Ferrari Experience in the Okanagan

Me with the keys to the newest FF Ferrari with Lake Okanagan behind me.

If you were given the keys to a brand new FF Ferrari, where would you go and what would you do?

That question was on my mind when I was handed the keys to the most magnificent piece of machinery I've ever laid eyes on for a week's test drive.

The FF Ferrari (FF for four-wheel drive and four seats) is a V12, and one of the most powerful and versatile cars Ferrari has ever built. As soon as I turned the key in the ignition and the motor roared, I was in love. So where to?

I chose to head to the Interior, where I could really have fun. If you've never driven in the Interior before, it's a must-do for many reasons-there are endless outdoor adventures waiting to be experienced.
Besides spotting black bears along the side of the road, I also discovered the Othello Tunnels, just outside of Hope.

It's a provincial park on the canyon of the Coquihalla River. Once part of the Kettle Valley Railway, it's now become a free walking trail with five tunnels and a series of bridges. Bring a flashlight to take into the darkened tunnels and a camera to capture the park's fantastic rock cliffs.

Back in the Ferrari, I tried hard not to speed, but let's face it, the car was built to move fast. The paddle shifters are easy to use, which allowed me to go from automatic to manual or race mode with one flick.

Me swimming in the infinity pool at Sparkling Hill Resort

When I arrived in Vernon, I stayed at Sparkling Hill, which is famous for its millions of Swarovski crystals infused throughout the hotel. Its many saunas and relaxing spa really make you feel you are away from home. And with Lake Okanagan as the backdrop, it was paradise.

On my drive back, I stopped along the highway in Penticton to see the "floaters" along the Penticton River Channel. I watched as hundreds of adults and kids alike float along the river channel (which is just over seven kilometres long).

Floaters enjoying a sunny day along the Penticton River

You can bring your own inner tubes or air mattress or rent them from launch site). It's a big draw for families thanks to the shallowness of the water and it's free.

In Penticton, a stop at Pier Watercraft Sports is a must if you want to try water sports such as sea-dooing and parasailing.

Penticton's Main Avenue also has some cool little shops that are worth a visit.

I also had to a stop at Peach King Orchard in Keremeos for some highly anticipated peaches. There is nothing like freshly picked fruit. I also found vegetables that defied the laws of physics including a zucchini that weighed at least five pounds.

When you visit the U.S., you stock up on alcohol (well, some of us do) and when you visit the Interior, you have to stock up on fruit-which is exactly what I did with two-flats of peaches that nestled nicely in the trunk of the Ferrari.

Me eating a delicious peach at Peach King Orchard

On my way back, I chose the longer route of Crow's Nest Pass (the Hope/Princeton Highway) from Penticton for its hair-pin turns and the winding road, which the car handled effortlessly.

If you have time, stop at Bromley Rock Provincial Park (just before Princeton) to see the beautiful Similkameen River, which was a perfect place to pull off the road for a quick dip. Several other people had the same idea. Some bolder adventure-seekers were cliff diving as well.

After several days with the Ferrari in the Interior, I felt a bit spoiled. It's like travelling first class and having to go back to coach.

As well as having an exhilarating road trip, I also learned a great deal.

The first is that it's hard to hand back the keys to a Ferrari, because- let's face it-it's an incredibly fun car to drive.

The second is that the Interior is one of the best places for outdoor adventures in B.C.
 
And the third?

No matter how much you like peaches, two-flats is just too much fruit for any one person.

The Wrapping Up of 40 Under 40 Goals

I've officially hit my one year mark.  I turned 40 and completed 40 of my life goals.

Some were simple - some were extremely hard and some had to change.

 For a 30-second overview of some of my favourite goals achieved - check out this music video montage:

http://animoto.com/play/Sz0h6dCYgqI0WXXsvVjNRA

Over the past year I've learned a great deal about life, and about myself.  Somewhere in the midst of trying to achieve my goals, I discovered that I wasn't alone in doing them.

