August 8
Dear Journal,
YEAH!! I placed 3rd in the last intersquad competition! I also was the highest place finisher from the Lilly squad, which I just have to mention...WON!!! YEAH GIRLS!! I'm so proud of my lions!!
In other news...JESS IS BACK! She was away coaching with Karoli at a camp thing so she wasn't here, but I'm so glad that she's back! Hopefully she'll be able to climb back towards the top of the rankings as nationals gets even cloase!!!
Well, I have to get going beacuse I have more workouts to do!
work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~

August 6
Dear Journal,
Well, things have been esp busy lately in the gym with everyone preparing for nationals and the upcoming Paris and Apparatus masters meets and the Paris trip! But I know that we are all excited about everything coming up! It will be a nice change of pace.
IRL, I had my 5 month anniversary with my BF, which I'm still not sure about.....I dunno....I just want to ....hmmm...be with my old BF! lol..
Well, back to workouts!
work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~

August 5
Dear Journal,
I am about to fall asleep as i am writing this I am sooooo tired....
we're still waiting on intersquad results and the Paris meet squad to be annouced. i'll keep you updated!
~*milo*~

August 4
Dear Journal,
Well, we have an intersquad competition today! I am excited because I really like to compete in intersquad competitions because it adds a competition atmosphere to our regular workout schedule. Later this afternoon, probably after the intersquad competition, they will announce the team for the Paris meet which I am hoping to be on. I would really like to compete in the AA because I want to prepare all of my routines as I will compete them for the upcoming national championships which I am looking forward to!
JESS WE MISS YOU! My best friend Jess is away IRL because she's at a coach camp thing which I hope she's having a blast at!
Anyways, I need to head on over to the gym for warmups for the intersquad! Wish me luck!
Work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~

August 2
Dear Journal,
Wow! It's August already! Geez! I am excited about the upcoming nationals! I put in a petition to compete at the USA nationals, but I have to wait for the okay from the Coaches to know whether I am allowed to compete in that.
In the Double Trouble Gymn meet, I placed 6th in the AA and then I placed 3rd with my teammate from Cascade Locks. It was a very fun meet. My teammate placed 4th AA. We were the red team for the competition! I was happy to do well in this competition and I feel that it is helping me to prepare for nationals that are coming up fast!
Well, I'm going cuz Eva and I are watching a movie with some of the other girls!
work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~

July 30
Dear Journal,
Today I get to compete!!! I am competing in the Double Trouble meet. I am very excited to get to compete outside of Topopolilly and perform my new routines that I am working so hard on. The competition is later this evening and hopefully results will be up quick so I know how I did and what I need to improve on!!!
Well, I have to go see my BF irl, so I don't have a lot of time to write...or he'll get antsy....(you know how they are...lol)
Work harder..achieve more!
~*milo*~

July 30
Dear Journal,
Well tomorrow is the Double Trouble meet and I am looking forward to it. I haven't got to compete in any outside meets for a while, so I am very honored to be able to compete again. I did place 6th in the last intersquad meet and my squad, the Lilly squad lions placed 2nd, with we were very proud of, but we are all working hard to be able to be squad champions sometime soon!!!!
I don't have a lot of time to write again today because IRL i have to go to cheer practice right now or I am going to be late and then i have to work and then i have to pick up my boyfriend and we're going to a party.....so, ne ways....i'll write more tomorrow! GO TOPO! GO LILLY!
work harder....achieve more...
~*Milo*~

July 29
Dear Journal,
Sorry that I don't have a lot of time to write today, but things are getting busy this week. Today I have my Calculus final IRL, so I don't have time to write a long journal entry because I need to go study! So toodles and I'll write more tonight when and if I get the chance to!
work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~

July 27
Dear Journal,
Well, today i am very happy! We have the intersquad competition tonight, where I will unveil my new routines that I added to and revamped from my COP camp that some of us went to. The camp was very helpful and I feel confident about my routines, although I am very nervous at the same time. I know that overall I don't feel that I will place well, simply because I haven't been able to do everything in the gym this week, but starting today my goal is to train superhard everyday in the gym and do everything that way by nationals I will be in the hunt once again and hopefully close to the top. I don't want to let my fans, my family, my friends, but most importantly, myself, down by not competing and training and working to the best of my ability! I also want to be able to help my Lilly squad get some recognition that we deserve because we are becoming a close knit squad. Well, I have to go to individual workouts! Maybe I'll write more tonight before I go to bed! tata!
WORK HARDER...ACHIEVE MORE!
~*Milo*~

July 23
Dear Journal,
how have things been treating you? Life has been certainly throwing me a lot of twists and turns. I am almost finished with my summer calculus class at the local college, which I must say I have a 98 or 99% in...hehe...and they said that calc was hard..HA!
NE ways, I just got the final approval from Coach Lois for my routines and they are finally done so I can concentrate on them for the national championships coming up in August.
Well, I have to go to bed. I'll write more tomorrow..
work harder...achieve more...
~*milo*~

July 21
Dear Journal,
Well, I'm still at this routines camp thingy. It's been lots of fun seeing everyone's new routines. For some reason, my routines have still not been posted yet. I don't know what is going on with them and I can't get Coach Lois to return my e-mails or requests, so I don't know!!! I don't know whether to somehow dig up my old routines and make the corrections from there, becaues that's what I was doing, or I don't know what else to do!!!
Oh well, I'll write more later, I have to go train my routines for the podium run today! We're still waiting on the results from yesturday's podium run as well....
Work harder...achieve more
~*milo*~

July 11
Dear Journal,
Well, i just got finished with my workouts for the day. Overall I was consistent on all of my routines, but they are not perfect by any means, but they are getting there gradually. Hopefully I will be better near nationals so I have a chance to win.
Well, I have to go take my calculus test, so I'll write more later!
~*Milo*~

July 6
Dear Journal,
I have kinda been slacking this week because I haven't gotten the chance to fill out forms and such, so I'm guessing that I'm going to have to work my little butt off next week and every week until nationals if I want to be at the top. I here by swear that will train everyday and kick butt while doing it! I just wanna do well again!!
~*Milo*~

July 1
Dear Journal,
OWWWW!!!!!!!! I have a major headache at the moment! I am not going to write a whole lot because my head hurts from staring at the computer screen and I have some cd's to burn anyhow...
I really have to go because my head is pounding. nite nite
~*milo*~

June 29
Dear Journal,
Okay, sorry if this is a dumb journal to read, but I'm in a pissy mood right now...when did guys ever become such JERKS! or is it me and I find all of them! grrrr...I got off early from my 9 hours at work today to go see my boyfriend to surprise him, and i get there and his mom said he left about 30 minutes before that with some of his friends to go see and movie! And he told me to come to his house when I got off work....and did he call me to tell me....NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! i had to find out from his mom and his younger borther!......grrrrrrr.....
So now I'm home on a saturday night all by myself and lemme tell you, when he calls, he's gonna get a piece of my mind or a really guilt trip! I just haven't decided which yet! JERK!
Ne ways, I'm going to go do homwork or something....nite
work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~

June 28
Dear Journal,
Things went well today with my workouts this afternoon. Right now I am listening to Michael Jackson songs because i'm working on dubbing a mix of his songs for a neat routine to use for a show type thing. IRL I am dubbing a mix for the high school cheerleaders to do their fair competition to because I am helping them with it.
The music thing is sounding decent so far. I'm listening to all of the songs that they gave to mix together.
After this IRL, I have to work on a dance for the junior high cheerleaders as well because I am coregraphing their routine to use for their fair competition. I am really excited to get the opportuinty to do all of this too! It's fun!
In other words, I am staying really really busy! And I have to work over 35 hours next week at my job as well. WHEW! Next week I am gonna be really really really busy IRL
Well, I have to get going so I'll write more tomorrow!
WORK HARDER...ACHIEVE MORE!
~*Milo*~

June 27
Dear journal,
Today my workout went pretty well. In the intersquad I placed 11th in the AA. I don't know team rankings yet because they haven't been posted, but hopefully they will be posted soon!
My routines were consistent today and I was very happy and pleased with my performances in all of my my workouts today. In my private lessons, I worked on my floor passes.
Well, I have to go to work IRL, but I'll write more tonight!
~*Milo*~

June 27
Dear Journal,
YEAH! I placed 5th in the pet power festivle intersquad! I was very happy with my placing. I don't expect to do so well in the intersquad tomorrow because i haven't trained consistently in filling out my forms this week, but I shouldn't do too bad.
My pet's name was Parker and she was a golden retriever, like the one that i have back home. She was so cute! She got adopted by a great family and they even have a gymnast in the family! So I know that she got a great home!
Teamwise, the Lilly Squad Lions placed 3rd, with of course was dissapointing for me because I really want our team to come out on top. But individually I did all that I could and I was very happy with my results. The top ten were:
1. Jennie Ray -- 38.65
2. Eva Volatil -- 38.55
3. Tia Yael -- 38.525
4. Sarah Torrence -- 38.3
5. Vada Ranimilo -- 38.275
6. Jessica Attler -- 37.95
7. Cameron Noon -- 37.725
8. Brittany Maddux -- 37.65
9. Emily Yim -- 37.425
10. Ling Lan -- 37.25

It felt so great to be back up towards the top once again and really prove that I am still here and not dead to the gym world!
Well, I have to head to work IRL, but I'll write more later tonight.!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~

June 21
Dear Journal,
I don't have a lot of time to write today because we are leaving in a few minutes for the Pet Power intersquad weekend event thing that we are doing. I'll have full updates tomorrow on how things are going!
WORK HARDER...ACHIEVE MORE
~*MILO*~

