My office is right across the Canadian Passport Office. Since Dec last year, I see people lining up every single morning to try to get their passports. I usually walked by without any sympathy, they should have known that our neighbour, the empire of the united states, wants the citizens of its unincorporated territory of Canada to use passport when entering US via air. I thought it was common knowledge.
I am planning to go to Vegas in March this year, not realizing my passport is expiring this August. Another useful info, you can't enter many countries if your passport is expiring within the next 6 months before entering... Empire of US is one of them.
So, at 4:45pm yesterday, when confirming my ticket with my special someone, I realized I have to get my passport renewed!
5:00pm went on-line Canadian Passport, found out you can actually input info online for your passport application, epass.
5:30pm asked my buddy and special someone to be my reference, completed epass, forms printed, found I need to get my pictures taken, and I also need a guarantor. Decided to take shower first.
6:25pm sitting at a photo lab, taking pictures, I looked a little tired, but it would have to do, paid $27.07.
6:50pm got 4 pictures and a CD, headed over to a political dinner.
7:10pm called my lawyer friend to ask him to be my guarantor, he asked for something valuable, I offered my leased car to him, which will cost him over $600/month and the lease is due in 3 months, he declined and decided to help me for free.
7:45pm set at dinner, starved, thinking about my special someone (MSS)
9:20pm my dentist who lives 5 min away from where I was called, and I decided to use him as my guarantor.
10:20pm got signatures on my application and pictures
2:00am went to bed thinking, "I might just be able to wake up in 3 hours"
5:48am afer struggling for 18 min, I was awake.
6:15am joined the lineup, estimated 30 ppl in front of me.
6:20am started chatting with a guy in front of me with the opening line, "it feels like boxing day all over again, doesn't it?"
6:30am realized I needed document to prove that I am actually travelling in March, woke MSS up and asked her to fax my eticket info to my office, which is right across the street.
7:05am started talking about dentistry industry with the nice guy in front of me, tried calling the office to see if anyone can bring me the fax and breakfast.
7:35am started talking about the paper mill industry, and first passport office staff started to show up. The nice guy in front of me (TNGIFOM) mentioned that he heard the passport office staff told him ppl won't be able to get in if he/she joins the line-up after 10am... 6 hour wait...
7:45am the construction site started to work, with noise of a jet and smell of a mill, I actually miss being just cold and hungry, not cold, hungry and annoyed...
8:06am Sue at my office answered my phone and delivered my fax, so relieved...
8:10am Some nice staff came out and told us that the first 52 ppl will get in the office first, he motion the cut off in front of me. I realized that the 30 ppl in front of me just became 50+ ppl.
8:45am Finally see the front door of the office... couldn't feel my feet...
8:52am Got in the office, realized that by applying online, I have joined a different que, number 7 instead of number 50!
9:08am Waved goodbye to TNGIFOM, and walked up to the counter. A cute girl helped me with the application, my pickup line was, "I am so glad to see you"
9:12am She aske me if im using my Chinese or English signature, and winked at me, or maybe she did not wink at me, it was just a sympton of hypothermia.
9:15am She told me to pick up the passport in Sinclair Centre on March 8, charged me $97, and winked at me again, or maybe I haven't recovered from hypothermia.
So, to those of you who are getting your passport, here are some tips:
1) Do on-line application
2) Expect 10 business days if you are in a hurry, or else just mail the info in to avoid line ups
3) Be there 2 hours before the office open, you will have to wait 3 hours in total, but if you go there when the office open, you will have to wait 6 hours.
4) Make sure you have everything with you, that means: old passport, driver's license, pictures with guarantor's signature, guarantor's signature on your app, and visa card. Oh, and prove that you are travelling if you are doing express. (cost $10 more)
5) Wear warm clothing
6) Bring own entertainment or else make good friend with TNGIF
Hours spent in line: 3 hours
Money spent on the project: $124.07
Realizing you actually miss work a lot: Priceless
Good Luck! It is more fun than Boxing day sale!
