Go Girl, It's Your Birthday!

If you know anything about me, my birthdays are a BIG production. This year I did a totally different approach. I didn't plan one minute of it.

Part of this approach was the result of a hectic schedule. Last week, I went to celebrate my sister's 18th birthday. As a follow-up to the Eat Soccer! radio interview with international massage therapist Vickie Torrey, I collaborated with her (on Thursday in Charlotte) to film a self-massage video for athletes that will be available on iTunes in the upcoming month. Fast forward through business calls, emails, reading and house visits...and we are at 10:32 p.m. on December 13th.

Full of birthday dinner, I am proud to say that this has been one of the more interesting celebrations. Interesting it a good way--and ironic--because I see some similarities between now and right before I relocated to LA and to Atlanta...(insert cliffhanger here)

Change is inevitable. I am happy to have experienced so much during my Dec 08-09 year, and now I am welcoming all that is in store for the next one.

Keep hanging on for the ride because I can guarantee you that it will not lack in entertainment..

Qiana Brings Soccer to Shortwave Radio

I know you have been wondering what I have been up to for the last few months. For those of you who haven't followed me on Facebook or Twitter, it can be a bit challenging.

Just hang tight. I will be revealing our next, great soccer adventure very, very soon. In the meantime, I can tell you that I have signed on to broadcast my first ever radio show. It will be available worldwide through the shortwave radio station, WRMI (Radio Miami International). Who better to take me and my evangelistic soccer message to the huts, favellas, barrios, beaches and streets of far flung places across the planet?

You can catch me hosting my show Eat Soccer! from 8:00-8:15 p.m. EST (0100 UTC) every Thursday. For those of you who do not have a shortwave radio, do not worry. I've got you covered. Catch me on WRMI's live streaming broadcast at the listed time above.

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Soccer & The Path Less Traveled

Free Style Soccer Goes Qiana

My traveling schedule has started to pick up, and this past weekend I found myself yet again in Charlotte. Being that I like to kill many birds with one stone, I lined up a birthday party attendance, a visit to the Concrete2Green futsal center and a few important conversations with my mentors.

During a drive on Saturday morning, one of my mentors began telling me a story. She recalled how, in the midst of admiring other accomplished colleagues, she found herself unrealistically comparing her list of accomplishments to those who had more experience than herself.

I remember thinking to myself the irony of hearing this story when, several hours later, I was asked to participate in a freestyle soccer exhibition at the annual Slam Jam at Grayson Park. I expressed my hesitation to participate as I reflected on the tens of people that I have met who have grown up all of their lives doing jaw dropping tricks with the ball.

I resolved in my mind that if this experience was meant for my “freestyle colleagues” then they would be at Grayson Park and not me. With that note, I joined in on the exhibition. The juggling jitters were there nonetheless, but as I continued with my touches on the ball, they disappeared as I flipped the ball from the side of my samba sole to my knee. I may be in the early stages of my free style development. However, showcasing my “free style wizardry” at Slam Jam was quite a coming out event!

Breakfast At Betty's

This Damsel Needs a Disguise

I am at a loss when it comes to cars. In the event I need car maintenance, I take my car to the dealership when the maintenance light comes on. As far as repair, I defer to anyone with more driving experience than me. Sometimes I get a quick answer. Other times, like this past Sunday, my mama directs me to the nearest auto parts store.

The front headlight on my car was out, and I wanted to get a good deal. Now, this wasn’t the first time I had to replace a light. The last time it was one of the lights in the back. However, as I looked at the extra bulb in my glove compartment, I was reminded that, even if this was the right size, I didn’t know the first thing about taking the cover off.

There was no time to waste. I headed to Pep Boys, and began my usual routine of wandering around with my “tried and true” damsel in distress look. The first salesperson, who approached me, was a lady, and she was unfazed by my look of confusion.

“What’s the make and model of your car?” she asked flatly. I told her and she rattled off a four digit number, pointed to an aisle on the left and walked off. Definitely, she was a lady who seemed like she could fix anything on her car.

