Tuesday, December 04, 2012

One thing at a time...

Another thing I've been doing to help me stay organized and proactive is to fight hard to focus on ONE task at a time.

I have the tendency to be reactive and start 8 things at once. I am slightly addicted to the idea that if I don't do it RIGHT NOW, then I will forget about it forever. To combat this, I have been bringing a pen and paper with me when I am completing a task and I will capture the "To Do" that pops into my mind. In the book Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky, he calls it the backburner.

It's incredible how much easier it is to make progress when you stay singularly focused one thing. The Big Picture vision is essential to have as you need to know what the end looks and feels like. But you also have to dissect the project into little manageable bits and pieces. Slowly chipping away is the hardest, but best way to get something done. There's no shortcut to success or completion…and if there is, then the task probably isn't worthwhile to take on in the first place.


Monday, December 03, 2012

Proactive and Organized

I am feeling really awesome these days. 
And I know exactly the reasons why…

Firstly, I have been one mega proactive dude. I have not only been thinking 3 steps ahead, but I've been taking action. Example: This morning I have already thrown dinner into the crockpot and I sorted my November receipts for my book keeper. Feels good!

Secondly, I have created some new organization systems in my life. I was surrounded by a desk full of papers and I was spending more time "looking" for something than I was "doing" something. When my desk gets cluttered, it's a direct reflection of what's going on in my mind. It's a sign that my thoughts are scattered, my attention is everywhere, I have trouble focusing and I have a hard time remembering anything. But when I take an hour to sort through the pile and create a system of flow, my mind instantly opens up and feels freedom to create. No longer do I feel bogged down, I feel empowered knowing that whatever I need is exactly where I filed it ;)

Lastly, I have been playing the "timer" game. If there's a task on my list of things to do and I find myself avoiding it (filing, working out, etc), then I throw on a timer for 20 minutes. I tell myself, "I don't need to work at this until it's finished and perfect, I just need to put 20 minutes of effort into it". Then I throw on some Songza.com and get going. Amazingly (and not so surprisingly), I usually find my groove after 10 minutes and the 20 minute timer seems too short.   

It's the little things that make a difference when it comes to productivity and finding a sense of accomplishment. I've come to realize that my life will be a constant roller coaster ride of feeling in and out of control. But it's nice to know that I am establishing some strong defences and habits right now. I'm hopeful that I can keep this streak of proactivity and organization going for the whole month of December. I love heading in to a New Year feeling clear minded, open and in a solid groove. 


Monday, November 26, 2012

SO Dance

Allie and I killed it on Friday night. Mostly Allie.
We also had a total blast.
Check out the photos and video below. Our Dance starts at 1:20 and Allie busts out some MUST SEE freestylin' moves at 4:37.
My heart grew 3 sizes in those 8 minutes.
I can't wait to dance with Allie again.


Allie and I

Allie, Blake McGrath and I



Thursday, November 15, 2012

Chip Chop

For the past couple of months, Allie (my Special Olympics partner in crime) and I have been practicing hard for the S.O Dance competition coming up on November 23rd in Edmonton. We have decided to do a Chip Chop - a self-created combination of Cha Cha and Hip Hop. 
The process has been super fun and although I have plenty of experience with living room dance parties, I have never taken formal dance lessons before so this is totally new to me. Allie, on the other hand, is the queen of hip hop and regularly attends classes. Pft. She's kind of a rock star. She had never taken a ballroom lesson though so both of us are newbies to this genre.

I can't think of a better dance partner to share this experience with. Allie is uber talented and a very fast learner. She is full of life and energy. And, as she likes to say, she loves to bust out her swagga'. HA! We have really connected during this process and our lessons have become a highlight of my week. We're like two long lost buddies who are just hanging out and perfecting our dance moves. 

Allie possesses many special qualities, but the one that really stands out to me is her ability to see the greatness in everything. I have never left one of our practices feeling tired - I always feel alive and energized! Here's a sneak peak video of Allie and I busting out our Chip Chop. 

