for a weekend re-cap!
Thursday evening I had dinner at Mom and Dad's and then the four of us (including Brandin) went and saw WALL-E. Cute movie. Really, really well done on the techincal side. I laughed out loud a few times. It did get a bit slow at times and I'm not in a hurry to see it again but it was enjoyable.
Friday Mom, Brandin and I went raspberry picking. I picked six pounds in an hour. I froze most of them but I do have a bucket sitting on my counter that I've been adding to salad and my cereal. Brandin and I also washed my car that evening. It needed it after driving all the way to Alberta.
Saturday was a quiet low key day. I had a "to-do" list of chores and tasks that I wanted to accomplish and I got most of them done. Saturday also marked the fifth anniversary of our local Farmers' Market. I was involved in the launch in it's first year. I created and updated weekly the "What's at the Market this week" newsletter flyer that they still use. Lots of the original partners were there and they had speeches and a cake and we all celebrated five years since the very first market day.
Saturday evening as I was leaving my building to meet Mom, Dad and Brandin for a picnic I stepped funny, twisted my ankle and fell down. I ripped a bunch of skin off my knee and jarred my arm and my head. I didn't hit my head but I had to go back inside to wipe the blood off my knee. When I got inside I had to lay down for a bit until the room stopped spinning. Now my whole body is sore and I'm nursing a wound on my knee that is three inches long and two inches wide. Not fun. :( I did manage to make it to the picnic (after Dr. Mom bandaged me up) and we had a nice time.
Sunday after church Mom, Dad and Brandin went to Vancouver. I stayed in town and joined friends of mine for lunch. Then I picked Aaron up from work, stopped at Wal-mart for my own medical supplies (big bandages, gauze, polysporin etc.), raced home and made a quick salad and headed out for a bar-b-que with my Northern Reflections collegues. It was great to be able to spend time with them without customers around. They were joined by their husbands/boyfriends and kids as well so it was a big loud party.
Tonight (Monday) is our wrap-up dinner for the BerryBeat Festival which I'm really looking forward to.
There, life goes on. Back to your regularly scheduled programming now :)
Showing posts with label NR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NR. Show all posts
Monday, July 21, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Wonderful Weekend
This weekend was exactly how weekends should be.
Friday evening I packed up some supplies and went scrapbooking at Terri's. Most of the time I prefer to work in the comfort of my own home but sometimes you just need to tap into the energy of having other scrapbookers around. I'm slowly working my way through my Philadelphia album and I was stuck. Terri inspired me on a page and now it's "good enough" and I'm able to move on. That is a great feeling.
On the way home I took advantage of the fact that the grocery store is open until midnight and I got my shopping done. It made for a late night but I was so glad to not have to worry about it on Saturday (and to have milk for my coffee in the morning!)
Saturday I got up and went down to the Farmers' Market. They were having a western theme so everyone was decked out in cowboy duds and all the booths were decorated. They also had a local group doing (really good!) Johnny Cash covers and the Rod and Gun Club did "shoot out" demonstrations. A bit cheesy but super fun. My brother Robert called during one of the acts and I told him what was going on. His answer? "You're such a tourist!" I informed him that I was only three blocks from home so it didn't really qualify but, if it did, what's wrong with that?
From the market I made my way up to the mall where I stopped in at NR to visit my old co-workers. It was nice to catch up with them briefly but I sure don't miss being there, especially on a sunny Saturday.
Next stop was my friend Leah's where we held a surprise birthday party for her. She just had her third baby so her husband convinced her to stay upstairs while we all gathered in her front room. When she came down, we yelled surprise. Of course she promptly started crying but it was good tears :) I stayed there for a few hours and got my fill of babies. There were three under three months!
Sunday after church Mom, Dad and I went to Swiss Chalet for lunch with a bunch of other people. For Father's Day I gave dad an Imax video called "Cosmic Voyage". We saw it as a family *years* ago and Mom and I have been wanting to buy it for Dad ever since because he enjoyed it so much. He was really, really excited to get that It's always nice when you find a winning gift.
As I mentioned in my previous post, Dad and Aaron came over and helped me move furniture and then Mom and Dad stayed for coffee (Aaron left to go to a friends house).
The weekend wasn't anything spectacular but it was a good pace and wonderful. Just like a weekend should be.
Now, if I can just keep my head above water with all the things I have planned for the week, we'll be doing well!
Friday evening I packed up some supplies and went scrapbooking at Terri's. Most of the time I prefer to work in the comfort of my own home but sometimes you just need to tap into the energy of having other scrapbookers around. I'm slowly working my way through my Philadelphia album and I was stuck. Terri inspired me on a page and now it's "good enough" and I'm able to move on. That is a great feeling.
On the way home I took advantage of the fact that the grocery store is open until midnight and I got my shopping done. It made for a late night but I was so glad to not have to worry about it on Saturday (and to have milk for my coffee in the morning!)
Saturday I got up and went down to the Farmers' Market. They were having a western theme so everyone was decked out in cowboy duds and all the booths were decorated. They also had a local group doing (really good!) Johnny Cash covers and the Rod and Gun Club did "shoot out" demonstrations. A bit cheesy but super fun. My brother Robert called during one of the acts and I told him what was going on. His answer? "You're such a tourist!" I informed him that I was only three blocks from home so it didn't really qualify but, if it did, what's wrong with that?
From the market I made my way up to the mall where I stopped in at NR to visit my old co-workers. It was nice to catch up with them briefly but I sure don't miss being there, especially on a sunny Saturday.
Next stop was my friend Leah's where we held a surprise birthday party for her. She just had her third baby so her husband convinced her to stay upstairs while we all gathered in her front room. When she came down, we yelled surprise. Of course she promptly started crying but it was good tears :) I stayed there for a few hours and got my fill of babies. There were three under three months!
Sunday after church Mom, Dad and I went to Swiss Chalet for lunch with a bunch of other people. For Father's Day I gave dad an Imax video called "Cosmic Voyage". We saw it as a family *years* ago and Mom and I have been wanting to buy it for Dad ever since because he enjoyed it so much. He was really, really excited to get that It's always nice when you find a winning gift.
As I mentioned in my previous post, Dad and Aaron came over and helped me move furniture and then Mom and Dad stayed for coffee (Aaron left to go to a friends house).
The weekend wasn't anything spectacular but it was a good pace and wonderful. Just like a weekend should be.
Now, if I can just keep my head above water with all the things I have planned for the week, we'll be doing well!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
May Long Weekend Report
My first full, no-work weekend. It was so nice. Really relaxing and wonderful. Friday I just puttered around. I ran some errands, hung out at home and mostly just enjoyed the beautiful weather.
Saturday I met mom at the Farmers' Market in the morning for a pancake breakfast. It was the official kick off for the season and they couldn't have ordered better weather. It was beautiful out!
That afternoon I went to the wedding ceremony of a girl I worked with at NR. It was really nice and I am so happy for them.
Sunday after church Mom, Dad and I went out to the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair. We didn't actually go to the rodeo part because it's an extra charge over and above your gate admission. We did browse all the booths and exhibits though. I didn't take any pictures at all. Can you believe it? There was just nothing photo worthy. I could have filled a scrapbook with pictures of sunburnt people though. I haven't seen so much red skin in a long time.
After the fair we drove into White Rock and walked along the water for awhile before stopping for some fish and chips.
Monday morning was a statutory holiday (Victoria Day). I was up at 5:30 (there's something wrong with that!) and I drove into the Vancouver airport with Meredith's parents to pick her up. She's here from Australia for awhile. When we got back I went home and went back to bed for awhile. Then I puttered around (tidied my house, scrapbooked, checked emails etc) before joining Mere and her family for dinner.
So that was my long weekend. Quiet and relaxed just like it should be.
My brothers made the trip up to where my extended family (Dad's siblings and their kids) were having a reunion. No one was expecting Seth and Robert and they said when they walked into the hall everyone went quiet for a moment until they realized who they were. The boys haven't seen that side of the family since my Grandfather's funeral a few years ago. They had a nice time and I'm glad they were ready to go.
Today the weather is miserable. There was thunder and lighting so loud this morning that it woke me up and I thought for sure we were having an earthquake. It scared me so bad. It's supposed to get nicer later in the week but right now I'm back at work so it's not that big a deal.
Saturday I met mom at the Farmers' Market in the morning for a pancake breakfast. It was the official kick off for the season and they couldn't have ordered better weather. It was beautiful out!
That afternoon I went to the wedding ceremony of a girl I worked with at NR. It was really nice and I am so happy for them.
