My housemates did a pretty fantastic job consuming my food items reaching the end of their shelf-lives while I was away in Vancouver and Honduras for that week and a half.
All that I really had to take care of were 6 eggs by the end of today.
So what can you do with six eggs?
-5 pieces of french toast for Friday breakfast and evening snack (2 eggs)
-2 large pancakes for Sunday breakfast and brunch (1 egg)
-14 Very Berry muffins for the week (I hope!) (1 egg)
-2 hardboiled eggs (1 diced and ready in Monday's salad, the other? As is?) (2 eggs)
Thus, nothing was wasted.
Perhaps I may make my way towards Downtown Vic tonight as I'm sure we're all still celebrating. Lot's red and white, hockey jerseys, and honking cars at Quadra-McKenzie alone during my one hour of being out of the house today after the Gold Medal Win!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
7 Days in Honduras
I have been home for two and a half days nows. And for the last two and a half days I have been distracted by the Olympics - especially Men's Hockey... I'm very tempted to be in Van for the Games this weekend, but will likely just head to a Cineplex and watch Live on the big screen.
Also the last two days I have been plagued (mildly with the virus that spread amongst our Brigade group) with how to summarize my Brigade! The Internet cafe at our lodgings was far too slow for updating throughout so here it all is picture-book-style:
Feb.15
Arrived at Tegucigalpa - one bus from Tsawwassen to Seattle, one flight from Seattle to Atlanta, another flight from Atlanta to Honduras later. We actually started our travel on Feb. 14th.
Now functioning on EST - hometime, yet I always get jet-lagged. I tried, I really tried to sleep on our RedEye, but no dice.
The motorbikes of Tegucigalpa. I would love to traverse around the windy mountains with my Dad one day, but that may not be safe even though we could pass as Hondurans.
We stuffed our luggages and ourselves (all 28 of ourselves) into our bus - with a rosary hanging off the rear-view just like my fam!
Outside our lodgings at the top, the very top, of our side of the mountain. All we did was climb. And I was concerned about not getting adequate exercise....
Feb. 16
Visited the Sociadad of Nuevo Paraiso.
Gate to Clinica Santa Rosa de Lima.
We ate across from the clinic the first day. This day we saw what lay beyond.
Kindergartners all the way up to high school as well as the church I would attend on Sunday.
The kindergartners' teacher allowed them all to come and play with us in their cute matching uniforms. We all held hands and walked/danced around in a circle while they sang super cathy Spanish songs. The girl to my front had the cutest smile, and her best friend to my back, Claudia (pronounced Clou-Dee-A with much conviction) sang loudly, clearly, and with the cutest dimples. My girls.
A map of Honduras painted outside one of the baby houses.
Brigade 1
My assignment this day was shadowing Dr. Ronda in the doctor consultation station.
Picked up on a lot of the Spanish terms - I love how it can be so related to Tagalog- and saw a lot of the same cases. Some very sad cases. But some very good sights of teeth in a lot of the children.
(Top) Walking behind my home visit team. Just a short walk down the street, but this ladies vericose ulcer was terrible enough that mobility was not an option.
(Bottom) The view from the consultation area. Donations handout out from the building. Charla given in the circular area.
Served over 440 patients this day.
Brigade 2
Served over 600 patients this day!
My view from the pharmacy - my specialty.
Spent the afternoon unexpectedly in the Dental Room.
(Top) Some of my last patients of the day. They loved learning how to brush teeth on Pedro.
(Bottom) The ninos with their cute wool tuques outside the room. They loved having pictures taken of them, and I loved saying Hola to them in between my dental education...in Spanish. I learned a lot of Spanish this day.
Patients receiving their medications in the bags mec donated to us! Thanks, mec!
Afternoon again in the Dental Room. This time, I was pulling teeth! Four of them to be exact. Two on the bottom. Two on the top. All increasing in difficulty and size. 
Jose Luis was the assisstant to the assisstant (me).
The first tooth I pulled! A baby compared to the ones to follow. 
Brigade 4 
Beautiful scenery here, way up in the mountains. Quite the lengthy ride to get here.
