Here I go!
Leaving for my new little life tomorrow.
Taking the Wave, loaded down with my life's belongings.
(minus my winter clothes .... good riddance bulky sweaters, puffy coats and toques)
Well, helllllo sweet little skirts, open toe high heels, and yellow slash flowery, girly clothes.
I digress.
So where was I? Oh yeah. Taking the Wave, taking over payments (how grown up and mature), and taking on the city of Calgary.
I have so enjoyed my time here in Fort McMurray. I have completely loved my time with Iris, and as it turns out, taken it for granted. I cannot believe I'm not going to see her everyday and hear that laugh. It makes me super sad. I won't be seeing Mom everyday either. We've been hanging out alot too. She rocks!
And of course, the little monkeys. I won't be mauled when I walk in the door now ... boo.
I won't hear the bedroom door open, door knob hit the wall, and look up to see that dimple and a big smile and hear "Good Mornnnnning Auntie Leanne, are you awake?". Followed by a ceremonious and well calculated jump on my semi conscious body and icy cold hands all over my face. While some mornings, that wasn't exactly a welcome greeting, I know I'm going to long for it very soon. Because some mornings he would stay for a cuddle and I would melt like butter ....
I'm going to miss Marilu's 6-going-on-12 stories about school and fashion advice and shopping trips.
I'm going to miss Barry's stories about Casey.
I will miss Iris' cooking. Because to everyone's relief, she got better and is cooking again.
I am not scared about moving to the big city, but I'm something. I'm not totally relaxed and calm about it. I know this because I am breaking out into those weird red marks on my neck and chest. I think its just the unknown - I know everythings going to work out, and I'm going to have a great support system there - I just wish I knew the answers now. About everything.
So thats all for now. Catch you on the flipside.
xo
Leanne
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I'll Pass, Thanks!
Check this out! We were waiting for someone to come flying off, making conclusions that, really, they wouldn't go very far seeing the confined space the Barf a Whirl was in - those chains looked way to flimsy to be going that fast!
Call me old, but this ride made my belly feel sick.
Meli Melo
A little visit to the West Ed Mall again. It was almost empty!
But fun anyway - just cruising around!
Love this! It was in the food court at a place called Opa.
(the imposters! ha)
For various reasons, I've deleted my facebook account and this is the page that appears on the final step ... I found it so amusing that I had to take a picture of it!
This is The First Alliance Church that Ray is a pastor at.
It looks like a high school doesn't it??
And ... I officially know what addiction is. Officially. Addicted.
(please read final destination on GPS)
Handley wanted to come with me!
Did you figure out the title of the post yet?
(Its Bits n Bites in French ....)
You know .... a little bit of this ... a little bit of that ....
But fun anyway - just cruising around!
Love this! It was in the food court at a place called Opa.
(the imposters! ha)
For various reasons, I've deleted my facebook account and this is the page that appears on the final step ... I found it so amusing that I had to take a picture of it!
This is The First Alliance Church that Ray is a pastor at.
It looks like a high school doesn't it??
And ... I officially know what addiction is. Officially. Addicted.
(please read final destination on GPS)
Handley wanted to come with me!
Did you figure out the title of the post yet?
(Its Bits n Bites in French ....)
You know .... a little bit of this ... a little bit of that ....
Monday, March 23, 2009
On the Move Again
Hey.
What a whirlwind weekend!
I arrived here Wednesday night...
Got up Thursday, went right downtown.
Maybeeee not the brightest idea on an empty stomach.
I was star-ving, had too much coffee and couldn't find a parking spot.
So after 30 minutes or so, with my GPS "recalculating reacalulating turn left in 250 meters",
I find see a place. It says Parking - Payment Required.
Well, yeah. But wheres the meters?
In the fine city of Calgary, there is one meter every half block.
(or .... another angle would be theres two on every block)
So you have to put in the zone (which is on post hopefully close by)
Then you have to punch in your licence plate number.
REALLY??? And do you honestly (honestly???) think I know that??
So I have run back to the car, memorize the plate and run back.
I go to put money in and they don't take bills. Only loonies, toonies and quarters.
Soooooooo. I have to go into this huge office building, find the store and stand in line and buy some crap candy at the cash and ask for my change from a 20 in toonies.
Go back outside and do all that work again and THEN try and find a place to eat.
It was all fun though.
Oh yeah. Then some girl starting talking to me and followed me into a little lunch spot.
Chatting away to me and told me "You look like a nice person, (what? was it the wide eyed scared witless walking around in circles staring at the street signs trying to figure out where I was that led to that conclusion??) I'm selling chocolate bars; my friends blahblahblah hearing aid blahblahblah and they're only $5. "
"Sure", I replied "I don't have a job or an income, but heres $5" (by this time, the entire restaurant is staring at us because she's (maybe juuuuust maybe on something) and speaking very loudly, so I feel somewhat cornered to buy this thing.
ANYWAY - I look at it later and theres a price tag on the back that says $4.21.
She'd stolen them and was selling them on the street!
