2008 Retreat

You should have all received the 2008 Retreat information package in the mail by now. The next retreat will take place at the Hills Health Spa and Ranch in 108 Mile, BC over 3 nights from May 24 to 27, so start saving your pennies now!

In your information package you should have received a pamphlet showing you the difference packages the Hills has to offer. Feel free to pick which ever package suites your desires for the weekend. The prices for the weekend will vary from around $500 to $1100 but all of them include your meals while you are there. When looking at the prices use the quad rates. Most of the packages are based on 2 nights stay but you can usually find the cost of the additional night directly below on the pamphlet.

We will be staying in the cabins which room 3 to 6 people (6 if we are all sharing beds). Should we get enough people attending they will book off 2 cabins beside each other. I will be confirming with them what the minimum is needed to book the 2 cabins, however depending on the size of the group attending next year we may need 3!!!!

The inital booking will be set up at the beginning of November. The group booking will be set up by me and then each individual will have to call in and set up their own account under the group booking. Once the group booking is complete I will notify the group through the blog. You will each then be responsible for your our bookings, packages and payments. Each individual will be required to make a deposit of 25% of the package that you choose at the time of the booking. Just remember when booking to confirm the actual cost of your package as the pamphlets we have are the 2007 prices and may change at anytime.

We are requesting that your deposit be made no later than November 30, 2007. This will give you the whole month of November to make your booking. We are setting this date because we need to know how many cabins to reserve and we will be putting together a special package for each attending retreat member and will need to know the numbers involved as early as possible. Once again it is only the deposit we are asking that you make, the remainder of the package can be paid at a later date. If for some reason you are not able to make your deposit by this date but have every full intention of attending the retreat, please contact me directly so that we have a full numbers count.

Should life happen... as it sometimes does and you cannot make the retreat but have already made your deposit, you can receive 100% refund of your deposit if you advise the resort in writing 30days or more before the arrival date.

If there are any other questions, please contact me directly at mscrackerjack@hotmail.com, or call me at home at 250-964-1186. I request that any questions to be directed through me so that the resort is not dealing with calls from each of use as we may all have the same questions. If you have misplaced your information package or would just like to take a look at what's online the link is http;//www.spabc.com. Any questions that I get I will respond to the individual immediately and I will post the questions and answers on the blog for everyone else to view at least every 2 weeks.

Well that is enought babbling from me! Hope to see you all at the retreat!

Dani's update

Hey guys! geez it's been a while.. sorry! i can't remember if i emailed you guys about my finger but here's the story. basically i broke my pinky finger playing floor hockey. when i got the xrays done the doctor was concerned about a 'csyt-like mass' in the bone where my finger had broke. so he called his friend (a hand specialist) and got an appointment for me. the hand specialist and he said the mass was a tumor and would have to be removed or i'd just keep breaking the finger. but the bone had to heal from the break before he could fix it. i had my hand into a cast upto my elbow for a few weeks then had to wait for a surgery date.

My boyfriend Phil (from Scotland) came to visit me on June 29th, and then on July 6th i went in for a 2-hour procedure.. but they kept me in the hospital overnight. i had some problems with the morphine they gave me (kept throwing up) ubtil they put me on Percocet. i was released the following afternoon.. which was good cause my friend Andrew (from England) came to visit. the drugs made me able to manage taking the boys to the stampede, but my

hand was still pretty sore. on the 10th the 3 of us flew to BC where i showed them around Vancouver Island. Andrew went home on the 14th but Phil and I stayed until the 25th. it was a nice visit with my family!

Phil went home on the 2nd :( and i'm still off work until September 1st. but i've got some good news! my aunt, mom, and sister were planning on going to the UK (and ireland and paris) in september and i was so bummed out i couldn't go. but i just found out today that work is giving me the time off!! i'm so excited! i feel guilty taking more time off... but this would be the trip of a lifetime to have the girls of the family on a trip together!

So that's a little update. the cast comes off on August 20th and then i'll be in physio. oh! and i forgot to mention the tumor was benign :)

The pics - top: my floor hockey team the Dirty Birds; top right: my hand all casted up; bottom left: Phil, me, and Andrew in Cathrdeal Grove; bottom right: Stotan Falls in Courtenay

My First Home!

