Check it out.. and yes.. I am once again wearing a helmet!

CLICK HERE

But you are craving a grill cheese sandwich.

What is a girl to do??

After Ian Mackinnon posted this picture on facebook I had a plan!

You guessed it.. I put it to the test! Here is how it worked out:

It’s a tattoo story…

I have been fascinated by tattoo’s ever since I can remember, I always wondered about the stories they told and loved the “bad ass” feel. While I enjoyed sneaking a peak at the stereotypical tattoo’ed dude that came my way I was fascinated by the not so typical tattoo’ed people that would cross my path, to me their was always something sophisticated about a tattoo discovered on an unexpected person. 

Tattoo’s have become much more common place in the last 5 years, but they still hold a fascination for me, I wonder about the meaning to the person with the tattoo and the journey the person has been on since they acquired their “time stamp.”  

That is what my tattoo’s are to me. Time stamps. I instinctively know when it’s time to mark my journey through life. 

My first tattoo is a typical and traditional “tramp stamp” I have a fun, funky, dragon holding a rose on my lower back. I always know I have a perfect pair of jeans when my dragon is peering over the waist band. My first tattoo was “inked” in Squamish BC. It was the start of a new chapter in my life. I was newly married, moved across the country from my family, started a new job, and truly felt “on my own.”  This tattoo isn’t the finest art work and the skill level of the tattooist is suspect, but I do not regret it in the slightest.

Tattoo number 2 was done in Victoria and is the asian character for dragon with the addition of an orange star. I often call this my… “getting a tattoo to soon after a divorce to make a point” tattoo. The tattoo artist suggested I wait a bit but I was determined. Like the first tattoo this one was put in a spot that wasn’t as noticeable, often people can know me for months and months before noticing I have it! This one is on the inside of my left ankle. Would I ever get another tattoo like this one? If I could go back in time and get something different would I? Probably. Do I regret it or would I change it or have it removed? No. It marks an important “time stamp” as I struggled to figure out who I was and where I fit in. 

On to Tattoo number 3. My “surfer girl” on my left thigh.   This tattoo is a celebration. So many wonderful things have happened in Kelowna. I re married to a wonderful man, I was part of a number 1 morning show, new wonderful friends and reconnected with old friends, I was/am challenging myself to new adventures and discovered that I love to wake surf. Wakesurfing was the first “sport” that I have ever felt any natural ability at, hence my next “Time Stamp” as I celebrated this wonderful time in my life.

Tatt number 4 I also had done in Kelowna. This is a tribute to two very special friends. Within months I had to say goodbye to Barkley my malamute/lab cross who had been by my side since my Squamish days and also my darling Shalighleigh who was an SPCA special. Both dogs died with me by their sides. It still hurts and I miss them everyday.  This tattoo, while not small is on the top of my right foot.. two dog collars with angel wings, and can be shown off or hidden. 

Tattoo number 5 is the reason for this 52NEW. It’s my “I can do anything” tattoo. Why is this tattoo different? This tattoo (for me) embraces the original “bad ass” appeal mixed with the sophistication of the unexpected. My tattoo is from the You Tube video of me dead lifting at my first power lifting meet and it’s on my left forearm. It is the boldest tattoo I have and the only “black and grey” one I have as well. In order for me to feel comfortable with this tattoo I had to have it done by someone and somewhere that I would feel comfortable and confident. This wasn’t a tattoo that would be tucked away. This tattoo would be seen when I was in a formal dress and all summer long as I am often in short sleeves. This tattoo would be visibly to employers, potential clients for my communications company, and my Mother. This had to be more than good. This tattoo, while not my last, was taking my fascination with “ink” to the next level. 

Thanks to Danielle at “Don’t Look Down” tattoo number 5 is exactly what I needed it to be.  Sexy, fun, sophisticated and a perfect reflection of the moment in time when I realized that I still have hidden super powers waiting to be discovered. 

Watch Danielle at Don’t Look Down show off her super powers! 

