Bush coming to Calgary?

What?

You got to be kidding... Our beloved most screwed up ex-president from United States of American will be arriving in Calgary next to give a speech about his ups and downs through out his presidency. I really don't expect to see a warm welcome and native Calgarians fork out the money to listen to his ramblings...

Here is a funny article from the CBC website:

Protesters prepare for Bush's Calgary speech

Peace activists in Calgary are preparing a less than warm welcome for George W. Bush, who will be at a private function next week delivering one of his first speeches since leaving the White House.

A coalition calling itself People vs. Bush has planned a week of protest activities, starting Wednesday at noon with a banner display near the downtown Telus Convention Centre, where Bush is set to speak next week "on eight momentous years in the Oval Office" and "the challenges facing the world in the 21st century."

Group spokeswoman Collette Lemieux said the activists will come from as far away as Vancouver and Toronto to participate.

"I think a lot of people are really motivated by the idea that we have to make it really clear to him that he's not off the hook," she said. "I think it's important to people who think that he has committed war crimes to not just let this go by the wayside."

The group plans to hold a mock war crimes trial for Bush this weekend and stage a peaceful rally outside his speech next Tuesday. Lemieux is asking those who can't participate to send their shoes for a symbolic protest echoing the Iraqi journalist who threw his footwear at Bush.

An estimated 1,500 people are expected at the invitation-only, paid event to hear Bush. Organizers Andy McCreath and Christian Darbyshire reportedly paid former U.S. president Bill Clinton $150,000 for a March 2006 speech in Edmonton, and have hired Lance Armstrong and Colin Powell for other high-profile speaking engagements in the past.

Source: CBC.ca

Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

It's been almost a whole year since I have composed a blog so I might as well start again cause it is the only way that you can look back on and review things that have crossed path with yourself...

I finally took upon myself and watch this famous last exuberant lecture given by Randy Pausch. For those who don't know Randy, he has recently passed away with pancreas cancer. He dedicated his last lecture to achieving your childhood dreams which has been a tremendous inspiration to people around the world.

You can watch the lecture online at Youtube or read the online transcript.

So the big question pounders my thoughts... What are my childhood dreams? (in no particular order)

1. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro - I always wanted to climb one of the world highest summits and looking back to the adversities and accomplishments to make it to the top
2. Become a Medical Doctor - I remembered the day that a relative came up to me before my grandmother's funeral and asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up because it would be the best time to tell her before she rises to the heavens. During my speech, I told my grandmother that I will become a doctor so I can cure people and ease their pain and suffering.
   
3. Travel on every Continent in the World - I am not there yet however I have managed to experience many different cultures already and my task is not done yet.
4. Give an Inspirational Speech to People that I don't know - I always felt that I was very different and faced many challenges / adversities. I just want to pass on the information to others and let them know that they are not alone.
5. Trek the West Coast Trail - Canada has lots of mountains and trails however there is this particular one that I want to do because of it's vast landscape views and the history.
6. Meet Michael Gannotti in Person- Michael is a teacher who converted to IT and has passions and has unbelievable followers located around the world with his Sharepoint position at Microsoft.

Return to Canada

The trip to Canada was long as the airplane flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver was over 14 hours long. Moon was thrilled at the fact that she never been off the Asia Continent so it was nice to see her joyful face as she looks into the unknown.

Arriving into Vancouver was pleasant for me as it was like my second home. I been flying for a long time so the Vancouver Airport has become a common place for me to pass through. The buildings, the Queen Charlotte Island architecture, and the fresh brew of Starbucks fills the atmosphere. For Moon, it was like another world to her as the speed of life, industrialization and the sounds of english language greeted her as she stepped off the Cathay Pacific 747.

Meeting the Canadian Immigration officer was an interesting story and nervous threat to our welcoming into Canada. I made the mistake of adding Moon to my arrival immigration card as I thought she can be labeled on the same card as we are staying together in the same household in Calgary. Officer Chris (remembered from the name tag) drilled us with questions in a direct rude like matter:

1. "Where are you from sir?"
2. "Where are you from Madam?"
3. "What are you guys doing here?"
4. "How did you guys meet?"
5. "How long are you planning to stay in Canada?"

After dealing with these questions, I quietly let Moon know that they are just doing their job and they are SOOOO much more nicer than their American Counterparts.

After our quick 1.5 hour flight from Vancouver to Calgary, we had to wait for about 45 minutes until my mother arrived at the Airport. When I saw her, I began to cry as I have not seen her for years. The last time I went to Canada was in July of 2005 which makes it almost 1 1/2 years since I step in my own country. Such a long time indeed! We cried for a long time and eventually Moon and my mother's best friend joined us for a 4 way welcoming greeting hug!

It's so nice to be home again...

Coming Home...

After many struggles in the last month, being sick, short staffed, stressed, I finally convince my boss that I really needed a break from work and return home to Canada.

It has been long over due with me missing many milestones and dates of friends, family and loved ones.

The excitement has not hit me yet but deep inside it's sure nice to know that I am going home...