There's a reason why I love this town...

You'll find it in the deepest friendship, the kind you cherish all your life

2007-01-29T06:02:00.000-08:00

Obligations, Expectations and Disapointment. Three things that are taking my mind for a run lately. I'm so tired of these three things. I have been wondering if these three things have made me fake. When I am here at camp...I feel like a completely new person. The people here don't know that I liked "so and so" for a time being or that I had a fight with that person 3 years ago and neither of us can seem to move past it. It's great to have new people to start fresh with but at the same time, I am aching for my friends at home. My friends who know all my peeves and history. I'm a little homesick this week...how about you?

A New Day...

2007-01-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

Back at Athabasca now...ended up home for a total of 4 days which was perfectly fine with me. Travelled across the great nation with Joel and Adam for 4 days which was fun and landed with Katie in Lethbridge for a couple of nights. Bill picked me up in Calgary and we had a great night in Edmonton with a great couple of friends of his. Yesterday was spent retrieving Bertha from the airport and taking the always pleasant bus ride back to the home which is 49km's North of Ft. Mac. We opened a case of beer last night and bitched and laughed for hours, it's nice to be back. I am approaching this new year with such high hopes. I feel that since I left home I have become a different more honest person. I feel that I have matured and come in to my own. I have great plans for the year like travels and building a base for myself. I cannot wait to see what this year brings. And now to join the club

1. What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?: moved to Alberta
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make ore for next year?: I don't usually make resolutions for myself so no.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?: my cousin had beautiful little Maya and I just found out that my dear Kellyanne and Craig are due in August.
4. Did anyone close to you die? nope...thank goodness.
5. What countries did you visit? United States
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?: A home...a new plan.
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? August 25th...the day I moved to Alberta. There's bad ones but I am not going to focus on them.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Moving across the country.
9. What was your biggest failure? Probably giving in to something that I really didn't want to.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Broken leg to start off 2006.
11. What was the best thing you bought? A plane ticket.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration? Wow...my Tasha who showed great strength and bravery. Everyone who moved away, leaving behind the dreams at home and starting to live them. My brother who is amazingly generous and kind. My parents for pure understanding.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed? They know who they are and I still hold hope for us all.
14. Where did most of your money go? HA. Bills, booze, 'berta (as in Alberta).
16. What song will always remind you of 2006? Sexy Back....we're totally bringing it.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? happier, I can walk!b) thinner or fatter? yikes...probably larger. c) richer or poorer? richer happily!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?? Been happy.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? being unhappy.
20. How will you be spending Christmas? It's over but I spent it in Edmonton with a couple from work who were so kind to put me up and then Christmas day in the airport!
22. Did you fall in love in 2006? Nope, in lust a few times but no keepers.
23. How many one-night stands? hmm...next question.
24. What was your favorite TV program? Grey's Anatomy and Entourage and Gilmore Girls
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Hate is a strong word but there is people that I am really disapointed in..to me that is worse.
26. What was the best book you read? Good In Bed...it was a good book.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? hmm...nothing new...I do love the Timberlake again.
28.What did you want and get? Guitar Hero
29. What did you want and not get? No idea.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? I can't think of "favorites" but I really liked Ricky Bobby ("shake and bake"), The Last Kiss was depressing but great, enjoyed DaVinci Code.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? My great friends threw me a surprise party a week before which was great and then Breck and I shared a birthday bash at his place where unfortunately Tasha blew the party by shattering her elbow, just kidding love!
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? A little more love.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006? hmmm...I had some business casual going on...a little hippie ish at times. Comfort with style!
34. What kept you sane? Socializing
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Mr Damon of course.
36. What political issue stirred you the most? Being here in camp the Saddam Hussein trial was huge news and then before that, probably the whole congressman (Mark something) who was sleeping with his intern.
37. Who did you miss? My family...Tasha...the group...Sarah...Katie...many.
38. Who was the best new person you met? The Athabasca front desk news team as we are called...Bill, Bertha, Ashlee, Aly, Dave, Alissia.....Danaca from Banff.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006: I am ok by myself. I don't need the security blankets at all times that are my friends.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Reaching for something in the distance So close you can almost taste it Release your inhibitions Feel the rain on your skin No one else can feel it for you Only you can let it in No one else, no one else Can speak the words on your lips Drench yourself in words unspoken Live your life with arms wide open Today is where your book begins The rest is still unwritten" which is Unwritten by Natasha Beddingfield and I heard it as I was leaving the Island for Alberta.

You'll say you'd never give up seeing eye to eye, But never is a promise, and you cant afford to lie

2006-12-20T17:26:00.000-08:00

I'm tired. I'm tired emotionally and physically. I have been late for work a record 3 times this week. I'm talking like 2-3-4 hours late. I sleep through my alarm and it sucks. It may be Christmas in 5 days but it really doesn't feel like it. I just can't wait to sleep. YAY FOR SLEEP.

