Still snowing!

Hi all,

Today was fun. Second to last day of lectures, although with the snow storm at the moment, Uni may be closed tomorrow...either way, my degree is nearing to an end!

It was snowing hard out today. I walked to the bus stop amongst it all. Now I can really say I've had to walk to school in the snow! It was so quiet and...'reflective-like' walking in the winter wonderland. Everything was so white and yummy looking. I was singing and dancing and thinking how cool life was (and probably how cool I was). Haha.

But really I wasn't as cool as this girl at law school with the matching pink toque (beanie), mittens and pink gumboots! I mean seriously, was she just waiting for today when she could bust out that outfit...on call! Seriously wished I had pink gumboots!

Tim left for Bangladesh today. Will be back on Christmas Eve. Three weeks to get all my work done before Christmas :). Yay for getting all my work done!

Comments have been kinda quiet of late, which makes it kinda boring for me...reading my own blog! What's everyone doing in NZ or elsewhere???

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Super cool snow storm! Here are some pics...pretty self explanatory. Been snowing for 2 days/nights...am hoping it will reoccur around Christmas so I can get the White Christmas I came for! Yay! Then again, there have been the dangers of heavy-laden trees falling (everywhere) including one accompanied by a powerline at the end of the street. Cars sliding, power outages and what not. But if we all just stay inside in our pjs/trackies in the heat sipping eggnog...it's quite an enjoyable experience - and quite the study weather! (Except I'll pass on the eggnog - just sounds cool). Uni was cancelled today as a result. How's the weather in NZ at the mo???

Dedicated to Izzy Jane

This is at Miranda Stewart's house, or is it Nigella Gray?

Boring things like weather

By the way, I forgot to mention earlier in the week some actual current events of real significance due to my ramblingsThere were major storms for a day or two this week. Mega winds and rains. A tsunami warning on Vancouver Island as a result of the Japanese earthquake. Trees falling, buildings and windows crashing. I wish I had had my camera the day I ventured to Uni in the storm. There was a huge rubbish bin with numerous umbrellas sticking out of it. So windy they were ruined. As a result of all the rain and land slides, the city has a ban on drinking water from taps for a few days. Have to boil the water. Fortunately we have high-tech filters at home so we don't have to ingest murky water. The funny thing was that Starbucks was unable to sell coffee or tea as a result of the ban because the temperatures weren't hot enough to kill the bacteria. Some irate customers indeed. And the city sold out of bottled water (apparently...and obviously after this photo was taken :)). Fights broke out in Costco requiring police intervention...over bottled water.

And on the study note, one paper down...2 to go. The end is nigh! Have a great week!

Santa Parade

Yip, it's November...but the Vancouver Santa Parade was today. Pretty hi-tech and most enjoyable with lots of chocolate give-aways and handy first aid kits (from St John). Did you know Cadbury have a new chocolate out...it's dairy milk with that popping rocks/candy in it? Wonder if it will make it to NZ (if it hasn't already). Oh, and Coke have a new drink out called Coke Black. It's Coke and coffee mixed together in an energy drink. Double the caffeine. Whatever will they think of next?

Here are some self-explanatory pics of the parade and today. Oh, except for maybe one. These guys with the shovels...they got to scoop the poop from the Vancouver Royal Mounted Police on horses...for the entirety of the parade. Full credit to them.

Went with Sarah (in the pic with Curious George). So many highschool marching bands too. Just watched the movie 'Drumline' tonight. Anyone seen it? The plot is to be desired but the drumming was pretty cool.

And these fur protestors actually managed to force closure of the store they were protesting against.

And here's some Starbucks action on the streets of downtown Vancouver.

