Random catchy title…

Welcome Back avid blog readers,

Assuming I am not blogging for my health :P

Well I have some exciting news to share!  My husband and his father have been trying to coordinate a trip to El Salvador for the last few months, and we finally have confirmation! James and I will be heading to El Salvador at the end of March, for 2 weeks!

How exciting is that?!?  I will welcome the warm weather with open arms. Unfortunately there isn’t a direct flight from Calgary to El Salvador, so there will be a connecting flight from Calgary to Salt Lake City to Atlanta (where we spend the night) and then off to El Salvador. Still a great chance to see some parts of the USA and Central America as well.

James will finally get to meet his step mother, 2 step brothers and a half brother.  We are considering this our post honeymoon, since we were not able to take the traditional honeymoon right after we got married almost 15 months ago. I am still surprised I got the OK to take the time off from my new job considering I haven’t been there 60 days yet.

So between now and then, we have to find out about getting our shots… and which ones.  I am still trying to get all of the paperwork in order to make my car legal up here. I plan on going over to Canadian Tire during my lunch tomorrow and getting my Federal Inspection done. Once that is done I’ll get my new  Alberta plates and I can mail in my Massachusetts plates. Then the registering and insuring process can begin, fun fun.

I guess saving for our own place will take a back seat until we come back from our vacation… oh well.

To be continued…

Dream Journal, vivid dreams from this weekend.

Welcome back,

I know that it’s been a good 10 days since my last blog entry, but there hasn’t been a whole lot going on that is worth mentioning. However, I have had these weird dreams lately that are worth sharing. Personally, I am fascinated with dreams and there hidden meanings.

I dream every night, as does everyone… some mornings I wake up and don’t recall anything while most mornings I can recall certain vivid aspects of the dream. Like many people, I also have reoccurring dreams… not the same dream over and over, but the same sort of reoccurring things happen in a different scenario. With that said I’ll try to share as much as I can remember from the last few nights.

The first set of dreams started off with me visiting my dentist, my first dentist I had as a child. This is the first time he has appeared in my dream, but I was in his office and he had called me in to one of the rooms, the first room was already occupied with a lady who was put under for whatever reason, he made a little joke and we went on to find another room. We get to a different room and I realize that his office and the rooms he has are all inside of a huge building, like a museum or a theater. I could hear children laughing in the room next door and asked the dentist what was going on over there. Seems there was a play going on for a group of children and I wandered over and sat down to watch. That is all I remember from that….

In reality, the dentist was great with kids and I have not come across a nicer one. My last visit with this dentist was about 20 years ago and I still remember the way the waiting room looked and the little plastic treasure chest he gave me so I could put my teeth in it for the tooth fairy. I don’t understand the meaning behind the dream itself, but I know I felt content in the dream.

In the second dream, I was with another person… someone that seemed familiar but I can’t put my finger on it… Anyway, we were outside on a narrow dirt road and there was a small barbed wire fence and large open field in front of us. Next to us on our left was a large bale of hay that we we sitting behind.  For some reason, I decided to hop over the fence and walk through the field… The further I walk, the more dead carcasses and buckets of blood I see, so I turn around to go back to where my friend was. As I get closer to the fence I see a small group of unfriendly looking guys walking down the narrow dirt road toward us and I started running toward the bale of hay hoping to go unnoticed.  I arrive back and told my friend of the things I saw, including the unfriendly guys coming toward us. I was then told that we may be trespassing and the area we are in has been know to be used for cult activity. Our plan now was to stay very quiet and hope the group of guys just pass by and don’t notice us.  That didn’t happen… We were pulled up off of the ground and asked what we were doing, and why are we here… As we were being threatened, I woke up.

