Back in my apartment days in London... there was once a year that I was woken to someone broadcasting on a microphone - followed by that national anthem... It was sending me right back to those mornings when it happened this morning in Winnipeg!
The reason in London - Play on! - a road hockey tournament. Oh! I just remembered - it happened twice a year in London - the Gus Macker tournament would happen too - but.. I don't remember them doing the national anthem to start...
So, it seems, all you have to do is live downtown in a smaller Canadian city (I can't imagine this happening to me if I lived downtown Toronto...Vancouver...or Montreal...) and you can experience the same things...
Although - there was a tribute to Queen Victoria last weekend that involved gun shots - and I don't remember anything like that in London.
It was funny that during their big fireworks display - I was sitting in my apartment glued to the TV watching LOST. I could hear them. I could see them lighting up buildings across from me. But I didn't end up seeing any.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
The money plant
Once upon a time (picture mid January), my friend V introduced me to the folklore of the money plant. People who are in the possession of a money plant and treat it well will be blessed with prosperity. She also told me that you're not to buy a money plant - you're to steal it. Which is how she got her "new" money plant. Her original one was stolen by her ex-husband when he was coming to take his stuff out of the house (he counted the money plant as his, she did not). Anyway, she stole a shoot from a money plant in an Indian restaurant in Brampton - and told us this story as we were leaving the restaurant after a fabulous dinner. V is very prosperous - but - also the hardest working person I know. So... is it V or the plant?
So, when I was in the office of a colleague the first week I started in Winnipeg - I saw that she had a money plant. There are tons of plants in the building that are all maintained by the staff gardener. She works out of Toronto for the most part, and to her it seems that every time she arrives in Winnipeg one of the plants has changed... So, I told her what V had told me about money plants and told her that I was going to steal the plant as soon as she returned to Toronto. Which I did. And I was all proud of doing. And GN was so jealous in T.O. that he was plotting how he was going to steal it from me...
The money plant lived in my cubicle for just more than a week. Today, the staff gardener, Don came by.
Don: "Oh, there's my missing plant. How did you get it?"
Me: "I took it from SH's office"
Don: "Who's SH?"
Me: "The woman who works in that office when she's in town."
Don: "Is she the staff gardener?"
Me: "No. She's the same role as me"
Don: "The only way to get a plant is to ask the staff gardener. Not SH."
Me: "Well, I didn't even ask. I just took it. Could I have a plant?"
Don: "What kind of plant?"
Me: "A pretty one?"
Don: "Not with this kind of light. Best you could ask for is green."
Me: "Could I have a green plant?"
Don: "We'll see what we can do. But don't go taking my plants."
Me (meekly): "Ok. Sorry."
Two minutes later, I get an email from SH - "Guess what just got returned to my office? I told him the story about the money plant and why you wanted to steal it. He told me that it's just a ficus with a stumpy root, it wouldn't have made you prosperous anyway!"
After all that - it was a ficus!
Now, we'll have to see if Don was at least humoured by it - will I get a money plant at my desk?? Or a different ficus...?
So, when I was in the office of a colleague the first week I started in Winnipeg - I saw that she had a money plant. There are tons of plants in the building that are all maintained by the staff gardener. She works out of Toronto for the most part, and to her it seems that every time she arrives in Winnipeg one of the plants has changed... So, I told her what V had told me about money plants and told her that I was going to steal the plant as soon as she returned to Toronto. Which I did. And I was all proud of doing. And GN was so jealous in T.O. that he was plotting how he was going to steal it from me...
The money plant lived in my cubicle for just more than a week. Today, the staff gardener, Don came by.
Don: "Oh, there's my missing plant. How did you get it?"
Me: "I took it from SH's office"
Don: "Who's SH?"
Me: "The woman who works in that office when she's in town."
Don: "Is she the staff gardener?"
Me: "No. She's the same role as me"
Don: "The only way to get a plant is to ask the staff gardener. Not SH."
Me: "Well, I didn't even ask. I just took it. Could I have a plant?"
Don: "What kind of plant?"
Me: "A pretty one?"
Don: "Not with this kind of light. Best you could ask for is green."
Me: "Could I have a green plant?"
Don: "We'll see what we can do. But don't go taking my plants."
Me (meekly): "Ok. Sorry."
Two minutes later, I get an email from SH - "Guess what just got returned to my office? I told him the story about the money plant and why you wanted to steal it. He told me that it's just a ficus with a stumpy root, it wouldn't have made you prosperous anyway!"
