Friday, May 28, 2010

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:

Friday, May 21, 2010

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.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

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)!

Friday, May 14, 2010

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...