Showing posts with label Sharing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sharing. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Just Bought A Violin!

After hearing the anime Shingetsutan Tsukihime's music, I was more hyped into learning the violin. I find the music made by the violin as something soothing, mysterious, and just plain beautiful. I'd always wanted to learn to play the violin and how can I learn to play the violin if I didn't have my own violin right? Well so I got myself a violin today and I can't wait for it to arrive. I was going to buy this violin that cost only around $75 CAN but it had no carrying case or anything but then I decided to buy the violin that cost only $195 US from another store. I bought it because it seemed worth it for a begginner violin as it had all the accessories plus it was originaly priced at $800 US. I wanted to look for a cheaper starter violin since I might not be that good or I might not even learn violin so I didn't want to waste my money. But I failed to consider that the US $ is stronger than the Canadian $ so instead of paying $195, I actually paid for $250 Canadian. This factor even made me want to learn violin more as I don't intend to waste my money. I really hope that I do get to learn violin. I know that it would take patience, time, and practice, practice, and more practice.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Shopping the Smart Way

I used to judge other people for always wanting to go to the mall and shop because I thought it was a waste of money and what would you do with all those clothes anyway? But I finally changed my opinion towards shopping when I already earned my own money and when I go out with my friends we usually go shopping.

I realized that there is nothing wrong with shopping especially for clothes because when I go to university this September (fingers crossed) I would need lots of clothes because they don't require uniforms. Now I miss my school uniform... Also we have 4 seasons here in Canada so our clothing must be appropriate for each season.

The key to smart shopping is to always look for special deals like 50% to 70% discounts and stuff. What I like here in Canada is that when they have sales they do it to attract more customers or they are changing seasons unlike back home in the Philippines when they have sales because the items are either old or have defects on them or if they are perishable goods, they are close to their expiry date.

So my friends and I had no plans to shop, but since this very nice Filipino gentleman we met at the Filipino store offered us a ride to the Cineplex at Edmonton South Common as he was headed that way too. He was going to buy shoes at the Nike store at the strip mall near the Cineplex so we decided to look around. That is when we wear surprised that Guess, Buffalo by David Bitton, and Espirit where all having sales. I usually just walk away from temptations but my friends wanted to shop so we went in and I made an awesome discovery. I have a severe weakness for coats and jackets and I saw this awesome looking black jacket by Buffalo which was normally sold for $200 something and now was $160. And then Guess had an even more big surprise as I found this brown fall jacket which was now only $45 from $160. Ofcourse I checked if there was somwthing wrong with the jacket to make them want to give this jacket such a huge drop in price but it was in perfectly good shape and the style was unique. So I bought them and I was surprised that I saved so much. I can say that I have saved because after the sale, the discounted items will return to their original price so my $45 dollar jacket will be $160 again.

So my friends and I walked away with these bags from these designer stores with smiles on our faces. I can't wait for the next sale event.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Midnight Food Trip at McDonalds

Today was the last day of my 4 straight days of work until my day-off tomorrow so my Filipino co-workers/friends decided to spend it by stopping over at McDonalds to visit our old colleague. Who would have guessed that the majority of the McDonalds staff would be Filipinos including the on-duty managers and supervisors.

It was great how they practiced the Filipino characteristic of being hospitable. I was really amazed how accommodating they were to me and my companions. They personally came to our table and introduced themselves and told us to ask whatever we wanted. They gave us a 50% discount and they even gave us a huge slice of their ice cream birthday cake which I loved of course.

I just am happy to meet fellow Filipinos who are very friendly. I like contract workers better than some immigrant Filipinos because Filipinos who become citizens of Canada or are immigrants think of themselves as superior than those who are contract workers which I personally think is so wrong.

Anyway I am really glad that I went to McDonalds this midnight. I got to eat and I got to meet new people. Great day! I'm hoping tomorrow's movie day with the guys would turn out great as well.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Still Snowing...


My gosh... it's still snowing in Edmonton! Well Winter will officially end in March 21 so it's no surprise why the outside is still a walk-in freezer. I hate winter and the cold! The snow was fun at first because it was my first time to see and touch snow but after several flurries and having walked in knee-deep snow the glamor of snow faded away.

