Nicole Forrester's Blog -- Soaring to Excellence

My Love Affair with the High Jump

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:39:00 +0000

If being an athlete is your profession, you will inevitably ride a wave of emotions in a given season – never mind your career. Great performances, victories and results will give way to euphoric feelings, while defeats, injuries and inferior performances/results can make you question the meaning of life. Every great loss, I’ve experienced in Athletics has always felt similar to a break-up. Yes, high jump has broken my heart numerous times and filled it with overflowing joy.

Probably one of my lowest moments, would be the 2006 Commonwealth Games, in Melbourne. To this day, I cannot explain what happened. I warmed up great. I felt fantastic. I was ranked to win, and I no-heighted. A no-height means I failed to clear any height. A trailing heel, clipping the bar was my arch enemy. I can remember crying my eyes and heart out underneath the stadium, and for days thereafter.

Comparatively, the feelings I’ve experienced at my highest levels of performances have been incredible. I can remember last year (after struggling to qualify for the Olympic Games) and finally doing so at the last possible moment how ecstatic I was. My joy had moved me to a river of tears… And in my happiest moment it was further enhanced by knowing the challenges I faced to get there.

Essentially, as athletes we are pouring our heart and soul into the passion of our sport and the belief that something great awaits us. Well, at least for me that is the case. It’s like loving someone with all of yourself, and your only wish is for them to love you in return. If they were to cheat on you, hurt you, break-up with you or fail to return the feeling of love, your heart may be left wounded. However, if they were to love you in return, or better yet, love you in away surpassing anything you could imagine, words may not be able to explain the feeling of joy that might fill you. This is my love affair with the high jump.

I cannot wait to experience a jump surpassing anything I could imagine. There is definitely something magical and awesome, when I am in flight over the bar -- and I know I have a huge clearance above the bar, when the bar is set at a high height. It literally feels like flying and I have nothing but time!

I guess it is for those moments of high, that it worth pummeling myself in training and accepting my defeats. And as, cliché as it may seem, it truly is about the journey. Ahh… Track & Field – gotta love it.

Just one request – could I experience a dose of some serious deep returned love from the high jump in the near future??? Maybe like in my next competition? Just wondering??? ;)

In Love,
Nicole

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:31:00 +0000

Beautiful U R

~ Deborah Cox

Through life
Things may not always go right
For you

And those times
Just leave it behind cause
Sometimes you gotta play the game
Just to survive
Without losing yourself
It's a fight, it's true
It takes time
Don't have all the answers
No matter how hard it gets
Hold on to what's inside

Don't ever let nobody bring you down, girl
Don't ever let nobody tear your world apart
Look in the mirror and see who you are
Beautiful U R

In the dark,
The pain chips away at your heart, so deep
Can't u see? Can't you see?
See the light in the distance
Open up your eyes, look
Look to the sky and believe
There's much more to life when you're free
That's the key

And in time
You will find all the answers
Don't have to lose your pride
Hold on to what's inside

Don't ever let nobody bring you down, girl
Don't ever let nobody tear your world apart
Look in the mirror and see who you are
Beautiful U R

Don't ever let nobody bring you down, girl
Don't ever let nobody tear your world apart
Look in the mirror and see who you are
Beautiful U R

Don't care what they say anymore

There's no time to be insecure
I'm leavin' it all out the door
She's staring me in the face
She's taking it day by day
I'm finally on my way

Don't ever let nobody bring you down, girl
Don't ever let nobody tear your world apart
Look in the mirror and see who you are
Beautiful U R

Don't ever let nobody bring you down, girl
Don't ever let nobody tear your world apart
Look in the mirror and see who you are
Beautiful U R

Beautiful U R, Beautiful U R

Beautiful U R, Beautiful U R

"Canadian's not welcome" -- so says John from Blockbuster

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 03:07:00 +0000

Well, it’s been a while since my last blog… but duty such as life, called, flooding my life with various obligations…. Not too worry, I’ve returned to the world of blogging.

Well, it’s the eve of Good Friday and the day after Passover… one of my most favorite times of the year. I had prepared myself to engage in my regular Christian activities, including watching the Ten Commandments and the Passion of the Christ…. However, it appears this isn’t to be the case. Thanks to John at Blockbuster.

Making a stop at blockbuster, I anxiously checked out with the two movies in hand. When asked if I had my Blockbuster card, I realized I didn’t have it, which is a usual for me. My wallet is already filled with other junk, that if I kept my entire movie and other special cards, it would be too full to carry even in my purse. Now, usually when I rent my movie, they will take my phone number, however, apparently John couldn’t do this. I had to refill out a new application form.

Now I’ll admit, I was a little put off with this, but went ahead with ‘procedure.” However, when it came time for John’s approval, he took one look at my application form, ripped it up and said I couldn’t rent if I had a Canadian driver’s license!

