Hi Yard,9

 

thought I would entertain you a bit with my personal list:

 

10 things you ought to know about Japan

1. The toilet seats are heated

2. The water spout above the toilet is safe... to wash your hands, only. 

3. Always, always know who is older than you in any procession

4. Kawie and kwie don't mean the same thing. The first is cute, the second is SCARY.

5. Hospitable is second nature to them

6. Expect to be stared at

7. Dirt and dirtiness is unacceptable

8. Yes, when shaking hands they may just be trying to see how big your hand is compared to theirs

9. If your average height in America your a giant in Japan

10. if your a GIANT at home-- watch your HEAD!

 

Go TOYOTA! Enjoy! 

Bring It,

Monica

 

I have GREAT NEWS!!! I’m putting on my very own, “Bring IT” Clinic. It’s going to be Feb 6, 2010-- ya’ll have to come. We have a lot of exciting things planned, and specific skills for infielders, hitters, motivational chalk talk, and building confidence as females and as athletes. It will be a great day at the ball park~ learning the game we love!

Here are the main details:
Feb 6, 2010
9am-3pm (registration starts at 8am)
Individual and Team Rates available
Open to ages 7-18

No previous softball knowledege is required but it would be helpful

Pre registration is open now so make sure and sign up: 

http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1800018&assetId=b3e25f00-aa1d-4b7a-bf99-1e55d585c7de

You may be surprised by the title of the clinic; “Bring IT”. This is the theme, and I want you to think about it, it’s sort of my motto on the mound. I’ll have to explain it to you at the clinic, of course!

 

God Bless,

Monica

At the Pan American Games that USA is currently playing in there is 20 different countries alone! and that includes North and South America only! So, who said softball isn't played everywhere or even thinks it--needs to check out there info
Including:Venezuela, Canada, Brasil, Eucador, Panama,Netherland Antiles, Argentina, Virgin Islands, Cuba,Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Belize, Mexico, Peru, Jamaica, El Salvador, Aruba, Guatemala
Now that's AWESOME! 

and of course the USA. ! 

Hey Ya'll
Okay, the World Cup is over and what an event we had. Great support at all the games even when it was sticky hot! We played Australia in the final. I got my first big game start, 5inn and then Cat came in to close it out. Jennie Finch, Natasha Watley, LaurenLappin, Alissa Haber, and Ashley Hansen were all on FIRE at the plate. It was exciting to watch the speed of all the players, stealing bases beating bunts out, hit and runs everything. One thing that's evident is that this team is only going to become more and more fun to play with!!!
I was pumped to for the start in the final, maybe a little too pumped... but I guess it gives me even more motivation and learn from something to get better. That is one thing I would say is good advice to anyone, always try to take something that you have done, and get better. Find a way to get better. Even if it's one small thing, it can make a difference down the road. 
I'm out with the USSSA Pride in Florida now for the time being. We have a series this week vs Philly. Our game on Sunday is at Disney Wide World of Sports so if your in the area come check it out!!! Take Care!
God Bless,Monicaeph 5.1
ps--as always check out the new items in the store @ monicaabbott.net

Hi People!!!
We are now going through the second round of pool play at the Canada Cup. It has been as exciting as ever to watch USA. The one thing this team is, IS FAST. It makes me want to act out my secret dreams of being a SLAPPER. (I have a feeling though that the pitching coach wouldn't like that, hey I can dream can't I?!) 
We've played Canada, Australia, and Venezuela. There are still familiar faces on all teams, but there's a lot of new people too. I love it, because I get observe and analyze them whether there on my team or not. :) 
So far the teams been getting along great we've been enjoying the best canadian donuts in the world at the field, and my personal favorite the Kettle Korn. We have started to come up with new nicknames for the newbies and I'm sure time will only enhance the embarassment and inside jokes of those names! I'll keep you updated as we go with the nicknames as we head into the World Cup on our home soil--Oklaholma City, Ok. Looking forward to that! 
Take Care, and I hope to see you on a field soon!
God Bless,Monica Abbottwww.monicaabbott.neteph 5.1

