No 3 Day Weekend For Me

This weekend is/was Victoria Day for us Canadians.  Which means a 3 day weekend.  Since l am in New York, l have to work today, the Monday of that 3 day weekend.

Next weekend is the US 3 day weekend.  Memorial Day, and guess where l will be?  Back in Canada.  So again l miss out.  Now don't go feeling too sorry for me.  A saying we use in Canada is "oh, you're so hard done by".  I know some of the USA don't have a clue what that means.

When l lived in Virginia, people would look at me like l had 3 heads when l would say that.  They had not heard that saying before.  I think it comes from England....or at least the UK people l know, know it.

It kind of means.....Oh, you have it so ruff....with a heavy dose of sarcasm.

So, yes, l am " so hard done by".  Working and missing out of a 3 day weekend (twice) surrounded by beautiful sights and working out of a campground.  Life Sucks (heavy sarcasm).

 

Water Conservation

I have to say, l am quite impressed with myself and how little water l use now.  Of course, it is by necessity, but not really a hardship.

I have filled up my on-board water tank  (not sure how big it is, maybe 20 gallons).  At first l couldn't get the pump working, it was running, just wasn't pushing any water through it.  A friend of mine looked at it.  The same friend who has helped me in the past with issues in the van.  I am pretty handy, what l have learned, l have learned from him....so imagine how much knowledge he has!!!!  :-)  I haven't even learned the tip of the iceberg compared to him.

He unhooked it from the tank to see if it was pumping, it was, and water started to come out, he hooked it back up and Wal-la, l had water.  It must have had a hard time sucking a prime, and that little undoo-ing helped it out.  I flushed out the tank, since l had put some bleach in it a month ago, filled it up, and haven't looked back.

My city water hook up worked fine, it was just my on-board tank pump that didn't.  Now that is all fixed, life is good.  Well, it always was good, it just got liquidity good.

I left the last campground on Wednesday last week, and won't be at the other one until Wednesday of this week, so a whole week without services, and l survived.  Quite nicely too.

I've been staying in various spots, sleeping like a rock.  Although last night after l had batten down the hatches, closed my eyes and was just about to nod off, one of my blinds decided to whip up and retract.  You would think that my heart would have jumped through my chest.  It didn't.  I opened my eyes to see what happened, wasn't too concerned.  I guess l feel really safe in my little home.  As Martha Stewart says, "it's a good thing".

McDonalds is my Friend

 

Yep, proud to say l spend a fair amount of time at McDonald's.  Not eating their food mind you, just using their Internet.  Okay, when l am not outside in the parking lot, but inside the restaurant, l do purchase  a hot tea and a muffin.  In Canada, it's only $1.46, a pretty damn good deal.  AND they make the tea properly.  By properly l mean, open the tea bag package, put that lovely tea bag in the cup in Canada l can actually get my Earl Grey too), then ad the steaming hot water.  Perfection.

Funny thing, everywhere l have been in the USA (we are talking McDonald's here - not Starbucks- Starbucks does it right), they put the hot water in the cup and place the tea bag on the side.  It doesn't hit the hot water until l place it in.  Not the end of the world, l agree.  If l am just grabbing the tea and high tailing it out of there, l then have to put the bag in myself and play with it, until it is steeped enough, then pull the bag out and throw it in the trash.  Not the end of the world, sometimes it's the little things that make a day!

I would like to officially Thank McDonald's for the brilliant idea of Free Internet, and any other companies out there doing the same thing!  :-)

Suprised and Pleased

I really fretted about going to this mode of travel for my cats.  I wasn't sure how they would take it.  They would not even go close to a car before l set out on this adventure.  They were even smart enough to know that if l grabbed them in my arms in the house and headed out the front door that they would be going in the car and would start squirming the minute my feet led me towards the door.

Now they just chill the whole day in the van as l run around on appointments.  It really is amazing the turn around they have made.  They are so casual about riding in the van now.  To think how many hours my mind would wonder; hoping they would be okay.  It took them maybe half a day to adjust.

Sure there was a time when Charlie made a dash for the door, once she got out, realized she didn't know where the hell she was and boogied back in the van like her ass was on fire.

