July Long Weekend Update

There. All it takes is one really busy long weekend to totally derail my new commitment to blogging. In brief (and sans pictures because I’d never get to it that way)

Friday, July 2nd my friends Sharlaine and James were married. James is from Ontario and they will be living there. There were a LOT of out of towners in for the wedding. Many of them attend the church I’ll be attending in Ontario so it was kind of a preview and “hey how are you, I’m moving in two months” kind of weekend for me. That set the mood for the whole weekend.

Wednesday after church a bunch of us went to Sharlaine’s dad’s house to visit. I got home around midnight but it was great to see everyone.

Thursday, July 1st was Canada Day. A group of us had made plans to spend the day at Hicks Lake and, despite the weather (we froze) we had fun. In the evening we split up. Those with kids went home to watch the fireworks and the rest of us stayed out at Harrison to see the display there.

Friday was the wedding. Absolutely beautiful and perfect. The weather was still overcast and a bit cool but at least no one was squinting for pictures :) The reception was full of speeches and slide shows and a few of us had a bit of a cry fest afterwards but it was really special.

Saturday I spent the day at the BerryBeat Festival. This was my eighth or ninth year volunteering and one of the smoothest we’ve had yet. Again it was really overcast which had pros and cons. On one hand we were COLD. On the other, it wasn’t nearly as exhausting as battling heat all weekend. Still, by the time I got home that evening (I left early because it was winding down) I was pretty tired. It was only 7:30 which I thought was too early to go to bed but I laid down anyways and fell right to sleep. I slept through till 7 the next morning. It was wonderful.

Sunday I went to church and then back to BerryBeat for the afternoon. Clean up after the festival went quickly and I was done by 6pm. From there I went out to a friends house where she was hosting a BBQ/bonfire for all the visitors.

So, busy weekend, lots of laughs and fun times. It was nice to be able to say “see you soon” instead of goodbye to everyone. Just think, less than two months and I’ll be living in Ontario full time! But before then, I have the summer in BC to enjoy :)

News

In my “The Countdown Begins” post last week I said “I’d be okay with “teaching” in some other capacity (at a museum or historic site) but not in a classroom.” V commented:

You know, if you think you'd like to work in a museum, maybe you should find out from them what they are looking for...might help to narrow down the class choices.

(V I hope you don’t mind that I’m answering you “publicly”) The truth is, we don’t HAVE many museums around here! That’s one of the reasons I want to move!!!

I am happy to report that I had a very promising conversation with the volunteer coordinator at Fort Langley (the closest national historic site to me) today. He’s going to email me the application and I’ll fill it out and send it back and we’ll see what we can set up from there. I’m a bit nervous to take on a volunteer activity at this time because I already keep myself so busy but I think it will be an excellent opportunity and hopefully it will answer a lot of the questions I have.

I’ll keep you posted!

Living in Fast Forward: All this in one week!

Okay, when I have to reference my day planner between blog posts you know I'm busy. I need to do a quick recap now though or I'll never do it. I want you to know that I've written all of this out in my head already. Transferring it into written words seems silly but I know if I don't, I'll forget. Okay, we left off with the hike at Buntzen Lake.

Monday, August 11th My friend Rebecca took me out for my birthday (nothing like making it last eh?!) We went and saw "Mamma Mia!" in theatres. I'm somewhat familiar with ABBA's music but I didn't know what to expect with the storyline or the movie. I was blown away! What a treat!!! I haven't laughed that hard or felt so good in a long time. If you haven't had a chance to experience this show yet, grab a girlfriend and go. Better yet, grab a bunch of girlfriends and go. It's a blast. I really want to see the stage show now.

After the movie we went to a local restaurant and had huge yummy ooey gooey desserts. It was a great way to celebrate.

Tuesday, August 12th A few months ago I added an ex-coworker as "friend" on Facebook. I've been trying to contact her through various mutual acquaintences for a few years with no luck. There wasn't a lot of communication on Facebook either but at least I knew she is still around. Finally last Tuesday, well, Monday night but I got the message on Tuesday, I got a note from Jennifer telling me that she was would be in town for one day and wondering if I was free for coffee "between 5 and 6". Luckily I was (I would have made myself available if I wasn't) and we met up. Another co-worker, my friend Tracy and her husband Murray came too. It was wonderful to catch up with Jennifer and to meet her adorable son Joshua. (Jen's in the middle with Joshua and Tracy and I are on the arms of the chair in the picture). Hopefully next time we'll have more time to spend together.

Wednesday, August 13th - We packed up at work and headed into Vancouver for the Annual General Meeting. My co-worker and I had dinner at Moxie's on Robson before she went for a run. I relaxed in my room for awhile and then went down and hung out with the Directors for the evening. They're a fun bunch and it's nice to chat with them when you're not in a board meeting setting.