I received emails and tweets from strangers who were inspired to do their own goals. I've connected with people I've idolized my entire life who understood what I was attempting, and made countless friends along the way.

I dove head first in to adventures that only existed in my dreams.

One thing I know for sure is that life is meant to be lived to the fullest. The only limit to life is the one we put upon ourselves. Through all my adventures, travels and people that I've met, I realized that although I had an entire lifetime to make them come true -somehow setting a time frame on it, pushed me to actually accomplish them.  Human nature tends to put things off for "another day".

But I ask you this: What happens if that day never arrives?  Or when it's simply too late.

Take action today with your life. If there's something you've always wanted to do - do it - start working towards it.

And as for me - well, I'm not done. I may have completed my 40 goals, but its only driven me to continue down this path to take on new adventures and strive to be the best person I can be.

Today - I finished up that last two goals I had on my list.

I am now the proud owner of a Louis Vuitton Hand bag. It's as amazing and beautiful as I imagined and although it is a "thing" - it is a thing that I've always dreamed of owning....and now I do.

Me in a 2012 Ferrari California taking it for a spin

The other goal was to drive my dream car - a Ferrari. And this morning, I did exactly that. The car was stunning and I had so much fun driving it around Vancouver.

Look out Vancouver!

I think red suits me better in the Ferrari California

I was also able to check it out in both black AND red. ;)

The sticker price? $250,000.

 The power behind the car was incredible. If you think all cars are the same - you need to take a ride in one because trust me when I say - they are definitely NOT. ;)




Here is the final check-list of 40 Under 40 Completed:

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 - Done!
   
9. Learn to snowboard Done!
   
10. Own a Louis-Vuitton Purse Done!
    
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. Celebrate 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!

And now - as I have officially hit 40 and am no longer "under" it, I shall wrap up this year by stating that I'm not done by a long shot........so stay tuned to see the next chapter... "After 40". ;)

With a Little Help From My Friends

So its officially one day left before the big 4-0 tomorrow. ;) The past week has been all about my friends and accomplishing some goals with their help.

L to R : Nancy, Julie, Me, Gabriella, Jen and Hasina at the River Rock

Last weekend, we did the Girl's Night Out at the River Rock for an entire night. I don't think the smile came off my face for days afterwards.  We were able to gamble, dance and NEVER had to look at our watches once! LOL. 

We had Gene Simmons stay above us in the Penthouse and had to endure his dogs barking until the wee hours of the morning. It wasn't really that big of a deal as we were up until then anyways! Also on the upswing, I taught one of my friends how to play Black Jack and she more than doubled her money. Beginner's Luck! ;)

Nancy, Jen, Hasina, Me, Julie and Gabriella at my 40th b-day party

Last night, I had an amazing birthday party thrown for me and had all my family and friends attend. It was so much fun. :)  We had great food, great drinks and some great laughs. 

What was so fantastic, was that I was able to be at home and enjoy the night and not have to sit at a restaurant and try to socialize with everyone. It was truly the best celebration ever.

Julie, Hasina, Nancy & Jen drinking some coffee, waiting for the sun rise

This morning, after the amazing birthday party, my friends joined me to watch the sun rise in White Rock at precisely 5:07 am. 

As it was one of my 40 Under 40 goals this year, it was made even more special to have my friends with me (a big thanks to Jen who really wanted to be there today!)

The only ones on the pier in White Rock!

The sun rise arrives with some beautiful pink hues

 

We all got up at 4:30 am, filled our thermoses with coffee and made our way down to the beach.

Although it was a bit cloudy, we did take in a beautiful pink sky that broke through the clouds and enjoyed some quiet time together in the early morning hours.

Me at the Skate Park in South Surrey

This afternoon, I learned how to skateboard. I actually wasn't as bad as I thought I would be for a beginner. It was really a rush when I started to do ramps on the board at the Skate Park.

I think the adrenaline rush from it really got me hooked.  I would love to do more of it. (Who knew a 40 year old woman could pick up skateboarding?) ;)

There were lots of goals accomplished this week!

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.