Update since my last post this summer

Hello ladies :o)

It is really great to see all the big changes that have happened for everyone. I figured I should update since my last post as it has been a crazy 5 months for me.

At the end of June I started to get these weird hives all over for no reason. It came with joint pain and major swelling, itching and a lack to be alert or have the ability to remember things or concentrate. I had the hives for a total of 3.5 months with no break of the symptoms and no treatment that worked.

I had to take 5 weeks off work b/c it was affecting my memory and my concentration. It was a really hard decision for me, but I was probably at risk of making a serious mistake at work; In my job that can be disastrous. So while off I had a lot of time to think about a lot of stuff, which I think I needed to do. I also went through a TON of tests and medications to see if anything would work. Eventually, Aerius was prescribed and it worked!! I was taking double the dose, but it was helping with things. In the end, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Chronic Urticaria. Which in our normal people talk, Chronic hives that are occurring b/c your body is attacking itself for an unknown reason. This kinda freaked me out, but they were able to guarantee me that whatever this was wasn't killing me or hurting my organs.

I hope I didn't gross anyone out with the pics, but it is the only way to really explain the situation.

Things in that area have improved :o) I have been hive free (with the exception of about 6 hives a day) for about 3 weeks and I haven't had to take an aerius for about 3 days. All of the other symptoms have also gone away, which has significantly increased my quality of life. In the summer this issue caused me to be unable to ride my brand new bike :o( The last time I road it pretty much all summer was the bike trip i posted about in the last blog. I got one late trip in October to Whistler, but dumped my bike b/c I got mentally fatigued on the way down and made a stupid move. Me and the bike are fine.. except for my dignity and my ankle :o)

The biggest and most exciting news is that Aaron and I just bought a town home in Langley! We decided at the end of September that for our 2nd anniversary we would be making a deal on a house. It was the first place I saw and the last place he saw, b/c I went out before without him. He loved it, and I was already in love with it, but didn't tell him that. So we picked the same place :o) We move all our stuff in over the next four days. We are going to buy all new furniture... not sure how to do that money wise.... but we can make cuts in our budget for it somewhere :o) I posted the 'before' pics here, the after are to come :o)

New Alumnae Baby On The Way!!

I would like to introduce Baby Mitchell to the world! I am 3 months and 3 days pregnant and freaking right out! Yes, for those that are doing the mental math, I did just get married 3.5 months ago and yes, this is a honeymoon baby! I guess Corey is just that good! I just never thought it would happen quite so fast. Did I mention that I am still getting used to the idea? Thank god my best friend Amanda is a wiz at parenting and will have a fresh memory to share! So, here is a pic of our alien for your viewing pleasure!

By the way I will be in PG Nov 25-29 if anyone wants to visit. Hope all is well! Love you all, Natalie (Borys) Mitchell

Fall 2009 Gamma Chapter Event

For our Fall 2009 Gamma Chapter Event we organized the same thing as last year because the event last year was such a success. We all went to the Maple Meadows Corn Maze. We had absolutely the best weather possible, Sun, Sun, Sun. And we even welcomed the guys to join us for our day of events at the Corn Maze. The turn out was great, Mel, Catherine, Aaron, Susan, Robyn, Ian & Carrie all participated and we had a great time. Thanks to our fearless leader, Ian we were actually able to complete the enter maze and get all 12 stamps. Ian was our Gamma G.P.S and navigated us through most of the maze, as we dodged loud families and unsupervised children. The day was a total success and a personal highlight for me was getting to shot the Corn Gun. The corn gun is very similar to a potato gun, but you use corn. And they have several targets set up for you to aim at. I was not able to hit any of the targets, but I had a great time shooting the gun.

