We are officially, but not traditionally*, engaged!
That is to say that we are planning, I have bought bridal magazines (3 magazines are a combined 4 1/2 inches thick... Geez.), and we are going to be sending out 'save the date' cards soon. (Homemade, of course, and part of them will be 30% post consumer recycled paper!)
*Not traditionally, meaning that we didn't do the ring thing. We have been talking about getting married for so long, and we really liked the date we picked out, so we just figured, hey, why not!
I have some questions to ask some people, and hopefully, everything works out as planned.
HOWEVER, I am hoping that I can plan a bash as fun as C & G's was, as relaxed and casual as J & M's was, while still having my own ideas and take on things.
My thoughts, so far: (some of them, don't want to give it ALL away...)
- Sage Green and Light Cream. (Those are my colors. I like that they rhyme, too... heh.)
- Going to be in this area, while I understand that it will mean almost all of my guests will have to travel at least 300 km, I am kind of thinking of persuading everyone by saying, "hey, when was the last time you saw the mountains?" Use it as a mini vacation, by all means. Come out early, stay late, go up on the tramway, for gosh sakes. (You can see it in this picture, come on, who doesn't want to go up to the seemingly little shack on the mountain?). *
- Easier for us to plan it when it's where we live, and since it's just over 10 months away (decided on a date before we decided we were going to do it) and kind of but not really already feeling stressed and rushed...
- Probably going to be about 40-72 people. I know it's a wide range, but it really depends on the rsvps. I am expecting a minimum of 40, because there are certain people WHO ARE GOING TO BE THERE. I will make sure of it. You all probably know who you are. if you don't, I will make sure you know soon enough.
- Trying to plan it so that it will be the least environmentally destructive as possible. Most people don't know it, but Chris and I are greenies. Not as much as we'd like to be, but we are getting there, and we are planning to offset the carbon emissions for our entire wedding, including our guests' travel. And then some.
- I am going to talk to caterers about the possibility of organic/local foods, if possible. Hinton is small enough that it might be difficult, but at the same time, there might be some people out of Jasper (Major Green Town) that would be more than willing to work with us.
- I already have ideas for centerpieces and 'other' cool things... but not disclosing those to anyone who doesn't need to know, yet.
- I already know who I want my flower girls to be. I just have yet to ask... You'll get your calls probably on sunday...
- I intend to honour the flower girls, but making them 'princesses' for the day, and I have other plans, too.
- I think I need to make a trip into Cold Lake in November at the latest.
- I need to find a good time to go to the lady in Cold Lake ish area to do a cake tasting. I loved the pictures of all the cakes she'd done, and I think she could do what I want done with my cake. And she made Joy's.
- I need to ask certain people for the name of the DJ company they used... I will be calling.
- I still have to find a good place to have the wedding. Of course, places in Jasper are gorgeous, but at a day rate of $17.80 PER VEHICLE to enter the National Park, it will be as a last resort, only. I would feel way too bad asking my guests to travel this far, spend as much money as I estimate it will cost, just to have to spend that much more.
- I like the idea of a day after brunch/open house. Am considering it. (Of course with all sorts of twists from the regular stuff. Hee hee hee.)
*I can offer several amazing places to go for beautiful views that aren't listed on any travel maps, too.
_______________________________________
HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY, CHAIR! Hope it was a good one, even if you had to eat pink icing....
Sorry I missed it, I thought about you on it, and hoped you were having a great day!
:)
_______________________________________
I can't stop thinking about wedding stuff. I can't even sleep at night, I am so excited/anxious/nervous/freaking out in a good and bad way.
Trying to block it all out while I am at work, but it is so NOT working, especially on a rainy day like today, where in the last 3 hours, there has been 1 customer, and I've already cleaned just about everything there is to clean. Inventory is done, floor's mopped. Blaine is turning into a puddle.
Gah. So much to do, so many people to call. So many things to print and cut and paint and glue and send. And I guess I have to address envelopes, too.
That reminds me, I need stamps.
