Of course I would have the same adjuster I had when my car was stolen. When I pulled up she said, "you're not having a good couple of months, are you."
Yeah, this can be freakin' depressing.
The damage is approximately $3,000.00. It's going to be fixed. It's great news. I was worried they'd just write it off. I couldn't sleep last night. Seriously. I think I fell asleep at 5:30 this morning only to have to get up at 6:30 to get to the insurance office for my appointment.
I came home, made some phone calls - Mom and sister - and watched TV.
Then I went to the car repair shop. He remembered me too from when I dropped off my car before I left on vacation.
"You're back again? What happened this time?"
I have a courtesy car. It's a Honda Element. It's a bit boxy but it's not bad. I wouldn't buy one. There's no driver's arm rest and I like those. Small detail but big one.
My brother-in-law now refers to my car as "the tank". "What's going on with the tank."
And thinking about it, the poor beast has survived a lot of incidents.
One winter I parked it at my parents place. My Dad was clearing the driveway with a FORKLIFT and forgot my car was parked and pushed in the hood and grill a bit. That cost about $500 to fix.
Then a suicidal deer struck the right side of the car, causing over $5,000 worth of damage.
Then the roof was ripped open by thieves who stole my clothes, causing over $1000 in damage. Plus a few hundred dollars in clothes, shoes and make-up.
Then it was rear-ended about two months ago. No damage.
Then it was stolen. I don't know what the total of all that was.
Now this.
It's had other incidents too. One time I hit black ice, spun out and hit the ditch. No damage. We landed in soft snow, thankfully, instead of the side of the mountain.
With the deer, it was the passenger side. Now it has a new roof.
Now it'll have a new front and driver's side stuff.
My sister said that I'm practically driving a new car with how many parts have been replaced.
Meanwhile, her husband has totalled two of their cars.
We laughed and said when I want mine totalled, I'll just get him to drive it. It really cracked us all up then he got mad because we were laughing too long about it.
What else can you do, eh. Crying isn't an option.
Yeah, this can be freakin' depressing.
The damage is approximately $3,000.00. It's going to be fixed. It's great news. I was worried they'd just write it off. I couldn't sleep last night. Seriously. I think I fell asleep at 5:30 this morning only to have to get up at 6:30 to get to the insurance office for my appointment.
I came home, made some phone calls - Mom and sister - and watched TV.
Then I went to the car repair shop. He remembered me too from when I dropped off my car before I left on vacation.
"You're back again? What happened this time?"
I have a courtesy car. It's a Honda Element. It's a bit boxy but it's not bad. I wouldn't buy one. There's no driver's arm rest and I like those. Small detail but big one.
My brother-in-law now refers to my car as "the tank". "What's going on with the tank."
And thinking about it, the poor beast has survived a lot of incidents.
One winter I parked it at my parents place. My Dad was clearing the driveway with a FORKLIFT and forgot my car was parked and pushed in the hood and grill a bit. That cost about $500 to fix.
Then a suicidal deer struck the right side of the car, causing over $5,000 worth of damage.
Then the roof was ripped open by thieves who stole my clothes, causing over $1000 in damage. Plus a few hundred dollars in clothes, shoes and make-up.
Then it was rear-ended about two months ago. No damage.
Then it was stolen. I don't know what the total of all that was.
Now this.
It's had other incidents too. One time I hit black ice, spun out and hit the ditch. No damage. We landed in soft snow, thankfully, instead of the side of the mountain.
With the deer, it was the passenger side. Now it has a new roof.
Now it'll have a new front and driver's side stuff.
My sister said that I'm practically driving a new car with how many parts have been replaced.
Meanwhile, her husband has totalled two of their cars.
We laughed and said when I want mine totalled, I'll just get him to drive it. It really cracked us all up then he got mad because we were laughing too long about it.
What else can you do, eh. Crying isn't an option.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ryan Smyth, Obama 2008
Un-freakin-believable.
I was texting with a friend this morning, wondering what time her plane left, as I told her I'd give her a ride to the airport. She said at 3:45, so I said I'd be at her place by 12:25, giving us plenty of time to get her to the airport.
One of the roads to her place was CRAZY, so I turned left and took another road. This story is "the road taken".
You guessed it. COLLISION.
Quite a bit of damage to my car.
I wasn't speeding.
Have to add that as a caveat as there are rumours floating around that I'm a crazy driver.