Talk about being duped.
And the sucky part is ..... I don't even like chocolate anymore.
Oh well. She's gonna get crack whether I contribute to the fund or not.
At least next time, I'll try to look like I belong there and that I"m not actually scared the C-train is going to run me over.
This is getting to be a really long story.
I'll wrap it up with:
I had such a super time here. Ray and Dee and gang are simply put, phenomonal people. I am completely enjoying myself and been made to feel like a princess.
I love the city - though the only person I know here is moving back home. And she told me I am going to miss the water and green. Apparently it doesn't get green here because its so dry. So goodbye frizzy Halifax hair! yippppeeeeeeee. No more walking to work being pelted by golf ball size rain drops freezing my butt off in August! I could use a few heat waves, you know!
So I'm back here for good on the weekend, I guess. Sunday or Monday.
And I thiiiiiink, well, 99% sure I found a place to live. A super cool house with three other girls.
I'm only going to stay there for a couple of months until I get grounded here.
ANDDDDD go to this website: www.dirtt.net .
I really really really want to work there. I put my resume in on Friday and they were going to interview me and went to get the guy and he'd just left. Bummerz (as TAMNers would say)
But check it out. Its a very cool spot.
Gotta run. Going back to Ed today, then Fort in the morning.
Have lots to do - ha ! no I don't. I live out of a suitcase. All I have to do is put the rubbermaids in the car!
Later!
Lee.
(I don't have time to proofread! Sorry if theres any mistakes!)
What a whirlwind weekend!
I arrived here Wednesday night...
Got up Thursday, went right downtown.
Maybeeee not the brightest idea on an empty stomach.
I was star-ving, had too much coffee and couldn't find a parking spot.
So after 30 minutes or so, with my GPS "recalculating reacalulating turn left in 250 meters",
I find see a place. It says Parking - Payment Required.
Well, yeah. But wheres the meters?
In the fine city of Calgary, there is one meter every half block.
(or .... another angle would be theres two on every block)
So you have to put in the zone (which is on post hopefully close by)
Then you have to punch in your licence plate number.
REALLY??? And do you honestly (honestly???) think I know that??
So I have run back to the car, memorize the plate and run back.
I go to put money in and they don't take bills. Only loonies, toonies and quarters.
Soooooooo. I have to go into this huge office building, find the store and stand in line and buy some crap candy at the cash and ask for my change from a 20 in toonies.
Go back outside and do all that work again and THEN try and find a place to eat.
It was all fun though.
Oh yeah. Then some girl starting talking to me and followed me into a little lunch spot.
Chatting away to me and told me "You look like a nice person, (what? was it the wide eyed scared witless walking around in circles staring at the street signs trying to figure out where I was that led to that conclusion??) I'm selling chocolate bars; my friends blahblahblah hearing aid blahblahblah and they're only $5. "
"Sure", I replied "I don't have a job or an income, but heres $5" (by this time, the entire restaurant is staring at us because she's (maybe juuuuust maybe on something) and speaking very loudly, so I feel somewhat cornered to buy this thing.
ANYWAY - I look at it later and theres a price tag on the back that says $4.21.
She'd stolen them and was selling them on the street!
Talk about being duped.
And the sucky part is ..... I don't even like chocolate anymore.
Oh well. She's gonna get crack whether I contribute to the fund or not.
At least next time, I'll try to look like I belong there and that I"m not actually scared the C-train is going to run me over.
This is getting to be a really long story.
I'll wrap it up with:
I had such a super time here. Ray and Dee and gang are simply put, phenomonal people. I am completely enjoying myself and been made to feel like a princess.
I love the city - though the only person I know here is moving back home. And she told me I am going to miss the water and green. Apparently it doesn't get green here because its so dry. So goodbye frizzy Halifax hair! yippppeeeeeeee. No more walking to work being pelted by golf ball size rain drops freezing my butt off in August! I could use a few heat waves, you know!
So I'm back here for good on the weekend, I guess. Sunday or Monday.
And I thiiiiiink, well, 99% sure I found a place to live. A super cool house with three other girls.
I'm only going to stay there for a couple of months until I get grounded here.
ANDDDDD go to this website: www.dirtt.net .
I really really really want to work there. I put my resume in on Friday and they were going to interview me and went to get the guy and he'd just left. Bummerz (as TAMNers would say)
But check it out. Its a very cool spot.
Gotta run. Going back to Ed today, then Fort in the morning.
Have lots to do - ha ! no I don't. I live out of a suitcase. All I have to do is put the rubbermaids in the car!
Later!
Lee.
(I don't have time to proofread! Sorry if theres any mistakes!)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Lavishly Loved
Really quickly as I am on a real tight time constraint here. But really want you guys to see these pictures.
I am staying at Ray and Dee's for the rest of the week.
(can't say enough about them)
and Uncle Lloyd and Auntie took us out for dinner at Swiss Chalet.
Their daughter Mora was there as well.
I had such an amazing time. Mora made me sit in the middle so they could all talk to me. !
