Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Sometimes I Wish I Wasn't Filipino

Don't get me wrong. I am not ashamed of being Filipino and I do not deny the fact that I was born and raised in the Philippines. It's just that if I wasn't a Filipino my life right now would be way easier.

For starters, if I was not a Filipino, I would not have to go through the painful uprooting of my happy and content life in the Philippines and re-establish a new life here in Canada. Although the Canadian culture is great I hate having to lose my status as a student because I'm having an extremely difficult time getting into the nursing program here in Edmonton. If I was born as a Canadian, I wouldn't have to go through the painful hiatus from school.

If I was not Filipino, I wouldn't be a victim of Filipino mentality where I am rebuked for being who I am. It's not my fault that I act and speak flamboyantly. I was raised to be assertive and self-confident. I cannot help it if I want to pronounce words properly because I am an educated Atenean. Like leave me alone will you? Is it my fault if I like to dress well and have nice gadgets?

But then again, I have to ask myself whether the root of my problem is because of me being Filipino or me migrating to a foreign land. Or maybe the main cause of my problems is my pride. I don't want people to think that I am just a contract worker (not that there's nothing wrong with being a foreign worker). Maybe if I didn't have so much pride and insecurities I may have the chance of living a happy and content life.

But again, I do not want to settle for mediocrity. I will not accept the fact that I didn't get the chance to finish college because I had to move here in Canada. I still have so many goals that I want to accomplish.


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Exciting Phone Chat

I have heard friends talking about this free chat service that Talk121 is offering. I didn't have a clue about what they were talking about so I asked one of them to enlighten me with this matter. They then introduced me to the world of phone chat lines, live chat, and voice personals.

They told me that it was kinda like being on a social networking website where you get to meet new very interesting girls and guys. The only difference is that hearing someone's voice when you chat is more intimate than reading words. You really get a feel of who the person is if you hear them talk live.

And it is much easier for you to express your real feelings and you feel safer because callers don't have to give their numbers so you don't have to fear someone calling you on your phone and that your privacy is respected.

So if you're lonely and bored why not get on the phone right now and chat live. I'm a pretty shy guy too but I find this phone chat service very interesting. I should try it sometimes.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Procrastinator



Gosh! This guy reminds me of myself. This is how I am in the morning. I have to have to set the alarm on my iPhone and on my telephone set. I then have a 5 minute delay between the alarms so that I can "snooze" a bit more. Sometimes this tactic is very deadly because there are times when I over sleep and I end up being late.

Speaking of procrastination, I haven't folded up my laundry... I'm so lazy.

Anyway I checked out my admission status and guess what I saw? I was "Admissible". I was happy and disappointed at the same time just like when I heard that MacEwan lost some of my documents.

I was glad that there was progress in my application and I am eligible for admission but the disappointment part was when I still have to wait because I was placed on a "special wait list" because as they said there wasn't any space in the program yet.

I just hope that I get in this September! I pray, I wish, and I beg with my life.

I'm calling MacEwan tomorrow to ask if I could apply to their University and College Preparation Course in case I don't get accepted so I can study and get the chance to enter either University of Alberta or MacEwan's Nursing Program with ease because I now have Canadian education and higher grades as compared to my uncompetitive Philippine education (as so they think).

Sunday, July 19, 2009

On Life Insurance

I really didn't want to think or even plan for a future without my parents because I don't know what I would do without them. But my mom had done preparations for the unexpected and had somehow given me a blanket of protection against possible bankruptcy if ever one of my parents pass away unexpectedly.

I sat there listening to their conversation with a life insurance agent at our dinner table. I felt like it was a re-enactment of the Last Supper. My mom wanted to provide me and my brother assurance and protection against whatever might happen. We won't be left with nothing, we will be entitled to a lump sum of money that will help pay for our entire mortgage and provide us with financial stability.

Although I am very uncomfortable with this topic, it is a must. We have a lot of debt right now because we just bought a new house and car and my parents are earning just enough to pay for our debts and put food on the table. So it's still best to plan ahead for everything... even the unexpected and unwanted events.

Friday, July 17, 2009

The Beautification Project: Planters!

Our house will still be finished being constructed this November (hopefully!) but we already have plans on how to furnish it and what to add to make our future home truly become our own dream home.

