Flowers from Christmas...aren't they pretty?

It would appear that the company I wanted isn't able to make it...but we will try for a long weekend soon instead. The company I'm not keen on is still scheduled to arrive. Oh well.

Here's a few pics from my holidays. They were as you know, pretty quiet. I realized yesterday that aside from a couple of quick trips to the garbage outside I hadn't left the house from the 24th - 29th.

Here's a pic of my kitchen as I prepare the feast! Art work supplied by my niece and nephew.



Crocuses that I am hoping will bloom before I head up North. Not sure when I am heading up...but it would be my luck they would bloom during my absence.



Jewelry that I made. Dollarama designs!


I've been working from home this week. It has been great. I got a ton done the past couple of days and hope to get another major chunk done before the weekend arrives. It has been great. Wearing my pj's, watching tv and not worrying about the phone ringing or interrupting my train of thought. My policy manual grew by about 16 pages in one day. Which I was very happy about. At the moment it is sitting at just under 60 pages. With formatting and editing I suspect it will come in around 100 pages. Ugh. It's been a long battle that isn't close to being finished yet. I will pass it in this coming week for vetting. At that point it will gain and lose sections and be edited by my colleagues. Then it will need to be formatted, given final approval and then I will create an employee manual based on it. So, by the end of February it might be done.

It is a small world...how small...too small. So I joined a popular online dating site. It sent me a match. A couple of weeks later he contacted me. We had a few back and forth question sessions and then were allowed to send/receive our own messages and not just answer the predetermined questions of the program. We start to chat. I tell him how impressed I am that he has been to all provinces/territories and ask him where in Nunavut he has been. He writes back that actually NU is the only one he hasn't been to and maybe he should revise. We discuss NU. He says he applied for a job with the government in NU and did I ever work for them. It turns out he applied for a job....and I was the one that turned down his resume. How's that for a small world. I wrote back this morning and told him that it was me...and oddly enough (NOT) I haven't heard back from him. I suspect that even the friendship that we had proposed is now out of the question. Ah well.

I cooked a turkey for myself for Christmas. Just because it is turkey for one doesn't mean I shouldn't have it. Why I wonder are so many people concerned about it? Oh, that's a lot of meat for one person. Why would you want to cook a turkey for yourself? Etc...etc...

I like turkey. It is traditional in my family to have turkey on Christmas Day. I am not stupid enough to eat a whole turkey in one sitting. And turkey for one is just as good as turkey for 20. I cooked the turkey, made the dressing, cooked all the veggies and had a great meal. Today I ate leftovers and then cut all the meat off the bird, boiled the bones and froze most of the meat. Tomorrow I will make the actual soup, put it into multiple freezer bags and freeze it. Nothing better in January when you don't feel like cooking than homemade soup. And if I am feeling ambitious I will make a turkey curry. MMMMM, curry.

Christmas day was delightful. I got up, opened my gifts, chatted with the folks in PEI and watched some tv before getting my dinner ready. Everyone had a great day and many wonderful gifts were exchanged.

I am trying to enjoy my 4 days off in a row to the fullest extent. Which means doing as little 'work' as possible. I have a friend who wants to visit and frankly...I'm not in the mood. I want the whole four days to myself. This guest would require constant attention and I'm not up to it. I'm tired and want to relax. Which means no entertaining. I'm trying to figure out how to postpone the visit.

Today I made a necklace and earrings from some beads I bought at Dollarama last week and made some alterations to a sewing box I purchased to use as a jewelry box. It wasn't work that needed to be done, it was just fun things to keep me busy.

The temperature is slowly climbing and by tomorrow they are expecting we will break -10. We have been hovering at -25 for a couple of weeks. Hasn't bothered me, but I may get out for a walk if the sun decides to shine and the air warms up some.

