#2 Month in Canada: Updates & Brand New Encounters

Hello!

Hello friends, 

Time has passed in a blink of an eye! It's been 2 months since I am in Canada. The people, the scenery and job here is keeping me happy. I have sufficient food, personal space and time to discover myself. Even though I miss home alot, yet I am very contented with the experience given here.

I have encountered several events in Canada that we can't find in Malaysia. Through this blog post I would like to share these with you. Hopefully you can have a glimpse of my experience in maple land from 15,000km away.

1. Timber Sports

I was watching the sports channel one day, the TV was airing . The Stihl Timbersports Series is a series of woodsman or wood chopping competitions where the athletes compete in the use of axes and saws in manners typical for lumberjacks. (Source: Wikipedia) There are participants from NZ, Canada and Aus. Knowing that this is a professional sports, I was watching in awe. My expressions changed into a laughter when I heard the commentator howling at the macho guy, who was furiously swinging his saw against the timber : "Oh my gosh! Look at him, slicing timber like butter!" haha, it was really fun to watch. I do hope they make good use of the wood.

2. Daylight saving time. ( 6 NOV 2016)

On the November the 6th, everyone is required to turn their clocks  to an hour earlier. This concept is to bring spring forward and fall back in time. 

"Daylight time was first enacted in Germany in 1915, then quickly adopted by Britain and much of Europe and Canada. Because the sun shone for a time while most people were still asleep in the morning, it was reasoned that light could be better used during the day. The solution was to push the clocks ahead one hour in springtime, forcing people to wake an hour earlier. They would therefore expend less energy trying to light their homes, for instance, if time were adjusted to suit their daily patterns.

When the days started getting shorter in the fall and people awoke to increasing darkness, the clocks were turned back an hour to get more light in the morning." (cbc, 2016) According to what I read in Facebook, most people are opposing this. I can understand their sentiment because it's troublesome, however I agree that extending day light improves efficiency.

3. Remembrance day (11 NOV 2016)

As Malaysia is not directly involved in the first Word War, the poppy movement is not widely known. I knew only a little about it before coming to Canada through the book "The Poppy" by Nicholas J Saunders. The poppy flower has became a worldwide icon to commemorate the war veterans. Most people wear the flower on their chest and you can see donation boxes in public places to raise funds for the veterans. The quote "Lest We Forget." is widely mentioned on this day.

Image Source: Global Research

4. Driving in Canada

One word: "Thrilling". As if driving on the other side of the road is not bad enough, it was snowing so heavily. You can check out the video my friend compiled: https://www.instagram.com/p/BL4C-K6jbCL/  Thankfully, the view compensates all of the tiredness.

Bumped into a few of big horn sheep.

That's all for now. Thank you for the well wishes and I look forward to share my experience with you again.

Why Canada? Personal Sharing..

Hello! I’m writing this blog to cover a little information about how I landed in Canada. In case some of you didn’t know yet. I’m now in Canada and will be here for a year to work and travel. If you all know me well, this is the kind of thing that I would do :) 

Before the storytelling part, let’s break the “university presentation format” and bring forward the Q&A session. I have prepared some personal advice if you are interested to take the same path as I am right now. Please use at your own justification.

1. Why Canada?

Train journey alone, across Canada.

Canada is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. When I choose a country to travel, one of my priorities is safety. If it’s not safe, don’t even think of convincing your family to support your decision. Likewise, it’s difficult to enjoy the trip if it’s dangerous because most of the time you will be taking care of your bags rather than enjoying the view. I am a girl travelling alone, so staying safe is imperative. 

I wish to experience a western country. Other than KPOP, I am not foreign to western pop culture like movies, music and books. We know how media plays a role in forming our perspective. Whenever we mention western countries we will think of words like “open minded”, “friendly”, “rich”, “smart”, ”confident” etc.  That’s why I want to see it by myself. I know I can't paint the whole western country with the one brush I had in Canada, but that’s the least I can do. So far I’ve met lots of westerners other than Canadians. For instance my roommate is an Australian. I could also improve my worldview by befriending others.