A couple questions answered.

Does it hurt: Yes. The top of my foot was the worst and my thigh was the easiest, but all of them hurt.

Do I regret any of them: Please reread blog above. No. I do not regret any of my tattoos. 

Will I get another: Yes.

Where do I recommend to get a tattoo done: Visit the tattoo places in town, find one where you feel comfortable and talk to the artists doing the work. Make sure you are on the same page. Obviously I am very happy and will send anyone that asks to “Don’t Look Down” You will find them on St. Paul just off of Bernard. The shop is bright, open, inviting and super friendly from the desk staff to the artists.

How old should you be: This question gets brought up a lot. I think you should be out on your own and not only paying for your own tattoo but also able to make the decisions (what it is/where to get it etc) on your own. This is for you, not anyone else. Obviously there is an exception to every rule.

Do I worry about being 80 and having a tattoo: No. 

First I get a demonstration:

Now it’s my turn:

 Truth: I’m kind of shocked at how easy it was to learn to do! 

Another great pointer is once you can fold them nicely a great way to store your sheets is all together inside a pillow case!

To summarize:

Slip your hand into 2 top corners of the sheet.
With one hand inside each of the top 2 corners, fold the sheet (right sides together). Slip each of the top corners into one of the bottom corners.
Lay sheet on bed or table. Arrange and fold the corners neatly. Turn in selvage edges enough to make 4 straight sides.
Fold in half, then in half again. (All four corners will be stacked together, and sheet will be in a long strip.
Then fold the long strip in half, then in half (or thirds, depending on the size of the sheet) again to make a square.

Find olive & elle on facebook –> HERE

Please come the olive & elle “Evening of Bed Making” October 6th. They will be showing off the latest linens from Dwell, Bella Notte, Revelle and St. Geneve, as well as all the little extras, that make a house a home. Tickets are only $20.00 and will be helping support the “Have a Heart Radiothon!”

And yet..

 I love the sound of blades on ice, the smell and sound in the arena, the first time I held hands with a boy was at Vista Heights Arena on a Friday night public skate!  His name was Jason.   I can still remember that night so clearly.

Speed Skating  is one of those sports that tends not get a ton of notice unless it’s an Olympic year, but every 4 years or so we all watch these skaters with tree trunk thighs charge around a rink with long smooth strides.  They make it look so easy you know that there is no way it is.

The Kelowna Speed Skating Club invited me to come out and give it a shot!   

Usually when I am somehow involved with a sporting event, with lots of kids, at some point I find myself biting my tongue and cringing at a situation involving a coach or parent.   I’m not saying it doesn’t happen with this sport, but the night I was there it was one of the most positive experiences I have ever had.

If you are looking for a sport for your kids this is worth considering, the kids I saw ranged in age from about 6 to 17 and were all fun to talk to and no matter what skill level they seemed to be working well with everyone and no one was crying in a corner.   OK one person did look like they were about to throw up but he hadn’t been feeling well that day.

What did I learn?

Those blades are REALLY long on speed skating skates!

I really love to skate.

Age has played a role in my attitude,  fear of breaking something does keep me from “going for it” some people also might say that’s common sense finally developing..

Not all elite athletes are scary.

I’m happy I declined to wear the skin suit!

Confident kids rock.

I still like to hold hands with mittens on.

A big thank you to the Kelowna Speed Skating Club!! If you are interested please check out the website and hive them a call to find out more! > www.kelownaspeedskating.com

It’s done!

I wakesurfed the entire length of Okanagan Lake. 135KM. WOW. What a day.

For more information on why I did this and what it’s all about –> CLICK HERE!

I learned a few things along the way.

1. I have an AMAZING husband and sensational friends! Sitting on a boat for 10 hours watching someone else surf requires a great attitude. Scott, Ian, Caycee and my darling Steve were supportive, kind and just wonderful from beginning to end!

