Thank you to everyone who wrote in with support. It certainly helped to read it this am before I had 'the conversation.' Things went better than I expected but I am glad it is over.

Since Calgary is experiencing mid 20 temperatures I may delay my job hunt by a day or two while I work on a last ditch tan at one of the parks here in town. Ah. Nice.

I'm quiting my job. I am meeting with my 'boss' this afternoon and letting her know that as of 4pm I am finished.

I haven't taken this decision lightly. I don't like to fail at anything and while I have moments of seeing this as a failure they are few and far between. I mostly see it as a bad fit. Right from the beginning it was a bad fit and I knew it, but I wanted to 'give it the old college try'. I tried.

Rather than postpone the inevitable I am finishing tomorrow (Monday) and will spend my days searching for another position. I am viewing the whole thing like a relationship. You spend the first few dates feeling each other out and deciding if this is someone you want to spend most of your days with. In this case the job and I are breaking up. It isn't going to work out. It isn't just the 'boss', I can deal with personality issues, it is the bad feeling I get when I look at the books, the files, the way the meetings are conducted, the whole thing. I don't want my name associated with the organization so I am pulling out.

I still like Calgary and have no plans to leave the big city. There appear to be lots of other jobs and I'm sure if won't take me long to find something. Heck, I already sorta had an offer in the elevator. LOL. Fear not friends. I will be working again soon.

In the meantime though I will get to explore a bit more of downtown during the day and finish unpacking. With the two jobs I have found that my evenings off are spent just relaxing and not getting settled. It won't take much longer to get settled. A trip to Ikea for some additional supplies and some re-arranging of furniture should do it. I will feel better about the ability to have people over and to come home at the end of a long day knowing everything is in its place.

I just emailed my resignation letter to myself at the office and am not looking forward to the conversation, but I'm a big girl and can handle it.

One of the staff (from the big office we are located in) put her resignation in last week. She was offered better hours, reduced work week, more money and a new set of tires. LOL. Some people just don't get it. It isn't about the driving. It's about the destination.

FRIDAY!! Yeah.
I am so glad it is Friday. For one I didn't need to think about what I was wearing this am. Jeans and a nice top...it is after all Casual Friday at work. I have two meetings today and need to hit the bank before 4pm so that pretty much makes my day. The week has gone by surprisingly fast and for that I am grateful.

I did up a Policy and Procedures Manual this week, wrote a new JD, spent some time learning the website program and then fixing the website (with more to do). I haven't done much web page creation since back in the day when it was all in code. Now it is all click and point and ever so easy.

The PT job continues to be fun. Yes, it makes me tired the next am but it is worth it. Last night I was put on till training. Now I know how to use the cash register. I haven't worked cash since 1996 but am happy to say I was only short 9 cents at the end of the night. phew. I enjoyed it and hope they put me on till again this weekend. The staff caf was just as great as remembered from the first night and I know it will become a regular for me. But then again I find it hard to cook a meal for $2-3. We get one period off each game. You can eat, nap, walk, talk, text or watch the game. I have enjoyed having the first period off. Seems like a break earlier in the evening is good and gets me rested for the rest of the shift. When not on break we can watch the game on the many tv's hanging around the arena. Last night at my register I could count 8 tvs within my viewing distance. So even though I am seeing most of the game on screen (like at home), the energy of the building can certainly be felt where we are. And if I strain my neck I can see down the stairs and to where the ice is.

I met #12's mom and Aunt. Glencross's Uncle and Dad and Mrs' Bertuzzi was in last night...oh the celebrity of it all.

I'm off to work. And no, it hasn't gotten much better. Sigh. Anyone need a good HR person? Actually, I was having a conversation on my cell phone yesterday in the stairwell when this lady walked by. I was just ending my conversation and ended up on the elevator with her. "Are you looking for a job?" "Yes." "What do you do?" So we had a very brief conversation (only three floors!) and I emailed her my resume. It was so funny and the timing so very strange.

GO FLAMES GO!!!

Ok, so they lost tonight. At least I had a good evening. My first night of jersey duty. It is exactly as I wanted. A fun no brainer job. I wasn't on cash tonight so it was even easier. LOL. All I had to do was tell people what size shirt I thought they should buy and then get it off the rack for them. Yep, I can do that.

