Year-end reads

"Books are delightful society. If you go into a room and find it full of books---even without taking them from the shelves, they seem to speak to you, to bid you welcome." - William Ewart Gladstone

The past few weeks, I neglected to keep my blog updated. I tried to but somehow, I wasn't up to the task of writing another post. Ideas come to mind but I wasn't focused enough to sit down and write.

I've been reading a lot lately though. So I'm torn between taking the time off from reading in order to write. Anyway, enough of that. I'm sure you don't check out my blog just to read my tirade about not writing often.

If there's one thing that I never get tired and bored of doing over and over again, that is, reading. I know, I've  made mention of this before. I just love being on my own, in between the pages of a good book. I have this plan to list down all the books I read this year but I'm not sure if I'd ever get down to it. So allow me to share the latest books I've read so far....

Winter of the World ( Ken Follett )
Second installment from the Century trilogy. I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed "Fall of  Giants". The 900+ pages didn't stop me from forging on ahead and read every page.

The Racketeer ( John Grisham )
John Grisham is one of my favorites. I read all his works, except for a book or two. I can't remember the titles though. But I always make it a point to read whatever new book he has written. "The Racketeer" is the latest and you're in for a thrilling read with this one.

The Zoo ( James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge )
This is the fourth book I've read from James Patterson. Usually it just took me a day or two, tops, to finish reading it. I always feel like I'm watching a movie when I read his books and gets me right in the zone of "can't put it down until I get to the last page".  "The Zoo" deals with the idea of animals running amok and attacking humans. It is scary. And the irony is, we are to be blame.

The Secret Keeper ( Kate Morton )
The latest one from Kate Morton. If you've read "The Forgotten Garden"; "The House at Riverton" or "The Distant Hours", then you know what to expect. Kate Morton has this talent of creating an intricate web of suspense that leave you wanting for more, by this I mean, staying up late at night to read one chapter and end  up reading two chapters more.

Anyway, there goes my year-end reads. I'll take a break for a few days before starting again at the start of 2013. And it will give me time to brush up on my writing too. Hopefully.

"You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend." - Paul Sweeney 

Older and thankful...

I turned 36 a few weeks ago. I can't say I feel any different than last year. Of course, it doesn't escape my attention that I'm a year older now. I always look forward to my birthday no matter what. The past year has been a mixture of happy times ( my birthday, for one, that is ) and not so happy times. It entailed a lot of changes in my life. Someone I know passed away. I learned to drive and got my driver's license. Had to look for another job and had to pack my stuff and move again. Despite all that, I have so much to be thankful for. I'm grateful for where I am right now, in my life.

I get to have my cake and eat it too while at the same time, holding on to my beer. And have coffee with Baileys on the side. I'm a happy camper. :-) [ Thanks to Rita.] 

 I realized that things happen for a reason, though most of the time, it's way beyond me. I learned that crappy times don't last long, in the same way, that happy times don't last forever. Still it pays to remember that, there's always that light at the end of the tunnel, only if I know how to look and have patience at the same time. It's a huge comfort to have those happy memories to look back to whenever I feel down.

Turning a year older is an accomplishment in itself. I can't stress this enough. And there's that feeling of being "extra special" even if  just for one day.

Enjoyed sparkling wine with my sister and cousin. ( And other stuff not shown. )

I'll look forward to what this year has in store for me. Hopefully, I still get to run from time to time and do new stuff. Who knows...

Sisters-in-arms ( anything could happen )

"A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves." - Toni Morrison

I've been asked more than a few times if I like being in Canada. And I always say, "Yes, I like being here." Living in a foreign country and being away from home is not so bad because my sister is here, even if we don't get to see each other and hang out often. I know, I'd be singing a different tune if I'm the only one here. My sister helps keep homesickness at bay.

I decided to come up with this post because our birthdays are coming up and I thought I'd write something about our relationship. So far, it's working. My sister and I get along fine, perhaps more so, because we only see each other like, once or twice a month. So whatever time we have, is maximize and full of laughter and fun. I once told her that I only get to laugh ( the LOL kind ) when I'm with her.