2/19/2007
親愛的朋友們， 請在嘟一聲後留話…
有許多朋友開始向我抱怨，說我最近不知道躲到哪裡，找也不出來，講電話也是言不由衷。在此，有需要向各位說明 (不道歉)。 因為我現在B List了，是的，我在談戀愛了…
有些朋友告訴我勇敢去愛，有些朋友告訴我要保護自己，但所有的朋友都是替我開心，讓我覺得十分窩心，我想就算消失小小一陣子，他們還是會原諒我的。好的女孩不常見，讓我心動的好女孩更稀有，我會好好的珍惜…
現在，我很期待屬於兩個人的自由，很想去環遊世界…
梁靜茹 ～ 最想環遊的世界
聊天是甜蜜的習慣 把心情都交換 一天才算完
簡單是我要的浪漫 你語氣有心疼 我就更勇敢
我今天 我明天 最想環遊的世界 就是你 最內心 的世界
我後天 大後天 也不疲倦的想念 會是你 看著我 笑的臉
真愛 像一座秘密花園 隨時有新的發現 得到新的體驗
兩個彼此挖掘 再一起比對和回味
然後瞭解越深 相愛越深 轉眼就永遠
你的背彎像片沙灘 既厚實又柔軟 能給我心安
陽光在你心裡燦爛 從指間傳遞著 總讓我溫暖
遠方像蜿蜓的海岸 從晨光到向晚 景色會變換
我們走過萬水千山 辛酸會變答案 愛是歸屬感
我今天 我明天 最想環遊的世界 就是你 最內心 的世界
管陰天 管雨天 我的心會是晴天 照亮你 多雲的 那一面
有些朋友告訴我勇敢去愛，有些朋友告訴我要保護自己，但所有的朋友都是替我開心，讓我覺得十分窩心，我想就算消失小小一陣子，他們還是會原諒我的。好的女孩不常見，讓我心動的好女孩更稀有，我會好好的珍惜…
現在，我很期待屬於兩個人的自由，很想去環遊世界…
梁靜茹 ～ 最想環遊的世界
聊天是甜蜜的習慣 把心情都交換 一天才算完
簡單是我要的浪漫 你語氣有心疼 我就更勇敢
我今天 我明天 最想環遊的世界 就是你 最內心 的世界
我後天 大後天 也不疲倦的想念 會是你 看著我 笑的臉
真愛 像一座秘密花園 隨時有新的發現 得到新的體驗
兩個彼此挖掘 再一起比對和回味
然後瞭解越深 相愛越深 轉眼就永遠
你的背彎像片沙灘 既厚實又柔軟 能給我心安
陽光在你心裡燦爛 從指間傳遞著 總讓我溫暖
遠方像蜿蜓的海岸 從晨光到向晚 景色會變換
我們走過萬水千山 辛酸會變答案 愛是歸屬感
我今天 我明天 最想環遊的世界 就是你 最內心 的世界
管陰天 管雨天 我的心會是晴天 照亮你 多雲的 那一面
2/14/2007
Triangular theory of LOVE
On this Singles Awareness Day, we should take a look at what love means to people.
Psychologist Robert Sternberg created a theory called "Triangular theory of LOVE". He stated that Love has three components, intimacy, passion, and commitment. A relationship based on a single element is less likely to survive than one based on two or more.
Furthermore, he categorize different types of love as follows,
Intimacy - Liking and Friendship
Passion - Infatuated love (aka "love at first sight")
Commitment - Empty love (eg, arranged marriage)
Intimacy and Passion - Romantic love
Passion and Commitment - Companionate love (eg, married couples)
Intimacy and Commitment - Fatuous love (this the one i dont quite get...)
Intimacy, Passion and Commitment - Consummate love
While the complete form of Love, Consummate love is not hard to achieve, it is the maintainence that is hard. Over time, one of the component would wear away...
Lastly, the athour stresses the importance of translating the components of love into action. "Without expression," he warns, "even the greatest of loves can die".
So for those of you who are on my B and C list, remember to express your love. (no no, im not talking about getting flowers...) For those who are on A list, remember there are different types of love, so dance away, go for your love!
