1 Year Anniversary

!Hola!

It's been a year since my tragic case of "I want to go to the Olympics-itis" first set in. I'd like to take a moment to look at the changes and progress I've made.

First off, to all of you who were the "first responders" to my condition - do you believe me now? I'm actually in COLORADO, training with some of the top olympic coaches, working out every day, and have successfully competed on the national level! I remember telling my fellow RAs that I was going to train for the Olympics and they all laughed at me. Not anymore! In fact, Lindsey and Jessica were the only people I initially talked to who didn't think I was joking.

But "told you so's" aside, I've made some big improvements.

This time last year I could barely swim 10 laps (1000 meters) and now I swim 5000m every day.

This time last year I could also barely run a mile - maybe not even that, and now I can run 7-8 miles in an hour - at high altitude.

Last year I had never even touched an epee, let alone knew what fencing really involved. Now I've had the privilege of bouting with Olympic fencers!

Last year I also never shot an air pistol - now I practice shooting for at least an hour every day.

With that said, I still have a ways to go in achieving my Olympic dreams, but I'm on the right track. It's been challenging, but I've come further than I ever though possible and I've met some really amazing people along the way. All I've got to do now is just keep on keeping on!

Current 200m swim time: 2:40

Current mile run time: 6:30

Current aches and pains: shoulders

Caitlin Gets A Job

Hello,

I feel like my life should be made into a children's book series and this one is titled: "Caitlin Gets a Job," (just like "Spot Goes to the Farm.") Anyway, since my training is so time consuming, I have not been able to hold a regular job. It seems not many are interested in "I can't come to work but I'd still like a paycheck" department. Luckily, however, I was able to secure a job waitressing at a local Mediterranean restaurant/cafe with an understanding and flexible owner. I only work a few hours a week, but it helps to alleviate some of the burden off my parents.

I have never waited before and there's something you should understand about me - I don't really like "people" and I don't really like needy "people." This is not to say that I'm anti-social, but being gracious has never really been my thing. Ever. So naturally, a job in the service industry is right at home for me...

So far, I've only had to deal with a few onery customers, but here are some characteristics I've picked up on:

1. All men tip well - regardless, no matter what.

2. All women tip poorly - regardless, no matter what.

3. The more normal people seem, the more mean they are.

4. The weirder people seem, (pink hair, tattoos, studded chokers...) the nicer and more sincere they are.

5. People with small children that like to throw rice never tip enough.

Another interesting part of my job is handling the full-scale bar. On my first day a customer ordered a martini. I wrote down the order and went into the back to see who the bar-tender is. When I asked, the cooks politely informed me that "you are." I grew up in a fairly "dry" family and my experiences with drinks have been limited - and I certainly never mixed anything! I mixed some things together and then gave the woman her drink. I was so scared that she wouldn't like it and would be mad that I messed her drink up, so I gave the table to another waiter and tried not to go over to that side of the restaurant for the rest of the night.

Anyway, next time you eat out, remember how hard waiting really is and don't skimp on the tip!

Current swim time: 2:40

Current run time: 6:30

Current aches and pains: Nothing!