undecided.
Anyway, the meet wasn't my best but I wasn't expecting it to be. I had a really crappy warmup before the meet, and my mental state was not the best. I landed my khorkina on my knees and had a huge muck-up on beam. I still got fifth place which is pretty good given the errors I made and my general inconsistancy this week in some of my workouts. I worked a ton on vault after the meet in order to correct the problems on my khorkina. I am going to get this vault nailed, I swear. It's just frustrating to make the same mistake on the same skill over and over. Oh well.
I also made a mix CD of really good workout songs for the trip. "Watch Me Shine" the song I quoted the other day, is on it and is a must on any workout cd :)
Love,
Jennie

June 27 #2
Dear Journal,
Ack I know I should be going ot bed early tonight in order to be rested for the meet tomorrow, but I just have way too much energy. I think I'm going to head to the rec room, put in a movie and see who shows up. Do you ever have one of those nights where you feel like a total slug and yet have tons of energy? It's raining out tonight, and that always makes me want to just get in my PJ's and be lazy. Not to mention that when it rains, the bones in my foot get sore. I've turned into a little old woman! Well, I'm going to watch Legally Blonde, ALWAYS a classic. Court's probably rushing a sorority at Stanford next year, so of course I've been making all of these legally blonde jokes to her. Not that I can talk, because I want to do it too, but it's always good to make fun of your sister.
Lizzie called! She's totally bored at her grandparents' and cant wait to come home. It'll be great to see her again, and I have so much to tell her about. Oh, and Mom called, and apparently Jess is furious at Gucci, because she chewed up one of Jess's flip-flops or something. Whatever, that's what dogs are for. I wish I could have her here, too bad for that pesky no dog in the dorm rule :)
Love,
Jennie

June 27
Dear Journal,
This time tomorrow I'll be with my family! Ack! I'm so excited! Court's coming for the meet (Katie can't make it though) and it's going ot be great. We're all going to this big dinner after the meet and it will just be great in general. Today was okay. I was having some massive tumbling problems on floor, which was no fun, but my workout was okay. Dance practice was good too, and the group's starting to come together. I went out to lunch with Chrissy after practice and that was great. I love that my being a gymnast is not at all a big deal to her, that she's my friend because of who I am, not what I can do. This whole dance thing is tiring me out though, and I definitely need to get in my extra rest when I can. When I got back from dance, I decided to tan for a while before afternoon workout. I think I fell asleep a couple times out on my towel, and I probably needed the sleep.
Tomorrow's an intersquad once again, and I honestly have no clue how I'll do. I'm grateful that it's happening before I leave though so that I can go to US Challenge with a clear head and just enjoy my mini-vacation. Best of all, Lizzie will be there when I get back at the end of the weekend. I've missed her so much this week. We're going to have to have a sleepover or something. That would be awesome! :)
Well I guess I should go to workout now. I think Cam's bringing the infamous Pop Squad snake suit to this one, LOL. Oh, and we might be getting a new member! Woo-hoo!
Love,
Jennie
*I'm a one girl revolution*

June 26 #2
Dear Journal,
Ugh, how pissed am I? I just wrote a journal, only to have my computer eat it. I hate technology.
Love,
Jennie
HISSSSSSSS!!! :)
*Better watch out, Going for the knockout, And I won't stop till I'm on top now
Not gonna give up until I get what's mine
Better check that -- I'm about to upset
And I'm glad now so you better step back
I'm taking over, so watch me shine*
ps i'm not trying to be cocky I just really love that song