So I'm also obsessed with facebook. I was vowing not to join then I accidentally accepted an invite and then I was hooked. Friends are cool.

You'll have to excuse me, I'm not at my best...

2006-12-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

(Drunk me in Jon's bathroom)

Well, today on this fine Saturday morning...I find myself NOT in a Tundra but at home, my parents home....in Prince Edward Island. I have been home since Tuesday as a surprise to my momma and poppa. I think they liked it. I hope my friends have enjoyed my presence as well. It's a weird feeling to be home. I love everyone here and love that it's still home but I find myself a little homesick for the wild west. Ah well...that's growing up. Home isn't as homey as it once was, it becomes someone elses home that you visit. I'm not saying that Alberta is home...but I"m set up there and I miss my room and my "other friends" as Tasha puts it. I'm sure the reason Alberta is so homey to me right now is because I have pictures of all my Island friends faces all over my wall....not in a stalker like way but they are my not only my friends but my family way. Thanks for welcoming me home with open arms and booze bottles...

(UPDATE)
I recieved my early Christmas present from my brother when I got home and I just recieved my HIGHEST SCORE EVER...I'm proud.

I climbed a mountain and I turned around...

2006-11-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

1. What are your siblings middle names? Lawrence
2. Where is your dad right now? Last I heard, reffing hockey.
3. What was the last thing you said? "he's been crying"
4. What is something you've learned about yourself recently? I really hate eggplant lasagna
5. What color is your watch? my cell phone from which I tell time is pink
6. What do you think of when you think of Australia? I think it's hot....and my co-worker is from there.
7. When was the last time you squatted to pee? It's been a long time
8. Who is the last person you liked? I liked...the English boy.
9. Are you close to your mom? Depends on the day. Haha. Just kidding, I think we're cool.
10. Where does your best friend work? The hospital, a school, sobeys, numerous places.
11. What is your least attractive feature? my spare tire.
12. How old were you when you started wearing a bra? Grade six I think.
13. What color are your pants? Black
14. Do you have a roommate? yeppers...Danaca
15. What color is your bedroom flooring? Fake wood color
16. Do you have a chair in your room? yeppers...an office chair
17. What time were you born? evening.
18. Do you know anyone who is engaged? Tasha's sister, my cousin, Katie...
19.What's your favorite number? 3
20. Do you know anyone named Laurie? I don't think so.
21. What color is your mom's hair? It used to be brown.
22. Do you have a dog? nope
23. Where did you live in 1987? Moncton NB
24. What happened to you in 1993? I turned double digits...the big 1-0.
25. Does your first memory involve your dad? I don't think so.
26. Do you remember singing any songs as kids? Have I ever stopped singing...doubtful.
27. When was the last time you went swimming? a month ago at west ed. mall.
28. Has your luggage ever gotten lost? Nope, knock on wood.
29. When was the last time you talked to one of your siblings? i just talked to Jamie today.
30. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? Brownie sleepaway camp.
31. Do you play an instrument? The violin
32. Have you ever thought it would be cool to smash a guitar? Kinda.
33. Do you like fire? Total Pyromaniac
34. Where is your best friend from? PEI and best friends in other countires (Scotland represent)
35. Are you allergic to anything? the cold.
36. When was the last time you cried? awhile.
37. What kind of shampoo do you use? Biolage
38. Have you ever been to a spa? no idea.
39. Were you popular in high school? I kinda think i was social.
40. Did you take science all four years of high school? uh, high school was only 3 years. and hell no unless Redmond's classes counted as science. I was there to be social.
41. Do you like butterflies? I'm partial.
42. What is the last book you read? Cash by Johnny Cash
43. Do you like Coke or Pepsi more? I have coke moods and pepsi moods
44. What is one thing you miss about your past? freedom of being young.
45. Did you ever see the school nurse? Does the tap team count? Then yes.
46. Have you ever wanted to be a teacher? Absolutely. I didn't work on that handwriting for nothing.
47. What is one thing you've learned about your life recently? I like independance.
48. Are you jealous of anyone? Sure.
49. Is anyone jealous of you? Living in -30 below snowstorms and working 12 hours days for 21 days straight....who isn't jealous of that.
50. When was the last time you were in an elevator? about a month ago at my hotel.

2 days past eighteen...