But even if it's freezing I still love to eat ice cream and I've learned to love hot instant noodles. The instant noodles I love are the ones imported from the Philippines: Lucky Me Instant Cup Noodles. Like they're sold here at the Filipino store for $2. That's like Php 80! But I have learned to stop converting dollars to pesos because I won't be able to buy anything if I do. I just love Filipino products and I prefer them over the locally made Canadian and US imported goods here.

I just received my paycheck this week and boy was I disappointed. Having to miss four days of work took a big toll on my paycheck that's why I'm going to work 1 hour and 30 minutes extra tomorrow so that I can get more money in my next paycheck, Lol! I'm now really more concerned in saving money because I've realized how much money I've wasted already but I think I can forgive myself because we really didn't have anything yet when we first arrived here in Canada so investing in our home and stuff is not really a waste of money right?

Today was a great day! It wasn't that busy at work and the customers where 80% good. I loved it when one regular customer gave me a chocolate again. He knew how I loved chocolates! I'd just make sure that I get on his good side because the next time he gives me chocolate it might be poisoned! Lol! The customers kept praising us how fast and efficient we were today. They just didn't take into account that there were no one else when they ordered their food.

I wonder how tomorrow would turn out. Well I'm the baker tomorow and the co-worker that's ultra slow and is of no use at all is off tomorrow so everything seems good.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Lost For Words

It's been a while since I last created a post in my blog. It seems that I have nothing to say at the moment. Nothing really interesting has happened to me lately. Well there are things that I would love to rant and rave about but I'm so fed up with ranting and complaining. There's nothing that I would get from it. Instead of releasing my frustration and anger I just relive the whole experience once again and it's not a great feeling to have.

Well something interesting did happen to me today and that is my Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam (TOEFL). I took the exam downtown and boy am I disappointed at myself. You see the most crucial port of the exam that I really needed was the speaking test but I have to commit a huge blunder at that part of the exam. In the middle of the part of the exam where I have to listen to a conversation and talk about the conversation, I was daydreaming and I was thinking of how I did in the past sections of the exam. By the time I realized that I was suppose to listen to the conversation, the conversation had already ended. So by the time that I snapped out of my day dream I was already babbling not knowing what to say... I'm doomed.

I wish for a miracle... and that miracle would be me getting a score pf 26 out of 30... ok I'm doomed.



Wednesday, January 7, 2009

I'm Back to Baking!


I'm so glad that they've finally placed me on baking. Well they do rotate us to baking, which is great! I just enjoy making donuts and I'm so proud if they get sold out because it makes me feel that my donuts is making someone happy and "fulfilled" somewhere.

Well one other reason why I love being baker because I get to stay at the back and I don't have to take anyone's orders hehehe. Well I'm so fed up taking orders that even when I sleep I have to remind myself that I'm not working at Tim Hortons so I can't make anyone a large double double (that's Tim Horton Language for a Large Coffee with 2 shots of sugar and 2 shots of cream).

Anyway, I'm off to bed! I have to wake up early tomorrow so that I can prepare for my upcoming TOEFL exam this Saturday. If I pass this test, my future as a Nursing Student at University of Alberta will be guaranteed!



Saturday, January 3, 2009

Sharing Memories

Year 2008 has passed but we shouldn't forget all those happy memories that we had and those exciting events that occurred during 2008. We should always cherish those days because we only live our lives once.

And what a better way to treasure memories and preserve them is by taking pictures of those unforgettable events and make a scrapbook! Yup scrapbooking is an undying art that brings a smile upon our faces once we open one and reminisce about the good old times.

Some may find making scrapbooks time consuming and difficult, but with SmileBox.com you have absolutely no excuse not to start making your own scrapbook. It`s easy, fun, and absolutely free to use SmileBox.com to make your very own bundle of memories. Just choose from several scrapbooking layouts and designs and share these memories with friends and loved ones by sending them Free Ecards.

I'm going to start making my own scrapbook right now and send it back to my friends in the Philippines so hope you guys start making yours too!