June 26
Dear Journal,
Get excited, because it's time for the PET POWER MEET REPORT!
First, I need to say that the Humane Society people did a great job setting up this meet for us. At first I was worried that they wouldn't know what goes into running a gymnastics meet, but they were really, really great, and took care of anything we needed. So thank you, thank you, thank you to all the people at the humane society! You did a great job, and I'd love to do anything to help your cause out, anytime!
This meet was unlike any other, simply because of the pet aspect of it. After warmups, the director of the humane society got up on this stage set up at the end of the arena and made some remarks about the festival and stuff like that. Then we had march-ins. Each squad went in one at a time. All the girls who didn't sponsor horses brought their pets up onto the stage with them. Cameron sponsored this huge iguana, and I was laughing hysterically as our squad marched onto the stage. Leave it to Cameron to sponsor an iguana. Gucci seemed pretty scared and wiggled a lot, so it was a good thing I had a tight grip on her!
After march-ins, some runners at the meet took the pets back out to the festival area, and we marched to our first events. Pop squad started on FX. We did pretty well, and I was second to last on that event (marissa went up last) so the crowd was pretty into it by the time it was my turn. had a great routine! I really nailed my double front, and the crowd loved it! I nailed my other three passes too. Before the meet, they gave the spectators those little signs that say "10.0" and they were all waving at the end of the routine. I got a 9.7! I was so, so excited about that score and was jumping around and screaming everywhere, LOL.
Obviously, we had little breaks between rotations, and Cameron and I decided in advance that we wanted to make the most of them. So we made up these little dance routines to do during the breaks in order to get the crowd to cheer for our squad. It worked pretty well, and people were laughing, especially my sister, who was in the front row by the vault. Vault rotation was pretty good, but not as good as I would have liked. I had a great yurchenko, but took a big hop forward on it. Same deal on the khorkina, nice vault, huge hop. I don't remember what I got on each but I know my average was a 9.445. Then it was on to bars. I was pretty nervous about bars, not bad nervous, but good nervous. I've been working so hard on this new routine, and I really wanted it to go well. I was also concerned about possibly being sloppy. I hate sloppy!
Well, the routine was great, IF ONLY I HAD STUCK MY STUPID DISMOUNT! I took a hop, but not a big one, and I got another awesome score -- 9.775. I stuck beam too, and got another score in the 9.7 range. Needless to say, I was really pumped and generally happy. I wasn't sure where I stood in comparison to others though, because there was no scoreboard and no way of keeping track. Plus, I was so busy watching my squadmates to notice what the other girls were doing.
After changing into our warmups, it was time for awards. We all gathered on the floor, and a podium had been set up on the stage. They did individual event awards first. I got fourth on vault, first on bars, second on beam, and first on floor. So that was really cool. Next came squad awards. Pop came in last (again?) but that was okay. Then All-around awards were announced. Because there were about five of us who were really close, I had no idea how I did. They announced bronze and silver, which went to Tia and Eva. And then the woman announced: "And the Pet Power Gymnastics Classic All-Around Champion -- Jennie Ray!" I freaked out, and was so excited to be on top of that podium. As icing on the cake, I earned my personal best all-around total under the new Code. So that was awesome, really awesome.
After the meet, we went out to the festival area to sign autographs and hang out with our pets. They also had the silent auction. I donated an autographed poster and t-shirt to it. As the afternoon wore on, pets were being snapped up one by one. But my normally friendly little Gucci was so timid that I think no one noticed her! By about 4:30, I was starting to get really concerned. I wanted her to get a good home, but it was lookingless and less likely that she was going to get adopted. At one point, I started to cry. It just seemed so sad and unfair, not just that no one wanted Gucci, but that there were so many dogs, cats, and other animals just like her out there with no one who wanted them. Mom, Dad, and Jessie had gone off somewhere with the Madduxes to talk about something, and when they came back they seemed pretty concerned with me. I explained the situation to them. Then, I made my best sad, puppy dog face. My mom was like "Jennie, no way, we have two d! ogs already!" But dad talked her into it, so I am proud to say that Gucci has a new home in Asheville, North Carolina! I rationalized with them by pointing out that the three dogs replace the three kids that don't liveat home. In any case, I am so, so happy!
Love,
Jennie

June 25
Dear Journal,
Hello again! Sorry I didn't write yesterday, but I wasn't feeling very well and just took it easy when I wasn't working out. I feel much better now, and am all excited for the week ahead. Morning workout went well, and I felt like the break I took yesterday (I did a watered down workout) gave me energy today. I was really good on beam. I mean, I always do terrible in workout on beam. I wobble all the time. But today I was really solid and even hit a perfect set, which I never do! So I was really happy and excited about that.
Then, of course, I had my first of two SIDC practices for the week. The first day I just about died, but now it's fine and I feel like I'm blending in with the group. Today, we worked on pairs steps, and on lifts. All the guys wanted me as a partner because I'm so tiny, LOL. I'm the shortest girl in SIDC by a good five inches. Even though I'm a gymnast and used to doing all sorts of acrobatic stuff, it feels really really weird to be lifted in the air by someone, especially while trying to be graceful and express yourself. But it was a good rehearsal and I think I'm learning the group dance pretty well. I practice it all the time in my room, and I'm sure Danielle is already so sick of hearing "Higher Ground." Sorry, Dani! :)
I talked to Katie on the phone today. She moved into her dorm in NY today! But sadly, she HATES her roommate. Her roommate's new at SAB too, but thinks she's God's gift to the world. Plus, according to Katie she's a slob, and given that my older sister arranges all of her CD's alphabetically and by genre, that does not bode well for their roommate relationship. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
And this next bit of news can only fall under the heading of "total humiliation." Back in the day when I was at Woodland -- Savannah, the gym had an annual party, the main event of which was a karaoke contest. Well, the other day, my mom sent me the home video of my performance at the contest back when I was 10. My sisters and I dressed up as the Spice Girls, and sang "Say You'll Be There." We had a dance all made up and everything. At the time we thought we were the coolest people ever, but looking back on it now it's just sad. We did win the contest though. The worst was when I busted out in my little solo. I watched it in the rec room with Morgan and Cameron watching, and they couldn't stop laughing at little Jennie dancing around as a Spice Girl wannabe. Yeah, I was about to die just then. Well, that was my day. Maybe tomorrow will be more interesting. You never know :)
Love,
Jennie