I took my break during first period. Headed to the staff caf (cafeteria) for supper. SOOOO cheap. A hotdog is 75 cents as is a pop, fries and half the other stuff on the menu. Chicken fingers were 1.25 and a chocolate milk was 1.00. The special was 2 bucks. spaghetti with meatsauce. Great deals esp when you consider the prices folks are paying on the main floor for food.

I get off my day job at 4pm. Walk home. Change clothes, grab my bag and walk to work. I get there by 4:45pm and I was home by 10:40pm. Not bad. Not bad at all. Everyone seems really nice and surprisingly I'm not the youngest person there. LOL. But I am definitely in the older age group. Oh well...for a few hours I get to be young and responsibility free. And they pay me.

Back to the grind in a few hours...so off to bed. Hope everyone is having a good kick off to Fall!

The part-time job. Is awesome. True, I have only worked one shift, but I like it already. I worked Thursday night at the Neil Diamond concert. I admit to not knowing what he sang prior to the event...it isn't my job to know...only to know how to smile and ask how I can help the fans who show up. I sold t-shirts, mugs, posters, programs, teddy bears and necklaces. I left my day job at 4pm went home, changed and walked down to the Saddledome where I worked until 11:30pm when I headed home and to bed.

The other folks are great. Very friendly and we are all there for the same basic reason...a fun pt job. I am looking forward to working Tuesday night...pre-season Flames game against Florida. The earliest that we are expected to show up is 4:30pm and if you can't make it till later they understand and it isn't an issue. As long as you sign up to work the majority of the flames games they don't care how many other shifts you take. I am hoping to pick up a few concert shifts and to work for some of the lacrosse games...cause I've never seen Canada's national sport in action!

Since I didn't have any shifts this weekend I decided that Saturday would be a great day to head to Banff. I had thought I was going alone but at the last minute had a friend along for the ride. She has lived in Banff and was happy to once again play tour guide. Here's some pics from this weekend.

The day in Banff was nice...until the end of the evening. We did a bit of shopping...I wanted a few gifts for some friends up North, ate some chocolate, did some great people watching and checked out the hoodoos. Met a friend for supper and then went for an after supper drink...tea. By the time we got to the coffee/tea shop I was feeling under the weather. I called the evening to a close and we headed back into the big city. I felt horrible. I eventually had to pull over to the side of the road and in an oh so lady like fashion, kneeling on the highway between Banff and Calgary proceeded to lose my supper. At least I felt better after that. Not sure what the issues was...but I did manage to sleep well...after I finally got settled. When I got home my parking space was full. I drove around the block a couple times and didn't see any spaces so I left a note on the car and wrote down their license plate. I told them I had their plate and if they parked there again I would have them towed. Then I parked in a neighbours spot and left a note on my truck explaining what was going on. Yes, it is only a parking spot. But, I pay good money for that spot. And lets face it, I'm sick, I'm tired, I'm not in the mood to drive around looking for a spot blocks from my house when I shouldn't need too. I got up early this am and moved back into my spot. I found my note on the ground and in lipstick was 'whaa' I threw it in the garbage. I came back into the house and fell asleep until early this afternoon.

I’ve started this blog entry in my head several times since May. Yep, May. Since I am finally geographically removed and the timing is right I am finally going to write and post this. Starting in February/March of this year I was told that the Premier would not be running in the next election. He was tired, had had enough and wanted to move South to be closer to all his kids. (Oh, and he only has 3 kids with 2 different women. The two oldest from a long term relationship and the youngest child from a shorter relationship. I add this only because I hate when people say he has kids all over the territory from any number of women.) I had heard rumors that he was going to run in Pangnirtung where he might stand a better chance of getting a seat this time, and was told that indeed that would not be happening. So I believed what I had heard. He would not be running. He would be seeking employment in the South. And that ladies and gentleman was straight from the horses mouth...not just rumor.

Recently I heard that he is indeed running again. Here’s what I think happened. He put some feelers out to contacts in the South and other Premiers and Federal officials letting them know that he would be available for another position of responsibility. I don’t think anyone wanted him. And now he must run in this election or face unemployment.

