9. Run.
I practice this on a daily basis as I pack my bags and run for my life at work. But genetically, I am not a runner. This is something I’ve struggled with for a long time. I’ve had invitations to run 5k’s, 10k’s, half marathons. People must think I have some sort of athletic bone in my body, but I don’t. I struggle with endurance and breathing. However, I’m going to take this in stride, and force myself to go running at least once a week (to start). I’m going to make it past this mental block and become a novice runner. My expectations are low, but I must start somewhere.

8. Write More.
A few years back I blogged for 30 days straight and didn’t blog again for another year and a half. I’m going to try and make writing/blogging a part of my weekly routine. I’m also going to try and be a better blogger, and maybe start my own website and learn HTML. Am I living in the 90′s? Does HTML still work or does everyone use DreamWeaver and what not for websites? Stay with me if you want to find out how this writing process goes. I like readers and comments

7. Maintaining the Book Club.
At the start of the year, I got together a couple of my literary enthusiast pals and started a book club. We read one book a month, and meet to chat about it over yummy food and beverages. We’ve so far read books that we’ve loved, and hated. I’m hoping to keep it going until the end of the year at least. If anyone wants to join, please do. Just as long as you also thought “The Happiness Project” was a fail, you’ll fit right in.

6. Change my hairstyle.
For the past 3 years, I’ve only had relatively short to shorter hair. It’s currently “long” and I am ready to cut it. However, sometimes this is difficult when people advise you to “keep it bodacious” and after asking them for clarification on what that actually means, it’s no doubt that positive reinforcement changes everything. It’s getting warmer out and having 3 pounds of hair only makes it hotter. Oh well. Stay tuned, the femme mullet might make a comeback post wedding season.

5. Go fishing.
No, I don’t mean on Plenty of Fish. I mean like literally, on the water, in a boat, with a rod and maybe some chest waders. For those wondering, no, I’ve never fished and therefore will need a guide. Please, and thank you.

4. Stand Up For Mental Health.
In the spring, I was looking for volunteer opportunities in the Mental Health field to try and figure out if it was something I wanted to develop a career in. I found an opportunity with Stand Up for Mental Health, a non-profit group who at the time was looking for a fundraiser. Not having any experience in fundraising, I replied to the ad anyway, and have now signed on a to long term volunteer commitment with the organization as their Communications/Fundraising contact. This will be a steep learning curve, but something I am truly passionate about. Mental Health is something I’m sensitive towards, and on occasion, struggle with. SUFMH educates the public in attempts to reduce stigma to those who are mentally ill. By working with individuals who are diagnosed with some sort of mental illness, they are trained to do stand up comedy, and by working through their everyday issues with laughter. Shows occur couple times throughout the year so if you’re interested in attending a show, you definitely should! We are all crazy, now it’s just about recognizing it and embracing it!

3. QUIT MY JOB!
I’m pretty positive this is something I should have a year ago. Having said that, I do enjoy having my rent and lifestyle habits supported financially, therefore I am still with this job. But, mark my words, I am going to be done with this job, with or without another by the end of December. Merry Christmas to me!

2. Continue to eat as little meat as possible.
When the year began my friends and I participated in a “4 Weeks to Veganism” challenge where we start by eliminating red meat, and worked towards the end goal of becoming Vegan for a week. Since then, I have reduced my meat intake by at least 50%, and have not had any beef since. I was really shocked by how much I enjoyed being a vegetarian and how much more energy I had. With that, I make it a point to only have vegetarian lunches and will allow chicken and sometimes pork for my meat intake. I’ve grown a fond dependency on tofu and many tofurky products. I’ve also managed to not have fast food for nearly a year! I admit I fell short when I had to participate in the KFC Double Down mania this past fall, but I have not had McDonald’s, A&W, Wendy’s, in a long awhile. A healthier while

1. Live in the moment.
I recently added to my tattoo collection with a new pocket watch on my inner left arm. It’s a reminder to live each day, for the moment, and for the present. But, I chose a pocket watch for the vintage/antique feel as a symbol of the past. For those who know me, you’ll know I am very nostalgic. To the point where it’s sometimes unbearable to listen to songs, or walk through certain streets. However, I’m moving through and past that. Always remember where I’m coming from, never forgetting the past, but living for the moment.

We’ll see in January how much of this I managed to accomplished. Stick around?

