tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50190361012442904422024-03-15T18:09:42.969-07:00Behind the UniformWelcome to my Blog!! My name is Michelle Kasold and I am a former member of the United States Women's National Field Hockey Team. I am a 2x Olympian (London 2012 and Rio 2016) with Team USA. Currently, I consider myself an Elite OCR racer. This blog will give you some insight into what I'm up to now and what life is like after the National Team.Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-13350614126418161632019-11-21T10:07:00.002-08:002019-11-21T10:07:23.671-08:00Back to bloggingHI EVERYONE!<br />
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It has been over 3 years since I last bogged. The Olympics got busy- then I took some time off, and decided to retire from playing internationally. This blog was originally about my journey to the Olympics and playing with the National Team, but now I want to shift gears a little bit. Here is a quick recap on what has been going on with my life since Rio 2016....<br />
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After the Olympics in Rio, I moved onto a farm with my, then boyfriend, Eli in Efland, North Carolina. It is about 15-20 minutes from my family, and less than 10 from his. We had been dating for about 3.5 years, but never really were in the same place for longer than a few months. About a year and a half later (Feb 2018), we got engaged! By the end of last year, we were married! We are almost to our one year anniversary!<br />
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For the months after the Olympics, I was happy to take time away, not work out, and not have the responsibilities of the grind. I started doing field hockey lessons locally (which I still do and love doing!) and just trying to figure out whether I missed field hockey enough to go back and play again. Part way into 2017, I realized I was satisfied with my hockey career and I was ready to hang up my stick from international play. I missed it in a lot of ways, but I was ready for the next challenges of life. I officially retired in July, 2017.<br />
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I was getting antsy to have a 'reason' to work out. I've never been motivated by just staying fit. I have such a competitive drive that I needed something to keep me pushing myself. Eli's aunt and uncle suggested we check out Spartan Races (an Obstacle Course race). That sounded fun to me, so we picked a local race in November 2017 and started training. Long story short, we fell in love with it and have been doing them now for 2 years! Last year (2018), I consistently finished in the top 10 (mostly 7th place) and felt like I was doing pretty well. I knew that I wasn't fully committed to it, like I had been the National Team. I knew my workouts did not compare to what I was capable of. I decided for this year (2019) that I was going to really push myself and leave it all out there to see where it landed me. It landed me on the podium (top 3) of over half my races and top 25 at the World Championships! It has been an amazing year- and I've learned a lot about running (wow, I did not know how to long distance run before this journey haha). I'm excited what 2020 has in store for this new athletic 'career' I've found myself immersed in.<br />
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My next post will be a recap of the World Championships- so you can get an idea of what that crazy race looked like and a little of what the sport is about. Feel free to leave comments, questions or messages for me!<br />
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Best,<br />
MichelleMichelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-33488870812905551562016-07-24T17:21:00.001-07:002016-07-24T17:21:07.227-07:00OLYMPIC PLAYLIST<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I need your help!! I am planning out my playlist for the
Olympics and I need suggestions! We will have to travel at least 30 minutes
from the village to the field for training and games and I need to make sure I can be
rocking out and getting in the zone for the whole bus ride! Send me some of
your all-time favorite pre-game songs, new or old! I'm taking any and all suggestions, any genre. I'll post my final playlist (with shout outs to any suggested songs I pick!) on a future blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are a few of my favorites:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Weekend Warriors by A Change of Pace</div>
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Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen</div>
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Small Town Throw Down by Brantly Gilbert, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett</div>
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'Till Collapse by Eminem</div>
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Go Hard by Lecrae</div>
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Hall of Fame by The Script, will.i.am</div>
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My House by Flo Rida </div>
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I Took a Pill in Ibiza by Mike Posner</div>
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Light It Up by Major Lazer</div>
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This Is How We Roll by Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan</div>
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Move (Keep Walkin') by TobyMac</div>
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Fix My Eyes by For King & Country</div>
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As you can see... I pull from many different genres. It all depends on the mood I am in before the game! I look forward to hearing your suggestions!</div>
Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-68516383891368925042016-07-23T10:41:00.000-07:002016-07-23T10:41:03.342-07:00Life of an Olympic Athlete<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What is it like
being a professional athlete? What is it like to travel the world? What is it
like to play for your country? What is it like to go to the Olympics?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The answers to these questions may surprise you. Because
the glorified life that may be projected by many professional and Olympic
athletes, is not the life that all of us “professionals” live.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is my real story about my journey with USA Field
Hockey and I want to share with everyone just what it is really like. Don’t get
me wrong, I wouldn’t be here doing what I am if it wasn’t for the love of the
game. At the end of the day, I love the sport of field hockey, I love my
teammates, and I love being able to represent my country more than any
sacrifices and struggles I’ve had to go through!<o:p></o:p></div>
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First off, let me start by saying that I am so fortunate.
I grew up in a family that gave me every opportunity to succeed in whatever
avenue I so chose. I was privileged to go to great schools and try any sport I
set my mind to. That is a huge reason I am here today. But even though I had
these opportunities, nothing has been handed to me. I still had to work
extremely hard to excel on and off the field. I still had to earn it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I often read much of what the US Women’s Soccer players
write about their struggle for equal pay, facilities, and treatment as their
male counterparts. I also read many of the stories and struggles faced by other
Olympic athletes like myself, in lesser known sports. There are some
similarities, but there is also stark contrast. I want to share what it has
been like for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is it like
being a professional athlete?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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For me, being a professional athlete should mean that you
play your sport for a living. This, to me, would mean that you get paid enough
to cover your expenses in order to train and thrive. To be the best in the
world, you must train pretty much year round, you need to be able to eat the
right foods, rest properly, and not worry about the stresses of money. So here
is where I’m going to talk about the money! We don’t make anywhere near what
NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, even MLS makes. Not even close. We don’t even make a
quarter of what the talented women of the US Women’s soccer team makes. For my
teammates and I, like many Olympians, we live just above the poverty line. And
I consider us some of the lucky ones. I can live off of that. We don’t get
housing or other living expenses paid for. Many live with teammates in order to
share costs. We are fortunate that all of our travel, including housing, food,
etc. are all covered when we go to tournaments and games overseas! We all look
forward to these tournaments, not only because it is a test of our abilities,
but because we save money when we travel! (I’m not kidding about this one!) It
is actually quite amazing that some have even saved up enough for down payments
on a house (well, a small house in Lancaster, PA! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>). We have learned to become
pretty money savvy! Field hockey isn’t a hugely popular sport that garners lots
of outside sponsorships. Due to this, some have chosen to find part time jobs
that are flexible on hours or let them work from home. I personally, did not
feel I had the mental or physical capacity to work on the side and still be at
my best for every day of training. Yet, some don’t have a choice financially.
This is the dilemma for us as professional athletes. And this is on top of
getting a paid more than we had been in years past. But I don’t have to sit at
a desk all day, I get to work outside, and I get to do what I love. I still
consider myself lucky! But hopefully, one day, the future USA Field Hockey stars
will have more than we did!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is it like to
travel the world?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve been playing field hockey for 17 years. Over half of
my lifetime. In that time, I have traveled to more countries than I could have
ever imagined! Hockey has brought me to 5 continents and 13 different
countries. I’ve played against 31 countries in over 200 games for my country. Although
we are traveling for business (games) and we rarely get more than a day (if
that) to be a tourist, I have still learned so much about the world and about
other cultures from all of these experiences. Just seeing other countries,
interacting with the people there and being immersed in their world, if only
for a short time, has really opened my
eyes to how people live differently. It makes me appreciate America and miss
home. But it also allows me to see the world through others eyes. Traveling has
made me more aware of world issues and has helped me understand how to see
through other perspectives. There are drastic distinctions between how people
in China live to those in Azerbaijan. The foods Indians eat are contrast
greatly with those in England. The humble, quiet nature of the Japanese is
offbeat from the upfront Dutch. (Don’t get me wrong, I love the Dutch and very
much love their culture after living and playing there for a season!) At times,
I do wish I could have been more of a “tourist” in many of the places I’ve
been, but I am so incredibly thankful to have been able to learn so much about
the world and see some unbelievable countries!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is it like to
play for your country?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Despite the money, this is the real reason why I continue
to show up every single day and push myself past limits I didn’t even know were
capable. It is difficult to put into words just what it feels like to play for
your country. Putting on the red, white and blue with USA emblazoned across
your chest represents so many things. I get a wave of emotions every single
time. When I put on my jersey, pull up my socks, and grab my stick, I know
every hour, minute and second of hard running, diving, lifting, pushing, and
pulling my body has endured has been worth it to arrive at this very moment, prepared,
confident and excited to put it all to the test. Competition fuels me. But
walking out onto the field, when I hear the USA chants coming from the energetic,
watchful crowd, I am brought back to a bigger purpose. I was once that little
girl in the front row, eyes wide, smile beaming, with a world of possibilities
in front of me, watching my heroes show their strength, courage, determination
and heart. I want to show that impressionable mind that her dreams can come
true! I want to encourage her to one day be even better than me! But I look
past this child to her parents, to my parents, to all Americans and I am
inspired on another level. Sport can bring so many people together! When the
stands fill with the buzz and excitement of a nation, there is an incredible
energy that allows me to forget the world and live in the moment. When I stand
in front of the American flag, one hand over my heart and the other around my teammate,
proudly singing the National Anthem, I fight back tears every time. Those
moments are truly about something bigger than myself and our UN1TED team. I
know my teammates would agree that there is nothing better than standing
together, as teammates, as fellow Americans, in uniform, ready to show the
world what Team USA is all about!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is it like to
go to the Olympics?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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THE OLYMPICS. Wow. Unbelievable. I was blessed to go the
London 2012 Olympic Games and I am just as blessed to be just days away from my
second Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016. Although this is my second
Olympics, it is not any less special. Each Olympics and it’s build up is
totally different. The team, the way we qualified, it is all a process. I have
had my dreams set on the Olympics since I was a little girl. US Women’s soccer
played a huge role in my childhood dream, which evolved into a life goal, and a
reality. To be joining the most elite athletes in every field of sport is
amazing. It is the pinnacle of an athlete’s career. Greater still, is what the
Olympics represents. The world coming together, to celebrate peace and pursuit
of greatness in each and every person competing, no matter the gender, race,
religious affiliation, or other categorizing aspect. Each athlete proudly
wearing its countries colors under the Olympic Rings. I am excited to be a part
of the world’s greatest sporting event (and probably the world’s greatest
event), and I can’t wait to share the rest of my journey with you! In a world
full of chaos and contrast, there is no better time than now for the world to
come together and celebrate all of its people once again! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll leave you with this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Olympic motto:<o:p></o:p></div>
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CITIUS – ALTIUS – FORTIUS [Faster – Higher – Stronger]<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Olympic creed:<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to
win, but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the
triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to
have fought well.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Time to fight well. <b>GO
USA!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-74444926834666823332016-05-29T10:10:00.001-07:002016-05-29T10:31:16.403-07:00May Recap<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Things have been busy here in
Lancaster, PA the last two weeks, but especially for me! All in good ways
though! As you probably already know, we had a 4 game series with Chile last
week in which we swept all 4 games. Chile was a great opponent that had some
key strengths which are similar to many of the teams we will face this summer.
