Oh, AIESEC!

This is the first time in a long time that I have written the word AIESEC in my blog. Gasp! But as they say you can take the AIESECer out of AIESEC but you can't take AIESEC out of an AIESECer. :-)

Being home has put me once again in an AIESEC environment (sure I am surrounded by AIESEC interns in Singapore but somehow being home the AIESEC feeling is more intense). My middle sister Messalina is on the Canadian MC- living it up in Toronto for the year (good times, good times!). She has already left for National Congress preparation in Edmonton but having her at home reminded me of life three years ago. Always rushing from one place to another, living out of a suitcase, adrenaline pumping through your veins, coffee to get you going for another day (if you can afford it). It's a life that some of us probably miss a lot.

But now, my little sister, Marcia (yes, we are all M's. Talk to my dad about why...) has joined AIESEC. She will be going to her first conference. Her excitement and eagerness reminded me of when I was a new member and just ready to learn. I envy her enthusiasm and the rush of emotions that you go through as a new AIESECer. I hope this conference for her would be as great for me. My first conference was also in Edmonton way back in 2000.

Now I get to share (force?) my experience to the next generation. Messalina has tasked me to show Marcia a few dances and show her around aiesec.net. Let the fun begin! :-)

Calgary: 1.5 Years Later...

My sisters (Messalina and Marcia) and I
Originally uploaded by melissatiro.

... In my “right side” of the train track neighbourhood, the bus still only comes every 30 minutes
...I do not live in the boonies anymore, there seems to be apartments growing everywhere farther away from the city
...Calgary has embraced cultural diversity (finally!) in the form of restaurants. In particular I’ve counted many Indian and Ethiopian restaurants.
...Chinook winds are still a blessing in a city that can get very cold. It's been 0 degrees or above since I've arrivec
...All the malls have gotten facelifts- the dodgy ones are not so dodgy anymore
...Most of my friends have bought condos thanks to a great economy (translated to salary). You have to love a booming oiltown!
...Meeting good friends for lunch, coffee or dinner have been a great way to catch up and share the past, present and future. It’s good to know that conversations can still last for hours much like before. Thanks!
...The relatives and family friends circle keeps on growing- there have been babies born while I was gone and many more that have grown up (including my own sister)
...My family is still loud but loveable.

This quote comes to mind to express my experience so far: Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. (The more things change, the more they remain the same).

I am thankful for this.

Happy Holidays, Everyone!