As I’m recapping the highlights of the day, my legs and arms are still mildly sore. This is an improvement from last year, where I was sore for a week after. I can still feel the burning! The day began with rain but that didn’t stop us. Joyce and I had a plan, and that was to actually plan and plot our route before we began to run like maniacs. When we were instructed to “GO!” I ran for the volunteer holding the clue cards that would guide us for the next few hours. Joyce and I decided to go far into Richmond first, and leave the Vancouver checkpoints last. To sum it up, we basically popped a balloon with a stranger, attempted to translate traditional bikrams yoga poses into Sanskrit, decipher clues at the Richmond Public Library, and orient ourselves at the killer mandatory checkpoint at Minoru Park. By killer, I meant this was why we didn’t place near the top 20 (which was our goal). Because the checkpoint was mandatory, everyone had to do it. By the time we got to Minoru Park, we were so stoked because we had already 3 checkpoints under our belts, and was ready to conquer this one and run back to Vancouver for the remainder of the course. However, with nearly 20 teams ahead of us in line, I knew this was when that Gold Rush Pass would have played an integral part to the day. The Gold Rush Pass allows teams to bypass any lines at any checkpoint. We stood waiting for 45-55 minutes in line (I know this as I was tweeting, texting, and nervously gnawing at my Cliff bar to pass time). We completed the task within 7 minutes. From there, we knew some of our stamina had been lost and we hopped the skytrain back to East Vancouver where we entered my old stomping grounds for the last haul. We shot balls from sling shots between our legs (think human Angry Birds), caught wet sponges with buckets, went blindfold through the periphery of a park (blind leading the blind), and finally an obstacle/boot camp course at Slocan Park. We did all this within an hour or so. With energy in us again, we hopped the skytrain again and headed to our very last and mandatory checkpoint in Chinatown. This was where we had to stuff our faces with a hazelnut sparkle cookie and a gigantic cinnamon knot from Bread Garden. It’s too bad we didn’t get to enjoy the lovely treats, and I’m sorry to Follow Me Foodie for having to see our faces of anguish as we tried our fastest to devour the goods. Now, we just had to make it back to the finish line. By this time, our good friends Team Dinosaur and Team T & A were already done. Joyce and I finished 45 out of 150 teams, just under 5.5 hours.

With the multiple bumps and bruises, the the mysterious bug bites all over, it was definitely an experience we won’t forget. Though I will never look at Minoru Park the same, and I’ll surely cringe at the sight of another cinnamon anything, I’m glad we all did so well, and helped raise big money for the BC Lung Association. Kudos to the many people in charge of making this day run as smooth as it did, and all the hours of hard work you put into this. Your creativity is what makes us so excited to do this! So, THANK YOU!

Also, thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised a total of $1260 and will be receiving free registration for next year’s event. Joyce and I really would like to say a very sincere “thank you” and know that we had you in mind when we battled our way through the course of the day. Next June is awhile away, but it’ll be our third year… and you know what they say, three times a charm! Unitl then… with love, team j&k, ftw. yes, for the win

On Tuesday, Bono (the peace loving shades wearing frontman of U2) became really famous for hitchhiking. Hitchhiking. You know, what you do when you’re stranded on the side of the road, with your thumb stuck out, hoping to get a ride to anywhere but where you are at that moment. He was in Vancouver hanging out, when it started raining. Apparently not able to adapt to such harsh Vancouver weather conditions, he decided to hitchhike along with his assistant. And of course, another not so local celebrity, Edmonton Oiler’s Gilbert Brule just happened to be there to pick up the non shades wearing Bono and his assistant at the time. Within a matter of some Vancouver rain, an extended thumb, and an A List Celebrity and a C list athlete, hitchhiking and picking up hitchhikers, is now the next claim to fame.

There are perks to picking up hitchhikers in this case. For Brule, this meant backstage passes to a sold out show, and a very special shout out labeling him as a “hero” in front of a stadium of crazy fans. Special. However, for those who don’t believe in happenstance, luck, and possess some legitimate common sense, I urge to reconsider picking up hitchhikers. The skeptic paranoid in me still believes that when an individual is seen standing at the side of the road with their thumb extended, caution should be secured in place. What if this person is an axe murderer, why are they in need of a free ride, are they escaping from the state penitentiary, or maybe they just plain forgot to take their meds and will mistake you for their ex wife and well, murder you. Exactly. Not every hitchhiker will be able to hook it up with free passes to a concert, I’m just saying.

