As hubby and I say goodbye to the old year, and hello to the new, we always reflect on the past year, and what we've accomplished and what goals we have yet to attain. I thought, as I try YET AGAIN to get back into the blog world, and figure out something to actually blog about, I would share a few of our musings...plus, it goes with the actual title of my blogs...lol...
Looking back:
We have had quite the year! Back in late fall of 2010, Jeremy was offered the opportunity to work on a project that was in desperate need of his mad organizational skills, and so, leaving me behind (as I wasn't quite ready to give up my job, my friends and my singing), he hopped the ferry and headed to Victoria, our province's capitol. We braved the separation for a good 8 months, and then I said to myself, "Self, why are you apart from your husband? Why are we wasting money and resources and travel time on weekends? Get a good grasp of your courage, girl, and JUMP!" So I did...and landed solidly in Victoria, in a great apartment, and found what has possibly been the best/funnest job of my LIFE!
The transition from Vancouver to Victoria took up most of our year...in there was a vacay to Las Vegas with Mom, Dad and Jules, and a fun-filled Easter trip to Disneyland with my bff's Troy and Shaun, and other people I've been lucky enough to get to know :)
Summer was mostly work...that's all I had time for!! I worked crazy hours for those whales, and finally had some time to breathe around mid-September, when the season quieted down...so of course, I took it upon myself to take yet ANOTHER Disneyland vacation with the family! Jer and I also took some time for ourselves, and spent a wonderful weekend camping along the coast of Nanaimo :)
Autumn was pretty mundane...Jer worked a lot, and after my vacation, I started passing out resumes in the hopes of gaining temporary employment while waiting for the whale watching season to start up again in the spring...unfortunately, it's been tough finding a job, since they are so scarce here right now...I've had a couple of interviews, but nothing seems to be following through...
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, but after seeing the price of flights out of Victoria to Kelowna, we almost didn't make it up to see the family! $1000!! I DON'T THINK SO! Mercifully, our new vehicle needed good winter tires, so we decided to make the investment, and drive up to the Okanagan to spend an extra-long holiday with the Jantzens and the Vigues. It worked out to our advantage - we had a LOT of stuff to bring! We spent the holidays shuffling back and forth between our two clans, giving and receiving cheer, while wearing our best drunk faces, and rang the New Year in somewhat quietly, with AMAZING fondue and, unfortunately, a couple of Christmas colds passed between us.
Now, after almost two weeks of family time, we are content to be back in Victoria, lounging around the apartment, playing with our Christmas presents (can you say Blu-Ray Player??!!!!) and making resolutions...
Looking ahead:
While we don't know what the year will bring, we are sure of one thing - we will still be in Victoria, so many of our resolutions revolve around that very topic. We are determined to see more of our city, since we've really only done the touristy stuff with visitors and family...we are looking at joining a gym, since the motivation of working out only gets stronger when you're PAYING for a membership...and we will probably go through our apartment, doing the traditional "New Year's Cleanse", in which we box up all the stuff we really don't need, and donate it to the thrift store. I'm hoping to find a job here very soon, and Jer will continue to work hard and carve a larger niche for himself in the company.
We are very fortunate to be surrounded with people whom we consider to make our lives richer just in their presence alone...so to all our friends and family out there, we wish you all the best for the New Year, and if I could have a wish all to myself, it would be that we all be kind to each other :) Stay tuned for more blogs! (Hopefully I find a subject soon!)
Monday, January 2, 2012
Monday, September 19, 2011
Summer's End
Well, another summer has come and gone, and a crazy one at that! After moving to the island, familiarizing myself with a whole new city, and working at what has been one of the best jobs I've ever had, I can safely say that I am becoming very attached to this Victoria place, something my Mom will hate lol. I'm not sure if I can see us living here permanently, but if we have to be here awhile longer, I think I can be perfectly happy with that arrangement :)
This summer, I spent the majority of my time working at a whale watching tour company, and though I haven't been in this business for more than a few months, I can safely say that I think Eagle Wing Tours is the best company in Victoria! (Tripadvisor thinks so too!) It was a great experience working for them, and I'm hoping to be back there next summer, because I already miss the interactions with the people and of course, the whales!!
