day of service

I was able to join this year's TELUS Day of Service and our team volunteered to help out in the Vancouver Food Bank. We were grouped three per station and we did the sorting for all the canned goods. We had to sort the canned goods into five groups - Meat&Fish, Canned Soup, Meals in a Can, Fruits&Veggies and Pasta. I ended up taping up and preparing the boxes as my two co volunteers were really good in sorting. Meals in a Can and soup was tricky, as some soup can be considered meals in a can. When it comes down to it, look at the labels, and check - if proteins is 7 (or was it 9) and above, then that'll be considered meals in a can.

I was surprised how big the warehouse was, and how it was filled up with isles and isles of food. Tiring work too, but was really fun and fulfilling. We were there for only two hours, and after which, a couple of us went to the famous Gelatto place where you'd have to pick from over a hundred different flavors! I ended up getting tiramisu, and my some of my friends got Durian! Of all flavors, ew! They even had chili chocolate and curry flavors. I tried it out... they really taste like chili and curry, but gelato style. Haha

And we're not finished yet, we had lunch in one of these cute little cafes in Commercial drive. And then off we are to go back to work! How can you go back to work mode after a morning like today??

spend spend spend

I always tell myself when I come over here that I wouldn't buy stuff, that I would save money. But after the third time, I still haven't accomplished that one. I end up spending a lot of money on stuff which I don't even know how I got. And the bad thing is, I realized that some important people that I wanted to give pasalubong to, I haven't even gotten them anything yet!

2 more weeks left

2 more weeks left before I come back home! Couldn't be more excited, but also feeling sad at the same time. Dramatic as it sounds, but I've come to love this place I've lived for the past 4 months. I loved how I took the step of finding a place to live, and enjoying my own room, for the first time my whole life (I've shared rooms with my sister before, and I slept in a sofa bed for my past two years when I was here in Canada).

I think it's been an awesome experience. I've packed my bags myself. I've learned to take care of myself more, and at the same time I've realized that trying out something new isn't as scary as I thought it would be. In fact, it paid off - the family I live with is amazing. I have no regrets at all. Even if I did pay more for living expenses this time around, I did however feel much more "free" and at ease. Nothing beats that. I have a queen size bed, huge closet, which by the way, I would really like to have when I get a place of my own.

Last night, my friend and I packed up our balikbayan box. We had too much stuff here so we decided to get a door to door box and get most of our stuff shipped over (it'll take 4-6 weeks though). Of course, the stuff I'm giving to my family, I'm leaving in my luggage, the rest go to the box!

I just can't wait. two more weeks. Time sure flies by so far. And now that the time to leave is coming soon, I feel that time is moving even faster! Cannot wait to be home, but however, not looking forward to the searing Heat in Manila!

See you soon!

random

I just realized I haven't posted in my blog for quite a while! And to think I've been verrrryy busy the past few weeks with lots of stories to tell!

For the past few weeks, I've gone ice skating, pitch and putt, and go on a vacation to Las Vegas and Arizona (see the Grand Canyon!)... and not to mention I went through two project releases in one night. Not bad right? Been really a busy past few weeks, and looking forward to a more relaxed environment for the next couple of weeks.

And I just realized that I have two more weeks, and then I have to say good bye again to this place I've come to love for the past few months. I enjoyed my stay here again, as usual. It's a new experience especially since I've stayed on my own (although our homestay family takes care of us so much). I've had the privacy I've been craving for for the past few years, and all in all, the extra money I paid for was really worth it. Doesn't seem to matter as much as I thought it would.

I'll definitely miss this place. Hopefully I can come back again soon.

But going to Las Vegas and Arizona was the best. Grand Canyon and Casinos! WOW! Although I did go over budget. But who cares right? I still got watch Lion King and walk in the Skywalk in the South Rim.



They did ask me for a tip while my aunt was taking my picture. Hmph.