As the journey towards Athens continues, there are periodic "milestones" that we pass through during our voyage, certain moments that signify how close we really are getting to our goal of Gold. It often feels like our Aiming for Athens tour is never-ending, and that the day to compete in the Olympic arena will never come. Other times, it seems that the days and months are flying by, and that we will be putting on our uniforms in Athens any minute.

The United States Olympic Committee recently hosted their annual Olympic Dinner (or at least it is annual during an Olympic year), of which I had the opportunity to attend. This Dinner took place in Washington D.C. during one of our precious weeks off, but I decided it was an experience I did not want to miss out on.

The real reason for this event was to commemorate the commencement of the 2004 Athens Olympics in 100 days, and the USOC wanted to both celebrate the history of the United States in Olympic competition and look forward to the 2004 Summer Games and beyond. And while I was excited about my first trip to Washington D.C., I did not expect the impact this small event would have on me.

As I sat in Washington D.C.’s Union Station, amongst Olympic greats both past, present and future, I was awed by the chance to be in such company. Not only were there many Olympic legends in attendance (such as Carl Lewis, John Naber, Kerri Strug, Vonetta Flowers, Donna DeVerona and Dr. Dot Richardson, to name a few); there were also people such as Senator Bob Dole and broadcasting great Bob Costas, all there to celebrate the Olympic games and the impact they have on Americans and the world.

I felt overcome with pride at being one of the select few to be able to call myself a United States Olympic Team member, and the even smaller group of Olympic Gold Medallists. And when I heard my name announced with only one Gold to my credit, it sort of struck me as interesting. I feel a tremendous amount of pride for my medal, and only hope to add another this summer. But I listened to athletes named who had two, three, four, and more medals to their credits. There were athletes who competed and medalled in both summer and winter games, disabled athletes, and some who competed in five separate Olympic games. Needless to say I felt humbled and motivated all at the same time.

As an athlete in a team sport, there is only one chance to win a medal per Olympic competition, so I realize it isn’t realistic to expect I will retire some day with seven Gold medals around my neck. But knowing that I have a chance to double my medal haul in only 100 short days is an amazing thought.

So in the days since that dinner, I have thought a great deal about what I can do with my last 100 days to make a difference for my team’s quest for Gold. Every morning when I wake up, I realize I am one day closer, and I have made a new commitment to do everything possible with my remaining days and hours. When I talk about commitment, it is more of a mental commitment to stay focused and on task in these final hours of preparation.

I will not deny that being on the road as much as we are these days can be wearing on, not only the body, but also on the mind. Being away from family and friends for such a long period of time is a difficult life to live. And I must admit that I have had my share of struggles with injury and being away from my new husband.

But the experience of being in the company of the "Olympic spirit" was very uplifting to me. I realized that while it is a very trying time in my life right now, it is the greatest blessing imaginable. How many people get the chance to chase their dreams for a living? How many athletes have the opportunity to represent their country competing in the sport they love and live?

The worst thing that could happen would be to get to Athens and have regrets about where my priorities were during my training and preparation. I am so very lucky to have a husband and family who help me keep my life outside of softball in order and running smoothly so that I can give 100% of my focus to my aim towards Athens.

So I have a renewed mission for these next 100 days, and cannot wait to look back on this time and know that every minute, sweat, and tear were worth it. I will be able to reflect on the journey and know that I gave everything I had to make my dreams come true. And believe me when I say my dreams have a golden tint!