Jeremy and I just returned from a weekend of camping up in Nanaimo, at Living Forest Oceanside Campground. We were lucky to escape most of the rain, and had a fantastic time, just enjoying the quiet (off-season is a great time to go camping!) and hiking and the view from our campsite! We were due for a small getaway, as we've both been so busy this summer
So now, I'm temporarily unemployed, and am finding I have time now to actually ACHIEVE things on my "To Do" list, such as finish unpacking from the big move, and exercising, even doing the mundane, like getting all of my music in order on iTunes, and filling photo albums. I'm also trying to play catch-up with my mainland friends, since there are few people I've kept in touch with since moving here and having such an incredibly busy couple of months.
Well, the sun is shining and my runners are calling my name, so I best get out and do that "exercise thing" I mentioned earlier in this post, but I'm hoping, with a little more time now, to blog a little more consistently than I have been....I'm also looking for simply one topic to blog about, so if anyone has any ideas, now is the time to spout them to me!
This summer, I spent the majority of my time working at a whale watching tour company, and though I haven't been in this business for more than a few months, I can safely say that I think Eagle Wing Tours is the best company in Victoria! (Tripadvisor thinks so too!) It was a great experience working for them, and I'm hoping to be back there next summer, because I already miss the interactions with the people and of course, the whales!!
Jeremy and I just returned from a weekend of camping up in Nanaimo, at Living Forest Oceanside Campground. We were lucky to escape most of the rain, and had a fantastic time, just enjoying the quiet (off-season is a great time to go camping!) and hiking and the view from our campsite! We were due for a small getaway, as we've both been so busy this summer
So now, I'm temporarily unemployed, and am finding I have time now to actually ACHIEVE things on my "To Do" list, such as finish unpacking from the big move, and exercising, even doing the mundane, like getting all of my music in order on iTunes, and filling photo albums. I'm also trying to play catch-up with my mainland friends, since there are few people I've kept in touch with since moving here and having such an incredibly busy couple of months.
Well, the sun is shining and my runners are calling my name, so I best get out and do that "exercise thing" I mentioned earlier in this post, but I'm hoping, with a little more time now, to blog a little more consistently than I have been....I'm also looking for simply one topic to blog about, so if anyone has any ideas, now is the time to spout them to me!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Musings of an island girl....WHAT??
That's right, folks! As of Saturday, June 25, I will officially be an island girl!! I'm moving to Victoria to join my hubby there, and I am truly excited to start this new journey of living on the island :)
First though, there are steps one must take in order to get oneself to the island....they involve:
1) Quitting my job on the mainland. This Friday will be my last day, and while I am happy to leave a job that is not in any way self-gratifying, I am very sad to leave behind a great group of people I've come to know over the past two and a half years. Over 100 employees work at the store, and I'm happy to say that I can point out each one, give you their names, (and even SPELL the names, but that comes with the scheduling job lol) and even give you a little background info about each person. I will miss the Pricesmart family very much, but....not enough to just go on "leave" from my job, no no, I quit! lol
2) The next step is finding just the right apartment to live in for the next year or so. There is no better team than the one who has a researcher on one end, and a hoofer on the other. Kudos to Jer for checking out numerous apartments until he found the one he couldn't live without...and I haven't even SEEN it yet!! And to those who are wondering...yes, we can FINALLY BBQ!!
3) Packing. I hate it. There just is no other way for me to emotionally describe this process. And even more depressing, is knowing you've packed everything up, only to unpack at the other end. Thank god for U-Haul and bubble wrap!
4) Moving. Almost as bad as packing. Luckily, I have the world's greatest parents who've moved me a couple of times before, and know what it is they're getting themselves into. All of our stuff has to fit like a glove inside a 17' U-Haul, and who better to make that happen than the puzzle master himself? Thanks Dad ( and Mom, of course!)
5) More packing. I know, I know, I already listed this, but it's just such a massive project, and yes, I really do hate it that much!
Ok, so if I've failed to mention a step, then, oh well - it's not a permanent move, just a long, temporary one. And I'm really excited to be moving to Victoria in the summertime, I think I'll forget about the fact that I need a job and just go exploring every day :)
Stay tuned for more island adventures, I'm hoping to stay on the blogging train this time, but I make no promises!
