Bird is hanging out with family and friends before heading overseas. Jeff Reinking/NBAE/Getty

How has the last month been for you?
Sue Bird: It's been fun. Obviously, we had a great end to our season and a parade and all the support of Seattle. Then, for me, I got to go home and visit my friends and family, both in New York and Connecticut. Now I'm back, hanging out here.

Is it good to get back to Seattle?
Bird: I love coming back to Seattle. I have a place here now, so it's my home, and I really miss it. It feels good to come back.

Are you going to be here at all before you take off for Russia in January to play for Moscow Dynamo?
Bird: I'm not sure. Obviously, there's a lot of holidays coming up, so my mom will kick my butt if I'm not home.

Is it nice to have a true "off"-season before heading over there to play?
Bird: Yeah. I've really just been relaxing, hanging out with friends and family, catching up. Soon I'll start working out again, getting ready for Russia, and hopefully that will get me in shape for the WNBA season.

Have you heard anything from Kamila Vodichkova (currently playing for Dynamo) about the team?
Bird: No. We've exchanged e-mails, but nothing about the team yet.

Editor's note: At the Fall Get-Together, Bird shared that Vodichkova had e-mailed her and told her it was a warm day in Moscow … but still below zero.

Most importantly … how is the nose?
Bird: The nose is good. It's fixed, healed, no more mask. I play without it now, so it's good.

Is that a relief?
Bird: I hate that mask. Unfortunately, I have to take it wherever I go - knock on wood - just in case it happens again.