1001 Things To Do In Life

35 - Pass out Candies

2013-10-28T09:39:00.002-07:00

Halloween is fast approaching and what do you guys have planned? Light up some fireworks with friends/family, go to a haunted house or out to a Halloween costume party? If you still haven't planned anything yet, why not stay home and hand out candies to all the kids in the neighborhood?! Wouldn't it be fun to watch all the little kiddies dressed up in their little costumes!!! That's our plan for this year and I can't wait to see all the little ghosts & goblins. It definitely brings back childhood memories - TRICK OR TREAT!!!

34 - Listen to the Rain

2013-10-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Living in Vancouver, I often hear people talking about the weather. It's too hot, it's too cold and it's too wet! What if we just enjoy the moment and the four seasons we're given here? I mean, we can't change mother nature :)

Listening to the rain is actually quite calming, soothing in fact. The sound of the rain drops especially when its raining really hard with lightning is even better. I can sit here all morning, watch out my window with my cup of tea and watch this amazing water fall. It also gives you time to think and for that - I love Raincouver!

33 - Cooking at Home

2013-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm no chef, trust me when I say this! but being home all the time really gets boring so I have to think of creative ways to entertain myself. So I have decided to cook! yes, just as simple as that, twice a week - that's what I told my husband. First thing first - Look for some simple easy recipe online and start from there, don't over whelm yourself and start making a gourmet dinner and the whole nine yard! It doesn't (totally) matter how the food turns out, as long as it's edible -"Trial & errors!!"
And to make things a little more fun, I blast up the music, make myself a fruit juice, have the tv on, and I start cooking! Oh, and the best part of home cooking is, if you don't like carrots - Don't add carrots and replace it with whatever you like..lol

Here's one super easy, and super yummy recipe that will be the talk of the town during the holiday seasons.

Candid Yams Recipe

Ingredients

3 pounds sweet potatoes or yams
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 sticks sweet butter, cubed

Directions

Peel potatoes and cut into 2-inch cubes. Place potatoes in large pot, cover with sugar, brown sugar and butter cook over medium heat until potatoes are fork tender (about 20 minutes) but not mushy. Serve and enjoy this sweetness of heaven!!

Hope you guys find it fun cooking by yourself as much as I do!! If you know of any great simple recipe, please do share w me!

Recipe credit: The Food Network

32 - When in doubt, follow your passion...

2013-10-01T16:13:00.003-07:00

So what exactly happened to me the last 2 years. Well, there's a little thing call life and it goes like this...

I met a guy at work, we dated, we moved in together for a year and things are FABULOUS! we got engaged, and got married. But wait....we also bought a house 10 days after we got married and realized we're expecting TWINS, yes twin runs in my family gene. Woooohoo!!! now, I'm taking some time off work, best resting the last 2months of my first trimester -BRUTAL.
Laying here, thinking to myself, I can't sit here all day!!! I started asking myself some really important questions. What are my passion, what do I love doing & what did I use to love doing before all this craziness (happy craziness). I needed an out. An outlet for me to release all these emotion and energy that I have inside. Something that allow me to do this while nesting at home with my babies. And now I'm back to my blog and will pick up reading too :)

31 - Work in a Different City

2011-03-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought about working in a different city? Wouldn't it be nice just to indulged in the culture, languages and their way of life is a totally different country? Choosing to work abroad is an option you can use to not only take different steps to your career, but also to expand your personal horizons of culture and enviroment. You can teach English in Japan, work on a cruiseship or even somewhere in Europe. I obviously never have lived anywhere else in the world, but if I get a chance, I would totally jump for it!

Here's an experience from a friend who have travelled/lived and worked around the world, he's worked in London, New York, and next stop...Asia maybe?

IN THEIR WORDS

I think when you move out of your own city, you really get to learn more about your self. The difference of environment will extract your true personality on a daily base. Our behavior is largely shape by the environment we live in and how long we stay in that environment. That sudden change of environment will deconstruct your personality and reconstruct back. The core of you won't change, but I can definitely feel the difference. It will make you feel like you are a teenager again, everything is new, and you can't wait to see what's next and you can feel you are adding extra dimensions to who you are.