2006-11-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

hangovers at work lead to things like this

1. Things On My Desk: (work desk) puralator bag, empty cups, hickory sticks, cigarettes, paper, calculator, berta's pod, easy button, walkie talkie....junk as there is 3 of us working at it.
2. Things On The Table: (at home) pretzels, RRSP package, book, magazine, water bottle.
3. Things I Am Wearing: black sweater, black short pants, black and white earrings, black shoes
4. Things In My Bag: empty
5. Things That Were My Lunch: pepsi...i was drinking last night.
6. Things I Wish I Never Swallowed: the rum last night...it was fed to me.
7. Things I Have A Fondness For That You Might Not Know: the Canadian tire smell.
8. The Song I Wish Wasn't Stuck In My Head: Travellin' Soldier by the Dixie Chicks as I drunkenly tried to get harmony going last night...we did not succeed.

If my past is any sign of your future,you should be warned before I let you inside

2006-11-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

1. FIRST NAME? Shannon.
2. ARE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? I am named for the River Shannon in Ireland.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? hmm...I think when I fell skating at the Olympic Oval in Calgary...I thought I broke my arm. That was 2 weeks ago.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yep...took years of doodling in class to accomplish that teacher like writing.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Hmm...Carribean Chicken from Superstore
6. KIDS : I don't have any today...but who knows about tommorow
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDSWITH YOU? I think I'm a pretty cool person to be friends with but I guess I'm biased.
8. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR UNDERWEAR? hmm...no skivy monday too.
9.DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Just my blog.
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No, not for a long time.
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Maybe, I saw it done a couple of weeks ago...looked like fun.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I really like Vector still but here I've eaten so much Honey Nut Cheerios.
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Usually not...it's a lot of effort to get there and I'm pretty lazy.
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Hmm...sometimes. We've been lifting lots of weights here so maybe eventually. Strong mentally, I'm ok.
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Mint chocolate chip hands down.
16. SHOE SIZE? 8 or 8 1/2
17. RED OR PINK? I have more pink then red and my phone is pink too.
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? The tire that has formed in my midsection.
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? EVERYONE! Family, Friends at home, Friends abroad...it can get lonely here.
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Agreed with Taryn...stupid question.
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Well I'm wearing a skirt cause I'm at work and black shoes and pantyhose
22. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Sunrise by Norah Jones
23. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Brick Red.
24. FAVORITE SMELL? Definetly boy smell, Canadian Tire, Fresh Baked Bread, Turkey cooking overnight
25. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My boss.
26. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Smiles
27. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I like Taryn mighty fine.
28. FAVORITE DRINK? Spiced Rum and 7 in a tall glass with a lime.
29. FAVORITE SPORT? Hockey
30. EYE COLOR? Blue
31. HAT SIZE? big...i have a big head
32. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? I have in the past
33. FAVORITE FOOD? I like mexican food...yummy!
34. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED AT THE MOVIE THEATER? Running With Scissors
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
36. HUGS, KISSES OR BOTH? Hugs
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Butterscotch Pudding
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No one...
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Again...no one
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Cash by Johnny Cash
41. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? Good Will Hunting
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Meet the Fockers and the Simpsons
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Great harmony
44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles and the Stones
45. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I suppose I can sing.
46. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? March 31st 1983, moncton new brunswick
47. THE ONE THING YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF? myvocal capabilities
48. WHO IS THE ONE PERSON THAT KNOWS YOU BETTER THAN ANYBODY? Tasha
49. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE WORD? Skint
50. THE ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO THOSE YOU ARE SENDING THIS TO? I miss yas all!!!! :)

Hot dog, I feel lucky tonight

2006-11-11T06:03:00.000-08:00

Oh internet access....how I have missed you.

So...where do I begin? It's been days, weeks even. I left Banff and went to Calgary for 6 days since my last post. I hung out with Carolyn, Geoff, Craig and Rachael, met a new friend, shopped, drank, saw my very first NHL hockey game (GO FLAMES...IGGY, IGGY IGGY...OY! OY! OY!), skated at the Olympic Oval and then Danaca and Alissia came and we were off to Edmonton for 2 days in the west ed mall. No shopping for me as I was more entralled with the huge water park. I spend my day there playing in the wave pool and going down crazy water slides! SO FUN! I had a super time but we had to leave on Friday the 3rd of November for the big town of Ft McMurray. A six hour bus ride later, we arrived to a mini blizzard and cold cold temperatures. We had another hour long truck ride to our home away from home which is called Athabasca Lodge. We house almost 1000 people who work out in the fields. We also live here in the same building (wing 12 is the staff wing...if you are ever 49 km north of Ft Mac...that's my home). We have a pretty sweet gig, making 50% more money here, more hours, overtime availability, CABLE TV (with 7 movie channels), 3 hot meals a day (free fountain pop...chocolate milk..it's awesome), our own rooms, internet connections and it's all free for the taking. Sure I work a lot but it's totally worth it. People here are nice and I've made a good group of friends who let me come into Ft Mac with them. If only I didn't have to work at 6am this morning but it was all in good fun!!! So tired...need to daze for a good 2-10 hours.

On the road again...

