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Hi, Heidi,
Today was good. Drove up to The Pinery, which is a provincial park (state park). Very pretty and right on the shore of Lake Huron. Oh, Heidi, I had to laugh. One of the trail heads had a trail profile – ha ha ha ha – showing a whole 2.5 meter (7 ft) elevation differential. Then coming home the road had a caution sign with a truck going down a “big” hill. Ha Ha Ha Ha. MAYBE……. just MAYBE it was a 20 foot drop and the slope was pretty mild. I wanted to die laughing. Park is very large, has the old river channel through it, 9 beaches, lots of pine and cedar. There is a canoe/kayak rental that was closed, but I was told will probably open in June. Met a couple ladies on the trail from London (an hour east of Sarnia) that told me about all the birding there. Swung through Canterra Park on the way up. It’s just 10 min or so north of me on the shore of Lake Huron. Its a city park. The geese already had goslings.Still haven’t figured out what’s not quite clicking with Dean. He doesn’t kayak. I’m not sure he can keep up with me. He does a lot of walks, but they’re all mild walks. He’s also is working on writing a book and posting it on line with videos, etc. I admire him for doing it, but I guess I’m kind of afraid that if I get involved with him I’ll just become his shadow and his dreams and project will be the center of our life. Its a huge project. He’s got 4 properties that he’s not renting out and he calls them his movie sets now. Does any of that make sense? Other than those things, he’s a really super nice man.
I flew into Sarnia so did not bring my kayak. I do live only 2 blocks from the St Claire river and maybe a mile or two from Lake Huron. The river is a beautiful turquoise green and Lake Huron has a beautiful green tint. The wind was blowing hard and crashing waves on the shore today so for quite a ways out the water was churning up sand but beyond that line, the lake had a turquoise green color. Quite beautiful. I won’t bring either of my kayaks. No place to store them and I want to use them when I go home on my trips home. I may try to buy a folding kayak and just keep it in my car. Dunno yet.
I think you are right about Andrew. He does seem quite insecure. We’ll see how it goes. He also knows I’m friends with Darren who is his boss, and that might give me a bit of protection. Again, dunno.
I have to run to London (hour east of here) tomorrow. 73,000 people in Sarnia and no GNC. What’s up with that!?? Didn’t really see anything on a google maps search, either, that I would consider a comparable store. I’ll check out one or two of the places those ladies told me about.
Hope you’re enjoying your day,
Smiles,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
Thanks. LOL. I appreciate the confidence in me. I am growing in that area. There’s something going on I haven’t figured out yet. My friend said Andrew was an arrogant bully, underhanded, sneaky and couldn’t be trusted. It’s pretty obvious the other three turnover coordinators do not like him and have no respect for him, but they do “feed his ego?” if I can put it that way. I think you’re right. Andrew doesn’t have much of a clue. He’ll try to talk like he knows a lot, but he’s already, in my first week, given me several pieces of wrong information. He tries to be nice and seems nice, but I think I haven’t seen the other side of him yet.I won’t get out to kayak till I get home in May. I haven’t figured out how to receive packages yet. Hopefully will get that done this next week as there are several things I need to order. Will have to order the kayak. For being a town of 73,000, Sarnia has very little.
Still don’t know about Dean. Something’s just not feeling right. We’ll see what happens when I get back. We’re supposed to meet up that Monday as I’m giving him my old camera. He’ll have to get it refurbished, but that should still cost him less than buying a lesser quality camera. I may ask if he’d consider kayaking with me and see what he says. That’s not something he normally does.
Sun is shining, but the wind is howling and its a cold wind. Hope that dies down tomorrow. Think I’ll go exploring north along the lake shore to Grand Bend and the Pinery.
Have a great weekend.