I have moved!!!! I just bought my first home. I sold my condo and just finished moving. My new home is located in Coquitlam (suburb of Vancouver) and is in a gated community. It is 19 years old, but I just love it! It is a little bungalow, but it has lots of space and really good sized rooms. It is clearly more than I need, but I think it is a good investment. It was very old lady style when I moved in, but after a lot of paint and some modern updates I was able to make it resemble something that a younger person would like. It took some hard work... but with the help of family, freinds and a super handy and great boyfriend, it is really looking nice. And although it was hard to give up my stainless steal appliances and Granite counter tops that I had in the condo. I realize that the value of the home is more important they the trendy decor. But I still miss my super tendy condo!!!

So... I am all settled in now and constantly thinking of new and expensive upgrades, I can do for my home. I have decided I am going to take in a renter to help cover the cost of my newly acquired expenses such as... New blinds, new hardware, new lighting, new appliances and new vanities. The list goes on... trust me! But I am able to see past all the yellow appliances, green toilets and the pink counter tops and one day this will be my dream home. In fact I have a feeling it will be my dream home right about the time I need to upgrade and get a larger home. (laugh) But that is life, and I am trying to make wise decisions about the house and only put money into it that I will get back one day when I am ready to sell. The best part of the house is that I have the perfect place for a hot tub. I just need to save my pennies and buy one. *smile* (donations welcome) So, we will see. I am not going to get my hopes up for stuff like that until, I am done all the necessary updating that is my really priority and focus. You are all welcome to come over anytime and I love to have out of town guests, just let me know if you need a place to stay and I will be happy to have you come and spend a weekend.
I will be sending out an E-mail to all of you with my new addy soon, since I am not comfortable posting my address along with photos of my home. But I want to make sure you all have my most curent contact info so that you are all able to get in touch with me if you never need or want to. *Smile*

Test Message from Natalie

Hi Girls! Hope all is well. I have had some trouble logging into Blogger and just figured out why. This is only a test message.

Carrie, it was great having lunch with you while you were in Calgary!

Hope all is well with all the girls!

Cheryl Wilson's Mailing Address!

Hi Everyone! Here is a paste and copy from the email that Sandra had sent previously, regarding Cheryl's address. She has moved from this address, although she will be gathering her mail at this address for the next couple of months via the post office. So, if you wish, send your best wishes to this address.

Hello Ladies!
I hope the Summer is treating you all very well. i am sending out a quick e-mail as requested by a few of you rearding Cheryl's address.
If you are unable to go to Cheryl's wedding but are still wanting to send a card or something to the happy couple you can send it to the following address.
Cheryl and Clarence Abraham
2852 Andres Rd
Prince George, BC
V2N 1L7
Have a great summer!

Cheryl Wilson's Stagette!

Hello there everyone,
I just wanted to send everyone a quick note. Cheryl Wilson is having her stagette this coming thursday, her bridal shower is on friday, and her wedding on saturday.
Please, if you are in the pg area, come out and celebrate with us. Cheryl misses everyone, and I want her to have as much fun as she can during these days. She is a little sad because alot of her family cannot make it to her wedding, so I was hoping that we all could come and help her celebrate!
For those in Vancouver, Sandra is driving down the evening of the 18th. If you would like to come, and would like to jump in with Sandra, call Sandra asap. Just pitch in for gas and the hotel room, and you will be here!
As well, if any of you can pitch in to help with it would be greatly appreciated as well.
My cell is 305-2832. I will be in pg thursday evening.
I HOPE TO SEE SOME YOU THERE! MISS YOU ALL!!
Love Cheryl

Kyla is sick

So my little niece Kyla who is 10 weeks old is back in the hospital. I am sooo sooo sooo worried about her and my family in Calgary. One of those times where you can do nothing but pray. She went into the ICU last Wednesday with irregular blood work results and because she had been losing so much weight. They found she had a bladder infection, low sodium, and high calcium. She's on an IV for 2 weeks but should be going home soon. So far they haven't found anything but continue to do every test under the sun including 2 spinal taps. My mom is out in Calgary taking care of my 2 year old niece Isabelle and I'll be going out next Wednesday. I'm sure there are other things I could tell you what's going on with me but I think I almost forget them I'm so worried about Kyla.

2007 Alumnae Retreat Weekend ~Vancouver~

I have finally got my act together... Sorry that it took so long!

