Chicken and Shadow in Canada

In winter 2009, my parents decided to buy a house. Unlike paying for mortgage, paying for rent was a waste to them because there is nothing to re-sell after. Moreover, our family had at least 5 more years of stay here, making the house a worthy investment. We had a family meeting, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages (extra work, bigger space to clean, etc.) of having a house instead of renting an apartment. At the end, I told them that I would do whatever extra work they assign me to do with one condition; to be able to bring the dogs here in Canada. They all agreed.


Beginning of summer 2010, my parents bought a house and in July we moved in. Soon after moving in, I went back to the Philippines for a vacation and to bring my dogs back to Canada. For two years I have not seen my friends, grandma, and my dogs. Plus, the warm weather and Filipino food; could you imagine my excitement?


My final destination was Manila, where my best friend picked me up from the airport. I stayed there for a couple of weeks until I made the arrangements to pick up my dogs and visit my friend's parents who took care of my dogs. I flew to Davao city, southern part of the Philippines, to finally see my dogs. Unfortunately, my friend was in the states at the time so it was only her parents and younger brother. I had a great stay, they are such loving and generous people. I will always be thankful to them for taking such good care of my dogs.


I flew back to Manila and stayed there for another 4 weeks. During that time, I chilled with my friends, visited some relatives and my grandma. Moreover, I made several appointments to the veterinarian to get them vaccinated and checked-up. I also arranged all the necessary paperwork and medical certifications the dogs will be needing to come with me to Canada. Everything was good to go and it was time to go back to Canada. On September 7, 2010, my dogs and I landed in Halifax. Promise kept, I came back for them :)

Our first Christmas (2010) with them in
our new house in Canada

Chicken and Shadow in the Philippines

If you have read my first post, you would have realized that my dogs mean a LOT to me. I have always wanted a dog but my mother never allowed me to have one because in her opinion I am not responsible enough to care for another living being that requires more than feeding. It is true that dogs can be a lot of work; feeding, bathing, walking, grooming, playing and veterinarian appointments. Regardless, that did not stop me for I was very determined to have my own dog.

Chicken playing with his stuffed toy chicken

After continuously begging, my father bought me a puppy. My very first puppy was Chicken; a toy poodle and was 5 months old at the time. My mother was not pleased with this surprise. However, Chicken being his very charming self, my mother began to love him. This was great, my mother now loves dogs! I took advantage of this opportunity to bring home another dog. I told my mother it would be good for Chicken to have a puppy playmate/brother since we were out most of the day. My mom was very hesitant but she eventually agreed.

Shadow begging for food

My second puppy was Shadow. Shadow is a miniature Schnauzer and was 7 months old when I got him. I told my mother that my best friend is giving me a miniature Schnauzer however, he was not what my mother was expecting. In my mother's mind, I was bringing home a puppy just as small as Chicken, not thrice his size! Nonetheless, Shadow was here to stay and she could not do anything about it. Like Chicken, she began to love Shadow, him being very sweet and affectionate.


In no time, Chicken and Shadow became the center and heart of my family. I was very happy to see the changes they unknowingly made. They brought out compassion, love, patience, and happiness. Unfortunately, just as they became a big part of our family, we had to move to Canada. We were all very sad and I was crying like I had the ocean to fill. As much as we wanted to take them with us, we could not because most apartments here in Canada do not allow dogs. Luckily, my really good friend took them in and I promised them that I would be back. I was not sure when but I was to come back for them.

Road trip!

In the summer of 2009, my brothers and I went on a trip to USA and around Canada. To maximize our trip and minimize our costs, we took the family car instead of flying. 

We went on a road trip to the east coast of USA. We stopped at many places for sightseeing and visitation purposes such as New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, Boston, Washington, and Pennsylvania. On our way back to Halifax, we stopped by Niagra Falls, Toronto, Ontario, and Montreal. My dad wanted us to tour around Canada, get to know the country and the culture in different provinces. It was an adventure!

When we were deciding what places we wanted to visit we naturally picked what peaked our interests, as well as those where we had friends and relatives. Having a free stay was very important to us because we were spending our own money and of course as students, we had a tight budget. (Note, we of course wanted to see all of them and the free stay was just a bonus to us). Another reason why we wanted to travel was to shop. Things were much cheaper, had more variety, and had no tax in some states!

In comparison to our last visit prior this, they had even bigger shopping places filled with new stores and designer labels, which made us very much pleased. 

I cannot wait to go back!

the Balite kids on the road

First Winter

Coming from a tropical country, I have never experienced winter season. I have seen snow when I was 9 years old and I thought it would be the same thing, but I was wrong.

I remember when I first saw snow falling, it was beautiful! While having my morning coffee I looked outside the windows, there it was, snow. I had a big smile. I was excited and could not wait to get out. I stepped out to our balcony and finished my coffee. I went back in to get ready for school and I said to myself, walking to the bus stop should be fun. As I was walking, I looked around and saw how pretty snow was. Everything was white and clean looking. I felt like I was in a dream. I felt like I was a kid in winter wonder land. I was happy that day.

A few days passed and snow started to melt. It was no longer a winter wonder land for me. Soon after, temperature started to drop and I was COLD! I did not want this anymore. Weeks after, it became worse for me. Temperature dropped to -30 and I had to wear two pairs of long john's as well as several layers of tops. I hated it! I could not move as well. I had to take extra time in the morning to dress up. I had to take out layers when I was in class and again put them back on as I left the classroom.

Looking back, I do not know how I survived. By far, that was the coldest winter I have experienced. However, I have somewhat adjusted to the coldness and I rarely wear long john's anymore. I still enjoy snowfalls, especially the first snowfall of the season, but in my heart I know I will always be an island girl.

Summer all the way!

Kay in a bangka (small boat)

My First Canadian Work Experience

Moving to Canada came with extreme lifestyle change and financial sacrifices. I had to find a job, somewhat support myself, and also contribute to my family. The whole process of moving and adapting to Canadian lifestyle/culture was difficult enough, more so obtaining a job. Regardless, I tried.

Soon after being accepted at the Mount, I started my job search. The master plan was to apply everywhere and anywhere. I prepared my resume and I went door to door asking for the manager to ensure that my resume gets to be reviewed, at least. A few days went by and I received a call for a job interview from Winners. This interview being my first ever, I was nervous as I ever could be. My father prepared me for it but unfortunately, I did not get hired. I did a follow-up call for that interview as well as the stores I  dropped off my resume to. Their response was, I do not have sufficient experience, specifically not having any Canadian experience. I was discouraged and not impressed to say the least.

My father told me to get back on my feet and continue applying. He also suggested that I volunteer because that can be credited towards my "Canadian experience". I did as I was advised. Just a week prior to the beginning of school I received a phone call and it was from MSVU. At this point, I was so discouraged that I did not even thinking that it could be the job I applied for at Vinnie's pub. To my surprise, it was Todd Hoffman the new manager of Vinnie's pub, and he asked that I come in for an interview. I went to the interview and it was a success, I was hired!

To date, I am working at Vinnie's Pub & Student Lounge and still very thankful for giving me that first Canadian experience.

Cheers!

Bartending in Vinnie's pub