After 35 days of writing something inspirational (hopefully) and informative, I think I have come to my first (hopefully there aren't many more) writers block. I can't think of anything inspirational or informative. I didn't do anything exciting today to write about. It's getting late at nite and I just don't have any inspiration. I tried writing a few paragraphes. It didn't come out as easily as the other nights. I guess this is the 'human side' of me coming out. I am not a preacher or a motivational teacher or life coach or anything. I am me. I write how I feel. I am very happy but very tired tonight.
Sorry, I got nothing tonight. Don't be disappointed...there might be something interesting in upcoming posts!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Day 35: Quality over quantity
What is more important quantity or quality?
My softball coach always tries to find people to play softball on his teams. Years ago he would find anyone who likes softball to come join the team. Some players weren't very good. Some players didn't have good sportmanship. We tried very hard to convince him that he can't just let anyone on the team. He should make sure that the person got along well with the team, plays well and has good sportsmanship. In this case we like quality over quantity.
I went to my friends birthday party tonight at CinCin. I got a few moments with her after we finished dinner. She reminded me that she has a small group of friends and that she prefers quality over quantity. I mentioned to her that her friends were really easy going and great to talk to. She said that's the quality that she looks for in her friends.
That's something I have to consider is trimming my friends list. I should eliminate friends who are energy vampires (negative people that drag you down). I have no time for them. There is so much to do in my life that spending my time with energy vampires would just be a waste of my time. I would like to focus on finding / keeping friends who are positive and keep me on the right track in life. They should be a good support system for me.
My friend was right quality is better than quantity.
My softball coach always tries to find people to play softball on his teams. Years ago he would find anyone who likes softball to come join the team. Some players weren't very good. Some players didn't have good sportmanship. We tried very hard to convince him that he can't just let anyone on the team. He should make sure that the person got along well with the team, plays well and has good sportsmanship. In this case we like quality over quantity.
I went to my friends birthday party tonight at CinCin. I got a few moments with her after we finished dinner. She reminded me that she has a small group of friends and that she prefers quality over quantity. I mentioned to her that her friends were really easy going and great to talk to. She said that's the quality that she looks for in her friends.
That's something I have to consider is trimming my friends list. I should eliminate friends who are energy vampires (negative people that drag you down). I have no time for them. There is so much to do in my life that spending my time with energy vampires would just be a waste of my time. I would like to focus on finding / keeping friends who are positive and keep me on the right track in life. They should be a good support system for me.
My friend was right quality is better than quantity.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Day 34: Cultus Lake
Cultus Lake is #44 on my bucket list. I have never been there before. My friend and I wanted to go before the summer ends. We asked some friends to join us. There were 6 of us that went. We headed there at 9am. We started our Cultus adventure with a hike. On the website it says that it should take us about 2 hours to go up and down the trail. When we got there we asked several people how long it took them to do the hike. They said a bit over an hour. We got to the top and had a short rest and a bite to eat. I don't hike very often. It's a very nice experience. We got to enjoy nature and socialize at the same time. After the hike, we went to play mini golf. It was fun. We played for about an hour an a half.
We then went jet skiing (aka seadooing, bucket list #36) after mini golf. I learned that sea doo is a brand and what we were actually doing was jet skiing (like rollerblading). We had to sign a bunch of waivers to make sure that we don't sue them for anything. It was super scary for me going in the water because I don't know how to swim. Once I got in the water I had to get use to steering the jet ski. It was a bit rough in the waters for me. It was a warm day but once I went fast on the jet ski I got really cold because of the wind against me. I went slow to warm myself down. We went for an hour in the water.
After a fun filled eventful day at Cultus Lake, we went to dinner at a Korean restaurant in Coquitlam. I am not a big fan of Korean food. That's ok everyone wanted Korean and we were hungry. I tried some dishes that I haven't tried before. I still don't like Korean food. Out of the six dishes we ordered I only liked two of them. Most of the dishes are too spicy for me. We even asked one dish to be mild but it was still too spicey for me. I wanted something cold and refreshing to drink. I shared with some friends strawberry shoju. It totally hit the spot. It was one of those drinks where you can drink it for awhile because it's so tastey and you don't taste the alcohol. It then hits you when you least expects it!
I got home at about 9pm. I sat in a hot bath and relaxed for about half an hour. I have to rest and relax from this adventure and prepare for the next one.
We then went jet skiing (aka seadooing, bucket list #36) after mini golf. I learned that sea doo is a brand and what we were actually doing was jet skiing (like rollerblading). We had to sign a bunch of waivers to make sure that we don't sue them for anything. It was super scary for me going in the water because I don't know how to swim. Once I got in the water I had to get use to steering the jet ski. It was a bit rough in the waters for me. It was a warm day but once I went fast on the jet ski I got really cold because of the wind against me. I went slow to warm myself down. We went for an hour in the water.
After a fun filled eventful day at Cultus Lake, we went to dinner at a Korean restaurant in Coquitlam. I am not a big fan of Korean food. That's ok everyone wanted Korean and we were hungry. I tried some dishes that I haven't tried before. I still don't like Korean food. Out of the six dishes we ordered I only liked two of them. Most of the dishes are too spicy for me. We even asked one dish to be mild but it was still too spicey for me. I wanted something cold and refreshing to drink. I shared with some friends strawberry shoju. It totally hit the spot. It was one of those drinks where you can drink it for awhile because it's so tastey and you don't taste the alcohol. It then hits you when you least expects it!
I got home at about 9pm. I sat in a hot bath and relaxed for about half an hour. I have to rest and relax from this adventure and prepare for the next one.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Day 33: Are you ready?
Are you ready for what life presents to you? Are you ready for all the twists and turns and hurdles life throws at you? Do you have a back up plan? Do you have a plan for everything or do you take life as it comes?
At my job everyday is different. There are twists and turns everyday. I have to be prepared for it. When the customer gets really mad, all I can do is try to be as nice as I can while I'm talking to them. After I get off the phone with them, then I do a bit of venting. I have to be ready and on my toes everyday.
Tomorrow I am heading to Cultus Lake with some friends. Because I have never been there before I can expect some twists and hurdles. I'm sure my friends will guide me the right way because they have been there before. We are planning to hike, seadoo and mini golf. We don't really have a back up plan. I'm sure we can make a mutual decision on our next step if our original plan doesn't work out. I'm taking life as it come on this one! Just going to Cultus is already outside of my comfort zone.
At my job everyday is different. There are twists and turns everyday. I have to be prepared for it. When the customer gets really mad, all I can do is try to be as nice as I can while I'm talking to them. After I get off the phone with them, then I do a bit of venting. I have to be ready and on my toes everyday.
Tomorrow I am heading to Cultus Lake with some friends. Because I have never been there before I can expect some twists and hurdles. I'm sure my friends will guide me the right way because they have been there before. We are planning to hike, seadoo and mini golf. We don't really have a back up plan. I'm sure we can make a mutual decision on our next step if our original plan doesn't work out. I'm taking life as it come on this one! Just going to Cultus is already outside of my comfort zone.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Day 32: Use It or Lose It
Use it or lose it! Cheesy saying..but absolutely true! There are many aspects of my life which this saying is true.
Gift card
My friend gave me a gift card to Metropolis a few years back for my birthday. Every time I head to Metropolis I forget the card at home. Finally tonight I remember to bring it. It had $30 on it the last time I went shopping. I read on the back of the card today that it takes out $2 for every month it isn't used. I went to use and wanted to see how much money I had left on the card. The sales associate told me I had $8.25 on the card. I didn't use it for about a year and I almost lost all the money on it from the maintenance fees.
Muscles
I am still trying to get myself to go to the gym regularly. I do notice that when I don't go to the gym my muscles tense up. I am thinking if I don't keep up with going to the gym or doing any kind of exercise regularly, my muscles will get weak and I won't be able to use it to my fullest potential.
Memory
I know my memory is declining for both short term and long term recollections. I can blame my age. I can blame my parents. I have to stop the blame game. I will not be aging backwards. I don't think it is fair to blame my parents. I have to recognize that I have a bad memory and take action. I am not sure how to improve my long term memory. I have Nintendo DS with Brain Age 1. Hopefully that will help me with my short term memory. I know if I don't work on it then I may be looking forward to really empty old age. I would like to tell my grandkids what happened when I was young and what society was like.
Gift card
My friend gave me a gift card to Metropolis a few years back for my birthday. Every time I head to Metropolis I forget the card at home. Finally tonight I remember to bring it. It had $30 on it the last time I went shopping. I read on the back of the card today that it takes out $2 for every month it isn't used. I went to use and wanted to see how much money I had left on the card. The sales associate told me I had $8.25 on the card. I didn't use it for about a year and I almost lost all the money on it from the maintenance fees.