If I showed any signs of the "sickness," it was today. 
The hermanos! The first children I noticed when we arrived. Always holding hands. We made sure they received some wicked goods.
Sunday the 19th 
Santa Lucia
Check us out! The GMB! You'd never know most of us were terribly sick at some point during the week.
Me and our view from the top.
Also the last two days I have been plagued (mildly with the virus that spread amongst our Brigade group) with how to summarize my Brigade! The Internet cafe at our lodgings was far too slow for updating throughout so here it all is picture-book-style:
Feb.15
Arrived at Tegucigalpa - one bus from Tsawwassen to Seattle, one flight from Seattle to Atlanta, another flight from Atlanta to Honduras later. We actually started our travel on Feb. 14th.
Now functioning on EST - hometime, yet I always get jet-lagged. I tried, I really tried to sleep on our RedEye, but no dice.
The motorbikes of Tegucigalpa. I would love to traverse around the windy mountains with my Dad one day, but that may not be safe even though we could pass as Hondurans.
We stuffed our luggages and ourselves (all 28 of ourselves) into our bus - with a rosary hanging off the rear-view just like my fam!
Outside our lodgings at the top, the very top, of our side of the mountain. All we did was climb. And I was concerned about not getting adequate exercise....
Feb. 16
Visited the Sociadad of Nuevo Paraiso.
Gate to Clinica Santa Rosa de Lima.
We ate across from the clinic the first day. This day we saw what lay beyond.
Kindergartners all the way up to high school as well as the church I would attend on Sunday.
The kindergartners' teacher allowed them all to come and play with us in their cute matching uniforms. We all held hands and walked/danced around in a circle while they sang super cathy Spanish songs. The girl to my front had the cutest smile, and her best friend to my back, Claudia (pronounced Clou-Dee-A with much conviction) sang loudly, clearly, and with the cutest dimples. My girls.
My girls are the second and third from the left. Only caught the end of their song. Clearly I also did not have much experiencing doing video with my iPod at this point either. Yup. That's my finger in the corner.
Short little vid. of this cutie with her lollipop. She danced and sang solo for ALL OF US earlier too. No shame. Only joy with this one.
A map of Honduras painted outside one of the baby houses.
Brigade 1
My assignment this day was shadowing Dr. Ronda in the doctor consultation station.
Picked up on a lot of the Spanish terms - I love how it can be so related to Tagalog- and saw a lot of the same cases. Some very sad cases. But some very good sights of teeth in a lot of the children.
(Top) Walking behind my home visit team. Just a short walk down the street, but this ladies vericose ulcer was terrible enough that mobility was not an option.
(Bottom) The view from the consultation area. Donations handout out from the building. Charla given in the circular area.
Served over 440 patients this day.
Brigade 2
Served over 600 patients this day!
My view from the pharmacy - my specialty.
Spent the afternoon unexpectedly in the Dental Room.
(Top) Some of my last patients of the day. They loved learning how to brush teeth on Pedro.
(Bottom) The ninos with their cute wool tuques outside the room. They loved having pictures taken of them, and I loved saying Hola to them in between my dental education...in Spanish. I learned a lot of Spanish this day.
Brigade 3
Served over 300 patients this day.
Pharmacy again! Counting pills that arrived last night close to 11p.m. We were exhausted by that point so were left to do it in the morning.
Patients receiving their medications in the bags mec donated to us! Thanks, mec!
Afternoon again in the Dental Room. This time, I was pulling teeth! Four of them to be exact. Two on the bottom. Two on the top. All increasing in difficulty and size.
Jose Luis was the assisstant to the assisstant (me).
The first tooth I pulled! A baby compared to the ones to follow.
I have so much more respect for dentists. Having to deal with getting patients through the pain that you have to cause them, and having to find the right spot to clamp the tooth, and having to keep the proper amount of torque (slow movements, yet with a death grip) throughout. Makes me sweat again just thinking of it. It gets quite physical.
