Here I am. In Ottawa. Should be packing. Have a long flight back to Vancouver via Toronto.
This "might" be my last trip to Ottawa.
It's not that I don't like these trips, I actually do.
But I'm starting to not so much like shit happening at the office.
I took this job with no job security because I thought it'd be a fantastic opportunity.
It has been.
Then they hired someone that I just can't work with. And I can work with anyone.
And it's not how she treats me. I don't work out of the office. It's how she treats others. She's made people cry, she's humiliated them, she's demeaned them. She's made them feel less than.
She has made my job a bit more difficult too. I have to go play clean-up at some meetings that she's really effed our relationships up with.
I'd always said, if she's still working for us by the next fiscal year, there's a chance I wouldn't be.
She's going to be here next fiscal year.
I'm not getting a raise. My workload is enough to make me cry if I sat back and thought about it. I haven't been able to sit back and think about it. Because I'm too busy.
Even in this economy I've been getting job offers from all over this country. From organizations who are embarking on the same work we're doing. Sadly none of those are in Edmonton.
So here it is, 5:50 am, and I'm getting ready for a flight back and tired as all hell, I have over 100 hours of overtime racked up and I just want to go back to bed but no, there's a lot of work to do.
I know someone who works for an organization who keeps telling me they'd love to have me. They need me. She's trying to revamp their budget and offer me a job. I've told her what kind of salary I'm looking for. She's agreed that's what I'm worth.
Once that happens it'll be an easier work schedule. 9 to 5 so to speak. Not this 6 - 6 that I seem to work because of eastern time zones.
I've told a couple of people at work about the possibility I'll be leaving and they don't really believe me/don't want to believe me.
There's still some clean up I'll have to do. I figure maybe by the beginning of July. Why? I have a lot of overtime hours to use and holidays to take. I worked hard for them so I want to make sure I take advantage of them.
I do love my job. But if these trips to Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, Ottawa, etc. came with a salary that matched, and if a certain person was called on her b.s., I'd be inclined to stay. But it doesn't look like it'll happen.
We'll see.
Right now, I have a plane to catch.
She's lied, she's
This "might" be my last trip to Ottawa.
It's not that I don't like these trips, I actually do.
But I'm starting to not so much like shit happening at the office.
I took this job with no job security because I thought it'd be a fantastic opportunity.
It has been.
Then they hired someone that I just can't work with. And I can work with anyone.
And it's not how she treats me. I don't work out of the office. It's how she treats others. She's made people cry, she's humiliated them, she's demeaned them. She's made them feel less than.
She has made my job a bit more difficult too. I have to go play clean-up at some meetings that she's really effed our relationships up with.
I'd always said, if she's still working for us by the next fiscal year, there's a chance I wouldn't be.
She's going to be here next fiscal year.
I'm not getting a raise. My workload is enough to make me cry if I sat back and thought about it. I haven't been able to sit back and think about it. Because I'm too busy.
Even in this economy I've been getting job offers from all over this country. From organizations who are embarking on the same work we're doing. Sadly none of those are in Edmonton.
So here it is, 5:50 am, and I'm getting ready for a flight back and tired as all hell, I have over 100 hours of overtime racked up and I just want to go back to bed but no, there's a lot of work to do.
I know someone who works for an organization who keeps telling me they'd love to have me. They need me. She's trying to revamp their budget and offer me a job. I've told her what kind of salary I'm looking for. She's agreed that's what I'm worth.
Once that happens it'll be an easier work schedule. 9 to 5 so to speak. Not this 6 - 6 that I seem to work because of eastern time zones.
I've told a couple of people at work about the possibility I'll be leaving and they don't really believe me/don't want to believe me.
There's still some clean up I'll have to do. I figure maybe by the beginning of July. Why? I have a lot of overtime hours to use and holidays to take. I worked hard for them so I want to make sure I take advantage of them.
I do love my job. But if these trips to Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, Ottawa, etc. came with a salary that matched, and if a certain person was called on her b.s., I'd be inclined to stay. But it doesn't look like it'll happen.
We'll see.
Right now, I have a plane to catch.
She's lied, she's
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth, Souray is Hot
You know what I'm absolutely sick of?
People's sense of entitlement.
You see it everywhere. Especially in meetings.
You want to be handed a buttload of cash because you specialize in something and by holding the cash you hold the rules and with that, you hold the terms, and with that you hold the authority.
It happened in Winnipeg last week. We had this meeting with this agency that has all the money. A LOT of it. And they wanted to develop a plan for working with us.
And they brought an organization in who doesn't like working with this. I know this because I was given the third degree at a meeting with them over a month ago and I left angrier than I've ever been in years. Swearing and wanting to punch someone in the face angry. I only usually get that way over hockey.
However, sad to say, I'm used to working with people like that. I'm used to being treated like someone they must entertain only because it would be uncivilized not to. They'd rather not be accountable.
After day 1 of the meeting I started hatching a plan on how to get through to these people. I came up with it and decided to take control on day 2. And my plan was evil genius. Right off the bat, I shut them down and shut them up.
Nothing pisses me off more than people who think that because they exist, they're born into a certain entitlement.
Yeah, sure buddy, the world will just come to you and give you everything you want. Work for it. I've had to. Nothing has ever been handed to me. I've worked hard, and continue to do so, for everything I have. And it means nothing to me. If I was in a car crash tomorrow, my nice vehicle would be toast but it's just a car.
Not that I'm a martyr. I do something, it has my name on it, but for the most part, I'm not looking for glory, I'm looking for results.
People's sense of entitlement.
You see it everywhere. Especially in meetings.
You want to be handed a buttload of cash because you specialize in something and by holding the cash you hold the rules and with that, you hold the terms, and with that you hold the authority.
It happened in Winnipeg last week. We had this meeting with this agency that has all the money. A LOT of it. And they wanted to develop a plan for working with us.
And they brought an organization in who doesn't like working with this. I know this because I was given the third degree at a meeting with them over a month ago and I left angrier than I've ever been in years. Swearing and wanting to punch someone in the face angry. I only usually get that way over hockey.
However, sad to say, I'm used to working with people like that. I'm used to being treated like someone they must entertain only because it would be uncivilized not to. They'd rather not be accountable.
After day 1 of the meeting I started hatching a plan on how to get through to these people. I came up with it and decided to take control on day 2. And my plan was evil genius. Right off the bat, I shut them down and shut them up.
Nothing pisses me off more than people who think that because they exist, they're born into a certain entitlement.
Yeah, sure buddy, the world will just come to you and give you everything you want. Work for it. I've had to. Nothing has ever been handed to me. I've worked hard, and continue to do so, for everything I have. And it means nothing to me. If I was in a car crash tomorrow, my nice vehicle would be toast but it's just a car.
Not that I'm a martyr. I do something, it has my name on it, but for the most part, I'm not looking for glory, I'm looking for results.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth, Souray is Hot
Long time no type! Catch me on twitter. All I have time for is 140 letters for micro-blogging.
This weekend I took off early on Friday, as in before noon, picked up a friend and drove to Portland, Oregon. It's about a 5 hour drive south, not including border wait times.
I love Portland. No taxes, no drama, pretty care-free. We stayed downtown and shopped. Then we drove further south to an outlet mall and went bat crazy.
Thank baby Jesus that our limit increased for trips over 48 hours to $400 per person.
Then we drove closer north last night and spent the morning shopping.
Now I'm home, looking through my purchases and seeing what I don't really want to ship off to family that'll make use of them. Like the chunky heeled shoes.
I'm debating travelling to Victoria tomorrow night and stay overnight for a meeting I have Tuesday. I have to leave Wednesday for Winnipeg, back Friday night.