I sat across from Auntie and was blown away by how much her and Grandma look alike.
Their hands are the same. Their fingernails even are identical.
Both her and Uncle Lloyd's senses of humor (sense of humors??) are fully intact.
Words can't even express how priviledged I felt to be with them and how loved and
welcome they made me feel.
Mora (beside me obvs). We are the same people. Its so bizarre.
Its the first time I've seen myself in another relative.
We really hit it off.
Thats all for now. Just wanted everyone to see these pictures.
Calgary is such a fab-u-lous city. And I totally want to move here.
Ray is so connected its crazy ! He's making some phone calls for me today while I drop my cv's off at business (corporations ! ) where he is personal friends with the VP.
It may help. It may not! But here goes !
Ciao!
L.
I am staying at Ray and Dee's for the rest of the week.
(can't say enough about them)
and Uncle Lloyd and Auntie took us out for dinner at Swiss Chalet.
Their daughter Mora was there as well.
I had such an amazing time. Mora made me sit in the middle so they could all talk to me. !
I sat across from Auntie and was blown away by how much her and Grandma look alike.
Their hands are the same. Their fingernails even are identical.
Both her and Uncle Lloyd's senses of humor (sense of humors??) are fully intact.
Words can't even express how priviledged I felt to be with them and how loved and
welcome they made me feel.
Mora (beside me obvs). We are the same people. Its so bizarre.
Its the first time I've seen myself in another relative.
We really hit it off.
Thats all for now. Just wanted everyone to see these pictures.
Calgary is such a fab-u-lous city. And I totally want to move here.
Ray is so connected its crazy ! He's making some phone calls for me today while I drop my cv's off at business (corporations ! ) where he is personal friends with the VP.
It may help. It may not! But here goes !
Ciao!
L.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Bitter Betty
I just skimmed through that last post.
and sure didn't mean to sound bitter.
cuz I'm not.
Like, from the heart, I'm not.
I'm nothing. Not sad. Mad. Happy.
Anything.
It is what it is. ( I know you hate that expression Mo, but it fits this time)
All I'm saying is (and I won't beat a dead horse) why take me all the way to camp, have me spend lots of dollars on stuff to keep me going for three weeks only to pull the plug after one day.
Its a pattern they seem to follow.
I feel lucky I'm not one of the guys they called back in Feb from the East (on their own dime) and sent them home a week later. They'd barely made enough that week to cover their ticket.
I'm just saying .... show some respect and consideration. Really.
Later,
Lea.
and sure didn't mean to sound bitter.
cuz I'm not.
Like, from the heart, I'm not.
I'm nothing. Not sad. Mad. Happy.
Anything.
It is what it is. ( I know you hate that expression Mo, but it fits this time)
All I'm saying is (and I won't beat a dead horse) why take me all the way to camp, have me spend lots of dollars on stuff to keep me going for three weeks only to pull the plug after one day.
Its a pattern they seem to follow.
I feel lucky I'm not one of the guys they called back in Feb from the East (on their own dime) and sent them home a week later. They'd barely made enough that week to cover their ticket.
I'm just saying .... show some respect and consideration. Really.
Later,
Lea.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Roller Coaster Ride ....
..... that is my life .
Sooooooo. I get the call from the office to go back as a Rocker, as you all know.
I get my hopes up, I'm getting work.
Super. Its worked out perfectly.
I go spend money on a cell phone that works up there.
I get a year contract in order to get the good plan.
I go to Walmart and buy an alarm clock, shower gel, etc etc etc.
I put all my clothes in rubbermaid bins.
I pack all my work jeans shirts coveralls steeltoe boots gloves
I spend alot of time preparing, alot of money on necessities.
I get there. Get settled. See all my old buddies. Hug. Hello. How are you. I missed you. Welcome back.
I go to the Toolbox meeting. (the 7am "heres where you're working today" meeting).
Its Tuesday. Dechant (the co. we are hauling for) isn't starting up now until Friday.
I come back to Fort Mac until Thursday. Most people did.
We all drive back with the town runner; regaling stories of our time off.
I go to Toolbox on Friday. I'm on the Dechant haul.
Super. Great. Its going to be awesome to be in a truck again.
Friday goes off without a hitch.
Or does it?
I parked in the line up at 5:30 and my foreman calls me over the radio to come see him.
I 10-4 and finish filling out my time card, start washing the incredibly dirty windows.
Figure I'll take too long, so I go to his truck.
Hi, he says, I hate to the barer of bad news.
You're serious I say.
Then he starts into his (pardon me if i sound bitter - at that moment i was) equivilant of "its not you, its me speech". They'd hired too many etc. (Kinda funny how the brand new hires who are friends of the construction manager didn't get any "i'm just not into you" chats)
I went back to my truck - briefly considering NOT finishing my little clean up task. But thought better and made that baby shine !
So ............... here I am. Back in the Mac.
It didn't take me long to not feel bad about leaving.
