The view from the top of the track in Whistler.

I spent the weekend helping out with the ICC and NAC skeleton races. They had me wiping runners, measuring temperatures, timing the ice box, folding clothes and more. It was actually more work than I expected, especially the first day, but it was a good way to learn FIBT rules so I don’t accidentally disqualify myself in the future. Plus I got to watch dozens of athletes push off the block, which was super motivating.

I especially liked how supportive everyone was to the Korean slider who was still very new to sliding and especially the (challenging) Whistler track. Everyone still cheered her on to slide smart and slide her best even though she only tentatively ran off the block. It was the same when I was in Calgary last year, and it’s so helpful. There are some great people in skeleton.

I had an awesome sliding session on Friday night. My coach and I are now actively in the process of getting me ready to slide from the top. He told me a new thing to try in corner 7 and I got it right in my second run and went right through the straightaway (corner 8) without tapping and right into corner 9 cleanly. It was the first time EVER I have gone through 8 without hitting and it felt amazing. I cheered to myself as I went through corner 9. So good. Hopefully I can replicate it next week.

IN OTHER NEWS…

Today is Scott’s last day as only an Australian. We are going to his citizenship ceremony tomorrow morning!!! So exciting!!! Then we’re having a little party at our house in the evening.

And dad is arriving on Wednesday!!!

Ferrero Rocher bubble tea. OM NOM NOM. 8 trillion grams of fat and sugar and deliciousness. This bubble tea is intense. I don’t even want to know how many Ferrero Rochers they use per drink… it must be a lot. There’s a whole one on top, plus whipped cream and pearls. The whole thing is ridiculous, and ridiculously good. It’s a good thing Bubble Queen is way out in Richmond otherwise I’d be tempted to get one way more often.

Don’t worry about the line out the door, they are very efficient and you shouldn’t have to wait too long.

Bubble Queen Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Southern Crab Cake Benny – crab cakes, avocado, hollandaise, home fries

Pulled Beef Brisket Hash – beef brisket, black beans, chile verde, home fries, poached eggs

We went to Chewies for brunch a couple weeks ago. Both dishes were rich, indulgent, tasty. But it’s no Screen Door. If we had gone to Chewies first, and then Screen Door, everything would be fine. But nope, Southern-style brunch has been ruined for us. Nothing will top that amazing brunch we had in Portland.

Chewies Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

2014 was pretty great. I did a fair bit of travelling (Ottawa/Calgary/Portland/Listowel/Nanaimo/Osoyoos). I dyed my hair purple. I finally graduated skeleton school and started training with the BC team. I got to attend CanAm week in Calgary, moved up to corner 3 in Whistler, fell off my sled, did 2 180’s, raced in several races and attended summer dry land testing too. I got to ski a few times, started weightlifting lessons and doing yoga. I worked a lot, and started monthly games days with some work friends. I ate a lot, lots of Tasting Plates events, offal at Black Hoof twice, life-changing ice cream, and even attended a food bloggers conference. I gave up sugar for 3 months. Oh and I also did a buttload of crochet and cross stitching.

2015 hasn’t been that great so far… broken fridge/sickness/I think I need glasses… but I’m sure it will improve.

My goals:

  • get way stronger
  • slide from the top of Whistler
  • improve my blog
  • finish my blanket
  • handstands
  • be nicer to Scott

This video makes me happy. I can tell it’s been a great year when I see all the travel I got to do and how many games nights with friends we had. Although I have to say I am very glad I don’t have to do this any more. You do not understand how hard it is to remember to take a video when you’re doing something really fun and/or cool! So many things didn’t end up making it into the video that I would have wanted.

Anyway here it is, (most of) my 2014. :)