I also had a moment of d'oh today. I awoke at 6:30am and decided I should get up and make myself cozy on the couch to watch Coronation Street. I was lucky in Iqaluit cause it came on at the reasonable hour of 9:30am. Here in Edmonton it comes on at 7:30am...on a Sunday. So I often miss the first hour of it. But today...today I was going to watch it all. I turned on the tv and decided that I would suffer through CBC cartoons for an hour while I waited. Apparently I fell asleep. I awoke at 8:15am and wondered why it wasn't on...what was going on? I checked the tv guide and then it dawned on me...today was not Sunday. My body/mind are so programed to day off followed by Sunday that having yesterday off meant today was Sunday. I am happy to report I have two more days off.

I hope everyone reading this had a wonderful holiday and that Santa came to visit.

I'm playing with the look of the blog a bit the next little while. Comments appreciated.

And now some more Christmas pictures. After the trip to the Telus Science Centre the other day (I'm such a geek!) I asked the lady at the gate where I should go to see some Christmas lights...and she suggested the house just up the road from mine and Candy Cane Lane. So allow me to present to you, Candy Cane Lane here in Edmonton. I walked, everyone else was driving. I had the better time!





I loved this sign. Yes, the house it is in front of 'sings'. The lights go off and on in time to the music. I like that they needed to tell you that on a sing...I mean sign.




I know that there is just a malfunction of some sort going on with the air pump for this poor snowman. But I think the expression on the penguins face is fantastic. It's kinda like he's shocked that the snowman is dead or something like that and he's screaming "Why? Why did he have to melt?" Just me?

I've been doing some thinking...and I realized that I haven't been doing any 'stuff'. I haven't been exploring. I was using excuses like I'm tired, the crowds will be nuts, etc and decided I need to stop with the excuses and just get out there and do it. I tried to take advantage of all the things going on up North...why shouldn't I do that in Edmonton?

I tackled the West Edmonton Mall on the Saturday before Christmas and lived to tell about it! I even managed to come home with some nice new boots, a pair of shoes and some great smelling body wash. All in all a success.

But something that I have been thinking of doing since I first started work is what I tackled today-Sunday. I headed out to the Telus Science Centre. I'd seen the ads for the Grand Canyon Imax and a new exhibit "The Art of the Brick" and finally I can say I've been. I must admit the brick exhibit had me a bit confused. I thought it was literally the history of bricks, how they are made, and how they are used around the world. It wasn't. Ok, maybe not thrilling to most, but I would have enjoyed it.

Instead, I saw an exhibit of wonderful works of art made out of Lego. Yes, I am a fan of Lego...so I wasn't totally disappointed. The Grand Canyon movie was interesting, but I think I would have liked the one on Ancient Egypt better...next time.

The science centre is really more for kids than say,someone in their mid-30's, but I had fun anyway. Here's some photos from today.

This one is for my mom. She likes giraffes. It's made out of lego.


A lego person making themselves...or making bigger biceps!


The front of the Telus Science Center.


Excellent question. What did happen here? This sign is inside one of the exhibits. It's kind of a CSI type exhibit. You solve the crime and they give you clues and discuss the science of who done it.


At the entrance to the body exhibit.


Yep, lavalamps. I can't remember what sciencey thing they were for...


Shocking!


I'm walking on the moon! Just wish the guy that took the photo had of told me my shoulder was showing.


There is an exhibit where you can be on tv. They have a 'green' screen and it works just like the weather reports on tv. I was trying to get a pic of myself doing the weather...hard to make out, but that's me in the bottom tv.


Christmas tree at the science center, very nice and very tall.


Me hanging out with my new Lego buddies.

It's Saturday morning. My week is over. Phew. This past week went by really quickly at work actually and I found myself getting a lot done. Guess I'm starting to see the downward slope of the learning curve, at least on this current project.

We had pizza and wine at work on Friday. It was going to be a chance for all our staff to be together, new and old. It didn't quite work out, our newest staff member couldn't make it, she doesn't start until January and her current pt job called and asked her to come in. Can't blame her, shows good work ethic as far as I was concerned. And she said she'd try to stop by Monday or Tuesday with cupcakes!

I've been working on a policy and procedures manual for work. Not my first, in fact this will make 3 that I've had to create in the past few years. This one though is a little larger and a little more important that the others. The first one I created was for the fisheries school in Iqaluit and with only 3 employees it didn't take a lot to complete the basics required to say we had 'rules'. Show up for work, if you don't, call. If you don't call or show up I will put you on probation. The one I did in Calgary was almost identical to the first one...with only two employees again, it didn't require a lot of work.