I also have 4, no, 5 library books about weddings to read, and 6 more on hold... oy.
Where do people find the time to do all this stuff?
I think my head might explode. I need to have a long relaxing bath tomorrow night, and read mindless Archie comics I've read thousands of times before. (Can't have one, tonight, get to go over to C's parent's house tonight, because it is his Mom's birthday! If I'm not mistaken, we get to have another delicious cake made by Kellie... can't wait to see how she decorated this one! She makes some pretty interesting cakes, very creative!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bernie! I hope that you had a good day, I know you had to work until 9 p.m., but we taped Survivor for you, so hope that helps! (It was good, too).
_______________________________________
Chris's Mom has already offerred her services if I need any help with anything for the wedding, and I already have an idea for something... No, I'm not going to tell you!
Oh, yeah, I am more motivated than ever about getting into shape. Going to do it, one of these days, too.
:) Blaine
Friday, September 28, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Not Moving.
For Sure.
Chris is arranging a home terminal transfer from Edson to Jasper.
So, long drives in the winter will prevail, BUT, he won't be working 6 days each week, and be forced out to random places from Thunder Bay, Ontario to the West Coast EVERY WINTER until people start to retire anywhere from 5-15 years from now.
And, if he really wanted to go back to Edson in 5-15 years, we could always try. (It might be hard to get back into, but the pros vs cons came up with this being better overall.)
:) And, in Jasper, he will be qualified as a conductor sooner, and not be the bottom of the seniority for the terminal.
So, yeah.
____________________________________________________
Mark 8.8.8. on your calendars, and cross your fingers it works for then.
:)
Chris is arranging a home terminal transfer from Edson to Jasper.
So, long drives in the winter will prevail, BUT, he won't be working 6 days each week, and be forced out to random places from Thunder Bay, Ontario to the West Coast EVERY WINTER until people start to retire anywhere from 5-15 years from now.
And, if he really wanted to go back to Edson in 5-15 years, we could always try. (It might be hard to get back into, but the pros vs cons came up with this being better overall.)
:) And, in Jasper, he will be qualified as a conductor sooner, and not be the bottom of the seniority for the terminal.
So, yeah.
____________________________________________________
Mark 8.8.8. on your calendars, and cross your fingers it works for then.
:)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
More moving crap
We are looking at some trailers in Edson, there is a brand new park that offers a discount on the lot rent if you buy from them, or it's more expensive if you buy a still newish slightly used trailer that was built the year before (plus the selling price is higher for the used because the sellers only bought it to make an extra few thousand when they sold it the year after. Bastards.)
It is fairly east, in a new development kind of area, and while we wouldn't be overjoyed about paying the lot rent forever, it's basically what we are looking for: a place to live where we can have Marley, that's in a decent area, in good condition (considering the brand new ones are much cheaper - all around - than the year old ones, we'd be going for that.) that we could stand to live in for a few years until we can "maybe" afford to build our own house. (We're ambitious.)
I get to drive up to Edson today to meet with a bank 'mortgage specialist' there and try to figure out all of this home-buying crap.
(It really sounds like one big headache to me. But I'm sure we'll figure it out eventually.)
:)
Oh, still loving the new job. Feel bad I might have to leave it right away, they wanted someone reliable and for long term. Damn.
Not much I can do, though, I don't want Chris to be exhausted working 6 days a week and having to drive when he admitted it was getting to be too much.
It is fairly east, in a new development kind of area, and while we wouldn't be overjoyed about paying the lot rent forever, it's basically what we are looking for: a place to live where we can have Marley, that's in a decent area, in good condition (considering the brand new ones are much cheaper - all around - than the year old ones, we'd be going for that.) that we could stand to live in for a few years until we can "maybe" afford to build our own house. (We're ambitious.)
I get to drive up to Edson today to meet with a bank 'mortgage specialist' there and try to figure out all of this home-buying crap.
(It really sounds like one big headache to me. But I'm sure we'll figure it out eventually.)