How is this possible??? I mean this was the very same place which issued my blockbuster card in the first place. As a Canadian, I can buy a car, a house, or have a credit card, but I can’t have a blockbuster card? Are you serious??? Obviously, I’m put off. It’s made me want to take my business elsewhere, such as Hollywood Videos or Netflicks. I mean, is the video rental business really in a position to be selective about their customers. If you ask me, John, who happens to be the manager, is on a power trip… I’m just glad he’s not the usher boy at the movies… You’re Canadian --- get to the back of the line!

And what makes this story even more tragic, is he ripped up my application with my address, credit card and driver’s license number still in tack, for anyone to rummage through the garbage and find my info. Thank God, I went through the garbage and shredded them myself.

Desperately seeking a new video rental company,
Nicole

A Victim of Breaking & Entering -- Take anything just Not my Lenovo IdeaPad OR High Jump Spikes

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:38:00 +0000

So, I've been wondering what I have done to upset the balance of the world, making me a target for revenge. No seriously, my start to the 2009 has been a challenging one -- death of a friend, an injury, a lump named Ralph...etc.... And just two nights ago, my car was broken into and $5000 worth of goods were stolen. I think I might have reached my limit after the car incidence.

Two days ago, my friend Megan Metcalfe was passing through Toronto, and had to stay the night. She's from Edmonton, Alberta and trains in Virgina, but had never been out & about the sites in Toronto. I mean you just can't come to Toronto and not SEE Toronto - so, I offered to be her personal Tour Guide and take her around.

It was great, totally unplanned and spur of the moment kind of thing. Our tour began with the CN Tower (the 2nd tallest free standing building in the world and a definite tourist attraction). We ended up even eating dinner at the 360* Restaurant, which is at the top of CN Tower and revolves around the city.

We completed the Toronto Tour musts -- standing on the glass floor at the top of the CN Tower, going outside the top of the tower and taking funny pictures in the gift shop -- we decided to call it a night. Indeed, it was a good night! ... Until we returned to my car.

As we walked towards my car I noticed some glass and a dark film on the ground. In a state of shock I slowly looked up to my car thinking "No, not my car! No, not my car!" and saw that indeed it was MY car! AHHHHHHH!!!! I was sick to my stomach! Not only had my car window been broken, the thief made off with my knapsack, which had my red LENOVO IdeaPad U1110, my Flip Video and dissertation work in it! AND my training bag.... Like REALLY do they really need my workout plan and high jump spike!

I couldn't help feeling dirty and violated. It's really an unpleasant feeling... I drove home with regrets, should ofs and could ofs, and realized that I should be glad my friend and I are not hurt and they didn't steal my car. I guess shit really happens... (sorry for the profanity, but it seems the most appropriate word at this time.)

And while my bag wasn't in clear view, it wasn't hidden either, so it's taught me a lesson in that regard. According to the security guard, people will even brake into cars over spare change.

Suffice, to say my friend saw both extremes of a big city -- the Good and the Bad. For me it was a braking point, because, it just seems another random misfortune, I've had within a span of 2 months. I desperately need to be that sun the dog shines on! The way I figure, if I get through all the hard, and challenging stuff now, the rest of my year just has to be BETTER! Whoops, scratch that -- Phenomenal!

Glass half full,

Nicole

A Lump in the Breast

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:50:00 +0000

It’s crazy how in an instance your life can change. Two weeks ago my biggest concerns were related to high jump and my dissertation proposal. However, that quickly changed when I discovered a lump in my breast in a random check.

Having dealt with the emotions, I felt it was important to speak of this experience candidly on my blog. I feel no shame and least of all desire no pity. However, if I can make one woman begin to conduct regular breast checks for lumps, I will have succeeded in my goal.

When I discovered the lump I must have sat on my bed for 20 minutes grappling over what I had felt – “Was this really a lump?” “Is it serious” “Is it cancerous?” “How can this be, I’m too young to find a lump?!”

What I had felt was small, but quite distinct; and it felt hard but rubbery. This was something, I had never felt before! And although I didn’t meet the criteria for being at risk for breast cancer, I certainly wasn’t arrogant enough to believe I was impervious to it. Quite the contrary.

I was terrified, and for once, I really was truly confronted with my own mortality, as well as what was really important to me. I have been a long supporter of breast cancer research and its victims, but, hadn’t ever really contemplated the possibility that I could be a face of breast cancer… until last week.

Now, not all lumps are cancerous. In fact, there are four main types of lumps, and many women will have lumps in their lifetime that are not cancerous…. This I learned as I immersed myself in a crash course in breast lumps and breast cancer.

Still, when you are undergoing tests to rule out cancer it can be a terrifying experience. After having some tests performed my lump is apparently just a lump. THANK GOD! Definitely, good news I can handle. Still, just to be safe, we’ll be keeping a close eye on Ralph.

