2nd Year in Canada

Two years ago when I arrived to this strange country, all I feel is excitement and happiness. For me it’s a new place, a new beginning.

Even how tired I am from a long travel, I was exuberated when my sister toured me into Rocky Mountains of Alberta for two days. I just arrived and I was exploring Canada by then. It was summer but I was wearing thick jacket at that time. I know I look ridiculous with my outfit. But I don`t care at all.

When leaves turned to yellow and withered, I was just so amazed with the beauty of the nature. It just getting colder and colder a sign that winter was coming.

I was looking forward for the first snow fall. I just can`t wait! When it snowed I immediately went outside and took photos. For me it is magical as the snowflakes fall.

For two years in a foreign country, I experienced lots of ups and downs. And as I stay longer I am sadden making me feels doubt if coming here is worth everything.

I know I just miss my family.

I remember when I left Davao two years ago; I saw my family’s teary eyes and their sad smiles. But I chose to ignore it. I don’t want to leave them with a heavy heart. Because the last time I left when I went to Manila for work, I cried so hard which made my father worried so much for me. So to keep them feel ease I showed to them a happy and excited me... but deep inside I was hurting so badly. It was a mix feeling of excitement and sadness actually.

Being away from my comfort zone, I grow and I learned more. It even brought me closer to my passion in arts and crafting. But one best thing, I learned to deal with different people. I met acquaintances whom I can share my views and feelings. They are my family here in Canada (aside from my sister) who shows there simple way of care and kindness. I thank them for being with me, for cheering me up when I feel so lonely, and for teaching me to stay strong despites adversities.

A bouquet of flowers from a friend, Dorothy. She simply brighten my 2nd year anniversary of staying here in Canada

Today, I celebrate my 2^nd year anniversary for I survived. I know there will be more exciting challenges coming and I widely open my arms to accept it and face it.

Who Cut the Tulips?

I made a blog post about the little buds that were slowly growing and spring time finally arrived last April 11. And early this month the tulips started to bloom. As my first year here in Ca, I am excited to see flowers that I only saw in photos and tulips are one of those.

We have a bed of tulips along the driveway at home and each flowers that bloom gives us excitement especially that it comes in different five colors.

But today as we arrived from a 6 hour drive we discovered that all flowers were gone. We are all upset especially when we saw the flowers  and petals scattered on the road. Some are stamped by feet that looks like the one who did it have so much hatred with the flower. One tulip was even uprooted!



I would feel better if they cut it and give to somebody to cheer up a person. But seeing the petals in the road is disappointing.

I found three cut flowers that are still good and put in a glass with water. Somehow we can see the beauty of it for more several days.



Who cut the tulips? It remains a mystery for us…

Sunday

It was a beautiful Sunday morning: it’s17 degrees outside and the wind was calm unlike the other past few days. I am glad that our manager gave me a Sunday off. I can’t remember when the last time I had a Sunday off was.

I decided to attend the mass besides it was mother’s day. As the mass almost ended I imagined my family back home. I miss the whole family. Sunday is always special to us - a family day. We attend Sunday services together. We sit in two or three rows of chair (as I always said we are one big happy family). And go home together... Usually we get together for Sunday lunch and/or until supper. And you just can’t imagine how loud our house is.

Last Sunday, it was only me sitting alone in the back row. My eyes were watery as the mass almost ended. I miss them so much. But seeing familiar faces in the church that became part of my life here in CA was somehow relieved my loneliness.

Close friends approached me (I didn’t noticed they were there then) and invited me for a brunch in a nearby restaurant owned by a Filipina. I don’t know why I said yes (I am not smart enough to say no and find bunch of reasons). Anyway, I need to socialize. My life goes around between work and home and few people. So I guess I made a good decision.

At the restaurant, the children of the owner gave each mom a carnation flower. So sweet of them and they look so cute with their “barong tagalog”. I am the only single female in the group yet they decided to give me one. It’s a beautiful flower why refuse? LOL

Anyway, it ended good, having the time to chat with some “kababayans” that I never had a chance to do. I need to do this often to boost my self-esteem.