Muscles
I am still trying to get myself to go to the gym regularly. I do notice that when I don't go to the gym my muscles tense up. I am thinking if I don't keep up with going to the gym or doing any kind of exercise regularly, my muscles will get weak and I won't be able to use it to my fullest potential.
Memory
I know my memory is declining for both short term and long term recollections. I can blame my age. I can blame my parents. I have to stop the blame game. I will not be aging backwards. I don't think it is fair to blame my parents. I have to recognize that I have a bad memory and take action. I am not sure how to improve my long term memory. I have Nintendo DS with Brain Age 1. Hopefully that will help me with my short term memory. I know if I don't work on it then I may be looking forward to really empty old age. I would like to tell my grandkids what happened when I was young and what society was like.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Day 31: What transforms you?
I was out with my friend for dinner tonight. He was very emotionally down for a very long time. I chatted with him on MSN just recently and he was very upbeat and positive. I was wondering what transformed him. At dinner he told me he took the course from Landmark Education (www.landmarkeducation.com). It made him a completely different person. He has a super optimistic view of his life now.
I wonder about what transforms me. Is it the people I meet? Is an activity I participate in? I think a sign is when something bad happens to me. I always get up a better person. I learn something new everytime I get up. I went to a few free seminars a few weeks ago. They both tried to pitch their paid seminars. I almost purchased one of them. I may be just gullible and think it would be able to change my life. I am not sure if a course will change my life. If I took the course, I think it is important to follow thru and continuously practice the teachings of the course. If not, then the course would be a waste of money. I took two courses from my life success coach friend. After the course I put the books and CD's on my shelf. It's been 2 years since the first course. Obviously I am not practicing what I learnt. Ok time to take them of the shelf and review what I learnt!!
The first step to changing is admitting there is a problem. Once I identify the problem, I then take the steps to make it better. The problem was I didn't have any motivation to do anything. I was bummed out all the time. I didn't feel like doing anything. Once I identified that my lack of motivation was the problem I tried to do things to keep myself busy. One step lead to another and the next thing I knew it my bucket list was created. My bucket list has transformed my life and keeps me motivated.
I wonder about what transforms me. Is it the people I meet? Is an activity I participate in? I think a sign is when something bad happens to me. I always get up a better person. I learn something new everytime I get up. I went to a few free seminars a few weeks ago. They both tried to pitch their paid seminars. I almost purchased one of them. I may be just gullible and think it would be able to change my life. I am not sure if a course will change my life. If I took the course, I think it is important to follow thru and continuously practice the teachings of the course. If not, then the course would be a waste of money. I took two courses from my life success coach friend. After the course I put the books and CD's on my shelf. It's been 2 years since the first course. Obviously I am not practicing what I learnt. Ok time to take them of the shelf and review what I learnt!!
The first step to changing is admitting there is a problem. Once I identify the problem, I then take the steps to make it better. The problem was I didn't have any motivation to do anything. I was bummed out all the time. I didn't feel like doing anything. Once I identified that my lack of motivation was the problem I tried to do things to keep myself busy. One step lead to another and the next thing I knew it my bucket list was created. My bucket list has transformed my life and keeps me motivated.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Day 30: After two months...
After two months of working on my bucket list, what have I accomplished?
Things on my bucket list I am working on:
Rollerblading
I have gone four times so far. The first time my friend taught me how to blade. The second time I went around the seawall by Granville Island. The third and fourth time I went around the seawall by Science World.
Learning Mandarin
I took the Mandarin course at night school at John Oliver. It was a very quick and intense course. It was only 8 sessions and a month long. I should be practicing it more with my parents and maybe my friends too (if they are patient and willing! ).
Start and continue a blog
I have started my blog. I have made a commitment to myself to continue this blog for the next 335 days.
Make a difference in a person's life every month
I am hopeful that I have made a difference. There has been positive feedback for my blog and bucket list.
Go visit Chicago, Illinois
I have called to redeemed my voucher for a ticket to Chicago. Hopefully I will get my ticket soon. I will be going in the first two weeks of April 2010.
Finish my bachelors degree
I have called Kwantlen to see if I am able to finish my degree. I would be able to register and go in September term if I completed the application form and decide which courses to take. I won't be able to go in January term because I will be away for the first two weeks of April.
What will I try to accomplish by Dec 2009?
Learn to swim
There are swimming lessons in community pools. I will have to look into which ones are suitable with my calendar.
Aqua Fit
It's only $2.60 for the course on Tuesdays nite. I am trying to fit it in my schedule. There always seem to be something that comes up and I push aqua fit aside.
Pilates
I'm sure there is a course between now and Dec 2009 that I can take.
Be a better pool player
There is no reason for me to not work on this! There is a pool hall in Richmond that has a special girs nite out promotion. A group of girls can play for free on Wednesday nites. A group with guys and girls play for half price.
Sins of the City Walking Tour
I have to call them to see when the season of the tour ends. Hopefully not soon! I would like to go before winter starts.
Cultus Lake
We will be going (if everything goes well) this Saturday.
Things on my bucket list I am working on:
Rollerblading
I have gone four times so far. The first time my friend taught me how to blade. The second time I went around the seawall by Granville Island. The third and fourth time I went around the seawall by Science World.
Learning Mandarin
I took the Mandarin course at night school at John Oliver. It was a very quick and intense course. It was only 8 sessions and a month long. I should be practicing it more with my parents and maybe my friends too (if they are patient and willing! ).
Start and continue a blog
I have started my blog. I have made a commitment to myself to continue this blog for the next 335 days.
Make a difference in a person's life every month
I am hopeful that I have made a difference. There has been positive feedback for my blog and bucket list.
Go visit Chicago, Illinois
I have called to redeemed my voucher for a ticket to Chicago. Hopefully I will get my ticket soon. I will be going in the first two weeks of April 2010.
Finish my bachelors degree
I have called Kwantlen to see if I am able to finish my degree. I would be able to register and go in September term if I completed the application form and decide which courses to take. I won't be able to go in January term because I will be away for the first two weeks of April.
What will I try to accomplish by Dec 2009?
Learn to swim
There are swimming lessons in community pools. I will have to look into which ones are suitable with my calendar.
Aqua Fit
It's only $2.60 for the course on Tuesdays nite. I am trying to fit it in my schedule. There always seem to be something that comes up and I push aqua fit aside.
Pilates
I'm sure there is a course between now and Dec 2009 that I can take.
Be a better pool player
There is no reason for me to not work on this! There is a pool hall in Richmond that has a special girs nite out promotion. A group of girls can play for free on Wednesday nites. A group with guys and girls play for half price.
Sins of the City Walking Tour
I have to call them to see when the season of the tour ends. Hopefully not soon! I would like to go before winter starts.
Cultus Lake
We will be going (if everything goes well) this Saturday.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Day 29: Contests
Will I win? Which contests should I enter?
I am finally watching the clip with Tammara Taggert co-hosting Live with Regis and Kelly. The show was aired on Aug 21, 2009. (http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/regisandkelly/contests/guestcohostsearch/index.html) There is also the clip of her audition tape. I think it is great that a Vancouverite made the short list for the Co-Host for a Day Search.
I don't enter very many contests. I don't enter them because I don't think I will win. But how can I win if I don't enter? Sometimes when you enter contests they add your name to a mailing list and you start receiving junk mail. I don't want to be bombarded with junk mail.
Contests are like the midway games at the PNE. The bigger the stuffed animal, the harder the game is to win. The bigger the prize (ie. the dream home) the harder it is to win. We played some of the games. It was fun. If we didn't play any games, there would be no chance of us winning any stuffed animals. But I am not there because of the stuffed animals. It's a challenge to try to see if you can beat the odds to win something.
I guess you will never know what your luck will be. Maybe I will have a lucky year and win more contests?
I am finally watching the clip with Tammara Taggert co-hosting Live with Regis and Kelly. The show was aired on Aug 21, 2009. (http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/regisandkelly/contests/guestcohostsearch/index.html) There is also the clip of her audition tape. I think it is great that a Vancouverite made the short list for the Co-Host for a Day Search.
I don't enter very many contests. I don't enter them because I don't think I will win. But how can I win if I don't enter? Sometimes when you enter contests they add your name to a mailing list and you start receiving junk mail. I don't want to be bombarded with junk mail.
Contests are like the midway games at the PNE. The bigger the stuffed animal, the harder the game is to win. The bigger the prize (ie. the dream home) the harder it is to win. We played some of the games. It was fun. If we didn't play any games, there would be no chance of us winning any stuffed animals. But I am not there because of the stuffed animals. It's a challenge to try to see if you can beat the odds to win something.
