Move Over Olympics, Hello US Open Series

Before I even think about the Olympics, my mind is all over the tennis US Open Series presented by Emirates Airline. The North American tour kicked off last week in Atlanta with the BB&T Atlanta Open and oh my, the first tournament did not disappoint!

The Olympics have qualifying trials for sports like swimming, diving, gymnastics, track, etc. In a way, the BB&T Atlanta Open was the qualifying trials for tennis even though the Olympic team was selected a couple of weeks ago. Present at last week's tournament was the US Olympics tennis team: John Isner, Andy Roddick, Ryan Harrison, and Donald Young.

As I sat on my couch watching the semis and finals of the Atlanta tournament, I couldn't help but feel a sense of USA pride! There truly is nothing like the sport of tennis bringing a community together. Atlanta is such a huge tennis community, and it was awesome watching this tournament succeed because of these tennis fanatics. Biggest match of the tournament? The evening semi-final match between John and Andy. Nothing like two Americans battling it out for a spot in the finals. Can anyone say, drama-filled match? Both players played some amazing tennis and the crowd was so into the match! In the end, the veteran Roddick prevailed. Don't be so quick to write Andy Roddick off! I think he still has a couple more seasons in him.

What I love the most about the US Open Series is that it is in North America! The majority of the tour is in the United States and it makes me so excited to see tennis being rejuvenated in the United States! It all leads up to the glamorous US Open at the end of August. The tennis is amazing, but the one thing that beats the tennis are the commercials. Y'all, go watch one of the "It Must be Love" commercials. I tear up everytime and melt at the drama! Inspirational, truly inspirational.

Now, go watch some US Open Series action. Who needs the Olympics?

A Month Back Home

Happy July! It's already July? What? Halfway through year 2012! I honestly can't believe that it has been a month since my homecoming from abroad. Time has flown by. It really doesn't feel as though it's only been 30 days. China feels so far away!

It feels great to be back home. I've gotten myself back into the swing of things and am keeping myself busy with: travel, interviews, meetings, work, and volunteering. Being home though has made me realize the things I took for granted prior to spending 5 months in China.

What are some things that I realized I missed about the United States?

1. No yelling in restaurants

2. Peaceful streets

3. Cheap Starbucks (about $5 for a tall hazelnut coffee? ridiculous!)

4. Normal bathrooms

5. No spitting

6. Being able to drive

So happy to be back home in the U S of A!

Suits Premiere

Guess what tonight is! The season premiere of SUITS! I have been waiting all year for this show to return and the day has finally come. I may have to watch last season's finale again just to refresh my mind of all the crazy drama.

This show is just so wonderfully written and the actors...yeah...eye-candy.

Helloooo Harvey (aka Gabriel Macht). I was a huge fan of his after seeing Because I Said So. But, he is simply brillant in Suits!

Will Mike's secret be revealed?? "Nothing's ever black and white." TRUTH.

Don't forget: TONIGHT. 10PM. USA. BE THERE!

Welcome Back Home

"Welcome back home to the United States Miss Kong."

It felt absolutely incredible hearing those words when I went through customs at the airport. After a long 24 hours of traveling, I finally arrived home and reunited with my family! My surprise upon returning to the United States after 5 months? My amazing parents surprised me with a BRAND NEW CAR. That story, along with pictures, will be saved for another day.

I have officially been home now for a week and 3 days. How would I describe being home? AMAZING. Slowly, I'm getting back into my routine and adjusting to the American culture again. No more shouting across restaurants!

The past week has been filled with coffee dates, lunch dates, and dinner dates. Lots of food! But, I will take the calories because it simply means I get to spend quality time with family and friends. I have even gotten back to a little bit of babysitting. Who knew babysitting meant so much to me? It felt so great to be reunited with some of the families and kids this past weekend.

On my flight from Fuzhou to Beijing, we were able to see the beach! What an incredible view.



Dinner date with one of my best friends since freshman year, Lesley, at Raku! ...we both were Instagramming. Social media addicts?



Finally got my cupcake fix at Lilly Magilly's!

Trying out Chef Geoff's for the first time with Maritza. Can you tell we were absolutely excited?

Besides shoving food in my face, there are some fun things happening in the life of Karen and am so excited to share them with y'all through the next couple of weeks!