And just when I thought my act fell flat—a store manager appeared. “Victory is mine,” I thought.

“Are you finding everything that you need?” he asked. With a moment of hesitation, I rambled off the headlight number and told him my inability to locate it. The manager quickly located up the bulb package. I asked him if someone could help me install it because I “just don’t understand how to do it.” He replied, “You never know how to do it!”

I gasped.

In that moment, my mind went dark. I didn’t know what to say. I have never been called out on my damsel in distress act (and for the record I don’t bring it out often).

I innocently asked, “Was it my hair that gave me away?”

The manager laughed and said, “Next time you should wear a hat and dark glasses. Don’t worry. I will install the light for you.”

[Insert sigh of relief here] I did get my desired result, but not without embarrassment. In the future if I pull a damsel in distress again, I am going to need a disguise—straight hair…

Concrete 2 Green: Bringing Futsal to Charlotte’s Inner City

This week I spent a few days in Charlotte. I drove around and looked for any signs of a soccer pick-up scene. Much to my disappointment, I found a few parks without goals and some parks with goals and no people. Imagine my frustration.

However, I was not down for long because I had an appointment to visit Concrete2 Green. Concrete2Green is a socially conscious company that uses innovative and eco friendly strategies to grow the sport of soccer in US inner cities and urban communities. Earlier this year, C2G transformed the old ice skating rink in Eastland Mall into a vibrant futsal center.

My time at C2G was filled with lots of pick-up games and kickups. Moreover, I had the opportunity to see some of Charlotte’s up-and-coming soccer players show off their best tricks.

The C2G Futsal Center provides an opportunity for soccer players (of all ages) to develop their technical ability and freestyle flair in a safe environment. If you come to or live in the Queens City and need a great place to play, feel free to swing by for a few pick-up games or join in on league play. I can guarantee you that when I am in town—it will be the one place that you can catch me at!

Winning Qiana's Heart 101: The Grip

Courtesy of my Bermudian excursion, I want to drop yet another piece of wisdom for those who seek to suit me. This insight comes courtesy of my new mode of transportation--a scooter.

Every person in my group has been paired off to ride on a scooter. As it goes, I am a passenger. My driver has coined me with a new nickname. It is pincher. He gave me this name because I lightly press the tips of my fingers on his sides as I ride. During the times that I am comfortable, my grip is light. On the more questionable curves, let's just say there is a firmer pinch.

My hand position is quite different from that of the other passengers on their scooters. One girl hugs her driver with her hands and thighs. While the other girl, lays against the scooter basket and does not touch her driver whatsoever.

It dawned on me that the grip on my driver is just how I like my relationships. When I date a guy, I want to know that he is there and can depend on him in precarious situations. However, I do not want someone who is smothering me with an invasion of my time and space or a gentleman caller who is MIA on the regular.

Like riding these scooters, to have a smooth ride with me you have to exercise balance and exercise a light grip.....act accordingly

We Ain't Got

I know enough about long distance air travel to prepare for the cool temperature coach cabin. I bring a jacket and a pair of warm socks. Then, I make sure to hit up the stewardess for a blanket.

Today in keeping with my routine, I politely ask the US Airways stewardess for a cover. She replies with an air of disappointment, "we don't have any."

Has the recession really caused the airlines to cut back on that share-all blanket??

Once the flight was underway, an announcement came over the loud speaker. "Ladies and Gentlemen, for $7 you can purchase a comfort package. It includes a pillow and blanket."

They don't have any blankets. However if you want to pass a little cash, US Airways find you a blanket and a pillow!

Can't Stop My Music!

This morning the training group took off on what our trainer considered a "brisk" jog in the neighborhood surrounding our training facility. As I was running alongside my trainer, I had a hunch that there would be an added twist to today's workout.

About 3/4 mile into the run, my trainer cut through an abandoned lot, jumped down a muddy embankment, trotted around the fringes of a homeless basecamp and began running on the train tracks. I must say it was a first for many, including myself.