It's very exciting to experience the new worlds, but it does come at a cost, like it's a challenge to keep friends with you, because people keep moving in big city, it's a challenge to have a relationship because of long distance; and to save money, because you're paying rent and not a mortgage :) But to me, its all worth it. I always think there are things you can only do when you still "young" and not settle down. You can always get marry, buy a house, "settle" later in life, but reverse may not be true. I think the ultimate reward is when you finally get back to Vancouver, or meet someone...you will appreciate everything even more, because you have lost and gain so much. - TK

30 - Storm Watching

2011-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Storm watching, something I've always wanted to try. Especially living in the great British Columbia, we are known for the incredible smashing wave storm out in the westcoast namely, Tofino. Storm watching season is from November to March with peak months during December to February. It's also a great short getaway from all the hustle and bustle from the everyday life in the city.

I find it super romantic and relaxing, just sitting in front of your hotel porch watching the waves crashing to the side of the mountains while enjoying a hot chocolate. Ahh..now, that's the life!

Here's a couple of links for great storm watching areas:

http://www.travel.bc.ca/features/storm-watching/

http://www.wickinn.com/

IN THEIR WORDS

Storm Watching in Pacific Rim, Tofino

One of the greatest thing about living on the West Coast of BC is that you are truly exposed to all the natural beauty of green rolling hills, mountains and beaches. The stuff that you normally read about in books, poetry and watch on films. During the winter months, between Oct - Feb, besides for the world class ski hills, you can also visit Tofino for stormwatching during its storm season brought over from the Gulf of Alaska.

Nestle in the remote part of Vancouver Island, 3 hours drive away is Tofino, a beautiful town along the Pacific Rim where you'll find miles and miles of sandy beaches known as Long Beach. It's nature at its purest, freshair, beautiful blue sky, sandy beaches and splashing waves along the shores as you dine in one of Tofino's world class resorts.

We caught the stormwatch season at its tail end at the beautiful Cox Bay Beach Resort. It's a beautiful place with a dedicated stormwatch tree house fully furnished with a lounge like atmosphere so that we can play chess as you look out onto the shore. Definitely a must have on your adventure list. - Lisa N.

.

29 - Laugh at Your Own Jokes

2011-03-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

OMG - I'm known for laughing at my own jokes...it's HILARIOUS!! I laugh so hard, my friends start laughing with me - laughing is contagious! There's time when I sit by myself and all of a sudden I'd start laughing! it's because I'm still thinking about what I said 5days ago!! hahahha....I'm kind of a dork that way, but it keeps me HAPPY. Life's too short to take things too seriously, you gotta laugh at yourself sometime!

and to all my friends who thinks I'm silly - ADMIT IT, you thought it was funny too!!

28 - Disney On Ice

2011-03-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

If you can't make it to Disneyland this year, take the kids to Disney on Ice. Spend the day with Mickey, Minnie and all your favorite Disney characters. Arrive early, as your favorite Disney characters will be there to greet you. Enjoy an ice cold snow cone while taking photos with them. Remember to layer yourself or wear a thick jacket, cause it can get a bit chilly in the ice rink.

Other than that, sit back and enjoy the show and watch your kid's face lit up. It's such a special treat for the whole family!!

27 - Learn a New Word

2011-03-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

DISCOMBOBULATED

dis·com·bob·u·lat·ed, dis·com·bob·u·lat·ing, dis·com·bob·u·lates

To throw into a state of confusion.

That's pretty much how I felt when I first heard this word - lol

Challenge yourself to learn a new word once a week and use it in your daily life.

26 - Horseback Riding

2011-03-02T11:25:00.000-08:00

Whether you're a beginner like me or a trained professional - horseback riding is for everyone and every age group. You can go on a scenic route, a tour guide that takes you along the endless ocean or racing down the tracks.

