Nationals Bound

Athletics have given me the opportunity to do a lot of traveling.  I find visiting new places exciting even if I am just there to compete. Much like adults who travel for work- they may not see much of the place they are staying.  I had great coaches that made an effort for us to get to experience the place we were visiting for competition.  We always got to at least see something and always got at least a mini tour of the University. I found driving or walking through different universities so exciting.  I absolutely love the idea of college that it is their own little city.  You can walk onto a campus and truly feel the spirit of it. I am excited to say as a coach I will get to give this experience to the 14 girls playing on my club water polo team.  

I am in my second season coaching the San Diego State University Club Water Polo team.  I like to think so far in my young coaching career I have had great success.  Shoot I have had great success with athletics in general at San Diego State. I am proud to say that I was apart of making program history with the water polo team, the swim team & now with the club water polo team.  Last year in my first season we placed 4^th in the conference.  It was a great accomplishment for the girls & the young program.  This year the team had the same goals try to qualify for nationals.  Well I am proud to announce that we will be playing in the CWPA National Championship tournament in Tallahasse Florida on the campus of Florida State in two weeks.  (May 3-7) I have never been to Florida State so I am looking forward to sharing the experience with my players.

In our first tournament of the season we beat the 5 time National Champion Cal Poly by a goal.  This early season game ended up being extremely important in our ranking for the entire season.  In our conference the CWPA Socal Region we held the number 1 seed.  Going through the rest of the season with only our early season lost to UCSD.  Cal Poly would only have 1 loss against us in the first weekend.  As the season went on we held a number #1 seed in our conference and a top 5 national ranking.  This was very exciting for our program that previously had never gotten better than 4^th in conference and never held a national ranking.

From the start of this semester I had asked Brooke since she was a college grad to help me out, when she had free time.  Brooke has a ton of coaching experience & I knew that our coaching styles would complement each other. Turns out we make a damn good pair!  If the stars aligned I think we would make great college coaches. Me as the Head Coach of course J .  In our first tournament this became evident that I needed Brooke to help me so that I could manage all these girls and the pace of the game.  After the game Brooke was speaking to the ref.  This ref had seen us play our whole career. Turns out the next weekend he was refeeing Mikayla’s game day and was speaking to my parents.  He was like saw your other daughters last weekend I see they just can’t get away from the sport. My mom just laughed. He told her that we were doing a great job with those girls. "Their team played very well.  They have so much potential”.  I laughed when my mom told us but it also made me feel good.

As the season went on Brooke came to every game with us.  She has become a part of the team and I am so thankful for all her help.  I understand the game at what I think is a high level but Brooke see’s the  game like very few people. I am sure this is because she watched film over & over through high school & college. Plus she sits on the deck for hours during tournaments watching & learning. I am so appreciative for this. Plus I take a bit more of a layed back approach when coaching these girls & Brooke is there to really get after them.  Basically during a game I do all the subbing, yelling & then some coaching of course.  Brooke’s job as my assistant holds a good amount of power.  She watches the flow of the game & what the other team is doing,  this way I can be coaching the specific play at that moment. Because Brooke is watching the entire game & taking the notes so that we can make the correct adjustments.  During all time outs & breaks between quarters Brooke then jumps into action telling the girls what adjustments need to be made.  She draws up the plays.  Brooke also coaches the girls when I sub them & answers any questions.  As I write this I am starting to think Brooke has a much harder job than mine. I promise I am also coaching.  Oh I can’t forget since Brooke is watching the flow of the game she also tells me when to take my timeouts.  I think great coaching duo’s work because there is no ego involved. We also trust each other. Brooke and I are competitive. I am sure you had no idea.  Since we just want to win our system works expectionally well. Don’t get me wrong at times we may disagree but it is rare.  Also I trust Brooke with my life so her telling me to call a timeout is like the word from the water polo gods!

