dreaming over the ocean

Every once and a while, something happens that gets me really stoked up for the coming season.  That recently happened.  But first, let me back up a bit... This coming season is going to be hard & challenging, and I expect it to push my limits.  Not only my limits, but the limits of everyone around me as well:  we often forget about all the people “on the periphery” who help support people’s dreams.  They are the ones that allow crazies like me (someone who holds a full time job, and too many volunteer positions) to succeed. Recently I received a great notification that I had been chosen as part of the Betty Designs 2015 team! So far, what I like is that as a “silent feminist” I get to be on a virtual team of strong, inspirational women, who are able to come together, network, and encourage each other.  It’s like a free group of new friends! I truly believe that the way women encourage each other is exceptionally empowering.  I also...

It is Mid-November!  Already!  People are already thinking about Christmas!!! To me, that is crazy. Time flies when life is busy, and boy, has it every been.  With the "off season," done, it is a time to not think about sports, re-connect with loved ones and the couch, and get vamped for the next year.  This year, however, I realize that I have taken too much on during this time.   I know this, because I constantly feel like there is something else to do, and I am not binge watching any television shows.  I simply don't have time! I have been filling my time with Board work for Leading Edge Triathlon Club .  2015 is going to be a big season, with possibly some large exciting differences to come!!!  However, this takes a lot of work.  Especially with the upcoming AGM~ I am thankful for the awesome people on the board, who take the work seriously & are fun to work with.  I trust them implicitly. I have been heading up The {Respon...

If you are Canadian, this has been big week in Media.  Perhaps a HUGE week in media. First, we had the tragic events in the Capital.  Where a man, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, armed with a shot gun that held a maximum of 8 rounds, ran to the war memorial & gunned down an unarmed solider.  He then proceeded to walk into the parliament building, towards the conservative and NDP caucus meetings.  He was then shot down by Sargent-at-Arms, who emptied his semi-automatic side arm, into the chest of the man. Second, late last week, we have had (argueably) the most beloved radio-host in Canada, fired from the national broadcasting corporation, CBC .  He was fired, apparently, because of his fetishes and sexual acts.  As you know, there are reports that at least 3 women state that it was non-consensual acts of violence and domination. Let me be clear: I do not condone acts of violence.  Not towards individuals, groups, or nations.  I grieve with our ...

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September, for the rest of my life, will always bring joy and sorrow.  At the most joy, it is my wedding anniversary  (wowza!  we were just saying that with the approach of two years, we are no longer "newly weds.  Where did the time fly!?) In addition, it brings melancholy, and grief, as I remember the life of my sister Shaunnie Rebecca, who passed away on the 23rd of Sept, 2012. As you may know, Rebecca passed away at the Alberta Hospital, while under care for her schizo-affective disorder.  She passed away in the early morning, after not fully awakening for breakfast.  It was found that she had a toxic level of an anti-psychotic medication, Clozapine, in her blood serum.  From there, it is unknown as to what caused her death.   Our family called for a public inquiry by the province of Alberta.  Public Inquiries are not to find fault, but rather to make recommendations so that things like this don't happen again.  Public i...

Boy, there is a lot to talk about these days.  I finally have time to be able to do something about that, as it is smack dab in the middle of "off season." I have a few weeks to catch up on things, and im excited to do nothing for a bit.  I have scheduled a few social items, but, in reality... I am really trying to not do much on the weekends, in particular. Last week, I was in Quebec, for the first time since I was at McGill.  It was a bit nostalgic, because in many ways, there are so many good memories about Quebec.  And, lets be honest: if there is a place that does "quaint" the best in Canada, it is rural Quebec.  Quaint towns and delicious food.  Perfect. I was there to race the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.  This is the second year that I have gotten a roll down slot for the race & the first time that it was outside of the USA (previously, it has been held in Clearwater, FL, and Las Vegas, NV... where I participated, last year). ...

Warning: potentially controversial topic ahead… Today, on Facebook, a friend of mine posted a link to THIS ARTICLE .  Its about a year old, and there is much discourse on the internet about it.  So, i'm late to the bandwagon.   However, it really got me thinking today outside of my “west coast-Canadian world view” & I am thankful for that.  I actually was quite surprised as to how much my emotions reacted to reading the article & found it difficult not to reply; even though I know that Facebook is not the best forum for complicated conversations.  I am thankful that I have friends who are not within the same socio-cultural standpoint that I am, who have different convictions than I do.  ‘Cause I need to be reminded of other perspectives, sometimes.  I would also like to hear yours, in my comment space! (though, if it gets rude, i will moderate comments!) I think that modesty and purity is a topic that frequently comes up in Christian c...