Nov, 25 Update

Hello!!

It is Sunday here in Canada and the ski area was busy with early season skiers. I was surprised to see how many skiers were out. I think there are many Americans up here because the US had a holiday from Thursday.

We also watched The Austrian B team train. The run they are on is very challenging. Lots of rolls and terrain changes.

The group is progressing well. All have understood new points of view! That is the first step to moving ahead. Letting go of old ways of doing something.

Last night was turkey, tonight steak from the BBQ.

Yujin arrived after a delay at Narita. He did make it safely though.

More later.

Doug

Nov,24 Update

Hello Everyone,

Day 1 at Sun Peaks was great! We used a run called 5 mile. The same as last year for those who were here then. There is less snow, but the coverage is pretty good. A few small racks are around, but nothing too bad. The run is very long and easy terrain. Yes, Great for basic training!

We were focusing on basic stance(hip width apart) Movement up with the hips before the edge change, next doing the edge change and at the same time locking the ankle in side. All understood what I wanted and were able to do it. Not every time but we will pattern it more tomorrow.

Tonight is Turkey night! It looks good! I will send more pictures tomorrow.

Bye for now.

Doug

Nov, 23 Update

Hello!

Well, we just finished our first dinner at Sun Peaks. Lasagna!!

It is cool outside. Not much for now snow, but they have been making it.

We are watching World 2008. It is setup slightly different from previous years but the skiing looks good.

Everyone is quite sleepy but are trying to stay up till 9pm. hopefully they will not have bad jet lag.

We are Up at 6:45 for a light warm up. Start skiing at 8:30am.

I will update tomorrow.

Bye for now.

Doug

Nov,21 Update

Hello Everyone,

I have been getting ready for the camp at Sun Peaks. I talked to a friend that coaches up there. She said the skiing is very good at the top of the mountain. We may have to down load because they still need more snow at the base.

I have new boots that I have had to tune up. hey are all ready to go.

I will give you up dates to how the camp goes.

Bye for now.

Doug

It has been below 0 degrees even during the day! Great news for snow making.

Nov, 18 Update

Hello Everyone,

I have been fighting a cold the past few days.

The good news is that there is snow in the hills and the Accel Camp at Sun Peaks is on for next week. The Austrians have been training up there and will be there till the 25th of November. It will be fun and educational to see them ski.

So last week I played golf and shot my best round of the year 79. My Boss gave me 2 free rounds of golf passes. So my handi cap is down to 9.

I see that Sugadaira is cool and snow is falling . That is Exciting! I am looking forward to seeing you all again and helping you all ski faster.

Bye for now.

Doug

Nov, !6 Update

Hello Everyone,

So I just received the new World 2008 DVD !! Great skiing footage! You guys will love it!

I am very sorry we were unable to do the first week of the Sun Peaks camp!!!! It has been snowing now though. The second week looks good!

The Austrian Ski Team has been training up there. I believe the conditions will be great!

Bye for now!

Doug

Nov,11 update

Hello Guys!!

I hope you all had a good weekend.

So in Canada it is Remembrance Day. There are ceremonies in every city to give recognition to veterans that have fought in wars. To give thanks for our freedom! Tomorrow is a holiday for all people. we all where poppy badges on our backs to show all that we are thinking about those points.

So in Kelowna there is a ski shop that bought a new Wintersteger ski tuning machine. I had 2 pairs done . They look good. I also tuned up my new boots. I am already for the upcoming season. Lets all dance for lots of snow this season.

Bye for now.

Doug

Nov, 6 Update

Hello Everyone,

So In Golf like in Skiing timing is key. At the top of the swing I was always rushing down trying to smash the balls cover off. Now I am taking a Full slow back swing, slightly pause at the top. Kind of like when you stretch a rubber band to the full extent. It slows and slightly pauses at the top. this is an important point. When I come down I am moving my arms and body together. The key for me is not to over power the swing with only my arms. Oh, My cap is down to 9.1 now! Yeah!!

Golf now is around 2000 yen per round. Pretty nice!

As I said before skiing has special timing too. DO not Rush to pressure the ski. The other phases come first. A quick balance shift to the new out side ski, lockng your ankle and knee inside, your body also falls inside, then power the ski after you make enough edge angle. Shoulders always level. I believe the biggest key is doing a 100%balance shift from side to side. With out a big hip swing!

Bye for now.

Doug

Nov,4 Update

Hello Everyone,

It was not an exciting weekend. Just work! Yes, Worked all weekend. During the this past week the cabinet shop was unable to make any kitchens.

Both Makaiya and Tajanna had colds. As you can see not a very exciting week.

So I have been tracking my golf handy cap on Golf B.C. this summer. It has been a good summer in that area. I have my handy cap down to 9.5. It was about 14 last year so I am very happy. I will tell you more about it next time.

Bye for now.

Doug

Oct, 31, Update

Happy Halloween!!!!!

