Hi all, This isn't one of my tradition pool-related blogs, but this is something very near and dear to my heart and I wanted to share it with you all.

I am participating in my 2nd annual "Making Strides" walk benefiting the fight against breast cancer. My aunt, who acted as a second mother to me, passed away September 19, 2010 and since then I've been doing my best to join the fight with other supporters against this!

I set a personal goal for myself and am asking you to join in and help me reach my goal. You can read more on the event and what I'm doing here: https://secure3.convio.net/tacs/site/Donation2?idb=615966734&df_id=1009502&1009502.donation=form1&FR_ID=35954&PROXY_ID=23292715&PROXY_TYPE=20&JServSessionIdr004=jgn70kgv63.app310a

This is my fund-raising page on the "Making Strides" website where you can not only track my progress, but see where you can help make a difference.

Thank you for your time and support.

I realize I haven't written since my challenge match and Marilyn asked me last night "Are you planning on blogging about the event?" I said "Yes, but I'm a little disappointed with my performance, but had a really great day!" So, with that said, please allow me to elaborate...

The morning of the event, I woke up early to ease into the day. I got to the Rack by 10:30 to warm up, make sure set-up was going well & help with the last little details that had to be taken care of. I felt fine, practice was great, was rested, in-stroke & prepared for the battle with Allison. But because it was such a big day for me, I wanted everything to go smoothly. I found myself scrambling around making sure there weren't issues with tickets, the food or production. Things were fine & everything seemed to be running seamlessly.

After all of that, the doors were opened for the VIP group to come in, have some food and spend some time with Allison and me. Everyone was cracking jokes and enjoying the spread that was prepared for them and of course, getting VERY excited for the match to begin! Then, that moment came...

(Cont...) The doors opened for the rest of the crowd and it got packed! They all found their seats and our referee announced that it was time to start and we were to lag for the break. All that good stuff. The feeling that pulsed through my veins was indescribable! I have NEVER shaken that much in my life. I felt fine and all of a sudden, my awareness washed over me like a roaring tide and hit me so hard. I'm playing Allison Fisher! And that was it; I could not for the life of me get a handle of my nerves. Lesson learned.

So, yes, I got my butt kicked, but I tell you what: I will NEVER forget this day! It was an honor and a pleasure to be put up against someone who was a strong influence with the growth in my game as a young girl. I got very emotional when I was speaking her to after the match sharing with her that I used to watch her on tv growing up and now to be here in this moment with her is something irreplaceable. I don't care what the score was! How many people get a chance to do something they love and especially have a memory such as this one that will last a life time :D

THANK YOU to mom, dad, Em and Phil for supporting me since I was a kid!

THANK YOU to the Broken Rack for hosting and planning, especially Marilyn who worked very closely with me to get all the details worked out.

THANK YOU to my friends and loved ones, especially Naomi, Dee, Alex Ragle and Alex Bradley for helping with the production and of course, rooting for me! 

THANK YOU for those who were THERE! This event wouldn't have been successful without YOU!!!

Counting down to Saturday! I'm looking forward to sparring with one of pool's all time greats!

I was reflecting back on how much of a role model and influence she was growing up in the sport. And now, here I am, set to play a match with her in only 3 days! I've been very blessed and fortunate for this opportunity.

Tickets are going fast so please, call the Rack or contact me if you'd like a ticket :)

Exciting news! I confirmed my Challenge Match with Allison Fisher for June 25th!

It's funny, a lot of people are asking me how I managed to make this happen. So, I thought I'd share the story here:

I was at the Niagara Falls tournament early this year and ended up taking the same hour-long shuttle ride with Allison. We've chatted before, but only casually, so knowing that she'd have no other choice than to talk to me :P hahaha!

Well, we ended up having a great conversation, getting to know one another. From that conversation, we came to the conclusion that it'd be fun to have a challenge match together and here it is!! After a one-hour shuttle ride, tea and sandwiches... June 25th is when the fun happens :)

Tickets available now! For sale at the Broken Rack:

$35 General admission (challenge match, autograph and Q & A sessions, and free photo of Allison)

$75 VIP which includes everything listed above including attendance to our 2-hour reception where you'll be able to hang out with Allison and me before the match

We are also selling raffle tickets where we'll be giving away an Cuetec cue signed by Allison!

$5 a ticket or $20 for 5

See you there?!

Thank you to all who continue to support me! <3