I WAS DOING SO WELL posting super regularly! up until my computer crash as soon as we reached home!. So a lot of insignificant things happened since then but I feel that it's too....insignificant to try and recall everything. Just know that school started and I am somewhat stress free. Still. But before I start anew, I feel like I owe it to myself to post the very last blog that I managed to compose using Microsoft Word while we were on the road. 

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EASIEST 50$ I EVER MADE!

 

Continuing from my previous post, we  bummbed around the house waiting for the parents to come home. We  had originally planned to do the tourist thing with them since the day was nice anyway. However when they came home, no one really felt up to gala so we just ordered pay per view The Bang Bang Club while daddy cooked dinner. Then in the evening,  as promised Maileen got off work so we can go out. She took us to the infamous Bubble Mania, which surprisingly looks a lot shabbier than Bubble World although they had one of the best bubble tea I’ve ever had.

 

   

 coconut mango, half pearls half jelly

 

Designated tour guide brought us to this view point that overlooks downtown to take a stroll. It was nearing sunset and was quite chilly. 

From this plateu (??) we took that bridge to the park.

 

 

We were in awe watching the dogs in what seems to be a training session. I’d mentioned that Aso should be registered in such class, Bill then said he doesn’t need to since daddy has his own special way of making him obey. His tactics includes glares and sharp threats, sometimes even extending to cupping Aso upside the head. I miss him so much.   Oh right, Babsie has been updating us with what Aso has been up to the past couple of days

[in this portion of my saved offline blog I have a note-to-self to insert pictures of Aso send by Babsie, but I'm too lazy to upload them at the mo. Just know that he was just being miserably, unbearably cute]

So through and around the park towards downtown we went. At sunset we made our way back. The night light was beautiful. I felt like such a make out point portrayed in the movie. 

 

 not only was it a make out point, it seems that it was also very popular for hot box-ing. 

On our way home we dropped by the infamous Peter’s Drive In for some milk shake. I had the butterscotch, maple walnut, Oreo cookies.I don’t think I’ve ever had a proper milk shake before this. This place is old school, it’s just a drive in and most workers are Filipino in nurses’ outfit.  We headed home and watch a movie for a bit before dropping off Maileen, and having a chat with her mom. We continued watching a movie there until about 1 am.

Maileen’s a freak of nature. She has webbed toes,. Hmmm, explains a lot.

The next day...

We made our way out to Edmonton from. Thank goodness the weather became better as we got further from Calgary. We visited Tito Alvin and Tita Devina’s house for lunch, had a chat then headed to West Ed. Mall, Canada’s largest shopping center

It boasts more stores than I care to count, an indoor ice rink, wave pool, random aqua zoo and this ship. We were supposed to meet with Ate LA who moved to Edmonton some two weeks ago but she failed replying.  We basically walked around as I kept my mouth busy and my stomach happy with treats such as;

And keeping ourselves amused by doing things such as:

On our way out of the mall we stumbled through this amusement park. I was too full to ride the roller coaster so the boys did it by themselves. It was worth it though. 

Around 6 pm, we made our way to the country side to visit uncle dear. The view’s surreal; the way is so clear and flat. Although the clouds look ominous in some part, it was still very movie like.

Got to love road trips.

His house is super cool. It’s very Big Brother like. There are 10 bedrooms in this house, 12 occupants and for the most part, the upstairs and downstairs and washrooms are segregated by gender. I wish to someday live in a setting like this. He’s housemates are all very fun and sweet. 

Uncle and brother along with myself went on a liquor run, it should have been uncomfortable but it wasn’t. For the second time on this week long trip, I felt like I belong in a family of alcoholic. By the way, the liquor store is very fancy, small town or not. 

The night was spent playing with bunso, he made me not miss Aso for the first time, and of course, karaoke.  Uncle bet 50$ that I wouldn’t be able to sing the Fil. National Anthem and get a 90% in the karaoke. Guess what? I got 97% HIGHEST SCORE OF THE NIGHT BABY!

 

______________________

So that was the visit to the uncle. The rest of the trip was basically (as far as I can remember) going back to the host house, tagging along to Maileen's family party (super sweet andd welcoming people btw), getting pack and ready to go bright and early the next day, mommy driving and taking 5 extra hours on the road, sleeping in the car while they visit a lake and a very strong impression that I may spend my time off school that I may or may not take after this semester in Calgary with the host family if I were to be welcomed back.