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost." - Marion C. Garretty

I'm thankful my sister is here. Between the two of us, we always find ways to have fun and enjoy each other's company. I'm not saying we never have arguments or something but we try not to have them. The little time we have is far better spend on having a grand "adventure". Besides, getting older, makes us more forgiving and accommodating to each other's shortcomings. Of course, I still complain ( sometimes ) when she takes her sweet time to put on make up or  decides what dress to wear. In the same way, she comments on the way I dress or my "old lady" shoes. But the best part is, she spoils me ( take note, sister, I still pine for the Nikon SLR ) and cooks me Filipino food, whenever I ask here.

So, here's to you, my "always fashionably dressed" sister, Happy, Happy Birthday!!!

"Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."- Carol Saline

The End of Your Life Book Club

I can't say it enough, I love reading and I love books. And I also love to read books written about the love for books and reading too. ( Lost yet? )

I'm lucky to get hold of "The End of Your Life Book Club" by Will Schwalbe, when it was fairly new and just released this year. Not that I'd mind reading this later or next year. I found this book at the Chapters website where I frequent, to look for new books to read. I perused its summary and decided I like to read it. I put a request for it at the library and I'm glad  I didn't have to wait that long.

I'm not going to write a book review because until now, I don't know how to write one. And I feel that I don't do justice to it, anyway.

What I love about this book is the way the author shared his and his mother's passion about books and reading. And the impact it has in their respective lives. Through the course of reading this, I can't help but wish that Tiya ( my aunt in the Philippines ) is here, so we can share books and talk about them. One day, I brought up this subject ( you know, sharing books and reading ) to my sister, she pointedly told me to leave her out of "it".

"That's one of the things books do. They help us talk. But they also give us something we all can talk about when we don't want to talk about ourselves."

I remember the lady that I used to look after and work for before. She passed away a few months ago. One thing that made us hit it off from the start, I believe, is books and reading. ( Well, there's the crossword puzzle too. She got me started with it and now, I'm hooked. ) During the time, I lived with her, we've shared books and talked about them. She suggested books that I should read, which I did and found them great and enjoyable. ( My favorites: Roots by Alex Haley; A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry and The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay ). I let her read whatever books I got from the library that I thought she might like and she did enjoy them too. We both cried over "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. Sometimes, I think about those times, when we just hang out and  read in companionable silence.

Looking back now, I realized that, without both of us intending to, we started out our own book club too. However short-lived it was. Of course, at that time, we didn't think about someone dying or something, instead we look forward to more years ahead of us and more books to read. After she died, I stopped reading for awhile. I just didn't feel like it. Later on, I started writing diligently on my journal and found my way back to reading again. She once told me that I should write something about my life, especially coming to and living in a foreign country and leaving my family behind. I was taken aback, since no one ever suggested that to me before and I blurted out the first thing that came to my mind, "Yes, I will. And you'll be the first one to read it." 

 "The End of Your Life Book Club" afforded me that glimpse, to know what it feels like to have someone, to share with your "love" for books and reading. Although, I really don't mind, if there's no one to share books with and reading, for that matter.

Sometimes, just for the heck of it, I teased my sister about how I wish she like books and reading too, or start telling her about a book I've read or currently reading, I love seeing her "Please, don't talk to me about that." look.

Anyway, if ever you get the chance to read "The End of Your Life Book Club", hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did. But if not, that's alright too. :-)

The Time Keeper

(Quote from The Time Keeper)

I always enjoy reading Mitch Albom's books. "The Time Keeper" is another must-read. At first, it started out slow for me, while I tried to find my footing in the story. Obviously, it is about time or the lack thereof or it being not enough. To fully appreciate what I'm trying to say here, you better read the book and see for yourself.

I'm not sure if it's a coincidence or not, but the story affected me in some ways. I have always been particular about time, that sometimes, I fail to take part in what is happening around me, because I'm so wrap up about  the time ticking by or whether I'm being productive or not. I prided myself on always showing up on time, except if there are unforeseen events that I can't do anything about.