Broom Ball

Leah's sister Shena came and stayed the weekend. Lots of fun. We went out for Philipino food with the fandamily Saturday night. Yum. Leche Flan (Kinda like creme caramel) and corn or purple yam icecream brought back so many reminiscent moments of growing up in the Phillipines. Then it was off to a local arena for a big church bash of broom ball until midnight. Basically, there are no rules other than chase the ball around the arena and try and get a goal using your 'broom-like but plastic' stick. Oh yeah, and its on ice....with only shoes not skates. Super fun. Was priding myself on having stayed upright the entire night...only to get a bit overconfident with my running and sliding skills...kabam. Feet flying from under me. Tail bone then hair clip. But no damage done. And y'know what they say.... :)

Remembrance Day

Saturday, November 11, 2006 was Remembrance Day in Canada. This meant a public holiday on Monday - which seems to occur with quite some regularity in Canada (public holidays, that is).

I went along to the 10:30am service with Nate and Leah. It was a very patriotic, stirring Service. Singing of the National Anthem (thankfully I had a programme at hand...'O Canada'). Prayer. The Last Post on the Bugle (absolutely moving!). Minutes of silence. In Flanders Field by the choir. Troops marching. Laying of wreaths. And so on. There was also a Commemorative Flypast of Warbirds.

I have to admit I shed a tear or two. Partly because of my own ignorance. In fact I don't remember attending an ANZAC Service in New Zealand (maybe something to do with the fact it's at dawn, but no excuse nonetheless). And I knew so little about the New Zealand soldiers who fought - even despite the fact my Poua fought in the Maori Batallion. So I made some resolutions - to attend services, educate myself and be ignorant no more. Yip, it was a moment.

Quiz

Apologies in advance to Miranda...I mean Miranda's friend! But...this is some light entertainment for those who are not vehemently opposed to non-fair trade coffee (And if you are, you might feel more comfortable on Tim Hart's blog). Anyway, yes, yes, it's Christmas time since the beginning of November and so Starbucks now serves coffee in red cups with green cup holders. Don't get me wrong, I only have about one every now and then...but certain people are always asking about Starbucks...(Shelley and Jane to name a few...who secretly want to throw their law degrees away to don the green uniform and serve the American addiction...anyway this post is for you guys!) So...if you're at work and sneakily perusing the blog community...here's something slightly more entertaining than clock watching...

What is this particular drink? There is a prize for the winner. But I don't think anyone will ever get it...so probably don't need to confirm what the prize is.

Disclaimer: This blog is not an expression of opinion in any shape or form as to the plight of the Ethiopian farmer. Neither is it condoning of poor work ethics.

Halloween

Yip, exam over. Yay.

Whilst studying for exam, I missed joining all the Halloween festivities. Seriously it is huge over here - much to the candy industries' delight. I was reading in a book today that candy makers pushed (and succeeded) for a change in the original day light savings time because when it was BEFORE Halloween, there would be one hour less of day light to go trick or treating...a lot less candy corn don't you think? Hmm...interesting.

And adults take great amusement in scaring the day light out of little children - be it dressing in zombie outfits, creating haunted houses, putting coffins in their front yard, hanging ghosts from trees and so on. I don't get it.

The cute thing I did see was a preschooler dressed as Tigger on his way to preschool. So cute.

And there are heaps of parties - apparently it's the biggest Law School party of the year. Everyone goes hard out on their costumes - which is a pretty cool aspect. But yeah, missed most of that because I was studying. Leah and Sarah, however, went to the church (that's right) halloween party and dressed as grapes (that's right). Random but original. So here's a pic. And here's a pic of a teenage mutant ninja turtle hitting Sarah with a tennis racket. Fascinating...especially since I wasn't even there. But I did need some pics for this blog! Haha.

A dozen roses from Tim

Wow! Today I received a delivery of a dozen roses from Tim. It was such a huge surprise and I am overwhelmed and feeling so special! Now I just need to concentrate to study for this exam...but not sure if I can. So blown away right now! He he.

And Tim, if you're reading this (which I know you are!)...thanks again! They are beautiful! You're amazing.