Smiles,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
Thanks for the encouragement. I’m sitting back and watching. Everyone else in the trailer seems to be really good. The NOVA person (the rest of us, including my supervisor, are contractors) in our trailer seems very nice. The other three turnover coordinators are all very nice and helping me get settled into the job. My role is also shifting a bit, so we’ll see. So far, Andrew (supervisor) has been ok. He’s in a very tough position and doesn’t interact a lot with the rest of us, from what I’ve observed so far. I’ll try to bring a really positive attitude and influence to the place and we’ll see what happens. Did email both Randy and Bridget from my last project. Right now jobs are really scarce so lucky to have this one, even if it may turn toxic.Hee Hee. One big plus……. lots of cute guys in the trailer next to mine. All much younger than me, but still very good-looking.
Smiles,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
Well, my optimism was shattered today. This project is a HUGE mess, plus I was quickly informed my immediate boss is an arrogant bully, sneaky, underhanded and can’t be trusted. That was from a friend in another department. He left early today and the other three guys I work with got started talking about how bad he’s treated them and how badly he’s treated the girl I’ll eventually replace. Hmmmmmmm. Not quite sure how this is going to go. I don’t have the energy or strength to deal with a toxic environment.Still talking with Jay and still getting interesting comments from Dean. Dean was talking about another walk and he said he wished I was there. Dunno.
Feeling a bit discouraged and depressed tonight.
Have an awesome day tomorrow,
Smiles,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
Its been a whirlwind few days. Wow.Let my landlord know about the noise from the neighbors. He talked with their landlord (my landlord knows him) and the issue has gone away. Still get lots of street noise, but it actually quiets down in the evening, so been ok. Talked with my supervisor today. He’s going to help me work out a place to get packages delivered and looks like I’ll be able to take recycling out there. Garbage I just take out to the street curb twice a week and set by the garbage cans the city has on the sidewalks.
I found a storage place where I could put a kayak for $40/mo. I’m thinking I should take that money and put it towards a folding kayak I can just store in my car. Saw someone in the parking lot today with a kayak on their car. Wonder if they just keep it there. I’d be afraid it would get stolen. I’ll talk with Patti about her foldup. She how she likes it.
I won’t have to lead walkdowns for a while. They seem quite good about letting me get familiar with the project and familiar with how things are done – totally different than any other project I’ve been on. Team seems to be a good team to work with. Everyone seems nice and work as a team and helpful, so that’s good.
So things are starting to work themselves out and I’m feeling a TINY bit better. If I moved I’d have to pay my current landlord till he found another tenant. We’ll see how it goes. I guess I would have been better off to get a weekly rate at a hotel for 3 weeks or so to hunt once I got here. Oh well. The apartment itself is charming and I like it. Not home, but ok. Went for a run along the river tonight.
Gotta go get some things done yet this evening.
Have a great day tomorrow,
Smiles,
RhondaP.S. People around here are really friendly. Always get smiles and His along the river and I was leaving work late and couldn’t see the exit to the parking lot. A contractor was driving in and saw me stopped and he stopped and rolled his window down to help. Just a very friendly town.
Hi, Heidi,
Wow. I knew my apartment was downtown and over an art gallery. What I DIDN’T think about was the noise. Lots of street noise and the neighbors in the apartment across the hall like to play loud music. Other than that, the apartment, while being older, is very charming. Just took a walk along the river. Nice parks. I can go for a walk straight from my apartment. I do part 2 blocks away, which is a bit annoying. But again, I knew that before I took the place. There aren’t many places to rent here. I’ve already got a bad sinus headache. I did not ask about noise levels. I guess I was thinking the apartment would be a little more sound proof.There is a really nice provincial park about 45 min from here. I’ll have to explore that. Marina is out for storing kayaks. I’ll either have to lock it up on top of my car, rent a storage area or get a foldup kayak I can keep in my car. Dunno yet.
Tomorrow I’ll drive to where I need to be for training Monday and also down to the site.
I’m dead tired so think I’ll try to take a nap. Not sure what I’m going to do about all the noise.
Smiles,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
Just got into Sarnia a little bit ago. Long day, but other than me stressing out, it went relatively smoothly. No issues.LOL. I have no idea what I said. Dean introduced me to the others that came to the meetup by saying, This is my 100% match – referring to the 100% match on Christian Cafe. So sounded to me like he had talked with at least one of the gentlemen about me previously. Dunno. Yes, only saw Dean once while I was home. Yea, not sure what he’s thinking about me. I’ve knew Dean from the year I spent at home in 2019. I had been on several of his meetups in 2019, so we’ve at least been acquainted for a couple years. Kind of attracted. If he were to pursue the relationship I might be more interested.
