Inspire: 2007 Diary

November 2007

November 15, 2007
8:36 PM - Elko, BC, Canada

My Dearest Manong Timmy and ALL of my Family and Friends,

I've been really busy for the past two months adjusting to my new life in Elko. I am still currently (by choice) not employed. I have been on a full rampage (ha ha ha) - doing house chores (major cleaning and interior design and re-organizing). I have learned how to use a sewing machine, I've learned some new carpentry skills (using power tools), (I made a furniture stand, shelves, etc), and some house painting. Done lots of arm and body workout through lifting, carrying, pushing, scrubbing and loved every moment as my project started coming together. I worked of course on a really low budget and everybody at home started helping out too. I found the experience very therapeutic that somehow bonded everyone at home together. Now with the house all clutter free, easy to clean and so organized everyone at home seems so much happier. Now I can call the house that Ron lives in (along with his brother Eric & Tim and Dad Frank) my home too.
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November 11, 2007 - Sunday
Dinner (& My Birthday) Party

We had a few friends come over. Ron, Eric & Tim did an excellent job making dinner. It was a really happy party.
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My 32nd Birthday! This is an Ice Cream Cake by the way. Eric & Tim got it for me. Thanks so much!

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A Bonfire during the party. With the dance music playing, wine and beer - we all had a great time. Lots of laughter in this quiet little town of Elko.
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November 15, 2007 - Thursday
First snow fall - Winter is here

Today Ron needed to go see the doctor. He was having some aches and pains on his lower back area. It got so bad that he wasn't able to sleep at all last night and this kept him from working today. It worries me.
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I was driving Ron's car today on our way to see the doctor and the tires weren't gripping. I was told that the first snow fall is usually very bad. Nearly lost control of the car and it freaked me out. Ron had to take over driving (despite his aches and pains) being the more experienced winter driver.
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Snow - I never thought it would be depressing.
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November 15, 2007 - Thursday. Fernie, BC
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Snow - Cold, Gray & White. Makes me sleepy and tired. Everywhere around me in this weather feels to me like sadness. What a depressing season (but that's just me of course).
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I'd like to apologize to everybody for not being able to keep up with the e-mails and all. I do appreciate all the letters and e-mails that still (thankfully) come my way (they are getting fewer and fewer... but they say that's normal. Out of sight - out of mind. I do wish I can visit again someday, that way I will not become permanently out of sight...thus... you get my point...). I'm very thankful you guys still remember me and I send out my biggest hugs and love. Thanks so much for being there for me despite my shortcomings.

Love you all,

Nov 15, 2007 9:45:54 PM | 2007 Diary

September 2007

September 1, 2007 - I saw this as I was doing my walk this afternoon

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September 1, 2007 - Marysville Falls, Marysville Town, BC

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September 1, 2007 - Father and Son overlooking Marysville

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September 1, 2007 - This is what the trail looks like. Loved walking today.

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September 1, 2007 - I walked for 3 hours.. I was trying to fight stress. Work was getting a bit too much for me. I'm looking forward to my employment coming to an end in 12 days. Everyday I keep counting the days now.

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September 1, 2007 - A Lonely Runner

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September 2, 2007 - Fernie BC

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September 2, 2007 - Pregnant Lady on a Bike

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September 2, 2007

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September 2, 2007 - Taken in The Town of Fernie

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September 2, 2007 - Lady Biker

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September 4, 2007 - Dawn in the Rockies (I was on my way back to Kimberley to work)

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September 6, 2007 - A tiny snake that Ron and I saw during our afternoon walk in Elko, BC

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September 9, 2007 - It was really noisy. I think he wanted some attention. Too bad I had no food for him.

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September 9, 2007 - Wasa Lake. I love the summer time. I hang out at the lake a lot..

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September 9, 2007 - Hanging out with my friends in Wasa Lake

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September 10, 2007 - Gone Bike riding today

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September 10, 2007- Someone in Kimberley had a sign "FREE" on this bike. So I talked to the owner and he said for me to take it. I have used it about 8 times now. I don't even chain it. No one wants to steal it.

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September 12, 2007 - Today my employment with Luke comes to an end. I have worked as his live-in caregiver for 3 years. It was really tough but I learned a lot about myself and I have become a better person from the experience. Here I am taking one last look at my basement room. Goodbye Room. Thanks for being a friend. It's time for me to go now.

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September 12, 2007 - Taking one last look at the house I worked and lived in for the past 3 years. Can't believe I'm finally leaving. It was gloomy outside. The skies threatened to pour.