Tribesty's super awesome shield. The goggles he had on earlier were enough to make me smile; I have no idea where he found this one. Cleaning out our spit basin at the end of the day. It's actually not as nauseating to look at as I thought it would be. All the spittle....ewww.
Apparently we were a good team. It was tough running the show with only two people.
Brigade 4
Served over 100 patients. Our smallest brigade, but these people needed the help the most.
Beautiful scenery here, way up in the mountains. Quite the lengthy ride to get here.
If I showed any signs of the "sickness," it was today.
Dizziness. Headache. (Maybe some mild diarrhea. Sorry, but that's how the story goes). So it was a good thing I was in donations.
I was excited about this job. Being able to match people with glasses, clothes, and toys.
They look you in the eyes when they say their "Gracias" and you cannot help but smile and wish you couuld give them more.
The hermanos! The first children I noticed when we arrived. Always holding hands. We made sure they received some wicked goods.
Sunday the 19th
Our "day off."
I did not really get a sleep-in as I was up by 6:45am getting ready for mass.
We even got to enjoy the breakfast which we thought we would miss - pancakes too. Something familiar.
Got some video of singing during Communion. These people love to sing. I would argue that they actually pray 3-4X every time they sing, as opposed to the standard of 2X.
Did not quite understand it all but knew the flow. Loved how the priest got the children (so many of them!) involved, as they answered with their Si''s and No's.
Saint Francis of Assissi was sang in Spanish. Just as beautiful, if not, more.
Was hoping to catch it unnoticed, but the young girls in the pew in front had their eyes on me by the end.
The one with the cute pigtails kept grabbing for my hand throughout mass.
Very intimate people, EVERYONE was out of their seats, hugging you, kissing you, more than just handshakes and "Peace be with you"s during sharing the sign of peace.
Santa Lucia
Valle de Angeles, ready to pack-it-up and go.
Got everything I was looking for. A hammock! With just enough lempiras left to enjoy the best ice cream there is.
Check us out! The GMB! You'd never know most of us were terribly sick at some point during the week.
Moving scenery if you're interested in Honduras as the sun goes down. One with some Spanish radio in the background. Another with the silence of our sleepy selves:
Our surprise from Moises. Lessons and songs from his schoolteacher.
Final Day
Goodbye Honduras.
Ready for another full day of travelling.
Me and our view from the top.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
With Glowing Hearts
It's pretty sweet to be able to say I've been there. That I was here to experience the Olympics at home. It's so much like World Youth Day when you've got all these people from different countries, dressed the same, for the same big event.
You see the families out together, the support for their individual countries - but being at home, being a host to everyone is really cool.
The city is so alive and what makes us unique as Canadians is really everywhere.
The rain was not an issue for anyone today and tonight, which is the only way to be here in B.C.
Today may be all I get in terms of immersing myself in the Olympics, as tomorrow is off to Honduras! Meeting my group at 12:30p.m. on this side.
I'm satisfied with what I got to see today. Really wish I hadn't forgotten my red mitts at home on the island.
Standing on Robson underneath the ZipTrek. Definitely would have done it myself, if the line-up was not so long and actually moved. We got some pics with the dogsled and at the free pic booth by accident, which was a good find at the Pacific Centre festivities.
Mr. Da Vinci will have to wait until after the Olympics when I don't have to worry about waiting in a long line to see his works.
The Richmond O-Zone. Bedouin Soundclash on the stage. Interesting cover of Fever and Stand By Me as a prelude to their classic hit.
Super Nice tribute to Jenn Heil for the Silver!
Great way of keeping us Canadians involved and in spirit as "back-up singers" with the audience O Canada! a capella at the end. Oh yeah, it rained the whole way through.
It's finalized now. My Lenten list:
Giving Up On:
-cursing (with the hopes for it to last past-40 days)
-spending (with the exception of the necessities of life like food, and movies because that is really a sole form of social activity for me here. So..no makeup, books/mags, CDs, etc. Honduras is also an exception as spending money has already been taken out and much of it are thank you gifts to my generous friends and family)
Giving In To:
-praying the Rosary daily for someone (I've created a Top 40 Hit List to get me through the 40 days)
This coming Wednesday is Day 1.
