I just received a message from Krzystztof from Poland, and he wrote:

" I've just visited your blog, but you wrote your last information in November :) why?:) "

It got me thinking, why haven't I written a blog? I've definitely thought about it, but obviously you can't plough a field by turning it over in your mind...or something like that lol. So I'm writing now. Sorry that I've kept you waiting :0D

As of now, I just returned from a day-trip to Vienna with my friend & U.S. National Team teammate Ogonna Nnamani. We try to get out of our town as much as we can when we have our days off, even if it’s just 2 hours away to Prague. If not, we'd be in our houses most of the time probably going mad! haha

Prostejov is a great town, but the restaurants are limited to just a few. So it's nice to switch it up, a little authentic Italian here, Viennese there, Mediterranean etc... Plus it’s really nice to sleep in a comfortable bed, my bed here is like cardboard with a comforter on it. :0?

There are things to do in Prostejov, bowling alley's etc., but sometimes it’s not even fun to go out to dinner here, because of the excessive smoking. Europe is terrible with smoking. It gets frustrating, you come home, your hair, & clothes really smell a mess. That's no fun for anyone.

The people are really friendly in the Czech Republic. They've been very welcoming. It's pretty funny though, twice I’ve driven in my car and had an entire car full of people slow down almost to a stop, to turn around and stare at me simultaneously, as if I was the 8th wonder of the world. (FYI they didn’t even try to hide it) I'm like damn I should get paid for this show muhahaha but really nothing to see here folks, just a black girl driving a car DOT DOT DOT please proceed right.

I have to say that my teammates are pretty RAD! They're super friendly, besides the fact that they are really good players, but they make going to practice fun! We get together for dinner etc., and this Wednesday, we have movie night lol. So its cool, I'm not really use to the whole team commradery thing. When I come overseas, sometimes coming over here is like going to work in an office, aka the gym, and everyone has their own cubicle. YiKes ...

How’s the team doing?? Right now we're first in our league! YAY! We're playing regular season play in addition to Czech Cup Games, in addition to Champions League .

Yep ! We made it out of the first round. We beat the Polish team, Bielsko Biala, in 2 tough matches to advance to the next round. Which is awesome, it’s just too bad we didn’t get the bid to host!! Grrr...

Next round, we play against the Italian team, Pesaro. Last time I played in Italy was 2006 my first year overseas. Boy time flies. It'll be exciting!! They'll be great competition. Champions League Always is!

I miss being home, it’s hard being overseas. I really hope that we get the WNVA started in the states, and it becomes successful. It would be nice to play in front of my family again. In addition, to just be in the best country ever, the U.S.A. Of course my family gets to come out for 2 weeks to visit. But there's nothing like being home, or having easy access to home. SO LET'S ROOT FOR THE WNVA AND "BRING OUR VBALL PLAYERS HOME" ;0P

Have you guys seen me in an Under Armour Store near you? Yeaap That's ME!! YAAYEEE! LOL! Expect to see more of your girl, and get out and cop some gear!!

Kim Glass is an All-American volleyball player and an Olympics Silver Medalist. Her blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.kimglass10.com. Follow her on Twitter as kglass10.

I just returned from a trip to Johannesburg, South Africa. Following the Olympics, S.A. has been the 2nd best trip I've ever taken, in my LIFE! South Africa, was a truly inspirational trip,wonderfully enlightening, and a really sobering experience.

While in S.A. I had the opportunity to go on a Safari, go to the Apartheid museum and learn about Mandela, and South African history. What really got me, is that it all seems so long ago, but it wasn't. This inhumane treatment was just around the corner. What gave me the most chills, was the execution room with the noose hanging from the ceiling, I actually started crying, I thought of the strange fruit poem, by Maya Angelou. It really just hit home, and was HIGHLY DISTURBING, it was so REAL!

I had the opportunity work with Basketball without Borders,NBA Cares, & Habitat for Humanity, to help build homes for South African families, in addition to planting a garden w/ tons of vegetation.

