Becoming British: Part III

THE WAIT IS OVER!!

WOW. That was quick!

The British Embassy in Ottawa sent me an email today informing me that my visa has been approved and will be mailed within 3 business days. Talk about speed. The whole process took less than 3 days!!

Best of all, I made it to the Air Canada seat sale before it ends tonight at midnight!!

Becoming British: Part II

For the first time I'm actually impressed with Canada Post. Okay, so i paid $9 for my Xpress Post (that's including a signature $1.50 extra) yesterday, and I've been informed today that my passport/document package has arrived to the British Embassy in Ottawa safely!

I've finally completed the one-two-three steps to apply for my holidaymaker visa. Now I just have to wait 10 business days for the processing. This is what it's going to kill me, it's the wait. It possibly could take longer, as it's closer to the holidays, hopefully not. What if they reject me?? I'm thinking any possible ways they could have reject me, I can't think of much... I'm not sure what the turnover rate is and if they have a limit of how many visas they're entitled to give out each year. They don't recommend to book flight until visa has been issued. ARGH but the Air Canada seat sale ends tomorrow night!!

I should book it anyway, if not i'll just take a vacation in Europe, then come back and start a new life...

Cooking: Quicky Green Curry Dinner

Green Curry Tofu with Udon & Veggies
(Serves 2-3)

1/2 to 1 tbsp	Green Curry Paste
1 can	Coconut Milk
3 tbsp	Fish Sauce
2 tbsp	Sugar
2/3 cup	Water
2 packages	Udon Noodles
1 package	Fried Bean Curd
1-2 cup(s)	Master Choice Frozen Oriental Mix Veggies

1. In a medium saucepan with med-high heat, brings coconut milk to boil, add green curry paste, fish sauce, sugar and water. Turn down heat and simmer for 5 mins.

2. Add tofu, cook until tofu is softer, about 15 mins.

3. Add udon, break a part a bit, 2 mins. Add frozen veggies, covered and cooked until heated throughout. 5 mins. Cover and let stand for 2 mins to thicken sauce a bit. Garnish with Thai basil if desired! Voila!

The Bluetones Slight Return?!

I was reading this week's EYE on my way home just now. I spotted this tiny, tiny ad on the Emerge section. I freaked out, Noooooo it cannot be true!, I thought to myself. I must be reading it wrong.

The Bluetones
October 6 // Lee's Palace // TM RT SS

I had to resist myself from screaming on the bus, I'm soooooooooooo excited about this! Last time I saw them was prolly 10 years ago. I remember I saw them at the Opera House a week after I visited Julian in NJ/NYC and he sent me a The Bluetones stir-stick and napkins from their NYC show. Wow! That show was from the Expecting to Fly album from 1996!! Okay, so I'm really dating myself here but OMG this is soooo exciting!!! I was actually going to go to their show when I was in London for some reason I didn't end up going, I forgot why? Prolly was too heart broken... but anyway, I'm not missing them again!

THE BLUETONES! WOW!!!!
BRING ON THE TEEN YEARS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EXPECTING TO FLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know he lives in Montreal now, I wonder if he'll drive here for the show.. hmmmm... but that will be so weird!

Musical: Bombay Dreams

Bombay Dreams
8PM 03.16.08.06 @ The Hummingbird Centre (1 Front Street East)

Shakalaka baby, Shakalaka baby, Come and shakalaka with me...
It was openning night for the Bollywood Musical Bombay Dreams. As I arrived to the outside of the venue, it was packed with people and there were street performers, also vendors selling samosas and chai tea. The promotors really created a good buzz. After I found Amy, we checked in and recieved my "media" pass, we headed downstairs for the reception. The reception was very nicely done. Not only it was open bar, it was also fully catered by a local Indian Restaurant. During the intermission reception, they even served traditional Indian desserts completed with chai tea, and more alcohol of course.

Our seats were very decent, it was Row G, slight off-centre to the left facing stage. The musical is a play within a play of a young man's dream of becoming a Bollywood star despite he was from the slumps of Bombay. Everytime Akaash (lead character) has a solo, we would hear this gleeful cheer from behind us, we later found out it was actually Miss India-Canada 2006: Sonia Singh! The show was fabulous, entertaining and full of surprises! Of course, there was also the fabulous choreography and the sparkling costumes! We left the theatre with their catchy single "Shakalaka Baby" stuck in our heads for a few days. No kidding. Go watch the video! Ha! Now it's your turn!

Musical: Monty Python's Spamalot

Monty Python's Spamalot
2PM 07.15.07.06 @ The Canon Theatre (244 Victoria Street)

Always look on.. the bright side of life...
I scored a pair of free tickets for the touring Broadway musical Monty Python's Spamalot. This was their opening week, and the show will be leaving in September where it'll start in London, England. The show was sharp, witty, funny with cunning lines included pop cultural references and audience interactions. The set was quite amazing, with animated screens at times just like the film. The major things from the film translated well onto the stage, God, Vicious Rabbit, the famous chandelier, Knights Who Say Ni... etc. It wasn't exactly like the film but hey, it's a musical! At the end there was even a karaoke portion of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life". The cast was charming, the crowd seemed to enjoy it and i highly recommand everyone to go see it before it leaves for London!

