I know I'm just on a different path than most, but when I look at Facebook or Twitter or whatever social media network...all I see are my classmates or even people YOUNGER than me, getting engaged, married, having multiple babies....looking like this live they live this perfect, happy life. I know--it's just social media--not reality. Just sometimes I wonder, "what's wrong with me?" "why don't I have that?...or at least anything close to that?" I'm single, alone...doing this random, CRAZY thing...all on my own. I know it's stupid...don't get me wrong...I'm very proud of the choices I've made; to choose the path not taken. I am, I truly am. But sometimes (especially when injured and can't necessarily give it my all in my sport or chosen path) I wonder, did I choose the right thing? Did I choose the right path? Everyone looks so happy. I know some of them truly are happy, and I'm so happy for them! Some of them, it's just a facade. But, in all honesty, sometimes what I'm doing is a facade. You see the traveling, tournaments, different countries, medals, the success, etc. What you don't see are the constant struggles, the aches, pains, concussions, the struggles with work, financial struggles, the constant debates about what's right for my life...relationships, family, career, judo?, etc. I go through constant struggles (as do all people). But I am here, publicly sharing my struggles and concerns. I do want that "perfect life". Some day, hopefully I'll have a loving husband, a few little babies running around, maybe a cat and a dog, living somewhere warm, enjoying my career, and loving my family. I may be asking or hoping for the world...but that's what I want and hopefully one day will have. But for now, I have a dream...that dream is to be or do something incredible--that not many others have or could do. I want to excel in a sport; my dream is the Olympics, but honestly if I could make a Pan Am Team or a World Team, that would be incredible--especially for someone like me, with only 4 years of experience in the sport. I am going to try my hardest to excel in judo--it's what I'm here for...but one day, I do hope to have that "happily ever after" that every girl wishes for. If not, hey....at least I did something incredible in my life and met some extraordinary people. :)