Something about horses, it brings out the nature is me; they're so peaceful and beautiful. It's definitely something you should do with a group of friends or by yourself.

My first riding experience was intense - I got a super hyper horse that likes to do her own thing. (Kinda like me..lol) Anyhow, that first riding experience didn't last too long for me cause I couldn't control her. Having said that, I am to attemp my second try, maybe this time with a proper tour guide along an endless ocean.

25 - TOP 10 Exotic Fruits

2011-02-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

Why limit yourself, try an exotic fruit!! Travelling to an exotic destination isn't just about swimming and sun bathing, you should also try some of the local cuisine and exotic fruits that they have to offer. I mean, how often are you really going to go back?

Here are some of the most exotic fruits that I've found on the web, next time you're on vacation or see them at your local store, don't be shy to pick one up.

1. African Cucumber - This one looks interesting!

The African cucumber, horned melon or melano is a fruit that can be best described as melon with horns. It originated in the Kalahari Desert and is now present in California and New Zealand. The dark green pulp reminds one of bananas, limes, passion fruit and cucumber. It is often used for decorating food but also in smoothies and sundaes.

2. Rose Apple

Common around South Asia, Rose Apple, also known as Champoo is one of the most interesting exotic fruits on the planet, just for the fact that it smells and tastes a lot like roses. Unfortunately they are rarely found in markets around the world because they spoil very quickly after being picked. The bell-shaped fruits are crisp, crunchy and have a delicious fresh flavor. It can be eaten whole but as with apples, many people prefer to leave the core.

3. Mangosteen

The mangosteen is another evergreen tree that produces oddly shaped fruits. The fruits are purple, creamy, described as citrus with a hint of peach. It is rich in antioxidants, some scientists even suggesting it can lower risk against certain human diseases, such as cancer. There are even legends about Queen Victoria offering a reward to the one that brings her the fruit.

4. Sugar Apple - One of my favourite!

One of Thailand’s most popular fruits the Sugar Apple has a white, creamy flesh covered by a lumpy green crust that makes it look like a giant, green raspberry. The incredibly sweet pulp is eaten with a spoon after the fruit is easily broken into two halves. Sugar Apples are usually blended with coconut milk, chilled and served as a delicious, light ice-cream. This is one fruit you have to try if you’re ever in Thailand.

5. Rambutan
Coming from an evergreen tree, the Rambutan fruit resembles the Lychees, have a leathery red skin and are covered with spines. Rambutan is a popular garden fruit tree and one of the most famous in Southeast Asia. The fruit is sweet and juicy, being commonly found in jams or available canned.

6. Kumquats

The kumquats or cumquats are small edible fruits resembling oranges that grow in a tree related to the Citrus. As with most of the fruits in the Citrus family, the kumquats are eaten raw. They are often used in marmalade and jelly but also in alcoholic drinks such as liquor. The Taiwanese add it to their teas, while others boil it and use it as a remedy for sore throats.

7. Lychee

Coming from an evergreen tree, the lychee or litchi are small white flesh fruits, covered in a red rind, rich in vitamin C and with a grape-like texture. The fruit has started making its appearance in markets worldwide, refrigerated or canned with its taste intact.

8. Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a common fruit for Asia and Australia and considered as one of the largest tree borne fruit in the world. The juicy pulp around the seeds have a taste similar to pineapple, but milder. Apart from canned jackfruit, it is also available as sweet chips. The wood of the tree is used for making various musical instruments, while the fruit is a common ingredient for many Asian dishes.

9. Dragon Fruits
Dragon fruit, strawberry pear or pitaya is a fruit of several cactus species with a sweet delicate taste and creamy pulp. The most common dragon fruit is the red pitaya, but other varieties include the Costa Rica pataya and the yellow pataya. Juice or wine can be obtained from the fruit, while the flowers can be eaten or used for tea.