It was good to get back into the swing of things and get some games against
someone other than ourselves! Chile is a hard working team with a lot of skill
and we are very thankful they traveled to play us in our preparation for
Champions Trophy next month, as well as leading up to the Olympics. Another
amazing part about this series was that my aunt MaryAnn attended. It was the
first time she has ever seen me play in person and she is by far one of my
biggest fans! It was truly an amazing experience for both of us and I was
reminded of how great my family support system is, no matter what the result! I
am so blessed!<o:p></o:p><br />
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We had a “regen” week this
week, which means we take a little time away from practice to recover our
bodies a little bit. On Tuesday, we hosted an outstanding fundraiser at Radley Run Golf Course
in West Chester and we had an amazing turnout! Thank you to everyone who came
out, golfed, had some fun with us, and continues to support our dreams! We are
so incredibly thankful for all of the people who back us throughout this
journey!!<o:p></o:p><br />
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Then on Thursday, I turned 29
years old! My morning consisted of a sprint workout with the team (which seems
to happen every year on my birthday!), but I guess I wouldn’t have it any other
way! My birthday is no different than other day when a greater goal of standing
on the podium is always in the forefront of my mind! Plus, it feels amazing to
be done with a hard workout. I felt accomplished and not as bad about eating
just a little bit of sweet treats for my birthday! ;) I have to say a HUGE
thank you to everyone who made my day so special! Special shout out to my
teammates, my family, my boyfriend, and my boyfriend’s family! Thanks to all my
friends who also sent me wonderful texts and messages through social media! It
was a special day and reminds me how many amazing people have come into my life
in 29 years! I still feel young, fit, and ready to live out my dreams! <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> XO</div>
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Finally, we have one more week until we leave for Champions Trophy! We are stopping over in the Netherlands for a holding camp and a few games before heading to England for the tournament! I am super excited to play in this prestigious tournament for the first time! It will be a good test and preparation to see where we stand for the Olympics! GO USA!</div>
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Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-55965239961277462402016-05-27T14:04:00.000-07:002016-05-27T14:04:50.163-07:00Foodie Friday! <div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
with Sweet Onion Sausage, Peppers and Onion</u></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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For my birthday last night, my
sweet boyfriend Eli and I cooked a delicious meal together! He was in charge of
the meat portion of the meal (like usual!) and I was in charge of the sides (as
always!). I really enjoy having someone help cook because they have different
ideas than me on how to combine foods. I love trying new things in the kitchen
and my mind can only get so creative!</div>
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Eli cooked up some Sweet Onion
Sausage from the local market and combined some peppers and onions in the mix.
It was delicious! Since I am on a low carb diet, instead of making rice, I made
Cauliflower Rice. I added some cilantro and lime juice to spice it up and it
was absolutely delectable! Eli even told me that was one of his favorite side
dishes! (It was probably just because it was my birthday and he was being nice…
hehe, but I’ll take it!) I will definitely be making this again in the near
future! It was yummy and was pretty easy to make!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila9ASkd6g2KhBTJ7i_M_EOpEbskqdnrER2ImxZ-7dobP8nOC0cpv6LDqdt9Hph2Wt20kGl6fN4nvmAqvtXMAuGQ8rnbhOlnTYQ9EMvDTZhgOOgdPOEp0-ONHkH77t_vW9M5gz71bR5yWs/s1600/20160526_201913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila9ASkd6g2KhBTJ7i_M_EOpEbskqdnrER2ImxZ-7dobP8nOC0cpv6LDqdt9Hph2Wt20kGl6fN4nvmAqvtXMAuGQ8rnbhOlnTYQ9EMvDTZhgOOgdPOEp0-ONHkH77t_vW9M5gz71bR5yWs/s320/20160526_201913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHKSzmlaT8CrOCyJrMlD0cHzeolZq5x1NA7NxCFoaGNFdVSiAjWLOKBP00bBfbwfdyZsIh1fGI3Hu_PE41KQV6cCT7kk905JOkdYG4rTwTPpHs5e5pwHfUZCA7jrU-QOf3jk0ozpnemv9/s1600/20160526_201859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHKSzmlaT8CrOCyJrMlD0cHzeolZq5x1NA7NxCFoaGNFdVSiAjWLOKBP00bBfbwfdyZsIh1fGI3Hu_PE41KQV6cCT7kk905JOkdYG4rTwTPpHs5e5pwHfUZCA7jrU-QOf3jk0ozpnemv9/s320/20160526_201859.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-63346861386563400702016-04-27T05:11:00.000-07:002016-04-27T05:13:42.847-07:00100 DAYSWOW! THERE IS ONLY 100 DAYS UNTIL THE OLYMPICS!!! WHERE DID THE TIME GO?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTxwY5IhOKwgF31SFuvdTDw0My9Qw2IEZb5iaseFfi58rFLZdTIgRPGTpsl7XOATXxZhWrYahodVX0WOb96-VzCqPLXNZUG527H-QR07xgcI-UvzCppUuViknMwJVOUNGHGSAnb1sDLXw/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTxwY5IhOKwgF31SFuvdTDw0My9Qw2IEZb5iaseFfi58rFLZdTIgRPGTpsl7XOATXxZhWrYahodVX0WOb96-VzCqPLXNZUG527H-QR07xgcI-UvzCppUuViknMwJVOUNGHGSAnb1sDLXw/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
Time has been flying in 2016 and the Olympics are literally right around the corner!!! We have been working our butts off here in Pennsylvania! Every single day counts and we've been making the most of each and every one. The crazy thing is that most people think of the (summer) Olympics as every 4 years, but for us, it is every day. When the time finally arrives though, after 4 years (and more!) of giving it our everything day in and day out, to put all our work on the line against the world's greatest athletes, it is magical. It is the culmination of everything we've sacrificed, we've sweated over, exhausted ourselves with endless sprints for, and yet it will be here and gone in a flash! I have vowed this whole year to make the most of the journey and enjoy the ride because in the end, that is life! It isn't all about the outcome, even though we strive to be our best and believe we have the ability to stand on the podium down in Rio this summer. These last 100 days are bound to be some of the hardest and test every part of my body inside and out, but I can't wait to embrace every moment! One day at a time, one game at a time, one moment at a time! 100 MORE TIMES! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-od9AwVtzRshsgYFmkev1LoC2YRO0AHg3T4S79ysf8ebcrWXz33vqnb_BP_Vr1kWBGNQuYh9XPSb_TMMmIJGraMmpJLiMMDZxJ_HF7DjzFj2EkFvzxmKpg6IIOulvectaSvjwFFagwAZ/s1600/9hx38s4hle7idvpy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-od9AwVtzRshsgYFmkev1LoC2YRO0AHg3T4S79ysf8ebcrWXz33vqnb_BP_Vr1kWBGNQuYh9XPSb_TMMmIJGraMmpJLiMMDZxJ_HF7DjzFj2EkFvzxmKpg6IIOulvectaSvjwFFagwAZ/s320/9hx38s4hle7idvpy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also, anyone watching the Today Show this morning?? Keep a lookout for some of my teammates! OR if you are in NYC, get down to Times Square, meet some of the hard working field hockey team, and watch a demo they are putting on! It will be a lot of fun to support my teammates and all of TEAM USA!!<br />
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Counting down the days.... almost in double digits! :)<br />
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Here are a few memories from London 2012:<br />
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<br />Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-25860300842381813772016-04-08T13:50:00.002-07:002016-04-08T13:50:22.771-07:00Sun Safe Play<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyone who has been around
USA field hockey long enough will probably remember our Sun Safe Play Campaign
from 2008. It stressed the importance of protecting your skin and health from
the detrimental effects long term exposure to the sun can have on not only your
skin, but on your overall health. The sun is very powerful and we need to take
the proper precautions when we spend so much time enjoying its beautiful light
and comforting warmth!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Besides the fact that the
sun can dehydrate you and negatively affect your performance, the sun can do a
number on your skin. It can cause wrinkles, brown spots, red blotches, accelerate
sagging, and of course that ever painful sunburn. But what many don’t realize
is that is can cause cancer. Melanoma by definition occurs when the
pigment-producing cells that give color to the skin become cancerous. If not
treated early, this cancer spreads to other parts of the body at which point it
becomes more difficult to treat and can be fatal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Melanoma kills an
estimated 10,130 people annually! It is not even the most common of all skin
cancers, but it causes the most deaths! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">These stats are staggering
to me, because a lot of this can be prevented with the proper protection and
awareness. I urge you to take this to heart. No one is susceptible and
invincible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">This subject touches me
and the field hockey community deeply. As most of you know, I spent my college
days at Wake Forest University. Growing up in Chapel Hill, I spent many summers
down the road in Winston-Salem, for camps, Futures and attending games. I was
inspired by many of the great players before me who had such a passion for the
game and for life. There was one individual who stuck out though. She was my
coach one summer at Wake camp and something about her was infectious. I was
drawn to her. Maybe it was her height, she was short like me! Maybe it was she
was always smiling and having so much fun! Maybe it was her competitive spirit
that urged my extreme competitiveness to proudly come out! Maybe it was the
constant encouragement and positive energy she exuded. I know it was all of
these things and more! Maria Whitehead just had an energy that made you want to
be around her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I remember being at Wake,
when Jen (our coach) told us that Maria had cancer. I was shocked and saddened,
but like everyone else, I believed that if anyone could fight it and win, it
was Maria (Re). She had been coaching at St. Louis University, but she moved down
to Duke to get treatments. My mom worked for Duke Hospital as a nurse and I
knew Duke was one of the best cancer hospitals in the country, so I knew Maria
would be in good hands. In true Re fashion, she couldn’t stay away from the
field hockey field. Despite getting treatments often, she would spend every
moment she could out on the field with the Duke team. I loved that about her.
Still doing what she loved in the face of adversity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">This was my freshman year.
We made it to the final four. We had to play Duke in the semifinals. We were in
Louisville and we had practice the day before our game. It was below freezing
and everyone was bundled up. Jen comes over and rips her hat off to reveal a
shaved head! We were shocked but knew that she had done it for Re who had just
had another round of chemo and couldn’t be at the Final Four with her teams.