2. That getting in and out of a wetsuit while wet in a portapotty isn’t easy.

3. That I don’t have “Moves like Jaggar”

4. That I really can surf, and like many things in life, I have learned, it just takes me a bit longer to warm up, but once I am there, I’m better than good.

5. I REALLY don’t enjoy water going up my nose.

6. I get VERY hypersensitive when tired. At one point anything could of made me cry from the beauty of the mountains, to the joy of having such wonderful friends on the boat. I also became very concerned that I was being terrible self indulgent and doing this for all the wrong reason… I got over that.

7. Saying a prayer while on a wakesurf board cruising down the lake makes you feel just a little closer to God.

8. Wakesurfing in water rough enough to have white caps is a LOT of work, but I can still throw in the rope.

9. I really want to learn how to do a “stall” on the board.

10. I finally get why you see surfers on big board standing straight up with arms down and there backs arched a bit so their belly sticks out.

11. The best thing, I learned that I can make a difference and I will make a difference in other people’s lives. That desire is part of who I am and it feels really good to “make something happen” because I believe it will help make positive change happen in someone’s life. It doesn’t matter to me if they know who made that change possible, it just matters that it is.

Big thank you to everyone who donated and special mention to Rayburns Marine World for use of a Mastercraft XStar to surf behind, The Spotted Spa for taking care of our dogs while we spend a day on the lake, Fresh Air Experience for my nutrition needs and advice, Cayzee in Motion for keeping my body in motion all day, Creative Healing for keeping me aligned,and Ryan Brown my Idol Fit trainer who believes in me and my athletic ability in a way I never have. It wouldn’t of been as amazing without you.

The count is at just over $2500.00 for The Dental Clinic at Kelowna Gospel Mission which is being supported by the 30K Club. To donate and find out more —-> CLICK HERE.

What was I thinking?

Answer: I was thinking a few things. This whole idea started because I wanted to celebrate my shift at SUN FM changing from just doing mornings in Kelowna to doing midays which is heard in Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton. The thing all these communities have in common, besides geography is Lake Okanagan. As the wheels in my head spun I came up with a plan to wakesurf the entire length of the lake, I knew it had been water skied and wake boarded,, but I’m pretty sure no one had ever wakesurfed it before! I had this idea back in May, I sat on it as the summer went on and decided it would be perfect to do in September. September happens to be my favourite month in the Okanagan, it’s still summer time hot, the lake is still warm and as much as I love sharing the Okanagan with tourists it’s kind of nice when they pack up and go home leaving the lake free of too many boats!

The wheel continued to turn… if I was going to do this… I didn’t want it to just be for me… so… *BINGO* The 30K Club! I am a founding member of this wonderful arm of the Kelowna Gospel Mission, and I know they have services that can be used and accessed by the entire Okanagan so it only made sense that I tried to garner some support of them! I contact Jessica Samuels who is heading up the 30K Club and asked what they needed! It turns out the The Gospel Mission has an amazing Dental Clinic that helps so many people!! I know that a tooth ache is horrible beyond horrible even when you know you can go to the dentists, imagine if your only option was to deal with the tooth yourself? Just. Awful. Plus a smile can open so many doors, why wouldn’t we make sure that everyone has an opportunity to take care of theirs?

Hence: Surfing For Smiles! 

Let me break it down for you.. Basically I am starting at Paddle Wheel Park in Vernon and Wakesurfing to the dock at the Hooded Merganser in Penticton. The totally distance of the Okanagan Lake is 135KM. I will surf for 50 minutes and stop for 10 to give the legs a break, at lunch I am planning on a slightly longer break. We hope to stop and say Hi to people, pick some people up and drop others off at Lake Okanagan Resort and the Eldorado. We might also have stops in Peachland and Summerland. We estimate it will take about 10 hours to complete this venture!