The 2007 Alumnae Sorority Retreat weekend was a blast. I just want to say thanks to all the home town girls from the Vancouver area who helped plan and organize this event. And a special thanks to the girls who traveled to come see us. Once again it was great to see everyone and just have time catching up while sitting around in our P.J.'s, drinking wine and relaxing. It was also wonderful for some girls to meet and get a change to know other girls we have not had the opportunity to know in the past... or who join the Sorority at different times and were never members during the same years.

You are all such strong and amazing women who have done and are doing such great things it is always inspiring to see how different and great each of our lives are.

Some of the specific memories or famous quotes that we will never forget from the 2007 Retreat weekend are:

After the drive down to Vancouver:
"Never stop in Boston Bar for food, that is the strangest place ever! The restaurant was super wired" (laughing) ~Amanda~

Sitting around the kitchen and making our Alumea Retreat T-Shirts:
"I am a grow up... and now I actually do grow up things" ~Suzy~

While getting ready to go out for a day of shopping and a nice dinner Downtown:
"I am wearing perfume, painting my nails and carrying a purse instead of a diaper bag! This is great." ~Sarah~

During our visit to the Vancouver Aquarium:
"Does anyone know what Beluga whale poo looks like?" ~Carrie~
"It looks just like that, Gross!" ~Shannon~

During an evening of relaxing and catching up:
"I can't believe I am having a boy... I have no idea what to do with a boy, there are no baby boys in my family!" ~Laura~


When we were all just chilling in the Hot Tub: "I have been told that my boobs are still a good proportion to my body" (laughing) ~Mel~

At the BBQ... after getting out of the Hot Tub: "My hair no longer looks like Hairdresser hair!" ~Lonnie~

We were also lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet Natalie Dickenson and Thomas Knudsen who were both wonderful... and I am sure we will be seeing more of them in the future. It was very nice to meet some of the newer members and hear about their Sorority experiences and learn about things and events have changed.
I think we are all now looking forward to 2008's Big Retreat. Start saving your pennies! We had a lot of great ideas for organizing this (thank you... everyone who came up with suggestions) we were able to narrow it down and we think we have a fabulous trip planned. Lonnie has very generously volunteered to be the event coordinator for next year, and she will be gathering all the information and sending out the details and dates for everyone. I am sure we will be hearing from her as soon as she has all the information.

For those of you who attended the Retreat please remember to send Amanda all your pics and she will make a CD, with everyone’s pics so that we will be able to share. I hope everyone had a great time and is looking forward to next year. For all of you who were unable to attend you were missed and we are hoping to see you next year. *Smile*

Retreat Wrap-Up Discussion

Hey gals
It was so much fun seeing everyone for the weekend. Thank you Lonnie and Amanda for coming down for the weekend, it was so nice seeing you guys again!

Let's chat about the weekend!! What did you like, what did you not like? Highlights? What can be improved for next retreat (2009 in Calgary)? etc

Alumni Retreat 2007 - Vancouver Chapter

This is a post with all the information about the retreat weekend. If you are attending the retreat, everything you need to know will be here. If you are not attending the retreat, you'll still get to see what we'll be up to and be with us in sisterly spirit!

The retreat this year will be held in the host city of Vancouver. We're trying something a little different this year and are having a "Sorority House" as ground central for the weekend. Susan's parents have graciously offered up their house so everyone will be able to stay in one place and we'll have one giant sleepover!

Sorority House: 2562 Peregrine Pl, Coquitlam, BC, V3E 2C4
Susan's Cell Phone: 604-340-6163

There are dogs at this house, so if anyone has allergies, please let us know to set up other accomodations.

Itinerary:

Friday:
Sandwhiches and soup will be available as people arrive throughout the day/evening.
8:00 pm - Wine & Cheese party
T-shirt making
(please bring a plain white tshirt or tank top)

Saturday:
9:30-10:00 am
- Brunch at Sorority House
- We wil take this time during brunch and afterwards
to discuss alumni stuff, thoughts from the AGM, and
preliminary plans for the "big retreat" next year.

