My Family goes tobogganing

Is this incredible of what?  Mount Seymour, just out of Vancouver a few miles; in fact, in part of greater Vancouver.

And the Journey Begins

One more sleep and then off to Hong Kong. I am looking forward to work, but not really sure I am ready to hit the schools with the pace that seems to be in place. The mentees are not ready for us, I just dont understand why the higher ups think they are.  They are just getting into the school year so how on earth can they be ready to learn from the rest of us too?

Guess I will find that out soon enough.

Today - tobogganing on Mount Seymour.  Brrr.  Taking part or just watching is all the same to me. You are still on a mountain; you are still freezing.  

I am kind of thinking that tobogganing is in the same category as going to a circus.  Been there, done that, do I really need more?

The Tutu

Nana brought Kolly a tutu and fancy frilly socks. Kolly wore her new tutu to school the other day.  She has a little friend at school who always wears a tutu and clearly this little munchkin wanted to do the same.

The face says it all.

Merry Christmas from Canada

I will upload the buildup to the big day later. For now, here is the view of the adult table at our gathering and the kids after they dined at their own table and then settled in for after dinner entertainment (kids new movies)

The feast was incredible - everyone was almost drinking the turkey gravy.

Romers and Shopping

Last night I think I sated the appetite for western food.  We noshed on great eats at a burger place that served incredible food.  By the time we got to the actual burgers, Jennifer was wise enough to suggest we share a burger. I was leary about doing this. I really wanted to indulge myself to the max. However, I followed her lead and we shared. Thank God.  After smokin' hot wings, edamame, yam fries and all else, there was little room in the tummy for the main course.  But what a treat!  Gluttony reigned. We came home and watched some saved show on television while finishing off the night with vanilla ice cream with rosemary caramel sauce.  Nice.

Today, after depositing the munchkins at play school, Jenn and I are power shopping for the rest of the Christmas things that need to be picked up and then having lunch with an old friend down town.  Should be fun.  Jennifer and I have not really had a day together without either her work pulling her in one direction, or the kids in another.  Now is the time for the grownups to bond.

Vancouver in the Snow

This morning Jenn braved the weather with her kiddos and dropped them at playschool.  On her way home, she had to find another route due to 3 buses and a semi fishtailing on the hill.  Then, like an angel, she got back in her car to take old Nana to acupuncture in the afternoon.  Thank God she did.  I don't think I would have found a bus to take me, and taxis were not answering calls.


On our way home we decided we would pick the kids up early. No one wanted to go out in this crazy weather yet again.  Here is a wee video I took while she mastered the roads in her 4 wheel drive vehicle, as we watched others try to chink the blocks of snow that embedded their little cars into the road.  This guy was pulling chunks of snow out from under the car and then using his little window brush as a shovel.  It was amusing.  The voices you hear are Jenn and her husband discussing who is closer to the school to pick up the kids. We ended up closer than he was so gathered them up while Marc went home to shovel snow.  Sweating in Malaysia is looking pretty darn good.  Today I wore every sweater and t shirt I brought with me.

Holy Snowflakes Batman!

I dreamt all night about being in Calgary.  I might as well have been there considering the snow I found on the ground and falling from the sky today in Vancouver.  We don't do snow here.  What happened?

This is how the munchkins looked as they headed to school  in Mom's car.

This is what I saw outside my room this morning.  More snow is falling, so we will likely build a very nice snowman later today.

Kolly Roars

Kolly thinks it is fun to roar at Nana because she is sure she is scaring her every time she does.

Here is a video of her doing just that.

Kolly Roars at Nana

Look What We Woke Up To Today

This is the back yard view from my room. Brrrrr

In the front far, off in the corner is the little tree all decked out with baubles and snow. Brrrr again

The Tree is Trimmed

Mom hung the lights, and everyone joined in to trim the tree. Levi figured out how to hang the baubles high so Kolly could not remove them.  Many still in her reach are being carried around and rearranged on a regular basis.

The big decorations are our Chinese lanterns all the way from Malaysia

Our new angel all the way from Vancouver Island

The tree complete in all its splendour with all the decorations Nana has gathered from her journey here.