Thursday, August 14th - I was in the meeting room just before seven in the morning setting up. Our Non-Confidential meeting ran smoothly and was followed by the AGM Business Meeting over lunch. After that we packed up, checked out and then hung out at the cocktail party for awhile. It was a gorgeous day so instead of fighting rush hour traffic a few of us decided to go for a walk. We ended up walking most of Robson Street and stopping in a few stores. When we got back to the hotel some of the US Directors were there and they invited us to join them for dinner. We had a lovely meal at the Keg (a nice steak house) and then we packed the car and drove home. I wasn't really paying attention to the clock but by the time we got home it was midnight!!!

Friday, August 15th - I was back at work...on time too! There's always tons to do after a board meeting so I just focused on task after task and the day flew by.

That evening I went to a workshop with an old Creative Memories sideline of mine. I haven't seen her since I moved out!!! So it was wonderful to catch up with her again too.

Saturday, August 16th - Was mostly a relaxing day at home. I walk to the library and down to the Farmers' Market but it was too hot to do much else. In the evening I went to Jevon's parents house for a bar-b-que. Jenna, Will and others from the "Hemlock Crew" were there. Jevon made amazing bar-b-que ribs and we had lots of other salads and burgers too. We spent the evening playing games and visiting. It was wonderful, just like summer should be :)

Sunday, August 17th - I came home after church and laid low. Again it was stinkin' hot and muggy and I didn't feel like doing anything. In the evening I joined some church friends for a bar-b-que but I left early and went and saw my parents.

Monday, August 18th - Work was another crazy, post-board meeting day. In the evening I went to the Agri-fair wrap up dinner and then home to finish packing.

Tuesday, August 19th - I'm heading down to Seattle in the evening and to Michigan for Diane's wedding on Wednesday. Stay tuned for updates!!!

Agri-fair 2008

This weekend I reprised my role as volunteer security at the Agri-fair. When I was initally asked if I would volunteer I agreed but in the back of my mind, I thought that I would try and get a different posting. When I showed up and started chatting with people, I decided that it was just easier to stick with what I knew. Plus, that way I got to see all the awesome people I met last year and security isn't all bad.

I had three shifts this year. Friday from 6-10, Saturday from 3-7 and Sunday from 6-10. Of course I was there a lot more than that and my shifts kind of expanded to fit my availability but it all worked out.

Friday I was again positioned at the rodeo. There were some rumblings by the local humane society in the newspaper before the event so we were watching for protestors on top of watching for regular rowdiness. Afterwards I helped keep people away from the fireworks as well which of course gave me a front row seat :)

Saturday I was at the fair just before noon and I spent the time before my shift taking it all in. Pioneer corner, crafting displays (quilting, needlework, sewing you name it!), main stage concerts, the logging show, BC150 Heritage Displays, home show, cooking shows, livestock displays and shows and more.

The best part about Agri-fair is that I can hardly get ten steps without running into another person that I know. It comes from growing up in one town and being involved in the community. It's great!

My "assignment" Saturday afternoon was to guard a fence on the back side of the fair grounds. Incredibly boring work, located right beside where the flyball tournament was taking place. I was sick of hearing barking dogs by the time I got out of there.

I was off at 6:45 and I managed to catch most of Kristal Barrett's performance on the mainstage. Then I headed up to the rodeo to actually WATCH it (without paying attention to the crowd). After a few events I came back down to the stage to watch the Saturday night headliner, Rick Tippe. Rick is a local artist with a long history at Agri-fair. This was my first time seeing him live and he was fantastic. Very much in to crowd interaction and armed with tons of great songs.

Sunday after church we had a picnic and then I came back to the fair. I managed to catch the Lord Strathcona's Mounted Troop performance. They are what the RCMP Muscial Ride evolved out of and they do a fantastic show. After that I reported in as a volunteer and was again stationed at the rodeo. This time I was facing the crowd so I didn't really get to enjoy the events but people watching is always fun. By the time the rodeo was over the sun had set and the wind had picked up so I was freezing. I hung around briefly and then headed home to warm up.

My dad can't understand why I chose to dedicate most of my long weekend to volunteering at the fair and I can't really explain it. Just that it's something I love to do.

We inturupt the vacation re-cap

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 :)

Berrybeat Festival

I'm at my parents house briefly clearing out email before leaving so I thought I'd update you on what I've been doing for the past two days. This weekend was the 27th Annual Berrybeat Festival (I blogged about it last year too) and it was another successful event. I took Friday off so I could be there both days which was great but I am TIRED now!