The main thing that's really on my mind right now is our front lawn and our backyard. We really have to get ourselves grass, trees, and plants. And boy, I never knew trees could be so darn expensive and we also need to get permission from the government to do any digging in the ground. That's why getting garden planters is a very good idea! We should get the self-watering and frost-resistant planters because I know that we will never have the time to water plants and you already know how Canada's winter are.

Having plants inside the house isn't a bad idea either! Aside from plants inside the house helps clean 87% of indoor pollutants (based on a NASA Study) they are very relaxing and pleasing to the eye. Plants may even bring more elegance and elegance into any room especially when you use a decorative planter.

I am really so excited to move and furnish our home. I wonder what kind of plants we should buy?

On Completing Requirements for School

What a day! I finally was able to finish The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada Basic Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Course for Health Care Providers! I actually considered this quite an accomplishment because I now know how to administer CPR to infants and adults (including two-rescuer scenarios and the use of bag mask), what to do during a foreign-body airway obstruction, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

I am so confident that if I see anyone out there collapse I exactly know what to do. Just follow the ABCD: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Defibrillator.

I was extremely lucky that I was the only trainee during that time and I had my personal trainer with me and I controlled our time for the session. It only took me 2.5 hours out of the normal 4 hours to train, perform, and take the written test (which I aced!).

I highly recommend Swoop First Aid for health care professionals out there looking for certification or re-certification. Dave, the instructor, was really nice and the training atmosphere was relaxing and fun.

I was actually supposed to do the certification after I got my conditional acceptance form from Grant MacEwan but I just wanted to finish this prerequisite already beforehand so that I can just hand the certificate to the Nursing Admission Team and have nothing to worry afterwards.

I really feel so accomplished because I already have finished updating my immunization, requesting a police information check, and I even applied for student loan already which turned out successful! All I need now is the conditional acceptance letter from MacEwan and I'll truly be happy.

The Proposal

We were watching TV when my mom suddenly said that it's too bad that we didn't get to watch The Proposal at the theatres. I then told her that it's still showing at Cineplex Odeon at Edmonton South Common. And guess what happened next? It was already 9 PM and my mom said that we should go and watch it - which we did.

Was the movie worth it? It sure was! I never knew that I had an extreme liking to romantic comedies. The movie was funny and witty. Although this would never ever happen in real life, heck! At least I enjoyed watching a complete fictitious movie.

Although I was a bit offended to what Margarette Tate (played by Sandra Bullock) said, that immigrants are only paperboys and gardeners. I just let it go because there is a bit of truth with this especially in the US.

I really love how Ryan Reynolds portray his characters as funny, smart, and witty.

Here's a clip that I found on the internet. I wonder if this clip was a genuine fight between Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock, and Betty White. But I bet that this is only some sort of gimmick to get people to watch the movie which I think is unnecessary because the movie is truly wonderful!






For the Love of Wine

I don't drink beer or any kind of alcoholic drinks but lately I have acquired the liking to red wine. After dinner, especially when we eat red meat, it has already become customary for me and my parents to drink red wine. I don't drink a lot though but having half a glass already satisfies me.

That's why we wanted to have a wine glass rack to be built in our kitchen of our soon to be constructed house. We wanted to have our wine glasses and of course our wine to be displayed because first of all it looks so classy and it's only convenient to have everything placed right there after dinner. It's just unfortunate that having one built by our house builder would cause a lot of money more.

But never the less we decided that we could just buy a hanging glass rack and install it ourselves. It saves us more money and we get to decide from a wide variety of shapes and styles of glass racks so it's all good.

The things we do for good health. Yes a glass of red wine a day is definitely good for the heart and may even boost the life expectancy to 5 years as a new research proposed!

Monday, July 13, 2009

The Nursing Life: Reminiscing Once Again

It has been several months now since I've written any blog post related to my life as a student nurse. But even if all I've been writing about is my break away from the "nursing world" I still remember and would never ever forget all the emotions, experience, and people I've encountered as a student nurse. I don't know about the knowledge part though because I feel like I've suffered the rare case of "selective amnesia".

A co-worker of mine asked me why I want to still pursue my nursing career when there are other jobs that offers higher compensation and are in high demand. Well let's just say that I want to enjoy my job and nursing is quite enjoyable: if your patient and other nurses aren't a pain that is.

Sure there are so many reasons I can name why I don't and shouldn't be a nurse but there is only one reason that I need to pursue my studies in nursing: I can never imagine myself in the future as anything else but as a nurse.

