This week I celebrated (I'm not sure if that is the right word) eight month anniversary of being in Calgary. Amazing to me how fast time has slipped by. While it has been an interesting trek, and at times, and expensive one, I had one more issue to take care of. After getting licences, plates, addresses, taxes changed over to an Alberta address, I had one more hill to climb, changing over my healthcare. Not that I didn't want to do this, but putting something like this off was truly the only way to deal with it. After what I went through just to switch my plates and car, I couldn't imagine what I would be faced with trying to do with my body.
I sent the info in Healthcare office about a month and a half ago. To give you an idea of how bad that is, OHIP covers you for three months after a move like this, I got here in August. You do the math, I was sure they would. Not that I meant to do, I just forgot...simple as that, I forgot! Oh well, about a week ago I received a letter from Alberta Healthcare telling me that I did not give them the full info that they needed and I had 15 days to get my info to them or I couldn't be processed. So yesterday, I finally had the time to go to the downtown office and take care of this problem. I was sure that I would be waiting for hours. When I walked in, not to say this in the wrong way, but I was the only person in the office speaking English, so, I thought, I came on the right day. After waiting a few minutes, I looked around, there were five counters dealing with people, one was closed (it being late afternoon), three working with people, and one trying her best to find something to do other than get trapped with someone so close to quitting time. I was glad to see that the government attitude of work is the same across the country - that's what brings us together. But a few mintues later, I was called, sat down in front of a very pleasant lady, who took my information and set everything up for me in around three minutes (that includes a call she received from her daughter while I was there). I was told that I would be backdated (which means I'll be paying for six months - which is what I figured) and she gave me my Alberta Healthcare Card. Card is a strong word, it is a piece of paper, no photo, no marks, just says your name, number and Alberta. I was even told I could laminate if I wished. You would think with the money that is paid, they may want to think about getting something a little more solid.
So that is my last step, now I feel like I live here, although with spring being here and summer around the corner, let's see how the living improves. And now that I have my healthcare set up, be damned with safety!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
When Construction Finds You
Not that I truly believe in conspiracies, but I have always had a feeling that when it came to construction, it always has a little bit of a WSGW to it. WSGW stands for Where Sean Goes to Work.
In Ottawa, it seemed to be a never ending saga, and it didn't just revolve around work. If I went a certain way for a while, construction would all of sudden "pop-up", no notice, they'd just start ripping apart road. If I found a different route, they seemed to follow. If I found a quick way out of Barhavven, where my parents were at the time, they would have general meetings and discuss the many ways to make sure that my drive would have time to add to while one person worked and seven others stood around making sure my car was stuck in this mess.
Not driving to work in Calgary must have fooled them, for a while. I'm getting close to seven months here and in the past two weeks they have figured out my path. Walking to work as I do, I usually follow a couple of paths. Two weeks ago, they tore up a path that I take going home. Not a big deal, it just means I have to walk a little farther, adds a couple of minutes. This morning, I walked into my path to work being completely ripped up. Now, just going to the other side of the street would usually not be a big deal, but when the other side is the C-Train tracks or traffic, that can be a problem. I wouldn't have thought much of it, but when I passed by the construction (one guy working - eight standing around), one of the constructions guys gave me the thumbs up. It looked as it was to say "we found you!"
In Ottawa, it seemed to be a never ending saga, and it didn't just revolve around work. If I went a certain way for a while, construction would all of sudden "pop-up", no notice, they'd just start ripping apart road. If I found a different route, they seemed to follow. If I found a quick way out of Barhavven, where my parents were at the time, they would have general meetings and discuss the many ways to make sure that my drive would have time to add to while one person worked and seven others stood around making sure my car was stuck in this mess.
Not driving to work in Calgary must have fooled them, for a while. I'm getting close to seven months here and in the past two weeks they have figured out my path. Walking to work as I do, I usually follow a couple of paths. Two weeks ago, they tore up a path that I take going home. Not a big deal, it just means I have to walk a little farther, adds a couple of minutes. This morning, I walked into my path to work being completely ripped up. Now, just going to the other side of the street would usually not be a big deal, but when the other side is the C-Train tracks or traffic, that can be a problem. I wouldn't have thought much of it, but when I passed by the construction (one guy working - eight standing around), one of the constructions guys gave me the thumbs up. It looked as it was to say "we found you!"
