Bimini Once Again

Yep, Bimini has become an annual trip it seems. And I got the chance to go this year which was awesome! I met some of the people Kel and Dad got to know last year, and I'm pretty sure we did a lot of the same things as well...snorkeled Three Sisters Reef and Honeymoon Harbour, which was gorgeous! Had a lobster feast on the beach, attended Junkanoo!, watched the fireworks on New Years, and of course enjoyed the many amazing sunsets that only Bimini has. We also went on a dolphin excursion, and Dad went scuba diving in some new places he hadn't been before. We went swimming with the sharks, which was amazing! And definitely had some fun nights out, lots of dancing!!

We saw an octopus!!

This trip we rented a cottage right on the beach, so we saw almost every sunset. And it was closer to town, which was perfect because we could just walk wherever we wanted to go and could hear where all the action was. We also had access to a golf cart, which we took full advantage of, and toured around the north island. The brakes didn't work too well, but we managed. lol. 

Besides hanging out with some old friends,...like Ben, Justin, and Tyler from Canada,....and Norbert and Ashley who live in the Dolphin House,..we made some new friends as well. Hilza and Debbie, we met these two crazy women while watching the sunset. They were drinking wine and chatting up a storm! They were loads of fun and even brought us a Canadian flag that Hilza's husband found on the water, very nice! We also met Captain Jack, from the dolphin tour we did. He's a really nice local guy, and we got to drink with him while out one night. We met Jesse that night too, a guy from Florida who charters fishing boats. He gave us some Wahoo, a type of fish. We took it to Sherri and she cooked it up for us, along with some conch. It was delicious!!! She's the best, and the sweetest person ever! Pretty much everyone you meet in Bimini is great. lol.

Together Again!

Finally! Once I got back from Oz, it wasn't long til Kel and I hit the road again on another trip. It felt really good to be back at it. Was kind of like we had never left and just picked up where we left off. But we really did miss it. Was tempting to just do the whole east coast. lol. But that will have to wait. This trip we headed to Quebec City and Montreal. Started in old Quebec, browsed the markets, enjoyed the street performances and ate beaver tails! Yum! Nutella banana and apple cinnamon!

 

The next day we hit up Montmorency Falls. It is just outside the city, so if ever in Quebec be sure to make the trek out there.  Really beautiful views and the waterfall is quite amazing as well. The walk up is a hike, there are about 15 flights of stairs, but you can take breaks and it actually gives a really nice view. After that we headed to Ile d'Orleans. It is just a cute little island on the other side of the falls. There are little shops and such, very country-like.

Montreal was next, and I was most looking forward to it. Kel had toured around before, but it was my first time so I was really excited, especially to see Old Montreal and Chateau Frontenac. We got a place at this really neat B&B. Right in old Montreal. It was old and cottage-like, and everyone was super nice. I loved it! (Too bad Kelly's eyes are closed in this picture. hah!)

We hit up the shops in Old Montreal. Such awesome architecture and I loved the old buildings, the cobblestone streets and all the flowers and greenery. Was really beautiful! I appreciated the detail and the artsy vibe of the place. We then got some lunch and happened to stumble upon a cycling event. Not sure what it was exactly but we watched that while we ate, then walked along the water towards Chateau Frontenac...and it honestly is a gorgeous building.

Before our trip was over we had to get some poutine, and we heard La Banquise was the best. So so good!! Real gravy, actual cheese curds, and savory fries. mmm. They have flavours for everyone, with over 20 different poutine variations on the menu. Definitely didn't disappoint!

To end the trip, Kelly decided to spontaneously get a tattoo! lol. Well, she had been seriously considering it for a couple months. But I guess after we walked by this tattoo shop for the second time she thought now was the time. I'm not sure if it was because I was with her, but for some reason she got the courage. There were some tears and some painful faces at times, but she did good. Didn't pass out and that's always a plus! haha :) The end result was a tiny little heart on her inner arm, near her wrist. Very cute!

