I arrived back in the U.S. on Sunday night (8/24/08) but instead of going back to Knoxville TN, I flew straight into my hometown Atlanta GA. While it was a long trip I had the company of a few of my good friends Terrence Trammell (110m Hurdles) and Lashawn Merritt (400m). We made the most of our flights and layovers making sure that our first stop was at Burger King while hanging in Korea airport. We also took advantage of some shopping and I add a beautiful pair of sunglasses from "Channel" and a adorably cute necklace from "Swarovski" to my collection. We took our long flight to Atlanta and said our goodbye's leaving everything except memories behind in Beijing

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The greatest part about coming home after being out of the country for 30days is the food! I went to Wal-Mart and my jaw literally hit the floor when I was reminded of all the wonderful assortments of food we have in this magnificent country! We take for granted so much! I mean, to be able to walk into a store and have 20 different brands of the same item to select from is such an un-treasured American commodity. What kind of world would it be if we couldn't have Duncan Hines and SaraLee? No, really all jokes aside I went through that store like a maniac picking up things that I hadn't eaten in years like "Captain Crunch" cereal and "Gushers" fruit snacks. The funny part was that I wasn't even hungry! I just felt like spoiling myself with all the good tastes of home.

After sleeping for what felt like 3 days straight, I finally got out of bed and made my way down to my older brother Yohan's Private school where he teaches physical education. I had the opportunity to speak to and encourage several hundred students of all ages about what it takes to be a champion. I also gave them a little brief talk about the dangers of performance enhancement drugs. They showed me so much love and they were so excited about my visit! With or without a medal they thought I was still an awesome track star which proved to me that children really can brighten your life.

I've started a photo scrapbook of my journey to Beijing and hopefully it won't take me forever to finish it. I figure it will give me something to do while I have my feet kicked up after my knee surgery which is coming in a few weeks. All in all its been an awesome experience, one that has taught me, inspired me, motivated me, changed my life and maybe did one of the same for someone else.

This is Deedee Trotter signing off, looking forward to a speedy recovery and to a future of great success, because as long as I have not reached my ultimate goal.......... "Amazing Still Awaits!!!"