But now, now I need to create a manual for 40-200+ employees. And there are many more variables that need to be considered. The most basic is that we have employees working in two different areas--Alberta and Nunavut. Different labour laws. The hours of work for each area is different and we have employees who work at remote camps who are under different rules again. It's been a real challenge to make sure I have all the other areas covered. It seems like every day I think of another section I could/should add. I hope the folks that review it understand that it is a work in progress and can be added to at a later date. I'm hoping to have it completed by the end of December.

Today I'm making a list and checking it twice. I'm coming up with a list of goodies that I'd like to have over the Christmas season. Food and movies. Any suggestions?

Here's the reply I got from my letter to Santa...




Hello Jennifer,

I was so pleased to find your email in my inbox this morning!

As you know it’s been so busy here in the North Pole. Some elves are decorating the Christmas tree and others are loading the sleigh. We have completed the tune-up on the sleigh and added a new coat of bright red paint. It’s all ready for the reindeer to take off on our Christmas Eve journey.

Mrs. Claus is also busy in the kitchen baking the most delicious gingerbread cookies and special treats for all the elves and reindeers for their bedtime snacks. She always takes care to pack my cookies in my favourite reusable lunch bag for my long trip around the world.

Thank you for your email and I look forward to hearing from you again next year.

Your (Ho Ho Ho) friend,
Santa


I emailed Santa through Canada Post...just to see what kind of response I would get. Not bad...not bad at all.

I'm a commuter. Most of you are too, but it hit me the other day as I was waiting in traffic that I am a commuter. My drive is pretty short most days and by most standards. The drive on a nice sunny day when I am ahead or behind rush hour traffic is about 10ish minutes. That is a good day when I catch the lights. I don't mind the drive it is enough to help me relax at the end of the day and in the morning it ins't so bad...it just seems like part of the work day. Here's an interesting commuting fact for you "78% of Americans drive 40 miles (64 km) a day or less" Wikipedia. Most mornings my drive is 15-20 minutes.

I have two main routes now that I take to and from work. One is on the Yellowhead highway and the other is on 137th Street. I haven't decided which one I like best or which one is faster. On days when I know the roads are going to be a bit slippery I take 137th. It moves slower than the highway and I figure I'm less likely to get into an accident. I don't know if there is any truth to my theory but it works for me.

One of the problems that I find though with this route is the train. The first morning I got stopped at the railway crossing I was excited. A real live moving train. I watched it go ahead and then back as it switched tracks. It was interesting to watch and two minutes later I got to continue on my way....so I wasn't late. Last week I was on 137th again and hey...up ahead, its the train. Fun. 16 minutes later when I am now officially late for work and have wasted a ton of gas sitting idling waiting for the train to go ahead and back. Not so much fun.

I was a bit surprised that they allow the train that much time to make the switch at that time of the morning. On the side of the tracks I was on it is fine. The traffic just backs up back to 137th (the track would be about 128th)...no biggie. On the opposite side of the tracks is one block back to the Yellowhead highway. I have seen a bit of traffic back up, but can't imagine where it would all go for the 15 minutes that I was waiting. There simply isn't the space for it. Now, maybe the folks on the Yellowhead side are smarter than me and can take an alternate route...but I'm not yet. I like my routes and my routine. I don't like to venture off cause I end up on long round about ways of then getting to my destination.

The Yellowhead is commute central. On days when I feel like I'm a big city girl and can handle the 'pressure' of rush hour traffic I take the Yellowhead. It really isn't that bad. It is just three lanes of traffic moving in each direction. There are exits to take and crazy left hand and right hand turns to make but it really isn't that bad. Just busier than 137th. If I want to come straight home the Yellowhead is the most direct. If I am stopping at the grocery store, post office, etc then 137th is my best bet.

Not very interesting details of life in the city...but something that was on mind.

I have found a photography course to take in January. I'm going to see if I can still sign up for it. Finally a chance to learn how to use my new camera properly.