I am so incredibly grateful for these results! And in my moment of gratitude I couldn’t help but wonder about the women who aren’t so fortunate and how they are making steps to treat not just a lump…. How their lives will change? Will she be successful? Will she live a full life? Or is her battle longer and larger than she planned?

I don’t know much but I know that if actions can prevent breast cancer (i.e. a healthy lifestyle) or can aid in early detection, I will engage in these actions. I’ve certainly learned the importance of regular breast checks! Historically, I’ve never been regular with checking for lumps…. possibly delusional by my age and such. But, that was being foolish! Breast cancer does not discriminate against age or race.

Like clock work I will ALWAYS conduct regular breast checks. I hope you and your loved one will do the same. After all early detection is your first line of defense!

A forever changed woman,
Nicole Wendy Forrester

IF TODAY WAS YOUR LAST DAY

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 02:15:00 +0000

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day
Tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
If today was your last day

Against the grain should be a way of life
what´s worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there´s no second try
So live like you´ll never live it twice
don´t take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day
Tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you´re dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it´s never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can´t rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin' stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day
Tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you´re dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day

~by Nickelback

You've Got Mail!

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:44:00 +0000

One of my biggest pet peeve is people who do not reply to emails or take their time getting back to me… especially if I’ve taken time in sending a thoughtful email. It’s very ANNOYING! Well, recently, it seems more often than not I have been guilty of this crime…. Boy do I hate being wrong.

An influx of emails combined with a busy schedule, and fatigue has allowed my inbox to rise weekly to an unsightly number that makes it discouraging to even attempt to respond to one email. Last week I was up over 1300 in emails I needed to read, reply or delete!!!! I finally, sat down and over a span of 3 days really went to work to go through these emails. However, as I got to the bottom of my emails I found myself feeling horrible.

Yes, I had received some thoughtful emails, that in my opinion deserved an efficient reply and a mutual thoughtful email. I started to think how I would feel if I was in their position, and realized my narrow room for acceptance of tardy replies. To make up for this, I’ve now found myself trying to reply as quickly as the emails are sent. This is a tiresome duty. So, now I am struggling to find a median, in which I can create a process of replying to emails…..

I can’t help but find myself remembering the days of postal mail being the front runner in communication (besides phones). How I long for those days. I can’t help wondering what the state of emails will be in 10 years time.

A subscriber to emails,
Nicole

The audacity of hope! -- TODAY is a GREAT DAY.. A Day of Change, Hope and Rejuvination!

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:51:00 +0000

I am not sure of the feeling I have today… Indeed today is a special day for everyone, regardless if you are or aren’t an American citizen. The magnitude of Obama’s inauguration cannot be encapsulated by words, all we know is it is something uplifting, a fulfillment of dreams and above all a generator of HOPE world wide. As I sit in my hotel room here in the Czech Republic, my computer is glued to CNN anxiously awaiting the inaguaration of Barack Obama.

I am overwhelmed by emotion. I can’t help but think of Martin Luther King’s Speech “I have a dream,” where he states “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” This inauguration of Obama for demonstrates the fulfillment Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream, into a reality.

As a young Canadian black female growing up, I have always dreamt of this day. I believed in a world where racism would be less pervasive and equality for all would continue to grow. A world where would be lead by goodness and not cynicism.

It’s incredible to think that the US’s past election sited the largest turnout for votes in its history, AND from that Obama in a sweeping victory was elected President judged not by his colour but by the content of his character. Almost 46 years later, Martin Luther King’s Speech is seeing its fulfillment on the highest stage – Presidency. Ironically, while Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream, Barack Obama entered his first year of life, to someday lead a nation.

And while Obama may be an African-American, and this is the first African-American President, the even greater amazement of this day is the quality leader Americans have elected. Indeed Barack is a good man, beholding the kind of character most of us wish to have or want to be in its company…. a genuine interest in the betterment of all man and the belief that anything and all things are possible.

I leave you with an exert from Barack Obama’s speech at a Democratic National Convention: ,

In his speech addressing the Democratic National Convention in 2004, Obama said:

“ In the end, that's what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope? John Kerry calls on us to hope. John Edwards calls on us to hope. I'm not talking about blind optimism here -- the almost willful ignorance that thinks unemployment will go away if we just don't talk about it, or the health care crisis will solve itself if we just ignore it. No, I'm talking about something more substantial. It's the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores; the hope of a young naval lieutenant bravely patrolling the Mekong Delta; the hope of a millworker's son who dares to defy the odds; the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too. Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The audacity of hope!”

Thank you USA for electing Barack Obama for president!

Your proud Canadian Neighbour,

Nicole W. Forrester

Living for NOW

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:42:00 +0000

Well, it’s been a couple weeks since my last blog. It’s been a little hard for me to blog, as what I felt I needed to blog most about was too painful for me to even bring to memory. So, I’ve pushed it to the back of memory, wishing the truth was a lie.