Adios, Vancouver!!
First though, there are steps one must take in order to get oneself to the island....they involve:
1) Quitting my job on the mainland. This Friday will be my last day, and while I am happy to leave a job that is not in any way self-gratifying, I am very sad to leave behind a great group of people I've come to know over the past two and a half years. Over 100 employees work at the store, and I'm happy to say that I can point out each one, give you their names, (and even SPELL the names, but that comes with the scheduling job lol) and even give you a little background info about each person. I will miss the Pricesmart family very much, but....not enough to just go on "leave" from my job, no no, I quit! lol
2) The next step is finding just the right apartment to live in for the next year or so. There is no better team than the one who has a researcher on one end, and a hoofer on the other. Kudos to Jer for checking out numerous apartments until he found the one he couldn't live without...and I haven't even SEEN it yet!! And to those who are wondering...yes, we can FINALLY BBQ!!
3) Packing. I hate it. There just is no other way for me to emotionally describe this process. And even more depressing, is knowing you've packed everything up, only to unpack at the other end. Thank god for U-Haul and bubble wrap!
4) Moving. Almost as bad as packing. Luckily, I have the world's greatest parents who've moved me a couple of times before, and know what it is they're getting themselves into. All of our stuff has to fit like a glove inside a 17' U-Haul, and who better to make that happen than the puzzle master himself? Thanks Dad ( and Mom, of course!)
5) More packing. I know, I know, I already listed this, but it's just such a massive project, and yes, I really do hate it that much!
Ok, so if I've failed to mention a step, then, oh well - it's not a permanent move, just a long, temporary one. And I'm really excited to be moving to Victoria in the summertime, I think I'll forget about the fact that I need a job and just go exploring every day :)
Stay tuned for more island adventures, I'm hoping to stay on the blogging train this time, but I make no promises!
Adios, Vancouver!!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Back in Blog World...
So, I've been absent from the blogging environment for a few months now, and like some vicious technological cycle, I've been drawn back in! To everything! Twitter, Facebook gaming, Blogging...it seems this social media age we're in is not going anywhere anytime soon. So, I'm back! You can save the rejoicing for your own downtime :)
As we get closer and closer to spring, with the days getting longer and moods getting lighter, I find myself on the weight warpath yet again. What a bitch weight is! I've yo-yo'd through weight ever since moving to Vancouver, and finally, it seems to be on the right track - the "losing track", so to speak...nothing inspires weight loss more than a couple of upcoming vacations (the threat of pictures hangs in the air lol) as well as the upcoming wedding of one of your best friends would also do the trick. And though I may not like the living arrangements, having ones husband living on the island for work, is also very helpful in the dieting area. It is SO easy to fall into the trap of a working couple, who pick up items at the store on the way home from work to make a quick and easy dinner. When you are constantly having to rely on yourself, it's so much more beneficial to come up with meal plans and easy to stick to them because you don't have anyone but yourself to depend on.
So, again, I'm going to try and blog about my every day struggles with weight loss and exercise, but hopefully some other topics involving living, loving, and maybe a few occasional rants about stupid customers who shop where I work lol.
Today is day 6 of good eating habits :) AND, it's sunny out, so I think I'm going to get my butt outside for an hour's walk to the bridge and back. Big shout out to Troy, for inspiring me to get back on the blogging train!!
PEACE!!
P.S. My heart goes out to the people of Japan - could be a lesson for all nations with regard to nuclear power...maybe it doesn't have to be an option in the future...
As we get closer and closer to spring, with the days getting longer and moods getting lighter, I find myself on the weight warpath yet again. What a bitch weight is! I've yo-yo'd through weight ever since moving to Vancouver, and finally, it seems to be on the right track - the "losing track", so to speak...nothing inspires weight loss more than a couple of upcoming vacations (the threat of pictures hangs in the air lol) as well as the upcoming wedding of one of your best friends would also do the trick. And though I may not like the living arrangements, having ones husband living on the island for work, is also very helpful in the dieting area. It is SO easy to fall into the trap of a working couple, who pick up items at the store on the way home from work to make a quick and easy dinner. When you are constantly having to rely on yourself, it's so much more beneficial to come up with meal plans and easy to stick to them because you don't have anyone but yourself to depend on.
