Aug 20, 2008

New Job

So, it finally happened...I am leaving my current job and going back to oil and gas. Talk about scary. I had only just started looking again when they called and very quickly I was hired. Too quickly to me...it's only now starting to sink in. I've been working at this place for going on three years and have made some wonderful relationships that I will miss. The reactions of people as they find out I'm leaving have been very interesting and for the most part incredibly supportive.

There was a senior manager who said he hopes it goes badly so he can recruit me back was very sweet, but the manager who said well see ya then was a little off putting. So I focus on the good ones. I didn't expect this level of support and I guess sadness(?) from people. I will miss seeing a lot of them day to day and discussing my "breakfast" of coke or being teased for my heavy sighs in the morning by one of the partners. I'll miss a fun rivalry with one of the other assistants who says her managers like me better then her and the senior associate who comes by every Friday to do the Happy Friday dance.

I am looking forward to going back to oil and gas which is after all my background and working with a really good friend who I've worked with a few times before. I'm excited to be going back as an admin instead of document control and working for someone who trusts me to know my job and will leave me to do it. I focus on things like building new day to day relationships and keeping the ones that mattered at my old job.

So all in all? I find myself ready and willing for the challenge and glad this came about at exactly this time for me.

Jul 27, 2008

Vacation

Well I don't normally post twice in a month but July was a bigger month than normal for me so here we have it. This year I took 2 full weeks off from work and headed out on my first trip with my father since I was about 18 months old, and you may be shocked but no I don't remember that trip.

Dad, Glenda and I headed off to Winnipeg in the van and I got to see such sights as the worlds largest easter egg...and well...that's about it. However, I enjoyed the drive with all the modern comforts like a portable DVD player, a cooler and several books. We stopped over in Yorkton, SK. the first night and then it was back on the road to Winnipeg.

I enjoyed the few days we spent there getting to see all my family and see some of the sights. A big moment for me was getting to eat a VJ's Drive Inn (their spelling) cheeseburger. I had heard numerous stories about these burgers and it was great to finally taste one fresh from the grill. I will admit on record that it was a very good burger, and I was completely sold on the french fries. They were fantastic all crunchy and good.

We headed back to Alberta on Friday stopping first in Moose Jaw and then they dropped me off in Calgary just in time for a wedding reception. Ashley was beautiful and Nathan looked pretty good too, so my congrats to Nathan and Ashley Beadle.

I had the following week off and got to just hang out at home and relax. I did some cleaning and organizing although not as much as I planned, but I am feeling very relaxed even if I'm not ready to go back to work.

Wedding number three for me this summer was Phil and Amanda's and for a change I went to the ceremony. Everything looked amazing and went smoothly - at least from where I was sitting. The reception was in Bragg Creek and wow was it decorated nicely. Congrats to Amanda and Phillip Waters.

So now I get to go back to my day-to-day life and look back on these lazy days with fondness. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their summer.

Jul 8, 2008

Stampede

As a native Calgarian there is one event I'm always aware of and that's the Calgary Stampede. 10 days of tourists, parties, breakfasts, rodeos, and general fun.

I have always enjoyed marching in the parade once my feet go numb and this year was no different. We set off from the church at 6am which even for me is a little early....admittedly not that early and headed downtown. We hung out on the bus for a long time but eventually got to the band staging area and were able to head down for our pancake breakfast. Then back to the parking lot for our picture and off we went. I was glad it was overcast as this kept us from melting in the sun. It's always exciting to see someone I know along the route and this year I saw several and I've had more come up to me since to say they saw me.

Friday night we go to the grounds and see the chuckwagon races and grandstand show. The grandstand show was phenomenal and I loved the fireworks. It always seems like they're going to land on you but no actual fire (which if you know me you'll realise is a bit disappointing :) ).

Saturday is our carnival, BBQ and concert. So off to the church to enjoy the always fabulous food they have. I do love that beef on a bun. Then we had our program and I really enjoyed the guests. So much so that I decided to line dance right into them during the timbrel drill...never let it be said I'm shy or graceful.

So now I look forward to the rodeo on Wednesday and watching the tourists enjoy this great city of Alberta.

Jun 25, 2008

June

June has become the big month of my life the past three years. This year as always things heat up at work as corporate tax deadline is typically June 30, and at church as July 4 marks the start of Stampede.

So, as the month nears its end and I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I'll pause for a few moments and write out my blog.

June saw a last minute trip to Edmonton to visit with Dad and Glenda. A big thanks to my friends for driving me up. I also found out about a trip to Winnipeg to visit my family there and am looking forward to that in July. It's probably not wrong to say I'm as excited about that week as I am about the week following where I will be off work and just hanging out at home.

June has also seen several changes at work with people leaving and starting and I'm reminded that part of what makes my job both interesting and challenging is all the new people.

June at church means getting ready for Stampede weekend. We march in the parade, do a carnival, BBQ, concert and celebration service. I love this weekend every year for a variety of reasons. Marching in the parade is hot, sweaty and grueling but the people are always so enthusiastic even after sitting on the sidewalk for hours beforehand. The carnival and the rest on Saturday provides a great opportunity for sitting and chatting with friends and neighbors (not to mention great food) and the evening program gives us a chance to play some really fun music. So even though my practices are tougher it's worth it. Another reason to love this weekend is it marks the end of my busy season and I get two glorious months of relaxation, and enjoyment.

So enjoy June and know that better is coming.

May 10, 2008

Thanks


I just wanted to say a big thank you to all my friends and family that came to my party and wished me a happy birthday. I felt and feel very spoiled.

The party was a great time. Lots of laughter, food, and talking. The various pictures of me through the years were both seriously embarrassing and a good conversation starter. May I never again have to see the picture of me in my tie-dyed outfit. Don't Ask!

Apr 30, 2008

Nothing Much

Well, here's my post for April. I don't have much on the go right now. I'm very excited about my birthday party on May 3. It may be bad form to plan your own party but I'm having a great time doing it.

I hope my parents are feeling their age with a 25 year old daughter.

Mar 27, 2008

Earth Hour

I'm not usually a big joiner on these things but turning off my lights for an hour is simple enough.
Kyla has committed to taking part in Earth Hour 2008. Like Kyla, you can add your name to the Earth Hour movement here. Once registered, you'll receive useful tool and tips to help you get even more involved. And Kyla will see that their efforts have inspired you to join Earth Hour.
http://earthhour.org