Most Dads know the colour of their daughter's hair.

It is a bit depressing to admit, but this Dad didn't - well, not until a recent update from my wife, Janet, via skype and email. But such is the life of a pro beach volleyball player - you miss out on some very special things. Like the fact that your baby daughter has red hair! Or that your eldest boy grew so much that he needed new skates and shoulder pads for hockey camp. Or that your eldest daughter is going to tennis camp and now has a new favorite sport.

So although it was great to see some photos that Janet sent me this morning, at the same time, I had to be careful not to let it put me in a bad mood. Seeing my new baby daughter, Maddie, in the photo, immediately put a smile on my face (she was wearing a cute new dress and seemed so happy), but it also made me realize that I am missing some seemingly crucial moments in my kids' lives.

Keeping a good perspective about why I am over here, and not going into "I miss home" mode takes some discipline, that's for sure. Getting down about being away for over four weeks, with still another two weeks to go, would be the easy thing to do. And believe me, I have made that mistake a few times before.

So after a quick journal entry and now a follow-up blog entry, I have regained a good perspective on the situation. I am over here trying to qualify for the Olympics and not too many people can say that, so I really have to appreciate that opportunity and treat it well. Being away from family is the most difficult obstacle to overcome, but it would be worse to be here and totally throw away the opportunity to play well because I have given in to being homesick. In other words, I am here, so I better make it worthwhile and give it my all - then go home with the feeling that I accomplished what I came here to do.

Thanks to my very supportive wife, Janet. She is a trooper! And thanks to my kiddies too! Hang in there guys!  Daddy will be home in 11 sleeps!

I just hope I recognize everybody.