The End of My Getaway

My visits to the mainland keep coming up unexpectedly for me. They have all been invitations so relevant to who I am known to be (the Chapter's Volunteer Appreciation Day from my last time in Van) and who I am becoming (this weekend in Sorrento as a week for D&P).
So this weekend has not actually been a true getaway for me. It has taken me away from my studying desk at home, but it has not been a means of me wanting to avoid my studies as an academic. Rather, it was the beginning of fulfilling my duties as a youth member of Development and Peace.

So, Sorrento. The heart of the Shuswap, offering me another beach to run on, and another lake to contemplate by...
The stillness of a 7a.m. morning by the water


The afternoon back at the beach with another new filipino family. The weather was as incredible as it looked. I ran down the hill to meet them there. I felt really weightless and free because I had stepped outside of myself and recorder a video speaking on my thoughts of D&P, particular how I support their mandate to educate Canadians on the issues of the Global South. Using my voice has been a challenge for me - this was my first big step in making myself more visible.

The long drive that brought me closer to home brought me some painful clogged-ear moments, but was well worth it. Weaving between the mountains and taking in our beautiful landscape.
I arrived in Kamloops by flying over those mountains. I made my way home at ground level.
A visit to Merritt - a place I thought I would potentially never visit (a place a school friend currently lives in. I wouldn't even have known of its existence if it were not for him and his visit to Victoria last fall).

A visit to Hope, B.C.'s McDonalds, where I made a pledge. First of all, not only did I not order a burger, but I made a decision to enjoy my last medium fries.
Yup. I'm acting on my decision to actually make healthier decisions. Not just think about them. The motivation came from my surprise at how much I enjoyed a salad I made for myself earlier last week. I had enjoyed it so much that I wanted to lick the bowl clean. I didn't lick the bowl clean because although I was by myself, I still found it offensive. I realized that the need to eat well was actually becoming a want for me.
So, goodbye McDonald's french fries. It's been a great relationship, but you're no good for me.