"With endless time, nothing is special. With no loss or sacrifice, we can't appreciate what we have." - ( from The Time Keeper )

After moving to Canada, I find that time just go by so fast. Whenever I go and see my sister, we both complained about there's not enough time, especially when we're having fun. But then, we know it's all part of being here. We make the best of whatever limited time we have and look forward to the next visit. So now, I don't nag her as much as I used to, when it takes her, like forever, to comb her hair or whatever she does with it. And I stop thinking of myself as being the aggrieved party, just because she takes her sweet time.

Reading the book made me realize that I need to step back a bit and enjoy each moment. Never mind that the clock is ticking nearby. ( Seriously, I can hear the second hand of my watch, counting down each minute. )

Time is something that  is outside my control. What matters is what I do with what I have. I learn to "stop and smell the roses" once in a while. And I find that, sometimes "doing nothing" is not such a bad thing after all.

Not another "shameless plug"

Birthdays are always fun. I mean, to me it is. While some people would dread the fact that they turn a year older every time their birthdays come up, I welcome mine, with anticipation and excitement ( for what, I have no idea. ) Of course, it helps that I think my birthday is special and in some ways, I am too. And that's how my "shameless plugging" came about. I have this crazy idea that since it's my birthday, then I'm entitled to "beg" and get "special" things. ( Hence, a crazy idea, I know. )

Since, I started this shameful thing on my blog, I can say that, so far, it worked. Proof of that? Three years ago, on my 33rd birthday, I get to blow the candles on my first ever birthday cake and make a wish. It was fun. I think about that day with fond memories. ( And did I mention, that I got drunk too? Anyway, I can't remember. ) My friends were cool and indulgent so it worked out alright. I get to have my cake and eat it too. :-)

Come November, I'll be turning a year older. I won't be doing anything extraordinary on that day but perhaps, go for a short run if I can. From where I'm at right now, it usually rains or snows at that time. Awhile ago, I told my sister that we should do something fun and crazy on our birthday. ( It so happened that we were born in the same month but just on different dates. ) When I said 'something fun and crazy', I meant --- Zip Line. She exclaimed, no way. She's not really into physical stuff ( although she goes to the gym and all ) unless it involves putting on make-up or wearing high heels.

I'm not one to waste time when there's no reason to. Not, if I can't help it. I know my birthday won't be for another month or so, but I'm thinking, why not put it out there, early on. Pretty soon, November will be here. So I'm inspired to write another 'shameless plug' for this year. And I'm constantly dropping hints for my sister to figure it out, hopefully. Like one day, when I was in Nanaimo, I forced her to come to Chapters. At first, she balked at my suggestion to go inside the store, saying that she'd burst into flames once inside. ( She doesn't like books and hate the smell of coffee.) But I sweet-talk her into going and she had to make it up to me, for being late. So, we found ourselves walking around and in between shelves of books. I was in cloud nine but my sister looked like, she'd rather be somewhere else. I dragged her to a shelf where Moleskine journals and notebooks were neatly piled. She was like, "And you're showing me this, why?" I went on to say something about giving her an idea of what to get me for my birthday. She just rolled her eyes and walked away. I'm not sure if she get what I mean.

So, here goes my list....

I put a request for this at the library but I want my own copy so I can add it to my collection. ( Photo from amazon.co.uk )

I first get to try this one, I think, last year. Thought it be nice to use for my notes, although my phone's MemoPad works fine too. ( Photo from uncrate.com )

Moleskine journals or notebooks, so I can do more of this.:-)

I think, my list is not that long and perhaps, you can hardly call it a list. I get a kick from doing this post. It doesn't matter if nothing will come out of it. The whole point is I get to be "shameless" for a few weeks. And also, for me to find out if my sister reads my blog.