Hey, it's Tuesday and my week is going really well. I'm not sure why or what has happened, but the week is awesome. I'm getting a ton of things done...I still have ton to do...but you know the list is starting to get lines on it as I cross items off. Payroll was last week and I think it went well. I will find out Friday when people get their deposits. Our regular payroll person has been off the past couple of weeks and I am stepping in. I have a few payroll reports that I need to do and will perhaps attempt them tomorrow....maybe.

The job has been better the past couple of weeks than it was...maybe I am just getting into the swing of things. Maybe it is the new staff or part time staff in the office that have been responsible for the changes, but whatever it is I'm happy about it. My policy and procedures manual is almost finished. I have a few sections left to do, but am happy with the progress. I have spent the past couple of days doing job ads and job descriptions for positions I have up till now been unfamiliar with. It has been a good challenge for me. Nurses I know...Heavy Duty Mechanics...not so much.

I've hired two fantastic folks since I started and have let one staff member go. After Christmas there will be a need to hire about 150 new staff...LOL...yes, 150. No, we are not being negatively affected by the recession. Thankfully most of them will be quick simple interviews and I am hoping to train someone else to help with them, but yeah...it will be a big job. And it will mean some additional travel up North...WHOO HOO! The 150 get us through our busy season and by September/October we will be back to the 40 or so employees that we presently have.

You know by now that I am a sucker for punishment...so this afternoon I went for a walk. It was -27, -36 with the windchill. I of course wore my parka. And was snuggly and warm...almost too warm at times as I found myself sweating inside the coat. I had a great little walk and then treated myself to lunch.

And then following in family tradition of putting up the lights for Christmas during this chilly night. I went outside on my deck wearing slippers, t-shirt and pajama pants strung up my lights. It is one small string but hopefully this time tomorrow night I will get to see the fruits of my efforts. My outdoor set of lights are solar and will need to charge up tomorrow. Fingers crossed. Yeah...I know, only I would put up lights outside in -30 temps. It was only a couple minutes...didn't hurt me.

Speaking of lights. One of my sets of lights is burnt out...well, only half the set. I haven't the heart to take it off the tree and see what is wrong...too much work. So I will live with it and see what can be done after the holidays. Maybe it is a lose bulb...but I thought all light sets still worked even if one bulb is out. Hmmm.

My shopping is done. The presents have all been wrapped and with the exception of one gift that needs to be mailed...the rest have all been sent. So I am done. Now I just need to sit back and wait for Santa.

I wrote him tonight via the Canada Post website. Hopefully he gets back to me.

It's the little red truck that could. Edmonton is having Nunavut like temperatures. Today the temperatures have been hovering around -28 with a wind chill of around -40. I didn't plug my truck in last night, mostly because I didn't think the weather folks would come through and partly I wanted to see how the truck would do. The truck stood the test well. I put the key and voila lift off. My truck can handle it.

I actually dressed for the weather. Most folks that I saw around town did not. I saw a man waiting at the corner to cross the street no hat, no mitts/gloves and a leather jacket. People, people, people. In the winter we dress for winter. No one should be out for even a small amount of time when the temp says -40 without mitts/hat.

I had my laundromat experience today. It was all right. And I may repeat it soon. They have giant sized washers and big dryers. I was in and out in just over an hour. I'm going to take my comforters and pillows next time...no problem for these huge machines and cheaper than dry cleaning. I brought my laptop and a movie and had a wonderful time. Well, you know.

My Christmas prezzies arrives today. I got to open one of them. Joyce's cookies that my dad made for me. YUMMY! I still have no idea who Joyce is, but I love her cookies. The rest of the gifts are under the tree and while it is tempting to shake and or open them, I will wait. Sigh.

I am going to try and avoid stores for the next couple weeks, the crowds in the parking lots seem to grow each day. Isn't it funny how Christmas seems to sneak up on some folks every year? I prefer to do my shopping earlier and spreed the spending overtime instead of trying to do it all in the last couple of weeks.

The sky tonight was beautiful. Northern lights would have set it off nicely, but I know I am in Edmonton and that isn't going to happen often. But a night like tonight up North would certainly have had lights dancing across the sky.