Think about it. He has been running a territory of about 30,000 people for two terms. Most cities are larger than 30,000 people. I can imagine that trying to create a new territory has many, many challenges and there is a lot to do...but what have they done? A lot of people suggested that the gov’t should have taken the NWT policies and just done a cut and past NU for NWT. I agree. At least to keep things moving. It has taken 9.5 years to get an Education Act. The old one could have been amended many, many times and been done faster. But...what do I know, I’m just a stupid white girl from the South.

Can anyone from below 60 degrees tell you his name? I didn’t think so. He hasn’t done anything incredible, amazing, memorable in his terms to make one of these Southern companies want to hire him. His name isn’t recognizable and his track record isn’t impressive enough to get him a Southern job.

And let’s faced it...once you’ve been Premier in Canada you shouldn’t really need to flog your own resume. They should come to you. I’ve worked in HR. If I saw a resume that listed lawyer and premier on it...I’d wonder why he couldn’t find a job on his own...and why he hadn’t been head hunted. Heck, I’ve been hunted in the past.

I don’t live in Nunavut anymore but that doesn’t mean I’m not concerned. I didn’t leave because I think the place is beyond fucked up. I left for personal reasons. Would I consider moving up North again? Yep. No doubt about it. Heck, I am trying to see if I am still eligible to vote in the upcoming election.

Ok, so this entry was a long winded comment about nothing....but at least I got to write it. Honourable Premier of NU...(I don’t want to offend him again by calling him by his name....right Paul?)...good luck with the election. Oh, and Ms. Elisapee Sheutiapik YOU GO GIRL. If I was in your riding I’d vote for you.

Ok...finally...some pictures.



In case you don't recognize this...it is the Calgary Tower. Not the CN tower as I keep refering to it. LOL. OOPS. It is tall and the view from the top is amazing. I made it up one day but didn't have camera. Luckily I have two friends who work there and can get me access to it...so I will go again some day with the camera!


Lovely little park about one block from my apartment. It gets lots of use. I enjoy sitting and watching the other people using the park. Very entertaining. Great place to go and read a book. The weather has been amazing. Mid 20's still during the days and lots of sun shine. Today seems to be an exception as there is some drizzle and an ever so slight chill in the air. I have not had to wear a coat yet...though many others are. I think my Northern skin is still around and I will be able to handle the temps slightly better than some of the other Calgarians.



This cute little guy is seen all over downtown. He shows you where the connections between the buildings are. Basically a lovely set of internal walkways that connect the majority of downtown. Likely very nice in the winter if you work in the area...no need to bundle up to head for your fav lunch spot. Right now that are just a quick way to dodge traffic and see the sights.


High pieces of art. They sure make for some interesting photos. I don't think I found a sign saying what they are called or who made them...but then again I can't remember if I even looked for one. Hmmm. I'll get back to you on this at some point.


Another park. This one in downtown. If I leave my office and walk 5 blocks towards downtown I find this charming park. A great spot for lunch al fresco.


Wonderful piece of art at the park. The details in this are amazing. Every line in his face, his clothes, etc. Very nice. Apparently a lot of folks sit across from him and have their pic taken as if they are playing chess with him.

These were all taken last weekend. I've been tired and lazy this week...and didn't get anything posted.

Saturday night I headed out to a fabulous Indian restaurant here in town...mmm, Indian food. I went with a couple that I met in India. I hope that we will continue to be friends. The bonding in India was quick and fast and our common interest was the build. So it is hard to know if there are enough interests outside of India...but I think there is...so hopefully we get to do it again.

On the way home I stopped to take some pics of 'the big city' The pics I wanted to take of the city sky line didn't work out...so here's some of the lights.

Had my training on Saturday. "Go Flames Go"

Basically my job is to sell jerseys and other logo'd products. Seems like a pretty simple gig. The training was a bit sad. We were almost read line by line from the manual that they have...and well, it all seems like common sense to me. What we didn't spend much time on was the products and what they are. At this point I know we have jerseys and hats and that is about it. They didn't go over the different kinds of jerseys and why someone should pay for a $300 one vs the $120 one. And if they want lettering what kind is available and how much it is. But I know how to handle a rude customer!

The best part of the whole day was the tour of the Saddledome. We had a birds eye view as we got to view it from the catwalk high above the rink...see pics below.

It is about a 1/2 hour walk from work to work...so that isn't bad and I'm looking forward to it. People have said I'll regret that in the winter...they don't know about my parka!