June 23
Dear Journal,
I can honestly say that today was probably the most fun I've ever had in a workout. Marissa's finally back to full speed (she was sick) and so the five of us are finally together and working out as a team. I think that we've solidified more as a squad since the shake-up. We were the only squad not to get affected by it, and now that Lois made Tiger competitive, we'll probably lose every intersquad just like Tiger used to. But you know what? We're going to have tons of fun doing it. Because we're fun, happy, wacky people, and we definitely proved that today! The day started on bars, where we worked routines and did some conditioning. On a kip cast drill, I started to cast up in the air, then one of my legs flopped down, hit the bar, and then when I tried to kick it back up I lost control of the other leg and had probably the ugliest fall anyone's ever done in the sport of gymnastics. Cameron was laughing hysterically. As she put it "Jennie, you look like a tangled up squirrel!" Somehow, I'm not sure how, I understood what she meant. Cameron sure is a silly one. :)
We actually did really well as a squad on our events though, and I think we're more competitive than people make us out to be. Because we have fewer people, we really have to band together in order to stand a chance against the other squads, and I think that makes us stronger. The only bad thing today was the conditioning I had to do during FX rotation. We did those rope climbs again. I really, really hate those things. I thought my hands were going to die by the end, and I would have so much rather worked the same muscles in a different way. Oh well. My upper body strength is improving which is a good thing, because it's probably the least conditioned part of my body right now,
We had the rest of the day off, so I hit the pool once again in my tireless attempt to get a tan. I see a slight tan line on my back, but Danielle insists I'm hallucinating. I can tan, I swear! I just, um, take a little longer than other people. I also did a little reading. I started Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, and I think it's really good! I don't know if I'll go to see the movie, just because so many books get ruined in the movies. Anna and Mom went to see it this weekend, so I'll get a report from them before I spend my $7.50 at the theatre.
Other than that, not a whole lot else is going on. I cleaned the room today and then cleaned the rec room a bit. We honestly are the biggest slobs. I don't know how Grandma Benni puts up with us.
I'm still trying to work out my travel plans for next weekend. I talked to Lois, and she agreed that I really need to see my sister compete in her final meet, so she's going to see if I can fly to the meet with the Topo team and just stay with them while the competition goes on. She said she didn't forsee a conflict between that meet and the intersquad, so I'm all set, I think. I'm seriously going to cry my eyes out at that meet.
In other news, Lizzie is going to visit her grandparents this week, and she'll be gone the whole time. Ack! How will i deal? Not that we have much time to hang out, but I talk to her on the phone at least an hour a day, so it's going to be weird with her gone. Her grandparents live in the boonies (not that I'm one to talk) so her methods of communication are pretty limited. Oh well, he'll be back friday and then the week after this we're going to hang out a lot. I think I'm going to invite her to Fourth of July at the gym!
Oh well, see you later.
Love,
Jennie
Pop Squad's about to unload some whoopass! :)*

June 22
Dear Journal,
Well, tonight's the big meet! Already, I feel nervous and excited. But I think I'll do well. There are already a ton of people here, and some of them came to watch workout which was pretty cool. I signed some autographs and did pictures with people and it was great. And I saw my family! Mom, Dad, and Jessie got here at around 1, and watched me practice. They got really good seats for the meet tonight. After working out, I went to introduce them to Gucci, and then Jessie and I decided to explore all of the other things they had going on at the festival. They had a fair with games for the kids, and Jess and I played a couple games, and ran around and generally acted like idiots.
I think I have what it takes to do really well tonight. My energy level is at an all time high -- my body's finally recovered from Moscow! I'm thinking top three tonight, but I'm scared to make bold predictions. I don't care how I do, because tonight I will be helping make a difference and that's more important than a meet.
Love,
Jennie

June 21 #2
Dear Journal,
Hello from Ohio! Earlier today, we completed our not-so-scenic bus ride to Cincinnati, where the Pet Power festival is being held! We were all a little tired and cranky, and Marissa made fun of me for going through two packs of Wintergreen tic-tacs on the trip. Hey, they're addictive, I can't help it! Whenever I get stressed, I resort to tic-tac mode. During finals, my sister Katie sent me a huge box with about 100 packs of them. Oh well, Cincinnati seems nice. We've been working out in the arena where the meet is being held, which is good because the more training time in the arena, the better, as far as I'm concerned.
One thing that made this afternoon different is that we had a photo shoot in the middle of the workout. We each had a designated time when we were to go and have our picture taken with the pet we're sponsoring. That really annoyed me, because I wanted to have my hair and makeup look all nice, but it's hard to keep yourself looking put together in a workout, especially one of Lois's workouts! Luckily for me, I drew one of the earlier photo times, and so a little powder, hairspray, and a quick brushing did the trick for me. This is such a fun competition, I love that there are all these animals running around!
So at 2:00 in the afternoon I went to go meet Gucci and have my picture taken with her. As adorable as she is in the picture, she's about ten times cuter in person! She was wagging her tail and jumping around when I came in. The lady from the shelter said that was strange, because normally Gucci is so shy when she's not with her littermates. But I guess she really took a liking to me :) I just love this dog! Too bad my family just got a second dog like, two weeks ago. Our neighbor's Sheltie had puppies, and the owner gave one to Jessie, which she named Mia. But maybe I can talk mom and dad into getting dog number three! Hey, three dogs should be a breeze after five kids.
So then it was time for the photo shoot, and that was kind of...tricky, LOL. Because Gucci's just a puppy, the photographer had me pick her up for the picture. Except she kept wanting to lick my face instead of hold still for the camera. So here's this dog licking and squirming like mad, and I'm trying as best I can to keep her under control. Just as I had her under control, she stuck up and licked me right as the camera went off. The photographer's camera was hooked up to a laptop so that we could preview the pictures, and so I got to see that one. I'm giggling like mad and Gucci's licking my cheek, and both the photographer and humane society lady loved it! So we're using that one, even though it's not the posed photo it's supposed to be.
Then it was back to workout, and that went well. I don't know what we're doing tonight, but hopefully it involves exploring the area. I've got a ton of energy!
Love,
Jennie
*Hanging with the girls out in the sunshine, strumming on a guitar, acting like a rock star. Mama always said her baby'd go real far*
-Seven and the Sun