You see the families out together, the support for their individual countries - but being at home, being a host to everyone is really cool.
The city is so alive and what makes us unique as Canadians is really everywhere.
The rain was not an issue for anyone today and tonight, which is the only way to be here in B.C.
Today may be all I get in terms of immersing myself in the Olympics, as tomorrow is off to Honduras! Meeting my group at 12:30p.m. on this side.
I'm satisfied with what I got to see today. Really wish I hadn't forgotten my red mitts at home on the island.
Standing on Robson underneath the ZipTrek. Definitely would have done it myself, if the line-up was not so long and actually moved. We got some pics with the dogsled and at the free pic booth by accident, which was a good find at the Pacific Centre festivities.
Mr. Da Vinci will have to wait until after the Olympics when I don't have to worry about waiting in a long line to see his works.
The Richmond O-Zone. Bedouin Soundclash on the stage. Interesting cover of Fever and Stand By Me as a prelude to their classic hit.
Super Nice tribute to Jenn Heil for the Silver!
Great way of keeping us Canadians involved and in spirit as "back-up singers" with the audience O Canada! a capella at the end. Oh yeah, it rained the whole way through.
It's finalized now. My Lenten list:
Giving Up On:
-cursing (with the hopes for it to last past-40 days)
-spending (with the exception of the necessities of life like food, and movies because that is really a sole form of social activity for me here. So..no makeup, books/mags, CDs, etc. Honduras is also an exception as spending money has already been taken out and much of it are thank you gifts to my generous friends and family)
Giving In To:
-praying the Rosary daily for someone (I've created a Top 40 Hit List to get me through the 40 days)
This coming Wednesday is Day 1.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
t-3 Days
I have knots in my stomach and want to vomit at the thought that I left my USB in the library computer today. When you plug it in it goes behind the screen and I mentally told myself you have to remember to take it out, and still forgot. I really do hope that good people were around and did not take it for keeps, especially when seeing that someone's keys were attached.
My biathlon was a success. Although it made me realize that a regular commute to school is quite the workout as opposed to the friendly commute. Only twenty minutes to run there and about the same to bike back due to drivers who are too careless and lazy to signal. I can't read your minds people, and there' s no way I'm biking in front of your car when I don't know which way you're about to turn.
I rewarded myself with a mushroom and cheese omelet and some more banana bread. This is what was left of last night's masterpiece as of 10am this morning. It was the best I have made thus far, with Rob's help and his plantain bananas. Nice and moist, good density and the perfect amount of crunch you would ever desire on the bottom....
3 days until our journey to Honduras begins. Everything is really coming together now. I love that part about preparing for a trip.
Check it. My Behavioural Medicine Lab team is awesome. Their donatinos are spilling onto the floor now.
And the gift I have waited for the most. Donations from St John's Parish. Received box number 3 today - the final one. Now a running total of 118! Sweet. Friday morning is going to hurt lugging all my stuff to school.
I can't believe Advent begins next week. Father Dean mentioned that next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and reminded us to begin thinking about what we would like to give up or do.
I'd like to find something to give up as well as something to do.
I know for sure I'm giving up cursing. My potty mouth is rather disgraceful, so this is something I hope can extend beyond the forty days.
As for something to do, I've got 6 more days to figure that one out.
My biathlon was a success. Although it made me realize that a regular commute to school is quite the workout as opposed to the friendly commute. Only twenty minutes to run there and about the same to bike back due to drivers who are too careless and lazy to signal. I can't read your minds people, and there' s no way I'm biking in front of your car when I don't know which way you're about to turn.
I rewarded myself with a mushroom and cheese omelet and some more banana bread. This is what was left of last night's masterpiece as of 10am this morning. It was the best I have made thus far, with Rob's help and his plantain bananas. Nice and moist, good density and the perfect amount of crunch you would ever desire on the bottom....
3 days until our journey to Honduras begins. Everything is really coming together now. I love that part about preparing for a trip.