The week after I'm going to Ottawa. Fun! /end fake excitement
I am going to London for fun. Dave Matthews and Bruce Springsteen in Hyde Park in June. We're going to also check out either Scotland or Ireland. Depends on where the wind takes us. We're only going for two weeks. That's all the time a friend can take off her highly stressful high level job.
This weekend I took off early on Friday, as in before noon, picked up a friend and drove to Portland, Oregon. It's about a 5 hour drive south, not including border wait times.
I love Portland. No taxes, no drama, pretty care-free. We stayed downtown and shopped. Then we drove further south to an outlet mall and went bat crazy.
Thank baby Jesus that our limit increased for trips over 48 hours to $400 per person.
Then we drove closer north last night and spent the morning shopping.
Now I'm home, looking through my purchases and seeing what I don't really want to ship off to family that'll make use of them. Like the chunky heeled shoes.
I'm debating travelling to Victoria tomorrow night and stay overnight for a meeting I have Tuesday. I have to leave Wednesday for Winnipeg, back Friday night.
The week after I'm going to Ottawa. Fun! /end fake excitement
I am going to London for fun. Dave Matthews and Bruce Springsteen in Hyde Park in June. We're going to also check out either Scotland or Ireland. Depends on where the wind takes us. We're only going for two weeks. That's all the time a friend can take off her highly stressful high level job.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
Oh. My. God. I. Have. A. Blog!
I keep forgetting about it, I know. That's not true. I just don't have anything to blog about.
I've been home the entire month of February, no travelling, no rushing to the airport, no checking into hotels, no meetings in other cities.
I do have a rant on people who have pissed me off lately:
Top of the list would be my roommates:
1. We bought house insurance. It cost us $124 each.
2. We ordered the entire season of Canucks PPV. It cost me $140. I don't watch the Canucks. Ever. Unless of course they're playing the Oilers because I always watch the Oilers. Watching the Canucks play the Oilers isn't because I like the Canucks it's because I'm watching the Oilers and don't care who they're playing. Get it?
Anyway, they start harping me about the house insurance. I gently remind them they still owe me for the Canucks PPV. They don't get it. Still want the $124. Even though they owe me $140.
The satellite is in my name. I ordered the Canucks PPV because they always watch that fucking team.
I ordered NHL Centre Ice because it's the only way I get to watch the Oilers all the time.
My cousin's husband isn't an Oilers fan. He watches the Oilers. When he watches the Oilers, the Oilers lose. I'm 95% positive it's because he's watching. He knows I hate it when he watches. I've said it time and again. He's fucking pissing me off.
I paid for NHL Centre Ice because they said I'd be the only one watching. It cost me $149. If I'm the only one watching why is he FUCKING WATCHING THE OILERS?!
I've also witnessed him watching other games. So shouldn't we be splitting the cost? So far it's almost $300 by myself for watching programs we all watch but I was harassed for the house insurance even though I told them how much they owed me for the Canucks.
Reason #1000 for being pissed off with roomie:
My Dad dropped his cellphone and it cracked the face. He can't read text messages, so I can't send him text messages anymore. Over Christmas, I was going to give him my old cellphone.
But, roommated thought he lost his in Mexico and needed a phone. He saw mine laying around so kept asking for it so he wouldn't have to pay for a new one.
I felt bad for not saying yes so I gave it to him. He actually found his cellphone in his suitcase (shouldn't you look there before saying you lost it?) but it also had a cracked face since he dropped it and didn't bother switching back since mine was better.
Well, apparently there was a recall on the phone so he went into Bell and exchanged my phone for a brand new one for himself, not feeling guilty at all, even knowing that I wanted to give the phone to my Dad and getting himself a brand spanking new one.
While I was cooking dinner yesterday he had the nerve to show me his brand new phone that cost him absolutely fucking nothing while I'm sitting on $300 it cost me to watch hockey and while my Dad still has a cracked cellphone.
My Dad says he doesn't need a new one anyway. Of course he'd say that. But when my Dad was in service areas, he'd send these funny text messages and I miss those so I'm really fucking pissed off.
And the internet connection too. I pay for that, they pay nothing. They have two computers that use the connection. Man, I've been tempted to change the security code for wireless and move the modem to my room and make them start paying.
They have no problems asking me for money when they feel I owe them something but the second I tell them how much I paid for something I'm met with silence.
I realize part of it is my fault. I'm not pushy at all when it comes to cash. Yeah. I make a fair bit of it. It's allowed me to do things, buy things, etc. But I work hard. My day doesn't end at 4:30 and it doesn't start at 8:30. I get emails from back east at 5:30 in the morning. I get emails after 4:30 and I answer.
I go to meetings that are hostile situations. This month, especially. Believe me, I'm underpaid. And I hate it when I feel that people are taking it for granted.
So I make more money than they do. Does that mean I've become some sort of government tax rebate program in-house?
Suffice it to say, because I've been home far too long, I'm taking off this weekend. I decided a trip to my sister's is what the doctor ordered. I'm leaving Thursday and coming back Monday night. We're going to Edmonton to catch the Oilers game on Saturday and just veg.
It's not just my roommates pissing me off. It's a bunch of things. It's just the straw that's breaking my back.
Thankfully, next month I have a bunch of trips planned for work. This experiment of being home for a month was a fail.
I'm gone for a week to the north, a few days in Winnipeg again, a day in Victoria, a possible trip to either Ottawa/Toronto.
And I'm thinking again of buying my own place. The problem is, I don't want a one bedroom/one bathroom apartment. Ugh.
A friend and I are thinking of buying a house. We get along great, we give each other space, we can say what we want.
This house wouldn't be so bad if I felt I could say what's on my mind. Problem is my cousin is delicate. She takes everything and bundles it up and makes herself sick. I don't want to be responsible for someone being sick.
BLAH BLAH BLAH
Wow. I rant when I want, eh.
I keep forgetting about it, I know. That's not true. I just don't have anything to blog about.
I've been home the entire month of February, no travelling, no rushing to the airport, no checking into hotels, no meetings in other cities.
I do have a rant on people who have pissed me off lately:
Top of the list would be my roommates:
1. We bought house insurance. It cost us $124 each.
2. We ordered the entire season of Canucks PPV. It cost me $140. I don't watch the Canucks. Ever. Unless of course they're playing the Oilers because I always watch the Oilers. Watching the Canucks play the Oilers isn't because I like the Canucks it's because I'm watching the Oilers and don't care who they're playing. Get it?
Anyway, they start harping me about the house insurance. I gently remind them they still owe me for the Canucks PPV. They don't get it. Still want the $124. Even though they owe me $140.
The satellite is in my name. I ordered the Canucks PPV because they always watch that fucking team.
I ordered NHL Centre Ice because it's the only way I get to watch the Oilers all the time.
My cousin's husband isn't an Oilers fan. He watches the Oilers. When he watches the Oilers, the Oilers lose. I'm 95% positive it's because he's watching. He knows I hate it when he watches. I've said it time and again. He's fucking pissing me off.
I paid for NHL Centre Ice because they said I'd be the only one watching. It cost me $149. If I'm the only one watching why is he FUCKING WATCHING THE OILERS?!
I've also witnessed him watching other games. So shouldn't we be splitting the cost? So far it's almost $300 by myself for watching programs we all watch but I was harassed for the house insurance even though I told them how much they owed me for the Canucks.
Reason #1000 for being pissed off with roomie:
My Dad dropped his cellphone and it cracked the face. He can't read text messages, so I can't send him text messages anymore. Over Christmas, I was going to give him my old cellphone.
But, roommated thought he lost his in Mexico and needed a phone. He saw mine laying around so kept asking for it so he wouldn't have to pay for a new one.
I felt bad for not saying yes so I gave it to him. He actually found his cellphone in his suitcase (shouldn't you look there before saying you lost it?) but it also had a cracked face since he dropped it and didn't bother switching back since mine was better.