I guess you will never know what your luck will be. Maybe I will have a lucky year and win more contests?
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Day 28: Consideration
Are you a considerate person? How considerate are you? Do you think about others when making your decisions?
When I organize my dining club dinners, it is important to know how many people want to attend. I can then call the restaurant with the correct number of attendees. The restaurant can prepare their tables for us and the appropriate number of servers. With groups of 6 or more (for most restaurants) they include the gratuity. If the group is less than 6 people, we don't have to worry about the automatic gratuity. The automatic gratuity confuses some people because they aren't used to it and they end up giving the server another gratuity. What has happened to me many times is when someone RSVP'ed YES then they don't show up. I think it is very inconsiderate of them. They least they can do is send me an email or phone me to let me know that they will not be attending. It wastes my time waiting for them and saving a seat for them. The saved seat could've been for someone else that wanted to attend. In my eyes, it tarnishes their reputation. The next time they RSVP YES, I doubt their attendance.
When I make plans I let the host know if I will be coming or not. If I RSVP'ed YES at first, but something came up at the minute and I won't be able to attend I would call them to tell them I won't be able to make it. What if they were waiting for me to start dinner? If I wasn't considerate enough to call them, they would be waiting and be really hungry. As a host of a party, I would like the same consideration.
When I organize my dining club dinners, it is important to know how many people want to attend. I can then call the restaurant with the correct number of attendees. The restaurant can prepare their tables for us and the appropriate number of servers. With groups of 6 or more (for most restaurants) they include the gratuity. If the group is less than 6 people, we don't have to worry about the automatic gratuity. The automatic gratuity confuses some people because they aren't used to it and they end up giving the server another gratuity. What has happened to me many times is when someone RSVP'ed YES then they don't show up. I think it is very inconsiderate of them. They least they can do is send me an email or phone me to let me know that they will not be attending. It wastes my time waiting for them and saving a seat for them. The saved seat could've been for someone else that wanted to attend. In my eyes, it tarnishes their reputation. The next time they RSVP YES, I doubt their attendance.
When I make plans I let the host know if I will be coming or not. If I RSVP'ed YES at first, but something came up at the minute and I won't be able to attend I would call them to tell them I won't be able to make it. What if they were waiting for me to start dinner? If I wasn't considerate enough to call them, they would be waiting and be really hungry. As a host of a party, I would like the same consideration.
Day 27: A poem on Attitude
A positive attitude will make you grow
A negative attitude will make you feel low
There will be days that make you feel down
It seems like everything makes you frown
I don't want to do things that makes me mad
Thru out the day I will end up feeling bad
You can't let it effect your day
There are things you can say
"What should I do to make myself feel great?"
This decision will be the course of my fate
It is all up to you on how to make things better
Maybe write yourself a letter?
It is not a letter you have to show
But only write when you are feeling low
Learn to live a carefree lifestyle
You will advance that extra mile
A negative attitude will make you feel low
There will be days that make you feel down
It seems like everything makes you frown
I don't want to do things that makes me mad
Thru out the day I will end up feeling bad
You can't let it effect your day
There are things you can say
"What should I do to make myself feel great?"
This decision will be the course of my fate
It is all up to you on how to make things better
Maybe write yourself a letter?
It is not a letter you have to show
But only write when you are feeling low
Learn to live a carefree lifestyle
You will advance that extra mile
Friday, August 21, 2009
Day 26: Stranger Than Fiction
Is your life stranger than fiction? What would you do if you found out you were going to die soon? Is there any unfinished business that you would want to clear up before you die?
My friends came over for dinner and a movie tonight. We watched Stranger Than Fiction (http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/strangerthanfiction/). It's about a guy who is a character in a book. He finds out he's going to die at the end of the book. He tries to stop it from happening.
It really made me think about my life. Is it pre-written or pre-determined? If it is, do I want to know the outcome? I know I will eventually die. Do I really want to know how or when? Between now and when I die what have I done? Have I lived a happy life? If I find out when and where I die, will I prevent it from happening or let it happen?
I read that there is a library of everyone's life. My book of life could be written for me. I don't want to know the ending. If I read my book of life, then my life will not be worth living anymore. My life is all about experiences. It can be good ones or bad ones. It is about meeting people and how they influence my life. Everyone comes into my life for a reason. Even if they have given me one piece of advice, they have influenced and shaped my life.
My friends came over for dinner and a movie tonight. We watched Stranger Than Fiction (http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/strangerthanfiction/). It's about a guy who is a character in a book. He finds out he's going to die at the end of the book. He tries to stop it from happening.
It really made me think about my life. Is it pre-written or pre-determined? If it is, do I want to know the outcome? I know I will eventually die. Do I really want to know how or when? Between now and when I die what have I done? Have I lived a happy life? If I find out when and where I die, will I prevent it from happening or let it happen?
I read that there is a library of everyone's life. My book of life could be written for me. I don't want to know the ending. If I read my book of life, then my life will not be worth living anymore. My life is all about experiences. It can be good ones or bad ones. It is about meeting people and how they influence my life. Everyone comes into my life for a reason. Even if they have given me one piece of advice, they have influenced and shaped my life.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Day 25: No more 'what if?'
Life is about taking risks. There are risks that make you really uncomfortable ('high risk'). There are really 'safe' risks. Which would you rather take? For me, it depends on what it is. But the safer risks are 'safer' and more stable. You know the outcome to it. The 'high risk' activity has an unpredictable outcome and a greater level of fear. Fear is something I want to overcome. The conservative side of me would be taking the safer risks. BUT then I think about 'what if I took the high risk route?'
I have some mutual funds. I think they are distributed evenly with the safe risk and high risk funds. I can control my life more than I can control my mutual funds. There are too many variables that effect the outcome of my mutual fund. With my life, I control which direction to go. I don't want to live my life thinking 'what if...?'
During high school a new guy transferred into my school. He was in one of my classes. He was so cute (at least at that time I thought he was). I don't think I talked to him much. I was too shy. But I thought 'what if I talked to him?' Maybe we would've developed more of a friendship and maybe we would even end up dating..who knows?
I went skydiving in 1998. The conservative side in me would've wanted me to stay home. I would be warm and safe in my house. Skydiving was one of the things I wanted to do before I die. (At that time I didn't have a bucket list) I was thinking: what if the plane crashed on the way up? what if the cord didn't come out at the right time? what if i break a bone when I land? So many 'what if' questions. The only way for me to find out was to jump out of that plane and experience it myself.
I don't want to encounter the 'what if' situation anymore. I don't want to think about the endless possibilities.I will not let fear take over. Life is too short to be taking the 'safe' route all the time. The safest route I can take in my life is to go to work, go home, have dinner, watch tv, write on my blog and sleep. Sounds pretty boring to me. Then I would be at home thinking 'what if I went out and met the guy of my dreams?' or 'what if I went out and encountered someone who will change my life forever?' .......... No more 'what if...'
I have some mutual funds. I think they are distributed evenly with the safe risk and high risk funds. I can control my life more than I can control my mutual funds. There are too many variables that effect the outcome of my mutual fund. With my life, I control which direction to go. I don't want to live my life thinking 'what if...?'
During high school a new guy transferred into my school. He was in one of my classes. He was so cute (at least at that time I thought he was). I don't think I talked to him much. I was too shy. But I thought 'what if I talked to him?' Maybe we would've developed more of a friendship and maybe we would even end up dating..who knows?
I went skydiving in 1998. The conservative side in me would've wanted me to stay home. I would be warm and safe in my house. Skydiving was one of the things I wanted to do before I die. (At that time I didn't have a bucket list) I was thinking: what if the plane crashed on the way up? what if the cord didn't come out at the right time? what if i break a bone when I land? So many 'what if' questions. The only way for me to find out was to jump out of that plane and experience it myself.
I don't want to encounter the 'what if' situation anymore. I don't want to think about the endless possibilities.I will not let fear take over. Life is too short to be taking the 'safe' route all the time. The safest route I can take in my life is to go to work, go home, have dinner, watch tv, write on my blog and sleep. Sounds pretty boring to me. Then I would be at home thinking 'what if I went out and met the guy of my dreams?' or 'what if I went out and encountered someone who will change my life forever?' .......... No more 'what if...'
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Day 24: United Airlines
I had an incident with United Airlines today. I have a free flight voucher from them because they bumped me on my flight to New York. I received a voucher to fly anywhere United Airlines fly within the continental US. I have to fly out of the US to fly to another US city. I will be flying from Palm Springs to Chicago.