Those gestures and moments in life will always be bigger and more important to
me than any game. Not only because it is a symbol of the community at Wake Hockey,
but because it reminds me of the importance of life, friendship and living ever
moment to the fullest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">But at age 25, Maria lost
the battle with cancer. I remember it was the week before our ACC tournament my
sophomore year (2006). I remember Jen was a mess. It was like she had lost a
part of herself when we lost Maria. We fought hard for the ACC championship and
it was all in honor of Re. We proudly took home that championship trophy with
Re smiling down on us the whole way!! We barely even had time to celebrate our
victory, but we didn’t want it any other way. We wanted to support Jen and
attend the Euology and celebration of Maria’s life that took place just mere
hours later. We went in the lockerroom, changed, and drove over to Duke Chapel (from
UNC) to honor the life of Maria Whitehead. I will never forget that day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">To this day Maria
Whitehead leaves an everlasting mark on Wake Forest field hockey. To read more
about how her spirit still remains, read this phenomenal blog by one of the
current players, Heather Wiley. https://heatherwiley.wordpress.com/2016/04/04/a-firecracker-with-a-never-ending-flame/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I don’t know anyone who
knew Maria and didn’t love her. She was the life of the party! She enjoyed life
to the fullest and brought all those around her with her on her wonderful
journey. She is surely missed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I wanted to share this post
now since Wake Hockey is putting on their annual fundraiser this weekend. All
proceeds go to Melanoma Research. Please donate if you can!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.gofundme.com/fivefor5">http://www.gofundme.com/fivefor5</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I want to close this post
by saying thank you to my sponsor Aeonskin who provides me with the best
sunscreen I’ve ever used and encourages everyone to protect their skin! I can’t
thank them enough for keeping me healthy and allowing me to focus just on
hockey because I know I am protected every single day I walk out onto the
field.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">As spring hits and summer
is just around the corner, please enjoy the sunshine and all the happiness it
brings! But don’t forget to protect yourself the right way!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-25085049387874998332016-03-18T17:20:00.000-07:002016-03-18T17:20:43.337-07:00Foodie Friday- Spaghetti Squash Lo MeinAnyone who knows me, knows I love GOOD food! Food that is not only good for me, but DELICIOUS! Training at the highest level, means I have to fuel my body at the highest level, as well. I love trying new foods and looking up new healthy recipes to try and I do my best to make at least one new thing a week! So, FOODIE FRIDAY is where I will share some of my food adventures... hopefully, they will be delicious... and you can try them, too!<br />
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Last weekend, I found a recipe for Spaghetti Squash Lo Mein. This spin on Chinese Lo Mein Noodles was super fun to make and was quite delicious! I recommend trying this one! It did take me about an hour to make... and 5 minutes to EAT though! Haha! I made this for my boyfriend and I, and we both loved it!</div>
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If you've never cooked with spaghetti squash before, I highly recommend it! It is super easy and a great replacement for any kind of pasta noodles! </div>
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Here are a few pictures of the process and final outcome:</div>
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Here are the ingredients and directions:</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1 large spaghetti squash</div>
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1/4 cup soy sauce</div>
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3 garlic cloves, minced</div>
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1 tablespoon brown sugar</div>
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2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger</div>
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2 tablespoons olive oil</div>
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1 onion, diced</div>
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3 celery stalks, sliced diagonally</div>
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2 cups cole slaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)</div>
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Directions: </div>
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1. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Lay skin side up in a 13x9 dish and pour 1/2 inch of water in the bottom of the pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes, until flesh is tender. Once done, scoop out flesh with a fork so it breaks apart into strings, then set aside.</div>
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2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and ginger, set aside.</div>
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3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet (or wok) over medium high heat. Add onion and celery, and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in cabbage until heated through, about 1 minute.</div>
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4. Stir in spaghetti squash and soy sauce mixture until well combined, about 2 minutes.</div>
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5. Serve immediately and enjoy!!</div>
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Here is the link to the blog that I found the recipe on:</div>
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http://littlebitsof.com/2014/10/spaghetti-squash-chow-mein/</div>
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I did tweak the ingredients a little bit. I skipped the white pepper. And it calls for 3 celery stalks (which I already had chopped up, so I guessed on the amount) and I would personally put a little bit less in for the next time I make it, but it is up to you!</div>
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Let me know if you try this recipe, how you put your spin on it and be sure to share some pictures!</div>
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Happy Eating!</div>
Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-3096746484251112242016-02-03T16:53:00.000-08:002016-02-03T19:21:46.375-08:00National Girls and Women in Sports Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
In honor of this day, I wanted to write a blog to explain what this day means to me.<br />
<br />
First of all, I have to give all praise to the Lord who has given me the ability to pursue this journey with field hockey. I am truly blessed to be living out His purpose for my life.<br />
<br />
Next, I have to express how thankful I am to those who have paved the way before me and given me the opportunity to do what I love and live out my dreams every day! I was fortunate enough to grow up having strong, determined women to look up to on my journey through sports and life. I watched the US Women's soccer team battle their way to gold in the 1999 World Cup final. In 1996, I watched Kerri Strug land an almost perfect vault on an injured ankle to win Gold for the USA. I watched countless female college athletes in all sports (basketball, soccer, field hockey, tennis, etc.) I've watched these athletes who didn't always have visual role models on TV and in their hometowns, who lead the way for all of the women pushing the boundaries even further now! And I am especially thankful for all those who wore the red, white and blue with a field hockey stick in their hand before me. Your names may not be International or Nationally known, but I know how much hard work went into making the sport what it is today. We can continue to grow off the foundation that you all built!<br />
<br />
I definitely have to thank my parents who not only introduced me to every sport under the sun, but allowed me to try all of them, practiced countless hours with me, have pushed me to be my best, and have been my BIGGEST cheerleaders the whole way! I definitely wouldn't be here without the endless support and sacrifice they have made! I am beyond blessed for their love and encouragement.<br />
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I also have to thank my brother, who is two years older than me. He has been my biggest competitor and my biggest fan. He has always been bigger and stronger than me... even now I lose to him in arm wrestling competitions (you're lucky I love you and am willing to share that with the world! haha). But growing up, my goal was always to beat him, even if it was just once. I was determined that one day I would win. By competing, I always had a chance. He never took it easy on me and he definitely brought out the best in me. Now that we've grown up, he is always cheering me on, near or far. I am so grateful for his support and his friendship.<br />
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I can't forget to give a shout out to all my coaches and teammates who have been a part of my journey. All of my teammates are amazing women who lead through sport. All my coaches, male and female who have enabled the growth and journey of myself and all my teammates throughout the years... I am thankful for each and every one of you who have given of yourself to grow strong women for the future!<br />
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Finally, I know that as I progress on my journey through the sport of field hockey, it is so important for me to continue to set a good example for our young women to strive for and emulate. I take it upon myself to motivate and empower them to reach even greater heights than I have! It is only the beginning for women to dominate the sports world! I want any young girl reading this to push the boundaries and don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't do something. Dream big and then dream bigger!! Set the bar higher and don't stop until you get there! Use all the negatives as fuel to prove them wrong! Believe in yourself and surround yourself with those who push you to be better! Use sports to learn about life and enjoy the ride!<br />
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Those are the lessons I want to give back to you! To the girls and the women who will soon be taking my place and filling them with bigger shoes! I am your biggest fan!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #0b5394; color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“God gives us these talents, and He’s given us this pedestal for a reason. You don’t have to choose between being great at your sport and following Jesus." -Lauren Cheney</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #0b5394; color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #0b5394; color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">“You and I were created by God to be so much more than normal…Following the crowd is not a winning approach to life. In the end it’s a loser’s game, because we never become who God created us to be by trying to be like everybody else.” – Tim Tebow</span><span style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #0b5394; color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #0b5394; color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"My faith is so strong that I believe that God made me 5-11 for a reason. For all the kids that have been told, no, that they can’t do it, or all the kids that will be told no.” – Russell Wilson</span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-26196446653277812152016-01-20T17:23:00.000-08:002016-01-20T17:23:59.130-08:00OLYMPIC YEAR RESOLUTIONS<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
am not a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions because the way I see it, if there
is something you want to change, you don’t wait until the New Year to do it!
With that being said, this is the Olympic Year. It is 2016 and that is a huge
milestone in my career. There are some things that are naturally going to be
different this year than a normal year in my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So,
taking that into consideration, there are a few “resolutions” I have promised
to myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->LIVE
IN THE MOMENT<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Olympics are in August, a little under 8
months away. This seems like a long time... but I know it will fly by. In order
to get the most out of my training, I need to be able to stay in the moment and
push myself every single day. It’s crazy how each day matters and how much
impact every single day has from here until that first day we step on the pitch
in August.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->ENJOY
THE RIDE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Olympics will come and go and they will be
magical in their own way. In the end, I will remember what it took to get there
and all the memories of the journey. The end result is really so small in the
grand scheme of things! So I need to enjoy every moment. Even the other day
when we were doing sprints (it’s always hard and no one wants to do fitness),
but I told myself, you know what? Enjoy this because you will never be this fit
again in your life! Enjoy feeling fast and fit!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->LEAVE
IT ALL ON THE FIELD<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is kind of a no brainer. But I will say it
because when you write things down and have a place to reference, it keeps you
a bit more accountable... even on the hard days! So yeah... leave it on the
field even when I’m exhausted and ready to break. And, constantly have the
mindset that no matter how things are going, to always be the hardest working
player on the field. The harder you work, the luckier you seem to get. There is
always more in the tank! How you train is how you play in the big moments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->GO
FOR IT<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take risks. Learn. Grow. Have fun. Make
mistakes. Move forward. And remember, if you want to get where you’ve been,
you’ve got to do what you’ve never done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To
be completely honest. I try my best to live by these resolutions all the time.
These are more of life goals that I try to apply to all aspects of my life.