June 20
Dear Journal,
Well, i just got done with my last workout for the day and it went pretty well! I was very happy with my bars dismount and also with my vaulting. Vaulting is the strongest for me right now. I was also happy with the consistancy that I showed on beam today. I stuck 8 out of 10 routines and on the other two routines I just had some minor breaks so it wasn't major. On floor I am continuing day by day and with each workout. My new passes are becoming continually better and more consistent. This is the way it should be so I am happy with my results on it so far. Squad workotus are going well and I am getting to know the other girls on my squad pretty well! Today on bars it was funny cuz Kristen almost landed on me! lol....we had to do the dismount thing and she didn't look and someone told her to go because we were kind of racing and she almost landed on me!!!! lol...it was pretty funny and we all collapsed with laughter!!!! hahahahah!!!
I am really impressed with the rest of the Lilly's squad's workouts as well as the workouts from the other squads. We are such a strong team and it is really showing through all of our workouts, even the afternoon one that isn't squad workouts. Everyone takes their gymnastics really seriously, but we all take criticism well from each other, which makes all of us better gymnasts and helps us to pay more attention to details.
I really miss my roomie Eva and best friend Jess being on my squad. I feel that they really helped my gymnastics to be better and we had a give and take kinda gymnasticships...lol....I really miss the squad workouts with them, but hopefully they are having a good time on the Tiger squad because I am getting along great with the rest of the Lilly squad!
Well, Eva and I are gonna stop by Jess's room and watch a movie and chow down on Fat-free icecream, so i better get going!!! YUM!
WORK HARDER...ACHIEVE MORE
~*Milo*~

June 19
Dear Journal,
Well, it's official. I am on the Lilly Squad with Morgan Raducan , Kirsten Summers, Madison Whitney, Ling Lan, and Emily Yim. Our mascot is the Lion and our colors are red and black. I dont' know the girls on my squad as well yet, except for Morgie and Maddie, but hopefully I will get to be better friends with them soon! And we're are goning to make one heck of a squad!
In other news we got the results of the Moscow intersquad today! I was on Topopolilly 1 with Eva, Tia Yael, Kelly, Cameron, and Kirsten. We had a great team and we won the intersquad. But sad to say, I did awful and placed 28th in the all-around. BLEH! My vaulting went the best and I scored a 9.625, but the other events didn't go so well. I got a 9.15 for my beam routine with was my second highest score of the day. On bars I scored a measley 8.925 and my worst score of the day came on my new floor routine that scored an 8.8. Bleh. Guess that I need to train a whole heck of a lot more and harder. Well, speaking of training harder, I've got to get to afternoon workout! bye bye!
Work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~

June 18
Dear Journal,
Things have been going well in training and my routines are coming along nicely. I haven't had a lot of time to do anything but train lately so it's been kinda boring in everything else. I still don't know what squad I am on yet because I haven't seen anything posted yet as to what training squad I am on. My closest friends, Eva and Jess are on the Tiger squad, so I am hoping for that squad, but you never know what squad I will be placed on, so nothing is guaranteed for me!
IRL I am working on cheer/dance and dance routines for my high school and junior high cheerleaders. I have graduated hs already but what can I say... they all love me...0 =)
Anyways, I have to get back to workout so I'll prolly write more later tonight!
WORK HARDER...ACHIEVE MORE!
~*Milo*~

June 17
Dear Journal,
I feel so out of it! I wasn't put on a squad! I don't know what's happening! Hopefully this is just a fluke and I am on a squad because I do all of the workotus and stuff so I don't know why I wouldn't be there, but I was left off of the other roster before so maybe she just went off of that roster that she had posted and made the new one. Oh well! I guess I'll just have to wait and see what's going on!
In other news, my new routines are coming along nicely and I'm really excited about performing my new routines in the upcoming meets! I haven't heard anything about the results of the Moscow intersquad, but hopefully I did decent at the meet! Hopefully sometime I will be well prepared enough to compete in an outside meet besides the ones at Topopolilly, although I like the ones here, I really want to get competing outside again! I am working really really really hard in the gym and my hard work is really paying off! I am excited about it and my new routines are looking better than ever right now so I am really proud of all of my hard work, but there's much more to be done!
I have to get back to the gym for my evening workout!
WORK HARDER...ACHIEVE MORE!
~*Milo*~

June 16
Dear Journal,
Things have been very hectic IRL and I am not been able to get journals for Topo written. I am currently IRL taking a summer class (calculus) at a local college as well as working almost full time at Goody's family clothing store, taking gymnastics, and also I have a boyfriend and we all know how much maintaince they need! lol...
Anyways, back to my Topopolilly life....
The Moscow trip is great! I have had so much fun! Today we get to sight-see a little before we go home. I got to be really good friends with Inessa while we were here and hopefully we will stay good friends! Training here has really helped me build up my confidence again because it has been really lacking lately because of my lack of training. It was so good to have pressure put on me and my gymnastics again because I feel that I always perform better under pressure.
I almost wish that I could be the young one and the up and comer in the gym again. I really miss that, but I love being a team leader for the gym because that carries more responsibility. I need to work hard so I can again become one to be looked upon as a leader in the gym and my scores in the meet. I don't want to be a big surprise or anything when I win a meet. I want it to be a regular thing again. These are my goals, I want to be on top again.
WORK HARDER...ACHIEVE MORE...
~*Milo*~

June 7
Dear Journal,
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I am so busy right now IRL that it's crazy trying to keep up with TOPO! Hopefully things will calm down this week and I'll be able to get back up to the top of my game!
~*Milo*~

May 28
Dear Journal,
Well, I finished 11th in the intersquad on Saturday. Pretty sucky still if you ask me and what I'm used to. Atleast I moved up one place. But more important, our Lily Squad placed 2nd as a team which shows that our squad is doing better overall!
I just got done making a poll for the Gymnast of the Month for may, so I have to go post a message on the message board with the link...
I'll write more later, but for now I want to get as much done on the Twist page as possible.
work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~

May 23
Dear Journal,
Workouts today went really well. I am working and really excited about all of my new routines!
I am also working on revamping the Topo Twist and keeping it going. I just posted a note on the message board for some input so hopefully the info will start rolling in and then I'll get the page finished! I'm really excited about this and I want to make it look great so I'm kinda nervous too because I don't want everyone to hate it!
Lily squad workouts have been going really well and everyone is looking much better than at the last intersquad so I'm sure that we will improve our ranking in the gym overall. I also hope to do much better in the AA competition in the next intersquad.
Another squad will be announced today I think for another meet and I'm really excited because I want to do well so I can start competing under the Topopolilly name once again!
Well, I have to go catch up on my homework and do some studying before I go to bed!
^work harder...achieve more^
~*Milo*~

May 21
Dear Journal,
I'm at school right now so I won't write a lot, but I'll write more later this evening...
Things are going well for me back at Topo. I'm maily really excited and happy to be back. I had a poor performance in the intersquad and the Lily squad came in 3rd as a team. *unusual for us because we usually come in in the top two!*...any way, I placed 12th in the AA which was awful for me, but I missed the first day of training and I haven't got to do a lot of extra stuff, so I understand my ranking. I also used old routines because I didn't have new ones for the new code yet.
I am currently working on my new routines and upgrading my old routines. I have added a new vault. I am now competing my double twisting tsukhara and instead of my double twisting yurchenko, I am now doing a 2 1/2 twisting yurchenko which is going very well. i am working on upgrading my bars, beam, and floor as well, so I 'll keep you updated. Well, i have to get back to class IRL, so i'll write more later! c-ya!
^work harder...achieve more^
~*Milo*~

May 20
Dear Journal,
I'm still trying to catch up on my schoolwork IRL because finals are coming up soon. I'll write more later this week hopefully!
work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~

May 17
Dear Journal,
I dont' have a lot of time today to write, but hopefully I'll write more tomorrow. Workout went well, and I am learning new skills on all events. I have a new vault now and it is a 2 1/2 twisting yurckenko that is going very well. It is vauled at a 10.0. I am working on new routines as well as practicing my old routiens for now. Hopefully I will have new routines together very soon! I have to go for now, but hopefully they'll be more time to write tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~


May 15
I'M BACK!!! Scary huh!! lol...I don't have a lot of time to write today because IRL I'm taking tests today at college (an no, it's not finals week, that's in like 2 more weeks...bleh!). I just got done taking my Math test and have a regional studies test later this evening about the Middle East, but I have history class between that! ANYWAYS...
I'm so glad to be back at Topopolilly! I was at Hawke Academy, but I don't even think that I actually competed in more than 2 meets while I was there. There wasn't as much interaction and stuff because it wasn't a training gym, but I kept my workouts up and continued to train my old routines because I don't have anyone to help me yet on routines for the new code of points. Besides that, I made sure to keep in shape so I could keep up once Topopolilly opened its doors once again!
I didn't even think that I was going to get to come back to Topo though. There was some e-mail sent out to everyone, and I didn't get the e-mail until yesturday, but Coach Lois was being lenient (THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!) and allowed me to join again! I was extatic! I even get to be Eva's roommate! It's great! We're decorating our room right now!
Well, I have to head over to Jess's room to see what she wanted. Talk to you all soon and welcome to the new members!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~