I set a goal of $10,000 so the dental clinic can get Schick CDR Sensor Digital X-ray which will increase the efficiency of the clinic and allow them to see more patients.. I figure if 100 people or businesses could donate $100.00 we could get it done. This is my Wonderful 100!! I want to thank, Olive and Elle, Picture Perfect and Perpetual Blooms, Funktional, Connects Wireless, WeathLINK Financial Services and Tailblazers Kelowna. 

Big thank you’s also to Fresh Air Experience for the nutrition advice and product, Caycee Zimmerman of “Cayzee in Motion” for taking care of the massage, and of course Ryan Brown of Idol Fit who has been kicking my butt and encouraging me all the way!   I also have to give a special shout out to Scott Mayne and my wonderful husband Steve Weckstrom who will be driving the boat!

Special mention to Sonia Sidhu for her fundraising candy sales and the whole crew at Astral Media for their wonderful support.

Many people have donated online, I can’t access those names to say thank you to everyone in this blog, but know that I do thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Any donation helps. Please help. Just follow the link below:

DONATE HERE

The media support from Castanet and CHBC has also been great!!  Castanet Story, CHBC Story and check out behind the scenes at the CHBC shoot!

I promise to post a follow up video of my adventures tomorrow. Say a little prayer for me, and a bigger prayer of the clients at the KGM Dental Clinic.

If you are on twitter feel free to add me and follow along: www.twitter.com/susanknight

You can also find me on facebook: www.facebook.com/knightintheday and www.facebook.com/wizzywig

Thanks for all you do

It’s funny the things we think of when it comes to Mom and Dad. My parents met and spent some very good times in what’s known as cottage country in Ontario. My sister and I grew up on stories of good times at the lake! Some of those stories we didn’t get to hear till we were older, as they would of been horrified if we did some of the things they did! 

It left an impression on me that I didn’t realize untill I lived somewhere that I to could have a “good time at the lake” on a regular bases! 

Waterskiing, wakesurfing, life on the dock, are all part of who I am not because of what I have done, but because it has been passed down from Mom and Dad. Sometimes I think it was infused into my DNA. My Mom was actually water skiing while pregnant with me ~ at the time she didn’t know she was!

When I am on the water I feel closer to my parents than when I lived in the same town with them. The stories I grew up on run through my subconscious on a continuous loop it is an undeniable connection with my Mom and Dad and a gift from them to me.  

Hopefully this will help you understand why I was motivated to try “Barefoot” Water Skiing. I’m pretty good in the water, I can usually master just about anything or at the very least “fake it till I make it” My husband had already done it once and gotten up, plus I had EXCELLENT coaches who are also personal friends.

Yup. I’ve got this.

Two things.

1. You have to wear a special wet suit so you don’t get an unexpected enema.
2. Basically it is the equivalent to stepping out of a car going 70 KM/hr and trying to remain standing. 

Somewhere in both these points I should of found a warning. 

Total distance = 60 feet 6 inches!

Here’s the deal. I am NOT a team sports kind of gal. The thought of a whole team depending on me to get the job done, or worse me depending on other people to get something done makes my skin crawl. That obviously is a conversation for physciatrist at a later date, but what it does mean is I have never really participated in some of the more traditional sports.. basketball.. soccer.. baseball! I have had limited experience with these sports because of gym class as a kid.. but that’s about it. So when the oppurtunity arose to throw out the first pitch at a Falcons game I knew it would be perfect for 52NEW!

Sometimes we forget how close an “expert” is in anything we might want to do.  I pondered who I knew that not only could teach me how to pitch the distance required but who I would also be comfortable with. There was only one answer: Joni Frei! Not only is Joni a blast and one ofthe most positive people I know but she also happens to be an owner of “Beyond the White Lines” and “Okanagan Elite Softball” If you have a girl/women in your life that plays ball make sure to check out what they have to offer.

