Back From Edmonton
Hellooooo, how are you all doing?? 2012 kicking off to a sort of great start!!
So last weekend was such an eye opener for me - in many ways. I finally made it to my auntie Michelle's home for Christmas, even though Uncle Werner was away at Christmas, Christmas was on Saturday at their house. My memere was there when I pulled in on Friday night. I was yet again, another surprise. They weren`t expecting me to be there until Saturday, so it was nice just the five of us, and then just the four of us. I decided to take the greyhound. I left after work, for a 6 PM ride. I bought the tickets online - return trip - non refundable. Abdi was supposed to pick me up and drive me, but he wasn`t answering his phone. I had tried for two hours before and he was no where to be found. A part of me thought he had fallen asleep because he worked the night before, but the conversation we had during the earlier hours of the day led me to believe he was going to stay awake.
At 5 I realized he wasn't coming, so I rush out of the office, head to the c-train platform with my beautiful new carry on bag full of goodies and try to decide if Calgary could be anything like New York (although I haven't been there yet, the TV says it's so...) Do I try to hail a cab? Do I take the train to 10th Street and walk? Do I take the train to 10th Street and then get a cab? All these decisions, when I was supposed to be at the Greyhound at 5... panic is setting in. Realization that this isn't New York has sunk in - there isn't a cab insight. I missed the 10th street train, and think another one will be here in a few minutes, well, it seemed like forever. I'm watching the clock tower at city hall - the minute hands are quickly moving further and further down it's face. What am I going to do??? I walk to the corner and call # taxi. As i am waiting the next 10th street train comes - bugger twice, I've missed the second one. Dispatcher says cab will be there right away. OK, great! I'm watching the clock tower again, 15 minutes pass, finally the cab shows. it's now 515. Where we parked, i got in through the side door (mini van) and throw my bag on the middle seat. We turn the corner, and I decide I don't want to be in the back seat, so I crawl to the front seat. The first time I tried, I got stuck! The second time I wasn't panicing as much and was able to show I am still flexible and bend where I'm not supposed to. The cabbie laughed and must have thought I was weird - for a second I was afraid he was going to think I was a call girl - don't know where that came from either... We get on our way and I realize I'm an idiot! I should have taken the train. Rush hour took 1/2 hour to go from macleod trail to the greyhound station - normally a 5 - 7 minute drive. Cab ride there was $15!! ouch!! I just made it 545 - got there as the first boarding call was made and there were three people in front of me in the ticket line. But, greyhound ticket personnel way to go! I made it !!!
Greyhound is WiFi equipped! Couldn't believe it - very nice touch ya hound!! Rather enjoyed the trip up. Not too packed - except I was hungry - hadn't eaten anything since lunch time, and with the race against the clock, next stop to eat was Red Deer at 730.
Hello Red Deer - more people get on - the driver says we have five minutes. Oh boy!!! Five minutes!! I can't wait to eat!!! I rush out and woah nellie! It's vending machines! :( stomach disappointment rolls along. I grab a bag of Hickory Sticks, a bag of skittles and an iced tea. Get back on the bus. On our way we go.
I have realized that I am just getting older now. Even the drunk guy that sat opposite and one row behind me, who was probably early 30's - didn't even blink an eye at me, but concentrated all his obnoxiousness on the two poor 18ish old girls behind him. He was offering all around him smokes, but me. Not that I cared that much. Half way to Edmonton he took out some papers and was reading. I happened to look over and caught him - seeming to cry - and kissing some artwork that i can only assume was his young daughters. Then he wakes up a bit and starts talking about how he had just gotten out of jail for robbing a bank. Along with boasting how he had $1200 in his pocket - which I did see. All the while looking at the dough, thinking how easy would it be for me to get my hands on his stash. Bad Rosie!!! But 1200 would come in handy dandy!! He wouldn't even know where he lost it.
alas, I have a conscious. I could not allow myself to take advantage of a drunk man.
I was picked up at the south side of Edmonton by my dear friend! As I was gathering my beautiful carryon - the drunk guy notices my id badges. Asks me what i'm wearing name tags for. I tell him it's my work passes. He says where do you work, and I reply chuckling (as we have just talked about me living in calgary... ) I work at City Hall in Calgary. He then replies woah - you live in edmonton and work in Calgary wow, what a commute. *sigh* to be a few bricks short of a full load.
We get to my auntie's house, and her and Uncle look at me like i'm foreign, neither one of them checked them texts or emails. hahahaha SURPRISE! But it was nice, gave us a chance for some intimate bonding. Memere comes stumbling out of the bedroom, all looking like sleep has over taken her, just like a little one getting up first thing in the morning. I am happy to see her. She seems happy to see me. She gets drsessed comes to visit and then gets upset because I am too cute to not be French, why aren't I speaking it!! My poor Memere is getting alzheimer's and after a little conversation with her daughter, memere comes back out and still doesn't know who I am. My heart breaks a little bit, but I know it's coming. Everyone thought that we found each other in time that she will remember me and Kim, but that day I was just too cute to not speak French. She kept saying that I look like one of "us"
Off to bed, to wake up Christmas morning. My cousin Paula and her hubby Vic and the three kids come over, and present opening begins. Oh, I forgot to mention, my auntie's house looks amazing! The decorations are spectacular, I will post some photos up here too so you can all see. I was called auntie by little Mikyle. Wow, warming heart!! woo hooo!!!! I was told by his mom and dad that he doesn't even call his real auntie's auntie! So I am sooo flattered - I love my family!!!