I wish I can say that I'm anxious about getting older or about how old I am, but I'm not. Age is just a number anyway. And  some think I don't look my age. It is always to my sister's chagrin, whenever we hang out, when her friends mistake me for her younger sister, instead of the other way around. One time, when I went to a pub with a couple of friends, I was asked for some identification. I was embarrassed and alarmed, thinking I did something wrong. My friend assured the person-in-charge that I'm old enough to be in the premises. Later on, she told me that it was a compliment - to be asked for my ID. I didn't know what to say.

Before I think of something else to add to my list, I'd better stop blabbering about what I want for my birthday. And really, it's no big deal if I don't get anything. I have far more important things to hope for....

• Good health for my family and friends. And myself too. ( I have another goal: run another marathon before I reach 40 )
• The means and willingness to provide for my family. ( Hopefully, they appreciate it.)
• To always "Be satisfied. Be grateful."
• To "don't sweat the small stuff."
• And to be able to run, for longer.

"Whatever with the past has gone, the best is always yet to come." Lucy Larcom

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

"For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I'm not going to expound at great length about the history behind Thanksgiving. If you're curious enough, you can look it up ( like, Google it ) on the Internet. I come across this annual event, from books I've read and movies I've watched. Little did I know that I get to experience it first-hand. There's really nothing extraordinary about it, other than to give thanks, I suppose. Families usually have get-together ( of course, if respective schedules permits ). Turkey dinner and all the trimmings are there. Then there's also this thing, about it being a holiday, which means a long weekend, for those who works from Mondays to Fridays.

After living here in Canada for the past two years, I realized that when you're grateful, it is easier to be generous and look at the brighter side of things. I'm not saying that this realization happen overnight. I continually work at it everyday. Sometimes, when things are downright tough, you need enough resolve to still be thankful, no matter what.

"No matter how easy or hard our current conditions, we all have a wealth of simple blessings around us - waiting to be counted. As we do, our happiness grows. Our gratitude expands. And each day becomes a breath-taking gift." ( from The Secret Letters of the Monk who sold his Ferrari )

I'm THANKFUL  for...

EACH SINGLE DAY. The fact that I still hear my alarm go off every morning is reason enough to be grateful. Otherwise, everything doesn't matter.

My FAMILY back home. Sometimes, it can be exasperating and frustrating to deal with them. But then, "You don't love your family  because they're kind and considerate. You love them because they're your family." ( from Fall of Giants )

The FRIENDS I have and will have in the future. I'm at the point in my life, where a friend does not necessarily mean someone I hang out with everyday and do stuff, rather, someone whom I'm sure will have my back ( and vice versa ).

BOOKS and the love for READING.Without them, my life is incomplete.

RUNNING. It has help me become a better person. Not to mention, giving me that extra jolt of "runner's high".

For my WORK and the PEOPLE I've come to know ( and even live with ) through it. I've been blessed to be well-taken care of, that sometimes, I thought I'm being spoiled. :-)

HIM. For allowing me to be here and live life. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Things that make me go "Hmmm...life is good."

I was inspired to come up with this post from something I read in the paper. ( Well, it was actually from Wonderword.) I remember someone telling me, that when you get older, you start to notice the simple and ordinary things around you. I found that to be true.

It occurs to me, how sometimes, life unfolds in ways I don't expect. Whenever I think, everything is going smoothly, somehow, something always goes wrong. Plans don't turn out the way I want them to be. Being away from home have taught me a few things about how to go about life. I'm now more appreciative about what each new day is presented to me, no matter what the circumstances are.

I just love to watch this every morning, while I do the crossword and enjoy my coffee. Life is....:-)

 I decided I'd make a list of things that reminds life will always be worth it. And thought I'd share them with you. ( That is, if you even read my blog. )

• The smell of coffee and coffee itself. 
• The delicious aroma that wafts around the house when something is baking in the oven or cooking on the stove. ( And just to let you know, I'm not doing the cooking.)
• Running 
• The clear, blue sky
• Talk to my sister in our dialect.

Hanging out with my sister is always fun. ( No matter how short the time is. )

• Music
• Whenever I figure out a word in the crossword puzzle 
• A good book
• Cup of tea
• Driving the truck with the music on.
• The warmth and comfort of my bed.
• The feeling of "I just died and gone to heaven..." ( this usually happens whenever I'm served with a delicious meal, which is quite often )

I "love" coffee. Let me not count the ways.