June 21
Dear Journal,
I'm so sorry I didn't write yesterday! It was just such a busy day that it slipped my mind. Yesterday was my second day of SIDC practice, and I'm proud to say it was much better than the first! Jason, one of the directors, even complimented me on how I did, which is pretty awesome. We worked more on the Higher Ground dance, and then talked about choreography and how to start choreographing our own pieces. I'm making a mix CD of dance songs to take on the trip this weekend, and I'm hopefully going to decide on one for my dance. I think I'm going to enter a dance in the small all girl category. I doubt mine will get picked to be used, but you never know!
As for workout, that was great. We worked a lot on bars yesterday, and had a kip cast contest with the whole squad! I did pretty well, though Cameron is the queen of endurance when it comes to these things. We also had some major conditioning when we were in our FX rotation, and that was the only low point. At one point, I was doing a hands only rope climb, and I slipped and got some big time rope burn on my left hand. So after workout, I sat at my desk with my hand in a bowl of ice desperately trying to get it to go away.
Lizzie also came over last night, which was a blast. We watched TV and then hung out in Sarah and Britt's room for a while. It's cool that I can finally hang out with my friends, because my family's insane right now! Katie's leaving for New York next week, and they still have a million things to buy for her dorm room. Mom says the people at Linens and Things know her by name now! It's cool that Katie's going to be at SAB, because that's a situation a lot like Topo and it will be great to talk to someone about what it's like in a program like this. Of course, Katie's in the best city in the world while I'm in the boonies, but hey, I'll keep my mouth shut about that one.
I'm also busy at work on my brand new website! I'm completely re-doing it, with my dad's help. I know what I want all the content to be, but I'm uncertain on the design. I'm thinking maybe a baby blue color scheme, but it's not set in stone :)
Love,
Jennie

June 19
Dear Journal,
Okay, let's hope third time's the charm! I have written two journals today, and both times when I was about to send them, my laptop crashed. Talk about frustrating! If this one doesn't work, I'm going to be seriously mad at this computer. Tomorrow I' taking it in to get Windows XP put on, and hopefully it will work better then. But ugh, I hate this thing!
I was so, so sore when I woke up this morning. I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get through my mornig workout. Let's just say I've never been so happy to see a set of uneven bars in my life! It felt so good to take the pressure off of my aching legs, especially after yesterday's dance practice. This is going to be a very, very tricky balance, gym and dance, but I think I can pull it off. Besides, it feels good to do something with people from my school. But anyway, morning workout was pretty rough, mainly because I felt the need to conceal my pain. I don't want Lois thinking that doing dance is going to hurt my gymnastics, because it's not. After all, the first day of anything is always the worst. The mere memory of my first day at Topo gives me pain!
I do feel pretty prepared for our trip to Ohio though. I really want to do well in that meet, especially because it's a special event. I think it will go well. Also, Mom, Dad, and Jess are going to be there, which is reason enough to want to do well. And I hope that Gucci will be placed in a nice family. That would be the best reward of all.
Did I mention how happy I am to be out of school for the summer! I love having all this free time on my hands! Today between morning and afternoon workout, I went with Lizzie to the mall. I really wanted to get a present for my sister Anna for her retirement from gymnastics. And man, did I find the perfect gift. There was this little jewelry store in the mall that sold among other things a bracelet very similar to the Tiffany's heart bracelet (but much cheaper!) I got that for Anna, and had her initals, AJR, engraved on one side of the heart, and "10.0" engraved on the other. I think she'll really like it.
I'm hoping to somehow make it to the US Challenge to see her compete. It will be tricky, seeing as we have a meet that weekend, but Topo is sending people to US challenge so I guess they probably aren't conflicting. I talked to Anna today, and she's very ready to retire. She said she had all of her great gymnastics memories, and now she wants to have all of her great life memories. I'm glad that she's retirng happy, because she was very bitter and miserable for a while.
Tonight we have a home duel against Dragon, so I'm going to go watch that and then maybe watch a movie or something. But I gotta take a shower, I stink!
Oh yeah, afternoon workout. It was good. Pop needs to shape up though! We can't keep losing like this (had we competed as a squad last weekend, we would have been dead last.) Well, I hope I can lead Pop to at least a non-last-place finish this weekend.
Love,
Jennie
*This looks like a job for me, so everybody just follow me. 'Cause we need a little controversy*

