Why I do this

I love writing. I love telling stories. I think I'm a better writer than talker, but I know there are lots of people who would disagree. 

The original purpose of the blog was to keep my home club members updated on what was happening at Governing Council. Sort of self-serving, too, since I can't get my expenses reimbursed until I submit a written report. The blog is my written report.

But the blog is also to keep me engaged in the meetings and presentations. I have ADD and unless I have some way of keeping my focus, I don't last at these types of events for long. (My every-day blog is called "Random Thoughts from My ADD Brain")

It's now a week away from all the fun and games in California. I can't wait to get there and see all my friends. So many people can't figure out why I would so enjoy going to a three-day meeting on governance and rules and such. Having Dorothy Demarest as our rockin' parliamentarian has increased the fun about a 1000 percent (that's Dorothy on the right), but for many of the US Figure Skating officials, this weekend is like a family reunion.

Last weekend, our family lost a beloved member - Laura Maki - a wonderful judging friend from Michigan. Laura helped out everywhere and had such a passion for the sport, that she will be missed and a difficult person to replace. Fortunately for me, the news about Laura's passing came when I was at a competition, when I was with my skating family, and we got a chance to remember Laura together. We'll do the same next week. 

And so it begins...

Welcome to my Governing Council 2010 Blog. I'll be attending my 15th 14th Governing Council and I believe this is my fourth year blogging from the event.

The original purpose of my blog was to provide my home club board members with updates of what is happening at Governing Council. I started sharing it with individuals beyond the board members and then, last year, with the combination of Facebook and Twitter publicity, the audience for the blog grew significantly bigger.

During the pre-meeting activities, I'll try to share information from the session I attend, but obviously I cannot be at all of the sessions and when it comes to the Sectional Caucus meeting, I'll be attending the Midwest caucus since, well, I'm in the Midwest Section. I'll be tweeting when I can - you can follow me @MEHarty. 

I'm planning on attending the Athlete Advisory Committee dinner on Friday night and I'll share pictures from that evening.

This coming Monday night, April 12th, I'll be attending a meeting that is hosted annually by the Twin City Figure Skating Association to learn about the potential bylaw changes and the various Requests for Action. It's a huge benefit to have the background information prior to Governing Council.  The three Sectional Vice Presidents will be covering the Governing Council materials during their monthly call.

So, welcome to my blog. Stay tuned because I most likely won't be posting again until the week of Governing Council unless I find something interesting.