The best part of the day was being able to visit and catch up with each other as we all walked around trying to find the Corn stamping stations. Some updated that were shared during our walk were… Catherine & Aaron have found a lovely home that they will be buying… Carrie is scheduled to move into her new home on Nov 20th… Mel is trying to do her final practicum (starting in Jan) in Nanaimo so that she could be closer to her man… Robyn still loves her job with Kiewit and so going to be participating in the UNBC career fair representing her company this month. I think we are all now really looking forward to our Gamma Winter event, which is going to be our 5th Annual Gamma Christmas Potluck. It is yet to be determined who will hosting our Potluck this year. But I am sure it will be great as always.

A Whole New World

Hello ladies,

I love to read all of your news and find out how life is for my "sisters" so I thought it was about time for me to post one myself. Life is so busy adjusting from being a couple to having a family.

Calista is already 8 months old and is a big girl... she weighs 25 lbs and is pretty tall too (or is it still length since she isn't walking yet?)! She's figured out how to roll and gets around the house pretty well that way ~ we've begun to child proof the house as it's only a matter of time before she's crawling and walking and getting curious about everything she can reach.

Prince George is getting cold and I'm already missing the beautiful summer we had. We went down to the river yesterday to take some fall family pictures and it was freezing. Cyrus still went swimming and his fur was frozen before we got back to the car... crazy dog!

I have started taking level 1 cake decorating classes with my mom and will be starting a baby sign class at the end of October. Calista and I are trying to get out of the house and go do different activities together like "Baby Time" at the library (strange how okay I am with singing strange little songs with other people now that I have a baby who loves it) and going swimming at the pool. With winter coming, I'm keeping an eye out for a baby sled to take her on walks in the snow. Oh... and don't tell her dad, but I think she's beginning to like shopping... she picked out a cute little toque and gloves this weekend :)

I try to keep a little more updated on Facebook so if you are not on my friends list already and would like to see how Calista is doing, add me to your list. I post lots of pictures and videos for those that don't see her regularly.

I'm soooo looking forward to seeing everyone at the retreat this year... I was sad to miss the last one!

Gotta go feed my little one her breakfast... so keep in touch and I hope so see you in the near future!

Amanda

Finally - an update!

Hello Ladies!

It has been such a long time since I posted anything on the blog. I have appreciated learning more about you ladies through your postings. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with all of us.

Here is an update on my whereabouts and happenings for the last spring summer

I am still living on the beautiful Sunshine Coast (a pennisula off the mainland), in Gibsons (where the Beach Combers were filmed). I work in nursing for Public Health and have been here for about 4 years. Over the last couple years I have been busy with helping to organize and train for a well attended Youth Clinic where we provide Contraception, Sexually Transmitted Infection screening, support, immunizations, and referals to other agencies/ health care providers when needed. It has been so reqrding working within this scope of nursing practice. I also provide nursing support for moms babes and families in various aspects from newborn visits and breastfeeding to immunizations and developmental assessments.

In my home life, My husband and I live in a townhouse in upper Gibsons with our little dog Bear (i've had Bear throughout university so some may already know him). Walter (my hubby) works as a helicopter pilot in Northern Alberta for Gemin Helicopters. They receive contracts from various organizations, government ministries for this like oil exploration and wellmaintanance, Forrest fire surveying and fighting, air ambulance, transportation of people, Pine beetle surveying etc. Keeps him busy but away a lot. He usually works 4 wks on and 10 days off. However, this can vary as contracts can extend. I find it hard to plan around this but try to keep time open for it. This is why at times I am just not available as many times Walter shows up early (or late) and plans get changed so that I can spend that precious time with him. It has been getting easier as we have been doing this for 4 1/2 years now, but it would be nice if sometime he was home for more time, or a away for shorter periods.

So when the hubby is home we are usually out for a good hike somewhere or off on an adventure. Our latest endeavour is hiking to Emma Lake in Powell River area. It is a 10k hike to a cabin up in the mountains. The pics look beautiful- so we must go explore.

