Ça fait longtemps qu'on s'est parlé...

Yeah, it's been a while. It's definitely not as if I haven't had the time; it's been more so a lack of motivation to keep this blog up-to-date. Without many changes happening, it's hard to find inspiration for writing! Well, to begin with, I finally finished my 5 week French course (which turned out to be a complete waste of time). I learnt so very little while I could have been working or at least finding a second job to keep myself occupied and a steady income flowing in. However, bickering about it won't help. Last week I turned 21, celebrated with a few friends and my roommates. Nothing big - just a pint at the bar and returned back home to watch Bon Cop Bad Cop and gorge on pizza with some friends. I must be maturing - birthdays used to mean celebrating hard. What happened? Growing up. It's a good thing.

I've decided to take an aggressive approach to finding a job. My new location (yes I finally found an apartment) is beyond anything I could ask for. My roommates are all very personable and are eager to help me learn this difficult language. Thus far nothing to complain about, and it's been just over a month now we've been all living together so that's good news. Sometimes I wish I lived in Montréal for the metro-politian lifestyle that obviously appeals more to younger people like myself, but I realise no matter where I live, I need to wait out the adjusting period. I'm still getting comfortable here, but I think it's soon that I'll know whether it's all worth it.

I'll be going home for Christmas which is definitely something I'm looking forward to doing. It's always nice to visit with family and friends, but I have to be careful not to attach myself to Ontario again. It's a long process - I'm still sawing away at the ball and chain.

I better get out there and find a job. I want money! Wish me luck.

It's all coming together now...or is it?

I've finally got a job in Vieux-Québec (old Québec for all you anglos out there). It's a really touristy part of the city, so being bilingual (or multilingual) is an asset to say the least. I'm working at a boutique selling high-end fashion clothing for people who want to spend $300+ on a dress-shirt. Just yesterday I sold a scarf for $200. A scarf. Man, I wish I had cash like that to burn! The only problem with this job, is it's only two days a week, and I'm going to need more work than that to pay for an apartment and make ends meet. I have an interview at a classy hotel in the same area of Québec in two hours. Already sitting here in my shirt & tie. Wish me luck...

As far as finding an apartment goes, it's been ever so difficult. I don't know if I'm too difficult or if Québec is just filled with shacks. I visited a place yesterday in St-Roch (a place that I was told has an area where rich kids going to school like to reside...) and needless to say, it was a hole. I was stopped 3 times by "mental-homeless" (referencing Karl Pilkington for all you Ricky Gervais fans out there) on my journey to the lovely dwelling which smelt of rotting flesh and cat urine. You get what you pay for I guess. I've contacted a few others in nicer parts of town where rents are much higher, but I assume you don't have to deal with as much $#*%.

Well, now that I'm in a negative mood, I may as well head off to this interview. I think my gracious roomate is begining to miss her privacy and wants me out too. Can't blame her - it's been 3 weeks now since I arrived. Well, the search contines...this weekend better be promising. I'm out.

PS.

Forgot to mention, I have another interview on Monday. Oh, and HMV called me yesterday whilst I was at work. This guy here is a job-magnet. Who knew? Wish me luck.

Just speaking with Danielle from my home town in Ontario, I realise I am a little homesick to say the least! I ended up not going to Montréal but at the same time it was a better choice since I didn't want to spend money I don't really have. Danielle is expecting that this blog be funny like when I was 16 and kept a few blogs of my experiences, but I think I'm not quite as witty as when I was younger. Right now I'm about to head to l'Aréna Bardy where my friend Rémy works so he can make a few copies of my newly translated CV so I can go out tomorrow and hand it out! I apologise, but this is going to be a short blog as I'm quite busy today! See ya later....or as we say in Québec....à plus!

La vie commence...

Alright, so I've been here for just a little over a week. Québec City - a whole new world. It's like being in a completely different country. I swear, I knew it'd be different, I mean, I've been here before...but I never expected to wake up every morning and see how awesome this place really is! Between the old architecture (we're talking one of the oldest cities in North America) and the overwhelming kindness I've experienced from Québecois(e) alike, it's hard to say whether I'll ever want to leave! I've yet to find a job, but I've finally fully translated my résumé into French - and what a task that was. Regardless, I've been keeping myself occupied and trying to get back into "French-mode" so that I can better fit in! I've encountered very few people in a metropolitan area of 715, 000 inhabitants speak English well, so it really will be an immersion and learning experience. Tomorrow I might be heading to Montréal with a friend for the weekend. We'll see if those plans turn out. I'm thinking about keeping a blog about my experience here in this beautiful province; let me know if you'd read it!

Cheers,

Patrick