Sometimes it is good to remind ourselves of what’s most important and the goals
we set out for ourselves. I am excited for the many adventures and obstacles
that this year is bound to bring!! It will be busy, but I imagine when I look
back, it will be one of the best... so bring it on 2016!</span><span style="font-family: Gulim, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-15653147141011885032015-08-13T07:12:00.000-07:002015-08-13T07:24:17.666-07:00I tell myself I can quit<span style="color: white;">It's less than a year until the Olympic Games in Rio 2016. A lot has happened in the last year since I last blogged. I will get to that later... but I was drawn back to blogging after I was asked a question by one of my former teammates. Laura Suchoski, who I grew up playing hockey with at some of the highest levels, posed a question that stated:</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta;">You're working out. Doing sprints. Hardest you've pushed yourself all month. You're ready to quit. But know you could keep going. What would you say to yourself to keep going and push yourself? "I got this", "Can't stop, won't stop." </span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
I love this question! Especially since I am doing a lot of running and training on my own as we have a little down time after our crazy summer. (Don't worry, I'll recap the summer for you in a later post!) Anyways, my response to Laura was:<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br />
I think about why I am doing it. I tell myself I have to push myself harder if I want to be the best. I try to focus on winning each rep, just one more, just one more. You'd be surprised how many more your body can actually do!!!</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">Obviously, I am training at the highest level. I am training for the Olympics, and not only that, but I am training to win a Gold Medal. That is my ultimately goal. Whenever I am running, by myself or with the team, I have to remember why I put myself through the pain. There is a bigger end goal. That is just my initial thought that gets me off the line. Once I am off and running, I must then be in the moment. I have to get through one rep at a time. And of course, as competitive as I am, I want to win each rep. "Winning" can often be a game for myself though. Some days are harder than others, you just feel better or you feel worse. I tell myself that if I did the best I absolutely could on that day, then I did all I could and I will be better for it. So, I have to beat my time from last time, or the previous sprint. I make it a competition with myself. This is especially important when I am running on my own, without a teammate next to me, challenging me, pushing me, and also motivating me through it.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
There is also something else I tell myself which may surprise you. When the workout is really hard one day (it happens a lot honestly! haha) I tell myself that if I push as hard as I can to make the next rep, I can quit and be done for the day. Yup, I tell myself I can "quit" and "cheat". In reality, I never actually quit. It is my way of pushing as hard through one rep and not having to think (or know) that there is anything else afterwards. I continue to use this strategy of thinking for the rest of the workout. And even though I pushed myself to the limit on the first one (that I wanted to quit on), my body and mind find a way to finish all of the reps.<br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
It is truly amazing what your body can endure. It is probably more amazing how much your mind plays a factor in the outcome, as well.<br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
The other biggest factor for me, which is the same for a lot of people, is getting the motivation to go do my workouts. Yes, even an Olympic athlete struggles with that. I know my workout is going to be hard and I have to mentally prepare to hit it hard and get everything I can out of each session. I find that forcing myself to go to the gym or to the field... just driving myself there and stepping out of the car is the best solution. Once you are there, you aren't going to back out... so just get up and GO! Don't put it off! Also, it is much easier to do your workouts in the morning and get them done for the day. Not only will you feel more accomplished, your body will get a rush of natural endorphin which will actually give you more energy and motivation to be productive the rest of your day!<br />
<span style="color: white;">
</span>
<span style="color: white;">Does anyone else have any good ways they motivate themselves when they are on the brink of quitting? Leave me comments and let me know!!</span>Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-69324656145373990032014-09-12T12:30:00.000-07:002014-09-15T07:52:52.819-07:00Monday MotivationMondays can be hard to get motivated. The weekend of freedom is over and it is the start to a new work week. In other words, it is back to the daily grind!<br />
<br />
Today's motivation is the Monday Life!<br />
This organization raises money for Children's hospitals. Their mission is to bring the best healing environments to every hospitalized child on the planet.<br />
Some common ways they get involved are pet therapy, music therapy, massage therapy, art therapy, technology, art, light, and color! They really strive to enhance the hospital atmosphere for these children, making every day, even the hard ones, a bit more enjoyable.<br />
<br />
We can totally take lessons from their cause. Not only to make the most of what we have, finding the good things in every hard day, but enjoying the ride we call life. More importantly, we can feel great by giving back to a good cause, and knowing that we have helped a child's life be that much better!<br />
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<br />
The Monday Life recently quoted this on their twitter:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."</span></div>
<br />
I find this statement very powerful and motivating. No matter what today brings, you have a gift that you can share with others. Find your purpose in each day! I find the more you give to others, the more you actually receive in the end. Embrace your gift, then give it away!<br />
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<br />
To learn more about the Monday Life and how to get involved:<br />
Check them out online: http://www.themondaylife.org/<br />
And on twitter: @themondaylife<br />
Something as small as $1 every Monday can make a huge difference!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Monday Life" height="100" src="http://www.themondaylife.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/logo-for-website1.png" width="400" /></div>
<br />Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-55689278300361758392014-09-12T11:51:00.000-07:002014-09-12T18:58:44.647-07:00FOOD FRIDAY- Baked OatmealHere is the first of many food posts! I love trying new things in the kitchen and fueling my body right! I have posted a few of my creations in the past, so I wanted to share my newest one, along with the recipe!<br />
<br />
A lot of the times, I get into a routine in the morning for breakfast, and I constantly make the same thing. I must say that I tend to find what works, and stick with that. I tried making baked oatmeal a few weeks ago, and I am a big fan! So now I just make a batch for the week and eat it along with my Ezekiel bread and eggs for breakfast!<br />
<br />
What is your favorite breakfast fuel? How much do you mix it up? Or do you just keep it the same?<br />
<br />
<b><u>Baked Oatmeal</u></b><br />
Prep time: 10 min. Cook time: 40 min. Total time: 50 min.<br />
<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
3 cups rolled oats<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup of milk (I use unsweetened Almond Milk)<br />
1/2 cup melted butter<br />
1/4 cup maple syrup<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
1/4 cup honey (optional)<br />
1 whole green apple chopped into small pieces<br />
1/2 banana chopped into small pieces<br />
(you can choose to add whatever fruit you want!)<br />
<br />
<i>Directions:</i><br />
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 8x8 baking dish.<br />
2. Mix oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in bowl. Beat in milk, butter, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and honey. Then add in fruit.<br />
3. Bake in over for 40 minutes.<br />
4. Eat and enjoy!<br />
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Let me know if you try this, or add any variations!! Send pictures and reviews, as well!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlpXrBdMPfkTx-MqmavXnBPJ5zPTQmFl6ol1w4IlklcdlPT8Fpwxj5Li0xuZqkRy_ckZdr2cL-rwV19F0D_nDBYH-OtFuTsLhbNYmeWIsZjeyJ7zCltqz99BjKkXPtpA3W-5YwtJsCA8n/s640/Snapchat-20140817110050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; text-align: start;"><br /></span></a>
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A huge thank you to everyone who followed and supported us during one of the most exciting tournaments I have played in to date!! USA Field Hockey definitely made some waves in the field hockey community and it is only just the beginning. We are very proud of our overall performance, but we know it is just the start of something greater to come!! (We won our pool of 6 undefeated, putting us into the Semifinals vs. Australia, but fell in penalty shoot-out, and lost 2-1 to Argentina in the 3/4 game). It took a little time away before understanding just how great a 4th place finish really was in the grand scheme of things. We went into the World Cup ranked 10th, and after a disappointing finish at our last major tournament (the Olympics), this is was a huge step for our program. It was difficult to make the semifinals and not come home with a medal of any color, but I know it is just going to give our team more motivation going forward. It really is only the beginning for us! I hope you keep following us and supporting us; it should be a fun ride!<br />
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We are back training in Lancaster, PA after a bit of time off to recover from a very strenuous build up to the World Cup. It was nice to have a break and finally get some quality time with my family, friends, and my dog! :)<br />
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Now that we are back in training, we are focusing on continuing to push the tempo of the game and our consistency at the top level. Our next competition is in New Zealand in October, and we are excited to get back into games, with a few new players and a few others in new positions. Also, it will be interesting to see how the game changes with the replacement of two 35 minute halves to four 15 minute quarters. I think the tempo will be much higher with the added breaks, as well as the reduction of total time in the game. It should be fun and exciting! Our sport is one of the few where rules are in constant change. Field hockey is constantly adapting and evolving, and it is fun to be a part of a team who looks to define the game going forward.<br />
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I also wanted to give everyone a heads up that I have new blog topics coming! Blogs will be much more frequent and should be a lot of fun! Not just updates on what we are doing, but some on my favorite foods/recipes, as well as some skill videos and motivational topics!!! Follow, comment, and give suggestions!<br />
<br />Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-73247700164038446692014-05-24T07:28:00.002-07:002014-05-24T07:30:50.824-07:00Sponsors help make the dream work! :)I couldn't head to World Cup without first thanking my sponsors!!! They help make the dream work! These companies and all the people involved have really invested in me as a person and as an athlete, and I can't tell you how much they have helped me be at my best!<br />
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First and foremost, I must thank DITA! They have been with me from the beginning. What great honor that I get to play with this amazing Dutch brand, in the Netherlands!! From Dita America to Dita Netherlands, thank you for all of the support over the years. Thank you for believing in me and providing me the equipment I need to succeed and excel!<br />
To find out more about Dita America, visit their website: www.fieldhockey.net<br />
To find out more about Dita International, visit: www.dita-hockey.com<br />
And to check out my very own MK18 stick, go here: http://www.fieldhockey.net/examkmika.html<br />