10. Salak

Native to Malaysia and Indonesia, Salak is called Snake-fruit because of its brown, scaly skin resembling that of a serpent. It grows in clusters at the bottom of a palm tree and it has the size and appearance of a fig. The skin can be peeled after pinching the tip of the fruit, exposing three garlic-looking lobes, each containing a large seed. Salak tastes sweet and acidic at the same time and its consistency can vary from dry and crumbly to moist and crunchy.

24 - Make a List of Gratitude

2011-02-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Make a list of all the things you're grateful for...being aware of your surrounding and just be happy where you are and who you are...cause you're perfect just the way you are.

Here's my top 10 gratitude list:

1. My mom is always and forever be my number 1 person I'm grateful for. She's the most giving, caring, loving and the strongest person I know. There's so much to say about her, I think I need to start a new blog just about her!! So she's most definitely is my number 1.

2. My running buddies - Mayling, Mike, Trevor and Denis, without them I will not be training for my first full marathon

3. My 3 BESTEST girlfriends in the whole wide world - Shannon, Eileen and Yen whom I've known over 20 something years. They're like my sisters I've always dreamed of...

4. Hearing my nephew laugh - cutest little baby boy ever!

5. Loving my job - it's really not work when you love what you do.

6. Being in FABULOUS health, to be able to walk, drive, run, climb..

7. Living in the most beautiful city in the world!! Vancouver is the most beautiful city in the world and I'm not just saying that. Everytime I rollerblade or run the seawall, I feel like the luckiest girl cuz we're in such a BEAUTIFUL city...with all the mountains, water and people..

8. My car is paid off and I did it all on my own. Yay, nomore car payments for now

9. Bought my first condo last year - all on my own again. You really appreciate your belongings when you work hard for it and pay for it yourself and for that, I'm very grateful.

10. My life - everything is perfect and is exactly where it should be, I am following my bliss...

Here's a video I would like to share with you, enjoy.

23 - Take a Hot Bath

2011-02-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

Take a hot bath, treat yourself. Turn on some soothing music, light up some candles and soak in the tub. That’s one of my favourite things to do. I someone stay in the tub for more than an hour and I come out all pruned up! Lol...

When I’m feeling sick, I take a hot bath to sweat it out too. Have a glass of wine, read a book or put on a facial while you’re relaxing in the tub. It’s one of the easiest ways to relieve you from a tiring day from work.

22 - Sleep In

2011-02-15T23:54:00.000-08:00

I know my previous post 21 was telling you to become an "Early Riser" and here I am telling you to sleep in! Don't get my wrong, I'm an early riser myself... Infact, I've been waking up at 5:30am almost every morning, even on weekends. You got to give me props for that at least. I guess sometime it's good to sleep in too.

Once in awhile it's good to have a lazy Sunday, or a lazy Monday, Tuesday, Wendsday and Thursday. I've been so busy with work, running and life itself, I think I need to schedule some sleeping time!

So don't get my wrong, be an early riser - go out and enjoy your day and make the most out of it, however, at the same time, listen to your body. When it's tired and you're burnt out, it's good to sleep in too.

Just don't sleep in all the time!!

21 - Become An Early Riser

2011-02-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

Become an early riser, get up an hour or two earlier everyday. You'll get so much more done in those couple extra hours in the morning. The best thing I keep myself motivated to waking up is that I found a group of people who are committed in running in the morning with me. I'm now up at 5:30am and go for my morning runs 3 times a week and the other days, I set all my appointments early so I will get out of bed and get my day going.

It's an amazing way to start your day with energy and it's also a very peaceful time in the day when the house is quiet. You can enjoy time to yourself, you can gather your thoughts, take the extra time to read and just breath. It's also a good time for you to set goals.

The best way to easing into getting up early is to start slow. Don't do drastic changes, cause you'll burn out just as fast. Start by waking up 20mins earlier and sleeping 20mins earlier every other night.

You've got to set a goal or a reason why. My goal is to train for a full marathon, and I've committed to my group in showing up. And when you say you're going to do something, you should always do it. You need to be true to your words and you need to have someone there to be accountable for.

Now go out there, hunt out some early riser, work out, watch the sunrise and start your amazing day!!