2006-10-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

I'm off...here's my schedule...I'm leaving for Calgary tonight...I'll be there till 5pm on Wednesday--then I fly to Edmonton and we leave for the Fort on the 3rd of November. I'll try to be in touch over the next week! Love

Disarm you with a smile And cut you like you want me to

2006-10-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

That beautiful picture above is one of the things I'm going to miss when I move out of Banff in...wait a minute...I leave tommorow!! I don't think I'm ready to part with my beloved pumpkin spice latte yet...no, I won't see it until next year! Here in Banff, we have no Tim Hortons....we have Starbucks and it's great. When I moved here...the special coffee of the month was my favorite PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE. It's like pumpkin pie in coffee format. It warms you on the days that Banff weather hates you...and I am going to have one tonight and probably another tommorow before I get on the bus. I'll miss you pumpkin spice latte...see ya next year...

This is your day, your day...Happy Birthday to you. to you. to you. to you. to YOUUUUUU.

2006-10-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Greetings to the following people who celebrated in the past couple of months. Ashley "I've had a few too many" Dunsford (October)

Carolyn "but the hat looks good" Steele (October)

Adam "The Leader of the Band" Thomas (October)

Rachael "The gal amongst the guys kind of gal" Arsenault (September)

Of course, Nancy "I drank 6 coolers?" Waite (September)

Colin "Is this shirt too revealing?" Enman (September)

And of course...My little brother, Jamie, who turned the big 19 on August 25th...here is a recap of his adventure on his birthday.

Jamie and random kid in a hotel room in Halifax.

Jamie, Ronga and Steve being kicked out of the hotel after random kid set off a fire extinguisher.

Gotta love family. Once again, Happy Birthday to all of you and hope your birthday was as fun as my bro's looked!

Mama, If that's movin' up then I'm movin' out.

2006-10-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well...another day, another notice. I am officially resigning from the Juniper hotel as of today. I have loved my time here and it is the most beautiful hotel with breathtaking views and great atmosphere but it is now the moment to take an opportunity. Danaca, Alissia and myself have decided to move North (Fort McMurray way) for the chance to work a lot and make a lot more money than we have been making in Banff. We work for 21 days straight and then have 7 days off...it's great and awesome and i get to travel and make money. SOLD. I'm in. Last day of work is on Thursday...weekend in Calgary with Carolyn then the girls come meet me on Monday or Tuesday...Edmonton for a couple of days and then we are off. LOOK OUT.

I'm a hustler baby, I just want you to know...

2006-10-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Lets take a look at this picture. It's Bret "THE HITMAN" Hart doing his finest work to date. He is now starring in a Musical Theatre masterpiece, Aladdin. That's right, we lucky folks in Alberta (or anywheres, if you would like to fly in) get to see BRET "THE HITMAN" HART act...and sing...and dance..AND WRESTLE in Aladdin. I tried finding the commercial that they play 15 times a day here in Banff on tv on youtube but I couldn't find anything. So remember the glory days with this jem...by the way, I did have those sunglasses.

On to more exciting things...last night I went to bed at 730pm. Ok, that's not that exciting. I was woken up by the police at 5am...that exciting enough for you? Seems that we're not allowed to have strange French men in our rooms...wait...it wasn't me again. It was my french friend Nathalie. She had to have not one...but two men escorted out of her room last evening. Gotta love the police banging on her door saying that she had to have them out. Life in staff accom...can it get any better?

Where can you run to escape from yourself? Where you gonna go? Salvation is here.

2006-10-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

I am reminiscing tonight. I am stuck on 3-11 shifts all week which means, hello MSN....

This picture is of me and Colin. It's when he came home from living in Banff and the last night at Tash, Michelle, Sheena's and Ash's browns court pad....also known as Crazy Hat Party...also known as the night of evictions. I think about this night now and it feels not long ago and yet so long ago. That picture was taken in August 2003...more than 3 years ago now.

The funny thing...this is me and Colin back in March of this year....lets take note of the shirt he is wearing. Good friends.

That group picture is almost 3 years old now too...Ash's big birthday pub crawl. I remember those damned pub crawls. Get semi drunk at the Wave....drink on the bus...more booze at Big Momma's and Myrons and Melons (the 3 M's) and end up making up with random people at the Page. Times were good...we were young. I know most of us would have a rough time with that now but we are troopers and we would make it ;)

The days of pub crawls and eviction parties are over for now. Who knows if they will ever be back. We are spread across the crazy world...Tash Mac and Janette in France, Colin and Kristin in Halifax, Tamsyn and Karey in NFLD, Shawnte in Toronto, Jeff will wander somewheres, Taryn will be in Ottawa, Ash in New Zealand...Me, Nance and a bunch more are finding things in Alberta and the home bodies at home. We are spread across but I look back on pictures of the past 5 years and they make me both smile and get anxious for when we will all be together again.