After all that - it was a ficus!
Now, we'll have to see if Don was at least humoured by it - will I get a money plant at my desk?? Or a different ficus...?
Monday, May 24, 2010
Science project?
I have no idea why...but lately I've come up with at least three science project ideas... Right now, I can't remember the other ones, but I wanted to publish this one before I forgot.
Which one does outlast...?
A showdown of four different brands of batteries - by playing Wii for hours. A different brand in each Wii-mote.
How awesome would that be to "experiment"?
Which one does outlast...?
A showdown of four different brands of batteries - by playing Wii for hours. A different brand in each Wii-mote.
How awesome would that be to "experiment"?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Pool's open!
So, the pool opened at my building today. I saw the notice when I was leaving for my run. (Stopped to read the rules - in case there's a chance I can still win over the superintendents...)
When I returned from my run, I decided to go to the exercise room to finish my workout. I was gazing out at the pool wondering... just because the pool is open, that does not mean this outdoor pool is warm... And contemplated for a little bit whether it would be a heated pool or not... And then, a family came through to use the pool. The kids were about 4 and 2. And they all seemed excited to use the pool.
Sure enough. The dad goes to dip his toe in - turns his face away from his kids (in my general direction) and said something... I'm presuming he swore. But, the good dad that he is - he jumped in and then helped his daughter in. It was so funny to see the mom do almost the same thing as the dad... What brave little parents.
Something tells me they're going to be "too busy to swim" for at least another week!
When I returned from my run, I decided to go to the exercise room to finish my workout. I was gazing out at the pool wondering... just because the pool is open, that does not mean this outdoor pool is warm... And contemplated for a little bit whether it would be a heated pool or not... And then, a family came through to use the pool. The kids were about 4 and 2. And they all seemed excited to use the pool.
Sure enough. The dad goes to dip his toe in - turns his face away from his kids (in my general direction) and said something... I'm presuming he swore. But, the good dad that he is - he jumped in and then helped his daughter in. It was so funny to see the mom do almost the same thing as the dad... What brave little parents.
Something tells me they're going to be "too busy to swim" for at least another week!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Getting to know my neighbours
I took sometime to visit my neighbours today! Hello Saskatchewan!
It was my first time ever visiting Saskatchewan. I only went to Regina for the day to present at a meeting - so it was a quick trip, and for the most part, I only saw the office I was visiting. But...there was a good story...
I arrived in Regina, was leaving the airport and saw that there was a flat-rate limo downtown for $15. Seemed like a good deal, so I said yes. Why not? Well... in Ontario... airport limos are usually Lincoln Town Cars... In Regina...they are stretch limousines. Me. My laptop bag. My lunch. And 12 other empty seats. It was awesome. And hilarious. However... I didn't really appreciate the fact that he didn't come around to open my door for me when we arrived at my destination... How can I really be expected to get out and do a wave to the crowd if I have to open the door myself...??
Sorry. No pictures.
It was my first time ever visiting Saskatchewan. I only went to Regina for the day to present at a meeting - so it was a quick trip, and for the most part, I only saw the office I was visiting. But...there was a good story...
I arrived in Regina, was leaving the airport and saw that there was a flat-rate limo downtown for $15. Seemed like a good deal, so I said yes. Why not? Well... in Ontario... airport limos are usually Lincoln Town Cars... In Regina...they are stretch limousines. Me. My laptop bag. My lunch. And 12 other empty seats. It was awesome. And hilarious. However... I didn't really appreciate the fact that he didn't come around to open my door for me when we arrived at my destination... How can I really be expected to get out and do a wave to the crowd if I have to open the door myself...??
Sorry. No pictures.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Three easy steps to get your building superintendents to hate you forever...
Step one: The day you move in - without them knowing your moving, because your property mgmt company didn't tell them - be sure to instruct furniture delivery people to park right in front of the building. Be sure to be confident and arrogant about it, and say something like "Of course you can park here! I'm new in town, how could I be wrong? Let's just plead ignorance if we get in trouble!" All while your superintendent is standing behind you, hands on his hips no less... His rebuttal: "Well, I am the building superintendent and I'm telling you that you CAN'T park here." (Side note: it turned out he had to concede and the Leon's guys could stay there because there was already a moving van in the back lane and they were only delivering one item... Something tells me, this didn't win me ANY points...)