I called them this morning to book my flight to Chicago (see Bucket List #16 + #26). The reservation agent asked me all my information and booked my ticket. She then said I can mail in the voucher or go to the airport to pick up my ticket. She said if I mailed in the voucher they aren't responsible for missing vouchers. After she said that, I thought it would be a better idea to pick up the ticket at YVR (Van Int'l Airport) instead of mailing it. I went to the airport at 6:30 pm and there were no United Airline counters open. I asked the Air Canada agent, at the neighbouring counter, when the United Airlines counter would be open. She said at 8pm. Parking at the airport is now $3 for 30 minutes. I left the airport and came back at 8pm. I found the United Airlines counter and asked the ticketing agent that I wanted to redeem my voucher for the ticket. The guy at the counter said that they don't redeem the tickets here. The closest airport is Seattle. I told him the reservation clerk told us to go to the nearest airport. He said 'I know'. He said it happens all the time. The reservation people at United Airlines always tell people that. They don't realize that we don't live in the US. He said people have trouble redeeming their ticket in Calgary and Toronto also.
The reservation clerk on the phone told me they will hold the ticket for 24 hours for me to redeem it. So I had 24 hours to go to Seattle to pick up my ticket to fly to Chicago. The guy at the counter changed the code so I don't have that 24 hour window anymore. I now have to mail my voucher instead.
The last time we booked with United Airlines to New York I wonder about their capibilities to do their job. They spelt our names wrong and our address wrong. I was suprised it got to us at all.
I called them this morning to book my flight to Chicago (see Bucket List #16 + #26). The reservation agent asked me all my information and booked my ticket. She then said I can mail in the voucher or go to the airport to pick up my ticket. She said if I mailed in the voucher they aren't responsible for missing vouchers. After she said that, I thought it would be a better idea to pick up the ticket at YVR (Van Int'l Airport) instead of mailing it. I went to the airport at 6:30 pm and there were no United Airline counters open. I asked the Air Canada agent, at the neighbouring counter, when the United Airlines counter would be open. She said at 8pm. Parking at the airport is now $3 for 30 minutes. I left the airport and came back at 8pm. I found the United Airlines counter and asked the ticketing agent that I wanted to redeem my voucher for the ticket. The guy at the counter said that they don't redeem the tickets here. The closest airport is Seattle. I told him the reservation clerk told us to go to the nearest airport. He said 'I know'. He said it happens all the time. The reservation people at United Airlines always tell people that. They don't realize that we don't live in the US. He said people have trouble redeeming their ticket in Calgary and Toronto also.
The reservation clerk on the phone told me they will hold the ticket for 24 hours for me to redeem it. So I had 24 hours to go to Seattle to pick up my ticket to fly to Chicago. The guy at the counter changed the code so I don't have that 24 hour window anymore. I now have to mail my voucher instead.
The last time we booked with United Airlines to New York I wonder about their capibilities to do their job. They spelt our names wrong and our address wrong. I was suprised it got to us at all.
Day 23: Energy Vampires
Tonight I went to see James Arthur Ray(http://www.magneticsoil.com/) at the
Westin Bayshore. He talked about many topics which I may write about at a later date. He was very motivating and inspiring.
One topic he talked about was Energy Vampires. Energy Vampires are the people that you know or meet that suck the life out of you. They are bad energy, bad karma and just negative to be around. They have no focus in life and want you to be in the same boat as them. I have met some. One guy was negative about everything. He never had money to do anything. He didn't have the right priorities. We would all go out to eat and he said he was hungry and didn't have money for food. But for some reason he had enough money for a pitcher of beer. At a softball game if the captain did something to him that he didn't agree with, he would focus on it and pout about it. After putting up with him for at least 10 years, I decided that if he is to be negative about everything, I don't think I should hang out with him anymore. I don't have time to baby someone who pouts and is negative about everything. He always has a reason for everything that is going wrong in his life. Of course it is never his fault for anything. I couldn't stand it anymore. The negative energy. All the excuses. If I were to hang out with him more, then I wouldn't be where I am now. I would probably be in his 'negative world'. Sure I have known him for about 10 years. That doesn't mean I have to be his friend. The amount of time I have known him doesn't matter. What matters is if we spend quality time together.
What I need now is to surround myself with positive energy. It should be friends who are motivating and inspiring. They will be able to challenge me to do more. It could be someone who is a mentor. It can be someone who has life experiences. I want to see the full extent of my abilities. I would have never started this blog if I sat in my bubble zone with my negative friends.
Westin Bayshore. He talked about many topics which I may write about at a later date. He was very motivating and inspiring.
One topic he talked about was Energy Vampires. Energy Vampires are the people that you know or meet that suck the life out of you. They are bad energy, bad karma and just negative to be around. They have no focus in life and want you to be in the same boat as them. I have met some. One guy was negative about everything. He never had money to do anything. He didn't have the right priorities. We would all go out to eat and he said he was hungry and didn't have money for food. But for some reason he had enough money for a pitcher of beer. At a softball game if the captain did something to him that he didn't agree with, he would focus on it and pout about it. After putting up with him for at least 10 years, I decided that if he is to be negative about everything, I don't think I should hang out with him anymore. I don't have time to baby someone who pouts and is negative about everything. He always has a reason for everything that is going wrong in his life. Of course it is never his fault for anything. I couldn't stand it anymore. The negative energy. All the excuses. If I were to hang out with him more, then I wouldn't be where I am now. I would probably be in his 'negative world'. Sure I have known him for about 10 years. That doesn't mean I have to be his friend. The amount of time I have known him doesn't matter. What matters is if we spend quality time together.
What I need now is to surround myself with positive energy. It should be friends who are motivating and inspiring. They will be able to challenge me to do more. It could be someone who is a mentor. It can be someone who has life experiences. I want to see the full extent of my abilities. I would have never started this blog if I sat in my bubble zone with my negative friends.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Day 22: Technology
Technology failed me last night. I was going to write on my blog before I was going to go to bed. I wrote a sentence and my internet disconnected. It was so random and with no warning. I think it might be something with Shaw. I like Shaw so much better than Telus. I had my internet connection with both companies. Shaw is more reliable with their service. Obviously this morning my internet is fine.
Years ago I was chatting with my friend. He said if he was stranded on an island one of the things he would need was his computer with high speed internet. At that time I had dial up. I think even free dial up with the banner on the screen. I didn't understand why he needed his high speed internet. He is a computer guy so he did alot on the computer. I thought it was more important for him to be online. I only checked my email and some websites.
It has only been the last 8 years since I had high speed internet. Now I understand what he is talking about. It's all about the fast download and the fast refresh speed. I think I have taken my high speed internet for granted. I expect it to work all the time. I feel so disconnected when I am not logged online. It is so easy to connect with friends online and send out invites.
Years ago I was chatting with my friend. He said if he was stranded on an island one of the things he would need was his computer with high speed internet. At that time I had dial up. I think even free dial up with the banner on the screen. I didn't understand why he needed his high speed internet. He is a computer guy so he did alot on the computer. I thought it was more important for him to be online. I only checked my email and some websites.
It has only been the last 8 years since I had high speed internet. Now I understand what he is talking about. It's all about the fast download and the fast refresh speed. I think I have taken my high speed internet for granted. I expect it to work all the time. I feel so disconnected when I am not logged online. It is so easy to connect with friends online and send out invites.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Day 21: How do you want to be introduced?
At a party this is how my friend introduces me: "Hi, this is my friend Lisa. She has her own dining club." At first I was really weirded out by that comment because it isn't really something I want to share when I first meet someone. But I now I understand he is telling everyone my USP (unique selling point). It is a basic marketing concept. I went to school for marketing I should be practicing the concepts. The USP (unique selling point) is why your product is unique. In this case the product is me. Me is the most important product you will be selling in your life. In job interviews, they ask you why they should hire you. You are then trying to sell your USP to them. They are looking for something unique and different from everyone else.
I went to a few speed dating events. I wanted to spark things up a little bit. You only get 3 minutes to talk to the other person. The question I asked all the guys I met with was 'what is the most interesting thing about you?'. I am asking them about their USP. Some guys took that question seriously and others didn't give me a serious answer. I made them think a bit. They expected questions like "where did you go to school?", "what is your sign?"...etc etc. I thought those questions are a bit boring. I think when you are looking for a potential partner they want to know why they should be dating you (potentially going to marrying you).
He is right my USP is my dining club. It is a great conversation starter. Everyone askes me how I started it, what it is all about and sometimes how they can join. It is my creation, my baby. I don't think anyone can take that away from me. Sure they can probably create one too. I think a little bit of competition is healthy. It also helped me build my skills. When I started it, I had to learn about getting my own domain name, hosting and building my site. I had to think about ways to market it for people to come. Now I am considering if I should continue my dining club or its time to create something new? My dining club has been around since 2006. Maybe it's time to retire it? Email me your thoughts on what I should do.