Well, apparently there was a recall on the phone so he went into Bell and exchanged my phone for a brand new one for himself, not feeling guilty at all, even knowing that I wanted to give the phone to my Dad and getting himself a brand spanking new one.
While I was cooking dinner yesterday he had the nerve to show me his brand new phone that cost him absolutely fucking nothing while I'm sitting on $300 it cost me to watch hockey and while my Dad still has a cracked cellphone.
My Dad says he doesn't need a new one anyway. Of course he'd say that. But when my Dad was in service areas, he'd send these funny text messages and I miss those so I'm really fucking pissed off.
And the internet connection too. I pay for that, they pay nothing. They have two computers that use the connection. Man, I've been tempted to change the security code for wireless and move the modem to my room and make them start paying.
They have no problems asking me for money when they feel I owe them something but the second I tell them how much I paid for something I'm met with silence.
I realize part of it is my fault. I'm not pushy at all when it comes to cash. Yeah. I make a fair bit of it. It's allowed me to do things, buy things, etc. But I work hard. My day doesn't end at 4:30 and it doesn't start at 8:30. I get emails from back east at 5:30 in the morning. I get emails after 4:30 and I answer.
I go to meetings that are hostile situations. This month, especially. Believe me, I'm underpaid. And I hate it when I feel that people are taking it for granted.
So I make more money than they do. Does that mean I've become some sort of government tax rebate program in-house?
Suffice it to say, because I've been home far too long, I'm taking off this weekend. I decided a trip to my sister's is what the doctor ordered. I'm leaving Thursday and coming back Monday night. We're going to Edmonton to catch the Oilers game on Saturday and just veg.
It's not just my roommates pissing me off. It's a bunch of things. It's just the straw that's breaking my back.
Thankfully, next month I have a bunch of trips planned for work. This experiment of being home for a month was a fail.
I'm gone for a week to the north, a few days in Winnipeg again, a day in Victoria, a possible trip to either Ottawa/Toronto.
And I'm thinking again of buying my own place. The problem is, I don't want a one bedroom/one bathroom apartment. Ugh.
A friend and I are thinking of buying a house. We get along great, we give each other space, we can say what we want.
This house wouldn't be so bad if I felt I could say what's on my mind. Problem is my cousin is delicate. She takes everything and bundles it up and makes herself sick. I don't want to be responsible for someone being sick.
BLAH BLAH BLAH
Wow. I rant when I want, eh.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
I'm going to London, England!
A friend and I were planning a trip to Scotland and Ireland later this year but no dates were ever set. We were just going to fly by the seat of our pants, looking at August, maybe September.
I have tickets to see Dave Matthews Band in Las Vegas in May.
I'm going to sell those tickets.
Because a better offer came up.
I'm going to see Bruce Springsteen AND Dave Matthews at Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park, London, England!!!
I got a pre-sale password from Dave himself and logged on at 1 am this morning to see if it worked and lo and behold it did.
We're going to London, Scotland and Ireland at the end of June. Not sure if we're going to London first, or Scotland/Ireland but I'm all kinds of excited.
I've never had the desire to visit Europe until recently so why not. My friend's been there more times than I can count so if there's a person to go with, it's her.
A friend and I were planning a trip to Scotland and Ireland later this year but no dates were ever set. We were just going to fly by the seat of our pants, looking at August, maybe September.
I have tickets to see Dave Matthews Band in Las Vegas in May.
I'm going to sell those tickets.
Because a better offer came up.
I'm going to see Bruce Springsteen AND Dave Matthews at Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park, London, England!!!
I got a pre-sale password from Dave himself and logged on at 1 am this morning to see if it worked and lo and behold it did.
We're going to London, Scotland and Ireland at the end of June. Not sure if we're going to London first, or Scotland/Ireland but I'm all kinds of excited.
I've never had the desire to visit Europe until recently so why not. My friend's been there more times than I can count so if there's a person to go with, it's her.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
I'm too scared to blog because the Oilers have been winning.
Once they start losing again (if ever) I'll be back.
I fly to Toronto tomorrow. Travelling in the winter time is so much fun!
Once they start losing again (if ever) I'll be back.
I fly to Toronto tomorrow. Travelling in the winter time is so much fun!
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
Things I've learned so far this year:
Don't volunteer to go to Winnipeg because the meeting looks interesting.
It's freaking freezing in the centre of the country.
I didn't get to visit friends because they're both girls and girls don't like the cold. Neither do I. I guess that means I'm a girl.
That drivers in this city are idiots. It's not a new epiphany. Just cements my belief. Their race, gender, age don't matter. They're just all idiots.
You meet many people in Maple Leaf Lounge. It's like a bar without music and all old people.
I sit in meetings where the combined salaries of those involved would total millions annually but they can be pretty uneducated on matters and require handholding.
That is the most frustrating part of my job.
I've learned I'm tired of fighting, debating, playing devil's advocate and that's 75% of my job.
The other 25 is writing reports, recommendations and analysis of my fights. I don't like writing anymore.
I could make a lot of money consulting. To the point I'd only have to work 2 days a week. I was offered a consulting job at one of my meetings.
I love the Edmonton Oilers. No. Matter. What.
But that's not new. Just have to re-iterate mt feelings.
Don't volunteer to go to Winnipeg because the meeting looks interesting.
It's freaking freezing in the centre of the country.
I didn't get to visit friends because they're both girls and girls don't like the cold. Neither do I. I guess that means I'm a girl.
That drivers in this city are idiots. It's not a new epiphany. Just cements my belief. Their race, gender, age don't matter. They're just all idiots.
You meet many people in Maple Leaf Lounge. It's like a bar without music and all old people.
I sit in meetings where the combined salaries of those involved would total millions annually but they can be pretty uneducated on matters and require handholding.
That is the most frustrating part of my job.
I've learned I'm tired of fighting, debating, playing devil's advocate and that's 75% of my job.
The other 25 is writing reports, recommendations and analysis of my fights. I don't like writing anymore.
I could make a lot of money consulting. To the point I'd only have to work 2 days a week. I was offered a consulting job at one of my meetings.
I love the Edmonton Oilers. No. Matter. What.
But that's not new. Just have to re-iterate mt feelings.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
So, Friday night was ladies' poker night at a friend's/co-worker's.
There were actually 5 of my co-workers there. Two just hanging out while the rest of us played.
As you know, I bought a new sweet ride last August that I still love a lot. In fact, when everyone was homebound because of all the snow we had here in Vancouver, I was able to navigate everywhere. It really is a sweet ride.
Well, because of the snow, not all cars could park properly at a friend's. I made it to the driveway and a couple parked on the road, across the street.
My supervisor was one of the poker players. It was raining on Friday. It was dark, you get the drift.
She backed into the car parked on the street. We just heard a smash.
I guess in the vehicle, the passenger said, "YOU HIT GRACE'S CAR!" And they both looked scared at each other like someone was going to die. Then they turned around and saw that it wasn't mine it was a sweet girl's and she said, "Oh no, you hit Mandy's car." And my boss said, "Oh Thank God!".
I find it hilarious.
I mean I wouldn't have killed anyone. I would have done what I always do. Repress my anger while smiling.
Thankfully the damage is minimal. A mirror has to be replaced and a scratch on the door from when the mirror broke.
But why was everyone relieved that it wasn't my car? Was it because my car's new? My co-worker bought hers about 4 months before I bought mine so it's relatively new too. Or was it because of me?
I'm off to Winnipeg on Tuesday. Yeah. Fun stuff. I've decided to start flying back the evening after my meetings are over, if possible, so I could accumulate overtime in case I do get to Scotland for three weeks this summer.
I'm off to Toronto at the end of the month, and possibly off to Ottawa sometime in February. You know how many status airmiles that is? Approximately 10,000. You know how many status airmiles you need to become an elite member for aeroplan in a year? 35,000. I'm probably going to hit that around summer and get early recognition status for next year. You know what that means? More upgrade certificates and another year of early boarding, executive check-in, maple leaf lounge, extra luggage.