March 8
Dear Journal,
I woke up this morning at 6:15am. I went to breakfast at 6:45 (after taking my shower). I had a bowl of frosted flakes and a blueberry muffin and a glass of orange juice. After breakfast, I dashed back to my dorm room and changed into this cool purple leo with silver and multicolor sparkles on it! I just bought it earlier this week at the new leotard/gymnastics/dance store in the mall downtown, which Grandma Benni took me and a few other girls to. I also put on my Topo flannel pants and my Olympic T-shirt and headed over to the training gym.
Once I got into the gym (at 7 am sharp!), I had to meet Coach Lois for my private lesson. My private consisted of working on some new skills that Lois thought would work well for me in my new routines for the new code, since I don't have new ones yet. I worked 2 new vaults (which went very well), a few new release moves on bars and a new dismount on bars, I worked new tumbling and dance passes on beam as well as a new mount, dismount, and dance, and on floor I worked a few different tumbling passes as well as new acro/dance passes. I didn't spend a lot of time on any of the skills, Lois just wanted to see if I was able to perform them or not. She said that we would work more on them this week. My private lasted until 8:30am.
After my private lesson, I had dance class. Dance class didn't start until 9am, so I had a little bit of time to write some letters home. I wrote a letter to Bret (although we broke up because of some complications, we still remain the bestest friends possible and I still talk to him a lot, esp. via ICQ), I wrote a letter to Melissa, and I started a letter to my parents (which I'll finish at lunch time).
Upon arrival at dance class, Ciara had us run a few laps to get us warmed up and then we stretched. Ballet class today concentrated on the cinq positions des pieds (the five positions of the feet). Since every step or movement is begun or ended in one of these five positions, I feel it is very important to practice them over and over to ensure that positioning is perfect. I started first with the première position. In this position the feet form one line, heels touching one another. I then went to seconde position. The feet are on the same line but with a distance of about one foot between the heels. Following that, I continued in sequence with troisième position. In the third position one foot is in front of the other, heels touching the middle of the other foot. Then quatrième position. In the fourth position the placement of the feet is similar to that in the third position, the feet being parallel and separated by the length of one foot. This is the classical fourth position but it may also be done with the feet in the first position, only separated by the space of one foot. The former is known as quatrième position croisée (crossed fourth position), while the latter is called quatrième position ouverte (open fourth position). Today quatrième position croisée is done with the feet placed as in the! fifth position, parallel and separated by the length of one foot, instead of the third position. And last was cinquième position. In the fifth position, Cecchetti method, the feet are crossed so that the first joint of the big toe shows beyond either heel. In the French and Russian Schools the feet are completely crossed so that the heel of the front foot touches the toe of the back foot and vice versa. While we are doing these different positions, we are concentrating very much on the opening of the knees and the hips. We also have to use the correct arm placements for each of the positions of the feet. We were also notified by Ciera that we would be receiving our pointe shoes if we continued to work hard in her ballet class! I’m very excited and hope that I earn my very own pointe shoes!! Pointe shoes are satin ballet shoes used by dancers when dancing sur les pointes. Ciara showed us her pointe shoes. They are white satin and they are very beautiful! Ballet only lasted 30 minutes today since we were just working on positions.
So, ballet was over about 9:40am or so. After ballet class, I headed over to the cafeteria for my morning snack of grapes and water. YUM!
Following my snack (it's now about 10:15am), I headed over to the training gym again. This morning in my workout, I worked on vault. Here's what I did in my vault workout:
15 sprints
15 yurchenko timers
15 handspring timers
10 lines of donkey kicks
10 lines of handstand pops
10 lines of peppies
15 front handsprings
15 ro-bhs
15 1/2-1/2s
15 1/2-fulls
100 yurckenko double fulls into the resipit
100 double twisting tuskharas into the resipit
100 yurchenko double fulls
100 double twisting tsukharas


Following my vault workout, I had to do my conditioning before lunch. I finished my conditioning at about 12:30 pm. Here's what I did:
50 laps
50 laps on hands
100 push ups
100 v-snaps
10 rope climbs (no legs)
50 handstand snap down back tucks
100 pike leg lifts
100 straddel leg lifts
100 reverse push ups
100 arch ups
100 crunches
100 leg presses
100 press to handstands
oversplits 1 min each leg
handstand (hold 5 mins)
3 lines of toe crawls
50 handstand push ups
100 kip to cast handstands
100 superman holds
100 candlesticks
50 tricep dips
100 hollow back press to handstand
100 n-ups
Mountain Climbers for 5 minutes each leg
run up stairs and down for 10 minutes straight
pit jups for 5 minutes
100 squat jumps
Duck walk for 10 minutes around floor
100 Arch Rocks
100 Bar dips
100 Handstand shoulder shrugs
50 Hang to Handstand
100 Hollow Rocks
50 Hug a Twinky
10 L/Straddle L/V/Manna Press Handstand
20 Planch Drills
100 Seated Straddle Leg Lifts
100 Seated Piked Leg Lifts
20 Skin the cat pull outs
100 Straight Body Lifts
15 Swing handstand on P-bars
100 Upper arm shrugs
100 Windshield Wipers
Cool Down Run

WHEW!!
After conditioning, I went over to the cafeteria for lunch. I ate a salad, 2 turkey breast sandwhiches on wheat bread, 2 banannas, iced tea and water. I also finished my letter to my parents after I finished eating.
Following lunch, I had a short break and time for a 30 min nap before afternoon workouts.
My afternoon workout started at 1:45pm. I started with uneven bars. Here's what my workout was like:
100 chin ups
100 pike leg lifts
100 straddel leg lifts
10 tap swings
2x50 swings
4x20 kips
4x20 cast to handstands
4x20 kip-cast to handstands
5x30 back giants
5x30 front giants
15 kip-cast to handtsand 1/2s
20 healys
15 front giant fulls
15 front giant 1/2s
20 piked geingers
15 overshoots to HS on LB
15 cast to handstand-glide kip-cast to handstands
15 cast to handstand-sole circles
15 back giant 1/2s
30 mounts
30 double layout dismounts
100 full routines
30 free-hip hecht to high bar
30 blind turns
30 giant blind turn to regular grip
50 Mo saltos
30 back swing with hop grip change
30 stalder to handstand blind turn to regular grip
40 front giant with a full turn
40 front giant with a half turn
40 shootover to handstand on low bar
40 stalder shoot to high bar
30 full routines

After bars, I went to beam. Here's what I did in my beam workout:
10 handstands
10 cartwheels
10 back walkovers
10 full turns
10 pose + handstand and step down combos
10 needle scales with high torso
15 bhs
15 bh-bhs
10 standing back tucks
10 standing front tucks
10 flip-flop + flip flop
15 split leaps
15 beat jumps
15 switch leaps
15 wolf jumps
15 double stag ring leaps
15 sissone jumps
15 smooth dance movements to end of the beam
10 full turns
20 bh-bh-los
20 full twisting bhs
20 layout fulls
20 layouts
20 ff + ff + layout fulls
20 pose on high toe and prepare
20 switch leap + double stag ring leap combos
20 dance through routines
20 tumble through routines
20 split leap + full turm + sissone + switch leap combos
20 flip-flop + layout + layout combos
30 ruflovas
30 flip flops
30 wolf jump + ruflova combos
30 round-off layout mounts
30 round-off double double dismounts
100 full, stuck routines
WOW! Long practice!
Following my beam workout, I went to the cafeteria for my afternoon snack of 2 apples and water. I then had to go to the classroom for 4 hrs. of school work.
After doing my schooling, I went back to the training gym to finish up my training for the day. It's now 5:00pm. I have to do my floor workout. Here's what I did:
10 opening poses ( on floor on knees, one arm level with floor, one straight up)
10 opening dance combos
10 closing poses
10 round offs
10 back handsprings
10 wolf jumps
10 full twisting shushunovas
10 1 1/2 twisting shushunovas
10 switch leaps
10 switch leap fulls
10 double stags
20 layouts
10 double layouts into the resi pit
25 double layouts
30 ro + bh + double layouts
10 whip backs
20 double pikes into resi pit
25 double pikes
20 2 1/2 twists into the resi pit
25 2 1/2 twists
15 punch fronts
15 punch front pikes
20 triple twists into the resi pit
25 triple twists
30 ro + whip + double pikes
30 ro + bh + 2 1/2 twist + punch front pike
30 ro + bh + triple twists
30 switch leap + switch leap full + double stags
40 full routines

WHEW! Today was a long day of workouts!
Following my floor workout, I had to go back to my dorm room and work on my homework from my schooling. I worked on homework for about 2 hours and then went over to supper where I had a chicken salad, bran muffin, and tacos. I had lemonade and water to drink.
After dinner, I had a little time to watch one 30 min. tv show before falling fast asleep for a full day tomorrow because tomorrow is Saturday and that means no school, but a full day of training!
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~

February 27
Dear Journal,
I'm sorry that I'm not going to really write today. IRL i'm really upset today and I just don't have the time or the energy to explain it all or write it all down cuz it would take me years. I'll write tomorrow hopefully.
~*Milo*~

February 26
Dear Journal,
I just wanted to let you know that I arrived safe and sound at Topopolilly. My plane got in yesturday morning and Grandma Benni picked me up from the airport. My plane got in in the morning and I was able to squeeze in a full day of training! It is so great to finally be back at Topopolilly and finally resuming my full training schedule. I missed all of my friends (the gymnasts and the coaches) while being away for my injury. I have been so busy since I returned! I took up a little cooking hobby while being back at home so toinght I'm making everyone my speciality! Grandma Benni is taking me grocery shopping after the morning workouts so I can get all of the supplies I need! I'm making a big surprise, so you all better like it!!!!
I promise that I will write more in a little while, but I have to go to class IRL, but after class, I'll come back and write more! There is so much to update everyone on!!!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~

February 25
Dear Journal,
I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!
I am sooo happy to finally get the go ahead to resume full training after my back injury!
I g2g, but I'll write more tonight!
~*Milo*~

