Aunt Phyllis & Uncle Ken leave

Aunt Phyllis was to depart around 9:30ish in the morning. Just as some of us were heading to the Buffet for breakfast. So we all sit around and wait for her to leave. It was fun having her here and I'm sure the Casino will miss her presence as well.

Typical Ken style - he checks out of his room and is sitting on the beach until he has to leave. We turn around later and he is gone. No fancy farewell for him - sneaks out like a ninja.

Like any other day after hitting the beach and before having to shower for dinner, we end up in the pool bar for a few beverages.

And to catch up with everyone to see how their day went and what was in store for the evening.

Ah, the life.

Beach Boy

We were sitting on the beach and who comes up the beach, but the guy who grabbed me to take my picture again. Yes he did place my hand on his ass - honest!

Caribbean Hottie!

Aunt Phyllis, Uncle Ken, Mom, Dad & I checked out the Punta Cana side of the resort and I was grabbed by this guy to get my picture taken. The next day I went to the Pueblo and found the photo shop. There we found my picture with my new honey!

Wedding Day

Carribean Festival

Outback Safari Adventure

Today was the first of two excursions we have booked. We are going on the Outback Safari Adventure - a full day of fun and adventure.

We were picked up in an open top truck and were the last to be picked up. Our tour guide - Alex - went over the rules of the tour. We wre read a list of instructions, but the most important was that we had to ensure we kept our hands, limbs and heads inside the vehicle. The other important point was that when kids came running up to the truck, we didn't throw anything out for them as the tour did not want the kids to become beggars whenever they saw their trucks.

So off we went - driving on the narrow, bumpy roads. Kinda reminded me on Winnipeg (except a better climate, better people....). There were holes all over the place. The truck had to swerve many times and I'm amazed that we were able to keep our kidneys intact.

The tour started out with Alex asking Papi for his drivers license. So out comes a bottle of Dominican Rum through the back window and is passed down the truck to Alex. Alex takes orders and starts bar tending. It was funny how he did it. He had two coolers full of pop, water and beer. So he would open a bottle of pop and while standing on the back bumper would pour out half of the pop over his shoulder onto the road as the truck kept going. He would then pour the Rum into the pop bottle and we'd pass the drink to whomever ordered it. All it needed was to be tipped upside down to mix it and away you go! We drove through the countryside and came upon a large lot that looked like it had just been paved. It was black and glistening in the sun. This was actually coffee drying in a field.The tour is very environmental friendly and helps out the local people. They sponsor various families and take turns touring their homes to show their way of life (the families get some money for doing this). Our first stop was at a home and we were able to see their way of life. Everyone paints their houses and the colours have to do with religion. I forget what colours are meant for which saint. The country side is covered with greens, pinks, yellows and blues. Very simple and beautiful but very comfortable as well.Their houses are mainly bedrooms, living areas and dining areas. They cook, clean and have outside washrooms.Like every family, they have banana trees around their houses for food. It takes the trees 9 months to grow and have edible bananas again. Once they flower and all the bananas are off the tree, they cut the tree down. They grow from the root and 9 months later - VOILA - a mature tree with bananas growing again. So back into the truck we go and off to our next stop. We came to a local store where they sold Rum, knickknacks and cigars. Not many people know this but a lot of Cuban cigars are made in the Dominican. We were able to see cigars being made and rolled.

We then headed off to a local farm where they gave us a talk about the coffee, vanilla and chocolate they grew and sold. It was interesting to see things first hand and to try a little bit of everything. We also got to try sugar cane.

We had driven by a few schools as well. The kids only go half days but they all wear uniforms. It was very nice to see kids dressed up all the same and with smiles on their faces going to learn.

It was a nice break but we were off to a local ranch where we would have lunch. We arrived, got off the trucks and were taken on a short walk to see some birds and a small pond. When we got to the cookout, we were greeted by a small local band playing music. There were a lot of tables made out - all covered with table cloths, cutlery and napkins. Lunch was buffet style so we got in line. The food was great and they were cooking everything on a barbeque. It was delicious.

After lunch we had an opportunity to walk around and go through the local shop that you could buy rum, larimar, cigars, etc. In front of this shop there were paintings laying out for our viewing pleasure and we could purchase them if we wanted.

Back into the truck we went and off to a secluded beach. This beach is unspoilt and was beautiful. Of course there were a few vendors out there who setup tables to sell their wares. The waves were big and we had the opportunity to boogy board if we wanted to. All the guides from the various trucks were out in the water as there was a little bit of an undertow so they kept people from going to far.

Our adventure ended back at our resort and we all had a wonderful day. The sites and sounds of the Dominican countryside is something we'll never forget.

Papi (driver) and Alex (tour guide)

Welcome to Punta Cana

Today was our first day in PARADISE! The weather is perfect, the resort is perfect, the location is perfect and the beach is perfect. What more can I say?

We started out the day finding our way around as we came in last night and it was dark. This resort is a lot like the one in Mexico so I don't see us having any problems. We are Premier guests which means we basically can go and do anything, anywhere. The resort is huge as they have shuttle buses to take us to the beach and different pools along the way.
Our first trip to the beach was fun. Mom was excited about going into the ocean, but she needed some help. She got a little scared when her feet didn't touch the bottom, drank a little bit of ocean water when the waves came over but otherwise had a blast.

