Crazy Ride!

This pace is crazy!

I am having an amazing time post Olympics. There have been a handful of amazing opportunities that I have been lucky enough enjoy. First off the Canadian welcome home to the athletes in Ottawa and Toronto. What can I say? The pictures make it look fun, but it was even more amazing than they express! I am not trying to rub it in by saying so, I am only trying to express my gratitude for such an amazing opportunity. 

I flew home from Hawaii on the red eye after an amazingly restful and warm trip away with my mom and the next day I was off to Ottawa. We landed at approximately 630 pm and I was out having dinner and drinks with teammates and friends by 8pm. The next morning at 8am we went to talk to an elementary school and to visit a children's hospital. The school, as well as the hospital were such rewarding visits. It is really awesome to share my story, journey and medal with children. Their ability to dream and be inspired is so uplifting. It was truly amazing to spend time with them. I hope that the children at the hospital got some joy out of meeting us too. I know that we cannot cure all that ails them with our hardware, but I was happy with making them smile. It wasn't long after these visits and we were whisked off to Parliament for a ceremony with the Prime Minister (no big deal ;) and then onto a train headed for Toronto....exhausted yet? The next few days went on like this with an awesome finale of a parade through the city and the sports hall of fame gala. What a day and what a night! Seriously the trip of a lifetime. I had so much fun!   

Today, Saturday September 29 2012, was "Fast and Female" Sports Day in Vancouver. This was a really cool event (look them up for sure) that Leah and I went to. Events like this one were going on all across Canada and their efforts are meant to help inspire young women to get involved in fitness and sport. I really feel passionately about getting young girls involved in sport. I have never felt more confident and empowered than when I am training, competing and rowing. I feel so lucky to have found rowing and learned these lessons and I want to share that knowledge with others.
I am trying to get over a cold now, but I am wondering what might be next!