Here's To Friends, For A Reason

2006-10-14T15:44:00.001-07:00

So Ash wanted me to tell Janelle and Nancy when I went to Calgary about how much she made on her tip cheque this summer...this was obviously important to Ash as she made me document it...she is after all a money hungry rodeo whore. You know...

Ash's story take one

Had a fabu time with the girls in Calgary. I cannot wait to go back! Check out my full day's activities on Nance's page.

Cry me a river...

2006-10-11T12:07:00.001-07:00

Today I cried. It wasn't one of those good cry's where you are in your bed sobbing into your pillow. It was at work and it was for a stupid reason. I haven't had an emotional real cry since I left home and that now infamous night at Peakes (long story short...lights came on at Peakes, tears came down my face). Don't get me wrong...when I cry at Grey's Anatomy, it's real but not my disapointment type of crying I'm used to. I've been sick with a sinus cold for a couple of days. It's been not fun...you know that yellow snot that never ends...yeah I got that. My nose is raw from the constant blowing of it. I found out that I had another Thursday and Friday off this week and thought to myself...it's payweek and I deserve something...I'm FINALLY going to Calgary. So our paychecks usually come on Wednesday...as of 1pm, they hadn't arrived. Alyssia came over to work for a moment and asked me why I looked so glum. I explained, I wanted to take my paycheck to Calgary to do some good winter clothes shopping. Then it started...chin wobbling...tears welling...I started to cry. She told me not to worry and that it would pan out. I stepped away from the desk for a moment and started to bawl uncontrollably. Was it because I had been emailing for the past 2 days with Nance and Nelle about our plans or because I had been playing tasha and I's favorite game over work email all day? Did I miss home or hate where I was? What was with the crying?! Not even 10 minutes later, the purolator man showed up and I started crying again. My boss was like dear god girl...you need a cocktail. I told her not to worry, now that I had a big fat paycheck under my arm...there would be many cocktails. Smiles again...just a 25 minute breakdown!!

True patriot love and lalalalala...

2006-10-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things since I got out to Banff is to watch The Daily Show and the Colbert Report at midnight. I'd watched a lot of Daily Show in my day but at home I found myself always falling asleep during the Colbert Report. I knew it was funny but I just couldn't stay awake. SO...being the chick with no cable that I am, I have 3 channels...cbc (it's a given folks), global and ctv. With CbC showing either 1940's movies...or Canadian cinema (which is game of russian roulette, it's good or it's real bad) and global's nightly dose of informercials, Ctv became my saviour as did the Colbert Report. I am often told to stop laughing so much when I am watching it. I love the fact that he wants people to pronouce the name Colbert right so he changed the prounounciation of Report (col-bear...rap-pore). There is a great interview with the man himself in this month's New York magazine...I suggest you read it.

And hit 'em up a tune called Turkey in the Straw

2006-10-07T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well...let us continue the story from Monday. My roomate and I decided that this sounded a bit sketcky but funny none the less. So, we bought pantyhose, talked to someone on the phone completed the task and then he said come pick up your money in Calgary at the radio station. I still felt like this was kind of weird so I decided to call the radio station. They informed that we had been pranked by some perv who wanted to see us in pantyhose (as we had to take pictures). Good thing we didn't send the pictures. I totally was scammed. Good example of small town girl getting taken advantage of in the big city. Oh well...it's funny.
We went out Thursday to drown our sorrows -- well that turned into too many $1 vodka slimes and $2 shooters. YAY -- banff keeps my drinking problem in tact! We're having a Thanksgiving dinner at staff accomodation on Monday. Sounds like it might be really good. Sunday night, Danaca's parents are coming and making a big dinner and lucky me, I'm invited. Double YAY.

Oh and taking a note from Janelle...here's what I am thankful for...

My mom, dad and brother who let me know that I'm loved, even though I'm so far away
My friends from home who make me feel loved
My friends here in Banff who make me feel welcome
My friends everywheres else who are great company, sometimes too far away
My extended family who are rockin'
My health and home

That's what makes me happy :)

Here I Go Again...

2006-10-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

Ok...
So lets say the crazy rock radio station in Calgary called me this morning at work and asked me if I wanted to win $200. Then the man on the phone tells me that I have to put on 2 pairs of pantyhose and blow them up with a pump and talk on the phone with him while I do it...lets say I agreed to this...
more to come tommorow...

A photo, can capture the way we were

2006-09-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

Thursday night $1 drinks night...

I am officially a rock star...check out the rod stewart shirt

Marcel finds the sombraro outside of Magpie and Stump (local mexican food)

Marcel, Indian Dave, Tina, Danaca, French Dave ==a group not to mess with

Marcel, Tina, Danaca and I...definetly drunk at HooDoo's

Me and PEI Trevor at HooDoos...I don't remember this picture very well...but that's ok.

