OUR FIRST DAY IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

Hi!

I'm Claudia Munoz, the mother of 11-year old WCM Claudia Munoz. You mostly associate this blog with my husband and daughter, but this time it's up to me to make an entry since we are in Corpus Christi, Texas.

We arrived a little after mid-noon, only to be told we could not have our hotel room until 3:00 p.m. but that was okay because it provided us with an excuse to go to the MALL!

Yes!

After some very "important" shopping we had some lunch and got some rest before the evening set in. We took advantage of one of the beautiful local beaches in order to cool down.

Usually on our chess trips, we don't often get the opportunity to really go sightseeing, but today, we had an excellent opportunity to do this.

After returning to our hotel followed by a warm shower, straight to bed because we have to get up about 6:00 a.m. - the 1st round should start about 8:30 a.m.

I'm sure my daughter is having sweet dreams right now along with her older sister Faith.


By the way, abed is my husband.

CLAUDIA IS HEADED TO CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS TO THE "SUSAN POLGAR TEXAS QUALIFIER"

THE FAMILY TRUCK

2007 DODGE RAM 1500

About an hour ago, I saw my family take-off on their way to Corpus Christi, Texas; the site of this years "Susan Polgar Texas Qualifier". Like I stated yesterday, someone has to stay behind and pay the bills, but honestly, as a father and chess coach, nothing honors me more than to watch my daughter getting ready to go and compete.

During this weekend, two and only two, qualifying positions are up for grabs to the "Susan Polgar Invitational", the most prestigious scholastic female tournament in the United States.

We, meaing my daughter and I, have worked extremely hard in preparation for this tournament. We were informed that Courtney Jamison and her 2000-plus rating will be attending; however, WCM Sarah Chang, Sylvia Yang, and the Xiang sisters - Evan and Ellen, will not be attending since they are members of the "Susan Polgar All-Star Team". Nevertheless, it was the intention of the Xiang sisters to compete regardless, since the prizes are two $1,000 dollar expense account to the "Susan Polgar Invitational". However, their vacation in China could not be cut short and will miss the event.

Eventhough the star cast foursome will not be attending, Claudia is ready to face any and every competitor. Her spirits were high when she left, realizing that she could build on her 118-point increase performance she had a month ago in the Texas State Championship.

This being her 8th tournament on American soil, her rating is now 1474. The goal is for her to be in the 1800's by next summer, which would allow her to recieve an invitation to represent the United States in the World Youth Championship 2010, in Greece.

But first, this weekend's tournament.

CLAUDIA GETTING READY TO TRAVEL TOMORROW TO THE SUSAN POLGAR TEXAS QUALIFIER IN CORPUS CHRISTI

The life of a dad.
I work so others can travel.

While my two daughters and beautiful wife are basking in the beautiful coastline of Corpus Christi, I'm stuck like chuck back at home working.

C'EST LA VIE!

Today, Claudia will be finalizing last minute training as she attempts to be one of the two representatives that will represent Texas at the Susan Polgar National Invitational in July at Texas Tech University.

We heard yesterday that the Xiang sisters will not make it to the tournament since they are still in China. Also Sylvia Yang and WCM Sarah Chiang will not be attending for the simple fact that they are part of the "Susan Polgar All-Star's".

Courtney Jamison and her 2000 plus rating will be at the tournament this weekend because she is seeking to win the $1,000 travel expense account for the Susan Polgar Invitiational.

We will keep you informed of this weekend's events.