Sunday after church Mom, Dad and I went out to the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair. We didn't actually go to the rodeo part because it's an extra charge over and above your gate admission. We did browse all the booths and exhibits though. I didn't take any pictures at all. Can you believe it? There was just nothing photo worthy. I could have filled a scrapbook with pictures of sunburnt people though. I haven't seen so much red skin in a long time.
After the fair we drove into White Rock and walked along the water for awhile before stopping for some fish and chips.
Monday morning was a statutory holiday (Victoria Day). I was up at 5:30 (there's something wrong with that!) and I drove into the Vancouver airport with Meredith's parents to pick her up. She's here from Australia for awhile. When we got back I went home and went back to bed for awhile. Then I puttered around (tidied my house, scrapbooked, checked emails etc) before joining Mere and her family for dinner.
So that was my long weekend. Quiet and relaxed just like it should be.
My brothers made the trip up to where my extended family (Dad's siblings and their kids) were having a reunion. No one was expecting Seth and Robert and they said when they walked into the hall everyone went quiet for a moment until they realized who they were. The boys haven't seen that side of the family since my Grandfather's funeral a few years ago. They had a nice time and I'm glad they were ready to go.
Today the weather is miserable. There was thunder and lighting so loud this morning that it woke me up and I thought for sure we were having an earthquake. It scared me so bad. It's supposed to get nicer later in the week but right now I'm back at work so it's not that big a deal.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Update
So the most exciting part of my weekend was the Alan Jackson concert but that's not all that happened. Let's see, Thursday was the board meeting followed by a dinner in the hotel. I was up until 11:30 drinking with my Directors. Fun but then it's hard to fall asleep.
Friday I didn't have any trouble getting up but by the time the meeting was over I was exhausted. I was home by 3ish which was good. I laid down for a bit but I still couldn't sleep. I ended up going over to my parents house and having pizza for dinnner with them.
Saturday was my last day at the store. It was a good shift. I had great sales and we had a contest going so I got some free clothes. It was a nice parting gift. I turned the keys in as well so I am officially finished. I'm happy with that decision too.
Saturday night was the concert.
Sunday after church we had a catered Mother's Day dinner at the church which was really nice. Then I went home and tidied up a bit and then just scrapbooked all evening. It was nice and relaxing.
Get this though, this is my schedule for the coming week.
Monday - Nothing
Tuesday - Nothing
Wednesday - Church
Thursay - Nothing
Friday - Nothing!!!
I'm so excited! LOL This coming weekend is the Victoria Day long weekend and it promises to be busy but I am loving not having to work when I get home from work and not having any other obligations.
Friday I didn't have any trouble getting up but by the time the meeting was over I was exhausted. I was home by 3ish which was good. I laid down for a bit but I still couldn't sleep. I ended up going over to my parents house and having pizza for dinnner with them.
Saturday was my last day at the store. It was a good shift. I had great sales and we had a contest going so I got some free clothes. It was a nice parting gift. I turned the keys in as well so I am officially finished. I'm happy with that decision too.
Saturday night was the concert.
Sunday after church we had a catered Mother's Day dinner at the church which was really nice. Then I went home and tidied up a bit and then just scrapbooked all evening. It was nice and relaxing.
Get this though, this is my schedule for the coming week.
Monday - Nothing
Tuesday - Nothing
Wednesday - Church
Thursay - Nothing
Friday - Nothing!!!
I'm so excited! LOL This coming weekend is the Victoria Day long weekend and it promises to be busy but I am loving not having to work when I get home from work and not having any other obligations.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Wordy Wednesday
The calendar says it's Wednesday. I'm not exactly sure how it got to be Wednesday already but my co-workers assure me that the calendar is right. So, what have I been up to lately? Here's a quick run down.
Thursday, May 1st
I had in my planner that I was scheduled to work at the store so after a mind-numbing day of filing with my boss, I ran home, at a quick dinner and arrived at the mall to find two of my co-workers looking at me with a puzzled expression.
"Uh...am I not on tonight?"
"No, your on tomorrow"
"Oh, uh, okay then"
So I wandered around the mall for awhile, went to the library and then went home and vegged.
Friday, May 2nd
I did work at the store. Busy night...until 8pm when traffic absolutely died. I had lots to do though so the shift flew by.
Saturday, May 3rd
Leisurely morning at home. I slept in to after 10am. When I got up I took my time getting ready and having breakfast and then I called my mom and we went for a drive. Stopped in at Terri's Croptoberfest to say hi. Visited a used book store that I kept meaning to go to when I worked out there and finally was able to locate. It's really neat. Stuffed full of books and other neat things. We found a couple of books to complete some of the series that Mom is collecting too. Next stop was an LSS to check out their National Scrapbook Day sales. I walked out with two (TWO!) pieces of paper. I was very proud of me :D Last stop was another used bookstore where we found more books. It was fun.
Oh, I forgot our FIRST stop. At Zellars! A few weeks ago was Administrative Professionals Day (or whatever it's called now). Everyone in the office got $50 HBC gift cards. HBC (Hudson's Bay Company) means that they are good at The Bay (big Canadian department store like Sears), Zellars (like Target), Home Outfitters (like...what? Linen's and Things I guess) and another store.
Now, those of you who know me, know that I am the worst decision maker on the planet. Especially when it comes to spending gift cards. It's HARD. Do I buy something fun? Something useful? Something that is $50? Something more? Something for work? What do I want? What do I NEED? These are all the thoughts that I have to fight with when spending a gift card. (Don't get me wrong. I love them. Feel free to send them to me ;) But be aware that they'll send me into a state of mental gymnastics).
My wandering in the mall on Thursday mostly consisted of making my rounds in The Bay to see if there was anything there that I would want. I started in the clothing section.
"A nice new blazer for work would be good..." Didn't find any.
Shoes? None that I liked.
Purses? "LOVE this red one...it's FOSSIL...it's $200" Not going to happen.
Upstairs. Furniture...nothing for $50.
Electronics. Appliances. Kitchenware. Crystal. Pictures. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing.
So Saturday I dragged my wonderful mother to Zellars. Same deal. New bedding? Nope. They only have horrid colours. Kitchen stuff? Nothing I NEED (this was right after I had picked up the microwave so I was feeling pretty good on the kitchen front). Foot stools? End tables? Nothing I liked. All of a sudden, BRAINWAVE! LUGGAGE I NEED luggage. I WANT luggage. Can I find a decent set for $50ish? First one? $200. Next? $150 for a set. Deeper and deeper into the jungle that is the luggage section of Zellars.
Do you KNOW how many different kinds of bags there are? Black, blue, red, green, black, purple, camo, orange, black and on and on. I was down on my knees looking at one set when a kindly older gentleman drew my attention to a sale set. I think he regretted it afterwards because I pounced. It's awesome (I took a picture for you) 60% off so it was EXACTLY $50. Teal (not black!) And, four pieces. Probably not super awesome quality but it will be sufficient for the amount of travelling I do. Isn't it pretty? :D
That was pretty much the best part of my weekend. Saturday night was bible study which rocked as always.
Sunday, May 4th
Church in the morning. Lunch with friends afterwards. Then I went to Mom & Dad's typed up minutes for the committee I volunteer on and then we went for a walk. I got a nasty blister from that but it was nice to be outside anyways.
I went home and tried to clean one of my tables off...three hours and six cards later I had a bigger mess then when I started!
Monday, May 5th
We were supposed to start the day with a conference call but it got postponed.
Worked on board meeting prep all day.
Stayed home that night. Actually got that table cleared off! Now I don't have to eat on the couch anymore :D
Tuesday, May 6th
Had that conference call. Got really stressed out about the board meeting. Ended up staying an hour later to get prepared.
Mom came over and dropped off/picked up some stuff and stayed and chatted for awhile.
Took a bath, went to bed early.
There. You're up to date on my life :) Hopefully I'll have something more interesting than luggage to report on in the future.
Thursday, May 1st
I had in my planner that I was scheduled to work at the store so after a mind-numbing day of filing with my boss, I ran home, at a quick dinner and arrived at the mall to find two of my co-workers looking at me with a puzzled expression.
"Uh...am I not on tonight?"
"No, your on tomorrow"
"Oh, uh, okay then"
So I wandered around the mall for awhile, went to the library and then went home and vegged.
Friday, May 2nd
I did work at the store. Busy night...until 8pm when traffic absolutely died. I had lots to do though so the shift flew by.