Special Olympics athletes are athletes of the very best kind. Every S.O. athlete I have ever encountered has been honest, hard working, courteous, generous and above all else, super positive. This positivity is insanely infectious and it leaves you smiling for the rest of your day!

Ian (or @docdance_) from Arthur Murray Studios here in Calgary has been an incredible instructor as well. He has definitely gone above and beyond! He taught us our first Cha Cha step, picked our music, choreographed our routine, tweets and facebook's the heck outta our experience and has been our biggest cheerleader along the way. Both Allie and I are extremely appreciative of the support and energy he's been putting towards this project. If you are reading this and you live in Calgary and you want to learn some new bad ass ballroom dance moves, I highly recommend you go to Arthur Murray and ask for Ian. 

I also wanted to put out a special ask. If you have the means and you care about Special Olympics, Allie, myself and all of the athletes at Special Olympics Alberta would greatly appreciate it if you could donate to the organization through Allie and I's fundraising page. Every dollar helps keep the programs running and as I'm sure Allie would tell you, they make a huge difference in the lives of those with a mental disability. 

One more week until the big S.O. Dance show. Wish us luck!

Chip chop,

Kyle



Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Running Forever

I have been reading 'Born To Run', a book that I recommend everyone reads, and it has been shedding some interesting light on the process of running. One of the principles that really sticks out in my mind is that the best ultra runners in the world mentally approach running differently than weekend warriors. For the ultra runners, it's about being in the moment during the process and not focusing so much on the end. It's about who they become while running the race rather than who they become once they cross the finish line.

I tried to apply this principle to my run last night and it worked brilliantly. I didn't set a pre-determined goal distance and time, I set the goal of thoroughly enjoying the wind against my cheeks, the pitter patter of my feet through the slushy snow and the increase of intensity in my breath as I ascended some epic hills.

I had some initial resistance at the beginning of my run because I am usually driven by the specific measurables. I want to run X amount of km's in X amount of time. Having the goal to focus on and to use as ammunition in pushing myself is usually what turns my crank. But yesterday, I committed to just being present and enjoying each step.

After a while (I don't know how far and I don't know for how long because I didn't press start on my Garmin - it was maybe 8km's in about 40 minutes), I did a body scan and realized that everything was feeling AMAZING! The best part, I was smiling from ear to ear. At that point, I felt like I could run forever.

I am the type of person who gets fixated on a goal and has the tendency to loose perspective. When I want something badly, I tend to narrow my focus, put my head down and grind through it until I figure out a way to get it done. This has benefitted me in the past and is a great technique for short term focus, but it can be pretty exhausting as well. I am starting to realize that it's equally important for me to take a step back and look at the big picture. I need to enjoy the process of life more rather than be obsessed with checking off tasks on the never ending list of things to do.

It's OK to lace up and to go for a run just because you feel like going for a run. You don't always have to be looking to improve. Finding the energy to conquer your previous time isn't accessible every single day and it's important to recognize the times in your life when you need to take that step back. Because at the end of the day, it isn't just about crossing the finish line, it's about who you become along the way…


 

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Fabric of my gymnastic life

I've been holding on to a bin full of old competition and training shirts for the past who knows how long in hopes of one day making a t-shirt quilt. Finally, after years of procrastination, Kristin and I (along with countless hours of help from her Mom and Dad, Carol and Maurice, and sister, Amber), buckled down, made a plan and got it done.

First, we assessed the inventory. There were soooo many shirts to choose from and unfortunately many of them didn't make it off the cutting room floor. I picked my "must haves" and then we started to build a pattern on a piece of grid paper.  

Once we had the general puzzle mapped out, we started cutting and sewing…and adjusting. HA! T-shirts don't always end up being the size you thought you were cutting them. Sometimes the corners curl, sometimes the material magically shrinks or stretches after you've cut it. I was so nervous cutting the first shirt, but after it was sliced with a fabric cutter on a quilting board, there was no turning back. 

This project took eight solid sewing/cutting sessions. We even put in four or five hours of hardcore concentration on some occasions. Much like the years of gymnastics it took to earn these shirts, the process of building this quilt took patience, team work, flexibility, attention to detail and a plan.  

