More on visa

I just learned that there's a way to work without visa legally in Korea. I learned it from the lady from the agency that I'm dealing with and I confirmed with a lady at the Ministry of Justice in Korea. I am completely amazed. I don't need to do anything but show up with some paper work and about $70 and in 10 days I'm able to work. The ticket is taken care of by the agency so my last trip to SF will be takend care of. So I will go to San Francisco on the 17th and continue on to Korea from there. Miraculous!

Mom's recent dream about her Dad also seems to indicate that this is the right thing to do. More confirmation is always reassuring.

Yesterday I spent a day with 4 ladies from a previous seminar at a country house. It was fun to hang out share the ups and downs. One of the lady calls me that I'm like a WD-40 for relationships. I seem to smooth out the edges between people she says. Food was delightful and the walk nice when the sun peep through in the afternoon.

As my agreement to be a coach comes to end, there was a conference call to acknowledge the coaches. I was so happy to find that my coachees all completed the courses and most of them completed the coursework. I never thought some of them would make it. Miraculous!

Pictures: 1) Me and Gretchen 2) Eva, Gretchen, Ginette and Janice 3) Gretchen, Eva and Ginette pointing at the bread that looks like buns.

Becoming emotional

As the time for the departure approaches, both Mom and I started to reminisce about the good old and not so good old days. In some ways, I feel as though I'm going back to revisit some dark memory lanes of night-mares. However, I tend to forget that I'm not the same person and Korea is not the same country from that memory. I know that I may not have enough courage to do something like this if I settled into a comfortable place. So I can understand the adamant refusal on my part to look for something here.

My friend's accident reminds me also how important for Mom it is to live in a safer environment among more enjoyable companies for her older days.

I will send off all documents tomorrow. I'm signing the deal and not turning back.

LODI (Long Over Due Item) - Done!

Just filed my income tax and mom's. I feel so light. Each year I dread it so much. This time it took me 2 hours - that is including losing all my data and re-keying it all over again.

I had another interview with Canadian Language Institute. They are more interesting of course, I'll be working with fellow diverse individuals from Canada. But now that I have something in the works already, I did not feel extremely needy and that made me feel good too.

Today there was an incident where 32 (or more) kids were shot to death in Virginia Technology University. It is unthinkable why shooting would happen in schools so often.

Paperwork 2

I have been working to get the documents - 12 of them. I was super annoyed that I needed to go to the consulate 3 times to get my degree notarized and confirmed. In their web site, it just says get the degree notarized at the consulate. It doesn't say that I need to copy, get it notarized and bring a transcript to get it confirmed there. I got off it. I'm not working and I have time to do it so why get angry and annoyed?

I called my half sister for the first time since my Dad passed in August 1999. I needed the "Original Address" and I did not remember it and my mom did not either. I knew that she would know it. Mom fished out a phone number from a very old address book. I called and there was no answer and the answering machine did not come on. 3 hours later, I get a call and it was her voice. It turned out during the past 8 years, her mother passed away and so has 2nd sister's husband and 2nd brothers wife also passed away. I got the original address and got something more, a possibility to be able to connect to her. Mom was also considering visiting her in Vancouver. My life is almost coming to a full circle.

Paperwork

I got an offer in a record time. This reminds of me of the time I got hired at Cognicase. I went in shook hands, handed over my CV, had a chat for 10 minutes and signed the contract all in one sitting. Then again this was true as for my last job. I called on Monday, went in for the interview on Wednesday handed over my CV and started working the Monday after.

This time, I sent out my CV on Good Friday evening to an agency, I got a call at 10 p.m. from the agency on Easter Sunday evening and got a contract by Tuesday a.m. The employer did not even bother to interview me but my co-teacher was eager to call me and let me know of all the wonderful things awaiting me. She was very reassuring and seemed relieved that I understand Korean.

Tips for those who are renewing their passport - go to Service Canada website and fill out the application on-line as much as possible. This short-cuts 2 hours waiting at the passport office. Mom and I lined up downstairs yes, but as we got to the reception desk and got grudgingly ready to wait for the next 2 hours sitting, she said "You're next! because you filled out your applications on-line". Hooray - Viva Internet!

Another tip, if you ever need a security clearance, you need to go to International Fingerprinting Services Canada (at Complexe Guy-Favreau) and pay 40 dollars. Prince Edward Island Police (why them?- I don't know) will do the investigation and send you a certificate.

Wirlwind of thoughts

As I am getting some more nibbles, I'm feeling a bit more confident. I got all the papers ready to renew passports but I forgot to ask mom to sign. This will cause one more day of delay. I may have to just apply for mother's only and renew when I get to Korea.

There are some public school positions - that sounds nice. Also this Canadian school - nicer except for the fact that I'll have to work till late in the evening.

My aunt says I have nothing to worry about - that God will provide the best for me.
I learnt that lesson when I walked across northern Spain but I keep forgetting.

My note from the universe told me to "buy the shoes" - which I did yesterday. I had to laugh out loud.

http://www.tut.com/mmm.shtml

31st Anniversary

Today is the 31st anniversary of my family arriving in Canada. Mom and I celebrated in China town and I bought - yes, a new pair of sandals to commemorate. It feels just like yesterday that we arrived at the Dorval airport. Interestingly, today we are making passport pictures to get ready for the trip back home.