It was a lovely day here in Vancouver. I had the roof down on my car and wasn't stressing about traffic.
There were streets shut down due to community events, there were graduation ceremonies, etc.
So, at a stop light I texted my friend and told her I was running late. She sent one back saying, "no worries".
Driving down a tree-lined street, going less than 50, truth be told, I was listening to crappy songs on the radio and just enjoying the day. Wondering what to do after dropping her off at the airport. Sleep was an option. So was going down to the beach with a nice book.
Weird that while on the road I actively sought out the water, yet here I am living right next to it yet I never spend time by it like I did while travelling. Hence the thought of a book and the beach.
Then BAM. Car collision. I'm travelling west, as my friend lives in a well-to-do neighbourhood of the city. The car is coming from the south, on a side street, turning left and heading east on the road I'm on. Except it doesn't stop. Until it is directly in front of me with me having milli-seconds to react. She has the look of that screamer in the painting but she doesn't keep driving to avoid me she STOPS right in front of me. I realize she stopped and I have milli-seconds to react so I slam on my brakes, realize I don't have enough time and swerve my car to the right hoping to avoid a collision where I t-bone her car.
So, the front left side of my car has endured substantial damage. I couldn't even open the driver's side door. The bumper was pushed back so it blocked the door opening.
After I pulled over to the side of the road, I phoned my friend and told her she's going to have to find alternate transportation since I don't think I'll make it in time.
Thankfully a witness stopped, came up to me and said she saw the whole thing and she was late and couldn't hang around but thought it was the right thing to do and stop and at least give her name and number, etc. The first time she gave it, it didn't save in my phone because I forgot how to save numbers and I was shaking so much. She was patient and even wrote it down in case I entered the wrong information. She said that she stopped in case I needed a witness as I was in the right.
The lady who was in the wrong pulled over and called her husband who came down in his BMW to assist her, I guess. We didn't talk much. He called the police in case they needed to come down but they said since there were no injuries they weren't needed.
We exchanged information and they asked if my car was drivable. I pulled ahead, turned around to make sure I could perform functions like steering and turning. I didn't see steam coming out of my car and I didn't see fluids leaking so I drove it home.
I am severely pissed off though. My poor car has been through so much. First I was hit in the back by an idiot, no damage. Then before my New Zealand trip it was stolen and recovered. Repairs were done while I was on vacation.
Then this.
When my parents were down last week, my Mom asked when I was coming home for a visit. I told her in a few months after I bought another vehicle and would drive this one home and park it at their place.
FUCK!
I phoned the insurance company to file a report and the other driver already did and I was informed by the insurance company that I don't have to pay anything as she is accepting full responsibility. Which is a relief. When things like this happen, you never know what they're going to say.
I thank profusely the witness that stopped and came to talk to me. I think if she wasn't there and talking and leaving her information, it may have been she said/she said. With an impartial witness, who said in front of both of us, that I had the right of way, it left the other driver with little option but to accept full responsibility.
Thankfully, also, nobody was injured.
I'm hoping that there's no damage to the frame. If there's damage to the frame, they may write it off. My car is far from new. It's older than my 10 year old niece but I had the repair shop fix all the little things wrong with it while they were fixing the ignition and door lock.
I have an appointment with a claims adjustor on Monday morning at 7:15, where they will assess the damage and I can drop it off at the same repair facility if it's fixable. I'm praying it'll be fixable. Or I'm going to cry for a very long time.
Thankfully I'm not travelling anywhere next week.
And to add insult to injury, my friend's flight was cancelled!! Some sort of mechanical problem. She felt horrible. Not her fault there are stupid drivers out there.
I was texting with a friend this morning, wondering what time her plane left, as I told her I'd give her a ride to the airport. She said at 3:45, so I said I'd be at her place by 12:25, giving us plenty of time to get her to the airport.
One of the roads to her place was CRAZY, so I turned left and took another road. This story is "the road taken".
You guessed it. COLLISION.
Quite a bit of damage to my car.
I wasn't speeding.
Have to add that as a caveat as there are rumours floating around that I'm a crazy driver.
It was a lovely day here in Vancouver. I had the roof down on my car and wasn't stressing about traffic.
There were streets shut down due to community events, there were graduation ceremonies, etc.
So, at a stop light I texted my friend and told her I was running late. She sent one back saying, "no worries".