My Week in Taiwan

Oh what fun it was! Only a week, but it was well worth it...
My old roommate from Brock, Denise, was teaching in Hsinchu, and it had been so long since I'd seen her, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to go. Of course I was a little nervous because I knew I would not be able to communicate with anyone, but thankfully her boyfriend, JP, picked me up from the airport and helped me back to their place. Well, he had a scooter and I had a huge suitcase so riding with him was not realistic. He put me in a cab and sent me on my way.

Culture shock sort of set in after that, when the cabbie hinted that he didn't know where he was going and I was trying to speak mixed English, while giving incorrect sign language to him. That was how it was the rest of my time there, but thankfully I had Denise and JP with me from then on.

The rest of the week we just ventured around Hsinchu, Taipei, and some places I can't even remember. lol. Went to a market, which was hard to take. Some of the food vendors had really bad smelling food, and they weren't the most appealing to look at either. But clothes and accessories are so cheap it's hard not to buy! We had a night out in Taipei, which was sooo much fun! We all dressed up in jungle attire, then went skating and out to a club. Another day went to a watering hole, and chilled out at some natural hot springs in a beautiful little town. The hot springs are actually the best hangover cure. The hot water feels so good!

All in all, Taiwan was such a great trip! I'm so happy I went, and I had the best time there! Thanks to Denise and JP for a place to stay and being my tour guides! :)

Taiwan beer on arrival. Was pretty good!

Scooting around Hsinchu, the most popular form of transportation.

Hsinchu City.

Sporting some Hsinchu fashion.

I love the lanterns!!!

Skating in my jungle attire!
The little asian girls seemed to like our outfits. lol

Partying at LUXY! Who wants a picture!?

Spending the day at the watering hole.

The Good People of Perth

Christmas Day I was working at the restaurant (yay me! gah.) and obviously wasn't too excited about it. I was beyond homesick, and missing my family more than ever. Spending Christmas alone isn't exactly the greatest.

But luckily, I got to serve a really great family that had come to Melbourne for the holidays. First thing I learned about them was they lived in Perth, and second, they really liked the show How I Met Your Mother... because the two sons, both around my age, called me Robin all evening, and kept asking me random things about Canada. I also learned quite quickly that they liked to drink. A lot. Once I put their drinks on the table we all hit it off real well, and I ended up having a really good time with them....even when the Dad knocked a tray full of beers out of my hand and onto the people in the next table. hah! He said he was practicing his tennis swing. lol. Oops... By the end of the meal, they were inviting me to stay with them in Perth, and one of the sons, Kal, gave me his number. I said goodbye, Merry Christmas and didn't think of them much after that.

Kal and I, Christmas Day

Well, fast forward to February....I arrived in Adelaide, after my outback trek, and was debating where to go next. I didn't want to head back to Melbourne. So I thought "Alright, Perth it is...". Booked a flight, a room, and left the next day. The first day I toured the city, and it was so beautiful! It's sunny with blue skies almost every day of the year. And it stayed warm at night, which I liked because it reminded me of summers at home. I really loved it and am hoping I can return one day.


The next few days were a little rough though. Mother Nature was causing a real ruckus in north-eastern Australia, so lots of travelers were in Perth. And normally the west coast is quiet. So getting accommodation was horrible. At one point I was really struggling, because I had to find accommodation for the next night and everywhere was booked. Of course I had a little freak out,...so I went to call home, but instead found Kal's number. Completely forgot about it! But it worked out perfectly! I called him up and after some chitchat he invited me home for the weekend to see the family on their farm.

Well, I had no idea they lived in the middle of nowhere. They live about 3 1/2 hours outside the city, and about 20 minutes from the nearest town called Wagin. Where they live is called Kukerin,...population 190, dirt roads and farms, no neighbours for miles, and at night it's pitch black. Kal and I stayed at Josh's house (his brother), and we'd head to their parents for breakfast in the mornings. They have a sheep farm, so I helped herd sheep in the pick up truck, and they taught me all there is to know about the game cricket. Also learned some country drinking games at the local pub. After the weekend they offered me a place to stay in Perth. Kal goes to school in the city and they own a place, so they were gracious enough to let me stay until I figured out a plan. The deal was I had to clean the kitchen and keep tidy. Done!