Did you know all of those railroad planks have a million rocks packed in between? I certainly did not, and this fact required lots of adjustment during our mile run up the tracks. Keeping pace while avoiding ankle turning rocks and wooden planks is not for the faint of heart.

Fortunately, everyone was saved by a train creeping up the tracks on our return route. Our trainer wove his way back to the streets and into the gym.

Once inside, he made the announcement, "No music for one month. You must learn to motivate yourselves on your own. Can't take the music with you to tryouts!"

The room was silent, of course. No music and no talkback equals silence.

Silence for everyone else, but not for me. I always have music--its' just playing in my head.

How else would I make it through these strenuous training sessions? Amazing Grace, Beyonce, Young Jeezy, This Little Light of Mine, Madonna...I have my karoake machine on high, and my inner voice is always on point.

Well, I hope the other guys can make the transition. It can be a long row to hoe when you have nothing to divert you from the pain of a 30 second resistence cord drill.

As for me, I am ready to go. Put in Shawty Lo cause you can't stop my music!

Winning Qiana's Heart 101: Up 4 A Game?

Now, I want to make it clear. There are basic attributes that I feel my male suitors must possess before they even come to the table. However, I believe that we all have a quality or two that we seek in a potential partner that if not found can be a deal breaker. Let me give you a quick glimpse into one of mine.

At a very young age, my uncle taught me to have disdain for the Dallas Cowboys, favor the Washington Redskins, throw a pigskin and shoot a basketball. I was the resident quarterback in the 1 on 1 coverage games for my brother and uncle for a very long time. As a result, I began betting on college games and point spreads long before I was legally able to do so. Fast forward to college and it was common to hear my roommate (ironically a Dallas diehard) and I screaming at the television when guys missed the tackle, didn't protect the QB and caused unneccessary penalties.

Football is in my heart. Basketball is in my blood, and most other sports are found in my remaining appendages. I have an infinite affinity for watching athletic competition. The mere thought of my intriguing conversations on arts, letters and current events not including casual athletic discourse is uncomfortable for me to imagine.

Who sits mute and unaffected by the highs and lows of the opening exchanges in a boxing match? Who falls asleep during the Superbowl? Who watches a weekly sitcom when the Final Four Championship is being broadcast? I can appreciate this person as a friend, but not as a potential 'anythingfurther.'

Dare to feign your love of sports, and I deem you disrespectful. Believe me, some have tried and fallen to their deaths (figuratively NOT literally).

Gents-if you cross paths with me and you don't know what to say, strike up a conversation on say the upcoming NFL season, Champions League or NBA playoffs. You will get some face time!

The Rain

I have busy dealing with a lot of rain. I was absolutely amazed when it mysteriously and unexpectedly appeared. However, just when the storm came to a halt, the clouds began gathering again. Another shower is beginning but it is one that I have been working and waiting for--Stay posted

Certified F. Chaser

Today, my trainer added a few new pieces of training equipment to our track/field workout. I am always curious when he introduces new apparatus to us (which is often) because you just never know how he is going to use it.

Therefore, you can imagine the look on my face when he ushered me to the field with a set of yellow frisbees. He sent one out into the field and told me to chase it. The frisbee caught air and went immediately into several different directions. The drill had several goals. One of these was to keep developing my change of direction response time.

I love fun drills, and the frisbees definitely hit the mark. I hope I get the opportunity to chase them more often John (hint, hint)..

Me Against Pollen

I have been MIA for the last month as you can see. I have been attacked from all sides by a greenish, yellow powder--affectionately known as pollen. As a result, I couldn't think of anything outside of tissue.

I am now at a point where I have the upper hand. However, I can't miss a beat when it comes to the allergy medicine.

What is a girl to do in a city that is located in the middle of forest? Perhaps, I will purchase one of those Michael Jackson facemasks.

The Pack

Last week, I went to a high school combine. It was entertaining to hear the trainers, parents and other spectators size up the guys in the check-in line and on the field.

