We’ve had an amazing week in Vancouver, despite it getting dark way to quick and it being a little frosty in the morning, we’ve been having a blast. Friday was a good one – getting to be the only ‘kids’ in Science World, 400 adults got to playing with balls, boats and blocks even some beer goggles and some bean bags. This place is truly a children’s wonderland, and when you put a bunch of adults in front of all the interactive learning games, the fun never ends!! Throw a little challenge in and the laughs are endless too! On Sunday we also took a thrill ride over our country on simulated ride located at Canada Place. Another group of 30+ came out to enjoy the scenes from across our country and then we all spent a lazy afternoon mingling at a local joint nearby. I can never get over the awesome things we get to do day in and day out in this city, and it’s pretty cool sharing the experience with amazing people!!
Most people don’t have a clue but we sure do. It’s a wacky game of volleyball played indoors in a racquetball court. Every month we reserve a court just for our members to go in and whack away! Wallyball is really unique because unlike volleyball, where height and jumping ability is superior, knowing how to hit off the walls in wallyball is just as important! It takes some getting used to but when you figure it out it is a lot of fun…not to mention a really fun way to burn some calories before our Thanksgiving feast!
Less than 24 hours ago, I attended my first Events and Adventures activity. Being the adventurous sort, I dove head first into Trapeze class with about 18 other members. When I wasn’t perched on the edge of a 20ft high board ready to swing in the air, I was sharing great conversations and admiring others’ techniques with a crowd of well-wishers. We were all there to have fun, and had a great time because of that fact. Everyone was friendly and nice; making our circus lesson one of a kind. Together, we were all flying high!
Did you know UPS started in Seattle in 1907? Ever wanted to walk on the “Set” of the TV show Frasier? The Club took a fun walking tour of MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry) and saw all that and some lot’s more. We found a kickin museum that is filled with really fun stuff. Some museums are stuffy and can be boring …not this one. There was a tow truck company in Seattle that had a few trucks made up in the shape of big foot with toes and MOHIA has one and an old model T truck from the turn of the century with the UPS logo on it. We had a fun time wondering around and got to see props from the TV show Frasier, (That was supposed to be filmed in Seattle).
We also had a big Eastside Mingle at a fun place called Earl’s. We took over a bunch of tables and booths, they were very nice to us and it was fun mingling.
Tamale making is a tradition in Mexican culture. During the holiday season, large groups of families and friends get together to mix the masa, wrap the tamales with their favorite fillings, and then steam them… All the while sharing the work, food, and laughs. What a great tradition. This year I decided to bring that tradition to my E&A family. We got together on Sunday and made over 100 tamales! Lisa opened her home while we cooked, ate tons of delicious foods, and spend the day laughing and enjoying eachothers company. It was so much fun watching George attempt at mixing the masa, having TJ teach the group how to spread the masa on the corn husks, and sharing our hard earned tamales. Everyone was able to bring home a tub to eat & share with family and friends over the holidays. I love traditions.
One of the most popular events here at Events & Adventures is anywhere where we get instruction on proper dance steps and moves! One of our favorite places to go is the Fred Astaire Dance Studio where the instructors are plentiful, music and dance partners are great and where we all feel comfortable putting to use the step-by-step instruction we received for the evening! We had such a great time a few months ago, that we decided to go check it out again in a new location! Between foxtrot, waltz, and several other dances, the options are endless! This is event is one of the best ways to meet other members as we have the opportunity to dance with one another throughout the evening! This is an event not to be missed!
This definitely tops the chart with the coolest thing I’ve done all month…a salt cave! As I walked inside, salt crunched under my feet like sand on a beach and the walls sparkled with salt crystals. We sat back in our reclining chairs and snuggled up in our blankets. We laid back and chatted about our days. Shortly the lights dimmed and calming sounds of the ocean played as we nestled in. This unique experience was more than just relaxing. The air inside the cave was beneficial on many levels. The components of natural sea salts that filled the air have a concentration which promote several areas of health. Who knew this hidden gem was tucked away right here in our city? After a long, hard day at work, it was great to relax with some friendly E&A faces and try something new!
You couldn’t have written a better script for our first Houston Rockets basketball experience of 2013! First off; our lower level seats were amazing. There’s nothing like being right down by the action for a sweet discounted price! The Rockets showed off their talent as Dwight Howard had a big first half and Jeremy Lin finished the game strong with a game high 31 points! It wasn’t easy though as The Rockets needed double overtime to defeat the Raptors. Meeting new people, having fun & cheering on our hometown team is a winning combination!
For me, this is only my second time, but it is one of the coolest things I’ve been able to try with E&A! Our most recent event was cosmic style where we climbed to the beats of our favorite songs with glow-in-the-dark rocks and colors changing all around us. Imagine this… strapping on your shoes and then tightening the straps on your harness, and walking up to the glowing rock wall… looking up… while the beat of the music is matching the beat of your pulsing nerves. A 30 foot wall? Looks like no big deal… until you get halfway up and you realize you’re officially off the ground… JUST DON’T LOOK DOWN! And it’s not that I have a great fear of heights, it’s just something that I’m not used to! Much like it is meeting new people… but once you control your breathing and focus on one step at a time, you are calm again. And before you know it, you are at the top and rapelling down… You touch the ground and smile to yourself in victory! This is something I never would have tried if it hadn’t been for E&A… I’m slowly getting over my fears of trying new things, but each time I do, I’m one step closer to finding myself, and who I truly am! Now onto the 60 foot walls… NEXT TIME!!
The E&A Skydive was amazing! The 60 second free-fall full of spins and twists rivals no other thrill! I even got to pull the rip cord for my chute … What a ride! Then gently float to the earth below with a few more spins … and the perfect landing … awesome hardly describes it!