Possibilities. If my memory serves me well, the 4 countries which are “easier” for Malaysians to work abroad are New Zealand (limited to 1000 permits/year), Australia (only with entitled skills), Indonesia and of course Singapore (I will add the source when I trace it back). I am aware that Canada is not in the list, but a visa is possible if you get through an agent similar to USA, which is costly and tricky. However based on my calculation, a few months work is able to cover the overall expenses. 

I wish to improve my English. Please don’t say things like “your English is good enough.” “Good enough” is the keyword that stops you from improving. We should learn from the native speakers and how they word their expressions. 

Expand my world view. Do I have to explain this?

Other very many relevant reasons: I want to avoid reality. I’m a wanderluster. I need photos for my #Instagram. I hate 9-5 jobs. I want to be young, wild and free. I need lots of eye candy. I love Justin Bieber. I need to improve my resume. I want to ski all year. I am running away from jokers in my country. (PLEASE DON’T TAKE THIS PARAGRAPH PERSONALLY IT’S MEANT TO BE A JOKE)

2. Why not Korea?

I dream about it all the time. Honestly, I would trade my Canadian visa to a Korean one any day. However...

• A year there cost x3 more than Canada. I have to enroll in uni/language centers first.
• It’s difficult to enter Korea without proven Korean language proficiency.
• It’s more difficult to get an employer.
• No work and travel opportunity, yet.
• I’m yellow (if you know what I mean.)
• It’s time to experience another country other than Korea.

I will still go back one day!

3. What does your family say?

We discussed about this and it was easier because I have experience living abroad. At one point I felt sorry because I had to convince my parents through the phone. I should have done it face to face to prove my sincerity. (Please don’t repeat my mistake.)

Of course, my parents did not say “Yes, you may go” since day one. The first time I mentioned about work and travel, there were some objections and doubts. I had to bring out my findings and state my reasons. 

Hopefully my personal approach can help you pass the parents' stage:

• Choose a safe country.
• Find a reliable agent / employer.
• Make calculations that you can earn back the cost. *Earning a stronger currency is an advantage.
• Prove yourself accountable with facts, news and mostly your behavior. Show your work and travel friend’s Facebook to them, how they are enjoying and being taken care of.
• Mention why you want to live abroad.
• (Personal justification) I have time to spare after graduation. Due to foundation studies, I graduated earlier than most people of my age. Spare time is very subjective; some parents have the mentality that children must work once they graduate. 
• Age matters. Most countries have the age limit of 18-30 years old to work and travel. Plus, it’s more practical to do it before you settle down.

       Side notes:

• The tougher your parents are, the more proof you need. (Same la, big boss need stronger weapons.) Prepare yourself before saying: “Pa, Ma, I want to go work and travel.” You can open this discussion when they ask what you want to do with your future, use words like “I’m planning to, I’m interested to, because my friend went to xxx and changed positively."
• Be frank on the country’s weakness (eg, drug, guns, gangsters, racism, living cost) and mention how you will overcome them.
• Don’t be discouraged if they say no. Ask them why and find more backup. Perhaps they are right, and you can change your choices or find a different agent.
• Do not throw tantrums, discussion proves maturity.
• You may choose to downplay Malaysia but I won't do it personally. Eg; Canada is safer than Malaysia. If I can survive Malaysia I can survive any first world country. This country is more advance, democratic.. etc. 
• P.R.A.Y. about it. Don’t go against the peace in your heart.

4. Boyfriend…?

Some of you heard my response “Don’t mind him.” :( PLEASE, do know this is meant to brush off the most difficult part of my departure. Though we haven't been together for long, but I believe in him and he believes in me. He is very supportive of my decision. which is very important and it means a lot to me. If you have a partner while exchange/ work and travel, focus on the positive effects of the distance. Eg: he could focus on his studies & interests while I fufill myself. I am grateful my boyfriend keeps his promise to talk to me every day. I am even more grateful for the internet.

5. $$$...?

If you know me well enough, I am quite particular about money and my family does not own a bank. I am considered very lucky that my family could help me with the agent fees, plane ticket and first month of living cost. I played my part to work and save up. While waiting for the visa approval, you may take the opportunity to work. It helps to pass time, ease your financial burden and builds your resume. You may look for Facebook groups like “Part time Malaysia”. Earn as much as you can and believe you can earn your money back in the future. Money doesn’t drop from the sky, chances like this don't always come by.