Before dinner is ready I go with Vic and Louric to Lou's soccer game. I realize that I'm way tooo competitive. Lou scored! Yaaa - and all i wanted to do was go down and help the coach coach. He had the kids on the field for 7 - 10 minute shifts! By the first half the boys were sooo tired, I'm surprised they could still run for the second half. No win, but a tie! Great game!!
When we get home, holy cow there are probably 30 other people there! 26 I had never met before. I'm not sure what came over me as I usually don't play the shy one, but all I wanted to do was find Jill and go hide somewhere, but Jill was mingling ... I couldn't even make it be beside her. Ahhhh the people!!! I go downstairs, only kids there, I can handle that. Then my cousin Rick comes downstairs and we talked for almost an hour, and wow, he's sooo smart! I think that was the first time we have really spoken on that level before. He's amazing! I'm very lucky to be a part of this family.
We end the night - the four of us, Auntie, Uncle, their friend Yvonne and me in the hot tub while it rained, and then off to bed - me - alone, we all didn't go to bed together - just wanted to clear that up!
Sunday was a day of relaxing, more quiet time with my auntie and memere and a big bag of leftovers for me on the bus ride home. Tears of sadness fill my eyes as I have to leave AGAIN.
Bus ride home was packed and I was getting a little hungry - I just had a bowl of soup before I left. And to my suprise, i was on a complete express bus! I was expecting the vending machine in Red Deer to fill the spot but we drove straight on through. My cell phone was cut, the bill didn't get paid, so I was rather bored. I tried reading and I was good for about an hour and a half, I tried drawing Kim's tattoo, but the bus was soooo bumpy i couldn't make a smooth line anywhere. At one point I looked down the aisle and it looked as though the bus was going to topple over. So for the last remaining part of the trip, I just gazed to nowhere in particular. Made it home in less than 3 hours, and to my suprise Abdi actually came to pick me up.
Another wonderful weekend with my family. I miss you guys soooo much. I feel soon we will be together. I love you all
So last weekend was such an eye opener for me - in many ways. I finally made it to my auntie Michelle's home for Christmas, even though Uncle Werner was away at Christmas, Christmas was on Saturday at their house. My memere was there when I pulled in on Friday night. I was yet again, another surprise. They weren`t expecting me to be there until Saturday, so it was nice just the five of us, and then just the four of us. I decided to take the greyhound. I left after work, for a 6 PM ride. I bought the tickets online - return trip - non refundable. Abdi was supposed to pick me up and drive me, but he wasn`t answering his phone. I had tried for two hours before and he was no where to be found. A part of me thought he had fallen asleep because he worked the night before, but the conversation we had during the earlier hours of the day led me to believe he was going to stay awake.
At 5 I realized he wasn't coming, so I rush out of the office, head to the c-train platform with my beautiful new carry on bag full of goodies and try to decide if Calgary could be anything like New York (although I haven't been there yet, the TV says it's so...) Do I try to hail a cab? Do I take the train to 10th Street and walk? Do I take the train to 10th Street and then get a cab? All these decisions, when I was supposed to be at the Greyhound at 5... panic is setting in. Realization that this isn't New York has sunk in - there isn't a cab insight. I missed the 10th street train, and think another one will be here in a few minutes, well, it seemed like forever. I'm watching the clock tower at city hall - the minute hands are quickly moving further and further down it's face. What am I going to do??? I walk to the corner and call # taxi. As i am waiting the next 10th street train comes - bugger twice, I've missed the second one. Dispatcher says cab will be there right away. OK, great! I'm watching the clock tower again, 15 minutes pass, finally the cab shows. it's now 515. Where we parked, i got in through the side door (mini van) and throw my bag on the middle seat. We turn the corner, and I decide I don't want to be in the back seat, so I crawl to the front seat. The first time I tried, I got stuck! The second time I wasn't panicing as much and was able to show I am still flexible and bend where I'm not supposed to. The cabbie laughed and must have thought I was weird - for a second I was afraid he was going to think I was a call girl - don't know where that came from either... We get on our way and I realize I'm an idiot! I should have taken the train. Rush hour took 1/2 hour to go from macleod trail to the greyhound station - normally a 5 - 7 minute drive. Cab ride there was $15!! ouch!! I just made it 545 - got there as the first boarding call was made and there were three people in front of me in the ticket line. But, greyhound ticket personnel way to go! I made it !!!
