WHY I'M HERE!

Before we get to anything important, let me just say - WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Been an exciting day today for so many reasons! WOW!

And now back to the regular scheduled programming - I've got to get a couple of things off my chest:

First, thanks so much to everyone who has taken the time to read my stuff, and to make a comment or two. I am really having fun with it all, and having you participate with me makes it all that more special. Thanks.

However, and this is the second thing, please make sure to at least put in some effort when leaving a comment (especially those Grade 5's of mine - I know who you are because many of you leave your names!). I have no problem with the odd spelling mistake or missed letter, but not having capitals in certain words (especially your names!!) or at the beginning of sentences is crazy!

I believe, and you should too, that you always put your best foot forward in whatever you do, but especially when putting something out there for the public see (in this case the small group of people who read this). It doesn't have to be the best, but it has to reflect your best - missing capitals says to me, "I'm lazy." I know you're not, but others who are reading this might think so - I couldn't bear to think people believing my students lazy (because again, I know you're not) and you shouldn't either.


Which brings me to my point about why I am here.

Many may think it's to watch the men's and women's hockey teams kick butt (which is kind of true and this city if going crazy because of it) or to practice my skipping skills (I am already an awesome skipper, just like I am also a very fast runner, but I could always get better). It is also however, to continue my own learning about our world (one thing I need to learn is French - it's an embarrassment that I do not) and to get a better understanding of this organization Right to Play along with its profound effect on children and adults around the world.

Today at the Right to Play "World of Play" pavilion, it was a bit slow - we had over 10,000 visitors on Sunday and were down to about 3,000 today - I think it had something to do with those puck-chasing Canadians, so I took the opportunity to document a few of the reasons others have chosen to get involved with bringing sport to thousands of children around the world.


Inspirational words for sure! And just in case you didn't know who they were, Ban Ki Moon is the head honcho of the United Nations, Lance Armstrong is cycling's answer to Wayne Grtezky, Wayne Gretzky who is Canada's answer to just about everything, and Clara Hughes, our most recent flag bearer. I think sometimes we take for granted the wonderful lessons that can be learned through play - not just sport, but play. Team work. Equality. Effort. Respect. I could go one, but you get the idea. Playing is awesome! They think it. I think it. And I am pretty sure you think it. So wouldn't it be nice if we could all play? Yes, yes it would.

But back to today.

As I said, it was slow today at the pavilion, but really only at the pavilion. Throughout the city, things were electric. Gold medals won. Hockey played. Red and white worn by thousands! Being here and experiencing the passion, goodwill, and general happiness that I get to experience each day has been something I will cherish forever! Whether it's Team Canada in hockey, another gold medal, or kicking butt in curling, this city is alive and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to take it all in. Thanks for joining in.

Entrance to the Molson Hockey House (our pavilion neighbour - and no I can't get in!)

**As for those autograph requests, I will get you one or two as soon as I get myself one or two - which hasn't happened yet....so, good luck!**

And to answer one comment/question that was left about the player I would choose to start my dream hockey team, it has to be, and always will be Wayne Gretzky - the guy's magic and our answer to just about everything!!