While I realize thats the nature of the business - if thats how business is handled, I'm pretty okay with not being a part of it. And while I also realize thats how business is often handled in the construction industry, doesn't make it any better. So I think I'll take off these sunshine colored glasses and see what else is out there for me!
And I've gotten so many (former) co-workers who are on my side about it - though thats not helping bring in any cash - psychologically, it helps.
So thats the latest. I'm off to Edmonton on Monday to a job fair and I may as well slip over to Calgary and check out the scene there too.
This time I'm bringing the GPS.
I just want to not live out of a suitcase. Its been since October. Its getting a little tiring.
But I continue to be a ball of sunshine and wonder if I'm living on delusion or faith. The line is blurred.
Thats all folks.
L.
Sooooooo. I get the call from the office to go back as a Rocker, as you all know.
I get my hopes up, I'm getting work.
Super. Its worked out perfectly.
I go spend money on a cell phone that works up there.
I get a year contract in order to get the good plan.
I go to Walmart and buy an alarm clock, shower gel, etc etc etc.
I put all my clothes in rubbermaid bins.
I pack all my work jeans shirts coveralls steeltoe boots gloves
I spend alot of time preparing, alot of money on necessities.
I get there. Get settled. See all my old buddies. Hug. Hello. How are you. I missed you. Welcome back.
I go to the Toolbox meeting. (the 7am "heres where you're working today" meeting).
Its Tuesday. Dechant (the co. we are hauling for) isn't starting up now until Friday.
I come back to Fort Mac until Thursday. Most people did.
We all drive back with the town runner; regaling stories of our time off.
I go to Toolbox on Friday. I'm on the Dechant haul.
Super. Great. Its going to be awesome to be in a truck again.
Friday goes off without a hitch.
Or does it?
I parked in the line up at 5:30 and my foreman calls me over the radio to come see him.
I 10-4 and finish filling out my time card, start washing the incredibly dirty windows.
Figure I'll take too long, so I go to his truck.
Hi, he says, I hate to the barer of bad news.
You're serious I say.
Then he starts into his (pardon me if i sound bitter - at that moment i was) equivilant of "its not you, its me speech". They'd hired too many etc. (Kinda funny how the brand new hires who are friends of the construction manager didn't get any "i'm just not into you" chats)
I went back to my truck - briefly considering NOT finishing my little clean up task. But thought better and made that baby shine !
So ............... here I am. Back in the Mac.
It didn't take me long to not feel bad about leaving.
While I realize thats the nature of the business - if thats how business is handled, I'm pretty okay with not being a part of it. And while I also realize thats how business is often handled in the construction industry, doesn't make it any better. So I think I'll take off these sunshine colored glasses and see what else is out there for me!
And I've gotten so many (former) co-workers who are on my side about it - though thats not helping bring in any cash - psychologically, it helps.
So thats the latest. I'm off to Edmonton on Monday to a job fair and I may as well slip over to Calgary and check out the scene there too.
This time I'm bringing the GPS.
I just want to not live out of a suitcase. Its been since October. Its getting a little tiring.
But I continue to be a ball of sunshine and wonder if I'm living on delusion or faith. The line is blurred.
Thats all folks.
L.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
More Handley
I tell him all the time that his dimples get him out of alot of trouble.
(not that he understands the concept ... he is only 3)
You wouldn't even believe the combo of those dancing eyes, that smile and those crazy dimples.
So I was driving around the industrial park the other day with him looking for 'big twucks'. So we drove around the John Deere yard, looking at excavators, rock trucks, backhoes, packers, etc.
We went to Cat to look at the machines there, and on the way back, we come upon this sight:
I have video of him in this. He's touching everything, moving every lever.
On to the heavy hauler. He wasn't up there very long. I didn't go up with him, and
(not that he understands the concept ... he is only 3)
You wouldn't even believe the combo of those dancing eyes, that smile and those crazy dimples.
So I was driving around the industrial park the other day with him looking for 'big twucks'. So we drove around the John Deere yard, looking at excavators, rock trucks, backhoes, packers, etc.
We went to Cat to look at the machines there, and on the way back, we come upon this sight:
(I know I take crap pictures .... but its not a photo site, its just a 'life update' site)
I think Handley heard angels singing, saw bright heavenly lights and felt the Spirit move him,
he was so excited to see this display.
I thought "What the heck". ( I didn't ACTUALLY think those exact words, as I don't use the work heck - but my thought was along the same concept line)
I pulled up to the front of the building, took a very excited boy inside,
let him do the charming, and me the talking.
I asked the receptionist if there was anyone who could show a heavy hauler obsessed 3 year old the truck out front.
He was already in the center of the office, explaining to the three employees how an excavator works and that the arm (with motions) 'digs really deep holes'.
That was it. With his big eyes and crooked smile, he won them over.
"Sure it was no problem - where are the keys?"
They just needed permission from the boss (who was walking by at the moment) and a volunteer.
Check him out. He was in disbelief. He couldn't believe that he was going to drive one of these things.