Thursday was set up and it went well. Both mornings I started my day with a yummy pancake breakfast. I'm not really a fan of pancakes or sausage but some how, at Berrybeat, you just have to have them. It's tradition!

There was almost constant entertainment as always. One of my favourites was the little Mooshum Metis dancers. They did an awesome job. Other entertainers included fiddlers, singers (like Kristal Barrett), dancers from all the local dance academy's and the Mexican dancers at left.
The farmers' market was on today as well and these peppers were so beautiful I couldn't resist taking a picture.

I spent most of my time in the info booth again. We had lots of volunteers so I was able to roam quite a bit too. The group that puts on the festival are fantastic and I love spending time with them. It's also neat to see how many people attend the festival that I know. I guess that's what happens when you've lived in a town for almost 25 years!

Okay. NOW I'm on vacation ;) Don't miss me too much!

Crazy Weekend, Part 2

So Sunday I came down from the moutain, stopped at home, made some quick mac n' cheese, repacked my suitcase from casual hanging out clothes to business wear, stopped at the office to check email, got gas, went to church (thank goodness we had an evening service so I could still attend) and then drove out to Vancouver.

I arrived at the hotel, checked in, dropped my bags off in my room, half heartedly looked for the welcome reception (I didn't really want to attend so I didn't look that hard) and, not finding it, just went to my room early. For the locals, I was in the Coast Hotel at Comox and Denman. Not a horrible area of town but not really the best either. I slept okay once I fell asleep but the city noise (sirens, traffic etc) made falling asleep difficult.

Monday morning I woke up, earlier than necessary, even with the "spring forward" time change got ready and headed downstairs (funny how much easier it is to get to work when your commute only consists of an elevator ride LOL).

So, why was I there? Annual General Meeting and Strategic Planning session for the association representing the organization that I used to work for. The one I sit on the Board of Directors for now? And yes I realize that I'm being cryptic but so far this blog isn't set to private and I don't really want my comments showing up on a Google search or something. I realized that as of this week, I have been involved with this organization for NINE years. NINE!!! That's longer than I've been scrapbooking!!! (For those of you who can't tell the story on your own already, I was placed with this group for work experience during grade 12. My plan was to work there for 50 hours and then try something else for my second 50 hours (100 hours total required for credit in my course). I got along really well with everyone on staff and enjoyed the work so much that when my 50 hours was up, they convinced me to stay for the second 50 hours. I then had two months "off" until they called and offered me a part time position (8 hours a week). I did that for the month of June (while I graduated, attended prom, wrote exams etc) and then took a full time summer position. When the summer was up they added me to an existing contract, when that expired I was brought in under core funding and then in December 2005 they offered me a position in another town where I was essentially office manager. After 15 months there the funding ended and I could have come back to the main office but I made, the hardest decision of my life, to leave. I secured my current position shortly after leaving that office.

Four months after I completed my employment (which had lasted seven years from the day I first started my work experience) they recruited me to the Board of Directors as a youth/female representative. I've been serving in that role for a year and a half now.

Phew! All that to say, I've been around for awhile. There were reps from 34 different groups, (all members of the same association) at this meeting. Many were names that I have heard for *years* and was finally able to put a face too.

Being at the conference felt very natural to me. All of the terminology was familiar (it should be after that much time!) and I've gotten pretty familiar with those situations. Breakfast, meeting, lunch, group break outs, formal dinner, sleep, breakfast, group presentations (I was volunteered. Yipee. Good thing I don't have a phobia of public speaking LOL), lunch, more brainstorming.

Lots of information. It was different to attend as a Director and not as staff. I admit it took awhile to stop paying attention to catering and facility arrangements, or if everyone had a package (that's the hat I wear when I do board meetings for my day job). It was good though.

After our session ended on Tuesday I went to Pacific Centre and shopped at Sears for awhile and then met up with Deb and her daughter for sushi before heading home.

It was a bit surreal to go from a rustic cabin at the top of a moutain to the 15th floor of a hotel in downtown Vancouver all in one day but I made the tansition quite smoothly if I do say so myself. And like a few people said when I explained my weekend plans "well, you wouldn't be doing it if you didn't enjoy it". Very true.

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

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

Abbotsford Agri-fair

Now that was LONG weekend! For me, the weekend started on Thursday night with my first shift as a volunteer security guard at the Abbotsford Agri-fair. I volunteered at the fair in 1997 and 1998 (according to my resume) and had a wonderful time. I've always wanted to get back to it but because it's so close to my birthday and I'm usually away on the long weekend, nine years have slipped by without me making it back. This year on of the organizers at the Berrybeat Festival was in charge of security at Agri-fair and asked for my help. I knew it would be a good opportunity to get involved again so I agreed. I'm glad I did but man am I tired! I "worked" Thursday and Sunday from 6-10pm and Monday from 10am-2pm. Please excuse the rather unflattering self portrait. I was telling people all weekend about how they gave me a freakishly bright orange shirt (it says "Volunteer Security" on the back) and a radio and called me a security guard so I had to take a picture.