I shared this dream with my husband last night, and he seemed surprised that I could explain things with such detail about the game he was playing while I was sleeping. His computer is right next to our bed, and for the last week I have been wearing a sleeping mask since he tends to stay up until 4am working/playing games on his computer. The light coming off of his huge monitor is enough to keep me awake. ( I like it pitch black while I am sleeping).  Apparently he starting playing this game called Jerico and one of the missions takes place in a field and there are dead people coming out of the ground to attack you….  Just funny that I had never seen the game or heard anything while he was playing (he wears headphones while I am sleeping) and yet described the mission he had in the game.  I guess that qualifies as a telepathic dream.

The third dream I had was one of the reoccurring dreams where I lose some of my teeth. The scenario of these dreams always varies, but I always seem to manage losing a few of my teeth… Sometimes I lose two teeth and other times I can’t seem to stop them from coming out… I did a little research on the hidden meaning behind this reoccurring dream, some say it could mean a fear of ageing or fear of death, some say it’s a feeling of insecurity or abandonment, some say it’s a fear of change, and some say it’s because you can’t keep a secret.

Well, I am certain that the feelings/fear or abandonment and the fear of change is what applies to me. Since both parents left me at an early age and anyone I was ever close to seems to have a way of leaving. As for the fear of change, well most of the time I try to welcome change. But then there are time where I lack self confidence and second guess myself as to whether or not I am doing the right thing.  I suppose that could hold true in my currant situation having moved 2500 miles away from home, starting over in a new country, new job, still trying to get on my feet.

On another note though, regarding my reoccurring dreams about my friend Diana… A few months ago I had a little help locating her obituary, even though it didn’t mention the cause of death, it did mention the cemetery she was laid to rest. So I went out and bought a bouquet of flowers and drove over to the cemetery, walked through it from end to end and never did find her head stone… I said a little prayer for her and brought the flowers home and since then I have not been visited by Diana in my dreams. In the end it was was important to make peace, say good bye and acknowledge that she was gone, than it was to dwell on the reason why.

From what I understand, the reason we are visited in our dreams by those friends and family that have passed on, is because they are there to give us a message… Of coarse they will never flat out tell you the message or warning, that is up to you to figure out from the clues provided in your dream. In most cases you will  be revisited until you understand the meaning of the message they have been sent to deliver.

One other reoccurring dream I keep having includes the house my grandmother (on my mother’s side) used to live in. I remember her house very well and the layout never changes in my dreams. I spent much of my childhood in that house, I suppose that was really the only constant and stable place I had with all of the moving around that was done within my first 10 years. From what I’ve read, dreaming of a house often times represents YOU and how you see yourself. Or it could also be a place of comfort, which I believe is the case for me.

For the most part, once I fall asleep… the first 3 hours are the most sound and I could sleep through just about anything… After 3 hours, I toss/turn and go into a light sleeping mode and I hear everything…. For the last year or so I have been taking 3grams of melatonin to help with the active mind that I have. Now I don’t take this every night, my first and only bottle of 120 tablets still has about 20 tablets left. I find that if I take one tablet about 30 minutes before going to bed, that I fall asleep faster…As opposed to laying there trying to fall asleep and running 101 different scenarios in my head for an hour… The only side affect I have encountered is the bizzare vivid dreams I sometimes have… But then again that is nothing new for me, otherwise it is nonaddictive and I don’t wake up feeling tired and groggy.

Anyway, it’s getting late and I have to get up for work tomorrow…Time to call it a night.

Good Night!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year blog readers,

In this entry I will try to summarize my life in 2009 and share my goals for 2010.

The beginning of 2009 consisted of gathering the proof and documents needed for my immigration to Canada. The gathering of photos, finger prints, FBI clearances, and the medical exam were all done before June. The paper work and all proof was sent in around mid June then the next 5 months we spent waiting for an update from Immigration Canada. But in the end things were all done before the new year.

My big move to Canada took place last month and I was working full time with in 3 weeks. My fees for Transport Canada has been paid, so that’s one less thing to worry about. There are still a few loose ends I have to tend to in the USA, but they will get sorted soon enough.

