Now that the new year is upon us I can finally evade the question I have met so many times since being crowned Miss Canada International 2008; Why am I representing 2008?  This is a fair question since the competition did commence in August 2007, and I did grow accustomed to responding with, 'I'm like a car, the new model comes out a few months early', but whether I will miss it or relish its absence, by the fate of time, this conversation can now be retired.

To start the year I was invited to spend a day with the Girl Guides.  First, the girls interviewed me and then I had the chance to talk to them about the Teddy Bears of Hope Afghanistan campaign.  This was fitting, as our next activity was to make homemade cards for war veterans, which would be delivered on Valentine's Day.  I got to speak with the girls one-on-one while making the cards and later while playing games, singing songs and performing the traditional pledge and march.  As a former Brownie myself it was a wonderful, nostalgic experience to spend time with the lovely young ladies of Troop 110.

As a continuing volunteer at the Calgary Public Library I was happy to be invited to join their February 'Get Caught Reading' event as a special guest. Along with media personalities, Calgary Stampeders, local MLA's, and library volunteers, I handed out scarves and bookmarks to commuters who we 'caught reading' on the c-train.  I had the chance to do media interviews and even got 'caught' myself, on the c-train that is, when the doors shut before I could exit and took Harvey the Hound and me on an unanticipated detour.   Despite the diversion, 'Get Caught Reading' was a fun event and a great way to promote literacy, the joys of reading, and the resources of the library.

I also had the opportunity to work with the Cerebral Palsy Association again.  As a former CP volunteer, I was delighted to be a guest and support member at the Adult Support Group's bowling party.  I had the chance to encounter wheelchair bowling and although my score was no match to those of the skilled members, I did manage to get a few strikes myself!  I had a great time interacting with the members during the outing and was glad for the chance to continue my work with the Cerebral Palsy Association.

Ironically, the beginning of the New Year was not as much of a new start as it was a chance to revisit my past.  It was great to continue working with the organizations that I have come to know personally, and I look forward to continuing my affiliations with these groups beyond my year as Miss Canada International.  Wrapping up the month, I am boarding a plane for Ottawa.  I figure that any chances of jet lag should be counter-acted by the fact that it is Leap Day!  It would be nice if this were true, as I know that March is a busy month ahead.