One particular guy was standing in the line, and immediately my trainer pegged him as the guy to watch. As predicted, this guy received recognition for his outstanding performance at the event.

How can one guy in line stand out before he even performs?

My trainer described it this morning after our water workout as “something that makes you take notice.” Sometimes it’s that person’s appearance of being in the zone. Other times it’s an athlete’s eagerness to be at the head of the line or to stand out front during the drills. Perhaps, it is the small act of staying engaged in the group conversation with the coach or trainer who is imparting some important advice.

I thought for a long time this morning about that conversation. Although we repeat the proverb “don’t judge a book by its cover, name one person who has the ability to ignore the book jacket. It is right in front of us, and we make initial evaluations of books (and people) based upon them.

Whether its sports, business or relationships, we have the ability to conduct ourselves in a way that pushes us ahead of or further into the pack. These small choices begin to color our book jackets.

Are you satisfied with your book jacket? If not, make sure you are moving forward and doing all of the small things that it takes to stand out.

Even a height-challenged Zacchaeus posted up in a tree to get recognized by Jesus…Sometimes out-of-the box, tree climbing solutions are just the trick!

You Can’t Stop Jadakiss-At Least That’s What He Said

When I am handling the “administrative” portion of my life, it is pretty much a given that I am completing my duties with background music. Chubbie Baby’s Superstar Status, Jeezy’s Circulate, DJ Khaled’s Go Hard and Playaz Circle’s Look What I Got can give me motivation to get pretty much anything done.

After hearing a song 500 times, you always want to put something new in the rotation, and today I am proud to bring a new single into my play list. Let’s give a hand for Jadakiss and Can’t Stop Me.

It has all the beat and refrain to lead you to move mountains. Or, in my case, get over the hurdles at the track with correct speed, timing, ease and form.

Yeah, it all goes back to soccer, club kids.

My only point of contention is that the song is too short. If anyone comes across Kiss, let him know its hard to get through a high rep set before the song is over-add another verse!

Connect This Buddy!

Stilettos, Seven jeans and a vintage, Mad t-shirt rounded out my outfit on Saturday night. Things were looking fabulous for my appearance at a house party.

As expected, lots of people from my gym were in attendance. The music was solid. All White Bricks by Gucci Mane and Soldier Boy’s Turn My Swag On received a rotation. The grill was fired up, and there were lots of dominoes to be played.

All of a sudden someone appeared with a Connect Four and placed it on the table. Before I knew it, I was engaged in heated competition with several guys from the gym. The circle of onlookers grew, and the moments were tense. I am pleased to report that I took home the championship title in a few rounds. Unfortunately, I was smashed unknowingly in the final round. Fatality!

I now have a new zeal for the game. If you find yourself in my area with a spare Connect Four, let me know. I am always up for the challenge….

Don’t Be Fooled: It’s The Monster Plantation

“That’s what you get for trying to be first! Tell her Wise.” I was squatting and panting to catch my breath when I heard this comment yelled over the music in the gym today.

I had just finished a nine set, hurdle suicide drill, and struggled to maintain form, speed and track of the hurdles that I had cleared. The result was a slight straddling of the next to last hurdle so I could recall if I needed to stop and go back or if I needed to clear the last hurdle to do the final stretch run.

Amidst the yells of encouragement and scolding from the session leader, I was not expecting to hear what I interpreted to be a you-need-to-stay-in-your-place-(girl) declaration to all of the guys in the session.

The taunting comment added salt to the wound of what I would consider one of my most “confusing” performances. My brain rang the alarm, and all reinforcements came rushing in. “Silence is the best response.” “Leave the gym immediately.” “Dude’s issue with you beating guys on the drills is his problem not yours.” “Apollo Creed AE wouldn’t ever say that.”

All the truth of those statements didn’t immediately stop the stinging. But what did put me back on track was a recollection of stories.