June 18 #2
Dear Journal,
Wow, today was absolutely INSANE! There is no other word to describe it. I got up at what my sister so eloquently calls the "butt crack of dawn" to start my workout at 6:30. I'm determined to shine at this pet power meet this weekend, no matter what. So, I have to work really hard. I went through full routines on everything, and wouldn't let myself stop until it was all perfect. I was very disappointed with my performance last weekend, and I won't let that happen again. I'm sick of being "close, but no cigar." Things need to get shaken up around here, and I'm just the one to do it.
I think morning workout went really well, and I was pretty happy with it. I just have to keep that momemtum going throughout the week. This was also our first workout with new squads, but Pop squad didn't change at all so it wasn't a big deal to us. Anyway, I didn't bother to take my regular post-morning-workout shower, because today was my first SIDC practice! I changed into black dance pants and a black leo and caught a van to school (how nice is it that Grandma Benni is driving me to practice?) When I got there, I was pretty intimidated. I was easily the smallest person there. And they were all older -- I'm the only rising sophomore in the troupe. They all seemed to know each other, and I spent the time before practice standing in the corner and feeling stupid and like a loser. Luckily for me, a girl came over and talked to me. Her name was Chrissy, and she's a rising senior who also joined as a sophomore like me. She was really nice to me and I think she'll be! a good person to know.
Warmups were TOUGH! They definitely assume that you know all there is to know about dance, and don't need any instruction. We warmed up to that new Eminem song "Without Me" which was an odd choice in my opinion. By the end of the warmup, I was whipped, and I still had an hour and a half to go! After warmups were announcements from Jason and Chrissy, the two student directors. Basically, we're learning five dances all year. Two are choreographed by Jason and Chrissy and involve the whole group. Three others will be choreographed by students, the best three getting picked. One is a small all guy dance, one is a small all girl dance, and one is a mixed pair dance. We have until September to prepare our entries. After annoucements, we started work on our first all group dance, which is to "Higher Ground" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. We were in the middle of a really tough sequence when something totally out of the blue happened. We heard a loud noise, and then the !floor started shaking! We were all in the middle of turns, and almost all of us fell over. One girl twisted her ankle. Now, I've got to ask, since when are there earthquakes in Indiana? But amazingly enough, there was one, not too far from us, and pretty strong. There was no major damage caused by it though. We got back to work on the dance almost immediately. It's a tough dance, and by the end of workout I was about to die!
I am really nervous about balancing dance and gymnastics, but I think I can do it. Plus, it feels really good to be doing something important that no one else in the gym is doing. We all win gymnastics medals, it's not that big a deal. But if SIDC wins a major competition this spring, that will be an accomplishment for me and me alone.
After dance, I came back to the gym and napped, then another three hour workout. And you wonder why I'm going to bed at 9:00?
Love,
Jennie

June 18
Dear Journal,
I just realized that I forgot to tell you about what happened at the meet! First of all, it was unlike any other intersquad I've competed in. The arena was HUGE, about four times the size of the Topo one, and there was a good sized crowd there to watch us. Gymnastics is HUGE in Russia, which is pretty cool. There were also a whole bunch of cameras and news people and stuff like that. Overall, an unusual atmosphere. I was on Topopolilly 4, a team made up of myself, Sarah, Brittany, Moranda, and Danielle. We started on beam, and I guess I was just a little rattled by the crowd. I had a really good routine overall, but then when I got my illusion around I had a major wobble and ended up grabbing one of my legs in an attempt to keep my balance. The score? 9.3, not so good. Moranda did really well though and we all stayed on except Brittany, so I was feeling really good about our team. Next was floor, which was a total nightmare. Danielle was up first and she did pretty well. Then Brittany came up and fell. Then Moranda fell. Then Sarah fell. By the time it was my turn to go, I was feeling some big time pressure to hit. I actually had an awesome routine, with only a step on my 2.5 twist, but that was enough apparently to get my score down to a 9.4. I think we were all totally shaken after floor, and while I tried my best to give a pep talk, I don't think it went very well. Next on vault, Danielle fell on both vaults and Brittany fell on one. By the time we got to bars, even though I was doing fairly well, I just wanted the meet to be over. We were getting our butts kicked. I didn't think it could possibly get any worse. And then it did. Moranda, Brittany, and Danielle all fell on bars. And I had a little bobble too, on my stalder, though I don't know if the judges caught it because the bars scoring was overall pretty brutal today. So yeah, we came in last. I did come in first out of my team, and sixth overall, which was exciting. I just know I could have done so much better. Too bad I also just missed the team for the Dragon meet. Oh well, sometimes life doesn't hand you everything you want.
All in all, it was an interesting experience. I don't think I want to go back to Russia anytime soon, but it's nice to be able to say I've seen the world. For a while, all I want to do is see my bed :)
Love,
Jennie

June 17
Dear Journal,
Today was super boring. Other than work out and recover from Jet lag, I didn't do much. Which was nice, because I've hardly had any time to relax lately. Today between workouts I laid out and attempted to get tan. We'll see how that goes. I really really want to get a good tan by the end of the summer. My first SIDC practice is tomorrow, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. My common sense tells me that if I got in at all, I'm worthy to be in this group, but my nerves tell me otherwise. I just really want to become a better dancer, which is good. One thing that stinks about all this business is that I have zero time to hang out with Adam and Lizzie. I think I'll give Liz a call later, see if she wants to come over tonight. Oh well, sorry this entry isn't more interesting.
Love,
Jennie
ps the pop squad mascot is a snake...how much does THAT stink?