Follow on Twitter: @DITAfieldhockey and @DitahockeyNL<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZMl73e3MWKDP33hRTZI60lfeIMFm3uVBch-PwtDV1MYZHtN9lGtg8NO6JxTfg4RaOXCEjhdlY_9AmoHYT5aKNHJpfEG2MBFufNCD_RqSIWa7j-BcAaN-YTrNkL2jLLVH_epDhG5_M9HC/s1600/IMG_7320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZMl73e3MWKDP33hRTZI60lfeIMFm3uVBch-PwtDV1MYZHtN9lGtg8NO6JxTfg4RaOXCEjhdlY_9AmoHYT5aKNHJpfEG2MBFufNCD_RqSIWa7j-BcAaN-YTrNkL2jLLVH_epDhG5_M9HC/s1600/IMG_7320.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGb9eOeamLZoGPI2d9g85vowNLI8ixVh5kkOa361Sla_627cZXZy0KviZNq09RERsyMzPlxwp3dFErLhlGveIXsSoyyovW-Hh83aZSh0mf6sBcVw7iPuOYdB_VrOsKSuE_45UHFCEpOi5/s1600/dita+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGb9eOeamLZoGPI2d9g85vowNLI8ixVh5kkOa361Sla_627cZXZy0KviZNq09RERsyMzPlxwp3dFErLhlGveIXsSoyyovW-Hh83aZSh0mf6sBcVw7iPuOYdB_VrOsKSuE_45UHFCEpOi5/s1600/dita+logo.png" /></a></div>
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Next, I have to give a huge thanks to SO Field Hockey! Although they are based in the UK, they have given me nothing but the best support! They have amazing chamois grips, in every color you can think of! I love them! They are soft to the touch and work wonders in the rain. Thanks for your continued support! Wonder what bright color I will be sporting at the World Cup?? You'll just have to tune in to see!<br />
For awesome, colorful chamois grips, check out: http://www.sofieldhockey.co.uk/<br />
Follow on Twitter: @SOfieldHockey<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQniREy2UsMKaw9xnBlfFxrH01UewwYiLnImy2lXKJN49PYFflip8N_3phAgisr4S3UwupbxDCfeBuDuqPWS5B1NMK1zZaboCWeIujv8Lz4cAtqtpDUUMi5rAh9jtlQtcdQ99voo-4l9S/s1600/2014-05-24+14.23.00.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQniREy2UsMKaw9xnBlfFxrH01UewwYiLnImy2lXKJN49PYFflip8N_3phAgisr4S3UwupbxDCfeBuDuqPWS5B1NMK1zZaboCWeIujv8Lz4cAtqtpDUUMi5rAh9jtlQtcdQ99voo-4l9S/s1600/2014-05-24+14.23.00.png" height="196" width="200" /></a></div>
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Another one of my great sponsors is Project Hydrate! With the amount of hard training we've been putting in leading up to this World Cup, PH has been one of the most important parts of my preparation and recovery. Their drinks definitely make a huge difference in my hydration and keeping me ready to go for each and every session. They have been so generous to not only me, but to my teammates. Thank you so much for all of your support! I love working with you all!<br />
To stay hydrated like Team USA, check out PH here: http://www.projecthydrate.com/<br />
Follow on Twitter: @Project_Hydrate<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZi6g7bs5852RM0qrzy1_XZTIYVXJOCfxOnnscgHNZatkZBf59CiogOBz0nLVkDe4O0WnCgeQFDXHw8g1Q-WAv58vKVbUSt6pSkqzmimvABehNjhx1AO1RjOuRF-Jaxfh9tDs2wAWARlS/s1600/2014-05-24+14.22.05.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZi6g7bs5852RM0qrzy1_XZTIYVXJOCfxOnnscgHNZatkZBf59CiogOBz0nLVkDe4O0WnCgeQFDXHw8g1Q-WAv58vKVbUSt6pSkqzmimvABehNjhx1AO1RjOuRF-Jaxfh9tDs2wAWARlS/s1600/2014-05-24+14.22.05.png" height="200" width="145" /></a><br />
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Finally, I can't forget my newest sponsor, NuGo Nutrition! They have come on board and given me great support in the last couple weeks. Their nutritional bars are high in protein, low in fat and sugar, gluten free, organic, vegan, high in fiber, and more! They really have everything I would need in regards to a high level athlete. Plus, they are delicious! Don't believe me? Go try some for yourself!!<br />
Check out all of NuGo's nutritional bars: http://www.nugonutrition.com/<br />
Follow on Twitter: @NuGoNutrition<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyx8ZE-T_rxxiuaaXe-lf1SpEcUgxY1S6K6ru0SvDpiGrSKPlKlMGfx-CUhR6LTE9gh0gJYqyITXCCTPzsbMc6_OHAAXP3AgBGFl3oPn13ZQF0wmYnKPLRZ_U7eyMYnWqWqASU4QEinBL/s1600/nugo_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyx8ZE-T_rxxiuaaXe-lf1SpEcUgxY1S6K6ru0SvDpiGrSKPlKlMGfx-CUhR6LTE9gh0gJYqyITXCCTPzsbMc6_OHAAXP3AgBGFl3oPn13ZQF0wmYnKPLRZ_U7eyMYnWqWqASU4QEinBL/s1600/nugo_logo.png" /></a><br />
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Although they aren't a sponsor, I must also give a shout out to EnergyBits. I have been working with them as an ambassador for quite some time now, and they never cease to surprise and amaze me with just how supportive they are! EnergyBits are little bits of algae, a natural source of energy. I love putting things at are all natural and unprocessed in my body. EnergyBits give you that little extra, natural boost you can't find anywhere else! I recommend trying some today! They make you feel good on even the hardest workouts!<br />
Check them out here: http://www.energybits.com/<br />
And use my code, MKASOLD, to get 15% off!<br />
Also, follow them on Twitter: @ENERGYbits<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtVsm0534kPJrVSDJ9OxcqneLnPc5w8N8bLZMh4uIyU7S5H-A3eSazZvY6nDejuvTJIwcZpg8VJimlwIvPTjOBysqoJH8d30eoFcq3NRpbnilP7Lri1crtmjwfKLSfUcqBEsVB1UE_tks/s1600/2014-05-24+14.22.41.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtVsm0534kPJrVSDJ9OxcqneLnPc5w8N8bLZMh4uIyU7S5H-A3eSazZvY6nDejuvTJIwcZpg8VJimlwIvPTjOBysqoJH8d30eoFcq3NRpbnilP7Lri1crtmjwfKLSfUcqBEsVB1UE_tks/s1600/2014-05-24+14.22.41.png" height="168" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">THANKS AGAIN to all of my SPONSORS!!! You help make me a better athlete, every day! Now, time to go take care of some business at the World Cup! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">GO USA!</span>Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-10470164796272149322014-05-21T17:05:00.001-07:002014-05-21T17:08:24.395-07:00THE WORLD CUP!!!!Everyone knows the WORLD CUP is this summer! It is all over the news, all of the sports channels, in the papers..... but although I am super excited to watch the Soccer World Cup with the rest of the world.... the World Cup I am most excited about is not for soccer... it is Field Hockey!! And one that I will be competing in!! It is pretty unreal to write those words... I will be playing in the World Cup. Words can't describe all the emotions I feel. As hard as I have worked over my career and all the games I've played in add up to this. Yet, the biggest thing I constantly am reminded of every day is how truly blessed I am. Nothing is guaranteed in sport or in life and I know how very lucky I am to be in this position. God is good. [Jeremiah 17:7]<br />
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With that being said, I am not just satisfied with being a participate. No, I want to compete and win. With the first games of the World Cup just over a week away, I want to grab hold of this opportunity with my teammates and take the world by storm! I know just how hard every single person on Team USA has worked. From the players that will step on the field wearing red, white, and blue in the Netherlands, to those who just missed out on the final roster cheering us on at home. Every single person has played a vital role in putting us in the best possible position to succeed. I am confident in my teammates beside me and I am excited to see just how great we can be! As with any game, any sport, there will be ups and downs. The tournament won't go as planned. It is the World Cup and every team will be putting it all on the line. But for me, that's why I love it so much! That is why I play this sport. To compete against the best competition possible, for the thrill of victory, for overcoming obstacles, for pushing yourself further and harder than you ever thought you could go, and for all the bits and pieces in between. The journey to get here has been tough, and indeed, I have made some great sacrifices. But this is why they are all worth it.<br />
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So, with that being said, I don't know what the final outcome will be. No one does. But I know we will give it everything we have, and leave it all on the field. I know by doing that, we have a pretty good shot at doing some amazing things, even standing on the podium when it is all over. Thus, I hope you will follow us on our quest and cheer extra loud as we embark on a grand journey to greatness!<br />
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All of our games will be streamed on YouTube (@FIHockey) and on ESPN3!!!! Be sure to check on usafieldhockey.com for the game schedule, and follow my adventures on here, facebook, twitter @mkasold18 and instagram @mkasold18 !!<br />
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With all this excitement building, I am constantly reminded every day how thankful I am. I am thankful for this opportunity to represent my country, playing a sport that I love. I am thankful to be healthy, fit, and having fun. But most of all, I am thankful for all the support I receive which allows me to strive for my dreams. I've had to sacrifice being away from my loved ones (family, boyfriend, and friends) for much of my career. No matter where field hockey has taken me, these special people have been my biggest fans, through the ups and downs. Most importantly, they have helped to push me day in and day out when I forget to look at the big picture. I truly would never have made it this far without them! So thank you, each and every one of you know who you are! You are all a part of my World Cup dream!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus~</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> [1 Thessalonians 5:18]</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">LET'S GO USA!!!!!!!!!! :)</span>Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-66699951048291200072014-05-10T13:21:00.000-07:002014-05-10T13:21:09.024-07:00Champions!WE WON CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE!!!!<br />
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What a great accomplishment for our team! We have put in a lot of hard work, dedication, and grit to put ourselves in a good position to stand on top of that podium. After falling short in the last two Champions Challenge Finals, we weren't going to let that happen again. We fought through a lot of obstacles thrown in our way to come away with a gold.<br />
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The quarterfinal against India was a tough match. We have always had close matches with India in the past, and I think that is partially the way we match up with each other tactically and technically. We had a lot of the possession throughout the game, but it took til late in the second half to final find the back of the goal. In a must win game, that can be nerve-wracking. We stuck to our game plan and trusted our skill, resulting in a 1-0 win. After all the teams from our pool won the quarterfinal match ups, we knew exactly what to expect from there on out. We faced Spain in our semi-final game, and knew they had grown tremendously throughout the tournament and could not be taken lightly despite our 3-1 win in pool play. We came out with really high pressure and put Spain on their heels a bit in the first half. With a 3-0 lead at halftime, Spain had nothing to lose and definitely threw everything they had at us in the second half. We defended a fair bit, but weathered the storm, only conceding one goal to end the game with another 3-1 win over the Spanish. This set us up with an unexpected opponent of Ireland in the final. Although, we knew it was a possibility we could play them, they upset Korea (in the quarterfinal) and South Africa (in the semis) after finishing last in our pool. They definitely played with the Irish Spirit and left everything on the field. We knew if we didn't bring our A-game, we too were susceptible to being upset. We also knew exactly what to expect and we knew how badly we wanted that gold. After a fire alarm disrupted the playing of the anthems and delayed the start of the game, we knew it was going to be one of those days where you just had to be mentally strong, stay on task, and fight through all the bumps along the way. It was just that. Ireland came out hard and scored within minutes of the opening whistle. That was a hard way to start a final. But we stuck to what had made us successful the whole tournament: hard work, sticking to the game plan, and backing each other. And it worked. In the end, we got 3 goals back and won the game 3-1. I must give credit to the Irish though who didn't make it easy for us and who fought until the very last whistle. Amazing stuff from an underdog team who has grown tremendously since the last time we played them in international competition.<br />
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Anyways, we definitely enjoyed our moment in the spotlight celebrating a great team victory. By winning Champions Challenge, we automatically gain a spot into the 2016 Champions Trophy, which is absolutely massive for us. We haven't attended Champions Trophy in a long time (if ever?) and for me, this was the sweetest part about winning! Not to mention, it is good momentum going into the World Cup in just a few weeks!<br />
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But yes... we are back in America now, and already back to work. We have a lot we still need to improve on and adjust if we want to be successful at the World Cup. Just to give you an idea.... we won Champions Challenge on Sunday, flew back to America on Monday, then had lifting and conditioning on Tuesday. We hit the ground running! As our men's team says: No Days Off!<br />
