Following my dad’s advice and finding the silver lining this past week. A mini 08-3 reunion, going out on a school night to see the Cannons and Bob Moses, my first hammer meet of 2026, steak dinner with a view, giving back at Fill the Boot, and cheering on our Sun Devils beach volleyball team before enjoying some noms at Aloha Yogurt.
Grateful to everyone who reached out this week and helped heal a broken heart. Love you all 🐻
A year ago today my dad and I talked over the phone for the last time. He was telling me about all his music gigs and how swimming was going well. How the sun was back shining in PA. We talked about my recovery from surgery and he gave some typical Dad advice, “Don’t be stupid. Take it easy. You’ve got this,” when I told him I was worried about going back to the truck and competing again.
He was so excited that I had found a sale on flights so he could fly home to celebrate a belated Easter and my birthday here in AZ with the whole family. We left on such a positive note with him telling me how much he loved me and to give SnowBear (his name for Nils) a big bear hug.
I think about that day a lot. It was full of hope and joy and looking forward to the future. That’s how I want to remember my dad. So here’s a video of him doing what he loved. Maybe if I watch it enough times then I won’t ugly cry as much thinking about how much I miss him.
Another year and another Aspire Academy in the books! Amazing group of mentors and young women ready to work hard and learn from others. Thanks for the opportunity to give back and share some QT with my fire (and PD) sisters.
La sua prima partita di baseball! Abbiamo guardato l’amichevole tra gli Azzurri e gli Angels e ci siamo divertiti un sacco. Grazie ai Diablos e Ripalta Bufo per il berretto da baseball e una bella chiacchierata! 🇮🇹 ⚾️
More adventures in ABQ including beautiful mosaics, the nuclear museum, yummy blue corn enchiladas, and one of the most kid-friendly and fun ice cream shops!
The 2026 USATF Masters Indoors Championships wrapped up today here in ABQ. Walking away with two silvers (shotput and super weight) and a bronze (weight throw) which is pretty much what we expected since the other women are absolute studs!
Was hoping for better marks but two were my best indoor marks since before I had Nils. Fun to see all the grinding away slowly pay off. Speaking of paying off...so proud of my Big Sis Angela for gutting out her new W50 Super Weight record this morning!!
Big thanks to my mom for coming with to cheer me on and help with Nils. Nils was a rockstar cheering me on and reminding me to enjoy the little magic moments. Thanks to Emily and her dad for a wonderful post-comp bfast! So grateful to make memories with the family and all my track and field friends!