Driving down a tree-lined street, going less than 50, truth be told, I was listening to crappy songs on the radio and just enjoying the day. Wondering what to do after dropping her off at the airport. Sleep was an option. So was going down to the beach with a nice book.
Weird that while on the road I actively sought out the water, yet here I am living right next to it yet I never spend time by it like I did while travelling. Hence the thought of a book and the beach.
Then BAM. Car collision. I'm travelling west, as my friend lives in a well-to-do neighbourhood of the city. The car is coming from the south, on a side street, turning left and heading east on the road I'm on. Except it doesn't stop. Until it is directly in front of me with me having milli-seconds to react. She has the look of that screamer in the painting but she doesn't keep driving to avoid me she STOPS right in front of me. I realize she stopped and I have milli-seconds to react so I slam on my brakes, realize I don't have enough time and swerve my car to the right hoping to avoid a collision where I t-bone her car.
So, the front left side of my car has endured substantial damage. I couldn't even open the driver's side door. The bumper was pushed back so it blocked the door opening.
After I pulled over to the side of the road, I phoned my friend and told her she's going to have to find alternate transportation since I don't think I'll make it in time.
Thankfully a witness stopped, came up to me and said she saw the whole thing and she was late and couldn't hang around but thought it was the right thing to do and stop and at least give her name and number, etc. The first time she gave it, it didn't save in my phone because I forgot how to save numbers and I was shaking so much. She was patient and even wrote it down in case I entered the wrong information. She said that she stopped in case I needed a witness as I was in the right.
The lady who was in the wrong pulled over and called her husband who came down in his BMW to assist her, I guess. We didn't talk much. He called the police in case they needed to come down but they said since there were no injuries they weren't needed.
We exchanged information and they asked if my car was drivable. I pulled ahead, turned around to make sure I could perform functions like steering and turning. I didn't see steam coming out of my car and I didn't see fluids leaking so I drove it home.
I am severely pissed off though. My poor car has been through so much. First I was hit in the back by an idiot, no damage. Then before my New Zealand trip it was stolen and recovered. Repairs were done while I was on vacation.
Then this.
When my parents were down last week, my Mom asked when I was coming home for a visit. I told her in a few months after I bought another vehicle and would drive this one home and park it at their place.
FUCK!
I phoned the insurance company to file a report and the other driver already did and I was informed by the insurance company that I don't have to pay anything as she is accepting full responsibility. Which is a relief. When things like this happen, you never know what they're going to say.
I thank profusely the witness that stopped and came to talk to me. I think if she wasn't there and talking and leaving her information, it may have been she said/she said. With an impartial witness, who said in front of both of us, that I had the right of way, it left the other driver with little option but to accept full responsibility.
Thankfully, also, nobody was injured.
I'm hoping that there's no damage to the frame. If there's damage to the frame, they may write it off. My car is far from new. It's older than my 10 year old niece but I had the repair shop fix all the little things wrong with it while they were fixing the ignition and door lock.
I have an appointment with a claims adjustor on Monday morning at 7:15, where they will assess the damage and I can drop it off at the same repair facility if it's fixable. I'm praying it'll be fixable. Or I'm going to cry for a very long time.
Thankfully I'm not travelling anywhere next week.
And to add insult to injury, my friend's flight was cancelled!! Some sort of mechanical problem. She felt horrible. Not her fault there are stupid drivers out there.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ryan Smyth, Obama 2008
I'm going to Ottawa and Wisconsin. I'm not going to Ottawa and Wisconsin. I might be going to Ottawa and Wisconsin. Am I going to Ottawa and Wisconsin? Am I going to Ottawa or Wisconsin? I'm going to Wisconsin but not Ottawa.
That was my day of emails yesterday. First I'm going. Then I'm not going. Then I'm probably going.
They hired another person at another office that we work closely with. He's supposed to be taking over all the national files. Some people met with him two weeks ago to brief him on everything. He said that he'd be doing blah blah blah. He was supposed to do them before the meetings this week. And he hasn't. So everything is up in the air. And it's as confusing as heck.
So, I'll find out today on what's going on. Maybe. I either fly out to Ottawa on Sunday or I fly to Wisconsin on Wednesday, or I do both, or I do neither. I'm happy doing neither. That'd be my favourite option.
Because Sex & the City opens on Friday and I'd rather watch it here than there and I'd rather be home on a Friday than travelling home on a Saturday. And I'd rather not be travelling on a Sunday.