There were actually 5 of my co-workers there. Two just hanging out while the rest of us played.
As you know, I bought a new sweet ride last August that I still love a lot. In fact, when everyone was homebound because of all the snow we had here in Vancouver, I was able to navigate everywhere. It really is a sweet ride.
Well, because of the snow, not all cars could park properly at a friend's. I made it to the driveway and a couple parked on the road, across the street.
My supervisor was one of the poker players. It was raining on Friday. It was dark, you get the drift.
She backed into the car parked on the street. We just heard a smash.
I guess in the vehicle, the passenger said, "YOU HIT GRACE'S CAR!" And they both looked scared at each other like someone was going to die. Then they turned around and saw that it wasn't mine it was a sweet girl's and she said, "Oh no, you hit Mandy's car." And my boss said, "Oh Thank God!".
I find it hilarious.
I mean I wouldn't have killed anyone. I would have done what I always do. Repress my anger while smiling.
Thankfully the damage is minimal. A mirror has to be replaced and a scratch on the door from when the mirror broke.
But why was everyone relieved that it wasn't my car? Was it because my car's new? My co-worker bought hers about 4 months before I bought mine so it's relatively new too. Or was it because of me?
I'm off to Winnipeg on Tuesday. Yeah. Fun stuff. I've decided to start flying back the evening after my meetings are over, if possible, so I could accumulate overtime in case I do get to Scotland for three weeks this summer.
I'm off to Toronto at the end of the month, and possibly off to Ottawa sometime in February. You know how many status airmiles that is? Approximately 10,000. You know how many status airmiles you need to become an elite member for aeroplan in a year? 35,000. I'm probably going to hit that around summer and get early recognition status for next year. You know what that means? More upgrade certificates and another year of early boarding, executive check-in, maple leaf lounge, extra luggage.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
I've always only made one new year's resolution:
1. Travel to a place I've never visited before.
Last year that was accomplished by a trip to New Zealand, as well as parts of Australia I'd never been to.
This year, the resolution still stands.
I'm adding another.
I used to be fairly active. When I think back, it's quite depressing. I used to play hockey, soccer, basketball, softball. I used to ski, snowmobile (that involved lifting the machine out of many tough spots), running, and yoga.
Because I was so active, I never had to watch what I ate, my output was more than my input.
But I've obviously let that slide. Since I've started working far too much these past 5 years, the most activity I get is walking to and from meetings.
But my eating habits haven't changed. Which is part of the problem.
So, my additional NY resolution is to get healthy. Not through fringe diets that would be tempting, but getting back into some of the activities I loved.
I really do miss skiing. Part of my lack of skiing is this city's so pretentious. Back home I could go to 2 mountains and not have to think about what I'm wearing. Is it this year's outfit or last year's?
So, I think I'll go back to trying to start running/jogging again and looking up yoga classes in my neighbourhood.
And cutting back on pizza. And cooking more at home.
Which would help with my just now decided-upon action to pay off my visa in 3 months. It's not a new year's resolution.
The problem with my visa:
- purchasing Oilers tickets (over $2000)
- car repairs (over $2000)
- buying an Air Canada flight pass (over $2000)
Plus some holiday shopping and my sister using the visa card I gave her for purposes she wasn't supposed to (but I'm not going to bitch about). Then there was the lack of reimbursement for travel expenses for great lengths. I just finally received a reimbursement from the government for a trip I took in October (it cost me over $800). Yes, even though I left the gov't, I still occasionally travel on gov't business. In fact, I'm going to Winnipeg next week on gov't business. I travel more for them now that I've left, than I ever did while working there.
Anyway, I guess it adds up to 2 1/4 resolutions.
It doesn't help that I'm planning a trip to Vegas in May to see Dave Matthews Band. In my defense, I need a vacation and I didn't purchse the VIP tickets (for $250 a ticket) like I was going to. Instead I'll be in the audience with the rest of the poor people. I ditched the VIP package so I could possibly stay at a really nice hotel with really comfortable beds.
PS: This city's operations department totally sucks donkey ass.
1. Travel to a place I've never visited before.
Last year that was accomplished by a trip to New Zealand, as well as parts of Australia I'd never been to.
This year, the resolution still stands.
I'm adding another.
I used to be fairly active. When I think back, it's quite depressing. I used to play hockey, soccer, basketball, softball. I used to ski, snowmobile (that involved lifting the machine out of many tough spots), running, and yoga.
Because I was so active, I never had to watch what I ate, my output was more than my input.
But I've obviously let that slide. Since I've started working far too much these past 5 years, the most activity I get is walking to and from meetings.
But my eating habits haven't changed. Which is part of the problem.
So, my additional NY resolution is to get healthy. Not through fringe diets that would be tempting, but getting back into some of the activities I loved.
I really do miss skiing. Part of my lack of skiing is this city's so pretentious. Back home I could go to 2 mountains and not have to think about what I'm wearing. Is it this year's outfit or last year's?
So, I think I'll go back to trying to start running/jogging again and looking up yoga classes in my neighbourhood.
And cutting back on pizza. And cooking more at home.
Which would help with my just now decided-upon action to pay off my visa in 3 months. It's not a new year's resolution.
The problem with my visa:
- purchasing Oilers tickets (over $2000)
- car repairs (over $2000)
- buying an Air Canada flight pass (over $2000)
Plus some holiday shopping and my sister using the visa card I gave her for purposes she wasn't supposed to (but I'm not going to bitch about). Then there was the lack of reimbursement for travel expenses for great lengths. I just finally received a reimbursement from the government for a trip I took in October (it cost me over $800). Yes, even though I left the gov't, I still occasionally travel on gov't business. In fact, I'm going to Winnipeg next week on gov't business. I travel more for them now that I've left, than I ever did while working there.
Anyway, I guess it adds up to 2 1/4 resolutions.
It doesn't help that I'm planning a trip to Vegas in May to see Dave Matthews Band. In my defense, I need a vacation and I didn't purchse the VIP tickets (for $250 a ticket) like I was going to. Instead I'll be in the audience with the rest of the poor people. I ditched the VIP package so I could possibly stay at a really nice hotel with really comfortable beds.
PS: This city's operations department totally sucks donkey ass.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
Well, I obviously didn't post 365 posts last year. In my defense it was a freakin' busy year.
For all the problems Air Canada had flying out of Vancouver, here's my experience:
I was awake at 5:30 am, finishing packing my clothes and gifts. I shovelled the walk the night before and shovelled again before I left for fear some thieves would know that nobody was home, break in and steal all our stuff.
I then drove to a friend's as she was dropping me off and using my vehicle while I'm away.
Got to the airport about 1.5 hours early. She parked and came in, just in case my flight didn't leave.
The line-up for check-in was freakin' insane. This is where all my insane travelling this past year came in handy. I immediately went to the Executive Check-in. That line-up was insanely long too. Before, you'd just be able to walk up to the counter and check-in. I had to walk around the side towards international departures to get in line.
I was starting to become concerned when we'd barely moved after about 20 minutes, thinking I'm going to miss check-in and be totally screwed.
Then someone from Air Canada was walking along the line asking if anyone is a Super Elite member. When nobody answered, she asked if anyone was an Elite member. The lady in front of me was, as was I so she moved us to the front of the line, ahead of those that paid an arm and a leg for their executive seats.
I then checked in FOUR pieces of HUGE luggage, making sure each weighed less than my allotted 70 lbs each.
Each of my luggage was tagged with "PRIORITY", as was my boarding pass.
I then walked through the priority security check-in lane and proceeded to the Maple Leaf Lounge for complimentary breakfast, beverages and wireless internet connection and announcement for my flight.
Obviously my plane was late leaving but I still got out with no problems whatsoever.
