How many days to go?

My oldest daughter Carson told me last night that she couldn't believe that I was going to be gone for a month soon. Kinda sobering.

That made me think of how much I'm going to miss my girls and HOW MUCH CRAP I HAVE TO GET DONE!

Gotta get the next Hepititis shots and some new glasses, pack up the wide brimmed hat and sunscreen, grab some Immodium (just in case!), voltage converter, etc. etc.

While I'm no stranger to travelling, the trip to China will be a totally new experience.

I've been listening to a Chinese language CD (not as much as I should) so I can be my Mom's good boy and say "please" and "thank you". Unfortunately, the Chinese language is finding it tough to gain a beach head in this Southern boy's thick head. Thankfully, "thank you" sounds like Shealy's name, so that one I've got down pat. I used it the other day at lunch, and the really friendly waitress said something that sounded like dropping a set of maracas down a flight of steps, so I just smiled and nodded.

That's another thing. Will I eat McDonald's the whole time or will I risk intestinal disease and eat the local cuisine? Those and other really important questions will be answered over time.

Ok, here we go!

This is my first blog - anywhere - and I'm excited and a bit nervous.

I'll be posting stuff periodically over the next few weeks while getting ready to head to China by documenting some of my experiences and preparations for this huge trip.

But first, I want to thank:

• Kim, Carson and Shealy for their love and encouragement
• Jeff Beaver and all the staff at the CRSC for aiding in the decision to go in the first place and their support while I'm out of the office
• David Yarborough at USACK for considering me worthy of this great honor
• USOC for all their help setting up all travel details and logistics on the ground in Beijing

Overall, I'll be in Beijing for about 4 weeks, and don't expect any time off for "touristy" pursuits. I hope to squeeze in a trip to the Great Wall, but that comes second to making sure I represent the CRSC, USACK and Charlotte well at the Games.

My work will revolve around supporting media relations for the USACK teams during practice and competition and the USOC during all other times.

This will be a fantastic chance to meet media from all over the world and gain a ton of experience in assisting them in their jobs.

So, please check back to see what's happening. I hope I'll be able to make it worth your while!