2-2:30 pm
- Drive to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver
- Browse/Shop at the Quay
- take Seabus to Waterfront Station, Vancouver
(Seabus tickets provided)
- Browse Gastown
http://www.gastown.org/
- Dinner at Old Spagetti Factory
http://www.oldspaghettifactory.ca/location_vancouver.html
(ladies pay for own dinner)
- Drinks at pub/lounge
(one round of drinks provided)

Sunday:
8:00-8:30 am - Early Breakfast
10:00-10:30 am- Capilano Suspension Bridge
http://www.capbridge.com/
(admittance provided)
- Lunch at Suspension Bridge
(ladies pay for own lunch, snacks will be provided)
** - If it looks like rain that day, we have a back-up
plan spend the day at the Vancouver Aquarium
http://www.vanaqua.org/home/
4-4:30 pm - BBQ and Hot Tub party at Sarah's House
(Active group members are invited to this event)
2845 William Ave, North Vancouver, BC
604-630-7929

Monday:
serve-yourself Light Breakfast
- Rides to airport or ferries
- Good byes to ladies leaving in the morning
- Pack leftover food for lunches for travelling ladies
- If anyone if not leaving until afternoon or evening
then nearby is Coquitlam Centre to go shopping, or
the Aquatic Centre to go swimming or sit in the whirlpool.
- tear down and clean up of Sorority House


Don't forget to pack:

-Swimsuit/towel
-Proper footwear for hiking/walking at Cap Suspension Bridge
-Plain white t-shirt, or tank top

If there are any dietary/allergy concerns please let us know!!



Okay.....I think that's it!!
Questions, Comments, Concerns?

Two Nieces!

Baby Kyla was born April 22nd!!! I now have two adorable little nieces in Calgary. Isabelle (20 months) is just so curious about her little sister and so far is being really good. Kyla has jaundice so has been in & out of the hospital to go under the lights. Seems like everybody is doing good so far, except Auntie Carrie who is the only person not going out to visit in the next month. They'll be out here at the beginning of June for my mom's retirement and I'll visit in the summer when I have more time. Bonus about being a teacher. Oh, and I think I'll probably stay at the same school for next year. Despite being a tough go, I think having control of my own classroom outweighs the overwhelmingness of my job. I just hope he hires an awesome assistant for September.

A Little Update from PG

Hello Ladies,

It was so great getting to hear updates on everyone! Everyone is doing so much and so much is changing, I am so excited for everyone. Not too much new with me. I am going back to work in a couple weeks (which I am completely dreading!) I have been furiously searching for a new job and haven't found anything. Apparently an English Major does amount to "would you like fries with that" or "I'd love to file those papers for you" I'm still toying with what I ultimately want to do, I'm considering applying to get into the education program, but still am not 100% sure yet. I have been keeping crazy busy lately. I have been watching one of Marshall's little friends a couple days a week and I have no clue how women with twins survive! Marshall took his first steps on Thursday which was totally exciting! Pretty soon he's going to be running around and then I'm in big trouble. I'm coaching a girls Lacrosse team again this year which should be fun and will give me something to do that is just for me. Matt & I are doing good and trying to remember to actually spend some time together. It is very easy to completely forget what you talked about pre-baby, so we're trying to get a little of that spark back. I totally reccomend a book called "Baby-proofing Your Marriage" if you have a baby or are thinking of having one. Oh and I have a funny story...we were doing that "celebrity lookalike" thing on heritage.com and we put in a pic of Matt and he apparently looks 86% like Halle Berry (I am a very lucky lady) and Matt put in a baby pic of Marshall and he looked 53% like 50 Cent. I'm not quite sure how my baby ended up looking like a rap star...but it totally cracked me up! It has been my great find and my new how-to guide. I'm still not sure if I'm coming to the retreat, I would like to but I still have some details to work out. If not I'll be there in spirit! I put in a couple of pics of me & Marshall from Easter weekend on his first trip to the park and one of me & Matt from February. Hope everyone is well and hope to see you all soon, Your sister Gina

Greetings as a Married Woman!!

Hello Ladies,

I believe I have finally figured out how to send a blog (with the telephone assistance of a good friend of course). I have been terrible at giving up dates on what's been going on so I'll give you a short little blurb.

As of March 24 of this year (so about two weeks ago) Walter and I finally got married. It feels like a long time waiting as we have been dating for just under 6 years. We got married in Banff, Alberta at the top of Sulphur Mountain at the Banff Gondola. It was a crazy weekend as the weather called for warm temps, wind and rain (I was hoping for the snow). When the day came and we got to the top of the mountain my wish was there (Walter was waiting for me - oh yeah and it was snowing) Yippee!!!. We had a great civil ceremony and took some wild and fun photos, then went to a lodge outside of town to party the rest of the night.

