Happy 18th Birthday My Princess!

On the special occasion of my elder daughter's 18th Birthday!

Below is a textual form

Dear Princess  and respected young Ladies (by the way, you girls look stunningly beautiful this evening.)      Thank you for coming here today and be part of this important event.      Oh sorry, I forgot to formally introduce myself. I'm the father of the princess, but I'm still trying to  figure out my own title. The princes is not helpful, because she sometimes calls me 'bro' or a 'man' or even "queen!". So, I'm having difficult time. Please somebody help!       Okay, enough about me. It's her day. She's the princess - a fine young lady, very kind hearted, funny (obviously, when she's not mad) and genuinely smart. Yes, baby, we (I meant your mom, sister, and I) are really proud of you. Being your father has been the most meaningful achievement of my life and I constantly see my success through you.        When you were small, I used to carry you around on my arms and shoulders, which I may not be able to do anymore (because I stopped going to gym - because of coronavirus lockdown), but I'll always carry you on my heart.       Looks like aeroplanes do not fly these days (because the covid-19 pandemic has closed the borders), However, the time still flies. I thought, it was just yesterday, you were a little girl - playing dress up, or hide and seek with your younger sister and today, look at you, you're eighteen, an independent (you can at least drive now, right?) and going to university, ready to fly away. I'm little sad (sorry, I'm little bit selfish, sometimes I wished you were still little), but no worries, I'm mostly happy and grateful to have a daughter like you. Happy birthday my princess! May you forever shine like the star (the one - remember twinkle twinkle little star...?)       I still remember, how sad you're when you couldn't make to ICDC1 last year. This year were able to make it but could not go because of Covid-19. It's the way the life is. There will be so many more highs and lows in life, but stay the course. As long as you have the dream and the goal, one day you will achieve it no matter what - one way or the other. Always be optimistic, always be happy. Happy birthday my little star!!      As we all know, great friends are the most important part of any body's life, and you are lucky, you are surrounded by them. Thank you you young ladies, we really appreciate your presence here today. Just relax, and enjoy the evening. Russians say 'Tanchui poka molodoi"- meaning "dance while you are still young", (because when you are old and break your bone while dancing, it's very hard to patch).       Finally, I'd like to repeat that we are really proud of not for only your accomplishments but for the person who you truly are becoming. We love you baby and God bless you. Happy 18th birthday!!!  Lots of Love, Dad

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Sharing here so that it remains eternal forever. 

Notes:

1 - ICDC - International Career Development Conference

My First C.N. Tower Climb for United Way

Thank you All who supported me to raise funds for United Way. With your support and contribution, I was able to raise $331 and proudly climbed the CN Tower’s 1,776 steps yesterday. As per United Way, "all funds raised for the 2015 CN Tower Climb for United Way go directly toward the work of United Way Toronto & York Region, supporting a network of roughly 240 agencies across the region. Your time, efforts and generosity are moving people from poverty to possibility, building strong communities, and helping kids be all that they can be. Together, we are creating opportunities for a better life for everyone in our region." 
My wife and I climbed together and it took us 34 minute and 19 seconds. We raised $531  (combined total) together. Below is my T-shirt generously given by United Way!

My First 10K Run

   Today, I was one of the runners participating in 10 KM race at beautiful Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto (http://www.tommythompsonpark.ca/) organised by MEC Toronto. The weather was fantastic around 22℃ and I fully enjoyed the race. My wife and two daughters were there from early morning to support and cheer for me. It was the first race in my life, so I was little nervous as well as thrilled and I completed the 10 KM distance in 58 minute 22 seconds. Not bad for me :)

Welcoming the New Year - the Polar Bear Way

Looking back, 2018 has been an amazing year, full of ups and downs and sweet and sours experiences. Today, I just wanted to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone and wishing you all the best in 2019! How was your first day of 2019? I started my New Year by taking dip into the freezing water of lake Ontario organized by Toronto Polar Bear Club in support of Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC). I thought, there was no better way to start the new year than participating in an event for charity.

People rushing to chilly water of lake Ontario

Boost CYAC is a Toronto based organization that answers calls when a child/youth under the age of 18 becomes a victim of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect and help them with their services.
Boost CYAC has a noble mission which states, "Boost CYAC is committed to eliminating abuse and violence in the lives of children, youth, and their families...We are dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and violence through education and awareness, and to collaborating with our community partners to provide services to children, youth, and their families." For more information, visit their website https://boostforkids.org

Thank you to everyone who supported me and donated to Boost CYAC. Good news! As per the latest figure from @TOPolarBearClub, today's participants have raised over $33,000.

Numbers are trickling in. It looks like over $33,000 raised today! Thanks everyone on behalf of Boost for Kids! — Toronto Polar Bear (@TOPolarBearClub) January 1, 2019

Today's event was amazing and definitely something I can talk about for a long time. Participating in this event was a goal of mine for a long time. Two years ago, I had chance to read Scott Carney's famous book “What doesn't kill Us,” where he explained techniques based on cold therapy, breathing and commitment, developed by Wim Hof. I became an instant fan of it, and started practicing a lighter version of it. So, today was my chance to experience how my body reacts in natural freezing water and it did just great!

