2017 - A Year in Review

I can't believe we are already at the end of 2017! I don't know about you, but this year has definitely flown by. Luckily for myself and the Parkin family, this year has been much better and definitely exciting!

Our biggest news for 2017 is the awaiting arrival of our Baby Boy, who is due any day now. After several years of trying to have a baby, as well as two heartbreaking miscarriages, Drew and I couldn't be happier for this new addition to our family. I'll be sure to post pictures of our little guy as soon as possible.

Here's a crazy story about finding out about our little bundle of joy... It was one week before the 2017 PWBA Tour was about to start. I felt I was in tremendous shape and bowling very well and optimistic for a great upcoming season. That morning, I was flying to Arlington, TX to USBC headquarters and to the ITRC for a very special meet & greet and mini bowling lesson with the Fab Four. For those that aren't familiar, every year, USBC chooses four ladies that are breast cancer survivors and bring them in to the ITRC for a new ball, lessons with Team USA members and then they are part of the opening ceremonies for the Women's Championships. (For more on the Fab Four, click here.)

So...prior to my heading to the airport, I decided for some reason to take a pregnancy test (I wasn't even late yet), but had a funny feeling and sure enough, I was pregnant! Ironically, as mentioned before, this was exactly one week before the PWBA Tour started it's 14 tournament stretch.

For those that aren't aware, I had a miscarriage while competing in an event during the 2016 PWBA Tour season. It was devastating, I was away from my husband and wasn't able to make it home for an entire week afterwards. So naturally, I was nervous for the same scenario, but excited for the possibility of a healthy baby this time around.

So with emotions on high, I began my 2017 PWBA Tour Season. Only my immediate family and best friends new that I was pregnant. Luckily the first 3 stops were all on the West Coast, so I always had family or friends traveling with me during those first few weeks. I battled morning sickness and fatigue right from that very first stop at the PWBA Sonoma County Open, all the way through the last standard event of the PWBA season - The PWBA Rochester Open. Luckily, for some reason, my morning sickness wasn't bad while I was actually competing. Maybe it was the extra focus that helped, but the minute I would get done bowling, I was miserable and very tired.

Despite my growing body, I did manage to bowl every event and had a very consistent season. I didn't exactly reach my goals, but all things considered it was overall a good season. I managed to come in 12th place in points and was the only bowler to qualify for the prestigious PWBA Tour Championships that hadn't made a TV show appearance that year. I cashed in 12 of 14 events, making 6 match play appearances. I just missed making the TV show, finishing in 5th place at both the PWBA Sonoma County Open and the PWBA Rochester Open. I also came in 7th place at the USBC Queens event.

PWBA Tour Championship at Richmond Raceway 

Besides the National PWBA Tour, I also competed at the 2017 Team USA Trials, qualifying for Team USA 2017, making it my 8th year on the adult team. I also successfully defended my title winning back-to-back-to-back PWBA West Regionals, this year held at the PWBA Earl Anthony Memorial Regional event in Dublin, CA.

Besides bowling, my husband Drew and I expanded our pro shop business - Parkin's Bowling Supply. We opened three new locations this year - inside of Brunswick Vista Lanes in Palmdale, CA in April; inside of Brunswick Sands Bowl in Lancaster, CA in May and inside of Oak Tree Lanes in Diamond Bar, CA earlier this month. We now have a total of 6 pro shop locations throughout the Southern California area. So if you're in the area, be sure to stop by and check us out.

Inside of Brunswick Vista Lanes

Inside of Brunswick Sands Bowl

Inside of Oak Tree Lanes

Well that's a wrap! I want to wish everyone a very Happy Holidays! Until 2018!