They hop back in that van whenever they feel threatened when they are out at the campground, whether it is someone walking by, a loud noise, another cat (happened once- Charlie was out and  got surprised by another cat, they hissed at each other, l opened the door, she ran in.  Let's just say "scared the shit out of  ya" has truth to it.

Tommy has learned to knock on the van door.  I kid you not.  When they are out and it's nice weather, but not nice enough to have the side door open all the way (or it's nighttime), l shut the side door just so it closes, but doesn't grasp the latch.  So if you were to hit it, it would move.  Well, when Tommy is out and wants back in and the door is like that, he will paw it to make a noise so l know to open the door for him.

They have always been trained to come when l call, or whistle.  And for the most part, they do.  Best Cats ever!

They pretty much sleep the whole day away, but l guess they did that at home too, especially when no one was home to let them in and out.

Coming Along

I’m getting used to the small space of the van.  Last night l cleaned out some extra blankets l  organized some more.  It’s getting there.

It just me and my two cats in this van,  and those little guys don’t take up much room.  I’ve got their kitty litter over the bathtub, and then two little dishes, one for food, one for water.  I am amazed that some couples full time in a camper van.  I don’t know how they do it.  It really is a tight space, l would think some blood would be shed before too long if a couple were to shack up in one of these.

I can’t imagine plunking down a hundred grand for a new one of these things and then find out it’s not enough room.  That would hurt the pocket book for sure.

Un Packed My Suitcase

Sunday l unpacked my suitcase.  It probably won't be packed again for a very long time.  And l am good with that.  That suitcase taught me a few things.  It taught me how little l need to get by.  It taught me that no matter how much you pare down, your shit is still heavy.  It taught me how to mix and match my clothes so that it didn't seem that l was wearing the same thing twice in a two week period.  It taught me l can get by with two pairs of shoes, one a running shoe or comfortable walking show, and one a dress sandals or heal to match my clothes.  It taught me l don't need as much costume jewelry as l think l might.

I'm not sure l will miss my suitcase, as much time as we have spent together, l will be glad to let it go.  If it meant that l wouldn't be travelling anymore, that would be a different matter.  Since l will still be travelling, it's not a biggie!

Now to pack up the camper van, it shouldn't be as much as a challenge (l'm sure l will still pack too much) for me as people who haven't spent the quality time with the suitcase!

Palm Springs

[caption id="attachment_775" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The Entrance to Emerald Resort"][/caption]

What a beautiful area. I would  highly recommend the Sunland RV Resorts to anyone.  The resort we are staying in is the Emerald Desert RV Resort from the Sunland group. The RV resort l am at (yep, resort, not a RV Park), where the convention is being hosted is outstanding,  from the manicured lawns to the gorgeous pool area, the putting green, tennis courts, the fantastic weather, the happy people l will be working with and for.

[caption id="attachment_776" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The Pool at the Resort"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_777" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The Resort"][/caption]

The last couple of days have been busy, busy, busy.  I learned their new to me, and new to them, computer program that will be my virtual office.  It was really interesting to see just how well put together South East Publications is.  They have a desire to make themselves the best, and are moving at lightening speeds to accomplish that.

An error was noticed before lunch with the computer program, and it was fixed by the time we came back from lunch.

Tuesday night after dinner we had a auction where the proceeds will go to KOA Care Camps.  Every staff and sales member donated something to be auctioned off.  Then Wally the President will match all those donations and present a check to KOA Cares Camp to send kids to camp.  Over $20,000 was raised for the kids camp.

When l arrived, l was greeted with hugs, when l said goodbye for now, hugs were given to my new found friends.  Everyone was very open and sharing with how they run their little business, l got many tips, and am ready to hit the road running.

As a side note.  I did give my notice at my old job, and l have heard nothing from my boss.  Just silence.   I would have at least expected a request to "talk about it" when l get back from my "vacation".  I have made a great choice for me and am moving on to a company that will appreciate me.

 

 

Can You Say "3", Yep 3 Days Left

The great thing about my job now was that l was only anywhere for 2 weeks at a time.  So the first week was spent getting to know the town, and the second week was busy tying things up, and before you know it, l was back on a plane heading back to Toronto.  So my first week in Saskatoon was spent booting around, figuring out the town/city.  And this last week has flown by.  I will be getting on a plane Friday afternoon.  And then that't it.  Over.  Gonzo.