The poor SMS employee (Jason, actually). I'm sure he didn't come in to work today
to go back outside in -30 weather and show equipment.
I have video of him in this. He's touching everything, moving every lever.
It's very cute.
On to the heavy hauler. He wasn't up there very long. I didn't go up with him, and
SMS employee Jason and I were freezing.
AND the receptionist gave me a die cast replica of this truck to give to him.
So I saved it for Sunday as a reward (or 'award' as he calls it)
He went bananas when he got his reward. It worked.
He thought if he was bad again for the rest of the day (and the next) that he'd
have the truck taken away from him.
He asked me, "Why won't the tires come off it?"
He has a reputation for wrecking things within minutes of owning them.
And he couldn't believe that it won't break on him! ha! such a funny kid.
Or as he says " I was just playing with it and it bwoke".
Marilu got a super cute book as her reward. It has chapters in it. She's very proud of her grown up book.
Welcome to Dad's Crib
Dad is working 2.5 hours East of Edmonton (as mentioned in an earlier post)
and is living in a really nice camp. Well compared to what he's used to, its just okay,
but in reality, its a nice place. We were both really skeptical as we drove deeper and
deeper into farmland, no-mans-land, one-car-every-twenty-minutes land......
wondering how bad this place was going to be, but it turns out - its very livable.
Here he is in his doorway.
After an early morning drive from the booming Metropolis of
Edmonton to the boonies of Hardisty, population 760. Period.
(as Marilu would say emphatically)
and is living in a really nice camp. Well compared to what he's used to, its just okay,
but in reality, its a nice place. We were both really skeptical as we drove deeper and
deeper into farmland, no-mans-land, one-car-every-twenty-minutes land......
wondering how bad this place was going to be, but it turns out - its very livable.
Here he is in his doorway.
After an early morning drive from the booming Metropolis of
Edmonton to the boonies of Hardisty, population 760. Period.
(as Marilu would say emphatically)
Monday, March 9, 2009
I'm Heeeere!!
Hello -
Just a real quick post here.
The internet is suuuuuuper slow here, so I don't know how much I'll be updating,
however, I'm going give a quick one now.
The camp is really nice.
Alot nicer than the last one.
I am living in an all girls bunk.
They asked me if thats what I wanted, I quickly said yes.
The girl at the front desk said "Well, no guys are allowed in the bunk,
they'll be dismissed immediately".
No Problem.
So far, the girls in the bunk are really nice.
Theres a rec center with real computers (that don't take forever to upload stuff)
They cost $6 an hour. Theres a commisary here too. Which is super.
Theres a pool table, a card table, and a room with a widescreen and wireless
and big comfy suede lazy boys.
Its -40 here today; noone worked and they don't think we'll be working tomorrow.
My room is alot nicer than my last. Its a foot bigger each way.
I have loads of books and I'm playing around on my new laptop, downloading pictures and music.
So I'll be okay here for another day without work.
Its lucky I was here, as they aren't calling anyone from the East back because its totally a day to day thing here. Nothing is concrete or stable in any way.
Nature of the business I guess.
I am already missing Handley's famous hugs and stories about trucks and airplanes.
And the way his little mouth crooks up to the right when he's making a point (just like Barry's grade 1 photo).
And Marilu's adult accounts of school that day. Or, should I say, teenage-ish recounts. With words like Totally and Actually and Seriously. Which Handley is mimicing and its too die for.
And I already miss Iris' laugh.
Its just nice to be around family - I didn't see much of Mom or Barry but it was nice to know they were 'there'.
I was so happy to be able to be there to help Iris out. I feel bad leaving because she still can't reach or lift or anything like that, but we both agreed that work is so limited right now, that it was best that I took this job - even if its only for a couple of weeks. She leads a very busy life and I don't know how she does it. So a big hand to mothers out there, both stay at home and working - I publicly applaud you!
These two and a half weeks were concrete proof that I am not cut out for motherhood and running a busy household. I personally couldn't keep up. I left like I was on that show on Slice where the sister or husband has to do the mothers work for a weekend and can't manage.
Though I never claimed it was easy work - I never would've imagined that it was that exhausting to get through the day. AND she goes to the gym every morning at 5 when she's well.
Anyway, I've talked your ear off - but thats the news.
Sorry, Leah, I couldn't take your call this morning, my ride was on its way - and with this time difference, I find it so hard to call because by the time I'm settled for the night, its 11:00 your time.
Love you all, miss you all.
Leanne
(and I didn't spell check because I'm too tired and need t get back to my room - sorry if its annoying)
Just a real quick post here.
The internet is suuuuuuper slow here, so I don't know how much I'll be updating,
however, I'm going give a quick one now.
The camp is really nice.
Alot nicer than the last one.
I am living in an all girls bunk.
They asked me if thats what I wanted, I quickly said yes.
The girl at the front desk said "Well, no guys are allowed in the bunk,
they'll be dismissed immediately".
No Problem.
So far, the girls in the bunk are really nice.