 

--Elle Are Emm

 

The weather finally went from this:

to this:

Albeit it is still pretty cold.

Yesterday this is how we looked pretty much the rest of the afternoon and evening until we picked up daddy. This is about the rare few times when us three stayed in one room with no blood bath ensuing. Partly due to the fact that each of us are on our respective laptops/ipod watching animes .

DADDY . We finally picked up daddy later on the evening. Driving back in our host home in one car felt so nostaligic. I hadn't realize how much I miss my daddy :") I also didn't mind being crammed and sleeping in one room. It just  felt so right, it feels like home.

Before we got back though, daddy stopped by the liquor store. I felt like I belong in a family of alcoholics as each and everyone of us got off and entered the store. In this province all of us are able to purchase alcohols.

I was home alone for a bit this afternoon. Now this how we pretty much look.

 

 

--Elle Are Emm

Feels like LG days all over again, though I was never really that lg who hanged around the mall.

Yesterday, I woke around 7 am since people keep going in and out the room. Brothers had plans to go hit the gym first thing (who goes on a vacation to work out?) and they were waiting for the text message of this girl named Maileen who pretty much made herself the designated tour guide. She never did reply but Tita Mary  (our hostess) pointed them to the right direction. They both eventually came back, but Kuya had to get ready and hand out resumes to various airports and Bill went along with him.

Mother and I were left to hang around the bedroom and occasionally go downstairs to eat. I surfed the net, watch anime and did a little bit of school work review. Finally got the energy to shower just in time for Maileen to come over and asked if I wanted to accompany her downtown.  

        

The Calgary Tower

                  

It was slightly raining and the streets were semi empty. I don't know how their downtown looks on a regular day but my impression is that it's a mini version of Vancouver downtown since their buildings are shorter.

So we walked around the mall aimlessly. Maileen insisted that she pays for my Purdy's ice cream which I got a scoop of green tea, that didn't really taste like green tea but it was still good.

See, here's my thing with people paying for me. I don't like it. Don't get me wrong, I fully  appreciate it and I am grateful to the max, it's just that ---especially when I can pay for myself -- it makes me real uncomfortable, it is even more awkward when they aren't getting any for themselves. It automatically makes me feel embarrassed so that I can't get what I really wanted and I choose the cheapest thing on the menu. I'd rather treat someone out really.

So around the mall we go. At some point she casually mentioned that her aunt is trying to get her to go for Bill, and she did admit that she thinks he's attractive

The slight mist turned into a full blown rain, and the hard wind ensued as we met up with the brothers outside the mall. We decided to go to their version of Bubble World called Bubble Mania but it doesn't open until later on that evening. We ended up in another mall. apparently this is the mall where everyone is at. Some youtube celebs were even here to hold some sort of event just the other day.

(Driving highlights include reversing in the highway, multiple misdirections, spotting other plate numbers from different provinces/states, and getting confused with lanes)

This is what we will call CB from now on

So again around we go. To me, one mall is very comparative to other malls unless of course you have specific things you want/need to purchase. Otherwise, as far as mall goes this one doesn't differ in the sense that there really isn't much to do.

 

Since it's move tuesday, we decided to catch the new released film Columbiana staring Zoe Saldana as an assassin hell bent on revenge. We bought our tickets early so we don't have to line up. This is also the first time I get to watch in the new and infamous AVX theater, it's claim to fame being that for 5 extra $$, you get to save/choose your spot in their new, comfy, reclining and spacious seats. Unless it's a really good film that I've been eager to see, I wouldn't pay this much for a movie experience. I give Columbiana 3 lady boners out 5. It's a good time killer and it's easy to digest but nothing special or spectacular.

Although since the movie doesn't start until later, we still have time to waste.

We hit the food court for some grub (yes that's a carousel, which I so wanted to ride but didn't in the fear that I may be suspected as a serial pedophile on the loose), and wandered around a few stores.

That's Bill in Build A Bear having wayyyyy too much fun.

Kuya trolling in Amber Combie & Fitch

I made the mistake to visit Teaopia. I couldn't really afford to but when I had a whiff of these; Caramellissimo  and Amaretto Cherry, all sense and reason went out the window and I new I just had to.

Maileen has been really eager to show us "the view", and apparently one of her other aunts has the entirety of Calgary in her backyard, so although it was 10PM, and we had no relations or idea who this woman was, off we went.