THE END

Look at this photograph...

2006-09-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Here's some more Banff Beauty for your eyes...

Take note of the PEI mussels that I found at Safeway, the beautiful mountain views that I get to see on my walks into town and of course...me and the fairy. The fairy was supposedly dressed up by his "girlfriend" and sent to the bar. Me, being the drunk that I am, got the story and the picture. Score.

Cheers!

I saw your picture today...

2006-09-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

My pictures wanted to be jerks on MSN spaces and flickr so I will add some here

This is when I was visiting with Katie and she, Tyler and I took up coal mining. Take note of the hats...they were attached to 15 pound batteries we wore on a belt. They warned us that if we tipped the battery pack...we would be burned, it was awesome

Nice pictures...with the exception of the one above where Katie and I molest each other.

This is mine and Danaca's room at Staff Accom...notice my bed with my infamous grey pillow.

Danaca and I, drunk at HooDoos

Alyssia and I drunk at HooDoo's

I'm not the average girl on your video...

2006-09-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

Ash and Shan steal the Jeep 1

Ash and Shan steal the Jeep 2

First snowfall of the year in Banff

Cheers

I'm like a bird....I wanna fly away

2006-09-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

"Those damn'd birds"...I say it in my mind everytime in a Jacques Cousteau Fr-English accent everytime if happens. There is 4 large windows in the lobby of the hotel and for some reason, these little birds like to fly into them...all morning long. The first time it happened I thought the maintenance man, EARL (who I call "the man"), was working away outside. Then I saw it...little bird, window...plunk. They drop to the ground and then stupidly get up and either fly away or try to fly through the window again. Dumbest birds ever. Then today, I hear a "rap-rap-rap" noise...and there is a woodpecker knocking on the window. ON THE GLASS. He even left a chip in the window...stupid birds.

On the other side of the spectrum, I have been going dah-ncing quite a bit lately. Which is nice. Last night, I even brodened my horizons by going to a heavy metal bar called "The Devil's Gap"...a lot of screaming music but the people I was out with were quite surprised when I (the girl who blares Xavier Rudd, Neil Young and Joel Plaskett from her room), knew all the words to AC/DC's "TNT". All should be proud.

Ol' black water, keep on rollin...

2006-09-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

Wave trivia...

I used to travel in snowstorms to get there. I showed up deathly ill quite a few times. I've worn sweatpants to it. I've made special tee-shirts to wear. I've been cheered and booed. I've thrown up after an evening there, more than once. I've won pants, shirts, beer, glasses, hats, coolers, bottle openers, nalgene bottles, and so much more. The Wednesday Wave Trivia has at least $1000.00 of my money...if not more. But now...it's different.

While I am not there to partake...the group still went to Wave trivia tonight to see how much it has changed. Jon just told me that by 2nd round...no one was even playing anymore. WHAT?! Sure, there were the few people that got too drunk to play 2nd round when we went but we got drunk enough to play harder, if that's even possible. I would show up and get the table...slowly the team would assemble. Ash and Dave would split a pitcher and I would get my own. Janette would show up late and dazzle us with a Canadian history or hockey answer. Anything that was science always went to Ash. I handled pop culture, Dave knew his Calvin and Hobbes. Then the then "subpar sexmachines" and "touch my teddy ruxpin" joined forces to make a super team..."Goblin Nutz". We took the night by storm. Goat, Jon, Brent, Tyler...well sometimes Tyler, knew sports and tech stuff and comics. We had become a super team. A team to reckon with. We had rivals in Joel Gillespie and Nick Holland and DJ and Sidney Crosby. Matt and Lennie knew that it would be a usual battle between the 3 tables. There used to be that random table of Breck and Frank and Rod too...but they gave up on it. Sometimes the "hockey girls" would show up and get lucky...but we all knew it was because of Brandy and Matt...just admit it Stewart...you gave those answers to your lady friend. Lennie would ignore my hand up for beer questions and I would get mad. Roger and Marvin would come up and serenade us with the usual mix of Uncle Kracker, Bryan Adams and The Band. Then Janette and I would be drunk enough to go get a "BURH-GAH" from McDonalds or the rest of us would stop at Subway or walk the Burger King drive thru. Those were the days of Kings and Queens my friends, those were the days...

So go and think twice...

2006-09-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

So I was reading the paper yesterday here in Banff and what do my eyes see...AN XAVIER RUDD CONCERT IN BANFF...so I'm going. Just wanted to rub it in.

You do something to me that I can't explain. So would I be out of line if I said I miss you?

2006-09-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

3 weeks down....7 months left?