2012 Christmas Tree Choosing

Today was perfect for shopping for a tree. We arose to white feathers floating through the air.  No, they were not feathers, they were snowflakes.  Brrrr

Donned in our winter garb, off we trod in the SUV to get the perfect choice.  Levi, the lead picker was dispatched to the patch of trees as we awaited his decision.  Kolly lingered on in the rows of trees, happily so, because some nice man brought candy canes to all good children who were shopping.

Levi, with the weight of a good decision weighing heavily on his slight shoulders,  made his choice.  The family gathered together for Nana to snap a picture of their happy faces standing in front of the one going home with us.

With the perfect location chosen while little people slurped on candy canes, Kolly decided she would look best on the tree skirt, and took up her post. Stay tuned for the trimming - tomorrow.

Nana in Charge

Being the mother of the mother seems to have some perks when it comes to babysitting.  Last night I was given the privilege of babysitting solo because mom was going out to dinner with the girls and dad was not going to get home in time.  No interview questionnaire, no reference check, no samples requested in role playing.  Guess when you raised some children yourself, and one turns out to become a parent, you pass the test.

We had fun. Nana is still producing presents every day, and yesterday was cars and hello kitty colour/sticker/scenery books with crayons.  Kolly could not believe she had her own crayons and Levi could not believe she should have them.  But once they got over that, both were happily drawing, colouring, and admiring their work.  Nana was even dispatched to test her own staying in the lines on some of Levi's pages.  She passed there as well. whew

The keeper of the crayons doing a random count to be sure all was in order.

During and after colouring time, we dined on pizza.  Little Kolly kept pace with her big brother and chomped down 3 pieces.  In fact she probably passed him.  He, like his Nana, leaves the crusts. She, on the other hand, leaves nothing.

After the dining and colouring were complete, we returned to the dining room to get back into our dradle match.  After completing 1 and 1/2 games, Levi walked away from the table with one win and a possible loss (once we finish the game today).  I wonder if we can get some cradle Christmas tree ornaments?

Now That I am Here, and Not There

Being away from SE Asia helps me to understand why I am there.

I love the work I do.
I love the people I work with.
I love the difference I am making there.
(insanely) I love the heat.  But maybe I only love it enough to admit it when I am not in it.
I love feeling 'tall'.

But, that does not mean I don't love being here.

Photo of a Photo

I managed to snag a photograph of my family visiting sea world or whatever they call it here.  Maybe - the aquarium.

In any case, a lovely view of the clad smiling broadly is my gift.  Now to find a frame to keep this treasure.

It appears like Ry is either a crab or has one around his head, looking much like a halo.  Very Christmasy indeed!

One Week - a Lot of Territory Covered

Back in Vancouver after a whirlwind tour of the island and sunshine coast.  I managed to visit with many friends and spend a day at the university that proved to be extremely productive.  It was so good to catch up with everyone along the way. It was so good to see so much of the island in such a brief time.  I even managed to take in the shop that sells trinkets, toys, tenderloin, and tofu with a roof made of grass where goats keep it groomed without need for mowers or clippers.

With various amounts of indulgences of foods, I would say that the island tour was perfect in that regard.  Lamb shanks, bbq steaks, fish and chips,and even ferry food got me through a week that also produced some more muscle cramps and aches.

Now I sort out the outcome of the university visit.  Getting my application to the Malaysian university in order I look forward to more learning in an arena that I love.  This latest endeavour should take me back to Canada, once completed, with an insightful understanding of Asian culture so that I can possibly teach that intercultural communications program with some true understanding.  Immersed in the cultures has definitely made me realize how egotistical western culture is.  We from the West seem to think we can teach other westerners how to effectively communicate about and with Asian cultures with a book and some learning - but no real immersion in the culture.  I will be back with all of that and more.  My return may be slightly delayed, but return I will.

Now it is time to sell my latest adventure to my family.  Wish me luck.