These are my answers for most of the questions you have asked me. Thank you for  your interest in reading. I will update my personal experience in the coming post. 

2015/ 2016 Resolutions [Part 2]

Resolution post.  

With no further adieu, *clears throat*... These were my 2015 resolutions:

1. Improve cleanlines/tidiness

Why is this even a resolution? Well, according to my mother's standard I'm sort of untidy. I think I did improved in this aspect this year. Because I'm easily distracted and a busy person, so I tend to leave the dishes or have "no time" to clean my room. Still, this year I get rid of the excuses: Made time to sweep my floor and sort out my things.  I've even created a cleaning playlist.  I guess the drawback of this resolution is there is no ways to measure the effectiveness. Considering no major incidents happened (ants), shall we pass this? :P

2. Punctuality

Against the Malaysian culture! This is something I learnt from Korea. Being 15 minutes early despite others haven't arrived yet. I think this is a way to show a person's sincerity. Also, as I explained earlier, due to my busy body nature, my activities are always back-to-back. This year I kept a more specific planner and it seems to improve. I don't think I've achieve the 15 minutes early rule. But I think I'm barely late to class this semester. And again, how am I supposed to measure this? 

3. Band 5 in MUET.

Unfortunately  I failed this one. So let's not talk about this and see "you" in March.

4. Volunteer work

Honestly, I've forgotten about this resolution until I've checked my diary recently. I hope to work with Malaysian Care again some day. I cried when the kids sent me a video weeks later after my visit. Whenever I feel down I would watch the videos and remember them and how sound of the cicada greeted me in the morning. It's truly a meaningful event in 2015 and I'm glad it's listed as one of my goals :)

5. Travel to a new foreign country (one a year)

Taiwan was my younger sister, Joanna's choice. We explored Taipei and Taichung for 8 days. By feet (Of course I flew there, don't try to be funny! haha). It was a meaningful trip as we have made new friends and our itinerary was rather relaxing and fulfilling at the same time. Most importantly, it was adapted to both our interest : Nature and history. For instance, we didn't went up the skycrapper. We took the train to the last station and hiked up a shady hill right next to it. It was a great scene. We actually climbed alot of hills throughout our trip. The other was a 2 hours hike in the Yeh Liu Geo Park, only to search for a lighthouse. I remembered running down hill (breathless) with my sister because the track was so secluded and we heard a sound out of no where. It was really dangerous but memorable. Another highlight was Shan Lin Xi, a natural forest up on the mountains. We went on summer but the temperature up there was 16 degrees. Waking up at 4am, asking for directions everywhere, missing the 2 hours bus.. Still, it was really worth it! It takes a whole blog post to convey the experience, but then.. I am so happy that I went with my sister, we don't need to worry if the other prefers shopping or something else. We were just there enjoying each other's company. Such great moments to cherish :)

6. Social Media Diet

I've achieved and failed this at the same time. Guess I have to set a special agenda just for Facebook. Progress: I've deleted Wechat, Snapchat and made my Instagram private. Initially I've limited my Facebook usage to 2 hours a day. However university life demands alot from being present in Facebook. I tried deleting Facebook from my smartphone, but I installed it again within a week. (Yes, it's that inconvenient). Hopefully for my work in the future, communication will be done through emails and Whatsapp instead. Unfortunately, this resolutions made alot of people anxious, because I became unreachable, I didn't respond immediately as I did previously. I hope people can understand the reason behind this: is because social media actually steals time from your reality. And with that time, you could actually do more things. So let's do this again shall we? :) #keepcalmandstopscrolling

7. Books & News

Another habit I've picked up from Korea. This was listed as one of my major resolution as it requires commitment. I failed my 2014 resolution to read 12 books a year. It was ambitious I admit. As I only achieved 2 books that year. Yet! Because of that failure, I was able to discipline myself to read 12 books this year. I'm a little lenient in the categories, as long as it is published, I considered it as a book. 

The books I've read: 

To Kill a Mockingbird, Escape Camp 14, The Railway Man, All of the Light We Cannot See, Perks of Being a Wallflower, Let it Snow, Teach Yourself World War 1, Biography of Marthin Luther King. The remaining 4 are romance, and I'm not going to name it. I promise I am not cheating.

Other books that I've read halfway: Time Keeper, Yellow Birds, 12 Years a Slave and World History.