(Brooke coaching)

With a coaching duo that hates to lose & seems to have a good grasp on everything it made the season very successful.  Don’t get me wrong I think we had a few coaches (cough, cough male) that were not thrilled by having girls outcoach them.  I think we may actually be the only female coaches in our league.  I actually at one point got an email from one coach (who we will not name) that gave me a scouting report.   The email may have come from a good place but needless to say it fired up Brooke & myself.  Within the email he gave me a scouting report that was not very good- Brooke does a much better job.  I laughed especially hard when he was not using actual water polo terms.  Plus my team had totally crushed his.  Needless to say I took the lesson my mom taught me when I was younger if you have nothing good to say don’t say anything at all.  I did not send him an email in response.   Then at the conference tournament Brooke & I walked by a set of parents on the way to the bench and they missed the lesson from their parents in not saying anything nice.  One mom clearly said “ you have to be kidding me, those are the San Diego State coaches! They are real coaches. I had heard SDSU was a good team. Must just have great players or a lot of luck.”  Well needless to say my team went on to bet her daughter's team.  Sorry everyone we are the real coaches.

The team before the championship tournament started

At the championship tournament we had received the number #1 seed which gave us a great advantage to make it into the championship game.  Win or lose in the championship game Sunday you get to go to Nationals.  To get to that point we had to win our two games on Saturday.  First we beat UCSD who had beaten us previously in the semester by a goal.  We had a great opening game won 10-4.  Our second game would be against UCI.  We had beaten them two times previously in the season but they had a good team.  Plus they have this lefty named Sharon Dyer.  Brooke and I have played with Sharon & her sister for years on a club team and in high school. While playing UCI our focus for the game was to make sure we limited her look with the deadly lob that she shots.  At the end of the game she made a great move but the goal was taken away.  We won 6-2.  While shaking hands we hugged & I reminded her to be a shooter. Then I told her how great her last move was great to score that goal. By beating UCI Saturday evening, we had clenched the program’s first trip every to the National Championship tournament!!

Going into Sunday’s game against Cal Poly, Brooke and I worried if we would come out flat.  The team had been extremely flat against UCI the evening before.   Our worries did not last much past the first sprint when we went & scored.  We jumped to an early lead of 2 goals.  The girls did a great job defensively.  They stuck to the plan that Brooke and I had drafted.  Plus we played to our strengths.  Cal Poly practices 6 days a week usually doing double.  While our team has 4 hours of pool time a week.  And we do very little conditioning.  I am going to be honest we hardly practice at all and I am usually lucky if I have 5 players all together.  Our game plan was to stay on offense as much as possible stopping them from the ability to counter us.  The girls did great with this.  As the game went back and forth late in the 3^rd we looked to tie the game up.  We had a great goal with no time left on the shot clock.  All of a sudden the shot clocks were no longer working.  The ref’s originally called the goal.  Then after a complaint from someone they decided to hold up the game.  After about 10 minutes of deliberating and Jamie getting very pissed off in a ref’s face they took the goal away.  This was the change in momentum that we could not handle.  We would end up losing by 2 goals.  No matter this game showed us just how great we played, and with a little more practice & dedication to getting into shape that is a team we can beat.

After the game we were presented with a 2nd place plaque.  The girls were excited to at least receive something for such a great effort.  Plus they were shocked at my ability to “get pissed” they called it.  What that Ref did not know was how lucky he was that I kept Brooke from really getting mad.  Surprisingly I did not get a yellow card which was well deserved for my outburst.  I feel I did not get it due to the fact that they knew they were wrong.  No matter I showed the girls how much I cared.  While Brooke did the same by showing her disgust by almost breaking my clip board but also coaching the girls while I was arguing. No matter the loss the girls were ecstatic to have made program history.

There is my team- happy after getting 2nd!!

This being a student run club a few girls spend hours a week taking care of all the paperwork to allow the other girls to compete.  Once the excitement of getting second and playing a great game to Cal Poly who is 5 time National Champion, we realized now we have to plan our first really big travel trip to Florida. This has been a bit stressful due largely in part to our lack of funds.  The school has no ability to help so the girls are working overtime in trying to raise enough funds so that everyone can make the trip and they do not have to pay out of pocket.  The worst part is due to our lack of funds Brooke will most likely be unable to attend with us.  I am hoping we raise a ton of money which will allow Brooke to come. If not the girls have appreciated all she has done to help them and I will miss my handy dandy Assistant during the most important tournament of the year. Hopefully she has taught me enough to help guide the team to a great appearance at the national stage.  Plus we will get another crack at Cal Poly if we win our first few games.