1. The City: Whitney pulled a killer Diane Von Furstenburg outfit for the Jessica Alba cover. Her co-worker Olivia was against the ensemble. However, when it ended up on the cover, Olivia took all of the credit.
2. Story of Dr. Vivien Thomas: He was a pioneer for cardiac surgery, and he was not acknowledged for his discovery until many years later.
3. Slumdog Millionaire: Salim told Jamal to forget about Latika, but time and time again he kept searching.
4. The Alchemist: Santiago was beaten up at the pyramids and told by the robber how stupid he was for treasure hunting.

Although Whitney has not received her just acknowledgement and I am not quite to my goal, the stories of Dr. Vivien Thomas, Jamal and Santiago prove that no one can keep you from your destiny if you stay focused.

It reminds me of a ride at Six Flags called the Monster Plantation. When the ride starts out you enter the house and all these creatures are having fun, and they want you to join along. As your path continues, the lights dim and Billy Bob tells you to turn around. However, the boat continues, the house lights go out and you have to face the monster.

Does the monster eat you? No. You go straight through the mouth and on to an even better party at the end of the ride.

Our journeys are just like that. We are going to come across monsters who choose not to recognize our talents or go out of their way to belittle our attempts to be the best. All we have to do is just keep going, keep looking at the goal and know that we will make it to the big party at the end. Whatever to those Monsters!

Miscellaneous Musings from Miss Martin

I was told recently that there are two ways to participate in the Lent Season. First, you can make a sacrifice and donate the money at the end of the 40 days. Or, you can make a change. At the encouragement of a fellow lent participant, I am doing both. No sweet treats for the season and a dedication to meditation three days per week.

My Lent buddy feels that my mind never stops working. I have been challenged to pursue a mental white space at all costs.

In this entry, I am going to attempt to work towards my journey towards white space this evening by sharing some miscellaneous musings that I had today. Not only will I clear out some random mental chatter, but you will get a glimpse into my internal world. You may love it or hate it. However, you need not worry because you don’t hear it all the time—I do! So who is the lucky one?

1. 10:17 a.m. (at training): Something doesn’t smell quite right. Is it who I think it is? I hope people don’t walk by and think it’s me. Even so, people will find out the truth. I wonder if something is going on. This guy usually has his scent together. Maybe he forgot to put on deodorant. This happens to the best of us.
2. 11:45 a.m. (at Wal-Mart): I don’t care if people are wondering my clothes don’t match. I just finished working out. I hope no one gets to close to me. I just finished working out. I hope they have a cheap pair of high quality scissors in here. I can’t believe somebody got me for my favorite pair of scissors. I can’t believe I misplaced them. Well, I have to just let them go. Change is good, but it needs to be at the right price. $5.00! This is Walmart. Who needs a magnetic scissor cover? Craft scissors are $6.98! Well, I am not paying that. I really feel like I can get a better deal at Office Depot. I really don’t like running around in these wet clothes.
3. 12:45 a.m. (at home): I guess I should stop skipping up the sidewalk to my building people might be watching. Whatever. Everybody should be happy. Maybe they will land a pair of 50 cent, high quality scissors from Office Depot. My hunch was right. I really am glad that I went to see Slumdog Millionaire yesterday. I feel just like Jamal right now. Life is really like The Alchemist. Time to trim my flowers.
4. 3:00 p.m. (on location): Who thinks to ask someone if these flowers are artificial? I wonder if everyone else thought they were fake? Anyway, I think that is a compliment. I can pick flowers so good that people can’t tell if they are real or not. I wonder if that guy feels silly, like he doesn’t know everything about flowers because he’s never seen flowers that look artificial but they were really real. I wish he would’ve taken them off of my hands. I could’ve just re-rearranged them and pulled out the one sunset that had wilted. I really liked this arrangement. It was really wild looking. I am running behind schedule. I should’ve been finished by 3:00 p.m.
5. 3:57 p.m. (new location): What if he did come from LA to do the project? People would definitely be wondering where I got him from. Everything is going to work out great. I am glad Porter had to go. I have to conserve my daytime minutes. It’s a little cold in here. I have to put on my scarf. I am running low on blog topics today. I need to remind my cousin to send the pic of the banana pudding cake. I can write about that.

