On Thursday May 9, I was one of 10 speakers who was given the opportunity to grace the stage of the Winter Garden Theatre. This was the "Top Ten Event," in support of Autism Ontario. Each speaker had 10 minutes to offer words of wisdom on the "one thing you should know before you die!" Read on for my five survival tips.

This morning, I woke up with a sore face from laughing bloody hard over the past two weeks: I just completed my first intensive improvisation course at The Second City, the world's premier comedy club/theatre and school of improvisation. As it turns out, I did learn some skills to help with my public speaking.

Being the first-born-generation as a Filipino-Canadian and growing-up in the 80s conjured the kind of awkwardness that kids today will never know. I had to turn to art to escape and find my voice. And even since a very early age, it was one thing, one simple idea, I seemed to always turn to... Art.

The memories of my mother are not of a cancer victim, they are not of a shaved head, or intravenous tubes, or a frail body. They are her wonderful spirit, her brave beautiful smile, and a loving acceptance of life that was contagious with everyone she touched. My mother didn't just talk the talk, she walked the walk.

Well, I'm turning 38 this weekend. Not quite sure when THAT happened?! I've got more wrinkles, more cellulite, and honeys... more wisdom. As an ode to approaching 40, and having you girls (and yes a few guys) by my side, I thought I'd share the 38 things I've learned in my 38 years.

Let's be honest, sometimes we're given good advice but we ignore it. Other times, we put too much trust in the guidance of others at the risk of ignoring our own inner voice. With that said, I thought I'd share some of the best advice I've ever received and some advice I never received, or didn't listen to, that I really wish I had! Hopefully, some of you benefit from these!

On August 3, 2012, I will celebrate being five years cancer-free. There are days where fear takes over, and it seems to be taking forever to make it to this milestone. Thankfully though, there's a good side to this story. It's the promise of a warm sunny day, and the peace of a lazy afternoon listening to the pitter patter of rain. It is the promise of a new day, and the feeling of gratitude for the one that just passed. It's about life.