Today's famous quote by my mother - "Why does the water taste so salty?"

After being on the beach for most of the day, mom decided that we needed to hit all the pool bars on the way back to our rooms. So the first annual Pool Bar Pub Crawl began. With Rod's high school friend - Brian Ludwig - and his girlfriend Karen, we started the long journey back to our rooms. First pool bar was just a taste of what the day was going to be like. Mom, dad, Jacki, Brian, Karen & I had our first drink. The bartenders like to make the drinks heavy with booze and light with mix.

By the time we ended up in our Premier Club pool bar, I was feeling good - along with everyone else. We had fun going to all 4 pool bars, mom flashing people as the towel around her started dropping.... it was a very interesting day. We had to be back at our rooms as we were having our first dinner at one of the restaurants - a BBQ by the beach. Needless to say, we were all tipsy for dinner and by the time we headed back to the main lobby we were ready for bed.

It's been about a month...

Ok, so I'm a little late updating my blog. Most of you already know that I am back home in the land of the sane and excitement. Let's see what has happened...

1. Arrived home on April 8th. We packed up and drove the Friday night, slept in Regina and continued on Saturday. We made good time as the weather was great and the highway was quiet. No major incidents to report. Unpacked the moving van into Rod's basement and just kept my clothes with me to take to mom & dad's. Girls we glad to see me and I was glad to see them.

2. Mom and Dad's move. ARG. It was a good thing they didn't take possession of their house in town until May 1st. It took us the entire month of April to pack and toss old stuff. I'm not sure how many trips to the Salvation Army we took, but mom kept saying that everyone there was saying "oh, that poor lady must have died". No ma, you just had a lot of clothes you never wore.

Dad had gotten a 20 cubic bin that we had filled with junk in no time. We had that one taken away and a smaller bin was brought out. That we filled as well. I can't believe how much stuff we got rid of, it was truly scary. When I started packing in Winnipeg I thought I had a lot of stuff. I tell you I'm not going to be a pack rat.

We packed boxes all month and I hate the thought of moving when I get a job and find a place. Luckily for me all my stuff is already packed and stored at Rod's, so the pain will just be moving it. If I don't move ever again I'll be a very happy person. The next place I find to live, I think I will be there for a very, very, very long time.

Mom & Dad's move didn't go too bad and their new house is just right for the two of them. The basement needs to be developed, but that should be done this summer. Once mom gets her quilt room setup, she'll be happy. The dogs did very well in this move and I'm proud of them.

The yard is small but they don't need to have anything larger. Dad has a lot of reading to do to learn how to work the underground sprinklers, alarm system, infloor heating in the basement.... the list goes on.

Dad actually got all his boxes unpacked today. He was in the garage and has most of his stuff put away. Once we have a garage sale (hopefully next week), we should get rid of a lot more stuff and he'll be able to put his truck in the garage.

3. Jacki has been working since the first week in May. She is really enjoying it and seems to have fun.

4. Dana found a job and has been working for about 2 weeks now. Her first official week, she was in Toronto for 4 days training. I really don't think she wanted to go back to work but she did. She enjoyed not having to deal with people and be able to do whatever she pleased.

5. I've been slowly looking for a new job, but I'm not looking too hard. This past week I've had the most activity since getting back in Calgary. I've had about 4 interviews so we'll see what comes out of them. I still have no idea what I want to do. I know I don't want a TON of responsibility and just want to be a worker bee from now on. Working for myself would be ideal, but I haven't found anything I could do yet. It will come and I'm not too worried, until mom & dad get their basement renovated. Then I have to be out for 2-3 months, possibly living in my car with the girls.

6. Rod missed Dana so much when she was in Toronto, he proposed to her last Saturday and she was silly enough to say YES! She has a beautiful ring and he has a hop in his step.

7. Moving back to Alberta is the best thing I could have done. Yes I had a headache getting all my id and stuff back to Alberta. You need to have so many pieces of paper showing your proof of citizenship, it is crazy. I had to have my car inspected, it failed and had to shell out $3000 so I could get a license plate. Weird how I had my Alberta insurance for a good 3 weeks before I could even get my drivers license.

You will all be glad to hear that I am learning to RELAX. I'm not stressing out as much and taking things easy. I know it is hard to believe but it is true.

Basically that is all that has happened in the past month and I'll post again soon. Take care everyone!

Winnipeg Signs

Driving to Dana's yesterday I commented to Jacki that I wish I had my camera with me so I could take some pictures of some weird signs that are in this town.

So tonight we hopped in my car and drove around to get some of my favorites - hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

The sign really says it all.

Who says being overweight isn't acceptable?

And you thought Harry Potter had a difficult time finding his train platform number!

I wonder what is on the menu at the HotShots BBQ & Jerk Pit Restaurant?

Packing, packing & more packing

For those of you who have moved several times, you can relate to the dreaded packing. It has been two weeks of packing and getting things organized for the move home. I have the living and dining room filled with boxes and furniture, waiting for the U-Haul to come and be loaded. I think I'm dreading the loading of the truck more than the packing.

