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

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

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

The Club Nationals Aftermath

I have to admit, I am missing the curling life right now. It's really interesting to take a week out of reality to go to a cold place where you spend most of your time basically exercising and socializing with people. I think my friend count on Facebook had a spiking increase during the time I was in Wisconsin, and I wouldn't be surprised if more trickles in within the next month. So after 10 days, 9 games, 1 news interview, 800 photos, 2 cheese and macaroni pizzas later, here we are.

Honestly, I am not sure why but for some reason curling keeps calling, and we keep hearing that call. I was talking to my husband, Paul, the other night about curling and life. It's very interesting that I don't have time to really focus on a lot of things that I want to do or keep consistent. BUT the one thing that has been consistent in the passed couple of years has been curling.

It's not really my intention to keep curling in the forefront. I really want to jumpstart my screenwriting career as well as take the next step in my Mary Kay business. I've actually tried to quit curling on numerous occasions to move some of that winning bug into other areas, but I couldn't do it. First of all, it's something that I do with my husband, and I'd miss that time too much if I didn't curl with him. Secondly, I feel that I am actually progressing in something, and I feel quite proud of myself when I have accomplishments. Plus, it's another way to have goals and look forward to new and exciting experiences. The taste of medal/trophy winning sounds so enticing that I can't wait until our shining moment finally happens. I think it spurs from childhood memories...gold stars for each piano song mastered or a certificate for good attendance. If there's an award, I'm there! Finally, I just plain need exercise. After the wedding festivities in June, I really didn't have any reason to workout as intensely as I did until Club Nationals came along. It just comes down to: I need curling, and curling needs me. (There's not too many Hawaiian Filipinos in this world; so I'm breaking some barriers here.)

I think of all the things that would not have happened if Paul and I hadn't watched the 2006 Olympics which inspired us to google "curling"...curling friends, tournaments, Paul's McDonald's commercial, my pink hair...what's next? I find it kind of funny that one's perception of life can be changed by a single event. Look ma! I'm a curler!

So reality here I am, but not for long. There's a gold medal to be won and exciting experiences just waiting for us in the future.

-Domino

Bond Girl Prayer for Good Curling

So I wasn't really going to share this with everyone, but I think it might help if I send this out into the world. Maybe the world might send us some winning positive vibes back. I wrote this prior to coming to Club Nationals, and I read this out-loud before one of the games for inspiration. (That's why we had the mic off, Liz) I think tomorrow is the moment where we need this the most so here's to you Team Bond Girls:

Dear Bond Girls,

You belong to an exclusive group of amazing women formed to represent the Hollywood Curling Club and curling in the Southern California Region. You’ve been given a formidable task, and you return to the Club National Competition proud, prepared, and pinker than ever. Though pressure may be high, shots might be tough, ice unpredictable, and the competition rough, all you can do is your best. Your curling “toolbox” contains your entire experiences, drills, memories, and dummies handbook, all of which you can access at any moment, especially in time of need. You are each endowed with special talents and skills. Use them to the best of your abilities. We’ve formed a tight “bond” which is stronger than any super spy, and together we can move mountains one stone at a time.

This is my blessing to our team to keep close to our hearts, clear our minds, and remind ourselves a laugh or two:

May your pink streaks guide your way
To a steady, balanced delivery,
With enough ice,
A good weight,
Beautiful curl,
Hard, quick sweeping,
Consistent draws,
Wonderfully executed take outs,
And impeccable sportsmanship.

May your sheets be clean,
Brooms as light as carbon fiber,
Ice melting under super sweeping,
And arms never feel like jelly.
Let no dirt or hair neither nick nor veer each stone off its path.
And if it does, may it be lead to an ideal scoring position

May your shots always be confident
With a Plan B, C, D, E, and F in mind.
And if you must do a Hollywood “stunt”
May it be fancy in Matrix slo mo,
And you get up again and again.
Despite bruised bums,
Give the fans, your best smile and wave.

Most importantly,
Let no stone ever be burned.

May your kilt always be ironed, pleats in straight lines
And your socks fun and scarves fuzzy.
Everything perfectly coordinated pink spectrum.
Make the world see how you see it,
curling en rose.

