Scott Weltz

Hey Dad,

So there's this Olympics thing going on. Usually I'm not a big summer Olympics kinda of gal but with my new job I'm paying more attention because we have 3 Olympians from UC Davis competing this year.

Each of them has had their struggles and their reasons not to be considered a contender. Kim Conley, a runner, wasn't expected to place and Scott Weltz, a swimmer, was also a big surprise when he qualified. Our last Olympian, is a kayaker with Crohn's disease and this is her 3rd Olympics. Each of them had to push beyond the implied expectations or limits and believe in themselves to win.

Well Scott's swim meet is over. He qualified in the semi-finals but he placed 5th in the final. But instead of having a sour attitude, he's just proud that he even got to compete. Sometimes I need to be reminded that it's not about winning and it's really about the journey.

Love you,
Stephanie aka Daddy's Gil

Daily Dose of Violet

Hey Dad,

Last night, Violet and I played 'makeup.'

Feeling Good

Hey Dad,

Last night was the first night that I've slept soundly since that Friday. Hearing your voice was like a salve for my soul and I feel so much more at peace and optimistic about tomorrow.

I ordered a Edible Bouquet for you yesterday and it should be delivered today. I hope you know that I'm thinking about you always and praying for you.

Tonight is another 'dance camp' for the flash mob I'm in. I'm going to be leaving our dinner party for a bit to get my dance on. It's funny how committed I can be to working out for someone else yet I can imagine a bizillion different excuses not to work out for myself. That's why I'm lucky to have you. Just knowing that I'm 1,700 miles away but that I'm dancing and exercising to support my dad is reason enough.

Love you,
Stephanie aka Daddy's Gil

Phone Call

Hey Dad,

You called me this morning and just hearing your voice was a gift. Hearing you speak with such purpose and love was more than I could have ever asked for. I think I needed that call more than I needed air because I feel like I'm finally really breathing again.

Talking to you about your plans and your dreams was so inspiring. I think I'm going to go back to the batting cages now and see how fast I can hit the ball. (I wonder if I'll even make contact?)

Your positive outlook and love fills me with so much hope and joy. I'm so grateful to have you in my life, Dad.

Love you,
Stephanie aka Daddy's Gil

Inspiration

Hey Dad,

When I'm fighting to finish my exercise circuit, I tend to think of 80's music and movie montages. Y'know the sort of montage I'm talking about. Think Rocky and the workout montage where he's running around Philly. While I'm no Slyvester Stalone, the montage idea helps me push through one more rep because I remember that this is just one moment and the finish line is closer with each rep.

So to provide a bit of a montage and some comic relief. I introduce November the cat and his treadmill.

Love you,
Stephanie aka Daddy's Gil

Dance Camp

Hey Dad,

So last night I went to 'dance camp' to practice for the flash mob I'm going to be in. Do you know what a flash mob is, Dad? If not, click here. I've never really been that great of a dancer so luckily the moves are pretty simple. Simple enough that I'm actually feeling confident about performing in public (in the safety of a crowd of other dancers, mind you.)

The dancing really made me sweat and by the time 'dance camp' was over I was kaput. I spent a bit of time with Violet and hubs before bedtime.

How was your first day of PT? Did you kick some PT booty?

Love you,
Stephanie aka Daddy's Gil

Walk outside

Hey Dad,

Just finished a meeting across campus and now I'm catching some rays in my chucks.