Wild West Adventures

My Dear Darlings,
I can’t believe how quickly my time in Calgary has gone. I have less than 1 month left until my flight back to Timmins on Christmas Eve. My Aunt and I started a “Bucket List” in September of things to do before I leave and we have yet to cross any items off the list. Between my parents visiting, salsa lessons, fitness classes, yoga classes, random dates and other unscheduled commitments, the weeks have just been flying by.
At the end of my last article, I mentioned that I had two dates scheduled for that weekend with two boys from my dance class. Well, those two dates turned into three when a 3rd boy from the dance club asked to get together. Friday I went to the movies with guy #1. It was fine but he’s not very subtle in his interest and definitely tries too hard. He seems rather fake. Saturday I went to a Korean restaurant with guy #2. We had a lovely time and I discovered I like Korean food. He’s a bit shy but always such a gentleman. On Monday I met guy #3 for a quick dinner before dance class. Conversation flowed naturally through dinner, and then we walked downtown to his pretty new Mercedes to drive to dance class. After dance class, we went to a bubble tea house with some of his friends to unwind and then he drove me home. He’s incredibly nice and easy to talk to. The best part of it all, the truth didn’t come out the following week at dance class! I managed to socialize with all three of them separately in the same room without any of them knowing I had been out with one of the others. Dance class is over for the term, so they may figure it out once I’m gone next term, but that really isn’t any of my concern, so I deem this extreme dating expedition a success.
Things at the office have been going smoothly. We all went out for drinks and appetizers a few weeks ago to celebrate all of the new jobs we’ve acquired. When it came time to decide on the flavour of wings to be ordered, my boss Kraygee exclaimed, “I think we should order hot so I can have a flaming asshole tonight!”. Indeed, things at M3HS Alberta are as normal as ever. I finally got Di-Pi to admit that she’ll miss me when I’m gone, despite the fact that I’m the office space cadet. She’s even going to spend a weekend with me in Waterloo when the company sends her to the Richmond Hill office for training. To the 2A Nano student coming out to replace me in the winter, let me give you some tips. Keep chocolate in your desk drawer for when Di-Pi gets cranky, trust me on this one. When the President of all the M3HS comes to town, wear nice clothes, proper shoes and have good posture, it will avoid an unnecessary conversation. Compliment MissMary on her many outfits and accessories. Finally, make sure Kraygee doesn’t abandon you on-site or in the office, it will keep your sanity.
The Grey Cup is this weekend, and while I’m not particularly a football fan, I certainly plan on partaking in a Grey Cup party or two. Tonight, I’m meeting up with my cousin and some of her friend to go to Riderville in the Telus Convention Centre. It’s supposed to be a massive pre-Grey Cup party and I can’t wait! I realized that this will be the first time I’ve been out to party in Calgary since arriving. The rest of my limited partying this term has taken place out of province (Ottawa and Vancouver).
As for the next few weekends, it seems I have something booked for every one of them. I have family and friends’ Christmas parties and of course my office Christmas party to look forward to. I’m also going to be attending a Flames game before I leave with my cousin. She says it’s incredibly important that I do this while in Calgary so I’m starting to get excited for that since I’ve never been to an NHL game before.
This work term has been such a huge change for me. To start with, it’s the first time I’ve lived in a real home (not a student house/apartment/residence) since leaving Timmins for UW in Fall 2007. My last two work terms were in downtown Toronto so I lived at UofT for both and I also I travelled back to Waterloo on most weekends so I never really escaped the hectic student life style. Since coming out to Calgary, I’ve fallen into a busy yet regular schedule. It’s been a nice breather to get myself back on track physically and mentally, but I definitely miss the spontaneity of student life. Most of all though, I miss the people (yes you). I’ve made a tonne of new friends and have grown closer to my family throughout this term, but I must admit I miss my dear friends and of course, my little sister Quisie. On that note, I’d like to thank the WEEF TA’s for welcoming her to the WEEF lab and for taking such good care of her academically.
As this is my final article, my co-worker Di-Pi and I have coordinated info to present the overall “Hot and Not” list for Calgary for any of you planning a coop or trip to Calgary:
HOTGlobe Fish – Japanese RestaurantThe YogaShala – Drop-In Ashtanga Yoga StudioCross Iron Mills – Biggest Mall in AlbertaC-Train – Above ground public transit trainStephen Avenue – Trendy Boutiques and restaurantsTeatro – Fancy tea and crumpets at 2pm
NOT16 Avenue (Trans Canada Highway 1) – Too many traffic lights, always backed-upTransit Buses – Frequently late, not dependableConstantly Changing Weather – changes constantly due to Chinooks and other odd weather patternsDowntown on a Weeknight – Everybody leaves the core of the city after work and tumble weeds roll down the streets…
I’m looking forward to my last few weeks here and to celebrating Christmas back home in Timmins. Can’t wait to see you all in January!
Miss you all dearly,Amanda