Last week, one of my closest friends had the unfortunate task of telling me our friend Olive Ikeh, had been killed in a car accident. Even now as I write this, I am still numb by this, challenged with the ability to grasp that I will never enjoy the company of Olive again. To know Olive, was to know what inimitable. Anyone fortunate to have met her was guaranteed to have had some impression left by her on them. Ironically, it was only a year a half ago where she was severely hit by a drunk driver and was granted another chance at life.

In my attempt to make sense of this, I take solace in the beauty she stood for, and realize that at any moment life as we know it can be illogically altered forever. All I have is today and this moment. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so I ask myself ‘if it were all to end what impression would I hope to have left on the world?’ And as I ache for the loss of Olive, I promise myself to make the most of this moment -- NOW. I move forward, doing all the things I wanted to do someday, now, and being the woman I hope to be someday, now. And definitely, definitely… no regrets!

Making the most of this moment,
Nicole

Pondering thoughts on Hockey

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:19:00 +0000

As a Canadian I obviously love the game of Hockey. It’s probably the first sport I can remember watching. However, I have never been a supporter of the fighting. It’s not tolerated in recreational hockey, so how is it professionally a part of the game. I mean really, the object of the game is to score a goal! I’ve yet to watch a NHL game where a fight doesn’t break out. And the worst part is fans actually cheer and encourage it. Really, now? We’ve had numerous cases of fights leading to serious injuries, the most recent being the death of Don Sanderson, a defenceman with the OHL Whitby Dunlops, on January 3, 2009!

When I was in University, I remember a year where 3 deaths in wrestling at various universities had occurred – one of which was a classmate and friend of mine, Jeff Resse. He had been attempting to cut 22lbs over four days to compete in a lower weight class when his heart failed. Unfortunately, it took 3 young men dying for the NCAA to change the rules regarding “making weight.” I can’t help wondering if we are going down the same path with Hockey?

And while many people may argue fighting has always been a part of the game, we should also remember there was a time when players played without helmets and goalies without facemask… but at some point changes were necessary. Jaques Plante the first goalie to ever wear a face mask, refused to return to the ice without face protection after breaking his skull, cheekbones, nose and jaw. Maybe we ca learn from Jacques Plante or wrestling when it comes to fighting and hockey. What a concept?

Pondering thoughts on Hockey,

Nicole

HOPE and a New Year

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 22:04:00 +0000

There are few people who know my debating thoughts on hope…. or rather, my previous thoughts on hope. In fact it might surprise you.

Being a Catholic, I have always been taught the value of love, hope and faith. So, it may be a surprise that up until a little while a go, I use to view Hope as a lesser strength. It seemed to involve a sense of uncertainty…. Like a wish cast out with a penny in a fountain – no assurance that one’s Hope would come to fruition. At least not like, “Faith” which seemed to err on the side of assurance, conviction, and certainty. Moreover, Hope also appeared to give room for doubt (like in the book Screwtape Letters).

Morgan Freeman encapsulates this dilemma (I’ve had) in the movie Shawshank Redemption when he says “Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.” However, he too would learn the power, strength and beauty in hope. (Truly a great movie to see if you haven’t!)

I guess perhaps, I might have felt that one can be filled with false hope, only to have their heart broken if hope fails to deliver. It seemed a safer bet to place efforts on certainty, or what I could control.

But, what I am realizing is that hope surrounds us always. It plants those images in our minds of what can be. It takes us through the moments when everything else tells you no, but yet still you believe otherwise. It fills us with joy and happiness of what the future can hold in store. And it is certainly a cause of celebration for New Years.

I cannot describe why my view point on Hope evolved or has been transformed. Indeed it is powerful and fills me with joy when I think of where hope has taken me and is taking me. Yes, I am Hopeful and I Hope you are too!

Here’s to Hoping in 2009!
Nicole

Happy New Year!

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 22:29:00 +0000

It's just hours a way for many of you in Europe as you get ready to count down the seconds to a New Year! A New Year signifying Hope for good things to come. I want to take the time for thanking you all for sharing 2008 with me and being a part of my life. But, most importantly I want to wish you and yours a truly amazing 2009 -- fulfilling more than you could imagine. Happy New Year!

Voorspoedige Nuwejaar! (Afrikaan) - Stastny Novy Rok (Czech) - Chestita Nova Godina (Bulgarian) - Onnellista Uutta Vuotta! (Finnish) - Gelukkig nieuwjaar (Flemish) - Bonne Année (French) - Ein Glückliches Neues Jahr! (German) - Shana Tova (Hebrew) - Felice Anno Nuovo (Italian) - Shinnen Omedeto (Japanese) - Kong He Xin Xi (Mandarin) - Godt Nytt År (Norwegian) - Feliz Ano Novo! (Portuguese) - Feliz Ano Novo! (Romanian) - S Novym Godom ((Russian) - Feliz Año Nuevo (Spanish) - Iyi Senele (Turkey)

Season's Greetings

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 02:23:00 +0000

'Tis the season of forgiving, giving, joy happiness and Love! Pass it on! Cheerish this day and on wards. I wish you and youra a truly special Christmas!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Nicole

Drive with your Head not just with your Feet

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 02:38:00 +0000

I remember when I first got my license, my dad firmly advised me to always “Drive with my head and not just with my feet.” Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I can be a speed-demon when the road conditions are good, but I’ve never forgotten this instruction. Especially, when the road conditions are not ideal!

