ONE FRIDAY AFTERNOON

We were at Lonsdale Quay mid-afternoon yesterday for lunch and the weather was good, sun was out tho' a bit chilly. We were about to leave the place when we saw this young man playing the violin at the corner. 

It wasn't actually the music that caught my attention but the message that was on the ground that reads: ALL MY FRIENDS ARE PLAYING VIDEO GAMES at one side. 

And on the other side, it says I PROMISE TO STAY IN SCHOOL that moved me.

The message was so touching that as he played and looked at me in the eye, I can see and feel his sincerity. My client was prompted to shell out $5 dollars from her pocket. She said it was for a good cause. Several other people were dropping coins and bills in his violin case. They, too were mused to see this young man work out to finish his studies and use his talent to finance his needs. It was indeed a sight to cheer on one chilly Friday afternoon. 

He thanked us for the bill we gave but I thanked him for his music and his desire to stay in school. 

This random act of kindness and him doing his best to keep abreast of his schooling is an inspiration.

May this story influence someone out there. That while many of you are playing video games, this young man was out here sharing his talent and has just touched someone else's heart.

 

OF BEING RESILIENT

Psychological resilience is defined as an individual's ability to properly adapt to stress and adversity. Stress and adversity can come in the shape of family or relationship problems, health problems, or workplace and financial worries, among others. Resilience is not a rare ability; in reality, it is found in the average individual and it can be learned and developed by virtually anyone. Resilience should be considered a process, rather than a trait to be had.

A common misapprehension is that resilient people are free from negative emotions or thoughts, remaining optimistic in most or all situations. To the contrary, resilient individuals have, through time, developed coping techniques that allow them to effectively and relatively easily navigate around or through crises. In other words, people who demonstrate resilience are people with optimistic attitude and positive emotionality and are, by practice, able to effectively balance negative emotions with positive ones. (Source: Wikipedia)

4 A's of Resilience: 

- ACCEPT the situation; 

- ADJUST (make healing choices) & let go;

- ASPIRE (dream again) to something new; 

- ACT (do something everyday). 

Life is left to be lived! Go after it! (FROM THE DR.OZ SHOW)

#resilience

LATE LUNCH AT MOMIJI

It was 5 minutes to 3pm and we haven't had a decent lunch yet. Decided on this Japanese Resto for the second time and I always had a good experience with them. 

Entering the place is so cozy because the place is situated just across Bus Stop along Seymour Parkway in the north, few meters away from Parkgate on the west, near the Parkgate library on the south and if you miss out a meal from a grandiose sight seeing from Deep Cove on the East, you can easily drop by Momiji along the way. 

This is what every customer will get to see as they enter the restaurant. A chef and a waitress greeted us as we entered but we have to find our way to our table on our own, which I find it unusual because most restaurants I've been to have someone lead a customer to their table. 

Since it was a wee hour of day, there's only a couple who's dining in at the corner and the rest of the place was empty. 

On the other corner was a chef having a meeting or might be having late lunch, too. Didn't really check closely.

Then came the waitress, a Japanese who speaks softly as she took our orders. She handed us the menu and asked us first what we want to drink. 

I ordered coke for a drink, with "lots of ice" and was delivered to my table after a minute. I call that service quick!

Then checked on the menu but found a good deal for their lunch that is served til 3pm. Chose from A,B,C and you'll have a meal that costs only CAD9.50.

I ordered the 3-piece fried gyoza from A, odun soup from B and California roll from C. 

My ward ordered miso soup from A, Chicken Odun from B and California roll from C and tea for a drink. 

We made additional half order of prawn tempura (4 pieces) which was served first. It was crunchy and perfect. 

We spend an hour there trying to savor every bite while overlooking at the view outside. 

Overall, I am a satisfied customer. My belly was full and most of all, I had a good time. To rate the place, I give their service 9/10, ambiance 9/10, food 9.5/10 and price 9.5/10. I guess, my picture says it all. I am indeed full and well pleased!

So the next time you consider a Japanese food adventure, try Momiji. There's always a story to tell here. And by the way, they've got a patio, too, for those who prefer outside dining. 

The place is located at 3720 Mount Seymour Parkway, North Vancouver and is open from 9:00 am to 10pm on Weekends and from 9:00am to 9:00pm on weekdays.

Or you can contact 604-929-0990 for orders and pick up. 

LAUGH AFTER A DILEMNA

It was almost 7pm on one Saturday evening and everybody were busy having dinner. It was our annual Corn Roast activity in Church and the chapel ground was full of cars parked on every corner, tables covered with brown paper meant for drawing and cover at the same time and chairs set at the front side of the building; children and their parents, Church leaders, missionaries, friends and investigators came to attend. 

Dinner was, of course corn on the cob, bread, rice, salads of different kind, beans, and all kinds of sweets and fruit platters for dessert. My plate was filled up with corn, vegetable salad and red beans with cheese. 