I went to a few speed dating events. I wanted to spark things up a little bit. You only get 3 minutes to talk to the other person. The question I asked all the guys I met with was 'what is the most interesting thing about you?'. I am asking them about their USP. Some guys took that question seriously and others didn't give me a serious answer. I made them think a bit. They expected questions like "where did you go to school?", "what is your sign?"...etc etc. I thought those questions are a bit boring. I think when you are looking for a potential partner they want to know why they should be dating you (potentially going to marrying you).
He is right my USP is my dining club. It is a great conversation starter. Everyone askes me how I started it, what it is all about and sometimes how they can join. It is my creation, my baby. I don't think anyone can take that away from me. Sure they can probably create one too. I think a little bit of competition is healthy. It also helped me build my skills. When I started it, I had to learn about getting my own domain name, hosting and building my site. I had to think about ways to market it for people to come. Now I am considering if I should continue my dining club or its time to create something new? My dining club has been around since 2006. Maybe it's time to retire it? Email me your thoughts on what I should do.
Day 20: Past experiences
I believe my past has shaped me to be the person I am today. I am not a perfect person. I have done wrong things in my past. I have done things I have regretted. The important thing is for me to learn from what I have done and move on. I still think about something I have done in grade 3 that I regretted. I would like to put closure to that incident, but how? The girl that was in the situation with me is one of my friends on Facebook now. It is a coincidence that we have mutual friends. I did send her a message saying HI but I didn't say anything about what happened. Will she remember what I did to her in grade 3? I know that was eons ago and maybe she forgot about it. I don't want to bring it up if she has forgotten about it.
What I should do is put everything in my past where it belongs, in the past. I don't know the best way to get them out of my head sometimes. I know with every incident that has happened to me I have learned something. Some incidents happened when I was a young child. Some incidents happened recently. Some incidents I take a long time to realize what the lesson is. Some incidents it takes 5 minutes to learn the lesson. One way to get it out of my head is to talk about it. Sometimes I don't think anyone would be interested in my stories that happened 20 years ago. Another way of getting it out of my head would be to write it down on a piece of paper and burn it. I think everything that has happened to me happened for a reason if it is for the better or for the worse. Sometimes I have to fall hard to get up and rise to become a better person.
I am still young and I will learn more lessons about life. But I can take the lessons I have learnt and apply it wherever and whenever I can. I hopefully will not make the same mistakes again. Life is a journey and I have to take it as it comes.
What I should do is put everything in my past where it belongs, in the past. I don't know the best way to get them out of my head sometimes. I know with every incident that has happened to me I have learned something. Some incidents happened when I was a young child. Some incidents happened recently. Some incidents I take a long time to realize what the lesson is. Some incidents it takes 5 minutes to learn the lesson. One way to get it out of my head is to talk about it. Sometimes I don't think anyone would be interested in my stories that happened 20 years ago. Another way of getting it out of my head would be to write it down on a piece of paper and burn it. I think everything that has happened to me happened for a reason if it is for the better or for the worse. Sometimes I have to fall hard to get up and rise to become a better person.
I am still young and I will learn more lessons about life. But I can take the lessons I have learnt and apply it wherever and whenever I can. I hopefully will not make the same mistakes again. Life is a journey and I have to take it as it comes.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Day 19: Bad habits are hard to break!
My bad habit lately is buying DVD's. I can't help it. They are so cheap. It's the same price as renting the movie. This way I dont have to pay the late fees!! The first time I found the sale at Blockbuster when I was returning the movie The Bucket List. I bought 10 movies. The next day I was renewing my insurance by another Blockbuster. I bought another 6 movies. Tonight I was driving home and I drove by another Blockbuster. I bought another 8 movies. I think I strategically drive by them ;). I even went to Rogers one time to see what kind of sale they had. The movies were cheaper at Blockbuster. I really hope the sale ends soon...I don't think I should be spending more money on DVD's.
I have read from different sources that habits take 21 days to form. I was going to go to bed early tonight and not write in my blog because I didn't have any topic to write about. I would've procrastinated on my 20th day of writing. I just have to do it for one more day to make it a habit. So here I am just blabbing about things to make sure I make it a habit to write in my blog. Once it becomes habit then I will just do naturally like brushing my teeth. I drive the same route to work. I am not even sure if it is the shortest route to work. I tried that route one day and have driven that way ever since. It is weird driving another route. It was weird writing in my blog at first. I didn't know what to write. I still don't know what to write everyday. I think about my topic during the day while at work. Then at night when I am writing my blog I don't even use that topic. I just wait for something to inspire me and I start writing. Sometimes I like writing on my topic so much that I want to keep on writing but I know it is late so I have to cut it short.
I am not sure what my next habit will be. Will it be playing a new sport? Will it be an expensive habit? Will it be a good habit? Will it be travelling more? Only time will tell......
I have read from different sources that habits take 21 days to form. I was going to go to bed early tonight and not write in my blog because I didn't have any topic to write about. I would've procrastinated on my 20th day of writing. I just have to do it for one more day to make it a habit. So here I am just blabbing about things to make sure I make it a habit to write in my blog. Once it becomes habit then I will just do naturally like brushing my teeth. I drive the same route to work. I am not even sure if it is the shortest route to work. I tried that route one day and have driven that way ever since. It is weird driving another route. It was weird writing in my blog at first. I didn't know what to write. I still don't know what to write everyday. I think about my topic during the day while at work. Then at night when I am writing my blog I don't even use that topic. I just wait for something to inspire me and I start writing. Sometimes I like writing on my topic so much that I want to keep on writing but I know it is late so I have to cut it short.
I am not sure what my next habit will be. Will it be playing a new sport? Will it be an expensive habit? Will it be a good habit? Will it be travelling more? Only time will tell......
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Day 18: Individuality
"I live in my own little WORLD. But it's ok...they know ME here."
I bought a plaque with that inscribed on it. I bought it at Target when I was down in California. My sister and I were in a section where they sell items with inspirational and funny sayings on mugs and plaques. I saw this one and laughed really hard and bought it. My sister was laughing too but when I decided to buy it she was a bit worried. She thought I may have dual personalities or just thought I was crazy.
The plaque sits on my shelf. I see it everyday. It makes more of a difference to me everyday. As I get older I realize that I don't have to conform to anyone or anything. I am me. I am an individual. I don't have to impress anyone. I don't give into peer pressure anymore. I have friends from all walks of life. Trying to conform to everyone will just be silly and time consuming. I guess this goes back to 'I'm too lazy'....hahaha... I guess this is the one time where the excuse 'I'm too lazy' works in my benefit.
When I was young I was trying to figure out what I like and what I don't like. I would 'push' myself sometimes to like what others were liking because they were 'cool'. That took alot of effort. I didn't end up liking what I 'pushed' myself to like. I have decided that I like what I like for a reason. I may try something new and maybe like that, but I don't know it yet.
My friends like me for who I am. I have some friends who I have been friends with for many years. They wouldn't be my friend if we didn't have anything in common or have fun hanging out together. I have had a lot of trouble finding the 'right' significant other. I sometimes try to impress them or be someone who I think they want to be with. I have decided that doing that has to stop. I have to find someone who likes me for who I am. Life is too short.
I bought a plaque with that inscribed on it. I bought it at Target when I was down in California. My sister and I were in a section where they sell items with inspirational and funny sayings on mugs and plaques. I saw this one and laughed really hard and bought it. My sister was laughing too but when I decided to buy it she was a bit worried. She thought I may have dual personalities or just thought I was crazy.
The plaque sits on my shelf. I see it everyday. It makes more of a difference to me everyday. As I get older I realize that I don't have to conform to anyone or anything. I am me. I am an individual. I don't have to impress anyone. I don't give into peer pressure anymore. I have friends from all walks of life. Trying to conform to everyone will just be silly and time consuming. I guess this goes back to 'I'm too lazy'....hahaha... I guess this is the one time where the excuse 'I'm too lazy' works in my benefit.
When I was young I was trying to figure out what I like and what I don't like. I would 'push' myself sometimes to like what others were liking because they were 'cool'. That took alot of effort. I didn't end up liking what I 'pushed' myself to like. I have decided that I like what I like for a reason. I may try something new and maybe like that, but I don't know it yet.
My friends like me for who I am. I have some friends who I have been friends with for many years. They wouldn't be my friend if we didn't have anything in common or have fun hanging out together. I have had a lot of trouble finding the 'right' significant other. I sometimes try to impress them or be someone who I think they want to be with. I have decided that doing that has to stop. I have to find someone who likes me for who I am. Life is too short.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Day 17: Celebrate your success
What are you celebrating today?
