www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday November 25, 2006 - 7 Peace and joy addictive Continued from page 4 among 76 boats competing in a 42-mile open ocean extreme outrigger world championship race across the Molokai Channel from Molokai Island to Waikiki Beach. Perkins started paddling in 1994 after participating in sem inars for the separated run by the Canadian Mental Health Association. Here she discov ered her life's dreams "were put in the same drawer 'as my for mer spouse's dreams - his dreams became my dreams." During one of the sessions, the group leader asked Perkins, `If you could do whatever you want, what would it be?' and she answered, `Kayaking in Fiji.' Perkins, who had been a life-long couch potato, got off the couch and took to the water paddling towards her new life. Dragon boating is another of her interests. She coaches out rigger and dragon boat teams. Perkins also enjoys snorkeling. "The beauty of sport is that it gives me peace and joy...it's addictive," she said. "It gives me positive energy, builds mental and physical health...it's medi tation on the water for me." It has also given her Rich Carson, a fellow paddler and part ner in life. Three years ago, the pair bought PrizeLawn Sprinklers Inc., from Kevin Flynn after he was elected as MPP for Oakville. Carson was already working in the irrigation industry. "We originally met when I was with the United Way of Oakville at its bathtub race," said Perkins. "We're both divorced and we've been togeth er for five years." Perkins also completed her first degree in English, philoso phy and art. "It took me 15 years of studying at five differ ent universities," she mused. Perkins has also studied pho tography at Sheridan College and obtained her Canadian Association of Advertising Professionals designation, a three-year program. Fine Children's Furniture Linen and Decor For all your children's furniture needs from infant to adult. snease@haltonsearch.com I FiNISHEP my letter TO 3 HNTA, OKAY, MAX-/ · J U . MAIL IT S r tomorrow . FEDEX BE FASTER ? W o u l d n 't Bean Bag Chairs Orders taken now for Christmas 11 Dunwin Dr., Mississauga 905.828.2525 fa c in g D un das Street W est (2 b lo cks w est o f Erin Mills Pkw y) M OM / www.aroomofmyown.net FALL 2 0 0 6 SPECIAL EDITION RETRACTABLE HOSE! THE ONLY ONE IN THE MARKET! S /AC-U-STORE® CENTRAL V A C U U M SYSTEM WITH BEAM® ELECTRIC POWER BRUSH ENSEMBLE.., · Powerful, Heavy-duty 2-stage 5.7" motor. · 520 Air Watts cleaning power. · Serenity® Plus maximum noise reduction. WE CARRY QUALITY CLEANING PRODUCTS FROM THE LEADING BRANDS $149.99 VALUE EXCLUSIVE ^ ONLY TO BEAM ! 7 -- - AUTO RETRACTION LIGHTWEIGHT COMPACT STORAGE VISIT OUR SHOWROOM FOR DETAILS U P R IG H T S MB H PO W ERTEAM S FROM... PO RTABLES FROM * Free hose cO verw ith system purchase with this ad. While quantities last. Offer expires Dec. 16/06 Q U A L IT Y B R A N D S · IN S T A L L A T IO N C e n t r a l Va c u u m HALTO N VACUUM Trafalgar Ridge Shopping PLaza (in the Winners/HomeSense plaza) Beside Scotia Bank Mon.-Fri.9:30-6:00 Sat. 9:30-4:00, Sun. 12:00-4:00