Step two: Go against their request for 24 hours notice of when you need to book the elevator - call them "after business hours" the night before - when the movers are showing up - to park in the same spot as the Leon's guys!!! - at 9am the next day!
Wait - did I tell you there are two people that look after this building? So, within three days - I ended up pissing them BOTH off...
Ready for the icing on the cake...
Step three: In your "no pet" building - call your superintendent with an emergency...like... "Sorry to call - but my cat just jumped off my balcony and is stranded on a balcony beneath mine. Could you call me immediately if the apartment is vacant...? If so, he'd need to be rescued. Otherwise, I'll leave a note on the tenant's door and they can call me when they get in."
Thankfully enough - the tenant WAS home! However, he had gone up to my apartment to tell me my cat was "visiting" while I was knocking on his door - and hearing my cat meow at me. Bax is now banned from the balcony. Loser. The best part was - I went down to the bottom floor first (in our case, the second) and asked that woman if a cat landed on her terrace - she was like "What?!?" And then I saw she had a cat - and there's no way that Bax wouldn't have made himself known with another cat around. That's just the kinda cat he is.
Easy steps to get your superintendents against you forever. And an easy method to meet new people in the building! Hello Alan and Jill!
Oh the adventures!
(Side note: this all happened about 15 mins before LOST was to begin... He's LUCKY he was back in the apartment with me for the start of the show!)
Step two: Go against their request for 24 hours notice of when you need to book the elevator - call them "after business hours" the night before - when the movers are showing up - to park in the same spot as the Leon's guys!!! - at 9am the next day!
Wait - did I tell you there are two people that look after this building? So, within three days - I ended up pissing them BOTH off...
Ready for the icing on the cake...
Step three: In your "no pet" building - call your superintendent with an emergency...like... "Sorry to call - but my cat just jumped off my balcony and is stranded on a balcony beneath mine. Could you call me immediately if the apartment is vacant...? If so, he'd need to be rescued. Otherwise, I'll leave a note on the tenant's door and they can call me when they get in."
Thankfully enough - the tenant WAS home! However, he had gone up to my apartment to tell me my cat was "visiting" while I was knocking on his door - and hearing my cat meow at me. Bax is now banned from the balcony. Loser. The best part was - I went down to the bottom floor first (in our case, the second) and asked that woman if a cat landed on her terrace - she was like "What?!?" And then I saw she had a cat - and there's no way that Bax wouldn't have made himself known with another cat around. That's just the kinda cat he is.
Easy steps to get your superintendents against you forever. And an easy method to meet new people in the building! Hello Alan and Jill!
Oh the adventures!
(Side note: this all happened about 15 mins before LOST was to begin... He's LUCKY he was back in the apartment with me for the start of the show!)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Few of my favourite things...today!
Today has been a really great day. And, in honour of said great day, I'd like to share a list of my favourite things...
1. Grapefruit. I first loved it when I was in high school. Almost OD'd on it. Have enjoyed it ever since, but I'm back to fully loving it again. I love that my breakfast involves eating 1/2 a grapefruit. It's a highlight of every day.
2. Skype and iChat. I spent over 3 hours this morning in conversation with RC and my younger sister. It was awesome. What wasn't awesome, was the soreness I'm beginning to experience since I can only sit in ONE place and use my computer...Which leads nicely to #3.
3. Wireless internet. A good connection is hard to find. I had taken/stole/appropriate/borrowed my sister's Airport Express - in the Apple world it's a small wireless router that you plug into the wall and you can also plug your printer and stereo/speakers into... She and I used this as our "base station" back in my old apartment on Dufferin. When the Shaw guy came to hook up my internet - he asked me where I'd want it, and I indicated close to the outlet because, hello, I was going to be all wireless... He left, I hooked up... and my AE wasn't being recognized by my computer. I tried everything I could. So today, I went and bought a new one. And it's working WONDERFULLY!
4. Yellow shoes. I L-O-V-E yellow shoes. A close second: red shoes. The most expensive shoes I have purchased to date are yellow. Today, I bought a pair of yellow leather ballet flats. They are quite lovely.
5. My former dentist. I had gotten referred to a dental centre close to my old work, and the dentist that I was referred to was full, so I got the "junior" dentist - Michelle. And we totally hit it off. Turns out she was only a year behind me at Queen's, so we had all sorts of stories to share, and we were both pretty cool. My favourite part about Michelle - she used to compliment the work she was doing on my teeth. She once called the hygienist over to see a filling that she did. I thought it was awesome. My hair stylist does it too. Maybe there's a trend... And maybe... I should start complimenting my OWN work! Anyway, long intro - she sent me an email today because she's left the dental centre in London (as have I, obviously), and her email was really sweet about how I was her favourite patient. Gotta love the network.
