So this happened the other day. I officially became a member of the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce and I somehow feel more....legit. And proud.

People have asked me why I chose to become a member. Truth is, it just seems like the right thing to do as a small business. I've attended a handful of Chamber events in the past and always appreciated the support and networking opportunities that you can create as a result of the association.

And so, when I was good and ready, I became a member.

This week, on Wednesday, is the 9th annual Women to Women Symposium. It's probably one of my favourite Chamber events -- a full day of inspiring speakers, the chance to connect with other businesses, and a reminder to boost yourself (and your business) and kick some butt.

This year's keynote speaker is none other than CBC Dragon, Michele Romanow. Michele will be speaking about "Getting to Success: Embracing Change, Encouraging Disruption and
Incentivising Innovation.” Also part of the agenda: a women's health panel on "Wonder Women Syndrome" (hmmm....this sounds pertinent), a Fireside Chat featuring Air Canada on the topic of "Serendipity: Does it play a role in your career" (I hope so!), and a lot of networking and visiting vendors.


While the event is almost sold out, there are still tickets available via the Chamber's website.
If you're going to be there, please come and say hello!

Disclaimer: I received items in order to write this post. As always, the opinions expressed on my blog are my own.

I wouldn't consider myself a risky person. If I had to describe my risk-tolerance level, I'd probably say I'm a play-it-safe, planner type. I usually weigh my odds before jumping into a situation, research before I travel (right down to the restaurants), and I'm fairly obedient.

But it takes a major event to challenge your positioning. In the last year, after having my world flipflop, I've developed the ability to take a risk. I won't say it's easy. And it's scary. But it's also exhilarating.

I've done quite a bit of reading this year on successful business leaders and CEOs, and one of the similar qualities they all share -- they're all risk-takers. The take leaps of faith, trust their gut, jump in with two feet and they say yes.

So I started doing the same. Trusting my instinct, saying yes to a lot of projects and opportunities, taking leaps. The result has been a very busy month, with me wondering at times if I'm making the right decisions.

So I smiled when, during an oracle card reading, my card said "Cozy in Risk". The universe is telling me I'm where I need to be, and doing what I need to be doing. Now, you may not follow oracle cards, or believe in a divine universe or destiny, and that's fine. But I'm going to trust my gut on this one.

And maybe take a few more risks along the way.

"Learn by seeing and doing" -- that's one of our parenting philosophies. We try and expose our kids to new and different opportunities and experiences all the time, from travelling to visiting a museum, going for dinner, taking a nature walk, even going to the grocery store. Experiences are a great way to discover, to inquire and to appreciate everyday things we so often take for granted.

And that's why we continue to visit The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair every single year.

We are not farmers -- far from it. But as urban dwellers, we think it's even more important to teach the girls about where our food comes from, to learn about animals, where they live, how they grow. At the Royal, you learn all that and so much more. In addition to being SUPER up close with animals of all sizes (Angus Bulls are HUGE btw), the farmers and the farmer's children are always approachable. They answer questions, introduce you to their animals and explain farming in a way that is easily understandable.

In just a few hours, we were exposed and learned a bit about sheep shearing, dairy farming, cattle competitions, horse jumping and so much more.




And the girls were soaking it all in. The Royal really does a good job of making agriculture and farming accessible for kids and families; there are many worksheets, and colouring pages, tattoos and informative brochures to take home.

And then there are the shows -- competitions, horse shows, dog shows, informative sessions and demonstrations. Everything from cattle competitions to cooking demonstrations. You could spend a week here and still not see it all.






Disclaimer: This was a gifted experience. As always, the opinions expressed on my blog are my own.