• My phone calls to my folks back home.
• The early morning, particularly that part, when the sun rises and treetops are dappled with sunlight.
• Where I'm at now, I'm fortunate to be with people who are nice to me and treat me as part of their family.

So, there goes my list. It's not much, I know. But in some ways, they make me happy....:-)

GOLD

"Happy people believed in someone. Expecting company, they walked with a careful space beside them. Even in their worst moments they could imagine the possibility of someone. A magic someone who could glue them back together with words." - ZOE

I found this book in the Chapters website where I usually check for new books to read. I look over the brief outline and was taken with what it was about. So I decided to put a request for it at the library. I had to wait, like a few months, before it was available.

"You had to keep yourself desperate--as wild as you'd been when you had nothing. You had to double your stake every time..." - ZOE

I like the story and was drawn to the character of Zoe. Something resonates in me-- that feeling of being alone even when surrounded with people. And the desperate measures resorted to try to make up to someone you care about. It was mainly about cycling and all the hard work and compromises a cyclist put in to get that much-coveted gold.  Although, I'm into running ( an entirely different sport ) and not an athlete in training, I understand about pain and sometimes, that blind desire to push oneself to the limits, whatever the consequences.

Reading "GOLD"  by Chris Cleave was a good and enjoyable experience. And a few POST-IT notes after.

"Maybe the deal was that life had to break you down before you could see it. Maybe there wasn't any other racket in town except this one that brought you to your nadir and challenged you to build your self back up from it, then showed you that what you'd done at least meant something to someone." -TOM

Fall of Giants

"But you don't love your family because they're kind and considerate. You love them because they're your family." - Grigori

I first laid my eyes on this 900+ -page of a book, December of 2010. That time, it looked daunting and as I flipped through the pages, I couldn't find that spark or instant connection that I always have when I pick a book for the first time.

I haven't read a single book penned by Ken Follett until I met someone who told me about "Pillars of the Earth". It was a wonderful read and I so enjoyed it, that I tracked down "World Without End." I'm not a huge  fan of books with long and beating-around-the-bush kind of narrative. It's a turn-off for me, most of the time.

"Fall of Giants" is an exception. And after reading "Pillars of the Earth" and "World Without End", I'm ready to be swept yet again, to another time long gone.

Somehow, the book let me take a peek into what happened during the First World War. And it's not mainly about history because it also touches about the frailties and quirks of man's behavior toward his fellowman.

If you don't mind reading a really long one, then you'll enjoy this first installment of Ken Follett's Century Trilogy. I'm looking forward to the next one.

Happy reading.!!!

How it all began for me...

There are only few simple joys in life that I cherish and nurture. Running, for one. Food is another thing. Then there's my love for books and reading in general. I have Tiya to thank for the latter. Without her stories, years ago and her encouragement for me to read, I wouldn't have discover this wonderful and worthwhile pastime. I don't have to go to far-away places just to read.

I can't remember the exact time when I started my love affair with reading. All I know is, I've always love to read and most of the time, happier when I'm just by myself, with a good book. ( I don't need to seek the company of others when I have a great book with me. Although, I had a great time in AMUMA with my batch mates.)

At first, I was content to read Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Then later on, I found the same story line boring. One day, Tiya gave me a paperback ( Hotel by Arthur Hailey ) and suggested I try it. I did. From then on, I was hooked.

I remember one year, I just stayed home when I'm supposed to start college. Due to reasons that I can't recall, I had to defer going to school for another year. Tiya brought me books every week and I read them all. Paperbacks. Condensed Reader's Digest. With every book was an adventure waiting for me in between the pages.

I moved from reading young-adult ( the Harry Potter series is my all-time favorite ) to more complicated and serious stuff. I'm lucky to read great writings from different excellent and wonderful authors. I've been moved to tears and  laughter. With reading, I learned a lot about the world around me. I began to learn how to think outside the box. To be open to new ideas and think things over.