Happy Birthday to me. Happy Birthday to me.

Yep...today was the big day. The lovely folks at work brought in a cheesecake and took me out for lunch. Which was great.

A friend from Pang who had sent a just because gift a while ago managed to get it arrive on my b'day. Which was great...gave me a pressie to open. We've had some issues getting a package from PEI. The good news is that I received the notice today and can pick it up tomorrow. So it will be like having two birthdays.

I finally managed to get my truck registered...and get myself an Alberta license. Yeah me! It took 45 minutes today to complete the procedure and the guy goes...that's good until May 09. I made him stop the bus cause I couldn't believe I went through all this work only to have to come back in May...nope, un ugh. Can't be. Oh, do you want May '10 then? Ah, yeah. Good grief, why would I want to visit these people every 6 months? The license is good for 5 years. The pic is crap. There is a part of my hair standing on end and I have an annoyed look on my face. I said I didn't care...just finish it. So I have a piece of paper in my wallet that says I can drive and in 14 days I should get the actual license by mail. Hmmm. But...it is done.

Now I just need to get my Alberta health care card.

Got the truck stuff done, managed to treat myself to eye lash extensions and a hair cut all within 2.5 hours of walking out the door of work. I think that is a new record. Now I am sitting in my living room dying my hair black purple...trust me...it is a great colour. Brings out my blue eyes. All in all a good day.

There will be lots of OT the next few weeks. Which is great cause that will keep me busy until after New Years...and away from my apartment and the tv. Man, having a ton of cable channels is addictive...and I can order a movie like you do at a hotel. I haven't yet, but it is tempting.

It kinda looks like it might be Christmas time in my apartment.

The Charlie Brown tree. Not really...more like the mix and match tree. Tin ornaments from Mexico, grass ornaments from Labrador, a couple of things from London, England, a few things my neice and nephew made last Christmas and a few glass balls that I have no idea of origin.


The new slick and sleek tree. I found these wonderful black and silver ornaments the Christmas before I moved up North. I bought them and then put them into storage. Three Christmas' later I get to use them. I needed a few more to be able to do a whole tree, but finally...here it is. I would like a few more ornaments. I want it to look like one of those store trees where they almost have too many...but it still looks amazing. The side of the tree you see in the photos looks fine...but the other side is a bit bare.


Silver Dove tree topper. I like it, but am having issues getting it on straight. Of course the whole tree is crooked...but you know it is still standing.


Up close and personal. See the ornament with the silver sparkles on it, I have a table cloth with the same pattern that I purchased in India this year. I have no table so it isn't on display...but trust me, it is nice.


The living room is slowly coming together. Yes, my tv is sitting on a chair. The tv stand I wanted was out of stock at Ikea and I don't want to hang the print until I know how high the tv will be. But the shelf is basically finished...the exception being the top portion that I am still debating over.



Nothing to report this weekend. I hardly left the house. It was great. While I am starting to get sleepy, I do feel rested and ready to take on the week. We have a new employee starting tomorrow and I'm hoping that she will help tip the balance of enjoyable vs non-enjoyable staff. She seems very friendly and easy to get along with...so I have my fingers crossed that tomorrow goes well.

Oh, and here's a couple of sunrise picks taken from my deck last weekend.

My morning tea.--Also known as one of my other addictions.

I am getting up at 6am now. I go into the kitchen put the water on to boil. While I am waiting for it to boil I turn on the tv and computer and get the teapot ready. I use loose tea and have a lovely iron pot that I make it in. I like my tea strong. It is called Lapsung Chouchong. It is a smokey tea. Someone said one day it smelled like moose hide. I think it just smells great. When the water boils I add it to the pot, put the lid on and then head off to the shower. When I’m dressed I head back to the kitchen, throw my bagel in the toaster and take the teapot into the living room. I bring the bagel in when it is done. Then I pour a cup of tea. It always spills out cause I always fill it too full. I then eat the bagel while the tea cools. Then I drink two large delicious cups of tea while I surf the internet and watch the morning news. Then I get up brush my teeth and head to work. Where I begin drinking my other addiction…the Diet Pepsi.