Once I get past Tuesday, I think things will settle down a bit. I’ve got a full day of training Monday, some kind of training required by Ontario. Then Tuesday is my first day on site. I am a bit nervous about leading the walkdowns – a group of people walk down the drawings and make sure what’s constructed in the field matches the drawings and everything is ready to go. I’ve done a few walkdowns, but never led any and its easier said than done. But Darren promised I’d have support to get started.
Thanks for the good vibes. This sure beats Louisiana, but it still isn’t home. I fly back to Calgary May 16 and have that week off. The following Monday, the 24th, is a holiday so I won’t have to be back to work till Tuesday. If I put in 3 12 hour days (its a 40 hour drive), I can leave early Friday morning and get in here early afternoon on Monday, so that will give me 4 days at home. Site shuts down for the holidays and Canada has a holiday almost every month, so I’ll get home almost every month.
Have a great day tomorrow,
Smiles,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
Well, that was interesting. Scratch the head. Finally got up and ran some errands. Had a meetup with Dean this afternoon. He introduced me to a couple others that came as his 100% match. ???? Would you say there’s a hidden message there? Dunno. There was myself, Dean, two other gentlemen and one other lady. Peter hung the whole time with Hai. Pretty obvious Peter really liked Hai (Chinese girl) and Dean confirmed it and mentioned that. But what surprised me was Anthony, a younger gentleman from France, hung closer to me than Dean did. I had met Anthony on at least one other meetup before going to Louisiana. At the end, though, Dean took down the dates I’d be back and said he’d plan some walks with me in mind. I thought that was very nice of him. Not the foggiest clue of what to think.Gotta go get packed. Have to be up by 5:30 tomorrow. Haven’t been up before 7:30 the whole time I’ve been home. Hope I sleep tonight! Fly to Toronto tomorrow then a 2.5 hour drive to Sarnia.
Have a super day,
Smiles,
RhondaGood morning, Heidi,
Yes, it was a really great day. Hard for me to believe I was really there. Took a few minutes a couple of times just to sit down and soak it all in. 6k is a short walk for me. I was doing 5 (8.3k) miles in Louisiana. So 6k is pretty easy – ha ha – until its snow shoeing instead of hiking and there’s an extra 20 lb of gear. I was working, though. Coming back in the slushy snow I’d take 50 steps, stop and catch my breath, 50 more steps, stop an catch my breath. Last night met a friend at Carburn Park, right here in Calgary. But its along the river. People feed the deer there and they come right up and eat out of your hands. Got some really good pics. Usually there’s lots of waterfowl on the river and the ponds. Didn’t see as much this time, but it was still pretty nice.I’m nervous about flying. Haven’t flown in almost 2 years. Nervous about starting a new job, especially since the first couple months will be new territory for me. Slept 10 hours last night and still tired. Don’t know what’s wrong with me.
Yesterday was gorgeous and in the high 60s or low 70s. Today its snowing and the wind is blowing. Not going to make it to Elbow Falls. Have some errands to run and then need to finish packing. Do have a meetup walk this afternoon in Fish Creek.
Jay is solid, honest, consistent. He’s got a kind heart. He has the drive to keep going and run his own business after his injury. He doesn’t get involved in the negative attitudes that some natives have. He doesn’t use that as an excuse to ask for handouts. What I hear is the spiritual enlightenment is similar to the meditation and positive energy teachings that we’ve discussed earlier. He said its getting in touch with the creator and getting in touch with himself. He talks about sending positive, healing energy to himself and others.
I do plan on contacting that dating agency. Want to let my life settle down a bit first, so maybe in June? Maybe get some dates set up for my trips home. The site shuts down for the weekends and holidays, so I’ll plan on coming home holiday weekends.
Its feeling like nap time. I shouldn’t but think I will anyway.
