Day 122: Food, Movie and Shopping

Aha:

Clinton and I used Saturday as a chance to see a few things we haven't seen before; like the Saskatoon Farm and Maleficent.

The Saskatoon Farm is a great big nursery and tourist trap. They have cute little shops with all sorts of nick-knacks to ooh and ahh over. The best part...the baked goods. We ordered an oatmeal Saskatoon chocolate chip cookie and a Saskatoon berry tart. Both were delicious but the tart won us both over.

Next we went to Maleficent and I really liked it! Clinton thought it was pretty good (so that means that most people will probably really like it!). It was reminiscent of Wicked and maybe that's why I liked it so much. Anyway, I recommend it, especially of you want to feel all warm and fuzzy inside. :)

Great day with my HB!

Haha:

Clinton and I went to CrossIron Mills to see Maleficent cause it's a giant mall and we figured we could kill two birds with one stone. Little did I know that Clinton would shop me out.

I sat on a bench waiting for him to finish trying on pants for over 30 minutes. Ha! And I'm the one who goes clothes shopping the most?! Lol

Day 120: All in a Day's Drive

Aha:

I work outside the city limits in a sort of industrial area. The roads are perfectly straight and surrounded by fields, yet for some reason, the speed limit is 50/kph (30/mph). Nobody observes this speed and you'll usually coast along going about 80kph (50mph).

Well, I had to leave work for a doctors appointment and began my usual clip down the road of 80kph...that is until I saw the flashing lights and someone pulled over up the road a little ways.

That poor ticketed sap could have been me, but fortunately I left work just a tidbit late. I am so thankful I saw the warning today so I avoid a ticket in the future.

Phew!!

Haha:

Clinton was cut off by a school bus today. In frustration he looked up at the back of the bus to give it a good harrumph and was caught off guard by the scene before him.

He said he looked up and, out of that big window they have in the backs of busses, he saw a shorts-covered crotch plastered against the window; the legs in a V-shape up in the air.

He said all he could do was laugh and think, "What the heck is going on in THAT bus?!" Lol

Day 110: Good Visit vs. Awkward Visits

Aha:
My parents left to return home this morning. I was very sad to see them go but very happy that they'll be back for a little longer of a visit in July (Stampede here we come!). I can't believe they drove so far for such a short trip, but I'm so glad they did; it was so nice to have them here!
Thanks, Mom and Dad, for coming to see us. I am counting down the weeks till you come back!

Haha:
My work has a weekly meeting, it's only about 15 minutes long but I think it could easily be replaced by email. This is typically how the meetings go.
Supervisor #1: (stares blankly at the group for a minute) Ok, well, I'll be in the office every day but Friday this week. You can reach me by phone or email whenever.
Supervisor #2: (awkward pause) Things are going well for me, nothing to report.
Payroll girl: (looks bored)
Other girl: Things are going fine, just trying to get caught up.
Me: (nods and tries to look interested and comfortable through the awkwardness)
Supervisor #1: OK, that about wraps it up. Go team.
Maybe it's just me, but I think I prefer email. Ha!

Day 107: It Took a Bit of Gas, but They Finally Arrived

Aha:

My parents have safely arrived!! After only two hours of sleep they made it to Calgary around 3 this afternoon. But don't worry, we took them to Brazilian BBQ for supper then walked around Bulk Barn for an hour to combat their sleepiness...ha!

So glad they're here!

Haha:

My coworker came up to me and told me she wasn't feeling very well; that she'd been sitting on the toilet for a bit thinking something was needing to come out. I asked her if it felt like gas and she wasn't sure so I offered her some Gas-x.

She: Do you have some with you?

Me: Uh, of course! I never leave home without it!

Sure enough, about 20 minutes after taking it she told me her stomach didn't hurt anymore.

God bless you, Gas-x. You're a real gas.

Day 106: My Parents are Coming!!

Aha:

My parents are on their way to visit for the weekend!! By this time tomorrow I'll be hanging with my mom and dad! Yay!