Saturday, May 3rd
Leisurely morning at home. I slept in to after 10am. When I got up I took my time getting ready and having breakfast and then I called my mom and we went for a drive. Stopped in at Terri's Croptoberfest to say hi. Visited a used book store that I kept meaning to go to when I worked out there and finally was able to locate. It's really neat. Stuffed full of books and other neat things. We found a couple of books to complete some of the series that Mom is collecting too. Next stop was an LSS to check out their National Scrapbook Day sales. I walked out with two (TWO!) pieces of paper. I was very proud of me :D Last stop was another used bookstore where we found more books. It was fun.
Oh, I forgot our FIRST stop. At Zellars! A few weeks ago was Administrative Professionals Day (or whatever it's called now). Everyone in the office got $50 HBC gift cards. HBC (Hudson's Bay Company) means that they are good at The Bay (big Canadian department store like Sears), Zellars (like Target), Home Outfitters (like...what? Linen's and Things I guess) and another store.
Now, those of you who know me, know that I am the worst decision maker on the planet. Especially when it comes to spending gift cards. It's HARD. Do I buy something fun? Something useful? Something that is $50? Something more? Something for work? What do I want? What do I NEED? These are all the thoughts that I have to fight with when spending a gift card. (Don't get me wrong. I love them. Feel free to send them to me ;) But be aware that they'll send me into a state of mental gymnastics).
My wandering in the mall on Thursday mostly consisted of making my rounds in The Bay to see if there was anything there that I would want. I started in the clothing section.
"A nice new blazer for work would be good..." Didn't find any.
Shoes? None that I liked.
Purses? "LOVE this red one...it's FOSSIL...it's $200" Not going to happen.
Upstairs. Furniture...nothing for $50.
Electronics. Appliances. Kitchenware. Crystal. Pictures. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing.
So Saturday I dragged my wonderful mother to Zellars. Same deal. New bedding? Nope. They only have horrid colours. Kitchen stuff? Nothing I NEED (this was right after I had picked up the microwave so I was feeling pretty good on the kitchen front). Foot stools? End tables? Nothing I liked. All of a sudden, BRAINWAVE! LUGGAGE I NEED luggage. I WANT luggage. Can I find a decent set for $50ish? First one? $200. Next? $150 for a set. Deeper and deeper into the jungle that is the luggage section of Zellars.
Do you KNOW how many different kinds of bags there are? Black, blue, red, green, black, purple, camo, orange, black and on and on. I was down on my knees looking at one set when a kindly older gentleman drew my attention to a sale set. I think he regretted it afterwards because I pounced. It's awesome (I took a picture for you) 60% off so it was EXACTLY $50. Teal (not black!) And, four pieces. Probably not super awesome quality but it will be sufficient for the amount of travelling I do. Isn't it pretty? :D
That was pretty much the best part of my weekend. Saturday night was bible study which rocked as always.
Sunday, May 4th
Church in the morning. Lunch with friends afterwards. Then I went to Mom & Dad's typed up minutes for the committee I volunteer on and then we went for a walk. I got a nasty blister from that but it was nice to be outside anyways.
I went home and tried to clean one of my tables off...three hours and six cards later I had a bigger mess then when I started!
Monday, May 5th
We were supposed to start the day with a conference call but it got postponed.
Worked on board meeting prep all day.
Stayed home that night. Actually got that table cleared off! Now I don't have to eat on the couch anymore :D
Tuesday, May 6th
Had that conference call. Got really stressed out about the board meeting. Ended up staying an hour later to get prepared.
Mom came over and dropped off/picked up some stuff and stayed and chatted for awhile.
Took a bath, went to bed early.
There. You're up to date on my life :) Hopefully I'll have something more interesting than luggage to report on in the future.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Storytime :)
Have you ever heard the story about the new guy who arrives in town? He wanders over to an old timer sitting in front of the general store and asks "So, what are the people like in this town" The old timer looks the new guy over and asks "Well, what were they like where you came from?" The new guy sniffs and shakes his head. "Horrible. They were gossipy, back biting, un-neighbourly and grouchy." The old timer frowns and says "Well, I'm sorry to say, you'll find them much the same here".
The next day the old timer is again warming the bench when a different new guy arrives. He asks the same question "what are the people like around here?" and get's the same question in reply, "What were they like where you came from?". His answer is different though. "In my old town they were wonderful, caring, thoughtful, friendly and loyal. I'll miss them." The old timer grins and says "Welcome to town, you'll find that our citizens are much like the friends you left behind."
The moral of the story is that if you go somewhere expecting people to be ornery and surly, they probably will be. If you arrive expecting them to be open and fun, and you portray that attitude yourself, you'll probably fit right in and make some wonderful friends.
I am very happy to say that, especially in professional environments, I have been very lucky to find a lot of the second group of people. I haven't worked very many places but I am still in contact with many of my co-workers and my life is richer for having known them.
Last night I worked at the store and afterwards my boss, one of the other key holders, and I went out to a restaurant. We had a really nice time just chatting about different things. They're both sad that I'm moving on but they understand and they've promised to call me the next time they get together. Sounds good to me!
The next day the old timer is again warming the bench when a different new guy arrives. He asks the same question "what are the people like around here?" and get's the same question in reply, "What were they like where you came from?". His answer is different though. "In my old town they were wonderful, caring, thoughtful, friendly and loyal. I'll miss them." The old timer grins and says "Welcome to town, you'll find that our citizens are much like the friends you left behind."
The moral of the story is that if you go somewhere expecting people to be ornery and surly, they probably will be. If you arrive expecting them to be open and fun, and you portray that attitude yourself, you'll probably fit right in and make some wonderful friends.
I am very happy to say that, especially in professional environments, I have been very lucky to find a lot of the second group of people. I haven't worked very many places but I am still in contact with many of my co-workers and my life is richer for having known them.
Last night I worked at the store and afterwards my boss, one of the other key holders, and I went out to a restaurant. We had a really nice time just chatting about different things. They're both sad that I'm moving on but they understand and they've promised to call me the next time they get together. Sounds good to me!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Okay, so I didn't last a month
Is anyone surprised? I stopped by the store today and gave my two weeks notice. It was way harder emotionally then I had expected but I'm happy with my decision. I'll miss a lot of aspects of it. I enjoyed working in a store, using my knowledge of the product to help people with their purchases. I enjoyed the paper work side of it, processing transactions and tracking sales. I liked working in the mall and never knowing who I'd run in to. And the money was certainly nice but, I finally decided that I can't "balance" a second job with my personal commitments and stay sane. Work was winning out way too often and it wasn't healthy.
I am looking forward to having my weekends back though. I considered just giving up the key but then I'd still have to work weekends, and most definitely Sunday's and that's what I wasn't willing to do. I'm also looking forward to being able to plan ahead. I'm naturally a planner and I'm tired of saying "Yes, I'll be there" or "We can do that, **IF** I don't have to work". No more if's.
I have to write a letter to officially state that I'm quitting and I'll submit that this evening. My final day will be May 10th. That's over six months already. I'm ready for a break though.
I am looking forward to having my weekends back though. I considered just giving up the key but then I'd still have to work weekends, and most definitely Sunday's and that's what I wasn't willing to do. I'm also looking forward to being able to plan ahead. I'm naturally a planner and I'm tired of saying "Yes, I'll be there" or "We can do that, **IF** I don't have to work". No more if's.
I have to write a letter to officially state that I'm quitting and I'll submit that this evening. My final day will be May 10th. That's over six months already. I'm ready for a break though.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
"What's for your ego and what's for your soul"
I've been trying to get to this entry for a week now.
From an email to Deb last week:
So I worked Sunday and I wasn't scheduled to work again until next Thursday (May 1) I did accept a shift this Saturday from 11-3 to cover for someone but at least I don't have to miss church to do it.
I was surprised after my shift on Sunday how free I felt. Almost like being on vacation...which is weird because I'm still working full time at my day job. I'm finding that working two jobs, especially when they interfer with church, is burning me out. I've kind of been ignoring it for awhile but The lyrics from this song really hit me and inspired me to change.
I'm going to try this new schdule for a month and see how it goes. Like I told Deb and my mom, if it gets to be too much again, I'll quit. Money is nice but it's not worth as much as my mental health. I'll keep you posted.
From an email to Deb last week:
I talked to my boss at the store yesterday [Thursday]. We'll see if she listened. I told her I don't want to work any more Sunday's or Wednesday's and if it means giving up my keys, I'm okay with that. Of course she already had me booked for Sunday but hopefully it will be the last one. I told Mom that if I find myself getting scheduled for more shifts, I'll just quit. It's not fair to the store to limit myself so badly and it's stressing me out to work so much.
So I worked Sunday and I wasn't scheduled to work again until next Thursday (May 1) I did accept a shift this Saturday from 11-3 to cover for someone but at least I don't have to miss church to do it.