Friday, February 24, 2006
If You Don't Like the Weather, Wait Five Minutes, Part II
So, last week we went through a cold snap, this week it warmed up, but we got snow. And not the type that I spoke about earlier, we got snow - enough that twice I had to clean my car off (the fact that the battery isn't working, didn't make the job any easier). I don't mind snow, but to get this type of snow fall now is a little on the dishearting side. I mean, I'm used to getting this in November, but the first real snowfall in the later stages of February? I makes me wonder what type of summer we're going to have.
Now, as I said, it has snowed this week, but it amazes me again how it shuts the city down. Except of course for the weekend, all I've heard from people on the street and in buildings is "how great this snow will be for skiiing this weekend." Now, let me get this straight, driving in it during the week, causes all of them to forget how to drive, how to function and even for some, forget how to go into work. But by Saturday, this pain in the ass snow, is now SNOW!
Amazing what the weather looks like on certain days.
Now, as I said, it has snowed this week, but it amazes me again how it shuts the city down. Except of course for the weekend, all I've heard from people on the street and in buildings is "how great this snow will be for skiiing this weekend." Now, let me get this straight, driving in it during the week, causes all of them to forget how to drive, how to function and even for some, forget how to go into work. But by Saturday, this pain in the ass snow, is now SNOW!
Amazing what the weather looks like on certain days.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
If You Don't Like the Weather, Wait Five Minutes
It's amazing what happens when the weather changes very quickly. I got used to it happening a bit in Ottawa the last few years, but after what has taken place in the last week, and what will be happening in the next week, with the weather, it's enough to make Sybil crazy.
To give you an example of what I mean, is last Saturday, the temperture was 18 degrees, Sunday, 12 degrees, by Tuesday night, it was - 10, Wednesday, -23, Thursday morning, -30. By Saturday, it will be -1, 1 on Sunday, 12 on Monday, -1 on Tuesday. I now know where they got the saying, if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes.
It goes beyond the cold, it's how people change during periods like this as well that got my attention. On a day like today (-30), I walk down to 7th Ave and catch the C-Train for the rest of the way to work. For those of you who aren't familiar with Calgary transit, the train travels across the city, but on 7th Ave, it is free for riders. A very smart idea, that helps in the idea for me to not drive into to work. This morning getting on the train was busier than usual, which I expected with the cold, but the way people acted, pushing, shoving, not paying attention to other people. A man in front of me (all of 6'3), shaped like Weabal hit me in the face with his back pack three times. By the time the fourth was to come around, I let him know of my displeasure. "Do you mind?" I asked. He looked at me as if I had slapped him across the face (the thought crossed my mind). "You've hit me with your bag three times already, could you watch it, please." Instead of a "I'm sorry", or him taking it off his back, he merely gave me a dirty look and turned and started talking to his friend again. I got off at the next stop, where while wearing my headphones, the jerk thought I couldn't hear him. "What a little weasel eh?" he said to his friend. "Better a weasel than a fat, fucking potatoe body," I replied. I don't know what that means, it was something one of my brothers used as an insult many years ago and still sticks in my head. The look of shock, either from what I said, or trying to figure out what I said meant, gave it enough time for the door of the train to shut before he could head out after me. I have to admit, it felt a little warmer after that.
I guess the weather isn't the only thing that changes after five minutes.
To give you an example of what I mean, is last Saturday, the temperture was 18 degrees, Sunday, 12 degrees, by Tuesday night, it was - 10, Wednesday, -23, Thursday morning, -30. By Saturday, it will be -1, 1 on Sunday, 12 on Monday, -1 on Tuesday. I now know where they got the saying, if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes.