The day overall was chilly with a temperature of around -3°C and with wind chill it felt like -6°C. I went to this event with my and friend's families. The event was a buzz of excitement with people cheering and taking pictures. I was one of the first few people to touch the freezing cold water and experience the thrilling chill.

I'm hoping to make the polar bear dip as my New Year's Day tradition. If I'm able inspire you enough through this writing, I'll be seeing you all  in January 1st, 2020 at Sunnyside beach, Toronto. Stay warm until then.

Here are some of the pictures and a short YouTube Video that my family captured during the event.

After the dip

CityNews coverage

It's in You to Give

Today (March 27, 2018), I proudly wore my jacket with the Lapel Pin of Canadian Blood Services @itsinyoutogive on it again. And yes, I donated blood for the 2nd time, and hoping to do so much more often going forward. Don't get me wrong, this post is not really to celebrate my donation, but to encourage others like myself who are just starting to donate or thinking about it. We all need to come forward and do this noble thing, because our people, communities and countries need blood all the time.

It does not cost anything. As the Canadian Blood Services puts it in simple words, "It's in you to give." Surprisingly, blood donors get some health benefits as well. See Donor health benefits section of Wikipedia.
Finally, voluntary blood donation is a very important concept and we need to support it. See World Health Organisation's paper entitled "Towards 100% Voluntary Blood Donation - A Global Framework for Action".
Believe me, it's not hard. If I can do it, anyone can. Just make sure you're well hydrated before sitting in for the donation. If you are in Canada call the Canadian Blood Services at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or visit their website at www.blood.ca to schedule your appointment. If you are in any other jurisdiction, contact your national blood services to donate!

Update as of July 05, 2019:
Cheers again! Donated today for the third time and felt awesome.

Helping to make a difference one step at a time!

Helping to make a difference one step at a time!  That's what exactly my two daughters and wife did today. They helped to raise fund for United Way Toronto & York Region and climbed 1,776 steps of the 2017 CN Tower.
Christine (grade 10) and Suzanne (grade 7) not only raised funds for great charitable work that United Way does but also enjoyed climbing the CN Tower, and inspired their fellow classmates. I'm so proud of them. Hard work always pays off! It was amazing to see great smile on their faces after successful climb!!!

Sharing My Reading List

I love reading. I read every day at least around two hours - partly thanks to my commute time to work. I take YRT to work, it's comfortable seating gives me opportunity to indulge in reading while commuting. Listed below are some of the books that I have read in the past and liked or currently been reading.

Personal Development/Self Help/Finance/Management
Moving Forward - Taking The Lead in Your Life - by Dave Pelzer This is really a great book. It helped me to get rid of all (almost) craps from my mind.
The Four doors - by Richard Paul Evans One of the stories in this book (about a beggar), gave me a thunder shock and hit hard right in the centre of my greatest weakness - which is afraid to try. Not even trying is the biggest failure in our life.
The Secret Letters Of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari - by Robin Sharma
WHAT DOESN'T KILL US - by Scott Carney This amazing book, which greatly inspired me to practice Wim Hof's breathing techniques and also lead me to Pranayama Yoga. These days, showering in cold water, practicing Wim Hof and Pranayama breathings techniques are part of my daily routine and I'm feeling great and strong. Robin Sharma's reading list introduced me this book, so many thanks to Robin.
The Fred factor : how passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary - by Mark Sanborn.
Let The Elephants Run - by David Usher
Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise - by Robert Pool Anders Ericsson
The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth: Entrepreneurship for Weirdos, Misfits, and World Dominators - by Chris Brogan
Outliers: The Story of Success - by Malcolm Gladwell
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants - by Malcolm Gladwell
Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School - by Andrew Hallam This is one of the best books I have ever read in personal finance, investment etc.
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain - by John J. Ratey, and Eric Hagerman
Fail Fast or Win Big: The Start-Up Plan for Starting Now - by Bernhard Schroeder
The Hour Between Dog and Wolf: Risk Taking, Gut Feelings and the Biology of Boom - by John Coates
Literature/Fiction/Non-Fiction/General
The Heart Goes Last - by Margaret Atwood
Hemingway in Love: His Own Story - by A.E. Hotchner
Jonathan Livingston Seagull - by Richard Bach I've got the recommendation for this book from Robin Sharma's reading list. Thanks Robin!
Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies Reprint Edition - by Nick Bostrom
Nexus - by Ramez Naam
The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable - by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
I also read some great Nepalese books
Karnali Blues (कर्नाली ब्लुज) - by Buddhi Sagar
Palpasa Cafe (पल्पसा क्याफे) - by Narayan Wagle
Seto Dharti(सेतो धरती) - by Amar Neupane
Prayogshala (प्रयोगशाला, नेपाली सङ्क्रमणमा दिल्ली, दरबार र माओवादी) - by Sudheer Sharma
Jiwan Kada Ki Phool (जीवन काँडा कि फूल) - by Jhamak Kumari Ghimire
Antarman ko Yatra (अन्तर्मनको यात्रा) - by Jagadish Ghimire