We spent the honeymoon down in the DOminican Republic and a fabulous resort. Had an excellent time. Great food, great people, music, entertainment, RUM!! Oh yeah and medical care! I ended up coming down with tonsilitis and infected wisdom teeth and had to see their doctor. Still working on the recovery here in Canada, but to deter any further rumors, they do use sterile needles. ha ha ha.

The day after Walter and I returned from our Honeymoon we closed the deal on our new house and moved in the next day. It was extremely odd signing a new name on the contratcs, and to even think that we are now home owners. It's so exciting. The house is 1350 sq feet, with 3 bdr and 2 baths. It's a condo in a family oriented neighbourhood across from a park, the rec centre, a block to the pub, and to shopping and schools. Can't get much better then that for now.

The following day Walter had to leave to Northern Alberta to work and now I am unpacking and getting settled before he returns in 3 weeks.

On top of these crazy events I finished my Breastfeeding certification course for Health care providers (the same course you were looking at doing Sarah), and I have now begun training in Sexually transmitted infections through courses and practicums and have excepted the position at work as the Sexual Health Nurse for our new Youth clinic opening in the fall. Lots of changes, lots of challenges. Never a dull moment.

I just keep telling myself "there are 24 useable hours in the day" Granted I appreciate the ones used for sleep, they have just been cut down a little.

I look forward to seeing many of you ladies at the retreat.

Cheers and take care

Sandra

PS
I'll post pics when I get them downloaded.

An Update From Trisha

Hi Everyone!

I'm Trish for those that haven't met me, and a reminder for those that haven't seen or heard from me in god knows how long.

I hope you are all ready for the text version of my babble, Suzy is here with me - teaching me 'how to' write a blog (see she had to tell me it was write not use a blog). Pathetic, I know.


So, first off, the biggest thing in my life right now. I'm engaged and possibly getting married this October. That is what I want the most, October I mean, but it depends on the agreement of my parents and Christen's. I have some money but obviously, not enough. They offered to help, so now need to fork it over.


If October happens to fall through, well then it looks to be May 24th, 2008; maybe the long weekend if I do it out of town. Out of town involves the Okanagan and a winery; yep I have a problem, I admit it.


Below you will see, my dress, the wedding dress. That was a fly by the seat of my pants moment. I went to a sale, tried on two dresses and went home with the second one. I love it, I can't wait to wear and this is part of my reason for liking October even more. Chris jokes that I will be wearing it when I pick him up from the airport (that is a story for later). The dress would go nice with the flowers I plan to bring him to celebrate his arrival. Lol.

As you can see from these pictures, my maid of honnor is a little camera happy. I tried to explain to her that this wasn't the wedding day but she doesn't seem to care.


I should probably tell you a bit about me, chris and what has been happening for the past 5 years since PG. Oh god, that was so long ago.


I currently am going to Douglas College and working towards a bachelors in Business Admin. Nothing to do with what I went to UNBC for. I look at UNBC as a life experience in which I learned about myself, others and the world. I had some hard life lessons, but I made it through each one and I believe this has made me a stronger person.


**Okay sappy moment. I wouldn't have made it without my sisters. Even if at times we were the source of one anothers pains we were always supportive. No tears, not yet I swear.**


Back to school, it seems to be taking forever. I have this habit of three courses for the fall, one for winter and two for the summer. Last summer was my first semester off, and this summer will be my second. I hate taking the break because it feels like I will never accomplish anything. Just when I thought I was close to accomplishing something (a diploma) Douglas starts a bachelor's program and now I'm not going to move onto a new school (SFU). I keep telling myself the rewards outweights it all.

In addition to school, I have been working full-time since I left PG for Iron Mountain (records management not the golf course). It is a highlight and pain in my life all at once. Becoming well versed in a career can sometimes be just as frustrating as it is rewarding. For this reason I may be looking for a new career as I want to shed some of the responsibility and learn to relax a bit more. I know it will follow you wherever you go, but one shouldn't let things get to them as much as I do at times. All of this is of course speculation until Chris is home and I can really discuss it with him. At this time he is in China (home in 40 hours) for part of SFU's PDP program. So he is currently not holding a full-time job, and hey if I want that wedding in October, giving up security is not the smartest move. I'll keep you all up to date with my final decision.

