Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Perspective

About three weeks ago, I was passed over for a major promotion at work due to the time I have dedicated to pursuing the sport of cross country skiing. While this was not unexpected, it didn't make the announcement any easier to swallow; that was a tough day. My plans for next year with respect to skiing have been weighing heavily on my mind - until today. An email from Madeleine really put things in perspective and caused me to consider the past several years. And you know what? I wouldn't trade the opportunities I've had for anything in the world.

I've been part of some pretty big races - the Olympics, several World Cups, races in Europe. But none of that really matters. What matters is that I've had an opportunity to spend a lot of time with people I now consider to be close family - Madeline, Lorris, Graham, Emily, and Jack. Here are some examples, in now particular order:

The Olympics with Madeleine and Jack. Fact.

If someone asked me what has been the happiest moment of my life, without question it was being there when Madeleine crossed the finish line to qualify for the Olympics. My grin was a mile wide for days!

Team Fast Trax. We are awesome.
Pushing out a very stuck car in Quebec with Graham and Lorris. Graham had to get his pushing pants on.
Lorris and I have spent a lot of time travelling together.
Probably my favourite picture of all.

So what happens now? It's time to up my ski service game to the next level. There are going to be some exciting national team announcements in the next few weeks and I want to be part of it. It's time to get awesome.

And Madeleine - thanks for making me feel better.

Time to get after it.