NATIONALS IN ARIZONA

Hi everyone!
So I haven't been a great blogger recently-I'm sorry! I have been loaded down with school and physics and biochemistry and am ready for the semester to be over! But right now I am getting a pretty sweet break from it all, staying at an amazing hotel in Phoenix, Arizona with the UVA Club Soccer team. We are here for the NIRSA National Club Soccer Championships, and we had our first two games today.
We woke up a little too early for my taste (7:30 am, when it is still cold in AZ!) considering we got into the airport at midnight and to bed by 2 am (all in AZ time). But our team has been so excited for this tournament, especially after qualifying for the Championship Division by doing so well this year! Unfortunately I am still not playing (though I was cleared to run this week, and even clocked a few minutes on a treadmill on Monday!) I'm already so, so happy I came!
Our first game was at 9:45 this morning, against Texas A&M, who sounded pretty intimidating. But the fields are beautiful, flat and perfect (surrounded by distant rocky mountains) and the weather became perfect soccer-playing weather by the time we got to the sports complex. Despite the early morning wake up call, our team made me proud by hitting the field running. The other team was good, fast, and organized, and played a lot like we do, but we got on the board in the first half when Shayna slipped one in, and it was all over from there. It was 2-0 at the half, and ended 4-2, but I really think a score of 4-0 would be more reflective of the game. The two goals they had were unfortunately results of simple mistakes, but we held on to it for a good, deserved win.
We had a couple hours between games, enough time to take advantage of the coolers of food and drinks our wonderful parents (We have fans all the way in AZ!) brought us, and catch half of the Men's game. They eventually won 4-0 against ASU, after a red card on one of the ASU players, and rude taunting about oompa loompas from their fans.
Our second game was against TCNJ (The College of New Jersey in case you haven't heard of it) and for some reason-maybe we were tired, didn't expect much out of the other team, or didn't get a good warm up, but we came out pretty flat. The first half was frustrating for all of us, and at half we were stuck in a 0-0 tie. We self-coached ourselves at half time, told ourselves to pick up our energy and get some passes together, and came out on top with a 1-0 win. Thankfully Lucie scored that goal, because despite our scrappy and somewhat lethargic playing, we definitely were the better team. TCNJ was definitely okay, but they were very physical, and I think the pushing and over the top fouling got in our heads a bit. Now I'm not talking dirty playing like Elizabeth Lambert (Check her out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC-pF3OHY1c) but it was definitely too aggressive, and the referees did not do their job to protect our players. It is important for the refs to keep the game aggressive, but clean and fair, and these referees allowed too much, ultimately leading to one of our girls heading to the hospital with a badly twisted ankle, and taking her out of the rest of the tournament.
Our next game is tomorrow morning at 10, against the winner of the OSU, Arizona and Denver bracket. I'll be doing my part as team photographer and somewhat coach on the sidelines. I'll keep you updated, and hopefully get some pictures up soon!

a pint of the good stuff

Yesterday I donated blood for the Crimson War battle between UVA and the University of Maryland. It would be great to beat Maryland but more importantly, everyone who donates can save three lives. There is a blood shortage in Virginia and you can help! So if you're at UVA (or anywhere!) go donate!

so fresh

I just went to the KD Farmers Market on grounds, and bought potatoes and salad (which I am enjoying right now!) It is so fresh compared to what you can get at the grocery store, and delicious. I was there right before/as if was getting started, so there wasn't too much out there yet, but I saw yummy looking vegetables, autumnal decorative corn, and squash. It really is getting to be fall!
Today also reminded me of the SoNo Farmer's Market at home, and is really making me want apple cider donuts, (mom send some?) If you haven't tried any, they are delicious, and you should! The desire to find more fresh vegetables and apple cider donuts is making me want to attend the Saturday morning farmer's market downtown this weekend--anyone want to go with?

knee update!

So quick update for anyone wondering about my knee: I am walking and no longer using crutches for the last couple weeks! Yay! I do get sore sometimes walking long distances, and going down stairs is still not really an easy option, but I am walking, and that makes me excited. Today it was a little sore, which may be from the weather, or maybe the decision to try on heels the other night, but it is feeling better after physical therapy today. Last weekend I was set on putting a brace on and going hiking, but I realized that may not be the best idea quite yet. I'm hoping it doesn't get too cold before my knee gets strong enough to go on some easy trails! I won't be running for another month or more, but I can bike and hop on the elliptical occasionally. So slow and steady it goes, but that is better than not at all! I'm trying to be optimistic, and so far it is working out well. I'll keep you guys updated!

are you an organ donor?

As of today, there are 104,043 people waiting for an organ in the United States. People on this list die every day waiting for an organ, and the wait can be years. There are many more people who aren't on this list because the wait would be too long, including over 300,000 people on dialysis. The shortage of organs is a serious problem, but it doesn't have to be. The way I see it, there are many potential donors who haven't thought about it, or haven't made their wishes and values clear. The system we have relies on people choosing to donate, which is different from many countries in Europe that have "Opt-Out" systems. Individual rights are not compromised in this system, since every individual has the right to choose not to donate. But for such a system to be enacted in the US, vigorous education and publicity about the change in policy would be required so that every individual is informed enough to make the choice to opt-out if they want to. As long as there is an easy way to opt-out, and patients know about the system, this seems like one of the better solutions to the huge organ shortage. But until the organ donation system is modified to increase organ supplies, individuals can make the conscious choice to be an organ donor and check that little box at the DMV. There are objections and fears to organ donations, many religious, but if you don't have any reason not to, it seems like an easy way to save another person's life. So are you an organ donor?

changing seasons

It's beginning to look a lot like fall. It's October, UVAs fall break and the leaves are starting to change. I'm currently in Deep Creek Maryland with Tom for break being lazy, catching up on reading (actually using those reading days!) and admiring this pretty place. Driving up from Virginia, it was like driving thru the season as the leaves changed from mostly green to a mosaic of green, bright oranges, reds and yellows. Although I'm not looking forward to the oncoming cold weather, I do love certain things about autumn; the changing leaves, the fresh air, cozying up with chai tea, and the smell of fall itself. I almost want to head back up to Connecticut for these things, but right now I'm going to try and prolong summer and head out on Tom's boat for some more reading,

Happy autumn!

Baller Twin

This weekend, I drove down to Washington and Lee University in Lexington VA to see my twin sister's field hockey game. It was my first time really driving since the surgery, but it went well and safely and felt normal, and was totally worth it since my sister scored the winning goal-they won 2-1. It was a really exciting game, and it is exciting she had a game somewhat near me! I feel pretty honored to be sisters with the currently tied for first goal scorer of JHUFH. Go Hop.


Check out the sweet high light article:
http://www.hopkinssports.com/sports/w-fieldh/recaps/091409aaa.html