Well I have to get admitted to a nursing program first to be able to fulfill my dreams and goals so to the Grant MacEwan Admission Team, if you're reading this, please and I mean PLEASE accept me for this Fall term.

I also would like to give props and kudos to NursingSchools.net for recognizing my beloved personal slash nursing blog and placing it in their Top 50 Happy Nursing Blogs List!


Watching the Beautiful Hummingbirds

I really like watching animals go on with their daily lives on Discovery Channel. I find animals very fascinating and somehow just watching them makes me forget all my worries. I especially love watching the squirrels, rabbits, and especially the hummingbirds that come visit the garden of my grandma.

My grandma takes pride in her garden and her frequent visitors: the hummingbirds. She would always enjoy placing nectar in her bird feeder so that more hummingbirds will visit her garden. This coming August 2 will be her birthday and I know exactly what to give her! The best hummingbird feeder! I just know that my grandma will love her set of feeders!

It's really amazing how hummingbirds can flap their wings so many times in one minute. I've heard that an average hummingbird can flap their wings 50 times in 1 minute. Some hummingbirds can even flap their wings for 80 times in one minute. With all that flapping I'm glad that we can help them energize by providing them with their needed nutrition.

It really is great to have hummingbirds visit your backyard. Having them around makes the garden even more tranquil and peaceful.

On Being Thrifty

Holy molly! I didn`t feel the pressure of having to pay for stuff before because I always get a paycheck every 2 weeks. But now that I`m going to school this September (I hope, I WISH, cross my fingers!) as a full-time student, I have to quit my job (Yipee at last!). But with out a job, that means no pay check either.

I`m really going to learn how to budget my money and I have to learn that every expense even if it is very small will add up. I will try my best not to spend too much on food (Gosh I love food!!! Darn it!).

I`m also thinking of downgrading my iPhone plan... I currently pay $60 per month for my iPhone plan. It's really not that big when I had a job but if ever I quit my job I can only rely on my student loan to survive. Plus I also need to get a car so I have to pay for it too. Yes a car is a NEED because I have to drive several kilometeres around Edmonton for my clinicals.

I can always get a student line of credit ($10,000 per year) but I have to remember that the financial crisis all started from careless borrowing of money.

Well I'm sure I can figure something out.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Being a Traveling Nurse

Do you know what's great about being a nurse? So many job opportunities are open for you and every day is not monotonous and there's always something new.

But if you really want to see new people and work at different places as a nurse then you should try being a travel nurse! Yup, as the name implies you get to work at different places in America. I'm usually afraid of change and I don't know what to expect but I've heard great testimonials how recruiters from Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) will help and guide you every step of the way. They will help you find a job and secure you a guaranteed number of hours of work with a competitive wage! Plus they will pay for your credentialing, travel expenses, and they will provide you your very own private housing so all you have to worry about is where you will spend your paid vacation! And the best part about the recruiters from TNAA is that they won't pester you with calls or mailers like I've heard from other travel nurse agencies.

I wish that I could be a traveling nurse someday. I get a very generous compensation no matter what happens (strikes, economic slow down, etc), I get to see new places and experience different cultures, it's just loads of fun!

I know friends who wanted to be flight attendants so that they could get free tickets to places around the world. Who would have thought that being a nurse could also bring such perks.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Tired But Alive

Gosh I'm so tired today. It's great and all that I get to be in-charge (IC) and earn extra money at work but it's just too tiring. I feel that I'm such a bad IC because I haven't performed everything on my duty list, well my manager did tell me I can do it if I have time, which I didn't, so it's all cool.

My brother is being a pain once again. Just the other night he brought another friend home this time from Calgary. What dies he and his friend think our house is? A bed and breakfast which is open to the public 24 hours, 7 days a week?! Grr! My brother is an example of someone who can't live with his stupid useless friends who only ruins his life and our lives as well.

But enough about the negative! I'm just glad that things are going along great with my life. Although I didn't hear anything from MacEwan yet, I really feel that this time I'm going to be accepted into their nursing program (fingers crossed!).

I have a "To Do" list set-up. This Monday, I'm going to submit my Police Record Check and this Wednesday, I'm going to take my Basic Life Support and Cardio-Pulmonary Resucitation Course. I'm doing these pre-requisites ahead of time because they are need a lot of time to process and I want to have these ready so when MacEwan finally asks for them I can just give it to them and bang! All done! I just have to cash in my student loan then get ready for school.