And boy, did she have the view! We might as well had been in a high rise condominium. The night lights were breath taking. After a few minutes of chatting with her aunt, we drove to Maileen's house since her mother wanted to meet us. We should have started charging for meet and greets, I felt slightly like a spectacle. A last, her mother was asleep so we just went back to out host home.

This still very rainy morning, the brothers and mother decided to visit Kuya Denis, I opted out, hence I have been in the room since, I don't think we have anything else in our agenda except for picking up the father later on this evening.

 

--Elle Are Emm

 

Plans of leaving at 6am didn't happen. We just arrived about an hour or so ago and since AB is an hour ahead, it is currently 1 AM here.

The morning started (for me) with waking up at 5AM, finish cleaning up my room, and packing for our week long trip. I then blogged, dawdled around the interwebz until Kuya got up panicking about lost time. I then got ready and squeezed in some time to walk and shower my baby Aso. He didn't even bother trying to do his cute dog thing to convince us to bring us along. I think he knew that we couldn't anyway .

So after getting the car jammed pack with food, as per Ma'dears road trip tradition, we finally got going around 10am.

We still had quite a few pit stops before getting on our way, like the mall for example. Even though there was plenty of food, for some reason I crave a million other things we didn't have, hence the cinnamon bun and apple with custard danish bread for the road.

I also had the last Jolibee pie Babsie got me from the states. UGH! Want. Maaooorrr!

I noticed I got substantially darker. YES!  Evidence of me finally having a life during a break! Now I'm ready to go back to school and have something to contribute with my peers' exciting vacation

It was quite a few hours away (10 hours) to be exact. BEAUTIFUL scenery along the way as per usual. Days and long drives like these make one really appreciate and understand why this province has been dubbed the Beautiful  British Columbia.

BM, JM, Ma'dear, LM

We stopped by some tunnel that went right through a mountain and a few other gas stops along the way. I eventually stopped trying to take photographs and just enjoyed the view since my pictures were very unsatisfactory anyway.

                 

Wayy wayyy WAAYYY too many tunnels I tell you.

Road entertainment includes: breath holding contest in every tunner, getting insecure over stubby toes, sleeping, taking a picture of Kuya's restaurant, reminiscing and childhood stories, reading, and of course texting my texting buds

We were still on the road when it got dark, and boy, was it dark! Multiple times, we felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. Thanks to the power of technology in the form of GPS we arrived in our destination without getting lost and without even necessarily knowing where we were 95% of the time.

Host home for the week. It was obviously dark, but it looks like such a white neighbourhood.

We were greeted with a warm welcome and delicious dinner.

The niece of the owner of the house already made plans to tour us around tomorrow. Which I'm not really in the mood for, school is starting in a week and I had promised to have reviewed by then 

Now, we are in the bedroom my dad stays in during his day offs. He is still at work until Wednesday so we won't see him until then. Everyone is pretty much asleep, I should probably too.

 

-Elle Are Emm

 

 

 

Last week, as we were heading home from Penticton, we received an invitation from CB about a possible over night stay in Whistler. I was already adamant from the get-go due to financial issues though I had wanted to come. As the week progressed, it was basically assumed that I was going, however, I received a last minute call from work which I haven't attended since May, not by my own choice but theirs. Seeing as I have things I needed to pay for, I decided that instead of going to Whistler-- which I really can't afford-- that I would work instead.

I had mentioned in my last post that I made arrangements to possibly leave work early, which was actually granted, however at 5AM, CB  sent a seemingly commanding text saying that they are leaving around the original time they planned and that I have to get off work earlier that early arrangements I made. This is just impossible, so even though I was already packed I had to decline. The funny thing is, they didn't leave until later and I could have still made it.

 

Oh well, there's always next time...

Like I said, I went to work. It felt strange, maybe its from the lack of sleep, or maybe from not being there for so many months, but I just felt lethargic and unsure. It just didn't feel like the routine work it used to, you see I have been working there on and off for the past....3-4 years. A few of things were new (kind of ); pictured above is what 10, 000$  looks like *gulp (we have 3 of these at work). And this---> was how I looked like when I was informed that I have to be extra careful and ask for assistance with this particular equipment since they'd previously broken one due to being misinformed. Needles to say, I tried to stay as far away from it as I can.