I like being home! I wish this jerk would respond to emails. Someone has to attend these meetings and it's supposed to be him. It was the whole purpose of hiring him. He's supposed to ease my workload so I can focus on something else.
This is pissing me off.
More meetings today. I remember why I hated working downtown. Traffic is crazy there. It takes forever to get from A to B. I'm glad I can work from home. The commute is the best I've ever had.
Not sure if I'm seeing the Indiana movie. I'd rather sleep. It's been an exhausting week.
That was my day of emails yesterday. First I'm going. Then I'm not going. Then I'm probably going.
They hired another person at another office that we work closely with. He's supposed to be taking over all the national files. Some people met with him two weeks ago to brief him on everything. He said that he'd be doing blah blah blah. He was supposed to do them before the meetings this week. And he hasn't. So everything is up in the air. And it's as confusing as heck.
So, I'll find out today on what's going on. Maybe. I either fly out to Ottawa on Sunday or I fly to Wisconsin on Wednesday, or I do both, or I do neither. I'm happy doing neither. That'd be my favourite option.
Because Sex & the City opens on Friday and I'd rather watch it here than there and I'd rather be home on a Friday than travelling home on a Saturday. And I'd rather not be travelling on a Sunday.
I like being home! I wish this jerk would respond to emails. Someone has to attend these meetings and it's supposed to be him. It was the whole purpose of hiring him. He's supposed to ease my workload so I can focus on something else.
This is pissing me off.
More meetings today. I remember why I hated working downtown. Traffic is crazy there. It takes forever to get from A to B. I'm glad I can work from home. The commute is the best I've ever had.
Not sure if I'm seeing the Indiana movie. I'd rather sleep. It's been an exhausting week.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ryan Smyth, Obama 2008
I'm going to Green Bay, Wisconsin, next week so if you live there or know where Brett Favre lives, let me know.
I have no idea when I'm leaving or how long it takes to get there. I just know there are no direct flights to Green Bay from Vancouver. I'm thinking there'll be a stopover somewhere.
With this trip, I'm elite. Does that put me in the same category as Obama in being elite?
Working these two days has been exhausting. I'm in meetings and I have to know what I'm talking about regarding things I haven't thought about in 3 weeks.
I have been able to see people I haven't seen in years. There are people I know are at these meetings that I have yet to run into.
We're not sure if I have to go to Ottawa at the beginning of the week yet as the person who's supposed to go hasn't sent an email or notification that he's attending and it's important one of us shows up. I'm hoping he does or it means I have to leave on Sunday and be gone all week, probably not returning until Saturday/Sunday of next week and I'm just now getting back into this time zone and enjoying my bed and my life here.
A friend went to Vegas while I was away and I saw pictures of their trip on her facebook and now I really want to go to Vegas. I'll wait until the fall though because it's way too hot from this time of year on through September.
One of the cabinet ministers of the current federal government was in the elevator with me at the hotel. I didn't care. I was tempted to ask about his votes on a couple of issues but I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of being recognized. In fact, when we stopped on another floor, I recognized someone and told them we had enough room for her but she had a push cart and said it wouldn't fit so I told the "minister" that he could alway stand on the push cart to make room for her or exit the elevator.
I don't see myself being given a senate seat anytime soon.
I have no idea when I'm leaving or how long it takes to get there. I just know there are no direct flights to Green Bay from Vancouver. I'm thinking there'll be a stopover somewhere.
With this trip, I'm elite. Does that put me in the same category as Obama in being elite?
Working these two days has been exhausting. I'm in meetings and I have to know what I'm talking about regarding things I haven't thought about in 3 weeks.
I have been able to see people I haven't seen in years. There are people I know are at these meetings that I have yet to run into.
We're not sure if I have to go to Ottawa at the beginning of the week yet as the person who's supposed to go hasn't sent an email or notification that he's attending and it's important one of us shows up. I'm hoping he does or it means I have to leave on Sunday and be gone all week, probably not returning until Saturday/Sunday of next week and I'm just now getting back into this time zone and enjoying my bed and my life here.
A friend went to Vegas while I was away and I saw pictures of their trip on her facebook and now I really want to go to Vegas. I'll wait until the fall though because it's way too hot from this time of year on through September.