June 16
Dear Journal,
I'm back in Indiana! Woo-hoo! It felt great to be back in my familiar old dorm room. BUT, wow, major drama while I was gone. I got home to see that there were about 25 messages on my voice mail. That kinda weirded me out, so I sat and listened to them. Well, it sounds like World War III took place in my house this past week. There were 8 messages from Mom, 10 from Anna, and 4 from Jessie, and they all sounded hysterical. I couldn't even make out some of them, that's how upset they sounded. So, I called home.
Jessie picked up the phone, and I asked what was going on. And man, nothing prepared me for this. Turns out that a couple of weeks ago, Anna approached Jessie's cheer coach (who is Anna's English teacher) about joining the squad. Their tryouts had already happened, but the coach always leaves open a couple of "swing spots" for people to try out in the fall. Anna asked if she could do a tryout this spring for the squad next fall. The coach said yes, Anna tried out, and she made the team. Now mind you, this was all done in secret. At dinner Tuesday night, Anna announces that she's quitting gymnastics and doing cheerleading in the fall. Mom EXPLODED. First of all, Mom is totally wrapped up in Anna's career. Second of all, Anna went behind Mom's back and lied to her about what she had been doing while doing her tryouts. Mom refused to let Anna quit. And Anna and Mom got in a fight to end all fights that lasted until Friday. Jessie said it hit rock bottom when Anna yelled at mom for looking the other way and insisting Anna was overreacting wen she tore a muscle in her shoulder (this is true.) Finally, on Friday, Mom relented, and let Anna have her way.
So, my older sister is quitting gymnastics. The US Classic will be her final competition, and then she's switching to cheerleading for good. She told her coach on Friday, and talked to me forever today. I guess I can understand where she's coming from. I've been fortunate to have a very happy, healthy career with minimal pressure put on me. Anna has been miserable since she was about 14 (she's 17 now.) I just hope that mom won't get all obsessive about me now that Anna isn't a gymnast anymore (or won't be, effective 2 weeks from now.) In any case, Anna sounds happy. Jessie's not as happy, just because now she's thrust back in Anna's shadow, only this time in cheerleadng. I think Jessie will get over it though. I hope she will.
I consoled Mom for over an hour today. She feels really bad about the whole thing (as she should, in my opinion) and just wants to make things right with Anna again.
This all feels really weird to me. For as long as I can remember, I was always the youngest of five, last in line, always fighting to catch up to someone in gymnastics. Now that Court's in college, Anna's retired, Katie's in ballet, and Jessie got hurt and switched to cheering, I'm the only gymnast in my family. For the first time, I have to set the tone by myself. I'm not in any shadows anymore. It feels weird.
Love,
Jennie
*Did you ever know that you're my hero? You're everything I wish I could be*

June 15
Dear Journal,
I'm going home tomorrow! It's not that I didn't have fun on this trip, but I'm still ready to be back in my normal environment, doing my normal thing. Also, I haven't gotten to see much of Adam or Lizzie lately, so it'll be great to be able to hang out with them again. Plus, not being able to use a phone for a full week has kind of cramped my style a bit :) Or the internet, for that matter. I can't wait to get home and find out what's been going on with everyone.
We have a meet tonight, and I'm pretty excited about that. We had podium training in the arena today, and man is it huge! There's also a lot of Russian media at this meet. I forgot just how popular gymnastics is in Russia, and that the cool, down to earth girls I've been training with for the past week are major national celebrities. I don't think I could be a Russian gymnast -- I really like the relative obscurity in which I train in America. I mean, people in the gymnastics world know me, but I can walk down the street without being bombarded, that's for sure :)
I'm a little nervous about the meet tonight. I hope to make top 5, but honestly this has been a pretty off week for me and it will be difficult to predict how I'll do. We don't know our teams for tonight yet, but I'm pretty sure I'll be with Sarah and Moranda, which will be really cool. I think we'll do really well as a team, I'm not sure how I'll do individually though. We'll see.
They're re-arranging squads when we get back to Indiana. I'm pretty sure my squad will be affected, but I'm not sure how. I mean, we've been coming in third out of four the past three weeks, and Opilly and Lilly are doing much better than us or Tiger. I don't think I'll get moved, but maybe Pop will get a new member or two and it will be interesting to see how that all works out. I'd love to be on a squad with Sarah, but I doubt that will happen. Last night I had a bizarre dream. Lois was announcing the new squads, and I was put on one with Danielle Bain, and Grace, and Magdelina, three really good friends of mine who are no longer at the gym. I woke up, confused, and missing my old friends more than ever.
I'll never forget them. Which is, I think, a good thing.
Love,
Jennie

