Thank you-2024

The year has been a flow of lessons, a reservoir of memories etched in laughter, tears, and the quiet triumph of happiness. Each emotion woven its way into the tapestry of 2024, a testament to the highs and lows that shaped us. As the year bows out, a moment of silence is owed—a reverent pause to honor the good health and the fruition of dreams, the seeds of plans now bearing fruit.  

Before me lies a horizon casting a colorful clouds or varying shapes. The incessant rain that drummed on Vancouver's rooftops over the past few days made way for a glorious sunshine on this final day of the year, a poetic farewell to a chapter well-lived.  

Two years in Vancouver—a years of growth, self-discovery, and the quiet transition into adulthood. This city has been more than just a backdrop; it has been a mentor, a witness to a phase of life that feels like a bridge between who I was and who I am becoming.  

With gratitude, I lift my thoughts to the Triple Gem, a humble supplication for the blessings that colored this year. To my family and parents, your prayers have been my anchor, my light on the darkest of days. And to the child within me—thank you for never losing faith, for holding onto dreams, for daring to believe in the beauty of becoming.  

Here’s to 2024, a year that was, and to the countless tomorrows waiting to be written.

Snowfall Dream

I found myself in the company of Pema Chophel, my childhood friend and neighbor, and Pema Khandu, the son of Mem Lam Norbu. My youngest brother, Sangay, was with us as well. The scene unfolded near Genden's old house, as we passed under its old house, attached to what once served as the main altar room.  

Together, we descended the village path, our steps taking us above my aunt’s house. There, Sangay paused to climb a small tree that stood just below the terrace of my upper farmland. A few more steps down the path, I suddenly felt a surge of excitement and began shouting, “Snowfall! Snowfall!”  

In an instant, the entire village was blanketed by a delicate sheet of snow, transforming the familiar landscape. Looking up, I saw the majestic Yomzangmo mountain cloaked in white, its peaks glistening under the snowfall.  

And then, just as quickly as it had begun, I awoke. It was 6:46 a.m. on the 24th of December, 2024. 

2024 - reading List

 1. Psychology of Money 

-Morgan Housel - 3rd November 2024

2. Grit ~ How to keep going when you want to give up

- Martin Meadows- 10/11/2024

3. I was never broken 

-Moonsoulchild- 11/11/2024 10:48 am

4. One Man’s view of the world

-Lee Kaun Yew- 28/11/2024

5. Can Asians Think?

-Kishore Mahbubani-12/12/2024

6. Article by Lopen Karma Phuntsholing

On Strengths and Weaknesses of the Four Traditions of Tibetan Buddhism (19/12/2024)

7. Change Leader

-Michael Fullan -29/12/2024

5RESEARCH

Graphic designer

When the government extended the unlimited working hours from December 2023 to April 2024, I seized the opportunity to work full-time. By early February, with just a few months left before graduation, I began searching for a full-time job. I contacted the Production Manager at Bento Express in Richmond, a sushi production company, and secured a position as a production operator, working 30-35 hours a week over six days, with weekdays off and weekends on duty.

On April 14th, 2024, I applied for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and my wife applied for a spousal work permit extension. A few days later, I received a temporary work visa valid for six months until October 2024. Though it took a few months to get the official permit, it finally arrived on August 24th, 2024. During this time, I applied for numerous jobs, faced several rejections, but remained hopeful and persistent.

On August 27th, I got a call for a Graphic Designer position, a role that matched my passion perfectly. After a virtual interview and submitting multiple rounds of sample work to showcase my strengths, I was invited for an in-person interview on August 2nd. Taking the bus from Brighouse and changing at Stockdale Exchange, I arrived at Highspeed Printing Inc. at Surrey in just an hour, despite Google Maps estimating 1 hour and 19 minutes.

The owner briefed me about the company and my responsibilities, and I received a few hours of training. We agreed that I would officially start on August 7th. That same week, I got interview invites from two other companies for Administrative Assistant positions. One was part-time with Moriva Construction Company, but due to scheduling conflicts, I had to decline the offer, though the owner kept my resume for future opportunities. The other job decision is pending, but for now, my focus is on the Graphic Design position.