At the end of each game,
May your beer mugs be full,
And your head held high.
Take each moment in.
Learn from the dips and valleys, sharp and narrow curls.
Breath in, deep calming breaths.
Trust in your team.
Trust in your self,
And your rocks shall not be lead astray.

- Domino

No Wins Today

Today was definitely an off day for everyone. We played against Illinois first in the morning and then Minnesota #2 in the evening. I think we are hitting our downward point where everyone's tired, sore, and sick. I am sure that giving up points didn't help our morale. Tonight, we are focusing on a different strategy for the players tomorrow. Sorry, I can't share them online for all the fans, but hopefully you'll see the results. I am definitely going to work on my delivery. Sometimes when I make my throws, I have little or no handle, and that skews where the rock ends up. I think I am releasing my rock before I fully complete the rotation. Basically, you start holding the curling rock handle at around 2 o'clock or 10 o'clock depending on what kind of curl you want to put on the stone, and you would release it at 12 o'clock. So I think I am releasing it early like around 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock. Another factor is trying to pin point my weight. I seem to be flying right off the hack, and I think it's because my legs are tired and to compensate for that I'm pushing harder to get the momentum I think I need. Then, my delivery becomes too slow. I should be "oozing" out of the hack, and then I wouldn't have to readjust as I am coming down and over doing it.

So those are the things I'm going to be fixing in my sleep. Mental Drills!

You know the first 3 days of competition were quite amazing. We've accomplished so much and shown so much improvement from our last year's performance. I am proud of our team from just the very first day. Whatever it is that we were doing or thinking or channeling when we almost bet the Minnesota #1 team and when we got our 2 wins, we need to find it again. We do have that potential to make our shots. We've proved that it is inside us somewhere. In order to really get through tomorrow on a positive note, we need to curl like we've never curled before...I'm hoping that we'll be able to find the inspiration we need.

-Domino

Do it, Do it, Do it, and Do it Again...

That's one of the lines in the Black-Eyed Pea's song that we play in the mini van on the way to each match. It's been really motivational to get our routine down so that we can focus on "doing it again." Tonight, we are celebrating our 2nd victory against Team New York. We had a really good start...a pretty even match. We were able to pull out ahead, and of course in the 8th end, we had a little bump. Luckily, we were able to pull it together and still come out on top. We won with a final score of 12-7. So we took our coach, Danger Dietz, out for some pizza especially since he had donned the pink Coach shirt that we bought him. He's been a really great sport putting up with all our craziness and girlishness; so of course we had to make up for it. We had heard that somewhere out there was a restaurant that served macaroni and cheese pizza, and we were determined to find it. It's from Ian's located on State St. in Madison. We also had BBQ beef & fries pizza and Jen ordered a fritos pizza. All DELICIOUS! You should try it. Joel also showed us some of the sites like the Capital building, a Frank Lloyd Wright structure, a frozen lake, etc. It was a ton of fun.

Well, I'm going to lather myself in some bengay so that I can function tomorrow. I am hoping for a win...if Marissa can do it at least one more time, she gets banana pudding from someone. I am not sure of the terms of this agreement. I guess don't ask don't tell. All I know is that Marissa was really excited about it; so we have to at least give it a Team Bond Girl try.

Signing Off!

-Domino

Under Pressure

So today's Colorado game was not my best performance. I was coming off the hack too fast and did too much over compensating on my shots. I felt awkward in my delivery each time, and I was soooo stressed out. One thing that I am very proud of was how my entire team pulled me through my ordeal, and made me get out of my head. They were always encouraging and brought my stones that could be used into play. Eventually, my shots returned, and I even got a take out. I just have to keep focus, and not let things get to me. I think I need to play more of these games so that I can deal with all this pressure better. For some reason, playing against the #1 and #2 seeded team did not make me as sick to my stomach as playing against Colorado. I guess I didn't want to disappoint anyone on my team and our coach and people watching at home. It was also really important to get this win. So...now that this game is out of the way, I know that tomorrow's going to be another day. We'll be playing at 2:00 PM Central time against New York. It's going to be featured on Wisconsin's webstream with mics and multiple cameras. Please visit: http://www.2010clubnationals.com/webstreaming/

Thanks, everyone, for hanging in there and showing your support.

-Domino