When I am not doing this

I will be doing this

                               

Departure Bay Bound

After spending a delightful visit with my friend at the Sunshine Coast, I am now headed for Vancouver Island via Nanoose Bay where I will spend some time with another friend for a few days.  Travel around here is not something that is speedy.  Island Time comes to mind.  Just accept that it will take a bit of time and enjoy the journey.  I took a ferry back to the mainland which allowed me to watch the ferry that I would have liked to be travelling on for this next junket, but nope - I am spending about 1 1/2 hours in Horseshoe Bay terminal as I await the next sailing to the bigger island for the visit there.  What the heck - it is my vacation - so enjoy the slow pace and continue the cool air on my face and the warm cashmere sweaters that are necessary for this like of life.  Last night I thought we would be dining on munchies and bits and bites. To my surprise, Jan produced a feast of lamb shanks and polenta.  Holy crow, I was completely indulged in my love of that food. She is amazing - always remembers what one likes and produces it with a flair.  We sat up until midnight and even sat on the deck looking at where I was heading today, seeing the twinkling lights of Nanaimo.

For my Malaysian friends who are reading, here is a photo of a Totem Pole outside the Horseshoe Bay terminal.  Totem poles are everywhere in this part of the world, and sadly, the locals walk past without acknowledging them as they rush past.  Each pole tells a story. This one tells a story of the great bear.

I wonder what kind of time will be spent catching up with the Irish connection I am visiting now. 

The Drama Queen

Jenn's friend was the kind man who took me to the dentist yesterday.  He told me he wished he had taken a video of me after the ordeal.  Apparently I was just as funny as this little girl whose mother did do a video.  So, just note that she had her wisdom teeth out - I had my teeth cleaned.

Maybe I am a drama queen, but one that is glad I chose the drugs.

What's in My Mouth?

My Teeth are Clean

I think mine are kind of like the #5

Not sure how I got there or how I got back.  Doesn't matter, the magic pill made the whole ordeal bearable.  Now to sink back into bed and hope that the spazzy muscles in my back will be happy.  After massage therapy, acupuncture, and every kind of compress I could find I discovered that a dental magic pill makes one's back be a non issue.  Glad I am going back  to complete the cleaning. But hope too that the back nasty does not last until I do.

I think I entertained anyone around me quite nicely with my drug induced   

                                          fog today.  I have to admit also - it is nice to be in a cold climate.

Kolly and Nana Spend the Afternoon Together

Although I was invited to Cirque de Soleil  I assured Jenn that I had seen more than my share of circuses in my life - could I please be spared this one?  I was, and that is how Kolly and I managed to spend the afternoon together, uninterrupted by others.  It was nice time we managed to have with each other. No mother in her view to distract her and want to be with, no brother in her vision to have to share the attention.

We did not do anything earth-shattering. But her nurturing personality shone through loud and clear, as she mimicked how her own mother cuddles and cares for her, through the ooh, ooh, ooh, monkey that Nana brought her this trip.


Kolly is such a loving little girl. She always makes sure those around her are ok, and need nothing.  Here is is with Mr. Monkey, doing just that.

After her nurturing and mothering, clearly it was time for re-hydration, and then maybe catch 40 winks before the little one needs further attention.

                             

Air Canada as usual

Anyone who thinks they can defend aircanada and their conduct, please think again.  Their latest scam is some e-mail they send to customers who collect airmiles.  Why I bother to collect air miles it beyond me, but I guess I will continue and then see if I can transfer them to a carrier that I can actually make use of the accumulation of miles.  They advise they have a contest that could win you a trip, but when you attempt to enter it when you click ENTER, nothing happens.  No entry form, no redirect, no nothing.  aircanada - your marketing stinks as much as your customer service.

Wash Cloth Elephants

I just received a picture of a very upscale place I will be staying in Canada.  They also have created art from extremely artistic ways of draping a wash cloth.  I have stayed at places in Thailand where they folded towels to look like elephants; and they have done a remarkable job.

But this place in Canada goes a bit further and incorporates little people into the formula and ends up with elephant-like art to join you in the bathtub.

Now off to find some bargoons and whatnot to take back to those little elephants and their parents.