When I look at this quilt, every single square inch has meaning to me. If you look to the far right, there are two sets of thin black and white stripes that look like arrows. Those are the sleeves from my favourite training shirt - I wore it so often, it was covered in holes. In the bottom right corner, The CMIGC logo is from my very first Senior International competition in Taipei in 1999. The hand print part way down on the left hand side is from my White Palms movie shirt. Every Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup Final and Commonwealth Games I competed at for Canada are represented here. There are also a few from my favourite summer camp, GymJam, and some miscellaneous memory provokers. 

We still have to put a border/backing on it and fill it with batting, but the foundation of my long awaited tshirt quilt is complete. I absolutely love it and can't think of a better way to preserve memories for a lifetime.  


Monday, November 12, 2012

Writing while flipping

I realized something this morning: I feel compelled to write most when there is a perceived crisis in my life. If I look back at my personal journal (the pen and paper one…weird, I know) and all of my unpublished blogs, I always come to these outlets when I am trying to solve a problem or make something unforeseen make sense. It's my way of sorting things out, clearing the slate and uncluttering my mind so I can see a bit more clearly and start over with a new perspective.

I love to write. And the truth is, I haven't been writing much lately. There have been many things to share and to write about, I have just been in avoidance mode. I feel like I am in that awkward phase of flipping, twisting and turning after letting go of one trapeze. I am trying to create the next chapter in my career and life (the next bar to grab on to) and as I feel like I am flailing all over the place, not quite knowing what that next bar I'll catch looks like, I tend to retreat rather than share. And this morning I realized that maybe I should do the opposite.

So here I am. Stuck in transition. Trying to create the next thing. Sometimes wishing I could blink my eyes and have the next adventure right in front of me, screaming with purpose. It will come, I know. Panic and worry will not make it come faster. I need to patient. I need to be patient. I need to be patient.

Until things become more clear, I am setting a new goal: I will put more focus on enjoying the process of flipping in between.




 


Wednesday, October 03, 2012

S.O. Dance - November 23, 2012


If you're in the Edmonton area on November 23rd and want to come to this awesome event in support of a brilliant cause, Special Olympics Alberta, please let me know! It's a dance off that features a Special Olympics athlete paired with an Olympian/NHLer including Michelle Cameron Coulter, Jamie Sale, David Pelletier, Rob Brown, Jason Strudwick and I. So You Think You Can Dance Canada's Blake McGrath will be the judge. FUN!!!




Friday, July 27, 2012

London Olympics TV Schedule in Canada


Gymnastics is highlighted :) 
The Games at a glance: TV guide of the daily Olympic schedule. All times are Eastern and networks are on the right. 

Friday, July 27
Daytime
2 p.m. Preview show. CTV, OLN, Sportsnet, TSN
4 p.m. Opening Ceremony. CTV, OLN, Sportsnet, TSN
Prime time
7:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony (encore). CTV, Sportsnet


Saturday, July 28
Morning
4 a.m. Rowing, swimming, men’s cycling (road), women’s basketball, tennis, women’s soccer, judo, weightlifting. CTV
5 a.m. Rowing, beach volleyball, men’s cycling (road). TSN
6 a.m. Rowing, equestrian (dressage). OLN
6 a.m. Men’s gymnastics (Qualification), women’s soccer, boxing. Sportsnet
Daytime
12 p.m. Beach volleyball, women’s soccer. TSN
12:30 p.m. Swimming, tennis. CTV
1 p.m. Men’s gymnastics, boxing. Sportsnet
Prime time
7 p.m. Rowing, cycling, swimming, men’s gymnastics. CTV
7 p.m. Cycling. OLN
7 p.m. Volleyball, judo, boxing, soccer. Sportsnet