The Flames were practising Saturday morning...mmmm, sweaty hockey players. LOL

View from above. On the catwalk looking down at the scoreboard from the very center of the arena.

Kinda neat eh?

I'll post on the weekend later...right now a quick vent.

I was told on my first day of employment that I smelled and needed to do something about it. No, I didn't have sweat smell from the terror of a new job...my hair or clothes or deoderant had a scent to it. Apparently I am working in a SCENT FREE zone. I personally feel, (and so do most of the other folk on the floor), that we should have been told this during the interview. There are no signs up when you enter the floor stating we are scent free...and frankly it is a pain.

I was told no scents in my laundry detergent, bounce sheets, antipersperant, creams, lotions, shampoo, conditioner, etc. etc. etc. I asked around and most folks have not changed their entire lifestyle in order to accommodate and that I won't need to. I have no issue with not wearing scented products...but I also don't want to go out and buy all unscented products. What about the 6 months worth of stuff I have on hand???? Am I only to use it on weekends...that would be a lifetime of shampoo.

This am I go in to meet my new boss...and she tells me I stink and to not come close to her. Yep. No nice way to say it I guess. She is going to call me later and discuss the agenda for the next meeting instead of just meeting in person...cause I am a horrible smelly person and can not be in the same room as her.

I don't know what to do. I don't think my hair stuff comes unscented...not that I think it is scented to begin with...it certainly doesn't have a smell to me. And what about my body wash...does anyone know of a body wash that doesn't have a smell?? HELP.

I'm not unsensitive to medical reasons for being scent free...but there are certainly better ways to handle this kind of situation and if you can't be nice about it...well...lets leave that unsaid.

TGIF
It's been a long week. The new job isn't over whelming. In fact it is underwhelming me. It would appear that they are not entirely sure what to do with me and my job description is basically the admin ass't's JD with a different title. So we have a few things to get worked out. I admit to being tempted to quit earlier in the week. I was being treated poorly and was rather frustrated. I didn't quit, and I wouldn't do it so quickly, but the first impression is generally hard to shake.

I spent most of today arranging and re-arranging the office. I think it looks much better but there is still a lot of work to be done. The files are overflowing and most of it could be put in boxes and sent to storage. There are more binders than I have ever seen in my life and that kind of scares me...cause I'm not big on binders. I'd rather see nicely organized hanging files. I spent about 1/2 hour going through the Staples catalogue picking out the office supplies I will need to make my work flow better. I put on a determined face this am and got it done. Of course the internet for the entire floor of our building was down all day so there wasn't much else to be done. I did steal internet for a while but then decided to call it a day. Most of the staff in the other office had already left and when I walked out the door at 3:40pm only two people were left and I told them to leave at 4pm. Not that I am their supervisor...but still.

Monday and Tuesday I have some big meetings and am hoping to get some real good work out of them. "I'm here!! Use me!!!" That and the pep talk I got from JP via facebook seems to have helped and I think by the end of September things will be much better.

Went out to supper last night with an old friend from HS. It was great to catch up. We hadn't seen each other in about 8-10 years...we really weren't sure when we last saw each other. We are taking some of the rest of the gang from back then out for drinks next week...hopefully.

Tomorrow is my first day of training for the PT job. Should be interesting. I hope I'm not the only person over 30 working. It this job doesn't work out there are a ton of places around my apartment I could work at...but I am hoping that this is a good fit. Heck, I will get to see all the Flames games for FREE. Then after training I'm off to supper with a couple that I met and built with in India. We are going for...naturally, Indian food. YEAH!! I can't wait to see them and catch up on everything.

What are you doing over the weekend?

I'm sitting here thinking about my taxes. Not that taxes I finally got straightened out (FYI, never let a man in PEI do your Northern taxes!!!), but next years taxes. I am looking at all the receipts from my move and wondering what to do with them. Obviously I keep them...but I'm looking at the claim for next year. The form hasn't changed in years...and the chances of it changing next year are slim...so with nothing better to do (than go for a walk, finish putting stuff away or cleaning) I am checking out my taxes. I am so going to get audited this coming year.