Greyhound is WiFi equipped! Couldn't believe it - very nice touch ya hound!! Rather enjoyed the trip up. Not too packed - except I was hungry - hadn't eaten anything since lunch time, and with the race against the clock, next stop to eat was Red Deer at 730.
Hello Red Deer - more people get on - the driver says we have five minutes. Oh boy!!! Five minutes!! I can't wait to eat!!! I rush out and woah nellie! It's vending machines! :( stomach disappointment rolls along. I grab a bag of Hickory Sticks, a bag of skittles and an iced tea. Get back on the bus. On our way we go.
I have realized that I am just getting older now. Even the drunk guy that sat opposite and one row behind me, who was probably early 30's - didn't even blink an eye at me, but concentrated all his obnoxiousness on the two poor 18ish old girls behind him. He was offering all around him smokes, but me. Not that I cared that much. Half way to Edmonton he took out some papers and was reading. I happened to look over and caught him - seeming to cry - and kissing some artwork that i can only assume was his young daughters. Then he wakes up a bit and starts talking about how he had just gotten out of jail for robbing a bank. Along with boasting how he had $1200 in his pocket - which I did see. All the while looking at the dough, thinking how easy would it be for me to get my hands on his stash. Bad Rosie!!! But 1200 would come in handy dandy!! He wouldn't even know where he lost it.
alas, I have a conscious. I could not allow myself to take advantage of a drunk man.
I was picked up at the south side of Edmonton by my dear friend! As I was gathering my beautiful carryon - the drunk guy notices my id badges. Asks me what i'm wearing name tags for. I tell him it's my work passes. He says where do you work, and I reply chuckling (as we have just talked about me living in calgary... ) I work at City Hall in Calgary. He then replies woah - you live in edmonton and work in Calgary wow, what a commute. *sigh* to be a few bricks short of a full load.
We get to my auntie's house, and her and Uncle look at me like i'm foreign, neither one of them checked them texts or emails. hahahaha SURPRISE! But it was nice, gave us a chance for some intimate bonding. Memere comes stumbling out of the bedroom, all looking like sleep has over taken her, just like a little one getting up first thing in the morning. I am happy to see her. She seems happy to see me. She gets drsessed comes to visit and then gets upset because I am too cute to not be French, why aren't I speaking it!! My poor Memere is getting alzheimer's and after a little conversation with her daughter, memere comes back out and still doesn't know who I am. My heart breaks a little bit, but I know it's coming. Everyone thought that we found each other in time that she will remember me and Kim, but that day I was just too cute to not speak French. She kept saying that I look like one of "us"
Off to bed, to wake up Christmas morning. My cousin Paula and her hubby Vic and the three kids come over, and present opening begins. Oh, I forgot to mention, my auntie's house looks amazing! The decorations are spectacular, I will post some photos up here too so you can all see. I was called auntie by little Mikyle. Wow, warming heart!! woo hooo!!!! I was told by his mom and dad that he doesn't even call his real auntie's auntie! So I am sooo flattered - I love my family!!!
Before dinner is ready I go with Vic and Louric to Lou's soccer game. I realize that I'm way tooo competitive. Lou scored! Yaaa - and all i wanted to do was go down and help the coach coach. He had the kids on the field for 7 - 10 minute shifts! By the first half the boys were sooo tired, I'm surprised they could still run for the second half. No win, but a tie! Great game!!
When we get home, holy cow there are probably 30 other people there! 26 I had never met before. I'm not sure what came over me as I usually don't play the shy one, but all I wanted to do was find Jill and go hide somewhere, but Jill was mingling ... I couldn't even make it be beside her. Ahhhh the people!!! I go downstairs, only kids there, I can handle that. Then my cousin Rick comes downstairs and we talked for almost an hour, and wow, he's sooo smart! I think that was the first time we have really spoken on that level before. He's amazing! I'm very lucky to be a part of this family.
We end the night - the four of us, Auntie, Uncle, their friend Yvonne and me in the hot tub while it rained, and then off to bed - me - alone, we all didn't go to bed together - just wanted to clear that up!
Sunday was a day of relaxing, more quiet time with my auntie and memere and a big bag of leftovers for me on the bus ride home. Tears of sadness fill my eyes as I have to leave AGAIN.
Bus ride home was packed and I was getting a little hungry - I just had a bowl of soup before I left. And to my suprise, i was on a complete express bus! I was expecting the vending machine in Red Deer to fill the spot but we drove straight on through. My cell phone was cut, the bill didn't get paid, so I was rather bored. I tried reading and I was good for about an hour and a half, I tried drawing Kim's tattoo, but the bus was soooo bumpy i couldn't make a smooth line anywhere. At one point I looked down the aisle and it looked as though the bus was going to topple over. So for the last remaining part of the trip, I just gazed to nowhere in particular. Made it home in less than 3 hours, and to my suprise Abdi actually came to pick me up.
Another wonderful weekend with my family. I miss you guys soooo much. I feel soon we will be together. I love you all
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