Young Musicians: Greyson Chance

For those of you who didn't get to catch this 12 year old boy from Wichita Falls, Texas on The Ellen Show or YouTube, should definitely check him out! Best known for his piano cover of Lady Gaga's of Paparazzi, this young artist has been recognized by many, even celebrities like Ashton Kutcher and Madonna. He's got much talent at such a young age, it's enviable. Watch his original performance of Paparazzi:

Airports

  

Airports are one of my favourite places ever. Whenever I'm at the airport, there always seems to be excess time, so sometimes I take this time to just people watch; It's amazing how much you can learn from others without even getting to know them.


Whether it be at arrivals or departures, the stir of emotions you see in the people's faces are simply priceless. 

The departures section is always somber as people say goodbye to their loved ones. I once saw what must have been the departure of a father from his family. He had with him his wife and three kids, one of them a toddler who could not stop crying and throwing out her arms everytime her dad took a step further towards the gates. I could tell the father did not want to go either, as he stepped back, picked her up and gave her a hug each time until he absolutely had to go.

On the other hand, arrivals has a more upbeat and happy atmosphere, where friends, family, and couples reunite. The moment  they see their loved one exit through those sliding doors could possibly be the best thing ever. There are smiles all around, hugs exchanged, and rambling chatter as they eagerly catch up on lost times. I once had to sit at arrivals for more than an hour because of a delayed flight, but I didn't get bored at all. Watching grandparents wait for their grandchildren with colourful balloons, and husbands waiting for their wives with bouquets of roses never gets old.

Vancouver Sun Run 2010

On the past Sunday, on May 9th, I ran with 50,000 other people from Vancouver, and around the world, in the annual Vancouver Sun Run through Downtown Vancouver and past English Bay. This annual race, sponsored by The Vancouver Sun newspaper, has been held since 1985. I have personally been participating since 4 years ago, and I plan to make it an annual event for me as well.

I encourage everyone in the Lower Mainland area to participate in this great event. You can either choose to run in a 10K race, or kids can also run in a 2.5K Mini Run. Because the race is timed, it givers runners and walkers of all abilities the opportunity to beat their time each year. Personally this motivates me to train harder each year, therefore, it helps me stay fit year round. So far, I have been able to beat my own time each year!

Of course the highlight of the day is the run itself, but there are things along the way which I find are worth noting. For one, you run the race with thousands other people, and since you're all running alongside each other, you're bound to meet new people and perhaps make some new friends. When you finish the race, there are also food sponsor companies and live entertainment to keep the hype up. This year, Red Bull, Powerbar, Weetabix, Oasis Juices, and more were there handing out free energy foods.

I would highly recommend any first time marathon-runner to try out the Sun Run. Just one tip: run with a friend on your first time, or bring some music so that the 10K won't seem long at all (I personally think the route gets shorter every year)!

Bunnies

Who can ever resist cute little animals?

I live by a complex near a plain field, so there are always lots of wild rabbits and bunnies roaming around freely. They are the perfect remedy for when I get home from a bad day at school.

I see at least one everyday running around, and sometimes I even see them in large groups, which is even better! Even though it's nothing extraordinary since I see them everyday now, they still manage to make me smile each time.

Unfortunately, I am unable to take one home with me...

U-ROC Awards!

This week, the first week of May, is Youth Week in BC, a week of fun and games, all in the celebration of youth and their dedications to the community. I was lucky enough yesterday to attend my city's U-ROC (Richmond Outstanding Community) Awards ceremony yesterday, which celebrates the achievements of youth. A youth group I am involved with was receiving an award, and a few of my friends were receiving individual awards.


To sit in the audience, and to get up on stage to accept an award was a great experience. The number of youth who dedicate their time to make a difference was great, and it felt great to be with a group who shares the vision of change in our small community. The night was filled with excitement, and it made me feel proud to live in a city which has a great generation for the future.


Congratulations to everyone who received an award, I'm glad to have gotten to know all of you, and I am proud to be living in a city which has so many great citizens!

On The Way to School

Running late does have it's advantages; I'm glad to have gotten to have an interesting conversation with a stranger this morning.

As usual, I was walking to my bus stop, on my way to school, when an ambulance passed by, causing the traffic lights to be set back. I walked watched the bus drive past me as I lazily crossed the road, and noticed a man sitting on the bus stop bench. I recognized this man from my bus everyday, and it seems he was running late today as well.

He looked down and upset, then saw me approach, and so I smiled and greeted him. To my surprise, his face lit up and said hi back. He said this has not been a good morning for him because he was suppose to pick up his daughter from his ex-wife's house, and now he was late because of the ambulance. He told me about how he wasn't able to meet his family's expectations in the past years since his divorce, and they have been looking down on him ever since; He said it was nice to have someone to talk to about this.

He was scared of letting his daughter down, as she is probably waiting for him now, anxious and worried. As we got on the later bus which came shortly after, he got off before me, and thanked me for listening to him.

It feels good to be able to have helped make someone's day that much better. Sometimes a simple gesture does make a difference.