Hey Yard!
Well I just got done with training camp for this summers National Team. We have a lot of new faces--a new head coach in Jay Miller, new players that will be exciting to watch. We have way more speed which I wasn't sure was possible since we already had Caitlin Lowe and Natasha Watley, but we have even more speed. It will be fun to watch and exciting to see them run! I'm sure GLAD there on my TEAM!!!!
Were on our way to the Canada Cup (July 4-12) and then we come back to our home field the World Cup in OKC starting July 16th it'll be on ESPN so make sure you see it!!! 
Other than that I'm just I'm looking forward to a great summer with USA softball and trying to stay busy. Let me know if ya'll have any questions--- and I just posted new Jersey's up in monicaabbott.net store! 
God Bless,Monica eph 5.1

Hey Yard,
I got some news for you so here's a little bit a catch up on the life--
1. I'm back from Japan for the Summer, and enjoying my time in the good ol' US of A.
2. I have now met up with my pro team the USSSA Pride out of Kissimmie, Fl (Orlando). It's looking the team will be decent and we are traveling around to the other teams (Rockford, Chicago, Akron, Philadelphia). I'm looking forward to trying to help get the Pride off the ground--so if your our of the Orlando area make sure you come check us out!!!!
3. I attended USA tryouts and am fortunate to have made the team for the summer. We are going to be playing in the Canada Cup, and the World Cup in Oklaholma, City which will take place from July 15-19 it will be televised also so make sure you check it out. 
4. Last but not least-- I have updated my website store we now have some apparell items and other cool things up so check it out. (www.monicaabbott.net)
It's looking like a pretty busy summer for me of travel and Softball but - HECK- I wouldn't want it any other way!
God Bless,Monica

Hey YARD!!!
Alright--what's up? How's it going? 
Team Toyota has a 5-1 record. We have 4 more games before the first half of the season is over. The one loss... well we just plain weren't ready to go, didn't have it. But, it was definitely a wake up call, especially since our team is relatively young in age and experience. The fours games left will definitelye be good games but we need to finish this half on a strong note. So, a CHALLENGE it is then, and I love challenges!
Any--Women's College World Series fans??? It's under way now--super regionals and then OKC (My poor Lady Vols lost in the finals of regionals--boo!) How do ya'll think is going to Oklaholma City?? Who do you think will take it all? Let me know!!!
God Bless,Monica Abbotteph 5.1www.monicaabbott.net
PS--there's new items on the website store so check it out and pass the word if you can! :)


Visiting the TOYOTA PLANT--making that Prius! :)

5.  Figured out all my Japanese teammates have some sort of "ocashi" (crazy) in them
4.  Camp Zama- (Tokyo)-  Tasha and I went and visited the Army base Camp Zama and put on a softball demonstration and did some teaching for their softball team, as they get ready for the season 
3. Won our Opening Game vs Shokki (3-1) in the Seibu Dome (Baseball Dome)
2. Rode the Bullet Train---talk about FAST!!  I want a personal bullet train to take me anywhere in the world I want to go!!
1. Visited Toyota Employee's and encouraged them to come out for our games this weekend saturday vs Iyo Bank
sunday vs Hitachi Software
Seibu Dome

Camp Zama Army Base - JapanGood JOB GIRLS!!

Hey Yard!!
How's it going!!
Alright--so official league games start this weekend. We start off playing Shokki in the Seibu dome (near Tokyo), this Saturday. That means, I've got a week of good practice and some final touches to get in. 
We played our last pre-season tournament hosted by my team the Toyota Cup. We played well but we know we have a lot of work to do. We didn't see any teams #1 pitcher. In Japan, they all try and hide them out in preseason games as much as possible. So, once both teams are out there in league games the atmosphere and everything changes. It's crazy, I'm not sure how much it will change but I'm pretty much expecting a 360 turn around from the practice games and tournaments. It makes it exciting! It's gonna be great to be back on the field in big games, since I haven't played in a big one since the Olympics. Crazy, but I'm looking forward to it. 
The cherry blossoms (special rare flower in Japan) are in full bloom. Tasha and I were able to go to the Cherry Blossom festsival this past weekend to enjoy the sight! Gorgeous!!
Monicawww.monicaabbott.neteph 5.1