Sunday, July 29
Morning
4 a.m. Rowing, swimming, beach volleyball, women’s cycling (road), women’s diving, weightlifting. CTV
6 a.m. Women’s gymnastics (Qualification), tennis. Sportsnet
6 a.m. Women’s rowing, women’s cycling, beach colleyball. TSN
8:30 a.m. Canoe/kayak. OLN
Daytime
12:30 p.m. Judo, swimming, weightlifting. CTV
12:45 p.m. Equestrian (eventing). OLN
1 p.m. Women’s gymnastics. Sportsnet
1:15 p.m. Boxing, beach volleyball. TSN
Prime time
7 p.m. Rowing, swimming, women’s diving, gymnastics, women’s cycling (road). CTV
7 p.m. Volleyball, basketball, judo. Sportsnet
7 p.m. Beach volleyball, cycling, weightlifting, boxing. TSN


Monday, July 30
Morning
4 a.m. Rowing, men’s diving, swimming, tennis. CTV
6 a.m. Judo, women’s volleyball. Sportsnet
6 a.m. Beach volleyball, boxing, weightlifting. TSN
7:30 a.m. Equestrian. OLN
Daytime
11:30 a.m. Men’s gymnastics, swimming, tennis. CTV
12:30 p.m. Beach volleyball, weightlifting, boxing. TSN
12:40 p.m. Canoe/kayak. OLN
1:30 p.m. Water polo, women’s basketball. Sportsnet
Prime time
7 p.m. Swimming, diving, gymnastics, equestrian , rowing. CTV
7 p.m. Judo, volleyball, water polo, fencing. Sportsnet
7 p.m. Weightlifting, beach volleyball, boxing. TSN


Tuesday, July 31
Morning
4 a.m. Swimming, women’s diving, rowing, tennis. CTV
5:30 a.m. Equestrian. OLN
6 a.m. Men’s volleyball, women’s soccer, judo, beach volleyball. Sportsnet
6 a.m. Swimming, canoe/kayak, women’s weightlifting. TSN
9:30 a.m. Equestrian. OLN
Daytime
11:30 a.m. Women’s gymnastics, swimming, beach volleyball. CTV
12:15 p.m. Men’s water polo, women’s soccer. TSN
1:15 p.m. Men’s water polo, men’s basketball. Sportsnet
Prime time
7 p.m. Diving, swimming, gymnastics, rowing, women’s soccer, weightlifting, equestrian. CTV7 p.m. Women’s soccer, judo, weightlifting, volleyball. Sportsnet
7 p.m. Women’s soccer, men’s water polo, beach volleyball. TSN


Wednesday, August 1
Morning
4 a.m. Women’s basketball, rowing, tennis, men’s diving. CTV
6 a.m. Beach volleyball, canoe/kayak, cycling. Sportsnet
6 a.m. Swimming, judo, volleyball. TSN
8:30 a.m. Canoe/kayak. OLN
Daytime
11:30 a.m. Men’s gymnastics, swimming, women’s volleyball. CTV
11:30 a.m. Beach Volleyball, Men’s Weightlifting. TSN
12 p.m. Men’s soccer, Women’s water Polo. Sportsnet
Prime time
7 p.m. Rowing, gymnastics, swimming, diving, cycling. CTV
7 p.m. Beach volleyball, tennis, weightlifting, boxing. Sportsnet
7 p.m. Volleyball, soccer, judo. TSN


Thursday, August 2
Morning
4 a.m. Rowing, tennis, judo. CTV
6 a.m. Equestrian (dressage). OLN
6 a.m. Beach volleyball, field hockey, water polo, cycling (track). Sportsnet
6 a.m. Swimming, canoe. TSN
Daytime
11:30 a.m. Women’s gymnastics, swimming, tennis, beach volleyball. CTV
12 p.m. Beach volleyball, men’s boxing. TSN
2 p.m. Men’s volleyball, boxing. Sportsnet
Prime time
7 p.m. Swimming, rowing, gymnastics, cycling, women’s soccer. CTV
7 p.m. Beach volleyball, judo, tennis. Sportsnet
7 p.m. Volleyball, men’s basketball, boxing, canoe/kayak. TSN


