Friday

10. October 2004

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October 28, 2004
Today I left my friends and family and my old job in the Philippines to go to Canada to work as a live-in caregiver.





02

October 28, 2004
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

My employer and client Robert J. Farrell picked me up from the airport. I was freezing! Mr. Farrell has Parkinson's disease which basically robs him of his ability to take care of himself at any particular time of the day when the symptoms of the disease strike. This is where i come in.







03
October 29, 2004
Heading to Kimberley where I will be working.

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This is where I am now. To the south of the border are the states of Washington, Idaho and Montana.
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04
October 2004
I was being given an orientation by Charlie (another care aid) on the care of my client when I took this picture. He was demonstrating some mobility exercises that needed to be done. My client being a former physio therapist also helps.






05
October 2004
Here is my room for the next 2 years. I will be living in the basement where I have my own privacy. I am required to pay for my board and room of $300.00 per month. Wow. My life is changing. I am starting from Scratch. I came to Canada with only 250 dollars and a few pieces of clothing after I gave all my stuff away because I didn't want to take too much stuff with me. I lie down in bed staring at the ceiling. Let the adventure begin I say. Exhausted, I drift off to sleep.

Thursday

2004 - Life in the Philippines

January 2004
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an unexpected e-mail - A job offer to work in Canada (Live-in caregiver for man with Parkinson's)
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Job Location, Kimberley, BC, Canada
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Thinking : Should I stay or should I go?
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February 2004
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Panagbenga Festivities in Baguio

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Hanging out with Roberto & his friends at the beach

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March 2004
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SM Mall, Baguio City, Philippines

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My uncle passed away this month

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My nieces in their Dance recital

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poverty - the slums of Manila - photo taken when I was inside a bus
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Happy children - Mountain Province

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April 2004

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Sunset in Pacdal
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Silhouettes
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May 2004
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Doyet and Jones' church wedding reception, Pangasinan

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Jun 2004
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some training I was attending at that time
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The newest & Biggest Mall in Baguio City
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Hanging out with friends in Quezon Hill, Baguio City
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August 2004
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The Beach allows me to think quietly about things
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Orientation on Canadian Immigration, Manila
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September 2004
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Sold my motorcycle - I was raising money to buy my plane ticket
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Qryz & Antot - hanging out more often because they know I will be leaving for Canada soon
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October 2004
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The last photo my camera took in the Philippines on October 27, 2004. My friends and family dropped by at home, gave me a party and bid me farewell. I can't find more pictures from this farewell party. I had to psyche myself and just FOCUS on what I needed to do. FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS from now on.

January 26, 2016

Today Ron comes home from his long Vacation. I am so excited for his homecoming that I decided to make an art wall. Lots of meas...