June 14
Dear Journal,
Workout went well today, but I'm not sure how I feel about this meet tomorrow. I'd like to say I feel 100%, but I've been a little off all week and I'm still very tired and disoriented from all of the traveling I've been doing lately. Anyway, conditioning didn't take as long this morning because they wanted to take the time to do full routines with us. And morning workout was pretty tough, the ventilation in this gym isn't that good and there's always a ton of chalk in the air. Overall, I'll be glad to go home from Moscow, even though I have met some great people and seen some great things here. And one thing's for sure, I won't miss the food!
I did have a great evening though. We went to this fancy schmancy restaurant for dinner and then to the ballet. One thing that really struck me about the ballet was how different audience behavior is than in the US. Having a ballerina sister, I've been to tons of ballets and at all of them the American audience is pretty much in awe. Here in Russia though, the audience is really critial. There was this old couple in front of us and they kept going "tsk tsk" at certain points in the ballet, it was like they had it memorized and were judging it like a gymnastics routine. It was actually pretty cool to watch.
So the meet's tomorrow, and I'll probably fall on my butt, but that's okay because soon I'll be home and summer will really begin!
Love,
Jennie

June 13
Dear Journal,
Another busy, fun day in Russia. We got up this morning for the usual morning boot camp, then split up for workout. I kind of sucked this morning in workout. My legs were really achy and I didn't have the power to do well on floor and vault. But bars and beam went really well and dance did too. There was more nasty Russian food for lunch. Now I know why all the gymnasts here are so skinny! I feel like I've already lost a pound or so since getting here.
We went to a banquet tonight, and the food was much better there. I wore this cute new red sundress with straps that tie in little bows on the shoulder. There was a speech and TV cameras filmed us in preparation for this weekend's meet. The most humiliating thing happened though. Just as the camera was panning over me, I knocked over my water and it went all over the place. I was so, so embarrassed and just wanted to crawl under the table.
After the banquet was a movie, but I was so tired that I just fell asleep in it!
Love,
Jennie

June 12
Dear Journal,
Well, it's the end of another exhausting day in Russia! As soon as I finish this entry, it's bedtime for me. We started the day at the crack of dawn for more fun fun conditioning with Coach Yevgeny. It was better than yesterday, but that's not saying much. At least I knew what to expect. But then we had workout, and lo and behold I start my day with him on floor. So by the end of floor rotation I was totally exhausted, and I still had three events to go! Somehow I fought through it though. Lunch was totally gross, so I didn't spend long in the cafeteria, instead choosing to relax. Well, I got an email from Grandma Benni! My report card came in, and she went ahead and opened it for me so I could get my grades. They are (drumroll please:)

Freshman English: A-
Ancient History A+
Honors Algebra 2: A-
Spanish 2: B+
Biology: B (hurrah!)
So, I got a 3.7 for the year woohoo! But even better, there was another letter in the mail for me. I GOT INTO SIDC!!! When I heard, I started jumping around and screaming. There are practices tuesday and thursday over the summer, but my schedule's flexible so that shouldn't be a huge deal. I can't wait! We get to choreo our own dances which will be real fun.
I spent the rest of the day either working out or recovering from workout. Overall, a very boring day. I like Russia, but I'll be glad to be home.
Love,
Jennie

June 11
Dear Journal,
This is the beginning of my new journal. That's right, my old journal, the one I faithfully contributed to for nearly two years, is gone. But that's okay. This will be a new start, and a new chaper in my gymnastics career. I haven't written in a few days, and a lot has been going on with me. First of all, Summerfest. I'm very happy with that meet. I got 10th in the AA, 3rd out of Topo gymnasts, and 2nd on bars. I'm really on a roll with bars, and I think it's because Lois and I have worked so hard on making my routine easy for me without lacking the difficulty the code calls for. Also, I work about ten times as much on bars, so I guess I shouldn't be shocked that it's going well for me. But it still felt great. Jessie came to the meet, as well as mom and dad, and that was wonderful. Jessie got along really well with the other girls, and I think she enjoyed being immersed in the gymnast life again after so long. She's grown again, and is about an inch and a half taller than me and has straightened her hair. But otherwise we're identical.
And now I'm in Russia! We're training at an elite gym in Moscow and living there. It's really strange, lol! The food tastes different and the bars feel weird but overall this has been a really good experience. I about wanted to cry in conditioning today though, and I think I got off on a bad foot with the coach. But hey, tomorrow is another day. Tonight I just hung around the dorm with Sarah and talked. We're going to be teammates at the intersquad next weekend! That will be so, so fun. Oh, and I had Lois talk to Grandma Benni on the phone tonight, and Benni agreed to open my report card when it comes tomorrow, and email me my grades! There's one computer here for us to go online. Let's hope I do really well on my finals and get at least a 3.6, that's my goal for ninth grade. Tonight I also looked over my drivers ed book, because I'm going to take the permit test when I get back. NC's letting me take it by mail, thank goodness. And if I pass it, Lizzie's mom is going to give me a driving lesson! Woo-hoo! Life is grand :)
Love
Jennie
*I could be pretty pissed about what happened to me. But it's hard to stay mad when there's so much beauty in the world*
-American Beauty