Theres a rec center with real computers (that don't take forever to upload stuff)
They cost $6 an hour. Theres a commisary here too. Which is super.
Theres a pool table, a card table, and a room with a widescreen and wireless
and big comfy suede lazy boys.
Its -40 here today; noone worked and they don't think we'll be working tomorrow.
My room is alot nicer than my last. Its a foot bigger each way.
I have loads of books and I'm playing around on my new laptop, downloading pictures and music.
So I'll be okay here for another day without work.
Its lucky I was here, as they aren't calling anyone from the East back because its totally a day to day thing here. Nothing is concrete or stable in any way.
Nature of the business I guess.
I am already missing Handley's famous hugs and stories about trucks and airplanes.
And the way his little mouth crooks up to the right when he's making a point (just like Barry's grade 1 photo).
And Marilu's adult accounts of school that day. Or, should I say, teenage-ish recounts. With words like Totally and Actually and Seriously. Which Handley is mimicing and its too die for.
And I already miss Iris' laugh.
Its just nice to be around family - I didn't see much of Mom or Barry but it was nice to know they were 'there'.
I was so happy to be able to be there to help Iris out. I feel bad leaving because she still can't reach or lift or anything like that, but we both agreed that work is so limited right now, that it was best that I took this job - even if its only for a couple of weeks. She leads a very busy life and I don't know how she does it. So a big hand to mothers out there, both stay at home and working - I publicly applaud you!
These two and a half weeks were concrete proof that I am not cut out for motherhood and running a busy household. I personally couldn't keep up. I left like I was on that show on Slice where the sister or husband has to do the mothers work for a weekend and can't manage.
Though I never claimed it was easy work - I never would've imagined that it was that exhausting to get through the day. AND she goes to the gym every morning at 5 when she's well.
Anyway, I've talked your ear off - but thats the news.
Sorry, Leah, I couldn't take your call this morning, my ride was on its way - and with this time difference, I find it so hard to call because by the time I'm settled for the night, its 11:00 your time.
Love you all, miss you all.
Leanne
(and I didn't spell check because I'm too tired and need t get back to my room - sorry if its annoying)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Going Back to Work
I got the call today .... I start Tuesday.
With Thompsons again, driving a Rock Truck.
Can't wait to get a paycheque again. Cannot wait.
Back to steel toes and hard hats, twin bed, shared bathroom.
Cafeteria style eating and sketchy gym.
But I don't care. I just want to work.
I'm going armed with books and good music and a renewed
appreciation for getting up in the morning with a purpose.
C y'all from the Bag in a few days.
Cheers
Leanne
With Thompsons again, driving a Rock Truck.
Can't wait to get a paycheque again. Cannot wait.
Back to steel toes and hard hats, twin bed, shared bathroom.
Cafeteria style eating and sketchy gym.
But I don't care. I just want to work.
I'm going armed with books and good music and a renewed
appreciation for getting up in the morning with a purpose.
C y'all from the Bag in a few days.
Cheers
Leanne
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
A Little Mishap
Let me give you the background first, k?
Dad is working 2.5 hours East of Edmonton.
On back roads, routes east, routes west, turns to the left,
right turns, and mind numbing straight boring roads.
Dad drove there, I tried to pay close attention to the map,
etc. As I was driving back alone.
So we say our goodbyes, good lucks and see you soons, and I start driving
north ......
I was bopping along in the Wave, listening to/singing along to music,
TOTALLY had this under control .... I could do this, who needs a GPS
when you have a hard-to-read map, and a directionally challenged, kareoke singing driver??
I knew at some point fairly soon after dropping Dad off, I'd have to turn left.
Well, I see the T intersection and flick my signal, and turn left.
So proud of myself for being such a good rememberer.
I think I drove for 20 minutes, looking around, belting out the tunes, when I see a sign
that says "Kinsella". I start thinking about Sophie Kinsella and the Shopaholic series and how bummed I am that I'm not going to the movie with Liana ..... lalalalalalalalalala land.
Then I start thinking "I didn't drive throught this town on the way here".
I turn around. Trying to read the map. Turn the music off - I need to concentrate.
But no biggie. I had lots of daylight left. I was cool as a cucumber. I even budgeted time for stuff like this. I see a Junction sign and pull over to see if I could figure out where it was on the map in relation to where I knew I should be.
I pulled onto the shoulder - which wasn't a shoulder at all. It was a ditch.
Not a deep one. But a ditch just the same.
Just my front tires went in. But I couldn't back it out.
I broke out into a sweat and maybe I said a swear word. Maybe. I don't really remember.
Dad, had given me his CAA card at the last minute.
So I called them. Explaining that I was completely fine, the car too.
But that I was in the middle of absolutely nowhere and didn't really
know why I was calling her. I furthered my reasoning with at least someone knew
I'd slipped off the road in case she'd heard on the news of grisly crime in the back roads
of SouthEastern Alberta. As I'm on the phone to her, a huge truck was approaching, and I waved them down (as apparently, me standing in the middle of the road didn't raise any red flags with the previous driver who slowed only momentarily before hitting the gas again, speeding off into the desolate horizon) She promised to stay on the phone with me.