At the shore of Jericho Beach

 On the 10th of July 2024, I whisked my wife away to Jericho Beach for a much-needed break. The past few weeks had been tough on her, as she was feeling emotionally drained after conceiving our child. We hopped on a bus and then caught the SkyTrain, navigating through the bustling streets that required a detour due to road maintenance. 

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a warm sun that was just right—not too hot. I hadn't packed a change of clothes, so I stayed dry on the shore. My wife, however, was prepared with her swimwear and eagerly plunged into the sea. She swam for a while, then returned to the shore where we savored "Chadpati," a spicy mix of Wai Wai noodles, chilies, and onions, followed by a crisp apple she had brought along.

The beach was alive with people soaking up the sun and relishing the serene ambiance of the sea. Couples strolled hand in hand, families laughed and played, friends gathered in joyous groups. Some ventured into the water to swim, others canoed or boated. Both young and old basked in the shared joy of the day. 

After an hour of blissful relaxation, we made our way back. It was a wonderful escape, marking our baby's second outing. I dream of the day I can bring our child here again, perhaps on the very same date, and watch him delight in the beauty of this place.

A Day of Roots and Growth: Celebrating Social Forestry Day

Every year on June 2nd, the earth beneath my feet and the memories in my heart resonate with a celebration that has shaped my life: Social Forestry Day. As a nature lover from a tender age, this day was always a cherished festival, an art of soil, saplings, and smiles. It is more than just a day to plant trees; it's a day that nurtures memories, fosters community, and sows seeds of environmental stewardship.

I fondly recall my primary school years when Social Forestry Day was celebrated with full of excitement by our principal. The barren landscapes surrounding our school transformed into heavenly natural park, thanks to our collective efforts. Initially, we planted around our school campus, but as our initiative grew, so did our reach. One memorable year, we planted saplings atop Murbi village, just below the grand stupa on the way to Serdam Goenpa.

Preparation for the day was an adventure in itself. A few days before the event, we were sent to Phongmey, the nearest road point, a two-hour trek on foot. Armed with empty bamboo baskets, we fetched tree saplings, which were stored in a corner of our school until the big day. On Social Forestry Day, we carried these saplings to the designated location. The day before, we dug holes one meter deep, ensuring cow dung was ready to enrich the soil.

Watering the plants was an unconventional task. We used beer bottles as makeshift watering cans, which sometimes posed a risk of breaking and causing injuries. Despite these challenges, the day we planted the trees atop Murbi village remains etched in my mind. Under a bright sun, we ascended from our school, traversing the Bumpalong valley to reach our destination. Each of us carried our packed lunches, while the elder students hauled the essential tools: hoes, shovels, and spades.

The saplings, supplied by the Forestry Park Office, were accompanied by the speech from late Ranger Pema, who graced the occasion with his presence. His speeches on the importance of the day and the significance of forestry left a lasting impact. The saplings were carefully wrapped in small plastic bags to keep the soil intact. We would tear off the plastic, mix the soil with cow dung, and gather humus from the forest floor to ensure the saplings had the best start.

As we worked, the air was filled with the sounds of nature – insects buzzing and birds chirping. Grasshoppers and ants, unfortunately, sometimes fell victim to our activities. After completing the plantation, we were treated to a refreshing drink. Our school management ingeniously mixed orange juice with water to quench our thirst, creating a drink that was a delight to our young palates. If the budget allowed, we also received a Parle-G biscuit, a coveted treat among us.

In years when we planted around the school, the afternoon was dedicated to literary activities themed around Social Forestry Day. Art contests and extemporary speech sessions were highlights. One year, when I was in class six, I eagerly participated in both contests. Though I didn't win the art contest, I triumphed in the extemporary speech, securing a cash prize of Nu. 300, sponsored by the Forestry Office. Elated, I saved the money, only to have it stolen from my wallet during a summer vaccination session. My teacher was not present and other visitors had been around, and I suspected them of the theft. Discovering my empty wallet broke my heart, and I regretted not treating myself sooner, but it taught me the value of using and safeguarding my earnings.

