Between the Sheets: January 2011 – A Month Team Bernard Won’t Forget

I look back at the last 3 weeks… wow. We were part of an amazing team at the Continental Cup, then a mad dash to the TSN Skins Game in Casino Rama and a one day turn around and a 2 hour drive to Camrose for the Alberta Provincial Scotties (those results we might like to forget). The Skins Game was amazing. The venue – who would have ever thought we would be curling in a Casino? TSN and the Casino treated us like Rock Stars and we came within millimeters of winning the battle of the sexes. Some thought a women’s team shouldn’t compete in the men’s event… and honestly I wasn’t so sure either… but I think we held our own and had the Old Bear a wee bit nervous to say the least. Then on to Camrose for the Alberta Provincial Scotties. They put on an amazing event there. Jamie Bourassa did an incredible job on the ice. Their arena is gorgeous and the town fully supported the event. Tom McPhee from NACA was the head umpire at our event and I just have to say that in all our years playing at Provincial and National Championships… I have never worked with a more professional head umpire with a common sense approach. He actually did his job with a smile and joked with all the teams making us all feel at ease and willing to work with him. We are lucky to have you in our province Tom! Not winning a trip to the Scotties Canadian Championships in Charlottetown- was disappointing to say the least. It would have capped off an incredible year with an incredible team and I could of spent a little time visiting family on the Island. Val (who runs our Facebook and Twitter pages) said it best. “Sport is not easy; despite all the effort we put into it, sometimes we win, other times we lose. The best come back stronger and you will, like you always have.” Thanks Val… you put it all in perspective! Thank you also to all our fans on Facebook and Twitter, your support is huge. And a special thank you again to long time supporter Bill Byam and our new Team Bernard website designer Cris (from Spain) – you rock! So we look forward. A couple more big events scheduled for this year. Victoria Classic in March and the Grey Power Players Championships in April. On Feb 5th, 2011 I begin my book tour, promoting Between The Sheets, The Silver Lining in Calgary, then on to Vancouver and possibly a few signings in Ontario. Feb 9th I will head to High River for the first 3 days of the Alberta Provincial Men’s curling Championships to support my husband Terry Meek and his team of Dean Mamer, Greg Northcott and Eugene Doherty. I owe Terry about a year of cheering for the amount of support he has given me these past few years. The Alberta men’s and women’s provincials are always exciting to watch. And I will have to cheer (quietly) for my outstanding mixed doubles partner… Bennie Hebert! Most of the teams for the Scotties Tournament of Hearts have been decided. It should be a great event and Prince Edward Island will make everyone feel welcome. The field looks amazingly strong. I was happy to see Cathy Overton-Clapham win Manitoba, Rachel Homan will put on a strong show for Ontario, Amber Holland will be a contender along with Kelly Scott, Shannon Kleibrink and defending Champion, Jennifer Jones… should be an exciting week of curling! The Season of Champions is in full swing over these next few months…enjoy it all!