Well, it feels like eons since I last blogged on my website or even with Huffington Post. For someone who normally posts at least 3 blogs a week I can’t really explain the hiatus status. All I can say is that I’ve simply been busy. Yep, too busy to even take a study break (which is when I usually whip up my blogs). Oh, Shame!!! Ironically, in my blogging absence I’ve been left to the demise of my ponderous thoughts. This can be deadly, especially when my thoughts seem to flow in and out of my brain at voluminous sonic speeds… As a result I am almost certain the next installments of my blogs will teeter on the side of taboo – or as I like to refer to them “Achtung” blogs. (Brace yourself!)
Achtung means warning in German, and is also the title of one of my favourite albums by U2 (Achtung, Baby). Over the years, I’ve used this term to refer to blogs I write that may be viewed as taboo topics.
In truth Achtung Blogs are my favourite blogs to write, as they require some deep reflection and hopefully cause people to think twice on various matters that are sometimes controversial. Moreover, it allows me to be “real” and direct. It’s a characteristic I love and hate about me. It is my private quarrel. I know I am outspoken, opinionated and very direct. The benefit is you always know where you stand with me. And if I’m not speaking my mind, my facial expression will show what it is I’m feeling. (Yep, being a professional poker player is definitely not a viable career option for me.) The problem is that not everyone wants to hear the truth or can handle the truth. And sometimes people may just wish I would “shut-up.” This is a skill I haven’t mastered. Perhaps, I feel subconsciously there is something disingenuous about it. Who knows???
The interesting challenge with being so outspoken is it may or may not be well received in my career path of teaching and consulting. In the world where “Googling” someone has replaced reference calls I sometimes chuckle at what a future employer may find out when they Google me. (Assuming they don’t confuse me with the stripper Nicole Forrester). It would range from arguement on the “Power of Sports”to “Dating do’s and don’ts” to my political allegiance. Strangely enough many of my friends seem to proclaim with certainty that I’ll end up in the politics. Could you imagine? I’m not sure Canada could handle my directness. While I am incredibly passionate about politics and as a child dreamed of being a Senator, I can’t help wondering if my Achtung blogs may pose a barrier to this childhood dream… Who knows? Stranger things have happened!
At the end of day, I just prefer to be “real” and others to be the same. My hope is sharing my own vulnerability, mere-mortal thoughts, and willingness to be “daring” on various topics may encourage others to do the same. I am in the midst of the greatest transition in my life as I begin to qualify for London 2012, while simultaneously preparing for my transition out of track & field and into my life career after this 2012 season. I can promise the next instalments of my blogs will be anything but normal.
Get ready and buckle up. I’m Achtunging!
Nicole
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