Check it. My Behavioural Medicine Lab team is awesome. Their donatinos are spilling onto the floor now.
And the gift I have waited for the most. Donations from St John's Parish. Received box number 3 today - the final one. Now a running total of 118! Sweet. Friday morning is going to hurt lugging all my stuff to school.
I can't believe Advent begins next week. Father Dean mentioned that next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and reminded us to begin thinking about what we would like to give up or do.
I'd like to find something to give up as well as something to do.
I know for sure I'm giving up cursing. My potty mouth is rather disgraceful, so this is something I hope can extend beyond the forty days.
As for something to do, I've got 6 more days to figure that one out.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Non-academic Productiveness
It's all about rewards in combination with punishment right now. Felt really good about my pharamacology midterm (it does pay off to start studying more than a week before - it was not all effective studying, but there was a degree of preparation that I have been lacking), and our business law group meeting this morning was successful. We are going to be the ones who tried too hard and we love it.
My life as a student in identity crisis (always discovering new things I can do and seeing myself liking every one of them) involves making lists and fulfilling or not fulfilling them while continuing to make lists. Every available space gets filled with writing in my agenda book.
For example, my appointment as a model for gel nails at Richard Mar today went as scheduled. But I had not accounted for it taking as long as it did which took me away from my GMB meeting and collecting donations from a very generous student. The outcome of fulfilling one task and displacing two others made me feel rather selfish. But they're so pretty and clean! And already I am used to typing and texting with them.
This one I forgot to add to the list, but stayed in my mind all day. Banana bread. Mmmm. Still got another half hour to go before I can consume this baby. Same awesome mamma`s recipe. But this time with chocolate chips and blueberries. I did not forget the sugar this time.
This one I forgot to add to the list, but stayed in my mind all day. Banana bread. Mmmm. Still got another half hour to go before I can consume this baby. Same awesome mamma`s recipe. But this time with chocolate chips and blueberries. I did not forget the sugar this time.
This I added to my list (reluctantly) and then moved to a different date within seconds. Tomorrow morning Katrina is participating in her own organized biathlon. I am going to run halfway to school to pick up my bike in hope that it has not been vandalized by a elementary student who knows no better. My helmet`s looking lonely without its bike.
Monday, February 8, 2010
This Little Light of Mine
Only a solo song today, because it is the only one on my mind, and has been since 9pm last evening. Went to see The Road with my housemmate at the Cinecentre. I had no expectations for it going in since I have yet to read the book.
Some memorable moments, one of which I mentioned to Rob about how they would ask, "Are you carrying the fire?" I liked the inspiration in that.
Although the timing could have been better because it made me think of the Olympics and took away from the personal meaning I was trying to build. And now it just seems way too light for me since Rob associated it with that Christian song. We sang it on the bus together and had a great time.
Some memorable moments, one of which I mentioned to Rob about how they would ask, "Are you carrying the fire?" I liked the inspiration in that.
Although the timing could have been better because it made me think of the Olympics and took away from the personal meaning I was trying to build. And now it just seems way too light for me since Rob associated it with that Christian song. We sang it on the bus together and had a great time.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Beautiful Mess/It's A Beautiful Day
I am rewarding myself for today's misadventure with a super cold, super sour, berry and pear smoothie. I had it all planned out. I was going to cycle to my cycle class all the way on campus today. The true test and the amazing beginning of my commuting my biking. It was going to be awesome. I was going to make it.
But I didn't. I made it up most of the 3rd hill (of 4) and had enough. Mostly of myself than of the actual experience. I didn't even have anything to compare it to as it was my first attempt to school (I've made it back before) so feeling like I was pedaling too slow (which was the only real issue) - the burn was not anything new - should not have been an issue - just the baseline for the next one.
But alas, I stopped, which was damaging to my pride because having to get off a bike to walk is a weakness to me. Especially when the elderly just do it, no matter how slow they have to go. I know, I witnessed it on my walk of shame back to Quadra and Mackenzie (no way was I taking the 26 bus a mere 3 stops to get on the 6, especially when the purpose of biking is to be better than the bus commute).
