Winter's Coming!

I should apologize, I hope I didn't scare anyone with the subject line in this e-mail. Winter is coming, but only if you're about to head onto a plane, fly 22 hours, to find yourself on the South Island in New Zealand. If that's the case, then yes, winter is coming!

I have caught myself saying things like, 'It's been a nice summer'. And people keep looking at me sideways and ask, 'What do you mean? Summer's just getting going.' I then explain that I'll be spending the next 3 weeks in New Zealand, with a short break at home before a 3 week block in Chile as well.

I have to say, I have enjoyed a wonderful summer. I'm not sure if it's because of Beijing and David's final preparations for the Games, but I certainly sense a shift in my daily motivation levels and my attention to details. 2010 is only 1 1/2 years away, I want to win, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes.

The last month has been filled with travelling for training. I spent two weeks in Calgary with my team training, then one week in Ottawa training. My last week I was happy to spend at home with David before seeing him off to Beijing then hoping on a plane myself to head Down Under.

I'm looking forward to getting on the snow again, although it still feels unreal that I'll be skiing soon. This will be my first trip to New Zealand, so I look forward to seeing this part of the world that I've heard so much about.

Here are a few images to showcase what I've been up to this last month:

Emily Brydon and I petting to horses during the Calgary Stampede.











Jumping off the bridge after some waterskiing and wake boarding in Calgary with the Brewington's and friends.















My parent's in Ottawa when they came up to visit me for the weekend.












The group (and Terry Orlick) about to spend an afternoon climbing trees!











David on the Rutherford - the first race was held last weekend on The Rutherford, Canada's first artificial whitewater course. Check out the You Tube video I made showcasing this event: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0Fo242trjSQ

I volunteered for the Brunch For Books event held at the Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver. I read a new book called, Jazlyn J to the kids then signed them afterwards.

I did some work with Play it Cool this last month. Encouraging BC's people to put their $100 climate change dividend towards going Carbon Neutral, and through an interview with Global National (which aired Sunday, July 27th). The Global National piece showcased Adam van Koeverden and I working with Play it Cool and the programs initiatives.

That's about it from my end. My next entry will be filled with skiing images and snow!!!!

Wishing you many Smiles,

Kelly