Okay, so a bit about chris and I. We met a couple of weeks after my car accident so we had all day, every day for a month and a half to get to know one another. If you ever meet him, he might tell you how I broke-up with him, cause he was too nice. I know he will never let me forget it, not in a bad way though. I figure this will be a butt of a few roasts at our wedding. I should say, once we were apart I spent 72 hours counting down the minutes for when I could talk to him, I guess that was when I knew he was the one I love. Christen is my best friend, he is the one person that no matter how stupid it may sound or how wacky I can be, I can do it in front of him and we will just laugh together.

This Christmas, Chris proposed. I was shocked, I sat there and was like "wow a ring, I like jewelry." I just didn't expect it, he had just gaven his notice for work and was leaving for China in a month. I just didn't think it would happen any time soon. Now Chris is almost home and he is just as excited as I am about planning our wedding.




I figure I am breaking him, that sounds bad but really isn't. He proposed, he said I could get a cat finally, which I have done. Haha! I bought Scotch while Chris was away so this should be an interesting meeting. She is spunky and sweet and makes me laugh constantly. She has also recently decided that if I am not following my schedule of being up at 5:30 she will wake me up, it is not appreciated.

Anyhow, I should reserve the rest of my babbling for another blog, because now I KNOW HOW TO DO IT! Yea!


I promise I will update the blog every once in a while. Should you want to say hi you can reach me at trish.quinney@ironmountain.com or 604-505-4364.

Trish

Adventures in the Wilderness

Alright ladies, settle in with your popcorn and a glass of wine, cuz this is long overdue and I have the distinct feeling it's going to be VERY long-winded.

I know I've kind of been MIA from alumnae activity in the last year or so, but life has been going full steam ahead and has kept both hands full at all times!!

Last June Ron and I were officially wed in Victoria. A small wedding at my dad's home and I have to say it was a great party. Ron made the food himself, and we kept it simple: beer and wine and hors d'oeuvres and a three piece jazz band. Successful as many weddings can be, we sent a few new couplings home together by the end of the night, and only lost one person to find him passed out on the front lawn an hour later. All and all, it was a great night and I want to do it again!!

Starting January 2006 I began taking business management at Camosun College while working full time at a busy downtown spa as a skin therapist. In Sept of last year I started school full time, while also working full time to give myself a feeling of accomplishment. While I've been busy with work and school, Ron has finished his BBA (bachelors degree in business admin).


Now comes the fun part. When Ron and I first met, we worked at a resort in Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, north of Tofino. Since then, Ron has done consulting work for them from time to time and has kept in close contact. This year they gave us an offer we couldn't refuse, allowing us both to use our education and skill base to its potential!


Ron started in January of this year as General Manager of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. I had the happy privelege of staying behind to pack up and move out of our apartment in Victoria. Can I tell you now just how much I loathe moving!!! But once that was finished at the end of February, I was able to join Ron in the middle of nowhere. Before I get ahead of myself, I guess I should explain the location a little bit. CWR is located 18 nautical miles north of Tofino in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve and is only accessible by boat or float plane. While it is still part of Vancouver Island, there are no roads that lead here, and is in the middle of the lush temperate rainforest, home to more animal life than a tropical rainforest. I could tell you stories about bears for hours!! No to mention the cougars and wolves and eagles.. oh my! It is really wild up here, but don't get me wrong, while we're technically "roughing it" we still have all the luxuries of home. Feel free to take a look at the website when you get a chance for more explanation: www.wildretreat.com.


Now I get to tell you about me and my pride and joy. No, not a baby, but it sure feels like one!!! Until this year, the resort has only provided massage treatments... not anymore. I've been hired on to develop and manage the Healing Grounds, a full service spa here at the resort. I have the amazing opportunity to build it quite literally from the ground up. There isn't anything about it on the website yet, because they've just started to build it, and I've only just finished the service menu an business plan. However, I may have to bore you all with a few pictures of the construction's beginnings.




^This is the walkway to the platform it will be built on.

This is the view from the structure on a cloudy day.>

These are the logs they're using!!!

I don't think I've ever been so excited about something I've created! Or rather, created something I've been so excited about.


I also want to share with you exactly what I see when I'm up here. I have no words to describe it, and as usual the photos don't do it justice either, but with the pictures and a little imagination, I hope you can feel what I do when I'm here.









Thanks Sue, for encouraging me to finally take the time to sit down and fill everyone in on what I've been doing with my time.