Anyways, I'm not a failure unless I never do it again. And since I decided to leave my bike where I was - I will have to do it again.
And next time instead of telling myself "You suck. What the hell were you thinking?" I'll have to tell myself "You are awesome. You are a tank." as I have found that mental strategy to work when carrying heavy things onto the ferry. Not even telling myself "You will have legs of steel" today convinced me to continue my adventure.
I'll also need a pre-made playlist. Something to pump me up instead of depress me with the irony the way Jason Mraz's "Beautiful Mess" did on my walk of shame.
It's still a beautiful day, and I was able to enjoy that both ways, so nothing was lost or wasted really. I don't think a mash-up of Jason Mraz and U2 would really work though...
Good time for personal reflection and mental punishment. I did waste energy by taking out my anger on mom. I'll have to apologize for that later.
But I didn't. I made it up most of the 3rd hill (of 4) and had enough. Mostly of myself than of the actual experience. I didn't even have anything to compare it to as it was my first attempt to school (I've made it back before) so feeling like I was pedaling too slow (which was the only real issue) - the burn was not anything new - should not have been an issue - just the baseline for the next one.
But alas, I stopped, which was damaging to my pride because having to get off a bike to walk is a weakness to me. Especially when the elderly just do it, no matter how slow they have to go. I know, I witnessed it on my walk of shame back to Quadra and Mackenzie (no way was I taking the 26 bus a mere 3 stops to get on the 6, especially when the purpose of biking is to be better than the bus commute).
Anyways, I'm not a failure unless I never do it again. And since I decided to leave my bike where I was - I will have to do it again.
And next time instead of telling myself "You suck. What the hell were you thinking?" I'll have to tell myself "You are awesome. You are a tank." as I have found that mental strategy to work when carrying heavy things onto the ferry. Not even telling myself "You will have legs of steel" today convinced me to continue my adventure.
I'll also need a pre-made playlist. Something to pump me up instead of depress me with the irony the way Jason Mraz's "Beautiful Mess" did on my walk of shame.
It's still a beautiful day, and I was able to enjoy that both ways, so nothing was lost or wasted really. I don't think a mash-up of Jason Mraz and U2 would really work though...
Good time for personal reflection and mental punishment. I did waste energy by taking out my anger on mom. I'll have to apologize for that later.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Wild Thang/I Wanna Hold Your Hand
This may become a theme of mine, having song titles as titles to my blogs. Not always mash-up potentials. But song titles for sure.
I am a companion to a woman who humbles me. This is my second visit to her where she is under the care of devoted professionals and Christians. She is my hero. Someone who can find happiness when once they had absolutely nothing is a model of emotional strength for me. Our first meeting she gave me the most beatiful smile and immediately took my hand. My favourite part of the visit is when she wants to hold my hand. Funny how something so simple can really warm my heart. I even broke out of my comfort zone and sang Wild Thing with her before leaving.
Check out the spices my Momma sent me! Apparently I'm the only one in my house who is familiar with these twist top jars with holes in them. The spices just fall out. My housemmate last year discovered this by mistake.
Check out my curry creation from last night! I described the outcome of this already. Today it tasted better after reheating.
My pride and joy of the week. Somehow I managed to make the zipper on my mec bag extremely overlap the material. What wonderful service they provided. I brought it back for repair, at which they determined it was irreparable, so they gave me a brand new one. I think I am satisfied with my work. Even my tank of a housemate was impressed by the damages.
My friends in Ontario will be upset with me for mentioning that today I did homework outside. At nighttime too. The transit theme of today was the bus being early, so every time I prepared to walk I would see it pass by from afar. So, on my return to Starbucks, instead of reclaiming my table inside, I sat outside and did me some homework. Many say that spring will be here for us next week. I believe them. To me, it's been spring since September.
VANOC is totally here. I noticed an increase in tourists downtown today. The fact that I even noticed the tourists at all was a warning flag. Looks like they're all paying a visit here before they flood Vancouver. I love it.