Yes, in North America it is Halloween night. Time for Kids and Adults to dress up and go trick or treating! Makiaya is dressed up like Pip pee Long stocking. people dress up in all sorts of different costumes. It is so much fun to dress up in something crazy! I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Bye for now.

Doug

Oct, 31, Update

Oct, 28 Update

Hi Everyone,

This past weekend was a very good and busy one.

First I volunteered at the kelowna Ski Clubs Ski swap! On the Friday We took equipment in. On the Saturday people that to buy come. Then on the Saturday night people that wanted to sell their skis or boots or clothing return to see if it was sold. If it did sell the ski club gets 20% of the sale price and the seller 80%. It is a good fund raiser for the Ski club.

Also this past week a government fund health program called Act B.C. was in kelowna. It is to help show us how to eat and exercise properly. They had different stations to promote exercise. Dance dance revolution, a fun cycling station in video game form, ( you could race a partner) a martial arts bow station focusing on reflexes, and a mini Basket ball court, and more. This was for kids and Adults. They had a station for Blood pressure blood sugar and so on . The following are my results.
Height 170 cm
weight 69.9 KG
Blood pressure 104/77
Total Cholesterol 5.97 mmo 1/L
HDL cholesterol 1.51
Glucose 4.73

And lots of yard work. We now have bags and bags of leaves.

I did play golf with my dad today. 9 holes only. I did shot only 2 over par! Nice! I am swinging with less power better timing!

Bye for now.

Doug

Oct, 20 Update

hello Everyone,

So I thought I would show you how Fall has come to Kelowna. The colour of the leaves is unbelievable.

Pumpkins are also a part of Fall. We carve them and make faces on them for Halloween. I will take a picture of the faces after. Makaiya and I picked these pumpkins from a you pick field. It was a great deal. We picked all of them for $5 !

Have a great weekend! Tomorrow My brother and I are going to cut fire wood for the winter. Yes, we both have fire places in our homes!.

Bye for now.

Doug

Oct, 16 Update

Hello !

So Today was a gyoza night at the Ito's. It was Yummy!!

Bye for now!

Doug

Oct,15 Update

Hello Everyone,

In Kelowna this past weekend it was very nice. Sunny and around 14 degrees C down town.

My family and I did work on our yard, raking leaves, moving more dirt and so on.

I also worked on some more counter tops so I could install them on the weekend.

I did play golf yesterday. played good! Shot a 80! I have learned a lot this summer about golf and improving performance in different sports. In my golf swing I had a slice ball flight. After getting one lesson from a teacher and reading some golf tips I have managed to control my swing plane and hit straighter shots with confidence. The biggest change was slowing my swing down on the take away, and not rushing the down swing. If I try to pull with my arms too quickly at the top of my swing it creates a outside, in swing plane. Also at the top of the swing it is important to switch my balance to the front foot. ( For me my left foot) That also dictates swing plane. The first step to change was to know my problem in Technique. Then mentally see the swing I want. Rhythm is also important to control the swing plane so sometimes I would count in my mind to create a smooth swing.

For many in skiing I have seen many of you trying to rush your turn too. At the top of the turn or the edge change, a balance shift is essential. Now many try to Rush the pressure and loose the the amount of edge angle. There is some time needed after the edge and balance change to make smooth edge angle. It is a falling inside the turn or down the fall line feeling. Pressure is then applied and the ski will accelerate down the falling.

Now during the falling phase the skis must not pivot down the fall line. They must stay on the line of momentum.

The balance change at the top of the turn is just done by slightly moving our CENTER OF BALANCE from side to side. Not from big movement from the hips.

During all puts of the turn our front and back balance must stay balanced in the center. Not too much back or front. The Key is keep your head, shoulders , arms in a athletic position forward and low.

I am looking forward to a success full winter and seeing you all improve your skills and results!

Bye for now.

Doug

Oct, 9 Update

Hello Again!

So one picture is of us installing the sewer line, the other once we have finished. It was hard work
but worth the effort. It is working very well for our waste water removal. Much better than when we were using the septic tank. We could only do so many loads of laundry or there was a chance it could back up in our house. Now everything flows out very very quickly! And because I did organization for the job and did a lot of the work on weekends we saved thousands of dollars.

Bye for now!

Doug

Oct, 9 Update

Hello!

So Makiaya is growing up. She has lost her 2 front teeth recently. She looks like a hockey player right now.

So the weather here in Kelowna is still cool. The snow is staying in the hills which is great to see!

This past weekend We did more work on our house. lots of clean up in the yard! I will include those pictures later.

Bye!

Doug

Oct,3 Update,

Hello!

So the weather here in Canada has really cooled off and there have been a lot of showers in Town and many snow falls in the hills. it is looking to be a good season for the Sun Peaks camp! Last year the basic training was the best because of the long medium to flat runs available. This run just happens to be the first run open on the ski hill. Of course the Austrian ski team will do their pre North American World cup training there. I am expecting the pole training to be very good because the pole training run would be well broken in by the Austrains.