Thursday, January 1, 2009

As Time Passed By

"Tick... Tock... Tick... Tock...," These are the sounds that I hear as I laid down alone in our living room. Everything is so quiet except for the deafening ticking of our clocks. Yes we have a clock in every part of our home and they all tick in consortium as if to warn me of the coming future.

My heart beats faster as if it wanted to outpace the clock's ticking. I'm afraid of what the future holds and as I lay there listening to the ticking of our clocks I somehow feel an impending doom falling upon me. Just laying still simply drives me insane because I realize how fast time is passing by and how much time I waste as I just lay there doing nothing.

The Year 2008 left and the Year 2009 came with great fears and excitement because I know that this year has several new events that I will have to encounter. This year will be the time when I will know if I'm qualified to go to University of Alberta, the year when I will take my driving exam for my driver's license, and they year when I will break free from the monotony and harships of working a blue collared job.

I know that more headaches and obstacles are ahead... that's why I ask God's divine intervention to strengthen me and aide me along the way. Things won't be easy, but it is these problems that makes life more exciting.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Money Is The Source of Problems


I really hate money. Money makes my life so miserable. I mean if I don't have money I can't buy the things I need and want. But if I have money, I worry how to keep that money from being wasted and from being used. You can't have too much or too less of money...

Earning money isn't that simple too. I have to work in a job where I do things that I never thought I would do like serving other people. Oh well when I become a nurse (or hopefully a doctor) in the future I will have to deal with people so being in customer service may be helpful in a way. It can help me strengthen my defenses against those unlikable and rude people by birth. I really hate my current job but I have to stick to it because I don't want to waste my free time by just staying at home and doing nothing.

I have to save money for university and I want to buy myself a car. But then things go crazy again. I have to make sure that I don't have too much money to be eligible for a Canadian Student Loan from the government and I can't have a car since it will add to my personal assets which will affect my eligibility for a student loan. I also have to put in mind that even if I save enough money for a car, I have to continue paying for gas and the car insurance so getting a car is not a great option if I plan on being a full time student. Oh well, guess I have to use the family car to get to my duty areas since my dad doesn't use it to go to work.

Sometimes, money can cause a strain in relationships. I have a friend from the Philippines who wanted to borrow 530 Canadian dollars (that's 20,000 Philippine Pesos) since my friend is having some financial difficulty. I have the money but I was having a hard time deciding whether I should lend my friend the money or not. It's a pretty huge sum (2 weeks pay) but if I don't help my friend in times of need then can I really call myself a friend? It's really hard when there are times you need money but your friends don't help you out because they are afraid of losing money. These are the times of hardship where you can tell your friends from the rest. I was also afraid of losing money. My brother doesn't pay me back the money he owes me and we live together, so what certainty do I have that my friend won't just run away with my money since my friend lives far away. Sure I can sue my friend or chase after my friend through legal means but then it would take time, effort, and more money. Plus it would lead to the end of our friendship, and I don't want that to happen.

But I lent my friend the money anyway because I place my trust and faith in this friend and that I want to be of help during this time of need. I just hope that I made the right decision because $530 is no laughing matter. I really hate worrying about money.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Why Are We So Different?

I really wonder why my brother and I are like opposite charges. Of course I'm the positive one and my brother is the negative. It's like we were raised by two different set of parents although it must be noted that we grew up in totally different environments.

I grew up in an environment where I was first mixed with "normal" Filipino kids and then suddenly sent to a new environment where the kids are privileged. By privileged I mean stinking rich with matching body guards and servants in uniforms. I was placed in an environment where I have to constantly prove my worth by making sure that I have several note worthy achievements. I was faced with high expectations from everyone and this pushed me to work harder. I had to live by myself while I studied in a high school in another city far away from home. I had to buy food from the grocery by myself, budget my allowance, and I had to do everything by myself because I lived alone. I was taught how to be independent and self-capable.