:)
Oh, still loving the new job. Feel bad I might have to leave it right away, they wanted someone reliable and for long term. Damn.
Not much I can do, though, I don't want Chris to be exhausted working 6 days a week and having to drive when he admitted it was getting to be too much.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
New job and moving's on the table
New job was great. I love it. It didn't seem like work, it was enjoyable and I got a lot of sunshine and fresh air. There are still a lot of bugs left to work out, seeing as how it is still fairly new... but it's good. I could get used to it, and the firehose, while fun, is not as hard as I was expecting.
But we are planning to move to Edson. Again.
For sure this time.
Soon.
But we are planning to move to Edson. Again.
For sure this time.
Soon.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
New and Improved!
Now with a new job!
Yeah...
Starting on sunday (yeah I know- weird start date), I will be working at the new car wash in town. The owners are great, the woman - used to work at the Igg-ah with me - and her husband are planning on running it like a family business (because that's kind of what it is... a family owns it). There is a quick oil change place on the one side, and a 3-bay big-rig-sized-carwash on the other side. They can fit 3 big big big trucks or 6 regular vehicles in the bays.
It will be mostly days, and should be home by dinner time everyday... YAY!
And the best parts:
1- it's right next to a bunch of trees, -edge of the forest that surrounds the town- and there is apparently a group of little birds that have been hanging around the area that provide endless entertainment (running back and forth from a parked truck to behind the dumpster...)
2- I will get to use a fire hose that's hooked into the town's pressure to clean the bays, instead of using heated water from the wands. (Sounds like it will be fun, plus, a great workout - better than lifting watermelons at the tills...)
3- I won't just be sitting there, unless of course it is extremely slow, and I fully expect to get plenty of sunshine and fresh air, and a better workout than my previous job could ever allow. And, maybe in my downtime, if there is any, the bosses might let me take pictures of the surrounding nature and stuff...
4- Job security - I am the only full time person, and come wintertime, I will still have the same shifts and hours each week.
My only concern that I have is that nagging feeling I have in the back of my mind - this is the firs time I've put it into words - I am trying to be more green, more environmentally concious, and working for a place that uses as much water, chemical, and a fire hose to clean... I intend to try to cut down on the amount of fire hose time I absolutely need, but I know that the boss has the same OCD type of cleaning - no jokes about my house please* - as I do.
The Grande Opening is on the 25th, and they are planning a BBQ for customers, and plan to have a full day... Then, after the day is over, they plan to go back to their house and have a staff BBQ.
I might have to socialize. (Scares the crap out of me - not good at talking to people, but I am forcing myself to ask those little questions that get people talking. I think coming off of the pills helped to let me think on my own again. I feel so different off of them, that I am starting to realize that they were suppressing me.) But I will get through it, and people will probably think the same things about me that they all apparently do... They think I am friedly, outgoing, etc, when in reality, I am outgoing to cover up the shyness, if that makes sense. I make jokes, and usually - in my head - come off as a bit of a bitch.
I've also been working on my approachability. (Or the lack of.)
It is so creepy that after stopping taking these pills, I am slowly starting to, well, blossom, I guess. It's what it feels like. Slowly in the back of my mind, I am having thoughts that I think are more like real people. Not a medicated ball of nerves. I am less nervous, less paranoid. (So it was the pills!). (It also bothers me that there are so many people potentially being smothered by their pills, and they won't know it until they come off of them, IF they ever do.)
More confident, too. Self-assured. Before, I wouldn't have left the Igg-ah job because I'd feel like I was being a traitor or something. (How I've felt with past jobs I've left - intense guilt.)
AND, I have big news: On the trip to Cold Lake, (except for a brief moment while we were packing, where all I needed was a hug and an "it's okay" from Chris to alleviate the feeling)...
I HAD NO ANXIETY! None on the way there, none on the way back. This is HUGE for me!
Personal achievement. :)
Now I need to go clean.