Having said all this, I will entertain the idea of picking up a hitchhiker for sheer entertainment the next time I shall come across one. Thanks to Bono, I will think about how glamorous it would be to maybe pick up an accidental celebrity, running away from some regular weather catastrophe, and then be mentioned on every blog, paper, and gossip site for days to come. Because despite the fact that I am paranoid, you gotta help a lending hand sometime. Because as Bono can now attest to, “sometimes you can’t make it on your own.”

Funny enough, U2′s “Beautiful Day” just came on the radio. So, ENJOY!

A very dear friend of mine, is getting married in September and has requested that I compile various playlists of songs to provide the soundtrack to the wedding. I accepted with calm composure, but little did she know I was jumping up and down on my imaginary couch, yelling like Tom Cruise à la Oprah style on the inside. I am ecstatic and delighted to play such an integral part on her big day.

Even though I have 2 laptops and an external hard drive full of music and love letters, I am nervous. I want this to be perfect, and I want the music to reflect the “feeling” of the day. I am trying to fuse retro and groovy dance favourites, with the hip hoppity indie rock folk loving hits of today. Meanwhile, I need to ransack the inner romantic in me for mellow, reception time music. This is such an exciting task, I don’t even know where to begin so, I haven’t.

Holly, the bride and I, share a favourite song which will definitely be featured at some point in the evening of her wedding day. The Cure’s, “Friday I’m in Love” always makes me ridiculously happy every time I hear it. I thought it would be appropriate to share with you all on this, Friday.

Also, I will also be featuring one of my favourite bands from my childhood, Salt ‘N Pepa’s “Push It” at the request of the bride along with choreographed danced moves.

I’m looking forward to a summer project of musical creativity. If you have any suggestions on your favourite booty shaking hits, I’d love to hear from you. Or if you have songs you want to hug your snuggie to, that will do as well.

When we lost Game 7 and all off Robson street was rioting, recovery to normal life was beginning. I went back to my life as a sixth grader, and hockey became a thing of the past. Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Devon Sawa was a much bigger deal. Hockey re-emerged in my life as soon as Todd Bertuzzi joined the team. It was an exciting time for the Canucks, and there was a glimmer of hope that along with Markus Naslund, the team would obtain reach of the Stanley Cup again. That never happened, and I drank a lot as I ditched studying for university exams in exchange for playoff drinks and bar food. Sadly, due to his Steve Moore aggressive head punching incident, lawsuits, and suspension, he left the city, and I left hockey (again).

Vancouver has always been a hockey city, but admittedly, I’ve found the Canucks hard to love in the past few years *insert unanimous boo-ing here. In the past few seasons, I would watch a game, get hyped, cheer, and then be disappointed with bad goals, reckless turnovers, and overall defeat. As a person, I don’t deal well with disappointment, and that was all the Canucks were delivering for a long time. It’s 2011, and it’s again, a great time to be a hockey fan in this city. Best goal tending in the league, top scoring twins, and the coveted President’s Trophy says it all. Hockey mania has ensued as car flags, jerseys, and seas of blue and green litter the city. Contagious campaigns such as “Believe in Blue” caught fire overnight. The green men are local celebrities, and so is the chick who decided to flash her boobs at then of Game 2 versus San Jose. It’s undoubtedly a great time to be a Vancouver Canucks fan right about now.

I get quite a bit of flack from everyone who doesn’t approve of my lacking Canuck mania. It’s okay though, because for me, hockey and the Canucks hold a very dear spot in my heart. In 1994, when I was 12 years young, I loved nothing more than Kirk McLean and Trevor Linden. Pavel Bure “The Russian Rocket” had a spot on my bedroom wall, and I’ll always know every 1994 team player and jersey number to heart. I loved the Canucks when they stayed at the Pacific Coliseum before the glitz of Rogers Arena. I loved them with all my youthful spirit I had, topped with a bag of gummy bears. There is a deep Canuck fan inside of me, and I hope this year, the same fan will resurface. I feel it, and as the road to Lord Stanley continues, even though I don’t possess the same pre-pubescent enthusiasm, I make up for it in hope and heart.

For the remainder of the playoff run, I’m going to believe in blue. And for the remainder of the playoff run, a little part of me will be 12 again.