While having my dessert of watermelon and pineapple chunks sprinkled with salt, I found myself left alone with Virginia on our table. Virginia is not the typical white Canadian woman. She looks gypsy-ish with her locks curled with bi-color black and reddish, her face full of make up and a bit odd but was a good conversationalist. She was with her boyfriend earlier and they told me their love story while grinning with joy. I enjoyed listening to her, laughing in between with their funny moments. Their story was sweet and I've felt an instant connection as she went on. Suddenly, I found myself  sharing my own story. I didn't tell the specifics. I simply told her I've once written a blog about the mishap in my marriage and after few years, I got my annulment notice through the mail. She felt sorry for me but I was laughing as I told her my story. She looked at me in the eye and said, "I guess, that's how we should all be dealing with problems- LEARN TO LAUGH IT OFF!". I replied that it took me years before I ended up laughing at those misfortunes. I see things differently now and I thank God for giving me obstacles along the way. I told her that that's what I want my children to see me- a strong woman who never get defeated with the negativities of life. She smiled with affirmation and said, "I wish I could always laugh at my trials. It takes a lot of faith to do that!". 

Indeed!

THE LOVE AFFAIR: The Movie

Ok! I watched this Filipino film because it starred Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta. The story was too common in Philippine setting- a wife who lost a child, ventured into business as a way of moving on, neglected a husband, accused of philandering that signal the husband who seemingly been working too hard for his family to give way into looking for a fling that justified the whole story. Later, the wife realized her flaws and gave up her business and determined to save the marriage, did all she can to win back a husband who's so confused between giving up his family or giving in to his feelings towards a young woman who also undergoes the same predicament as he was whom he accidentally met along the way. In the end, the husband realized that family matters the most and chose his wife and children over his mistress; thereby ending the story as happily ever after. 

Bea Alonzo, who played the educated lawyer but displaced by her emotional woes found Richard in her deepest struggles and the two became too hooked up that they thought things are doing well until the wife found out of the relationship. 

Generally, the movie was lame. Story was so common. Richard didn't show an acting prowess while Dawn did good, but Bea was better. Bea, if molded properly is a good actress. She needs refinement but overall, she justified her role. The only thing I like about the movie was having the husband choose his family in the end.  I've known people with this kind of story to tell. But reality check, 99% would leave and chose the other path. 

Overall, I give Love Affair 7.5/10 as my personal rating. If you haven't seen the movie, go watch it. Tangkilikin ang sariling atin!

SEX AND INTIMACY: To discuss or not to discuss with your kids

When Kryztl was 5 years old, she came to me asking how she came to the world and how she was "formed". I always knew that this time will come but not this early. Yet, I was ready. I sat down with her, took my nursing book and talked to her like an adult. I started with the human anatomy, explaining in detail with pictures. I showed pictures of the male and female reproductive organs, her eyes curiously looking at each item I point at. She wasn't asking questions tho' but I remember asking many, to be sure she understood. The most challenging part of the lecture was the physiological aspect. I wasn't sure if I need to be brutally honest or withhold some information; yet, I decided to be straightforward explaining every detail, using language she usually hear from people who indiscreetly use these words. At the end of the lecture, which I vividly remember took a couple of hours on one hot afternoon in our home in Valenzuela City, she hugged and thanked me for not being angry for her asking. I assured her she've got a friend in me and she has to trust me with things like this. I always make sure that her mommy has always the ear to hear and a heart to understand. 

Knycole was different. It didn't come early nor were there questions. Hers was firsthand. I brought her to the Delivery and Operating Room where an actual birth was taking place. I was a Clinical Instructor at the University of Baguio and as I taught my students, I was also teaching my daughter without the book but with the actual experience of what transpired on the body of the woman who just have given birth to a baby. I have used the words intimacy, love, marriage, sex in a way that they appear sacred and needs to be treated sacred.  

I kept emphasizing that these topics aren't laughing stock! They exist and it is part of the plan, a plan that emphasize of the sanctity of marriage, the importance of a family, of a man and a woman and believing and giving heed to these principles will bring joy and happiness here in mortality and in the life to come. 

THE STUNNING DEEP COVE

It was Sunday, alright! And I'm quite tired from my morning activities. I need a de-stressor! But the planned afternoon activity didn't work out so well that we decided instead to go visit Deep Cove. 

Deep Cove, or Deepwater is few minutes away from where my sister lives and with a cousin willing to drive us over to the place, we didn't spend a minute for a second thought of going for some exploration that same afternoon. 

Parked through here- free parking that closes at 11pm. 

Parking Area

Getting out of the car, here's what you have to walk through to see the beauty of the place. 

The Entrance to the Cove

It was indeed breathtaking! I have seen this view for at least 3 times during my driving lessons but haven't really had a close encounter. 