The other thing that was semi-new, is a coworker who left last year, had come back. It was a pleasant surprise seeing as I didn't really see her when she left. It's funny how she looked at me carefully, not knowing what it is exactly that is different, but making a general comment about how I "grew up".  You see, she has been there ever since I can remember, hence she witnessed my awkward green-haired, pimple ridden phase etc.

The last thing is that they've finally got the extraction specialist set up, so this is what I had to clean the whole day:

The perks of my job.

Also, very weird speculations occurred that day, I was either pregnant, had parkinson's/trauma, or stressed. It all came about when I asked one of the dentist to please explain why I had been producing excess saliva to the point where I would choke on my own spit. He found it interesting, and though I had forgotten about it, little did I know he was googling for answers on his spare time. Once he found the first possible answer, he called me over not wanting to tell me what it was for, and only told me to look at the computer screen. I immediately stammered a very nervous/embarrassed "no". Though it is flattering that one would consider that that was even a possibility for me. See, for that to happen I would need to be having a very sexy time with someone, and for that, I would need someone to have sexy time with.

Maybe I should have just gone along and proceeded with my plan of "accidentally" dropping these...

....condoms MF got me as a decoy to make people think that I get some . Ohh, the exciting life I lead

My evening consisted of multiple orgies, drugs, and hard core partying, taking Aso for a very nice evening walk. I think I shall miss cool summer evenings such as this.

Sunday evening I had dinner with MF, AA and KL (whom I haven't seen in a while). 

MF and I then got recruited to help AA clean her room she's trying to rearrange. I think once we got there and started picking up random stuff, which she hold private/embarrassing, she immediately regretted having us over. At one point, she literally jumped over her bed to the other side of the bedroom to get at a notebook MF was holding. It was quite a sight.

Towards the end of the night, we sampled AA's Chardonnay which she purchased during our Penticton trip. I don't think I will ever be sophisticated enough for such grown up drinks.

Last night I spent the night callopsing Aso since I won't be able to do so for about a week. It's sad and I feel bad for him. I'm going to miss him so much . I really wish he could come and that we could bring him along.

I just finished packing a couple of minutes ago and had this for pre-breakfast. It's so YUM! Now I shall get ready for the road.

 

-Elle Are Emm

Late post, whatevs.

This was basically me the whole morning until late afternoon:

Can I please get a tall order of one enigmatic, rich, powerful, sweet, protective, gentleman vampire please?

Between callopsing, playing cake mania, watching anime (Vampire Knight Guilty), I actually found the time to feed myself. By late afternoon, Mother Dear came home with steam buns and egg pie (SHE LOVES US AFTER ALL!). I thought I was going to pick up books from the library for our long drive next week, but it was already close. However to get a bit more practice, she'd asked me to drive for her to run some errands. I got dollar drink (iced coffee) and large fries in return . It's always fun tagging around Ma'dear, since I always get free stuff/food

As I was taking Aso for a walk, we saw the "asshole"dog and his owner from yesterday yikes! That was slightly awkward, but he smiled and waved at us. Hmm, I think it's super bad ass to have a big dog. This guy was such a boss getting pulled by his dog while he rides on his skateboard. What does my dog do? Nothing, that's what.

I soon realized it's a Friday and that I won't likely be able to see my friends for another 3 weeks. Saturday, mostly everyone's going to Whistler. Next week, which is the last week of summer before school resumes, I'm going to be in Calgary. The weekend after, I'm going to be in Whistler for some school function. So I asked if anyone was willing to come over and just relax since DJ's halfhearted plans for a get together fell through (obviously). Turns out people already made arrangements (which I was welcomed to come) but MF decided that she was going to be an un-spoiled brat and do her laundry at my place. 

Creepy? I know! That's how I found her after my shower. In the dark, playing fruit ninja (??), too lazy to get up and on the lights.

Whilst waiting for her laundry, we decided we were finally going to watch Grimm Love. It wasn't as gory as I thought it was going to be. I find myself being sympathetic to the main characters. Is that twisted? Keep in mind that this movie is very closely based on real events. I don't know....it was sweet and tender in the most morbid sort of way.

 

Aso feinting sweetness, sleeping on my lap during the movie. He gets like this when other people are around.