Have a great day,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
Yes, I’m free, I’m free, I’m free! Government emailed me to take my day 10 test on the 15th, rather than the 16th like I was expecting, so going from that, my 14th day was the 19th rather than the 20th, so yesterday I took off to the mountains. Drove up to the Upper Kananaskis Lake. Made the mistake of putting on my snow shoes to do the trail. Snow was packed and icy on the trail and there were many large bare patches. I would have been much better off with just my cleats. Finally dropped onto the lake where there was snow. By 1ish it was warm enough out the snow was turning to slush. Ever tried snow shoeing in slush? Did 6 k on snow shoes. Got my work out. Had probably an extra 15-20 lb with my camera and survival gear back pack, snacks and water. The Upper K is also at 1720 meters (over 5100 ft) and I’ve been living at 150 ft for the last year? Oh, it was gorgeous, though. Sun shining, beautiful white snow and mountains, mountains, mountains. Saw swan, deer, a brave chipmunk. LOL, Oh, and Little Boy Blue insisted on going back over the Smith-Dorrian Spray Lakes Trail. 64k of dirt road. I’ve been over it many times and have never seen it in such bad condition. But we made it. And……. I did something I NEVER do…… LOL. I picked up a hitchhiker. Was heading down the north end and saw a tall, thin, man with a large pack by a small white car. He stuck out his thumb, so I stopped and rolled down the window and asked what was up. That wasn’t his car. He had paraglided off one of the mountains and needed a ride back to his truck. He was so much fun to talk with. He’s a pro athlete and motivational speaker living in Canmore. Unfortunately he has a partner. 🙁 But he took my email and sent me a pic. He’s also a guide in Canmore, so I’ll stay in touch. Might be a way to break into the guide circle in Canmore. That would be AWESOME! I was surprised at how easy it was to talk with him. Maybe I’m not as anti-social as I thought. I find its much easier to be social here than in Ohio or Louisiana. I come out of my shell much more here. We’ll see how it goes in Sarnia.Jay – he’s Metiese, a mix of white and aboriginal with some roots in the States. He owns horses and gets along well with animals. He’s an electrician with some instrumentation. He and the ex kept the grandson till he was 4. He seems very thoughtful, educated, positive. He’s into spiritual enlightenment right now. He’s also had a serious back and shoulder injury that’s still healing after 4 years, so not riding and no kayaking. He freelances as a handyman, doing electrical work, maintenance and carpentry. Dunno. I like him, but not sure he’s the one for me. Still communicating on Zoosk. He hasn’t mentioned meeting and hasn’t asked for phone number or email. And that’s ok. We’ve been communicating once or twice a day for the last week or more.
When I watch MAFS or Love is Blind (seems like only one season of that?) I go on youtube and watch the success stories. 🙂 Try to watch how they interact and what made them a success. I did watch one dinner reunion in Australia. It just blows my mind how some of the people treat their partners. Its no wonder most of them don’t work. I think I would do it if Canada had it. Once I get settled in Sarnia, I think I’ll contact the matching group here.
Another beautiful day here. Have an electrician coming over in an hour to fix the outlet. Tomorrow is supposed to be cold and mores snow. Then Friday have to be to the airport by 7:30. Think my neighbor will take me. He’s a taxi driver. Still waiting for text verification.
Smiles,
RhondaGood morning, Heidi,
Yesterday was beautiful, sunny, and in the high 60s. This morning I woke up to snow. I’d guess close to 3″ in the last 3 hours. Quite a switch. If I were free, I’d bundle up and head to the Weaselhead (a natural protected area about a mile from here). It’s a soft, romantic snow and I know the chickadees would be looking for a handout.I did see Ford has backed down a bit with his restrictions and opened playgrounds back up. Its absolutely stupid to close outdoor facilities. Plenty of evidence outdoor venues is NOT where transmission happens.
I suspect Nick found someone else. I don’t see him on Zoosk any more, either. Still hearing from Jay. I am starting to like him.
Don’t know what season of MAFS you’re talking about. US Season 12? I was watching season 11 (US) and some episodes from Australia. Its fun to watch the couples that do make it.
