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.

Co-Hosting the LACY Awards

Hon. Patrick E. Tondreau won the individual award.

I co-hosted the LACY (Legal Advocates for Children and Youth) awards with Don Bleu, local 101.3 FM anchor. Don was fantastic to work with! He has been on the air and doing events for 30 years.

Don Bleu

LACY, founded in 1990 by the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, works to advance the legal rights of minors, empowering them to lead healthy and productive lives. The LACY awards celebrate the of the work done by many in the community to address the problems of youth who have no voice.

Hon. Patrick E. Tondreau won the individual award for his work in the juvenile court system. He has the unique ability to see the best in youth and help them to get on the “right” path. He told me that he loves his job so much it doesn’t feel like work!

I left the luncheon very inspired by LACY and their work in our community. I believe when people are successful, they have a duty to give back, volunteer, do what they can to build stronger communities.