Relaxing Weekend

I have been having a nice, relaxing weekend here in Calgary. I got to see Jen & Chad's new condo last night, and it is pretty sweet. They still don't have any furniture other than their bed, but Chad will be moving his furniture back from Butte when he is done school.

We were pretty lazy yesterday. Mostly tv, and video games. Jen's cuz had a wireless router that she wasn't using anymore, so Ben & I borrowed it for the weekend. Went out for supper and drinks with Jen, Chad and their friends last night, but ended up coming back to Ben's just before 11. Ben was home from work shortly after that, and we just rented a movie. We didn't get very far, as I fell asleep.

So far today, it has been computer games. I have made some coffee, and will likely continue my read of Angels & Demons while waiting for Ben to finish up his WoW with Chris.

Plans for the weekend will likely involve more laziness, and perhaps a movie out - Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (i think that is what it is called). Bne really wants to see it.

Reason #2

There are definitely a number of reasons WHY I don't live in Calgary and never will. I am sure you don't want to hear them all so I will just list my top 2.

#1 - Real Estate. It is way too expensive to live here, and the salaries just don't measure up. Unless you are in the oil industry or some other highly profitable industry. I just can't see the sense in giving up my beautiful home in Saskatoon to but a similar house in Calary for twice the price and make the same yearly salary. Plus, I like having disposable income. I don't think Calgarians really know what that is, however I am sure they know what debt is all about.

#2 - TRAFFFIC. I shouldn't have to say much more than, "It took me over an hour to get to my cousins' last night."

If I ever even comtemplate living in Calgary, somebody please slap me upside the head. Unless of course I am a multimillionaire, I might be able to tolerate it then.

In other news, I had a great time with my best bud tonight, it was just like old times. We went shopping. And if it wasn't for the things we needed to get we would have been doing something else, as I really don't like to shop. But we had a real good time. We laughed, reminisced, I made her spit her drink out - it definitely felt like when we were kids, it was great fun!

Relaxing Movie Night

Spent the evening relaxing over at Ben's. It was nice just to sit around, chat, watch some TV and a movie. We were both in the mood for a good old fashion "fun, stupid" movie, so we picked up Harold & Kumar go to White Castle. And it was fun! Nothing like watching a silly movie with a friend. There were definitely some good one-liners - 'just cuz you are hung like a horse doesn't mean you have to do porn'; strange and unusual characters - Freakshow; and of course NPH, can't forget him.

Looking forward to the hanging out more with Ben this weekend.

The Blue Room

We finished painting the second coat in what is now the blue room, and it looks great; well we think anyways. We also got the rest of our patio furniture put together and decided to christen our new purchases with a BBQ supper.

The in-laws came over and enjoyed a scrumptous dinner of steak, potato, cheesy bread, asparagus, hollandaise & crab sauce, fried mushrooms, corn on the cob and granny smith apple pie. It was a great way to end off the weekend.

I am pretty exhausted from the weekend of work, and am looking forward to my extended trip in Calgary. I am sure I will get in some much needed rest and relaxation, and probably some good old fashion partying while I am there.

Summer Reno's Have Begun

Jeff & I got started Friday night on the first of many projects planned for this summer. We are painting the 3 bedrooms upstairs - dark blue, burgundy/plum, and forest green. We purchased our paint and most of the supplies last weekend, and decided to get started on the yellow room (the smallest one) this weekend.

We managed to finish up the spackling and sanding, and got those areas primed and ready to go on Friday night. Saturday morning we made one more quick trip to the Co-op Home Centre to pick up a few more supplies and then we were set; or so we thought. Upon starting the painting we realized the areas around the trim were going to be more difficult than anticipated, and for some reason we didn't think to tape the trim. This wonderful and useful technique seemed to slip our minds, even though we had used it previously when painting the trim last summer. So, after the second trip to the Co-op we were set. We got the first coat on, and we'll be finishing up with a second coat on Sunday.

The remainder of our afternoon was filled with some exciting new purchases. After an annoying and exhausting visit to Zellers we were the proud owners of a new BBQ and patio furniture. We got a pretty good deal, due mostly to the shitty service we received - entitling us to a whopping 25% discount. Of course leave it to me to make sure something was said about the incompetent young staff.

The new backyard additions have been mostly assembled and are ready to go. Looking forward to getting a lot of use to of them this summer.

To top off the evening I attended Billie's BBQ with John, and then had Suzi, Carla, and John over to our place for a little hot tubbing. All in all, a very busy, productive, fun day.

White Rock

Like I promised, I did some more touring around this evening while in the Lower Mainland, BC. I headed out to White Rock, which is south of Vancouver on the ocean coast. They have a fantastic promenade, so I took a stroll, admired the ocean view and took some pictures. Sorry for the lack of pictures being posted immediately, as I have yet to enter the world of digital cameras, perhaps this summer I will acquire one. I finished off the evening with a quiet dinner on the Giraffe Restaurant patio and indulged in some Wild Coho Salmon crusted with pine nuts, atop garlic mashed potatoes and a bed of carrots, asparagus and beets - Deeeelicious! I usually don't go to sit down restaurants, as I don't like to eat alone, but there is something about staring out into the ocean on a warm sunny evening - I just couldn't resist.

Wine & Chocolate

So far, the lower mainland in BC has been wonderful - beautiful weather (it is currently 17 degrees here) green grass, leafy trees and that wonderful summer smell. I almost don't want to leave. BC is probably my favourite place to be - I am sure one day I will be BC bound.

I am in Aldergrove this week for work, which is located about 45min east of Vancouver.

I was done work early today, so I figured I would do some touring around. I did a little wine tasting and wine purchasing at the Domaine de Chaberton Winery, and the Lotusland Vineyards. I have always seemed to dislike white wine, however the wines that I purchased were both white and were much nicer than the reds I sampled. The other stop that I made while out was to the Chocolate Cottage. Even though I am not much of a chocolate fan, I usually like to visit the homemade chocolate shops for a little taste (cuz homemade chocolate is so much better) and I know that Jeff will appreciate the treats I bring home.

More sightseeing planned for tomorrow.

Wahoo! I am an Auntie...Again

Woke up this morning to good news. My brother & sister-in-law delivered a healthy baby boy this morning.

I don't know any details as to the weight, and height, but his name is Zachary.

I was just talking to Lorianne last night, and was putting the heat on for her to have this baby before I go out of town next week. They were going to wait it out and induce her next Thursday if nothing had happened by then.

Today we are suppose to go out to Biggar for Kevin's birthday party (which I think is still going on). Obviously Lorianne won't be there, but Mike is going to make it back by supper time for the birthday party. Of course we will make a special stop off at the hospital before heading out of town to visit the new baby.

Guess that means I better get on finishing the baby blanket - it is almost done.

UPDATE!!!
Zachary Neil Michael Minto
10 lbs, 9 oz
April 16, 2005 5:50 am

The North

For this week of travel, a quick stop in Dawson Creek, BC. I spent most of the day travelling, be it flying and driving, as well as some computer gaming while waiting in the Calgary airport.

I did get to the local mall (which wasn't much), the local co-op (of course), and took a tour through downtown. Probably the best part of the trip was the nice stroll I took on Dawson Trail, which runs along side the Creek. Of course the weather up here isn't as nice as home, but it will do.

I did nothing of importance this evening. Ordered myself some pizza and played City of Heroes most of the night. I am back home tomorrow night, LATE.

Only 3 more weeks of travel - ***WAHOO!***, and then no more for the summer.

A Much More Interesting Day at Work

Today (& tomorrow) is our yearly HR Conference. All the HR Managers, Directors, Officers, etc. get together to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each function within Human Resources, as well as discuss ideas/opportunities for future implementation.

