A Recap of 40 Life-Changing Goals Nearly Finished

Me being hung in Goldfield, Arizona-although I did survive to live another adventure! :)

As June 11th, 2012 is coming up fast, I thought it might be wise to recap what I've been able to accomplish since I turned 39 last year....and what is yet to come! ;)


Below is my list of 40 dreams come true that I created last June, before I turn 40:

1. Work on an assembly line with chocolate  Done!
   
2. Go Zip Lining  Done!
3. Meet Tony Robbins Done! Nov 3 - Unleash The Power Within  (Attended as his guest)
   
4. Jump out of an airplane Done!
5. Publish a book  Done!
   
6. Visit Bora Bora-The most romantic place in the world & sleep in an over water villa.Done!
   
7. Throw a huge, crazy party for my 40th birthday Done!
   
8. Drive a Ferrari
9. Learn to snowboard Done!
   
10. Own a Louis-Vuitton Purse
11. Run a half-marathon Done!
12. Do the Grouse Grind Done!
    
13. Go River Rafting Done!
    
14. Learn to Rock Climb Done!
    
15. Do an entire night out with my friends Done!
    
16. Raise money for the Ronald McDonald House -  $550 raised - Done!
17. Meet Sir Richard Branson Done!
    
18. Learn to Skateboard Done!
    
19. Meet Oprah Done!  Met at Tony Robbins Seminar Nov 3
20. See a sun-rise in White Rock Done!
    
21. Fire walking - Done!
22. Celebrating turning 40 in Las Vegas - Done!
23. Volunteer monthly to work at a homeless shelter - Done!
24. Attend an Eminem Concert (Marshall Mathers) - Done! Front row in concert July 29th!
25. Meet Rick Carlisle (2011 NBA World Champion Coach of the Dallas Mavericks) - Done!
26. Go to Hollywood and do the Walk of Fame - Done!
    
27. See the Grand Canyon Done!
    
28. Visit Costa Rica- Done!
    
29. Hike through a rain forest - Done!
30. Tubing - Done!
31. Appear in a Music Video Done!
    
32. Attend a Premier of a Movie & walk down a red carpet in LA - Done!
33. Lose 25 pounds Done! (Lost 35!)
34. Tour LA Done!
    
35. Work in a soup kitchen Done!
    
36. Visit Montreal in the summer Done!
37. Go Snowshoeing - Done!
    
38. Get an entire make-over Done!
    
39. Swim with Sharks - Done!
40. Learn to Kayak - Done!

Grand Canyon

During spring break, I decided to fulfill another 40 Under 40 goal, and visit the Grand Canyon. I have never been to Arizona, but thought it would be a great time to take the kids and do some exploring.

Despite what people think about Arizona being hot during the winter months, the climate actually changes quite dramatically depending on what area you are in.  For instance, if you are in Mesa, Arizona, the temperature is around 85 - 90 degrees.  However, when you make your way towards Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon (approximately a five hour drive), it dips down to a cool 6 degrees.  The Grand Canyon actually had snow in various areas. 

However, nothing took away from the sheer beauty and awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canyon.  We even went back at sunset to take in the glorious colours that blanket the Canyon at twilight.

Whether we were horseback riding through the desert, hanging out at the Galaxy Diner on the famous Route 66 in Flagstaff or experiencing the wild west in Goldfield's Ghost town - there was so much to see and do on our way to seeing the Grand Canyon!

Galaxy Diner on Route 66

Goldfield Ghost Town

Loved being able to fulfill this 40 Under 40 goal (and so did the kids!)

Snoweshoeing Under the Stars

Me enjoying the snowshoeing trek up Cypress

It's a dark Friday night, and it's pouring rain, but I can't wait to be out in it. The reason is clear, as I pull my car in front of the ticket office on Cypress Mountain. I watch as a few dozen brave souls anxiously wait for their snowshoeing experience to begin.