6. The Turbo Scratcher. This is a toy that I had gotten Baxter years ago - and he still loves it. The thing is, Harvey loved it too. So, we left the Turbo Scratcher with Harvey, and I figured I'd just pick up a new one in Winnipeg. Except... Walmart didn't have it. Zellers didn't have it. Petland didn't have it. But do you know who had it...? Sears. What?! I know. It was crazy. And it was on sale. I brought it home, opened it and Bax went nuts. It's still a winner. And it will entice him more than scratching at the carpet...
7. Sunshine. It's been another GORGEOUS weekend in Winnipeg. I can't wait for all of my household chores to be done so I can start enjoying the sunshine more! I'm looking forward to finding a spot and reading on the lawn of the legislature for a couple of hours! Ok, I could still do that now... It's 7pm, but it will be light out for two more hours... Gotta love Winnipeg!
I'd love to get to 10 things, because it's a nice round number, but I'm starving.
Ciao!
1. Grapefruit. I first loved it when I was in high school. Almost OD'd on it. Have enjoyed it ever since, but I'm back to fully loving it again. I love that my breakfast involves eating 1/2 a grapefruit. It's a highlight of every day.
2. Skype and iChat. I spent over 3 hours this morning in conversation with RC and my younger sister. It was awesome. What wasn't awesome, was the soreness I'm beginning to experience since I can only sit in ONE place and use my computer...Which leads nicely to #3.
3. Wireless internet. A good connection is hard to find. I had taken/stole/appropriate/borrowed my sister's Airport Express - in the Apple world it's a small wireless router that you plug into the wall and you can also plug your printer and stereo/speakers into... She and I used this as our "base station" back in my old apartment on Dufferin. When the Shaw guy came to hook up my internet - he asked me where I'd want it, and I indicated close to the outlet because, hello, I was going to be all wireless... He left, I hooked up... and my AE wasn't being recognized by my computer. I tried everything I could. So today, I went and bought a new one. And it's working WONDERFULLY!
4. Yellow shoes. I L-O-V-E yellow shoes. A close second: red shoes. The most expensive shoes I have purchased to date are yellow. Today, I bought a pair of yellow leather ballet flats. They are quite lovely.
5. My former dentist. I had gotten referred to a dental centre close to my old work, and the dentist that I was referred to was full, so I got the "junior" dentist - Michelle. And we totally hit it off. Turns out she was only a year behind me at Queen's, so we had all sorts of stories to share, and we were both pretty cool. My favourite part about Michelle - she used to compliment the work she was doing on my teeth. She once called the hygienist over to see a filling that she did. I thought it was awesome. My hair stylist does it too. Maybe there's a trend... And maybe... I should start complimenting my OWN work! Anyway, long intro - she sent me an email today because she's left the dental centre in London (as have I, obviously), and her email was really sweet about how I was her favourite patient. Gotta love the network.
6. The Turbo Scratcher. This is a toy that I had gotten Baxter years ago - and he still loves it. The thing is, Harvey loved it too. So, we left the Turbo Scratcher with Harvey, and I figured I'd just pick up a new one in Winnipeg. Except... Walmart didn't have it. Zellers didn't have it. Petland didn't have it. But do you know who had it...? Sears. What?! I know. It was crazy. And it was on sale. I brought it home, opened it and Bax went nuts. It's still a winner. And it will entice him more than scratching at the carpet...
7. Sunshine. It's been another GORGEOUS weekend in Winnipeg. I can't wait for all of my household chores to be done so I can start enjoying the sunshine more! I'm looking forward to finding a spot and reading on the lawn of the legislature for a couple of hours! Ok, I could still do that now... It's 7pm, but it will be light out for two more hours... Gotta love Winnipeg!
I'd love to get to 10 things, because it's a nice round number, but I'm starving.
Ciao!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Doth protest too much?
I realized the other day on my way home from work - as I was watching a protest march approach me - my location so close to the Manitoba Legislature could be very interesting - and political.
Then I realized, if I didn't speed up - I'd get caught waiting for the entire march to pass before I could get home. I had to laugh about that: so few intersections for me to cross in my 9 minute walk - yet it could have taken me 45 minutes to get home...