During the course of this movie, I also found out that a lot more people are attending the Whistler night get away tomorrow. I originally planned to go, but I was called in to work for the first time in MONTHS so I had to back out. Besides, I have been such a charity case lately. Anyway, I had a moment of weakness and felt the green monster bubble up to the surface, decided I wanted to go after all. To compromise, I called a coworker to ask if I can be let out early (yes, I told a little white lie to persuade her!  I do feel EXTREMELY  bad). Inevitably, it is up to how the day goes tomorrow. So I may or may not go anyway *sigh  

Now, this is just me refusing to sleep at almost 4 am since I still have to pack for my possible 2nd mini trip, finish laundry, clean up room etc. Irony? I haven't stayed up past 2am since my break and I had nowhere to be on those days early in the morning that requires energy for the whole day. That made sense right? Good. I'm sleepy.

 

-Elle Are Emm

 

Just as I thought I'd found an easier, more succinct plus amusing way to blog which includes pictures I get screwed over. Technology failed me yet again. Now all images of today has been lost between transferring my pictures from my cellphone to my memory card.

 

Oh well.

 

Basically my day was spent playing Cake Mania, working out, walking Aso (and almost getting trouble at that. See when I named him, I just thought it'd be amusing, I didn't exactly factor in what non-tagalog speakers would think. Oh well, it makes for a good conversation.) and going to JW's pre-birthday celebration. I thought it was going to be a small, quiet get together, when we got there though, the backyard was actually dressed up with balloons and flowers. Her cute  cousin was there. I've heard a lot about him and seen some pictures but I actually haven't seen or interacted with him. Getting a closer look, he reminds me so much of Biker Boy, a younger, fresher version that is. Also, he wasn't as horrible as I've been told, he was pretty outgoing.

 

The night ended early as we were told to "maybe call it a night" by her conservative step mom who was on patrol the whole night. It was still pleasant all in all.

 

UGH! having pictures makes my day seem/look more exciting. May or may not edit if those pictures magically appear

 

-Elle Are Emm

On Monday (which was two days ago) I finally got to see JW, I've been such a flake with her lately that I was starting to feel bad. She picked me up around 3PM from my place and we made the 5-10 minute drive to her place. I hadn't realize how much time had passed since I haven't visited her place, wasn't it just last year or two when we frequent her house? I caught up with her step mom for a bit and that sweet woman even gave me a hug. I love parents . They even have puppies now!! For the most part, we stayed in her room catching up and talking about nothing and everything (if that makes sense), we also semi-planned her pre-birthday get together which will happen tomorrow.

 

Bella and Bethoveen.  THEY ARE SO SWEET! That's Bella (brown) lying curled up on my stomach. Too bad these cute adorable creatures aren't exactly wanted. After coming home, I had a talk with Aso telling him how fortunate he is for being so spoiled. He just gave me his signature puppy dog eyes.

As promised, JW baked me her infamous Pillsbury brownies.Now I know why it always taste so different. It's cause she doesn't use the exact measurements the recipe requires.

She played the piano for me for a while whilst waiting for the brownies to cook. She said she made too many mistakes from the lack of practice, I say if I have half the skills she has I'd be happy. I don't even remember how to read music notes anymore.

Me, pretending to know how to play.After she got tired of playing, we decided to watch The Phantom of the Opera. That movie and the actors reminded me wayy too much of other movies/actor. I'm not a big fan of musical you see, I find the whole thing...cheesy. Redeeming grace of it though is that the Phantom was actually played by one of my favourite Scotsman; Gerald Butler. Now, I'm not quite sure if that was his real voice, but if it was...I don't mind getting freaky, possessive, obsessive, controlling, manipulative on me

Onwards to Tuesday.

Aso and Ate LG. I had plan to stay at home yesterday, but she texted me. I really can't afford to do anything at all (*sigh the life of a broke college student) but I remember that I had those free movie tickets and that I was going to bring her with me (the irony is that she works at a rival theater).

Aso, being his adorable, suck-up self, was naturally attached to her the entire time. Well, she wasn't doing anything to stop him anyway. She literally wouldn't let go of my dog either. She even ask to baby sit him while we go on our family trip next week to visit father dear. It's always a pleasure having her over and conversing with her, we discussed about or estrange (ex for me ) friends, and I feel like I she understands and that I can relate to her in that regard. 

 

We ended up going to her workplace so that it's closer from home and so that my siblings and Babsie can get in for free courtesy of Ate LG. Then we walked to Surrey's favourite Asian restaurant aka Bubble World to meet up with a few other people.

Spicy black sesame chicken. We took our time eating until it was time for our movie.