Bye for now, I hope to see some of you in Canada.

Best Regards

Oct,3 Update,

Oct,2 Update

hi!

It was a crazy day! The electricity was off in the area I was working. I had to bring my counter tops home to my garage to finish. Kind of a pain in the butt though. it also took an extra hour to drive home because all of the street lights were out too.

It has cooled down a lot and there is about 15cm at the local ski hill. I am very excited for the upcoming season!

Bye for now.

Doug

Oct,1 Update

Hello,

Chrissy has finally come home. Tajanna is all set up in Seattle. There are still many things we must do for her though.

Well, I have finally finished connecting my sewer line to the city's. Actually I have been connected for a while. Just all the work cleaning up. The picture of the small excavator is what I have been using. I am getting quite good with it now. It is kind of fun to use.

Bye for now.

Doug

Sept,28 update

Hello!

Chrissy is still down in Seattle getting Tajanna all organized. Tajanna starts her classes on the following Monday at 7:30 am. I guess she lives only 10 minutes away by bus so the comute will be easy.

Makaiaya and I went for dinner at a Japanese restaurant called Nishi's! It where we ususlly go for Japanese. Sorry no pictures!

Makaiya is going to a Birthday party tomorrow at the YMCA. It is a indoor pool party.

Also there is snow in the hills! Yes, I hope the snow is even better than last year for the early season camp at Sun Peaks! I hope you are all able to prepare your muscles for the upcoming season. Make high goals for yourselves. What ever you dare to dream. Then do the effort to back it up!

Bye for now!

Doug

Sept, 25, Update

Hello,

Well, Chrissy and Tajanna left for Seattle today. Yes, Tajanna is on her way for th e Art Institute of Seattle. The best School for Fashion design. It is a 3 year program. That is 3 years straight. Only short breaks between quarters.

I am still very busy. Just finished filling the sewer ditch tonight after my normal work.

Bye for now.

Doug

Sept, 24 update

Hi Again,

Just a quick note. The following pictures are from my brothers little girls Birthday party! She is 6 years old now. It was a great dinner party, and yummy ice cream cake.

Bye for now.

Sept, 23 Update

Oh Boy! Sorry it has been a while since my last update!!!

My life has been kind of stressful! I have had to do my normal work, organize Tajanna for school, organize my items for digging our sewer line. I am so happy this past week is over. Oh Yeah, And my nieces birthday was yesterday and we had a big family dinner. The same day as my sewer dig. The dig went well. No big problems. And I did still make dinner!

Bye for now.

Doug

Sept, 15 Update

Hello!

I forgot to tell you about my Monday soccer game. I scored a goal and set up the other 2 goals. Yes, it was a fun game for me. I did hurt my knee a little so I think I will rest it this Monday. The next game is our last league game. The play offs are after that. The next game does not mean much so it is a good chance to rest.

So my excavator operator could not work this weekend. I will have to do my sewer connection next weekend. I hope the weather is like this weekend. 30 degrees C!

Bye for now!

Doug

Sept, 13, Update

Hello,

Sorry it has been a while since my last update. Things here in Kelowna and in the Ito family are very busy these days.

First we are trying to get Tajanna organized for College. Finding a safe place to live in Seattle, getting her student loan worked out and so on. Also our house I am going to hook my waste water to the city sewer system. A friend of mine has a small excavator. I am going to do the project with him. I will let you know how it goes. I will do it starting on Saturday. Lots of planning has had to be done for that too.

So a little skiing talk. I hope you have been working on your physical strength a little this summer. A point we are going to focus on is keeping our head, shoulders, and chest forward when we are skiing. For this we need a strong stomach and back. If you watch TV , do sit ups and back work then. You can also hold a downhill crouching position for 2 minutes while watching TV.

Bye for now!

Do IT!

Doug

More pictures

Sept, 5 update

Hello,

So last weekend we went up to Big White. My mom is living up there. There was a car show that we checked out and they also had a Elvis imitator. It was a fun afternoon.

Makaiya and I also hiked up a small creek bed. It was fun a good training for balance.

Bye for now.

Doug

Sept, 3 Update

Hi !

So In Canada this was the first day of school for most kids! It was Makaiya's first day of Grade 1! She was a little nervous, but I know she will have no problem making friends! She wanted to celebrate and go out for dinner. Yes, we did go out to a restaurant called Montanna's. Steak and ribs! Yes, we ate too much!

Bye for now!

Doug

Sept, 1, 2007

Good Morning!

So this morning I played 9 holes of golf and ate breakfast for $30! I was by myself and no one else was around so I hit 2 balls. I ended up shooting 80 for the combined 2 balls. Best score of the year!

I have some new clubs. A Ping G5 Driver( which I bought on e Bay for $125, and Cleveland Halo hybrids a 3 and4 iron replacement, again on e Bay, for $ 160 for both)

More news later!

Doug