I prided myself in being able to put up an indifferent countenance about certain things, except for one. I can never pretend that I don't like books or reading ( for that matter ) My reaction to the sight of books neatly stack on shelves ( either inside a library or bookstore ) always give me away. I can't say I read everything. It depends whether it interest me or not.

Reading and books will always be a part of my life. And I'll always be thankful for Tiya for sharing this wonderful gift with me.

Things I like about "You've Got Mail"....

"Don't you just love fall in New York?"

I've always been a movie buff since I was young enough to understand what I'm watching. Let's just say that I used to frequent the movie house whenever I had the time ( and extra cash ) and keep my myself abreast with all the new movies shown. ( Well, not all of them. ) This was during the time when cable TV wasn't popular yet.

I love to watch movies, especially the ones with endings that keep you wondering what happen, long after the credits stopped rolling. "YOU'VE GOT MAIL" is one of my favorites. I'm not really a huge fan of romantic flicks but for this one, I made an exception. And after 14 years when I first watched it, I don't mind  watching it again.

Here's the rundown on why the movie is my all-time favorite...

• It was filmed in New York City.
• Starbucks ( which means coffee )
• Bookstores ( books and reading )
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Cranberries' song "Dreams"
• Meg Ryan's hair

Just  few of  the things about the movie  that resonates with me. The plot and story line is simple but it wasn't boring at all. It's a love story but without the usual "effects" that some films has to entice viewers.

[ I have yet to fulfill my 'dream' of one day going to New York City for a visit. And perhaps, when I'm lucky, run in the New York marathon. So I'll wait and see. :-) ]

I "love" the library...

"A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your question answered. Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people---people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book." - E.B. White

If there's one thing I like particularly about being here in Canada---its their library. I know, this confession would prompt comments like, "The library? Big deal." I didn't realize this at first, until after a year of going to the library in Mill Bay.

One of my recent read.

When I was still in school, I was never fond of going to the library, unless it is really necessary. And I dislike the idea of spending countless hours, on a secluded corner, with a book in front of me. In no time, I will be nodding off, the book forgotten. Back then, I view going to the library as something closely related with schoolwork so it's not fun.

And where I come from, a public library is not one of the priority. The few that do exist are stocked with outdated materials and books. Besides, no one really go to this place. Reading is not a popular pastime.

So a few days after I arrived in Canada, my aunt took me to the downtown branch of the library in Nanaimo. I was amazed. I felt like I was a kid inside a toy store. That day I got my library card. I was in heaven. I marveled at all the books on the shelves.

There's something about books that makes me happy and content.

When I moved to Mill Bay, the first I did is check out the library. I was happy to know that it wasn't located far from where I'm going to stay. On my days off, I always go there. It has become one of my "happy place". Every time I step inside the library, it feels like I'm transported to another place. I like the smell of the books, especially the brand new ones. I have this crazy idea--- I'd spend a night in the library, then all the stories in the books will come to life. With one exception though, no scary stuff.

I've read a lot of good books for the past two years, thanks to the library. And the cool thing about it is I can read any book I like, without buying it ( except if I want my own copy ) For someone who thrive on reading,  like me, the library is a great thing. I don't have to go out and do stuff, to amuse myself. Besides, I am always content with a good book ( and a cup of coffee on the side ).

The library will always be one of my favorite place. And hopefully, for a very long time...

I go for series and trilogy too....

The first two...

I've always been fascinated with books and reading. I say, I'm happier when I have a book with me or when I'm in a library or a bookstore.  Since moving to Canada, I've read a lot of books. Thanks in part to the library. I read anything that interest me. Although, there are type of books that don't strike a chord with me.

Even before the HARRY POTTER books became so popular, I already read most of them and watch the film adaptations. It started when I was still back in the Philippines. I enjoyed Harry, Ron and Hermione's adventures all through out the series that I decided to read it again last year. And it was made possible by the VIRL.