Oh, Make Me Over!

I'm not sure what has overwhelmed me, perhaps it's the sunny weather or the spouting buds in Spring; suddenly, I feel aspired to create (no, I'm not talking about babies! Hmm.. Although...*pause*. Erhm, no). I've been feeling creative for the past two weeks but I'm not sure how I want to capture all my ideas yet. I always have ideas, lots and lots, but most of the time I'm too lazy to develop or to execute them. However, I do keep a book of ideas in hopes that one day will get to them. I don't want to be lazy anymore...

Now that I've cut out from my social life, I should have time, I should have lots of time to achieve these ideas. Ideas are just thoughts in the head, until you jot it down on paper and further develop them, otherwise they're just sitting in the head and doing nothing. Instead of drowning myself with misery and sadness (oh, how they love me!), I should convert these negative energy to occupy myself with projects. Right now, I'm feeling a rush of energy and motivation to carry them out. How? I'm not sure yet.

Part of me thinks that it's my last summer in Canada (hoping, for a while anyway) and I want to make the best from it and I really want to do something. I've never camped so I want to do that. Annie told me that she's flying over here with Audrey for Hillside Festival. So excited! But unfortunately all weekend passes have been sold out. I'd love to camp with the foreigners, maybe I can get one night and day pass and just go for a day or two. I also hope to go to a cottage this year as well. Also, I'll be volunteering at Strong Words Anniversary, NXNE (Boo... Martin's not coming anymore!) and hopefully Olympic Island. I want to play Kickball at least once and I want to get back on ballet and swimming. I'm a poor writer, and I hate writing, therefore I should blog more. I still want to expand StayStylish into a portal with multiple blogs: me, work, travel, and projects. DIY Goddess, here I am!!

I've started to read again, I haven't touched a book since I watched my mother passed away in the hospital. It's been nine months. My reading is slow (as always) but it's called The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios -- a series of short stories by Yann Martel who wrote the Life of Pi. I have one more story to go...

Becoming British: Part 1
I've decided to apply for my Holidaymaker visa and move to England. Being a British National (Overseas) doesn't give more advantages (not that I am one, I missed the boat for applying) than to apply as a Canadian. As I was doing some research this morning, the UK Visa site made it seemed like they're quite strict on the amount of time that you work, and that they will immediately kick you out of the country once you've reached the time limit. I don't qualify to apply for the "special skills" nor their "skills shortage" (now is the time I regret not getting proper documents/schooling for my Dental Assistant, but Mike is right, that's not me, I belong to the arts world). Apparently they have this thing called "Permit Free Employment" which allows artists to stay & work in the UK (of course can self-support without Public Funds) without work permit BUT the person's work needs to be recognized his/her merits on magazines and exhibitions. ARGHH! I'm not good enough. Going there for a year isn't the problem but to stay more than a year will be tricky. Perhaps I should consult an immigration lawyer? Should I just take baby steps and worry about getting the Holidaymaker first then worry about getting proper papers to stay longer when later when I'm actually there? Okay, this is all very overwhelming and intimidating :E

I'm sick of crying...

Taxes, Ice Cream and Beauty Gala

My Financial Advisor Preacher
My sister and I visited our financial advisor last night to file our income tax. We were there from 9pm to 12:45am!!! Of course he lectured us on spending money, saving and stuff, he also tried to convert us into Christians. However, he did gave us lots of advice and insights. After we came home, we sat down and talked for a bit -- our plans for the future. She encourages me too for going to England and try it out. Now I'm 90% set of going, I should start gathering all my paperwork...

Ice Cream = Happy. Free Ice Cream = Happier.
You scream, I scream... I <3 Ice Cream!! Did you know that I have at least 2 different flavours of ice cream in my freezer all year around? Currently I have: Palour's Chocolate, Breyer's French Vanilla, Cherry Chocolate Chunk from President's Choice and Rolo ice-cream.

Today is freezing and marks the annual Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's! The line up was all the way back to Amatos when I arrived. Eileen came shortly after, perfect timing. The queue goes quickly. We both wanted the Triple Caramel Chunk but they weren't the stickered item so we couldn't try it. She ended up getting the Phish Food® in a cone and I got my boring old favourite Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough in a cup. She's going to go back and try the Strawberry Cheesecake. Hmmm... Come to think of it, I might go back after work and try the new Bavlaka flavour. Yummmm...