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It has been quite a tough process physically and mentally preparing for the World Cup, but we are willing to put it all out there. We don't want to have any regrets. We want to put ourselves in the best position to win. Not just compete and say we participated, but we want to get results, or least know we did everything we could to be successful with the opportunities that are given to us. No matter where we finish, we know it is sports, where anything can happen. We can't predict outcomes based on how hard we work. Everyone knows you can dominate a game statistically (possession, shots, corners, etc.), but at the end of the day, you could still lose on the scoreboard. It is just a matter of being as prepared as possible for battle, then leaving everything you have on the field!<br />
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I hope you are as excited as I am about the World Cup! I hope you will be following me and my teammates as we try to make history and bring home some hardware to the USA!!!<br />
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Thanks again for everyone who supported us in Scotland, and who have supported us all along. We appreciate all the love and kind words, and hope that our efforts can inspire you to be great, as well!<br />
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Enjoy some pictures from our last few games/days in Scotland:<br />
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Back in the gym in the States:</div>
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And of course, I was so happy to be reunited with these two back in the States!!! :)</div>
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Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-90992806601052283772014-05-01T07:14:00.000-07:002014-05-01T07:14:02.138-07:00ScotlandGreetings from Glasgow, Scotland! Of all my travels over the years, this is the first time I've ever been to Scotland! Although it has been a bit dreary and rainy, I've quite enjoyed my stay so far. We arrived as a team just over a week ago, and it has been a bit of an adjustment.... for quite a few reasons. First, you would think it would be easy to get around and communicate, everyone speaks English... until you hear some of these Scottish accents!! Scottish is like a different language than American! Most of the time I just smile and nod my head in agreement, even though I have no idea what was said! :) At least I'm friendly, right?! haha. Another big adjustment is that we are 5 hours ahead of EST. We've traveled halfway around the world and been much further from home, but for some reason, the jet lag hit us pretty hard on this trip! Maybe it's because we haven't really traveled overseas in a while? Or maybe it's because we are so far North that it doesn't get dark until 9pm? haha but we've been having some weird sleeping patterns! Fortunately, I think most of the team was on a somewhat regular schedule once we started games on Sunday! The last adjustment we have had to make is just dealing with the weather. It seems to always start raining right we get on the pitch. It could be sunny all day, but as soon as we step on the field to practice, the rain comes pouring down! But it's only a little rain, so we can handle it! ;)<br />
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The tournament has been going pretty well so far. We finished pool play in first place in Pool B. We started off with a 3-1 win over Spain, then fell 2-2-1 to South Africa in the second game, before finishing our pool with a 3-0 win over Ireland. The 6 points was still enough to land us atop the pool. We've played some good hockey and still have some things to improve on.... and now that we are in crossover play, every game is do or die! So tonight we play India in the quarterfinals! I hope you'll be following online! All games are streamed on the fihockey YouTube page!! GO USA!!!!!!</div>
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Here are a few pictures from around town and Scotland tournament fun!!</div>
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Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-34612229648843398492014-04-11T16:52:00.001-07:002014-04-12T05:11:02.990-07:00Eating like a pro<p dir="ltr">Food is one of the most important ingredients to a successful professional athlete. Eating the right foods will fuel your body to give you enough energy, as well as allow you to push your limits. </p>
<p dir="ltr">There are lots of "diets" out there which talk about different ways to lose weight, or all these rules about what to eat. Healthy eating needs to not be considered a "diet" but a lifestyle. It isn't something you do for a short period of time, it has to be an all the time thing. As an elite athlete, where physical activity is my daily work, what I eat directly effects how I feel and how I perform day in and day out! With that being said, I use a 90/10 rule. This means staying true to healthy eating 90% of the time and allowing yourself "cheats" 10% of the time. </p>
<p dir="ltr">So... what do I eat? What do I consider healthy foods?! Well, of course there is a long list, but I will give you a general definition. To me, I want to put unprocessed natural foods into my body as much as possible. This means a lot of meat, fish, fruits, veggies, eggs, etc. It is similar to the Paleo diet for those that are familiar with that. But I do try to limit my carbs. Most athletes are told they need carbs as energy, but I find I get enough carbs from fruits and vegetables, and all my extra energy stores come from protein. I feel fit, lean, fast, and strong. Since changing my eating habits last year, I feel the best physically I have my whole career!</p>
<p dir="ltr">It is not easy changing your eating habits though. The first two weeks, cutting out some typical foods (for me it was pasta, rice, and potatoes) is the hardest part!! Once you get through that first block, it gets so much easier. Your body doesn't crave it anymore and you start to enjoy other foods. You even find new foods you never even knew you liked!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Trying new foods and recipes to mix up my meals has probably been my favorite part! Not only have I learned how to cook a lot better (I know my boyfriend is happy about this!!), I find real joy in eating (which is already one of my favorite activities!) Hehe. And I am so confident that I am fueling my body well with each delicious bite!!</p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm sure you're wondering what some of my typical meals look like? Well, here are some pictures of some meals I've made at home over the last few weeks!! Enjoy!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Feel free to comment, ask questions, or send your favorite recipe or one you'd love to try! I'm always looking for new ideas!</p><p dir="ltr">Steak and sugar snap peas:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjglL4z4Ar7LCc1pC_mAc1lolLou4w2qQQBJuLh1g9zuhcimoh6xySKeTJNCaByQBVdMNNJae7-cx1AfeKFYRuLMPEIiNkbXmfYPTrSrkgM-8qDBwan3RrUJEH30TtOQM3gf-1KFO2VCkX/s1600/20140411_191157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjglL4z4Ar7LCc1pC_mAc1lolLou4w2qQQBJuLh1g9zuhcimoh6xySKeTJNCaByQBVdMNNJae7-cx1AfeKFYRuLMPEIiNkbXmfYPTrSrkgM-8qDBwan3RrUJEH30TtOQM3gf-1KFO2VCkX/s640/20140411_191157.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Turkey burgers (from local market) and bacon wrapped green beans:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Uwb2NjUNmgy8LN0JW9o62ooGsxNbXYY1dJSp8j8d-pmmqg9lpEmqPbpUPsPx1L2HI9BtAwRuoLVdnw2cetBpm4ICaB4_-MW8ocES6vEEUXrW5C9TBMveTZpHeasl4V_Tk5_g2C1ctcFF/s1600/2014-04-09%25252020.32.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Uwb2NjUNmgy8LN0JW9o62ooGsxNbXYY1dJSp8j8d-pmmqg9lpEmqPbpUPsPx1L2HI9BtAwRuoLVdnw2cetBpm4ICaB4_-MW8ocES6vEEUXrW5C9TBMveTZpHeasl4V_Tk5_g2C1ctcFF/s640/2014-04-09%25252020.32.02.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomato, mozzarella, basil frittata:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG1MxLT3bPISwr9iBb-6CpRMEKYw42AScRbilXpWJjp5ZYeYPr9A3FV0YRWfNV1NizY-mJcftQFK_4fhyphenhyphenGpw6_A2OlG1qrKoyDlgeK-7AFdjXCrzQGoL_HdG4zoBBUAHvQ9yJRx0eAErW/s1600/2014-04-05%25252013.23.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG1MxLT3bPISwr9iBb-6CpRMEKYw42AScRbilXpWJjp5ZYeYPr9A3FV0YRWfNV1NizY-mJcftQFK_4fhyphenhyphenGpw6_A2OlG1qrKoyDlgeK-7AFdjXCrzQGoL_HdG4zoBBUAHvQ9yJRx0eAErW/s640/2014-04-05%25252013.23.03.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cauliflower crust pizza:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrNudQXbmr2K67HV6MYJ8-HBgtkrWy6y2pdXb2L6m47vFkXOQr7uvQvoe8KZeth1TxTvfp_WiKLUeazfxpnkETH4gttar1DOWxS7gPyGP7r7imehDiIFTH-qovMpx3CGFu3VQFwcSjrqq/s1600/2014-04-02%25252018.59.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrNudQXbmr2K67HV6MYJ8-HBgtkrWy6y2pdXb2L6m47vFkXOQr7uvQvoe8KZeth1TxTvfp_WiKLUeazfxpnkETH4gttar1DOWxS7gPyGP7r7imehDiIFTH-qovMpx3CGFu3VQFwcSjrqq/s640/2014-04-02%25252018.59.41.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cauliflower crist pizza #2:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91h_rQhSagL6xLuNk8HNhtsgoK1lLq6goUGEOzuaFf-pQcmh3d5S7ehBt80-rTpqIH_iTBEh6qZfYvWQjXMBy95-nM4vC87hP6u6ZyZxjNdZXLeuZcHBqa3y7_Vz8u_jq66nAiu7UUNrz/s1600/2014-04-02%25252018.27.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91h_rQhSagL6xLuNk8HNhtsgoK1lLq6goUGEOzuaFf-pQcmh3d5S7ehBt80-rTpqIH_iTBEh6qZfYvWQjXMBy95-nM4vC87hP6u6ZyZxjNdZXLeuZcHBqa3y7_Vz8u_jq66nAiu7UUNrz/s640/2014-04-02%25252018.27.35.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Steak and asparagus with mushrooms:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWNDLTNzZlYWI78QQBHe-2vPyc_tc-1u6K6d5EAN85O_VPhPv3lvOJapBM0ihdH-w-ocWhGVmu735vYLAvzOvT9WASE1dzIWL2f7MFfV0_OBCyi2DgT0g42gcGA9xPS3jCbZoa8RAYlJy/s1600/2014-03-15%25252019.41.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWNDLTNzZlYWI78QQBHe-2vPyc_tc-1u6K6d5EAN85O_VPhPv3lvOJapBM0ihdH-w-ocWhGVmu735vYLAvzOvT9WASE1dzIWL2f7MFfV0_OBCyi2DgT0g42gcGA9xPS3jCbZoa8RAYlJy/s640/2014-03-15%25252019.41.25.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blueberry Protein pancakes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYFkLduqRoehGAgN3Z6unnCpQZj21jvr4syWJnm3J7Q7-qTji3Eshv9fbA_0XIRSiI-6c6xnY_AXJwa9HflpnMdBGoMR85o-8H4V3btabq7JrP3zt6oIPoQD9OnUkkQ2xonRJHaMhGgmx/s1600/2014-03-08%25252013.45.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYFkLduqRoehGAgN3Z6unnCpQZj21jvr4syWJnm3J7Q7-qTji3Eshv9fbA_0XIRSiI-6c6xnY_AXJwa9HflpnMdBGoMR85o-8H4V3btabq7JrP3zt6oIPoQD9OnUkkQ2xonRJHaMhGgmx/s640/2014-03-08%25252013.45.40.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scrabbled egg mix (spinach, tomato, ham, and cheese) with sausage and raspberries:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnHP0OA4vto1KbDcPK7JKfWqEf0KKuGVTHMDQbLLMDZDGLcUrCCNQRk5dBB7kcLdli3gGzptCqHYWMNeHInUgIwBaqR6xGihZ-AZuINQ3zcMyI_2y9e8Vtb6hhQerpYTOSKsjpI-X2ACO/s1600/Snapchat-20131111072209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnHP0OA4vto1KbDcPK7JKfWqEf0KKuGVTHMDQbLLMDZDGLcUrCCNQRk5dBB7kcLdli3gGzptCqHYWMNeHInUgIwBaqR6xGihZ-AZuINQ3zcMyI_2y9e8Vtb6hhQerpYTOSKsjpI-X2ACO/s640/Snapchat-20131111072209.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bacon wrapped chicken roll ups (with ham and cheese inside):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05lW-bHMBE3K4GYKKLuxRIgC_3nigj38xO4rvk4RFTv1jwQHx8o6caHMhhb0n2sati1ayNxCatu6ZKQppvYIImkHHrgVk0W3KtvMkAPxGTtQJ8uEW_nv6nOzc4iCVkYK4mb2iGZ9t2P-e/s1600/2013-08-16%25252019.43.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05lW-bHMBE3K4GYKKLuxRIgC_3nigj38xO4rvk4RFTv1jwQHx8o6caHMhhb0n2sati1ayNxCatu6ZKQppvYIImkHHrgVk0W3KtvMkAPxGTtQJ8uEW_nv6nOzc4iCVkYK4mb2iGZ9t2P-e/s640/2013-08-16%25252019.43.42.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stuffed peppers (steak and veggies):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DSuM_pBxnJxKVpdicnNMQa7FWaavZxaBJsc1Z2z4Df_4EOfZJnnNnKcZx4xUAspM2xx9Y-AqhyphenhyphenYjJNRzmfS53TNmg8As0CMV8liYLGu9AB4EUCTmGQXc8rzPy6sCOpxSbwvfuEcrse0V/s1600/2013-08-15%25252021.55.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DSuM_pBxnJxKVpdicnNMQa7FWaavZxaBJsc1Z2z4Df_4EOfZJnnNnKcZx4xUAspM2xx9Y-AqhyphenhyphenYjJNRzmfS53TNmg8As0CMV8liYLGu9AB4EUCTmGQXc8rzPy6sCOpxSbwvfuEcrse0V/s640/2013-08-15%25252021.55.28.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Salad- loaded up with chicken and veggies:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThWEbbWIFaq5CFekEXZ59O4pmfKrlQNCuq_Dfc_Og8ridNb631CMe5PhVtDVk9JcTo_pvzPK2OkVtsde3uXt0wctwK5Lzdh6UF7sv7eCoIp4kzVU9gIi_ozYOMzoXLbIuwlkELyJcxXaI/s1600/2013-08-16%25252013.13.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThWEbbWIFaq5CFekEXZ59O4pmfKrlQNCuq_Dfc_Og8ridNb631CMe5PhVtDVk9JcTo_pvzPK2OkVtsde3uXt0wctwK5Lzdh6UF7sv7eCoIp4kzVU9gIi_ozYOMzoXLbIuwlkELyJcxXaI/s640/2013-08-16%25252013.13.13.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy eating!!! ♡<br></div>Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-41734970938156784722014-03-26T12:14:00.001-07:002014-03-26T12:14:39.310-07:00Wait, it's almost April?!WOW! This year has just been flying by! I guess I am continuing the tradition of getting caught up in life and not blogging very much... oops! I apologize for that! With the World Cup just a little over 2 months away, you can imagine how much we have been training and preparing!!!<br />