I am a Clever Bunny

Now, after a full day of going somewhere, I have arrived at the Grand Four Wings Hotel.  Probably the best choice I have made in ages.  I have chatted with various people along the journey. I seem to be a person that attracts conversation from strangers.Not sure why, but it has been interesting.  I think a person will always attract that when they travel solo.  And my hotel pick up was there at the airport waiting for me. Everyone had a sigh of relief when the old lady came dottering up to the sign.  They had been looking for Mr. Embury, not Ms.  and were happily surprised to see me.What a great way to begin a trip back home.  This hotel is complete luxury and indulgence. And incredibly affordable. If you are reading this, and not a member of Agoda, get your rear in gear and join.  No cost, great deals.  agoda.com

Now gonna draw a bath and fall into bed for the night.  And then dreams of omelettes and real multigrain bread and all other good things for my first of many excellent indulgences for the next month.

Miracles DO Happen

I have been in Singapore for about 2 hours and have not coughed once.  Those of you still in Johor, throw away your ventolin and get over here.

Hey Ry - Do You Remember Your Dove Tattoo?

No, I did not get a Dove Tatto, but next best thing.

My Indian friend was out of town, and I had a bee in my bonnet to get a henna.  All over the place I went to no avail.  Finally I decided that Kota Jaya might produce a henna artist.  I went to a nail salon in Kota Jaya and thought we were talking about the same thing. Until she produced a portfolio of various nail art options. No, no, not that, henna - for my hands.  No, no, we do not have, it finish.  Ok, do you know any Indian shops here. Can, can, go straight , then go that way lai dat and there.  No, none of that, but another Chinese hair salon this time.  One stylist went to a patron - Indian - and came back. Stay here, wait.  I stayed there. I waited.  My new Indian friend says follow me. I followed her to a taman I have never seen before, with twists and turns and more turns and twists, and stopped at a home. My new Pakistan native friend who arrived in Malaysia the same time as myself began her work.  After several hours of her artistry, her dear little one year old daughter did a major high five on my right foot, right into the ink.  Not a pretty sight. She was devastated. You cannot correct this. I assured her it was still fine, and suggested we call it a day.  But I do have one lovely foot, a dramatic left hand, and a right foot that can pass very nicely after a g & t.

 Can you imagine what ideas will come to mind with my granddaughter when she sees this? I can.  Better hide the markers when she does.

Countdown

I do not know how I did it, but I am almost ready for takeoff.  Well, still to pack my clothing, but I really do not have much to pack - what I wear here will be of little use in the cold north. I will actually be able to use the beautiful shawl Ryan brought me this year for other than wrapping my fever-racked body, which is the only use it has had here.  I do hope I have left time for the henna paint and my friend being able to apply it. If not, another time.  I am happy with the choices of airlines I made - hope they were good ones in the end.  They both touted that they have extra leg room, so comfort should be better than tinCanair  was last year. Those who know me are likely wondering why I care about extra leg room. The reason is because if I actually had a proportionate body my height would only be about 4 foot six inches.  I am not that height, I am five foot four inches. Hence, all the height is in my legs, not the rest of my body. For those who do not know me, visualize a spider, and that is me (with only 2 legs).I am kind of like a drawing of a person that a 3 year old does - you know a big head, and arms and legs that magically flow out of the neck.  All this prattle leads to an appropriate cartoon I found online.

I have it covered, if that advertisement does not pan out.  I am a woman, so this next statement should be in my favour.

Holy crow, I am going to a land where people actually stop at red lights and stop signs. And to top it off, I don't have to drive.  Right, Jenn?

See you soon Kolly and Levi

Panic is a very good incentive

I have laid on the sofa for the past week, making a nest of kleenex and empty sparkling water bottles.  I have also become a skilled navigator of the debris I have created in this lifestyle.  Talking with a friend this morning who called to see if I was in Canada now gave me a burst of energy and the incentive I needed to get my rear in gear.  Besides, I had run out of kleenex and sparkling water.  Off to Econsave I traipsed. Drat, I should know better. They do not carry kleenex - they do carry some sort of tissue that rubs your nose raw, but  better than my sleeve. They do not carry sparkling water, but being flexible I was willing to pick up soda water. Forget that.  All on the menu there is coke and syrupy sweet something or other. Back home, back to my filtered water on ice. Then the cleaning began.  The main floor is swabbed, the upper floor is too. All ironing, except for what is still drying is done as well.