Just Thursday I drove home to Canada, narrowly escaping the winter storm that pounded Michigan and Toronto! It literally began to snow at 8am on Friday and did not stop until 11pm that night! Possibly, more snow then the North Pole, itself! And now, we are currently preparing for another snow assail.

I really don’t mind the snow. I don’t mind driving in these conditions. What I do mind are the “idiots” who do not drive with their head. What happened to the importance of arriving alive! Yesterday, while out and about, I witnessed people driving with reckless abandon – following too closely behind, cutting drivers off, and speeding (just to name a few things)!

The sad thing is, people choosing to drive appropriately become victims in collisions involving irresponsible drivers. Currently, there are talks of invoking a charge/ticket to anyone who drives inappropriate for the conditions. I would definitely be in favor of such and act. Collisions can cost more than just a car repair, it can cost a life. Especially, during this holiday season please, please, please drive responsibly… Drive with your head… And arrive alive!

Continuing to drive with my head,
Nicole

Blinded by your Beauty

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:18:00 +0000

Yesterday while cleaning house, I watched the movie Shallow Hal. For those of you who are not familiar with this movie, it’s about a guy (Hal) who only dates women who are as close to perfection in appearance as possible, with little regard to the type of person they are. Upon a chance meeting with Tony Robbins (motivator speaker), he changes his view on the world, seeing the beauty of an individual from the inside only.

Besides the fact that this movie is hilarious, there are so many reasons I love this movie. For the first time, I noticed a line in the movie, where Hal’s neighbour comments on her disinterest in him (initially), because she believed he was superficial.

I couldn’t help but think, how much I agreed with this view point. For me, there is something so unattractive about a man who would only date or attempts to date women who are beautiful on the outside and not necessarily on the inside. My values would not be aligned with this individual!

Ironically, if there is a certain guy I am interested in and his ex was sensational – you know Mother Teresa, the Good Samaritan, and David R. Hawkins all rolled up into one, I’d first question how could he let her go, (2) applaud him for the ability to attract such a beauty and (3) feel honoured that he would choose to date me.

I really believe beauty is skin deep. And the beauty that is true is one that you can’t always see across a crowded room, but you can see by looking into one’s heart!

Blinded by your Beauty,

Nicole W. Forrester

SPECIAL DELIVERY

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:50:00 +0000

For most athletes in Athletics (Track and Field), Christmas may come a few times in a given year. These can be the arrival dates of our apparel shipments from our sponsors. While I am sponsored by Visa, my apparel & eyewear sponsors are Mizuno and Oakley.

It never fails! After all these years, my friends and I still get excited to receive our shipments. We’re curious to see the styles and colours for the coming season and how everything will fit. Obviously, Oakley shipment days are a lot of fun for me; however, unlike my friends, I’m often nervous with my apparel shipments.

I’m a healthy 1.92m in height (6’3 ½) with legs 50 ½ inches (126cm) and a waist 26 inches. So, having clothes fit me properly can be a problem. Essentially, I require my leggings and sleeved shirts to be long but also small in width. (I give size small another meaning.)

Mizuno, a Japanese company, uses OX, O, XO, XXO sizing chart (clearly, different from Canadian sizes). As a recent Mizuno athlete it has taken me some time to figure out where my body frame fits into their chart. Moreover, my Mizuno comes directly from Japan, not Canada, so correct sizing is even more critical. Determined, to figure out my appropriate sizes, while in Beijing, Mizuno methodically went through various clothes to determine my size. But, I still had some concerns – seriously, how does any small size fit my long limbs?

This week when my shipment arrived, I nervously opened my box. I wondered the torment it would unveil. Would I open it to find a lot of wonderful things unable to fit my unique body frame? Would I be wearing high water flood pants or Capri- length sleeved shirts? Incredible, to my dismay, everything fit! Right down to my winter jacket! In the history of receiving apparel shipment (from any company), this was a FIRST! Could I be dreaming! JACKPOT! I don’t know how they did it, but they did. Mizuno figured out my sizing for everything.

Just my size,

Nicole

Say What You Need to Say

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 16:35:00 +0000

Mr. Holland’s’ Opus is one of the few movies I find to be a true tear jerker. (I’m amazed at my inability to make it through that movie without crying!)