I would drink the tea at work, but apparently the smell is offensive to others in the office and I’m not allowed.

My addiction.

I am addicted to Diet Pepsi. When does addiction turn to a problem? Some say it is when you allow it to run your life. You don’t go out with friends or you miss work because of it. Maybe you need it in order to get out of bed in the morning. Or you need it to perform certain tasks. Hmmm, I’m bordering on problem.

I love diet Pepsi! I love the sound the can makes when I pop the top. I love listening to the bubbles of carbonation. I love feeling the bubbles burst and bounce down my throat. I love the taste. And I like the way I feel when I am drinking a diet Pepsi. And I am always very sad when I don’t have any more in the house.

I’ve never hidden my addiction. It has never stopped me from going out, even if I know the restaurant I’m going to doesn’t serve it. I’ve never missed work because of it. Ok, maybe I’ve been late the odd time because I needed to pick one up before heading to the office, but I’ve never missed a full day because of it. It has never hit me or caused me to have violent mood swings or blackouts. It is available over the counter. Heck, it is legal to sell it to children.

I had the guys in my last office programmed to go and get me diet Pepsi if I was having a bad day. People have been known to meet me after long periods of absence with a DP in hand for me in lieu of flowers. And while I am addicted, I really would rather the flowers. I will refuse to drink other diet beverages from brand name companies. I’d rather drink something else entirely than force myself to drink a substitute. I have been known to pay close to $20 for a 12-pack during desperate times. I’ve never stolen a diet Pepsi. And I would never steal to get one. I can usually scrounge up enough change to buy one. I’ve been drinking one as I write this. In fact the can is now empty and I don’t have anymore with me. I still have 41 minutes to go. Oh no. Whatever shall I do?

Hmm. Guess I better go make a cup of tea instead.

It’s Tuesday afternoon. This getting off work at 4pm thing still throws me for a loop. Although I rarely seem to leave at 4pm. I often end up in interviews or a meeting with my supervisor and then don’t get home until after 6pm…which makes for a long day when it starts at 7:30am.

While this may sound stupid I find myself having issues with the lack of daylight…more here than in the North. BUT…I think I know why. When I first arrived in Pang the days were getting longer and it was all very fascinating to watch the sun climb up over the mountains. In Iqaluit it had just become a way of life. Here in Edmonton the difference is that I haven’t seen most of my route to work in daylight. I am up and on the road before the sun comes up and most days I am in the office until the sun sets. Oh sure, I see the light out my window during the day, but I have no idea what the streets I drive down look like…in the light. It is an odd sort of feeling. Or maybe I am just falling off the wagon into insanity.

I am anxiously awaiting late January or early February when I will get to see where I am going and have been. I don’t take the same route on weekends when I go places otherwise I would have the opportunity to see the streets then. In fact, I have not gone back to the same store yet…with three minor exceptions. 1. Ikea. I could seriously go every week and not be bored. 2. The grocery store down the road from work which I visited for the 2nd time today to pick up lunch. 3. The Superstore that is on my route to work…the first time I went I forgot my wallet and had to drive home and then back so I could get a new bankcard. There are so many stores and places to go. And the West Edmonton Mall…well, I haven’t been since I officially moved here. Go figure.

I bought myself tulips today. I have a thing for them and find them hard to resist when I see them in stores, peoples lawns and public gardens. I bought two bunches. They are sitting on my desk staring at me at the moment, but will be coming home with me later tonight.

Which reminds me. Ikea won the battle last night. I was attempting to put together my dresser and..I couldn’t. I like to think I'm a pretty clever girl..but Ikea has finally beaten me. The instructions are simple. All pictures. No words. My problem is some 'screws' that I can't get into the wood. They are plastic and have threads on the bottom inch but the top 1/2 inch has no threads. No problem you say. The problem is that there is no hole on top to put in a screw driver or drill bit....if I had drill bits..hint hint Santa! I can't push them in and my attempts at hand screwing them in are also not working...so I'm kinda stuck.

The living room floor is covered with pieces from the dresser which will now need to wait until the weekend to be put together. And there may be wine or vodka involved. I might as well enjoy myself while I curse the Ikea engineers.

