Finding My Way

Change. I hate it. I love it. My decision to uproot my life in Vancouver and its many comforts was based on the desire for change. After spending nearly a month in Toronto, a lot has changed. Plans, relationships and perspective. With will and determination, things are working themselves out. One piece of the puzzle was finding a second job. It just so happens that I may become a Coffee Barista! After landing a couple of interviews, management seems keen to add me to the team :) Also, two Korean ladies have responded to my makeshift ESL Teaching signs. Tutoring them has made me realize how much I've missed teaching, so I think I get more out of it than they do! I also managed to find a room to rent out for the month of August. The apartment is large but modest and situated in the Art & Design District. It is shared with 3 others who are PhD and Masters students. The rent (which is very reasonable) is all inclusive and even allows access to a private backyard patio with a BBQ & hot tub and also a communal pool & weight room. I look forward calling it home, even if it is for a month.

The first posted photo is a common sight of a Torontonian Summer. The city streets are flanked with worn vintage bikes stacked against circular racks like these. The next photo is of me preparing homemade Sushi for a group dinner held at Joey's. It was a memorable feast.

Next week I will be very busy with coaching Raptors Academy Basketball Camp. I look forward to coaching, get reacquainted and being around sports in general. I will keep you posted. Be well :)

Beauty is Relative.

Another week has come and gone. Work has been quiet so I've been touring the city's parks and museums. The Beta Shoe Gallery was neat. My favorite was the intricate beading and detail of the leather shoes made by 19th Century North American Indigenous Women. Yesterday I visited The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art. The Modern and Contemporary Ceramic Gallery grabbed my attention because of the artist's unique use of shapes, textures and concepts. I also adored the simplicity and clean lines of the Japanese Porcelain.  Remember those one-of-a-kind jewelry boxes and pencil holders I'd bring home from Grade 9 Clay Class Mom? I had to laugh at the memory ;)

The pictures I've posted are taken at High Park. I passed it by as I was on my way to meet my long time friend, Josh, for dinner and saw the sun lowering in the trees and couldn't resist a photo shoot. 

The rest of my free time is taken up by the grind of establishing a second J-O-B. The job I have with Robyn is working out well, however, it's not full-time hours. I have never been good at "selling" myself to employers, especially when the places I'm applying to are strictly for money purposes. However, for Europe to become a reality, there is no time to be wasted on inhibitions or passiveness.

I hope all is fairing well at home. Talking with my loved ones on the phone has truly kept me grounded. Congradulations to Letah and Jordan on your engagement!  My heart is happy for you two :) Thank you Mom and Dad for your support and enthusiasm. I miss you Jeffrey. Andy, your endearing emails mean everything.

As you can see by the photo's I've mangaged to keep myself busy during my first week in Toronto. It excites me to know that my ID card for work allows me free access into most art galleries, museums, music shows and other attractions. Today I took a visit up the CN Tower. It was an amazing day for it, clear and windy. I also went to the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum.) I got inspired from learning of Darwin's revolutionary life. Darwin's exhibit was the only one I managed to see, but there's much more ROM offers so I'm definitely making a return visit. Also, I took a self portrait of myself in front of one of University of Toronto's Buildings, Hart House, which is a gathering place for musicians. The black & white photo is of Monday night fun with Robyn and I along with her lovely friends, Christine and Mila. I made sure to post a few pictures of the bike I got for $65. It's a work in progress but she's the only way I get around the city so I gotta treat her right ;) There's a huge bicycle culture in TO. A lot of people fail to wear helmets. Today I saw a friend of my get thrown of his bike by an opening car door. Scary. Note to self, watch the opening car doors.

Even though the photo's may portray a busy life, I get home sick from time to time. Especially when I breathe in the foul smells of the city and there isn't a lush network of outdoor rec sports here like there is at home which I miss. Eventhough I'm enjoying things here, Vancouver is always home to me. I miss you all very much! Always keep in touch :x

Toronto

Ahh Toronto. Toronto to me has never meant a time of R&R. Like the city itself I am always on the go. I was greeted by Robyn at the airport, after a joyful hug, my training began. She has employed me as driver who shuttles famous musicians from point A to point B. My 1st day was shuttling African musicians around Toronto and learning the routes. I also learned that fame can be a grind to say the least. After working so hard, I have myself a day off! Weeee!