I WAS FINNALLY GOING TO SEE HARRY POTTER!!!! I know, I know, I'm probably the last person on earth who hasn't seen it. To be fair though I am not its biggest fan. Not because I didn't/don't think it's good, but because I haven't gotten around to reading the books. I shall though! The movie was simply amazing. I literally held my breath multiple times throughout the movie.Now, if the conclusion of the movie was this great, I wonder how the books must be like. Although I probably won't read it for another few months/years, I kind of want to forget the movie so that the books wouldn't be spoiled for me.

The night ended with taking Aso for a walk around the block after I got dropped off.

Now on this nice, beautiful, summer, sunny day, this is basically what I have planned:

 

Nothing beats a nice relaxing day spent in a small quaint town. It feels a lot longer, but we actually left yesterday at around 1:30PM and made a five hour drive up to Penticton. It was such a nice pleasant town --albiet small--.

The drive, which consisted of mindless chatter and reminiscing, was filled with fantastic scenery. The weather was perfect for such trip. See sometimes, the view is just too perfect that a mere camera and a very amateur photographer can't capture it. But trust me, it was b-e-a-u-tiful.

(L-R) AA, LM, MF. Picture taken in Peachland. I really wish that fence isn't there, the view behind us was just surreal.

At around 6PM we finally made it to our motel, Stardust Motor Inn. Other than the funky smell, it wasn't too bad really. It had two queen size bed,  air conditioner, kitchenette, bathroom and a tv.

After unpacking, we heated up our modest meal for the evening. We had butter chicken, rice and tuna salad. We decided to eat outside in their back porch, by the pool since it was a nice day out. 

After our meal, we decided to rest up before venturing outside for a walk. We played a round of rock-paper-scissor to determine who gets a single bed. MF won and I had to share the bed with AA.

We took our stroll around the town towards their downtown as the sun was about to set. I understand that this was a small town, but keep in mind that we were downtown on a Saturday. Couple of obvious observations immediately popped in my mind. 1) the houses were so adorable 2) the streets were empty 3) it felt like we were in a movie set of some small residential small town ala Smallville like. 4) everything was  closed on a Saturday at 8PM. We walked around looking for something we can do at this time. As we arrived downtown, we heard this blasting music a block away so we decided to follow it.

It was some sort of concert in this open lawn. That's the stage and you can't really see it, but there were quite a number of people in their lawn chairs watching. Also, in front of the stage, there were a lot of little adorable kids dancing to the beat of the music. It was immediately evident though, that this show wasn't really for people in our age group seeing as the crowd was consisted mostly of retirees. So we walked away and continued our stroll. We eventually spotted a few pubs and night clubs. It was getting late and we were quite far away from our home for the night. So we called a cab and headed back.

Seeing as AA doesn't go clubbing due to religious restrictions. She asked that we do so when we get to Penticton just to experience what it's like. I know, who goes to a small town when you live in a city JUST to go clubbing? Apparently we do. So we picked up a few drinks along the way, pre-drink as we got ready then made it out at around 11:30PM

 

The Mule.  This was one of the clubs we passed by and eventually went to. I was instantly shocked as I, I amongst ALL people  felt under dressed. I immediately  wanted to go back and put more  clothes on. ( I was wearing a long sleeve thigh length dress and a thigh high boots. Needless to say, it was a modest outfit as far as clubbing wear goes in the city anyway) There was no dress code implemented and everyone was in casual wear. 

We payed the cover charge and went in. The crowd was waaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy different than what I expected and use to. Not like I go clubbing a lot. In fact, I don't enjoy it in the sense that one is supposed to enjoy clubs. I don't dance and the drinks are too pricey. The handful of times I've gone, I just sit and people watch. I don't mind that part at all actually. It amuses me. Anyway, it was agreed earlier on that I would only go if I wasn't forced into dancing. So I sat and drink my drink which AA kindly payed for.  I watched as the vast majority of the crowd which consisted of older people, and I mean older people, ranging from early thirties to --I swear to you --seventies, groove to the beat. Now, after my initial shock wore off, I decided that I quite liked it like that. First off, it was much more comfortable as it wasn't sleazy,there was no dry humping or make out sessions happening here and there,  you can tell that people came there to dance and have a good time so it doesn't feel as though you are getting scouted. I know it defeats the purpose of clubbing but whatever. Though, it was clearly obvious that we were from out of town, by the simple fact that we three were the only Asians present.
After about an hour and a half, we decided to leave and visit the pub we've seen earlier, none of us remember where it was exactly so we were wondering around for quite sometime. The funny thing is, even though it was nearly 1 AM and the streets were dark and empty, I felt perfectly safe, I guess because it was a small town that it didn't feel intimidating.

