Jey and Allan's Odyssey

Goals for 2014: 1. Pass road test exam - checked 2. Graduate in June - checked 3. Open a TFSA account - checked 4. Fix the van - totaled 5. Get a passport - checked 6. Find a great job - in progress 7. Open my RRSP - checked 8. Get a life insurance - checked 9. Save money for a house - checked 10. Lose 20 lbs. Exercise. Go vegan. Read books. Draw. Paint. Bake. - 5 lbs left

I had a dream about grandpa. In the dream he was telling everyone my favorite food when I was little. I'm not sure if he knows those stuff about me but let me begin with a little story about the two people I love so dearly. As a kid I've always look up to him. He was my hero, my father figure. He was rarely home because he manages a few farms, a small-town bank, and a few businesses. But when he's home, he spends half of his spare time playing with my little sister and me. He was more fond of my sister. He always asks for her. Laughed at her jokes. When he gives treats, she always gets the good stuff first. I was a little bit jealous back then, but grandpa would always tell me to give in to her ways because I am older. And so, that's how it has been with my siblings. I became closer to grandma cos she needs me more. I loved my grandma just as equally but as a kid, I was always more drawn to people who were fun. I guess all kids are. People who do crazy stuff, who spends...

One of hubby and I's enjoyment is visiting thrift shops or antique shops. A couple of Summers ago, I remember a thrift shop we passed by just outside Winnipeg that caught our eyes. It was the only store in the middle of the road, with a couple of empty houses nearby. It was quite big, like two cargo truck sitting out of nowhere. Allan made a U-turn; we were so excited to find new items for our home. When he had parked the car, we noticed a few abandoned and empty vehicles within the vicinity. We searched around for other people, a sign that the shop might be open, but even at the entrance where a cash register was located was unattended. Everything was quiet. Two silent stores filled with goodies. The only sound you can hear was the grass swaying, being blown by the wind. Not a creak, bark, or a friendly voice greeted our way in.  Allan holler to get somebody's attention over and over but no one answered. He proceeded to check the back door calling and yelling for so...

Allan got into an accident last night. A pick-up truck rear ended him. There was no camera on site, no pedestrian, no other cars. The snow was heavy. The van turned 560 degrees; he recounts. He tried steering the opposite way, but it was too slippery. He thought the van was going to flip and that he's going to die. The van's bumper ended up in the snowbank, slightly damaged., and was thrown in the opposite direction, facing in-coming cars. The pick-up ran away. Allan didn't notice what color it was. The back door has to be replaced completely but thank God my husband is safe.

Rented Hyundai Sonata A few months ago, I have a recurring dream about a magnificent mountain. It was so high; I could almost reach the heavens if I stretched my arm. In the dream, I was an only child, of a well-respected Indian Chief. He was the leader of the tribe, leading a war against white people. Our village sat on top, secluded and unbeknown to anyone. Some missionaries spreading the words of God, and healers sometimes come for a visit to mend men's wounds from battle. There were other tribes nearby, but they live in isolation, hidden from outsiders. One night I was talking to a man who was only wearing a piece of fabric covering this lower body. It seems like we hang out most nights in the plateau, looking over the city. While chatting, the sky beamed of green and yellow light, an outstanding display of the northern lights. The tiny moon looked lackluster against the sky's display of color. Watching the spectacle made me feel like God was just within reach. I gazed at t...

Hello from Winnipeg! 🍁 Landed in Vancouver December 4, 2006 My husband and I were graphic and web designers for ten years back in the Philippines. My father's sisters, a retired nurse and an accountant, came for a rare visit around year 2003 and suggested we put in an application as Nominees. Hubby and I were tired of the life we had living paycheck to paycheck, not being able to buy our own house or car. Jumping from one company to another, the chaos of living in the city, and the biggest disappointment of all, the corrupt and unchanging system of the government. There was no progress, you might as well dig a hole and bury yourself. So, when the opportunity was presented, we did not think twice in applying. It took a few months to fill out our application, gather records and documents. Application fees were paid by our aunts through a loan that we paid off in full when we got a job. My father gave us some of his stocks that we have to liquify and use as show money and allowance. ...