Living room stuffed with boxes.

Dining room starting to fill up.

One good thing is that the snow has melted and it is drying out so I'm hoping the loading won't be too messy. I have hired two men to help with the heavier and larger stuff - washer, dryer, deep freeze, etc. So we can just worry about the boxes.... the loads and loads and loads of boxes. I don't think the 26 foot U-Haul we have will be large enough. Everyone else thinks so. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

This week is going to drag on by, I just know it. Monday I'm taking my car in to be serviced to ensure it makes it home on the drive. Then nothing to do but wait until Thursday. That will be the big day.

Dana, Jacki & I will be meeting with the realtor who is taking us out for lunch. Then later in the evening Rod comes into town and we are going for one final wing night with a few of Dana's friends.

Friday can't come soon enough for me. I can't wait to be out of this town and home.

Ok, I'm depressed

I am having a bad day today. I couldn't sleep last night and kept tossing and turning all night. I've packed almost the whole house but I still have over a week before I even move. I've finished my quilt that I started BEFORE leaving Calgary and now I have nothing to do.

I can't find a job when I'm stuck out in Winnipeg as I have to be in Calgary. I do have a telephone interview with Telus tomorrow night.

I can't find a place in Calgary as I have to be out there to do that. The listings over the internet just aren't enough. I can't buy a place or get a mortgage without a job.

Jacki & Dana keep telling me about goings on at work and it makes me even more depressed that the 8 months I spent out here and things have gone back to the way they were.

I did see an awesome purse yesterday but I can't afford it.

What a difference a day makes

Ok these "people" who make up these says are getting to me. Thursday I was bummed and unhappy, Friday I was still bummed until I SOLD MY HOUSE! Yahoo! That was a big worry on my shoulders and you all know I don't worry - RIGHT!

Interesting day yesterday. I went in about 10:30ish and the Senior VP was in a meeting with the guy who quit being the Field Manager after a few days. So I went to speak with the controller. We chatted, I handed in my keys and the SVP was finally out of the meeting. I went and saw him, he was kinda of a jerk but I expected that. I went to field gathered my bag and shoes (I'd cleaned my stuff out of there in the beginning of the month). It was really sad saying goodbye to the HR Manager I hired, few staff and the desktop guy who has been really, really helpful and just an amazing guy.

Jacki & I left and I helped her with her stores. Ok I walked behind her shopping while she checked on her vendor lines. I then get a call on my cell, it's the HR Manager (most of you will see what is coming). Guess what, yup their fired her. Said she wasn't a right fit and I left them with no indication that she was going to work there after I left. Bold face lie! I specifically said to the SVP just hours ago that she is awesome and the company would be stupid to lose her. She has done so much in such a little time and helped me out it is truly amazing. I told him that she was going to stick it out as I told her things were going to get better. See what I have had to deal with in the past 8 months!!?!?!?!

I then heard later in the afternoon as she found out from staff who have been calling her, that one of the old pre-merger supervisors is the new field manager. What a mistake this is. First he knows absolutely nothing, is a liar, drinks heavily (was in the crowd of staff who was fired for smoking pot at work, but couldn't substantiate it) and no one respects him. I called it. My email to the President and Chairman had stated that he was saying he was going to be the field manager and that I didn't trust him and no one else did (nor liked him).

That place is going down fast. I feel sorry for the good staff (interviewers and supervisors) who are left and for the Project Directors in Vancouver (as their work will not get done).

My only hope is that the Chairman who talked with me doesn't know what is going on or that he lied to me. Or if he lied to me, he is letting Winnipeg hang themselves so he can pull out of the company.

My money is that Jacki will be walked out Monday (not Sunday because they have no one to work it). Also everyone that the HR Manager and I hired will be gone within two weeks.

Adios assholes!

I'm outta here

Well the day came. I was frustrated with what is going on with their games so I let them have it. I spoke with the senior VP whom I report too, stating my concerns and wanting to let him know that I most likely won't be able to get everything I wanted done before I left. He left me feeling like I just talked to a wall, so I followed up with an email to the President and Chairman.

The Chairman called me later this afternoon and wanted to call me at home as the walls seem to have ears. Guess I spoke my mind too much as the Chairman said what I knew he was going to say. Basically tomorrow is my last day. After I drop my keys off and say goodbye, I'm unemployed.

I have mixed feelings about this as the deal on the house fell through (they couldn't get approval from CHMC), so it is back up on the market. Normally in Winnipeg if the house doesn't sell in a week, people won't want to see it. Now I have something else to worry about - just lovely.

What would happen if I torch the *&*&#$? Could I get the money and then leave? I want out of this goD forsaken town so bad it isn't funny.

I'm sad that I won't get to say goodbye to the people in Vancouver, but I have their emails so will send them a note.

The Chairman did mention that it wasn't my fault and that if I needed a reference he would definitely say nothing but positive things.

I'm kinda depressed as I feel sorry for the good people who I tried to help and helped me turn the field centre around. I'm bummed and don't know what else to say.