The truck came to a screeching halt, and backed up about 75 feet to come to my rescue.
It turns out they were hog farmers with a full load.
They attempted to push me out. I started spinning.
The older German gentleman went to get chains and they were going to pull me out.
However, a half ton came along, slowed to help and the Big Rig driver waved him closer and
just attached the chains to the other truck (without even asking the guy!!)
So the end of the story is: I got out safe and sound, smiles all around
and with refreshed directions from a german pig farmer.
Pretty sketchy. Off the road. In freezing cold. Not even able to tell the CAA girl where you were.
Thank goodness it was daylight and at least two people felt they should stop and help!
My first thought was "only me or Ashley, would this happen to.
Dad is working 2.5 hours East of Edmonton.
On back roads, routes east, routes west, turns to the left,
right turns, and mind numbing straight boring roads.
Dad drove there, I tried to pay close attention to the map,
etc. As I was driving back alone.
So we say our goodbyes, good lucks and see you soons, and I start driving
north ......
I was bopping along in the Wave, listening to/singing along to music,
TOTALLY had this under control .... I could do this, who needs a GPS
when you have a hard-to-read map, and a directionally challenged, kareoke singing driver??
I knew at some point fairly soon after dropping Dad off, I'd have to turn left.
Well, I see the T intersection and flick my signal, and turn left.
So proud of myself for being such a good rememberer.
I think I drove for 20 minutes, looking around, belting out the tunes, when I see a sign
that says "Kinsella". I start thinking about Sophie Kinsella and the Shopaholic series and how bummed I am that I'm not going to the movie with Liana ..... lalalalalalalalalala land.
Then I start thinking "I didn't drive throught this town on the way here".
I turn around. Trying to read the map. Turn the music off - I need to concentrate.
But no biggie. I had lots of daylight left. I was cool as a cucumber. I even budgeted time for stuff like this. I see a Junction sign and pull over to see if I could figure out where it was on the map in relation to where I knew I should be.
I pulled onto the shoulder - which wasn't a shoulder at all. It was a ditch.
Not a deep one. But a ditch just the same.
Just my front tires went in. But I couldn't back it out.
I broke out into a sweat and maybe I said a swear word. Maybe. I don't really remember.
Dad, had given me his CAA card at the last minute.
So I called them. Explaining that I was completely fine, the car too.
But that I was in the middle of absolutely nowhere and didn't really
know why I was calling her. I furthered my reasoning with at least someone knew
I'd slipped off the road in case she'd heard on the news of grisly crime in the back roads
of SouthEastern Alberta. As I'm on the phone to her, a huge truck was approaching, and I waved them down (as apparently, me standing in the middle of the road didn't raise any red flags with the previous driver who slowed only momentarily before hitting the gas again, speeding off into the desolate horizon) She promised to stay on the phone with me.
The truck came to a screeching halt, and backed up about 75 feet to come to my rescue.
It turns out they were hog farmers with a full load.
They attempted to push me out. I started spinning.
The older German gentleman went to get chains and they were going to pull me out.
However, a half ton came along, slowed to help and the Big Rig driver waved him closer and
just attached the chains to the other truck (without even asking the guy!!)
So the end of the story is: I got out safe and sound, smiles all around
and with refreshed directions from a german pig farmer.
Pretty sketchy. Off the road. In freezing cold. Not even able to tell the CAA girl where you were.
Thank goodness it was daylight and at least two people felt they should stop and help!
My first thought was "only me or Ashley, would this happen to.
Serenade
Haley singing Jesus Loves Me for me. It's her specality.
Now on to the next Instrument. Jingle Bells this time.
Old MacDondo
This sweet little girl is granddaughter to the Flynn's and has
really taken to dad. Calls him Old MacDondo.
And asks for him all the time.
She is perpetual personality.
Highly intelligent and so much fun.
She has a baby sister who is 11 months old.
Here she is looking at the map with Dad. Until she spotted me with the camera.
Okay - back at 'er! Looking to see where "Unnca Johnny" lives.
I took her to the mall with me and she couldn't figure these guys out !
She was talking to them and knocking on them. so cute.
Baby sister not so happy. Sweet little girl. This photo isn't painting the
rosiest of impressions. She is truly a wonderful little girl.
All ready for bed.
I walked in the door and she said "take your toat off".
All her "T's" are "C's" and its so cute to have a conversation with her.
That's it folks
As Ever,
Leanne
really taken to dad. Calls him Old MacDondo.
And asks for him all the time.
She is perpetual personality.
Highly intelligent and so much fun.
She has a baby sister who is 11 months old.
Here she is looking at the map with Dad. Until she spotted me with the camera.
Okay - back at 'er! Looking to see where "Unnca Johnny" lives.
I took her to the mall with me and she couldn't figure these guys out !
She was talking to them and knocking on them. so cute.