Friday, August 3
Morning
4 a.m. Athletics, rowing, trampoline. CTV
6 a.m. Athletics, judo, women’s basketball, women’s soccer. Sportsnet
6 a.m. Swimming, beach volleyball, women’s diving. TSN
7 a.m. Soccer. OLN
9:30 a.m. Diving. OLN
Daytime
11:15 a.m. Cycling (track), athletics, swimming. CTV
11:50 a.m. Beach volleyball, men’s weightlifting. TSN
12 p.m. Swimming, women’s soccer quarter-final. Sportsnet
2:30 p.m. Women’s soccer quarter-final. OLN
Prime time
7 p.m. Athletics, swimming, trampoline, women’s soccer, rowing. CTV
7 p.m. Women’s soccer, diving, judo, volleyball. Sportsnet


Saturday, August 4
Morning
4 a.m. Women’s triathlon, athletics, women’s trampoline. CTV
5:30 a.m. Equestrian. OLN
6 a.m. Athletics, Cycling (track). Sportsnet
6 a.m. Rowing, men’s soccer, diving. TSN
9:30 a.m. Men’s soccer quarter-final. OLN
Daytime
12 p.m. Tennis, swimming, athletics. CTV
12 p.m. Athletics. OLN
12 p.m. Men’s soccer. TSN
1:40 p.m. Athletics. Sportsnet
Prime time
7 p.m. Athletics, swimming, rowing, trampoline, tennis, cycling, diving. CTV
7 p.m. Diving, volleyball, tennis, men’s basketball. Sportsnet
7 p.m. Cycling, triathlon, men’s tennis, beach volleyball. TSN


Sunday, August 5
Morning
4 a.m. Cycling, women’s marathon, gymnastics. CTV
6 a.m. Equestrian, women’s boxing, women’s basketball. Sportsnet
6 a.m. Women’s volleyball, men’s tennis. TSN
7 a.m. Men’s tennis. OLN
Daytime
11:35 a.m. Cycling (track), athletics, beach volleyball. CTV
12 p.m. Beach volleyball, women’s diving, women’s weightlifting. TSN
1:30 p.m. Beach volleyball, water polo. Sportsnet
6 p.m. Beach volleyball. OLN
Prime time
7 p.m. Athletics, gymnastics, diving, cycling, women’s boxing, synchronized swimming, equestrian. CTV
7 p.m. Men’s tennis, soccer, women’s volleyball. Sportsnet
7 p.m. Equestrian, beach volleyball, men’s boxing. TSN


Monday, August 6
Morning
4 a.m. Canoe/kayak, athletics, men’s basketball, gymnastics. CTV
5 a.m. Canoe, field hockey, water polo, women’s boxing. Sportsnet
6 a.m. Men’s volleyball, equestrian. TSN
8:45 a.m. Field hockey. OLN
Daytime
11:05 a.m. Cycling (track), athletics, beach volleyball. CTV
12 p.m. Women’s soccer, diving. Sportsnet
12 p.m. Synchronized swimming, beach volleyball, women’s soccer. TSN
2 p.m. Field hockey. OLN
Prime time
7 p.m. Athletics, gymnastics, canoe/kayak, equestrian, diving, cycling, synchronized swimming. CTV
7 p.m. Volleyball, men’s basketball, weightlifting, wrestling. Sportsnet
8 p.m. Beach volleyball, women’s soccer. TSN


Tuesday, August 7
Morning
4 a.m. Diving, men’s triathlon, gymnastics. CTV
5 a.m. Equestrian. OLN
6 a.m. Cycling (track), canoe/kayak, women’s volleyball, synchronized swimming.Sportsnet
6 a.m. Men’s triathlon, women’s basketball. TSN
Daytime
11 a.m. Volleyball. OLN
11 a.m. Cycling (track), diving. TSN
12 p.m. Men’s soccer. Sportsnet
12:05 p.m. Beach volleyball, athletics, boxing, women’s volleyball. CTV
2 p.m. Volleyball. OLN
Prime time
7 p.m. Athletics, diving, cycling, gymnastics, triathlon. CTV
7 p.m. Synchronized swimming, beach volleyball. TSN
10:30 p.m. Women’s volleyball, canoe/kayak. Sportsnet