Big farming community, specializing in sheep!

So I spent 2 weeks there. Relaxed by their pool, read some books, toured Freemantle, which has an amazing market, and got to know the family. Kal, Josh and I got along great. Went cliff jumping with some of their friends one day and had dinner together pretty much every night. haha. Their Dad, Colin, and I delivered pea straw around Perth one morning for peoples landscaping. That was actually quite fun! And the Mom, Ronnie, and I got along really well, chatting quite a bit like women tend to do.

Pea straw to be delivered.

My aussie parents, Col and Ronnie.

I like to call them my Australia family, because they took me in without question, and are absolutely the nicest people. I was so appreciative to them and I had such an amazing time being a part of their fun-loving family. Unfortunately a couple months after I arrived home from Australia, Josh had passed away. It was quite a shock because I had just been getting to know him, but also strange because I didn't know him for very long. Although, it was definitely sad to hear, I'm glad we had the chance to meet. I only hope for joy and happiness in the Joyce family's future, and I know Josh will be watching out for them.

Been awhile...

Over a year actually...and there have been lots of adventures that I have not filled you in on. Obviously I was in Australia, but never said much about it once I arrived...
It was definitely an awesome experience. Looking back now, it's very clear that I took the whole "lost on purpose" motto and ran with it! I wasn't sure what to expect and I didn't have much of a plan for my time there....so I did have some challenges, but in the end I grew heaps from the whole trip and had an AMAZING time!

The first highlight of the trip was the Great Ocean Road. D, Jay, and I got a car, and headed south. It was a little cold but so worth it! The pictures don't do it justice, but there were amazing views and lots of wildlife. Perfect little holiday away. :)

After that, I got a job at a restaurant, The Wharf Hotel. Met some really nice people, and made a whole bunch of new friends. I also worked a weekend at the MMI Melbourne, and everyone there was so great as well.
And I am soo grateful to those who let me stay with them and even offered a bed or a couch. So appreciated, and very needed at times. So happy to have met such amazing people. And D and Jay, love you guys for letting me be the third wheel!

When I wasn't working I just ventured around Melbourne and St. Kilda. Loved St. Kilda beach and it's definitely one of my favourite places. Became a daily occurrence walking down there and soaking in the sun!

I also went to the outback on an 8 day excursion. Started in the desert , in Alice Springs, and made our way down the middle of Australia to Adelaide. Unbelievable! I had THE best time, and everyone I met was such fun. We all got along great, which is sort of rare on trips like those. But we all bonded quickly and it made for a great trip. The only downside, if you can even call it that, was the heat. It was hot. Really hot. Couldn't even get cold water from the tap or do some of the activities because the heat was so strong. I guess that's what I get for going in the middle of summer! But I had such a great time, that I didn't even care too much...

Junkanoo anyone???

Part of being in the Bahamas during the Christmas Holidays is that you get the opportunity to take in a local and from what I understand and island tradition...Junkanoo. The link on the title is the most information I've seen on Junkanoo. More than the locals were able to give us anyways :)

It happens on December 26th and January 1st...supposedly in the wee hours of the morning. Being on island time, they didn't start until the early hours of the evening...lol.

This video is the first round the parade took down the street of Alice Town. That kid at the end is Kegan...he was from Toronto and we ran into him everywhere. He's also dancing on the bar with an older ladie in the New Year's video. This kid just made my heart sing. So open, so free and so curious. I realized I could use a little more of his lifestyle in my life.