It's a goal I've had in the back of my mind for many years, mainly because it's a sport that is low-risk in injuries and has a high return for burning calories (approximately 600 per hour).

Snowshoeing appeals to me because it seems like a great way to see the sights on the mountain - and walk on some awesome powder.

Our guide, Mark Waldbillig, helps ease us into our trek with some fun games like "Simon Says" in the snow (where the winner getting to put their wet clothing next to the fire after our trek).

It was evident from the start, as Waldbillig led the group up the mountain, that snowshoeing and his appreciation for the mountain is in his blood. As we walked, he pointed out several different plants and trees to us, as well as a quick education on preparedness when hiking on the mountain.

We followed Waldbillig up the mountain using the top part of our snowshoe to dig into the incline. Gone are the days where long, wooden snowshoes are used. Instead, it has been replaced with lightweight aluminum snowshoes that are nimble and easy to trek along the trail.

Many snowshoe enthusiasts can hike the trails on their own during the day. However, at night, it is imperative that a trained professional accompanies you (to ensure you don't get lost).

One of the highlights of the snowshoeing trek was when we had to slide down a part of the mountain to reach another trail. It brought out the kid in us all.

Many people in our group (myself included) were having so much fun, we were oblivious to the slushy rain pelting us during our hike.

What I discovered about snowshoeing is that it's a sport easy to learn, and fun to do in a group. The average age in our group of 12 ranged from early 20s all the way up to a couple in their 60s, proving it's a great activity for any age.

After approximately 45 minutes, we reached our destination: Hollyburn Lodge, which was built in 1926. Waiting for our group inside was hot apple cider, hot chocolate and a chocolate fondue. It was a great way to cap off our snowshoeing experience and relax for a bit, before making our descent down the mountain.
Our bellies still warm from beverages and fondue, I was a dismayed it was over.

Looking at the stars above and the lights below from the city, I knew I'd be back to do it again, many times.

Bora Bora is Paradise on Earth

Me on my private Motu with other water Villas in the background

Last week I traveled to one of my most anticipated places for my 40 under 40 goals. 

Bora Bora has always been the dream place for me to visit "one day".  Everything they say about Bora Bora is true.  It's like being in a dream that you never want to wake from.  It was a picture on my desktop screensaver many years ago, and was always a place I  yearned to visit.

The time it took to get there was definitely worth it.  I took a plane from LAX (the only airport you can) to Tahiti.  It was an 8 hour plane ride. I then took another hour plane ride the next morning from Tahiti to Bora Bora Airport.  From there, I took a 40 minute boat ride to my resort, the Sophitel, and stayed on my own private motu (island). 

The Mountain on Bora Bora

Although its considered the rainy season in Bora Bora, it was beautiful, sunny and HOT.  As it is very close to the equator, the sun rays are very strong.  I stayed in a villa with a thatched roof over the water.  The water was the colour that resides in our dreams, and that you have to pinch yourself to be reminded that it is REAL. ;)

Black Tipped Sharks waiting for us to swim with them

Life on the island of Bora Bora is laid back, friendly and full of adventure.  While I was there, I was able to swim with the sharks and sting rays (one got exceptionally friendly with my posterior) ;) 

Me with an overly-friendly sting ray

Private Island for Picnic and serenading

I picnicked on another private island where I was serenaded and fed local Tahitian food. 

Stars such as Brad Pitt, Janet Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Eddie Murphy, the Kardashians and so many others, have visited the island to have the same experience. So amazing.

I took in a traditional Tahitian dance show and was invited up to join in.  The people are so friendly and warm and very welcoming.

Relaxing in my over-water Villa drinking fresh coconut water

I could sit for hours staring out at the ocean and when you are there, you truly believe anything is possible.   I'm so happy that this 40 Under 40 Goal was a place I made happen. It's a destination that people should not put off for "one day" - as Bora Bora is truly paradise on earth.

View from the Motu on the hill