what difference a year makes

As my birthday comes around, I often find myself reflecting about the time that has passed in the year and how much life has changed.  As the years have gone on I have seemed to realize how much can change in a year, and this year is no exception.

At this time last year I was about 5 and a half months post-op from ACL reconstruction. Because of that, I was barely being able to cut or do anything full speed on the basketball court.  I was unsure how the season would turn out for me and was also unsure of what the future held for my basketball career.  Fast-forward one year, and I have been fortunate enough to have earned the amazing opportunity to play basketball as my job.

I have graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Kinesiology, and also played my last season and game in a Pronghorn jersey.

last game in my pronghorn jersey

I have gone from meeting new teammates and reuniting with old teammates for my final season, and going through the ups and downs that come with being on a team.

I have made some new friendships and strengthened others that already existed, to the point that I am confident that they will be my friends for the rest of my life.

whoop-up challenge

casino night

I have started (barely) to learn a new language. "Guten Tag!"
I have been fortunate enough to travel to many places, including Germany, the Netherlands, Las Vegas, Idaho, Invermere, the wonderful city of Winnipeg (that is for you Morgan!), and San Francisco, just to name a few!

cobblestone streets in spijk

visiting grandad and val at christmas

I've had close friends get married, and other friends have had babies! (how crazy is it that I have friends that are old enough to have kids!)
I got the opportunity to coach a group of crazy under-15 girls with my mom and my sister.  It was so much fun to see these girls develop and become more open with each other as the season went on. 

I  have made friends with people all over the world, and I have realized that there are people in this crazy world that really are as crazy-passionate about basketball as I am.

In a few weeks I will be moving out of the house that I have lived in since I was 8, and moving across the world to an apartment with someone that I have spent less then 24-hours with.

With all those things that have changed there have been some things that have stayed the same, and I am so incredibly grateful they have. The main constant in my life is the support I get from my family. They have always been there for me, even if they think that I am crazy for doing three workouts a day, or going on a vacations based on whether the place has a gym or not.  They support me in every way possible, and I am confident I wouldn't be where I am today with out them.  This group of people is HUGE and it consists of my parents and my sister, but also aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, teammates, friends, colleagues, coaches and community members.  The cool thing about my family is that I have them all around the world that fit into that category of people.  Some of them I don't get to talk to or see often, but when I do I know that it will be like no time has even passed as we will pick up where we left off.  

The year has flown by, and I am sure the next one will as well with the new adventures in my future.  I look forward to see what is to come, and am excited to continue making some awesome memories with even better people!!

In the words of Natalie Nichols from some other place...Life is good. Life is simple. :)

new beginning

I have decided to start a blog to keep my family and friends up to date with what is going on with me.  I feel this will be the easiest for people to keep tabs on me while I am in Germany playing basketball! This one is quick, but I will try to keep it updated as often as I can! Have a great rest of your summer!