In the last few days in Bimini we went snorkelling again at Honeymoon Harbour and then at the Sapona shipwreck. The water at this wreck was freezing, but there were all sorts of cool things to take in. Justin, Ty and Drew were all about going through little holes and seeing what was on the other side, which ended up being like little rooms, but I decided I'd stay in the main part of the ship. No little spaces with only a snorkel for me... Although I did venture through one at the back of the ship as it led out to the back deck where we found the prop and lots of other gear. I'm sure it has names, just don't know them :) (video)


And then as a final hoorah, we went and fed the sharks...again. This time dad got in the water...hung on to the back of the boat though, and took video. I'm still quite apprehensive about doing that. It's on my bucket list though... :) (video)


I'm excited to get back to Bimini...whenever that is!

The After-Effects are Blissful

Post birthday bliss led to a relaxing afternoon snorkelling at the Three Sisters Rocks, also known as La Chance Rocks I believe. Bimini is also known for the Bimini Road which is said to be part of the ancient civilization of Atlantis, which is the reason my Dad ended up in Bimini in the first place a few years back. These rocks are not far from where that road begins.

Beauty creatures and beautiful rocks...

And of course a day of rest was required before the New Year's festivities were to begin because PS...we're crazy :) and fireworks by the beach are great!

A Bimini Style 28th Birthday

Typically Katie and I create each other's birthday videos...that was not possible so fortunate for me I had little to do with the camera on the evening of my birthday. Well I'm still not sure if it was fortunate or not! lol. It was fun though!

In the words of the country music..."Some days you gotta dance, give it up when you get the chance, when the world doesn't make no sense and you're feelin' just a little too tense, you gotta loosen up those chains and daaance!" So I did...but only after spending a ridiculously amazing day snorkelling in Honeymoon Harbour.

I cannot tell you how majestic this day felt especially when two beautiful creatures decided to 'fly' through and say hello! Ah magic! And it doesn't hurt to know how to spear and clean a lobster either! Yum :)

Happy Birthday To Meeeee!!!Thanks Drew, Ty, JC, Dimagio, Navaro.... :)

Bimini or Bust!

It would be difficult to start this post without first acknowledging that it's very weird having gone on vacation without Katie. And then to write some posts seems very out of place as well, but Bimini is just too beautiful and too fun to keep inside any longer.

This beautiful island in the Bahamas is well...beautiful. Not too toursity, not too quiet, just the right amount of sun and sand and adventures to partake in. It's known for it's fishing so it's no surprise that its very seasonal. It was a great place to spend Christmas.

I will admit, it was sometimes a challenge staying with 5 guys/men...masculine things...lol. I have a new appreciation for women with boys. It's all about food, killing stuff and burning stuff...and making noise. Overall it was great fun though.

The first week was like the warm-up... a bit of snorkelling, some karaoke and a night out on Christmas Eve.

And on a Christmas Day snorkelling venture I ran into a little friend I have been waiting to see since Australia!!!! Duuuuude! It made my holiday...until my birthday of course!

Kelly Coordinated a Conference... :) Part 2

After the 3 day conference was over we took 57 of those delegates up to Legends in Whistler Creekside for a more intensive 5 day ISTDP (Intensive Short Term Dynamic Therapy Program) session. Oh my, how I fell in love with Whistler. Well maybe not so much Whistler itself, but definitely the landscape and the cool fresh air.

Thank goodness for Michele, who organized this event with the exception of the catering and transportation, which I did, and the activities (trying my hand at activities coordinator too!)because my brain was toast after those three days at UBC. I welcomed the quiet time and cherished the 'Free Day' when we got to do whatever we wanted!

I helped to organize some activities where possible and the one I did was Ziptreking! It was great! One thing I realized was that while everyone else's adrenaline began to pump, mine actually slowed down. Ya, it was exhilerating to fly on a cable across the river, but there was something about it that relaxed me. Perhaps the scenery, the ability to let go of control or maybe it was just that I was out in nature for the first time in weeks! Who knows, but I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to go with!

That day definitely opened the group up and allowed everyone to let loose a bit after being cooped up in seminar rooms for 5 days! And I think it even cracked them far enough open to bring in some amazing creativity for the Karaoke night the next evening. Now that's what I call entertainment.... lol.