Trip to New York

Hi everyone,

Well...thanksgiving came and went...will have to put some pics on the next post (perhaps) due to a few technical difficulties. Was a super great weekend cruising to Kelowna (5 hours) with Sarah and back on the bus. Three thanksgiving dinners in fact. (Sat, Sun, Mon) with different friends/families. That's a lot of pumpkin pie. You gotta love it.

Last night I stayed at a pretty ritzy hotel downtown...in fact it was where the Queen stayed during her visit. Was staying with some friends who were attending a Cardio Conference of about 3,500 Cardio delegates/nurses/doctors/whatnot from around Canada. It was super fun as we were literally seconds away from the hub of it all happening - shops, cafes, art gallery, anything really. And so much fun living it up. Went to a halloween party too...interesting indeed...but the free food/fruit was delicious. :). There was even a movie being shot outside the doors of the hotel this morning...The pics attached look like I was in NY...but actually they were prop taxis, buses and dog walkers to give the impression of being in Central Park (look closely!!!). Fun, fun, fun.

And that's enough fun for now...because there's an evidence exam coming up and so a major crash course and cramming to complete before then! Am doing a group presentation tomorrow on child soldiers...the fun part about that is I get to wear my suit. :).

Vircom...are you still out there? Haven't heard from you guys for awhile...must be far too busy working, eh? (Yeah right!). Lovely to see all the support we've been gathering for Miranda's friend. Perhaps she should consider starting up her own blog! Nah, great to hear from everyone (of course!) and hope all is good in your hood - wherever that may be. Take care, Sonya

October!

Hi everyone...

Wow. It's October already. As Tim informs me, there are only 90-something days before I will be returning home. Woah! Not long now...but oh so much work to do before then...and oh so little motivation! Usual school work mentalities! Have been having a fine time in Vancouver - dining with friends and attending classes with great regularity. In some ways life isn't as 'exciting' as it has been compared with the recent weeks of travelling around North America. Yet life has been greatly fulfilling as I spend quality time with friends as well as learning a lot about the world and current issues in my lectures. Feel less like a tourist everyday and hence, less reason to pull out my camera...but still seeing beauty everyday. I especially feel like part of the city when I catch the bus every morning and afternoon to Uni along with half of the rest of the city. Lots of interesting faces to look at and conversations to eavesdrop on. So yeah, life is good in the hood. Ticking along at a rapid pace. Delving into the deeper issues of judicial canings in Singapore, first-degree sentencing in Canada, the one-child policy in China, the history of Vietnam and the continental shelf cases of Britain and Iceland.

A few weekends ago went to Vancouver Island to the city of Victoria - which is where Leah's sister lives. An absolutely beautiful place (as per usual in these parts!) The pics are of me and Shena hugging the totem pole, then me with the parliament buildings in the back as well as Leah and I in front of the Empress (famous hotel). And the guy was this spray paint artist who made the most amazing paintings using only spray paint, lids, cardboard scraps, rags etc. It was hard to capture the talent...but it was very impressive. You can see the delight on the Amish tourist faces in the background in one of the pics.

This weekend is thanksgiving. What am I thankful for? All of my friends and family thoughout the world - that probably includes you (!) unless you're some random looking at my blog (hope not!). The opportunities I have every day. Everything I have - material and otherwise - peace, joy, love. Okay, starting to sound like Christmas now!!! How about you?

Son

Salt Spring

This weekend we had a girls weekend away to Salt Spring Island (Loreili, Sarah, Leah and I). This is the island where Leah spent many of her 'growing up' years so she was the best guide one could hope for. We stayed at a Forest Retreat Hostel which had tree houses and gypsy caravans available as well...although we stayed in the 'French Country' room surrounded by sunflowers. It's a beautiful island. We spent time at the local lookouts, lakes (that's me and Sarah in the water) and markets. Great getaway location. Even if it's a bit rampant with the ol' "wacky tabacky" as I quickly found out from a lady at the market trying to sell me her paraphenalia. Yes, it's a very "organic" island which is great if you're looking for gluten free/wheat free food! Yummo.

