Snow

I'm a little late posting this but last weekend we had a snowstorm. The first bigger one in quite a while. It really wasn't a big deal though because we've had way worse.

We actually got more than this as it snowed again that night. We woke up with another few inches of fluffy snow which I had to shovel. I didn't mind though. It was easy to just push with the shovel and I love the fresh cold air.

It's so nice not having to worry about driving to work in the snow anymore. Working from home is the best : ) 

Being an introvert

This podcast, "The psychology of people who love staying at home" by The Mindset Mentor Podcast, was the biggest "AHA moment" for me...like ever! Finally!! Someone who has described exactly why I feel the way I do and why I'm wired the way I am. One of my favorite YouTubers Gemma Louise Miles suggested this podcast because this is the way she is too. That's probably why she's one of my favorite YouTubers : )

I have been judged for not being social enough. But this guy is saying that my "craving to be home" (or to just be alone) is actually a sign of my "emotional intelligence" because it's actually about REST, RETREAT and RECHARGING. 

Yes, I'm an introvert. By definition an introvert is an individual who gains energy through solitude or quiet, low stimulation environments and feels drained by prolonged social interaction. Yup, that is me! It does NOT mean I'm shy or antisocial. It just means that I prefer to focus on internal thoughts and feelings, often preferring one-on-one connections over large groups. I do enjoy socializing, but I need breaks to recover. Sometimes I just sit in a dark space, alone, in silence to help calm down and recharge.

This is what I learned about being an introvert and why I'm wired this way. 

1. My nervous system feels safe when I'm at home. We live in a chronically overstimulated world, including other people's energy. He mentioned that introverts have a highly sensitive nervous system. The outside world can feel like a constant assault on the senses. He says it's my "intuitive regulation". Being at home (or being alone) is where I get to exhale. It's where I don't have to scan the room and put on an act for other people if I'm not feeling just right.

2 Recharge through solitude not socializing. I lose energy being around people, but I gain it by being in solitude. Extroverts gain energy from being around people whereas introverts get energy by being by themselves. It's because I notice everything. I'm super observant and pick up on everyone's energy around me. I notice facial expression, tones shifts, and moods very quickly. My brain is constantly observing all of that. That's why I need to get away from them and go somewhere where I feel safe (my home or even my car) to be alone and rest in a safe space. What I need is stillness.

3. Home is the first place that you might actually feel in control. Home is my safe place. 

Instead of forcing myself to go out more, I should be asking myself, what does my nervous system actually need right now. Maybe it's socializing...maybe it's not. 

What did I learn from this podcast? That being an introvert is OK. It's how I'm wired. I always felt like I had to defend myself. Well, no more. 

Mikey

Our hearts have shattered into a million pieces. Our precious Mikey passed away on Monday, January 12th. It has literally taken me this long to even write those words. I honestly don't think I can write anymore than that for now. The tears keep coming when I think about him. This is the first day I've even been able to look at a picture of our boy. Gianna, Julia and I are absolutely devastated. He got sick so fast with a terminal illness. I so wish our love could just bring him back. I'm so angry and so completely heartbroken. I'll do a full post to honor Mikey when I feel strong enough to do it. 

But this is what I know for sure...Mama took him the moment he passed. Just as I took him for her when she passed, just shy of six years ago. Now he's back home with her. 

1:11 

Love you for eternity Mikey. Stay safe and happy in Mama's loving arms until we can see you again. 

UDA Nationals

Gold Medal for Game Day

Bronze Medal for Pom

4th Place for Jazz

I'd say Gianna's team had a VERY successful Nationals this year! They were in second place for Game Day after the semi finals and then they landed in first after the finals! They were in 3rd place for pom after the semi finals and successfully stayed in 3rd after the finals! (The first and second place teams were exceptionally good MN teams.) For jazz they were actually in 2nd place after the semi finals and dropped to 4th after the finals. To be honest, I didn't even think they would make it to the finals so I was super happy with that. And to be in the top five at Nationals is amazing!

The team arriving at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex...

The Field House where they competed for prelims, semis and jazz & game day finals...

The Arena is insane! They only competed here on Sunday for the pom finals...

The Junior class...

This was fun! Gianna spied Carter from Weber State and DWTS! He is an incredible dancer and so nice too! He was super friendly with the girls and was very happy to pose for some pictures...

Love this picture of the team watching back their pom routine after hitting a great routine! 

Getting ready for their jazz performance...

Proud family after a fabulous jazz performance! So happy Ricky could stop over to watch a routine...

Always fun seeing my nephew and brother while in Florida...

Love this picture of the team all dressed up for a fun night out in Disney Springs...

Gianna is so beautiful...

Game Day GOLD medal performance...

Time for awards...

And here they are!! The well deserved medals...look at that GOLD!! So happy that Gianna will get a ring!! Yay!!

So happy the girls got to see Savannah. Texas Tech was fantastic this year placing 2nd for Pom (which is just incredible) and 4th for jazz in the extremely competitive D1A division! 

Look at all the alumni that showed up to support the Gulls this year! Twelve!! Well two are assistant coaches but that still counts...

National Champions again!! 

In other news...we went down one day earlier this year and did Epcot. It's a wonderful perk having a brother who works for Disney...which equals free passes!! The weather that day was freezing and super windy though. So we just tried to stay inside as much as possible. We got to ride Guardians of the Galaxy. It was so fun!! We were able to do the whole park between 9-3. Then we met up with Julia and had a yummy dinner in Italy...

I have to mention that the crowds at UDA this year were out of control. Having dance, cheer and throwing in soccer tournaments just isn't working anymore at ESPN. UDA has to do better but I know they won't because it's all about the money. The popularity of the D1A category is insane now. I'm sure it's due to social media...TikTok especially. The amount of people (adults, teenagers and little kids) that attended this year as spectators only was ridiculous!!! The venues are just too small now to handle the size of the crowds. It's so frustrating when families and alumni can't find a seat to watch their dancers. I couldn't get a seat in the arena on finals day and had to  watch on a screen in a different part of the arena. That also meant I couldn't even watch the awards in the same room when Gianna's team placed 3rd for pom. How crazy is that! Julia lined up at 6:15 a.m. on Sunday morning to literally fight for her life to get a seat in the balcony to watch her sister! The lines for food and the bathrooms were crazy long. It was so bad this year that I literally don't even want to go back next year. I'd rather pay for the subscription and watch it on my TV in the comfort of my own home. And I thought last year was bad?! There was no comparison to this year. Pure Insanity!!!

But having said all that...GO GULLS!!!

Watch Game Day Routine

Watch ]azz Routine

Watch Pom Routine

Prep Week Photoshoot

I love these pictures of Gianna. The dance team is working so hard (12 hour daily practices) getting ready for Nationals which start on Friday, January 16th! Go Gulls!!