*The OCD cleaning issues I have is not so much keeping the whole house completely tidy and sanitized at all times... It's that when I clean, I HAVE to clean very throroughly, and get distracted by other cleaning things... (I discovered it's not a good idea to clean the sink while I have food cooking, for instance. It took me about 20 minutes to clean the sink to my satisfaction, and the rice ended up boiling into a big sticky clump, with some burned to the bottom... Not pretty. One of the first things I've burned at home. (Kitchens with gas burners, it's easier to burn things... walk away for a second from that stirfry and BLACK!)
However, I am also more comfortable with having a clean house - junk and stuff wise - but it usually piles up and gets out of control - like a fire - and I never know where to start to get it all cleaned up. BUT IT DOES BUG ME! I am not messy, just lazy. Not much better.
Trying to do something about it. Going to clean the house today. Again. (It just takes so LONG, I end up halfway, take a break and forget to keep going.) Going to stop taking breaks, just plow through it!
:)
Can't wait to go to Cold Lake at the end of the month... see if the anxiety comes back at all! (Will be seeing more family, so it will be a great weekend!)
Off to the sink.
Yeah...
Starting on sunday (yeah I know- weird start date), I will be working at the new car wash in town. The owners are great, the woman - used to work at the Igg-ah with me - and her husband are planning on running it like a family business (because that's kind of what it is... a family owns it). There is a quick oil change place on the one side, and a 3-bay big-rig-sized-carwash on the other side. They can fit 3 big big big trucks or 6 regular vehicles in the bays.
It will be mostly days, and should be home by dinner time everyday... YAY!
And the best parts:
1- it's right next to a bunch of trees, -edge of the forest that surrounds the town- and there is apparently a group of little birds that have been hanging around the area that provide endless entertainment (running back and forth from a parked truck to behind the dumpster...)
2- I will get to use a fire hose that's hooked into the town's pressure to clean the bays, instead of using heated water from the wands. (Sounds like it will be fun, plus, a great workout - better than lifting watermelons at the tills...)
3- I won't just be sitting there, unless of course it is extremely slow, and I fully expect to get plenty of sunshine and fresh air, and a better workout than my previous job could ever allow. And, maybe in my downtime, if there is any, the bosses might let me take pictures of the surrounding nature and stuff...
4- Job security - I am the only full time person, and come wintertime, I will still have the same shifts and hours each week.
My only concern that I have is that nagging feeling I have in the back of my mind - this is the firs time I've put it into words - I am trying to be more green, more environmentally concious, and working for a place that uses as much water, chemical, and a fire hose to clean... I intend to try to cut down on the amount of fire hose time I absolutely need, but I know that the boss has the same OCD type of cleaning - no jokes about my house please* - as I do.
The Grande Opening is on the 25th, and they are planning a BBQ for customers, and plan to have a full day... Then, after the day is over, they plan to go back to their house and have a staff BBQ.
I might have to socialize. (Scares the crap out of me - not good at talking to people, but I am forcing myself to ask those little questions that get people talking. I think coming off of the pills helped to let me think on my own again. I feel so different off of them, that I am starting to realize that they were suppressing me.) But I will get through it, and people will probably think the same things about me that they all apparently do... They think I am friedly, outgoing, etc, when in reality, I am outgoing to cover up the shyness, if that makes sense. I make jokes, and usually - in my head - come off as a bit of a bitch.
I've also been working on my approachability. (Or the lack of.)
It is so creepy that after stopping taking these pills, I am slowly starting to, well, blossom, I guess. It's what it feels like. Slowly in the back of my mind, I am having thoughts that I think are more like real people. Not a medicated ball of nerves. I am less nervous, less paranoid. (So it was the pills!). (It also bothers me that there are so many people potentially being smothered by their pills, and they won't know it until they come off of them, IF they ever do.)
More confident, too. Self-assured. Before, I wouldn't have left the Igg-ah job because I'd feel like I was being a traitor or something. (How I've felt with past jobs I've left - intense guilt.)