After watching the news, I was one of the fortunate ones.
My 55,000 status miles flying on one airline - and it's partners - paid off.
I have two trips coming up in January. One for four days to Winnipeg and another four day trip to Toronto as well. Thinking about Vegas in February but may hold off until May when DMB is there. Thinking about getting VIP tickets to their concert there.
I got a PS3 for Christmas. I'm going to be either an avid blu-ray dvd collector or a hardcore gamer.
Oh yeah, and my missing awesome camera was found in Toronto. Can't wait to get it. I don't think anyone realized how much I missed it until my friend emailed telling me her new puppy found it under my bed. You'd figure it was Christmas all over again with how I was calling everyone saying, "they found my camera!"
For all the problems Air Canada had flying out of Vancouver, here's my experience:
I was awake at 5:30 am, finishing packing my clothes and gifts. I shovelled the walk the night before and shovelled again before I left for fear some thieves would know that nobody was home, break in and steal all our stuff.
I then drove to a friend's as she was dropping me off and using my vehicle while I'm away.
Got to the airport about 1.5 hours early. She parked and came in, just in case my flight didn't leave.
The line-up for check-in was freakin' insane. This is where all my insane travelling this past year came in handy. I immediately went to the Executive Check-in. That line-up was insanely long too. Before, you'd just be able to walk up to the counter and check-in. I had to walk around the side towards international departures to get in line.
I was starting to become concerned when we'd barely moved after about 20 minutes, thinking I'm going to miss check-in and be totally screwed.
Then someone from Air Canada was walking along the line asking if anyone is a Super Elite member. When nobody answered, she asked if anyone was an Elite member. The lady in front of me was, as was I so she moved us to the front of the line, ahead of those that paid an arm and a leg for their executive seats.
I then checked in FOUR pieces of HUGE luggage, making sure each weighed less than my allotted 70 lbs each.
Each of my luggage was tagged with "PRIORITY", as was my boarding pass.
I then walked through the priority security check-in lane and proceeded to the Maple Leaf Lounge for complimentary breakfast, beverages and wireless internet connection and announcement for my flight.
Obviously my plane was late leaving but I still got out with no problems whatsoever.
After watching the news, I was one of the fortunate ones.
My 55,000 status miles flying on one airline - and it's partners - paid off.
I have two trips coming up in January. One for four days to Winnipeg and another four day trip to Toronto as well. Thinking about Vegas in February but may hold off until May when DMB is there. Thinking about getting VIP tickets to their concert there.
I got a PS3 for Christmas. I'm going to be either an avid blu-ray dvd collector or a hardcore gamer.
Oh yeah, and my missing awesome camera was found in Toronto. Can't wait to get it. I don't think anyone realized how much I missed it until my friend emailed telling me her new puppy found it under my bed. You'd figure it was Christmas all over again with how I was calling everyone saying, "they found my camera!"
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
Oilers got spanked last night while I was out at a Christmas dinner.
It's like they know when I don't watch, blog, etc.
Man, I was pissed.
People must consider my activities and loyalty to the Oilers before scheduling things.
One dude last night said, "Oilers fans always talk about the 80's"
I said, "Canucks fans always talk about how close they came to almost winning the Cup in 94"
They were hurt.
But you can never outdig me in hockey regarding my Oilers.
I'll take a whole room on.
I'm looking - still - for tickets to tonight's game. I have friends calling friends calling friends.
I'm not willing to pay $300 a ticket. But I might have to.
Because it pains my heart to think I'll be missing my boys while they're here in Vancouver.
It's like they know when I don't watch, blog, etc.
Man, I was pissed.
People must consider my activities and loyalty to the Oilers before scheduling things.
One dude last night said, "Oilers fans always talk about the 80's"
I said, "Canucks fans always talk about how close they came to almost winning the Cup in 94"
They were hurt.
But you can never outdig me in hockey regarding my Oilers.
I'll take a whole room on.
I'm looking - still - for tickets to tonight's game. I have friends calling friends calling friends.
I'm not willing to pay $300 a ticket. But I might have to.
Because it pains my heart to think I'll be missing my boys while they're here in Vancouver.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
So as to not tempt fate.
Doing a little post.
Since the Oil are facing the nucks.
I have to buy 23 gifts this year.
I've bought 6 so far.
Cost of 6 gifts: $1200.00.
I kid you not.
One of them is a trip to Vegas.
Oilers just scored.
They shall win.
And I shall be in debt for a year after this Christmas.
But it's all good.
Doing a little post.
Since the Oil are facing the nucks.
I have to buy 23 gifts this year.
I've bought 6 so far.
Cost of 6 gifts: $1200.00.
I kid you not.
One of them is a trip to Vegas.
Oilers just scored.
They shall win.
And I shall be in debt for a year after this Christmas.
But it's all good.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
I'm so tired of work. So over having to work. Burnout? Probably.
I'm also tired of people thinking I want to hear their opinions. If I wanted it, I'd ask for it.
If I said something on a teleconference, I really don't need you to follow-up with me after it's over. I said my peace, you said yours, it's over.
I'm so over the Liberal Party. Let it implode.
I've been donating far too much for spoiled children to pout and cry until they get their way.
PS: Don't bother commenting on this. I don't care what your opinion is either.
Yeah, I'm bitchy. I always have been.
I just became too tolerant of shit and now I'm not again anymore.
I'm thinking of taking next week off work. We're supposed to have our retreat and our Christmas party but I'm not a fan of another wasted retreat and not a fan of a Christmas party at a stupid location.
I'm going home for Christmas. Two friends are fighting over which one will be using my Edge while I'm away for two weeks. It's kind of cute.
I'm also tired of people thinking I want to hear their opinions. If I wanted it, I'd ask for it.
If I said something on a teleconference, I really don't need you to follow-up with me after it's over. I said my peace, you said yours, it's over.
I'm so over the Liberal Party. Let it implode.
I've been donating far too much for spoiled children to pout and cry until they get their way.
PS: Don't bother commenting on this. I don't care what your opinion is either.
Yeah, I'm bitchy. I always have been.
I just became too tolerant of shit and now I'm not again anymore.
I'm thinking of taking next week off work. We're supposed to have our retreat and our Christmas party but I'm not a fan of another wasted retreat and not a fan of a Christmas party at a stupid location.
I'm going home for Christmas. Two friends are fighting over which one will be using my Edge while I'm away for two weeks. It's kind of cute.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
So, a friend of mine was hosting a meeting today and I had all of these plans of leaving early since she'd understand so I can catch an early flight to Calgary and make it there in time to catch the end of the Oilers/Leafs game.
No sense in making plans.
Here I sit, at YVR, 5:52 pm, waiting for my 6:55 flight to Calgary as I ended up staying at the meeting until the very end. I'll miss the Oilers game tonight and I'll also miss Survivor, The Office, and ER.
When I got to the meeting, my friend said, "I need to talk to you at break." So, as soon as coffee break was announced, I approached her, she grabbed this dude and introduced us.
"Here's the person I've been talking to you about." Huh?
I'm being "head hunted" for a position within government. A pretty big position that would be a fair bit more than I make right now. In fact, almost double what I make right now and I make a pretty decent living.
The problem is I'd have to leave Vancouver. The problem is it's a very attractive offer. With a lot of power comes a lot of responsibility.
What I'd make in two years of working in said position would entitle me to a very nice nest egg and from a financial aspect I'm crazy not to take it.
But then it's never been all about the money, it's about the work.
When I sit back and think of the job I'm doing, it's with a lot of honour. I represent a voice that doesn't get heard, and I make sure people hear them.
I sit in meetings and am the voice of people that society forgets. And when society does remember, it's with venom.
Plus I believe in loyalty. My supervisor is a great person. If I left, it'd leave a big hole for her to try fill and I don't believe in treating people that way.