News:

I failed to read the news on a daily basis. It's about 2-3days once. I've tried balancing my source which is to read news from both mainstream and non-mainstream ones. (Not from social media or unknown blogs) Sometimes I get really moody after reading about major incidents. Especially the authority's explanations. You know, these politicians just gives me cancer everyday. Alright, it's a little out of topic. Let's just hope the situation will improve.

That's all for my 2015 resolutions. The mistake I made back in 2013 and 2014 was to set vague and unrealistic goals. Thankfully, through mistakes I've learnt how to improve. My resolutions are far from being praise-worthy. It is just something personal, in which to improve myself and overcome my flaws. Hopefully in 2016, I am able to achieve the followings:

1. Punctuality: The 15 minute rule again. 

2. Score band 5 in MUET.

3. Volunteer work again!

4. Travelling 

Foreign: I got my eyes on Japan or China. I'm suppose to visit Europe this year with Suzie and Chris.. Let's see how it goes.

Local: Mostly East Malaysia. Specifically Mulu caves, beaches in Sabah and the Kuala Selangor fireflies sanctuary.

5. 12 books this year.

Same amount but this time romance/ teen fictions are strictly not included. And it make things more difficult. 2 books has to be in mandarin Chinese.  也要看华语书啦！

Booklist: The Railroad of death, The France Renaissance, To End All Wars, Pride and Prejudice, The Stranger, Buddha in the Attic..

6. Writing.

Be consistent to my diary, not only when I have issues. 

Find a penpal.

7. History+ Geography knowledge

Chinese history

finish reading about world history. 

World War 2 and French Renaissance.

Get myself a huge map.

8. Recording my expenses.

This is surprisingly difficult for me to achieve over the years. I keep my receipts for nothing. This year I decided to write it down with my diary. 

9. Health

Exercise consistently. Run 18km a week. Also I plan to go vegan once a week. 

10. Skills

Should I do this? I'm still deciding between ukulele and photography. Since I have quite a good camera. Yet, this is something difficult to measure. What actually makes a person skillful? :) Maybe I should consider some online classes.

11. "Appearance"

Friends always commented that I come off too strong. So I will do something about it. *ehem* (I actually wrote what to do but decided to ditch it because it's somewhat personal.)

There you go. Is this a little too much? After writing this, it seems to lack of significance. Nothing special and legendary. Hopefully I will be inspired to have a special resolution these days..

My motto of the year: "Against everything passive."

The "F" word was supposed to give the phrase a stronger impact, but then in short, I'm opposing everything equivalent to laziness and insincerity. So no need of the expletives.

Any of my friends that survived through the whole post, thank you for your time. I hope you will give me better suggestions, if you do have any. As usual, I will work hard to achieve these resolutions. It's something I hold on to and improving my flaws. Hopefully, in 2017 I will be satisfied with what I have achieve. :)

Wish me luck and strength<3 div="">

Looking back to 2015, Strive forward to 2016! [Part 1]

Hello, let me warn you first. This is going to be really long. I'm so happy to have you here, reviewing my 2015 with me. :)

Well.. Where do I start? 2014.. It was a year of learning and exploring (Event Planning, Internship, Korea Exchange Programme). Whereas 2015 is about putting what I have learnt into practice. In short, it's more about discipline. Honestly, it was a tough year for me. It was a year of growth and change for me. I'm not really sure what 2016 is about yet. I have a few things in mind, but first....

Let's take a ride back to the events in 2015. *Review time!* I want to thank all of you wonderful people, who have been part of my life this year. Through all the happy times and mistakes, we managed to get over it and I am glad about it. For now, it's time to gear up and get ready to switch for a new path. PS: Notice the hair colour change.

Highlights of 2015:

Back from Korea.

No jetlag, only food poisoning and missing kimchi.

Driving up to Cameron Highlands with my best friends. 

Whip Cream Strawberries, flowers and Boh Tea farm.

Chinese New Year celebration in Songkhla

White Tiger, Beach, Family, Coconut Ice Cream.

Penang Island Tour

Friends from China, good food and more good food.

Course mates graduation.

I'm in the picture too you know.

Krabi > Hatyai > Perlis trip with Iron Family

Beaches, Sun and various rides. 