AND, I have big news: On the trip to Cold Lake, (except for a brief moment while we were packing, where all I needed was a hug and an "it's okay" from Chris to alleviate the feeling)...
I HAD NO ANXIETY! None on the way there, none on the way back. This is HUGE for me!
Personal achievement. :)
Now I need to go clean.
*The OCD cleaning issues I have is not so much keeping the whole house completely tidy and sanitized at all times... It's that when I clean, I HAVE to clean very throroughly, and get distracted by other cleaning things... (I discovered it's not a good idea to clean the sink while I have food cooking, for instance. It took me about 20 minutes to clean the sink to my satisfaction, and the rice ended up boiling into a big sticky clump, with some burned to the bottom... Not pretty. One of the first things I've burned at home. (Kitchens with gas burners, it's easier to burn things... walk away for a second from that stirfry and BLACK!)
However, I am also more comfortable with having a clean house - junk and stuff wise - but it usually piles up and gets out of control - like a fire - and I never know where to start to get it all cleaned up. BUT IT DOES BUG ME! I am not messy, just lazy. Not much better.
Trying to do something about it. Going to clean the house today. Again. (It just takes so LONG, I end up halfway, take a break and forget to keep going.) Going to stop taking breaks, just plow through it!
:)
Can't wait to go to Cold Lake at the end of the month... see if the anxiety comes back at all! (Will be seeing more family, so it will be a great weekend!)
Off to the sink.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
GOING TO COLD LAKE!
YAY!
I still don't know for sure when (or if it will be both of us or just me) I will be in Cold Lake... I am 'planning' on going down on Friday morning, and leaving Monday morning, but if Chris can manage to get either Friday or Monday off, then I will be leaving later and/or coming back sooner... We don't have insurance/registration on the sunfire to bring it down, (plus it would be very, very $$$$ to insure just for the one trip!) and so we will be trying to avoid taking 2 cars! (way too expensive.).
But if Chris only gets Sat/Sun off, then I will most likely going down friday morning and leaving monday morning... alone. :(
will update more once I find out...
B3
I still don't know for sure when (or if it will be both of us or just me) I will be in Cold Lake... I am 'planning' on going down on Friday morning, and leaving Monday morning, but if Chris can manage to get either Friday or Monday off, then I will be leaving later and/or coming back sooner... We don't have insurance/registration on the sunfire to bring it down, (plus it would be very, very $$$$ to insure just for the one trip!) and so we will be trying to avoid taking 2 cars! (way too expensive.).
But if Chris only gets Sat/Sun off, then I will most likely going down friday morning and leaving monday morning... alone. :(
will update more once I find out...
B3
Thursday, August 02, 2007
BITCHOLOGY
BITCHOLOGY
When I stand up for myself and my beliefs,
they call me a
bitch.
When I stand up for those I love,
they call me a
bitch.
When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts or do things my own way,
they call me a
bitch.
Being a bitch
means I won't compromise what's in my heart.
It means I live my life MY way.
It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.
When I refuse to tolerate injustice and
speak against it,
I am defined as a bitch.
The same thing happens when I take time for
myself instead of being everyone's maid,
or when I act a little selfish.
It means I have the courage and strength to allow
myself to be who I truly am and won't become
anyone else's idea of what they think I "should" be.
I am outspoken, opinionated and determined.
I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!
So try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame,
try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me.
You won't succeed.
And if that makes me a bitch ,
so be it.
I embrace the title and am proud to bear it.
B - Babe
I - In
T - Total
C - Control of
H - Herself
B = Beautiful
I = Intelligent
T = Talented
C = Charming
H = Hell of a Woman
B = Beautiful
I = Individual
T = That
C = Can
H = Handle anything
When I stand up for myself and my beliefs,
they call me a
bitch.
When I stand up for those I love,
they call me a
bitch.
When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts or do things my own way,
they call me a
bitch.
Being a bitch
means I won't compromise what's in my heart.
It means I live my life MY way.
It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.
