A dedication

I need to get this out. Its very important I do.
First things first.
In order to really appreciate ones success, you need to understand where it all started, and where it came from. Your parents.
A lot of people are proud of me. They think I work really hard for what I love. Their right, I do. But what they don't realize that these things are not just given to you, or a gift. It's the way I was brought up, and what I have worked for. I wouldn't have been able to do any of this if it wasn't for the opportunity I was given as a child, to chose what I wanted to do. With guidance of course.
Lets be honest, at 3 years of age I didn't sign my self up for soccer!
Growing up, my parents signed us up for whatever we decided we wanted to do. Not once did they say no, or did they ever complain about the cost. Seriously, my parents were angels. Not until now do I fully appreciate their patience. Really!
I'm dedicated, yes. Committed, sure I am!
But who got me there?
Who never let me give up?
Who always believed in me?
Mom and dad.
They have supported me through it all.
The thick and the thin. (and let me tell you, there were some thick)
Mom and dad were the ones who always did all the fundraising. The long days, the late nights.
At such a young age, I hadn't a clue!
They would get up at 5 am 3 mornings a week, and just a little later Saturday to drop me off at swimming.
Mom use to drop me off at school and or pick me up(until I learned how to drive) and never failed to have a little lunch or spending money for me. Occasionally a Mc Donalds Mc Chicken!!! Ya mom!
They came to every basket ball game, every volley ball game, every badminton game, every soccer game, every track and field or cross country meet, every rugby game, every swim meet no matter how long and boring the wait....sometimes it would be an 8 hour day for 2 min in the pool!
They were at every session, every practice, and usually dad with a video camera!
There is a lot of video footage of me growing up, doing what I love.
But you think that I am dedicated? That I am committed?
That's nothing compared to what my parents have dedicated/committed to my life. I believe they will take the cake on this one. I dedicate this to them. Larry and Teresa. Mom and dad.
You guys did it all, without fail, no hesitation or fight...maybe from me: ) (brat teen I was)
You guys are the models of why I am who I am. You guys showed me that growing up was hard work, and it would never be easy. But also what that hard work would do for you in the long run.
Mom, I always say to you, "oh my god, I have that trait of you guys as well!!!" In all honesty, I couldn't be happier that I am exactly like the perfect amount of you both.
You guys gave me tough skin, and never once let me doubt myself. No matter how tough the situation was, but that it could have always been worse. You never let me feel sorry for myself. You made my pick myself back up and try again.
We have been through a lot, and I may give you guys a hard time, but that's what kids do, and parents are there to knock them down a level or two. So mom and dad, thanks. For keeping me level headed and down to earth. I am who I am because of the examples you set for me. The freedom to make mistake and learn from them.
My parents have dedicated their lives for my brothers and my well being, happiness and success.
I'm getting a little choked up writing this, but I don't think any amount of words could really show you how much I truly love, and appreciate this wonderful life and opportunity you have guided me through.
My parents travel the world to watch me play International Rugby, and they are so proud of me. The one thing I look forward to the most is the approval of my parents after a match...that phone call. I don't think anything has ever mattered as much as the response I will get from my dad. My mom, the sweetest button in the world! Always thinks I do so well, bless you mom. My dad, a little bit more of tough love. I appreciate that, as much as I may not show it. But he keeps me on my targets. Reminds me of what my focus is. Some times I get frustrated, but realize how important it is, and how right he is.
I love you guys. Don't you ever forget that.
I mean, I must take some credit. But It all starts with the opportunities you are given.

I couldn't have started a blog about all these brand new things we will be doing with out really getting down to my roots and showing them how grateful I have been all these years. It just wouldn't have been fair.

My parents are my number one fans, and the most important people in my life, and if I cant shout it from the roof tops, Ill blog about it.

I love you mom and dad!

If you ever think about telling someone how much they mean to you, and what they have done in your past has helped you get this far, tell them. That little bit goes a long way.

What a great end to a pretty awesome week!