I will not take NO for an answer this time. If ever they decline my application again I'm still going to try going into MacEwan even if I just take the Preparations for College and University Course.

Good luck to me!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Remembering a Legend: Walt Disney

There are people whose life's work and achievements will stand the test of time and they will go on living their legacy. These are the people who have changed lives of people and still will influence and change the lives of future generations. One of these people is the legendary, Walt Disney.

Yes Walter Elias Disney, or more popularly known as Walt Disney has been an iconic figure in the world. Who wouldn't know his creations such as Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and so much more.

Walt Disney has made a deep personal impact in my life because as a young child I grew up watching his creations. His works has made me more creative and had made me dream and believe that nothing is impossible.

He is such an inspiration and he has brought smiles to millions of children across the world. He has also left great monuments such as the Disneyland where even grown ups can be kids again and enjoy a great day with friends and families.

Speaking of Disneyland I really want to see for myself how truly magical place that is. My mom is so unfair, she went to Disneyland Hong Kong and she showed me these really awesome pictures. But I really want to see the first Disneyland, where everything else started. I should really check out Orlando vacation rentals so I can plan ahead my vacation.

I can't wait to go to Disneyland.

Eating my Chocolate Pudding

A lot of things have been going on in my life and I barely update my blog because I'm not in the mood, I'm tired, I have nothing better to say, and I am just darn lazy.

I have received and looked for advice from friends and other philosophers who have now long gone passed from this word only to find no comfort because as the cliché goes, "Happiness is a state of mind".

So now I am just eating my chocolate pudding and I am amazed how I can find happiness in this cold, delicious, and creamy dessert. No seriously, I'm not going to rely on comfort food to keep me going but these things do make me forget about such negativity in my life.

Also I had made a deal with myself. I won't react or even allow myself to be bothered by the taunts of those who have nothing else better to do in their lives. I will keep working and I will wait until I get admission to school. Once I quit my job, I will curse those people until the end of the earth. I will show them that I do indeed have a future and they are just worm food! Oh gosh, I'm being negative again... where's my chill pill?

So here I am at home right now because I don't have work today and I'm looking for things to do that will make my day productive. And I'm not surprised that I've already wasted several hours doing nothing... Tsk tsk! I should have just went to work today and earned myself some cash.

School is so darn expensive! I may have to give up my iPhone or at least give up my $60 iPhone plan for a $25 cellphone plan with just minutes... this means I can't use my iPhone as a GPS anymore... it's just too sad. I want the internet and I don't need the phone calls and the texting features. Can I do that? LOL!

Another senseless post.



Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Disappointed and Defeated

I hate myself... my mom told me not to stoop to their level but I just can't help myself be infuriated by the mere sight of them. Those old disgusting Filipinos who have nothing better to do than just stick their nose into my life.

I HATE THEM!!!

But I hate myself more for letting their taunts affect the entire fibre of my being. Even my friends and co-workers are telling me that my personality is changing and I'm starting to hate Filipinos because when I see one, I think of them.

"Oh suck it up buttercup!", this is what I want to tell myself. Seriously, if I let them affect me this way I will end up as the miserable loser.

But I'll make a deal with myself. I won't react to whatever they say and I will let them be. But once I get accepted to school and I quit this fucking job then I will curse them with all that I've got!

To hell with them!

Monday, July 6, 2009

SOME Filipinos are Racists and Haters!!!

I know for a FACT that NOT ALL Filipinos are like this. It's just that there are Filipinos out there who makes my life unhappy. I try to figure out what I've been doing wrong to offend them just to find out that the fault is in their mentality.

I am a FILIPINO, that's a FACT! I just recently moved here to Canada with my parents and brother as Permanent Residents and these are the things that I have experienced here.

I was NEVER looked down upon by other nationalities but I was DEGRADED as a Human being by FELLOW FILIPINOS.


I do not want to be a person that judge people and hate other people because I know that hate only begets hate. But there are just times when my patience run short. I am a Filipino and the only time I felt awkward or threatened while I've stayed here in Canada is when I see other Filipinos, especially the Filipinos with work permits.

I used to be so proud of being a Filipino but now I am having second thoughts. Every time I'm on a bus or any public place or even when I'm at work I try my best not to come close, make eye-contact, or even speak to Filipinos.

