Alicia is always the one who takes charge now. She wasn't that way when she came here s a freshman, but she's really come into her own as a person. I think her leadership has been more important than her bat.

What I like about Jacki is she doesn't get too high or too low, kind of like a poker face.

I think it's an adjustment from junior college to four-year college. It's just getting used to the new climate, new teammates, a new school. Jacki is somewhat more quiet and reserved. She is really a great kid, a lot of fun to be around. I've seen that change in her, from quiet to not so quiet. They become more comfortable and just show that to you.

Once they have actually left office, we seem to grow fonder of our ex-presidents - and they of each other. That's why so many sighed in approval at Michelle Obama's public display of affection with George W. Bush at last month's dedication of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture.

My parents always pushed creativity on us, but they made it seem like the fun thing to do.

It gets tiresome after a while.