December 13
Dear Journal,
Things IRL have been really busy for me so that's why I've somewhat neglected you journal! I'm sorry! I love to write but I just haven't had the time. I have dropped to 8th in the rankings, but yesturday I was 4th. So I don't quite understand that. Oh well, I knew that I didnt' deserve the 4th spot becaue I wasn't able to train a lot extra lately. Well, that's all that I have time for now, I might write more later if I get the chance!
I love Bret!
Till later!
Work harder...achieve more!
Topo for GOLD!
~*Milo*~

November 28
Dear Journal,
Now is the hardest time! It's the time where we can't do anything, we just have to sit back and wait for the results! I'm getting excited, but nervous, and anxious all at the same time!
Melissa and Bret are both staying until December 1st, no matter what, but my parents and my sister, and her fiance, and my brother and my grandparents have to leave as soon as they announce the team because they have their jobs to get back to!
I'm glad that they are staying until the team is announced though!
I am so nervous! I'm going to go check the office to see if the final rankings have been posted yet! Then I'm going to do some dance throughs on beam and floor because I can't sleep!
I love Bret!
Till later, or tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~

November 27
Dear Journal,
Well, today is it. Tomorrow by this time, we will know who the Olympic Topopolilly Team is. The third rotation has been posted. Here are the top six in the rankings:
(I feel that the first two are a lock)
1. Marissa Wilson
2. Jessica Atler *I'm so proud of you Jess!*
3. Jennie Ray
4. Sarah Torrence
5. Vada Ranimilo *I wasn't too suprised with the drop in my rankings because I was unable to train full time because I was really busy!*
6. Amanda Williams

Eva is in 7th (you're so close Eva, I know you can do it!), Arkia is 8th, Krista is 9th, and Madison has totally suprised me by being in 10th!
I feel that nothing is secure yet, so we'll find out tomorrow!
I'm really nervous because this is my dream and I can't do anything else possible to help me now. None of us can. We can only sit back now and wait once the training sessions for today are completed. Tension in the gym is running high and a few cat fights broke out, but they were just because everyone is so edgy. So it's a little understandable. It was nothing major, just a few arguments here and there.
I talked to Eva today and she's really worried, but she's only one spot away from the team, so I really hope that she moves up and is able to make the team. I really want to be on the team too. Right now in the rankings, I'm 5th, but I'm also one spot away from competing all-around, and that's what I really want to do. I feel that I can benefit Topopolilly the best by competing all-around. Topo has so many all-around gymnasts.
My parents and all of my remaining family is staying until the Olympic Team is announced. I got a few things from my family today. My mom gave me a good luck card that she made and made me my favorite meal. I got a Cub Club bear from my dad that was the Goodluck Bear. It's white and has four-leaf clovers on it. I don't remember it's name right off hand. I thought that it was really nice. I also got a gymnastics frame from my sister Jessica with a picture from when we were little and just starting gymnastics. We're holding up a sign that says "Future Olympic Champions". On a card she wrote, "Vada, now you're just one rotation away from the dream of your life. Take hold and never look back." It was the sweetest thing that I've ever gotten from my sister. It even made me cry while I read it! I just don't want to dissapoint everyone if I don't make the team. But they told me that no matter what happens, they will still love me and there will always be next season.!
Bret also took me to the rec room. We watched a movie with Jessica, Lara, Eva, and a few other girls. We're just all trying to get our minds away from the last rotation. We're all so anxious, but excited! We watched two movies before Bret carried me back to my dorm room. I was so exhausted after workouts today, I could hardly walk back so that's why he carried me. I was so sleepy too because I gave every last part of me in the workouts today. It was crunch time.
Bret carried me up to my dorm room, waited outside while I put my pj's on, and then came in and tucked me into my big comfy bed. He gave me a long kiss good night and told me that he loved me so much and he was so proud of me. It was the best thing in the world to hear at that moment. I love him so much. He even left a red rose sitting on my bed before he tucked me in. He's so sweet!
Well, I finally have to go to sleep now because I'm so tired. All of my workouts and privates, and dance lessons went great today and it was one of the best workouts that I've had in a long time. I can't believe that we'll find out tomorrow!
Good luck to everyone and I want all of you to know that no matter what happens tomorrow, I hope that we all remain the best of friends and I will support each and every one of you girls. You're all like sisters to me here at Topopolilly. I could have never asked for a better gym to grow in.
I love Bret!
Till tomorrow...we will know
Work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~

November 26 #2
Dear Journal,
Guess what?! The second rotation of the Olympic "Trials" have been posted! I am in second place! Jessica has now taken over the lead! So we are continuing our 1-2 lead! I'm so proud! We are both hoping to be on the team so much. It is our dream! But I know also that it is the dream of everyone in the gym to make it to the Olympics! That's one of the great things about the gym!
Here are the new top 6 standings after the second rotation:
1. Jessica Atler *Way to go Jess!*
2. Vada Ranimilo *I'm happy!*
3. Marissa Wilson *Way to go Rissa! You made a huge jump from 7th to 3rd!
4. Amanda Williams *Good job Manda! You are doing great!*
5. Sarah Torrence *Keep hanging in there Sarah!*
6. Jennie Ray *Good job Jennie!*

Rounding out the top 10 are Eva in 7th, Arika in 8th, Krista in 9th, and Finny in 10th! Everyone keep working hard! You're all doing so well! Also, I would like to welcome Alison James to the gym. I noticed her at the bottom of the second rotation and I have never seen her here before, so welcome Alison!
Guess what?! I found out that Bret can stay for definate now! He's not sure what day exactly he will be returning home though. He is so sweet! Tonight, he suprised me with a single rose and a picture of us together in a cute heart frame for my dorm. We then watched a movie together. We watched Gone With the Wind. It's a loooonnnggg movie, but I've always wanted to see it and Bret knew it! He bought it for me on DVD and we watched it on the DVD player that I got from my parents for my birthday. We snuggled on the couch while we watched it and ate popcorn. He was so sweet! He kept looking into my eyes and telling me how much he loved me. He gives the sweetest kisses too! ahhh...0=)
Being in his arms is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Knowing that I'm safe and that he loves me and I love him. It's great being in love. I want to be with him forever!
Well, enough for the storytelling for tonight...hehehe....and hey Jess and Eva, yes, I saw you two sneaking behind the couch trying to capture a picture...lol... you little sneaks...lol
I'm off to bed to get some beauty and strength sleep before tomorrow!
I love Bret!
Till Tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~



November 26
Dear Journal,
Things are going okay in the gym right now. My training is going well, but the atmosphere is somewhat spoiled at the moment. Things in the gym have been going well, until about the last two weeks. There was so much bickering between so many gymnasts. It was just sad. This gym is fantasy and it was supposed to be all for fun, but suddenly, it wasn't anymore. I considered quiting, but honestly, Topopolilly is my home and I could never ever leave it unless something very tragic happened. I would never want to abandon this gym. I feel that it is by far the best virtual gym there is. It's just incredible!
Anyway, about the Olympic Trials. The deadline for the rosters was pushed back until December 1st. Since the deadline has been pushed back, Topo gets to send a team! Because we missed the deadline before, but the IFGA pushed it back a week since it was the day after Thanksgiving. So now with time to get an Olympic Team, Coach Lois has decided to change the format of our "Trials." Because of all the squabling on the message board, Lois decided that she didn't want to score a trials. I understand completely too. She has instead decided to go by rankings. Here is how it's going to work:
The top six in the ranking form November 11th to November 27th will form our Topopolilly Olympic Team. I think that how she is doing it is very fair. She is also going to post a leaderboard after every four days, and it's going to be our rotations! I think that it's an unusual, but extrememly efficient way to do it! Here are the leaderboard dates:
First Rotation: Nov. 11th - 14th
Second Rotation: Nov. 11th - 18th
Third Rotation: Nov. 11th - 22nd
Fourth Rotation: Nov. 11th - 27th

This way, the team is done by 100% points instead of an luck at all, which is both good and bad I think.
And guess what?!? I am first after the first rotation! I am so happy! I feel that I deserve it though, because I have been training very very hard! Here are the top 6 places after the first rotation:
1. Vada Ranimilo *I was dumbfounded when I saw the rankings! I didn't think that I was training enough!*
2. Jessica Atler *Way to go Jess! Keep working hard girl! Only 3 more rotations to go!*
3. Sarah Torrence *Good job Sarah! I know that you work hard!* 4. Jennie Ray *I'm glad to see you near the top again Jennie. Don't give up!*
5. Amanda Williams *You suprise me Amanda! You never give up and you always work hard no matter what!*
6. Krista Carr *Good job Krista! You're right in the hunt!*

Rounding out the rest of the places in the top ten are Rissa, Finny, Eva, and Arika! Everyone is doing great and the placings can go anywhere, so no one is guaranteed anything, so everyone keep working hard!
Anyway, my family has decided that they are going to stay until we find out who the Olympic Team is because they are all on their vacation time anway. I am glad that they are staying! Melissa is also allowed to stay and train at the gym. She talked to her parents and her coaches and they have agreed to let her stay also, so I am happy for that because it gives me another training partner! And best of all, Bret is allowed to stay! He also talked to his parents and his coaches and they said that he can stay as long as he resumes his training while he is here and he agreed, so he can stay!!!
Well, I have to get to ballet class so Ciara doesn't yell at me for being late! I'll write more later this evening after evening workouts!
I love Bret!
Till Later
Work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~

November 22
Dear Journal,
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Today was a great day! I'll write more tomorow, because I have to get to bed, but good luck to everyone tomorrow at trials!!!
I love Bret!
Till Later!
Work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~