Psychologist Robert Sternberg created a theory called "Triangular theory of LOVE". He stated that Love has three components, intimacy, passion, and commitment. A relationship based on a single element is less likely to survive than one based on two or more.
Furthermore, he categorize different types of love as follows,
Intimacy - Liking and Friendship
Passion - Infatuated love (aka "love at first sight")
Commitment - Empty love (eg, arranged marriage)
Intimacy and Passion - Romantic love
Passion and Commitment - Companionate love (eg, married couples)
Intimacy and Commitment - Fatuous love (this the one i dont quite get...)
Intimacy, Passion and Commitment - Consummate love
While the complete form of Love, Consummate love is not hard to achieve, it is the maintainence that is hard. Over time, one of the component would wear away...
Lastly, the athour stresses the importance of translating the components of love into action. "Without expression," he warns, "even the greatest of loves can die".
So for those of you who are on my B and C list, remember to express your love. (no no, im not talking about getting flowers...) For those who are on A list, remember there are different types of love, so dance away, go for your love!
2/13/2007
Dance like there's nobody watching...
I can't remember where I have heard this quote, and I remember this has to be how one would live,
"You've gotta' dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt.
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth."
(And speak from the heart to be heard.)
-William Purkey
The world is going around us so fast and our lives are so short, there would be no time to ponder and to regret. Enjoy your time here as if you were just born yesterday, see and experience your world for the first time, every single day...
"You've gotta' dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt.
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth."
(And speak from the heart to be heard.)
-William Purkey
The world is going around us so fast and our lives are so short, there would be no time to ponder and to regret. Enjoy your time here as if you were just born yesterday, see and experience your world for the first time, every single day...
2/11/2007
Farewell, my dear friends
This has been an interesting start this year. I have finally met someone special, and... some friends I have known forever are going back to Taiwan...
I have known Mike since the first year I came to Canada, while homestaying in Burnaby, he lived just half a block away. He is a natural socialite, with excpetional skills in Street Fighter. Although we lost contact somewhere between high school and university. I have met him again at SFU, in the video arcade, playing Street Fighter. Then, we have been classmates, and twice co-workers. Thanks to him, I have joined TYPEABC, with some of the best experience after SFU. And he got married, and became a man.
I met Karen at SFU, we were at the SFU Taiwanese Assoication. We all knew that she is a very smart girl who is very nice to all her friends. She might not have had the best luck when it comes to first job, but she did find the best man she could find, Mike. I was pretty lucky to be one of her "buddie" at her bachelorette party. And I was honoured to MC their wedding. Maybe I should have embarrassed them more then I did.
Between Mike and Karen, I have known them for 25 years. Although they have decided to move back to Taiwan for better opportunities, I know I will run into them from time to time. And just like the old times we shared at their house parties, we will laugh some more. For now, let's wish them a wonderful journey and great future in Taiwan!!
I have known Mike since the first year I came to Canada, while homestaying in Burnaby, he lived just half a block away. He is a natural socialite, with excpetional skills in Street Fighter. Although we lost contact somewhere between high school and university. I have met him again at SFU, in the video arcade, playing Street Fighter. Then, we have been classmates, and twice co-workers. Thanks to him, I have joined TYPEABC, with some of the best experience after SFU. And he got married, and became a man.
I met Karen at SFU, we were at the SFU Taiwanese Assoication. We all knew that she is a very smart girl who is very nice to all her friends. She might not have had the best luck when it comes to first job, but she did find the best man she could find, Mike. I was pretty lucky to be one of her "buddie" at her bachelorette party. And I was honoured to MC their wedding. Maybe I should have embarrassed them more then I did.
Between Mike and Karen, I have known them for 25 years. Although they have decided to move back to Taiwan for better opportunities, I know I will run into them from time to time. And just like the old times we shared at their house parties, we will laugh some more. For now, let's wish them a wonderful journey and great future in Taiwan!!
Wonderful tonight
My favourite Eric Clapton song, it sounds like a sad song, but if you listen to the lyrics closely, you would see a nice couple growing old together, holding their hands...
It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear.
She puts on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair.
