since i started working downtown two and a bit years ago, i've had the opportunity to bump into a lot of people from my past - let it be from junior high, university, ntcbc, old teams, etc.
i had one of the most memorable "bump ins" with someone from my past this week, and also the most interesting rush to the GO train station to catch my train. who made it so interesting? jon ng, a friend from my high school days.
mind you, it wasn't the first time i've bumped into him. in fact, i've bumped into him in exactly the same spot before - while we were crossing the north side of bay street at front, with me going west, and him going east. both times i was literally running for my train, with less than five minutes to go.
the first time, we just waved hello and goodbye... this past thursday, being the second time, he surprised me out of the blue. just like the first time, we yelled and waved hello and goodbye. as i was looking out for oncoming traffic, to attempt to jaywalk, all the sudden i hear "hey - i'm going to follow you this time until you get to your platform!" i turned around and saw jon. after asking if he was sure and him nodding, i said "i'm going to jaywalk - you ready?"
i didn't expect him to come with me, but he did! in two minutes time, we asked of each other's whereabouts, and i updated him on my two month sabbatical. i must say, it was quite a memorable. and now, as i promised him while entering the "paid fare" zone... i'll message him to arrange for a proper catch up time.
Labels: friendships
i've only been at work for 3 days (with a wkend in between) but it feels like i've been back for 3 weeks. however, not complaining. it's good to have routine back to a certain degree. and to be catapulted back into reality.
Labels: ramblings
apparently, per ryan seacrest, yesterday was national coffee day.
i didn't know that.
as such, i concluded i am no longer a coffee addict as many people once concluded. speaking of which, i didn't even have my coffee today! however, once tomorrow comes, perhaps that may all change and my conclusion may be wrong.
Labels: ramblings
it's been a while since i've stayed at home/around home for an entire day after church, with the intention of doing so. (with the exception of being sick)
it's also been a while since i've moseyed around the family room, watching a movie at 3pm in the afternoon on a sunday, rather than going up and about.
however, the restful part of the day didn't come with the movie. in fact, i felt a bit restless, as it seemed like i wasn't doing anything that was value added. it came when ben and i finished the movie, and stepped out of the house to return the dvd and to also go for a coffee. our convo in the BEN86 (aka his car, as the neighbourhood starbucks was at full capacity, like usual) was one of the refreshing convos we've had about life and our friends recently.
so what did i learn?
i can't simply rest by doing absolutely nothing. for me, rest is being in a relaxing environment but at the same time, being reflective and of course, being in great company of friends and coffee.
Labels: reflections
you would've thought with a two month break, i would've started blogging from the getgo. but with a week left in my break, i decided to start blogging just now. haha :) (sorta)
but before i forget, i thought yesterday night was something that's worth noting for memory's sake.
i finally signed the waiver and team sheet for dynamite rolls. we're finally "playing at the same level". haha :)
who's we, you ask?
ben and myself.
what are dynamite rolls, you ask?
it's the volleyball team started by ben. it took us three years to finally play on the same team in the outtahand league. the first year, i was rejected because "we don't play on the same level". the second year, i decided to stick with my original team to continue working out the chemistry of the team. finally, this year, i was told "i made it on the team".
haha. oh ben.
Labels: volleyball
A Year and a Half in Review(FYI - this was in my draft folder for half a month, as I've been slaving away at work for the personal tax season up until last Thursday... hence the delay in updating you all)
After such a long hiatus, I contemplated whether or not to provide an update on the past year and a half given that most of you who stumble across my blog (who are my intended readers) are those that have been in touch with me from afar. But I suppose to give some context for the blog entries to come and for the purposes of reflecting the past year and a bit (since I've had trouble answering Evie's question on "what were some eventful moments and achievements in your 25 years of existence" on the eve of my 26th birthday a while back), it doesn't hurt going back in time for a bit. Was kinda inspired from Clinton's old blog entry too, actually, where he chronologically noted the things he did since graduating from university.
So here goes…:
Oct 2007: Decide to commit to serving as a counsellor for the university group at T3C (Genesis)
Oct 2007: Go to Israel for a trip :)
Dec 2007: Had my first ever all-nighter at work. Put it this way - I've never thought timbits were
that bad until that one night.
Dec 2007: Hosted Christmas party for the "orhpans" in Toronto :)
big cooking feast March/April 2008: Attended the funeral of someone who kept up with my blog for the longest time (while I was still in school), and who I looked up to a lot; a man who I can say truly ran the race and fought the fight as per II Tim 4:6-8 - Uncle Roson
April 2008: A year-long friendship w/ a guy named Ben that was not-so-healthy (and affirmed my thoughts a purely platonic friendship is non-existent and impossible) surprisingly became a long-term relationship. :) Who would've thought Japanese take-out could result in something...
May 2008: Cooked my first steak ever
June 2008:
Rode 200km from Toronto to Hamilton over two days for the
Ride to Conquer CancerJuly 2008: Tore my achilles, and skipped out playing Cornerstone Ultimate for the 2nd year in a row.
July 2008: I think my pseudo Nghiem family moved out west to Brampton... :( *sob*
August 2008: Went to NYC - went cafe and hot dog searching for the entire weekend, saw Rent, watched a Yankees game in the old stadium, and drank more coffee/tea.
August 2008: Went to Vancouver/Seattle/Portland to spend some quality father/daughter time with dad over many cups of coffee and tea.
October 2008: Attempted to cook my first turkey, but needed desparate assistance from Vicky and Benjai Wong. However, I had many satisfied coworkers and friends! One of the few communal meals hosted by yours truly
November 2008: Planned the first baby shower for Jimmy and Tracy - don't ask me why, but I chose to do one that was HUGE as an initial project. Thankfully it went smooth and was under $450 for 40 people! Note to self - never plan a baby shower if it falls the day right after a 3-part bday bash which you're also the planner of.
November 2008: Went to HK for a wedding and China (Zhong Shan) for the first time ever with my grandma and mom; first (and possibly last) trip together with the three generations...
February 2009: Finally picked up rock climbing (indoor) and committed to buying climbing gear, after a year of contemplating whether or not to invest into it. going with my climbing partner/old uni friend/coworker/friend Ivy :)
February 2009: Was given a homecooked meal by someone who doesn't cook at all, right before watching Jersey Boys :)
April 2009: Actually touched personal taxes for work as a CA; first time in 4 years. Nearly went crazy during the month of April.
May 2009: Sporting Life 10K again - under one hour! :) Got to run with a few old friends again - Evie, Fi, and Wallace
2008 - with the exception of a one or two things (which I'm extremely thankful for!) - was relatively normal... perhaps 2009 will be one filled with adventures and activities. It already started with two running events, a planned meal chez moi's, and the
big bike ride coming up again. Perhaps I'll bring a bit of 2007 back into the picture and plan for some road trips ahead :)
Labels: looking back
i've had many reminders today of how quickly time passes... for instance:
- conversing with Elianna in complete and comprehensive sentences - that was the first for me!
- seeing Gabriel as a big baby :) - now that he's already 8 months!
- training for my third sporting life 10K now... though it only seems like yesterday when i first picked up running
- reaping the benefits presently from buying a certain someone shinobu takeout a year ago from yesterday
what reminders to cherish every passing moment, given each moment passes by rather quickly.
Labels: looking back