Attended half of my Sign Social tonight. We actually had a roundtable conversation in ASL. It was really neat, actually applying my skills in real conversation with others at the same level. Learned a lot of new and useful signs: all the provinces, park, asking where you grew up. I wonder if I can find volunteer work in a country that has an ASL community. That would be awesome. Challenging. But awesome.
I am a companion to a woman who humbles me. This is my second visit to her where she is under the care of devoted professionals and Christians. She is my hero. Someone who can find happiness when once they had absolutely nothing is a model of emotional strength for me. Our first meeting she gave me the most beatiful smile and immediately took my hand. My favourite part of the visit is when she wants to hold my hand. Funny how something so simple can really warm my heart. I even broke out of my comfort zone and sang Wild Thing with her before leaving.
Check out the spices my Momma sent me! Apparently I'm the only one in my house who is familiar with these twist top jars with holes in them. The spices just fall out. My housemmate last year discovered this by mistake.
Check out my curry creation from last night! I described the outcome of this already. Today it tasted better after reheating.
My pride and joy of the week. Somehow I managed to make the zipper on my mec bag extremely overlap the material. What wonderful service they provided. I brought it back for repair, at which they determined it was irreparable, so they gave me a brand new one. I think I am satisfied with my work. Even my tank of a housemate was impressed by the damages.
My friends in Ontario will be upset with me for mentioning that today I did homework outside. At nighttime too. The transit theme of today was the bus being early, so every time I prepared to walk I would see it pass by from afar. So, on my return to Starbucks, instead of reclaiming my table inside, I sat outside and did me some homework. Many say that spring will be here for us next week. I believe them. To me, it's been spring since September.
VANOC is totally here. I noticed an increase in tourists downtown today. The fact that I even noticed the tourists at all was a warning flag. Looks like they're all paying a visit here before they flood Vancouver. I love it.
Attended half of my Sign Social tonight. We actually had a roundtable conversation in ASL. It was really neat, actually applying my skills in real conversation with others at the same level. Learned a lot of new and useful signs: all the provinces, park, asking where you grew up. I wonder if I can find volunteer work in a country that has an ASL community. That would be awesome. Challenging. But awesome.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Isn't It Friday Tomorrow?
I have been terribly mistaken today. Thinking tomorrow was Friday and getting all excited to use up my last spa session at Richard Mar. Except tomorrow is Thursday so I won't be doing that - yet. Also thinking tomorrow was Friday which would have meant that Fringe is on tonight. Except it's not, it's on tomorrow, Thursday night. It's a good thing I realized this because if tomorrow really was Friday, I would have already completed and submitted my physiology lab write up, which I have not - because tomorrow is not Friday.
It's going to be another late night, little sleep, early morning cycle.
I'm just finishing dinner. My curry again! Except the sauce is rather watery and my veggies (although a kick-ass combo of potatoes, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, and carrots) are undercooked. And, I assumed a super hearty appetite again and took too much for myself, which I have to laboriously finish as I refuse to make refuse. Time will be 10:15pm by the time I am finished this all.
And I still have to do that lab write up (most of it is already done mind you). And prepare for tomorrows class. And I was hoping to go through my Honduras checklist so I can pack most of my things and pick up the little (I hope) that I need tomorrow. Oh yeah, and I still have to prepare food to get me through tomorrow.
It's going to be another late night, little sleep, early morning cycle.
I'm just finishing dinner. My curry again! Except the sauce is rather watery and my veggies (although a kick-ass combo of potatoes, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, and carrots) are undercooked. And, I assumed a super hearty appetite again and took too much for myself, which I have to laboriously finish as I refuse to make refuse. Time will be 10:15pm by the time I am finished this all.
And I still have to do that lab write up (most of it is already done mind you). And prepare for tomorrows class. And I was hoping to go through my Honduras checklist so I can pack most of my things and pick up the little (I hope) that I need tomorrow. Oh yeah, and I still have to prepare food to get me through tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Walking On Sunshine/Give a Little Bit
Do you think it's possible to do a decent mash-up of those two songs? Because they would be the perfect theme song to how this day has been (although it's only about noon at this point).