And then she asks me, "Do I look all right?"
And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight."
We go to a party and everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me.
And then she asks me, "Do you feel all right?"
And I say, "Yes, I feel wonderful tonight."
I feel wonderful because I see
The love light in your eyes.
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you.
It's time to go home now and I've got an aching head,
So I give her the car keys and she helps me to bed.
And then I tell her, as I turn out the light,
I say, "My darling, you were wonderful tonight.
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight."
My favourite part is the second last part where he sang, "Is that you just don't realize...", with a little pause, "how much I love you..."
I think it is very sweet to see your love ones as wonderful, and actually telling them how you feel after being with them for many years... so sweet...
It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear.
She puts on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair.
And then she asks me, "Do I look all right?"
And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight."
We go to a party and everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me.
And then she asks me, "Do you feel all right?"
And I say, "Yes, I feel wonderful tonight."
I feel wonderful because I see
The love light in your eyes.
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you.
It's time to go home now and I've got an aching head,
So I give her the car keys and she helps me to bed.
And then I tell her, as I turn out the light,
I say, "My darling, you were wonderful tonight.
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight."
My favourite part is the second last part where he sang, "Is that you just don't realize...", with a little pause, "how much I love you..."
I think it is very sweet to see your love ones as wonderful, and actually telling them how you feel after being with them for many years... so sweet...
2/07/2007
仲症路
自從上次有中國客人問我陳菊是誰我答不出來之後，我覺得應該要多看一些台灣新聞。
我家裡沒有中文電台，所以前幾天有機會回我媽那，就是拼命的看台灣新聞。台灣新聞基本上有兩種1)白爛新聞 2)泛政治新聞。第一種的不外乎就是講一些溫泉水有毒，小明家淹水的雞毛蒜皮事。反正知道沒營養，就當是看廣告。
泛政治新聞就有點難消化了，首先是說歷史課本會移除國父一詞，我對我媽表示不滿，沒事拿這作新聞幹嘛？沒想到我媽就霹靂趴拉說一大堆，說美國也不叫華盛頓國父(難道叫砍櫻桃樹的壞小孩嗎？)，所以根本沒有國父一詞。那我就想，我們自己發明國父不行嗎？我就不相信美國有”珍珠奶茶”一詞，難道我們要把它改成”紅茶裡加上奶精和有嚼勁的澱粉球”？ (Black Tea with Milk and Chewy Tapioca balls)
另一則新聞更難消化，現在有某議員正提議要將所有中正的名字都改掉，先是中正機場要改，接下來是街名，怎麼還沒想到換鈔票？
他們算算，光是換高雄市街牌和門牌就差不多要200萬台幣…都還不算住在路上的人和公司行號需要更正地址的費用。我看了差不多要抓狂，我朋友們回台灣被超得半死，一年加年終也不過90萬…
冷靜一想，生出一計，給我五十萬，我搞定他，牌子不用換，直接把”中正路”改成”仲症路”，中加個人字，正加個蓋，絕對不會有聯想，改起來很簡單，拿白色油漆加幾筆就可，英文還不用改…
什麼？路名沒有意義，沒意義才好，沒關聯以後就不用改，除非有人提議改成”健明路” (王建明啦)
事實上這就是台灣的政治風，不知道要罵執政黨的沒在做什麼、在野黨的沒事找事做、媒體的唯恐天下不亂、還是全民甘心的隨樂而舞。看了還真失望，每個人都很狂熱，但每個都不肯聽其他意見。台灣的民主還很幼稚，還是不看新聞比較健康…
btw，喬治華盛頓是Father of the Nation，你說不翻譯成國父，要翻譯成什麼？
我家裡沒有中文電台，所以前幾天有機會回我媽那，就是拼命的看台灣新聞。台灣新聞基本上有兩種1)白爛新聞 2)泛政治新聞。第一種的不外乎就是講一些溫泉水有毒，小明家淹水的雞毛蒜皮事。反正知道沒營養，就當是看廣告。
泛政治新聞就有點難消化了，首先是說歷史課本會移除國父一詞，我對我媽表示不滿，沒事拿這作新聞幹嘛？沒想到我媽就霹靂趴拉說一大堆，說美國也不叫華盛頓國父(難道叫砍櫻桃樹的壞小孩嗎？)，所以根本沒有國父一詞。那我就想，我們自己發明國父不行嗎？我就不相信美國有”珍珠奶茶”一詞，難道我們要把它改成”紅茶裡加上奶精和有嚼勁的澱粉球”？ (Black Tea with Milk and Chewy Tapioca balls)