I was surprised after my shift on Sunday how free I felt. Almost like being on vacation...which is weird because I'm still working full time at my day job. I'm finding that working two jobs, especially when they interfer with church, is burning me out. I've kind of been ignoring it for awhile but The lyrics from this song really hit me and inspired me to change.
Slow Down
by Kristal Barrett
Running through red lights,
Pushing through a long line,
Trying to stay ahead of it all,
Deadlines hanging over you,
Worrying won’t get you through,
Time isn’t always on your side
What does it mean?
When will it end?
Slow down, it doesn’t have to get done now,
Get out there and enjoy yourself,
Life is only once around,
Slow down, slow down.
If you could just get past this week,
Maybe then you’d get some sleep,
Living life ahead of it’s time,
What does it mean, when will it end?
Slow down, it doesn’t have to get done now,
Get out there and enjoy yourself,
Life is only once around,
Slow down, slow down.
Why are you spinning, so out of control?
What’s for your ego and what’s for your soul?
Slow down, it doesn’t have to get done now,
Get out there and enjoy yourself,
Life is only once around,
Slow down, it doesn’t have to get done now,
Get out there and enjoy yourself,
Life is only once around,
Slow down, slow down.
I'm going to try this new schdule for a month and see how it goes. Like I told Deb and my mom, if it gets to be too much again, I'll quit. Money is nice but it's not worth as much as my mental health. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Intelligent Blogging
I feel like I haven't blogged anything intelligent in forever. Well, maybe intelligent isn't the right word. Important maybe? Lately I've been reading a lot of older entries because I'm scrapbooking early 2006. It's nice to have blog posts that relate to the pictures I am working on but I admit, I get frustrated if I DON'T have anything recorded. So, with that in mind, what's been up with me?
Last weekend I was at Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre for a retreat with Deb. I attended my first one with her in 2006 and missed last year because I was in Texas. This year we had 13 people total. It was fun. I didn't stay up super late at night and I was up in time for breakfast. I got a fair bit accomplished but of course, this week I haven't been able to get back to it which is annoying.
I got my tax return over the weekend too. A portion of it will buy my ticket to Diane's wedding. The rest is in savings. My car gave me a scare last week. On Wednesday the "check engine" light came on. I couldn't get it in to the shop until Friday but they looked at it, ran the computer to clear the codes and came up with "the gas cap is loose". It was actually more technical than that. Something about "Evaporation" but that's what it came down to. There was another code about the actual gas line. The stupid thing is AFTER my light came on on Wednesday, I put gas in. I guess once the sensor is tripped, only a mechanic an clear the code.
Anyways, the point is, I now have a healthy, accesible savings in case my car DOES do something stupid. It's something I've been trying to build up for awhile but now it's there.
The other thing I did with a portion of my return was invest in Sizzix. I'm kind of late to the party because everyone is getting rid of their's, including Deb. I debated long and hard about taking it and even posted on one of my message boards. In the end, I decided I just needed to do it. The thing is, even though the Sizzix belonged to Deb, I've always been the one that's used it. I've gotten a ton of use out of it over the years and truthfully, I've gotten used to having access to it. When it came time for her to part with it, it was just logical, and right, that I would take it. So, I am now the proud owner of a Sizzix Sidekick and six fonts (Fruit Smoothie, Funky Brush, Girls are Weird, Nouveau, Script and Rat-a-Tat) Girls are Weird, Nouveau and Funky Brush have been living at my house since, gosh, September? Maybe even before that. Anyways, I'm happy to welcome the other three to my house as well LOL
Okay, back to the retreat. I left early on Sunday to fill in for my co-worker at the store. I worked there from noon to three and then ran home and changed for church. I stopped by Mom and Dad's on the way for a quick dinner and then we went to church. Afterwards I went out with my friend Christa who is out visiting from Ontario. I haven't seen her since Texas last year so it was nice to catch up.
Monday was my last night of dance for the season. Can you believe that it's over already?! Crazy.
Tuesday I ran errands. First I stopped at Meredith's parents and picked up her Grandma's old microwave. See? I knew it would work out! I haven't even had a chance to use it yet but it looks good on my counter. I also had a nice chat with her mom and got to go "shopping". Mrs. K has always been good about sending her kids home with food when they visit. Since both of them are living abroad she hasn't hand anyone to give stuff to so she unloaded a bit on me. It was great :) Next stop was the library, my parents house briefly and then to Walmart.
Wednesday night I worked, tonight (Thursday) I work, tomorrow is the Kristal Barrett/Deric Ruttan concert and then the weekend is here again.
There, it's a bit of a brain dump but at least it's here and I don't have to keep reminding myself to blog stuff!
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the changing seasons :)
Last weekend I was at Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre for a retreat with Deb. I attended my first one with her in 2006 and missed last year because I was in Texas. This year we had 13 people total. It was fun. I didn't stay up super late at night and I was up in time for breakfast. I got a fair bit accomplished but of course, this week I haven't been able to get back to it which is annoying.
I got my tax return over the weekend too. A portion of it will buy my ticket to Diane's wedding. The rest is in savings. My car gave me a scare last week. On Wednesday the "check engine" light came on. I couldn't get it in to the shop until Friday but they looked at it, ran the computer to clear the codes and came up with "the gas cap is loose". It was actually more technical than that. Something about "Evaporation" but that's what it came down to. There was another code about the actual gas line. The stupid thing is AFTER my light came on on Wednesday, I put gas in. I guess once the sensor is tripped, only a mechanic an clear the code.
Anyways, the point is, I now have a healthy, accesible savings in case my car DOES do something stupid. It's something I've been trying to build up for awhile but now it's there.
The other thing I did with a portion of my return was invest in Sizzix. I'm kind of late to the party because everyone is getting rid of their's, including Deb. I debated long and hard about taking it and even posted on one of my message boards. In the end, I decided I just needed to do it. The thing is, even though the Sizzix belonged to Deb, I've always been the one that's used it. I've gotten a ton of use out of it over the years and truthfully, I've gotten used to having access to it. When it came time for her to part with it, it was just logical, and right, that I would take it. So, I am now the proud owner of a Sizzix Sidekick and six fonts (Fruit Smoothie, Funky Brush, Girls are Weird, Nouveau, Script and Rat-a-Tat) Girls are Weird, Nouveau and Funky Brush have been living at my house since, gosh, September? Maybe even before that. Anyways, I'm happy to welcome the other three to my house as well LOL
Okay, back to the retreat. I left early on Sunday to fill in for my co-worker at the store. I worked there from noon to three and then ran home and changed for church. I stopped by Mom and Dad's on the way for a quick dinner and then we went to church. Afterwards I went out with my friend Christa who is out visiting from Ontario. I haven't seen her since Texas last year so it was nice to catch up.
Monday was my last night of dance for the season. Can you believe that it's over already?! Crazy.
Tuesday I ran errands. First I stopped at Meredith's parents and picked up her Grandma's old microwave. See? I knew it would work out! I haven't even had a chance to use it yet but it looks good on my counter. I also had a nice chat with her mom and got to go "shopping". Mrs. K has always been good about sending her kids home with food when they visit. Since both of them are living abroad she hasn't hand anyone to give stuff to so she unloaded a bit on me. It was great :) Next stop was the library, my parents house briefly and then to Walmart.
Wednesday night I worked, tonight (Thursday) I work, tomorrow is the Kristal Barrett/Deric Ruttan concert and then the weekend is here again.
There, it's a bit of a brain dump but at least it's here and I don't have to keep reminding myself to blog stuff!
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the changing seasons :)
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Deric Ruttan: First Time in a Long Time
I love having a blog. There are little things that would never make it into a scrapbook, or even a day planner, that, when you go back and read them, are so cool! My organized nature loves being able to link back to previous entries (as you well know). I think my most linked entry is this one: Dierks in Vancouver Someday I'm going to take the time to make a top ten list for my sidebar and that one will be at the top. Anyways, enough rambling. I'm linking it today for this paragraph:
(The Basics for Babies Breakfast would be the second most linked entry LOL This picture is Deric and I that day)
So, why am I linking to so many previous posts? Well, because I can and because I have info to add. I bought Deric's new cd "First Time in a Long Time" on Friday and I've been listening to it almost non-stop since (I do that with new cd's but this one is especially good). I actually had to go to two different stores before I found it and then when I did get it, I had to go to work at the store immediately.
