Christmas in Italia

One of the perks of being a professional volleyball player is you get to travel all around the world.  One of the negatives is you miss all sorts of important and special events like Christmas with the family.  Luckily I have one of my close friends Logan close to me.  Her Mom is in town for the Holidays and they were nice enough to have me over for Christmas Eve dinner.  The food was absolutely amazing...I felt right at home. A big thank you to Logan and her Mom...

Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, spinach, squash, and green beans

The cooks...Logan & her Mom

Merry Christmas to everyone.  I hope you are having a wonderful Holiday with the ones that mean the most to you.  As for my family and friends...I miss you...see you soon.

Snow makes me want to go home...

Here is my car...I can't go anywhere on my own.  6 days until I come home...or LA that is...I can't wait.

Ugly win...

Villa Cortese vs. Pavia 23-25, 25-27, 25-17, 25-22, 15-7


Last night we were able to pull off a win even though we played some ugly volleyball.  After 2 very close close sets luckily my team and I pulled it together and came back to get that win.  Unfortunately by going 5 we only got 2 points and are now tied for 1st with Pesaro instead of being alone at the top. We have one more big game before I get to go back to LA for 5 days.  There is lots of talk about this next game because it is considered a derby since the other city is 10 min from our city and is actually the city I live in.

Busto Arsizio up next...

In action...

Just a couple new volley pictures for your entertainment...this is big...all of you close to me know I'm not a fan of pictures...

Got that one up...then got my hand stepped on by Tai...but we won the point

I need to work on my deception..that set is going back for sure

Jump serving since I was 9...

Momma & Nonna in Italia

A little less then a month ago my Mom and Grandma (Nonna in Italian) aka Lala visited me in Italy for about 10 days.  They always visit me at least once every year in Italy.  This year they got to see a new little city (Busto Arsizio...where I live but do not play) and spend some time in Milan.  We spent Thanksgiving at the Westin Palace in Milan.  Had a great dinner...not exactly like the real deal Thanksgiving meal...but I can't complain.  Lala, my Mom, Logan and I had a fabulous night appreciating family and friends. Here are a couple pictures from the trip...

Mom, Lala, & I after a big win

Mom, Lala, & Flavio (Sponsor) what a great guy...

Lala & I in Milano

Corso Como 10, Milano

Just want to thank my Mom and Lala for making the trip once again.  There is nothing like family and I am so blessed to have the best family in the world.

I love you.

Hard Core...

Recently I have had more of an edgy style.  A lot of simple black pieces with statement scarfs, jewelry, shoes, and bags...here are a couple of my recent purchases...

CC SKYE - Wicked Ring

shopbop.com

CC SKYPE - Stud Hinge Bracelet

shopbop.com

Alexander Wang - Coco Duffel

net-a-porter.com

CC SKYE - Spike Hoop Earrings

shopbop.com

Assad Mounser - Moonage Daydream Collar

kirnazabete.com

My mom told me no bullets...but I couldn't pass this necklace up...i think it is incredible...can't wait to get to LA and wear it.

Pallavolo Update

Just a little pallavolo (volleyball) update.

Villa Cortese vs. Pesaro 25-22, 14-25, 26-24, 19-25, 15-12

Pesaro is one on my ex's.  I spent my first 3 years in Italy in Pesaro.  It is a great little city and I had wonderful years there.  But it was definitely time to move on when I did, but I appreciate the time I spent there and all the great people I met in Pesaro.  This game was going to be a challenge...playing again without one of our star players.  But the team came together, played with heart and never game up and came out with a huge win.  Felt great getting another w...Next up was Heather Bown's (Olympic teammate/friend) team Jesi.

Villa Cortese vs. Jesi 25-20, 22-25, 25-11, 25-17


Going into this game we were in 2nd place and Jesi was 1 point ahead of us in first.  In all of my years in Italy, Jesi has always had a strong team.  We knew we had to play some good volleyball to pull out a win.  It was great having Tai Aguero back playing, and we were playing for 1st place, and a possible 3 days off.  We didn't play our best but it was good enough. Another win and 3 days of relaxation...what else could we ask for.  Next up Pavia...