It goes beyond the cold, it's how people change during periods like this as well that got my attention. On a day like today (-30), I walk down to 7th Ave and catch the C-Train for the rest of the way to work. For those of you who aren't familiar with Calgary transit, the train travels across the city, but on 7th Ave, it is free for riders. A very smart idea, that helps in the idea for me to not drive into to work. This morning getting on the train was busier than usual, which I expected with the cold, but the way people acted, pushing, shoving, not paying attention to other people. A man in front of me (all of 6'3), shaped like Weabal hit me in the face with his back pack three times. By the time the fourth was to come around, I let him know of my displeasure. "Do you mind?" I asked. He looked at me as if I had slapped him across the face (the thought crossed my mind). "You've hit me with your bag three times already, could you watch it, please." Instead of a "I'm sorry", or him taking it off his back, he merely gave me a dirty look and turned and started talking to his friend again. I got off at the next stop, where while wearing my headphones, the jerk thought I couldn't hear him. "What a little weasel eh?" he said to his friend. "Better a weasel than a fat, fucking potatoe body," I replied. I don't know what that means, it was something one of my brothers used as an insult many years ago and still sticks in my head. The look of shock, either from what I said, or trying to figure out what I said meant, gave it enough time for the door of the train to shut before he could head out after me. I have to admit, it felt a little warmer after that.
I guess the weather isn't the only thing that changes after five minutes.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Watching the Super Bowl Out West
Even while having sattelite or digital cable back in Ottawa, I got used to never being able to see the Super Bowl through the American networks, always having them taking over by Global, so you couldn't see the American commercials that run during the game. Low and behold my surprise last night when not only was my digital box allowing me to watch the game on the Detroit station, but also I got to see the American ads (I wonder if it had anything to do with the game being in Detroit).
The ones that stick out were a Bud Light ad, where a husband goes up on a roof to 'clean the gutters' for his wife, when he gets on top of the roof, he pulls out a lawn chair and a bud light, spots his neighbour, his neighbour asks what he is doing, and he responds. His neighbour, doing the same thing, having a beer sittting on a lawn chair, states he is 'fixing the sattelite'. They both see their other neighbour getting on his roof. 'Fixing a leak in the roof' he claims, the two state, 'good idea, have to use that one', where the 3rd neighbour states 'no, I'm really fixing...' and falls through the roof where we see his wife enjoying a Bud Light.
Another ad featured monkeys (Lisa...monkeys), jumping around partying in an office setting, where a display shows increased revenue. An office worker comes in and turns the display around, explaining that revenues are actually down. The monkeys stop, look around, then put the display back the way they had and continue to party. The ad then says 'need a new job". Later this office worker is speaking to friend, where she claims 'I know what you mean, I work with nothing but jackasses', then all you see if jackasses in suits.
As for the game itself, a pretty boring game, with a couple of questionable calls. I believe the first Seahawks touchdown should have stood and the Steelers first shouldn't have counted, he did not make it over the line, but that is just one Ottawa man out West's opinion. The Rolling Stones, well, thankfully I was making dinner at the time, so I saw what was necessary.
Another good thing about watching the game here is the time zone, the game was over by 8pm, more than enough time to relax before passing out after the game. Now, we have the Olympics to look forward to, even if the first game against Italy is 5am Mountain time.
The ones that stick out were a Bud Light ad, where a husband goes up on a roof to 'clean the gutters' for his wife, when he gets on top of the roof, he pulls out a lawn chair and a bud light, spots his neighbour, his neighbour asks what he is doing, and he responds. His neighbour, doing the same thing, having a beer sittting on a lawn chair, states he is 'fixing the sattelite'. They both see their other neighbour getting on his roof. 'Fixing a leak in the roof' he claims, the two state, 'good idea, have to use that one', where the 3rd neighbour states 'no, I'm really fixing...' and falls through the roof where we see his wife enjoying a Bud Light.
Another ad featured monkeys (Lisa...monkeys), jumping around partying in an office setting, where a display shows increased revenue. An office worker comes in and turns the display around, explaining that revenues are actually down. The monkeys stop, look around, then put the display back the way they had and continue to party. The ad then says 'need a new job". Later this office worker is speaking to friend, where she claims 'I know what you mean, I work with nothing but jackasses', then all you see if jackasses in suits.
As for the game itself, a pretty boring game, with a couple of questionable calls. I believe the first Seahawks touchdown should have stood and the Steelers first shouldn't have counted, he did not make it over the line, but that is just one Ottawa man out West's opinion. The Rolling Stones, well, thankfully I was making dinner at the time, so I saw what was necessary.