Is Your Dealership This Great?

I was surprised to see a check engine light when I was driving to my training session last week. As instructed by my uncle, I opened my glove compartment and began searching the car manual for some direction. Gas cap tightened-check. Gas in car-for the most part-check. The last instruction was to head to the dealership, and two days later, I drove into my local dealership-Sandy Springs Toyota.

After a rigorous evaluation, it is discovered that my car (otherwise known to my inner circle as "Black Boyfriend" (because he takes me everywhere with ease, style and dependability)) needed a $385 gasket replacement. What! We have only been with each other for less than 3 years. Who knew Black Boyfriend was ill?

I went home to vigorously search online for some guidance. I couldn't understand how something so big could go awry so soon. Well, armed with a little information, I called my dealership to explain that my part was covered under another warranty (60month). The Service Department Head explained that this was not the case, but after careful review of my customer support had decided to do a FREE out of warranty replacement! Absolutely Fantabulous-I know but this is only the first part.

When I dropped off my car this morning, I came prepared for 3 hours of reading. However, my service guy came to notify me that my car was done after 70 minutes because he didn't want me to sit and wait for 3 hours.

These guys are amazing! Can you say that about your dealership? If not, head on over to Sandy Springs Toyota. These guys will take great care of you!!

Y Did U Do This Arms?

My legs and calves have created a legacy for themselves. What can I say? I am a Sagittarius, and I love to work on my lower body.

However, I recognize my upper body needs to fall in line. Your arms and shoulders help to drive your legs, and in my line of duty, leg driving is a must.

Therefore, push-ups, curls and all that other technical upper body training has been a staple in my workout routine. So how have the results fared? It seems like it depends on the day and the drill.

Today, I found myself in the middle of my last set of pull-ups thinking "Y did u do this arms?" My chin went from above the bar during reps 1-5, to the bar from reps 6-13 and below the bar from reps 14-20.

It was not a pleasing sight to behold and definitely not a pleasing experience for me.

I want to dedicate this post to those who are trying to have some semblance of upper body strength. It's not easy, but one day our arms are going to come through for us...

Dance Dance Revolution!

For the last few weeks, I have been receiving a great deal of flack because I have not made an appearance during the Wednesday night training session. This training session was presented as an auxiliary option for those who want some extra cardio, footwork and hip work.

Don't get me wrong. I am all about extra credit when it comes to my training. However, this was a hip hop dance class. It was a bit concerning to me because there is a great deal of uncertainty when you put my trainer in a dance studio with 60 minutes of music. Are you breakin'? Are you doing backhand springs? It is a toss up with this guy.

The standoff reached a head last week. While I was in the pool preparing for the start of the water training, one of the athletes asked me if I was coming to the class. Everyone came towards me to hear my answer, and it wasn't the answer that they wanted to get. I had other plans. Immediately, I was falsely accused of providing lame excuses.

This Wednesday arrived, and I was determined to prove everyone wrong. I showed up to class. It was packed, and people were shocked to see me there.

The music began blasting out of the speakers. My trainer took his place at the front of the room, and we became those "video background dancers." It was hilarious when I was off beat. It was a hard work out, and as usual my trainer was dramatic. He stopped the third set to clear the mirrors when the fog prevented him from seeing himself.

If you find yourself in the A, swing by The Complex on Northside Drive on Wednesdays at 6:00. You may catch me get some extra hip work in to DJ Khaled's Go Hard...

For your entertainment, I came across a hip hop aerobics video that may spur you to action and give you some new vocabulary.....Enjoy!

Qatar is Fast

This morning brought a pleasant surprise of yet another track workout. Our training utilized the hills and trees surrounding the area because it was being used by none other than members of the Qatar Olympic track team! Go figure. Chance encounters with international athletes are my favorite.

Although you missed the meeting, here are 5 Quick Facts about Qatar in case you have the good fortune too meet an athlete from this amazing country!

1. Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It is located on a peninsula off the border of Saudia Arabia.
2. In the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Qatar participated in one sport-track and field.
3. Qatar is the size of Hawaii.
4. Qatar has one of the best sporting systems in the world outside of the industrialized nations.
5. Qatar is considered an Olympic paradise because of its heavy investment in sports.

Parachutes Are Not For Babies

This morning I found myself in the midst of an intense training session at the track. After our usual round of warm-up drills, we did several sprints. Everything was going really well, and I was pleased with my performance.

Since it was fairly warm outside, we had a couple of additional onlookers, a set of twins. They were being supervised (of course) and were busy engaging in a workout of their own. It included riding tricycles, running shorter distance sprints and climbing up and down small embankment adjacent to the track.

My final drill for the session was closer to the twins play area, but they were out of harms way--or so we thought. As I came to the home stretch of my last 100 meter sprint, my parachute swayed outside of the 8th lane and swooped up one of the twins as he was riding on his tricycle. Imagine the horror!

It happened so fast that when I felt the tug on my waist, this young man was already engulfed in a sea of navy blue nylon. It was a very scary ride, and lots of tears, apologies and first-aid checks were had.

Lesson: Place Ample Distance between innocent bystanders when running with a parachute. It is not for babies!

Only 4 Obama: Up 4 A Round?

After possibly getting two hours of sleep, my friends and I slowly rolled out of bed to get dressed for the Swearing-In Ceremony. Our original plan to be at the subway station by 4 a.m. was definitely on the revision board after returning to our room at 2:30 a.m. from the Illinois Society Gala.

It was shortly after 5:00 a.m. when we boarded the train to head to our designated entry gate. We managed to calmly survive the crushing crowds on the subway platform to emerge into the cold, dark morning. Our goal was to make our way to the best possible spot in the unorganized crowd of people waiting for the security checkpoints to open.

As a way to pass the time, my friends and I made small talk and jokes. I had made up in my mind long before arriving in D.C. that I had planned to entertain myself by singing. (For the record, I don't have a particularly melodic voice.)

In order to get my other friends on board, I suggested that a song was in order. I reiterated that I am a fan of the round. It was a technique that I learned in Music class while in grade school. One person or group begins the song. A few seconds later, others join in and ultimately by sheer luck they end up coming together at the end. Oddly enough, this type of singing fascinates. For once, my friend Tonya took the bait. She began singing the famed "This Little Light of Mine." I could not contain my laughter as I joined in. Apparently our entertainment was contagious because other voices began to join in. Before we knew it, a diverse group of silver gate ticketholders became a choir.

It was awesomely surreal, and Tonya was pleased with her contribution. I think I may suggest round singing more often. Who knows what may happen?

Only 4 Obama-Look Out Below! (Part 1)

I am going to write a short entry series dedicated to the 44th President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama. All of these entries are the experiences that I willingly subjected myself to in the name of the Ever-So-Poplar & Historic Inauguration. The situations brought out a range of emotions. Sometimes I cried. Other times I was shaken up. Overall, I had to laugh (to keep from crying)...Nevertheless, I wouldn't trade my time in DC for nothing. Hopefully, you too can get a bit of a laugh at my expense.

On Inauguration Day, it was cold. I was prepared but standing in one location for hours and hours eventually cooled my toe warmers. As a result, my lower legs were pretty much frozen solid by the time Mr. Obama took the oath of office. The crowds on this day were absolutely astounding. I had to get a picture, and some kind gentlemen offered to help me and my friend get up on a large cement partition to capture the spectacle. Let's just say that it was a challenge to maintain a steady foundation when one cannot feel their feet.

Once my friend hopped up on the partition to join me, she inadvertantly sent me back into the crowd! Fortunately, the men below were on alert. I know it had to look like a serious mess cause I couldn't do much to brace my fall. Not to be deterred from the ultimate goal, my male supporters coaxed me back to returning to the partition to get some images of a lifetime. It was worth it fall and all--Only 4 Obama! (image coming soon)

The Early Bird Is At the Head of the Line

I have to be frank. I really want to sleep in today. It is MLK Day and I have to brave the cold to get my tickets to the swearing-in ceremony. My original plan was to be posted out front of the Cannon Building by 8 a.m. Unfortunately, it just isn't really possible.