Wednesday, August 8
Morning
4 a.m. Canoe/kayak, equestrian, men’s volleyball. CTV
6 a.m. Handball, women’s boxing, men’s basketball. Sportsnet
6 a.m. Athletics, men’s volleyball, water polo. TSN
9 a.m. Volleyball, Field hockey. OLN
Daytime
12:15 p.m. Water polo, beach volleyball, volleyball. TSN
12:30 p.m. Athletics, volleyball. CTV
12:30 p.m. Field hockey, taekwondo, wome’s diving. OLN
1 p.m. Women’s wrestling, men’s basketball, taekwondo. Sportsnet
Prime time
7 p.m. Canoe/kayak, athletics, wrestling, diving, equestrian. CTV
7 p.m. Beach volleyball, water polo. TSN
10:30 p.m. Men’s basketball, men’s volleyball. Sportsnet


Thursday, August 9
Morning
4 a.m. Women’s diving, canoe/kayak, rhythmic gymnastics, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball. CTV
6 a.m. Athletics, women’s wrestling, Cycling (BMX). Sportsnet
6 a.m. Canoe/kayak, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball. TSN
7:30 a.m. Equestrian (dressage), field hockey. OLN
Daytime
11:30 a.m. Women’s boxing, athletics, wrestling. CTV
12 p.m. Synchronized swimming, women’s diving, beach volleyball. Sportsnet
12 p.m. Handball, beach volleyball, women’s Soccer. TSN
1:30 p.m. Water polo. OLN
Prime time
7 p.m. Athletics, diving, women’s boxing, women’s soccer. CTV
7 p.m. Women’s soccer, volleyball, beach volleyball. Sportsnet


Friday, August 10
Morning
4 a.m. Canoe/kayak, Men’s boxing, cycling (BMX). CTV
6 a.m. Swimming, synchronized swimming, rhythmic gymnastics. Sportsnet
6 a.m. Taekwondo, men’s wrestling. TSN
10:30 a.m. Field hockey. OLN
Daytime
12 p.m. Men’s basketball, athletics. CTV
12:30 p.m. Water polo, field hockey. OLN
12:30 p.m. Men’s volleyball, men’s diving, men’s Soccer. Sportsnet
1 p.m. Men’s wrestling, taekwondo. TSN
Prime time
7 p.m. Athletics, cycling (BMX), raekwondo. diving, canoe/kayak, swimming. CTV
7 p.m. Volleyball, synchronized swimming. TSN
10:30 p.m. Basketball, boxing. Sportsnet


Saturday, August 11
Morning
4 a.m. Canoe/kayak, women’s cycling (mountain bike), men’s soccer. CTV
4 a.m. Athletics. OLN
5 a.m. Men’s diving, athletics, rhythmic gymnastics, taekwondo. TSN
6 a.m. Women’s volleyball, men’s wrestling. Sportsnet
10:30 a.m. Field hockey. OLN
Daytime
12 p.m. Women’s basketball, men’s wrestling. Sportsnet
12:30 p.m. Athletics, men’s diving, men’s boxing. CTV
12:30 p.m. Athletics. OLN
1 p.m. Women’s volleyball, men’s diving. TSN
3 p.m. Field hockey. OLN
Prime time
7 p.m. Athletics, cycling, diving, canoe/kayak, soccer. CTV
7 p.m. Boxing, basketball, rhythmic gymnastics. Sportsnet
7 p.m. Volleyball, soccer. TSN


Sunday, August 12
Morning
4 a.m. Men’s volleyball, men’s basketball. CTV
6 a.m. Men’s handball, men’s wrestling. Sportsnet
6 a.m. Athletics, cycling, water polo. TSN
9:30 a.m. Water polo. OLN
Daytime
12:10 p.m. Men’s volleyball. TSN
12:30 p.m. Men’s boxing. CTV
12:30 p.m. Rhythmic gymnastics. Sportsnet
2 p.m. Olympic farewell. CTV, OLN, Sportsnet, TSN
4 p.m. Closing Ceremony. CTV, OLN, Sportsnet, TSN
Prime time
7 p.m. Olympic wrap. CTV, OLN, Sportsnet, TSN