This march was a Pro-life protest - so it was pretty subdued. I'll let you know if there are any big, rowdy rallies.
Then I realized, if I didn't speed up - I'd get caught waiting for the entire march to pass before I could get home. I had to laugh about that: so few intersections for me to cross in my 9 minute walk - yet it could have taken me 45 minutes to get home...
This march was a Pro-life protest - so it was pretty subdued. I'll let you know if there are any big, rowdy rallies.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Bookcrossing
A long while ago, someone (RC? LYo? MR?) sent me a link to http://www.bookcrossing.com - this cool little grassroots org that encourages the spread and sharing of good books. On their site, they have a listing of participating public places and they tips on how to share books...
Well, the other day - I FOUND A BOOK!!! My colleage, SH, and I were walking down York Street in Winnipeg - between Edmonton and Carlton - and there on a Parking meter station (the electronic ones, not a coin one) was a book in a ziplock bag with a post-it note: FREE BOOK! I’m not lost. I’m a travelling book. Take me with you! www.bookcrossing.com
I am just so excited to be part of the bookcrossing phenomenon - after researching it and looking for free books in London! It’s like a literary Easter Egg hunt - only MUCH better!
The book I now have: The Fourth Hand, by John Irving.
I’m behind on my reading - still have Metamorphosis to read - but once I catch up - I’ll see how this book goes! And then comes the fun part - I get to decide where to leave it for someone else!!
Well, the other day - I FOUND A BOOK!!! My colleage, SH, and I were walking down York Street in Winnipeg - between Edmonton and Carlton - and there on a Parking meter station (the electronic ones, not a coin one) was a book in a ziplock bag with a post-it note: FREE BOOK! I’m not lost. I’m a travelling book. Take me with you! www.bookcrossing.com
I am just so excited to be part of the bookcrossing phenomenon - after researching it and looking for free books in London! It’s like a literary Easter Egg hunt - only MUCH better!
The book I now have: The Fourth Hand, by John Irving.
I’m behind on my reading - still have Metamorphosis to read - but once I catch up - I’ll see how this book goes! And then comes the fun part - I get to decide where to leave it for someone else!!
My future's so bright...
The world is a funny place. You won't believe who I work with... The son of the electrical engineer hired by the Province of Manitoba to determine which lights to use on the top of the Legislature... I told my colleague to be sure to congratulate his dad on selecting a wattage that is so bright I can read by the glow of it in the early hours...
Unfortunately - I haven't gotten a great night shot, yet.
But... here's two of my favourites so far:
Unfortunately - I haven't gotten a great night shot, yet.
But... here's two of my favourites so far:
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Fix-It Guy
The other night, I had the fix-it guy from my property management company come in to do a little work... We'll call him Bob.
(Side note: I was looking forward to meeting Bob, since the other two "service" men I'd met since arriving in Winnipeg were both cute young men, and it seemed I'd be seeing Bob on a more repetitive occurrence... But, he was not young, nor cute, or of romantic interest to me).
So, I'm chatting away with Bob. He's had an interesting life, he was a workaholic and the day his wife left him because she thought he was married to his job, was the same day he decided to quit that job and get a life for himself...which meant moving from Ontario to Winnipeg and becoming a fix-it man. Remember what I said... If you're not willing to look after your career, no one will.
He then mentions that he might move again. So, here's a little snippet of our conversation:
Air-in: Oh really Bob, where would you move to?
Bob: I'm thinking I might move to Quebec. (Sorry, I forgot to mention he has a Spanish accent)
Air-in: Why Quebec?
Bob: Because my ex-girlfriend can't speak French, so I think my chances are really great that she won't follow me there.
Brilliant.
(Side note: I was looking forward to meeting Bob, since the other two "service" men I'd met since arriving in Winnipeg were both cute young men, and it seemed I'd be seeing Bob on a more repetitive occurrence... But, he was not young, nor cute, or of romantic interest to me).
So, I'm chatting away with Bob. He's had an interesting life, he was a workaholic and the day his wife left him because she thought he was married to his job, was the same day he decided to quit that job and get a life for himself...which meant moving from Ontario to Winnipeg and becoming a fix-it man. Remember what I said... If you're not willing to look after your career, no one will.
He then mentions that he might move again. So, here's a little snippet of our conversation:
Air-in: Oh really Bob, where would you move to?