Belated birthday, Guam shift

First I have to say BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dearest sister Jacki. Yesterday was her birthday and I was gonna surprise her at work with supper, but plans in the city just don't work out. I owe her big time and have to come up with something HUGE to make up for it.

Yesterday was a day from hell. With my departure (if I make it), the President is being really nice but annoying. He is also spending more time trying to figure out what I've done wrong and how I've screwed the company, thus causing me more grief. I had one supervisor say to him that all the problems we are currently having the payroll issues for the interviewers is my fault. Nice. This is the same supervisor who walked out of the shift saying he was done and wouldn't help others wrap things up.

So I had to start looking at payroll discrepancies from January! This just made my day. I don't have enough time to even go to the washroom, let alone take on another task. But it is expected of me. I was at work late last night and the supervisor who was to work the Guam shift (11 pm to 5 am) came in stoned. Lovely, just (*&)@#$ lovely. So I had to fire his ass and run the shift as I could not get anyone else to run the shift with no notice. I started looking into things and he didn't do anything that was required of him, which made me more pissed off then I already was. He never kept track of the taxi vouchers, so I am deducting all the missing information from his final pay.

Thank goD for Jacki as she came and helped me figure things out. I'm exhausted today and not going into work. I don't know what it is about my personality but even though I have resigned and am giving them 4 weeks, I really care that things get done properly while I'm here. I know I shouldn't take on this burden as no one helped me before but I don't know how not to. I'm pissed and worried at the same time. Moving home with no job or house doesn't help either.

The house is conditionally sold - they have until Friday to get financing. I think that's all the news I have for now. I'm gonna go take a nap.

Oh ya! Mom & dad are moving into town in May, so I was helping mom go through some of her "stuff". We came to a lot of knitting that is half done. So if there are any knitters out there who can finish some of these projects off, please contact me. I also found a lot of buffalo wool and would really like to have a sweater made. Send me an email or update my blog and we can get in touch and start this going!

Thelma and Louise

Well I thought I caught up on a little of the lack of sleep from this weekend, but last night didn't help. Let me tell you about the adventure.

Dana, Snoopy, Cali & I left Winnipeg Friday evening around 6 pm. We girls were heading West - to the land of sanity, family and friends. I had thought (actually mom suggested it) that we should send the girls out while the house is being shown so I don't have to worry about them during the showings. So us girls filled Dana's car and headed to Calgary. We were doing good - the roads were clear, we were upbeat and ready to get away from Winnipeg and the hell.

Roads in Manitoba weren't bad. They were actually the best part of the trip. We did get stopped by a cop who says Dana was speeding but she wasn't. He was just being a jerk as he slammed on his breaks and pulled out in front of us before we passed him. Dana wasn't doing anything wrong nor was she going that fast. If I was driving I would have surely gotten a speeding ticket.

So on we go. Gas up in Brandon and heading into lovely Saskatchewan. Ok for those who have driven the prairies know I'm lying. The weather starts to change on the East side of Regina. It is snowing and the roads are getting yucky. Fearless, we push on after a pit stop and let the girls have a pee. The nice gas jockey in Regina told us to be safe and helped with the repair of Dana's broken nail. The only mishap so far on the journey.

We continue on Westward bound and the roads are getting worse. At Moose Jaw, exciting city of the prairies, I ask Dana if she is ok on continuing. I was getting worried as I didn't want to get in an accident and was prepared to stay overnight. She indicated she was ok so we continued.

Then it happened. Important note to all travellers going either west or eastbound between Moose Jaw and Swift Current. Dana really had to go pee. I thought she was going to wet herself so I tried convincing her to pull over and get the job done. She tried and I really have to give kudos to her but she got performance anxiety. She just couldn't do it. Even after I found liquid soap, paper towel, kleenex and sanitizing lotion. She hopped back into the car and we continued on.

I being the valuable co-pilot that I am, looked on our trusty map and saw that a town - Morse - was coming up next. We looked for a gas station - nothing. We looked for a restaurant - nothing so we pulled up to the only motel in town. It was about 3 am in the morning. Dana went in and asked the owner if she could use their bathroom. The jerk said NO. She asked if there was anyplace else in town and he told her to find out for herself. If I had to go, I would have peed on his carpet right then and there.

We continue on, next town - Herbert. Again keen eyes are out trying to locate a gas station, restaurant - anything. We even drove down the main street but found nothing, so we headed back out to the highway. It happened again - we got pulled over by cop #2. He was shocked that we were driving around Herbert but when we asked him if there was a restroom in town, he laughed and said good luck. He then proceeded to say find a dark corner (nice safe police) and do our business there. Dana stressed that she tried that, but to no avail. He suggested that we try this motel in town so we did.

Dana woke the reluctant motel owner and she was able to get a room key to use the bathroom. While she was doing her business, the cop came by and chatted me up. He was lonely - poor guy - and wanted someone to talk with. Then the motel owner saw him, called him over and gave him shit for him suggesting we stop in.

WHAT A HORRIBLE STRETCH OF THE ROAD. PEOPLE ARE SO IGNORANT!