My brother on the other hand went to an average school, met average people, and my parents never expected anything from him, well except to pass and graduate that is. My brother is a spoiled brat and it is my parents who have to put extra effort in making sure he graduates from high school by doing his homework, influencing his teachers to make him pass, and they even have to waste hours trying to wake him up in the morning so that he can go to school. He is literally spoon fed and everything is given to him which never happened to me. Everything he needs is given to him and he never even have to ask for it.

Imagine asking your mom when you were a kid what a word meant and then she tells you to look it up in the dictionary while my brother on the other hand would never ask what that word means so my mom would be the one to tell him what that word meant so that he'll learn something. This is exactly how our situation is.

But I really blame my parents for how rotten my brother turned out to be. Since my parents allows him to do everything he wants, he is always out of the house and he smokes, drinks, and I presume that he does drugs too (he was already caught with marijuana and was almost expelled if it weren't for my parents). If he's not out of the house, he brings his equally pathetic and self-absorbed friends who are too busy trying to look cool and are too occupied with having fun that they forget that they should prepare for the future too and that whatever they have today is temporary.

I'm really sorry for my brother because I know that he's just wasting his life and his future. He was given an opportunity to study here in Canada and live a great life but he wastes it on his so called friends... but I shouldn't worry really, he's not my son. He's not my problem anymore. My parents aren't doing anything so why should I?

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Knowledge Could Save You

I recently went to a friend's house for a little gathering and it is there that I met his uncle who suffered a stroke. I was amazed by his story and his fight for his life. He was really blessed because even after being half-paralyzed due to his stroke and his open-heart surgery he is still doing well and is still active.

My friend's uncle was really lucky but not every one will be blessed like that. That is why everyone especially those at high risk of heart conditions should know more about how their heart works, how different heart complications will affect the heart's and the circulatory system's functions, and most important of all, how one can prevent acquiring these problems.

I believe that knowledge could save you and that's why I really recommend that everyone checks out heartlibrary.com because it is the website that has videos and contents about the anatomy of the heart and common heart problems. Real doctors who specializes in hearts and the circulation system informs you about the said topic with an easy to understand language. The website is also a great source for finding a doctor near you and other important tidbits of information.

So as the saying goes, Knowledge is Power!



Saturday, December 27, 2008

Boxing Day

Today was quite ok. It was quite busy but I'm kind of used to it. I already came back to work since my back has fully recovered and I didn't want to lose any more potential earnings.

It was quite sad that I wasn't able to come with my family shop today especially when it's Boxing Day. But what is Boxing Day really? Well it's a day when stores have these huge sales and discounts. The savings for these sales are so great that people will literally camp out and wait in line before the store opens. Boxing Day was supposed to be a day of goodwill to the less fortunate but guess it's more of an after Christmas shopping holiday.

But going to work today rather than going shopping was way better because I wasn't tempted to spend money (yes I'm a compulsive buyer) and bargain hunting at crowd-filled stores is not my idea of fun. Besides there isn't anything that I want to buy. Well I do want to buy that HP laptop that has a touch screen which could rotate 360 degrees but I kind of think that it's not worth it because I already have a laptop. I suddenly regret buying an overly expensive desktop which I don't like using anyway because I prefer using my laptop which I could carry around anywhere the house.

Anyway, at least my mom was happy today. She got to buy an Olympus Camera which has 8 Megapixels and is waterproof and shockproof for a very reasonable price too! And she also got an Altec Lansing speakers for her desktop for I think $20! That's a very sweet deal.

There are so many things I want to buy but then I realize that I don't really need them. So I'm quite thankful that I don't frequently go to malls and I don't use my credit card to buy stuff online anymore because I might do something hasty like buy an iPod Touch which I rarely use now. So Boxing Day is not a good holiday for me, but if I have a Million Dollar then you better move out of my way because I'm going shopping! Lol! So much for self restraint.

Friday, December 26, 2008

My Abnormality: My Right Hip

I went to see a Physical Therapist one day as recommended by my examining doctor. I was hoping that the Physical Therapist will give me a massage or some sort of treatment for my aching lower back pain which was actually improving already.