Since we moved to Canada my parents wanted us to assimilate to the Canadian culture. We celebrated birthdays, Christmas, Mothers Day, Father's Day and other 'Hallmark' occasions. We would give each other presents and go out for dinner. We did that for many years. There wasn't much meaning for us celebrating those occasions anymore. We haven't been celebrating the last few years.
Now I have more reasons to celebrate. I would like to aim to celebrate my success everyday. My success isn't about my job or how much money I have. It is about my life and where I am taking it. Everyday I try to learn something new or go somewhere new. I don't celebrate my daily successes by decorating my house with balloons, having party favours or singing songs. At the end of the day, I want to know that I have done something for myself which has made me a bit happier.
Tonight I went to a Social Fluency workshop (www.socialfluency.com). It was interesting. It was an intro workshop to knowing what you want (in terms of your ideal mate) and how to attract them.
According to these guys, the 3 things that will make you successful in any aspect of life are:
1 - take action
2 - consciously make an effort to develop yourself
3 - committed to getting out of your comfort zone
Once I have achieved my bucket list and these 3 things, I will have a real party. A REAL party with balloons, party favours and songs... hahah.. That is a HUGE reason to celebrate!
Since we moved to Canada my parents wanted us to assimilate to the Canadian culture. We celebrated birthdays, Christmas, Mothers Day, Father's Day and other 'Hallmark' occasions. We would give each other presents and go out for dinner. We did that for many years. There wasn't much meaning for us celebrating those occasions anymore. We haven't been celebrating the last few years.
Now I have more reasons to celebrate. I would like to aim to celebrate my success everyday. My success isn't about my job or how much money I have. It is about my life and where I am taking it. Everyday I try to learn something new or go somewhere new. I don't celebrate my daily successes by decorating my house with balloons, having party favours or singing songs. At the end of the day, I want to know that I have done something for myself which has made me a bit happier.
Tonight I went to a Social Fluency workshop (www.socialfluency.com). It was interesting. It was an intro workshop to knowing what you want (in terms of your ideal mate) and how to attract them.
According to these guys, the 3 things that will make you successful in any aspect of life are:
1 - take action
2 - consciously make an effort to develop yourself
3 - committed to getting out of your comfort zone
Once I have achieved my bucket list and these 3 things, I will have a real party. A REAL party with balloons, party favours and songs... hahah.. That is a HUGE reason to celebrate!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Day 16: Friendships
Friendships are about sharing and caring. I know that is REALLY corny but I think it is true. It is about sharing your thoughts and feelings. It is about experiencing 'moments' together. A true friend will be there for you no matter what thru thick and thin.
What is my definition of a true friend?
Someone who respects me for who I am
Someone who has some similar interests
Someone who won't let their significant other get in the way of our friendship
Someone who isn't using me to get to one of my friends
Someone who is willing to share and communicate their ideas, thoughts, feelings and experiences with me
Even as the years pass, as the seasons change and our personalities change, we are still friends for years to come
I have a friend who I have been friends with for 19 years. We have been friends through my many boyfriends and his many girlfriends. Even through various phone number changes for both of us, we still managed to keep in contact. What keeps a friendship last for 19 years? (I make it sound so long. I have been friends with him for 2/3 of my life. I think that is a long time.) I think it is about communication and being there for each other. When he is down and needs someone to talk to, I will be his shoulder to lean on. When I have relationship problems, I can call him. But these days it is more difficult to talk to him because he is married. He will try to talk to me whenever he can.
These days with my positive outlook on life and my bucket list I try to find friends who also have a positive outlook on life. If I find someone who has negative energy, I try to stay away. It will only harm me and bring me down. It took me a long time to get to where I am in my life and I don't need anyone taking that away. It makes me happy when I get my friends thinking about what they want to do on their unofficial bucket list (not written down, but thought about it). I am more than happy to join them in accomplishing their bucket list. I hope they enjoy helping me accomplish my list too!
What is my definition of a true friend?
Someone who respects me for who I am
Someone who has some similar interests
Someone who won't let their significant other get in the way of our friendship
Someone who isn't using me to get to one of my friends
Someone who is willing to share and communicate their ideas, thoughts, feelings and experiences with me
Even as the years pass, as the seasons change and our personalities change, we are still friends for years to come
I have a friend who I have been friends with for 19 years. We have been friends through my many boyfriends and his many girlfriends. Even through various phone number changes for both of us, we still managed to keep in contact. What keeps a friendship last for 19 years? (I make it sound so long. I have been friends with him for 2/3 of my life. I think that is a long time.) I think it is about communication and being there for each other. When he is down and needs someone to talk to, I will be his shoulder to lean on. When I have relationship problems, I can call him. But these days it is more difficult to talk to him because he is married. He will try to talk to me whenever he can.
These days with my positive outlook on life and my bucket list I try to find friends who also have a positive outlook on life. If I find someone who has negative energy, I try to stay away. It will only harm me and bring me down. It took me a long time to get to where I am in my life and I don't need anyone taking that away. It makes me happy when I get my friends thinking about what they want to do on their unofficial bucket list (not written down, but thought about it). I am more than happy to join them in accomplishing their bucket list. I hope they enjoy helping me accomplish my list too!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Day 15: Finally....MY bucket list
After some thought and requests, I am posting my bucket list. Please remember it is my list and it is a list of thing I haven't done before. Below the Bucket List is a list of things I have started and a list of what I have done.
Lisa's Bucket List
Things I have started and am working on:
1 - rollerblading
2 - learning mandarin
3 - Start and continue a blog about me and my thoughts
4 - Make a difference in a persons life every month (being hopeful..haha)
Things I have done:
1 - donate blood
Lisa's Bucket List
- Learn to swim
- Learn to do aqua fit
- Excel at rollerblading
- Run Vancouver Sun Run or another type of run
- Learn to play golf
- Learn to ski
- Learn to snowboard
- Go horseback riding
- Learn to play tennis
- Learn Mandarin
- Go to Tofino
- Go paragliding
- Go scuba diving
- Learn pilates
- Go rock climbing - indoor and outdoor
- Go visit Chicago, Illinois
- Go visit the Louvre in Paris, France (and the rest of Paris)
- Go visit Hawaii
- Go on a Caribbean Cruise
- Take up photography
- Be a better pool player
- Take up gourmet cooking
- Learn to write
- Start and continue a blog about me and my thoughts
- Finish my bachelors degree
- Meet Oprah and talk to Oprah
- Meet a difference in a persons life every month
- Donate my hair to raise money for cancer
- Join Big Sister program
- Donate blood
- Visit Rick in Japan
- Celebrate life every day
- Become more financially literate
- Find the love of my life
- Continue with my family tree
- Go seadooing
- Go windsurfing
- Sins of the City Walking Tour
- Go go - karting
- Go see Montreal
- Go see Winnipeg
- Go see PEI (on the rest of eastern Canada)
- Go to Birch Bay
- Go to Cultus lake
- Go to a cornmaze
- Go ATV’ing
- Go camping
- Go fishing
Things I have started and am working on:
1 - rollerblading
2 - learning mandarin
3 - Start and continue a blog about me and my thoughts
4 - Make a difference in a persons life every month (being hopeful..haha)
Things I have done:
1 - donate blood
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Day 14: The Brick Wall
After about 5 years of not going to the gym, I managed to drag my ass to the gym today. I only spent an hour there. I did the stair master for 30 minutes and my legs felt numb and tingly. I think it was a sign that I haven't been working out much. I also walked around the track once which took about 15 mins. I didn't want to push myself too hard after 5 years of not working out. I think it is best to just work out gradually. It has been so long that I forgot how it feels after a workout. It feels like I can conquer the world. I have so much energy and adrenaline.
I managed to hit the Brick Wall. I don't even remember why I stopped going to the gym. The Brick Wall is what you face when you can't manage to do something. It seems like it is the hardest task ever. You can't seem to bring yourself to do it. You make many excuses to not do it. There is no motivation to get it done.
There were so many excuses to not go to the gym. It is always the first step that is the hardest. It took me 5 years to take this first step. Hopefully this first step will lead to more consistent visits to the gym.
There is a difference between being lazy and the Brick Wall. Being lazy is when you know you have to do it but don't because you are lazy. The Brick Wall encompasses many excuses, which could include being lazy. It could also include even forgetting about it or procrastinating.
I managed to hit the Brick Wall. I don't even remember why I stopped going to the gym. The Brick Wall is what you face when you can't manage to do something. It seems like it is the hardest task ever. You can't seem to bring yourself to do it. You make many excuses to not do it. There is no motivation to get it done.
There were so many excuses to not go to the gym. It is always the first step that is the hardest. It took me 5 years to take this first step. Hopefully this first step will lead to more consistent visits to the gym.