Today, the fruits of our labor are visible in the towering trees surrounding my old school. These once fragile saplings now stand as sentinels, protecting the school from wind and storm, and providing shade and beauty. They have become homes for countless animals, insects, and birds, adding to the school's aesthetic charm. Seeing these trees mature and thrive is immensely satisfying, a dream realized after more than two decades.

I miss those days and the sense of purpose and camaraderie they fostered. As I reminisce on this Social Forestry Day, I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in creating these memories. 

Written on June 2nd, 2024, before getting out of bed, as the memories gently unfolded in my mind, I wish I could visit those saplings-turned-trees and relive the magic of those days.

Thank you for the memories, the lessons, and the growth.

Meshing licence :)

 In early May 2024, my brother Sangay conceived the idea of obtaining a forklift license. He successfully located the office where we could apply for the license. Grateful for his initiative, I agreed to accompany him to the office on May 11, 2024. We set off for Surrey city, embarking on our first visit there to accomplish this mission.

Lacking sufficient funds, I requested that he cover both our expenses, promising to repay him when my financial situation improved. It was a fine, sunny Saturday afternoon. After completing our shifts at midday, we boarded the 301 bus from Richmond, Brighouse. The hour-long journey took us through picturesque streets, finally delivering us to Surrey. We walked for 18 minutes from the bus stop to the privately operated office.

Upon arrival, we found the office bustling with people. Some were there for the same purpose as us, while others were preparing for their driving tests. A receptionist greeted us warmly, and after explaining our purpose, the licensing process began. We requested training, and the owner arranged for a cab to take us to the training ground. However, after several minutes of waiting without a cab arriving, the owner arranged for us to travel in a customer's vehicle, likely a close acquaintance of his. The couple drove us to the training site, where an instructor awaited our arrival.

The instructor began by teaching us about the Class 2 stand-up forklift. My brother and I took turns practicing, with Sangay performing better due to his prior vehicle training. Nevertheless, we both managed to understand and operate it. Next, the trainer introduced us to the Class 4 forklift, which was easier for us to handle as its operating system resembled that of a car.

After nearly an hour of training, we took a bus back to Richmond, feeling accomplished. Our mission was successful, and we are hopeful that this newly acquired skill will aid us in our future job searches.

MBA - The End!

The culmination of my Master's degree journey in Business Administration came with the signing off of the 5th Term. Reflecting on the tiring 15-month ride, it was a swirling blend of worry, anxiety, stress, and joy, among a myriad of other emotions. Six hours of weekly classes, countless sleepless nights, looming assignment deadlines, the perpetual struggle to manage finances, and the balancing act of part-time work - all traversed the same path, sometimes harmoniously, sometimes in discord.

As I proudly don the badge of master's degree, it symbolizes not just academic achievement but a repository of wisdom and experience, a testament to the investment of countless hours and unwavering dedication. With these hard-earned lessons in hand, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to apply them, to carve a path where I can make the most of this newfound knowledge.

Yet, amidst the flurry of achievement, my deepest gratitude extends to my wife, my stalwart companion throughout this arduous journey. It's her unwavering support, and her resilience in the face of time constraints and health challenges, that enabled me to navigate this academic odyssey unscathed. Her sacrifices, often overlooked, deserve the utmost recognition. Though I was the one attending classes, it was a shared endeavor, her silent battles echoing my own.

The final class, culminating in a group presentation on the memorable date of 21/03/2024, marked both an end and a beginning. As I ambled out of the classroom, heading towards the bustling Yaletown train station, I couldn't help but feel the weight of emotions lingering in the air. Within the hustle and bustle of people and traffic, there was a palpable sense of relief, a release from the burdensome stress that had accompanied me for so long.