It is an exciting time for the club in that we will get to play for a National Championship.  The girls are working hard & doing a ton of conditioning. If we can get our conditioning up and then practice all togheter a little more I have a feeling we are going to have a great time in Florida.  We just have to play our game and enjoy the experience.

I apologize for the long winded blog here just so much to talk about.

If you would like to donate to the San Diego State University Club Women’s Water polo club you can contact me directly or mail your check to:

C/o Women's Club Water Polo

Aztec Recreation Center

55th Street SDSU San Diego Ca 92182

Riding English

Life has been hectic between working at PEAR Sports, coaching water polo at SDSU and then getting in my training for my ITU triathlon (that is only 5 weeks out).  Even with life being hectic I have managed to get in some fun activities.  A few dinners with my family and grandpa.  A few great bike rides around San Diego.  A near crash with Brennan. Yea totally my fault- good news I only gave him a love tap with my arm shoving him out of the way as I rode through the intersection.  I am still mastering the whole cycling thing :)

The big adventure Easter weekend was I went horseback riding.  If you didn't know I love horse. No idea how it happened but I have loved them since I was little.  My parents have numerous books at home that are all about the different type of horse, saddles and all else that goes with horses.  While some girls played with dolls I played with horse. I had so many.  One Christmas my grandma (who had a miniature store) made me this huge barn.  Glued every red shingle on it.  Had fences. It was awesome!! Kinda wonder what happened to that barn. What I can tell you was it got its use- think Sean eventually went on to play with it and all his animals he collected. So Brennan being amazing like always knew that I loved horse so for Christmas he got me a riding lesson.  

When I got it for Christmas I was so excited and again made me realize he loves me so much. He truly listens and takes time to be extremely thoughtful.  This was the kind of gift that you realize the person took a lot of thought and effort to execute, not the I will just run to the mall gift.  He said he followed Living Social for weeks waiting for something with horseback riding to come along. 

I realize your thinking Jamie that is a huge gap.  Yea with everything happening since Christmas I had yet to schedule my horseback riding lesson. I finally did about 2 weeks ago.  We were on for noon on Saturday April 7th.  Brennan of course came with me and held out in the attack of the fly's.  The ranch was about 25 miles from where we live.  Once arriving at the Chestnut Hill Equestrian Center we were greeted by a nice woman named Sally who would be my instructor.  Since we were early (Brennan & I are always early) the lady was great about just getting us going.  As she asked me some basic questions she decided I would ride Monty who is a Thoroughbred that used to race.  I loved that his name was Monty and he was the kinda horse I have always wanted Brown with a lovely white diamond on his forehead.  Turns out I think Monty had a big crush on Brennan. More to come later in my blog.

To the delight of Brennan I was fitted for a jumping helmet. I had to laugh as well because I have ridden before but never with a helmet. At one point I did think maybe I am getting in over my head.  Turns out I am kinda athletic so I was good!  Sally let me brush Monty and help her get him all saddled up.  We were riding English (she claimed it is more comfortable) pretty sure I had only ridden Western prior to this lesson.  Once Monty was all saddled up I swung myself up.  I was ready for this lesson.

We headed down to the arena.  Once in the arena Sally went over a few basics walked next to me for one lap around and then let me go. Working on steering and all that good stuff. After a few minutes she then asked if I wanted to Trot. Of course I said sure.  Took a little getting used to. I would go with no problem and then forget something little and he would start to walk.  I think the best part of all was once I really started to get the hang of trotting whenever we got in front of Brennan no matter how perfect I was riding Monty would just stop and stare at him. To bad we cant have Monty at our wedding because he seems to love Brennan as much if not more than me.  More to come of this love story. (Stay Tuned)

After what seemed like not very long Sally then asked me if I wanted to try jumping. I thought hell why not! So she was teaching me what to do. I was a bit nervous but when I say jump it was not like at the Olympics it was probably 2 feet off the ground and my horse could just walk over if he wanted.  Needless to say a few times I think he did do that.. haha  However after a few rounds I could really tell when he was leaving the ground.  I guess a few times he cleared way over the jump and did a few canter steps.  Which was really awesome. I did the jumps coming from different angles and things.  It was cool. Then she set up two and I did like an obstacle course (avoiding where Brennan was watching). I did the obstacle course a few times and then it turns out I had been riding for over an hour, so we headed back up to the barn.