"Get up get up you scum sucking pig...." Oh Josette...I'm not sure anyone can say that quite like you :)

Kelly Coordinated a Conference... :) Part 1

I know I know, Katie's posts are so exciting! I'm a little envious that she's in Australia at the moment and I'm elsewhere.... I do love Vancouver though. And speaking of, during our little hiatus, I was up to a lot of things! Namely organizing and coordinating a 3 day conference for the International Experiential Dynamic Therapies Association with my friend Diane. It was awesome! I got to put my gifts of organization and service to use and used the opportunity to really see if event planning was something I was interested in persuing.

I had an absolute blast meeting all the delegates from all over Europe and the US and Canada, not to mention enjoying the beautiful area at UBC where it was all held. And I'm so happy Diane and I were able to be on the same page for this event because we sure as hell brought the fun! At one point nearly everyone... yes everyone, was on the dance floor dancing at our Gala. My fav though was little Rose Point, the Native elder who did our blessing for the dinner. Total sweatheart and what a sparkplug she is! 80 and hasn't got a slow bone in her body!

I'm looking back at that experience and saying, "Haha, I organized and ran a conference! How flippin' cool is that!?! I DID IT!" Ya I'll give my ego a little boost there! I deserve it! lol.
Thank you all of you amazing beings who entered my life for those three days and lit up my life in unexpected ways. I love you all!

Melbourne MAGIC!

It's been about a week since I've been in Oz. The whole time hanging out in Melbourne. Loving this city by the way! It is magical! So many great people and energy! Always something to do or see. Last week was fashion week so I caught some free fashion shows, which was awesome! D and I saw a crazy one with a very vibrant drag queen. It was fun! lol.

I've been to some museums. Waiting for a day when D is free so we can go to the Tim Burton exhibit!!!! Oh I can't friggin wait! I went and saw a free exhibit at the same place the other day and it looked amazing! haha
Anyways, I ride the City Circle tram everyday for free and it's awesome! Goes all the way around the city and I can walk from anywhere. Everything is close and it's easy to find your way around here. I love it!

What else,...met up with John, Giovanni, a couple times. Got a hot chocolate the other day for $4.40 Aus and it was the size of a small timmies at home. But John explained to me that this was normal. The city is relatively expensive but people get paid well so it doesn't seem so bad. SO I think an income would probably benefit me. lol.

The only thing I don't really like about this city is that there are a lot of smokers. But I guess I can deal since it's not in buildings or anything. Other than that it's pretty sweet. Planning to stay here for the rest of the month if I can find something to occupy my time, while making money. :) Fingers crossed.

Also planning to krew the MMI here on the 17, 18, 19, but I haven't received a reply so I am probably going to write again and manifest like crazy! And hopefully if everything works out, which it will, I will be going to New Zealand and FIJI with John in Oct/Nov. EEK!!! I hope so!

Anywho! I will update you all again soon. Hoping it gets warmer here so I will want to be outside a LOT more than I already am. lol. Those who know me well, know how I feel about the cold. GAH!

Next on the list..Great Ocean Road with D and Jay and visits with Karen, Jenna, and Allison. :)

love to you all,
oxxo

Return to OZ!!

So, since this is the best and easiest way to let everyone know about my Oz adventures, AND since I am traveling, it's the perfect time to get Lost on Purpose rolling again.

As you all may know already, I made it to MELBOURNE! YAY! It was a looooong day but well worth it. D cried a little when I arrived and I was greeted with warm hugs and of course a well needed bed. That sleep was sooo delightful and the shower this morning was heavenly. Thank you, thank you, thank you. :)

The flights went very well too. Only a little turbulence. But lots of snacks and meals and I got to watch Iron Man 2, Hot Tub Time Machine, and Wog Boys 2. Which is a really funny Aussie film. lol... The most daunting parts of my travels was the layovers in LA and Auckland. LA was about a 7 hour layover I think. And I was in Auckland for a whole day. GAH! Got there at 8am and left at 9pm. Had some good naps tho so I was happy.