Friday Meredith wanted to go to the fair just to see it so we went together. She bought a cowboy hat and we visited a few of the animals before heading over to the rodeo for most of the evening. Kristal Barret, a local singer who actually graduated just one year after me from the same highschool, sang the anthems (American and Canadian). The Mighty Fraser Bud Pro Rodeo includes seven events: ladies barrel racing, tie down roping, bareback bronc riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, and bull riding.


The funny thing was when I did my shift Sunday night, I was stationed at the rodeo again! (for crowd control) so I got to see it twice! Friday night we stayed until after the fireworks but my camera batteries decided to die so I didn't get any pictures of them.

Sunday night Chris Janz was on the mainstage. I only caught a few minutes of his set but it was nice to hear him again. The midway is a very popular attraction at the fair. I patrolled it a lot while I was on duty and took pictures when I was off.

The West Coast Logging Show made a return appearance. One of my duties was "catching axes" as my supervisor liked to call it. During the show two volunteer security guards stood behind the stage and kept people away just in case a stray axe missed it's mark. They never did but it was fun to say that was why we were there :)

Monday I was stationed in a corner of the fairgrounds watching for fence jumpers. It was a rather boring spot but someone had to do the job. My arms got fried as did the back of my ears. Other then that I fared pretty well. After my shift I hung around for awhile and took in some of the shows that I had missed. Jack Jackson on the main stage, the Rodeo Riders (who did their drills to Dierks Bentley's "Long Trip Alone" cd), and the Avatar Circus Project. Eight amazing young men and women who did "Circ de Soleil" type acrobatics. Very cool. By most accounts this was a highly successful Agri-fair and I was glad to be a part of it again.

Berrybeat Festival

Wow. What a weekend. It was non-stop! This weekend was the 26th Annual Berrybeat Festival downtown. I used to attend the festival when I was a kid, (in fact you'll note that it started the year I was born) and for the past five or six years I've participated in the organizing committee. My role there is to take minutes and provide input as necessary. I also help with set up and volunteer in the information centre during the actual festival.

Thursday was set up. We had lots of volunteers so it went quickly and smoothly. Probably the best set up we've ever had.

Friday my boss and I filed all. day. In fact we filed for most of last work. It's boring, dusty work but we got a LOT done. I basically went straight from work to the Festival. It had started at noon that day so it was in full swing by the time I got there. I manned the info centre for about an hour and then moved over to the main stage where I worked the merchandise table for the headliner Chris Janz. I've known about Chris but this was my first time seeing him perform. It was a great show. Chris' wife Feather is battling cancer and in the middle of his set he had a local hair dresser come up and shave his head!!! It was amazing. I know people often shave their head for charity or in support of someone who is under going treatement but this was the first time I had actually witnessed it. It was very moving. I do have pictures but I haven't downloaded them yet. Hopefully they turned out well.

During Chris' set Mom, Dad and Grandpa came down to say "hi". Grandpa and Aunty Liz went home on Saturday so it was the last time I got to see him. I made Mom take a quick picture of us because I hadn't gotten one yet!

The festival finished at nine and after hanging out with a few of the other volunteers and reviewing the day, I headed home and, after a nice shower went straight to bed. It should be noted that from my house to the festival site is about three blocks. It was so nice to just be able to walk there!

Saturday I was back at the info centre by 9:30ish. I got my pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream (a tradition!) and settled in to answer questions, give directions and act as a contact point for security and first aid. Our only first aid excitement was an adorable little girl who tripped and skinned her elbow. Security was basic stuff like don't ride your bike through the crowds. Around 3pm we had some excitement though. There are two large "airships". Helium ballons that are shaped like berries (a raspberry and a blueberry) and are about six feet in diameter. The raspberry had been losing helium but before we could take it down, it CAME down. The wind was blowing and it caught the balloon and sent it UNDER the power lines effectively cutting power to the whole downtown core. They had it restored in under an hour but in the meantime it was quiet with no sound coming from the main stage. The crowds thinned out some but most of the vendors were able to keep going without power so it wasn't too bad.

The festival wrapped up at 6pm on Saturday and we immediately started "undecorating". Somehow there were way less people around to help with clean up then there had been with set up but even still we managed to finish up in a fairly timely manner.

By all accounts it was a successful festival. I'm looking forward to next year already!

~Heidi