Another good thing about watching the game here is the time zone, the game was over by 8pm, more than enough time to relax before passing out after the game. Now, we have the Olympics to look forward to, even if the first game against Italy is 5am Mountain time.
Monday, January 23, 2006
You Must Be This Tall To Get On This Ride
This past Saturday, I went out as part of my resolution to get out and meet more people. And while I have been doing that more in my first month back, I have noticed something in that time as well. Women in the city seem to have a thing about height. Meaning, there seems to be a limit of how far they would like to look down, or up, whatever the case may be.
A couple of weeks ago, one young lady told me "I look cuter sitting down" another this past Saturday gave the look of disapproval, giving the impression that I should put myself on the rack and grow a couple of inches before stepping up to the plate. Now this not something that you can fix, like losing weight (which I did) or get in better shape (which I did), height is something that going to keep coming back to me. Now being only around 5"6, there is only so much that I can do. I will not wear lifts (I don't think that extra 2 inches will really do anything and with my balance problems, especially after a few pops, it is probably not the best idea), so what is a man like me to do?
Well, my best bet is to roll with the punches and see if I can find someone who is not so strict on the height issue. It has been interesting, it has been like being a kid again, where I couldn't get on rides because you had to be this tall. I expect the next woman I speak with, to look at me and put her arm up and say "sorry, can't get on this ride!"
A couple of weeks ago, one young lady told me "I look cuter sitting down" another this past Saturday gave the look of disapproval, giving the impression that I should put myself on the rack and grow a couple of inches before stepping up to the plate. Now this not something that you can fix, like losing weight (which I did) or get in better shape (which I did), height is something that going to keep coming back to me. Now being only around 5"6, there is only so much that I can do. I will not wear lifts (I don't think that extra 2 inches will really do anything and with my balance problems, especially after a few pops, it is probably not the best idea), so what is a man like me to do?
Well, my best bet is to roll with the punches and see if I can find someone who is not so strict on the height issue. It has been interesting, it has been like being a kid again, where I couldn't get on rides because you had to be this tall. I expect the next woman I speak with, to look at me and put her arm up and say "sorry, can't get on this ride!"
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
How Can Snow Be This Troublesome When You're An Hour Outside of the Mountains?
This was one of those days. This morning, I had to get up and drive a few brochures for work to a section of the city that I have never been to. To prepare for this, I got a map and directions from the web, and prepared for it to be a least double the time it said on the paper (it being 7:30 am, and it being rush hour), low to my surprise, another factor would come into play - snow. Never said anything on the weather about snow, but when someone says it's snowing in a panic voice, I assume to be getting somewhere over 10 - 12 cm, not a brushing of snow.
Now, coming from Ottawa, where a few cm of snow is something we just shrug off, I'm still perplexed as to why it causes the city of Calgary to "lose it". They are an hour outside the mountains, and it seems that no one seems to know what this white stuff coming from the sky is. The radio station I had on in my car made it sound like a storm. So this was just one item of my trip. The 2nd major factor was because of some construction going on, they took down the sign name for the main street that I had to turn down. I was going against traffic, so time wasn't a big factor, but because of this wonderful mistake on missing signage, I had to drive 4 km out of my way, turn around to get stuck in traffic, and add 25 minutes to my trip. Due to the combination of rush hour and snow, people were speeding at a pace of 4 - 6 km/h, I almost couldn't keep up.
After dropping off the boxes (and being treated like a delivery guy who was getting in the way), I jumped back in my car from the parking lot by the building back to the parking lot on the streets. One item I have to learn in this city is shortcuts, and how to get to different areas with the least amount of slowdowns.
Not that I totally believe in conspiracies, but in luck (bad, good, dumb) - I do believe someone got in touch with some people in Calgary and told them if you are ever in front of a red Mazda, make sure you brake going through a green light - he likes it. Either that, or that same unknown bylaw exists in both Ottawa and Calgary. Nice to have somethings that remind you of home!