I wanted to read the liner notes to see who Deric's co-writer's had been. Luckily we had another associate on so I actually got a break (I don't normally when I work evenings). On my break I finally sat down and read the liner and when I did, I laughed. No wonder I like Deric and his music!!! First of all, this record was produced by Brett Beavers who is Dierks' producer as well. Brett is also a co-writer on a few of the tracks. Other co-writers include Jimmy Rankin (I'll put the significance of a Rankin in another post, for now, for those of you who don't recognize the name, he's a fairly well known Canadian musician) and Chris Thorsteinson and Dave Wasyliw of Doc Walker!!!
Also in the liner notes (this is why I'm not in favour of cd's going away but that's another post as well) was a note from Deric. I don't know if it's kosher to type it up but I'm going to anyways since I doubt many of my readers will actually buy the cd (you should though. You're missing out ;))
So, going back to my previous quote, I was wrong on who Deric was out writing with. It was Eric not Dierks. It doesn't mean that Deric and Dierks DIDN'T write together but we won' know for sure until Dierks' new cd is released late this year.
Anyways, I just love how Deric wrote that paragraph. I want to tell him "thanks for not being an idiot!" I have tickets to see him in a few weeks...that's where this is going. I'll be talking about him a lot more in the next little while LOL
And, AND (yes, there's more) Most of the cd's have a little insert in them now. Advertising other cd's, ring tones/music downloads and coming shows. The little slip in Deric's cd has a list of his probable tour dates. Guess what the last one is? July 12th at the Calgary Stampede!!! That's the same day Dierks is scheduled to perform! So, like I said, you'll be hearing a lot more about these guys :D
Dierks said that Deric Ruttan was kicking around back stage too and he invited him to come out but he never did. That would have been cool. For those of you who don't remember, just after I started blogging last year I went to the Basics for Babies breakfast and met Derric. He's a co-writer on a few of Dierks songs including "Lot of Leaving Left to Do" and the new "That Don't Make it Easy Loving Me". I read on the message board that Derric was at the Grand Prarie show which means he might be travelling with him. That's awesome because it means they're writing together and I love their collaborations.
(The Basics for Babies Breakfast would be the second most linked entry LOL This picture is Deric and I that day)So, why am I linking to so many previous posts? Well, because I can and because I have info to add. I bought Deric's new cd "First Time in a Long Time" on Friday and I've been listening to it almost non-stop since (I do that with new cd's but this one is especially good). I actually had to go to two different stores before I found it and then when I did get it, I had to go to work at the store immediately.
I wanted to read the liner notes to see who Deric's co-writer's had been. Luckily we had another associate on so I actually got a break (I don't normally when I work evenings). On my break I finally sat down and read the liner and when I did, I laughed. No wonder I like Deric and his music!!! First of all, this record was produced by Brett Beavers who is Dierks' producer as well. Brett is also a co-writer on a few of the tracks. Other co-writers include Jimmy Rankin (I'll put the significance of a Rankin in another post, for now, for those of you who don't recognize the name, he's a fairly well known Canadian musician) and Chris Thorsteinson and Dave Wasyliw of Doc Walker!!!
Also in the liner notes (this is why I'm not in favour of cd's going away but that's another post as well) was a note from Deric. I don't know if it's kosher to type it up but I'm going to anyways since I doubt many of my readers will actually buy the cd (you should though. You're missing out ;))
On January 11, 2007, backstage at Rexall Place in Edmonton, I sat watching my friend Eric Church eat supper out of a styrofoam box. It was the fourth night of Dierks Bentley's "Locked & Loaded Canadian Tour, Eric and Doc Walker were opening, I was writing with Eric, and most nights getting up with Dierks to sing. Eric had invited me out on the road to write songs for his new record. Seemed like I'd been writing a lot lately, writing for a lot of people's records -- except mine. Most days on tour Eric would visit radio, and most days he'd come back on the bus and tell me someone there had said to tell me 'hello'. Every night Dierks was calling me up on the stage to sing, "That Don't Make It Easy Loving Me", and then he'd join me on one of mine -- "When You Come Around". The crowds were loving it. Eric and I sat there in relative silence, listening as 3,000 people roared on the other side of the cinder block wall. Eric paused between chews, "Are you going to make another record?" "Yep" I said. "Good," he said starting to chew again, "Because you'd be an idiot not to".
So, going back to my previous quote, I was wrong on who Deric was out writing with. It was Eric not Dierks. It doesn't mean that Deric and Dierks DIDN'T write together but we won' know for sure until Dierks' new cd is released late this year.
Anyways, I just love how Deric wrote that paragraph. I want to tell him "thanks for not being an idiot!" I have tickets to see him in a few weeks...that's where this is going. I'll be talking about him a lot more in the next little while LOL
And, AND (yes, there's more) Most of the cd's have a little insert in them now. Advertising other cd's, ring tones/music downloads and coming shows. The little slip in Deric's cd has a list of his probable tour dates. Guess what the last one is? July 12th at the Calgary Stampede!!! That's the same day Dierks is scheduled to perform! So, like I said, you'll be hearing a lot more about these guys :D
Friday, March 14, 2008
One night at the store
I kept a rough journal of my shift last night so you can all know what it's like :D
5:15 Arrive at the store
read bulletin board (New Easter contest coming. Cool.)
put on name tag and lanyard
5:30 Check in
get an update from my coworker (hey, I haven't been there in over a week!)
Review my tasks for the night (refreshing the nook and unpacking new stock) and current sales/sales goals
5:45 Co-worker leaves early because she didn't get her second 15 minute break earlier.
5:50 Check coming schedules. Working this Sunday :( Whole Easter weekend off :)
Get going on nook. The picture at right was taken at the end of the night. I re-folded most of the t-shirts, moved the new ones from the nook to the table, re-arranged the sweatshirts/jeans/sweatpants and folded the vests on the table over the course of the evening.
6:00 Check and record sales
6:10 A "yahoo! sale" $172!
6:45 Call co-worker "we made budget again!" (For you non-retail people, "budget" is the goal set by head office for each store to achieve each day. Our store hasn't been doing that well but my co-worker has been having a great week. So fare we're the first in the district for the week. Meeting budget for the day, again, was a good thing.)
7:05 Finish bottom of nook, start top, start unloading new stock
7:10 I found a note from my manager "Note for Heidi: Hi Heidi, I know you're still here!! See you soon :)" I haven't actually SEEN her in well over three weeks because our shifts don't over lap. It's nice to be acknowledged.
7:25 My littlest brother walks by. I go outside under the pretense of straightening the front table and yell after him. Can you believe that I've been working at the store since October and this is the first time I've seen him? He practically *lives* at the mall. EVERYTIME I'm at my parents I swear he is looking for a ride to the mall. I've watched for him but this is the first time I've actually seen him. We chatted for a bit before he continued on.
7:30 I called mom to report that I saw Aaron. (hey, it was kind of exciting LOL)
7:45 Finish the table
7:50 Do the "tag tucking, fly zipping" thing again
7:55 Wonder for the umpteenth time if the girl at Naturalizer is the little sister of someone I graduated with (note, the second picture is my view out to the mall from the cash desk)
8:00 Check and record sales
8:10 Talk to Aaron again. He's with his girlfriend (somehow he thinks Mom and Dad don't know she's his "girlfriend". I tried not to burst his bubble but he's been with her since Christmas. I'm pretty sure they've got it figured out). His friend and friend's girlfriend were there too. I talk to the friends girlfriend like I know her (I've heard a LOT about her). She was a bit creeped out until I explain that I am Aaron's older sister. She mentions that she is a "cousin" to Aaron's girlfriend. Get this. Her uncle's, girlfriend's, sister's, daughter is Aaron's girlfriend. Cousins. Right. Got it. LOL
8:20 Finish nook
8:25 Read newsletters, coupons, anything in print to keep from falling asleep
8:30 Sit on small step ladder to rest feet
8:35 Write this entry, lament lack of internet access
8:40 do stats for the night (I'm not making any sales in the next twenty minutes right?)
8:45 Take self-timed portrait for blog.
8:50 pull in front table, t-stand, half close doors
8:58 Close doors, cash out.
So there you go. A night in the life. Hopefully tonight is as stimulating as yesterday's was :)
5:15 Arrive at the storeread bulletin board (New Easter contest coming. Cool.)
put on name tag and lanyard
5:30 Check in
get an update from my coworker (hey, I haven't been there in over a week!)
Review my tasks for the night (refreshing the nook and unpacking new stock) and current sales/sales goals
5:45 Co-worker leaves early because she didn't get her second 15 minute break earlier.