Here is Joni’s bio:

Joni graduated with a degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Health Sciences with Teacher Certification from Georgia College & State  University.  There she helped lead her team to a 2nd place finish at the  NCAA National Tournament. Joni broke a number of school  records at Georgia College & State University including homeruns,  walks, RBI’s and runs scored.  She was the recipient of many prestigious  academic and athletic accolades including NCAA National Tournament Team,  All Conference Player Awards, University Athlete of the Year and  Department of Health Sciences Student of The Year, her senior year.  After graduation Joni moved to Europe to play in the Dutch Hoofdklasse.  

Upon the end of her competitive playing career she returned to the  United States to pursue a career in coaching as an assistant with  Kennesaw State University under Hall Of Fame Coach, Scott Whitlock. At  Kennesaw State University Joni earned a Master’s degree in Political  Science with a concentration in Public Administration. Joni has coached  at all levels of softball including serving as the head coach of the  Austrian National Team, Assistant Coach for Division I Kennesaw State  University, Assistant Coach for Division I Mercer University, Assistant  Coach for NAIA Reinhardt College and Assistant Coach for Georgia  Military College.

Currently Joni is serving as the Owner/Technical Director of Beyond The White Lines Softball Academy in Kelowna, British  Columbia, Canada, Head Coach of  The Okanagan Elite Softball Association,  CANPitch Regional Pitching Instructor for Softball Canada as well as  Softball B.C. Learning Facilitator and Assistant Softball Coach for Team  BC.

Impressive? YES! She is an amazing teacher. By the time we were done (and we only had about 45 minutes to get this done) Jenn who was doing the camera work felt like she could throw the ball properly just from listening! (Butterfly… Hips… Arm. Elbow UP!) Joni’s wonderful spirit translates into her girls; polite, beautiful, talented and supportive!! What a great organization!

My first team picture!

Sorry Joni, I never did master the scowl and spit..

I also turned to my former coworker Ryan “Two T’s” Watters! I worked with Ryan years ago at SUN FM where he was one of Kelowna’s favourite personalities! He has since moved on to work with  UBC Okanagan and The Kelowna Falcons, he also takes care of some sport’s duties on our sister station AM1150.

Here’s a little chat we had on SUN FM:   Susan and Ryan talk Baseball!

I am MORE intimidated than at the Powerlifting competition!! All those guys out there in matching uniforms and people in the stands.. the chatter in the back of my head is a constant loop of “What were you thinking? “Don’t mess up!” “DO NOT cry if you do!”

Good news was the amazing cheering section that came with me, Jenn, Anthony, Debbie, Lynda, Dan and my wonderful Steve! Debbie even took some time with me so I could practice a few pitches before hand! (side note: we learned I can NOT pace out 60 feet, my practise pitches were more like 120 feet!) They gave a great cheer as my name was called! I was thrilled to see some other familiar faces as well including, fans of the station, a friends parents, Randy from The Gospel Mission and even some of my friends kids!

What an awesome cheering section!

Interesting.. The crowd didn’t intimated me as much as the very polite, nice and patient (did I mention cute) ball players did!

Check out my journey top learn how to throw a ball… and find out if I managed to make it over the plate!

On July 9th I participated in my very first Powerlifting Competition, it took place during the Okanagan Strength weekend being put on by Naturally Fit and Predator Barbell. I met some very nice and very strong people! Must of us are unaware that we have world, national and regional champions right here in the Okanagan.  I had the privilege to meet a few of them and they are super supportive and very kind. 

My morning started pretty tough. I tend to get nervous tummy and the butterflies were doing a messy two step in my stomach. Nutrition is important and of all mornings to be on target this should of been it. I could barely hold water down! Steve was being wonderful and keeping me as even keeled as he could I was getting tons of encouragement via Facebook and Twitter.  My bbm and text messaging was a buzz with support! Special mention to Melissa who not only reminded me to breath and that I was awesome, but recommended some ginger ale to settle the tummy. 

By the time I had met up with Sheila and Kevin who I was doing the competition with and weighed in I was feeling better and you could no longer see “the whites of my eyes”  we all went for breakfast and I managed to get in some food. Not much, but enough that my body has some fuel to use. By the time we get back my trainer Ryan Brown and his wife Jenn have arrived on the scene and we start to warm up. 