Filipinos are the most racist people I know. They think that they are superior than any other race and they only see themselves as the best at everything, something that I totally disagree with because NO RACE is SUPERIOR than OTHERS. They think that the whites are lazy bums and that Filipinos are the only hard working race in the world. The list goes on but with just one similar thought, Filipinos are all this and all that.

But as I said, the bad attitude that some Filipinos have just annoys me and makes me ashamed of being a Filipino because in turn other people think that I am like other uncivilized Filipinos because I am a Filipino. These are the list of things I hate about Filipinos here in Canada:

1. Filipinos have Crab Mentality: Just like crabs in a pot, Filipinos will pull down other Filipinos who have a great chance for success. They believe that if they can't have it other Filipinos shouldn't too.

Filipinos are just like this! Especially those Filipino contract workers! They can't stand seeing Filipino immigrants/permanent residents and especially Filipino-Canadians who are happy and successful.

It's just like when we stepped out of our car, then we entered this restaurant. We then heard these group of contract workers smirking saying that if we really were rich we should have gotten a BMW. Like what the fuck? There's no contest! We didn't come here to Canada to play who has the most expensive car or who is the most rich Filipino here.

And when I answered my iPhone because I had a call, they then said that I may have an iPhone but I must be working hard at some place to pay for it. Like what the hell!!! Are these people for real? Do they ever make these comments to white people? No! They only make these comments to other Filipinos who they can't stand because we are doing better than them.

This doesn't ONLY apply to Filipino contract workers. This also applies to Filipino-Canadians who can't take the fact that we got ourselves our own house and car in our one year of stay here in Canada. They can't accept the fact that my parents didn't have to work at Wal Mart or something and they are already working in their own fields, my mom as an accountant and my dad as a mechanical engineer. They can't stand the fact that we didn't go through all the hardships they had to go through to have whatever possessions and lifestyle that we have now.

They also can't stand the fact that I'm actually going to have a good future because I'm going to study and work here and that I actually have parents who still supports me.

But the greatest example of crab mentality is when someone (a Filipino) at my work tried to destroy another fellow Filipino's reputation just to gain recognition and be promoted. You don't have to step on other people just to succeed. Succeed with your own skills and knowledge.

2. Filipinos think that other Filipinos who works at fast food chains or whatever think that they are just contract workers. Filipinos are the only ones who belittles and look down at other Filipinos. Here in Canada everyone is considered equal! Everyone has an equal access to jobs, health care, and products. Everyone can afford to buy stuff at designer boutiques unlike in the Philippines.

I just hate it when other Filipinos call me just a contract worker and I'm not allowed to have expensive stuff. They expect me to be miserable and call them "Sir or Maam" like other blue-collared workers in the Philippines.

Even if I was a contract worker, that doesn't mean that I am lower than permanent residents or citizens here in Canada. I am still a human being worthy of respect. So don't look down at me and just call me a contract worker who can't afford to have a good lifestyle.

3. Filipinos are RUDE!!! I absolutely hate it when Filipinos are so loud on the bus or in restaurants. I don't know why they have to be so damn noisy. It's okay to be merry and happy and stuff but do you really have to be so darn annoying?! They talk on and on and other people just get annoyed because first they talk so loud and they don't speak English so naturally other people who don't speak Tagalog will only hear unintelligible babble. It's like hearing some crazy person talk nonsense.

Also, Filipinos NEVER say PLEASE or THANK YOU. I hate it when I see Filipinos order or talk to other nationalities like they're some big-shot tycoon or something. No greeting or anything, they just approach you and say what they want. I want this, I want that! Or worst just place the item on the counter and just hand out money like the cashier was invisible or something. I really feel bad when the person taking their order has a negative change of expression. This is why I don't ever wonder why people feel uncomfortable when they are helping me, a Filipino, because they tend to generalize that all Filipinos are rude and don't have manners.

Filipinos NEVER hold the door open for other people. They just SLAM the door even when there is someone behind. I know this because first I see Filipinos doing this and when I actually held the door open for someone as a sign of courtesy, he actually said that he's glad that not all Filipinos are bad.

4. To Filipinos EVERYTHING is a CONTEST!!! As I said in my first reason, I hate it when Filipinos have this sort of contest going on with their stupid minds. Can't I just live my own life with out anyone staring at me and trying to figure out who I am in the basic Filipino society spectrum of Extremely Poor, Poor, Middle Class, Rich, and Extremely Rich? Am I a contract worker or am I a permanent resident? Am I better at them in their own personal rating system?