While, building homes was a humbling experience, and it felt absolutely amazing. Equally humbling was the trip to Cotlands hospital, to visit, feed, and play with the beautiful children who have HIV/AIDS. Before going to the hospital, I tried to prepare myself, but you're never really fully prepared for something like that. I love children, and I am incredibly sensitive to their energies. I didn't know if I was going to be overly-emotional, or what. But when I got there, and I saw these beaaautiful, joyful, innocent beings, I had no time to selfishly feel sorry for them, but only to become totally absorbed in the moment with these children, and provide them as much love and positivity as possible, for the time that we shared. The Cotlands facility, was very nice & clean, they had a pretty cool playground that I wanted to play on lol.

The staff seemed very nurturing, and quite pleasant and positive. Overall, I wish I could visit them more often. I hope, that as I make more money, and gain bigger influence, that I'll be able to give more to those in need. In the meantime, I'll give myself, my hands, my sweat,my heart, whenever I can. It started in Africa for me, but I can assure you that it wont end there, I want to give back as much as I can, and help people in need, and be a good influence, and motivation for young children. I took tons of pictures, and those eyes, those smiles, and faces will forever be in my memory-and bring a smile to my face. Because if someone with such an ugly, treacherous disease can smile everyday-how could I possibly find a reason to frown?

I happened to meet two sociable school girls, while at the Apartheid museum in Johannesburg. I wish I could post the video of them speaking, but I think it's best not to. But they schooled me a lot on their learning environment. Gangs, violence, theft, and rape in school. I was informed that they go to school 'at their own risk'. She expressed how badly she wished she went to a private school. The girls are afraid to use the bathroom, because boys hide in the bathroom and will rape you. I was so disheartened,and really wanted to cry, when she told me this. It hurts my heart to know that the rate at which young girls and women are sexually violated and abused in S.Africa, is SOOO HIGH. This isn't just a South African problem, but a universal problem, for unspeakable violence against women. There has to be more that we can do! I can't fathom the thought of knowing that there is a high chance, that in their life-time it could possibly happen to them or ANYONE else! They were soo sweet. It ails my brain, as I keep searching for things that I could possibly do. I know I'm only one person but I know there has to be something, I wasn't given my talents to just play volleyball, I wasn't blessed to go on that trip for nothing. I'm just trying to figure it all out right now.

We stayed in Johannesburg 7 days. On our last day there, we went to KIiptown. A shanty town, where we got to walk through, meet the people, and really see how people live. The children put on MAGNIFICENT PERFORMANCES!! I MEAN SOME OF THEM BELONG ON BROADWAY! SOME GIRLS HAD THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VOICES. Watching them dance was such a delight! They are so intense and really driven, you can really see and feel the passion exuding from these children while they perform, honestly it was AMAZING! There's a huge dichotomy between the rich and poor. Some parts were sooo beautiful, and other parts were sooo poverty stricken. Where we visited, was so humbling, and makes you so grateful for all that we have, and makes you think of all that we take for granted. I loved the people there, they were so inviting, so warm, and joyful! They live in conditions, where I think, no one should have to live in, but yet they were still such a prideful people, and I LOVED EVERY SECOND with them, they were a beautiful people. They called us all 'sister' or 'brother', they were happy that we were there to help, and we were happy to help.