This summer was different rather in comparison to others. For once, I thought it lasted “seemingly” forever. Maybe because my bank account seemed like it was depleting faster than money was coming in. This summer was comfortable, in my own skin, in my new apartment, and within my family of friends. I learned a lot. I learned it was okay to let go, because real relationships and real people who are invested will always come around, no matter how long it takes. I dealt with loss and I watched one of my closest friends lose one of the most important people in her life. I witnessed firsthand how the strength of a family, and the love and support of individuals can come together to manifest into a beautiful sight of courage, hope, and love. I learned that aging is a process that reflects a lifetime of happiness and strength. I reflected and thought of friends I used to know and people who I miss. I think of some of them and am inspired by them to continually challenge and motivate myself. I miss you and wish you were still here, JMo. On the brighter side of things, I listened to one of my oldest friends tell me how he purposed to one of my bestest friends. I will make note that this was the only couple I ever set up, and it was totally and absolutely accidental, if not incidental. I watched as people around me found new love, and lost old ones. I adapted to a lifestyle of change, and to force myself to do things I wouldn’t normally do. As a result, I now play dodgeball and am back in school. I know, I know. I went to Las Vegas and I partied it up all night with one of my favourite people in the world, and even wore a dress. Yes, see JJ, I wore a dress on multiple occasions, that’s how much I adore you. I’m so glad you’re back around and even more glad that you haven’t changed, and you’re still the logical part of my brain. Though after all these years, you still prefer the term “square.” I made new friends and I got to know people, which is the most exciting part of a relationship. I heard fascinating stories of life’s many adventures and smiled in delight.
Did I mention I also sat on a boat and tried to solve a murder mystery while trying to not vomit due to sea sickness? I kicked off the summer by participating in an urban scavenger hunt that not only contributed to a wonderful organization (thank you BC Lung Association), but had me doing a 30 second PSA, and me running for a bus for the very first time in my life (sorry, the city girl in me is really cramping my commuting style). I fell in love with top 40 again. It’s hard to resist Katy Perry who is my new teenage dream. I know, please don’t judge me. But having said that, I also yelled and screamed along to Tom Gabel and the new Against Me! record. I always feel like a 16 year old American boy when I listen to them! I also dance to Vampire Weekend and Florence and the Machine, so don’t worry, I’m still holding onto some indie cred. I had friends yell at me as I tweeted to celebrities on Twitter. I don’t care. If you loved Lilo as much as I do, you would tweet her too despite her jail time and lack of rehab. Oh, I also had a Free Lilo get together at my place which consisted of The Parent Trap, Mean Girls, lasagna, and spiked jello. Luckily there were no casualties. My uncle’s restaurant closed after 18 years of business, which translates into 18 years of family dinners and multiple get togethers from family to friends. I know he enjoyed the ride, and for those who have been there I hope you did as well. Oh, and happy pride weekend! No wet tshirt party this year, but there was no wet tshirt party either last year! The Oasis lied to us. Thankfully there was no drama this year, and no hearts on any sleeves, and no wives or husbands, and again, no casualties, thank goodness (parts of the statement are true, some are false, up to you to decide what’s fact or fiction). One of the best quotes of the summer: “I rufied myself!” – annonymous. I won’t say who said it. Another great quote: “What!? Is that a sunburn?!!!!” -from Whistler. Clearly it wasn’t because the red faded right away the next day. What? Oh, this was also the summer where I had the worst sunburn in my life. Yes, I’m also very tanned still as a result. Tanned in my definition is just “normal” to others. Please take note I am practically as pale as a ghost during the remainder 9 months of the year. My hair is also the longest it has been since 2008. It’s partially because I’m trying to grow it out, but really because I can’t afford a haircut. I think it’s safe to say that it’s been a hellavua summer if you can’t afford a haircut. That, or I’m really posh (ha!). C’mon, I live in the Downtown Eastside, I am not posh.