Haha:

I texted my mom to ask what they wanted to do while here (trying to see if they'd be up for more driving or if they wanted to stay in Calgary) and this was her reply:

"We are open to anything ! except for strip clubs...we are burned out on strip clubs!"

Now you all know where I get it from. Ha!

Day 105: Nap and Crap

Aha:

I took my lunch break today and had every intention to go for a nice walk, but my nice warm car—with the reclining seats—called out to me louder. I had a nice almost-nap and enjoyed the cool breeze blowing through my toasty car. What a lovely oasis in the middle of my day!

Haha:

Clinton and I took Petey out for a walk, in this gorgeous weather we're having, and noticed this sign for the first time today.

What's with all the lawyer talk? Keep it simple: "Dog crap must be picked up immediately."

The people who aren't following the rules likely don't have the smarts to understand this sign in the first place! Ha!

Day 83: I Got a New Job and it Makes Me Laugh

Aha:
This will be news to most of you that I even needed one in the first place, but I have a new job! It's with a different company doing office administration. I don't know all of the specifics yet but I really liked the people I interviewed with and my job duties are more along the lines of what I like to do. I start on Monday and, to boot, the pay is better as well!
The only crappy thing about it is that now it'll be a while till I can get back home to visit my family. Hopefully they'll be lenient and allow me time off this summer but being the newbie I don't want to be asking for a lot of favors. That being said, friends and family are more than welcome to come see me! At any rate, it's not a forever. I just have to remind myself of that.
I am very thankful for this job and I look forward to loving what I do again!

Haha:
I must be a pretty hot commodity.
I interviewed for this new job yesterday. During my interview I was told they'd be interviewing through the rest of the week. If I hadn't heard from them by Friday, to give them a call.
When I got home from my interview I opened up my email to send them a "thank you" and instead found an email from them telling me I was a top candidate and that I should hear from them more formally by Wednesday.
This morning I got a call from them, offering me the job.
When I texted Clinton to tell him, I just kept laughing to myself. It's crazy how it all happened so fast and it just makes me chuckle to know that people want me that much. Kinda makes me feel special. And I don't know why, but it makes me laugh.

Day 82: Happy People vs. Unhappy People

Aha:

There is almost no better sound in the world to me than Clinton's laugh. Whenever he talks with his former missionary companions I get to listen to it for a good hour or so.

Warms the cockles of my little heart.

I am so thankful to be married to such a happy person!

Haha:

Is it a rule that if you work for the Registry (Canadian DMV) or DMV you have to be cranky and irritable?

Seriously, I got to the Registry before Clinton arrived and told the clerk that he'd be here any minute.

She: Well, we close in 10 minutes so...I can't help if he's late.

Me: He should be here in less than 2 minutes.

She proceeds to take care of my transaction and is finishing up as Clinton approaches.

Me: Here he is!

She: Well, I've just finished with you so he'll have to wait in line.

Me: He's right here.

She: He has to wait in line.

Ok lady, next time I'll bring my red lipstick so I can give you the visual kiss your butt requires to get decent service.

Day 75: Vitamin D and Laughter, Two of the Best Medicines

Aha:

It's not going to last unfortunately, but the weather yesterday was absolutely lovely so I took The Boy out for a walk. He was so excited to be outside and was beside himself with joy. How do I know this? Because he pooped two times in a very short period of time. Ha!

Seriously though, the extra dose of vitamin D, the soft breeze, and the happiness I saw on my pup's face were all so enjoyable.

I wish it was summer already. :)

Haha:

Clinton and I were watching a commercial that had some techno music playing in the background. I looked over to see him doing some weird version of The Robot combined with the conductor of an orchestra, or at least that's what it looked like to me. 

I smiled and said, "Is that supposed to be The Robot? Cause it looks nothing like it."

Right as I said this the music in the commercial stopped and Clinton said, "Oh yah, how's this?" The second he started dancing the music on the commercial started again--like it was planned or something.

I started laughing at the perfect timing and asked him of he'd seen the commercial before and he said he hadn't. It was hilarious.