I absolutely HATE it when other Filipinos stare at you because you are Filipino and then they start figuring you out. And they then spout out comments to degrade you or to level the playing field. And when they are beaten in their own contest with their own set of rules they start saying that I'm cocky or I only think I'm all that because I lived here and have stayed here in Canada longer to have everything I have.

5. If you're Filipino and you speak English fluently, then you are an unpatriotic cocky bastard! They absolutely hate other Filipinos who speak English well. They think that you're either trying too hard or that you are again being arrogant!

Even if I'm not talking to them and I'm talking to a native English-speaker, they will think that I'm being conceited because I'm just a contract worker and I'm not allowed to pronounce words well or speak with actual straight sentences.

There are also times when they speak to me in English and I talk back in English, they still would call me an arrogant prick!

In short, they want me to speak Tagalog to everyone even to the native English-speakers. Or if ever I speak English, I should speak it in an awkward way with grammatical errors and wrong pronunciations.

There are so many things that I can be proud of and be happy of. I can prove them wrong one by one but as long as Filipino's mentality are like this I can say whatever I want to say but they would never listen and they would only believe that they are the right ones.

But as my mom said, pity your haters and don't let them get to you. Unhappy and unsuccessful people will always feel hate, dissatisfaction, and envy at everyone who lives and will live an accomplished and happy life.

NEVER STOOP TO THEIR LEVEL!

Friday, July 3, 2009

I Just Love Cars

Just like any normal human being, I have a great love and passion for great cars! But unlike other people, my dream car or other things I desire and wish to have are the things that I could actually have. I don't dream of being able to drive a Ferrari or a Lamborghini because I know that there are more things that I could buy with that amount of money (if I had that much money that is). When I dream of something, I dream of something that I could actually grab because the satisfaction of achieving your goals and wants is just amazing!

So when I think of a dream car, I think of something that is inexpensive but something that won't be considered cheap too. The quality and the worth of the car should also be in the right range of reason. And like always, I have to read reviews of the car in order for me to really fall in love with it.

So here is the first car that I would want to have, a GMC Yukon. Now this is a car that I would really want to have, a truck-based SUV. It has all the things I could ask for. It's very useful since I can use it to haul heavy stuff around because it has this powerful V8 engine but luxury isn't sacrificed either. It's a very reasonably priced car around $37,705 - $46,785. And with it's navigation system being one of the best out there I won't mind shelling out a few bucks.

The second dream car of mine would be the Mercedes Benz GLK. This baby is the first five passenger compact SUV from Mercedes and I really like it. The model I want is the 2010 one and since it still isn't in the market there's not much that I hear about it but I really like it's edgy design.

The third car of my dreams would be the Subaru WRX. Although I really prefer SUV's over cars I liked the Subaru WRX because it boasts a 5 seating capacity and if you choose the hatchback version you can have ample cargo space. But the best thing that I love about this car is it's all-wheel-drive versatility which is certainly a must during winter.

And last but certainly not the least is the Nissan Rogue! I might be a bit biased with choosing this car because we own a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder and I just have to be honest and say that I love our Nissan. But since I want a car of my own which isn't as big as our Pathfinder, the Nissan Rogue is the best choice for me. I really love the design of Nissan cars and for me the Rogue is one of the models that have such a modern and eye-catching design.

I just wish that I get to learn how to drive and get my own driver's license so that I can finally drive a car even if it isn't my dream car.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Happy Canada Day

When I woke up this morning I really felt the festive mood. The news was covering the Canada Day celebration at Ottawa and cars outside had Canadian flags attached to them. Today was in fact Canada Day, the birthday of Canada.

Although I'm not a Canadian citizen yet, with emphasis on the yet, I still feel happy and proud of being able to have the privilege of living here in Canada as a Permanent Resident. I am one of the 90% of people living here in Canada that said that Canada is a great place to live. Canada is a place of diverse culture and nationalities and for my family, it is the place where our dreams came true (well partly since I'm not yet in school and being able to finish my nursing program is one of my goals). Equality and great opportunities are the reason my mom wanted to move here in Canada, not to mention the great economy (then and in the coming future I hope) and good governance.

We had our own little celebrations here in our neighbourhood where people all gathered together at the park to see the beautiful fireworks display. I was unfortunately working today but I still had the opportunity to stop whatever I was doing and go outside to appreciate the fireworks.