5:50 Check coming schedules. Working this Sunday :( Whole Easter weekend off :)
Get going on nook. The picture at right was taken at the end of the night. I re-folded most of the t-shirts, moved the new ones from the nook to the table, re-arranged the sweatshirts/jeans/sweatpants and folded the vests on the table over the course of the evening.
6:00 Check and record sales
6:10 A "yahoo! sale" $172!
6:45 Call co-worker "we made budget again!" (For you non-retail people, "budget" is the goal set by head office for each store to achieve each day. Our store hasn't been doing that well but my co-worker has been having a great week. So fare we're the first in the district for the week. Meeting budget for the day, again, was a good thing.)
7:05 Finish bottom of nook, start top, start unloading new stock
7:10 I found a note from my manager "Note for Heidi: Hi Heidi, I know you're still here!! See you soon :)" I haven't actually SEEN her in well over three weeks because our shifts don't over lap. It's nice to be acknowledged.
7:25 My littlest brother walks by. I go outside under the pretense of straightening the front table and yell after him. Can you believe that I've been working at the store since October and this is the first time I've seen him? He practically *lives* at the mall. EVERYTIME I'm at my parents I swear he is looking for a ride to the mall. I've watched for him but this is the first time I've actually seen him. We chatted for a bit before he continued on.
7:30 I called mom to report that I saw Aaron. (hey, it was kind of exciting LOL)
7:45 Finish the table
7:50 Do the "tag tucking, fly zipping" thing again7:55 Wonder for the umpteenth time if the girl at Naturalizer is the little sister of someone I graduated with (note, the second picture is my view out to the mall from the cash desk)
8:00 Check and record sales
8:10 Talk to Aaron again. He's with his girlfriend (somehow he thinks Mom and Dad don't know she's his "girlfriend". I tried not to burst his bubble but he's been with her since Christmas. I'm pretty sure they've got it figured out). His friend and friend's girlfriend were there too. I talk to the friends girlfriend like I know her (I've heard a LOT about her). She was a bit creeped out until I explain that I am Aaron's older sister. She mentions that she is a "cousin" to Aaron's girlfriend. Get this. Her uncle's, girlfriend's, sister's, daughter is Aaron's girlfriend. Cousins. Right. Got it. LOL
8:20 Finish nook8:25 Read newsletters, coupons, anything in print to keep from falling asleep
8:30 Sit on small step ladder to rest feet
8:35 Write this entry, lament lack of internet access
8:40 do stats for the night (I'm not making any sales in the next twenty minutes right?)
8:45 Take self-timed portrait for blog.
8:50 pull in front table, t-stand, half close doors
8:58 Close doors, cash out.
So there you go. A night in the life. Hopefully tonight is as stimulating as yesterday's was :)
Friday, March 07, 2008
Official tag tucker-inner and fly zipper-upper
I've often joked that I could spend an entire shift at the store just tucking in tags and doing up flies. (The latter has garnered me a bit of a nick name LOL) Wednesday, I did just the opposite. Thursday morning an inventory company came in so I spent my entire shift UNTUCKING every last single tag in the store. It was painful. It went against everything I've been taught. It took me all evening too. Stacks of shirts, stacks of pants, clothes hanging on racks against the wall, 4-way displays and rounders. By the time I left, every tag was exposed. The store looked like a tag explosion.
I haven't heard yet how the inventory went or how long it took to tuck all the tags back in but I'm glad I didn't have to be the one to do it!
I haven't heard yet how the inventory went or how long it took to tuck all the tags back in but I'm glad I didn't have to be the one to do it!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Or Not
It looks like I won't be giving up my keys to the store after all. Apparently the new MIT's husband got a job in Alberta so they're moving. Don't y'all just love the play by play updates on my life? LOL
Friday, February 08, 2008
She Giveth and She Taketh Away
First they give me keys then, they take them away. It's all good though. One thing that really sticks with me is when I first started I had asked my boss about staying after Christmas. At that time she said "the needs of the store are always changing as are the needs of individuals" That has really helped me through the changes that are inevitable in a retail store.
So why did they take my keys away? My boss is planning on moving to Texas as soon as she can get all her paperwork in order (probably summertime). In anticipation of this the district manager hired a new "MIT" (Manager in Training) The manager gets 40 hours a week, the MIT gets 32 and that leaves about 20 hours to be split by the rest of the staff (currently, it will go up in time) So, that means that, since my availability is limited, having me as a key holder is redundant.
Things will probably change though. The other key holder (not manager) is in the process of adopting. When she does her availability will go way down and I'll probably take back over.
It's the ebb and flow. I'm not worried. It's just kind of funny if you really think about it :)
So why did they take my keys away? My boss is planning on moving to Texas as soon as she can get all her paperwork in order (probably summertime). In anticipation of this the district manager hired a new "MIT" (Manager in Training) The manager gets 40 hours a week, the MIT gets 32 and that leaves about 20 hours to be split by the rest of the staff (currently, it will go up in time) So, that means that, since my availability is limited, having me as a key holder is redundant.
Things will probably change though. The other key holder (not manager) is in the process of adopting. When she does her availability will go way down and I'll probably take back over.
It's the ebb and flow. I'm not worried. It's just kind of funny if you really think about it :)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
When "should" turns to "do"
Monday afternoon I came back from lunch and my co-worker and I decided to finally do the office re-organization that everyone has been talking about since before Christmas. We dismantled a desk in one office, move it into another. Took the makeshift "desk" from that office and distributed the pieces around the office. Moved a credenza and the photocopier, aranged a bunch of filing cabinets and supplies. When that was done, I worked with my boss on flinging magazines. We filled seven boxes for recycling and I had the wonderful task of carrying them down the stairs and outside. By the time I got home I was *exhausted*. Dance was cancelled due to the weather so I watched the second "Jane Eyre" video that I had (you're right Sherilyn, it was way better) and went to bed early.
Tuesday the nasty weather started. A huge dump of snow, closed schools, treacherous roads. I had my first BerryBeat Festival meeting. Because of the meeting I didn't get in to work until 10. The roads were pretty interesting but quiet too so I could set my own pace. The weather didn't let up all day so we were let out at 3:15. Tuesday evening I had the whole evening to myself. It was wonderful. Granted I ended up working until almost 7, drafting the minutes for that morning's meeting but I set my own pace and just hid away in my apartment.
I even went digging in some boxes and found some candles that I've been hoarding for some unknown reason. It's amazing how much difference a little bit of light makes when it's cold and blowing outside.
Wednesday the weather was again nasty. The snow kept up and when my boss gave me the choice to go home at lunch, I lept at it. Of course then when the store called and asked if I could come in early I conceded so I didn't really gain anything other than more hours at the store.
In between leaving the office and going to the store I stopped in at my friend Jenna's. I haven't seen her in awhile so we spent a little while catching up. She mentioned that she's working on memorizing all the US states. That evening at the store I challenged myself and I managed to write down 49 states from memory!!! The only one I missed was Missouri. I also named all 28 NHL teams. I used them to cross reference a little bit but some how the fact that St. Louis is IN Missiouri escaped me. Pretty good though huh? 49 states off the top of my head?
Today it's raining so the snow is slowly washing away. I asked Veronica the other day "when's the next plane to Australia?" and she said "Anytime you want to come". Believe me, if it was just as simple as getting on a plane I'd be there in a heart beat (although my heart would probably stop when I get there because I understand it is REALLY hot right now). Too bad there are things like tickets and vacation that has to be considered :P
Speaking of vacation, Southwest has finally extended their booking dates (I want to compare how much they'd be to fly to Diane's wedding). They've extended them to August 22. The wedding is on the 23rd. That is absolutely no help!!!
So, back to waiting :)
~Heidi
Tuesday the nasty weather started. A huge dump of snow, closed schools, treacherous roads. I had my first BerryBeat Festival meeting. Because of the meeting I didn't get in to work until 10. The roads were pretty interesting but quiet too so I could set my own pace. The weather didn't let up all day so we were let out at 3:15. Tuesday evening I had the whole evening to myself. It was wonderful. Granted I ended up working until almost 7, drafting the minutes for that morning's meeting but I set my own pace and just hid away in my apartment.
I even went digging in some boxes and found some candles that I've been hoarding for some unknown reason. It's amazing how much difference a little bit of light makes when it's cold and blowing outside.
Wednesday the weather was again nasty. The snow kept up and when my boss gave me the choice to go home at lunch, I lept at it. Of course then when the store called and asked if I could come in early I conceded so I didn't really gain anything other than more hours at the store.