This is the first one that I have had the pleasure of being involved in, and I am definitely learning a lot. Other than the poor structure, and watching my boss doze throughout the afternoon, it has been a learning experience for me. I have tried to share as much of my knowledge and ideas that I can in the areas that I am involved in, but have also contributed to areas where I am less familiar. All in all my comments and suggestions have been heard and discussed upon, which makes me feel like a valued member of the team. Sometimes it is hard to be viewed as valuable considering the Training Officer position has always been seen as a short term position (around 3 years), therefore the status quo seems to be *why include or pay attention to the trainers.*

I am looking forward to tomorrows session as well, and all I can learn about what the lawyers do in Industrial Relations - even though I don't find it all that interesting.

We always celebrate with a nice evening out - dinner and entertainment. This year we went to the Riverside Country Club and had a fantastic meal. The entertainment committee is usually the *rookies*, and they did a wonderful job this year. Rick from Calgary reflected on this experience with the strike this past fall/winter, and his sidekick Adrienne did a nice follow-up with sharing some creative resumes and application forms. I think the best was the employee (currently on strike) who came in to apply as a replacement worker under an assumed name, signed his real name, scratched it out, and then resigned his *fake* name. Mike from Winterpeg did a wonderful comparison between living in Saskatchewan (his home prov.) and Manitoba - Manitoba won out for some reason. Finally, the *rookie* crew from Home Office did a wonderful version of Family Feud, Co-op Style. Ethel & Ethel finished off the evening by getting the whole department Up and moving. A good laugh was had by all.

I just hope all my pictures turn out. The one with my boss and his date (the blow-up doll) will be good to have for any blackmail situations in the future.

Sin City

Today Jeff & I went to see Sin City with Brennan & Laura. Quite an experience I would say.

I am not really sure what to say about the movie, perhaps - gore, violent, intrigue, exciting, weird, and of course - different then anything I have ever seen before.

But mostly, I would have to say: check it out for yourself. I thought it was a pretty cool movie, even if I was speechless at the end.

The Unexplained

Upon checking out a synopsis of Sin City (the movie we are going to see this weekend) is morning, I came across an ad for The Amityville Horror remake that is in theatres on April 15. I am always interested in any kind of horror movie, and was perplexed about the remake. And because I had seen the original I new a little bit of the history surrounding the hauntings at the Amityville house - so I clicked my mouse and spent some time (probably too much) reading.

The little knowledge that I do have regarding the Amityville Horror was mostly from the original movie, as well as the theories that it was all a hoax. Really, what sense do you get of the *real* story from a movie - probably not a lot.

I did find out some interesting facts regarding the story. Prior to the big haunting stories there was a mass murder in the house. Ronald DeFeo Jr. killed his entire family (parents and 4 siblings) while they slept. He claimed that *the voices in the house* made him do it.

The haunting stories surrounded the Lutz family, who moved in sometime after the murders took place. The Lutz family evetually fled their home after only 28 days, due to all of the strange occurences from the time they moved in until the day they left. This is what the old movie, as well as the remake is based on.

I was very interested in some of the new information I had discovered, and of course had to keep reading.

I have always been somewhat intrigued by the supernatural, ghosts, apparitions, whatever you want to call it. I wouldn't say that I believe in them, however I can't really say that I don't either. Just because I have not experienced a supernatural event does not mean that it can't happen.

A couple of my friends have experienced some supernatural situations. It is definitely eerie to hear them tell their stories. I have to keep an openmind when I hear other people tell me about their experiences, because they are *their* experiences not mine, so who am I to judge whether or not they felt or saw what they did.

Part of me wants to lean one way or the other - be a believer or not. However, satisfying my curiosity would likely put me in a supernatural situation, and I am not sure if I really would like that to happen. I have heard they aren't always the most pleasant experiences.

Happy Birthday Nephew

I almost forgot to wish my nephew Kevin a Happy Birthday. Not like he reads my blog.