Bob: I'm thinking I might move to Quebec. (Sorry, I forgot to mention he has a Spanish accent)
Air-in: Why Quebec?
Bob: Because my ex-girlfriend can't speak French, so I think my chances are really great that she won't follow me there.
Brilliant.
Most alarming!!
Picture this... it's my first night in my new apartment. The previous night, I was at the Delta with my cat, Baxter, who couldn't sleep AT ALL because of all the new sounds, smells and I don't even want to consider what else... I'm excited to be in my new place, and I've only really had a chance to get a pull-out couch delivered (glad I thought ahead about that one!) and pick up some linens at the local Bay store.
After a busy day, I decided not to use the full pull-out option of my couch, I'd just take the back cushions off and sleep on the couch. Bax has now decided that he is very much ready to sleep - but due to his "you just took me away from everything I know you stupid human" anxieties, he wanted to sleep RIGHT beside me. I woke up about an hour later - needing some personal space, and realizing that the couch is on a slant, so you really roll into the crease of the couch... I didn't like sleeping on such a slant. So, up I got - cleared my cat off the couch, and set out to make the bed. Then, I felt I could FINALLY really sleep.
That's when the Golden Boy really showed his prominence in my life... Winnipeg is quite proud of this tall gold statue of a running man (think more Olympic, with a torch, rather than an early 90's dance move I still can't master)... So proud that at night, they want all to see it. I should look at it from Google Earth - I'm sure that from space, it's the glow of the Golden Boy at night that puts Winnipeg on the map!
I had not had time to buy curtains yet. And my living room has patio doors that face the magnificent Golden Boy... In my completely empty bedroom, there was less light... but no bed. It took me FOREVER to fall asleep - or so it felt.
In what felt like seconds, I was jolted from my sleep like I was a character on LOST and there was black smoke headed my way. The fire alarm went off. It is very loud - and VERY disorienting to a very new member of the building...and her cat, who already had enough anxiety issues. I jumped up, not even knowing what was going on yet... I was searching frantically for my slippers and for a long-sleeved t-shirt or sweater to help me deal with the cold night air - and then grabbed my cat's carrier and went to find The Bax. Let's remember, the ONLY thing in my apartment is a pull out couch. So, the search was quite easy, but getting my cat out from under this pull-out couch was next to impossible. I had already been running around, swearing A LOT, and now I'm having to coax my cat out of this "safe place" while this really loud bell is going off - and I am still trying to figure out just how "at risk" we are... "Trust me Bax! Just trust me!" That's what I remember yelling at him. Seems as though we'll have to work on his word recognition for "trust" - it seemed to have no meaning to him. So, with my adrenaline being more powerful than his anxieties, I pulled him out by the back of his neck and shoved him unceremoniously into his cat carrier and dashed out the door.
To find less than 20 people had also evacuated. Seems as though, not so random in this large apartment building.
My fear about living in Winnipeg is not related to the winter, the bugs or the thugs downtown... how am I going to survive "regular" fire alarms?
That seriously took 10 years off my life.
After a busy day, I decided not to use the full pull-out option of my couch, I'd just take the back cushions off and sleep on the couch. Bax has now decided that he is very much ready to sleep - but due to his "you just took me away from everything I know you stupid human" anxieties, he wanted to sleep RIGHT beside me. I woke up about an hour later - needing some personal space, and realizing that the couch is on a slant, so you really roll into the crease of the couch... I didn't like sleeping on such a slant. So, up I got - cleared my cat off the couch, and set out to make the bed. Then, I felt I could FINALLY really sleep.
That's when the Golden Boy really showed his prominence in my life... Winnipeg is quite proud of this tall gold statue of a running man (think more Olympic, with a torch, rather than an early 90's dance move I still can't master)... So proud that at night, they want all to see it. I should look at it from Google Earth - I'm sure that from space, it's the glow of the Golden Boy at night that puts Winnipeg on the map!
I had not had time to buy curtains yet. And my living room has patio doors that face the magnificent Golden Boy... In my completely empty bedroom, there was less light... but no bed. It took me FOREVER to fall asleep - or so it felt.