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We started off the year with a trip to California! Although we moved our home training facility to Spooky Nook in Lancaster, PA... the amazing domed field they built us, was not quite complete in time to start the year. (The crazy weather played a big part!) For me, it was a return to sunny San Diego, where I previously spent so many years! Also, once we left last year, I had no idea when I would actually be able to return again to see my family and all the friends I made along the way. So as hard as it was to leave my new home in PA, and EVEN HARDER to leave my puppy (for 2 whole months!), I was happy to be reunited with some amazing people in California!<br />
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While we were enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather, Great Britain and New Zealand ventured out to play 4 games each against us. I hope you were following us online and at USA Field Hockey because it was a great series of games for us! Basically, everyone on the squad got a chance to play, improve, and prove they deserve a spot on the team for this summer. We grew so much as a team, and put out good performances each and every game against quality opponents!! We not only had a first-capper (shout out to Ali McEvoy), but a couple of us (Caroline Nichols and myself!!) earned our 150th cap, as well! So all and all, an exciting and fun set of games for Team USA!<br />
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[For those of you that don't know: New Zealand is ranked #4 in the world and Great Britain is ranked #3. We finished against GB with 3 wins and a tie. We finished against NZ with a win, 2 ties, and a loss. Considering we are currently ranked #10, those are pretty good outcomes! We don't plan on being ranked there for much longer ;)]<br />
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Once again, I had to say my goodbyes to California.... who knows when I will see you again... hopefully, sooner rather than later!<br />
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Moving forward, after a few more weeks of training in the books, we FINALLY got to open the dome at the Nook to the public!! We played 4 games against Canada, much the same set up as we did in California! Once again we had a couple milestone games, with local Laura Gebhart getting her first cap, Katie O'Donnell reaching 150, and Katie Reinprecht amassing 100 games for her country! Personally, those games are so fun for me because we get to celebrate how much each player has worked and given to get where they are. Also, we got there together, as a team. I have been so fortunate to represent my country so many times, and play all of those games besides my teammates (current and past). That is really what has made the journey so worthwhile and one I'll never forget!<br />
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...But back to the Canada series! I want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to all of the games and supported us! It was so great to be playing on our new home turf and have so much support! I hope everyone enjoyed it and was as inspired as I was! And... it is always good to win on home turf! We won all 4 games and are currently undefeated at the Nook! :) hehe!<br />
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With the World Cup quickly approaching, we actually have to put our attention on the Champions Challenge first. In less than a month, the team will head to Scotland to face some tough competition between the teams ranked 9-16 in the world. The winner of this tournament gets an automatic berth into the next Champions Trophy (which is the teams ranked 1-8 in the world). Of course, our goal is to win this and be in good form heading into the World Cup in Holland.<br />
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So that is a little recap of what this year has been like and what we are looking forward to! As for me off the field, I stay busy looking after my little pup Kora! She is growing up so fast, but she is so smart (she knows so many tricks! :) haha) and she is so sweet! I love coming home to her happy little face every day after practice!<br />
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I've been so busy that I haven't had all that much free time to myself, but I have been trying to plan a few clinics and things around the country this summer once our training schedule eases off a bit. I really want to get out, coach, and help inspire the youth! If you are interested in setting something up in your area, please contact me!!! Leave a message on my blog and I will get in touch with you ASAP! :)<br />
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Thanks again for all the support for myself and my team! We have a lot of games coming up in the next couple months, and we need all your cheers and good lucks to push us to the top!! We want to bring home some medals! GO USA!Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-66457363387497072452014-01-11T14:01:00.002-08:002014-01-11T14:01:57.284-08:00Welcome to 2014I debated a lot about how to start this blog, or even what to write in it. Yes, it has obviously been a while since I've written and I haven't done a great job of keeping up with frequent blogging. (And for those of you who do keep up, I know that was one of my New Years Resolutions last year!) So, this year, I will try to do better, again, but I can't make any promises!<br />
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2013 was a crazy year which involved a lot of traveling, a lot of field hockey (as always), lots of love, and a new addition to my family (yes, little Kora!). After finally settling in to the Nook in Lancaster, PA and raising my little puppy to do lots of fun tricks, we are unexpectedly on the road again! Due to some harsh winter weather, our domed field is not quite ready yet, so we are packing our bags to head back to San Diego to train for the next couple months. As hard as it will be to have to leave my baby, Kora with my parents during this time, I am excited to see some old friends, neighbors, and family that I wasn't sure I would see again any time soon. Plus, we have New Zealand and Great Britain coming out to play a few games against us... finally!!! It feels like forever since we last played an international game! I won't be complaining about some warm weather and sunshine, either!<br />
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So as we embark into the adventures 2014 is already presenting, I guess my New Years Resolution is just to embrace every situation and make the best of it. As my boyfriend puts it, "It's your life." In other words, he means: That is all you have and you have to make the most of it. Don't waste time complaining or stressing about the future. It will all work out somehow, so enjoy the moment and the journey.<br />
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And that is probably the best advice I have received in a while. I'm constantly planning and trying to 'get organized' and do so many things. The times where I have just let go and make the most of right now, have been worth it every time.<br />
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So, live in the moment. Take chances. Enjoy the time you have. Always work hard to better yourself. Be thankful. Be blessed.<br />
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Until next time... here's a few pictures from over the past few months... ENJOY! And yes, there are lots of pictures of KORA! I love her!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRQgResE4I35j0UP58XKNvtnDaO9h0N1vXMgGxn1lZDGL0_MqwMJGofd_tfpCVV_AwCNWjaYKXK2ALz0afpK_hqx0Ia2l2h-C590AobEYwvDu0e2N-VyWNtop_YqgbxGOysZEsKUgaBRt/s1600/2013-10-12+23.25.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRQgResE4I35j0UP58XKNvtnDaO9h0N1vXMgGxn1lZDGL0_MqwMJGofd_tfpCVV_AwCNWjaYKXK2ALz0afpK_hqx0Ia2l2h-C590AobEYwvDu0e2N-VyWNtop_YqgbxGOysZEsKUgaBRt/s1600/2013-10-12+23.25.04.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSeNl0phKm6QBrd4_LFOGEo8FIB77eSd6kjrmxH5pTTvdys9k22BdlpPPmDv7fXuMddolwNhj28lNZ96Irqvx7So5T6JZTRl2PnBG22yjgW7wP6fpDbadOJ-GhJUNKPlODQNwJkstANPe/s1600/1384370542896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSeNl0phKm6QBrd4_LFOGEo8FIB77eSd6kjrmxH5pTTvdys9k22BdlpPPmDv7fXuMddolwNhj28lNZ96Irqvx7So5T6JZTRl2PnBG22yjgW7wP6fpDbadOJ-GhJUNKPlODQNwJkstANPe/s1600/1384370542896.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm4S7m_GOJkBI1OZHINmedEOC-LAZVjZZLQei85N9ookrYixJ_HJ742O7DVpN65zu9W6PTsCPySYyCdmQc1YM4ucYZ7fV3ru6Bw3zEq4IMvV2m9st1HYvORxqs-gJBpvG15bsNo8R-yan/s1600/2013-10-21+09.03.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm4S7m_GOJkBI1OZHINmedEOC-LAZVjZZLQei85N9ookrYixJ_HJ742O7DVpN65zu9W6PTsCPySYyCdmQc1YM4ucYZ7fV3ru6Bw3zEq4IMvV2m9st1HYvORxqs-gJBpvG15bsNo8R-yan/s1600/2013-10-21+09.03.55.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-54x-mXkr6M8xhGHHtpG7N3tAmVCOMR8wlkCbFQidyw-imL-csHOZ0Ytm-F2kWKi_YJGoO8Zg73Mceihj5Q-EocKfPFXhKlu_tIpal5N4wHVlOgdHD_wLUayEYP9_sMSvU15BnCFK-Nd/s1600/2013-10-16+22.17.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-54x-mXkr6M8xhGHHtpG7N3tAmVCOMR8wlkCbFQidyw-imL-csHOZ0Ytm-F2kWKi_YJGoO8Zg73Mceihj5Q-EocKfPFXhKlu_tIpal5N4wHVlOgdHD_wLUayEYP9_sMSvU15BnCFK-Nd/s1600/2013-10-16+22.17.36.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></div>
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<br />Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-28236134884703334562013-10-09T14:16:00.000-07:002013-10-09T14:19:41.429-07:00Fall is here!Wow. Where did the summer go? It has been a crazy whirlwind of travel and excitement, including a wedding, a tournament in Argentina, and the arrival of my puppy! As I sit here in the brisk fall weather, I realize I've been so busy, that I barely had time to stop and enjoy the warm summer months! But I love the fall, and I am excited for all the wonderful things it brings along with it! Pumpkins and everything pumpkin smelling and tasting! The beautiful fall colors and changing leaves. The hay rides, corn field mazes, haunted houses and Halloween. (I am especially excited for these things in Lancaster!) Apple cider, yum! AND since we don't have any more tournaments for the rest of the year, I will be settled (FINALLY) in Lancaster to enjoy all of these activities and adventures!<br />
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Before fall gets underway, I want to share a little recap of the end of my summer, because it was quite an amazing month! :)<br />
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One of my best friends in the whole wide world got married on September 6th, and it was absolutely beautiful!!! A huge congrats to Sterling and her husband Keegan!! They are both such amazing people who have touched my life in so many ways, not only by being great friends, but by leading through their actions in faith. I thank you for all you have done for me and I wish you all the best in the future because I know God has some great things in store for you two! Love ya!<br />
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A week after the wedding, I headed off to Argentina with Team USA for the Pan American Cup! I hope you were following us while we were down there competing!! We played in Mendoza, and stayed at the same hotel we've stayed at each time we've been played there (my third time, at least!). But it was perfectly cozy and we already knew where all the shops were and the park for our pre-game walk/stretch! The whole tournament was a lot of fun and I think it was the best I've seen our team play. We won all 3 of our pool play games against Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay before we defeated Canada in the semi-finals. Without surprise, we faced Argentina in the final, on their home turf, in their brand new stadium. The crowd was packed and they were rocking. It was one of the loudest stadiums I have ever played in, but I sure do love that atmosphere!!! It is always fun playing in front of a crowd that loves the sport and loves to see it played at the highest level. Those are the games we play for. Those are the games that get my adrenaline pumping! It was a hard fought game from both sides, and unfortunately for us, Argentina was the only team to put a goal in the back of the net. Although we were disappointed with a 1-0 loss, we have a lot of positives to take away from that tournament going forward and a very bright outlook for next summer in the Netherlands. Despite the loss, we still earned ourselves a spot in the WORLD CUP in the Hague, Netherlands in May/June 2014!!! This is a huge accomplishment for our team and we are extremely excited for that opportunity! We will be ready! And hope to face Argentina again! :)<br />