I had a nibble - an agency from Korea called me last night and I am interested in the position she was suggesting. As I am waiting for the confirmation call, my monkey mind is running 100 miles an hour. There are all these financial matters I need to settle before I go. Plus making sure mom is OK, plus getting ready for taking care of aunt's affairs are totally taking up my brain space. One good news is that I can get the type of Visa in Korea that will allow me to work and live there for 2 years at a time just like a native. Which means that my visa status is not linked to an employer. I wanted to find out right away but all government offices were closed today because it is the Easter Monday.

The trip to San Franciso was a memorable one as well. I ran into another participant from New York at the SF airport and we went into town for some fabulous seafood and window shopping. The weather was unbelievably beautiful and the view of the harbor made us feel like we were in a movie. Tarantino's is the name of the fabulous seafood restaurant.

During the course, one other Korean lady publicly gave up making Japan/Japanese wrong. Her wailing woke me up to what we're up to creating in the world. Yes - some of us are immature, unreliable, and the job in front of us is immense. But I don't know of any other bunch of human beings engaged in creating and committing to the impossible promise for all humankind. I'm humbled, privileged and overwhelmed.

Listening to Bill Clinton on Tedtalks, made me want to find out about this man Dr. Paul Farmer, who could cure the world. I am after all, a student and a teacher who has learnt to communicate not just problems but solutions.

March to remember

March started out fine - with mom's birthday celebration. On March 10th however, as I was taking the first day of TESL course and looking forward to my birthday celebration, I got a message that my dear friend fell and broke her hip - but she has my cake and should come and get it. Frantically I found the hospital where she ended up and cancelled my party. I found her screaming every 3 minutes with excruciating pain. It was just terrible. By the 11th, I got the news that her surgery went well and found her sitting up.

On the 20th of March, as I wasn't dealing with enough stuff in my head, my mom was having some suspicious symptoms - she felt tightness of chest and her left arm was feeling numb. So off to the emergency. She came back home the next morning with some pills. It was some minor heart condition and she just needs some pills, but nothing to worry about. I felt completely wiped and exhausted.

Thank Goodness March is over! My friend is back at home - and mom is stronger than ever.

Some pictures - flowers, cake and eggs - that survived Susan's fall.

Presenting Climate Change to 160 7th graders

With excitement Pamela and I had the opportunity to present Results action to 160 7th graders this morning. It was chaotic, wonderful and learned a lot.

They were unruly and took a lot to get them engaged in the conversation. They did squirm quite a bit in the chairs for the presentation that lasted an hour and half. We ended up with many letters - I wonder how many can be sent.

Breakfast meeting

I was reunited with Gretchen, Eva and Ginette. It was fantastic to be with those ladies one more time. Eva got teary almost every 5 minutes. She's going through tough time because of Interferon treatment for her Hepatitis C.

Robin's recital was not bad. Here's a picture of triplet of hedgehogs - size of chestnuts.

Sequal to the amazing story - from May 2006

I found out that this Rosary I got from Bermuda was returned to its rightful owner - my aunt. My grand-mother took it from her when I sent it and she said she'll take it to her grave.

It turns out that my aunt dreamt of this rosary 12-13 years ago. It had my 2 big uncles with big smiles with a big envelop of important papers. She also saw her bath tub full of water - over flowing with water from the faucet.

Miraculously, the water happened in 2005 and the big envelop is in the midst of happening.

She also told me about another dream where the Pope Jean-Paul 2 gave her the communion when she did not have a TV to watch the mass she so wanted to see. I'm so privilleged to be part of her amazing stories.

Productive day

I had one of the most productive days in weeks. I went to the post office to send off a small parcel, went to the bank to pay the city tax, got the water filter, got my bag fixed up, went to the exercise class. I even bought some tops, in the anticipation of the very hot and muggy summer in Korea.

The new shipment arrived for the Isagenix. I am excited to try it out for the next 30 days. I heard that my big uncle pulled one of his con jobs again. I felt so furious. I also heard that his wife gave my aunt the "permission" to attend her mother's funeral - who she's been taking care of the last 25 years. That crazy woman had the gall to command my aunt to ask for an electric wheel chair from a city government so that she can attend the funeral in it. Of course all this was going on in front of my grandmother who is alive. She'd be so flabbergasted if she heard what she was saying - it is a good thing that my grandma's hearing is so bad sometimes. Auntie shall be independent and free from those monsters once and for all. It is the time to clean up her environment.

The year of the Golden Pig

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the year of the golden pig. It's supposed to provide everyone their share of prosperity beyond expectation. I expect ease, abundance of love, joy and prosperity. I had the easiest time losing 7 pounds and have more energy than ever before. In my coaching experience for the Partnership course, people sent acknowledgement and love beyond expectations. I'm so fortunate because of my community and the kind of conversations that are available to me.

