O Canada, you had me rambling....

Two years ago, I first set foot in Maple Leaf land. Can't say I have regrets being here. So far, I'm doing good and I'm fortunate to be with people who have been so nice to me. There's always that occasional bout of homesickness. Luckily for me, I'm used to being away from home so it wasn't really hard to adjust. But there are times that I do get lonely and wish I'm back home. Times that I crave my mother's cooking so bad, that my stomach makes a growling sound. ( Just writing this line makes my mouth water, especially when I think about my favorite dish that Nanay cooks for me.)

I'm grateful my sister is here too. I have always someone part of "home".

Things have change since I move here. For one, my friend don't talk to me anymore like she used to. The odd chance that we do get to chat online, feels forced and just out of rote. The different time zone doesn't help either. When I asked her how come things are different now, all I got is a "Things have change, so move on." spiel. I have no idea what that means. But it is what it is.

On the home front, after a span of two years, I have now a total of five nieces and three nephews. Of course, AJ will always be my best friend. Too bad I already miss out on two years of her life. I hope she still wants to hang out with me, when the time comes.

One day, someone asked me, what I like being in Canada. It didn't take long for me to think of reasons why I like being here. For one thing, I like their public library. It has become my favorite go-to place especially during my days off. And it has given me the chance to read almost anything that my heart desires, without having to buy the book. Then I get to make a new friend too. How cool is that. :-)

I "love" the library.

I like the temperate climate. I mean, I came from a tropical country, where the sun always shine ( except during a stormy day or two ) and temperature hovers in the 30's. So when I first arrived here and felt what single digit temperature was like, I was shock. I always thought that I'm perpetually stuck inside the fridge. Although over the following months, I slowly adapted to it. I don't sweat anymore like I used to. I'm now "bundled" every time I go out, especially during winter. I survived through all the four seasons. My sister told me that I'm lucky I'm in BC, particularly in the Vancouver Island. Now, I can see why.

I've been told "Your English is good." a few times. I learn English in school and I'm thankful I did. I read and write in English but to hear myself speak the language was awkward. It felt like someone is talking other than me. Eventually, I find that you'll get used to it especially if you have to do it all the time. I can't stay quiet forever. Whether I like it or not, I have to talk and communicate. And so I did. It's one of the things that I want to improve too. One way to do it is to go out of my comfort zone and met people. I'm not saying that I approach strangers randomly and gab about anything. ( A few months back, I made a bold move and made friends with someone. ) Good thing is, I'm with people who encourages me to talk and are interested to know my opinion on certain things. I like the fact that I can say something without being laugh at if I mispronounce a word.

Living in a foreign country is like a balancing act. I try not get too caught up with the way of life here lest I forget my own. But I also need to have an open mind in order to move forward. I have to adapt and adjust and maybe, make a few compromises. I learn a valuable lesson while living in Canada. It pays to be grounded with myself and to be sensible. I learn to make the things within my control works for me and not worry about those that don't.

There's no such thing as a perfect place to be ( except perhaps in my imagination) And I find out that Canada, like any other country, has its own problems and pitfalls. Still, I like it here.

Anyway, just thought I write something random, being "Canada Day!!!" and all....

finally, I have my "N"

"I'm happy to tell you that you pass this time. High five!" These words from the examiner were music to my ears. I was like, "Yes!". I was so happy that day, I feel like jumping. 

When someone asked me if I have any experience in driving, I readily reply that I don't. Of course, I didn't count the time when I had four driving lessons two years ago. It was when I just got my "L" license.

I never thought that I'd ever want to learn how to drive. Where I came from, it's easy to go to places even if you don't drive and own a car. So driving has never entered my mind. But then, things changed, I'm now in a place where driving is a necessary skill and owning a car doesn't mean you're well-off. ( Or maybe it does, because you need to factor in the cost of the car, insurance, repairs and maintenance, gas, etc., )

So with the encouragement and help from a friend, I decided to take driving lessons again. This time I had every intent and desire to take and pass the road test. To pass it and get the "N" is the only way that I can legally drive here on my own or give someone a ride, with restrictions though.

For the past two months, "driving" has taken precedence in my life. I had to stop running for awhile. On top of that, I'm faced with the process of looking for a new job and starting all over again. And trying to get over a loss. My journey to acquire the "N" was  filled with frustrations. Not to mention putting up all my meager savings for driving lessons, then failing the road test twice. I was so disappointed with myself. But finally, after my third try, I made it. I pass!!!

My friend, Wanda, has been instrumental with my passing the road test. She was determined to help me get my "N". She was patient and brave enough to sit with me through all those countless hours we spent on the road, just to give me practice. And after my two failed attempts, she told me not to give up but try again. We drive some more. And when I finally pass, she smiled and said, "I'm so proud of you."

When I think about it now, my preparation for the road test was like cramming for a long exam the next day ( you know, the ones we used to get in school ) Fortunately, it work out well for me in the end.

Looking forward to "hit the road!"