We continued on and stopped off in lovely, friendly Medicine Hat. Here both us girls did our business and we took the girls for a walk as both Dana and I were exhausted and trying to stay awake. I'm amazed Dana drove all the way as I would not have been able to.

The roads were bad, but we finally made it home to mom & dads with no further issues or stops with the police. I dedicate this to Adam one of the Senior VPs who I've worked with in the past two years for causing all this to happen. He was the one who called us Thelma & Louise, thus put the curse on us.

We got to mom & dad's about 9:30 am had some breakfast and went to bed. I didn't sleep well as I was excited to be home and dreading the thought of having to leave at 6 am Sunday. Luckily (or not) the weather wasn't the greatest and we didn't drive home Sunday. Instead we took the first plane to Winnipeg Monday morning and went straight to work. Monday night I went home and went straight to bed.

Momma - I'm coming home.

Well this week has been very eventful. It is my first full week back from holidays and I only lasted 3 days at work before I got sworn at by the President. I came back rested and ready to get things in order when this happened. I also heard from my HR manager that he was a complete asshole and treated her like shit, making her cry and think she wasn't doing her job. Also asking her operations questions when she would not have any clue as to what was going on or how to answer. So with that, I handed in my resignation.

I dropped my letter off on the Senior Vice President's desk early Thursday morning and then emailed a copy to all stakeholders in the organization. I didn't hear anything until about 10 am when the Senior VP called and wanted to talk about it. He knows that I'm in the building with the call centre and sharing an office with two other people - HR manager & new Field manager, so I don't know why he wanted to talk over the phone (stupid). So I told him I would meet him later in the morning - I made him sweat a little first.

So I met with him and the first thing he asked (since I report to him), was it him? What an asshole. I told him not necessarily. I then went into the fact that I do not let any of my staff to be yelled at or sworn at over the phone and I had enough of it myself. I then told him that I still felt like an outsider (have always felt that way) and other various issues that made me come to the conclusion. He actually shook my hand and said good job for quitting.

The only other person I heard from was the Senior VP in Vancouver who had hired me when it was Nordic. He indicated he was very concerned with operations, asked if I was really going and when I told him yes, he asked if I was going to be ok. I was truthful to him as he has been a great ali and friend, stating that I was moving back to Calgary and I didn't know what I was going to do.

Late Thursday, the President called me asking for a meeting as he was coming back in town on Friday. I agreed, but didn't really want to go.

Thursday night the house was put on the market. The realtor I'm using is fantastic and completely crazy, but he is the #1 realtor in all of Manitoba so I'm not worried. The only thing he suggested that I do is tear up the carpets and clean the hardwood floors, so that is what I am going to do. Actually Jacki has started and we just have 3 rooms to take the carpet up and then we can clean the floors and put some oil on - then we are done. He is also getting a guy to come and do a 360 degree shoot of the rooms to put on the web, etc. My house has gone up about $10K since I bought it 7 months ago, so I'm hoping to get a bidding war and make some cash. This will be helpful since I don't have a job after the end of March and am moving back to Calgary with no place to live.

I met with the President today. He is such an ass. He indicated that he was sorry the way he treated me, but his kids are grown up and they have survived him. Nice, real nice. He also indicated that it wasn't anything personal and he said that if I wanted to reconsider I could but would have to let him know by Monday. Ya right - KISS MY ASS.

I think the next 4 weeks are going to drag on and I might become postal by March 31st. Just an observation.

Rod is in town to help Dana paint her house so she can sell it and to help us get ready for the move to Calgary.

I might have to change my blog name to Calgary Gal who was in Winnipeg, got treated like shit and had to come home.... or something to that affect. I'll have to think about it.

A supplier called me today and he has been treated with respected by the President (ya right) so when I told him that I resigned he said he would help me look for a job in Calgary. Here's hoping he can help.

So all my Calgary buddies I need two things - 1. A job and 2. someplace to live. Apparently there are only about 600 homes for sale in Calgary so I might have to rent for a while.

I also think we need to have a HUGE WINNIPEG SUCKS party when I get back to the wonderful city of Calgary. All in favour?

Mexico - My new home

We'll I'm back from my awesome vacation in Mexico. I didn't want to come back, not because the weather is -30 degrees, but because I hate Winnipeg. Work is shitty, the weather sucks and the city and it's people are getting on my nerves.

For my first trip to Mexico, I can't really complain. The first few days were windy and cold, but other than that it was beautiful. I basically lived in my swim suit. The only complaint I had was my roommate as she was a complete pig. I had a chair and the small table for all my stuff. She had the dresser, closet, bathroom and even the lamps with her shit all over the place. It was horrible. I felt really sorry for the housekeeper. She had a mess to deal with daily.

My flight was long and lucky me (the curse of Winnipeg) I was stuck in the Cancun airport for 4 hours waiting for our luggage. I thought customs was going to be a bitch, but it was the luggage and people traffic. I could not believe all the people and mass confusion. Then the bus ride to Tulum which normally is about an hour was two hours long.

Our first real day in Mexico we went shopping in Playa del Carmen. It was rainy, windy and cold but then the sun came out and it turned really nice. This picture is of the beach by the shopping mall.

