Monday, July 22, 2013

Being a nomad

It is July and I continue to live out of a suitcase. I live a crazy lifestyle where I travel to compete many months out of the year, but this year has been especially hectic. Even when I have been with the team in the States training, I have not had a permanent home. With the transition from California to Pennsylvania, our team has been on the move a lot.

I started the year at home in North Carolina before I headed out to California. I went to World League 2 in Rio de Janiero, Brazil and took a quick trip back to NC before heading out to Cali again. After a short training stint I made my way to New Zealand for a 4 nation tournament. Returning to the States for a few days off and a short trip to Dallas before starting training in Cali once more. Then I headed back to NC and up to VA for the high performance National Championships. Hopped over to Ohio for the weekend, then to New Jersey for training before World League 3 in London. After WL3 I spent some more time in Ohio before heading to Lancaster, PA to get acclimated with our new city! And after one insane half a year, I came back to NC for the weekend to get grounded by my family before I go back to this crazy lifestyle that I thrive on.

In short:
NC->Cali->Rio->Cali->NZ->Cali->Dallas->Cali->NC->VA->NC->VA->NC->OH->NJ->London->
NC->OH->PA->NC->PA..... can you keep up?

I have been on a plane every single month this year (multiple times certain months) and have spent countless hours in the car or on a bus.


With all that being said, this is the most I have ever traveled and as hard as it can be at times, I am thankful everyday to have the opportunity to play the sport I love and see so many different parts of the world. BUT, I am ecstatic to be getting closer to being settled once again and having a routine and consistent practice schedule in Lancaster! The facilities at Spooky Nook are absolutely breathtaking and everyone in the area is so friendly. I know I am going to settle in nicely with the community there and I can't wait to get that journey of my life started!

In a couple weeks time, I will finally be able to unpack my suitcase for good. Well.... that is until our next trip, the Pan Am Cup in late September!! :) But I wouldn't have it any other way!

Here are a few pictures from some of my journeys this year!