He turns a whopping 8 years old today - WOW! I can't believe that I have been an auntie for 8 years already.

Looking forward to my new neice or nephew - any day now. The due date is April 11, so I hope that it doesn't happen when I am out of town for my one day next week.

Shorts Weather

According to the Weather Network it is supppose to be 24 degress today, WOW! Then again, you know how 'reliable' the weather network can be (remember last summer). But even if it doesn't reach 24 degrees, I am sure it will be nice out, considering the weather we have been having over the last week.

Not that this makes a big difference in my life, as I am still home sick with this nasty cold. I wouldn't say that it is much of a cold (though I do have the sniffles), it is more like something nasty attacked my throat. I don't have much of a voice today, and everytime I cough my chest feels as though it just ripped in two.

I think all I can really do is wait it out. The Cold FX doesn't really seem to be doing the wonderful job everyone says it does. Oh well, that is life. When it comes to me and sickness, it is never mild. Always the worse you can get it. I guess I am now paying the price for not have any kind of sickness for the last year.

A Day for Poems

At Night
by Miss P.

At night
At night I lay and think of you hoping my wishes and dreams come true
At night I wonder can this be the end is this all that's left
At night I wish we could go to the way things were
At night I lay and cry about the things that happened and how it all ended
At night I lay and think of us, I mean you and I
At night I realize there's no more us
At night I dream of us together again
At night I wish for us to be together again
But in the morning I realize it was all
At Night


I Was Reminded
by Alicia S

As we lay there quiet
I was reminded of all the reasons why I lust you
Your smile,
and the way it teased at me seductively
Your laugh,
and the way it tempted me
Your eyes,
and the way they seem to hypnotize me

As we sat there silent
I was reminded of all the reasons why I love you
Your smile,
and the way it brings such life into me
Your laugh,
and the way it makes everything okay
Your eyes,
and the way them seems to read my thoughts

As we stand here now
I am reminded of all the reasons why I hate you
Your smile,
and the way it confuses me
Your laugh,
and the way it seems to mock me
Your eyes,
and the way they can look into mine and not feel a thing


The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Sick Day

Typical that I would be at home sick with a sore throat/head cold - whatever you want to call this crappy thing I have, on the nicest day so far of spring. Damn you Murphy's Law.

I feel a little guilty asking my co-worker to cover for me, but she good enough to accomodate the situation. Besides I would feel even more guilty if I infected my entire class of 22.

So a day at home lounging, and hopefully getting better. I hate being sick!

The Cold Has Taken Hold

I guess it was all in due time that I as well got sick. Everyone around me this past winter had the wonderful pleasure (ya right!) of being stricken with some type of cold. I guess I should have realized that eventually it would get me too.

It started off yesterday with a mildly irritating throat. As the day went on I could actually feel my glands becoming more swollen. I picked up some Cold Fx at the drugstore on my way home from work, and have been excessively loading up on them.

I happen to be in town this week, however I am teaching and this sore throat isn't mixing well with my teaching - hence having to talk all day.

As for this evening, I sense I am becoming more stuffed up and my throat still hurts. I guess we will have to see what it is like in the morning. If I can't even talk, it is unlikely I will be going to work tomorrow. Luckily, one of my co-workers happens to be in town this week, and would be able to cover my seminars for me.

Typical Work Day

hmmmm...I am *sure* he *was* working

Supper Experiment

I couldn't seem to find anything interesting to eat out of my many recipe books. When I am looking to make something different, out come the recipe books. However, tonight nothing was really striking my fancy.

I decided to just wing it - like usual. Whenever I don't want to make any of the usual things we eat, or I can't find anything exciting in my many recipe books, I usually just make something up. I don't really like following recipes anyways, I usually only use them as a guideline.

So, tonight I concocted a casserole of sorts. Some asparagus, broccoli, chicken, onion, mushroom soup, grated cheddar cheese, and sour cream. I guess we will see how it turns out.