As I'm typing this I feel as though I am on a plane right now and it's making me feel sick, so I'm gonna wrap this up. lol.

Some highlights of the trip:1. Saw a plane attendant putting a dog in the bottom of an airplane and before he put him in he gave it some water and was talking to it for about 5 minutes. Aww, it was nice to see.
2. Good looking men everywhere.
3. Saw some celebs at LAX. James King?, a Soapstar, and I think someone from 30Rock but wasn't quite sure.
And, 4. Security didn't take the popcorn that Nina gave me for Jay and D.

Um, that's about all I can think of right now....until next time!!!

LOVE to you all from Down Unda.
Katie ox

What! A Birthday Apart?!

Well dearest Katie, it was very different being away from your birthday festivities this year...so I created some for you while I was away in Palm Springs! And there were so many other peeps who said Happy Birthday to me for you and wished you well...my camera just could not contain all the love we were sending your way. Miss ya sista! xo

It feels like ages ago!

It's the end of April and it literally feels like ages ago since the Olympics and Paralympics were revving up Van-city and Whistler. After a busy month of reflection, unwinding and recentering here is the final Paralympic post!

Diane (my lovely friend I am living with while I'm out in BC) and I decided we were going to head to Whistler to check out the Closing Ceremonies. Our original plan was to spend the day up there watching Alpine, but VANOC had other plans for that and cancelled the event and moved it to another day. So there we are two chatty Cathy's driving up to Whistler in the pouring rain and having no clue what we're going to do when we get up there. Just another day in the life of Kelly really... :)

We had no tickets, but found out about the Athlete's Parade through the village which would lead them into the plaza for their Closing. We decided we'd watch the parade and then head into a restaurant or pub to watch the ceremonies on TV.

We we got there and I wanted a picture of myself on the podium which held the Paralympic symbol, emblem, rings, whatever they are...anyhow... While I'm up there I realize this is an amazing place from which to watch the parade and I haul Diane up with me! As the parade begins and the athletes from all over the world start rolling and walking by us I realize that we are in everyone's pictures because of the rings behind us!!! And in the mysterious ways of the Universe I have proof of this, which I will show you shortly.

It was an amazing experience to love on all these athletes and honour them for their dedication, courage and passion and it was pretty sweet to see those honkin' medals around some of their necks too!

After the closing was done, a lot of athletes came into the pub we were at. One in particular, Tim Farr and his family, chatted with Diane for a bit. I got my picture with him and his contact info to send it to him. Upon getting home and looking at my pictures I realize that I have a picture of him taking a picture of us during the parade...so of course I email him and tell him this and send him the photos and he replies with his photos attached as well. :) He's got a pretty cool story! Check him out here!

Now, aside from that synchronistically amazing event Diane and I made friends with a group of 10 or so British guys and one sweet gal, who were on their annual snowboarding/skiing trip. They were great! Many beers and laughs later we were escorted out of the bar and it was time to say farewell to the Paralympic symbols, which we honoured by taking a big group shot, to our new friends and to Whistler.

And now finally, a month and a bit later, a final farewell to the Paralympic Games a la Lost On Purpose. (and that was probably John Furlong quality French and I'm A-Okay with that)

Erin Go Braugh! Slainte!

This was the first year since I was in Australia that Katie and I have been apart for St. Patty's Day (and even then I had friends with me) :( And last year certainly topped the list of amazing St. Patrick's Days. So this year I meandered into The Corner Bar in Vancouver and found myself a great little place to celebrate. Between Roger, the two Irishmen, Paul and Mick and the Aussie Simon, my glass was always full, a smile on my face and good Irish entertainment the entire time.

But St. Patty's Day is pretty simple... drink and have fun!