In between leaving the office and going to the store I stopped in at my friend Jenna's. I haven't seen her in awhile so we spent a little while catching up. She mentioned that she's working on memorizing all the US states. That evening at the store I challenged myself and I managed to write down 49 states from memory!!! The only one I missed was Missouri. I also named all 28 NHL teams. I used them to cross reference a little bit but some how the fact that St. Louis is IN Missiouri escaped me. Pretty good though huh? 49 states off the top of my head?
Today it's raining so the snow is slowly washing away. I asked Veronica the other day "when's the next plane to Australia?" and she said "Anytime you want to come". Believe me, if it was just as simple as getting on a plane I'd be there in a heart beat (although my heart would probably stop when I get there because I understand it is REALLY hot right now). Too bad there are things like tickets and vacation that has to be considered :P
Speaking of vacation, Southwest has finally extended their booking dates (I want to compare how much they'd be to fly to Diane's wedding). They've extended them to August 22. The wedding is on the 23rd. That is absolutely no help!!!
So, back to waiting :)
~Heidi
Monday, January 28, 2008
Jane Eyre
I did my first full day at the store yesterday. Opened and closed all by myself. I won't go in to the details of what I could have done differently but suffice to say, it wasn't a particularly smooth day. After work my co-workers met up at a local restaurant for dinner. Over Christmas we had won some cash through different contests and the consensus was to blow it on dinner (as opposed to buying something concrete like a fridge or something). We had a great time. I really enjoy each of the people I work with but I rarely get to see them because I'm generally working alone. It was nice and relaxing even though we had a lot of "shop talk" and we got some deep belly laughs in over things that only someone who works in retail would understand :)
When I got home I just vegged. A few weeks ago I was at the library and there were two versions of "Jane Eyre" on the return cart. I'm always game for the classics so I grabbed them. They've been sitting on my counter ever since. One of them is overdue already so I popped it in last night. It was the 1944 version with Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine Now I was tired but man, it played out like a cheesy horror flick! Lots of dark shadows, people moving around a cold dark castle in big billow cloaks, spoooooooky music and women's screams piercing the night. That said, it was interesting to watch. Normally when I view the classics like this I'll listen to the book on tape first so I at least have a grasp on the story line. This one I had to get entirely from the movie.
I still have another version to go. I'm interested to see if it will be any better.
When I got home I just vegged. A few weeks ago I was at the library and there were two versions of "Jane Eyre" on the return cart. I'm always game for the classics so I grabbed them. They've been sitting on my counter ever since. One of them is overdue already so I popped it in last night. It was the 1944 version with Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine Now I was tired but man, it played out like a cheesy horror flick! Lots of dark shadows, people moving around a cold dark castle in big billow cloaks, spoooooooky music and women's screams piercing the night. That said, it was interesting to watch. Normally when I view the classics like this I'll listen to the book on tape first so I at least have a grasp on the story line. This one I had to get entirely from the movie.
I still have another version to go. I'm interested to see if it will be any better.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
NR Update
Everyone keeps asking "are you going to keep your job at the store?" Meaning post-Christmas. I keep saying "well, they gave me a key so yeah, I guess so" LOL And they did. I was told right off the bat that if I worked out and if I was interested, I could be trained as a "key holder" which means I can open and close by myself. I started my training around Christmas and worked my first solo shifts during the first week of January.
The second weekend in January was SSWA so I requested it off. Because it's super quiet after Christmas and I had asked for time off, I ended up only getting three hours during that second week (which was perfectly fine with me). It was fun to tell people "Well, they've given me keys but no hours. I guess I'm still working there" LOL Now I'm back to my more regular 12 hours average. Next week will be a few more because my boss is away.
The funny thing was, in that ten day span that I had off, I actually started missing the store! By the time last Thursday rolled around I was looking forward to going back. It was good too. I had to check my notes for closing because I haven't totally mastered the process of closing but I did everything correctly. Everything except one. My till was over by $15.00. I re-counted it a bunch of times but I couldn't figure out what was up. I ended up just leaving it. Friday I came in and as I was cashing out I realized that I had read one of the rolls of coins wrong. It was a $10 roll of 25 cent coins. Not a $25 roll of 10 cent coins. Duh! I called my boss and told her "good news! I'm an idiot! The till balanced out because Thursday I was over by $15 and Friday I was $15 short. That $15 difference being the imaginary coinage.
Anyway, other than that I'm still enjoying it. The extra cash is nice and making progress on paying debt is a wonderful thing. Slightly addicting to tell the truth. So yeah, for now at least, I'm keeping that job :)
~Heidi
The second weekend in January was SSWA so I requested it off. Because it's super quiet after Christmas and I had asked for time off, I ended up only getting three hours during that second week (which was perfectly fine with me). It was fun to tell people "Well, they've given me keys but no hours. I guess I'm still working there" LOL Now I'm back to my more regular 12 hours average. Next week will be a few more because my boss is away.
The funny thing was, in that ten day span that I had off, I actually started missing the store! By the time last Thursday rolled around I was looking forward to going back. It was good too. I had to check my notes for closing because I haven't totally mastered the process of closing but I did everything correctly. Everything except one. My till was over by $15.00. I re-counted it a bunch of times but I couldn't figure out what was up. I ended up just leaving it. Friday I came in and as I was cashing out I realized that I had read one of the rolls of coins wrong. It was a $10 roll of 25 cent coins. Not a $25 roll of 10 cent coins. Duh! I called my boss and told her "good news! I'm an idiot! The till balanced out because Thursday I was over by $15 and Friday I was $15 short. That $15 difference being the imaginary coinage.
Anyway, other than that I'm still enjoying it. The extra cash is nice and making progress on paying debt is a wonderful thing. Slightly addicting to tell the truth. So yeah, for now at least, I'm keeping that job :)
~Heidi
Friday, January 04, 2008
I am so blessed
There, after a week of not blogging I think that's a pretty darn good place to start. Everyone is looking back over the past year. I'm just looking back over the past week plus and I get a warm fuzzy feeling inside. (I wish it would spread to my outside. It's COLD out today LOL).
In my last post I re-capped Boxing Day but I didn't mention that I stopped at the post office. Actually, I have to go back before that. This is my mail box on Christmas Eve. It sucked to have to work all day but when I got home and opened my box to find it literally STUFFED full, that warm fuzzy feeling started. I had a bunch of Christmas cards including one from the Dierks Bentley Fan Club, a post office parcel notification AND a package from Melissa!!! (maddiesmommy123) for those of you on SS. 
Last year I had the priveledge of being her secret santa. This year she answered my plea to help me decorate my rather bare Christmas tree with a gorgeous penguin ornament!On Boxing Day I picked up package that I got the notification for on Christmas Eve. It was a box FULL of goodies from Martha. Four adorable ornaments. Another penguin (by the way, for those of you who aren't my online friends, penguins are the mascot for one of the internet boards I visit. Flamingo's are the mascot for the other.) As well as boots to commemorate my 2007 trip to Texas (at least that's how I'm seeing them ;)) and a small Precious Memories plate. I don't even think she knows that I actually have a whole tree with mini PM ornaments on it. In the box was also a set of tea towels and a cool "Martha" paper album that I have assembled but need to pick a project for.
After Christmas the parties continued. I think I'm going to dub 2007 the year of the parties. We may have cancelled Christmas day but man have I been busy!
Friday, December 28th I attended the "Second Annual Sushi and Re-gifting Party". Note that's not a sushi re-gifting party ;) but a sushi AND re-gifting party. Last year one of my dear friends and ex-CMC sister Barbara hosted a dinner party at her home just after Christmas. It was such a success that we made her promise to do it again. I've had this party on my calendar since October. This year there were just five of us. All current or ex-CMC's from the same unit I was in. We've gotten together other times for retreats at Point Roberts and on the Sunshine Coast as well as a dinner party this summer when another of our "sisters" Jackie, was in town. This post Christmas bash is a blast. We all chipped in for sushi because we're all sick of turkey by this point and we brought along gifts that we received that we didn't particularly want to keep. The gift exchange is done in the typical "steal" way but BEFORE you open it so it's all based on the wrapping. We had fun stealing each other's bags and boxes but in the end, opening the "gifts" is what really made us laugh. I got some kind of cheesy Christmas themed serving plates. The best part? THERE WERE CRUMBS ON THEM! ROFL That made me laugh so hard. And, for any of you who were worried, I got rid of a dollar store glasses holder that I had "won" during one of our daily contests at the store. Cute I guess but not something I need or particularly want.
After dinner we also played speed Scrabble which is always a blast and mostly just caught up. I'm by far the youngest in this group but I love every single minute I get to spend with them and I truly value their friendship.