Actually the 30 day countdown has gone pretty fast.  Yes, the days spent in the office were long, but the week did speed by.

I just had a thought, l can check in online for  my flight home tonight.  Speeding by l tell ya.

4 Days...Come On, Come On

Oh, it's coming fast!  Woohoo!!!  It has been a tough project, being stuck here when all l want to do it move on.  I only have four more days left (actually only 3 work days).  I am so looking forward to being back in the control of my life.  To being able to direct my life, my way.  Stopping and smelling the roses when I choose.

I was thinking today that l have waited four months to make the move.  I knew l had my new job four months ago.  I have patiently waited for the time to pass to this count down l am doing.  I wanted to time it so that l was in a position to succeed.  By going to the conference for the new job, l feel l am achieving this. By picking the brains of successful in the company, on how they do things, the best way to do things, the right way to do the job.

Yesterday turned out to be a great day weather wise, they were calling for snow,  it was too warm for it, and it didn't even rain.  The skies cleared and the sun came out in the afternoon.  It was great.  It made the day easier to take.  My jacket was off, the car window cracked a bit.  And l could have sworn, l had a spring in my step.

5 Days..... So close

It's so close now.  Only 5 days left until l have turned the page in my new life.

Is it any wonder why l can only think about it?  I am constantly thinking about what changes l want to make to my van when l get home.  The downfall of that is that all l want to do it move on.  I am relishing the change.  The jitters are gone, the excitement is there, the longing is driving me crazy!!!

 

Single Digits...9 Days left

It's Friday and l'm in Single Digits.  That almost doesn't seem real.  Will l be ready?  It seems like l have so much to do, and l am so far from being able to do anything to get ready for the transition into the van.  I haven't put it down in a list since l'm not able to do anything about it being 2000 kilometers from home and the place where l am able to take care of it.

I am excited though.

I'm glad it's Friday.  And l'm glad l am not coming home today, since Air Canada is on strike, and that would make it really hard for me to get home tonight and fly out tomorrow to Palm Springs......so Air Canada has a whole 7 days to get it's ducks in a line to get me home next week, so l can fly out on the Saturday to the new job/life.

I feel for the people that needed to catch flights today - bummer.

Day 18 Lightening the Load

Isn't it just great to get things off of your chest?  I did yesterday.  My boss was playing hardball about my next deal.  Wanting me to stay at the next deal until Friday March 30th(which l don't mind doing, usually we fly home Thursday night or early Friday morning)  Problem for me is l fly out Saturday for Palm Springs (via Vegas - yes, all so confusing).  He did originally want me to fly home on Saturday, l said it wasn't possible since l had holidays (wink, wink).

So l laid it on the line, that there was no point in me staying longer when my inside co-worker doesn't get me enough appointments as it is.  Why would l stay longer on a project, if l couldn't get appointments to stay busy.  So we had a heart to heart, l showed him my numbers, that l have kept track of to back me up, broken down to show my lack of appointments.

My intention wasn't to throw M under the bus, l have tried to address the issues with her, and she brushed them off.  The positive thing about her brushing them off, and my Boss not listening to what l had to say a number of months ago when l tried to address the issue, M is their golden child who can do no wrong - and has been with the company for 3 years, where as l have only been for 9 months,is that it put my change of job plans in motion.  For that l am grateful for.

If things were going great at my current job, l probably wouldn't have made the phone call to the new job and say that l was ready to start, for another couple of years.

I guess you can equate getting rid of your excess possessions to lightening the emotional load, either one you just feel lighter and freer.

Who's watching?

So, l have to admit, it's been a bit hard coming up with topics worthy to write about on this blog.  I am travelling, just not in an adventure kind of way.  And unless the area l go to is "touristy", there isn't much to do, which doesn't leave me much to "chat" about.

I also have another concern, is if you know my name and do a web search for me, this blog comes up.  Which is a good thing, l can have old friends find out about this blog, get new readers etc...  and l can also have my employers find out about it.  Which isn't so good.  There are things that l just can't write about right now, but l will later.  I don't mean to sound so secretive, l'm just protecting my employment position.

