Thanksgiving

Throughout my eight years of bobsled I was only able to spend Thanksgiving with my family once, so this year it felt like a rare treat to experience the family time that I previously sacrificed.  I appreciate more than ever the family members and friends who have supported my athletic career as well as coming to my aid throughout this transition to a new phase in my life.  In the past it has been difficult to miss out on family events and as my priorities shift, so has the importance of attending. 

 
Sitting around the television with my family watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade this year reminded me of the many times we had done that when we were kids.  When I was a little girl I use to get up early each Thanksgiving morning, so that I could watch the parade and help my dad stuff and sew up the turkey.  I loved being his assistant and following his meticulous surgical stitches as we tightly sewed the turkey closed.  I could never quite figure out how people who didn’t have a surgeon in the family could adequately keep the stuffing in the turkey cavity. 

Each Thanksgiving my dad and I were in charge of cooking the turkey, a job we both took very seriously.   I would patiently wait for our turkey to be cooked, so I could be first to try our golden brown work of art.  On a daily basis my dad has limited cooking expertise, but during Thanksgiving the turkey was always his domain.  I could see him beam as we pulled the turkey out and began to carve off each succulent piece.  Although our turkey responsibilities have changed over the year we are now able to create new memories with our growing family.

A Rugby Weekend

This past weekend I was able to experience rugby in many different lights.   First, I attended a rugby gala which celebrated 75 years of rugby in the bay area.  I was able to hear about the numerous clubs rooted in the bay area along with learning about the history and growth of rugby throughout the United States.  The room was filled with many retired male athletes, but it was also nice to see women’s clubs represented and experience the expansion of rugby.  Rugby is like no sport I have ever been a part of.  Even if athletes are foes on the field there is a common understanding and a level of respect for the game between players.

 Next, I traveled a college rugby sevens tournament to cheer on many of the graduated high school lady Cavaliers who are now playing on college teams.  Many of these girls expressed concerns last spring about transitioning to college, so it was fun to see them settling right in and earning starting roles on their respective teams.   Additionally, I have been playing a small coaching role with the Cal’s rugby team and was able to see the hard work the ladies put in each and every week pay off with the tournament victory. 

Lastly, the Lady Cavaliers High School Rugby Club had their first official practice today!  It was exciting to see many new faces interested in learning and competing in rugby.  I am always super impressed with how accepting and positive the team is when it comes to making new players feel comfortable.  I for one can attest to the fact that trying a new sport at any age takes courage, so I was proud of each young lady who put the effort in today to try something new. 

Lady Cavs Rummage Sale!