SaturDAY I didn't do much. That evening I worked at the store. 6 hours of mark downs. Yipee! Let the Semi-Annual Clearance begin LOL
Sunday was another party. This time it was my turn to host. The best part of actually hosting is it inspired me to clean up my apartment LOL I've been so busy that even though I was home every night, I really hadn't paid much attention to the place and you could tell. The get together was intened for my highschool friends. Due to previous commitments and illness we ended up with just three. Mike, Jenna and Melissa. Melissa brought her fiance Jevon along and at the last minute we also included Jevon's sister Rachel and her boyfriend Scott. So we ended up with a nice little group. It was a games night. Monopoly (which Rachel and I won), Scene-It DVD and a politically UN-correct version of "Whoonu" that Jevon had threatened to make and delivered to Melissa on Christmas day.
Phew! Is anyone else getting tired by this re-cap? Well, it serves me right. That's what I get for not blogging for so long.
Monday was New Year's Eve. The best part was I stayed in my pj's until 2pm :D Even then I only got dressed because I wanted to go to Walmart. Mike had given us girls gift cards and I took mine and bought a mirror that I've been coveting for AGES. I also "splurged" and bought a second floor lamp for my living room (it was only $14). Now I have more even light throughout.
Monday evening, as usual for me on New Year's eve, was split in to two. I started at the church where we had a finger food buffet and then headed out to my friends house where we welcomed the new year with more food and games. Mostly Charades and the like.
New Year's Day I would have been content to just stay home in my pj's all day but instead I coordinated with my parents and we went to see "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" together. I enjoyed the film for a few reasons. 1. It was fun, mindless action which was great for continuing with my "relaxation" trend. 2. I have been to a bunch of the places featured in the film now so I had a lot more context to reference. At one point two of the characters go "outside to see the ducks" in front of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. I leaned over and told my mom "I've seen those ducks! I have pictures of those ducks!" Then when they're in front of the White House I told my mom (yes I'm a talker during movies. She doesn't mind though) "We parked right there!!!" The movie takes them to Mount Vernon as well and it was so neat to see a place where I've been. Very cool and it definitely expanded the movie experience for me. Dad complained that Nicholas Cage didn't do a great job of acting but I told him "Dad, it's not his fault, it's a DISNEY movie. He didn't have great material to use".
After the movie Mom and Dad came over to my place for chili and corn bread and we had a rather morbid discussion regarding who gets my stuff when I die. Hopefully more about that in the future.
Anyways, after all that I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and a family that I like spending time with. So, here's to another great year full of happy times and warm fuzzy feelings.
~Heidi
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Christmas 2007
Well, Santa didn't come through on any of my last minute wishes but that's okay. I still had a good Christmas.
Christmas Eve I stayed at work until the bitter end. 4:30. Brutal. I broke the day up by doing a Starbucks run at 9 in the morning and eating LOTS of chocolate during the day :) After work I went basically straight over to my parents and then we, along with my youngest brother and his girlfriend went for dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory. It was my Dad's birthday so we wanted to do something different considering we had had a family dinner on Sunday.
After dinner we drove around looking at lights. I stopped at my friends house to feed her dog and then we drove past almost every single house my family has ever lived in in this town (6 of them!) The lights weren't really that exciting but it was fun to drive around and reminisce.
When we got back to my parents we had birthday cake (the traditional angel food with chocolate icing) and then Mom, Dad and I watched a movie.
I went home and slept in my own bed and was back at my parents by about 11am Christmas Day. Mom had the turkey going and we helped with some of the side dishes. Around 2pm we loaded it all up and went over to the church. Our church just finished major renovations downstairs. My mom's cousin and her family and another couple joined us for lunch. None of us have enough space to seat that many people so the church was a great central place to meet up. Plus it has three ovens and a dishwasher! After dinner we played games. Mad Gab, Ziggity, Uno Attack and a really long game of Monopoly.
Boxing Day I slept in and then checked out some boxing day sales. I came home empty handed which was perfectly fine. I worked at the store from 2-6:30. It was busier that day then the three days before Christmas put together. Crazy! I love it that way. It makes the time fly.
So that was my Christmas. Today I was back at work and I'll be there tomorrow too. I'm taking Monday off and aside from doing a layout at the store on Saturday evening I get a full four day weekend. Of course that's already full of holiday parties too but that's my life. Eat, work, sleep, party!
To all my loyal blog readers, I hope you each had a fantastic Christmas and I wish you all the best for the new year.
~Heidi
Christmas Eve I stayed at work until the bitter end. 4:30. Brutal. I broke the day up by doing a Starbucks run at 9 in the morning and eating LOTS of chocolate during the day :) After work I went basically straight over to my parents and then we, along with my youngest brother and his girlfriend went for dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory. It was my Dad's birthday so we wanted to do something different considering we had had a family dinner on Sunday.
After dinner we drove around looking at lights. I stopped at my friends house to feed her dog and then we drove past almost every single house my family has ever lived in in this town (6 of them!) The lights weren't really that exciting but it was fun to drive around and reminisce.
When we got back to my parents we had birthday cake (the traditional angel food with chocolate icing) and then Mom, Dad and I watched a movie.
I went home and slept in my own bed and was back at my parents by about 11am Christmas Day. Mom had the turkey going and we helped with some of the side dishes. Around 2pm we loaded it all up and went over to the church. Our church just finished major renovations downstairs. My mom's cousin and her family and another couple joined us for lunch. None of us have enough space to seat that many people so the church was a great central place to meet up. Plus it has three ovens and a dishwasher! After dinner we played games. Mad Gab, Ziggity, Uno Attack and a really long game of Monopoly.
Boxing Day I slept in and then checked out some boxing day sales. I came home empty handed which was perfectly fine. I worked at the store from 2-6:30. It was busier that day then the three days before Christmas put together. Crazy! I love it that way. It makes the time fly.
So that was my Christmas. Today I was back at work and I'll be there tomorrow too. I'm taking Monday off and aside from doing a layout at the store on Saturday evening I get a full four day weekend. Of course that's already full of holiday parties too but that's my life. Eat, work, sleep, party!
To all my loyal blog readers, I hope you each had a fantastic Christmas and I wish you all the best for the new year.
~Heidi
Monday, December 17, 2007
Tis the season to be busy!
This is copy and paste from my email to Deb this morning:
I had a good weekend. Super, super busy but hey, my name wouldn't be "Heidi" if it wasn't right? LOL Friday I went *straight* from my day job to the store. Didn't even have time to eat dinner. Not something I'd recommend but it worked. Afterwards I went over to a friends. I know, I know. I should have just gone to bed. The thing is we've been trying to hook up for months and I knew if I didn't go then I wouldn't get there till after Christmas.
Saturday it was up and back to work from 11-3. After that I went out to Langley and had coffee with Diane and Shannon. I came back in to town after coffee and I was supposed to go to bible study but I decided to skip out. Good decision. I finished writing my Christmas cards and was in bed, asleep by 9pm.
Sunday I got up and went to church. Afterwards I worked at the store from 2-6:30 and then went over to my friends for a big Christmas party. They had a full turkey dinner, a tacky gift exchange and other fun games. We had a great time. Most of the people who were there are my "Hemlock Crew" and I haven't seen them in a few months so it was nice.
Tonight I actually have a night off!!! I have to go grocery shopping though and I'm planning on doing some baking. Tomorrow I work until about 1:30 and then I'm off to a board meeting with my old job and their Christmas party. And then I work at the store Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Yipee! LOL
I had a good weekend. Super, super busy but hey, my name wouldn't be "Heidi" if it wasn't right? LOL Friday I went *straight* from my day job to the store. Didn't even have time to eat dinner. Not something I'd recommend but it worked. Afterwards I went over to a friends. I know, I know. I should have just gone to bed. The thing is we've been trying to hook up for months and I knew if I didn't go then I wouldn't get there till after Christmas.
Saturday it was up and back to work from 11-3. After that I went out to Langley and had coffee with Diane and Shannon. I came back in to town after coffee and I was supposed to go to bible study but I decided to skip out. Good decision. I finished writing my Christmas cards and was in bed, asleep by 9pm.
Sunday I got up and went to church. Afterwards I worked at the store from 2-6:30 and then went over to my friends for a big Christmas party. They had a full turkey dinner, a tacky gift exchange and other fun games. We had a great time. Most of the people who were there are my "Hemlock Crew" and I haven't seen them in a few months so it was nice.
Tonight I actually have a night off!!! I have to go grocery shopping though and I'm planning on doing some baking. Tomorrow I work until about 1:30 and then I'm off to a board meeting with my old job and their Christmas party. And then I work at the store Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Yipee! LOL
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