"So let me get this straight. You spent half your year in NU, half in Calgary. Shipping your truck to Montreal and then drove it across the country?" It just is going to be hard to swallow me thinks and I will definitely be seeking professional help. (No comments from the peanut gallery on my need for professional help now.)

I did one dangerous thing today. I set up a tension rod in my bathroom. Not the shower curtain, a thingamadoodle for holding stuff. I don't have any fancy holders in the tub surround. In fact I don't have a tub surround...just tiles. After some careful debate and thought it was decided to try one of these spring loaded things that has four shelves and can hold all of my lotions and potions for the tub/shower. I'm a bit nervous around the spring loaded stuff. I managed to get it set up and in the tub. Heck, I even loaded it with stuff. And it hasn't unsprung yet. I suspect it is waiting for me to get into the shower and then just when I start to think I am a genius at installing thingamadoodles WHAM!!! It strikes.

And that folks is my exciting big city life...but hey, it's only Monday.

Ok, so the weekend didn't go quite as planned. I never made it on a walk...except for groceries and back.

I had my interview Saturday morning, if you could even call it an interview.

"Do you like hockey?"
Yes.
"Do you know all the Flames players names?"
No. But I'm sure I can learn them all.
"Have you ever been in a stressful situation at work? How did you handle that?"
I gave the story of the student I kicked out in St. John's.
"Have you ever worked retail?"
Yes. About ten years ago I worked in a clothing store.
"Can you handle doing cash?"
I assume so. I have been responsible for a $2million budget the past couple of years.
"Ok. Great. We'd like to offer you the job."

So we chatted about what to wear, hours, etc. I had my id pic taken and I am to show up for orientation next Saturday at 10am. Almost the easiest interview I have ever had.

After the interview I called a pal and we hit the mall. Some window shopping, some good food and then a trip to Ikea. I have book shelves. They are wonderful. Ikea is wonderful. I even had help putting them together. Yeah!

Here is the empty shelves...


And so that was Saturday. I spent, hmmm, I can't say most of Sunday, cause there was a fair bit of watching dvd's and generally pacing of the apartment, oh, ok and some reading...but a good portion of Sunday was spent perfecting the shelving arrangement.

Here's how I spent my Sunday...



Across the top is the wonderful plate I got from Michelle, the nurse whose family stayed in my unit in Pang when I was on vacation (July '06). The harpoon I bought in Resolute Bay. The narwhal Qavavow bought in Arctic Bay (maybe?), and the first carving I bought in Nunavut...also a narwhal. A beautiful vase made in Rankin Inlet, given to me by an Eskimo man that I had a thing going on with for a while. The vase is filled with Arctic cotton. A piece of drift wood from Southern Labrador and a parka person also purchased in Labrador. And my packing doll.

Yep...lots of memories.

I finally have most of my books on display. I say most. Not all. There is a box still in the closet. A drawer full of cookbooks and rubber tote also full of cook books that are not on display. And my Lucy Maud collection is in the bedroom.

Among the books are shelves of my treasures. Each one has a bit of a story or a memory of when I bought it and I'm happy to have them all finally out on display. Stop by some time and see for yourself.

Tomorrow (today by the time most of you are reading this) is the start of week two at work. So far...so good.

Another update from the office...I'm buzzing on the soya sauce from my sushi and the sugar from my cherry parfait dessert! Whoo hoo!!!

Yep...another lunch from Safeway. Gotta love it. The parfait was my treat for surviving the week. Not that is was overly difficult...I've had worse first weeks, but still with the unpacking and the new job...it's been a heck of a week.

Tomorrow I am off to interview for a new job. Yep. You read that right. Not a new full time position, but a pt one to help keep me out of trouble, or considering the position, perhaps get me into more trouble. I am applying to work at the Saddledome selling Flames jerseys and big foam fingers. I don't know, it sounded fun. I may change my mind when I arrive there tomorrow and see all my 16 year old co-workers. The hours are great...evenings and weekends...when a game is on. So not a lot of work, but enough to help me meet a few new people and get out of the house.

Friday. Yep...thank goodness. I am having a Monday so am happy to think that the day is 1/2 over. I am hoping to do some lugging and lifting and shifting of stuff in the office this afternoon and not so much 'book work' I also managed to screw myself with regards to my pay cheque. I suggested a one week holdback as per most organizations. They agreed but said they all use two weeks....so now I am waiting 4 weeks before I get any cash. Damn. The move has pretty much tapped out my savings so...if anyone knows of a Sugar Daddy in Calgary looking for a new cowgirl...introduce me. LOL. Kidding...just send money. It is a good policy and I am happy to implement it...and hey, when I leave this position I'll be happy about the decision.