But instead of my anticipated massage (yes I love body massages) the doctor only gave me a thorough physical assessment which I really appreciated. I was even more amazed with the assessment of the doctor when he noticed that my right hip has a limited range of motion as compared to my left hip. So he concluded that this partial mobility of my right hip may have contributed to my frequent lower back pains. So you see, if my hip doesn't rotate well, it is my lower back which would need to twist and turn so my back is easily strained.

Well the doctor did also comment that for a 20 year old, my back isn't that strong yet so I was a bit ashamed of my unfit self and sedentary lifestyle. So I think I have already found one 2009 New Year's Resolution! I will make use of the Tony Horton's 10 Minute Exercise DVDs that I bought so I can get some exercise.

Monday, December 22, 2008

My Wish: Good Health

Christmas is fast approaching and I've got to admit that I'm not that excited really. Christmas isn't that exciting anymore here in Canada. It's my first white Christmas here in my new home but I kind of feel that there is something missing. And I bet that that something are my friends and other loved ones who I have left behind in the Philippines.

Before I was excited for Christmas because of the gifts and all but now that I can afford to buy whatever I want I have realized that Christmas here in Canada is very commercialized. It's only about gifts, the decorations, and the food. Back in the Philippines Christmas was more on the real reason for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

Anyway, the past few days I've been thinking of what I would want for Christmas and after being bed-ridden for 4 consecutive days, missing work and being in agonizing pain, because of a lower back injury I have realized that good health is a great Christmas gift. I used to laugh at older people wishing other old people good health for Christmas but now that I am in such pain I suddenly realized how important and priceless good health really is. I'm just glad that my condition is improving.

I have missed work for 4 days already, a huge loss of potential earnings for me, and I didn't even have the chance to study for my coming TOEFL iBT exam this January 2009. I know what you're thinking, what have I been doing all along while I was at home? But if you were in my place, you wouldn't have the chance to think of studying because of my nagging lower back pain when I sit, stand, lay down, walk or do anything. I couldn't even sleep because of the extreme pain. The only thing that could relieve my pain was a long hot bath or a hot shower but the pain would just come back again. But now I am able to sit and lay down flat on my back with out the pain anymore so this is really a great improvement!

I just have to show up tomorrow for my physical therapy and I'm sure that I'm going to be able to work soon and be fit enough to study and prepare for my TOEFL iBT exam. My holidays are starting to be brighter all along.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

A Heart That Bleeds

It never ceases to amaze me how some people can say and do nasty things to other people with out any hesitation. I wish I could do that too. I wish I could just hurt people and never regret it in the end but I just can't. I can't hurt other people nor do I want to hurt them. It makes me ashamed to say that whenever I do things like not saying hi to anyone I know or not being polite to anyone makes me suffer the next day.

I hate it how I tend to reflect upon my actions at the end of the day. I envy those that can just say what ever they want at the spur of the moment without any guilt what so ever. I hate it that I have a heart that bleeds so easily.

Maybe I'm just too week, letting myself be affected too much by the actions of other people. Maybe in this heartless and cold world I have to raise all my defenses if I want to save my self from emotional scars.

I'm just glad that I'm not alone whenever wrong has been done unto me because somehow I get to feel how my Savior was persecuted. I just think of Jesus Christ and I can just smile and in a way forgive.

I don't want to be a nasty person. I don't want to be someone so full of hate and negativity. I want to live my life peacefully.



Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Stupid Obstacles

There are several obstacles to my future right now. I had already gone through the pains of getting my school documents together and sending them from the Philippines to here in Canada and now I have to face new problems.

First I have to pass a Test of Spoken English. Well there was that English Proficiency Test too but I was able to meet that requirement because I studied for three years in Xavier University which was recognized by University of Alberta. Now I just have to pass that TOEFL iBT this coming January 10, 2009 and I'm all set. But this is better said than done because I have to get a speaking points of 26 from a range of 0-30. Who guessed that speaking English well will determine my future. People does say that my English is very good but sometimes I get my tongue twisted and I say awkward stuff.

But even if I pass that Test of Spoken English I still would have to deal with funding my education. I can get that student loan but I'm torn into two because I want to buy a car but if I buy a car then it would show that I'm not in financial need, which I am. But I guess that buying a car would be ok, I just have to buy a car less than $6,000 but what kind of car would I get with $6,000? If it has heating and it's automatic then I'm fine with that.