In what felt like seconds, I was jolted from my sleep like I was a character on LOST and there was black smoke headed my way. The fire alarm went off. It is very loud - and VERY disorienting to a very new member of the building...and her cat, who already had enough anxiety issues. I jumped up, not even knowing what was going on yet... I was searching frantically for my slippers and for a long-sleeved t-shirt or sweater to help me deal with the cold night air - and then grabbed my cat's carrier and went to find The Bax. Let's remember, the ONLY thing in my apartment is a pull out couch. So, the search was quite easy, but getting my cat out from under this pull-out couch was next to impossible. I had already been running around, swearing A LOT, and now I'm having to coax my cat out of this "safe place" while this really loud bell is going off - and I am still trying to figure out just how "at risk" we are... "Trust me Bax! Just trust me!" That's what I remember yelling at him. Seems as though we'll have to work on his word recognition for "trust" - it seemed to have no meaning to him. So, with my adrenaline being more powerful than his anxieties, I pulled him out by the back of his neck and shoved him unceremoniously into his cat carrier and dashed out the door.
To find less than 20 people had also evacuated. Seems as though, not so random in this large apartment building.
My fear about living in Winnipeg is not related to the winter, the bugs or the thugs downtown... how am I going to survive "regular" fire alarms?
That seriously took 10 years off my life.
Welcome to Winnipeg!
I am going against the grain of my own self here - and I'm going to start posting random blog entries - that aren't in time sequence... WIthout sounding anal or like an A-type personality - this is hard for me!
However, I have been meaning to start a blog... but haven't had the chance... And I just woke up "for no reason", I feel like this is the perfect time to start.
So, a little background: I arrived in Winnipeg 13 days ago. I had previously visited the city 3 times. Yes, I know it gets cold here - but my winter visit was during a time in January where temperature stayed between -10 and zero... I have heard of the bugs (mosquitos and black flies) here - but have yet to experience them. So, maybe when I do experience those two things I'll be high-tailing it back to Ontario...I don't know.
Why Winnipeg? I came for a job promotion - and opportunity. I had been in my last position for 7 years, and I wanted some growth, some challenge and some new direction. Kids, listen up - if YOU'RE not willing to look after your career - NO ONE will.
I know - the next question out of anyone's mouth is then "Do you even know anyone in Winnipeg?" Yes, yes I do. I have a close friend from high school who is VERY supportive of the move, a friend from university who is happy I'm moving here before he relocates to San Fran next year, and a cousin who lives just outside of town, who moved here about 5 years ago for love... Actually, my high school friend, KR, moved here for love too... The university friend is a Doctor, so he moved here for opportunity... but then fell in love...in North Carolina.
I am living downtown with a great view of the famous Golden Boy. I am sure he'll play a part in some stories, so I'll let you get familiar with him now.
(Side note: I did cause some stir last week when I kept referencing said Golden Boy in my status updates on FB - the hopes of some of my friends was that this single gal had found herself a blond boyfriend... This guy is a little too gilded and out of my reach... sorry girls.)
So, as the adventures continue - I'll share them here so those interested can live in Winnipeg with me!
However, I have been meaning to start a blog... but haven't had the chance... And I just woke up "for no reason", I feel like this is the perfect time to start.
So, a little background: I arrived in Winnipeg 13 days ago. I had previously visited the city 3 times. Yes, I know it gets cold here - but my winter visit was during a time in January where temperature stayed between -10 and zero... I have heard of the bugs (mosquitos and black flies) here - but have yet to experience them. So, maybe when I do experience those two things I'll be high-tailing it back to Ontario...I don't know.
Why Winnipeg? I came for a job promotion - and opportunity. I had been in my last position for 7 years, and I wanted some growth, some challenge and some new direction. Kids, listen up - if YOU'RE not willing to look after your career - NO ONE will.
I know - the next question out of anyone's mouth is then "Do you even know anyone in Winnipeg?" Yes, yes I do. I have a close friend from high school who is VERY supportive of the move, a friend from university who is happy I'm moving here before he relocates to San Fran next year, and a cousin who lives just outside of town, who moved here about 5 years ago for love... Actually, my high school friend, KR, moved here for love too... The university friend is a Doctor, so he moved here for opportunity... but then fell in love...in North Carolina.
I am living downtown with a great view of the famous Golden Boy. I am sure he'll play a part in some stories, so I'll let you get familiar with him now.
(Side note: I did cause some stir last week when I kept referencing said Golden Boy in my status updates on FB - the hopes of some of my friends was that this single gal had found herself a blond boyfriend... This guy is a little too gilded and out of my reach... sorry girls.)
So, as the adventures continue - I'll share them here so those interested can live in Winnipeg with me!
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