November 20
Dear Journal,
Trials are in 3 days! I can't wait! I'm really exited about them! Also, my family and friends fly in tonight! Their plane is scheduled to arrive around 7:30pm, but with all of the flight delays lately, it might be late! But hopefully it won't be.
I have been very busy in the gym! Everyone has! We have all been working so hard! I can't believe how Coach Lois does it all! She has a lot of private lessons, mine are daily, but she keeps everything in the gym running. It's just amazing! And everyone helps out so I think that's awesome!
Well, I have to go finish my last workout for the day because we're leaving at 7:00pm with Grandma Benni to pick up everyone at the airport! I can't wait!
I love Bret!
Till Later!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~

November 16
Dear Journal,
My training is going really great and I'm really exited about the upcoming trials! They are in 7 days! One week and I can be on my way to the Olympics!!! I'm so excited! Everyone in the gym is working so hard and everyone should be so proud of themselves!
Eva and Jessica agreeded to go with Grandma Benni and I to pick up my family, Melissa, and Bret at the airport on tuesday! Only 4 more days until I get to see them! I'm going to give Bret a big kiss at the airport!!!!!! I can't wait!
My family and a few others are staying in a house next door that the gym owns so families of gymnasts can rent out the house when they are here for short trips like this week! It will be nice to have them all next door! Melissa is bunking with Eva and I since she is also preparing for the Olympics.
Well, I'm off to bed!
Goodnight!
I love Bret!
Till later!
Work harder....achieve more!
~*Milo*~



November 15
Dear Journal,
Things are going great here and the competitiveness fire is sure heating up!
I think that I saw a few arguments today between a few gymnasts! lol....everyone is just so ready for Trials! My family and Melissa, and my love Bret are all flying in on Tuesday after everything in the gym is done for the evening. Grandma Benni is taking me, and possibly Jess and Eva to the airport to pick them up! I'm excited! I love when my family comes to visit!
My private with Coach Lois today was on uneven bars. It went very well and I worked on all skills and did about 10 full routines.
Well, I have ballet class in 15 minutes, so I better get there!
I love Bret!
Till later!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~

November 14
Dear Journal,
Training is going really well for me! I am hitting all my routines and I feel that I should move up in the rankings so I guess that I will have to keep working hard!
I am really excited about the upcoming trials! I got a check from home today so I can buy 15 tickets to the trials for people that are coming from home to watch me! It's great to have the support of everyone at home! I love having an audience to compete in front of!
My private lesson with Coach Lois today was on the balance beam. It went very well. It was scheduled for 11am, before our lunch break.
Last night I recieved my other birthday present in the mail from my boyfriend Bret! It was the new Barbie Team Gymnastics computer game! Eva and I stayed up last night playing it for over two hours! We had so much fun! I think that Jess might stop over when we're finished with training and play it a few times with us!
I'm going to make a copy for Melissa is she wants it when she gets here next week!
I have to get back to training, but I'll write more soon!
I love Bret!
Till later!
Work harder...Achieve more!
~*Milo*~

November 13
Dear Journal,
Things in the gym are going excellent! I am having good squad workouts as well as good private lessons with Coach Lois. Today we did nonstop vaulting! It was a very good workout! I am still working really really really hard in the gym and I won't give up on my dreams, ever!
I found out that my family and Melissa and my love Bret, are coming out to Topopolilly for Thanksgiving break and staying until after Olympic Trials! I am really happy to have them all here to support me!
Melissa and Bret, since both of them are gymnasts, are going to train at Topopolilly while they are out here so they don't lose any training time themselves and Bret promised to help me with my routines again since he gives really great pointers that Lois and I often miss in privates or squad workouts.
Melissa made the Olympic team for Pirouette! She gets to compete in the All-Around! I'm so proud of her!
Well, I have to get back to training!
I love Bret!
Till Tomorrow!
work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~

November 12
Dear Journal,
Today is Vet. Day. My Grandpa was one from WWII so I called him today. He was really happy to hear from me since I haven't been home in a while. He tells great stories about being in the war, some of them are really sad though.
Well, I am continuting to work really really really hard in the gym. I had my private today with Coach Lois on floor exercise again. It was scheduled for 8am this morning. The private went really well. We worked on my tumbling passes and a few full routines.
In my regular squad training today, all of my routines are going really well. I am hitting consistantly and I am very proud of my progress. But I also really pride myself on my consistancy.
We didn't have to go to school today, so I was able to get an extra ballet workout in today. Our ballet instructor, Ciara is an excellent ballet instructor. She's just great!
Well, I have to go do some studying because I have a math test tomorrow at school!
I love Bret forever!
Till tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~

November 11
Dear Journal,
I'm still working hard!! I am happy that I moved up to 6th as of Saturday's rankings!!!! I was so proud! I am working really really hard! It's crazy how hard everyone in the gym is working! I know that I keep saying that, but it's true!
Here are the Top 10 in the rankings:
1. Eva Volatil - great job eva! you're working so hard!!
2. Marissa Wilson
3. Jessica Atler - jess, you're awesome! don't let anyone think otherwise!
4. Arika Joule
5. Sarah Torrence
6. Vada Ranimilo - yeah!! that's me!
7. Amanda Williams
8. Cameron Noon
9. Jennie Ray
10.Krista Carr

I had my private today with Coach Lois on the floor. I had it at 6am this morning before I left for church with Grandma Benni.
I also noticed the injured list! There are just two people on it right now. Here's who they are, with their injuries, as well as when they can start training again!
Madison Whitney - sprained knee - November 15
Kelly Phillips - broken collarbone - December 1
Moranda Hern and Lindsay Matthews just returned a few days ago from being on the injured list also.
Get better soon Kel and Maddie! We miss you girls in the gym!
Things in the gym are going well. I'm working really hard and ballet class is a lot of fun right now too! I am eager for trials! They are in just a few weeks now!
Melissa, Bret, and my family are all flying in to see me compete! I love it when eveyone comes to watch! It's great support!
Well, IRL tomorrow I have to be at school, so I have to get to bed!
I love Bret!
Till Tomorrow
Work harder...achieve more
~*Milo*~



November 10
Dear Journal,
Well, I'm still working so hard! It's crazy how much people are training right now in preparation for trails! But we just all have the same goal! We want on that team!
Jessica moved down to 3rd in the rankings, but she's still doing awesome. Eva is still in first! Good job roomie! I have moved up to 7th! I'm really proud of my progress in the rankings! I have been working soo soo soo hard it's unbelievable!
Hopefully I will continue to move up in the rankings! I want on that team!!
It's my dream!
Well, I have to do for tonight to go to bed, but I'll write tomorrow!
Till Tomorrow!
I love Bret!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~

November 9
Dear Journal,
Well, Olympic Trials are looming closer! I am continuing to work really really really really hard! I have also decided that I'm not going to the amusement park tomorrow.
I talked to Bret and Jessica. And between talking to both of them, I feel that I should go because to return to the Olympics as a team leader is my dream. I can't give up on that dream for one single day of fun. I love gymnastics and that is fun for me! I will have pleanty of time to screw around after the Olympics and on Christmas break!
I am keeping myself busy also by working on my revamped website. Today, I added all of the rest of the pages except the links page. I have to decide what links I want to put on there before I do!
I also found out that Bret is coming to visit me this weekend! He is coming to train at Topopolilly for the weekend and his plane gets in in the morning. I can't wait to see him and give him a big kiss! He's almost like a second coach to me too! Espically when Lois is busy! I think that he'd make a great coach when he gets older because he really tries to improve all of your routines! So I know that he will be a huge support and structure for me as the Trials draw closer!
Well, I have to go to ballet class now and finish up a paper that I'm writing for school!
Till tomorrow!
I love Bret!
work harder...achieve more
~*Vada*~

November 8 #2
Dear Journal,
Well, I've been working on my journal, so it looks a little different right now. I'm also working on a new webpage that is at :
http://www.oocities.org/vada_ranimilo
So check it out! Hopefully I will have all of the pages up pretty soon!
~*Milo*~

November 8
Dear Journal,
Training is going well today! I'm working really hard! My private today with Coach Lois was on bars. She said that I have improved a lot since I came to Topo on this event and she is very proud of my improvements. I was very flattered!
I hope that they post new rankings soon! I should hopefully move up a lot of spots from my crappy 11th position.
As of November 3, 2001, the top 11 rankings are as follows:
1. Jessica Atler - keep it going jess! You're awesome
2. Marissa Wilson
3. Sarah Torrence
4. Lara Findlay - Great job Finny!
5. Amanda Williams
6. Arika Joule
7. Krista Carr
8. Eva Volatil - keep working hard roomie! We'll keep pushing each other!
9. Caitlyn Beckett
10. Cameron Noon
11. Vada Ranimilo

I am definately hoping to move up and I am very positive that I will move up! Hopefully several several several positions!!!
Well, I have to get back to training!
I love Bret!
Till Tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~



November 6
Dear Journal,
wow! It's been so long since I've written im my journal! I realized it so I figured that I better write in here! Things are going fairly well in the gym. I'm currently ranked 11th in the gym, but that will soon change. I'm doing everything possible to get back up on top of the rankings! Everyone in the gym is just working so hard it's crazy!
Well, I have to get back to my training before dinner time!
Till Tomorrow!
I love Bret!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Milo*~

September 19
Dear Journal,
Things aren't going the greatest for me right now in the gym. First of all,I had some things in real life to deal with. Like my first week of my first year at college. Classes are harder than they are in high school, so I'm working on getting adjusted. I commute everyday to school inorder to stay near my oyfriend who I love dearly. I drive 2 hours round-trip every day for school. Then, our computer got hit by lightning and killed our modem...again.So I had to wait until that was fixed before I could even get back online. This is not the time for this either. I was really hoping to make the World Championship team for Topopolilly. At this point, I am ranked 13th in the gym with many great gymnasts ahead of me. But I'm not going to let this get me down. I'm going to continue to work very hard in the gym everyday and not miss a training session. Hopefully this will put me back into contention for the World Team. I want very much to be on the team. I feel that I bring experience and many other things to the team and I feel that I could be a great asset to the Topopolilly World Championships effort. I want so badly to be there.I worked out as much as I could today so hopefully that should move me up soon. I am going back to my original goals that I set a week ago with Jessica Atler. I'm so proud of her because she is ranked number one in the gym and I now how hard she works for it. I also want to be there in that position withher. So I can't give up!I have to get some work done in real life, so I'm going to stop writing.
Till Tomorrow!
I love Bret!
Work harder...achieve more!
I love Bret!
~*Vada*~

