Sometimes re-posting an entry is worth it. Ask my friend SAHMmelier.  She has packed lots of 1-2 punches with her re-blogs.  And I’m glad, because I wasn’t around the first time to read them.  I know I’m being a bit cryptic, but a little later on, I will reveal more, but for now, let’s just say that this thing called wine, is coming more to the forefront of my life.  Yay me!  I’ve been working towards this for the last three years, and here we are, on the cusp of change and new things.  Nothing like facilitating a wine tasting for a young woman’s surprise birthday party to re-ignite the flame right? What do YOU really want?  Do you think it’s important to be doing something for a living that you absolutely love?  Doesn’t really seem like work then does it…so here is my blog about passion…with some updated pictures (and words) of course!! (For the original post, click here)

I’m a Rider fan.  Yes, I’m one of those crazy people you see with all the green and white paraphernalia in the form of clothing, household items, and in general…”swag”. I’ve been a fan since I was nine years old.  Through thick and thin, good times and bad, even living in another province, I am STILL… a fan.  This is a Canadian Football Team that in its 100+ years has only won 3 Grey Cups.  Yes, for all you NFL fans out there, this league has been around more than twice as long as yours!! And for those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, don’t worry about it.  The details are not the point, it’s about the love of the game. And, it’s about passion. In 2013, the boys brought it home and won the Grey Cup on home turf. (Only their fourth in the team’s history)  An epic moment for me!

Why am I telling you this on a wine blog? Because I love this team.  I love watching them play football.  Admittedly, sometimes it’s painful.  But, like many others who are fans, we are passionate about this small time team in a small time league called the CFL. A province of only a million people support this team like none you have ever seen. They are said to be the greatest fans in the world, coming from all corners of this rectangular province to watch their home town boys play. The 13th man as it were (google it, I dare you)….Now that’s passion my friends!! As much passion as I have for this team, I also have passion for wine and learning about wine.

I am almost at the end of Level 2 of the International Sommelier Guild.  And If I complete all sections, I will be granted the title of Certified Wine Steward.  First, let me get there.  And once I do, I’ll let you know what’s in store next!  I also recently picked up a part-time gig at a Fine Wine store.  Nothing like stocking and perusing the shelves to get even more knowledge on the subject! And as tough as it is some days..I love it. And…it’s increasing my passion.  (Update:  I HAVE that level 2, and I have also obtained the WSET Level 3 award in Wines & Spirits, and starting October 2014, I will begin the journey to obtain WSET Level 4 Diploma. Woot!)

Yup, and that’s not all…but I can’t tell you yet!!  You’ll just have to wait and keep reading…haha!!  I will tell you this though:  I’m enjoying every step of the journey along the way.

Tonight, I have to cheer loud, pour myself a glass of Cahors Malbec and wait for the boys to win their second game of this young season.  And on August 16, I fly to the Mothership and take part in a game with all those other crazy Rider fans.  I’ll be entering the fray, and I seriously cannot wait.  Bring on the passion!!  Cheers!