Baby sister not so happy. Sweet little girl. This photo isn't painting the
rosiest of impressions. She is truly a wonderful little girl.
All ready for bed.
I walked in the door and she said "take your toat off".
All her "T's" are "C's" and its so cute to have a conversation with her.
That's it folks
As Ever,
Leanne
West Ed Mall
I've heard about it all my life.
The West Edmonton Mall.
This far away, fantastical, magical, mystical place.
Not no more!
I finally go the chance to go this weekend.
Dad and I drove from the Fort to Edmonton on Saturday morning,
and as soon as we hit the city, I was incessantly asking to go to the mall.
(some things never change)
So I dragged dad there. Though I can't say surprise was the emotion he
was feeling. (Is surprise even an emotion??) I figure with 4 daughters and a wife
who can hold her own in shopping marathons, he was expecting this repeated request, and simply resigned to going.
We parked and wrote the Section on a peice of paper which was put safely in my handbag.
I was like a tourist in NYC.
Taking pictures.
Stopping and gawking.
Getting in people's way.
The mall is absolutley amazing.
Wanna hear something weird?
Its smaller than I'd imagined.
Its not small by any standard, in fact, you'd need a full day for the shops,
and a full day for the indoor fun stuff.
But it turns out, I guess I was somehow imagining something bigger.
Its filled with your everyday Smart Set, Reitmans, Body Shop, etc, but then you see stores like,
Rolex, Zara, Coach, Apple. The stores us East Coasters only see in Mag ads. (until of course, we venture outside the New Brunswick border!)
So having said all that, and I know you've seen picture of the place a million times,
but you have to see it to believe it. (descriptions are below the pictures)
This is the lounging end of the wave pool. The whole thing is encased in glass.
So theres at least some privacy from the general mall.
Check out the red slide in the background.
They're packed in like a Tokyo Train. And the waves would
randomly come and the kids would be toppling over each other.
It was so congested in the middle it made me feel weird.
I fear I am getting quirky as I age ....
The skating rink where the Oilers practice sometimes. V. Cool.
I laughed. Then instantly starting singing (to myself of course!!) "Chimpanze Ridddddding on a Segway".(go to youtube and enter Chimpanze riding on a segway)! Tooooo cute)
For $10, you strap on a helmet and go around this course and
voila! You're certified.
Maybe my favorite part. (besides Zara and Coach and Lululemon and ....)
The West Edmonton Mall.
This far away, fantastical, magical, mystical place.
Not no more!
I finally go the chance to go this weekend.
Dad and I drove from the Fort to Edmonton on Saturday morning,
and as soon as we hit the city, I was incessantly asking to go to the mall.
(some things never change)
So I dragged dad there. Though I can't say surprise was the emotion he
was feeling. (Is surprise even an emotion??) I figure with 4 daughters and a wife
who can hold her own in shopping marathons, he was expecting this repeated request, and simply resigned to going.
We parked and wrote the Section on a peice of paper which was put safely in my handbag.
I was like a tourist in NYC.
Taking pictures.
Stopping and gawking.
Getting in people's way.
The mall is absolutley amazing.
Wanna hear something weird?
Its smaller than I'd imagined.
Its not small by any standard, in fact, you'd need a full day for the shops,
and a full day for the indoor fun stuff.
But it turns out, I guess I was somehow imagining something bigger.
Its filled with your everyday Smart Set, Reitmans, Body Shop, etc, but then you see stores like,
Rolex, Zara, Coach, Apple. The stores us East Coasters only see in Mag ads. (until of course, we venture outside the New Brunswick border!)
So having said all that, and I know you've seen picture of the place a million times,
but you have to see it to believe it. (descriptions are below the pictures)
This is the lounging end of the wave pool. The whole thing is encased in glass.
So theres at least some privacy from the general mall.
Check out the red slide in the background.
They're packed in like a Tokyo Train. And the waves would
randomly come and the kids would be toppling over each other.
It was so congested in the middle it made me feel weird.
I fear I am getting quirky as I age ....
The skating rink where the Oilers practice sometimes. V. Cool.
I laughed. Then instantly starting singing (to myself of course!!) "Chimpanze Ridddddding on a Segway".(go to youtube and enter Chimpanze riding on a segway)! Tooooo cute)
For $10, you strap on a helmet and go around this course and
voila! You're certified.
Maybe my favorite part. (besides Zara and Coach and Lululemon and ....)
It's like you're in a European Village. I must go back and spend a day.
And a fortune. With Iris. We can spend fortunes together. Barry doesn't know
it yet .... We'll just distract him. We'll yell "Theres Ozzy" and run the other way.
Cute little family on a aquatic bumper car. Or whatever its called.
The "something Maria" I think. Regardless, its very cool and you can rent it for parties and wedding (ugh, seriously?? you're saying forever on a boat in a mall??).
The Sea Lion was so much fun. I'll post video of him later.
The Sea Lion was so much fun. I'll post video of him later.
More to follow .....
As Ever,
Leanne
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