I can't believe I've only been gone 3 weeks. I'm feeling a bit lost today but I think it's just because I'm overtired. I miss my friends...I'm making all these plans for the year hoping to get home at least a couple of times and I think that I'm getting closer to the days but really....it's still only been 3 weeks. I'm hoping sleep will clear up this nasty thought process...I'm sure my naps will help.

Work is still going good...My Staff accom is still staff accom....there's nothing else to it. My roomie and I have been getting along swimmingly...good thing when she moves out, it's just next door. I can have one down day right? I still like it here and don't want to leave, I just need something "homey". I am waiting for a package to get here from Mom and Dad with my pillows and my dvd player and some other home stuff, I'll be fine then!
Cheers...

OH the weather outside is frightful...

2006-09-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

Well...it happened. It came early in the morning...I was woken up by my friend Alissia who is Australian. She was shocked and in disbelief that it was happening. That's right my friends, yesterday it snowed. It didn't just lightly snow either...we in the town of Banff were under a HEAVY SNOWFALL WARNING. I've never seen such a thing in the first of September. We went into town and the snow was everywhere, very snowglobe-ish. I had to wear my full winter coat and a toque and a scarf!!!!! I guess that's what you get when you live in the MOUNTAINS.
We decided to venture out to the bars last night...which was fun but of course, it was snowing which causes a damper when bar hopping. My new roomie Danaca and I dove into Revs then Jagermeister...what a good idea. By the time we got to the last bar, I was sitting at the jukebox making my own playlist and singing loudly. I think classy is the word you are all looking for.
Cheers :)

And I would have stayed up with you all night had I known how to save a life

2006-09-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, super bored at work as the entire staff has gone to a staff party and what does newbie get? The evening shift. It sucks. So let me recap what the ol' wise internet has shown me tonight...

1--Britney Spears MAY have had baby #2...I'm still waiting for the breaking news release from www.people.com
2--Agreeing with Christopher, when Perez doesn't post...I get ansy.
3--I really like icerbergradio.com...good tunes for a lazy evening.
4--THE GRAY'S ANATOMY MUSIC VIDEO...COMPLETE WITH SPOILERS...please search at youtube under Gray's Anatomy Music Video by the Frays. I cried watching it...and then I watched it again.
5. I still like reading Dooce

that's where I'm at so far. hopefully the next FIVE hours will bring more information to me.
Cheers

I could drink a case of you...

2006-09-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

Meet My New Friend.

Naked Grape wine is something that I first had seen on tv. I was caught up in their flashy advertising campaign...but weren't we all? My first taste of the Naked Grape was at the wine festival this past spring. I remember being sucked in again to the advertising...then the taste...it was almost like candy it was such good wine. It wasn't like Boone's candy wine...or even Brent/Jon/Tyler sex blush wine...it was like GOOD. So I bought a bottle and drank it that night. I didn't think Naked Grape and I would make an encounter again anytime soon but yesterday on my grocery shopping advertures, I stopped into the booze store and there it was...10.99 a bottle. I figured one red and one white would last me the weekend...well, it didn't even last me 24 hours. I opened the Chardonnay while watching Big Brother and then by the time Dave showed, I had finished it. So, I was drunk...and wanting more. Pop goes the Shiraz and the last thing I remember was having a discussion about how I know music because I love music so much...I don't think I was making much sense. Needless to say, when I went into town today...I left with 2 more bottles of my friend the Naked Grape. Hello Alcoholism, it's been a couple of weeks! Cheers!

But the biggest kick I ever got was doing a thing called the Crocodile Rock

2006-09-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the Crocodile Hunter is dead. I've been at work all day and just been reading different articles about his life....heartbreaker. Rest In Peace you crazy psycho of a man...you were loved.

If you go out in the woods today, You're sure of a big surprise.

2006-09-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

Greetings from BANFF!!!

I have arrived safe and sound in Banff. I have staff accom. which aren't that bad. There is a lot of Frenchies and I stay pretty much to myself in my room...which has become quite cozy. I was supposed to have a roomie but that changed...thank god as she was going to bring BUDGIES and LET THEM FLY IN MY ROOM. I was like ah no. Right now there is an Elk in the parking lot...weird...can never see too many elks in the ol' Charlottetown Hotel parking lot. We also have a Grizzly Bear kicking around...which is good and scary. Having a great time...miss everyone but you are all well represented in pictures on my wall. Please keep in touch :)

the rest is still unwritten...