Day 67: Sterilizzzzzzz

Aha:
I am thankful for modern-day cleaning products.
I am thankful for Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, they are amazing at pretty much everything.
I am thankful for Windex. Without it my glass-doored closets would still be filthy and fingerprinted.
I am thankful for powerful vacuums (especially ones you find at Walmart for a great price)!
I am thankful for carpet cleaners. Let's just say the water was far from clear and now that junk is no longer in my carpets.
I am thankful for used dryer sheets. I don't know if you know this but they are a life-saver when it comes to cleaning soap scum out of tubs/showers (Thank you, Katie Hendrickson, for that tip! I never clean my shower without one!).
I am thankful for rubber gloves. 'Nuff said.
There are so many more things for which I'm thankful, but these few items have really made a difference in our lives this week and I guess I just want to be publicly grateful. :)

Haha:
This has been a day for naps at the Logan household. I woke up really, really early this morning (after going to bed very late last night) and couldn't fall back asleep till later this morning. Then I fell asleep again this afternoon while snuggling Petey.
When I came downstairs from my nap I sat down next to Clinton and Peter on the couch. Shortly after I sat down Clinton fell asleep with his head hanging off to the side. This must have queued Peter in on the idea of another nap because he promptly stretched right out between us and fell asleep.
I guess the stress of the move has got us pretty well wiped out! Ha!

Day 66: Moving and a'Shaking

Aha:

We are officially out of our old place and are making great progress on our new one.

Clinton and I teamed up and cleaned the old house, did some laundry and totally wrapped things up for the homeowners when they return this week.

We feel so blessed to have been able to live rent-free for the last couple months! And we are thankful now to be in our own place for the first time since we left Milwaukee!

Haha:

We went to McDonald's for "lunch". I got my usual: two ice cream cones and a large Diet Coke. It was below freezing outside and I was cold before I even started eating. Well, as you can imagine, my "lunch" made me absolutely freezing from the inside out. I shivered uncontrollably through my whole meal but I gotta say, it was totally worth it. What a deliciously freezing indulgence!

Day 65: Clinton's a Pro Mover

Aha:

So glad the work week is over!! This week has been very long and tiring with moving into and cleaning the disasterous mess we rented. It's starting to look like a home instead of a meth house, so that's good. Ha!

Seriously though, Clinton has worked so hard to make this place sanitary and I am so thankful for all of he has done!

Haha:

Clinton and I were commiserating about the wiles of moving and he recalled an experience from his mission that made me laugh out loud.

He said that he was asked to help a member move a washer upstairs. Not only was the stairway very narrow, but each of the steps were extremely shallow--to the point that he was balancing everything on his tiptoes. He said that the machine was the heaviest thing he'd ever carried and that by the time he made it to the top of the stairs he thought his back was going to go out.

Baffled by the weight of the machine he decided to open it cause it felt like something might be in there. Sure enough! It was a quarter of the way full of rocks! Rocks! Why would there be rocks in there? Bwahaha!

He said he was so mad! Oh man, I'm laughing just thinking about what must have been going through his head back then. Who puts rocks in a washing machine anyway, especially when you're having people do you a favour? Ha!

Day 64: Hairy, Scary Move

Aha:

Huge shout out to Clinton for all of his hard work getting our new rental ready (during what was supposed to be his vacation week). This place is/was a huge, dirty mess and Clinton's been scrubbing everything down and cleaning all the carpets and floors. In addition, he's been shopping and buying replacements for all of the things we sold/donated before we left Milwaukee. 

Thank you so much, Honey!!

Haha:

As Clinton was cleaning out the drain in the bathtub upstairs he said, "The person who lived here before must have had a lot of long, blond hair. There's enough in this drain to make a donation to Locks of Love."

(Shudder)

Day 63: Relocating and Recollecting

Aha:

Got most of out stuff moved from the one place to our new place. Clinton worked really long and hard while I was at work and then we almost finished the rest when I got home.

So very tired!

