A Zhu Zhu Christmas

On my last trip to Salt Lake City to visit my niece, Alex, I asked her what she wanted for her birthday and Christmas. She said "Nini, I want Zhu Zhu Pets!!" Well, I had no idea what they were, but I figured they would be easy to get.

My first try was at Walmart. I scanned the toy section and finally found someone to help me. I told the clerk I was looking for Zhu Zhu pets. She said, "Oh, we are out of them." Next stop, Target. Same question to the clerk there... "Do you have Zhu Zhu pets?" She replied "Oh no honey, we sold out a while ago."

Next stop CVS, based on a tip I got from a woman at Target. She said CVS just got a new shipment. I rushed over and there was one left, a little hamster play set complete with their wheel and little blanket accessories and lots of Zhu Zhu stuff. I took the box to the register and as I was waiting in line, I noticed the box read, "Hamster sold separately!!" Aagghh! I took the box back and went home to look online.

The Zhu Zhu pets were being scalped on E-Bay for $50 each — they retail for $12. I nearly gave up until I saw an add in the Sunday paper: "New shipment of Zhu Zhu pets at Toys R Us!" I rushed out to Toys R Us and got the last set, complete with two hamsters — Mr. Squiggles and Patches. I felt like a crazy woman obsessed with the latest greatest holiday toy. I wonder if my mom went through that when she bought me a Cabbage Patch doll... It was all worth it to see the look on Alex’s face when she opened the box...

Annual Holiday Basketball Clinic

Each year I lead a holiday clinic for our local CYO — Mt. Carmel. We had a great turnout and I really enjoyed working with the kids. It brings me a lot of joy to see so many boys and girls here playing basketball.

The parents here are fantastic too — so supportive. Many of them volunteer to coach and work with youth on a regular basis. It was a great day!

Sharing Stories About Dad

Here is a behind-the-scenes clip from a documentary being filmed be Vern Glenn at KRON Channel 4 in San Francisco. My dad played a huge role in helping me pursue my passion of basketball.

In this clip I talk about how Dad's always had this incredible understanding of me as well as the sacrifices he made to put up a basketball hoop in our driveway.