I packed the new luggage that could pass as something barbie would take.  Full of trinkets and things for everyone at home.  Might be a good idea to toss in some changes of clothes for me too.  It is very difficult to wrap my brain around sweaters and long pants, and sweaters and long pants.  I sweat just thinking of these things.  But pack them I must.  I have sorted all my currencies and now have to remember what value they hold. Some lucky or unlucky friend or family member might get something worth more than I was planning on spending or the reverse.  I decided to take cash only and when that runs out, I quit shopping.  It is the only way I can do that exchange - remember I said I was no good at math???  If I get lazy, I suppose I could just buy one thing with the wad and call it a day.  If so, one person might score well.

The fridges are bare bones, the larder is similar.  Now to get back to that nest - the Lion King is on television tonight.  I like the Lion King. I love the music, so I guess my neighbours will be blessed with my television volume as high as it will go.  Too bad there are no kids here with me, it would give me an excuse to watch it.  Popcorn sounds like a nice dinner with the movie, huh?  Because I can, lai dat.

Mixed Feelings - Two Feet of Snow!

I am almost there. I do know it will be much cooler there and look forward to that experience.  Someone sent me this great picture but I have mixed feelings about it.  I would love to post it on my blog, but not really want to experience it.  There are many parts of Canada that will be able to easily claim this one. Where I am going, there is always a possibility of the event, but highly unlikely. No, I don't want it, but it is still very amusing - to me anyway.

What is a Friend?

As I prepare for the journey across the globe I also prepare a schedule for the time there and give my friends notice of my arrive.  I cannot fit everyone into this schedule. That is not something I have a great deal of control over because the time is limited.  However, there are some who take offense to this.  This brings me to the definition of friends.

The word friend has morphed into something new.  When one has a Twitter account or a Facebook page it seems many of these people want to have millions of followers and friends on these accounts. Are these people really friends?  I too have a Facebook page and I have figured out how this happens. One person, shall we say, an acquaintance, asks to be your friend on Facebook. I eventually cave, and let them be my friend.  It does not stop there; their friends then begin pestering you to be a friend as well. It gets worse, there are people who have nothing to do other than surf the net and click on follow or be my friend and they have no idea of who you are. If you fold there, then those people bring friends to the mix and you are suddenly connected with people that you will never meet, talk to, or have anything in common.  Is that a friend?  How about Twitter?  The goal apparently becomes the one with the most followers.  All those friends who follow you are from all over the world, and from experience, I have had people who want to follow me that I do not want in that list. You then have to block them or remove them from your list.  Lets face it people, we are not all movie stars, we are not all the president of the USA.  Grab yourself a reality check and set realistic honest goals for your followers and friends on these accounts.  Social media has redefined friends.  I choose to subscribe to the old fashioned friend definition.

You can go online and read all the descriptions of what a friend is.  Myself, I go within and find that definition.  Being a friend is personal. Having a friend is just as personal.  If both parties do not subscribe to the same definition are they friends?  I have learned that they are not.  Someone from my past had declared that I am not her friend.  I did not know that one person can decide if another person can set that person's rules for friendship.  I guess they think they can, so does it really matter?  Frankly it smacks of playground etiquette.  You cant come to my party because blah blah.  You cant play with us because blah blah.  If you are not nice to me according to my rules then I wont be your friend.  Have the power of the crowd or the power of ownership of the ball and I guess you write the rules.  Yes, this friend felt that I had been given so much from her in the past that I owed her something now. What she defined as what I owe her now was my time. I do no have the time. Thus, the friendship was withdrawn.  Maybe she needs to redefine her statement. She is not my friend (by choice), not - you are not my friend (by her rules). That is fine. We all have choices.  But we need to own them. I know this is possible. I have friends from my past who are part of my present, that  often finds us not communicating for months at a time. But when we do, we pick up and don't miss a beat; it is like there has never been a gap of silence.