I'm kinda sorry I didn't take more pictures, but live and learn. The hotel was nice but huge. We had to take golf carts around to move from complex to complex. I was lucky to catch a picture of the full moon over the ocean on night.There were a lot of iguana's around and we named a few. Here is a picture of Ike. He was the biggest in our area.

Most of my time was spent either on the beach relaxing or in the pool (with the swim up bar). I was able to come home with a very nice tan. I wasn't too impressed with the shopping as things were over priced and you could get the same things in all the various stores. I wasn't able to find anything unique as everything had a "big box" feel to it. I'm sure you could go to the dollar store and get the same items.

One day I went to the Tulum ruins and spent a good 3 hours walking around and looking at the various temples and scenery. The hurricanes from last year had wiped out a lot of the beaches, but Tulum seemed to have been saved.

I tried to capture the sunrise one night by the small pool.

We went snorkeling at Xel-Ha one day and had a blast. There were a lot of big fish and I even was lucky enough to see a stingray. I was goofing around with Rod's friend Kevin when we heard Rod yell "Barracuda". We both thought he was fooling us, when I saw this huge 4 foot long fish heading towards us. It was thick and moving quickly. I panicked and pushed Kevin between the fish and me.

We then followed some paths and found a cliff to jump off. That was a lot of fun. Rod was a little nervous as he is afraid of heights. We then snorkeled down a river back to the ocean. I think that was the best day the whole trip.

My final week I went snorkeling in some cenotes a few miles away. We went down this large hole in the ground about 20 feet down into a small pool. The water was cold but very clear. We then went into another cave and into a larger pool. It was big enough to canoe in. Plus it was very deep. We spent a good hour exploring these two cenotes and then came up and swam in some smaller ones. There were a few catfish in them, but nothing else.

Overall the trip was very relaxing and I'm ready to get back to my life. I missed the girls tremendously and wished they could have come with me.

I'm hoping to have some good news in the near future so everyone keep your fingers crossed and keep checking my blog.

Threats, 18 days & Ghosts

I have to apologize for not updating my blog until now but you'll soon find out why. I might as well break the suspension and anticipation - I've worked 18 days in a row so far this month. This is the first weekend I didn't go into the office or bring any work home.

So let's start from the beginning of the month...

After having a nice relaxing holiday in Calgary, work started actually on January 1 when I checked my email. Yes I know this was the wrong thing to do, but I thought how bad could it have been? Well it was bad, worst than I thought. I think I should actually be writing a book on all the drama that I've encountered in Winnipeg since getting here. Back to the email. Apparently "someone" had broken into the centre over the holidays, supervisors were having sex with interviewers on company property and people tried breaking into some offices to see what they could find out what was happening.

Oh the joys of working with immature, arrogant people. So the first day back to work, I had to investigate what was going on and then on the 4th I got rid of 3 supervisors and the Field Manager. Thus my work began. Since business still needs to continue (thank goodness it has been a relatively slow month) I have had to move to the Field to begin the cleanup and training. The interviewers have just all signed a new Conditions of Employment and I needed to work on the supervisors next.

Of course the 3 supervisors think we owe them the world, but I think I've finally gotten rid of them. They actually threatened myself, my recruiter and the new assistant manager I brought on board just before Christmas. We were lucky as we were the ones who found 3 knives hidden in the field centre and have been sticking together for the past few weeks just watching each other's backs. Oh the fun never seems to end.

We've been pushing through basically starting the field centre over from scratch as there is nothing around to indicate that this place even existed. I am completely astonished that they were able to get things done, but I guess when you have just 50 seats and ran the place with fear and demoralizing actions/comments, you get things done. It is really scary at the things we are finding out from the 3 supervisors who seemed to have run the place.

So I have 3 more weeks to ensure the centre is running at a good pace until my vacation to Mexico. I've worked hard in trying to get the centre working efficiently, but I know it is still going to be a while until that is done. I'm hoping that I can mentor the new field manager so I can comfortably and confidently go away. There is a lot of training that needs to be done and meetings with staff as they were completely ignored.

I heard the best comment this week from an interviewer - he said this place is starting to look and run like a business, not like an after school hang out. I'm expanding the centre this past week so will have a full 150 stations by the end of the month. The second dialer is coming in and construction of a few offices is almost complete.

Since moving back over to the old building I've found we have a few ghosts in the building. I've decided to name two of them - George & Charlie. George usually works days and is a prankster. He has a fascination with the first elevator and likes to play tricks on you. My office is on the 8th floor with part of the call centre. The other day I was going to the new building to my other office and pressed the lobby button. Well I didn't speak nicely to George so he took me to the basement, then up to the 9th floor, down to the 5th and then to the lobby. George is finicky if you don't talk to him.

Charlie on the other hand is a little more serious and works nights and weekends. If you are not polite he will drop a floor on you to make sure you remember who is really in charge.

So that's what I've been up to. Yesterday was the first day in a long time the I didn't leave the house and slept in. Ok not really slept in as the girls got me up early.

Hope everyone is fine. CHEERS!

Holidays, Driving and Back At It...