September 8
Dear Journal,
Well, there are partial results up from the Back to School Classic. Topopolilly placed 2nd to last in the team prelims and I was second top AA score for our team in aa prelims. Not so good. I don't know what my problem is lately....but some things, I have no control over. That's up to the judges, I just compete as well as I can and the rest is up to them!
I've been really working to be more of a team leader lately. It's already tarting to pay off. I feel less nervous in the gym as though everyone is watching for me to mess up or to falter. I don't feel like that anymore! My workouts are more relaxed and I feel more confident.
I have to get to workouts!
Till Tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more
I love Bret!
~*Vada*~


September 7
Dear Journal,
I'm really working hard in the gym! I haven't missed a day of pratice since returning on the 4th to the gym. I am also trying to be more of a team supporter, this is one of my new goals also. I'm going to try to write to each and every Topopolilly gymnast (and KP gymnasts when i have time) every day so I can keep giving support to my teammates to make us a stronger team. I really want us to medal at the Worlds and at the Olympics!
Well, I don't have a lot of time to write today,so I have to go!
Till Tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more
I love Bret!
~*Vada*~

September 4
Dear Journal,
Today was my first day back in the gym since nationals. I took some time from gymnastics for a few weeks after nationals just to get over how mad I was at myself. (IRL I was soooooooo busy). I was quite upset with my bar routine because I have been so consistant on all of my routines and I just don't know what happened. I was so dissapointed. I even finished worst than what I did last year at nationals. I'm going to learn from this and do better.

Jessica Atler and I are in the process of setting some goals for ourselves. Here's what I wrote to her:
For goals, this is my input:

1. Get into the top 5 in the gym rankings.
2. Stay in the top 5 for a while.
3. Make the world team.
4. Don't miss a day of training.
5. Be top ranked or #2 in the gym rankings.
6. Medal as a team at worlds.
7. Medal as individuals at worlds.
8. Make the Olympic team and medal team and individual.
9. Continue to train our hardest.
10. Stick with it.
11. Become Co-Nationals champions in 2002!

I think that these are very good goals for now. Anyway, IRL I need to get to bed so i can get up in the morning!
Till Tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
I love Bret!
~*Vada*~

August 13
Dear Journal,
I just got done with a press conference for nationals! It was really neat and only the second press conference that I have ever done. They asked us lots of questions and also took lots of pictures. It was so much fun! I had a blast!
I also just recieved word that my grandparents are coming to see me compete! I'm excited that they can come because this is only the third elite meet that they will get to see me compete in and they won't be around forever!
The roommate rumble meet was this past weekend. In the prelims, Eva and I came in first and then in the finals, we fell to fourth. We both wanted to win really bad! Oh well...I did bad on vault, scoring under a 9.0! shame on me, that was awful and I'll never let that happen again. I am determined to win nationals and I know that i can do it! I better get to bed!
Till Tomorrow!
I love Bret!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

August 10
Dear Journal,
Today I worked hard again on polishing all of my routines for nationals. I feel that I should do very well at nationals, and I expect myself to be a leader like I am. I know how to perform and what I am capable of. I just need to keep doing what I do in pratice, in the meet.
We just got the results from the Windmill 2 X 2 meet. Jennie Ray and I placed 14th in the team prelims, and we didn't qualify to finals. My friend Rebecca Jordan from Perfection did well in the meet. Her team placed second overall and she was the event master for Junior Elites on both uneven bars and floor exercise. We still have not recieved the results from the Trix Invitational yet.
Before nationals, we are having a Roommate Rumble meet in the gym. Eva and I get to compete together since we're roommates! It's going to be a blast and I can't wait for the meet! It should be a lot of fun!
It's been really great aving my parents, Melissa, and Bret here until nationals. It gives my parents a much needed vacation and it also gives Melissa and Bret another atmosphere to train in. They have both made some great improvements while they have been at Topopolilly!
I have to get ready to go to supper with all of the girls! I'll write more tomorrow!
Till Tomorrow!
I love Bret!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

August 8
Dear Journal,
I've been working really hard lately. I've been putting the final touches on my routines for nationals. I really want to win and I've been working my butt off! I'll write more tomorrow because I need to get to bed!
Till Tomorrow!
I love Bret!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

August 1
Dear Journal,
Today I am number three in the gym. Number one is Jennie Ray, Number two is Sarah Torrence. Rounding out the top ten are
4. Carolyn Miller
5. Eva Volatil
6. Lindsey Matthews
7. Amanda Williams
8. Brittany Maddux
9. Keshira Smith
10. Danielle Bain
Jessica Atler is on the injured list because of her back. I was going to turn in her training for her while she was going but the coaches already took her off the ranking list.
For the past few days, I have been number one in the gym! That is a great accomplishment for me in the gym, although many times I feel that I do better ranked two or three that way I have something to work for!
I competed in the Trix meet on July 30th, but we haven't heard anything for the results yet. The meet was held in Sydney, Australia! It was beautiful there! The other girls on the Trix Invitational team were Jennie Ray, Carolyn Miller, and Brittany Maddux. Coach Lois was our coach for the meet.
Then I get to compete in the Windmill 2 X 2 meet! It will be so much fun! The meet is August 7th to the 9th. Jennie Ray and I are a Senior Elite team from Topopolilly. Coach Lois will also be our coach for the Windmill Meet. There is also one other Sr. elite team and there are one more junior elite teams. The other senior elite team is Carolyn Miller and Lindsey Matthews. The Junior Elite team is Sarah Torrence and Eva Volatil.
The next meet that Topopolilly is entered in is the TSG Tropical Island Playground Meet. That meet is on August 6th and Amanda Williams, Danielle Bain, Keshira Smith, and Brittany Maddux will be competing in that meet. Good luck girls! I found out that my sister Jessica's wedding is planned for September 12th, so I will be going on the 10th to get ready for the wedding. They are fitting me for my dress when they come up for nationals. I'm really excited about her wedding! Bret is also an usher in her wedding, so I'll get to see him that whole week!
I talked to Bret and Melissa both today and they are both really excited about coming out to see me compete at nationals! Bret will also be at the Windmill 2 X 2 meet and then flying back with me to Topopolilly, where he will be staying at a hotel with my family. He's sharing a room with my brother Ryan, who I found out is now able to come! I was so happy because I haven't seen him in a while.
I have to check with Eva to see if she wants to come home with me for the weekend after nationals, since I'm going to fly home for the weekend. I'll ask her tomorrow since she's already fast asleep. I better get to bed too!
Till tomorrow!
I like Bret!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

July 26, 2001
Dear Journal,
Well journal...I did it. I got myself out of my slump! I am back up not in the rankings! I am number two. Number 14 to number 2. I say that is pretty darn good and I've been working my butt off and my hard work is paying off! Also, Jessica is first in the rankings! I'm so proud of her! We've been encouraging each other so much and it's great to see each other doing well! I also qualified for the Tropical vs. Topopolilly Duel. I qualified to compete for Topopolilly on the Jr. Elite squad. Our team placed first! I was so proud of the two other girls on the team! We really did well together as a team! On vault, I scored a 9.899 and took the gold, on bars, I scored a 9.953 and took the gold! On beam, I fell on my mount (boo, I guess I'll have to work more on that) and I scored a 9.355 taking 5th place, and then on floor I scored a 9.935 taking the gold and I scored a 39.142 all-around to take the gold! I was so proud of how I performed today and I feel that what I have accomplished lately, in an d out of the gym has majorly helped my confidence and helped me out of my slump!
And guess who showed up at my meet!? My brother Ryan! I haven't seen him forever and I was really happy to see him there! I didn't realize that he was there until after the meet when he came up to congradulate me! Also, Bret was there!!!! I knew he was there and I really wanted to perform really well so he could see me do well! He was such a sweetie and he brought me up a dozen roses when I got my AA medal. He said that he was so proud of me and asked the coaches if he could take me to dinner. He took me to a beautiful restaurant and then to watch the sunset before returning me to my hotel. Then, when he dropped me off, he gave me the sweetest, softest kiss of my life. infact, it was my first kiss 0=) Then he told me how much he liked me and how he couldn't wait to see me again. Awww! I like him soooo much! Now I'm going to get to sleep (well, I'll try to anyway!)
Till tomorrow!
I like Bret!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

July 24, 2001
Dear Journal,
Today we got the event final results of the meet that Shannon hosted. I came in sixth on bars (yuck) and fourth on beam (still no medal). I guess that I'm just going to have to learn from the dissapointment of this meet and move on. I am still really dissapointed that I didn't medal in any of the event finals, but I'll just have to move past that...okay...I'm past that now.
Well, ballet class went very well today. I worked on lots of new ballet skills and I worked very hard on the other ones that I knew how to do. I was pleased with my progress today at ballet and how quick I learned some of the new skills. After ballet today, I headed over to the gym to do my conditioning. Ballet class was first thing this morning since our squad workouts are in the afternoon and then I did my conditioning before lunch so I would be well rested for my squad workout after the disaster workout that I had yesturday. Today on vault, things went better. I didn't stick every landing, but overall the vault workout went okay. On bars today, I stayed on and I did a lot better than yesturday. On beam, I stayed on also and my tumbling went better. Then on floor I wasn't hardly perfect but I did a lot better. I can't wait for the intersquad that is supposed to happen today. I certainly hope that I'll do alright in it and hopefully this will be a completely new start for me. And hopefully today I stared rebuilding my confidence in my gymnastics because I really feel that I have. Now I just have to work harder and harder every single day and keep building my confidence and building strong gymnastics for myself but mostly for my team. I have to remain a strong leader and get back up at the top in the rankings in the gym. I WILL NOT give up!
Till tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