One of the cabinet ministers of the current federal government was in the elevator with me at the hotel. I didn't care. I was tempted to ask about his votes on a couple of issues but I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of being recognized. In fact, when we stopped on another floor, I recognized someone and told them we had enough room for her but she had a push cart and said it wouldn't fit so I told the "minister" that he could alway stand on the push cart to make room for her or exit the elevator.
I don't see myself being given a senate seat anytime soon.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ryan Smyth, Obama 2008
Today was my first official day back at work. I spent the morning reading and replying to emails, late morning returning phone calls and the afternoon stuffing folders and putting them in bags. Because that's what they pay me the little bucks for.
Actually, I didn't have to stuff folders or bags, I went anyway so I can see co-workers and catch up before the madness of the rest of the week hits. We're in major meetings from Wed - Fri. I totally forgot I was supposed to pick a friend up at the airport. Thankfully he sent a text before he boarded his flight saying he'll take a cab because he would have had to anyway. I do have to pick him up for an early breakfast tomorrow so we can catch up.
Should be an interesting couple of days.
My sister totally cleaned up on her trip here. She took my spare TV and my "old" laptop.
I think yesterday was my "jet lag" day. After everyone left, I was in and out of consciousness throughout the day, waking up occasionally to answer the phone or reply to a text message.
Despite loathing most mainstream news networks, I was watching CNN earlier and heard the sad news about Ted Kennedy. Say what you will about the man, but he has worked hard for marginalized segments of the population. People who couldn't fight for themselves. While the prognosis doesn't look good, there's always hope. And he's in my prayers. I hope he'll be in everyone's positive thoughts.
Actually, I didn't have to stuff folders or bags, I went anyway so I can see co-workers and catch up before the madness of the rest of the week hits. We're in major meetings from Wed - Fri. I totally forgot I was supposed to pick a friend up at the airport. Thankfully he sent a text before he boarded his flight saying he'll take a cab because he would have had to anyway. I do have to pick him up for an early breakfast tomorrow so we can catch up.
Should be an interesting couple of days.
My sister totally cleaned up on her trip here. She took my spare TV and my "old" laptop.
I think yesterday was my "jet lag" day. After everyone left, I was in and out of consciousness throughout the day, waking up occasionally to answer the phone or reply to a text message.
Despite loathing most mainstream news networks, I was watching CNN earlier and heard the sad news about Ted Kennedy. Say what you will about the man, but he has worked hard for marginalized segments of the population. People who couldn't fight for themselves. While the prognosis doesn't look good, there's always hope. And he's in my prayers. I hope he'll be in everyone's positive thoughts.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ryan Smyth, Obama 2008
I bought a new laptop. The difference in weight is astounding. My sister thought I was full of crap when I told her mine was significantly heavier and with the amount of travelling I do, it's better to go light. And the battery power is a big issue as well. I had my new laptop on "best power" all day and just finally plugged it in to be recharged.
I've been spending the better part of the night copying files over. I know there's an easier way to do it but why go with easy?
My new laptop is a sleek new black macbook, 250 gb, 2 gb ram, etc. It's a sweet thing. I totally love it.
It cost a fair bit, I'm not going to lie, especially with the extended warranty. But it's sweet. And I figure I deserve to treat myself to something - 3 week vacation notwithstanding. It's probably a waste of money to some but I don't buy $500 jeans, drive a $30,000 car, spend money on things that could be deemed extravagant so if I want to blow my money on a new laptop then so be it. Now I'll be the envy at departure gates while waiting for flights because I doubt there's a machine sweeter. Well maybe the Macbook Air but that wouldn't suit any of my purposes for owning a laptop.
Familia's all leaving tomorrow. Was nice having them around but it will also nice to have my time to myself now. I haven't seen any friends or done anything that I've wanted to do - laptop purchase aside - since I returned home. Like had a good night's sleep.
Until this laptop is paid off, my purchases are going to be minimal, aside from paying bills and buying the basic necessities. I figure if I budget correctly the vacation and the laptop should be paid off in less than 2 months. Then I can look at buying a new vehicle.
I've been spending the better part of the night copying files over. I know there's an easier way to do it but why go with easy?
My new laptop is a sleek new black macbook, 250 gb, 2 gb ram, etc. It's a sweet thing. I totally love it.