Haha:

On our way to our new home Clinton commented in the height of the river.

He: With all this snow you'd think the river would be higher. Am I right, Danielle?

Me: Well, apparently not.

He: (laughing) I guess you're right.

Day 58: A Couple of Inconvenient Hair Pulling Situations

Aha:
I feel very accomplished. I got all of my grocery shopping done before the weekend! I think going Friday nights is the way to do it. I went at 830 tonight and even that was too early to completely beat the rush, but the idea is a good one. I think as long as I'm working this will be the plan! I only wanted to pull my hair out a handful of times instead of the usual 20! There are just not enough stores to match the number of people in this city.
It may not be exactly convenient, but I know my limits and I felt much happier.

Haha:
There's a small convenience store that shares the lot with my office. I walked there for the first time today to quickly grab a soda. When I rounded the corner and approached the door I noticed a whole gaggle of middle-school-aged kids talking in the parking lot, munching on their recent convenience store purchases. Why do I mention them?
Well, after I bought my soda I headed back outside...or at least I tried to. It was a windy day and my very long hair was down. As I passed through the door my hair somehow got caught in the handle. I have no idea if they actually saw anything but I don't know how they could have missed it. I must've looked like a crazy woman.
Step through the door.
Door starts to close.
I cry out in pain and grab the spot on my head where my hair is being ripped out.
I turn back and stare at the closing door looking for where my hair is attached.
(My hair is blonde and small groups of strands are not easily seen from a distance.)
I grab towards the door, blindly feeling for my hard-to-see blonde hairs.
(It likely looks like I'm reaching for nothing.)
Unsuccessful, I walk off mumbling "ow" while rubbing the sore spot on my head.
Replay the above scenario in your head without knowing why I was doing what I was doing and THAT'S what these kids witnessed. Great, now I'll be known to them as the crazy, head scratching, mumbling lady.

Day 51: Home Sweet Rental Home

Aha:
Hallelujah we have FINALLY secured a place to rent!

It's a 3BD/2.5 bath house with a full finished basement, fenced backyard and lots of storage space. We feel very fortunate to get this as the vacancy rate here in Calgary is less than 1%. We were selected out of hundreds of hopefuls and we couldn't be happier. Such a blessing! No sharing walls with neighbors ANYMORE!!

Haha:
Our new landlords are an East Indian couple. When I toured the home with the wife we stopped and chatted for a good half-hour. During our conversation I told her how much Clinton and I love Indian food. She candidly said she loves to cook and share...I told her I love when people share and she could cook for me anytime!
Well, Clinton and I met with the husband today to sign the rental agreement. As we were reviewing the forms we'd ask clarifier questions and then continue to read the agreement. After a few minutes, in a very serious voice I said, "Now in looking through this agreement I'm not seeing anything about your wife's offering to bring us food...can that be added?"
The husband looked up, a bit surprised at first, and then started chuckling. "That can just be a verbal agreement.", he said.
Ha! I think we'll get along just fine!

Day 24: I Hear the Secrets that You Keep, When You're Talking in Your...Freezer

Aha:

Can I just say how thankful I am for a warm home, a warm car, warm clothes and warm drinks? It was -32 Celsius (-23 Fahrenheit) today and without the above mentioned warm things I believe I would have frozen to death. 

Haha:

Clinton was talking in his sleep last night, here's how it went.

Me: (nestles down in the bed)

He: Hold on, hold on!

Me: What?

He: Hold on. These things aren't meant to hold a lot of weight.

Me: What things? Are you calling me fat?

He: No, it's just these things aren't built to hold a lot of weight.

Me: What things?

He: Roofs.

Me: What roofs?

He: (hitting the headboard) These.

Me: What do you mean?

He: Nevermind. (Rolls back over and promptly falls back asleep.)

Lol.

I told him about his dream this morning and he said he remembers it. We were trying to climb up on some green houses or some other building that has those really thin roofs. He said when I tried it I just jumped and landed really hard. That's when this whole conversation happened. Ha!