Redefining Myself

It has been a known fact for several decades now that your physical appearance will somehow play a significant role in your life. I mean let's take for example our selves. Let's be honest, if 2 people approach you and ask you to date them it would be only natural that you pick the better looking person. Personality or intelligence will then follow. Isn't it true that we feel more comfortable talking to someone we are more attracted to and we somehow feel uncomfortable and even indifferent to someone we consider ugly based on our own personal preference.

So it would only be natural for me to want to improve how people see me and most importantly how I see myself. I really want a tummy tuck. I am so sure that this will surely boost my self confidence ten-folds because my love handles has been my problem since forever! I tried exercising and even starving myself at times but nothing really works. I know that this simple surgical procedure will change my life forever for the better.

After a long decade of despair and self loath, I'm actually happy to have discovered MYA Cosmetic Surgery, my personal beacon of hope. I have looked at their site, the services they offer, and even the patient testimonials and I have to say that I really like what I see. People would think that cosmetic surgery is only reserved for the rich and famous but this isn't the case at all. The public is very welcome to take part in these self-improving cosmetic procedures to make their self look amazing.

I really like the financing options that MYA offers. Their financing options are quite flexible and you may even qualify for a 0% financing how great is that?! Although their clinics and the procedures will be done in one of the major cities in the UK, their 25 years of operation in the business and 100,000 procedures done, the long distance travel from Canada to one of the UK based clinics is sure worth it! What better way to show the world the new you but with travelling around London and treating yourself with new designer clothes.

Nigahiga, KevJumba, Fred, and HappySlip

I've got to say that YouTube sure has some interesting stuff and I'm kind of getting addicted to watching a dozen videos every night! But with great comedians like Nigahiga, KevJumba, Fred, and HappySlip I can spend several hours when I get home from work until the break of dawn watching them... stalking them, LOL!

So the first on my list of favorite YouTube celebrities is the awesome tandem between Ryan Higa and Sean Fujiyoshi as seen on the picture to the right respectively. Nigahiga is a comedic group between the two and they have great "How to" instructional videos like how to be ninja, how to be nerd, and how to be gangster! I love the How to be a ninja because I know how to be a nerd by heart already so there's no need for any help in that department, I got it covered baby. Right now they have the "Movies in Minutes" series where as the name implies, they make short version or parodies of movies like Twilight, Titanic, and etc. But they actually have a movie of their own together and it's called "Ryan and Sean's Not So Excellent Adventure". Oh yeah, they both are Japanese but they were born in Hawaii.


Now the second on my list is Kevjumba or Kevin Wu in real life. As Kevjumba said, you know Asians are darn cute! And this straight A, Pokemon loving, dude can sure make a statement and make girls say awe, you and your doggie are so cute together. But he hates this statement because he doesn't want to be categorized as a cute thing together with his dog. He says he's a man, a gangster in fact... you be the judge. Anyway, although he doesn't seem to do skits that much like other YouTubers, just mere talking about controversial topics like racism and stereotypes with a hint of comedy is pure genius! He also has his signature dance moves which consists of him bobbing his head around and playing with his hands at the beginning of the videos which takes about one fourth of the video, but that doesn't matter cause the girls love it anyway.




So the third YouTube star that I took a liking of is no other than the noisy and irritating Fred Figglehorn who somehow makes my day brighten up somehow. Fred played by Lucas Cruicshank is a fast-talking, naughty, and hyper-active kindergartener who does funny and sometimes very silly stuff like lifting weights and hurting himself. Although Fred can be self-centered at times his innocence and energy makes him such a memorable face... and sound of course because Fred loves singing, even if he's extremely tone deaf. But that only adds more to his charm.




Last but not the least is Christine Gambito's HappySlip. Christine, who is of Filipino ancestry, is an American internet personality and comedian who does all of her comedy sketches all by herself and playing all of the characters by herself by simply using wigs and clothes to impersonate members of her family. It's amazing how she is able to transcend and break through Filipino stereotypes and molds. I especially love the way she shows the Filipino culture in her skits and it doesn't hurt at all as she uses Filipino "bamboo English" to add humor to her sketches.

So there you go, some of my favorite comedians on YouTube. I also know some excellent musicians on YouTube and I will indeed make a post on my top picks next time. I just wish I have enough confidence and not to mention the looks to make my own video log or YouTube video.

You just wait, maybe I can be the next YouTube superstar with millions of subscribers and viewers everyday, LOL!