For now, I am thinking about the future and what 2010 will bring.  My new job pays well and that will help to get James and I our own place. I still need to open a bank account up here since trying to send Canadian money to my US account takes 3-5 days to clear which is a little inconvenient, but it is still helping to pay for a few lingering bills. At some point I have to get my license changed over, register my car and get a new insurance policy that I have to add James too. Once that is done I can apply for my Alberta health card, as of March I will be eligible through my employer.

The next thing on my To Do List, is save up for a first month rent and safety deposit, the sooner the better. Right now I have a quick 10 minute drive to work, which I rather enjoy… But I am willing to sacrifice my 10 minute drive for a 30 minute drive if that means getting out of the hustle and bustle, and moving to a quieter section of the city.

Next up on my new year resolution list, becoming more responsible with my money… My new job pays a lot better than my old job, and it also pays bi-monthly. So I have to learn to make my paycheck last 2 weeks and plan accordingly. I would also like to bump up my monthly payments to InCharge Debt Solutions and get my debts paid off for good. No more debts, no more credit cards, from now on it is cash only…well except for buying a house.

Last but not least, I would like to get into better shape… not so much to lose weight although an extra 5-10 pounds certainly wouldn’t hurt, but to become a little more physically fit. As it is now I am with in a healthy weight for my age and height and my BMI is normal. I just find it rather embarrassing that I can’t climb 15-20 stairs without losing my breath. So what I think I may do to achieve this goal, is start packing my lunch and making the effort to walk up the 15-20 stairs to the upstairs break room 5 days a week.

Well that’s all I have for now… I hope that you have a great new year!

My First Job in Canada

Welcome Back avid blog readers.

Today was my first day at my new full time job.  After 2 weeks of job hunting, I received an offer I couldn’t refuse.  As much as I was hoping to get out of the automotive business, I was sucked back in. But at least this company takes pride in what they do and really puts the customer first, not like my last job.

I am really impressed with how this company runs and everyone I’ve met so far has been nice and has made me feel welcome. I spent half of my day with the Service Manager while he explained to me what he needs to have done in the cash office, and the rest of the day was spent taking online training classes… Some of that information I have retained, but it will be put to good use once I get to use it hands on.

This dealership is twice as big as the one I left in Massachusetts, in every sense. Plus it has a Tim Horton’s inside (equivalent to Dunkin’ Donuts), I know the guys back home would be jealous!  I was a bit nervous because I have little experience with invoicing repair orders and booking service appointments. Those were the duties of the service advisors, but not up here.  I do enjoy the challenge of learning new things and learning a new aspect of the dealership. Who knows, 5 years of this and I will be a well rounded Parts Advisor, Service Advisor and Office administrator… Then in 10 years, I could be a GM with actual knowledge of all departments, not just a yes man puppet most dealerships have. That could be a long stretch, as I never could see myself as the “manager” type.  Although I think many that fall into a manager position “fake it until they make it”, since most don’t seem to know the first thing about Service or Parts and are concerned with how many cars have been sold.

But all in all, today was a good day. I just have to get use to getting paid twice a month as opposed to every week. Which reminds me, I still have to pay myTransport Canada fee for the Saturn and get my license and Alberta health card… So much to do, and so little money to do it with… at least until I get my first 2 week pay check.

Well enough rambling for now…  to be continued

My first week in Calgary…

Welcome back,

It’s 11:30pm on a Monday night, and I have nothing better to do… So I’ll take a few moments and try to summarize my experience in my new home.

Let’s see, Well first off the weather has been at an all time low, well below seasonal temperature wise. My rule of thumb is that once the temperature goes below freezing, it doesn’t matter after that.  Sure I’m use to below freezing temps in Massachusetts. Sure I’ve seen it go as low as -2F and -5F with a wind chill, but last night it was seriously -20F, that is down right Arctic if you ask me!