Well my St. Patrick's Day was not celebrated quite like usual. It usually consists of lots and lots of beer starting around noon. It's definitely my drunkest day of the year. And by about 5pm I'm ready for a quick cat nap to only start drinking again. Ahhh, I love this holiday!! So it's easy to see that Kel and I celebrate this holiday 100% and with a lot of passion...last St. Patty's proved that! lol

This year was the complete opposite, but I had a lot of fun! My friend Danielle and I decided to make an Irish dish. Chicken with cabbage and bacon and BOXTY!! aka potato pancakes. Delish! It was good company and good eats. And later we watched "P.S. I Love You", which made me want to go to Ireland even more....


Anyways, the best holiday never disappoints no matter what you do! And when you're among the Irish you're bound to have a good time!

Won't You Be My 'Neighbour'...and ride the ZipLine With Me?

Being as I've been a weekend warrior because the transit is so cheap then, I decided that I would check out a Wheelchair Curling event during the Paralympic Games. The place was only half full so I got to stand when I wanted and was really pretty darn comfy.

Katie, I was alright as far as commentating went...Robin, who MC's the World Cup series sat next to me and kept me up to speed the entire time. He even told me who everyone was and what they were like and pretty much anything and everything he could to keep talking to me. He was cheering for Switzerland and was rooting for Norway to win against Canada. I'm still trying to figure that one out! There was no doubt in my mind Canada had the game!

Mr. Rogers came about when Darryl Neighbour made a good play and the gentleman next to me stood up and yelled out "Won't you be my neighbour?!" It was a classic moment, kind of like amazing punch lines that occur in the moment. But it was a tight game and it came down to Canada's last rock that blocked out Norways final curl. The energy was awesome!

Although I don't remember what I did directly after curling, I know I ended up in line at the Zip Line at Robson Square. It was worth the wait! Especially when I coaxed Alexi from Montreal into staying in line and doing it with me! So much more fun when you do things with other people, even if you've only just met them in line!

One inspires many...

Well, I'm on my own now out in BC (well without Katie anyway)...left to my own devices, can't sit still, gotta check stuff out...

My plan for the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies was to watch them from a pavillion downtown after going on the zipline. Well, instead of doing that, I listened to the woman on the bus, made myself a little sign,

held it up and said with a big smile on my face, "Anybody have an extra ticket?" It took me less than a minute to find a ticket for the right price!

'One inspires many' is the motto for the Paralympic Games and I believe it is true. It alwasy starts with one person, one thought, one dream or vision, one action and then somewhere it becomes something great. It would have been tres cool if Katie had been able to stay out here! Then again, I wouldn't have gotten the ticket I did if there were two of us....I guess it's all perfect the way it is!

We believe!

I really have no idea what to write for this post. This video is a montage of 17 days of absolute amzingness. Looking back at those two weeks is like looking at a mosaic of hundreds of pictures...a bit of a blur.

Words can't describe what it was like to be here, to be Canadian and to have the privelage of hosting the world. The Olympics is about sport, and it's also about peace through sport. The energy the Olympics carries with it, even the torch relay back in December in Leamington, is something that is unexplainable.

The Olympics are a feeling for me now. Bigger than sport, bigger than a gold medal; it's a feeling in my heart I'll always carry with me.

It's believing...

Seeing Gold!!!

As Canada took to the ice in the final Gold Medal match against the USA there was a calm confidence among the city and all it's people. I think everyone in the country said a hockey prayer and left it up to the hockey Gods having complete faith in a positive outcome.

After a heart wrenching end to the third period, we all took a collective breath and said, "Alright, let's do this!" AND WE DID!!! In an unassuming Canadian way, I feel as a country, we just knew we would win that game...we believed!!! It was just our time, for this gold and every other gold we got over the games. It was time for Canada to shine, to claim ourselves a spot amongst the top in the world and to fight for a sport that runs like blood through our veins.

It was truly a uniting moment for us, as Canadians, as hockey fans, as a country; a full circle moment and at the end of that game, there were tears of joy and pride and high fives at every turn!

One thing I know for sure is that a goal scored by Sidney Crosby led to a medal of Gold and a new era for Canada post Vancouver 2010...words cannot describe the emotions and footage will never do it justice. As Canadians we all know what we felt and it felt DAMN GOOD! GO CANADA GO!