Now I get to say what I think simply because this is my blog.  Friendship, like love, is personally defined and personally executed.  My personal definition for friendship, exactly like love, is that what I give and to whom I give it has no expectations of return.  I give it freely.  Let me tell you, once you become a mother you have the greatest opportunity to learn that lesson.  I cannot imagine having a child to love and to nurture and not love that child through all the hills and valleys.  Children practice their independence in many ways. During that process they do not exactly express that unconditional love very appropriately in return.  But mom will always love them, the kids know it, and that is a good thing.

So, what have I learned? Well, even when you are as long in the tooth as I am and a female as well, I will experience friendships that come, friendships that go, and friendships that weather the storm.  Like that saying some people are in your life for a season, some people are in your life for a reason I will be a friend to those who want to count me in that list and accept their terms as they are expressed.  Please accept mine as well. For the others - enjoy your journey.

Mentee in Training Deserves an Apology

Previously I wrote about a mentee in training. I know she will read this - her mom is a follower here.

Aisyah, I apologize. I spelled your name a different way. The wrong way! My reason - I actually have a friend from Morocco and that is how she spells it.

Jeepers, I hope I did it right this time.  But then, don't count on it; it took me a year to learn the correct way to spell your father's name.  I guess that is why I call your mom "G".  Keeps it simple.

Is she a cutie or what?

Hari Deepavali

Yesterday was Deepavali and all Indians prepared for the day by preparing huge feasts to share with family and friends, dressing in new clothing, and opening their home to everyone. I was fortunate enough to make new friends here who invited me to their celebration. I knew I could not attend. They would be offended if I did not eat, and when I eat, I throw up from the medications I am taking the asthma that has a strong hold on my lungs.  I also knew I had to go there to explain so they would not think I just did not want to come.

Where in Canada could you arrive 2 hours before the invited time to drop off a gift and be greeted as warmly as I was greeted?  I cannot think of anywhere.  I tried to pick up flowers for my friends, because I knew I must take a gift of some sort. The flower shop was closed, the vendor was inside, so I called the number on the window. He answered and said he is now closed. I explained my plight, he said, I am now closed. And that was that.  I asked a young girl on the street what I could take as a gift for people celebrating Deepavali. She said flowers. I explained that I could not get any because the shop was closed. She said clothing.  What the hell? Clothing?  I can't take them clothing, so thanked her and went on my quest.  I remembered a nice cake/lunch shop down the street. It is actually fairly nice - quite western, so off I trotted.  I managed to score a very nice HUGE cake that would serve 50.  He decorated it with Happy Deepavali 2012 and boxed it up for me.

Now off to the friends.  I actually found the house with a google search and arrived to find everyone home and the yard beautifully decorated for the party.  The mother had made a coloured coconut emblem at the entrance to the property, and tiny lights twinkled in the nearing sunset. Food containers awaited the feast soon to arrive.  And the cutest little poodle I have ever seen here. In fact, the only poodle I have seen here. His name is Dino - named for the Fintstone dog.  They would not let me leave, but soon understood my health issue and why I could not stay.  We visited in the living room and watched a monsoon arrive.  Quickly, everything was snatched from the rain and brought under roof covers until it quit.  Over 70 people were invited for the gathering, so you can imagine how much scrambling was going on to keep things dry.  I began gagging in my most attractive manner and knew it was time to leave.  We have made plans for me getting henna feet and hands before I leave for home so that my family can see what sort of preparation goes on for Deepavali over here.  I guess there will be minimal hand washing once that is done in order to preserve the art. Or maybe just faded hands and pretty fresh feet to show off. Good thing I got pretty toes yesterday as well.

Here is what I got to experience, although briefly, and not with the crowd.  And clearly, lovely new friends who have taken a foreigner into their home with such kindness.  I sure wish I could have eaten with them, but I will not fade away and know there will be other opportunities in the future.

The next series of pictures are of the coconut art that was at the gate and inside the house.  Truly beautiful work, and the dog did not even try to mess it up.

at the gate

just inside the house at the entrance

one wall in the living room

closeup of previous picture