On November 4, we will officially arrive at the 100-day countdown to the Winter Games, and the anticipation is starting to build.

Personally, I know what a great feeling it is to be part of the Olympics - the excitement, the international camaraderie, and the behind-the-scenes activities make this one of the most electrifying events in the world.

I'm thrilled to be travelling to Vancouver, Canada with my family, to experience the Olympics once again. It's electrifying to be there, with people from all over the world convened for an event that has a timeless energy, feeling of suspense and international solidarity.

Even if you can't be at the Olympics in 2010, there are so many ways to be part of the action.

For example, with the Games close to home this year, Americans have the luxury of watching many of the events live on television, rather than catching a glimpse of the results in the news after a long time delay.

Also, technology will play its biggest role yet in the Winter Games.  Helping athletes train and perform better, allowing media to quickly post breaking stories and enabling fans around the world to share the Olympic experience in new, exciting ways.

How will you experience the Olympics? Take your pick.  Online streaming video, blogs, flip cam footage, instantaneous reporting via Twitter and Facebook, and other social networking tools and sites will make this Olympics one that is shared widely across the globe. All of these technologies offer us unprecedented insight into the spirit and excitement of the Olympics, as well as the personalities behind the scenes.

One way to experience the Winter Games is as a blogger.  If you'd like to be part of the Olympic action, check out the Microsoft Office Winter Games. Microsoft will give two winning bloggers a week-long trip to Vancouver, along with the latest Microsoft technologies, to report daily from the Games alongside members of the credentialed press corps.

I'm looking forward to participating as one of the contest judges for Office Winter Games. What will it take to be chosen as a Microsoft 'blogathlete' for Team USA? My guidelines are surprisingly similar to what it takes to become an Olympic gold medalist:

• First and foremost, it goes without saying that you'll need to do the work and training to get where you want to go.
• Second, it helps to have a natural talent, to make the work and training a little easier.
• Third, surround yourself with the people, education and tools that can help you achieve your goals and make success possible.

The most importantly thing though is to have fun with the Winter Games - whether you're an athlete, a blogger or part of the cheering crowd watching at home.

-Bonnie