In Training

Well, the kitchen renos continue - no longer all that smoothly, I might add - today we've encountered problems with the plumbing, countertops and the microwave/range-hood installation. By now I've learned that best way to deal with problems is to run away from them, so that's what we're doing.

Running, with good reason, that is. This weekend I will forget all my other troubles, because I have been selected as a torchbearer for the Olympic flame! That's right: The flame began it's Canadian journey today in Victoria, and I'll be carrying it on Sunday for 300 metres as it approaches Tofino BC, a few steps closer to it's ultimate destination of the opening ceremonies in Vancouver in February 2010.

I am beyond excited, and incredibly honoured to be part of such an amazing journey. For months now I've been spouting off the trivia and statistics of the flame - did you know the relay will cover 45,000km? There will be 12,000 torchbearers? That the torch was built by Bombardier, and can stay lit with winds up to 60km/hour? I love this stuff.

The real meaning for me, though, is how many individuals will be touched by this, involved in this, as the flame travels from coast to coast.

There will be millions - of people, moments, stories, dreams - millions of public and private memories created from this. And I will have some, too.

If you haven't seen this video yet, then it's most definitely time to turn down the lights, crank up the music and watch it... hopefully you'll be as inspired as I am. (This is the video that made me burst into messy tears at a business meeting. Embarrassing.)

Meanwhile, I have my uniform (tracksuit, toque and mitts) packed and ready to go. Tofino, here we come!