The flip side is we've hired a junior employee to take over some of my responsibilities so I can focus on big picture stuff. However, I can also view it as someone I'm training to eventually take over my position so I can entertain the thoughts of leaving one day.
Who knows.
Some days it's, "No never" and other days is, "When can I start?"
Sitting in these meetings, we had to discuss various topics and the facilitator was walking the room.
I guess some of the comments I made lead her to believe I'm a genius and she wanted me to speak and give final thoughts about the day and where we're going.
I accepted, not knowing my big boss, the head of our entire organization, was also going to show up and offer final thoughts.
When I was being introduced, the introduction was something I don't think accurately represents me. She said I was brilliant, and that in 10 years look out, I could be running various organizations and leading the charge.
So what happens? I fall on my face.
I have a certain image I have to uphold. People are a bit intimidated by me at meetings because I tend to hold them accountable, question their thinking, get them to focus on other areas.
And I broke down.
I started thinking of my Great-Grandmother, my Grandfather, my Grandmother. Every force that gives me the drive to get up in the morning and do the job I have to do on days I just don't want to do it.
So I got emotional.
I freakin' hate it when I get emotional. And to get emotional in front of my boss too! That freakin' sucks.
I was told later by many people that it was such a heart warming speech. BLAH BLAH BLAH.
Now they know I'm human. Now they know a weakness.
But I have been blessed in this life. I've been blessed because since birth, I've been surrounded by amazing, strong survivors. People born in this country who had to fight just to survive, against government, against people, against systems that tried to destroy them.
And they didn't grow bitter, or jaded, or greedy. They just loved unconditionally. They loved me unconditionally, and even though they were taken from me far too soon, they taught me that I deserved to be loved. And to never settle, and to never go silently into the night.
My family has never been rich, financially. I will never be willed vast amounts of money.
But when I wake up in the morning, it's with the knowledge that we have a rich history, a rich culture, an emotionally rich and present family.
Not many people can say that.
Anyway.
The Oilers play the Leafs, and I am a bit ticked I can't watch it. But my sister's promised to record it for me. And Survivor. And The Office. And ER.
Monday, I get quality time alone with my younger niece and nephew so I can't wait to further brainwash them about the Oilers.
That's going to be fun. My suitcase has three Oilers jerseys in it. And about 5 Oiler toothbrushes.
And the Oilers just released a greatest games dvd collection. So I can't wait to pick that up and relive history.
Then Tuesday it's nose back to the grindstone and carrying on with the long task ahead. A few days at home, another flight to Ottawa, another flight home. Another journey.
But we are going to Cuba in February. That is for certain. I have enough holidays saved up to be able to take a week or two off.
And I won't feel guilty.
No sense in making plans.
Here I sit, at YVR, 5:52 pm, waiting for my 6:55 flight to Calgary as I ended up staying at the meeting until the very end. I'll miss the Oilers game tonight and I'll also miss Survivor, The Office, and ER.
When I got to the meeting, my friend said, "I need to talk to you at break." So, as soon as coffee break was announced, I approached her, she grabbed this dude and introduced us.
"Here's the person I've been talking to you about." Huh?
I'm being "head hunted" for a position within government. A pretty big position that would be a fair bit more than I make right now. In fact, almost double what I make right now and I make a pretty decent living.
The problem is I'd have to leave Vancouver. The problem is it's a very attractive offer. With a lot of power comes a lot of responsibility.
What I'd make in two years of working in said position would entitle me to a very nice nest egg and from a financial aspect I'm crazy not to take it.
But then it's never been all about the money, it's about the work.
When I sit back and think of the job I'm doing, it's with a lot of honour. I represent a voice that doesn't get heard, and I make sure people hear them.
I sit in meetings and am the voice of people that society forgets. And when society does remember, it's with venom.
Plus I believe in loyalty. My supervisor is a great person. If I left, it'd leave a big hole for her to try fill and I don't believe in treating people that way.
The flip side is we've hired a junior employee to take over some of my responsibilities so I can focus on big picture stuff. However, I can also view it as someone I'm training to eventually take over my position so I can entertain the thoughts of leaving one day.
Who knows.
Some days it's, "No never" and other days is, "When can I start?"
Sitting in these meetings, we had to discuss various topics and the facilitator was walking the room.
I guess some of the comments I made lead her to believe I'm a genius and she wanted me to speak and give final thoughts about the day and where we're going.
I accepted, not knowing my big boss, the head of our entire organization, was also going to show up and offer final thoughts.
When I was being introduced, the introduction was something I don't think accurately represents me. She said I was brilliant, and that in 10 years look out, I could be running various organizations and leading the charge.
So what happens? I fall on my face.
I have a certain image I have to uphold. People are a bit intimidated by me at meetings because I tend to hold them accountable, question their thinking, get them to focus on other areas.
And I broke down.
I started thinking of my Great-Grandmother, my Grandfather, my Grandmother. Every force that gives me the drive to get up in the morning and do the job I have to do on days I just don't want to do it.
So I got emotional.
I freakin' hate it when I get emotional. And to get emotional in front of my boss too! That freakin' sucks.
I was told later by many people that it was such a heart warming speech. BLAH BLAH BLAH.
Now they know I'm human. Now they know a weakness.
But I have been blessed in this life. I've been blessed because since birth, I've been surrounded by amazing, strong survivors. People born in this country who had to fight just to survive, against government, against people, against systems that tried to destroy them.
And they didn't grow bitter, or jaded, or greedy. They just loved unconditionally. They loved me unconditionally, and even though they were taken from me far too soon, they taught me that I deserved to be loved. And to never settle, and to never go silently into the night.
My family has never been rich, financially. I will never be willed vast amounts of money.
But when I wake up in the morning, it's with the knowledge that we have a rich history, a rich culture, an emotionally rich and present family.
Not many people can say that.
Anyway.
The Oilers play the Leafs, and I am a bit ticked I can't watch it. But my sister's promised to record it for me. And Survivor. And The Office. And ER.
Monday, I get quality time alone with my younger niece and nephew so I can't wait to further brainwash them about the Oilers.
That's going to be fun. My suitcase has three Oilers jerseys in it. And about 5 Oiler toothbrushes.
And the Oilers just released a greatest games dvd collection. So I can't wait to pick that up and relive history.
Then Tuesday it's nose back to the grindstone and carrying on with the long task ahead. A few days at home, another flight to Ottawa, another flight home. Another journey.
But we are going to Cuba in February. That is for certain. I have enough holidays saved up to be able to take a week or two off.
And I won't feel guilty.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
I had a meeting at the office yesterday. Normally meetings are outdated and boring. This one was productive and one of my favourite projects. I really can't wait to see how this rolls out. If I choose to leave my job, and believe me, I question my staying daily, this will be my legacy. Not to toot my own horn but it's a freakin' amazing project that will have a positive impact.
I'm still on this whole eastern time zone kick as I am always awake at 4 am.
I so desperately wanted to go to the Avs game last night, especially since they won in a shootout, but I had a prior commitment.
I have one meeting that's supposed to last all day but I plan on leaving at 3 because I want to catch a plane at 5 to get to Calgary early enough to catch the end of the Oilers/Leafs game on TV.
Plus I am just extremely exhausted. All this travelling and crossing time zones and going back is finally getting to me. So to get over it, I'm going to visit my sister and catch the Oilers/Avs game in Edmonton. Back to work Tuesday, leave Friday for Toronto and then Monday for Ottawa, back home Tuesday night for a meeting Wednesday and THEN NO TRAVELLING UNTIL I GO HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.
I hope.
Who knows.
There'll probably be one more trip to Ottawa before Christmas just because life sucks.
First, I need to pack, because I don't know if I'm coming home first and then getting a ride to the airport, or going straight to the airport from my meeting. I'll be carrying around my suitcase all day just in case.
