Six Months in Canada

Some time ago I posted a blog entitled Six Months in Zambia. Today I realized that we have been "back" in Canada for six months, so our adjustment period is probably somewhat complete.

I haven't thought too much of Zambia, or at least not obsessively, but the other night as I was lying in bed waiting to fall asleep, I took my mind through some of the Places that I remembered: the dusty short walk to work, the Chinese restaurant where I met with a friend for lunch every week, the city of Lusaka (particularly the MCC guest house where we stayed every few months), our backyard, etc. The memories of these places and the people associated are very good. Of course I know it wasn't all roses--especially the heat, the electricity situation, the mosquito nets--not to mention sticking out like a sore thumb--but overall quite good and for that I am thankful.

Life in Canada is very comfortable. The water, the appliances, the conveniences, the speed that things happen. Obviously it is expensive too, to pay for all of this; and it's not all easy as I ride my bike in the rain--but then I remember, at least I have a bicycle (actually I have two, and they were both given to me, and one is a speedy light one but not too good in the rain, and the other has 'snow' tires!). And my job may not always be as perfect or as stimulating as I'd like, but then I remember, at least I have a job (and the pay is not half bad). The key is to be "content in every circumstance" (Philippans something).

The kids have adjusted remarkably well to public school; they like it. Michelle is TOCing as she's able. Last weekend we celebrated Lucky 13th Anniversary. She's so pretty in our kayak!

Car

Here is our Mazda5 on the side of the highway in Coquitlam. The engine died on the Port Mann bridge and so I coasted to the United Blvd. exit and managed to find a shoulder to stop safely. We called a tow truck but as there were only seats for 2 in the truck, Michelle and Kate hoofed it and Malachi and I rode in the truck. We got it towed to the dealership we were already headed to, and they gave us a little bit for trade-in, mostly because the tires were still pretty new.

It's too bad our car only lasted 5 months, but I really liked it, aside from the obvious engine problem. I noticed soon after we bought it that it was consuming oil at a high rate, about a litre every fill up (500 kms). I'm not sure where the oil was going but from my research online it is a common problem with Mazda's 2.3L engines for a few years. We knew it was a rebuilt engine, and I thought that was a plus because it might last longer--no such luck.

Westwood Honda had a nice Accord for sale, a bit older and more kms than our Mazda, but it is fully loaded, which the wife likes--especially the heated seat part! =)

As for me, I continue to ride my bike to work and back, rain or shine, light or dark...I listen to Punjabi lessons on my ipod and it helps the trip go by quicker.