So for those of you that may not know I'm a reader. I don't mean that in the Firefly/Serenity way but rather in the always holding a book in front of my face way. I always have at least one book in my bag and usually at least three that I'm reading at home. So when books get made into movies or TV shows I almost always prefer the book. The notable exception to that being The Devil Wears Prada. While I do prefer to read the book I will say that several of these movies have been excellent. The Lord of the Rings movies were great to watch and I enjoy them still and found that their discrepancies were for the most part minor and understandable given the transition from book to big screen.
Now there is a new series on television call The Legend of the Seeker. It is based on a series of books by Terry Goodkind called The Sword of Truth series. I have only just started reading this series in the past year and have enjoyed it. However, the tv series so far is drastically different in order of events, characater knowledge and relationship with each other. At the end of the episodes I say "at least the names are the same". I do enjoy the series though so I'm trying to pretend it has nothing to do with the books and just relax and savour the good action sequences and the directors use of a slow motion scene.
In other news:
I am still working through my application process for training college which right now consists of me working on a course. Whether or not I am accepted I pray that God's will be done in every step of the process even if that means I stay in Calgary or if I end up in Winnipeg full time.
I burned the entire length of my finger and it really hurts - this is the entertainment portion of my blog I mean really my entire finger. However, there is a guy that I work with now who is more accident prone then me.
I'm going to Winnipeg for a weekend about officership and find myself standing back and thinking that I managed to avoid Winnipeg for 23 years and now I go back twice this year. My bandmaster is worried about my travelling destinations - Edmonton, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Winnipeg.
I'm hoping to go to Seattle in the spring - stay tuned for updates.
Nov 5, 2008
Oct 13, 2008
Thanksgiving and other October events
First and foremost I do realize it's been a long time since my last post...oh well!
I have started my new job and am enjoying it so far. A common phrase from me these days is that I'm living the dream of working less for more money. I'm sure that won't last long as I get more into the job, used to my various tasks and pick up more work. For now though I'm enjoying a bit of a break. The people I'm working for and with are very nice and I'm finding the transition very smooth. I'm enjoying working with Eunice again as that's how we met and our friendship got started. It also makes it a lot easier to start at a new company if you already know someone there. I've also had the opportunity of reconnection with some people from my last job and that's always nice. It's a very small professional world be you in oil and gas, or professional services.
I spent Thanksgiving up in Edmonton with the family and had some great food courtesy of my Dad. I really enjoyed wandering around the downtown farmers market and got a new toy for my cat which I'm sure she'll love and using this toy as a bribe should keep her from being displeased with me for awhile. Yes, the toy has catnip I am a dealer for my cats addictions and have no shame in that job.
I'm taking an intro course right now and finding it interesting....more or less. I think it's a good opportunity for me to remind myself what school's all about and the education mindset I'll need. Some of the units seem to have an inordinate amount of required reading but hey reading has never been a problem for me. Be it fiction or non.
Well, I hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!
I have started my new job and am enjoying it so far. A common phrase from me these days is that I'm living the dream of working less for more money. I'm sure that won't last long as I get more into the job, used to my various tasks and pick up more work. For now though I'm enjoying a bit of a break. The people I'm working for and with are very nice and I'm finding the transition very smooth. I'm enjoying working with Eunice again as that's how we met and our friendship got started. It also makes it a lot easier to start at a new company if you already know someone there. I've also had the opportunity of reconnection with some people from my last job and that's always nice. It's a very small professional world be you in oil and gas, or professional services.
I spent Thanksgiving up in Edmonton with the family and had some great food courtesy of my Dad. I really enjoyed wandering around the downtown farmers market and got a new toy for my cat which I'm sure she'll love and using this toy as a bribe should keep her from being displeased with me for awhile. Yes, the toy has catnip I am a dealer for my cats addictions and have no shame in that job.
I'm taking an intro course right now and finding it interesting....more or less. I think it's a good opportunity for me to remind myself what school's all about and the education mindset I'll need. Some of the units seem to have an inordinate amount of required reading but hey reading has never been a problem for me. Be it fiction or non.
Well, I hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Sep 1, 2008
Kids
Well, I find I have to post this story for the humour effect.
While I was housesitting/dog sitting for friends I actually had kids ring the doorbell and runaway. Now maybe this would normally be only a small annoyance and mostly something to chuckle at, caused a small chain of events that made it highly entertaining.
My friends dog ran to the door upon hearing the doorbell and I was not paying attention enough to remember he should be upstairs when I open the door and sure enough when I opened it he was off like a shot. Now he stayed close by and I had his treats so I figured getting him back would be easy and we were well on our way until the little girls cat from across the street came to investigate and well there went the dog. So of course as cats and dogs do they fought and of course the dog lost. Then there followed another spate of running around to catch him and the girls were very helpful and then low and behold two boys walked over to ask how he escaped so I explained the situation as I picked him up and thanked the kids for their efforts and wouldn't you know it as I was walking back to the house behind me I heard "Don't do that again" shouted by one of the boys to his friend and a scared SHHH as they wondered if I heard. I left it alone as hey I can understand wanting to try the legendary prank and really as you read and picture all this can't you see the humour?
Oh and just so you can see this all clearly when I'm lounging at home - you know doing laundry, cleaning, cooking whatever I just wear sweats and a big baggy t-shirt. Now for those of you who are wondering how this is different from what I wear out...it's usually jeans outside the house and shoes.
Oddly enough though this has not changed my desire to not have children ;).
While I was housesitting/dog sitting for friends I actually had kids ring the doorbell and runaway. Now maybe this would normally be only a small annoyance and mostly something to chuckle at, caused a small chain of events that made it highly entertaining.
My friends dog ran to the door upon hearing the doorbell and I was not paying attention enough to remember he should be upstairs when I open the door and sure enough when I opened it he was off like a shot. Now he stayed close by and I had his treats so I figured getting him back would be easy and we were well on our way until the little girls cat from across the street came to investigate and well there went the dog. So of course as cats and dogs do they fought and of course the dog lost. Then there followed another spate of running around to catch him and the girls were very helpful and then low and behold two boys walked over to ask how he escaped so I explained the situation as I picked him up and thanked the kids for their efforts and wouldn't you know it as I was walking back to the house behind me I heard "Don't do that again" shouted by one of the boys to his friend and a scared SHHH as they wondered if I heard. I left it alone as hey I can understand wanting to try the legendary prank and really as you read and picture all this can't you see the humour?
Oh and just so you can see this all clearly when I'm lounging at home - you know doing laundry, cleaning, cooking whatever I just wear sweats and a big baggy t-shirt. Now for those of you who are wondering how this is different from what I wear out...it's usually jeans outside the house and shoes.
Oddly enough though this has not changed my desire to not have children ;).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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