I don't think they have looked online.  I haven't had anyone at work comment about this blog, and l haven't mentioned to anyone there that l write a blog.  I just don't know.

So l am still here, and l am still alive, just not much to comment on.

Well, there is one thing......has anyone else noticed the increased male traffic near the card isle in the Walmarts, Targets...etc?  These guys look almost scared that if they don't pick out the right card for their Valentine they will be thrown in the dog house.  Maybe they will.

My opinion is, l don't want someone to buy me a gift because "society" says today is the day, but because they are inspired to do it.  That and 35 cents will get ya, well, nothing!

 

Snow is Gently Falling

I can't see the mountains today in Kamloops, British Columbia, the snow is falling gently, and it is so pretty.  It was falling when l woke  this morning, and it continues now (10:30 am).  The only problem l have with it is, l've recently discovered, l don't like winter.  I guess l used to "deal" with it.  After all l am Canadian, and winter is a part of our Country.  Not like it was when l was a kid (so much snow then), but we still get snow fall and cold days.

So instead l am choosing to stay in my hotel room for now.  My accommodations are fantastic.  I have a one bedroom apartment.  They call it a King Suite.  I have a king bed with the best pillows, and a separate sitting room with fridge and microwave.  Way more room then l need.  I have two Flat panel TV's in this suite, which have been on for a total of 3 hours all week (just catching the news a bit).

After weening myself off of TV, l find it's all a bunch of junk now.  Any shows l do watch are on Netflix.  Netflixs' marks my spot where l left off, l don't have to remember what night it's on and l don't have to watch commercials.  It's great.

One thing l've noticed about Kamloops is, the days seem shorter.  I think it's just because the sun rises and sets behind mountains, so it takes a while for the sun to get over those mountains.  I'm also trying to stay on Eastern time, somewhat.  I'm getting up at 6am even though l don't need to, just so when l go back home, l won't have to adjust so much.

I wanted to get out and wander by the river a bit today, but the snow may make me change my plans a bit.

Back to Work

I'm back in the office today.  For a half day, l think (don't have a bunch to do, just need to set myself up for next week).  I actually enjoyed getting up and out the door, a little bit of routine, a little bit of purpose.

That's the thing about commission sales, you gotta make the hay while the sun shines.  That's why l'm here today.  I don't have to be,  it will make the next two weeks a bit easier on me by being here today.

I was thinking last night while l was trying to fall asleep, it's probably a good thing that the weather is a bit cold to be doing modifications on my van.  The reason is, l was poking through others peoples pictures online with regards to their van set-ups, and l might change my mind on what l had planned for mine.  This way l get to stew about it, and try to figure out as well as l can, what will work best for me.

Of course l will still be itching to put those plans in place,  in good time.

Stationary

It's pretty tough coming up with subjects for blogs when you are stationary.  I can't comment on people l meet, since that is pretty limited when you spend so much time at home.  I can't fill my blog with wonderful pictures of places l'm seeing, since l'm not seeing them.  I don't have any photo's of the work l have done on my van getting it ready for travel, since it's too frekin' cold for me to undertake a project like that.

I've lived in Toronto too long to be interested in the museums here or tourist sites, and l'm not really a outdoor winter kind of girl (skiing, snowmobiling, skating etc...) and definitely not a shopping mall girl, even on the best of days.

So, for a little bit it will be a struggle for me, but don't despair, l will be travelling eventually (maybe, that last part is written for me, Tammy, don't despair, you will be travelling again soon) and will have adventures to write about again.

One Step Closer

I'm done in the garage for now.  A friend of mine will be inheriting almost two full sets of pots and pans, a Flat Screen TV (which l haven't watched in over 6 months), some towels, my favorite gigantic wood cutting board, and bake-ware.

I really cleaned house last time l did this, so not much left to go through this time.

I've still got my clothes to go through, but l will wait to get closer to travel date before l let go of those, they are easier to dispose of in those bins in the shopping malls.  I'm not talking about those dumpsters, but the recycle clothing bins.

The hardest part will be getting rid of all the little shit.  The gadgets, the multiple flashlights, you know the stuff you never use....but might.  Kind of like, the life you want to lead, but don't.