July 23, 2001
Dear Journal,
I competed in the meet, Topopolilly Reach for the Stars meet that Shannon hosted and I competed like CRAP! I can't believe that I sucked so bad. The only good thing about the meet is that our team placed first. In individual prelims, I got a 9.445 on vault and 15th place (YUCK), on bars I got 6th and a 9.800 (which I was really happy with, except I had a small step on my landing) and I did qualify to event finals, on beam I got a 9.890 and tied Jessica Atler for 4th place which I was also pleased with except for my small balance checks, and then on floor I did awful and got 13th place and a score of 9.430 (which totally sucked and I don't know what went wrong). I ended up placing second to last (17th place) with a score of 38.575. I don't know why I didn't do better in the meet, but I can't win everything! I didn't qualify to all-around finals, but I still have my two event finals to look forward to, so I'll just have to wait for that!
Also a sucky thing, I'm ranked 14th! That SUCKS! I SUCK I SUCK I SUCK! I am so dissapointed with myself. I can't believe that I let myself get so low. I went to the sports phycg this fternnon before my squad workout. My workout today was awful. I'm having the worst time in the gym that I've ever had. On vault, I didn't stick a single landing, on bars I fell off three times and had poor form. On beam, I had about 30 balance checks and fell off on all of my passes and then on floor I was off on my dance cues and I put my hands down or missed all but one tumbling pass. After my floor routines, I ran out of the gym and straight to my dorm room threw myself on my bed and cried for about an hour. I could tell during workout and Coach Terrin and also Coach Lois were both dissapointed with me and so were all of my teammates. I knew that I was letting them down and myself down, but I tried not to let everyone know how mad I was with myself, that's why I ran out of the gym after workouts, so no one could see me cry. I didn't go down to supper because I wasn't hungary, but Grandma Benni brought me up some chicken noodle soup and crackers becuase she simply wouldn't have her girls going to the gym missing meals. After I ate my soup, I called Bret on the phone. I was happy to talk to him and I cried to him on the phone about my awful day but he tried to cheer me up and it did help a lot to talk to him.
Well, I know that I'll have to keep working hard in the gym to get any better and to get my confidence back. I just can't give up, that's not how I am. I WON'T give up. I WILL do better. I AM good, and I WILL prove it, to MYSELF.
Till tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

July 20, 2001
Dear Journal,
Well, the pop off intersquad was the other day. Needless to say, I didn't make it to the last round. In the first round, I competed on vault and I qualified 2nd to the next round. Then in the second round, I only qualified 6th and I think that they took 5. Oh well, I can't always be the best at everything. I just have to work harder...!
Training in the gym has been going really well and I'm pleased with all of my routines. Now all that I have to do is capatalize on what I perform in pratice and take that into a meet!
I also heard from Bret today. I was really dissapointed with how I did in the intersquad and Bret really helped me to see that I was just returning and I couldn't be perfect just returning and I just needed some time to get back into the swing of things. It helps so much to have someone outside of the gym to talk about gym things with. I really like Bret a lot too so that helps! Bret also told me to let him know of the next meet that I am competing in so that he can come see me again! I can't wait to see him soon! I also got a letter and card from him in the mail today. They were delivered with roses from the nearest floral shop. Bret is sooo sweet! Inside the card was a 500 minute phone card so I could call him as often as I need to talk to him and whenever I wanted to! How sweet! I like him so much!
Today after morning workouts (starting at 6:30am), Eva and I packed up and headed to the airport to go to Eva's house. Upon arrival at Eva's, she gave me a tour of her awesome house! Her room is huge! Her mom then took us over to the furniture and paint store and we picked out new paint for her room as well as new furniture for her room! We had a blast and we finally settled on a really awesome bedroom suite! We also got lots of things to add to her walls and hang up and stuff! It's so neat! Tomorrow we are going to be training at her old gym and then we're gong to go to a nearby amusement park for the rest of the day! I can't wait I know that it's going to be a blast!
Now I'm going to write about some things that have been happening IRL. First of all, I've been having some problems with weight control...grrr... it sucks. Any way, I think that I'm going to start weight watchers to drop about 20 pounds. Also, I've been working a lot this week and we had really bad storms for about two days so I've been unable to get on the computer. On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, I was helping my boyfriend and a few of his friends bale and stack straw. It took us three days to do three fields, so we made pretty good time. I worked thirty-one hours so far this week at my job, and almost all of them have been evening hours where I get home around midnight, so I have been unable to train a lot at Topopolilly. Also, last night (my night off from work), I went to the U.S. National Sports Acrobatics Championships, which was just fourty-five minutes from my house! It was sooo neat! It wasn't gymnastics which would have been better, but this is the next! best thing! First there was an awards ceremony for the previous sessions of the day and then the elite and junior elite men's pairs, fours, and women's pairs and trio's, and also mixed pairs competed. It was really neat and they do some amazing balance skills and tosses! While at the meet, (which was only $12 general admission, and we got front row seats), I purchased a program, event t-shirt, and I also got a really neat leotard for only $15! I'm really inspired to return to the gym soon and hopefully I'll get to go sometime this weekend or next week if I don't have to work (which has been the case all summer). Also, my boyfriend leaves for basketball camp on Sunday, so I'm not going to get to see him until Tuesday evening. Which really sucks because I hate to be without him! Well, I suppose that I better get going to bed because it's one o'clock in the morning and I need to get some sleep!
Till tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

July 15, 2001
Dear Journal,
Today, training went well! They redid the training squads, eliminating the TOP squad that I worked so hard to get on, but they divided up the squads so there is no particular squad better than the other. Eva my roommate and I requested to be on the same squad, and we got it! I am so happy! It will be tons of fun to be on the squad with Eva! We are on the Lilly squad! I love the name! Jessica Atler, my other best friend is on our squad too! We also have Danielle Bain, Caitlyn Beckett, and Brittany Maddux on our squad! We're going to be great, I just know it!
Also, I competed in the Topopolilly vs. Angel Gymnastics duel. Overall, I placed 2nd highest all-around from our team, behind Jennie Ray and 4th all-around overall. I was really dissapointed with my floor routine when I put my hands down after my whip double pike. I can do that pass in my sleep and I don't know why I screwed it up. But I suppose that I didn't do that awful for my first meet back! I know that I'll do better in the intersquad meet. On vault I scored a 9.675, which is alright, but not my usual and on bars, I scored a 9.775, which was my highest score of the day and I was very proud of this score. Also, on beam I scored a 9.550, which is dissapointed for me also and my score on floor was a 9.225. The good thing about this meet was that Topopolilly won! We beat Angel gymnastics by more than a point! Go Topopolilly!
On Saturday, Jessica Atler and I went to Bret's meet! Bret's friend picked us up to go to the meet! It was so great to have Jennie there for girl support 0=) It really helped to have someone else to talk to durning the meet! In the meet, Bret won vault and floor and placed second in p-bar, high bar, p-horse, and he placed third on rings. He also won 1st all-around! I was so excited for him! I got to see him right after the meet and he ran up to me and gave me a big hug! Also, after he came out of the locker room, he said that he had something for me! It turned out to be a dozed red roses! Talk about a sweetie! OHHHH! I like him so much! Also, Dylan said that he thought Jessica was really cute and he was going to suprise her by coming to see her today! And he did come, with Bret! Bret brought me flowers again when he came to the gym to see me workout. Later this evening, he took me to the movies for our first date. While at the movies, Bret held my hand and! we didn't let go for the rest of the night! I like him so much!!! And then he gave me a little kiss on the cheek before he left to go back to his hotel. He then told me that he really like me a lot and he couldn't wait to see me tomorrow! AHH!!! I like him so much!
Well, I'm going to go to bed and dream about gymnastics...and Bret!
Till tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

July 12, 2001
Dear Journal,
Guess what?!?!?! I did it! I made the TOP squad! I was so happy when I saw the posting! I've really been working my butt off and I was so happy to find that my hard work paid off! Also, I get to compete in the upcoming duel meet against Angel gymnastics, a region 2 rival of ours! I can't wait! I will be using (mentally) this meet as a warmup for me to get back into the groove of things and to prepare for the upcoming Popoff Intersquad. I'm really excited about competing in the Angel duel!
We have to train for 2 days with the Angel squad that will be competing in the duel so the coaches can decide which girls are competing on which events and so on. I hope that I will get to compete all-around in the meet! I feel that all of my routines are now back up to par and have as good a chance as anyone!
Well, I supposed that since I have now made the TOP squad, I will need to change the team part of my website and change the pictures, since I'm now on a different squad! I'm really glad to make the TOP squad, but let me tell you one thing...the POP squad is no place for slackers! They all work incredibally hard to be where they are and making the Pop squad is a great accomplishment for all of them! I want to thank all of them for the great times we had together on the Pop squad and remind them all that just because I changed squads doesn't mean that they still can't workout with me every once in a while. Don't forget that achieving something doesn't mean that you have to be the best at everything. Accomplish things for yourself, not for anyone else.
Bret called me today! I got to talk to him for about thirty minutes. He is leaving tonight after gym to travel to the location of his meet! But I still probably won't see him until Saturday at his meet. Bummer! I was hoping that maybe I'll be able to see him sooner, but unless he comes to see me, I won't be able to see him until him meet! I really like him a lot and I hope that he comes to see me!
Well, I have to get back to the gym!
Till Tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

