Looking back on my early years (we're talking 1980's here, people!), I remember harbouring a fondness of learning and an eagerness to do well in school. I excelled in many subject areas and I was proud of it. Sometimes too proud. I am quite certain I annoyed many of my peers and even some of my teachers by making a point of correcting their mistakes whenever I could. Needless to say, my social skills were somewhat lacking and making friends didn't come easily. Recess time proved to be a challenge since I would often be left out or picked on. Sure, I could skip rope and play ball just as well as the rest of them but, having moved to a new school in grade 2, it was hard to muster the courage and self-confidence to ask to join in the fun. Later, I spent many of my recesses volunteering in the kindergarten room or helping out the secretary. It wasn't until I joined the senior girls volleyball team that things began to change.

Now, allow me to clarify that volleyball wasn't my best sport. I made the cut as a sub who would fill in if someone couldn't make it to the game. There were two of us and we often joked about how poorly she and I played. As nerve-racking as it was to actually take a spot on the court, I realize now that it was such a worthwhile experience. Those two years on the team helped to solidify a bond with a true friend, my oldest and dearest friend, who's father would often drive us to the games since I had no other alternative. And because of our friendship, I was able to feel more confident in myself despite my poor volleyball skills. Because what better way to get over the fear of failure than by taking that risk with a close friend and even sometimes succeeding?

Did you know that 1 in 3 Canadian kids can't play the sports they want to due to financial barriers?

Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national charity that helps financially disadvantaged families give their kids the opportunity to participate in organized sport and recreation. Jumpstart helps cover registration fees, equipment and/or transportation costs.

Since the inception in 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has given more than 720,000 kids across Canada the chance to play. Canadian Tire Jumpstart is dedicated to removing financial barriers, so children can participate in organized sport and recreation.

Jumpstart’s signature fundraising campaign, the Jumpstart Red Ball campaign has been taking place throughout the month of May. The month-long program raises donations, with 100% of the funds staying in the community in which they are raised. Canadian Tire stores and their partners invite customers to support kids in their local community by making a $2 donation in exchange for a little red Jumpstart ball.

100% of customer donations go directly to help kids in financial need participate in organized sport and recreation.

The Canadian Tire Corporation funds all the general and administrative expenses as well as the program delivery costs of the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program.

To find out more and get the facts, visit Canadian Tire Jumpstart.

Prizes: Available to Canadian Residents Only, but all are welcome to the party. RSVP below to be eligible to win {Canadian Tire Gift Cards and merchandise}. We’ll be talking about the Red Ball campaign and getting kids to participate in sports activities as well as chatting with celebrity guests!

RSVP: Make sure to enter your Twitter Handle “@yourTwitterhandle” in the Link/Blog Title field, and Twitter URL “www.twitter.com/yourtwitterhandle” in the url Field*

New to Twitter and/or Twitter parties? I have written the following tutorials to help you out, complete with screenshots:

• How to RSVP for a Twitter party
• How to Use TweetDeck.com for Twitter Parties 
• How to Add a Column on TweetDeck.com Using a Twitter List

As always, if you ever have any questions, please feel free to tweet, email, leave me a comment or message me on Facebook. I'm always happy to help!