Eminem

If I had to use one word to describe the feeling of being at an Eminem Concert it would be - thrilling.  He was everything I had hoped he would be in concert.  He played at the Osheaga Event in Montreal on July 29th and I couldn't believe that it was his first time back to Canada in more than ten years.!

Making the journey to see him in concert from BC was a no-brainer, as he is one of my all-time favourite rap artists. His music is inspirational and driven and extremely powerful.  I know some may say his views on women are a bit skewed, however, what I like about him is his passion.  He also is someone who stands for freedom of speech.

He started out with nothing at the beginning of his life - and this year, was rated by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the top 100 influential artists of all time.

The concert night was electric with more than 38,000 in attendance. I was one of the lucky ones with a media pass, who could get behind the barricades.  Half-way through the concert, I was able to get right in front of the stage. This picture on the left, one of the shots I was able to get of him up close. I remember hearing the roar of the crowd behind barricades behind me, and looking up at Eminem on stage - I wanted to just jump up there with him, but both my professional reputation as a journalist and my desire to not be kicked out of the concert, prevented me from doing so. ;)

He played many of his old songs that I love, and several off his new album, Bad Meets Evil.

After the concert, he walked right by me to his running SUV limo that carried him away. I wish I would have been able to meet him in person, but alas, it was not meant to be. 

Seeing Eminem in concert was one of the best things I have done in years.

Me at the Osheaga Event in Montreal

A Huge Thank you

This past weekend, I was to run in the Amazing Journey for the Ronald McDonald House with my husband David. Unfortunately, after raising $550.00 for our run, I developed strep throat and was unable to take part in the race.
Although it was a huge disappointment for me, I am very proud of all the people who were able to  participate in the journey.

Although I wasn't able to be there myself - I was certainly there in spirit and very proud of the work my husband and I did that takes me one step closer to my goal of raising $25,000 this year for the Ronald McDonald House.

Many thanks to all our supporters - and one in particular - Euler Hermes, who provided us with tremendous support and sponsored our run.  Euler Hermes provides credit insurance and credit management solutions for companies' domestic and export trade. From the bottom of our hearts - thank you!

Skydiving in Abbotsford

So I finally took the "leap" - so to speak - at Sky Dive Vancouver yesterday afternoon. It was a perfect, sunny day for jumping.

I have to tell you that the people at Sky Dive Vancouver were absolutely amazing.  If I had any reservations beforehand, once I got there, it was complete excitement.

There for two other jumpers who took the plunge with me and they were both excited as well. People ask me what it felt like as I jumped from the plane and did a free fall at 125 miles per hour for almost a minute at 10,000 feet. 

All I can say it that it was exhilarating.

The sound of the wind was strong in my ears, and my stomach did do a bit of a flip-flop, but once I was out of the plane, it was pure adrenaline. I wasn't scared, I was pumped. :)

Once the chute kicked in, it was silence. And for the next eight minutes, I was able to appreciate where I was and all the beautiful sights around me.  It really felt like a dream. You know, the one we all have when we feel as though we are flying in our dreams. Magic.

And when I landed, I was a bit sad that it was over, but really happy that I did it.  It will be the first of my many adventures to come featured in the Now newspaper at the end of July. And if you want to know exactly what I saw and what it felt like, you can watch the video experience of my jump here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrInxWwWnvs

Good Bye to my Parenting Column

So in keeping with my new "40 under 40" project this year - I have had to make a very important decision. I have decided to leave my parenting column "Mom's Life" of almost six years, and instead, write my adventure column.

The 40 Under 40 adventure column, which will be appearing in the Surrey Now newspaper at the end of July (which will hopefully be syndicated in the coming months) will explore each of my goals and take readers on an exciting journey with me to fulfilling each one. 

We always hate to leave the familiar behind.  As a mom, I have had a wonderful time writing about being a parent, what my children have taught me, and more than anything - connecting with my readers on so many parent-related topics.  Six years is a long time to write a parenting column and its been so rewarding on so many levels.

However, as we all know - life changes and we either change with it or stay in the same place.  I am choosing to take that leap of faith - and with the support of my newspaper - have decided to evolve it in to an adventure column instead.

Last year, I had the immense pleasure of working as a reporter for the newspaper. I interviewed fascinating people and was able to do so many fun things.  What stands out the most for me was teaching readers something new every couple of weeks. For instance: I had an inside peek in to the life of a bartender, and learned how to mix some really tasty cocktails (and fyi - discovered that bartenders really do lead very fun lives) ;)  I learned how to do henna, how to carve pumpkins, how to play professional poker, how to read tea leaves, and so on. But the most fun I had was learning how to fly an ultra-light airplane. You can see me here in the airplane and read the article HERE - it was absolutely amazing.

And I think that's what really sparked my idea to do the 40 Under 40.  I heard from so many readers about my "Learning" articles and how it inspired them to try new things.  That's the whole point of life - isn't it? If we aren't really LIVING our lives - what are we doing?

So with that said - I say good bye to "Mom's Life" this month - and hello to "40 Under 40". It's a whole new journey in my life......and one that I hope you will join me on.