The 8th day we took an hour flight to Sabi Sabi, where we lodged in Kruger National Park, and went on a 3 day Safari. It was absolutely INCREDIBLE! I kind of felt like running naked through the trees lol- I felt "one-with nature" lol. But somehow I knew that I probably couldn't make it 3 strides without becoming someone's dinner or lunch. Our suite, and entire lodge was out in the open, so you had to take precaution while walking anywhere, and it was highly advised not to walk at night, and trust WE DIDN'T! (contrary to what you might believe, there are people who don't follow the guidelines and it ends there. I LOVE MY LIFE!) We watched a Leopard hunt an antelope and kill it no more than 30 ft from our suite. Then he was chased by a Hyeena trying to 'Deebo" him for his dinner, and ran up into the tree in front of our room with the antelope in his mouth. It was amazing. A few of us discussed that we didn't know how we'd feel if we saw a kill, although we all still REALLY wanted to see one. Surprisingly, it wasn't sad, it was as peaceful as it gets I think. The leopard got his neck and sat there while it passed. The antelope kicked a little, but its the circle of life, and honestly there wasn't anything disturbing about it, we were more fascinated. We learned all about South Africa's "BIG FIVE," and the other animals. Zebras, Lions, Hippo's, Hyeena's, Mongoose, Elephants, Giraffe's, Wild Dogs, Leopards, Cheetahs, Rhino's. . .(to name a few lol) I mean the works-we were fortunate to see it ALL! I would strongly recommend going on a Safari to anyone who can. It was WONDERFUL!

I wish I could show you all the pictures that I took, I have some awesome photo's. For those of you who are on my facebook. The photos will be up shortly.

As for volleyball, I'm getting back into the swing of things, my body is feeling good. I've been working out, but now I'm starting to get some personal training, to improve my core, strengthen those little muscles, work on my bio-mechanics, and increase my vertical. I began jump serving last week, I wanna add that back into my repertoire, new and improved, when the team returns from Norceca's in October I'll return to training with them before I go overseas. Right now, I haven't signed a contract, Japan was an option, but now no longer, this year anyway...I'll be sure to inform you of my where abouts... Peace, Love, Respect :)

Much Luv,
Kimberly


Kim Glass is an All-American volleyball player and an Olympics Silver Medalist. Her blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.kimglass10.com. Follow her on Twitter as kglass10.

Tragic and senseless incidents, like the murder of professional boxer Vernon Forrest, not only are disheartening, but they really just piss me off!! Did I know him, no. But I knew of him, and the good things he has done for the community. I'm so sick of us robbing, and killing each other for what? For money, for greed, for power, for some artificial status.

I'm SO sick of it, someone that has succeeded in his craft takes not only the monetary wealth, but the wealth of his soul, and gives it back, and he's killed prematurely by cold-hearted people, trying to make "easy" money. I'm so disappointed at how consumed we are as people with greed. We see people doing well, and we become envious, and want to see the degeneration of that person. Like crabs in a bucket. When do we stop killing each other, and trying to hold one another down? When!!!? Will it ever stop? When do we start uplifting each other, and supporting each other! We're in need of heavy prayer at the rate that we're going. It hurts my heart the way we treat mankind. I'm so sick of it, it makes my stomach turn.

How about instead of being envious, use the other person as motivation to make you better!
Get your ass up and start working instead of robbing someone who has given his life, his blood, sweat, tears to succeed and be the best!

IF YOU DON'T LIKE YOUR LIFE … CHANGE IT!

A quote I read said, "you either change it or accept it, and if you don't change it, you have to accept it!”

Don't Say YOU CAN'T CHANGE IT -----> IF THIS CHICK COULD-SO CAN YOU!!

"HOMELESS GIRL GOES TO HARVARD" http://www.gnn.com/article/homeless-student-heads-to-harvard/539624

To the punks who shot Vernon Forrest and robbed him, and to anyone else who is pathetic enough to do things like that. YOU ARE ALL COWARDS!! You don't realize nor care about the lives that you affect when you commit inhumane crimes like these. You not only took an incredible athlete, a venerable and charitable man—but you took away someone's son, brother, friend, and FATHER!

What happened to valuing a human life, another breathing, thinking, feeling person? My feelings are just really hurt right now, I'm tired of reading CNN.com, and the newspaper, its so sad. People are so cruel and I can't fathom being able to take someone else's life, especially over something like money. What happened to sensitivity? Our greed for wealth and power has destroyed morality. I needed to rant, cuz my blood is boiling right now.

PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT!

CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

Peace.Love.Respect

-Kimberly

Kim Glass is an All-American volleyball player and an Olympics Silver Medalist. Her blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.kimglass10.com. Follow her on Twitter as kimglass10.