It’s a story about a teacher, who only ever wanted to write a great symphony, but life happens and he never has time to complete this symphony. He gets married, fathers a deaf child (whom he feels disconnected with) and begins teaching music and driving lessons to pay the bills! In the end after 25 years of dedicating his life to a school they decide to cut his program because of budget cost. This leaves him feeling like his life was meaningless. Unbeknown to him he actually does write an incredible symphony in his 25 years of teaching – he has fruitfully influenced a copious amount of students’ lives. They ARE his symphony!

I have a personal relationship with this movie because I had a high school music teacher (Mr. Thompson) who was also my Driver’s Ed. teacher! I see a lot of similarities between him and that of the protagonist in Mr. Holland’s Opus. His belief, guidance and demand from me, has undoubtedly had a profound influence in shaping me. Learning various instruments, difficult pieces with the occasional spotlight solo, taught me that any skill could be learned and not to run from the chance to display perfection.

I always remember him selecting me as a Bass Clarinetist to regionally represent Ontario in a selected symphony of various talented musicians. I was flabbergasted (I certainly didn’t have that much belief in myself at the time!).

My point in this run-on story is that I never got the chance to tell him how he had influenced my life and growth. 2 years ago, he was driving and ran out of gas on the highway. He was crossing a major highway for gas when he was struck and killed. His death has filled me with grief and regrets.

I realize now how important it is to say what you feel as oppose to not saying anything. (Unless it’s extremely nasty like, “You little F@#ker, I wish you dropped dead and your carcass was so bad that not even flies didn’t wanted to land on you and you were buried in an unmark grave as a disease to society!).. wow, where did that come from??? …lol :p (an image of The Usual Suspects just flew into my head…lol).

But, being serious all we have is today so I don’t like holding back thoughts especially good thoughts. Why wait for a funeral to stand over someone’s grave and say how wonderful that person was. Say it now! Say it loud! And say it proud, while they can appreciate it! This is probably the reason why I like the song “Say” by John Mayer. There is a line in the song that says:

“It's better to say too muchThen never to say what you need to say againEven if your hands are shakingAnd your faith is brokenEven as the eyes are closingDo it with a heart wide open”

…I love it!

Saying what I need to say,
Nicole

TRAINING (in Canada), STITCHES and VIDEO

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 03:42:00 +0000

Well, I’ve been home in Canada for a week now training. My training base location is Ann Arbor, Michigan. Between my coach, the facilities at hand and my short 3km drive to practice it makes for an excellent set-up. To me this is my Olympic Training Centre. However, I am close enough to my Canadian home that I can hop in my car and drive 4 hours and be in Toronto.

Due to some obligations, I’ve had to be home in Canada last week and this week. Juggling scheduled appointments, my training obviously takes president. Leaving the house at 8am, I usually do not return until 9 or 10pm. Driving between Aurora, Toronto and Orillia, I’m probably managing 250km a day on my Toyota RAV4. Although, my schedule is jam packed, I absolutely love being home!

But, as much as I love home, training at home can be challenging. For one, it takes me on a good day 40 minutes to make it to practice and parking comes with a hefty $9 parking fee per day. And my inability to find boxes and/or equipments I need for my workout can sometimes result in alternate workout plan taking effect. Still, this kind of training I believe toughens you up.

So, I thought I’d enlighten you with an inside look at my training here at home.

Waiting to return back to Ann Arbor,
Nicole

(Below) Sticthes being removed from a Plyometric Accident a few weeks ago.

SAY

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:29:00 +0000

Take all of your wasted honor

Every little past frustration

Take all your so called problems

Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to saaaay...

Walking like a one man army

Fighting with the shadows in your head

Living out the same old moment

Knowing you'd be better off instead

If you could only

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to saaay...

Have no fear

For giving in

Have no fear

For giving over

You better know that in the end

It's better to say too much

Then never to say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking

And your faith is broken

Even as the eyes are closing

Do it with a heart wide open... wide...

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to

Say what you need to say...

~John Mayer

The 4 year life of Amateur Sports

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:50:00 +0000

I understand that Athletics (Track & Field’s official name) receives much attention every 4 years, but there is a life that extends beyond the 4 year cycle of the Olympic Games. It’s called the circuit. There is a circuit of competitions that occur each year. I liken it to Tennis with their Grand Slams. The “circuit” consists of Golden League Meetings, Super Grand Prix, Grand Prix and World Athletic Tour Meetings in addition to other area permit competitions. The end of each season is concluded with the World Athletic Finals, where the top 8 athletes in each event compete. In addition to the World Athletic Finals, the Olympic Games are also sandwiched by the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Francophone Games, World Cup and Pan-American Games. All of which are strong competitions in their own merit.

Another, interesting fact -- behind soccer (a.k.a football) track and field is the next most popular and participated sport in the world. It is the only sport in the world which every other sport uses in some fashion in their training. Often in some athlete’s off-season, they will choose to train with us to improve their fitness. I remember on one occasion an NFL player was training with me and my friends, and was struggling. At the end of the session, he exclaimed in disbelief of our ability to enjoy this form of training daily. It made us chuckle. I’m sure if we tried taking the hits he took on the field, we’d be struggling to understand that enjoyment.