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September 12, 2007 - All the rest of my belongings are in that white car. I said goodbye to Luke (my client for 3 years) and wished him good luck... after the goodbyes I went outside and took one look before finally heading away to move on with my life.

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September 13, 2007 - In Elko, Drinking beer with Ron

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September 13, 2007 - peephole from a motel room in Lethbridge, Alberta

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September 13, 2007 - Lethbridge, Alberta, went to look at the Modular Homes on display.

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September 18, 2007 - It's been a year since mama passed away. It still hurts to think about losing mama. Everyday I still think about her and I miss her so much .

This is what's on Mama's tombstone. .
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September 18, 2007 - A new life. A new beginning. The door opens

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September 18, 2007 - The Fernie Aquatic center. Went swimming today. It was a challenge to finish 40 laps. I have not swam in 21 days.

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September 19, 2007 - Elko, BC. I took this on my Bike ride this afternoon

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September 19, 2007 - Elko BC

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September 19, 2007 - This is the corner from the Main Highway before the car turns right to Elko BC

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Sep 20, 2007 4:58:14 PM | 2007 Diary

August 2007

A MUCH DESERVED VACATION - WITH RON IN VANCOUVER

August 1, 2007 Vancouver BC The view from our hotel room

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August 2, 2007 - Parking lot. Ron & I were on our way to Grouce Mountain, Vancouver, BC

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August 2, 2007 - Gondola Ride to Grouce Mountain

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August 2, 2007 - Standing in front of North American Artworks

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August 2, 2007 - Capilano Bridge (Honestly - It's just a bridge.. Jeese the entrance to see this was $20.. Argh!!)

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August 2, 2007 - done lots of walking today. Ron and I just had to take a break. By this time we were getting tired of doing tourist stuff.

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August 2, 2007 - View from the top of Grouce Mountain

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August 2, 2007 - Ski lift on a summer's day from the Grouce Mountain

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August 2, 2007 - we watched that show. It was entertaining

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August 4, 2007 late night in Vancouver

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August 4, 2007 - English Bay, Vancouver BC

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August 4, 2007 - People by the bay securing their spot for the Fireworks in a few hours

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August 5, 2007 - Some eye catching hairdo during Gay Pride Parade

(Insert Gay Pride Parade Video Here)

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August 8, 2007 - Town of Osoyoos, British Columbia
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August 2007 - Town of Osoyoos, British Columbia

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August 2007 - Town of Osoyoos, British Columbia

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August 8, 2007 - On the road again (Psyching myself to go back to work again)

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August 8, 2007 - Castlegar, BC

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August 12, 2007 - Tita Juanita's Birthday Cake.

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August 22, 2007 - Hanging out at Wasa Lake (again) in the afternoon after working till noon today.

.Here is a Video of myself - Nasa Wasa lake, nag e-emote. Dama nyo ba ang hirap ng isang Overseas Foreign worker? Hahaha? Hay naku - kung nag focus lang ako sa ka-dramahan ng buhay ko over na! But truth is, most of the time I noticed myself sinking back into my low moments. I had been sleeping way too much and was once again "Attacking food" for comfort... But I knock myself in the head and I'm back again. I had to do this lots lately.
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August 27, 2007 - Scruples in the sky. (This is a reflection on the water. I just turned the photo upside down to achieve the effect)

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Aug 31, 2007 1:00:00 AM | 2007 Diary

July 2007

July 1, 2007 - Canada Day - Public Holiday. Here you see Ron and

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July 1, 2007: Some couple got a new mattress delivered! Here I am goofing around. Summer is wonderful!

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July 6, 2007 - Golden, BC

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July 6, 2007 - This is the cabin we stayed at for 2 nights during our "Glacier Crest Hike"

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July 7, 2007 - The Glacier Crest Hike here I am Trail

Length: 4.8 Km (one way)
Hiking Time: 3 hours, uphill (one way) - in our case it was 4 hours
Elevation Change: 1250 m to 2045 m

This Hike provides visitors with dramatic views of both the Illecillewaet and Asulkan Glaciers. The trail follows a gentle grade through a dense forest until it crosses Asulkan Brook. There the trail starts a steady upward and switchbacking climb to trails end. The view from this alpine spine is a Columbia Mountain panorama of rock and glacial ice.

Today (July 7, 2007 - Saturday) I went Hiking with Ron, Paul, and Freddy. The picture above was taken within the first hour of the 4 hour hike. The trail was very steep. It was a bit of a struggle for me. But all is good.

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That's Ron - my sweetheart!

