Destination: Atlanta - The Time is Nigh

So I am down to my final day at home before leaving for Atlanta, Georgia tomorrow to compete at the USMS Nationals. After all the planning, preparing, training, and talking it is really almost time to pack up and head out. I have been trying to mentally prepare amidst the frenzy of busy days, and now that it's down to the wire I actually feel much more balanced and pulled together than I thought I would be. I am such a creature of routine and taking trips is usually the epitome of stress for me (not to mention that this one involves competing as well)...but oddly, I sort of just feel ready and excited.
 
When I first hopped into the pool last December, I had no idea that six months later I would have the opportunity to do something like this. It's been a whirlwind of a ride and taught me so much about myself, about dealing with my past, and about focusing on the future. It's reignited discipline and determination back into my life in a different way. In a good way.
 
I have met some amazing and inspiring people, and look forward to meeting many more. I have felt a sense of support and love from my friends and family, both in day-to-day life and online, that has been astounding. Thank you for letting me share this time and journey with you. It means so much to me and it's pretty incredible to feel such encouragement through my computer screen.
 
As I head out to the airport tomorrow morning, I have just a few goals in mind: to do my best (whatever that may be), to support my friends and fellow swimmers, and to have fun. Breaking it down like that makes it actually seem feasible. The pressure is a positive one and the journey is yet to be discovered.
 
I will try to update as often as possible, but should I miss some days in between, I'll be back with a vengeance soon enough to fill this blog with my silly stories. May your week be a fantastic one, full of fun and smiles.
 
Over and out from California (soon to be in the land of peaches and speedy pools),
J~Boo