Alas, at the end of the day I can’t deny my boasting of Athletics embodiment of the Olympic Spirit – 'Citius, Altius, Fortius' (swifter, faster, and higher). It is a sport that all body types can participate. You don’t need to necessarily be tall, short, fat or thin. There is an event for anyone to try. You are the captain of your own fate.. It’s just you and the clock, or measuring stick. And if you can’t be the fastest in the world, you can certainly use the training to become faster to chase a soccer ball down the field. Yes, I am proud to be an athlete in Athletics (track and field)! Not to take anything from any other sport, of course.

Loving my Sport,
Nicole W. Forrester

Birthday Celebration -- November 17

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:57:00 +0000

It’s my birthday… My day… Well, officially, as of 12:00am November 17. I actually, invoked a 2-day celebration of my birthday, beginning today.

I totally enjoy the commencement of another year of being older. I’ve seen others grimace with their age or feel “old” while they compare themselves to the ages of others. However, I view getting older as another step towards the perfection of wisdom. It is especially important for me to take this time out of the year to reflect on how far I’ve come and where I’m trying to go. As I spoke with my dear friend recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, I mentioned we don’t often pay homage to the successes we’ve attained. I don’t like vanity and sometimes it seems a thin line to an inflated ego.

Humility is probably the quintessential characteristic I hold with the highest regard. However, it’s important to remember that humility isn’t about feeling inferior, but having an accurate assessment of yourself, while not feeling you are a bettered person because of it.

In my so far short 32 years of life, I’m humbled by my experiences. I’ve had phenomenal mentors step into my life to guide my path. I’ve travelled to countries I never knew existed. I’ve sat and chatted with presidents, prime ministers, princes and celebrities, exchanging a reciprocal appreciation of achievements. I’ve also sat amongst homeless people and while not being able to understand their predicaments, taken the time to talk with them as my equal.

I’ve been able to proudly adorn my county’s colours and the maple leaf on my chest, representing my country on the grandest of stage. I am grateful, and appreciative of all that I’ve experienced. Only through grace, could I be so blessed. It is because of this I am committed to the betterment of others… ahhh… the circle of life.

And although, like anyone I’ve had my share of heart aches and disappointments along the way, I know they can only serve to make me a better Nicole Wendy Forrester. I remember a time when I was such a “need to please others,” instead of filling myself up with my own approval, such that I wouldn’t need to look else where. In deed, I am becoming more comfortable in my own skin. I’ve manage to surround myself with phenomenal friends and I stay true to my values such as loyalty, honesty and consideration, hoping that they will take me to far places.

If this is me at 32, I look forward to me at 64 or 96 years of age. So, on my birthday, I thank you for caring to read this simple blog. And if nothing else, I hope it will make you take a moment to celebrate your own wonderfulness you possess!

Birthday girl,
Nicole

The Aging Debate, Part II -- Youth vs. Wisdom

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:23:00 +0000

Age seems to be a taboo topic. As some people get older they start to lie about their age or refuse to reveal their age. As an athlete, our age and everything else about us (probably even our blood type) is always attached to our name... as if the one can't be seperated from the other.

Personally, I take pleasure in my age and find myself wanting to learn from the experience of those who are older and provide my own experiences to those whom are younger or less experienced then myself. To be quite honest, I would like to volunteer my time at a retirement home, not to be altruistic, but to hear the stories of those who have been fortunate to experience a long life, thus far.

Youth is celebrated and placed upon this high pedestal. It represents boundless possibilities and potential – a better tomorrow. But, when we’re young we are bombarded with unique images of beautiful, airbrushed models and Ads advocating a new and improved image. We are constantly told through various mediums that what we are, is not good enough. One is not smart enough, thin enough, or beautiful enough – simply put “just not enough. And as that person ages, that message becomes – “You are too old! Better hurry, life is passing you by!” Certain standards of life are put into place as measuring, how far you’ve come in life, and where you’ll end up. Thank God, I don’t fall for any of that crap!

I can’t help but think of how much naivety I held about age, when I was just a few years younger and my lack of comfort of being in my own skin. But, I’m growing up and getting a little bit wiser, day by day. As my mom says ‘You can’t get wiser without getting older.’

I believe the physical impact of aging is merely a reflection of how we take care of ourselves along the way. Most people are so busy taking care of everybody else that they forget to take care of themselves, and physical aging can bare its truth. However, to paint everyone with the same brush for being old because of a simple number, reflecting one’s age is not accurate. Life is an individual experience and so are the effects of growing old.

I am a proud 31-year old woman, just shy of celebrating another fabulous birthday! As I grow older I will continue to be proud of my age and who I’ve become and who I’m becoming. Life represents boundless potential, and I will never subscribe to the limitations which others may place. I am grateful for the wisdom that age brings to me. And I hope you are too!