It cost a fair bit, I'm not going to lie, especially with the extended warranty. But it's sweet. And I figure I deserve to treat myself to something - 3 week vacation notwithstanding. It's probably a waste of money to some but I don't buy $500 jeans, drive a $30,000 car, spend money on things that could be deemed extravagant so if I want to blow my money on a new laptop then so be it. Now I'll be the envy at departure gates while waiting for flights because I doubt there's a machine sweeter. Well maybe the Macbook Air but that wouldn't suit any of my purposes for owning a laptop.
Familia's all leaving tomorrow. Was nice having them around but it will also nice to have my time to myself now. I haven't seen any friends or done anything that I've wanted to do - laptop purchase aside - since I returned home. Like had a good night's sleep.
Until this laptop is paid off, my purchases are going to be minimal, aside from paying bills and buying the basic necessities. I figure if I budget correctly the vacation and the laptop should be paid off in less than 2 months. Then I can look at buying a new vehicle.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ryan Smyth, Obama 2008
I'm home!
I managed to catch all my connecting flights.
It was great flying back from Auckland. It was a crowded plane due to passengers missing their connections on the morning flights due to Sydney being fogged in. Not what you like but you meet interesting people. I wore my Oilers t-shirt on the flight. Good luck charm, so to speak. It doesn't show "Edmonton Oilers" written on it. Rather it's just the flying Oil drop and only a hockey fan would know it. The girl sitting beside me said, "Oilers!" Turns out she's from Edmonton and on her way home after visiting her Mom in Australia.
The lady beside her was from Minnesota via Texas so it was great talking to people who DON'T HAVE ACCENTS.
Sleep was minimal. I rarely sleep on flights, especially crowded ones. It's hard to find a comfortable position.
Made it into LA and had to put up with the joke that is going through customs, claiming your suitcase and then re-checking them. They had a total of 5 border security guards who had to deal with two completely full international flights coming in at the exact same time.
It was a complete joke. Came dangerously close to missing the connection due to being caught in a line.
They really could arrange it better.
Obviously they have to ask questions, duh. But they should separate the lines. Those travelling in on working visas, those vacationing in the US and those that are trying to just make another plane.
It took some people ahead of me 10 minutes to get through the connections. HALF because they didn't bring out all the papers needed WHILE waiting in line. They could have had all the documentation in hand but THAT'S FAR TOO EASY OF A CONCEPT FOR SOME TO GRASP.
It took me 2 seconds. I had a Canadian passport, and a seat on my next flight. No need for retina pictures and finger prints.
Heaven forbid.
Contrast that to Canada Customs. One international flight, one that had just gone through and EVERY SINGLE LANE OPEN. Visitors and tourist lines alike. Just get off the plane, walk up, walk through, grab suitcase out the door, all under 10 minutes. It took over an hour at the yankee one.
What a joke.
But it was great coming home.
The girl from Edmonton was also on my flight to Vancouver. We both agreed we slept more on the flight from LA than the flight to LA.
Oh and Air Canada is a joke. I fly it for work because I can build up my airmiles. After this trip, I'm one short haul trip from being an elite member. The only real benefit to elitism is it gets you access to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in any airport they have a MPL. Which means free internet, free water and snacks. Since you have to pay for them on flights with Air Canada.
I went from being served lamb to being asked if I want to buy a sandwich on Air Canada. What a difference a flight makes.
I love Air New Zealand. Given the chance, I'll fly them again.
I took a cab home from the airport. I didn't want anyone driving to pick me up in rush hour.
When I got home, I ordered pizza.
My sister pulled up half an hour after I got home with the rugrats.
Early bed last night (10:30 pm) given I was completely and utterly exhausted.
Only to have my niece shake me awake at 6 am this morning with, "Daa-daa? Daa-daa? Wake up, it's morning now." She doesn't even wake up that early at home. Her Mom is getting her dressed for school while she's still half asleep and groggy.
I've been trying to go back to sleep since then but no luck.
My parents should be here mid-afternoon.
I'm thinking of kicking them to the other room. I'm not ready to give up my bed.
Even though I was woken up too early, it was a good night's sleep, being able to sleep in my own bed.
I feel jetlag setting in. But it's Friday and we're going to see Prince Caspian today, probably Playland tomorrow and who knows what on Sunday.
They all loved the gifts I brought back.
I need to get my photos printed for a photo album. A couple of them I'm getting framed.
Jodie and I went to the Freemantle Markets and saw all these nice pictures and I realized despite all the shitty pictures I've taken, there were a couple of really nice ones so why should I buy these pictures when I can just frame one of my own.