On the way back up to the barn she asked if I wanted to give him a quick bath.  It was pretty warm and the poor guy was all sweaty. I of course thought sure that will be fun. Yes again I realize by having me do it she doesn't have to, but I thought I rode him I should give him a bath. And why not get the entire experience.  So we hooked him up so that we could get the saddle and everything off. While I was doing this Brennan was standing in front of him a ways way.  Monty kept inching toward him, he kept inching to the point where he was basically laying his huge head on Brennan's shoulder.  Then Brennan finally was petting him and Monty just looked so happy. So needless to say I think my horse loved my Fiance!! It was soo funny!! Once he was ready we took him over to get his bath. I learned very quickly why all the little girls that were there washing there ponies for a show on Sunday were wearing rain boots.  My feet got soaked!! Plus the little girls thought I was just so funny. Then I gave Monty a snack! 

Then it was time for us to go. I was sad to leave Monty.  Sally invited us back anytime for a lesson or just bring carrots.  Plus I am always welcome to help wash horses and things.  I just might take her up on that offer.  Needless to say it was one of the best gifts I have gotten.  It was a great time. However my back killed for about 4 days after.  Like any new activity you are surprised at all the muscles you use and riding and jumping a horse is no different. However back pain was totally worth it!!!

Thank you Brennan for an amazing time riding my horse Monty!!!

Sunday we headed to my parents house to celebrate Easter with my family. We had a great day just hanging out all together- enjoying each others company.  We would also do a semi birthday celebration for my mom, me and Sean.  All us kids gave mom her present from us (only a week early) but we wanted to be all together when she got it.  Then grandpa gave all us April Birthday's our gifts since he was with us. It was a great day and much needed with all the other hectic things happening in life.  To just get to spend time with the important people in my life!!! Take time to be thankful.  Life is short, we have to enjoy every minute of it!! 

I also think my mom has the right idea of avoiding any type of Easter egg hunt as we have gotten older. Us Vessey kids are pretty darn competitive and then throw in Brennan and Brooke's boyfriend Nik it could have been one ugly battle for the golden egg :)

Easter weekend was a huge success of working out, riding horses and many many many laughs with my amazing family!!

Valentines Day

I realize it is a consumer created holiday.  This one day in February causes many girls a rough day.  NOT Me!  Brennan treats me great daily and made sure that Valentines was no different. 

Brennan and I have always left notes for each other.  It is common for me to come home and find a note.  One of the first times Brennan went home after we started dating he came back with this stuffed Moose.  He has since been named Admiral Moose.  Once in a while Admiral is the keeper of our notes.  He can be found in different places keeping our notes safe till we can read them.  

A few weeks ago I found him in the kitchen!!

While many girls would be happy to get just one note. I get them all the time and I am so thankful for that. However Brennan made Valentines day even more special.  I was sitting at work only to receive a delivery.  My roses were beautiful and they came with a cute little bear.  It would seem that Admiral Moose has a new friend.  Only time will tell if he also gets to become the keeper of our notes.  The flowers made a lovely addition to my desk for the week.

I realize many people also get worked up about making big plans for Valentines day. Brennan & I wanted no part of that! After work Brennan and I would have a rare evening with no working out and no coaching.  We would make dinner together.  Enjoyed our attempt to make something different for dinner and enjoy our meal together.  After dinner I would give Brennan his Valentines gift.  (He was not happy I got him something)  I gave him a new road id with updated information.  It was a practical gift and much needed!

After cleaning up dinner, we headed to rent a movie.  I was able to convince him to get a chick flick.  We then decided to get some things at the grocery store.  Brennan knows the way to my heart!  Even though I had ice cream in the freezer he suggested I get some Ben & Jerry's. I tried to convince him it was not needed but after a good amount of convincing.  Oh who we kidding- I got some Ben & Jerry's.  I did let Brennan pick the flavor since he claims I always pick the same three flavors and they are boring.  As we headed to the register to check out.  I asked Brennan to hold the ice cream, while I went to grab something else, he refused.  Not wanting people at the store to think he was upset on Valentines day and was going to eat his emotions away.  All I could do was laugh, I could not believe he even thought of that.  However as I headed to grab something else. Brennan wandered off- leaving me as the girl with the Ben & Jerry's.  I got a few looks.  All I could do was laugh!! 