另一則新聞更難消化，現在有某議員正提議要將所有中正的名字都改掉，先是中正機場要改，接下來是街名，怎麼還沒想到換鈔票？
他們算算，光是換高雄市街牌和門牌就差不多要200萬台幣…都還不算住在路上的人和公司行號需要更正地址的費用。我看了差不多要抓狂，我朋友們回台灣被超得半死，一年加年終也不過90萬…
冷靜一想，生出一計，給我五十萬，我搞定他，牌子不用換，直接把”中正路”改成”仲症路”，中加個人字，正加個蓋，絕對不會有聯想，改起來很簡單，拿白色油漆加幾筆就可，英文還不用改…
什麼？路名沒有意義，沒意義才好，沒關聯以後就不用改，除非有人提議改成”健明路” (王建明啦)
事實上這就是台灣的政治風，不知道要罵執政黨的沒在做什麼、在野黨的沒事找事做、媒體的唯恐天下不亂、還是全民甘心的隨樂而舞。看了還真失望，每個人都很狂熱，但每個都不肯聽其他意見。台灣的民主還很幼稚，還是不看新聞比較健康…
btw，喬治華盛頓是Father of the Nation，你說不翻譯成國父，要翻譯成什麼？
2/06/2007
Last night with the bitch
It was a Saturday night, she had been restless. She knew her man is coming back. Tonight would be our last night together. Just me and her…
We were watching a movie, too much talking, too little action. She yawned and put her head on my shoulder. I brushed her hair with my hands. She tilted her head and let out a joyful sign. She liked it, the way I touched her.
I remember the day we met, the moment I saw her big brown eyes, I knew she was trouble…
Sure enough, we became close, and we had our moments.
She got up and looked at me, and from her eyes, I knew she wanted something. It must has been a while since the last time she had enjoyed my company. I felt ashamed, I should have spent more time with her, but I said to her, “not now honey, I am tired…”
She wouldn’t accept no as an answer. Once again, she put her head on my lap. She sniffed, as if she was trying to savor the smell of my skin. She had this unique scent on her that sometimes can be unbearable.
I knew it was wrong, she was only nine years old, I couldn’t keep her up this late…
“okay Toby, time for bed…”
The bitch stood up and slowly walked towards her room, turned her head around and looked at me with an expression on her face as if I have abandoned her.
“come on Toby, house!”
The nine year old female beagle accepted her fate, finally went into her room.
It will be fine, Toby, your dad is coming back tomorrow…
We were watching a movie, too much talking, too little action. She yawned and put her head on my shoulder. I brushed her hair with my hands. She tilted her head and let out a joyful sign. She liked it, the way I touched her.
I remember the day we met, the moment I saw her big brown eyes, I knew she was trouble…
Sure enough, we became close, and we had our moments.
She got up and looked at me, and from her eyes, I knew she wanted something. It must has been a while since the last time she had enjoyed my company. I felt ashamed, I should have spent more time with her, but I said to her, “not now honey, I am tired…”
She wouldn’t accept no as an answer. Once again, she put her head on my lap. She sniffed, as if she was trying to savor the smell of my skin. She had this unique scent on her that sometimes can be unbearable.
I knew it was wrong, she was only nine years old, I couldn’t keep her up this late…
“okay Toby, time for bed…”
The bitch stood up and slowly walked towards her room, turned her head around and looked at me with an expression on her face as if I have abandoned her.
“come on Toby, house!”
The nine year old female beagle accepted her fate, finally went into her room.
It will be fine, Toby, your dad is coming back tomorrow…
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