There is a difference between being lazy and the Brick Wall. Being lazy is when you know you have to do it but don't because you are lazy. The Brick Wall encompasses many excuses, which could include being lazy. It could also include even forgetting about it or procrastinating.
Day 13: "I'm Too Lazy"
'You have your ears pierced, why don't you wear earrings? - my answer, 'I'm too lazy'
'You should take swimming lessons.' - my answer, 'I know, I'm too lazy to look into the information.'
I said that twice in 20minutes tonight. I realized I have used this excuse one too many times in my life. The earrings will make me look prettier / more attractive. It will only take me 5 mins to decide on which earrings to wear and put them on. I'm too lazy to take me 5 mins to look prettier? Most days, I just just blow dry my hair and go. I don't style it or put curlers in it. I don't because I'm too lazy.
I am proud of myself that I have started some items on my bucket list. I can cross off one thing on my list: donating blood. There are a few other items which are more long term, which I started, and I can't cross them off yet. I can probably cross them off when I'm old and gray and feel like I have accomplished it.
I don't want to not cross off an item because I have been to lazy to look into it or do it. I should use another excuse not to be achieving it...hahah..ok thats not good either. NO MORE EXCUSES!!! Being lazy is the most unforgivable excuse.
'You should take swimming lessons.' - my answer, 'I know, I'm too lazy to look into the information.'
I said that twice in 20minutes tonight. I realized I have used this excuse one too many times in my life. The earrings will make me look prettier / more attractive. It will only take me 5 mins to decide on which earrings to wear and put them on. I'm too lazy to take me 5 mins to look prettier? Most days, I just just blow dry my hair and go. I don't style it or put curlers in it. I don't because I'm too lazy.
I am proud of myself that I have started some items on my bucket list. I can cross off one thing on my list: donating blood. There are a few other items which are more long term, which I started, and I can't cross them off yet. I can probably cross them off when I'm old and gray and feel like I have accomplished it.
I don't want to not cross off an item because I have been to lazy to look into it or do it. I should use another excuse not to be achieving it...hahah..ok thats not good either. NO MORE EXCUSES!!! Being lazy is the most unforgivable excuse.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Day 12: Perseverance
The other night when I watched Flash of Genius and 10 Things I Hate About You they had a common theme: its perseverance. In Flash of Genius, Bob takes 12 years to take Ford Motor Company to court. During the 12 years everyone told him he didn't stand a chance to win. He knew that it was a huge hurdle. After the verdict for Bob for $10 million was read, he realized that his perseverance paid off. In 10 Things I Hate About You, one of the teenage boys has a crush on one of the popular girls. The movie was about the many ways he tried to go on a date with her. At the end of the movie, he ended up getting the girl.
I know these are only movies and anything goes. Your life is a movie. There are no second chances. You decide which direction your movies goes. There may be hurdles and obstacles in your way. It is set there to see how you overcome them. Some people take the obstacles as a negative and dwell on what has happened to them. They want other people to sympathize with them. Sorry I don't sympathize with them. I don't want to sound mean but they are the only ones that can control their destiny. I fall in the other category: where you don't have to sympathize with me. ;) I want to learn from my mistakes, hurdles and obstacles. I want to move forward in my life. These obstacles and hurdles may make me stumble on my way to my destination. But it will not stop me. Some hurdles will take a short time to recover and some hurdles will take longer. The important thing is, what have I learnt from the hurdle that made me stumble? Was it a life lesson? Was it a lesson on my personality? Was it a lesson on my friendships? I try to figure what the lesson was from the hurdle and move on. Through out my life I will encounter many hurdles and obstacles.
I guess the hurdles and obstacles make life interesting and exciting. You never know what is going to happen next. You can't fast forward your life to see what happens next. You can't rewind it to do it over again. Without these obstacles you will never learn your life lessons. You never know when your next obstacle will be.
I know these are only movies and anything goes. Your life is a movie. There are no second chances. You decide which direction your movies goes. There may be hurdles and obstacles in your way. It is set there to see how you overcome them. Some people take the obstacles as a negative and dwell on what has happened to them. They want other people to sympathize with them. Sorry I don't sympathize with them. I don't want to sound mean but they are the only ones that can control their destiny. I fall in the other category: where you don't have to sympathize with me. ;) I want to learn from my mistakes, hurdles and obstacles. I want to move forward in my life. These obstacles and hurdles may make me stumble on my way to my destination. But it will not stop me. Some hurdles will take a short time to recover and some hurdles will take longer. The important thing is, what have I learnt from the hurdle that made me stumble? Was it a life lesson? Was it a lesson on my personality? Was it a lesson on my friendships? I try to figure what the lesson was from the hurdle and move on. Through out my life I will encounter many hurdles and obstacles.
I guess the hurdles and obstacles make life interesting and exciting. You never know what is going to happen next. You can't fast forward your life to see what happens next. You can't rewind it to do it over again. Without these obstacles you will never learn your life lessons. You never know when your next obstacle will be.
Day 11: Be a dreamer
Everyone should have a dream. It can be a small dream or a big dream. Small dreams can lead to big dreams. Maybe our big dreams will lead us to happiness? Do you know anyone living their dream? Why do we dream? Is it to bring focus to our lives?
One of my dreams when I was younger was to live on my own. I vowed that when I made enough money I would move out on my own. I wanted the freedom and ability to do what whatever I wanted and when I wanted. I don't have to follow my parents rules. I did move out on my own a few years ago. It was great. I got all the freedom in the world. I can do whatever I wanted when I wanted. I moved back with my parents a few months ago and I have my space and freedom similar to when I moved out. I achieved that dream.
Another of my big dreams is to work / live somewhere else (another city / country). I just want to experience another city and their lifestyle. I have lived in Vancouver for 30 years. It's time for me to experience something else. There have been a few times when I wanted to just get up and go. But here comes the excuses:
- will be far from my family - I have lots of family here in Vancouver. I will miss them very much if I leave.
- too scared - who will be my support system? In Vancouver, I have my family and my friends.
- not enough money - depending on how long I go for, I need enough money to support myself. I can also find a job during my stay there.
- who will I go with? - do I find someone to come with me? do I go by myself?
I really admire and am jealous of anyone who has moved away to live and work. They have achieved their dream. It is not everyday you meet someone like that!
One of my dreams when I was younger was to live on my own. I vowed that when I made enough money I would move out on my own. I wanted the freedom and ability to do what whatever I wanted and when I wanted. I don't have to follow my parents rules. I did move out on my own a few years ago. It was great. I got all the freedom in the world. I can do whatever I wanted when I wanted. I moved back with my parents a few months ago and I have my space and freedom similar to when I moved out. I achieved that dream.
Another of my big dreams is to work / live somewhere else (another city / country). I just want to experience another city and their lifestyle. I have lived in Vancouver for 30 years. It's time for me to experience something else. There have been a few times when I wanted to just get up and go. But here comes the excuses:
- will be far from my family - I have lots of family here in Vancouver. I will miss them very much if I leave.
- too scared - who will be my support system? In Vancouver, I have my family and my friends.
- not enough money - depending on how long I go for, I need enough money to support myself. I can also find a job during my stay there.
- who will I go with? - do I find someone to come with me? do I go by myself?
I really admire and am jealous of anyone who has moved away to live and work. They have achieved their dream. It is not everyday you meet someone like that!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Day 10: Movie Night
I didn't have any plans tonight. I was going to rollerblade or go to aquafit tonight because it was a nice day out. But the end of my work day, my stomach wasn't feeling so well and I was cramping on my leg. Because I rented The Bucket List yesterday I wanted to return it today in case I forget to return it at all! At Blockbuster there was a bin with previously viewed movies. They were labeled at $6.99 each. I thought that was a good deal. There was a 30% off sale on $6.99. What a steal! I ended up buying 10 movies.
Tonight I watched one of them. It is called Flash of Genius (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1054588/). It is a very inspirational movie. It basically is about the guy (Bob Kearns) who invented the intermittet windshield wiper. He pitched the idea to Ford Motor Company. Ford said they didn't want to work with him. Ford made their intermittet windshield wiper. He took Ford to court to sue them for stealing his pantented idea. It is about the little guy beating the big corporation. Everyone said he won't be able to sue Ford. It took him 12 years to finally take Ford to court. In the end, Bob Kearns was awarded $10 million dollars. (I hope I didn't ruin the movie for anyone.) This movie was about perseverance, persistance, determination and focus. If anyone has all these qualities, they will be able to succeed in anything they set their mind to.
The second movie I watched tonight was 10 Things I Hate About You (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/). It is a very fun and light movie. It stars Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. It's a teen comedy. The underlying message in this movie was about chasing after what you want. If it is what you truely want, it is worth chasing.