We would enjoy our movie and it turned out to be a romantic comedy that had us both laughing. Then as fast as it came Valentines day was over. However Brennan makes me feel special everyday.  Especially when he enlists the help of Admiral Moose.  Thursday afternoon would show me again how great Brennan is.  I would come home to find Admiral Moose holding another note for me.  It was nice to receive especially because Brennan is out of town till Wednesday!

Thank you Brennan for an amazing Valentines day.  But more importantly for being AMAZING everyday!! I LOVE YOU. I look forward to many more Valentines day but more importantly many more "regular" days together! And a few more notes :)

Carlsbad Half-Marathon

The Carlsbad Half Marathon weekend much like last year was extremely busy.  This year was even busier than last year.  With Brennan working for Insulindependence we attended more of the events than last year and Saturday I spent playing in the alumni water polo game at San Diego State.

The start to this busy weekend would start as many do. Working late into Friday evening.  Coming home and just wanting to relax.  Having nothing of importance to accomplish I spent the evening relaxing and catching up on the TV shows I missed during the week.

Saturday I would wake up to cold and rain.  Making me think please don’t be like this Sunday!! I headed over to San Diego State and spent the afternoon playing against the current Aztec players.  The alumni ended up losing by one goal.  But we had a great time. I attempted a shot- it was blocked.  Believe I had an assist or two.  It is always fun to go back and hangout with old teammates and play a little water polo.    Basically my entire class showed up.  So all my old roomies.  We all subbed in together. I would have to say that we all still have it!!!  After the game we would all head to Old Town to have a late lunch.  I enjoyed hanging out with my roomies for the afternoon.  They would all head out later in the evening.  I was not able to join them in that adventure. And I am sure that was an adventure!!  From lunch I would head home shower change and head to the Ocean House for the banquet dinner being hosted by Insulindependence for all the fundraisers.

The fundraising dinner was fun!  A bit funny because Brennan was in work mode.  It was funny to watch him address everyone and basically lead the event.  Not that I ever thought he was not capable, I mean I watched him present in grad school almost every week.  Just still funny to witness him in such a different atmosphere.  He did an amazing job and was able to help the organization raise even more money!! After the dinner it was time to head home and get to bed.  With a quick stop over at Grandpa's house to visit with the family.  My parents had come down to be a part of the weekend by volunteering at the Insulindependence aid station on race day.  I spent some time with them and then headed home.

Sunday morning would come earlier then it should have.  Even though the half marathon did not go off till later, we needed to arrive early enough to see off the marathon runners and get a group photo. The day would start even earlier for my parents who had to be at the aid station early.  They had to make sure that they had everything set up when the first runner passed by before 7am.  Once the marathon runners were off we just hung out for a while. Once it got closer to the start of the half marathon the entire fundraiser group got in for a picture.  Brennan and I then headed over to our corral to get the race underway.

I had high hopes for this half marathon.  I looked to better my time for last year. I had done a better job with training, however in getting in more training I had also hurt my foot. About two weeks before the race, I had been out on a training run with about 2 miles left of my 12 miles I got a cramp in the bridge of my right foot. I figured it would go away.  I finished my run and did my normal ice bath. My foot was really sore. I stretched it and attempted to rest it.  I took a few days off in the hopes it would feel better. It felt better, yet was still sore to walk on.  My training suffered the last two weeks.  With it being so sore I struggled to even be walking normal.  Walking to the race corral it was already really hurting.

Before the race.. I think this picture is hilarious. Brennan & I look so funny!

A quick picture with our great friend Blair

However I am a Vessey.  I had done the training, I had raised the money, and my parents were going to be at mile 3 and 11.  Plus with my new job I did not want to show up to work Monday and say that due to a sore foot I did not race.  So I entered corral 2 with Brennan.  Very quickly I knew that it would be a tough day.  I was able to keep a pretty good pace and went through the cycles of pain.  It was great to race along with Brennan.  He was supportive the entire race.  It was great to see my parents on the way out and back.  My mom was handing out water and my dad was picking up cups and coaching runners by.  It did help with the pain.  

As you can see Brennan just enjoying a nice jog- Me trying not to DIE!

I finished the race with a time of 1 hour and 54 minutes.  It was only a few more minutes slower than last year and I was still able to hold a decent pace for being in such pain.  I found out that I have a higher pain tolerance than I thought! 