Beautiful scenery at Deep Cove

Deep Cove is known for its beauty. Who wouldn't want to have their picture taken here? Not me! I made sure I have mine taken with the yacht club as my backdrop, 

Yacht Club as my background

With its proximity to forests, mountains, skiing, parks and the water, Deep Cove is well known among outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Mountains surround the waters at the Cove

The Gallant Wharf

Everywhere I see, my eyes caught every piece an evidence of God's masterpiece. 

Me near Gallant Wharf

The bay in front of the community is one of the few in Indian Arm which has both a sheltering shape and the shallow bottom required for overnight anchorage of pleasure vessels. Now, the place is called the Gallant Wharf which is open to the public. There is another one on the ither right side but exclusively for owners only. 

Welcome to Gallant Wharf

Yachts are over the place

Another photo with the Canada flag as a background 

With my nephew Kirby and those yachts 

Some of these yachts stay overnight or have been there as their fort

For yacht owners only?

Deep Cove is a popular small boat centre, with Rowing Club, Canoe, and kayak rentals and lessons, and a Marina.

Kayaks for rent

This is where to get the gear you need when Kayaking or canoeing 

Price List

The above price list will let you decide which best suit your preference. Even on my 4 1/2 inch wedge, I would want kayaking but it was almost closing time and no one was brave enough to go with me so we just sat down and enjoyed watching people and nature in awe and admiration. I thought I will add kayaking and stand up paddle boarding to my bucket list for another summer escapade next year. 

Beautiful place for kayaking and canoeing 

Paddle board and canoeing

After a short walk, We decided to drop by the famous doughnut shop at the store located at the entrance of the village. At CAD2 each, I finished mine in a split of a second! I must be very hungry or the donut must have been very tasty that I devoured mine in no time. And bought one more the taking. 

 

The famous Doughnut shop

Honeyglazed Doughnut with Soda for an empty stomach

There are places where tourists frolick prior to or after getting much of the energy from the stunning beauty of the cove - the food stores on the streets that cater to coffee, ice cream, donuts, pizza and many more interesting stuff for the hungry belly.

Food stores are over the place

More food stores

And more stores

And beautiful sceneries around the place, too. 

Deep Cove Cultural Centre

At the end of our adventure, it's relaxing to just sit down and simply enjoy the sceneries.

Me and my sister Annabelle

As I sat down in there, there were random thoughts that run through my mind. Yet, if there's one thing that I really wanted it pushed through at that very moment, that would be to share my experience today. For those who've been here, you know the feeling. For those who haven't, may this writing ignite your dreams and your passion to nature, that someday you come visit the Deepwater which we call THE DEEP COVE. 

WHISTLER ADVENTURE: Day 2, Part 1 THE LOST SMARTPHONE

The girls and I thought of waking up early Monday morning for the peak to peak gondola ride but the not-so-cold, not-so-hot weather with the breeze coming from the fan has kept us on bed til 7:30am and not really moving until we were called for breakfast. Breakfast was oh so yummy Filipino dishes- rice, fried dried fishes of different varieties (previously cooked so as not to have its stinky scent spread the whole house), eggs, corned beef and melons. 

Best served with hot choco, the seven of us devoured all of the foods on the table for an hour! The talking while eating made us all savor more of these stuff as if we were in the Philippines! 

Left the house geared with sunglasses, hats, fully charged phones, bottle of water, few Sprite in cans, debit and credit cards (didn't bring in cash), and few important stuff inside our bags. 

Walked at the back of Eagle Drive compound to Whistler Village and having fun as we followed the trail to the place.

We took pictures along the way, had funny poses, jump shots and laughters as we walked along. 

We passed through beautiful sceneries that slowed us down as we checked on them and took pictures.

When finally we reached the village, we didn't waste more time purchasing tickets. 

After we bought 4 tickets (3 didn't come with us, they had other things to do), Laura remembered checking her phone and it's gone missing! She thought it might have fallen while we did the jumpshots. We called her phone and it's ringing but nobody answers. They then decided to go back to check. 

I was left alone with my ticket. I sat down at the benches near one of the pub grills near the ticketing area and enjoyed watching people walk to and from the Gondola ticket booth. Saw this bizarre cloud formation while I waited.

And this unique breed of dog!

It took them less than an hour before they came back. The phone was inside the one if the washrooms in the house where we stayed and nobody from those who were left behind heard it because it was on a silent mode. When we finally settled things, we then lined up and started the ride.

Later in the afternoon, we realized that the reason why the phone was "lost" was  for Laura to go back to the condotel and have her car moved so the other car infront would get out because the 3 have to leave earlier. Should the phone didn't get "lost", we should have gone back to the house earlier and not enjoy fully that peak to peak gondola ride! 

Indeed, the way we see things defer. But remember that there is always good in everything. It's just how we look at it that determines our ability to conquer the challenges that come along.

Next blog: The Peak to Peak Gondola Ride