We eventually found the pub but it was closing in 10 mins. So we called a cab and headed to Denny's. After, we walked across and down the street back to our motel. We got cleaned up and headed to sleep at around 2:30AM. Yes, we relatively early considering we were out of town with no parental supervision, such a party animal we bunch are. Regardless, I found the night fun and we did have an early/busy day ahead.

We woke up at 8AM, had a mini breakfast, watched a cheesy, cringe worthy movie (one of the sequel to Bring it On with Christina Millan), showered and packed. We left our room at 11AM and headed to the beach. This picture does it no justice at all btw. It was a beautiful, warm day out. The beach was perfect, and though it was early, we did have a few coolers.

Suntanning with a book at hand. Not like I need it, suntanning of course. This is only due to AA's insistence yet again. Apparently, we should strive to make ourselves a few shades darker so that people would comment on it and subsequently ask if we had gone anywhere for the summer. We can then modestly brag that we went on a mini trip to Penticton. It was such a beautiful day out though, so I didn't complain.

Us three.

We did plan to walk around downtown, but it was such a nice lazy day that we just stayed in the beach and splashed around the water. Which btw, was very clear, I almost forgot how smooth, silky sand felt between my toes. For lunch, we drove to Theo's thinking we were going to have Greek, as it turns out it was close until 4PM so we ended up...

 

here. A nice, pleasant indie cafe. We walked up to the menu posted outside when this guy urge us to come in, proclaiming that this is the place to be in Penticton. He claimed it had everything, from Wifi, to a Gypsy to a Massage chair. Turns out, he may or may not be the owner. He challenged us to a dance off to that Michael Jackson PS3 game (picture above). Saying that whomever beats him gets a free meal. He was very forceful about it too. None of us accepted the challenge though. He did eventually danced for us.

Out meal, super delish! too bad we didn't discover the place earlier.

We even had an entertainer to boot! He claimed to be an Aboriginal Ancient Artifact.He performed a couple of tricks (including making a toothpick jump to the rhythm of our pulse and one too many cheesy/funny pick up lines.
Rodney: "Excuse me, you dropped a smile...THERE IT IS!" Awkward moment when he introduced himself and none of us reciprocated.

We drive off and away after our meal towards this wine yard. Again, the place took my breath away. *Sigh, I can very much imagine myself taking a nice romantic stroll under the moonlight along the winery. It felt like a scene from Letters to Juliet. Now, I just need my own Romeo

 

We tasted a couple of wine, all of which tasted very similar to me. I don't think I'm sophisticated enough to distinguish one wine from another.It didn't stop me from wishing we could have a glass of wine and cheese in their balcony which overlooks this beautiful view of the lake. 

That pretty much concluded our trip. Until next year!

 

-Elle Are Emm

The overwhelming sense of dread took over me late two nights ago as the hour tick and neared Monday. You see, Thursday was my final day of exams, and Monday was when I get to see if I had been unsuccessful. Therefore, although I should have been worried free, I retained this residual paralyzing dread deep in the back of my mind. It was given then, that as soon as Mother Dear inquired about my exam results Sunday evening, that I curled in on myself in the fetal position with my heart thumping hard against my chest, all very literal of course. 

Monday, I woke up at 6AM, goes to show just how anxious I was. I had about 6 nerve-filled hours to kill before I get to find out just how bad I did. Granted, though I was already resigned, I was hoping against all hopes that another miracle would happen and that a stroke of luck would enable me to do the unimaginable.

So there I sat on my bed, alternating between playing computer games, folding my pile of laundry, watching Harry Potter and compulsively and obsessively checking the clock. 12PM strikes. I nervously typed in my school's website. As the page load and I scroll down, my tremor and nausea was taken to a whole new level. Moment of truth came, I had the screen covered to cushion the impending shock, and shock  I got when I discovered that I had been successful after all! A wave of relief passed through me even as the tremor and nausea lingered.

Now, I am again left with an empty feeling of "what now? what's next?" mixed with disbelief that I'm finally almost there.

And that was my yesterday morning. The afternoon and evening consisted of cleaning up my room, a visit from MF, testing driving theories with her and going for gelato. Now, I can finally relax for the next couple of days.

 

-Elle Are Emm