The Six Foot Canasian

I am fortunate to have befriended some of the most amazing human beings on the planet. James Lawrence (aka., the "Iron Cowboy") may be THE MOST inspiring person that I know. Born and raised in Calgary (now living in Linden, Utah), this father of five is doing something that nobody in the world has ever attempted before ... 50 full distance Ironman triathlons, in 50 consecutive days, in 50 different states! Keep in mind a full distance Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run (a total of 7,030 miles that he will physically travel in 50 consecutive days). SERIOUSLY!!

If you didn't get enough of the good eats at the East Village Block Party or the Simmons Building grand opening ... you get three more days of foodie heaven!The YYCFoodTrucks Summer Frenzy drew people out of the secluded, air-conditioned homes (on a weekend with record-breaking highs) for some great sounds, culinary treats and shopping adventures!

I may not be an "official" resident, yet ... but you certainly don't have to tell me twice about a party! The staff at the East Village Experience Centre are so helpful in making sure that everyone that walks through their doors feels welcome and gets just as excited about the East Village as they are! They were the ones who informed me of the Block Party and reassured me that EVERYONE was invited to come and participate in the festivities!

Since the very first day I wandered into the East Village, the retail space being promoted on the main floors of both the First and Evolution buildings caught my eye! Now that I am finally back to Calgary for good (and had enough of jet-setting life) I have been seriously thinking about opening up another small specialty studio here in the city. This is something that I have done before (and also consulted other businesses on the process) but was inspired by what I've been learning about the East Village to seriously look into the opportunity and determine whether or not it would be the right time for me.

Hello. My name is Andrea Oh ... and it has been two ways since my last blog post (or "confession"). It's been eight days since I first set foot in the East Village and six days since my first meeting with Sandra Peters at the East Village Experience Centre and today we met again. After researching all the amazing projects planned for Downtown Calgary's East Village and spending time exploring the area and getting to know the people who live and frequent the community there was only one thing to do ... sign the paperwork and drop off the downpayment on a new Verve Condominium!!

Although I am posting about the Father's Day events in the East Village I figured it would be appropriate to first recognize all the dads out there (and those who are "papas-to-be") and wish you all a "HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!"

It's June 20th (t-minus 10 days before the end of the East Village Resident Ambassador Contest ends) and I have an important decision to make. Just five days ago I made my way to the East Village for the first time. Now, I am completely in love with the area, have a great feel for the community that is developing in the East Village and know in my heart it's the place I WANT to be. Now, here comes the hard part ... "WHAT DO I DO?".

A few years ago I got that saying tattooed on my back ... a reminder of the life I used to have and the future I deserve to create for myself. Needless to say it didn't take long for me to realize the only option was to do everything I could to succeed and never look back. But ... I then started wondering, "WHAT EXACTLY DOES THAT MEAN?".

I believe in "signs" ... and today was just another one telling me I belong in the East Village! Today's events were just another example of how a window opens when a door is found shut (literally).

Being Asian is both a blessing and a curse (and I can say this because I am 100 percent Chinese and can totally "own" my Asian-ness). Hard work has never been a problem for me. It's helped me see great success in my life and career. From my performance on the job to my athletic pursuits (both recreational and competitive) and the home improvement projects on the weekend, I don't punch a clock and put in whatever time and effort is needed to get the job done.