20 - Bikram's Yoga

2011-02-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Seriously, you DO NOT have to be that flexible to do yoga. I've been doing Bikram's for the pass 6years and I definitely can't touch my head to my toes like that!! There's a misunderstanding where most people feel that they have to be super flexible and that's totally not true. I'm still trying to perfect my poses and everytime I go, I manage to learn something new about my stretches. So don't be discourage if you don't get it right the first few time.

I remembered when I'd first join Bikram's in Vancouver, there were probably 6 people in the class. Now that it's more popular, you'll get 40 - 50 people in the room and the energy level is AMAZING! I do encourage you to check it out.

As well, here are some of the benefits in Bikram's yoga, also known as Hot Yoga:

Improve your concentration
Tone your body
Good way to meditate
Eye hand cordination improves
Sleep improves
Blood pressure decrease
Respiratory decrease
Improve flexibility and strength
Stress reliever
Cleanse your skin, detoxify

...don't forget to breath while doing it!!

19 - Roller Blading

2011-02-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love rollerblading around Standley Park, especially in the summer time. I usually have my blades and a change of clothing in my trunk. Working out, enjoying the breeze, the beautiful mountains, city views and water while blading, what more can you ask for!!

Sometime, you'll see seals swimming along and they'll follow you while you blade. They'll pop their head up once in awhile just to make sure you're going in speed. One time, I saw a naked lady swimming in the water too...okay guys, that was only once for the past 10years that I've bladed. So let's not all go looking for the naked lady at Standley Park cause you heard on so-and-so's blogs...!

Well, can't wait til Summer, you'll definitely see me in my blades. Remember to say HI! Oh, don't crash into me, I don't know how to stop.

18 - Take A Break

2011-02-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

Seriously, take a break! People are asking why I'm not updating my blog on the weekends and I'm telling them, "I'm taking a break and you should too." Just relax and enjoy your weekend...easier said than done.

All too often we're on the go, whether from picking kids up to and from school, meeting clients, working and getting things done around the house. Don't you find there's always 100 things on the list you need to tackle? First off...BREATH. Inhale...then exhale for about 3mins. Turn all your electronics off; that's including your tv, blackberry, iPhone, laptop..and yes, all your electronic devices. Go do something relaxing for you! Go enjoy the day with your dog, read a book, or a close friend.

Heck, if I'm gonna take the day off, I'm spending it shopping with my gfs and transferring all my calls to my partner! Infact, I have already schedule my shopping time with my gfs in the state, now you go set some time off for yourself.

17 - Leave a Sticky Note

2011-02-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wake up in the morning finding a sticky note on the washroom mirror saying...”You are beautiful" ?

LOL, not that I have either, but wouldn’t it be “NICE” if you did? A small gesture like that put a HUGE smile on someone's face!! Or knowing someone you love or care about feeling grateful for you just because you are. Heck, leave me a note, I'll be soo HAPPY! :)

Valentine Day's coming around – leave a sticky note and tell them how much you care! Little goes a looong way!

16 - Build Your Dream Home

2011-02-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

How would you build your dream home? Where will it be located in this world? Is it by the water, lake front or on top of 5th Avenue in New York? What will you put in there??

I've daydream about this all the time. I know for sure I want a HUGE walk-in closet, a fireplace that connects the master bedroom and the ensuite washroom. It'll definitely by the ocean somewhere...I just love listening to the sound of ocean and waking up to the morning breeze of the sea.

If you can build your dream home, how will you build it? I suggest you write everything down and start working on it!! You just never know...one day it may come true!

15 - Scuba Diving

2011-02-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

The uderworld of the big blue sea... Have you ever thought about taking lessons for scuba diving? well, that thought went through my mind many times..just haven't had the chance to do it yet! Maybe, being afraid of drowning has something to do with it. I'v heard you don't need to know how to swim, the main thing is to control your breathing. Well, if that's the case..scuba diving here I come!!