June 7
Dear Journal,
Back from Switzerland! And man oh man, what a crazy week this has been. When I got back from the airport today, I had to run straight to the gym library where my english exam was waiting for me. I was really stressed because I hadn't studied much, but the exam was a piece of cake. Thank goodness! Now, assuming my grades come back and I haven't bombed my finals, I am a graduate of the ninth grade! Amazing that when I start school again next fall, I won't be at the bottom of the heap anymore. Well, unfortunately, the insanity is not over. Tomorrow is Topopolilly Summerfest! I've been training very hard for this meet, but at the same time I'm so exhausted from all the traveling I've been doing.
Also, I'm a little concerned about the Pop Squad. Lara has left and because Lois is trying to get the roster down to 20, we won't be getting a replacement for her. And now Marissa isn't feeling well! Hopefully we can really pull together in this meet and show people what we're made of. And then Sunday is Russia! I can't believe how cold the weather's supposed to be over there. I'm going to have to dig out all the winter clothes I packed up at the end of this winter. But I think this will be a very cool trip and I can't wait. The Russians have such beautiful gymnastics, and it'll be great to train and compete with them so closely.
Well once again, there's family drama. Anna, as you know, is still pretty banged up, and now she's making noises about retiring at the end of the summer. Mom went berserk when Anna said that and now there's all this tension. Honestly, Anna hasn't been truly happy in gymnastics since she left Woodland for the first time three years ago. My mom is a very, very cool lady, but I don't understand her one bit. With all of us but Anna, she's been totally wonderful and supportive, but then with Anna she's been a crazy overbearing gym mom. I feel pretty bad for Anna, she's past her prime and she knows it, and I think she just feels uncomfortable now.
Speaking of Summerfest, Mom, Dad and Jessie are coming tomorrow to watch me - how cool! My parents are almost never able to come to my meets because they're so busy all the time. And I can't wait to see Jessie!
Love,
Jennie

June 6 #2
Dear Journal,
I KNEW I had something else to talk about. A little over a week from now, we're going to Cincinnati to compete in a squad meet benefiting the local Humane Society. Is that the coolest idea ever or what? In addition, we each get to sponsor a pet that is up for adoption. They're doing photo shoots of us with our pets, and then we're marching in with them before the meet. And whatever family adopts the pet we sponsor gets an autographed photo! I'm also organizing an auction of autographed Topo stuff to help them out, because I know these humane societies need all the help they can get. Especially because there's a kind of stigma attached to animal shelters, and people don't want to support a lot of them because of euthenasia, when actually there are tons of no kill shelters out there.
So this week, we each logged onto a website where we could pick out a pet. I looked forever, and finally found a great shelter called Circle Tail outside of the city. It's a no kill shelter that also trains seeing eye dogs and companion dogs for the disabled. There's this adorable litter of puppies there that's 9 weeks old. I decided to sponor one of them, a little girl pup named Gucci. She's a collie/golden retriever mix and has the most beautiful eyes! Two of her littermates are also up for adoption. The fourth, according to the lady at Circle Tail, has been identified as having the potential to be a companion dog, so she's not up for adoption while they train her. Anyway, I can't wait to meet little Gucci!
Podium training for Swiss Cup went great, I think I can really hit in this meet. Oh yeah, we're staying in this really nice hotel. I'm rooming with Sarah and Cameron and I'm sure we'll have a blast! Well, wish me luck!
Love,
Jennie

June 6th
Dear Journal,
Hey! Sorry I didn't write yesterday, as you can probably figure out from my earlier entry yesterday was totally insane! I got up at 4 am to finish packing for Switzerland, then studied bio until workout. Workout wasn't that great, I was totally unfocused and it showed, especially on beam where I was falling all over the place. I can't wait until these exams are finally over with! I'm seriously going to sleep for days -- oh wait, I'm going to compete in Summerfest, go to Russia, and then go to Ohio. Oh well. I can sleep when i'm dead!
So yeah, Math final was the first thing I faced when I got to school. I'm really good at math (wow, that sounds so cocky, but hey I am lol) and the exam wasn't too hard for me. I actually made a point of finishing early so that I could have more time to study for my bio final that afternoon. So after math I hit the library and basically just tried to memorize my bio book. I ate a sandwich that Grandma Benni packed me and then it was off to the exam. Oh jeez oh pete, that exam was so, so hard. In the middle I totally almost started crying. Oh well, at least after this I'll be done with bio forever. I'm not going to bother taking the SAT II after all. What's the point when I'm a borderline special ed case in science?
And then after that was my audition. That was probably the thing I was the most nervous about. After the exam, I raced to the bathroom and changed into my dance outfit (just a random white tank top with some loose black pants.) I got to the room where the auditions were being held and the entire SIDC group was sitting in chairs along one wall with clipboards. It was so intimidating, and on that moment I would have rather been on an inch wide, ten foot high balance beam in the Olympic finals than in that audition room. I gave them my CD, answered my questions, and then it was time to dance. But when the music started, the nerves just sort of melted away and I got really into it. When the music stopped, I didn't want the audition to be over! All of them were pretty stonefaced,they have to be, but I think I did well and my illusion turn definitely impressed them. I'll hear next week sometime if I got in, and if I do I'm going to have to make some occasional workouts this summer with the club. But hey that should be no biggie.
When I got back to the gym, all I had time to do was grab my bag and hop back on the van for the airport. I'm not sure my life has ever been this busy. The plane trip was uneventful, nothing major, I think I slept for most of it. Well, I'll write back later!
Love,
Jennie
*I'm gonna soak up the sun, I'm gonna tell everyone to lighten up*