I'm hoping I can find some poker chips for sale in Calgary. I started getting my sister's family interested in playing poker and I vowed we'd play for money when I come visit. It'll be fun to take $5 each from a 13 and 10 year old.
I'm still on this whole eastern time zone kick as I am always awake at 4 am.
I so desperately wanted to go to the Avs game last night, especially since they won in a shootout, but I had a prior commitment.
I have one meeting that's supposed to last all day but I plan on leaving at 3 because I want to catch a plane at 5 to get to Calgary early enough to catch the end of the Oilers/Leafs game on TV.
Plus I am just extremely exhausted. All this travelling and crossing time zones and going back is finally getting to me. So to get over it, I'm going to visit my sister and catch the Oilers/Avs game in Edmonton. Back to work Tuesday, leave Friday for Toronto and then Monday for Ottawa, back home Tuesday night for a meeting Wednesday and THEN NO TRAVELLING UNTIL I GO HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.
I hope.
Who knows.
There'll probably be one more trip to Ottawa before Christmas just because life sucks.
First, I need to pack, because I don't know if I'm coming home first and then getting a ride to the airport, or going straight to the airport from my meeting. I'll be carrying around my suitcase all day just in case.
I'm hoping I can find some poker chips for sale in Calgary. I started getting my sister's family interested in playing poker and I vowed we'd play for money when I come visit. It'll be fun to take $5 each from a 13 and 10 year old.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
Great. I'm still on Ontario time. It's 4:30 but my body thinks it's 7:30 so I'm wide awake. And I've been awake for about an hour. All because I went to sleep at about 7 last night. I was supposed to go to a Liberal event last night but instead didn't. I'm going to one tonight instead.
The flight home yesterday morning was pretty damn good. I don't think I'll ever be able to fly in "economy" class ever again, knowing how great it is to fly executive.
They hung up my jacket. I was served fresh fruit and juice to start off, then an omelette with tea, then warm cookies with ice cream and milk, then almonds with a soft drink. All from a big comfortable chair and a huge arm rest and pillows and blankets.
The flight attendant kept calling me "sweetie". I guess she thought I was a kid. In "economy" class I don't get called anything. Maybe the odd, "hey you".
I saw Zack and Miri Make A Porno yesterday too. Freakin' funny movie. I love Kevin Smith.
I have one more sleep here in Vancouver then I'm gone until Monday again. This time it's personal. I'm off to see the Oilers! It's like a reward for the past few weeks of hell.
I have one of the best nieces, ever. One of my other niece's was walking home from school when she saw Jac standing in the front yard, yelling at the teenagers across the street. I guess they were telling the 5 year old that the Oilers sucked. And Jac was fighting with them about it. She wouldn't stop telling them off. My oldest niece asked the teenaged boys what they got out of arguing with a little girl. I'm just so proud that she was telling them off.
My Dad decided to have fun with Jac and started arguing with her on the phone about the Oilers too. She just wouldn't let up. He was exhausted trying to tell her the nucks were better so he just handed the phone to Mom. Mom says Jac's brainwashed. I just think she's a genius. Obviously her loyalty will be rewarded and she's coming to the game on Saturday.
The flight home yesterday morning was pretty damn good. I don't think I'll ever be able to fly in "economy" class ever again, knowing how great it is to fly executive.
They hung up my jacket. I was served fresh fruit and juice to start off, then an omelette with tea, then warm cookies with ice cream and milk, then almonds with a soft drink. All from a big comfortable chair and a huge arm rest and pillows and blankets.
The flight attendant kept calling me "sweetie". I guess she thought I was a kid. In "economy" class I don't get called anything. Maybe the odd, "hey you".
I saw Zack and Miri Make A Porno yesterday too. Freakin' funny movie. I love Kevin Smith.
I have one more sleep here in Vancouver then I'm gone until Monday again. This time it's personal. I'm off to see the Oilers! It's like a reward for the past few weeks of hell.
I have one of the best nieces, ever. One of my other niece's was walking home from school when she saw Jac standing in the front yard, yelling at the teenagers across the street. I guess they were telling the 5 year old that the Oilers sucked. And Jac was fighting with them about it. She wouldn't stop telling them off. My oldest niece asked the teenaged boys what they got out of arguing with a little girl. I'm just so proud that she was telling them off.
My Dad decided to have fun with Jac and started arguing with her on the phone about the Oilers too. She just wouldn't let up. He was exhausted trying to tell her the nucks were better so he just handed the phone to Mom. Mom says Jac's brainwashed. I just think she's a genius. Obviously her loyalty will be rewarded and she's coming to the game on Saturday.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
So tonight, a friend that moved here called and we went out for dinner. We walked to "downtown" Ottawa and tried finding a nice establishment that was televising the Oilers game and we couldn't find one so we ended up at the dive restaurant known as Don Cherry's.
The service didn't start out bad but the food turned out to suck. I guess they thought they were serving burgers to 5 year old's as it was dry and had no fixings. We had to ask for mustard, mayo, ketchup and relish. And they forgot to bring it. By the time it was brought out, our burgers were cold so we had to ask for them to be re-heated.
Seriously. It sucked.
And the bar was full of nerds. Some even had pocket protectors.
And one thought he was being cool blocking my view during the third period.
I had to yell, "EXCUSE ME!" and he's like, "I'm trying to sit down" Since I know it doesn't take five minutes to sit the eff down I said, "you're not doing a great job of sitting the eff down" and they all got "whoa". Nobody gets between me and my Oilers.
So the nerds thought they'd get their revenge by cheering on the Rangers. But this revenge of the nerds amounted to eff all since the Oilers won in a shootout. Hemsky!!!!!!!!
And totally random, in to the bar walks in one of our old friends from the last liberal leadership convention so we had a LPC discussion.
I'm at a crossroads.
And totally random but as I'm typing out this blog post my MP just called me.
I am happy the convention is taking place in Vancouver. I was contemplating not going and the excuse would have been it would cost too much to fly to Toronto and set up a hotel but with it being in Vancouver I just have to pay the price of admission.
Meh.
Oh. I'm totally sober. Didn't have an ounce to drink. Just jacked up on the Oilers win.
I have an early flight tomorrow.
I'm worried I'll sleep in.
I have my alarm clock set for 5:50 am and I have a wake up call at 5:45. I'm already packed up. It should take about 15-20 minutes to get to the airport. I'm not going to shower. Eff that.
Anyway. I should be sleeping.
I'm back here two weeks from today, bitches. Bring your poker chips and we'll throw down. Y'all ain't ready.
The service didn't start out bad but the food turned out to suck. I guess they thought they were serving burgers to 5 year old's as it was dry and had no fixings. We had to ask for mustard, mayo, ketchup and relish. And they forgot to bring it. By the time it was brought out, our burgers were cold so we had to ask for them to be re-heated.
Seriously. It sucked.
And the bar was full of nerds. Some even had pocket protectors.
And one thought he was being cool blocking my view during the third period.
I had to yell, "EXCUSE ME!" and he's like, "I'm trying to sit down" Since I know it doesn't take five minutes to sit the eff down I said, "you're not doing a great job of sitting the eff down" and they all got "whoa". Nobody gets between me and my Oilers.
So the nerds thought they'd get their revenge by cheering on the Rangers. But this revenge of the nerds amounted to eff all since the Oilers won in a shootout. Hemsky!!!!!!!!
And totally random, in to the bar walks in one of our old friends from the last liberal leadership convention so we had a LPC discussion.
I'm at a crossroads.
And totally random but as I'm typing out this blog post my MP just called me.
I am happy the convention is taking place in Vancouver. I was contemplating not going and the excuse would have been it would cost too much to fly to Toronto and set up a hotel but with it being in Vancouver I just have to pay the price of admission.
Meh.