I survived a New York City heat wave (35 degrees + humidity) and I can say I watched the first half of the World Cup Soccer finals game in a highly acclaimed sports bar in Brooklyn, NY. Whether or not I enjoyed, I’ll leave it to your imagination I ate breakfast at 6am then went to bed in Las Vegas and then threw myself into Tao Beach and finally the Venetian pool. I survived to tell about it, and no there will be no photos posted. I visited BC’s own wine country and putted a decent game of mini golf during a wind storm then treated myself to the most delicious meal at Raudz with amazing company. Yes, the crab cappuccino is nothing short of amazing. I lost all ability to upload photos onto facebook so I hope you accept this as my “photo album” upload. What would I title it? Hard to say. “Summer Randoms” or “my 500 days of summer.” I used to always ask everyone if they would prefer 500 days of summer, or 500 days of summer? They would look at me like I was crazy and I just asked them the same question, two times in one sentence. Well, would you prefer 500 days of summer (weather wise) or 500 days of summer (like zooey deschanel wise). For a long time the hopeless romantic in me would’ve said zooey, without a doubt. But now, I’m not so sure. Maybe like a recurrent theme from this summer, sometimes it’s good to step back, take a break, and shy away from the norm or the usual. You never know, sometimes the results may just surprise you. Just like how this summer surprised me. Friends, family, stars and lovers (exes included), you all contributed to the mental photographic album of infinite good memories. And like I said before, if you’re here, why don’t you stay awhile?

i received a phone call yesterday from a dear friend telling me about you. she told me you were fighting but now you’re off in a better place. a place where your spirit will shine strong, and your smile will be admired by others. a place that will cause all your loved ones to miss you immensely, but a place where you will be better protected.

i never knew about your struggle with the sickness. but i’ve always known you to be a fighter and a man of strength. you and i were good friends, and i wish i could have been there to support you, as you have always been there for me. though our times together were not nearly long enough, i feel very blessed to have met an individual such as yourself. i remember one of the earliest occurrences where i was introduced to you. it was anita’s birthday at m bar, and you made me feel so welcomed in a crowded room full of strangers. you and i conversed, made jokes, and danced the night away. i knew you were a good guy, and someone i could trust from that night on.  

i remember the time i was really sick during final exams in april. i had severe migraines that had me confined to my bed. you barely knew me, but drove all the way from richmond to my doorstep. you had bought me a present. though you didn’t know me well, you knew me enough to know that dawsons creek was my favourite show of all time. you bought me season one of the series, and told me that i could watch it while recovering in bed.  i never thanked you enough for your kind gestures, and this was only one of the many you delivered.   

you knew me at a time where i was weary and confused. i was in the middle of my degree and was indecisive about every little thing in my life. you instilled confidence in me, and made me realize that being choosey was okay. you told me i was only waiting for the best, because i deserved nothing but.  you always offered to help. you tried to help me look for a new job, to proofread my resume, to listen as i complained about life. you took it all in with a smile, some dorky humour (which i really appreciated), and ease. you never once complained, and you always saw the best in everyone. you never lost sight of the good things, and provided hope and warmth to everyone around you.  

we shared dinners and conversations. we watched movies together. i made fun of your dvd collection. and to this day, i still have not yet seen the godfather.  sorry, give me some time, i will get to it, i promise. you wanted me to come watch your roller hockey games, and you offered to teach me how to rollerblade. we met up together in toronto where we both were on vacation. we walked the streets lost, and deliriously sweaty. you helped me carry my luggage to the bus station and offered me a floor to crash on when i wasn’t sure i would be staying for my last night in toronto. you always gave and gave, and i thank you endlessly for your generosity.  

the news came unexpectedly and as i continue to deal with not having you here anymore, i am reflective of the many infinite memories you and i shared. i took a trip down memory lane and searched through all the photographs i had on my computer. i looked at the photos of you on facebook and friendster. you always had a great smile on your face, and i will always remember you that way. i will never forget you.

i am thankful for having met you. you were one of the only guys ever to come and pick me up at the front door instead of honking from your car.  you always opened the door for me, and put the ladies first. you always listened even when you had to be at work in 5 hours and didn’t sleep enough. i’m sure you would have given me the last piece of dessert even if you really wanted it yourself. you were selfless, and absolute gold.  

i will learn to rollerblade well this summer and be sure to laugh real hard when you see me fall on my butt since i’m sure i will. i will watch the godfather and maybe agree that it is one of the better movies made in all time. i will share endlessly with my loved ones and never give up on believing in others and myself. i will smile hard for pictures because life is rewarding and precious. i will make new friends and include people to make them feel warm and welcome. i will never give up fighting any battle, because i can be stronger and better everyday. i will do all these things because i know that is what you would have done. my 2009 will be better because of your endless inspiration.

you blessed us all with your presence in our lives. you will be missed by so many. jason, you will never be forgotten. your heart of gold and your gentle soul will be forever cherished.  rest in peace, and i’ll see you when i get there.

sending you light and love,
kathy

jason and i in toronto, august 2003

                                november 29, 1981 – december 31, 2008