When I refuse to tolerate injustice and
speak against it,
I am defined as a bitch.
The same thing happens when I take time for
myself instead of being everyone's maid,
or when I act a little selfish.
It means I have the courage and strength to allow
myself to be who I truly am and won't become
anyone else's idea of what they think I "should" be.
I am outspoken, opinionated and determined.
I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!
So try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame,
try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me.
You won't succeed.
And if that makes me a bitch ,
so be it.
I embrace the title and am proud to bear it.
B - Babe
I - In
T - Total
C - Control of
H - Herself
B = Beautiful
I = Intelligent
T = Talented
C = Charming
H = Hell of a Woman
B = Beautiful
I = Individual
T = That
C = Can
H = Handle anything
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Motivated
I want to eat healthier, I want to live healthier. I want to go for walks and runs and jog and exercise.
I just don't like the idea of doing it all outdoors. I am too self conscious. I don't mind walking Marley, but they are way too short (SHE gets over heated and tired) for any real benefit.
I think I want to invest in a treadmill. Even if it's just a cheapie until we could afford a better one... I'd feel much better walking and running until I am a sweaty mess right here... Besides, then I wouldn't have to pay to go to a gym, drive to go to a gym... besides, I don't think I would ever actually go. I would feel more comfortable at home. (Way too self conscious...)
I stumbled across yet another article about BMI's and running and stuff, and after some calculations, discovered that for my height (5'1'') I am apparently "extremely overweight".
A normal BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 would mean a weight range of 98-132 lbs, what the hell. That would mean I need to lose at least 40 lbs to be in the appropriate weight range. (Max needed to lose is about 77! WTF! This BMI crap is bull. I'm no stick, and I can guarantee that the only way I could ever possibly weigh 100 lbs is to start doing drugs or develop a very serious disease. (In combination with starvation.)
While I have a back burner interest in being skinnier, I don't really care about it. I am happy how I am, just need more clothes to feel comfortable in. I just want to feel better. This whole lethargic/exhausted/lazy type feeling sucks. So, I want to do something about it.
Aside from eating healthier, I have to start exercising more. I have started walking more, and just need to do the walking until it actually benefits thing.
Where do I find a treadmill?
I just don't like the idea of doing it all outdoors. I am too self conscious. I don't mind walking Marley, but they are way too short (SHE gets over heated and tired) for any real benefit.
I think I want to invest in a treadmill. Even if it's just a cheapie until we could afford a better one... I'd feel much better walking and running until I am a sweaty mess right here... Besides, then I wouldn't have to pay to go to a gym, drive to go to a gym... besides, I don't think I would ever actually go. I would feel more comfortable at home. (Way too self conscious...)
I stumbled across yet another article about BMI's and running and stuff, and after some calculations, discovered that for my height (5'1'') I am apparently "extremely overweight".
A normal BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 would mean a weight range of 98-132 lbs, what the hell. That would mean I need to lose at least 40 lbs to be in the appropriate weight range. (Max needed to lose is about 77! WTF! This BMI crap is bull. I'm no stick, and I can guarantee that the only way I could ever possibly weigh 100 lbs is to start doing drugs or develop a very serious disease. (In combination with starvation.)
While I have a back burner interest in being skinnier, I don't really care about it. I am happy how I am, just need more clothes to feel comfortable in. I just want to feel better. This whole lethargic/exhausted/lazy type feeling sucks. So, I want to do something about it.
Aside from eating healthier, I have to start exercising more. I have started walking more, and just need to do the walking until it actually benefits thing.
Where do I find a treadmill?
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Let's see...
What is new?