Now, coming from Ottawa, where a few cm of snow is something we just shrug off, I'm still perplexed as to why it causes the city of Calgary to "lose it". They are an hour outside the mountains, and it seems that no one seems to know what this white stuff coming from the sky is. The radio station I had on in my car made it sound like a storm. So this was just one item of my trip. The 2nd major factor was because of some construction going on, they took down the sign name for the main street that I had to turn down. I was going against traffic, so time wasn't a big factor, but because of this wonderful mistake on missing signage, I had to drive 4 km out of my way, turn around to get stuck in traffic, and add 25 minutes to my trip. Due to the combination of rush hour and snow, people were speeding at a pace of 4 - 6 km/h, I almost couldn't keep up.
After dropping off the boxes (and being treated like a delivery guy who was getting in the way), I jumped back in my car from the parking lot by the building back to the parking lot on the streets. One item I have to learn in this city is shortcuts, and how to get to different areas with the least amount of slowdowns.
Not that I totally believe in conspiracies, but in luck (bad, good, dumb) - I do believe someone got in touch with some people in Calgary and told them if you are ever in front of a red Mazda, make sure you brake going through a green light - he likes it. Either that, or that same unknown bylaw exists in both Ottawa and Calgary. Nice to have somethings that remind you of home!
Monday, January 09, 2006
First Full Week Back
As this is the first in a number of posts, rants, whatever you want to call it, I should start with a beginning. While this is a look at a year in the life, I have been in Calgary for about five months. At times, I will go back and show some of the hardships that I went through, some of the discoveries that happened, and look over what I did wrong and right in my first little while here. But the majority will be a look at how I survive a full year out west!
What can I say about coming back and getting into the full swing of things. It's not always what you think it would be.
I wrote a blog last Monday when I arrived home (yes, I'm calling it home) but somehow I made it disappear when I changed something - still trying to figure out how this works.
So to begin, let's just try and go day by day:
Monday:
I booked an early flight from Ottawa to come back to Calgary that was to leave at 7am (next time I'll pay the extra $40 and fly out later in the day), but I thought, at this rate, I'll be in my apartment by 10 am, and have the whole day to get myself back into being back in Calgary. The flight was supposed to leave at 7, for some reason, which they never explained, we flew out at 7:40. I don't know about you but I really enjoy sitting on a crowded flight, not moving, being told to keep my seatbelt on because we could be leaving at any moment. At least I was smart enough to take all the free papers that they have to offer, but couldn't they have turned the TV on? I don't need to see on the screen where the plane is, I can just look out the window and see the groundcrew to figure that we haven't left yet.
After a fairly uneventful flight, I got back home and was happy to see that my apartment was still standing. Took the rest of the day getting adjusted to being back, different weather, different time zone, different enviroment.
Tuesday:
Woke up feeling someone had dragged me down a street. Was this a cold or a retroactive hangover? I did do a little partying when I was in Ottawa, but not enough to have my body get back at me three days later. Went into work and got back into the swing of things. Took about an hour before I realized, I'm back and I'm already a week behind. As every minute passes, it feels like I'm falling behind another day. I'll get caught up as the soon as I can stop time.
Wednesday/Thursday:
pretty much the same, trying to find a way to get caught up but not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, but I didn't expect it as I know the next two to three months will be the most hectic for me. These days were a blur...
Friday:
Until Friday that is. My cold was the worst of the week the entire day. So bad was my cold that I ran out of tissues over lunch and had to go a drug store to purchase some. Of course they only had large boxes. So picuture if you will - I'm standing in line, when the woman in front of is returning an item (at 12:52 on a Friday), the line-up behind her, including myself, is very pleased to be waiting while she asks every question she could think of (I thought it was good that she had them written down). While this was going on, I started to have a sneeze attack. I'm holding a box of tissues, that I had to tear open, after I turned around to see a very cute girl behind me give a look as though I was two-year old eating in front of her. I really know how to impress the ladies. After tearing out far too many sheets, I got to the cash and was told by the sales lady, "you're paying for that whole box, you know?" As my image was already shattered by my dripping nose, I thought it was not in my favour to come across as cheap. I shook my head and politely thanked her for pointing out my faux paux. What would I have ever done without this lady. I didn't think my face could get a red as it did, but mirrors don't lie.