My last entry was written in the midst of a dense haze of utter sleepiness so I had to get in a few extra minutes. Afer securing my tickets, I want to eat breakfast, do a Service Day project, get a nap, eat again and then begin preparing for the Illinois Society Gala tonight...

What time did Porter and I get to the Capitol? At 9:30! Crowds of people were everywhere. Porter saw that one door was admitting people much quicker so we took our place in front of two gentlemen from Florida. Although we were not at the head of the line, we were way ahead of the other 235,000 people!

To pass the time, Porter and I began snapping pictures and making jokes. Why not? How often do you get to pick-up swearing-in tickets. One thing is for sure we are going to revise our arrival plans for the Inauguration Ceremony. It was apparent in people's faces that they were surprised that the lines were so long before the 10:00 a.m. designated pick-up time.

Lines and cold weather are going to be our BFFs this weekend so I might as well make peace with it and enjoy the adventure!

(Image on the way)

Are You Headed In the Right Direction?

I have been missing for a couple of days, but I have a good excuse. I have been feverishly preparing to go to DC for the Inauguration. Between workouts and cold weather planning, my compass has been focused on heading north.

Now that I am settled in Dupont Circle with my long time travel partner (Porter), it became readily apparent today that this is a weekend where people will be required to know where they are heading.

Around 3:30 a.m. this morning, I was driving the first leg of our nine hour road trip. It so happened and a car seemed to be heading in the wrong direction on the highway. Upon further inspection, the car made a sharp turn and moved to the side of the interstate. It became quickly apparent that the front end of the car was smashed in and smoking. Intoxicated perhaps? Sleep at the wheel? We were not certain, but we made sure to notify the authorities to ensure that this driver was able to receive some assistance to get going in the right direction.

Less than seven hours later, I found myself scrambling on the streets of our nation's capitol trying to determine an alternate route to my mapquest instructions. It appears that the road closures are occuring a little earlier...Eventually, patience and lots of good fortune prevailed as we found our way to our Dupont Circle hotel.

Not even this small hiccup could cause us to skip out on yet another opportunity. Standing in a sea of hundreds of thousands of people, my friend and I listened to an array of artists share the history of individuals who, representing the interests of the common good, seized their chance to move our country in the right direction.

My weekend in DC has just begun. Who knows how many more times I will get turned around? One thing is for sure. We each have the chance to conduct small acts to move the needle. Take the opportunity tomorrow to participate in National Service Day. As this past election has shown, every individual when acting for a collective cause can take us farther North!

A Little Extra Goes A Long Way

Would you like to make some more money? Do you desire to make the team? Is your desire to get back to your fighting weight?

Whether we want to admit it aloud or not, we all have goals. I happened to be working on one specific goal in training this morning. A new year has brought a few new changes in my training routine.

A more intense routine brings with it an ever increasing desire to savor those 15 second rests in between drills. No such luck. In 08', I had a squat stance during these rest periods. It served two purposes. I could keep stretching my knee while getting a good breather so I could hit it again.

Today, there was several public vetos of my rest posture. "Get up Qiana!" (My friends will tell you that I am not a fan of public reprimands.) "Get up Qiana!" (I am just trying to catch my breath responsibly and without bending over.) "Get up Qiana!" (My knee is still a little tight because of the cooler weather.)

All of these silent thoughts were meaningless because I didn't want to hear my name being called again. Also, I knew, if I sucked it up and created a new habit of keeping a standing posture during these intense workouts, that it would pay off in the 88th minute of a hard game.

For the last two years, I have heard one of my trainers say that the details add up.

Take a look at your goals for this year. Figure out what extra small steps you can take and do them. You will be amazed at how these little actions will carry you a long way!