I konw Friday night might not be the best time to hit Ikea...but I may do Walmart tonight...just cause. I've been shuffling the few light bulbs in the apartment around and frankly it is time to go and buy a box full...and a new shower rod. Yes, the apartment came with one...a tension rod...like the one in Happy Valley Goose Bay...and some of you may remember that incident...so I'm going to purchase a screw to the wall this sucker is never coming off rod instead. The installation should no doubt make for a good story.

Enjoy your weekend. I am hoping to do a walk around downtown on Sunday and show you some of the sites. May not be as exotic as my last local, but it is certainly still interesting.

Update from the office....

Ok, I shouldn't be abusing my new job with blog updates, but my head is full and can't absorb anything else today. I've been reading and listening and asking questions all day...my poor brain. It had a month off and is now trying hard to get back into work mode.

Heck, all of me is having issues getting back into work mode. This am I got up at 7:30am and still managed to get myself to work for 9am...good thing the walk is so short! Literally over two blocks and up one. Or up two and down one. Or, well you get the picture. Oliver James aka Big Red gets to relax and unwind during the work day and may only find himself abused on evenings and weekends. I'm sure the truck won't mind and I imagine my insurance company will be happy about that too.

The cable/internet folks are arriving next Tuesday. I have been stealing wireless internet since I moved in and while I am enjoying it...I'd feel guilty to never get my own. Sigh...damn ethics. The cable may be a bit premature as I don't have a tv yet...but I may need to fix that this weekend. I LOVE TV...and all the new shows will be starting soon. Yes, I know...tv is not a life and I should get another one...but come on...it's tv!

I am keeping my cell phone for now and not getting a land line. I don't want to pay for both and the cell seems ok for the moment. I turn it off during the work day so at least I don't feel attached at the hip to it. I had one up North for work and while it occasionally came in handy...overall I could have lived without it.

My building manager MMMMMike. I added some m's cause he's a bit dreamy is coming by tonight to finish the paper work and do a couple of minor repairs. Just a couple door handles that need to be reattached and some lights that need fixing...nothing major and if I was really feeling handy I could do it myself...but...I'd rather watch him do it.

Went to his office (day job) last week to pick up the keys for my place and wow. There were three fine looking cowboys sitting around the desk chatting. Yes ladies...cowboys. They all had on their hats and boots, plaid shirts and blue jeans. You could almost smell the testrone. When I reported back to the car A was sorry she hadn't come with me.

I'm off to the grocery store. While the $198 I spent on stuff the other day is still around...I'm still missing essentials...like things for lunch. I haven't decided if I will go home each day or stay at the office. Both are options. At least for the time being I will stay at work and try to make friends.

day one is done.

It was easier than expected. I made the rounds of the office...lots of intros...lots of names to forget and try to remember later. The org I work for has two employees...me and my admin ass't, but we are located within a larger org...so there are about 12 other folks around to get to know.

I did a lot of reading today and asked a few questions. Over the next few days there will be less reading and more questions. It seems like it will be a good job. I think my admin person was a bit surprised by my age...I think she was expecting someone older...oh well.

Lunch was fun. I went to Safeway...almost across the street. You punch your sandwich into a touch screen and voila...they make what you want. It was fun. (Yep...I've been up North too long)

The unpacking is 90% done and 30% put away. I have floors...I just can't see them. I think the lovely folks who did the packing were having fun as they put each of the wheels for the bed in different boxes. It has taken me since Friday to find them all. So tonight I sleep on a proper bed with sheets and everything. This will be the first proper sleep since late July.

Later this week I am off to Ikea to pick up some shelves for all my wonderful, glorious books. I have 6 boxes of books that I haven't seen in almost 3 years and I am dying to have them out on display. And of course I want to display all my carvings as well.

The new apartment is big enough that there will be no worry of living in an art gallery. It will just take some time for me to decide where to hang everything...and to get some frames. Lots of time for all of that.

Can't wait to be fully unpacked so I can do some exploring!