I've just returned home from L.A. I flew out last Sunday, for an Under Armour appearance at the Sports Authority in Torrance. That was super cool, I met fans, and hung out all day in Under Armour gear with Rey Maualuga, an Under Armour athlete, former USC football player and now a rookie on the Cincinnati Bengals. Needless to say, not too many people were familiar with me, but I think I acquired some new fans, both for me, and for USA Volleyball, and the more support in the US that we have … the better!

Rey was a character, make sure you follow him, he has a promising career! Monday we hit a Poker Tournament at the Playboy mansion, (no I didn't play---I’d rather gamble on shoes :0)) this is my 2nd time at the mansion, and the events there are always a great time. I would love to go to one of Hef's events though—those are the REAL DEAL, from what I heard. (Below, a pic with Rey—he’s pretty hot, huh?? Beneath: Kick'n it with Big "E"-Under Armour ALL DAY, EVERYDAY-We've got the bling to prove it!!)

Anyhow, Wednesday I was red-carpet ready at the Espy's, representing Under Armour BABBBBEEEEEEE!!!!! I wore a black dress by Preen that I purchased on Sunset at H.Lorenzo. Of course I had my Under Armour pin on, and it was hilarious how many people thought that Under Armour custom made my dress lol. Below pictures of my dress, and a pic at the Pre-Espys Event with "THE MAN" of Under ARMOUR, KEVIN PLANK, <---He Rocks!!!

I love California weather, but boy was my face glowing from the sun beaming down. I thought last years' show was a little bit more entertaining, but a wonderful time just the same. I love being empowered by all of these successful, and incredibly talented athletes, they really keep me motivated. It's always great seeing Kobe, because I would love to have the presence on the volleyball court that he has on the basketball court. Dr.J (below) is an amazing guy, and a USA Volleyball Fan.

I also had the chance to see Demi Moore, and I mean talk about impressed! Between her and Holly Robinson Peete...I've never seen women look sooo good for their ages, hell they look good for my age! Backstage Warren G. was in the cut, and I really wanted to yell “REGULATORRRSSS ... MOUNT UP!!"  But I thought that would be inappropriate given the occasion, lol probably during any occasion.

I was impressed by Danica Patrick, she's so petite, and just gorgeous :) Condi Rice even showed up stunt'n in a red freakum dress lol (just kidding) naw it was quite classy as anyone would expect. I got to see Arizona Alum, and NBA Champion, Luke Walton, love this guy, and his girlfriend, former UA teammate Bre Ladd.

All-in-All, it was a great week.

Side note: I spoke with Playboy Radio--they asked me if I'd ever do playboy (just a general question they ask everyone). I said, yeah. Is that bad, what do you think? Playboy is always pretty tasteful, and the body is a beautiful thing. What are your thoughts??

On another note, I'll begin training with U.S.A. again, at the end of August. Right now I'm ailed by a torn hamstring that's attempting to heal. I tore it in Russia in January, and played on it until April, which obviously made it worst. At this moment, I'm attempting to take a mental and physical break, and try to let my body heal before I start back up. I'm still working out, even incorporated yoga into my regime, and I fell in love with it.

Recently I completed my first Under Armour photo shoot, modeling Under Armour's new compression shorts, along with more of UA's AMAZING apparel. So make sure you check me out in Dick's Sporting Goods, Sports Authorities, and Under Armour Stores VERY SOON. Keep supporting ya girl and USA VOLLEYBALL! Peace.Love.Respect.

Much Luv, 
    Kimberly

***CONGRATULATIONS
TO NICOLE BRANAGH (my red carpet partner lol, below) for WINNING THE MANHATTAN
BEACH TOURNAMENT THIS PAST WEEKEND!*** WE'RE SOO PROUD OF YOU!!

Kim Glass is an All-American volleyball player and an Olympics Silver Medalist. Her blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.kimglass10.com. Follow her on Twitter as kimglass10.