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.

The Amazing Journey

So in keeping with my goals - the next thing I have decided to participate in, is the Amazing Journey.  What is the Amazing Journey you may ask?

It's a race for the Ronald McDonald House of BC ! Last year this "amazing" event raised $50,000 to benefit seriously ill children and their families, and I hope this year will raise even more!

Racers (in teams of two) are challenged to raise funds for the House, and then complete a series of fun challenges in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The more difficult the task, the more points to be made! The race will take place on July 16th.  And until then, I will be raising money (as per my goal) to help this wonderful charity and raise as much as I can possibly raise for them this year.

One of the most wonderful things that the Ronald McDonald House does for children and families is provide a "home away from home".  Imagine that your child is suddenly diagnosed with a terrible illness.  That alone would be devastating to any family.  But then to have to leave everything (including your home) to spend weeks, possibly months at the BC Children's Hospital? It's every parents worst nightmare. But the people at the Ronald McDonald House, try to help make things a little easier by offering a place to sleep along with all the essentials -  and  to also be with other families who are facing the same issues.  The home offers comfort and peace.

It's something I have been supporting with my company (Enterprising Moms Network) for the past four years.  And I will continue to do so, on a personal level. And its why its definitely something that is on my list of goals this year.


Will you help support me and this important charity by donating to this charity race?  If you answered a resounding "yes!" - then read on:

      Click this link - https://www.rmhbc.ca/howtohelp/makedonation.asp  and follow these steps: 

1.       Under Step 2 choose “Fundraising Event” as the Type of Donation and choose “Amazing Journey” as the Event

2.       Select Kelley Scarsbrook as your choice from the drop-down menu, and donate!

I will be posting the results of what I raise in an upcoming blog!

Let's work together to make the this year a success for all the families of the Ronald McDonald House! Thank you for your support! :) 

First Goal Down

This past weekend, I celebrated my first goal with a very exciting adventure - Zip Lining at Grouse Mountain.  If you've never been - I encourage you to try it.  It's fun, it's exhilarating and there's some spectacular views from the zip lines.

The lines allow you to zip at top speeds of 80km/hr across the peaks of Grouse Mountain and Dam Mountain. 

There were nine people in my group, and the ages ranged from 20 all the way to 70. 

It just goes to show you that age should NEVER be a restriction to take on a new adventure! 

It was a partly sunny day, which allowed me to enjoy the views while I waited my turn on the zip lines.  The best was going over a partly frozen lake and zipping over tree tops that you could almost reach out and touch!

If you can get over any fear of heights, this is an adventure that I'd recommend for any novice thrill-seeker to try! For more info, you can visit their website at http://www.grousemountain.com and click on "Adrenaline Adventures".

1 down - 39 to go! :)