Giving Back

Me and the founder of NightShift Ministries - MaryAnne Connor

Less than one-week left before my 40 Under 40 Goals come to an end. I've spent the better part of today looking back on my past year. I've had such a great time getting to push my boundaries and comfort zone and just "going for it".

Last week, I was very fortunate to have a different type of experience at the NightShift Ministries in Surrey. NightShift Street Ministries  is a registered, not-for-profit society that has been serving people in Surrey, BC since January 2004. Meals are prepared by local churches, outreach teams or donated through corporate sponsors and served by volunteers. They provide friendship, hope, spiritual guidance, clothing and personal care kits to people in need.

I've always wanted to volunteer in my community and help those less fortunate. It's always been a "tomorrow I'll do it" kind of thing - and so I knew without a doubt that this year had to be the one to do it.

I arrived at Night Shift at 6:30 pm on a Monday night to help out. My job was to pass out coffee and juice to those who lined up for a meal. There were approximately 80 who came out that night for a hot meal.

Many knew one another and I realized that it was also their social time to meet up with those who they've come to know on the streets.  Every one of them thanked me when I handed them a coffee - and several desired a chance to be seen and listened to that night.

So often, these are the people we walk by, without making eye contact and try to avoid. But that night, gave me a very special gift.  Those people gave me far more than I gave them that night because I reconnected with my spiritual side.  

So many of my goals this past year have been about me - but this, this experience wasn't about me - it was about them. 

And so I've decided to volunteer monthly at Night Shift and give back to those in need in our community.

Meeting Sir Richard Branson

Today was a banner day.  By luck, Sir Richard Branson visited Vancouver today at the Vancouver Board of Trade.  As he was on my 40 Under 40 list, I thought I would have to travel to meet him. However, as it turned out, he came here.

Me and the "Virgin Airlines" Gals

He had several meetings booked today, as Virgin Airlines is now flying direct from Vancouver to London. 

He spoke at the Vancouver Board of Trade with 1,400 in attendance on everything from business to his personal life to the future. 

He is an incredible man. He is someone who has inspired me to dream big and to NEVER think anything is impossible.

On arriving at the luncheon at the Vancouver Convention Centre, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people who came out to hear him speak (media aside).

I noticed lots of "tweets" happening prior to the luncheon and soon realized that he was having lunch at a nearby table.  That's when I got up out of my chair to speak with him.

Sir Richard Branson speaking on stage

He was with many business people at a table and was engrossed in a conversation when I approached him.  I waited and when the time was right, I introduced myself and shook his hand. 

We talked about the impact he is making in the world and how he has  inspired so many people like myself.  He was very charming and extremely easy to talk to. 

He was also very gracious and allowed me to take a picture with him.

His talk was very illuminating and it was amazing to hear about all the things he has accomplished in his life, and things that he still wants to do (like space travel).

It was an honour to meet  him and I feel that despite having a few more goals to go on my list before my birthday in June - this was definitely one of the most memorable.

Whistler Magic

Whistler/BlackComb Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane

 There's something very magical about Whistler...especially during the winter.  I've never visited during the winter, and was lucky enough to catch the tail-end of it, to enjoy both some of the winter and spring activities that Whistler is famous for.  It's a Top 40 Under 40 for good reason...as Whistler is a destination that offers up adventures at every turn.

I stayed at the Moutainside Lodge which is right in the heart of Whistler Village.  The Hotel is close to everything and is a stone's throw to the Gondolas for Whistler and Blackcomb. The suite I stayed in contained an upstairs loft, a kitchenette, a personal sauna and a deep jetted bathtub. Amazing.

Me at the Coca Cola Tube Park on BlackComb

My first adventure in Whistler was tubing at the Coca Cola Tube Park located at the Base of Blackcomb. From the moment my tube shot down the hill, I was hooked. The pure adrenaline rush I felt as I sped down the hill turning and spinning was incredible.  I felt like a child again.

The best part is that there is a conveyor lift back up the hill, so you don't have to lug your tube all the way to the top.  It's a great family activity - and kids of all ages are welcome to give it a go.

The next morning I headed to The Core, which is a gym that also boasts an indoor rock climbing facility. The best part about The Core, is that it has different levels of difficulty to challenge even the most experienced climber (and the most inexperienced like me!)

Although I enjoyed the challenge of making my way up the wall, it did take some time to get used to the auto belays, where speed and trust come in to play.

Making my way up the wall at The Core

But its something I've always wanted to try and in an hour, I found it to be a tremendous work out for both my arms and my legs.

In the afternoon, I headed to Ziptrek, where you truly come alive by ziplining across some of the most spectacular terraine I've ever seen. I did the Bear Tour, which was five ziplines - including some incredible suspension bridges and platforms to take in the views.

Although it is a family-friendly adventure, I would not recommend this type of adventure for children under the age of 10 due to the height and length of some of the ziplines.

However, for me, it was spot-on for the great thrills I got ziplining over the Fitzsimmons Creek.

On the last zipline, I even hung up-side down for that extra bit of excitement. ;)

My 9-year old son making his way across one of the ziplines-don't look down!

When it was time to leave Whistler, and all the incredible adventures I had behind - it was a bittersweet. For although I had an incredible time during my three-day stay, I know I will miss it, as there was so many other things to do that I have yet to experience.

But don't worry Whistler, I will be back soon........after all, summer is just around the corner, and you are only a two-hour drive from me.  Besides,  I still have to try your adventurous biking trails, ATV Tours, hiking and....well, you get the picture. ;)

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!