Starting a new career move

Okay...I know I'm so random with my job/career decisions. But I think this time it's for real and I'm so so so excited about this new move!
I'm taking the Doula Labour Support program at Douglas College. Doulas are supportive and experienced women who help the mom through the labour process. Doulas "mother the mother". I will also have the opportunity to take a post-partum Doula course, a Childbirth Educator course and and Breastfeeding Educator course if I want to pursue this further and build up my credentials :)
I've already started a draft of my website and thought up some neat things on how to run my business. I'm really excited that this is something I'm going to be able to do part-time or more full-time after I'm done having all my kids and they are older.
I've been interested in the idea of Doulaing for a while, but wanted to be a mom first, as I thought it would be more appropriate, and I've really enjoyed this whole process of trying to concieve, pregnancy, labour and birth - and especially mommyhood! I've really loved reading everything I can, and you could say I'm a "birth junkie" HAHA.
Anyways, thought I'd let you all know about this new endevor in my life, and if you ever need a Doula..... *wink*

My First Try

Hello, It me Keri W
What's been happening with me. Well I graduate in May with my B.Sc. in Psychology and am working at a halfway house here in Prince George. I work the crappy shifts there because I'm the new kid on the block, so I don't have much of a life. I have been with the same guy (Fred) since 1998, with no plans to marry anytime soon (his mother is the monster-in-law that I never want to be around and she hates me). So I live with Fred here in Prince George, and we have no children (with no plans on having any). I have included pictures of Fred, Digger and Max, I looked for picture of me but don't have any in which I am sober, so will have to work on this, sorry.

In my free time I like to go camping at a few lakes around here with Fred and our friends from high school. In my world I have friends from high school, university and my previous life as a bar hound ( or as I like to say my functioning alcoholic days). When I decided to go back to university I had little contact with other women and felt that I needed to find a place where I could build friendships with women who were not only smart but also had plans for their lives that did not rely on men, I met Catherine (my Big Sister) and she talked about all the fun she was having with the sorority and the next year I pledged and joined up with a great group of girls who didn't think it was weird that I was to way older than them and still wanted to hang out with me, which was great.

I have a dog named Digger and a fish named Max. Digger is the sweetest dog out there but according to Lonnie he just wants to eat her, I just tell it because she smells like another dog or perhaps he sees her as a tasty treat. These pictures show you how cute and harmless my puppy is (yes Lonnie I know he is almost 2 years old). My fish Max is about 10 years old and does not like people.

I hope that this gives you a small insight into my world, I hope to keep in better touch with all of you and get to know you better. Unfortunately I am not able to attend the retreat because it is the weekend before Convacation and do have time to go to Vancouver and get back here to clean up my house before my parents come for the week. I hope you all have a great time and get to meet some of the new girls who want to become part of this group.
Take care, Keri

Happy Easter!

Hello Everyone! I haven't posted for a while 'cause I feel nothing really significant is going on. But here's what I'm up to. Still teaching at the Montessori school, losing kids like flies though. Not because of me, they all love me, but it seems like Morgan Creek is just a transition area and everybody keeps moving away. Makes our enrollment for next year iffy, which totally affects me because my boss won't hire me an assistant if we don't have enough kids. Ugh! This makes my job totally stressful and makes me wonder if I should be pursuing a job at a different school. There are days where the kids are awesome and I'm so excited about their learning and others where nothing goes right and I wonder what the hell am I doing. I will let you know what happens with that.

Good news is, it's tax time and Shane and I are doing awesome! Of course, ask me at the end of June if it's the same story, but wow, could we finally have figured out how to survive tax season without a major blowup? :) Also exciting is that my parents are taking Shane and I to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands this summer. Yippee!

Still no babies in the immediate future for Shane and I. We will be expanding our roles as Auntie and Uncle this year as my niece Isabelle will become a big sister any day now and my sister in Williams Lake is due in September. I'm so excited!

That's me. So let's see some more posts up here!

Hello everyone!