2006-08-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Well...Alberta, you got me. I arrived safe and sound on Thursday night with my dear Katie retrieving me from the airport. We had a great ride back to her house in Lethbridge (about 2 hrs away from Calgary) with lots of catching up and even a stop at Canada's busiest 7/11...where I had my first SLURPIE...not SLUSHIE.
Friday, I spent the better part of my day at Katie's parents house catching up with her family. I haven't seen them in about 6 years so it was great to catch up. We thought it would be fun to go off to the Casino and en route, I definetly had my first true Albertan moment when we hit a deer on the highway. Deer was fine...truck not so fine. But, like the troopers we are...we continued on to the casino, where I won $120. Great night.
Saturday, we travelled to Crowsnest Pass up thru mountains...very cool. We went on a tour of a coal mine...we got to wear hats with lights and Katie is 89% sure she has the black lung. Tyler decided that I needed to be even more country by taking us off roading up thru the mountains while listening to Vince Gill. F-U-N. Katie and I took a grocery shopping adventure to the great "Canadian" superstore...not Atlantic anymore and actually stopped at the Great Canadian Liquor Store. Good stuff. We decided to hit the town last night after all that shopping wearing homeade shirts that said Cheap (Katie) and Easy (me). The night's first stop was the Top Hat...also known as the strip club. It was actually a pretty happening spot....for everyone. Not just old dirty men and bachelor parties....lots of gals, lots of guys. We didn't stay very long though...then we were off to a cougar club as Katie called it. Sadly, I really liked the music at the cougar club and thought it was a happening spot...I think we went there for a joke. I did particularily enjoy the bride and groom that showed up there to grind. Then the night gets fuzzy...I remember eating a hot dog on the side of the street...I remember the cute married bartender...then it was 730 in the morning and I was spinning. Great times.
I will be off to Banff in a couple of days...getting really giddy for it but I am having a such a great time in Lethbridge, it will be a bummer to leave. I hope everyone else is doing great. I miss everyone but it's awfully liberating to be away!!!
Cheers!

I'm sitting in the railway station. Got a ticket for my destination

2006-08-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Tango
AC8935
Moncton (YQM) Thu 24-Aug 2006 11:40
Toronto, Pearson Int'l (YYZ) Thu 24-Aug 2006 13:00 - Terminal 1

Tango
AC133
Toronto, Pearson Int'l (YYZ) Thu 24-Aug 2006 17:00 - Terminal 1
Calgary (YYC) Thu 24-Aug 2006 19:10

That's what the e-ticket reads....I'm leaving a day earlier than planned just for the sake of it. I'm sad to miss my brother's first bar experience and Big City Thursday but that's the way the cookie crumbles. I'm so anxious to just leave right now. It's gonna be so much different...Janelle has told me that I'm going to a great drive-in restaurant and Katie wants to take me to Canada's busiest 7/11 and Rachael is taking me to some crazy bar. DIFFERENT. I just can't wait but on the other hand...I'm sad to see these days with friends dwindle away. We had a great night last night for Tyler's big quarter century bash and it was great to see everyone in one place! So...I'm starting to think that I would like to possibly have a bbq a day or two before i leave...any problems that may encounter, let me know...I'd love for everyone to be able to come! Say bye possibly to Nancy and Adam too.
Cheers!

It may be years until the day my dreams will match up with my pay

2006-08-08T02:09:00.000-07:00

The list...it looms over me....

I have made the "I am moving in 2 and a half weeks, so what the hell do I have to do before I leave" list. 1. Pack. 2. Change cell info. 3. Buy a phone card. So, needless to say there is so much to be done. I really want to make a good effort to take lots of pictures of this Island and all the friendly people on it. 4. Take pictures. 5. Go to Moncton. 6. Print off extra resumes just in case. It's a list...a good one, but I have really no ambition to do any of it. If I psych myself out about stuff I want to have done...then I will get psyched out in general.
In other news...Ray-Ray will be home on Wednesday for 2 weeks...which will be fabulous I am sure. I can't wait--giddy good fun!
Only 18 more Island Days!

For I must be travelling on now, There's too many places I gotta see

2006-08-01T01:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I've moved out of 21 Water St and am now home in the anticipation of my travels. I'm flying out on August 25th at 6am from Ch'town--I think Katie is picking me up that afternoon in Calgary and taking me back to Lethbridge to spend some quality time looking at wedding magazines and drinking fruity cocktails. I can't wait to see her and live close to her again. I was thinking about it tonight, and I have known Katie for 15 YEARS THIS YEAR! She has been a great friend and I'm happy to be spending some time with her when I arrive. I'm pretty excited to see her family as well...her parents were a staple in my younger years. I mean, her dad gave me a lollipop with a caterpillar in it...it's definetly something to remember.
I've also learned of many people moving to Calgary in the coming months. I especially can't wait for my cousin Danielle and I to meet up and my cousin Kelly and her fiance Scott to finalize their plans. I have never lived that close to Kelly and I know we will have a great time. I'm starting to just get so excited. I can't wait for the 25th!
24 more days...

31 days and counting...

2006-07-26T01:41:00.000-07:00

31 more Island days until a new adventure...