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Fred, Ron and Paul - very close to the top of Glacier Crest.

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I made it to Glacier Crest !!! What a great hike!!

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July 8, 2007 - Sunday

Golden, BC - Kicking Horse Bridge Built in 2001. This was taken the day after the hike

July 9, 2007 - A bear in the neighbor's backyard. Black bears can be deadly. I heard that they had this one put down. It was not afraid of humans - thus you see it invading residences. Lot's of people in Canada get killed by bear attacks.

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July 14, 2007 - On our way to Kamloops to visit Carmen (Ron's sister) Mid way, we stopped by for lunch and I saw these helicopters for hire. I have never been on a helicopter ride before. So I decided it was time I experienced it. For $45.00, I got a 5 minute ride. It was worth it.

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.Here is a short video of that 5 minute helicopter ride. This was taken as we were just landing back to the ground.

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July 15, 2007 - Kamloops, BC - Early morning walk.

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July 19, 2007 - By this time, I had gotten back to my "home base". After work here I am hanging out at Wasa Lake, Lying on the grass and enjoying the sun, with a book at hand.

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July 19, 2007 - From the ground, I see this

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July 19, 2007 - The lake is so beautiful. Enjoyed people watching & Reading at the lake today. I love the summer heat. It's like being back in the Philippines. I'm so used to just hanging out by myself after all these years.

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July 19, 2007 - Watching someone swim the lake (This guy must have swam at least 4 KMs). I am Impressed!

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July 20, 2007 - Creston, BC. Ron and I were on our way to Fruitvale to hang out with a bunch of other wonderful people like us. Bonfires, Camping and Partying to look forward to.

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July 20, 2007 - Fruitvale, BC. A night with new friends and acquaintances

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July 21, 2007 (past midnight) - New acquaintances at the camp. Enjoyed the beers and the company. Ron and I had to put up our tent in the darkness as we got there late. But It only took us 15 minutes to put it up because we had an "Instant" popping tent. yipee!

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July 24, 2007 - Rolling my own cigarettes. I'm supposed to save money this way. This is when I feel so poor. Never mind making just minimum wage at $8/hour - rolling my own cigarettes is like the shits.. heheheh

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July 27, 2007 - Rotary Park, Kimberley, BC. Today. Sanay na ako magisa. Basa nalang ng libro pagkatapos mag swimming. Halos araw araw na ako nag swi-swimming ngayon. Kasi lakas ko narin kumain. Pag hindi ako nag exercise tiyak lolobo nanaman ako kasi tabain ako e.

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July 27, 2007 - The old abandoned Airport heading towards Tata Creek, BC. It was so wonderful being alone in this place. I watched as the skies got darker and the moon started to come out. 2 years ago, I was flying my kite here.

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July 27, 2007 - been watching clouds today. Hmmm.. this is beautiful being able to do this once in a while.

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July 27, 2007 - Lovely moon tonight. Remember when I was 35 pounds overweight? I feel so much better now. But I notice that as soon as I stop exercising I baloon again. It's frustrating.

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July 27, 2007 - waited for the moon and just enjoyed everything around me.

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July 30, 2007 - hanging out with friends at the Wasa Lake. Wow what a great summer! So many times I was outdoors under the sun taking advantage of the short summer months in Canada.

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July 30, 2007 - Wasa Lake. Been sun burned so bad. I was out in the sun for 6 hours (and yes, I didn't bring sun screen lotion) - I had fun though

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Jul 31, 2007 1:00:00 AM | 2007 Diary

June 2007

June 4, 2007 - Work has actually been a bit too much for me lately, so what I do is I leave the house as often as I can. Today on my free time I went driving to Saint Mary's Lake.

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June 4, 2007 - See how much difference my face looks now that I have lost about 30 pounds? I can see my jaw line again.

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June 4, 2007 - Baduy ba? Ehehehe. Actually naka sandals ako kaya lang umulan kaya nag rubber shoes ako kasi nilamig ang paa ko. nyahaha.

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June 11, 2007 - 2 years na kami ni Ron

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June 11, 2007 - We went walking today and celebrated by going to the burger stand. haha.

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June 17, 2007 - This was taken in Coleman, Alberta

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June 17, 2007 - The older houses in Coleman, Alberta

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June 18, 2007 - Nag collapse ako. Kaya ako napadpad sa Hospital. After all the tests, wala naman daw problema. Kagabi I went to pee, My heart went racing - then I lost consciousness. Ron found me on the floor with my eyes open and unresponsive. Akala nya patay na ako. Ngek. This never happened to me before.

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