The 4 women from all corners of the continent are in communication are looking at producing the list of 20 things we expect from the universe as we expect water to come out of our faucet when we turn the knob. The Secret is now so public - hitting the Oprah twice in 2 weeks. It is awesome.

Glorious

This is the title of the comedy I went to see with my friend yesterday evening. It was hilarious. This is the true story of a woman determined to sing but could not sing a note. Her life truly reflects the power of the Law of Attraction. She wanted to sing so badly she attracted money from the universe to be able to do it. She recorded and performed and gave much needed laughter to all. Florence Foster Jenkins is a hero in my book.

http://www.counterpoint-music.com/specialties/ffj.html

Day 4 - lost 5 pounds and 7 inches

I don't know how one can lose 5 Lbs and 7 inches but that is what happened. I am amazed that I'm not hungry, tired, cranky, nervous, weak nor anxious.

I went to the presentation on how BRAC's program in reaching the ultra poor is working out. It was interesting how that the last 10-15% of the poorest stay poor has to do with psychological limits. How they don't see how their future can be better.

I feel sad for them and glad that there are people who devised plans and designing what it'll take to get them out of absolute poverty. They are moving into Africa - Tanzania and Uganda. It is basically all doing what Results advocated for many years. Health services, guidance, training, support and follow up. It seems so simple. It was to be tried on 5000 people but it expanded to 100,000 people. From 2 districts to 16 districts. www.bracresearch.org is where 15 plus papers can be found.

New recipe

Mom and I both lost 3 pounds each. I feel lighter already and glad I started on the program. Mom also feels good and doesn't seem weak or discouraged. I can't wait till I measure on Day 3.

I got this new recipe from the Mexican place and wanted to try out. It was Chipotle and Sour cream with Chicken. I marinaded boneless and skinless chicken in sesame oil, olive oil, garlic, soy sauce and tiny bit of mirin (Japanese rice vinegar). After about 1/2 hour, I sauteed in Canolo oil and when they look cooked, I poured the blended sour cream (250 ml) and Chipotle (3 pieces). It was simply delicious. My friend had a very healthy second helping.

I also made sauteed broccoli with garlic in Canola oil and soy sauce, making sure they stayed crunchy.

My friend did the dishes. It was a good meal and great company.

Plan A

I'm sticking to Plan A -- Going to Korea in June. In the meantime, I noticed that I gained 4 pounds since November and Mom is turning in to an apple shape. So I started looking for some ways to affect it.

So today is Isagenix day 1. I was skeptical cos I remembered that I could not stand swallowing the shakes made by the Herbalife. I was happy to find out that I liked the shakes Isagenix had.

I am hoping for fabulous results for me and mom.

Plan B and Plan A

I had a wonderful new year's eve - delayed Christmas dinner plus the all night karaoke evening. My new friend showed up there a couple of minutes before midnight and was the first to wish me the Happy New Year. He's awful charming and can't seem to get enough of him.

I registered for the Teaching English as a Second Language course in March. So far this was a Plan A but not it is looking more like Plan B. New Plan A is that my former boss may find me something where she's moving onto.

My conversation with my coaches are pointing me to the "Butterfly" effect. That a butterfly flutters its wings and causes a typhoon half-way around the world. And they urge me to take the responsibility.

My former colleague who I had lunch with is asking me how I am always so happy. This is when I realized that "wow the Wisdom course really is working".

Yoga camp and Meditating

As a last minute plan, Eva, Fred, Gretchen and I went to the Sivananda Yoga camp for a Yoga class and dinner. It was simply delightful.
http://www.sivananda.org/camp/english/intro_en.html

I've been meaning to go for a long time and this was my first time. I feel sore from the 2 hour class. Both the class and the dinner were basic and wonderful.

There was a ceremony to write down the things we want to release and things we want to have manifested and burnt the papers. It was at the home of the lady who leads our meditation group.

I felt a bit depressed and stressed in the last days. But I feel so much better after the yoga class.

My friend her daughter and her grand-son came for lunch and had a hectic but delightful time.

Addicted to tedtalks

After doing all that shopping and planning, Christmas dinner turned out to be real simple. My friend who was supposed to concoct the dinner together got sick so I dropped off some pepto-bismol and odd things. My mom did not feel good so she ended up having rice porridge and soya sauce for dinner. A new friend accompanied me to the Christmas mass at the Notre-Dame basillica. He was fidgeting and I could understand why. The priest had a thick accent and spoke fast and mumbled French. Plus the accoustic in the church was such that there was an echo effect. In other words, it was really hard to understand what he was saying. No wonder of the family of 12 behind us, there were 3 - mother and her 2 kids on either side of her laps - were snoring all the way. The grandma's giant hips were hitting my new friends head every time she moved. It was rather entertaining. We had a real simple dinner and a great conversation.

I have a new addiction - Tedtalks. I watched the one on 100$ computer, Nicholas Negroponte, and I'm grateful to all other presenters, Al Gore, Malcolm Gladwell and especially Gregory Colbert of Ashes and Snow.

I cannot wait to watch all of them. Each one is inspiring and compelling in so many different ways. I feel enormously blessed to be living in this time period.

http://www.ted.com/tedtalks