Life is beautiful and it should be. It’s about daily self-discovery – daring to fail and daring to succeed. We should never give anyone the power to decide our expiration on potential. If your not where you want to be, when would NOW be a good time to start?

Remember -- “Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it!” ~ Anne Shirley (from the movie Anne of Green Gables)

Simply enjoying the best that life has to offer,
Nicole

Continuation from Blog: Age, Women & Sport – Age is Mind over Matter…if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter, and I don’t mind so it doesn’t matter!

The Power of Video

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:21:00 +0000

One of the beauties of Athletics is the travel passport it provides. You get to travel numerous countries and experience various cultures. When else would I have had the opportunity to experience a small, beautiful country like Qatar or something so grand and different to my Western World like China? When I first began competing I committed a cardinal offense – not taking pictures! On one occasion my sister asked me about my pictures from my travels, and was shocked to learn I never took pictures. So, after that I made it a point to start taking pictures…. And I haven’t looked back since. Now, with the advent of YouTube and digital media readily downloaded on one’s computer, I am able to catch daring videos.

My first victim here is my friend Mike Hazel (USA javelin thrower). In the beginning of my outdoor season, I was jet setting across various countries like I was travelling through towns. I was fortunate to travel with my friend Mike who always seemed like the weirdest predicaments were his experience. On one occasion we rented a smart car while in Berlin. However, the directions we received to our desired destination were completely wrong, and Mike’s reaction was hilarious! Click here:

Travelling to the Russian Embassy with Mike in Berlin

Travelling to training with Mike in Berlin

And for those of you who ever wondered what it was like for us walking into the Bird's Nest during the Opening Ceremony, here's a little peek. Moments before entering, we were ushered into a tunnel and our Canadian Team began to sing our anthem in unison. A completely memorable experience. Due to IOC rules, these videos were not allowed to be shown during the games. Enjoy...

Oh, Canada! in the Tunnel moments before entering the Bird's Nest

On the infield during the Olympic Games.

2008 Olympian,

Nicole

Can Men & Women Really be Friends?

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:13:00 +0000

If I were to get married tomorrow, I’d imagine my bridesmaids would include Glenn, Eric, Boswell, Glenroy and possibly Bobby. While, I do have a close circle of female friends, I have an even greater circle of close male friends.

Recently one of my friends posed the question “can men & women really be friends?” (as sited in the movie “When Harry met Sally”) We all weighed on this simple, yet perplexing question.

Obviously, because of my circle of male friends, I am biased in the belief that it is possible. Personally, my male friends offer a perspective that my female friends can’t. When it comes to dating, my close male friends are my Oprahs. I consult with them, as they give me insight into how guys think. Also, I consider myself at times an alpha-male trapped inside this female body. I don’t enjoy gossiping and talking about the newest hairstyles. However, I do enjoy WWE, an occasional PS3 game and just being silly (often entertaining & implementing dares). As of lately, I’ve been thinking of capping my number of male friends. Probably more for inventory reasons.

One solution to this question is the ETERNAL FRIEND BOX. There is no chance of getting out once I place a male friend in this box. It’s like I see them only as a brother, and anything beyond that would be incestuous.

There is however one draw back of having opposite gendered friends -- the serious relationship which inevitably leads to marriage. Once a male friend has moved in this direction, we can no longer be as close. It would be wrong talking with them to the wee hours, discussing personal experiences, and emotions when they should be sharing that with their new best friend – their wife. I’ve lost a couple of friends to this assail, but, don’t mind. As a true friend, I revel in their new found joy!

Plane and simple I do believe it is possible for men and women to be friends. Perhaps, for a man and a woman to be friends, there should be no attraction between the two in the beginning. Although, it is possible for a man and woman to develop attraction through the friendship, therefore, placing oneself in non-compromising situations becomes important. It is a good idea to be aware, honest and true about your feelings at all times. Also a committed relationship should always trump the friendship. The safest bet is to only have opposite gendered friends who are gay or to place your heterosexual friends in the eternal friend box. Lock that thing up and throw away the key…

Oddly enough, it seems to me that the person you would want to be in a serious committed relationship with should be a best friend. Does that mean being a friend first is a rite of passage? Geeze, that definitely makes this debate even more confusing!

Eternal Friend Box Subscriber,

Nicole

In Flanders Fields

nicole@nicoleforrester.com (Nicole Wendy Forrester) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 21:58:00 +0000

In Canada, we refer to November 11th as Remembrance Day. A day of a remembrance for those who have fought and those we have lost in battle in our name. A poem written during World War I, by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote, after witnessing the death of his friend, become a staple in our Canadian history. So whether, you are Canadian, American or some other citizen, please take a moment to remember those who have fought, and those whom we have lost in battle, so we could have this day. Traditionally, we Canadians take this time 1 min on November 11th at 11am.

In Flanders fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

— Lt.-Col. John McCrae