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And last, but not least..... on return to the USA from the Pan Am Cup, I got to pick up my PUPPY!!! Her name is Kora! She is a pitbull from Tom Garner Kennels! And she is amazing, and I love her so much! :) She is a sweetheart who loves to cuddle! She is playful (of course, she is only 3 months old, still a puppy!) and happy! She is so smart and already knows how to sit, and in less than a week, she is almost fully housebroken! Shout out to my boyfriend Eli for teaching her to sit while I was in Argentina! Oh and shout out to my roommate, Stefanie Fee for teaching her how to go down the stairs! Good work guys! Now... to teach her the fun tricks... like how to ride a skateboard and pull me on a sled... haha ;) Those mayyy take a little longer to learn... just maybe though.<br />
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So many pictures! You will definitely see a lot more of her!!<br />
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Also, check out her crate!! She loves it! Eli and I made it! (Okay, Eli did most of the work... he's so talented!!)<br />
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<br />Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-83638406111408497132013-08-21T14:17:00.002-07:002013-08-21T14:17:53.201-07:00Settled.... Sort Of!If you read my last post, then you know I have been all over the place this year! Just over a week ago, I finally moved into my new residence near Lancaster, PA! I can't believe I finally have a home again!! It really is such a nice feeling to finally be settled, have my own bed and furniture back in my room! (Honestly, it has been over a year since I've had all of these things in one place!)<br />
<br />
BUT.... our field is still not ready yet at the Spooky Nook Sports facility we will soon call home. If all goes according to planned, it will all be finished and ready for us to break it in, in just a few short weeks. Yet, of course, these weeks feel like an eternity! Although we are moved in, we are not quite completely settled yet! So... back to Penn State we have come for two more weeks of training.<br />
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I want to give a quick thank you to everyone at Penn State for being so accommodating to our team over this transitional period! They have been extremely welcoming and made sure we have had all facilities we need available to us. Also, a big thank you to the Country Inn & Suites, where we have made friends with all of the wonderful people who work here! They are helping to make us feel "at home" since by the end of this training period, we will have been here for over a month!! When was the last time you lived in a hotel for a month?<br />
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Although we are eager to get to our new "home" and make it just that, ours, we still have our sights set on the Pan Am Cup in September. Despite the obstacles we have been given, our training right now is very important to our build up to a World Cup qualifying tournament. If we win in Argentina, we secure ourselves a spot in the 2013 World Cup next summer in the Hague, Netherlands. This is huge for us! So although we have many distractions outside of the field, on the field we are focused and we will be prepared!<br />
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I am excited to continue this journey our team has started. We continue to grow with our new coaches and new players (along with some veterans). We have been working extremely hard and I know it will all pay off. Keep following us and supporting us as we prepare for the Pan Am Cup in less than one month!!!<br />
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GO USA!<br />
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Getting ROBUST in the weight room:<br />
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A little sneak peak into the gym at Spooky Nook! <br />
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<br />Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-83966578152004165992013-07-22T09:09:00.002-07:002013-07-22T09:09:11.047-07:00Being a nomadIt is July and I continue to live out of a suitcase. I live a crazy lifestyle where I travel to compete many months out of the year, but this year has been especially hectic. Even when I have been with the team in the States training, I have not had a permanent home. With the transition from California to Pennsylvania, our team has been on the move a lot.<br />
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I started the year at home in North Carolina before I headed out to California. I went to World League 2 in Rio de Janiero, Brazil and took a quick trip back to NC before heading out to Cali again. After a short training stint I made my way to New Zealand for a 4 nation tournament. Returning to the States for a few days off and a short trip to Dallas before starting training in Cali once more. Then I headed back to NC and up to VA for the high performance National Championships. Hopped over to Ohio for the weekend, then to New Jersey for training before World League 3 in London. After WL3 I spent some more time in Ohio before heading to Lancaster, PA to get acclimated with our new city! And after one insane half a year, I came back to NC for the weekend to get grounded by my family before I go back to this crazy lifestyle that I thrive on.<br />
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In short:<br />
NC->Cali->Rio->Cali->NZ->Cali->Dallas->Cali->NC->VA->NC->VA->NC->OH->NJ->London-><br />
NC->OH->PA->NC->PA..... can you keep up? <br />
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I have been on a plane every single month this year (multiple times certain months) and have spent countless hours in the car or on a bus.<br />
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With all that being said, this is the most I have ever traveled and as hard as it can be at times, I am thankful everyday to have the opportunity to play the sport I love and see so many different parts of the world. BUT, I am ecstatic to be getting closer to being settled once again and having a routine and consistent practice schedule in Lancaster! The facilities at Spooky Nook are absolutely breathtaking and everyone in the area is so friendly. I know I am going to settle in nicely with the community there and I can't wait to get that journey of my life started!<br />
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In a couple weeks time, I will finally be able to unpack my suitcase for good. Well.... that is until our next trip, the Pan Am Cup in late September!! :) But I wouldn't have it any other way!<br />
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Here are a few pictures from some of my journeys this year! <br />
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<br />Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019036101244290442.post-34749339008969569752013-05-17T19:32:00.002-07:002013-05-17T19:35:15.272-07:00California Dreaming...IT WAS ALL A DREAM.....<br />
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The day has finally arrived. We have left California for good. Bittersweet doesn't even begin to explain the emotions I felt as I walked on to the plane Wednesday afternoon in sunny San Diego. After 5+ years of living, training, exploring, and loving life in SoCal, our journey to the Spooky Nook in Lancaster, PA has arrived.<br />
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As one door closes, another one opens. I would like to think that although this "chapter" in my life has come to an end, the door will never be closed to my life in San Diego. I have made so many lifelong friends that I know I am sure to return for many visits to the sunny, beach city that helped me grow into the person I am today.<br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">There are so many things I will miss about the
great city of San Diego, but mostly I will miss the most amazing people
I've met. I will never be able to explain just how fortunate and thankful I am for all of the people who opened their homes and families to me over the years! But, I will do my best right now to give a few special shout outs to those that went above and beyond.</span><br />
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First and foremost, my family. My cousin Billy, his wife Rachel, and their daughter Makaela (and their dogs Harley and Bleu!). And more recently, my aunt Chris. One of the best parts of my time in California was being able to spend countless hours, days, weeks at your house. It was the best escape from a hard days training. Just knowing I had family right around the corner, and a home cooked meal was a few minutes away always put my mind at ease. Not to mention how much I have enjoyed watching and being a part of Makaela growing up. Somehow I made her birthday almost every year! From her 4th birthday, to her 9th, what an adventure it has been! I sure am going to miss backyard soccer games (yes, even if I was always tried after practice). I hope she can find some new competition! :) I am so thankful for all of you and I will really miss my trips to Poway!<br />
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Next, I have to thank the Gementera family. Where do I even start? You opened your home to Maren, Pfeiff, and myself after meeting us a handful of times. You welcomed us as a part of your family with open arms. Then, you opened your doors to me again these last couple weeks. I really enjoyed all of the time I spent under your roof. Laughing, relaxing, and discussing life. I will miss Gavin's sweet disposition and goofy jokes, Malia's abundance of energy (and her fashion expertise!), Danielle's stories and advice, and Glenn's love for the Lakers (even though I think I've influenced him towards CP3)! I will miss snuggle time with little Kita (even though Glenn would give me dirty looks because he thought I was going to steal her!) and loving nips from my main man Buddy! I know you will take good care of CJ, I'm sure he will continue to bring you lots of luck! And I'm sure I will get constant updates/snapchats from Malia. I will miss you all very much! Maybe plan a trip to the East Coast sometime?! <br />
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Finally, I can't forget the families of Cremona! Although, I only got a year with all of you, I wish it never had to end! The best neighbors we could have ever asked for! I loved being greeted by all the kids and dogs each evening as we returned from a grueling Olympic year training session. All my cares left when I saw Molly and Tenley's smiling faces pushing their dolls around in their strollers! Making up new games with Jacob and throwing Ace his tennis ball never seemed to get old, no matter how tired I was! I will miss neighborhood cookouts, bouncy castles (that OD and I jumped in with the kids!), late night bonfires with s'mores, and country music listening when the power goes out. Monica, Sumner, Nichole, Steve, and Nana thank you for being so gracious to all of us, making us feel right at home in our big empty house. Can't wait to see all the Cremona kids grow up! (We are still growing up too! ;) ).<br />
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There are so many other people I could mention as well that I met along my journey and adventures in Cali, and I am grateful for all of you. I will carry these memories with me for the rest of my life. I will always look back on these last 5 years as some of the best years, where I lived and learned A LOT. I definitely grew up a lot and learned so much about myself and who I want to become. Thanks for being a big part of my journey!<br />
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SAN DIEGO. Where dreams were made and dreams came true. I will always fondly remember my time spent in Chula-juana. Although there are so many great things about the city of San Diego, the people are really what make a place so special. And to me, San Diego is one freaking special place! <br />
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What a ride.<br />
Here's to new adventures, new friends, new family, and another great ride in PA!<br />
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One last thing.... KEEP IN TOUCH!!! You know where to find me! Cell phone, social media and/or Skype! :)<br />
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I'll leave you with a few pictures from the last few months on the West Coast...<br />
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<br />Michelle Kasoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09575339810755606956noreply@blogger.com1