I didn’t see you on Skype so I am writing to you here. I know as soon as you get internet on the boat, this is where you go. I want to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day, this year, it’s that special one we share. I wish that I could hug you today. Jenie is on her way over now & we’re gonna cheers to you. Thank you for encouraging me to be unique, to make my own path & leave a trail and for supporting me in all I do. You truly are an amazing human being. I love you.

I woke up this morning determined to find my hot pink photo album and bring back some memories. I didn’t find it but I did come across a bunch of things that made me feel fond about friends, happy about starting a new year and proud of things I’ve done. This was me at Mum’s house on my 21st birthday, eight years ago. This was me at Mum’s house on my 21st birthday, eight years ago. A few months after that photo I shipped off to Australia for university. This was right before the airport, my family. There was a time where I thought I’d never get Mum & Dad together for a photo but such is no longer the case. I grew up so much that year I was away. This was at The Moose in Kitchener (anyone from there will recognize it!) the day I got back from Aus. I was so tiny, all my friends were like “where did your boobs go?”.  I left at about 125lb and came back barely 100. Living at the beach is a great diet. I figure today, my birthday is as good of a day as any to share some memories of where I came from/how I got here. One thing that always changes, is my hairstyle. I’ve had so many colours. Teen model. That was not the end of teen modeling. Oh no, there was much more. And more. After I won this pageant I did all kinds of fashion shows. It was really fun to be honest. I got lots of practice being in front of the camera, walking on stage and it introduced me to some people at Gap where I got my first ever real job. I had braces for about two years in high school. This…

My baby, she’s gone to the Bike Doctor. At first diagnosis, it’s not lookin’ too good. Went to Curbside Cycle to drop off my ride and check out the shop. We had a really fun time. Photo looks like the thing is in my mouth. Haha. Team Boston will get a kick of of that I’m sure! So many cool bikes there. Watched this totally awesome TED talk yesterday. The cloud thing at the end for the London Olympics is mind blowing but don’t skip the start. Hope it inspires you 🙂

Today I’m at U of T with Keri hosting CUTC (The Canadian Undergraduate Technology Conference). In a nutshell, CUTC is “passionate young students gathering to discuss and learn about the newest and coolest ways the world is changing”. Check out the speakers here (Reddit guy, Kiva founder etc.). We’re in for lots of red shirts and heaps of students. Beauty day out there though! If you’re in the audience reading this – HIIIIIIIIIIIIIII CUTC is Canada’s largest, longest-running student-organized technology conference. 2011 will be its 12th year. CUTC brings together hundreds of the country’s brightest students for two days in the heart of downtown Toronto, and gives them a chance to interact with technology in ways that school can’t. This includes incredible keynote speakers, intimate breakout sessions, and a wide variety of activities and competitions bringing together students and tech. CUTC 2011 is about sharing the stories behind changes in technology, about answering the “how” and “why” more than just the “what”.