Tonight I watched one of them. It is called Flash of Genius (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1054588/). It is a very inspirational movie. It basically is about the guy (Bob Kearns) who invented the intermittet windshield wiper. He pitched the idea to Ford Motor Company. Ford said they didn't want to work with him. Ford made their intermittet windshield wiper. He took Ford to court to sue them for stealing his pantented idea. It is about the little guy beating the big corporation. Everyone said he won't be able to sue Ford. It took him 12 years to finally take Ford to court. In the end, Bob Kearns was awarded $10 million dollars. (I hope I didn't ruin the movie for anyone.) This movie was about perseverance, persistance, determination and focus. If anyone has all these qualities, they will be able to succeed in anything they set their mind to.
The second movie I watched tonight was 10 Things I Hate About You (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/). It is a very fun and light movie. It stars Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. It's a teen comedy. The underlying message in this movie was about chasing after what you want. If it is what you truely want, it is worth chasing.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Day 9: Relaxing day after an eventful week
Today was a relaxing day for me. I got to sleep in and got my much needed 9 hours of sleep. After taking my time eating breakfast, I did some cleaning up around the house. I swept the kitchen floor and mopped it. I vacuumed rooms upstairs. At 1pm I had to meet my friend to collect money for some movie tickets. She asked me to go for coffee. I said it was such a hot day, let's go for bubble tea instead. We went to Bubble World on Kingsway across the street from Safeway at Kingsway and Joyce. While we were there, another friend joined us because she needed to give me money for movie tickets. We were there for about two hours. Boy, the two hours came and went super fast. It was really nice to just sit and chill and not worry about anything for two hours. We weren't in a rush to do anything or go anywhere.
When I got home, I relaxed for a few more hours before my dad and I went out for dinner. We went out for pho (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) at a restaurant on 1st and Nanaimo. Pho is one of my favourite foods. I eat it more quickly than any other food. While at dinner I was thinking about how I can work on my bucket list tonight. I decided to rent the movie The Bucket List and watch it because I have never watched it before. I don't usually like watching movies myself. But one thing I have to learn to do is to watch a movie / show myself without letting other things, like my computer, distract me. I did manage to finish watching the movie without letting my computer distract me.
The movie The Bucket List was a good movie. It is about two men who have cancer and have only 6 months to live. They decide to go on a 'bucket list journey'. They travel around the world to accommplish things on their list. Their bucket list is one list they make together. Everything on their list is crossed off by the end of the movie. It was an emotional movie for me. Yes, I did cry by the end of the movie.
After the movie, I just chilled out at home and did some more relaxing. It's now past midnight and way past my bedtime.
When I got home, I relaxed for a few more hours before my dad and I went out for dinner. We went out for pho (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) at a restaurant on 1st and Nanaimo. Pho is one of my favourite foods. I eat it more quickly than any other food. While at dinner I was thinking about how I can work on my bucket list tonight. I decided to rent the movie The Bucket List and watch it because I have never watched it before. I don't usually like watching movies myself. But one thing I have to learn to do is to watch a movie / show myself without letting other things, like my computer, distract me. I did manage to finish watching the movie without letting my computer distract me.
The movie The Bucket List was a good movie. It is about two men who have cancer and have only 6 months to live. They decide to go on a 'bucket list journey'. They travel around the world to accommplish things on their list. Their bucket list is one list they make together. Everything on their list is crossed off by the end of the movie. It was an emotional movie for me. Yes, I did cry by the end of the movie.
After the movie, I just chilled out at home and did some more relaxing. It's now past midnight and way past my bedtime.
Day 8: Inspiration
What inspires you?
Who inspires you?
Why do they inspire you?
What is it that they do that makes them inspire you?
Do you want to inspire others?
One of the items on my bucket list is to inspire others. It makes me happy to know that I have made a difference in someone's life. I don't think inspiring someone is an easy task. I think if they are 'ready' to be inspired, then they will be open to listening to other peoples suggestions and ideas. If they are not ready, they will just shut you out. Maybe you will have a conversation with them and mention something to them and it will inspire them to do something they have never done before.
My goal is to inspire a person a month. It could be a male or female. That person can be any age. I will meet them any where. I want to get them to do something outside of their 'bubble zone'. I know everyone lives in their own 'bubble zone'. It is their way of life, values, customs and understandings. I know I live in one too. My bucket list helps me get out of my zone. It is fun to explore what is out there in someone else's 'bubble zone'. It is very uncomfortable and scary sometimes but its an exhilarating experience to jump out of my 'bubble zone' to do something completely different. I want to share that experience with others. I want them to know that there is so much more to life than their own 'bubble zone'.
I haven't put much thought into who inspires me. I can't even give you a list right now of who inspires me. I think it is compilation of many people and their advice to me through out my life. What I do know is that at this point in my life I would like to use the advice given to me and live a life with no regrets.
If I have inspired you, please let me know. Then I will know if I have accomplished my goal. 'To inspire others' will be on my list forever. It may be the most difficult one to complete but the most fulfilling.
Who inspires you?
Why do they inspire you?
What is it that they do that makes them inspire you?
Do you want to inspire others?
One of the items on my bucket list is to inspire others. It makes me happy to know that I have made a difference in someone's life. I don't think inspiring someone is an easy task. I think if they are 'ready' to be inspired, then they will be open to listening to other peoples suggestions and ideas. If they are not ready, they will just shut you out. Maybe you will have a conversation with them and mention something to them and it will inspire them to do something they have never done before.
My goal is to inspire a person a month. It could be a male or female. That person can be any age. I will meet them any where. I want to get them to do something outside of their 'bubble zone'. I know everyone lives in their own 'bubble zone'. It is their way of life, values, customs and understandings. I know I live in one too. My bucket list helps me get out of my zone. It is fun to explore what is out there in someone else's 'bubble zone'. It is very uncomfortable and scary sometimes but its an exhilarating experience to jump out of my 'bubble zone' to do something completely different. I want to share that experience with others. I want them to know that there is so much more to life than their own 'bubble zone'.
I haven't put much thought into who inspires me. I can't even give you a list right now of who inspires me. I think it is compilation of many people and their advice to me through out my life. What I do know is that at this point in my life I would like to use the advice given to me and live a life with no regrets.
If I have inspired you, please let me know. Then I will know if I have accomplished my goal. 'To inspire others' will be on my list forever. It may be the most difficult one to complete but the most fulfilling.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Day 7: A little piece of happy
Through out my life all I wanted was to be happy. I tried to be in the group of friends that would make me happy. After high school, I tried to go to school, work and volunteer to see what I wanted to do with my life. I tried to do things that I thought would make me happy. Some things made me happy for the moment or for a short period of time.
In the past year I have realized that finding happiness is a journey. It is not about having material things. I drive a car that is 10 years old. If I drove a newer better car, that will make me happy temporarily. I lived in an apartment in the West End with a beautiful view. Did that make me happy? Yes, it did....temporarily. I went to watch the Dalai Lama when he came to speak about happiness. Was I happy after that? Only temporarily.
My journey lead me to realize that being happy is within yourself. If my car, my suite, my clothes, my furniture was all taken away, I would want to be happy. First thing I focused on was being grateful. I was grateful for what I already have. I am grateful for having a great family and an extended family. I am grateful for my health. I don't have many health problems (knock on wood). Second thing is to 'live in the now'. Enjoy the present moment. I have to stop and enjoy the flowers. I have to enjoy the journey of whereever I'm going instead of rushing to get there. I may meet someone or do something that will effect my life in the future. The third thing is creating my bucket list. My bucket list challenges my abilities physically and emotionally. When I have completed an item on my list, I have a sense of accomplishment. How I grow as a person as I accomplish my bucket list can not be taken away from me.
In the past year I have realized that finding happiness is a journey. It is not about having material things. I drive a car that is 10 years old. If I drove a newer better car, that will make me happy temporarily. I lived in an apartment in the West End with a beautiful view. Did that make me happy? Yes, it did....temporarily. I went to watch the Dalai Lama when he came to speak about happiness. Was I happy after that? Only temporarily.
My journey lead me to realize that being happy is within yourself. If my car, my suite, my clothes, my furniture was all taken away, I would want to be happy. First thing I focused on was being grateful. I was grateful for what I already have. I am grateful for having a great family and an extended family. I am grateful for my health. I don't have many health problems (knock on wood). Second thing is to 'live in the now'. Enjoy the present moment. I have to stop and enjoy the flowers. I have to enjoy the journey of whereever I'm going instead of rushing to get there. I may meet someone or do something that will effect my life in the future. The third thing is creating my bucket list. My bucket list challenges my abilities physically and emotionally. When I have completed an item on my list, I have a sense of accomplishment. How I grow as a person as I accomplish my bucket list can not be taken away from me.
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