Woulnd't it be wonderful if you scuba dive? Go to tropical islands and visit the coral reefs, big yellow and blue fishes, and swim with ancient sea turtles! Let's take lessons together!!

Okay, this is a to-do for me before 2012. Please check back with me then!!

14 - Hawaii, Waikiki

2011-02-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

The land of pineapples and palm trees. What can I say about Hawaii, Waikiki? I love it so much, I've been there 8 times already...it's like my 2nd home. There's soo much to tell you; don't know where to start but you can't go just once!

Here's a short list of things to do in Waikiki, if you have any questions, message me.

Things To Do In Hawaii, Waikiki

GIOVANNI Shrimp Truck - MUST TRY. 2 locations in North Shore, don't just go to any shrimp truck!
Polynesian Cultural Center - If it's your first time then it's worth checking it out
Meat Swap at the Aloha Stadium - Open certain days, ask concierge
Hanama Bay - Popular tourist snorkling area
Ko'olina Lagoon - very private, man made lagoons
Daimond Head - a short scenic hike, overlook Waikiki Beach
Side Street Inn Restaurant - BEST Kalbi Beef, 1225 Hopaka Street
Rent a Car - Drive along North Shore and stops along all the sandy beaches and take photos
Ala Moana Center - Shopping central, shop til you drop
Wal-Mart - go there & buy all your souveneirs! Macadamia nuts, t-shirts, sun screen etc.

13 - Share a Bottle of White Wine

2011-01-31T17:20:00.000-08:00

"Sharing is caring." - That's something I tell my 5yrs old niece

I have this bottle of white wine that I bought in Kelowna last year. For awhile, I was holding back not to drink it or use it. I was telling myself, I will open it when I move into my place..or I will give it away to a friend. For the longest time...occasions came up after another and I couldn't let go of this bottle of wine. It was hard for me to let go, in some ways it was sentimental to me.

Recently a friend invited my gf and I over for dinner. He said, "Come over and I'll make you dinner tonight!" With his generous hospitality, I said, "Fabulous, I have a great bottle of wine and we'll bring dessert too!" Just like that, I had share this bottle of wine. It was probably the best white wine I've ever had and I'm so glad to share it with my two dearest friend.

I couldn't have thought of a better way to pop open this bottle of wine unless it was shared with some good friends - The power of sharing and letting go.

The next day I googled this wine, apparently I can order the whole case and they'll ship it to me! I've ordered a case and guess who I'm sharing these wine with? :)

12 - Go Sky Diving!!

2011-01-30T19:57:00.000-08:00

I did it!! I went skydiving about 5years ago and I can never forget what it felt like to be on the plane flying up. 2000ft...4000ft...8000ft...12,000ft...I swear, it was the looongest ride on a plane ever!! I thought to myself...I can still quit (?!?). The only thing was, I was the one who organized this and worst of part of all I paid for my bf to surprise him for his birthday!! Crap, I thought. I guess I’m doing it.

TIP: The best way to commit yourself and not to back out in something you’re fearful of doing is having someone there to hold you accountable for it.

Everything happened so fast! My guide pretty much jumped out of the plane so fast, I didn’t even realized what was happening! All I remembered was, I was screaming on top of my lungs and nothing came out! I mean, there was no sound! All the wind was going in my mouth and my mouth was filled with air!! Felt a little silly, I closed my mouth. After my guide pulled the chute, everything was calm and peaceful while descending...it was just us and the blue sky.

Then I thought to myself...I did it, check! J

11 - Quit Smoking

2011-01-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

Instead of nagging you the 1001 ways to quit smoking, let’s talk about all the GOOD reasons why not to smoke!

You’ll set a good example for your children
Your smoking will no longer affect the health of people around you
You’ll have more money to save or to spend on other things – a pack of cigarettes a day adds up to more than $3000 a year!
You’ll have more energy to do the things you love
You’ll pay lower life insurance premiums
Cigarettes will no longer control your life
Your clothes will be fresh
You'll have fresh smoke-free breath

What are your reasons to quit smoking? Write them down and share them with friends and family or post them on the fridge.