The weather as I checked it to decide what to wear to get me through to about 10pm tonight away from the house is supposed to be 8degrees with 50% chance of showers. Not enough for rainboots. But enough for tights, a wool sweater, and vest. Oh yes, and RayBans. Suffice it to say, those clothes were too much and now I am sitiing with the vest tossed aside and the sweater unzipped. There is much to be happy about today.
I also donated a flannel sheet (that was donated to me) to Harm Less, collecting funds for Victoria homeless living in poverty. They were so delighted as I was the first to donate, and from all the collections I've been doing for GMB, I know exactly how uplifting that feeling is. So I also donated $2 bucks for baked goods (that they were already offering me for the blanket). I do believe in altruism. I'm not sure that the desire to give of oneself for the benefit of others is an innate human characteristic, but I do know that for me, it does not feel like a selfish attempt to feel like I'm a good person. I just want to be good and do well for others. I am a citizen of humanity, and I wish that I could always "give once a day" in addition to adhering to lululemon's "sweat once a day." Every day does not have to be about giving something away or donating - increasing awareness, making choices that bear others in mind (even if they may not realize or be able to appreciate it directly) - that's giving in small ways, and can certainly be done every day.
The weather as I checked it to decide what to wear to get me through to about 10pm tonight away from the house is supposed to be 8degrees with 50% chance of showers. Not enough for rainboots. But enough for tights, a wool sweater, and vest. Oh yes, and RayBans. Suffice it to say, those clothes were too much and now I am sitiing with the vest tossed aside and the sweater unzipped. There is much to be happy about today.
I also donated a flannel sheet (that was donated to me) to Harm Less, collecting funds for Victoria homeless living in poverty. They were so delighted as I was the first to donate, and from all the collections I've been doing for GMB, I know exactly how uplifting that feeling is. So I also donated $2 bucks for baked goods (that they were already offering me for the blanket). I do believe in altruism. I'm not sure that the desire to give of oneself for the benefit of others is an innate human characteristic, but I do know that for me, it does not feel like a selfish attempt to feel like I'm a good person. I just want to be good and do well for others. I am a citizen of humanity, and I wish that I could always "give once a day" in addition to adhering to lululemon's "sweat once a day." Every day does not have to be about giving something away or donating - increasing awareness, making choices that bear others in mind (even if they may not realize or be able to appreciate it directly) - that's giving in small ways, and can certainly be done every day.
Monday, February 1, 2010
That's It! But I'm Not Giving Up Yet
I've officially been stoop up twice over the last four days. And by someone who hasn't even seen me before, so there can't be an accompanying excuse! Our differing languages and backgrounds are already becoming a barrier and yet we have only been emailing and texting. I just started the Conversation Partners program here at UVic to practice my Spanish for Honduras and future mission trips, as well as to make an International student feel at home here (even thought Vic and B.C. in general, is not my home...sshhh). We will meet one day. I'm just not sure when at this point with the history we've had.
It must be karma for me not making it to the BML today to do data entry since I just got back from Van around 12pm (usually when I walk into the lab doors).
This is the first time I have actually been productive and achieved work while visiting Ate Laura and Kuya Chris. I was their first visitor to their new home in Richmond, right by No.3 road and the River Rock Casino. Not too shabby at all for location.
Amidst an emotional weekend remembering our beloved on the 40th day, I could not have wanted to be anywhere else than with family, especially the ones I've got just a ferry ride away over here.
Miss you always, Kuya. Can't wait to see that smile again.
It must be karma for me not making it to the BML today to do data entry since I just got back from Van around 12pm (usually when I walk into the lab doors).
This is the first time I have actually been productive and achieved work while visiting Ate Laura and Kuya Chris. I was their first visitor to their new home in Richmond, right by No.3 road and the River Rock Casino. Not too shabby at all for location.
Amidst an emotional weekend remembering our beloved on the 40th day, I could not have wanted to be anywhere else than with family, especially the ones I've got just a ferry ride away over here.
Miss you always, Kuya. Can't wait to see that smile again.
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