The presents are all wrapped. They are even all in a big box almost ready for mailing. But I can't send it yet. I want something else for my parents. I'm not sure what, but something. And part of me won't allow me to send the box yet. Thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas? Nope, me either.

And on a totally unrelated note I wore cufflinks today.

I'm being a bit bad today at work. I'm having a few issues really focusing on the tasks at hand and my brain keeps veering off track. No particular reason, just a whole bunch of little things. The reasons are not listed below, btw.

I need to do laundry. I have piles of it sitting on my floor just waiting for me to take it downstairs and clean it. I haven't yet. It is tricky. There is only one washer and dryer in my building and while it seems that everyone has different schedules it would appear that we all have similar laundry needs. All I need do it open my door, cock my head and listen to tell if the machines are in use. Simple. The hard part of late has been getting the proper coinage for said laundry as there is no coin changer in the building and I have trouble getting to a bank before closing. My solution to this is that I have googled laundromats and have found some where else to go. I am going to pack up all my dirty belongs and head out to a laundromat. One of those places that are open late at night, sell soap by the load and have row upon row of coin operated cleanliness. I figure it will take me less time (even with the driving and the wrong turns) to get it all done at once than it will at the apartment. That's my plan. I also hope to pick up some fast food on the way and eat, read a book and generally people watch while I wait for clean clothes to emerge.

My next task for this week is to finally get the truck inspected and registered. I have an appointment for the inspection on Thursday morning. I left home extra early one day last week and spent some time drive in circles in the blocks close to where I work looking for a garage. I finally found one not more than 3 blocks away. And they take appointments. The only downside is that it is going to cost $142.99 plus GST and she mentioned on the phone that an alignment would be an additional $253.45. The fact that they are mentioning the alignment prior to my arrive is a bit un-nerving. I am pretty sure the truck doesn't need an alignment, but if the inspection people need Christmas money and say it needs to be done...who am I to argue? And at this point in time I can't find anyone who can take the truck in a reasonable way.

In 8 days I will turn 35. Yep, 35. I know that most of you are now shocked and had thought you had been reading the ramblings of a young 20 something from the maturity level of the posts. (Traveling stuffed chicken, pet fish, etc.) But in fact I am closer to 40 than most of my friends care to admit. It doesn't bother me. In fact I have continually embraced getting older. When I was in my 20's women in their 30's were in vogue. The new power houses of the working world. When I tentatively entered my 30's the magazines said that 40 was the new 30. It seemed as though I was never old enough to be one of the power women. Now that I am almost 40 I'm sure they will change that back to 30. And hey, aren't women supposed to hit their 'prime' in their 40's...that's something to look forward to. And according to an eye doctor I had a few years back my eyes will start to change when I hit 40 and that by my mid 40's I will finally need glasses. Yeah! I've always kinda wanted a pair of really awesome funky glasses. I think they would look so cool. So no, I am not scared of the year that I will now be checking off on marketing surveys, in fact I think its great. My sister asked me today if I had received my b'day package yet. Nope I said. If I did you'd know cause I would have opened it by now. She questioned my age and maturity level. I hope I never grow old enough to not want to rattle the boxes and rip the paper a bit on the corners before the big event.

I learned some sad news this morning here at work. There will be no storm days in Edmonton. Damn. According to some of the ladies I work with the last official storm day was 12 years ago. 12 years??!! WTC. I love storm days. They make you feel alive. A whole day with nothing scheduled to do. It's like getting an extra Sunday in the week. There is simply nothing better than curling up with a good book on a storm day. Or deciding to re-arrange all the furniture in the house...or bake some cookies. Oh sure, occasionally the lights go out and the house starts to get cold. But I remember some great nights of cards as we crowded around the kitchen table, oil lamp a glow (I'm not THAT old, but my family never seemed big on flashlights), playing cards for a penny or a nickel a game. Storm days make winter worth surviving. And apparently I'm not going to get any here. Nuts. I just may need to "cough, cough" find a way "wheeze, sneeze" to take a day "do I have a fever" off some other way.