Beauty in Bloom
Couldn't go back for another free ice-cream. Instead, I met up with Janet after work to attend Beauty in Bloom a cosmetic/beauty gala. We first went to the registry and show our ticket, we received a briefcase like gift bag with samples in it also a listing of events and specials deals, and a ballot. We played a few games in the fragrances counters and "won" a few samples. We then visit my sister demonstrating at the Lancôme counter. Then we went over and spend most of our time at the Anna Sui counter. We adore her packaging and we both fell in love with her rose scented lipstick! Unfortunately, the colours were too sheer on me, I ended up buying the Luxury Powder Carry Case and the Ring Rouge in hot pink. Then Phud Thai dinner at Salad King!

Mixed Bags...

It's been a month since i've been back from England. I know some of you are waiting for me to blog my trip. I don't know how to blog it, first of all, there's the written bit here (I stopped writing in my journal since Cambridge) and the 470 photos on the photoblog, i honestly don't know where to start. I'm still not sure what to make from the trip, part of me sort of regret going. Don't get me wrong, i love the city and i met some great new friends.. I dunno. Also, i think i'll miss it too much to think about it, both, the good and the bad.

I've also reached another crossroad in my life and i don't know which direction i should be heading. I've been having a difficult time adjusting since being back. I want to quit my job everyday but the irony is that two weeks ago i had a confrontation with my boss. He told me that Bryson has left Sears Travel. My boss reckons that it'll be smart for me to start putting my porfolio together since we're not sure if we'll be able to keep the account. Now that the table has turned, to face another possible layoff only that this one i'll get no compansation on nor could claim UI since i'm technically "self-employed" according to the government. I've been meaning to quit for ages. I suppose it's another sign encouraging me further to relocate to England in Autumn.

Even though all the stars and facts are telling me to go to England but I'm still having my doubt: mainly that I'm afraid of not having my sister around, she is my only family left. A guy i really like from there broke my heart (I actually like him more than I expected even though I already knew the outcome), and it'll hurt me a great deal for me to see him getting back together with his ex, or even just to hang out. No dice there. He is one factor i don't want to go anymore. I met a guy recently at a show, his name was Jacques, he was quite flirty and he's from LA. I'm not looking for a fling (though it seems like a good idea) but i realized that my heart is still occupied with him and i'm not ready to move on. Part of me just don't want to give up, especially after all the things i've done, at least i've tried (right?), but it still sucks that my efforts were meaningless. I'm not good enough.

I've been socially awkward, i'm still having problems with some friends. i've also been getting too emotional and personal again so i'm leaving Shittepost.

In fact, I'm shutting down from everything...

Fresh Start for a New Year

Wavelength 300: Henri Faberge + The Adorables // Ninja High School // The Secret Handshake // The Phonemes // DJ Davy Love
07.12.02.05 @ Sneaky Dee's: 431 College St2

Pre-show King Crown Nachos + Poutine + Pitcher Beer
It sucked that i had to work today but i rather go into work then have to come in extra early tomorrow since i'll be staying out late with the Wavelength 300 festivities. After work, i went to browse at Chapters for a bit to look for present for Mike and to browse some tour guide books. Met up with Paul at around 8 at the Dees, we ordered King Crown Nachos and a poutine, Sef arrived. We were sooooo full...

Wavelength 300
It was nice to be out and see all the people again. I miss them y'know. I hope there was no hard feelings. The Phonemes was very twee-pop. Their poppier songs are very catchy where the "slower" were a little less-entertaining. The Secret Handshake was not my regular cup of tea, a little on the heavy side, but they were definitely entertaining. Ninja High School of course ended up all going home in a fucking ambulance. During the set, Kalin spotted me in the front of the stage and pulled me up onstage and danced, it was quite the mayhem. In between set, the greatest thing happened. A miracle really. I've had trouble with this very good friend for about 7 months, we stopped speaking to each other. His friendship meant a lot to me, but we were both too stubborn for our own good to let our guards down. His girlfriend approached me and tried to mediate, shortly after he came over, we hugged and we told each other how we missed each other. I truely missed him but i'm very, very happy that we patched things up, it really means a lot to me... only got to stay for 1.5 songs for Henri Faberge, but i had an excellent night... one down, one more to go...

London Calling...

I booked my flight today!! I'll be flying to England on Tuesday, 28 February returning on Wednesday 22 March, 2006!! Yay... I'll be seeing lots of my "foreigner" friends, a sketch intinerary so far includes: Machester, Portsmouth, Cambridge, London and maybe Paris.
I'm sooooo excited!!

Things to do before England:

1. Book time off with boss
2. Renew Health Card
3. Take Passport Photo
4. Signed by Dr. Ian Baron
5. Book Flight
6. Go to Passport Office
7. Buy new SD card & battery for camera
8. Buy new luggage bag & electricity converter
9. Buy guide books
10. Plan itinerary!!
    

ps. HAPPY NEW YEAR!! xo