Hello there everyone,
Here is an update finally!
Well, good news, ok news, and bad news. All way around things are new.
First off, the biggest thing ~ my RCMP application has been rejected. After all this time, the many years of waiting, and of course the ten million hoops to jump through it is done. At least now, I can decide on how to proceed with things.
My application was rejected due to vision requirements. I do have 20/20 vision in both eyes, because of the laser eye sugery I had a couple of years ago. My depth perception and color is fine, but my binnocular vision is not 100% ~ it is just slightly off. The difference is so slight that the average every day person would not detect it. I had to go see two specialists, get some reports wrtitten, and despite the approval from specialists, opthalmologists and my optomoetrist, I am not permitted to proceed as I may be a potential threat in the future due to the vision problems I had prior to surgery.
That sucks, BUT, I am trying to remain positive and continue on with my job and life in general.
I am on full time with the Ministry of Forests and Range, and am working in both Stewardship and Tenures. I am working on a program called FREP (Forest and Range Evaluation Program) and am working on a pilot project with the province with our district and two First Nations within our district. Of course my band (Ulkatcho) and the Tsilqotin nations. I am working on a pilot project that will monitor the protection and conservation of First Nations Cultural and Heritage Values. Of course I love this project, and it is so me. I just returned from the Queen Charlottes and Haida Gwaii, as the Haida First Nation are involved in this program. How nice it was to go there, I cannot tell you how beautiful the people and the lands are. I feel as though I can make a difference in my job, and that really helps. So, work is going ok. I am as well planning to write the test to become a RFT for job opporunities, although I do not see MOFR as my life long career. It is a start. The dream is still to work with First Nations peoples in some capacity, and to of course travel utlizing my degree.
Guy wise, well in July Barry and I split up. Some of you know that. To make a long story short he was a lying cheating **&^%%. SO, now, as of October, I have been dating a guy I used to date when I was a teenager. And (please do not lafugh) he was one of the cowboys from my past. (I still however believe cowboys are dumb..and really can't believe that we are dating even now..) Bruce was a bull rider. He works in the bush, operating a processor. And, he has two small but very cute children from his previous marriage. They are four and six. Much like me, he went through the same things I did. So, we were being each others friend for quite some time, understanding our broken hearts. We are doing great, although I am trying to not be so gun shy. His little kids, Faith and Jace, are sure cute. They remind me what it is like to be a kid again. So, in the guy department, some hardships, but doing ok. It sure is nice to be with someone who is so nice and caring, and someone who makes me feel good. Understandably, I am very wary at being hurt again, but I know he would not do that to me. We are having fun doing many things together. He makes the stay in Alexis Creek more enjoyable that is for sure!
Family, family is good. Cora is going to be 12 this month. I can't beleive it. She is so big, such a good big sister to little Sky, who is now 7 months old. AND, sister is pregnant again. Not planned, but she is doing ok, and of course we are all so very happy. One more niece or nephew is just what I need! I will send pictures.
I read the emails the other day. I miss everyone, but recieved some emails from everyone. I miss you to Suzan, glad to hear you are doing so well. Of course you are! You are one of the smartest and most focused people I know! Sarah, your little girl is so beautful and so precious, same to you Lisa! How cute your little girl is too. Gina, what a handsome little guy. I miss you Mel B, give Pam heck for not keeping in touch with me! Send some wedding pictures my way!
Well, I should get going. I hope all is well with all of you.
Know that I miss you all and love you all very much.
Take care, and I will talk soon.
My work email is: Cheryl.A.Gilbert@gov.bc.ca
Love Me

Ski Weekend!

Hello Ladies...

I just wanted to let you all know about the Winter Getaway a few of us went on. Every year I try to do a long weekend getaway with friends or family in the winter. And this year since I am dating a new guy (Scott, he is great) who is also a skier, I really wanted to give him a chance to meet more of my friends, and for us to hit the slops together. Big White was the mountain of choice. So, I spread the word and Mel, Dom & Ron (Dom's wonderful husband) were all interested. I also ended up inviting two of my close friends from high school and we went away for a winter wonderland weekend.

It was great, we had perfect weather... the snowflakes were massive and just beautiful to watch from the Hot Tub on our deck. We also had several amazing meals as we all took turns cooking for each other. I swear I gained 5 pounds that weekend. Laugh! It was also great to spend some time away from the city with a few of my sisters. I really appreciated a weekend of personal time to catch up with Mel and Dom. They are both doing so well and are just amazing women. Thanks for such a great weekend girls.

This is something I am thinking of planning for next year again, and it would be great if others were interested. A few of the other Vancouver girls have showed interest in coming next year. However, this is not just a Sorority thing so husbands, boyfriends and kids could all be incorporated in to the trip. Let me know if you are interested and I will contact you next year if everything works out and I am able to plan another ski weekend.

Looking forward to the retreat this year in May!

Hugs & Kisses

~Suzy~