So, again, I'm going to try and blog about my every day struggles with weight loss and exercise, but hopefully some other topics involving living, loving, and maybe a few occasional rants about stupid customers who shop where I work lol.
Today is day 6 of good eating habits :) AND, it's sunny out, so I think I'm going to get my butt outside for an hour's walk to the bridge and back. Big shout out to Troy, for inspiring me to get back on the blogging train!!
PEACE!!
P.S. My heart goes out to the people of Japan - could be a lesson for all nations with regard to nuclear power...maybe it doesn't have to be an option in the future...
Monday, December 6, 2010
And a New Week Begins
Well, I have just had a lovely weekend full of outreach singing and conversations with family, and am about ready to retire for the night, only to get up on Monday morning and have to go to work. What a pain! I'm so not ready for Monday to be here - there is still too much to do! More unpacking, Christmas baking, I STILL haven't put my tree up...I could use at LEAST another day off! Too bad no one else can do my job...I guess I'll have to head into work...
I'm very excited for our Christmas holiday :) Flying up to the Okanagan and getting to spend time with family is always a big treat for us, and this year, we get to go up for almost a week, which NEVER happens because Jer and I usually have to come back for work on the 26, but this year we both took a little more time off, and it's going to be so nice to have a relaxed Christmas.
I don't really have a lot to write about tonight, so I'll switch off, but I am trying to find a little time to do a yearly recap for all of you who read this...and for those of you who don't, well, you're probably not missing much - at least, not until I find a project to blog about!
Sweet Dreams!
I'm very excited for our Christmas holiday :) Flying up to the Okanagan and getting to spend time with family is always a big treat for us, and this year, we get to go up for almost a week, which NEVER happens because Jer and I usually have to come back for work on the 26, but this year we both took a little more time off, and it's going to be so nice to have a relaxed Christmas.
I don't really have a lot to write about tonight, so I'll switch off, but I am trying to find a little time to do a yearly recap for all of you who read this...and for those of you who don't, well, you're probably not missing much - at least, not until I find a project to blog about!
Sweet Dreams!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Are You Kidding Me??
Rain, rain, GO AWAY! And bring the snow back, please - it was much more peaceful than this never-ending downpour we seem to get every winter! And every time we have bad weather, the bad drivers seem to crawl out of the woodwork and onto our roads. It's actually quite ridiculous, the amount of time it takes to get anywhere on a normal day vs. a terrible weather day. Time spent in traffic actually increases by an average of 30 minutes. 30!! That's an episode of Big Bang Theory!!
So, I mentioned before that at my job, I'm the scheduler. Well, lately I've been training to do payroll as well. It's a simple process, and the system is the same, just a different application. So today, I have my second training session, only with a different trainer. She's...well...she's not exactly fast with today's technology. And she's a bit condescending, which, if I hadn't adopted my blissful state of apathy at work, would probably drive me insane. So this morning, instead of letting me sit in front of the computer and learn as I go, she proceeded to take over and have me write notes. Like a child. In school. Lady, the only way I am EVER going to learn anything is by doing it. I've been that way my entire life. "Don't know how to do it, April" "No, but give me ten minutes, and I will figure it out." Done. So then, after she's done all the stuff herself, she asks me to do what she just did. Umm, can you say ENORMOUS WASTE OF TIME??? Cause I can! I just typed it! Grrr...
Tomorrow, I may actually get to "use the controls." Goody for me! *rolls eyes* at this rate, I might be ready for payroll in a month. Which is really too bad, since my first payroll shift actually happens next week....
Looking forward to singing this week :) Christmas carols make me happy, and SINGING them makes me even happier. Our outreach this year is sure to bring lots of smiles to lots of faces.
Ok, my Star Trek TNG is on, so I'm going to sign off now - three days of blogging in a row! Maybe this isn't so hard after all! Hopefully, I'll soon find something inspiring/interesting to write about. I need a project. Any ideas, anyone??
