Monday, August 29th, 2011

Got a lot done at work today, but still struggling with a few tasks that I can't understand.  I'm in the process of hunting down some answers.

It was a hot day again today - when I went out for a walk at lunch time, it was scorching.  It would've been a nice day to go floating on the Bow or Elbow.  After work, it was over 30 degrees when I got into my car.  I went home and did some re-organizing of my clothes.  I realize I need more hangers.  Have you ever heard of Jane's Addiction?  Well the picture below is actually my Jeans Addiction.  Yep... those are all my jeans (and there may be more in the laundry hamper, too)!  I realize I may have a problem.  Is there a support group for that, do you think?

I probably should've gone somewhere since it was so nice outside, but truly I'm exhausted.  I had a short nap (while a kid ran and stomped around upstairs), then talked to Lurline on the phone.  She and Dave just got back from a short staycation at Pigeon Lake.  Apparently she was very ill with some kind of bug.  That sucks when you're supposed to be enjoying a summer holiday!

I also sent another email to my landlord stating that I'm now going to give notice on September 1st - with a litany of reasons why he'd better accept it and give my damage deposit back and let me break my lease.  I'm awaiting his reply.

I'm watching "Friends With Benefits" online before I go to sleep.  Wow!  It's quite risque at times.

Sunday, August 21st, 2011

I got up early because Lurline, Dave and I agreed that we would go on a road trip out to Dinosaur National Park today.  It's near Brooks, a couple hours away, so we wanted to get on the road early.  They were supposed to meet me at 9am, but we actually left a little later than that because Dave forgot his wallet at home.  Tristan decided to join us for the day, too.

They hadn't eaten or had a coffee yet, so we stopped to pick up food, then had to get gas.  The morning was slipping away.  Anyway, we finally headed out around 10am.  It's not a very interesting drive.  Lots of fields and flatlands as far as the eye can see.  It was going to be a scorcher, too.  I think we got up to 32.5 degrees celsius!

When we got to Dinosaur National Park, we got out to take photos and I also took some video of the view from the top.  Then we drove down into the canyon and had a snack and a drink at the concession.  There's an actual campground there.  It was really, really hot outside in the sun, so we tried to stay in the shade as much as possible.

There's a loop that you can drive right through the hoodoos and rock formations of the canyon.  Along the way they have some actual dinosaur "digs" that you can check out.  It was interesting and there were lots of fantastic photo opportunities.  It was hard to choose which one to use for today.

When I got home, I made BBQ pork skewers, corn on the cob and potato salad for dinner.  The potato salad was store bought, actually.  Then I put on some music and read a book.  I'm reading Water for Elephants.  I didn't want to see the movie until I've read the book.

Saturday, August 20th, 2011

I slept late today.  It's not like me.  I guess I've needed to catch up on sleep, plus I got home at around 2:30 am last night.  I basically chilled out at home in the morning, then had a couple of errands to run.

I went to the bank, then the post office, before trying out Phil & Sebastian's coffee shop in Marda Loop.  I brought my computer with me, but I couldn't get connected to their internet and they didn't have electrical outlets that I could see.  Therefore, I only have about 1 1/2 hours before my battery charge dies on my computer.  It was enough time to do a little photo editing, anyway.  I also enjoyed a delicious Americano.

After that, I went home and watched a movie, and I had a strong enough signal to upload my blog from the last week.  It's been hanging over my head!

Lurline called in the afternoon and wanted to do a few errands, so I went to pick her up and we drove to Ikea.  We managed to escape without buying anything!  I wonder if that's ever happened to anybody before?  Anyway, then we stopped in at Superstore, Walmart and Michael's.  She was looking for picture frames, so we priced them all out.  Turns out Walmart had the best deal, of course.

Then we drove South to the "cheap" theatre and bought tickets to see Larry Crowne with Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks.  We had about an hour to kill before the movie started, so we went to a local pub and had a drink.  The movie was light and entertaining.  You can't really go wrong with Tom Hanks.

Anyway, it was after 11pm by the time the movie ended and I still hadn't taken a photo.  I dropped Lurline off at home, then tried to think of a place I could take a picture at night.  I only had about 15 minutes before midnight, and then I would've missed my photo for Saturday ... So, I took this photo from a park on my way home - it's of the Glenmore Reservoir.  It's probably not the best, but I didn't have a lot of time.

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

I sent an email to my landlord this morning explaining the noise situation in my apartment.  I want him to know how bad it is.  He replied that he would talk to them.  I almost have to laugh... he's not going to change the situation when the issue is that they just don't know how to parent.  It's a lost cause.

I didn't go home after work today.  Lurline texted me to see if I wanted to meet for some wings after work.  ANYTHING would've been better than going home to the noise, so I was in.

I met her at Local 004 (I think that's the name).  It wasn't wing night.  Rats!  I ate some calamari and had a beer, and we sat and chatted ... well, I did most of the chatting.  It might've sounded a little more like venting.  Lurline thinks I should try to get out of my lease, if I can.  I fully agree.  My friend, J, showed up after a while, since he lives very close by.  We all grabbed a quick coffee from Timmy's and while we were inside, a storm blew over us.  We went outside to get a better look.  The clouds were swirling and suddenly there was snow/hail pelting us.  It looked like a tornado was going to form.  I took a few photos, but I don't think it does it justice.  Right after this, there was a double rainbow!  I almost cried it was so beautiful.... (that was a reference to the "double rainbow" youtube video for those of you who haven't seen it).

Afterwards, J showed me his two new guitars, and we just hung out and chatted while he played a few songs.  It was a nice evening out of the house and away from the noise.

Saturday, July 16th, 2011

What a hot, sunny day in Calgary!  It was a nice change to see the sun.  Mom, Lurline, Talia, Tristan & I headed downtown to check out what free Stampede events we could find.  We went down to Fluor Square at Olympic Plaza, but nothing was happening.  So, we walked along Stephen Avenue in the sunshine, and looked at the stalls and did some people watching.  It was lunch time by this point, so we sat on the Earl's patio and had a refreshing beverage and a tasty lunch.  Afterwards, Lurline took us to her new office because mom hadn't seen it yet.  Then, we went to a big discount store in the South and everybody bought something small.  That night, Lurline, Dave, mom and I went to Ceili's pub in the South and listened to the live music out on the patio.  It was nice to enjoy the warm weather well into the evening.  I love Stampede!

Friday, June 10th, 2011

It was quite a busy day today.  Mom and I took grandma to the doctor's, then we all went for lunch downtown.  After we dropped grandma off at home, mom and I went to a thrift store, then to MTF to see what deals we could find.  Mom cleaned up on the good buys.  I didn't buy anything ... Phew!  Then, home to a quick nap before game five of the hockey playoffs.  Finally, the Canucks we all know and love are back on their game.  One more game to win to take the cup!  After the game, the fam all did some Karaoke - that's one thing about us, we can ALWAYS find something fun to do, and we all love music.  Here's Lurline and Dad mid-song: