2011

OMG. I cannot beleive I haven't blogged since I moved to Creston. Seriously, 3 1/2 years is a long time.

Here are some of the long over due pics.

Creston

I arrived in Creston on July 8. Pulled into the tourist information, picked up a couple of brochures, booked a motel room. Yes, that's right, a MOTEL room. There are no hotels. A couple of B&B's (they were at capacity!). So my options were either a MOTEL room, or camping. I choose the motel.

I started work at the hospital the next day. Being the good dietitian that I am, I started my day off with breakfast (the most important meal of the day..or so I've been told)...the kicker? I thought the little 'family' restaurant would be an alright choice. Two words: GREASY SPOON!! I should've known better, but really, how much grease could be used for poached eggs? I forgot about the toast and homemade hashbrowns. Needless to say, this meal was tasty, but did not really agree with me. Man, was I glad to get back to the MOTEL room that day!

Other than the lack of variety for restaurants, I think I'll be okay.

The job is fantastic! I work with a great group of people that seem to like what they are doing and care about the hospital, the patients and eachother. Very rare!

Pictures to be posted at a later date. Hopefully sooner than later!

New Horizons

It took two years of unhappiness, but I finally did it...

I quit my job!!!

At the beginning of May, I went to casual. I was working part-time hours, which was just enough to pay the bills and float me until I found something else. A couple of weeks later, I had two interviews set up out of town. Gave me a fantastic excuse to visit with friends (one moving out to fhte province, the other I had not seen for a couple of years).

The first interview went really well. I spent the day touring the facility and town, learning what was what. The people were awesome and soooo friendly!
The other interview wasn't so hot. The management team interviewing me seemed disorganized, like they had never previously interviewed anyone. They were vague with the description of the job, status, salary range...it was weird. I kept thinking, "if you need an employee, this is no way to get anyone to accept a position".

After the weekend (Ihad planned these interviews well!), I headed home and back to work.
The following week, I received a phone call from interview #1 requesting a second interview. I was sooo excited!! I was starting to REALLY want the job. We set a panel, phone interview for the end of the month.

Phone interviews can be chaos. Point in case, I had out-of-town guest arriving any minute (they were supposed to be later than they were, but managed to get on an earlier ferry), the phone line was very quiet (I could barely hear them) and full of static. The line got dropped half way through (on a land line...not sure how that happened!!). They called back and the rest of the interview went smooth enough, but with the earlier problems, I thought I had bombed it!

Three days later they called back offering me the job! I was thrilled!

So, I'm moving to Creston at the beginning of July and start my new job on the 9th. Now, if only I could find a place to live...

mentally mad

Wow! It's been awhile since I've written.
Okay, here's the update.
I had a bit of a nervy break. Of course, I am self-diagnosing.

Work and people drove me up a wall! I felt immense amounts of stress. I was not sleeping, eating or thinking normally. I was popping blood vessels in my fingers and in my wrist when completing simple tasks. I was bitchy. I did not like the person I saw myself turning into.

So, I requested a transfer at work (people in the workplace was the major source of my grief). No problem, granted within two weeks! I also requested to use some of my owed vacation time...that was denied.

I feel a bit closer to normal. Work still causes me tons of stress, but I guess I'm just one of those people that will always feel stress through work. I can deal with that. The people I work with on a daily basis are much more humane than the other group. There's less nit-picking, grumbling, complaining, negativity.

I have a tad bit of a problem. One of my relief workers is very persistent in wanting to date me. If we had met differently, I would eagerly accept his offers. I like him, and think he is a great guy. We get along fantastically. But, I am one of his supervisors at work. And the company we work for has very strong policies regarding fraternization. I cannot afford to be sacked. There are not many options for employment in my field. The company I work for dominates the market. So, I can not accept lunch with a terrific bloke. If only he would change employers! ( he is in an entry level position)

My biggest problem is I keep thinking about him. What would it be like to date him? does he give those great, full body hugs? on and on and on and on...

Performance Appraisal

Am I the only person on Earth that gets an awful feeling when the boss says "We'll do your performance appraisal over lunch. That way we will be away from the office".

Terror runs through my blood. I start thinking of EVERTHING I have said and done in the past year. Was anything inappropriate (of course!)? What awful, horrible thing did I do? Am I being 'released' from the company?

That was the Guilt talking.

Of course the appraisal went very well, except for the increase in salary part (the company is not doing so well in the finances).

And, all my boss really wanted was a nice lunch out, away from the office.

away she goes again

I had 27 days off!! In a row!!
I was given 6 days notice..so what was I going to do with my time away from work? Not enough time to book a flight/hotel to a far off locale, so I jumped in my car and drove to good, ol' Winnipeg. Great to see my pops, family and friends.
Roasted in the car...no air con :(

done

It is DONE!!

The baby arrived May 26. The final 'push' to complete the blanket. It is done.
It's a square...not really what I thought it would be. It is done.
There's a lot of 'character' (that's what I call mistakes!!) in the blanket. It is done.

very satisfying..it is done!!

I am a British Columbian (but always a 'Toban!)

It's official.
After 15 months of living here, I am now a resident of British Columbia.
That's how long it has taken to get a MSP number so I can utilize the health care system.
After sending applications and my personal information to the Health Insurance office for BC four times, and not getting confirmation or enrolled in the service, I decided to go directly to the Ministry of Health. Eventhough all health services (including MSP and the provincial health insurance program) fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, no one in their offices could help me out or answer any questions for me. They even refused to photocopy my identification so I could yet again mail in my application. The security guard directed me to my MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly, the elected representative of my electoral riding). I was irate! Why would I go to my MLA to apply for provincial health coverage? Why wouldn't I be sent to an enrolment office? The MLA's office does not understand either. They were able to help me out, though. After explaining why I was there, I was ushered into a private office so my dilemma could be solved. After two faxes and two seperate phone calls, we were waiting over 10 minutes for the promised call back. During this time, I asked who the Minister of Health for BC was, and the MLA's representative kindly gave me his name, office location, mailing address (so I could document and mail a letter to him), and the phone number of his office. Well now, the phone number gave me an idea...if the office of one elected official was helping me, maybe I could get some answers (like where did my personal information disappear to from my prior applications!!) from the other office. So I took out me mobile and phoned them. The 'receptionist' was not very receptive of my phone call, nor helpful answering my questions. She asked where I obtained her phone number (FYI: it is public information available from the city phone book AND the web!), when I told her my MLA's office provided me the information, she asked to speak to the person who gave out the number. I handed my phone to the lady who was helping me. The 'receptionist' of the Minister of Health told the nice, helpful lady that she should not have given me the phone number, that I should have been directed to a customer service call center (why does the provincial gov't need one??). After the phone call, the nice, helpful lady told me what the 'receptionist' had said. This only contributed to me ire of the health care system.
After 15 months, 45 minutes, 4 phone calls and 2 faxes, I was given my personal number so I can now see a medical service provider in this province and not have it as an out of pocket expense. Yeah!! I am a resident of BC!!

NB: In BC, residents must pay a premium for healthcare service. I am Canadian, where healthcare is supposed to be open and accessible to all citizens, where healthcare is a RIGHT, where healthcare is heavily subsidized by three levels of government. Other provinces have no premiums, you are able to visit practitioners without cost. So why is it different in BC?

flickr

I stumbled upon the photo-sharing site called flickr. Thought this would be a great way to show my photos to those I care about that are far away.

Now, I am started to get addicted. I do not post new photos often, but I am perusing photogalleries and commenting on the work of others.

It truly is a fantastic forum!

I wonder if I know the people posting photos of objects I recognize (especially landmarks)...

life and times

It's May. And it's glorious. Lately, I've had a new perspective on life. I'm still not sure about where I am supposed to be or what I am to be doing, but I have accepted what I am doing currently. It's a bandaid. It pays the bills until I do know. I'm a bit more accepting of everything now. Maybe I care less about the stressful things.

I'm still knitting the baby blanket. I have committed myself to two rows per day. It's a manageable amount. I might even have it finished by the end of the month! The baby is expected to arrive on/around May 20th. It'll be a race to see what comes first...the blanket completion or the birth!

I have dabbled at painting in acrylics. I'm using favourite photos for inspiration. I find I'm being too concrete, trying to paint what I see and not what I feel. I'm going to try that next...look at photos until I am 'moved', then paint my thoughts and emotions. Abstract thought, abstract art.

As for the photography, I've continued with the plant theme. I am slowly growing. I took a bunch of snaps of a friends' daughter. I can't wait to get them developed! I don't often get the chance to photograph people, they are not always present like plants are, and plants make great models (they only move with the wind!)

SpyFalcon

For the past couple of days, I've had to contend with the annoying Spyfalcon. Windows opened up all over my screen with the "a virus has been detected" and "serious threat". I updated my Norton and SpyFalcon still persisted. I went to the Symantec website to get advise on removal of this annoying spyware, much to my avail, SpyFalcon persisted. I did general searches for information on removal, I tried and tried to get the annoyance out of my life.
I scanned, I restarted, I deleted, I emptied, I restarted, re-scanned, re-deleted, re-emptied.
Then, I shutdown and walked away.
About an hour later, I started up my computer.
IT'S GONE!!
SpyFalcon has left my computer!
I don't know what I did. I don't know how I removed it. I do know it is GONE, and that alone makes me happy!
I did change my homepage, though. SpyFalcon had invaded my good ol' stand by homepage of MSN, and the SpyFalcon website would show up instead of MSN.
Good-bye, SpyFalcon, good-bye. May we please NOT meet again!

Butchart Gardens in the Spring

Butchart Gardens changes with every season. I was able to get out there a few days ago. I grabbed my camera and started snapping. Here is the park for you.

Trees in the Sunken Garden.




Pink Primula.

Red Primula.


And what is spring without tulips?

Isn't it gorgeous? I really am lucky to live in such a beautiful place. I must remind myself of that a bit more often.

Winter Pics

Now that it is Spring time in Victoria, I finally have a couple of winter pictures! It took a while to get my film developed, otherwise these would've been here a long time ago. Yes, that is right. I said 'developed'. I am not a convert to digital (yet). Digital cameras mean instant gratification to me, and I love the element of surprise (what's on this film; did the pictures turn out alright; etc)

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada


Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, Washington, USA

ME!! At Olympic National Park.

Yeah, I know it's not much.

Enjoy the snow while you have it. I have to drive to play in the snow...it's heartbreaking.

Annual reveiw

It is now the end of March. One year agos, I was packing my home in Winnipeg into an 8'x15' storage unit, trying to sublet my apartment, scurrying around to make sure all the last minute items were dealt with before jumping in my car and driving west. It seems so long ago.
One year ago, I was frantic with moving. Everything in my life was changing...my home, my work, people I saw daily, my city...me. Great hope, dreams and expectations drove me. Now, I look back at the year and see how little has really changed.
I still go to work daily, just at a different place. The people I work with are alright. The work is okay, but not 'inspiring'. So really, not much has changed.
My apartment is small here. I do not have large windows with sun beaming in at different angle, feeding my plants to provide a screen of lush leaves to give a bit of privacy. I now have shade and 3 plants that manage to survive.
My car is the same, just a whole lot more mileage on 'er.
Victoria is lovely. The weather allows me to be out and about without the layers of clothing that AWinnipeg required. Victoria is very pretty, picturesque, touristy. I still feel like a visitor.
I am more or less the same. Maybe a bit more withdrawn, but overall the same.
I have started to knit and to paint to keep my mind and hands occupied. I take photos, but not as well as I would like, or as much as I would like.
I blog. But not often.
I drive. Alot. I try to get away on a monthly basis.
I guess I am still trying to find where I belong. I am still searching.

knitting

As some of you know, I started knitting this winter. It all started as something to do to get my mind off work. Well, I have mastered the scraf! Sent some out at Christmas, very proud was I, and a few more might go out for Valentines...
But the scarf thing was getting a bit repetitive for me, so I got to thinking that I would move onto a bigger project... a baby blanket for a coworker. Well, this definitely is more challenging! I've learned to knit, purl and chain stitch. The challenge is actually sitting down to get it done. I am 1/6 of the way through the project (I bought 6 balls of wool and started ball 2) and have lost the motivation to go on.
Maybe when I get back...

Regarding Anticipation

Here are a few links about Montreal and Ottawa, and getting there. So looking forward to this trip!!

http://www.aircanada.ca

www.montreal.com/tourism/general.html

www.ottawatourism.ca/

Anticipation

10 days!! Only 10 days left before I get on a plane and fly to Ottawa for a conference on the nutritional implications of herbal concoctions and pharmaceutical agents. I'm staying at a beautiful hotel/resort (that I honestly can not afford, but how can I afford not too?)
After the conference, I'll be scooting to the Greater Toronto Area to visit a couple of old friends. That's the best part of my trip. I get to see them about every 3-4 years, so it'll be fantastic to sit, have coffee or a few bevvies, chat, and act like school girls with them!
After 4 days with them, I drive to Montreal for yet another conference on nutrition.
I've never been to Ottawa or Montreal before, so I am overly excited! To wander around two of the oldest cities in Canada, with such deep cultural roots, wonderful architecture, history!

online dating

Okay, here goes. I must get this out.
I set up a profile on an online dating service. I have received copious amounts of hits yet remain sadly disappointed and single. I know I have extremely high standards. Is asking for a male; that lives within driving distance (please read: SAME timezone, SAME country); that really , truly is single (no live-in girlfriend/wife/whatever you want to call her); is independant (has a job, lives in a seperate household from his parent); is communicative; and is sociable asking too much?
I'm starting to get a complex due to the sort of men that are interested in me...eventhough they know very little about me and have never met me. From my criterion listed above, you have an idea of my trials and tribulations on the dating front. And I thought dating when I was a teenager was difficult!!
Hey, at least the electronic dating forum gives me a great topic of converstation. You'd be amazed at how many wonderful, single people have had similar experiences.
So, if you have any dating tips...I'm starting to think I need them!

Grant's Pass, Oregon

Grant's Pass mascot..The Caveman

The caves, full of interesting rock formations.

Grant's Pass celebrates Christmas. The town streets are guarded by Nutcrackers, filled with music and festive decor!

Grant's Pass enjoys showing their creative side and representation of their mascot. So much so, they even show it on the fire hydrants.

For more information on Grant's Pass and The Rouge Valley see http://www.visitgrantspass.org

Tofino Tourism

Long Beach, BC is located a few minutes south of Tofino.
Want to know more about the area? Go to http://www.tofinobc.org

Update

Okay, I'll do a quick review of the past few months.
November was filled with work and a couple of road trips. I drove up to Tofino for a weekend. Spent the time relaxing and hiking in the Pacific Rim National Park, surrounded by rain forest, and beachcombing at Long Beach. It was cold out (by island standards), but bearable.


For the last weekend of the month, I managed to get 6 days off. Jumped in good ol' Orbitee, took the ferry over to the mainland, and headed south. Border crossing was tons of fun...imagine explaining to the customs officer that, yes, you are a single girl, driving alone, without hotel reservations, no friends or family that will be visited, and destination unknown. I drove off with having my bag searched. My luck has not worn out!!
Thought of stopping in Seattle, but traffic was INSANE (being the holiday weekend). I decided I didn't want to be in a big city, surronded by people. Got out the AAA road atlas of North America. Oregon it is!
Wandered on some back roads, trying to find the Mt St Helens Park gate, but got lost. Pulled over onto a rest stop, up a hill in the woods. Pulled out my sleeping bag and nodded off for a few hours. Woke up not knowing where the heck I was and the theme from Deliverance running through my head. The moon was full, the air was crisp, and the clouds were wisping across the sky. Turned on the car, heat full blast and calmed my mind. After eating, I felt much better but still tired. Slept for about an hour and woke to the sun rising over Mt St Helens!! Turned out that the rest stop I chose was a look out point for tourists...one of those unknown places. Fantastic!
So, I found my way back to the interstate and turned south. Drove most of the day, with many pit stops, and found a hotel room in Grant's Pass. Explored the picturesque town and made plans to go to the Oregon Caves the next day. Caves were really interesting. I got there at the right time as there were only three of us on the tour that I was on (myself and a young couple from Alaska).
Afterward, I was bound for the coast. Looked on the map and saw there were two roads. I could take the interstate to California or a roads that went through the hills. Naturally I took the road less travelled and chose the hill route! And less travelled it was definitely!! I had to stop for the logger to remove the tree from the road. Then, the road turned into one lane (yes, one lane for two way traffic). The road cut closely to the cliffs and I was white knuckled for miles! And then the snow hit. Not the light, dry snow, but the heavy, wet stuff that comes down like snowballs! Luckily, I encountered only 6 vehicles (yes, all 1/2 tons and SUV's) in the 60 mile stretch that felt like 300 miles. And then the sky opened up and the most beautiful view of the ocean appeared. Stopped in Coos Bay for the night. Got up early the next day to drive the Pacific Coast Highway.

go climb a...

I finally went hiking! It's about time, eh?? Around noon on Tuesday, my only day off this week, I packed a lunch and headed to Mt Douglas. Mt Douglas is a small mountain that is in the city limits, so not too much of a challenge to get there. I parked my car at the bottom of the hill and hit the paths. Since i am not very good with directions, and without a compass, I did not stray too far off the beaten path. But I did find a sunbeam on the top of a rocky point that was semi-isolated. I stopped for lunch and to read a bit. As I was wandering around, trying to figure the best way down the hill without rolling an ankle. I saw a wonderful sight...the peak I was on overlooked Cordova Bay (I think it's Cordova Bay anyway). The trees, water and sun mingled to form a breath taking sight, and I was soooo thankful to be able to witness it.
I decided to go to the top of the hill. So I wandered up the path, and the cemented trail to the 'summit'. Again, I found a perch in the sun and pulled out my book. There's something about sitting on top of the city. After determing the location on some of the landmarks I know (like the Rockland Towers, Mt Baker, Olympic Mts, Inner Harbour...), I decided it was such a warm sunny day that the beach was definitely in order...off to Cadboro Bay!!
It was so peaceful. I curled up on a blanket on the sand adn read more of my book, listening to the soft lapping of the waves as they hit the beach.
Days like this, I wonder how I lived anywhere else. I truly am fortunate to live in Victoria!

6 Weeks! Already!?

I can't beleive it's been so long since I've jotted down any of my thoughts! Where does the time go?

I took two weeks off work and drove home. The drive was amazing! I had sunny days throughout the mountains and praries. Watched an awesome sunset through my rearview mirror just east of Swift Current, Saskatchewn (I know, this doesn't sound like safe driving, but I didn't watch it constantly, caght glimpses every now and then!). The sunset for what seemed like hours. I stopped to refuel (both my car and body) and rest a bit in Regina. Driving out of town, the gorgeous orange harvest moon started creeping into the perfectly clear sky. Man, I miss that! Then, the darkness set over the world. The million stars of the Milky Way and the full moon shone brightly overhead. Then, just east of Indian Head, I noticed the strange aura of the Northern Lights. How lucky is that!! All of these celestial sights within mere hours of eachother!! Of course, I had to pull over and delight in the Aurora Borealis. Took a nap and awoke at dawn.
Pedalled on!! Stopped for breaky (the much desired caffiene!) in Brandon, and continued on to the 'Peg. Arrived around noon. As I was many hours early (more like a day ahead of schedule!), I was unable to contact anyone to visit that afternoon. So, I went to the Buggy Bath and treated Orbitee to a scrub. Then, swung over for an oil change before meeting with my pops. We went to dinner, my storage unit (needed to clear up some paperwork), and back to his apartment to unpack a tad. Made a few calls and plans with Auds. Drove over to her apartment and we eventually made it to the Zoo. Now, those of you who do not know, The Zoo is ALWAYS an experience! Ya just never know what kinda crowd, or 'entertainment', you are walking into. Usually a bit on the sleezy side, but there is always a place to safely put your beer down. Got carded!! I think that may have been the highlight of my trip...it doesn't happen often. Was also asked to 'coat check' my 'bag'...yeah, I'm ~really~ going to put my purse into coatcheck at The ZOO...thanks, but I think I might want to see my belongings again! Anyways, good times hanging with Auds and Jazz.
Spent the next day with Shannon and baby Braylon and 'the girls'. Shoulda spent more time with them, and Paulo and Hailey, but time disappeared too fast.
Got alot of time with Tash, probably not to the bewst of her liking as I put her to work helping me sort my storage unit (she took much of it away for her first apartment) and then moving her into her new place. Spent the weekend with her and Joc in Morden (Corn and Apple time, don't ya know). Again, good times!
Dinner with friends, a day with Belle, a whole bunch of errands...missed many due to forgetting my address book in Victoria (dumb I know!). On my way out of town, I was stuck in heavy traffic on Kenaston (Winnipeg in summer=construction) when my cellphone rang. It was Karl!! Change of plans, needed to have some Karl time before I left the 'Peg! Off to Stella's it was! We met for a long lunch and caught up on life. Before I knew it, I had to be getting on the highway. Off to Morden to drop the keys off to Joc!
Got to Morden just as Joc and Myrna were heading to the golf course for dinner and a round. So, I joined them for din. They were called to tee off, so off I went.
Drove to Virden and called on Chantal. gave me a break from the long road ahead. Shortly after I got there, my phone started ringing. It was Joc...hey, where did ya put the keys? Ah, Man, they're in my purse!! I forgot to give 'em to her...the whole reason for driving to Morden on my way west in the first place...okay, I'll express post them in the morning...
It's morning, September 1. I'm able to stop at the mall in Medicine Hat (it's just off the highway). Run into Shopper's for the post office...good, I can get these keys out of my way. But wait, it's "Alberta Day" and everything is closed Friday, and since it's Labour Day on Monday, everything is closed on Monday! So even "express" posting the keys, they won't get to Joc til at least Tuesday, more like Wednesday. Great!! Oh well, at least she will get them!
Stopped in Merrit to sleep over night. Drove on to Vancouver in the morning. Called Arlette, she was taking Lil to see an attorney and I could stop by about 4 when they would be back. Great! Off to Ikea it is! Blew a bunch of time there, didn't buy much. Did see a bookshelf that would be perfect in my apartment but wouldn't fit in my car (too many boxes in my trunk!). Still kicking myself that I didn't buy it...must go back soon...
Almost 4, so I drive to Arlette's. She had sent out Sean for 'zza, so kinda had to stay and eat. Pete drove Lil home, and Arlette took this as an opportunity to 'talk'. She also paraded me through the house looking for things 'I need'...okay, I admit I do not have much here in Victoria, but I have everything that I need, but she really wants to help me out, so I did take a lamp from her. It's a late 50's thing in orange and brown...not as ugly as it sounds.
Caught the nine o'clock ferry back to the island, drove home and fell into my own bed. I love my bed! Spent the weekend unpacking and doing all the lovely post-vacation chores that needed to be done before back to work on Monday. Caught up on emails and messages. Made a date for the beach on the Wednesday...~great~ day at the beach with ~great~ company...maybe the last beach going day of the season, the weather has a chill to it now that makes you wanna reach for a thick sweater-not really beach clothes, eh?
A week passed and not able to 'connect' with ~great~company. So, what's a girl to do? I find me a different date for Friday night! Not a good date, an almost-okay-date-if-there's-no-better-option, won't be seeing him again...
Now, I'm back to the grind of work. Early mornings are killing me! And making me overly grouchy...more bitchy than usual...don't like myself feeling tired all the time...taking it out on everyone, undeservingly...gotta get out of this funk I've found myself in...
Going to a group dinner tonight to meet more people. The guest speaker is talking about the First Nations culture of Vanc Isle, should be interesting. I know Cree/Sioux/Ojibway cultures a bit through living in 'Toba, but not much about the West Coast tribes. Should get on my way, I have no idea where the restaurant is!!

Hatley Castle

Hatley Castle is part of Royal Roads University (http://www.royalroads.ca) in Victoria. The castle was built for the son of Dunsmuir, who built Craigdarroch Castle. Yes, the family loved the lavish life. Hatley Castle (http://www.hatleycastle.com) is much more spectacular than Craigdarroch (http://www.craigdarrochcastle.com), and the gardens are magnificent! I tested out the time-delay on my Canon EOS camera, and actually took some self-portraits. As you all know, photos of me are few and far between...and I'm posting these for the world to see...I think I may be softening...

French Beach Provincial Park

From the parking lot, I walked through a playground area, then through some brush whoch opened up to the ocean.
It was the middle of the week. Eventhough it was a very hot day, the beach was extremely quiet. A few people were there with there dogs, a couple of campers, and me.

The beach is on the western coast of Vancouver Island. The ocean breeze is crisp and chilly. The waters are deep and cold. The area is known for the wildlife: cougars, bears, seals, orcas, etc. I was not fortunate enough to view any wildlife, but came across driftwood....

and pebbles...



After strolling along the beach, throwing some pebbles back to the sea, playing with the pups, it was time to head back. There were different paths that headed towards the parking area, so I decided to be adventurous. To my amazement, I realized I was in part of the glorious rain forest of the area...

Trees jutting meters into the sky, ferns as high as my shoulder, berries, moses, fungi, mosquitoes, and the strange sort of spiders I'd rather not come across again. The path was very well groomed, and easily navigated.

And at the end, a winding roadway that circled the campsites, and led the way back to the parking lot.

More pics from Butchart

Butchart Gardens

So the other day, I decided to do a very touristy thing...I went to Butchart Gardens. For those of you who do not know about this place, it is a plot of land that some old rich mine-owners wife turned into a garden. There are paths and gardens with themes like traditional English rose gardens, Japanese, and Sunken
Garden (there are paths that circle above this garden and others that take you right through it).Armed with music, a book and my camera, I went on my
merry way. There were tons of people!.

Somehow I managed to get the
Karen-took-a-postcard pics
that I always somehow manage to get when I travel. Yes, I took these by myself,
I did not cheat by purchasing them at the gift shop. Please note: there are no
"Butchart Gardens" written on any of these, and yes I can provide the negatives
to prove I really did take the photos.

Living in Victoria, BC

Okay, I know I've been here for over three months now. But forgive me for only getting to this now.
Work is definitely work. Not the most glamourous, and not what I was expecting. I've decided I'll pay my dues and put the time in while "gaining experience" until I find a more attractive position.

I really enjoy BC living. Nothing beats being minutes away from the beach!! Who knew I would turn into a beach-bum!? I try to get to Willow's Beach (my favourite so far) at least once a week, I was there yesterday and today. Just lying around, reading, napping on the gorgeous white sand...AMAZING! It gets pretty busy with families, couples, groups, solos (like me), but you can always find a spot. There are driftwood logs around that are perfect to use as benches if you didn't bring a beach blanket, but also work as headrests and back support when reading. Sometimes there are long branches that can be used as location markers, like the one in the pic. So, hopefully everyone is enjoying the wonderful, Canadian summer weather as much as I am! I know it's been kinda crazy in some areas...but that's the glory of being in this country, ya never know what it'll be like...