Well the holidays have come and gone. I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season and all the best in the New Years.

I was lucky enough to be able to go home for the holidays. Jacki & I drove home on December 23rd. We left at 5:18 am and got to mom & dad's at about 6:45 pm. The start was really bad as it was foggy and we couldn't see the end of the car. Once we got out of Manitoba, we were able to make up time.

My visit home was wonderful. I really didn't know I'd miss Calgary and all my friends as much as I did. I really, really miss Calgary. Winnipeg does have a slow pace with a small town feel, but nothing beats Calgary and the hum you feel as soon as you hit the city limits. Plus it has all my friends, whom I miss. I was able to meet up with Sheila & John and Debbie & George. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet up with Ross V, Ross L, Trish and the rest of the gang, but I had limited time and had shopping to do. Of course I had to shop - NO PST!

Christmas was good and it was nice to spend time with mom & dad, as well as Uncle Ken.

We drove home New Year's eve, which was good as the roads were quiet. We hit bad driving conditions from Swift Current to Regina. Other than that, it was smooth sailing.

I really want to go back to Calgary so am counting down the time I have left in my contract. I'm looking into business solutions for my move back to Calgary.

Getting back into the swing of things has been more then interesting. Today I let 4 people go and have a month to get the call centre into working order so I can go to Mexico in February with no worries. I did really well this past holiday season as I didn't check my email until the Sunday I came back to Winnipeg. This I shouldn't have done as there was nothing but issues and problems - hard to believe especially since we were CLOSED!!

Today was stressful and tiring so I'm hoping the remainder of the week goes better.

That's all for now folks!

Countdown to going home...

Well I'm back from Vancouver. It was really nice there - the weather was only about -4 degrees but it was sunny, sunny, sunny. I think that was the first time that I've ever been to Vancouver when it was nice and sunny out.

I'm looking forward to going home this Friday and being in Alberta for a week. Not just because I'm going shopping with no PST! but I hope to see a lot of friends.

We've had a lot of snow since I've left and I went to shovel the front sidewalk, but the city had come by and did it for me. Poor girls are going stir crazy as it is too cold and the snow is too deep for them.

Not much else going on. Just trying to keep warm and stay happy.

Merry Christmas to all!

Dana's Christmas Tree

Step 1 - I missed the "fluffing" of the tree. Plus putting on the 750 lights. I did help with the final placing of the pearl strings. It really is a nice tree - very full and you can only tell it is fake if you are right up close.

Step 2 - Putting on the bows and inside glass balls.

Step 3 - More glass balls.

Step 4 - Yet more glass balls.

Step 5 - Finished!

Another view.

DONE! Picture would look a little better if it was darker. Tree is very beautiful.

Dana & Valerie's Horrible Adventure

Ok, Dana and I had a wonderful weekend planned. This was the weekend we both took off work and were going to go down to the States for some shopping (on Saturday) and relaxation. I'd get time to spend with my future sister-in-law (yes Aunt Judy, I'm working on her for Rod!), we'd do some shopping and not work one weekend. On Sunday I planned to go over to Dana's house to help her put her tree up. She says its a 7 hour event, so we'll see.

Friday night Dana came over for dinner and we sat around and organized everything for the trip. We ate dinner, watched a movie and she was ready to go home. That is when it happened. Her car would not start. No matter what we tried, it would not start. It was not her battery as everything came on. At first we thought the gas line had frozen, but it really wasn't that cold. We came back into the house and phoned for a tow truck. The driver was supposed to be at my place in less than 60 minutes.

Two hours later he came and asked what the problem was. Dana said it would not start or turn over. So the guy got in the car and it turned over! We were stumped. We had tried several different times and nothing happened for us. So Dana went home and I told her to call me when she got in the door just in case something happened on the road. She called me just after 1 am as she arrived safely.

So Saturday was a bust. Dana had to take her car in and we stayed up too late to be able to drive to the States. I stayed home with the girls and we watched movies all day long. Dana and I arrange for me to go over to her house for the huge Christmas decorating event on Sunday.

Sunday comes, I pack my things up and put the girls in the car. I get in and turn the car over - NOTHING HAPPENS! I could not believe it but this time the battery was dead. I got the car boosted and off we went.

I only spent half the day helping Dana put up her tree, but it came together nicely. I did take pictures and will post them later on.

We are HOPING next weekend to do the States trip for shopping, so let's keep our fingers crossed.

I'm going to Vancouver in two weeks and then it is HOLIDAYS! I can't wait. I'll be in Calgary for the week between Christmas and New Years.

Just a quick update

Well work sucks and I need to win the lotto.

I know everyone thinks that, but for me it's true. I'm stuck between two old companies and there is such a pissing match going on, it is crazy. I don't know what I got myself into.

Enough of work. I'm going to MEXICO! Ok, not until February, but I'm going for two weeks with my brother and his friends. He needs a chaperone ya know! hehe It is all exclusive - Rod is gonna pay for everything right! ;)

Jacki has been a wonderful help being here. She has been looking after my girls while I work late and she has been making me dinner. She is really spoiling me.