So, I mentioned before that at my job, I'm the scheduler. Well, lately I've been training to do payroll as well. It's a simple process, and the system is the same, just a different application. So today, I have my second training session, only with a different trainer. She's...well...she's not exactly fast with today's technology. And she's a bit condescending, which, if I hadn't adopted my blissful state of apathy at work, would probably drive me insane. So this morning, instead of letting me sit in front of the computer and learn as I go, she proceeded to take over and have me write notes. Like a child. In school. Lady, the only way I am EVER going to learn anything is by doing it. I've been that way my entire life. "Don't know how to do it, April" "No, but give me ten minutes, and I will figure it out." Done. So then, after she's done all the stuff herself, she asks me to do what she just did. Umm, can you say ENORMOUS WASTE OF TIME??? Cause I can! I just typed it! Grrr...
Tomorrow, I may actually get to "use the controls." Goody for me! *rolls eyes* at this rate, I might be ready for payroll in a month. Which is really too bad, since my first payroll shift actually happens next week....
Looking forward to singing this week :) Christmas carols make me happy, and SINGING them makes me even happier. Our outreach this year is sure to bring lots of smiles to lots of faces.
Ok, my Star Trek TNG is on, so I'm going to sign off now - three days of blogging in a row! Maybe this isn't so hard after all! Hopefully, I'll soon find something inspiring/interesting to write about. I need a project. Any ideas, anyone??
Monday, November 29, 2010
Rainy Days and Mondays
WOW! Two days in a row - that's gotta be some kind of a record! lol...needless to say, I think I'm beginning to find my niche in the blogging world...maybe...we'll see how long this lasts.
So, I work in a grocery store. And no, it's not my dream job, but for a job that really only helps to pay the bills, it's not half bad. I'm the Schedule Administrator - yup, that's my official title. I schedule for approximately 120 employees in the store, ranging from Deli to Produce to Front End. And each day, I do approximately 20 or so changes to the schedules. Someone calls in sick, or needs a day off on short notice, or for whatever reason, they can't make their shift - it's my job not only to find coverage for their shift, but also to inform the "coveree" that they have a new shift. It can get pretty frantic at times, and on occasion, I'm calling people up to 30 minutes before a shift is due to begin. And what is the thanks I get? Well, not a lot. It's a pretty thankless job, actually. Even though I'm working 4-5 days a week, there's always something that falls through the minute cracks in my system, and I end up having to invent new procedures every 3-4 weeks, just to please everyone. It's kind of getting on my nerves, but I suppose that is because the holiday season is upon us. This Friday is my deadline for the schedule for the week of Christmas, and I have barely started pouring over the amount of shifts we'll need to combat the holiday crowds. Oy.
So now, while I'm home, I'm just going to revel in the fact that soon, I'll be on Christmas holidays, being with family and soaking up some good Christmas cheer - and some snow, too!! But there's always tomorrow, and then I'm back at work...oh goodie...Marissa, are you back from vacation yet? There is a huge void in my Pricesmart soul with you gone :(
So, I work in a grocery store. And no, it's not my dream job, but for a job that really only helps to pay the bills, it's not half bad. I'm the Schedule Administrator - yup, that's my official title. I schedule for approximately 120 employees in the store, ranging from Deli to Produce to Front End. And each day, I do approximately 20 or so changes to the schedules. Someone calls in sick, or needs a day off on short notice, or for whatever reason, they can't make their shift - it's my job not only to find coverage for their shift, but also to inform the "coveree" that they have a new shift. It can get pretty frantic at times, and on occasion, I'm calling people up to 30 minutes before a shift is due to begin. And what is the thanks I get? Well, not a lot. It's a pretty thankless job, actually. Even though I'm working 4-5 days a week, there's always something that falls through the minute cracks in my system, and I end up having to invent new procedures every 3-4 weeks, just to please everyone. It's kind of getting on my nerves, but I suppose that is because the holiday season is upon us. This Friday is my deadline for the schedule for the week of Christmas, and I have barely started pouring over the amount of shifts we'll need to combat the holiday crowds. Oy.
So now, while I'm home, I'm just going to revel in the fact that soon, I'll be on Christmas holidays, being with family and soaking up some good Christmas cheer - and some snow, too!! But there's always tomorrow, and then I'm back at work...oh goodie...Marissa, are you back from vacation yet? There is a huge void in my Pricesmart soul with you gone :(
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