July 11, 2001
Dear Journal,
Today was the usual in the gym. I trained really really hard and I hope that I have been working hard enough to hopefully make the TOP squad. But making the Pop squad and not making the TOP squad will not be the end of the world. Gymnastics is supposed to be fun and if all I ever worry about is making the TOP squad, I'm going to get no where at all! What I really need to concentrate on is staying near the top so I can compete and keep doing what I always do in meets and that's perform and have a blast doing it! What could be better than that?!!
After training today, and getting ballet classes and my conditioning done with, I went to my computer and spent some time finishing my webpage! I added the family page and the links page. I also added this neat cursor trailer that looks pretty nifty on my page! Following that, I wrote back to Jennie, Brittany, and Eva in their mailboxes.
This afternoon on our lunch break, some of us went shopping! We had a blast and I got some really neat clothes! I told Jennie about Bret that is coming to visit, so Jennie helped me pick out some really cute outfits to wear while her is here and Eva also helped me pick out my cutest workout leo since he's going to be seeing me workout! I can't wait for him to get here! I'm so excited!
I called Bret back and I finally got ahold of him! I didn't get to talk to him long because he was on his way to gym (the gym seems to be his second home just like me!). He said that earlier today, he was out in the field with his dad combining wheat. I also forgot to mention that Bret's family farms, so he's always helping out with that, which not only helps him get a great tan, but helps his strength for gymnastics!
I guess that I better get back to work or get to bed, one or the other!
Till Tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

July 10, 2001
Dear Journal,
Today workouts went great again! I seem to still be improving every single workout and every single day. My vaults all went well and so did my bars. Also, my beam and floor went fantastic! I had a great time at ballet today too! I leared some really new ballet moves and terms today and I moved up to the next level of ballet! I was so happy and pleased with myself!
After ballet class, I headed to the dorm room where I had a message on my machine. Guess who it was from?! Bret! I was so excited to hear from him! He left his number and I called him back but he was at the gym and so his mom said that he would have to call me back.
For the rest of the evening, I designed my own webpage, although it's not finished yet. It's called "Vada Ranimilo Online"! Isn't that so neat! Hopefully I will finish it tomorrow so I can release the link!
(IRL) I couldn't get the forms to work today, so I've saved all of my workouts and everything on my computer so I have to send them in tomorrow (this includes this journal entry and everything else that I'm going to send in.
I am now ranked 5th in the gym! I'm so proud of myself how I have moved up in the rankings so fast. I have been working extra hard in the gym. I have worked really hard to do all that I can to get back on the TOP squad. To make it worse, they are only taking one more girl on the TOP squad so I have to make sure that I get that last spot. I have to train extra, extra, extra hard to get there too!
Till Tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

July 9 #5
Dear Journal,
Well, I just went over to the gym and I ran for about 15 minutes, but I could see that this was getting me no where. So I headed back over to my dorm room where I found Grandma Benni sitting in the chair at my desk. She asked me what was wrong and why I was so wired at this time of the night!
I sat there doing crunches while telling her the whole story of everything that has been going on since I've returned to Topopolilly. Grandma Benni even gave me fresh chocolate chip cookies! YUM!! They were good cookies too!
I told her everything from working extremely hard to regain my spot on the TOP squad, to making the Pop squad, to Bret, to Melissa leaving, to Eva being gone, to the upcoming intersquad, to the feelings that I let everyone down when I got injured and wasn't able to go on the trip with the team. And how I'm still not on the Top squad yet.
It felt so great to talk to someone because ever since I got back it kinda feels like people somehow forgot me and I don't have a lot of people to talk to anymore. Except for a few people, I don't even know a lot of the girls really well anymore. And lots of them are new and doing really well and I don't want to be left behind in the gym. Eva is who I usually talk to and she's not here, but I know that she'll be getting back really soon! Hopefully tomorrow!
Grandma Benni was such a great listner and she gives the best advice. I'm finally feeling sleepy. She tucked me in and now I'm going to bed. Sometimes it's so nice to have someone to take care of me. Goodnight finally!
Until tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~ ~*Vada*~

July 9 #4
Dear Journal,
Nope! Still can't sleep! It's not midnight and I am wide awake! I think that I'm going to head over to the gym and run for a while. Try to get some of this energy out!
~*Vada*~

July 9 #3
Dear Journal,
I still can't sleep! I decided also that I'm going to redo my online journal. That way, I can make it look really neat and put a bio and everything up like I want to. Jennie Ray also has one up, but I'm not going to copy her idea, but her page is really neat, but it's somthing along those lines as well, but I might try to have frames or something, but who knows! I'm going to try for real to get to bed now!
~*Vada*~

July 9 #2
Dear Journal,
I'm just so excited I can't sleep! I'm so excited about Bret coming to visit!
Also, I just found out that our old journalist in the gym, Jaycee Mills is coming back! She asked me for an interview, so we will be doing that soon! That should be exciting also!
I'm going to try and get to bed now!
~*Vada*~

July 9
Dear Journal,
Well, today went great! First of all, my workouts all went really well. I didn't slack off at all in any of my workout and I feel that I did really well today also. I was so happy that I made all of my skills, except with a few off jumps in my beam routine today.
Then after dinnertime this evening, I got an unexpected call from a boy! His name is Bret. Bret was one of my best friends before I moved out to Topopolilly to train. Bret and I grew up together in my little hometown and he is one year older than me and also one grade older than me. Bret is also a gymnast, but he goes to my old gym back home. Any way, when I was training back home during my injury, Bret and I hung out alot and he helped me on my floor routine and also on some of my bar skills. It was so nice to hear from him. Not to mention that I have a huge crush on him! He said that he just wanted to call me and see how I was doing back at Topopolilly and if I was ready to come home and see him yet because he missed me. Awww ! He's so sweet! I told him that I wasn't coming home currently, but I missed him a lot too. He then told me that he was coming about 10 minutes from Topopolilly for one of his big gymnastics meets and he wanted to know if he could come visit me at the gym and see me train, etc. I told him sure and I couldn't wait to see him again! His meet is Saturday morning, which I'm going to go see and then he is coming over Saturday evening and we're going to go to dinner and the movies or something. He's staying in a nearby hotel with one of his teammates that is visiting his girlfriend and then on Sunday, he's going to come back to Topoplilly and spend the day at the gym with me! I'm so excited and I can hardly wait!
I suppose that I should get to bed so I can get up early in the morning to workout!
Nite!
Till Tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

July 7
Dear Journal,
Today, I did full workouts on all events. It was your same basic hardworking day in the gym. I had a great time working out though and all of my events went great.
Later this evening, I am going to go take Melissa to the airport with her mother. I g2g Vada

July 6
Dear Journal,
Today at the gym, It was a very hardworking day. I first started this morning, before lunch by doing a light conditioning and then I went straight to vault. I love the new vault table. It was wierd at first, but now I love both of the vaults! I did a light workout this morning on vault, just working in the pit. I then did full workouts on bars and beam but then I only did a light floor workout. I then went to ballet class.
Things went great at my afternoon workout also where I did full conditioning, full vault workout, and full floor workout. I did no bars and beam this afternoon.
I have to go to bed now IRL, so I'll write more tomorrow morning!
Till tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

July 5
Dear Journal,
Last night our 4th of July party at the gym was great! We had a blast and we did lots of activities! My parents even came from home and we shot of fireworks. They were so pretty and I had so much fun!
Since I was up late last night, I slept in late this morning before going to workouts. I also found out that while being away, I was removed from my TOP training squad. I hope that the coaches put me back on it, because I haven't been placed on a new squad yet. I hope that they see that I am working really hard since I've been back. Right now in the gym, I'm in 17th place in the rankings. I know that is back, but it's not terrible for being back in the gym for only one day. So that's not awful. But hopefully after today, I'll move up even further.
IRL, I have to go to work in about 20 minutes, so I guess that I'll have to do the rest of my training and journal entries and letters once I return home from work, which will be in about 6 hours. Oh well, I have to make money for college and a car somehow! Hopefully I won't have to stay at work too late and I hope that I'll get home on time. I know that I have to leave a note on the message board for the coaches so they know that I can't be at the team chat tonight. I better go do that now before I have to leave!
Till Tomorrow!
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

July 4
Dear Journal,
I'm back! I arrived back at Topopolilly last night! It's so great to be back here! Don't get me wrong, I loved the break but I was just so happy to get back to the gym... Training at my old hometown gym was neat and that way I was able to stay in condition and not loose any of my major skills. I just wasn't able to compete full routines on vault, beam, and floor. I worked extra hard on my bars and I think that I have it awesome now!
As soon as I got here last night, I headed over to the workout gym and said hi to all of the girls and the coaches! The only person that I didn't see was my roommate, Eva. But there was a note from her in our dorm. One of her friends had a house fire so she was helping them out. She won't be gone for long though. I'll have to leave her a note in her message box.
Well, all of my workouts went very well today. I trained at 100% and did all of my skills. I see that I have a little work to do to get back a few of my skills that I am now weak on, but that isn't a major problem. My vaults are still very strong and I was happy with that.
Today is July 4th, so the gym is having a huge party! I can't wait! It's going to be so much fun! I hope that we get to set off fire works! That's one of my favorite things to do on the 4th!
I better get back to the gym! It's good to be back!
Till tomorrow
Work harder...achieve more!
~*Vada*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 26, 2000

Hello! I just joined Topopolilly Gymnastics today! Already I can tell that this is where I'm supposed to be! I really think that this gym is going to make me the best that I can be!