My buddy Dana and I are going to a craft fair this weekend after I get the grey taken out of my hair. Next weekend we are going to run to the States for a shopping trip and then I'm helping her put up her Christmas tree. I guess it is an all day affair - I'll update you all next week.

Tomorrow we have our company Christmas party for the clients. Should be interesting as everyone keeps raving about their parties. The big cheese from Vancouver is coming out so I get stuck in meetings BEFORE the party - oh the fun.

I am missing Sheila & John's Thanksgiving party this weekend (big pout) and I'm sad I can't go. I miss them so much, even John's craziness! I will miss seeing Debbie & George & the whole beagle gang. I know the girls really misses everyone too. I said Brodie's name the other day and Snoopy went balistic.

Here's a cute picture of Snoopy sleeping. As you can see she is horribly abused and the SPCA should be called.

That's all for now.

Winter is Here

I stayed home today. I am able to work from home (which is one good perk). I was already to go to the bus and have my first adventure to downtown but it was no use. We waited around and heard that our bus was jack knived down the road. The other bus wasn't coming anytime soon. I thought that instead of trying to commute and sitting in traffic, I could go home and get some work done. So I spent the whole day at home working. I'm still behind, but at least I was able to get field working for tonight.

The snow really came down and is extremely heavy. I think we got about 2 feet. Paige was having a blast trying to make her way through the snow. Snoopy was ok, but Cali.... she hasn't been outside all day! I think I'm going to have to hold her over the toilet and squeeze her. I went to the back door, tried to get her to go outside and she just stood there with this horrified look on her cute little face and shook. Needless to say I didn't push it.

Mom, dad & Paige are thinking about leaving tomorrow morning but I don't want them too. I think they should stay until the roads are a little better, but they want to leave. I must be a terrible host!

Front yard

Back yard facing house.

Back yard with Paige.

Alley - they clean them out here!

I tried to kill my mom!

I had a great surprise last week. On Wednesday, I had the girls with me at the office to catch up with some work, and I got a phone call. Mom, Dad & Jacki were at my house! The girls and I drove home and we had visitors. They drove out in the morning and are staying with me for a few weeks.

This past weekend my friend Dana and I told Mom & Jacki that we should walk to Sugar Mountain. This is a candy store which is geared towards adults due to it having a lot of "old" fashioned candy. Remember WigWags? The Red Wax lips? This store has it all. Anyways Dana and I took Mom, Jacki, Paige, Snoopy & Cali for a walk to the store from my house. It was about 9:30 pm when we started out. It was a little bit of a walk but we got to the store. I stayed out with the dogs while the rest went in side. We were on our way home when Mom said she couldn't go any further. She was tired. Unfortunately I (nor Dana) brought our cell phones. So Dana, Snoopy & I ran home to pick up the car. We drove to find Jacki, Mom, Paige & Cali about 7 blocks from the house. They were tired and cold.

Needless to say, we had been gone on our walk for about 3 hours. And it was 3.5 kms each way! Mom couldn't hardly move the next day.

Sunday we put the Christmas lights on my house and did some yard work. I'm gonna take the gang to Wing night Tuesday (my night to cook!)

My Baby Brother Visits ME!

Rod came out to visit me the last weekend in October. Ok, so the real reason is that I'm trying to set him up with my friend and co-worker Dana. I think they would make a good couple, so I convinced him to come out for a visit.

Rod had a good adventure. I was at work when he came into town on the Friday, so he took a limousine to my house. Apparently there were no taxi cabs around so he took a limo - just something my brother would do.

Dana & I came home Friday night to pick Rod up for supper. We all decided we wanted Sushi so we went to this great Sushi/Martini bar. It was a good meal. Rod & Dana picked on me (I know, they weren't nice!) and I think they sort of hit it off. After dinner we went to a walk to Sugar Mountain to wear off some dinner and drinks. Being still early in the night, we decided that Rod needed a visit to the Palomino Club.

If you've never been to Winnipeg, this is a club to see. It has a wide range of people who go there. Anyone from age 18-80 goes. The fashions, ages, styles are just too funny. It is a great place to people watch. We saw one guy who looked exactly like Joe Pesci from the movie "My Cousin Vinny". He had the slicked back black hair, cowboy boots on and a really nice bright blue suit jacket. We had a great time.

On Saturday I took Rod shopping at the Forks to buy Mom a birthday present. We also picked up some hockey tickets for the Manitoba Moose hockey game. They are the farm team for Vancouver. We had a good time but froze our asses off. Ok, everyone who has gone to a professional hockey game knows, that you should not need a winter jacket, scarf, mittons or hat to watch a game inside. Our seats (3 rows up from the ice) were friggin cold! Ya think with a NEW building, they would think about putting heat in the place - GUESS NOT!!!! Even though it was cold we had fun.

After the hockey game we ended up in this great lounge at Ray & Jerry's. You walk in and it is an old retro lounge - red leather chairs and a bar menu from the 50s. The only thing that was missing was Frank Sinatra or Sammy Davis Jr. playing in the back ground.

Sunday we relaxed before having to take Rod to the airport. Hopefully I'll have a new sister in the future - NO PRESSURE ROD!