Here’s what stood out for me on New Year’s Eve of 2022:
An Unexpected Act of Kindness
After getting my morning chores done, I had a quick breakfast consisting of two strawberries and about six blueberries as I was running late for my 10am eyebrow threading appointment. (FYI eyebrow threading is using a thin piece of thread to remove eyebrow hair).
I opted to wear my hiking shoes as the snow had melted. And take along a portable umbrella as the weather app predicted it would be a rainy day.
I powerwalked to the salon and arrived at about 10:02am. I apologized for arriving late, placed my wet umbrella in the closet to dry off, and then followed Cherine into a room to get my eyebrows done.
Cherine and I had an interesting chat while she was threading my eyebrows. The conversation started off when she saw my name printed on my Naidrenalin Adventures hoodie.
I told her it was a memento from my trip to Ghana where I got to hike, camp, and kayak. And that I was interested in joining a similar group in Ottawa. She suggested that I check out the Rafting Club Ottawa for kayaking events and the recreation and parks link on the City of Ottawa website.
She was done a few minutes later and I headed to the front desk to make payment. Usually, I pay by tapping my credit card on the POS (point-of-sale) system.
However, on this faithful day, Cherine discovered it wasn’t coming on, and cheerfully said I shouldn’t worry about making payment. I insisted on doing so and asked if I could do a funds transfer, to which she said it wasn’t possible. I also offered to pay cash, but she was adamant that I let it go.
For some reason, her unexpected gesture of kindness really touched me and brought tears to my eyes. I made a reservation for the next appointment after which she wished me a happy new year. I walked out of the salon in a daze.
An Unforgettable COVID-19 Vaccine Shot
On the morning of 31 December, I booked an 11am appointment for my fourth COVID-19 vaccine shot. There were two options for the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine booster dose, one by Moderna and the other by Pfizer.
I chose a booster dose of the Pfizer bivalent vaccine. Pfizer because my previous shot was also Pfizer. FYI the bivalent vaccine is the updated version that targets both the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variant.
On a Sidenote…
After several weeks of procrastination, I took the bull by the horns and (initially) scheduled the shot for 3pm on Wednesday, 28 December 2022, at a Shoppers Drug Mart close to me.
But while I was filling out the COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Screening and Consent Form at the drug mart, I was informed that I needed to contact Ottawa Public Health to register my previous COVID-19 vaccines from Nigeria.
Turns out this is standard procedure if you’ve received any doses of a COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario. The pharmacist gave me the phone number to contact Ottawa Public Health.
I called the number when I got home and the wonderful lady who answered guided me through the registration process while I was on my laptop. It was straightforward as all I had to do was complete the online COVID-19 Out of Province Dose Documentation form and upload my proof of vaccination on the Ottawa Public Health website.
I did so that evening and got my COVID-19 vaccine certificate via email the next day, 29 December. I then tried booking an appointment at the same Shoppers Drug Mart but there were no available slots.
Back to 31 December…
I walked from the salon to the drug mart. I was approaching an intersection with traffic lights and decided that I would cross over once the pedestrian signal changed from the red don’t walk symbol to a white walking symbol.
With this plan in mind and my umbrella overhead, I confidently strode towards the pedestrian push-button to press it to bring on the walk signal.
The next thing I knew I gracefully (*snickers*😆) slid on the pavement. And no, it wasn’t because I fainted; it was because I walked on black ice.
I really wish I could have witnessed myself falling! 😂 It must have been a hilarious sight especially with me attempting to break my fall. Thankfully, my umbrella and I weren’t hurt. Although the umbrella flipped inside out.
I sprang up, dusted myself, and went on my merry way using a different (and slightly longer) route to the drug mart as I wasn’t ready to slip again.
The funny thing was I had earlier wondered about the traction and grip of my hiking shoes on slippery surfaces. This incident confirmed to me that my hiking shoes were not black ice resistant 😅.
Anyways, I safely arrived at the drug mart and went straight to the pharmacy section. I was about 15mins early for my 11am appointment. When it got to my turn, I was asked for my health card which I presented. And then asked to fill out the COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Screening and Consent Form, which I did.
Before being led into the vaccination room, I put on a face mask as it was a requirement. My left arm got the dose, and I was requested to stay for 5mins (either remaining on my seat or walking around the store) instead of 15mins since it was my fourth shot.
I opted to walk around as I wanted to purchase an item in the store. I got it, used the self-checkout, and headed home as 5mins had elapsed. Soon thereafter an updated COVID-19 vaccine certificate was sent via email.
On getting home, I had a hearty breakfast of granola and yoghurt, took painkillers, and napped.
The Last Meal of 2022
When I woke up from my beauty sleep, I made Mashed Potatoes and Crispy Fried Chicken for the first time. I was curious about it as Lamb from LingandLamb on TikTok was raving about it.
By the time the meal was done, it was past 9pm. I ate a little as it was late and placed the leftovers in the fridge.
Reminiscence
This time last year I was in Dassa-Zoumé, Bénin on an adventure trip with Naidrenalin Adventures.
Also, on this very day in 2021, I received an email notification from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with the subject “We are waiting to hear from you!”.
With bated breath, I signed into my account, and I was pleasantly surprised to see my Passport Request (PPR) letter for my Canadian permanent residence (PR) application.
It was a huge deal as I had started my PR application way back in 2019. It was truly an amazing way to close out 2021.
Welcoming the New Year
The closing out of 2022 wasn’t as dramatic. All I did was post Happy New Year pictures on my Instagram and TikTok Stories at past 11pm. Then say a short but heartfelt prayer, wish me a Happy New Year at 12:03am and doze off.
That’s my recap of 31 December 2022. I would love to read about how you spent New Year’s Eve of 2022 and how you welcomed the New Year in 2023. Do share in the comments.
Till my next diary entry, do take care! 💖
