Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Crush

"Crush" is how my head felt after drinking way too much Fireball and beer after our last game. Also, I guess the margarita at the end didn't help and was the kicker to this noxious mixture. I found myself unable to walk straight or keep my eyes open for a good part of the afternoon. Luckily, I felt well enough to witness the last few shots that determined the winners of the Vacaville "Crush" Wine Country Bonspiel. It was followed by lots of cheering, a vuvuzela (a noise maker from the World Cup brought all the way from South Africa. Thanks, Ryan!), and finally a moment where I could rest from a very exciting day. It was about 3 pm. Apparently, I had partied too hard and too fast to keep up with myself. What a great Bonspiel!

Personally, this was my 2nd showing at this particular bonspiel, and I've always had a really good time. There's great company, good curling, fantastic raffle items/baskets, and memorable memories. This weekend is no exception. I don't think I am going to forget this weekend for a while especially after the body aches (from all the curling. I've been a little out of practice.), my intestines and stomach getting turned inside out, and the long sobering shower that washed away the remnants of my "fun." Not all bonspiels end up like this, but once in a while there's one that sticks out. I guess it was the combination of lots of free time and lots of opportunities to celebrate and maybe even lick some wounds. After a very deep "cleanse" and some rest, I actually felt pretty refreshed, I could even manage some solid food. In hindsight, I overall had a really good time, but I probably won't do it again for at least a little while. And maybe next time, our team would be even better to make it into the finals and really have an excuse to celebrate. We've learned so much and interacted so many wonderful people. It can only get better. Here's to the future! It looks very bright and promising even after a very long and brutal weekend.

- Domino

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Game 2 - Quick Observation

Today, we lost our game against Team Seeger. It was a very bad loss, but basically, we just weren't consistent. It comes with the game, and that is always something we try to strive for. When Marissa asks each of us, including herself, for a shot. We are all expected to come through regardless of ice conditions, how we are feeling today, or any obstacle that might come in our way. Because if we don't, then we miss out on opportunities and could be forced to fall back on other plans. It just make things more complicated to get out of tough situations, which is what happened today. Of course, giving Marissa what she wants all the time is very HARD, but we try our best, and one day, she will ask for something, and we will be able to do it more than 75% of the time. That would be a good game.

Despite our loss today, I noticed that coming back after such a long break didn't phase my "routine," which surprised me. I was shocked at how automatic everything came. Get my stone, clean the bottom, clean the ice, look at Marissa, see and understand the signs, spin my stone (This helps in "filling" the imperfections on the stone itself with ice), breathe, put on "blinders" and focus on the broom that Marissa holds for me to direct my shot, set my toe in the same direction, prepare my grip on the stone and set the curl (in turn or out turn), left foot goes forward and slides back, push off keeping focus on the broom, let go with the proper curl. Now, this is all a LOT of stuff to remember. A long time ago (3 years), I would focus on each step, and it would take a long time. Now, it comes really naturally, and I can concentrate on other things like making sure I set the correct weight on my stone's delivery and making sure I let go the stone at Marissa's broom for the correct line.

So consistency will come eventually. Each time we curl, we make an observation here or an adjustment there. I know that with each tournament our team competes in, our level of skill and experience just gets better and better. We meet different people, styles, systems, and attitudes. We just have to keep the chin up, the fun times rolling, and the granite stones curling. One by one, it'll all fall into place, and hopefully, the Bond Girls could take their place in one of the top spots. What a great day that would be.

Keep it up, girls!

- Domino

We're back!

The Bond Girls curl again at "The Crush" Bonspiel (tournament) in Vacaville, California. It is so nice and so amazing to be back in the action with my girls again. I've missed them so very much, and at first, I was really nervous to start curling after such a long break. I haven't curled since our Hollywood Bonspiel during the Memorial Day Weekend. I didn't want to let my teammates down. I also thought that it might be challenging to get my head in the game because there's been so many difficult hardships that have occurred in my life just recently. I have to say that it was a very smooth transition to get back into the swing of things. It is definitely easier to focus on trying to do our best curling than it is mope around the house. So I fully embrace the path that is before me, and I thank God for the blessings in my life to get through each day. I have found something more than just a reason to exercise in a cold place during a hot summer. It's more than just an opportunity to win medals. It's more than just cool brooms, perfecting sweeping techniques, having good form, practicing good communication, and praying for "no picks." It's a place where there are friends that support and care about each other both in and outside of curling. It's a reason to drink and be merry. It's an outlet where I can feel myself again. I think this is a very important process in my healing as well as some practice time to get better and interact with the people I love. So bring it on!

Today was a good start: 10-6 against Team Millar.

Tomorrow we will play Team Seeger (From San Francisco) at 10:30 am

We'll keep you updated.

Back in Pink & Black!

-Domino

Friday, September 3, 2010

Ok - this is technology in action.

Test blog to see if Team Bond Girls can update our blog via text.

If this works - Team Bond Girls are officially fancy.

Bond Girls - Ready to be back on the ice!

Well - it's that time again!

The Bond Girls are going to be back out on the ice together for the first time since Memorial Day Weekend. I guess we like to get together for these big 3 day holiday weekends and stay cool on the ice. This time we are headed up to Northern California for the Crush at the Wine Country Curling Club.

Should be fun... lots of friends will be there curling - including our best curling pals - Team Zissou.

We'll do our best to update the blog on our progress... make sure to follow us on Twitter @teambondgirls and on our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/bondgirlscurling

And don't forget to follow the Team Zissou boys @NoHoCurling and keep up with the blog at http://www.nohocurling.com

Also Bond Girl Jen G. is making some totally amazing curling themed baby clothes - so keep your eye out for that stuff. It is so freaking adorable. I know my new baby nephew Tyler is going to have a whole curling themed wardrobe to sport now!

Later curling fans!
Skip Messier