-Marley is still having accidents, mostly the solid ones. I know that she is having them as part of a behavioural problem, because we let her out before we leave and as soon as we get home, and she's not alone that often, but we have been spending a lot of time in the house, and she spends most of the day sleeping. Need to get on a more regular walking schedule, and play with her every day! (Working on it)
- I woke up today feeling motivated, to eat healthier, to go for more walks, to get more done. (To stop distracting myself with the tv when I get homesick, instead, I hope to do more productive things. Like get healthy again.) I bought more fruit (been making fruit salad a lot lately, and needed to get a fresh supply anyway...) and a few veggies (I'm not a fan of most... except some cooked in bad enough ways that it's healthier for me to not eat them.) and I plan to make the best of them. I also plan to take Marley for a few more walks a week, presuming she promises to stop rolling in sh!t. *see below.
- I need a new bra. Desperately. I have about 3 or 4, but all but one are unwearable (Why I still have them, I don't know.) So, I wash it often, which is shortening it's life span, too, and I have a feeling that I should make an appointment in Edmonton for a fitting and start saving some money again to be able to afford the ones I have to buy. (F-ing chest is too big to be able to buy from any regular store, unless I want to cut off the blood supply to half. And it's extremely uncomfortable to do that...) So, hopefully the back pain will dissipate during the second half of my trip to Cold Lake... First thing I will do when I get there is wash my new bra. Second thing, say hello to everybody... (ha, ha, ha... just kidding. I will unpack second. lol).
- New car is working out great. After we got it an oil change, new tires, new spark plugs and wires... And the engine is knocking, but other than that it works excellent! Very fuel efficient...
- It is still up in the air whether or not Chris will be joining me on our trip to Cold Lake: they offerred him on thursday to 'qualify' early... (Brakeman, right now. Still has more training to do to become a Conductor. Three years after that he could qualify for Engineer, if available.) His on the job training was supposed to be 45 trips/tours/shifts/whatever and on thursday, he was at 30. So, 2/3 of the way done, because either he's doing a great job, or they are short workers... but either way, he was offerred it. It means more money, but he'd still be in training to qualify for Conductor. He's already doing the work of a brakeman, they've been short a few days the last week and it was either he just do it, or the job comes to a screeching halt. I don't think he's completely decided yet...
If he stays in training, he might be able to have the whole weekend off for the trip to Cold Lake, but he might be in Prince George. If he takes the Brakeman position early, he will be working 6 days a week, and most likely will be able to get the weekend, plus the friday off. So, then we would have to leave on Sunday. Or, even if he couldn't get the friday off, since we'd be taking two cars to Cold Lake and only one back, I could still come down on Friday and Chris could come down early Saturday. And then we'd leave on Sunday. I don't know what's going on at this point. There's still the potential he might not be able to come down at all, meaning we'd have to figure out another way to get the car to Cold Lake...
Hey, I'm just trying to get Willy a car, damnit.
-We shaved Marley... it was way too hot, and trimming is so time consuming, and makes me warmer struggling with her, and being in such close quarters with her and usually Chris, too. Just too hot to trim normally. However, the trimmer gets hot too, but it's still easier, and she's not as scared of the trimmer as she was of the cutting noise the scissors make. (Rescue Remedy works pretty good, too. Made her a little high, tho, I think.)
* It's been over 6 months since we got her and she's proven that she has a thing for rolling in stinky stuff. So far, the list includes: dirt, cat poop, garbage and most recently (today) horse poop. Luckily it was dry and it didn't stick too much, but it stills ticks me off to no end that she ruins a good walk with that urge that I don't understand that makes me turn around and go home. (going to look up why dogs do that now... from http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1547&articleid=1152 :
"A. It is thought that dogs may choose to roll in foul-smelling things to mask their scent, just as wolves do. Wolves may roll in decomposing carcasses or the feces of herbivores (plant eating animals) to disguise themselves. They want to cover their own odors so their prey will not be alarmed by their scent. This way, they can sneak up on their prey and have a better chance of making a kill.
Some behaviorists feel dogs may roll in smelly things to 'advertise' what they have found to other dogs."
Huh. Still, gross.
And a waste of water, too.