Saturday/Sunday:
Just tried to keep my head from exploding. Spent Saturday watching Hockey Day in Canada, and watching as the Sens handed the Canadiens a win, the Leafs beat the Oilers, and the refs hand the Canucks a win over the Flames. All in all, a good day, but basically stayed under a cover and just relaxed. Sunday, nothing really changed. You know you're not feeling well when you watch a movie and start to think about things you may done right or wrong previously as to pertains to the story, then quickly shake and think "what the f**k"
My first week back wasn't a full blown get back as I may have wanted, but it was something to get myself back into the swing of things. For this year, I have decided that I need to do somethings for myself. I have to get out more, meet more people and put stuff in the past that I may have focused on too much and not worry about it. I have to realize that I am living in the west and what was in Ottawa is just that, in Ottawa. So, it's starts now - and I will keep posting not just for those who may read it, but for myself, a diary to progress my growth, or my slips.
Here is to the year!
What can I say about coming back and getting into the full swing of things. It's not always what you think it would be.
I wrote a blog last Monday when I arrived home (yes, I'm calling it home) but somehow I made it disappear when I changed something - still trying to figure out how this works.
So to begin, let's just try and go day by day:
Monday:
I booked an early flight from Ottawa to come back to Calgary that was to leave at 7am (next time I'll pay the extra $40 and fly out later in the day), but I thought, at this rate, I'll be in my apartment by 10 am, and have the whole day to get myself back into being back in Calgary. The flight was supposed to leave at 7, for some reason, which they never explained, we flew out at 7:40. I don't know about you but I really enjoy sitting on a crowded flight, not moving, being told to keep my seatbelt on because we could be leaving at any moment. At least I was smart enough to take all the free papers that they have to offer, but couldn't they have turned the TV on? I don't need to see on the screen where the plane is, I can just look out the window and see the groundcrew to figure that we haven't left yet.
After a fairly uneventful flight, I got back home and was happy to see that my apartment was still standing. Took the rest of the day getting adjusted to being back, different weather, different time zone, different enviroment.
Tuesday:
Woke up feeling someone had dragged me down a street. Was this a cold or a retroactive hangover? I did do a little partying when I was in Ottawa, but not enough to have my body get back at me three days later. Went into work and got back into the swing of things. Took about an hour before I realized, I'm back and I'm already a week behind. As every minute passes, it feels like I'm falling behind another day. I'll get caught up as the soon as I can stop time.
Wednesday/Thursday:
pretty much the same, trying to find a way to get caught up but not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, but I didn't expect it as I know the next two to three months will be the most hectic for me. These days were a blur...
Friday:
Until Friday that is. My cold was the worst of the week the entire day. So bad was my cold that I ran out of tissues over lunch and had to go a drug store to purchase some. Of course they only had large boxes. So picuture if you will - I'm standing in line, when the woman in front of is returning an item (at 12:52 on a Friday), the line-up behind her, including myself, is very pleased to be waiting while she asks every question she could think of (I thought it was good that she had them written down). While this was going on, I started to have a sneeze attack. I'm holding a box of tissues, that I had to tear open, after I turned around to see a very cute girl behind me give a look as though I was two-year old eating in front of her. I really know how to impress the ladies. After tearing out far too many sheets, I got to the cash and was told by the sales lady, "you're paying for that whole box, you know?" As my image was already shattered by my dripping nose, I thought it was not in my favour to come across as cheap. I shook my head and politely thanked her for pointing out my faux paux. What would I have ever done without this lady. I didn't think my face could get a red as it did, but mirrors don't lie.
Saturday/Sunday:
Just tried to keep my head from exploding. Spent Saturday watching Hockey Day in Canada, and watching as the Sens handed the Canadiens a win, the Leafs beat the Oilers, and the refs hand the Canucks a win over the Flames. All in all, a good day, but basically stayed under a cover and just relaxed. Sunday, nothing really changed. You know you're not feeling well when you watch a movie and start to think about things you may done right or wrong previously as to pertains to the story, then quickly shake and think "what the f**k"
My first week back wasn't a full blown get back as I may have wanted, but it was something to get myself back into the swing of things. For this year, I have decided that I need to do somethings for myself. I have to get out more, meet more people and put stuff in the past that I may have focused on too much and not worry about it. I have to realize that I am living in the west and what was in Ottawa is just that, in Ottawa. So, it's starts now - and I will keep posting not just for those who may read it, but for myself, a diary to progress my growth, or my slips.
Here is to the year!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