Your show sounds awesome. Would love to keep hearing on how it goes. I do agree that its good to model how it SHOULD look. I often know what I SHOULDN’T do, but I don’t know what I SHOULD do. Seeing how things SHOULD look really helps. I’m sure it will go well for you.
LOL. Just watched episode 1 of Love is Blind. Very interesting. Which do you prefer?
Smiles, Rhonda
P.S. What do you think of Married at First Site? Its really fun to watch the couples where it works out, which is a small minority. But watching most of the participants, they lack major relationship skills and its no wonder the relationships don’t work, not because they were married to a stranger, but because they totally lack relationship skills and no relationship would work. Just my thoughts.
Good morning, Heidi,
Well, Ontario is now a police state. Both indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to 10 people. Playgrounds / golf courses / soccer fields closed (WHAT???? – COVID is NOT spread outdoors in areas like that) non-essential construction closed down and police are now out enforce to enforce the rules and can stop you at any whim and ask for identity and where you’re going and why you’re out. This will do NOTHING!!! to stop the spread of COVID. The majority of the spread is in hospitals and other institutions. Ford (premiere) is totally ignoring health official recommendations. He is getting blasted, and rightfully so. I think this provision is for 4 weeks, but once a politician gets power, he’s unlikely to give it up. I have no clue how this will affect my work. Guess I’ll find out Monday. Its stupid and insane. Ford is doing NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING to support the health workers and give support where it needs to be, only cracking down where it is not needed and is totally ineffective. Both he and Trudeau desperately need to go.I still haven’t heard from Nick. Last I heard from him was Thursday morning. Not a clue what to think. I thought I’d hear from him by now, but nothing. Jay is back. I waited a day then sent a short message asking how his ultrasound went. Heard from him several times yesterday.
Any thoughts on contacting Nick again and what to say? We’ve talked about traveling (he’s traveled a lot). Last email he asked how I was doing, talked about some of his trips, said he was off to do a one-day renovation project and to have a fabulous day. I responded saying be safe and enjoy, commented about his trips, talked a little about my plans for the day and sent him a wish for sunshine and a warm, happy day. And now silence. Not a clue. Any suggestions?
Another beautiful day of sunshine and perfect weather here and I’m stuck inside. Took my 10-day test Thursday. Purolator picked it up yesterday so I probably won’t get results till Sunday or Monday. I’m free on Tuesday! Can’t wait.
Smiles,
RhondaGood morning, Heidi,
Melaleuca is kind of an MLM. I am not a distributor for them. All I would do is refer people. They do not do any advertising at all, only word of mouth. I would get a commission on the purchases made by the people I refer. Like Chase would give me a $500 bonus for referring someone. The apartment complex I was in in Louisiana would have given me a $500 credit for referring someone. It works like that only its a continuing commission instead of a one time bonus.Did hear again from Jay yesterday. I just do not know how to keep someone’s attention. Jay sounds like he’s had some bad experiences. He’s told me he can find someone to date exclusively but co-habitation hasn’t worked well for him. He’s also dealing with a severe back/shoulder injury that’s taking several years to heal.
Nothing from Nick yesterday and that’s a first in several days. I really would like to meet him. He said something about coming down for a visit but when I said Sure, here are some dates I’m available, he backed off. He has told me he’s excited about the possibilities and he is enjoying talking. I’m guessing I’ll hear from him again but don’t know when. Any suggestions how to spark more interest and keep his attention?
Still hearing a little from Dean. Not sure I’m interested. Kind of interested, kind of not. A meetup probably won’t be scheduled for next week till tomorrow or Sunday. I’ll start watching tomorrow for meetups next week.
Government considered yesterday as day 10, meaning the 19th is my last day of quarantine. I’m free a day earlier than I expected. Yippee! So I’ll head to the mountains Tuesday, have appointments Wednesday, head to the mountains again Thursday and fly out Friday.
Time to get started on the day. Been watching a few photography on-line meetups and that’s been interesting. Have another one later today.
Have an awesome day,
Rhonda