-Marley is still having accidents, mostly the solid ones. I know that she is having them as part of a behavioural problem, because we let her out before we leave and as soon as we get home, and she's not alone that often, but we have been spending a lot of time in the house, and she spends most of the day sleeping. Need to get on a more regular walking schedule, and play with her every day! (Working on it)
- I woke up today feeling motivated, to eat healthier, to go for more walks, to get more done. (To stop distracting myself with the tv when I get homesick, instead, I hope to do more productive things. Like get healthy again.) I bought more fruit (been making fruit salad a lot lately, and needed to get a fresh supply anyway...) and a few veggies (I'm not a fan of most... except some cooked in bad enough ways that it's healthier for me to not eat them.) and I plan to make the best of them. I also plan to take Marley for a few more walks a week, presuming she promises to stop rolling in sh!t. *see below.
- I need a new bra. Desperately. I have about 3 or 4, but all but one are unwearable (Why I still have them, I don't know.) So, I wash it often, which is shortening it's life span, too, and I have a feeling that I should make an appointment in Edmonton for a fitting and start saving some money again to be able to afford the ones I have to buy. (F-ing chest is too big to be able to buy from any regular store, unless I want to cut off the blood supply to half. And it's extremely uncomfortable to do that...) So, hopefully the back pain will dissipate during the second half of my trip to Cold Lake... First thing I will do when I get there is wash my new bra. Second thing, say hello to everybody... (ha, ha, ha... just kidding. I will unpack second. lol).
- New car is working out great. After we got it an oil change, new tires, new spark plugs and wires... And the engine is knocking, but other than that it works excellent! Very fuel efficient...
- It is still up in the air whether or not Chris will be joining me on our trip to Cold Lake: they offerred him on thursday to 'qualify' early... (Brakeman, right now. Still has more training to do to become a Conductor. Three years after that he could qualify for Engineer, if available.) His on the job training was supposed to be 45 trips/tours/shifts/whatever and on thursday, he was at 30. So, 2/3 of the way done, because either he's doing a great job, or they are short workers... but either way, he was offerred it. It means more money, but he'd still be in training to qualify for Conductor. He's already doing the work of a brakeman, they've been short a few days the last week and it was either he just do it, or the job comes to a screeching halt. I don't think he's completely decided yet...
If he stays in training, he might be able to have the whole weekend off for the trip to Cold Lake, but he might be in Prince George. If he takes the Brakeman position early, he will be working 6 days a week, and most likely will be able to get the weekend, plus the friday off. So, then we would have to leave on Sunday. Or, even if he couldn't get the friday off, since we'd be taking two cars to Cold Lake and only one back, I could still come down on Friday and Chris could come down early Saturday. And then we'd leave on Sunday. I don't know what's going on at this point. There's still the potential he might not be able to come down at all, meaning we'd have to figure out another way to get the car to Cold Lake...
Hey, I'm just trying to get Willy a car, damnit.
-We shaved Marley... it was way too hot, and trimming is so time consuming, and makes me warmer struggling with her, and being in such close quarters with her and usually Chris, too. Just too hot to trim normally. However, the trimmer gets hot too, but it's still easier, and she's not as scared of the trimmer as she was of the cutting noise the scissors make. (Rescue Remedy works pretty good, too. Made her a little high, tho, I think.)
* It's been over 6 months since we got her and she's proven that she has a thing for rolling in stinky stuff. So far, the list includes: dirt, cat poop, garbage and most recently (today) horse poop. Luckily it was dry and it didn't stick too much, but it stills ticks me off to no end that she ruins a good walk with that urge that I don't understand that makes me turn around and go home. (going to look up why dogs do that now... from http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1547&articleid=1152 :
"A. It is thought that dogs may choose to roll in foul-smelling things to mask their scent, just as wolves do. Wolves may roll in decomposing carcasses or the feces of herbivores (plant eating animals) to disguise themselves. They want to cover their own odors so their prey will not be alarmed by their scent. This way, they can sneak up on their prey and have a better chance of making a kill.
Some behaviorists feel dogs may roll in smelly things to 'advertise' what they have found to other dogs."
Huh. Still, gross.
And a waste of water, too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)