Take a Minute to Be Thankful... Then One More to Lend a Hand

These past few weeks we have seen the destruction that has descended upon Haiti. It has been in the news, in magazines, and on the faces of people all across the world. As I sit here writing this, I ask myself, what can I do to help? I have made donations to the red cross and other funds, but I am sure there is more that can be done. However, it also makes me appreciate what I have here at home. While life always throws a few curve balls at you, and you might not be as happy as you want, it is important to realize that you have something, when others may have nothing.

In case you have not heard or read about the devastation that the earthquake caused please read the exerpt from BBC America

A massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake has struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti. The extent of the devastation is still unclear but there are fears thousands of people may have died. Haiti's worst quake in two centuries hit south of the capital Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, wrecking the presidential palace, UN HQ and other buildings. A "large number" of UN personnel were reported missing by the organisation. Many people have spent the night outside amid fears of more aftershocks. The Red Cross says up to three million people have been affected. Describing the earthquake as a "catastrophe", Haiti's envoy to the US said the cost of the damage could run into billions. A number of nations, including the US, UK and Venezuela, are gearing up to send aid. The quake, which struck about 15km (10 miles) south-west of Port-au-Prince, was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude. The tremor hit at 1653 (2153 GMT) on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said. Phone lines to the country failed shortly afterwards. There is still no official word on casualties and the extent of the devastation is only now becoming clearer with dawn breaking. China has already indicated in reports in state media that eight of its peacekeepers are buried and feared dead, with another 10 unaccounted for.


Simple Ways We Can Help

Donations to the Red Cross www.redcross.org

Simply Text Haiti to 90999 to donate 10 dollars

Simply Text Haiti to 52000 to donate via the Salvation Army

Visit Google Disaster Relief website www.google.com/relief/haitiearthquake/

Purchase Hope for Haiti Now CD www.itunes.apple.com/us/album/hope-for-haiti-now/id352210151

Please do something small to make a difference

Catch 22

After landing in San Fransico, I was eager to take all my bags off the carousel and start my week in Dublin. However, things did not go as smoothly as I had intended. After getting a cart to put all five of my bags, yes five bags and one little me, I started the trek to the rental car center, It was two floors up and seven stops on the tram. After arriving at the rental car center, I had to go outside to the curb to take a shuttle to actually arrive at MY rental car place. (I had rented from the one place that was not directly located in the airport) Well turns out they cancelled my rental car reservation and would not rebooked it for me. Needless to say, I was a little upset that I had dragged five bags down stairs and outside, but I was not too worried, there were plenty of rental cars. After paying double what I had wanted to pay, I was on my way to Dublin in my awesome mini van! (It was the only cars they had available) I arrived at hotel at midnight and tucked myself in.

The following day I arrived at the bowl to put all my balls in the paddock and practice. It was nice to be able to see all the girls and catch up. In practice session I found that I had the best look with my Total Bedlam, Reign, and Mutant Cell to start. Towards the end of practice session I found that my freeze looked best. I left practice feeling confident that I would have a good look to start the first day of qualifying.

My first block did not go as well as I would have liked, but I looked forward to the next day. I made some ball surface changes and discussed a plan of action with some of the male players on tour. I thought that if I moved everything left, I would be able to have more hold then I did in my first block. After a long day of bowling, I decided it was best to go back to the room and relax, because the women had the morning block.

My second block of qualifying went well, I wished for a few pins more (I missed the top eight by 3 pins) but I was happy with my overall performance. My last game I was in a catch 22 situation, I was in the cut and knew I need to have a clean game to make the top 8. The lanes were tough and I did not want to risk making a mistake and split. However, as I watched Kelly throw strike after strike I knew I was in trouble. I made a slight change and struck in the ninth frame. I was not sure what the cut was going to be, but I knew I probably needed a double to go plus to stay in. As I let the ball go in the tenth frame, I knew I threw it the best I could. Unfortunately, I left a ten pin and missed the cut. Sometimes, even when you feel that you have performed at your best, you need to go back and reevaluate what you could have done better. While I only missed one spare, I did miss some key moves and ball changes that could have changed my outcome. However, now I have learned this and will not make the same mistakes next time.

On the Road Again

The past few months since I have been home from tour have gone so fast, and now it is time to pull out my suitcase and pack for another exciting adventure. Since I have been back from the road, I have grown and had some amazing experiences. First, I have realized how important friends are, I will miss those that I will be leaving, but they will always be with me. My friends have been so supportive, coming out to watch me bowl, calling, sending emails, and just being there for me, Thank You for being Amazing!!!!

Second, I have had the opportunity to become close a family who adores bowling. They are my biggest fans, and I am theirs, I know one day I will be watching them bowl out on tour. Mentoring youth bowlers is an amazing feeling, watching them succeed makes me incredibly proud. I have had the chance to bowl two adult junior tournaments with my mini me, and she makes me proud every time. Her drive to win and be successful inspires me to be better. Winning is extremely important, but seeing the look in her eyes when she strikes is what makes everything worth while. I am excited to see what tour brings, excited to start a new life, and excited for my friends Kimberly and Jason! Kimberly just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl Aria Rose!!!! With this New Year, I look forward to a new beginning! I hope you will be watching!!!!