Here is the video Brennan took during the race- you can see what we saw for the 13.2 miles! You can also read Brennan's thoughts of the race on his blog at diabeticjock.com 

After most of our fellow fundraisers finished up we headed to my grandpa's to head out to lunch.  We had a great meal at BJ's together.  Also nice to spend time with my parents and grandpa.  While at lunch I could feel my foot swelling in my shoe.  

Once we headed home I finally got to take off my shoe only to find a very swollen foot- that was already very bruised. After a quick shower I spent some time icing it.  Thankfully I have a great friend who is still an athletic trainer at SDSU. She took a look at it Monday.  Turned out I had an extremely bad sprain of some muscles.  I was put into a boot for the next two week and told not to run for a while.  

The picture does not do justice to how much pain I was in. But needless to say in the morning it was not bruised at all!

As of today I ran for about 25 minutes!! Finally getting back into it with no major pain.  It can still be a bit sore but nothing like it was before or after the race.  I have learned my lesson and if it really hurts I need to just stop! I am also trying to be more careful in my training

Thank you to all the people who donated to my campaign my goal was $125.  I raised $314. 30. 

•         My parents
•         Brennan’s Parents Scott and Renee
•         Grandpa & Grandma Whitey
•         Jim & Karen Schneller
•        Melissa & Matt Johnson
•       Alex Fillman
•       Martha Moore
•        Nate
•        Bohon Family
•       Megan Miller

I also want to thank my great friend Melissa Swaffer for signing up to be apart of the fundraiser and also raise about $200 dollars!

All in all another great weekend with Insulindependence! Plus nothing better then running with my amazing Fiancé and having my parents support us!

New Year- Main goal give back more!!

I am doing it again. I am running the Carlsbad half marathon!  Though running the race this year is even more exciting for multiple reasons.  First, I hope to be in a little bit better shape and would like to set a personal best time.  Second, I am even more connected to the organization I am raising funds for. 

My fundraising efforts will support Insulindependence.  Brennan my fiancé, yup I said it my fiancé (still puts a huge smile on my face), currently works for the organization as the Associate Development Director and I am becoming an active volunteer with the organization.  

Insulindependence is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that inspires people with diabetes to set personal fitness goals, educates them on adaptive management strategies through hands-on experience, and equips them to explore their individual capacities. Insulindependence helps people with diabetes meet others who share their recreational passions through their fitness and adventure programs, clubs and events.

This summer I donated my time and swimming skills during the annual Insulindependence University held in San Diego.  I assisted a group of people with Type-1 diabetes with their swimming skills and become part of the local volunteer committee for the organization.  I also attend many events with Brennan throughout the year. 

The organization has opened my eyes to the amazing things the group is doing with revolutionizing diabetes management on such a personal level.  For example last weekend Brennan finished his first half-ironman.  That is a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and then a half marathon (13.1 miles).  Due to our involvement with this organization he had an amazing support system that gave him guidance and answered the questions he had for preparation and race situations.  

The organization is also connected to the entire diabetic community and has its members on the fast track for all new information dealing with exercise, medicine, new ways in managing the disease.  You name it they hear about it first. So I would like you to take a minute to think about the family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker that has diabetes.  Who handles the mathematics of carbs/ insulin ration and so many other things on a daily basis.  I understand that times are tough but any donation large or small makes a huge impact for the organization.  So I thank-you for your donation but I also ask you to please spread the word about this amazing organization Insulindependence.

"Are you IN?"

If you would like to donate please go to my fundraising page.

Thankful

It's that time of year when everywhere you turn you are reminded of what you are thankful for.  Every year I have so much to be thankful for.. However this last year I have even more to be thankful for.

I have the best parents anyone could ask for.  They are so supportive.  They supported me going to school for my Master's degree.  Trying to be a college coach and setting an example of being in a loving relationship.  I took for granted how lucky I am to have my parents.  A few weeks ago I was out with my dad and sisters looking for an anniversary present for mom.  And people would ask him how many years.  Dad would reply 28 years.  Every person who asked seemed shocked at the answer and would reply you just dot hear that anymore.  Made me sad and then I realized how lucky and thankful I truly am to have there love and  support in all my endeavours.

