I don't like packing...

Two more weeks to go at work...and then goodbye Ottawa~ I've started to pack up the apartment, but there's so much stuff I still need that I think the only thing I've accomplished in the last couple of days is create a huge mess by pulling everything out, and letting packing paper fly all over the place. So far, half a box down, and three more to go. Yuck~ After that, I'll have to worry about getting them all (100 lbs and all) to the Greyhound Courier Express and sendng them off their way to Vancouver~ I can't wait until that's is done!

I saw a really really boring documentary last night at Bytown Cinema. My roommate is really interested in Tibet and Buddhism, and she invited me to see this film called "Tibet: A Buddhist Ideology". Seeing that I had no knowledge of the topic whatsoever, I decided to tag along...it was unbearable after the first 20 minutes when the film-maker decided to turn all commentary to subtitles, and concentrate on the zoom button. At one point, we zoomed right into the head monk's face while he was meditating (which looked suspiciously like falling asleep) We also looked at images of deities for five minutes with unknown chanting in the background. My roommate was trying so hard not to laugh, she was thinking in her head how pissed I was at her for dragging me to the movie. I actually fell asleep half way through. When Chapter III was about to start at the hour and a half mark, we finally got out of there. There was so much tension relief that Emily and I couldn't stop laughing for 20 minutes straight~then we munched on gummy worms to compensate.

Since my laptop broke down and I have no access to the internet at home, I've basically lost contact with all my friends over the summer. Work blocks all personal email accounts, so I've had no access to personal email addresses to sneak a couple of messages through. I really miss everyone in Vancouver and in Hong Kong; now that I'm in a distant city by myself, I feel really detached from everyone and their lives~ sometimes it hard to keep in touch with everyone, I think I've vanished from everyone's radar.

A vacation by the beach would be nice, thanks~

Currently Reading Paris 1919 : Six Months That Changed the World By Margaret Macmillan see related

Canada Day

So Canada Day long weekend came and went...too quickly in my opinion. Before I knew it, I was back at my desk in Ottawa, slaving away on the 4000 articles I needed to go through for a media monitoring report on Tuesday.

Having finally secured a national holiday where I was actually off from work (tourism and customer service doesn't really give you these priviledges...) I hopped onto the Greyhound, and headed down to the Grand T.O. for a visit. I didn't stay long though, as we were aiming for Grand Bend-->beach town about 2 1/2 hours west of Oakville. Spending time under the sun on a sandy beach was a wonderful way tto get away from the stresses of the city, and of work. Contrary to small town standards, the fireworks were spectacular, and watching them on the beach was really nice~

I wish I didn't have to leave! I guess there's always next time at the cottage~

New Home in Ottawa

Finally, the weekend has come! It has been a hectic week, what with the tearful goodbyes, the weird flights and settling into a new home and job. I have started work for 3 days, and have moved into my new University of Ottawa residence for about 5. Still really tired, and suffering from occassional headaches, but glad to say that I have got all my stuff together and my room is gradually looking like a home.

My co-op work this term involves government communications and the media. As of yesterday, my "official work hours" were laid out to be 6am to 2pm in order to submit daily media clippings in time. It's nice to get off in the early afternoon, but still adjusting to the early mornings! With some help from Timmies, the problem is slowly disappearing...There is a pretty steep learning curve as I pretty much got thrown into my responsibilities. My colleagues and superiors at the office are very nice though, and really helpful - that eases the frequent confusion that haunts me in my tiny cubicle. Things should really look up when I familarize myself with the work and the dept. background. I just wish time would pass a bit quicker to ease the "Pain"

My place in Ottawa is right downtown, so it's easy to wander round to different shopping places and eateries. Parliament Hill and the Governor General's house is only 15-20 min away, so sightseeing is a must. Still tired though, so haven't done much...I keep telling myself that with 4 months here, these things will eventually come round. But you folks who know me can probably anticipate a post in August with me saying that I should have taken the opportunity to do more in the past 3 months!

Thanks to everyone for leaving me messages on this blog or elsewhere. I am so bad with keeping in contact with everyone!  Emails, letters, blog messages to come...

Hmm, it's been a while so I guess it's appropriate to write a little something on here. Afterall, weblogs have been useful enough for keeping me updated on the whatabouts and whereabouts of friends in far and near places.

The big thing for the summer is the move to Ottawa. Co-op has yet again brought me to a new place for some work and life experience. Things are gradually getting in order; I'm leaving earlier than I had hoped for - the evening of April 30th. But seeing that work is paying for the ticket, I don't want to cause trouble already by raking up a huge transportation bill~ Although I won't get to see much of everyone before I go (don't worry Elaine I still remember the 28th) there's more to look forward to this year than last in Drumheller. For one, my sister has confirmed her visit last week! She'll be heading up in late May, and just by the sound of it we know it'll be tons of fun. Cirque du Soleil and a spa, it's a pretty good combination I have to say~ Life will also substantially improve by mid-June as trips down to Toronto increase in frequency. We're finally in the same province for the summer, what relief!

I was missing friends in far places today, along with the good ol' times; I bid you hello: Kimmey, Carmen, Amanda W, Kaka, Ivan, Dai Lo, Elena, Rita, Angie, Amy...

Cypress Nordic Trails - the crazy gorgeous thing about skiing in Vancouver