Might look at vehicles this weekend. Might buy a new laptop and iPod.
Who knows.
I just know I have to phone Revenue Canada to ask why I haven't received my tax refund when I filed 5 weeks ago. Boneheads. I need that to pay off my visa. I haven't had to pay interest charges in forever and I don't want to start now.
I managed to catch all my connecting flights.
It was great flying back from Auckland. It was a crowded plane due to passengers missing their connections on the morning flights due to Sydney being fogged in. Not what you like but you meet interesting people. I wore my Oilers t-shirt on the flight. Good luck charm, so to speak. It doesn't show "Edmonton Oilers" written on it. Rather it's just the flying Oil drop and only a hockey fan would know it. The girl sitting beside me said, "Oilers!" Turns out she's from Edmonton and on her way home after visiting her Mom in Australia.
The lady beside her was from Minnesota via Texas so it was great talking to people who DON'T HAVE ACCENTS.
Sleep was minimal. I rarely sleep on flights, especially crowded ones. It's hard to find a comfortable position.
Made it into LA and had to put up with the joke that is going through customs, claiming your suitcase and then re-checking them. They had a total of 5 border security guards who had to deal with two completely full international flights coming in at the exact same time.
It was a complete joke. Came dangerously close to missing the connection due to being caught in a line.
They really could arrange it better.
Obviously they have to ask questions, duh. But they should separate the lines. Those travelling in on working visas, those vacationing in the US and those that are trying to just make another plane.
It took some people ahead of me 10 minutes to get through the connections. HALF because they didn't bring out all the papers needed WHILE waiting in line. They could have had all the documentation in hand but THAT'S FAR TOO EASY OF A CONCEPT FOR SOME TO GRASP.
It took me 2 seconds. I had a Canadian passport, and a seat on my next flight. No need for retina pictures and finger prints.
Heaven forbid.
Contrast that to Canada Customs. One international flight, one that had just gone through and EVERY SINGLE LANE OPEN. Visitors and tourist lines alike. Just get off the plane, walk up, walk through, grab suitcase out the door, all under 10 minutes. It took over an hour at the yankee one.
What a joke.
But it was great coming home.
The girl from Edmonton was also on my flight to Vancouver. We both agreed we slept more on the flight from LA than the flight to LA.
Oh and Air Canada is a joke. I fly it for work because I can build up my airmiles. After this trip, I'm one short haul trip from being an elite member. The only real benefit to elitism is it gets you access to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in any airport they have a MPL. Which means free internet, free water and snacks. Since you have to pay for them on flights with Air Canada.
I went from being served lamb to being asked if I want to buy a sandwich on Air Canada. What a difference a flight makes.
I love Air New Zealand. Given the chance, I'll fly them again.
I took a cab home from the airport. I didn't want anyone driving to pick me up in rush hour.
When I got home, I ordered pizza.
My sister pulled up half an hour after I got home with the rugrats.
Early bed last night (10:30 pm) given I was completely and utterly exhausted.
Only to have my niece shake me awake at 6 am this morning with, "Daa-daa? Daa-daa? Wake up, it's morning now." She doesn't even wake up that early at home. Her Mom is getting her dressed for school while she's still half asleep and groggy.
I've been trying to go back to sleep since then but no luck.
My parents should be here mid-afternoon.
I'm thinking of kicking them to the other room. I'm not ready to give up my bed.
Even though I was woken up too early, it was a good night's sleep, being able to sleep in my own bed.
I feel jetlag setting in. But it's Friday and we're going to see Prince Caspian today, probably Playland tomorrow and who knows what on Sunday.
They all loved the gifts I brought back.
I need to get my photos printed for a photo album. A couple of them I'm getting framed.
Jodie and I went to the Freemantle Markets and saw all these nice pictures and I realized despite all the shitty pictures I've taken, there were a couple of really nice ones so why should I buy these pictures when I can just frame one of my own.
Might look at vehicles this weekend. Might buy a new laptop and iPod.
Who knows.
I just know I have to phone Revenue Canada to ask why I haven't received my tax refund when I filed 5 weeks ago. Boneheads. I need that to pay off my visa. I haven't had to pay interest charges in forever and I don't want to start now.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ryan Smyth, Obama 2008
About me
- Grace
- British Columbia, Canada
- jealous, insecure,narcissistic, paranoid, and delusional
- My profile