Oh and final "fact" for the day. When you buy/play Scrabble in Canada, it comes with two playing boards - one in French and one in English. Crazily cool. Oh and if anyone's interested, yes I won. :)

University of British Columbia

So far (as geeky as it sounds!) school has been great. One week of lectures already completed...and pretty interesting thus far. I'm taking courses in: Human Rights in Asia, the Legal System in Asia, Homicide and International Law. Managed to catch the bus (woah!) which is about a 45 min ride in the morning and a 30 min ride home. Plus, didn't get lost around campus which was a miraculous blessing! Haha. So yeah...that's about all there is to report there...other than the stackload of assignments to get into over the next 3/4 months - which may result in a drastic reduction of blog entries and pics (but not for too long :). No pics for this one but I'm sure you could look up the campus on the net if you were really eager!

Rodeo Roadtrip

Then there was the spontaneous, random rodeo road trip with Sarah to her sister's house in Kelowna (Okanagan). It was a BEAUTIFUL six hour drive of trees, mountains, abundance of greenery and what not. Deer on the road too. Sadly there was a bit of smoke in the air (so much that the moon was glowing red!) due to an ongoing forest fire in the States which has since crossed the border to Canada. It was a brief trip hanging out with Sarah's family (including cute 7 year old Malcolm). But the definite highlight (other than cruising through Canada in a flash car with loud country (and other) music) was the rodeo/stampede. It was one of the largest of its kind and while I couldn't capture the event on camera...it was definitely an amazing event. The shows included the littlest horses and carts racing crazily, barrel racing where these ladies on horses (they looked like Macleod's daughters) raced as fast as possible to beat times - one even crashed into the fence. Oops. And then there was the usual bucking horse and bull rides. It was an exhilirating experience. Plus there was a fair full of country bumpkin paraphenalia (animals on display, corn dogs, caramel apples, cross stitch competitions etc...) Definitely a winner of a weekend. Then a return ride home and school the next day...

Vancouver Island

Wow. It has been awhile. So I shall do the events of the last few days (has it been weeks!?) in sequence.

I went to Vancouver Island to visit a good friend Melissa and her hubby Tyler and baby Noah (Nearly 2)...plus one more on the way. It was such a lovely, relaxing time at Parksville which is a small town with a similar feel to Woodend. I was able to meet some local young mums at a mum's group as well as witness some amazing sand castle competitions. Noah was adorable (He wanted you to know that this toy train is his)! And it was great to catch up with friends of kindred spirit and discuss fun memories, mission work, YWAM, future plans, travelling, countries, how we've changed and grown, Western culture and so on. Encouraging and relaxing. Hope to return before heading home...Oh, and Tyler - so sorry, after all that talk...I never did end up getting a photo of the entire family for my blog!!! Oops. Haha. Next time!!!

Grouse

Today we hiked up the Grouse Mountain. Despite being commercialised and full of tourists who chose to catch the gondola up, the top did hold spectacular views. And we did actually catch the very-vertical gondola down. But, the best part of all...I saw my first bear. Okay, okay, I admit it was a bear habitation and no, we didn't just stumble across a couple Grizzlies during our hike...but still, it was a pretty exhilirating experience! Then we went to the amazing IKEA...and then out for sushi. Yes, the holiday just goes on and on...as several people have commented already! Haha. But not for much longer, don't worry! The supposed 'purpose' of this 'exchange' shall soon be commenced...but not for a few more days yet...Tomorrow I depart on a ferry to Vancouver Island to see old-time friends Melissa and Alisha and their new familes. Then on Saturday will accompany Sarah to Kelowna/Okanagan to visit her sister. Apparently, it's a breathtaking 4 1/2 hour drive...so am looking forward to it...in true denial of the massive workload around my corner! It's a long weekend in BC too...so to everyone...have a great weekend!!!