| Page 2 September/2000-April/2001 After I moved into University College, things began to change and I met more friends during the school. Initially I was very intimidated by my surroundings...what does all this mean? How will I survive as well as do well in school given all these uncertainty. As I slowly come to grip with the situation, I began to find solace in the knowledge that I am not alone in having these feelings. Many of my floormates had the same kind of anxiety too. I was very lucky to have my room just next to a Chinese guy. As I later learned, he's from Henan Province. A really nice guy, it's also his first time moving into UC. Jack and I became friends in no time and from him I met even more friends. In time, it did not seem as fearful as I had once thought. I guessed I've adapted...(to put it like the Borg). :) My friends later came to include, Joon Hee, Norman, Broy, KianThye, Tien, and later this year, Liying. These are the ones I associate closely with, not to mention half a dozen more I also consider friends. In a way, amassing so many friends in such a short time is more gratifying than amassing wealth. Because no amount of money can buy friendships. Joon Hee is Korean and I think highly of her. She is intelligent and very nice. She helped me through a lot of trouble days when I broke up with Daniel. She gave me a lot of support and even though her main language is not English, I can feel her comfort when I needed support. I will always be greatful for that. Norman is a funny guy. I was quite uncomfortable with him at the beginning. He jokes too much. In time, I began to realize that underneath his jolly, lighthearted cover, he is also a very kind and caring person. I guess the old axiom is right...you can't judge a book by its cover. Broy is another good friend of mine. He's Indonesian. The first time I met him that left an impression on me are his beard. Wow...I've never met anyone around my age that has this much beard on his face. :) Then, there is Tien...who is also my roommate for now. He's Vietnamese and in the beginning I had quite a hard time communicating with him because sometimes I couldn't understand his English. Nonetheless, now that I've known him for almost a year, communication is not a big problem. The second semester got off to a good start after I returned from Vancouver after the Christmas holiday. It was extremely cold in Winnipeg. I tried not to venture out whenever I can. In terms of school, I didn't do as well as I had hope so since something was bothering me in my personal life. I almost failed a course but fortunately, I dropped it before it affected my overall grade. That was a close one and I swear I will never let myself slip that far. Overall, I was happy that spring came and it was time once again for finals. I finished it and my my birthday arrived. I celebrated it with many of my close friends and we gathered for dinner. I went back to Vancouver on April/24 and stayed there for the summer. Summer 2001 Summer is Vancouver offers one of the best environment for me. Although I also like the winter where it is mild and wet, the summer is a time to enjoy and go out for a bike ride, sit around the park and read books as well as flying kites. It offers one of the most spectacular views in the world coupled with a well designed city landscaped to perfection. Whenever I had the chance I would drive out in my little Civic and enjoy what Vancouver has to offer. The longer I live there, the more I fall in love with Vancouver. It is my home and it will always be my home. Summer also invites the perfect chance to check out cute guys on the streets, parks and almost anywhere you look. (hehe...). In the city centre, I never have to walk more than a few feet before I see another cute guy walking pass me. So irresistable! During the long summer months, I met a guy I like. His name is Derek. He was actually a friend of my friend who introduced him to me. I find him very friendly and sincere, however he is also quite timid and shy. I took the initiative and asked him out a few times. We went out to the Capilano, sightseeing. etc. After a few times, I felt that he is more relaxed. That's a good sign for I also see that he cares about me too. Then the end of summer came too abruptly and I had to return to Winnipeg for school. I said my goodbyes but I also vowed that I will do good in school and be back soon to see him again. (x'mas at the latest) Although I cannot control or foresee the future, I do hope I will still have a chance when I see him again in a few months. For better or for worst, I am so glad that I've met the person I like. This is a trial...a trial of endurance and fate and no matter what the outcome may be, I will always treasure the brief moments I had with him. Fall 2001 School this year has its ups and downs. I did well in some courses and some, not as good as it should be. Since I moved out of the dorm, life has also evolved with it. I saw many of my friends from last year and we hang out whenever we have time. This year I have a part time job at our local chinese restaurant. I work there part time and although the wage is not high, I am content to work there. Also, one of my happiest moments was when my best friend Simon visited me in early October and stayed for a week. I will always remember he took the effort and came all the way here to visit me. Simon and I went out to more places in Winnipeg in that week than I had for the whole of last year. I truly began to understand and appreciate Winnipeg during that time. I saw Winnipeg not only from the perspective of my school but also one of culture, history and all it has to offer. Although I won't say I want to live here for the rest of my life, I am willing to say that Winnipeg has more to offered than what I initially saw. One reason is because I have stop comparing it with Vancouver and see it as its own. I am looking forward to X'mas where I will be able to go home. I especially like X'mas because of its warmth and love. I missed my family a lot. I especially miss my young cousins. How I wish I could hug them now. They are like the brothers and sisters I never have. I wonder what I'll get them for X'mas gifts? hehe... Christmas 2001 and the new year 2002. I can hardly believe that Christmas and the new year has come and gone. As the semester ended on December/14 and I went back to Vancouver on Dec./15. I stayed there for almost 3 weeks. I was immensely glad to see my parents and other family members again. 3 and a half months seemed like such a long time in september but now that it's here, it feels like a blink of an eye. I guess that is one reason we must all treasure every moment and savour it while it lasts..coz nothing last forever..:) This time back in Vancouver is another opportunity for me to appreciate the things I took for granted while I was there. Things like family, friends and the general surroundings...they meant a lot to me but they have a new kind of meaning. For the first time I saw my youngest cousin and newest member to our huge family. I was kinda afraid to hold her because she was so tiny but I did and it felt so nice even though she was crying half of the time. :) To be continued... |