Orlando City Soccer: Thank You Rob Valentino!

Last year at the EDC BBQ (above photo), I had the opportunity to meet some of our very own Orlando City players. Soluna and I ended up talking at length with Rob Valentino, #22, Defense and Captain of the Orlando City Soccer team.

Today, it was announced that Valentino will not continue with the team as it heads into its first year as an MLS club. Of course, I am disappointed since he is by far my favorite City player. I remember specifically asking him about this transition and how he hoped he would be a part of it all.

Now that the news is out, I want to publicly thank Rob and the other City players who have helped build this team over the last several years. You all have been amazing for Orlando and you will be missed. All the best in whatever is in store for you.

#LionNation #ForeverALion

Remembering Erin

This past Thursday and Saturday, families and friends gathered to say goodbye to a sister, a daughter, a wife, an aunt, a mother, a friend and a beautiful person. 

We will miss you Erin. Your spunk and strength and compassion. It's hard to put all of what I'm feeling into words. Instead, I will post my favorite photo that I came across at her and her husband Stephen's home. It was taken at the annual Blessing of the Animals at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Daphne, Alabama. Chloe, Erin and Stephen's dog, was blessed that day.

With love and peace. 

NICOLE AND CHRIS GOT MARRIED!

Amber H., Beautiful Bride NC, Katharine and me

photo credit: mckenzie stewart

The wedding day for Nicole and Chris ended up being a beautiful one from start to finish. Starting with a girls morning at the nail salon getting pretty fingers and toes. The guys went to lunch at Ale House. After nails and toes, we headed to the hotel to start getting hair and makeup by the fabulous Brush Savvy (Sonya). From the hotel, we loaded in a shuttle...fought a little rain and got to the History Center in Downtown Orlando to prep for a 7 p.m. start time. No matter how many hours away it seemed, there never was enough time to get it all done before wedding time BUT we did. I absolutely loved her flowers that were so thoughtfully pulled together by KS.

The ceremony was beautiful and the reception was intimate and full of fun, dancing and photo booth action. Good food too!




To Nicole and Chris: Mr. Wonderful and I wish you lots of love and happiness in the every day, through the years of moments and may all your dreams for each other and together come true as you grow in love as a married couple. 

their first kiss as husband and wife
(photo credit: Jenn Sugarmann)

My First Own Goal and Of Course, At a Playoff Game

photo credit: fetti/photo planet

Yup...It finally happened. After playing co-ed rec soccer since 2006, I scored on my own goal during last night's game. Not just any game...A playoff game so as soon as the ball lifted off my shoulder and did a direct dive curving into my own goal, I knew the game was over. Felt bad since we really wanted some new t-shirts to wear in our upcoming world tour at Epcot's Food & Wine Festival. But we're getting new jerseys anyway so I'm moving on. Mostly the team wanted to play next week so by losing the game, we're out of the next round. So on behalf of my fellow VooDoo-ians, especially my fellow defenders - Robb & Chris - I want to sincerely apologize for following your lead (Robb) and scoring the winning goal for the other team. It was not my intention no matter how much I wanted to avoid overtime and PK's. And remember, there's always next season!

NC's Getting Married! Let's YOGA.

Post Yoga pic: Kimberly, Nicole, Shannon (Instructor), me and Andrea

So instead of the celebratory lunch as we send off our girl NC into wedded bliss, the team decided to do a yoga class during lunch at Sweetwater Yoga & Fitness in honor of her big day that is happening on Friday.

For a lunch class, it was very well attended and we focused less on Vinyasa's and more on some deep stretches and my favorite - half moon/balance poses.

Thank you Shannon for a great class! Congrats NC on your wedding this week! All the girls hope it's a beautiful day for you and Chris!

Possible wedding day photo idea...

Source: http://www.bridesloveyoga.com/blog/archives/11-2012

Character and Friends

Celebrating friendship with my honorary cousin, So, and my sister-cousin, Tan-yo in Downtown Orlando at Monkey Bar in 2012. These ladies make me smile and never cease to amaze me with all they do for the boys in their life. 

Every day I stop by here to say hello to my friend, this blog...She has remained with me for more than half a decade and doesn't require much except a post now and then. So today, I want to share the following quote that I've kept on my desk calendar since Aug. 22.

Character is so largely affected by associations that we cannot afford to be indifferent as to who and what our friends are. They write their names in our albums, but they do more, they help make us what we are. Be therefore careful in selecting them; and when wisely selected, never sacrifice them. 

- M. Hulburd