Slither in the Back Door

 

[caption id="attachment_461" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Union Station Toronto, most scenic part of the trip"][/caption]

That's what it felt like on the train today.  I'm not kidding.  I felt like l was slithering into the few towns we stopped in on my way to London, Ontario.  As we left Union Station in the downtown core of Toronto we got to see the back yards of some of the homes of Toronto.  And the sight left something to be desired.  I'm amazed at the junk some people literally throw out in their yards.

Of course, prices tend to be less for your home if you are living beside railroad tracks....so....enough said.

Every-town we seemed to slink into the back door to the station.  My $60 train ticket saved me a whole whack of cash.  Why?  Well, l had this silly romantic desire to travel Canada coast to coast by train, and then also Alaska down to Victoria, BC.  What l discovered is, as romantic as that sounded, l think it would make me loopy.  The ride was nice, but what fun would there be if l couldn't get out and explore the towns l was whipping by?  Do l really want to see the crappy homes that line the tracks in some of the most beautiful cities in the country? Or do l want to poke around in the areas that catch my eye, and even lay down my hat for a night or two?  I think you can guess.

 

Crunch!! @$%@ !!!!

Ever have one of those days?  Well, l just had one. @#%@!!!!!

My day seemed to start off well, l got up on time with the alarm (l usually do, or before hand).  The shower was hot, my clothes pressed.  I headed out to a earlier then normal meeting at a Starbucks at 7:30 am.  Ordered a nice big Earl Grey Tea, which was served hot, and remained hot while l waited for my appointment- who never showed.

No problem, it happens.  I packed up and moved onto my next appointment.  Got there with a couple minutes to spare.  Went in, and was told, that person had something come up and would have to reschedule.

The next one was there, had a great chat, he had a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree in his office and it put a smile on my face.

My next three appointments failed to show up also.  It was just one of those days.  I was 45 minutes from my hotel.  I punched in the co-ordinates into my GPS, and was heading that way when all of a sudden.......

[caption id="attachment_384" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Smash, Crash, SHIT!!"][/caption]

CRUNCH!!!!!

My day was topped off with a car accident.  I suppose after the first two appointments, l should have just turned around and crawled back into bed.  If only l had known!

So, because the car is rented with a corporate account, l don't get insurance like regular people (you know paying the highway robbery price the rental agencies charge).  We are covered on the corporate account since our company rents so many cars every day of the year.  But on the rental receipt it states that l have declined insurance.

Which, is fine, until you have to prove to a cop that you have insurance.  Especially when the accident happens after business hours on the east coast, and no one at Thriftys answers their phones.  And my car insurance for my car sitting back in Toronto (the car, not the insurance) isn't good enough, since it's not for the car l'm driving (uh, no shit, it's a RENTAL CAR)

So l ended up with a ticket that tells me l have to show up in court in El PASO, TEXAS on January 12, 2012.

Well, at least l had something of interest to write about in my blog :-)

Toronto to El Paso

On my trip today, while in Philly l spoke with a great lady from Ottawa, offered to carry her bags for her (she was in her 80's and was carrying two carry-ons), then had a lovely chat with her while l waited for my plane to Phoenix.  She works in Parliament in Ottawa as an editor, but spends 4 months a year in Phoenix.  The bag l carried for her was actually her cat.....l didn't know that until later in our conversation.  It's carrier was a duffel bag, made for small animals, but it didn't look like an animal carrier.  The cat was quiet and didn't move while we sat talking.  Our conversation made the 2 and a half hour layover fly by.

Another treat was as we were sitting there chatting and munching on lunch we were then sung to by carolers singing Christmas songs. The were dressed in 1800's costumes and  were quiet good, they tried to get a couple of kids involved but the kids just wouldn't participate with them,  until they were dragged in to ring the bells for Jingle bells and get their picture taken by Mom.

As l was waiting for my Zone to be called at the Philly airport for me to board the plane, l was standing back and this gentleman tried to slide in/bud in the line and get on the plane.  The boarding agent saw him try it and said to the gentleman that "Sir, there is a line", and stopped him.  It was actually a test to see if the boarding agents did their job.  And she did.  The guy worked for TSA, but was dressed as a regular customer trying to bud in line.

I seem to have had a eventful day of travelling.  Could be because l had three flights today.  lol  I don't mind two, but three is a bit much.  Direct is always better too.