I’m coming up on the 3 week mark since I quit my last job, so I’ve spend a good portion of this weekend applying for jobs. I would really love to get my foot in the door at a bakery, one in a grocery store so they offer training on the job… But I will admit to not feeling all that confident in getting a position in a bakery.

I have applied with 2 Chrysler dealerships, 1 Nissan, 1 Chevy/GMC, 2 Hotels for the front desk customer service position, Canadian Tire for a Parts Dept manager, another for a Parts consultant, a couple of entry level bakery/pastry positions, and a few others I can’t seem to remember.

In all fairness, I started my search on Friday, and I have been doing the lazy man applying online for most of them, with the intention of actually cleaning my car off and going out tomorrow.  I am secretly waiting for my phone to start ringing… Obviously not at this hour, but during normal business hours.

I am trying not to feel overwhelmed, or stressed out… but there is a part of me that can’t help it.  I don’t have any money coming in, and I still have to pay Transport Canada $204.75, pay for my new license, pay for registering/insuring my car and pay for 2 bills before the end of the month….

My sister in law offered to help me with money if I was going to be short, and as much as I do appreciate the offer, I just have a hard time accepting help and feeling like a charity case.  I have never been without a job for more than 2 weeks, and anytime I’ve quit, I always had something lined up…. But not this time.

As much as I would have wanted to start my job search BEFORE I got out here, I didn’t know when I would actually be out here. That being said, made it really hard to plan most things. I don’t like feeling that I am not carrying my own weight, and I don’t want to burden others with my financial obligations.

On another note, the air is a lot drier out here. Waking up with dry mouth every morning, my skin is extremely dry. I use lotion every day and it doesn’t seem to help. Just another minor adjustment, in no way am I complaining.

There certainly are plenty of jobs out here. Most start paying @ $10-$15/hour, which is better than Western Mass. However, the cost of living is alot more out here. James and I were looking at apartments, duplexes, condos the other night, just to get an idea about the monthly rent. A typical 2 bedroom apartment that includes heat/water/electric goes for $1300/month…. That is a mortgage payment in Western Mass! never mind any other expenses we have.

Here’s my plan…. I find a  job that pays better than my old job (to make up for the cost of living), I need to make enough money to cover the rent and at least my bills (credit card debt). James is self employed and it’s not steady income… Sometimes he’s bombarded with work, and other times he has nothing going on. I know he will find a steady job if we really need the money, but once his business of web designing picks up, he’ll quit the steady income job.

He’s also hoping to launch his product in January 2010 and hopes that all of his hard work will pay off. I hope it does as well as he anticipates. So much so that he expects to make at least $500,000 from this project. The product hasn’t even launched yet and his parents already have that money spent. *sigh* They are entitled to a percentage of what he makes, but they are hoping to clear over $300k to pay off their debts and to have money to live on for the next year, you read that right… the next year!

Needless to say, That only adds more pressure on James to make this attempt, his most successful to date. As if he doesn’t have enough to worry about. He has been working on this one project for the last 2 months, the job is redesigning a website for a Kitchen refacing company that has a few location with in Canada. This guy Mike has been giving James a hard time through out the entire project. Mike has this bad habit of not giving James ALL of the information up front, James has sent numerous emails asking questions, Mike doesn’t respond in a timely manner, which then puts the project on hold… A payment agreement was made, when it came time to pay, Mike shorted the check $1000 and sent it out 2 weeks late and post dated it for the next week. At this point James has had enough and it tired of being jerked around.  Mike wanted a new website, and was quoted over $10,000 from a few places. He thought the price was too high and a coworker recommended he go with James. Since James knows the coworker, and considered the information he was given at that time, he quoted Mike under $ 8000 for a new website. Both parties seemed happy…. That didn’t last very long.

Well I can see that I have rambled on for far too long as it is already 1am….

Time to download the last episode of Dexter and call it a night.

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