A little wild really.
The week started off with some light snow. We dealt with it. Freezing fingers and toes, but we got on with it. Tuesday we actually ended up in the gym due to the amount of snow which was a shame. All last week we had the luxury of working with the NZ All Blacks skills kicking coach, Mick Byrne.
So that being said, Wednesday was a snow day which made it too dangerous to travel the island. So that left Thursday and Fiday as indoor trainings as well.
We didnt think we had gotten to use Mick to the full extent we would have liked to, or even the extent he would have loved to teach us. The things we have learned though, with the space and time we were given, have been absolute gold. I mean, he is brilliant. His approach and attitude draws you in. I actually wish we had more time. I really believe in his process, and feel it will take us to the level we need to be with our skills in the upcoming years.
Lucky for us Mick is staying for a few extra days, the rain has come and the snow is gone.
We seem to have come to Victoria just in time for all the madness in regards to the weather.
The amount of snow dumped in two days and the incredible High winds we have had today have caused a whole bunch of problems throughout the island.
It's been an experience!

I would like to share some thoughts and some of the experiences from the week.

Last week Tuesday, we were in a kicking session with Mick.
Definitely 100% in it. I was hooked on his every word.
But, I caught myself drifting off thinking, "I wonder how long this session will go? I have to...wait...I have to what!?" Nothing! All I have to do is have a meal provided for me after training, and then go for treatment! It's getting into that routine, the reality of why we are here. It's not like being at club rugby or anything recreational (and not down playing rec or club at all, but we have all had these thoughts, no matter how passionate or how much we love it) thinking, "I could be doing so much right now, why am I here, freezing, bored, I know this, we have done this a million times, maybe I'll leave early, I have home work, have errands to run." I actually have to, want to, show up focused, 7-12, my only thoughts are on the training session, it doesn't go beyond that. Even after the clock strikes 12, I find myself at home, re writing my notes, thinking about what I can do more of, or less of, or improve on, and work on! I find myself constantly thinking here...and that's because this is my purpose, my focus.

Funny, we all want to find jobs to help our situation out. Make some cash, pay the rent.
Coming home after the long day, already finding it hard to believe that the day has been so productive, could'nt imagine going to work in the afternoon. All I want to do is sleep!
I have some leads though. Will be doing some landscaping, and will be meeting with a lady from a fitness center for part time work. Can't complain. I feel my life has revolved around jobs coming and going. So this will be no different.

Discovered some amazing activities to pass time, and relax. Oak bay rec center has a pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna! I mean let's be honest, how perfect does that sound?! Let me tell you, it was amazing. After leaving there I felt like a new person.
Great yoga class! Wasn't the typical hot yoga where they try to get you to go past your limits. This was legit. The guy sounded like he was an auctioneer. Didn't hold anything to long, just long enough, lights were on, and it was a little packed and stuffy. But the class itself was built for people like me! I don't have flexibility. He just made sure I was pointed in the right directions, and then let you be the judge! My style. It was great.

...I forgot my groceries at store. You ever do that before?
I have never forgotten my groceries until Wednesday afternoon. Sooooo frustrated!
I was probably thinking it could have all fit into one bag.
I think I was mostly bothered because I had purchased these silicon egg poachers. The one thing I wanted to do when I got home was poach my eggs in the new poachers! Also my Kraft dinner...not the meal of champions, but if you ever just want comfort food, you need to make sure you have a "just in case" stash. Mine consists of the box of Kraft Dinner, and a box of 4 pizza pops. Yep "just in case," or when I wake up at 3am hungry...ya, that happens. They say it's my metabolism...or if you're my mom, denial! Thanks mom.

Friday we had a Civil reception where all the Board Members of Rugby Canada, the city of Langford counselors and ministers, as well as the Canada Men's and Women's Rugby 7s teams got together for a couple thank yous and awards, followed by a mean hour of bowling. First I would like to say, meeting some of the board members and speaking with them was a nice chance to thank them for a lot of the efforts they have been putting forward to make the connections with the Center of Excellence work. The opportunity they have given us has not gone unnoticed or without much thanks. 7's  Men's player of the year was awarded to Sean Duke. Gerant talked nothing but highly of him. For the Women, Ghislaine Landry. Very well deserved. Some of the things used to describe Ghis were her consistency, and her progress in her impressive defence, and big tackles.
Then we got our bowl on! I got to bowl with the likes of  Ida Chu, Graham Brown, Myles Spencer and Rick Bourne. Let me tell you, Rick Bourne beat us all by a landslide....and quite honestly, I was surprised! Graham Brown took over for Ida and became a contender. Ida was killing it, and then when she left Graham claims he didn't want to show her up...riiiight.
Over all great night, good socializing.

I'm looking foward to the week to come, as we have now finished a lot of our introductions, and will be progressing into more of a routine. Vegas isn't too far away, and with the calendar shoot quickly approaching, we have a lot on our plates.

"Do just once what others say you cant do, and you will never pay attention to their limitaions again"
-James R. Cook

Take care you guys, thanks for reading!

You ever wake up in the morning and think to your self, is this really my life?!

Recently this is what I have waken up to. Day after day. Im sure it will ware off in time, but for now I will bathe in the fact that I am living what I, and the girls, like to refer to our situation as "the good life."
I will almost be travelling back in time as I go through how we have come to this.
Lets start with "this."
Being here, in Victoria, centralized with 20 girls.
At 27, finally "this" is my life. What we only ever really dreamed of at one stage. Now all here, training with the same goal in mind. The bigger picture is the 2016 Olympics. Rio. Short term goals included a world cup or two, Common wealth games, Pan am games, and the 4 or 5 tournaments we will compete in between all of that. I must say 2011 was one hell of a year for our Canadian womens program. We had a clean sweep and won all our tournaments, making history in the last official Challenge Cup in Dubai. We beat world champs Australia in the Semi finals to meet England in the final for a win. Lets just say we were pleased. Considering for us, it hadnt even begun.
So having said that, us all being here, preparing with the best support staff, a great group of athletes, and alot of iron will, I feel our program is only going to get stronger. This is what Canadian womens rugby needs!

I feel like I am waffling. I am, Im excited what can I say.

Ok back to this. Our dreams of becoming semi pro I guess you could say.
Its wonderful it is, but it has its ups and downs, like anything. Standard.
You get to traning like an Olympic athlete. Like.
You get to eat as much food as you want. Like.
I get to live with some amazing roommates who have the same goals and understanding. Like.
You have to leave family, and loved ones. Dislike.
I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Like.
...those are just a few.

I'm going to go back to a thought I had the first day we arrived here, settling into our new place (very very cozy by the way), and I just caught my self staring at the wall. I had the thought of what am I going to do now? I'm settled in, I dont have a lot of money, my car is falling apart. I have one purpose. I'm here to train. The first time in a long time, and definitely in the last 3 days I felt like I had nothing to rush to. I didnt have to try to get my car fixed, I didnt have to run any errands, pick up bits and bobs. I literally had nothing to do but wait. Thats what it felt like. I didnt have to rush off to a session, try to catch the bus to get to a job. It was one of the most strange feelings I have ever encountered. A week in and I'm feeling much better. But when you think back to when you were younger and this was your dream, and then you get here...the feelings are way different that you could ever imagine! Its almost overwhelming, lonely, emotional, exciting, nervous, anxious.
A hole lot of everything is running through your mind! And then it starts...and you start to settle back into your happier place. Comfort. The things you know best. Your friends. Routine. The sounds of a loved on on the other line. Pictures. You know how it goes...what ever it is that makes you feel at home. That warmth.

These are just a few details of how its starting out. There is still how I got here.
Like I said Ill probably go backwards and forwards to bring me back to the present. Just stay with me, and I can promise you it will all make sense...or not. If you know me, I tend to get off topic, but will soon bring you back to the point.

Must sleep, as tomorrow is an early and exciting day.
Till next time.