Life is sure full of complexities. Tomorrow I have to face my manager and tell her that I don't like it when they send me to other stores... let's see what happens tomorrow.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Ukay-Ukay in Canada

For all those who don't have even the faintest idea of what the word "Ukay-Ukay" means, worry not for I will enlighten you. Ukay-Ukay is a Filipino term for a sale of used clothes at very low prices. Ukay-ukay can be related to flea markets or any sale of second-items where by just pure luck you might find a very expensive designer item for half the price or even lesser.

Well I didn't believe my eyes when my parents drove to a Good Will shop. This Good Will shop has items that were donated by people who want to get rid of their old stuff and if you're lucky you might recieve the old expensive and designer items of a rich person.

I have to admit that some of the items were pretty decent. I got to buy some CD's of Alicia Keys and Craig David, an Anatomy and Physiology book, and some clothes. It was a bit hard to find anything my size since the people here are generally bigger in built. I did see some branded items but I also saw uniforms from coffee shops and other retail establishments. I never thought that people would be wearing work uniforms even if they don't work for that establishment. There were also some decorative items for the house, shoes, electronic items, and believe it or not, an exercise equipment which my dad happily bought, although I honestly would call it a piece of junk.

The Good Will shop is great for newcomers here in Canada but I still see Canadians (white people) buying stuff here so they too might also be looking for great bargains.

So the Good Will shop here in Canada is much like the Ukay-Ukay in the Philippines except that here in Canada you can oay with your Debit Card or Credit Card and there were lesser people.

The bottom line? Finding bargains and deals is a great opportunity for everyone so even if you live in a third world country or first world country, being able to save money and be able to buy some pretty neat stuff is a universal desire.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Some Things Stay The Same

Who would have thought that moving here in Canada would save me from my stupid brother's friends?! I mean seriously?! They come in the middle of the night and just make my life a living hell. They make a mess and they make so much noise. My only relaxation period is disrupted by people who have no decency and who have no idea that there are actually people out there who considers their home as their private get away or sanctuary.

I am so pissed off right now. I'm even more pissed off than when that stupid customer at Tim Hortons threw his half empty cup of hot chocolate at the counter. Well I'll talk about this in another post.

But wait... I think it's quiet already... they must have already left thank God! Geez! These are the moments that I want to live in a totally separate house all by my self. When I can support myself you can be sure that I'll be leaving this crazy family. Well I really don't want to leave them but having to deal with living with my brother is very agonizing!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

I LOOOOVE YOGURT!

Yeah I love yogurt!!! I've been eating yogurt when I wake up and before I go to sleep because we have a lot in the fridge. I love the way yogurt tastes good and how it contributes to your health being a great source of protein, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin B 12.

Not only is it a good source of the said nutrients above, yogurt has active and living microorganisms that contributes to the body's natural defense and all. Yogurt isn't yogurt without these microorganisms.

Anyway, I love yogurt and all but I just found out that our yogurt is about to expire soon so I better start eating!

Traveling Nurse: A Goal for the Future

I have been thinking about my future and my career and I have already decided that there is no turning back for me and no more seconds thoughts because I am going to be a nurse for sure. But as I have been exposed to the clinical area as a student nurse I have realized that there are different areas in nursing and there are several career paths that I could take as a nurse.

I could be a clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, nurse administrator, or even a military nurse. But the nursing career option that is very enticing right now is to be a traveling nurse! Yup there are so many travel nursing jobs out there since there is really is a high demand for nurses.

Being a traveling nurse is great because not only do you get excellent pay and invaluable work experience in notable institutions, you get to travel all around the world too! Imagine, you can work in New York for example, and when winter comes and it becomes chilly you can travel and work in Hawaii!

I have to admit that I love traveling and being able to see all the sights and sounds of different cities and communities is better than having to live a life that is monotonous and just filled with daily routines.

I know that it's too early to really decide what I want to do in the future but becoming a traveling nurse is one of my top three career choices!