Another series that I managed to read, pertained to vampires and werewolves. If you're familiar about Bella and Edward ( with Jacob thrown in to spice things up ), then you know what I'm getting at. Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. Ring a bell? It's a surprise that I can still remember all the titles. The opportunity to read all four books presented itself and I was curious to find out what all the hype was about. Will I read it again? Probably not. Besides, my idea of what a vampire should be, will always be Louis and Lestat ( remember "Interview with the Vampire" )

The first trilogy I come across is from Suzanne Collins---I'm talking about "The Hunger Games", "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay". I read the first two books when I was still back home. And I read the last one, last year. It dealt about futuristic stuff and all that. And it was a fast-paced read.

A nice birthday present.:-)

Then there's Stieg Larsson's Millenium-trilogy that starts with "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo", then "The Girl Who Played With Fire" and "The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest". All three books were published after the author's death in 2004. The books has been adapted to film. I watched the English version of the first book and it was good. The trilogy deals with various subjects, like corruption, human trafficking and other flaws of society in general. I got all three books for my birthday, two years ago. A birthday present. So there's no excuse not to read them all.

I've started accidentally on Jeffrey Archer's "The Clifton Chronicles". I say accidentally because I didn't plan on reading "Only Time Will Tell", which was the first book. I'm glad I did because it turned out to be a wonderful one and with Jeffrey Archer, being the author, you won't be disappointed. I had to wait for months before I get to read the second book, "The Sins Of The Father". It's worth the long wait. Now, I'm looking forward to the next one. Soon, hopefully.

I watched "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" a few years back. I didn't know then that it was based on a book by C.S. Lewis. It was only recently that I know about it. And there's a whole lot of other books in "The Chronicles of Narnia" series. So I Google d it and jot down the title of the books ( all seven of them ) and the order they should be read. I borrowed "The Magician's Nephew" from the library and finished reading it in just one day. Well, it was a short one and the large print helped too. I have the second book, "The Boy and His Horse" ready to be pick up. So, let's see how this will turn out.

I noticed that I read a lot of series lately so I thought I write something about it. And also to keep track, perhaps. ( Whatever happened to my Book Journal? )

As I've mentioned before, reading is a great pastime. You can never go wrong with it. :-)

Never stop reading.

If I have a million dollars...

I laugh at myself for thinking about winning the lottery. I mean, who wouldn't want to win it? Probably someone nuts.I know money is not everything and all, but it sure does help if you have some.

In my case, I have all the odds stack against me when it comes to winning anything, let alone the lottery. ( Maybe because I seldom buy lotto.) Still, it doesn't hurt to "dream" of the things I'd buy or do if ever I buy the winning ticket. Besides, it doesn't cost me a cent to let my imagination runs free.

So, if I have a million dollars....


I'll buy my first car, just so I have something to stick my "N" on. And I can drive.

Buy my sister and myself a plane ticket and head home, for a much-long visit with the family.


DSLR ( My sister will go crazy about this. She love to be always in front of the camera.)


Buy a new pair of runners and sign up for more races.

Visit New York City ( with my sister, of course)


Go to Disneyland with my girls.


I can go insane and come up with a long list here but the things mentioned above will do just fine for now. Although, I have other things to do ( in case I get lucky ) but I'd rather not share it here.


Dream on...

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!"

The Power of One

"First with the head and then with the heart, you'll be ahead from the start."

Someone suggested "The Power of One" to me. Few weeks after I got it from the library, it stayed unopened. Not for a lack of interest though. I was reading another book at that time. At first, I wasn't keen to read it because the print were way too fine for me. After reading a few books in large print, my eyes have become accustomed to the nicely spaced, large font.

My boss told me  it's a good book and that I will like it. And true enough, after I read the first two chapters, I'm hooked. The fine print did not matter anymore.

The book allow me a glimpse of a time, a few years back, when I know how it feels like to hit a heavy bag and punched it like crazy, until my knuckles were raw and sometimes, bled.

I read all 530 pages of the book and enjoyed it. Even go as far as jot down phrases I like. Here's one...

"The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated. The mind is the athlete; the body is simply the means it uses to run faster or longer, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further or box better."