Here is how my day broke down: 

Squat:

1. 181.9 lbs  I am afraid. Due to the terror Ryan see’s in my eyes my first lift is one that I can do plenty of reps of. The idea behind the squat is you have to get the squat to 90 degrees or below for it to qualify basically your butt has to get below your knees. I am worried that I won’t get down low enough. I do! First lift a success.

2. 220.5 lbs In the gym this still feels like a LOT of weight when I do this squat. My goal is to make sure I am low enough and I get it back up using the muscles I am supposed to. While I don’t want to say it was easy, it was far smoother than I thought it was going to be! 

3.  248 lbs This will be a personal best. I have NEVER even tried to get up this weight! Part of me is pretty sure Ryan is crazy, part of me is sure I can nail it after getting up that 220 so comfortably. Can I do it? YES!! Success!! 

Squats can be tough for me. I always feel just a bit “off” I have visions of being squashed like a bug!! I guess I gave people a bit of a fright because I went down SO low (to make sure I didn’t get disqualified) plus I stayed down longer than most, for some reason I almost need to reset my mind so I can get back up. Odd, but it works for me.

Bench Press:

1. 165.3 lbs. I can do this. I lift this all the time and can usually do a solid 4 repeats. Down on the bench I go, shoulders set, feet planted.. and FAIL! Yikes.. the judge said press and once it came down it did NOT go back up! Must of been nerves. Happy I have another shot. Too bad I can’t drop the weight for my second attempt but that isn’t allowed. No worries, I’ve got this.

2.  165.3 lbs. Here we go again, shoulders set.. and CRAP came down way too fast and NOPE, once again, it didn’t even come off my chest. I’m upset now and quickly exit the competition area for a little cry. Steve comes back, lets me cry it out, and once my eyes are not as red I head back out, just in time for them to call my name to try it again.

3.  165.3 lbs. Ryan comes out to spot for me. Helps me make sure I am in the proper position and …. NOPE. This time I get it off my chest but not high enough for it to count or be able to rack it. Say it with me. DISQUALIFIED. I am VERY frustrated. 

At this point I promptly go back into the training area.. and actually DO THE FREAKIN’ LIFT!! Aw well.. I will think about what went wrong and try to fix it for next time. Happily they will let me go on and do my dead lifts even though technically I am disqualified. 

Dead Lift:

#1 220.5 lbs. Coming off the disaster that was the bench press we dropped my opening dead lift weight. I had planned to start at 255 lbs, but my confidence was more than a bit shaken. 220 proved to be no problem. 

#2 259 lbs. After picking up that 220 with what felt like ease the butterflies in my stomach seemed to be marching in formation now. It was only weeks ago that I was struggling with this weight and today I picked it up with a smile. 

#3 270.1 The 255 was solid, but I had NEVER picked up, or even tried to pick up over 270 lbs!! My confidence was high as I quietly said to the bar “Hello 270, nice to meet you, I’m just going to pick you up now…” and I did. I practically skipped off that platform when all the white flags went up signifying that I had successfully completed my final lift. 

Dead lifting has always been my strength, it is for most the easiest of the 3 events and I think the most satisfying, partly because of the loud crashing noise as you guide the weight back to the floor without releasing the bar, but with no strength behind it. 

Will I continue with my powerlifting training with Idol Fit? YES!  Part of that reason is that I want to do a meet and complete all 3 events without being disqualified.  I also really enjoy the brief moment when my mind shuts out everything else in the world and all the attention in my body is simply on performing one function be it push, pull or press. 

Special mention to Sheila Sutton a wonderful friend who also was competing on Saturday. She nailed ALL her lifts and looked fabulous doing it! She has also listened to me panic in the days leading up to this and has been VERY patient

and.. you may have noticed I had fabulous hair, Amanda at Roxi’s Salon took the time on short notice because she knows a girl with good hair is always more confident!