Celine's Life Adventure

Good morning from California! I woke up at the usual time (thank God there's no timezone difference between BC and California) and heard movements in the kitchen. So I went downstairs and saw my Tita Vickie preparing breakfast. We had spinach and mushroom omelette, longganisa (Filipino sausage), boneless bangus (my favourite!), and sinangag (garlic fried rice). Thanks, Tita Vickie, for preparing breakfast. Tita Vickie, Jomar, and I ate first because everyone else was still asleep. Tita Cherry came down first, and we discussed extended family, Philippine politics, and life in general. Then, Tita Vickie's phone rang. It was Tito Edil (eldest sibling of my mom and Titas), who lives in Philadelphia. He said, "Happy birthday!" and Tita Vickie said, "It's not my birthday." On cue, Tita Dioly went downstairs, and we greeted her with a happy birthday. Tito Edil

We're flying again! First, some life updates. Last week, Jomar received news at work which would change our financial strategy. Thankfully, we booked our flight for this trip last January. It also helps that we have an emergency fund, and I still have work, so hopefully, things don't change too much. Alaska Airlines to United Airlines Three days before our flight, I received an email from Alaska Airlines that our flight had been cancelled and we needed to rebook. I calmly called the number they provided, and they rebooked us at no extra charge to United Airlines with a layover at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Our original flight meant flying out of Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at 6:00 AM with a 5 hours layover in Seattle. With the United flight, we leave Vancouver at 12:00 NN with a 2-hour layover in San Francisco. It surprisingly worked out. Day 1: YVR to SFO to ONT Like any traumatized Filipino who lived and experienced

It's my first blog post for 2023. Yay! We didn't have any 'big adventures' so far, but watching the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the first time this year deserves to be shared, especially since they won in such a convincing fashion: 5-0! Inside BC Place for the first time in 2023 The Vancouver Whitecaps FC won 5-0! It's our first time watching the Vancouver Whitecaps FC score 5 goals! It was a fun weekday date night with Jomar. This is the view from Cambie Bridge going to BC Place. We also walked to and from BC Place across Cambie Bridge, and I love the view, especially on a surprisingly clear, crisp night. This is the view from Cambie Bridge going home after the game.

Happy Wednesday! Jomar and I went to the first day of the PNE Winter Fair. We left home after office hours and arrived at the PNE shortly before 6:00 PM. The entrance is near the Pacific Coliseum, not at Hastings and Renfrew's corner. Winter Lights, presented by BC Hydro One of the first lights you will see is the Winter Lights display. But, then, there are the star, train, and gifts. Arc and Star Gift Train A smaller present. After admiring the first section of WinterLights, we took a peek inside the Tim Hortons Ice Rink at PNE Agrodome. Tim Hortons Ice Rink at PNE Agrodome

I'm happy. I work for small businesses and don't experience Christmas/Holiday parties. We did have dinner in the past, but it's different than having a party with 200 people. Vancouver Aquarium Main Entrance Thankfully, Jomar's workplace organized an in-person Holiday Party this year at the Vancouver Aquarium. There were lots of food, alcohol, sea creatures in the dark, and socializing. I met his colleagues. I had a wonderful time. Pacific Canada Gallery I need to practice wearing heels! Standing up for 3 hours on 2-inch heels is too painful for my feet. Thankfully, the company gave Uber vouchers, so we used them to and from the Vancouver Aquarium. Jomar and Me

We're donors to St. Paul's Hospital; this evening is the lighting and first day of Lights of Hope. In 2018, we also visited the display, and I wrote about hope, which you can read here . We're apparently big enough donors to get invited to a Donor Celebration Reception an hour before the lighting. So right after work (5:00 PM), we hurriedly took an Uber to Sheraton Wall Centre for the reception. There's free food, booze, and desserts - MANY desserts (all sorts of cookies, mini cupcakes, mini cake rolls, mousse, and, did I already say cookies?). Inside the Constellation Suite at the Sheraton Wall Centre on the 34th floor After the short program, we went downstairs to find a decent spot for the Lights of Hope lighting. Christmas Lights St. Paul'

My husband and I did a crazy thing and purchased a Seasons Pass for the Vancouver Christmas Market 2022. This means we can visit as many times as we want! Of course, we were there an hour before opening on the first day. We love the food, lights, and live music in the market. Below are some pictures of the market. Unfortunately, there are some areas where I didn't take good pictures, so when we come back, I'll do my best to take better ones. Walk-In Christmas Tree I love the Walk-In Christmas Tree but we saw one kid cry his eyes out when exiting from it. He might have thought that he was trapped inside a hollow tree. Tannenbaum Terrace Christmas Pyramid and Flying Stage