I am thankful for my siblings who are my best friends.  They never cease to amaze me and I find them absolutely amazing!! To have gotten to experience so much with Brooke in San Diego.  To have spent all summer at home hanging out with Sean and KK.  To have my little brother headed to Diego in 2012. To get to be living near him and be a part of his college experience.  To be able to watch KK ball it up.  Have her allow me to be so involved even when I am living away from home.  

I am thankful for my entire family- I have one awesome family! To all my relatives that are supportive and the amazing emails that we send each other.  A big thanks to grandpa Vessey who has feed me a lot in the last 5 years.  Without him I would have possibly starved at times! 

I am extremely thankful to have found Brennan.  To find someone that supports me in everything I do.  To be supportive in my search for a job and all his help in getting me a job!  Not only is he my best friend and the love of my life- he made it official earlier this year by asking me to marry him.  I am so thankful to know that he loves me as much as I love him.  That we will have a lifetime of adventures!!

Thankful for my new family in the Cassidy's.  I could not have found more supportive in-laws (well they will be eventually).  You are very special people and I thank you for being so amazing to me and welcoming to your family.

I am thankful to have had the opportunity to graduate with my Master's degree last May! For all those that helped me in those 23 long months.

Thankful for the opportunities I had at San Diego State as a student, an athlete and then as a coach.  To have meet such great people.  And to have coached amazing young women.  To have been a part of school history and win a conference title.

I am thankful for the non profit organization Insulindependence that holds such a special place in my heart.  The group of friends it has helped us find as well as the healthy lifestyle it is helping Brennan to live.  The organization has helped me reach personal goals.  I am running another half marathon for them.  I will also be raising funds.  If you would like to donate click on my fundraising page.

Thankful for all the families and little swimmers I had this summer.   For starters they helped me survive financially.  But more importantly allowed me to be such a huge part of there children's lives.  Teach them a life saving skill of swimming and being safe around water.  As well as helping me believe in myself personally as I was starting to search for the next step in life.  A huge thank you to the Fillman family- who have swam with me for 5 years and sent me numerous other families.

I am beyond grateful and thankful to all those who are organ donors.  You are truly thinking about others when you added that sticker to your drivers license.  To the individual and his family who were our organ donors 3+ years ago.  Your gift is invaluable and will never be forgotten! For what you gave is truly priceless and I am so thankful.

I am thankful for a man who works in Brennan's building for allowing me to work for his online gift shop.  As well as Brennan for giving him my resume.  I worked for hospitalgiftshop.com.  Without him I would have struggled to survive financially.  Also for him introducing me to my current employer. To my current employer for taking a chance on a volunteer college coach (who has no business skills & has done nothing away from the pool- that's what multiple places told me) So to them I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I am so fortunate and love my new job.  My job includes many different roles. Check out the first of our many products the PEAR Square One, launching the start of the new year.

To have great friends who are so supportive of my life.  To have them be excited for me as I attempt to get into racing triathlon.  To be excited and supportive that I found Brennan and looking forward to helping me plan my big day.

There are very descriptive things I am thankful for.  But like everyone I am thankful to be in a good financial situation during this very rough time.  For the support system I have.  For my health! And to be loving life to the fullest!

Life is an adventure and I am living it!

Road to Ironman Arizona

Let it begin.. Our adventure to the Arizona Ironman. 

 The weekend before Thanksgiving.  Brennan and I ventured out to Phoenix to volunteer at the Arizona Ironman.  We worked at the first bike aid station.  It was a great experience.  Being able to see the pro's race by going so fast to the age groupers that were working so hard and fulfilling a goal.  It was a great experience.  And like always Brennan and I made the most of our experience of being at an ironman soaking up the experience and finding time to have a ton of laughs.

For as much fun as we had volunteering we did it for one reason.  A slot for the 2012 race.  Since the race sells out within minutes on the Internet, if you volunteer you get to register before anyone else. So we wanted to make sure no matter what Brennan was going to get a spot to race in 2012.  So it has been done.  We are are registered ok ok Brennan is registered to race in 2012.  I am so proud of him for signing up and I cant wait to be a part of the adventure and experience of training for an ironman.

Next November there will be no one more excited than me to see Brennan race.  I will be there with our families ready to watch Brennan crush 140.6 miles!!!  It has begun the road to Arizona!