Oh. I'm totally sober. Didn't have an ounce to drink. Just jacked up on the Oilers win.
I have an early flight tomorrow.
I'm worried I'll sleep in.
I have my alarm clock set for 5:50 am and I have a wake up call at 5:45. I'm already packed up. It should take about 15-20 minutes to get to the airport. I'm not going to shower. Eff that.
Anyway. I should be sleeping.
I'm back here two weeks from today, bitches. Bring your poker chips and we'll throw down. Y'all ain't ready.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
I'm not a fan of attending plenary panels at conferences. It is usually self-congratulatory in nature. I'm now feeling guilty for missing yesterday's. Apparently a discussion by one of the people I've met here made the chair of the conference cry and at the table I'm sitting at right now, there's a lot of drama.
It is now about 8 minutes after 10 and I'm ready to end it all and nap. Or go back to my room and watch Oprah and drink hot chocolate.
I'm a bit miffed with myself as I deleted an email and emptied out my trash and I lost the number of a friend of mine and can't access my facebook email to get the number of a friend that lives here so we can maybe catch an early dinner or something.
My cousin that lives here is a flight attendant and is out of the city so no get together with her. Two weeks from today I'll be back in this hell hole.
Any place that isn't home and where the Oilers aren't playing and isn't NZ or Aus is a hell hole.
It's actually funny when people will only do things that aren't inconvenient to them and when you try attach practice to it they're reluctant to follow through.
It is now about 8 minutes after 10 and I'm ready to end it all and nap. Or go back to my room and watch Oprah and drink hot chocolate.
I'm a bit miffed with myself as I deleted an email and emptied out my trash and I lost the number of a friend of mine and can't access my facebook email to get the number of a friend that lives here so we can maybe catch an early dinner or something.
My cousin that lives here is a flight attendant and is out of the city so no get together with her. Two weeks from today I'll be back in this hell hole.
Any place that isn't home and where the Oilers aren't playing and isn't NZ or Aus is a hell hole.
It's actually funny when people will only do things that aren't inconvenient to them and when you try attach practice to it they're reluctant to follow through.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
My meetings are done at noon today so I'll have an afternoon to either sleep, tour around, watch Oprah or do some work for a meeting I have on Wednesday.
What to do, what to do.
I think I found my blogging voice again. I'm not sure. It could pass as well.
Have I mentioned that the Oilers won? If that's not motivation to blog, I don't know what is.
They play New York tonight. Hmm...how far is NYC from Ottawa and could I make the return trip before 7:30 am tomorrow morning. I'm too scared to find out as it's something I'm crazy enough to do.
I realized on my last trip here that I wasn't travelling with my passport. This trip I brought it, "just in case". Just in case what, I have no idea. Maybe to go to NYC to catch the Oilers.
But I'm not going to do it. I'm not.
Any suggestions as to what to do after 12 pm this afternoon would be greatly appreciated. If parliament were in session, I'd be going to watch them yell at each other in person instead of watching on CPAC.
I'm taking Friday AND Monday off work. We have a junior staff member who'll be taking over some of the files I don't like working on starting on Monday but she can get an orientation from staff and I can meet with her on Tuesday.
I slept in this morning. I woke up after 7. That's troubling to me as I have to be awake at 6 tomorrow morning.
I was going to check out the casino tonight but with the whole have to be up early I may have to nix that idea.
But. Maybe I could see if they have centre ice and catch the Oil/NYC game there.
Does anyone know if any place in this city has NHL IC on their tv?
Man I can't wait to get home and watch these games.
I can't wait to see the Oilers live on Saturday. It's been far too long.
I'm entertaining the thought of flying back to Vancouver for a night after Christmas to catch the Oilers/Canucks game and then flying back home. With my sister. I'll probably veto myself later but it's fun to entertain.
What to do, what to do.
I think I found my blogging voice again. I'm not sure. It could pass as well.
Have I mentioned that the Oilers won? If that's not motivation to blog, I don't know what is.
They play New York tonight. Hmm...how far is NYC from Ottawa and could I make the return trip before 7:30 am tomorrow morning. I'm too scared to find out as it's something I'm crazy enough to do.
I realized on my last trip here that I wasn't travelling with my passport. This trip I brought it, "just in case". Just in case what, I have no idea. Maybe to go to NYC to catch the Oilers.
But I'm not going to do it. I'm not.
Any suggestions as to what to do after 12 pm this afternoon would be greatly appreciated. If parliament were in session, I'd be going to watch them yell at each other in person instead of watching on CPAC.
I'm taking Friday AND Monday off work. We have a junior staff member who'll be taking over some of the files I don't like working on starting on Monday but she can get an orientation from staff and I can meet with her on Tuesday.
I slept in this morning. I woke up after 7. That's troubling to me as I have to be awake at 6 tomorrow morning.
I was going to check out the casino tonight but with the whole have to be up early I may have to nix that idea.
But. Maybe I could see if they have centre ice and catch the Oil/NYC game there.
Does anyone know if any place in this city has NHL IC on their tv?
Man I can't wait to get home and watch these games.
I can't wait to see the Oilers live on Saturday. It's been far too long.
I'm entertaining the thought of flying back to Vancouver for a night after Christmas to catch the Oilers/Canucks game and then flying back home. With my sister. I'll probably veto myself later but it's fun to entertain.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
I'm too lazy to go to the casino. Plus travelling in the dark isn't all that much fun and it's already after 9 pm here in Ottawa.
In my year and 4 months I've been working for this organization I don't even know how many times I've been to our nation's capital. And I can tell you how many times I've actually toured this city: once.
And it was more by accident than anything. A friend of mine moved here and we met "downtown" for drinks and appetizers before he had to catch his bus back to the 'burbs.
The past few times I've been here, he's been travelling or the weather sucked and it hasn't been actual, "beer on the patio" weather.
It's now the end of the 2nd period and the Oilers are beating the devils 2-0.
During my last workshop this afternoon I practiced self-affirmation and wrote on a piece of paper sitting on the table, "the Edmonton Oilers will beat the devils tonight." twice. Maybe I was being prophetic and the Oilers will win the game 2-0. We'll know soon enough.
It's a sad, sad state of affairs when I find myself sitting on a bed in a hotel with a plate of Swiss Chalet chicken and the tv set for Desperate Housewives. See, I'm too lazy channel surf and obviously hotels don't have satellite where the menu pops up and you can scroll through until you find a channel you like.
Okay, I just guilted myself into channel surfing after admitting I was watching desperate housewives (it was on after the amazing race) and I found Family Guy. I win.
In my year and 4 months I've been working for this organization I don't even know how many times I've been to our nation's capital. And I can tell you how many times I've actually toured this city: once.
And it was more by accident than anything. A friend of mine moved here and we met "downtown" for drinks and appetizers before he had to catch his bus back to the 'burbs.
The past few times I've been here, he's been travelling or the weather sucked and it hasn't been actual, "beer on the patio" weather.
It's now the end of the 2nd period and the Oilers are beating the devils 2-0.
During my last workshop this afternoon I practiced self-affirmation and wrote on a piece of paper sitting on the table, "the Edmonton Oilers will beat the devils tonight." twice. Maybe I was being prophetic and the Oilers will win the game 2-0. We'll know soon enough.
It's a sad, sad state of affairs when I find myself sitting on a bed in a hotel with a plate of Swiss Chalet chicken and the tv set for Desperate Housewives. See, I'm too lazy channel surf and obviously hotels don't have satellite where the menu pops up and you can scroll through until you find a channel you like.
Okay, I just guilted myself into channel surfing after admitting I was watching desperate housewives (it was on after the amazing race) and I found Family Guy. I win.
Labels: Go Oilers Go, I love Ales Hemsky, I love Ryan Smyth
About me
- Grace
- British Columbia, Canada
- jealous, insecure,narcissistic, paranoid, and delusional
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