(Plane, Van, Tuk Tuk, Tricycle, Long Boat, Speed Boat, Car and Bus..)

Taiwan Trip

Impulsiveness, Planning, Sisters bonding, happiness!

We decided to ditch the usual routes and visited Taipei and Taichung in a different way.

On our way, we befriended a Hongkee, an American and two Singaporeans.

I learnt so much about this country and my sister. Looking forward to our next backpacking trip.

Fit Malaysia Event in Perlis.

I called William at 6am on that day, and he answered as he thought I was in danger.

Immediately he agreed to come and help out. I'm really touched by his actions.
Such a great day to remember for our friendship. Cheers with Revive!

Working Part time in Elianto Genting

To have Lilian with me these three weeks was the greatest blessing of all.

She have taken care of me so well. She made sure I am well fed and warm at all times. The cold showers and restless working hours seems unbearable, but in the end we made it. And yes I've achieved it, to work in a sales aspect. And yes, it's really difficult.

Bersih 4.0

My first time participating a rally, fighting for clean and fair election in Malaysia.

Though my parents opposed, I went against their will to participate and experienced this very emotional day. I have so much to write about this, but if you asked me why I went other than the general purpose. It's because deep inside, we are hurt yet our heart contains hope. I love my country, that's why, this is not a waste of time. It's how we wanted our voices to be heard..

Orang Asli teacher's training with Malaysian Care

I was introduced to this program by Kharis. Despite being afraid, I went against my fear (of snakes) to meet these beautiful people. I'm not lying. The way they walked bare foot through the forest, their faces when they jumped into the streams and how they smiled when I speak their language.. I couldn't forget their faces. It's really beautiful and their love for nature is sincere. Another sincerity I seen in them, is being whole-hearted when learning. Somehow we view education as a burden, as a springboard to success in our future life. But to them, it's an interest and a will. I learnt so much from them. Also, I was blessed to be away from the haze and to live so close to nature for a week.

Friends from Korea visiting Kuala Lumpur.

Everyone, say Hi to Timothy and Hyein. Me myself too, experienced KL as a tourist. One thing I must say is: Tourism department, please do something about the maps and safety. Seriously, Malaysia has so much to offer! Don't let these factors overshadow the goodness of our country!

#ILOVEKL

Final Semester Starts!

Final Year Project, alone and friends later.

The library was my refuge. I spend most of my time alone there. Solidarity was my friend at the first few weeks but then things changed when I decided to step out of the circle I've drawn and hang out with friends. Youthfulness and friendships are really priceless things. Chatting with Zen till 5am was a memorable day. Also, the steamboat sessions and banging a car. Thanks to Kung for sending me to the hospital in the middle of the night. I really owed you once bro.

21st December 2015: 

The day I've ended my final university paper.

It was an emotional day for me, walking out of the examination hall while remembering the first day I entered UTAR. After the test, I went to visit my lecturer Ms Gan for the last time. As usual before I leave her office, I knew she will ask me: "Anything else?" After answering no, she gave me a hug. And it was really touching. We never talked alot besides final year project, however I am thankful that she knew what I went through.

Right after that, I went to KL. What could be better than to celebrate the day with Korean food? Even if it is not Korean BBQ, I'm so glad I could taste kimchi again. It was such a fun night then, to sneaked in somewhere and watch the stars on the hill. Chatting as the Kuala Lumpur twin tower dimmed it's light and till the constellations could only be seen when we turned our heads back.
Sadly there were no photos for that day.

But I shall remember it as long as I look at the stars at night :)

(Picture to be updated)

Family getaway in Fig Tree Villa.

Family bonding, Extended Family, nature.

This is the first time our family gathered together other than Chinese New Year celebration. Also it's my prior experience to stay in a villa. The place was good, we had a great swim, Barbeque, steamboat and loads of singing. Not to mention, reading in the bathtub! Three new experiences. I'm really happy to end the year with such meaningful event.

-end of timeline-

So these are the bits and happenings of 2015.
There are events that I didn't share out, I do appreciate those moments. Don't worry friends. I do record them down in my diary. Please do not feel left out if you are not in the highlight.

Anyways!
My resolutions are continued in the next post! ^^

Do check it out.

x Happy New Year my friends.

:)