I spent last weeend taking my parents out kayaking for the first time. We went to this place called Secret Cove and paddled along the shoreline to another cove called Smugglers' Cove. Both are beautiful sheltered areas. THe water in Smugglers is usually quite aqua blue. It's amazing the clarity we are getting at this time of year. I will be posting pics on my facebook account for those interested in checking it out.

This weekend plans to be an adventure as I am heading out to Keremeos with my father and brother and his gf to pick up tomotoes and peppers and fruit for canning this Year. On an annual basis we go to keremeos to get our stocks for the winter and then the following few days are a canning blitze of salsa, peppers, tomoato sauce, tomotoes and fruits and jams. Already this year we have made Crab apple Jelly, Blackberry and rasberry jam. I love this time of year. It's like the stock piling before hibernation.

It also helps that my paretns and I have a communal garden at their place where we can grow many things we can eat through summer and store in winter. This year I am working towards planting winter plants (brocolli, beets, leeks) as well as planting in fall for spring/ summer items (garlic, peas etc).

Well that's really most of my happenings for the summer at least. Hope all is well with everyone of you. Take care

Sandra

Update

I thought I should update you all on whats been happening. After a very suprising and quick decline, mom passed away on August 4th. Its hard to believe that she is gone. There are times when I am doing okay but then there are times when I am not. But with the help of my friends and family I shall be okay.

To keep my busy I have been going out and taking a lot of pictures of the surrounding area which Ill show you guys.. if i can figure out how to post them

I was playing with my manual focus on that one

and then this one I like

and this one


thats just a few of the many many pics I have taken over the months. I want to learn more techniques lol we shall see how that goes..

Well thats all for now. Thank you all for your support and kind words, you are the best. Take Care
-Andrea D

Danya's Update

This is from Danya

hey there! well i was trying to post a blog post to let everyone know.. but the site won't let me..anyway i broke up with Dan. basically i got sick of paying for everything.. and i've realized he's never going to pay me back so i should just get out. we agreed to keep it friendly since we had to give a month's notice here.. but he still hasn't paid his half of the rent, or his share of the phone bill for the least few months. i got the phone bill yesterday and for this past billing period he racked up over $200 calling his ex gf in calgary. so i shut off his phone. i've been a stressed out mess the last month and a bit but i'm sure things will get better. i just have 2 weeks to find a place to live... also i decided to go back to school in september (upgrading).. i just passed a biology upgrading course wiht a B+!! but since Dan appears to be skipping out on me... i'm not going to be able to afford it.so we'll see... i'm trying really hard to stay strong but sometimes it gets hard. but i'm looking forward to being on my own again.

Wedding Pics!!

Hi Girls!!

We had a beautiful sunny afternoon for our wedding. A small gathering of friends and family attended our ceremony. We made our canopy together (It's a Jewish tradition to get married under a canopy) with the help of Amanda and her husband Nathan. She was, after all, the matron of honour! It was a very emotional and heartfelt ceremony, especially when my husband Corey surprised me with a very personal letter right beofre we said our vows! I have included some pics for you to view, and there are more on my Facebook page. I hope you guys like them!

Love you lots, Natalie Mitchell

Summer Gamma Chapter Event!

Recently I hosted a Gamma Chapter event and I wanted to share it with all of you… we did an APB Spa Night at my house. We all deserve a little pampering now and then!

As I am sure a lot of you know our Sister Sarah is and MK rep, so she was wonderful and supplied all the products and make-up for us to use and try. It was a relaxing night of spa treatments, desserts & treats, as well as good conversation and visiting. Shannon brought a wonderful cake from her cake decorating course for the event that was totally amazing and I wish I had a picture of it. YUMMY!

It is always hard to get together during the summer months because everyone is so busy, but we had a great turn out. Sarah, Carrie, Trish, Mel, Shannon, Nat D, Robyn & obviously I all participated. This was the first time many of us have had the chance to meet Robyn. And as expected… she was wonderful, and fit into our group right way. We missed all of you (Gamma Girls) who were unable to attend this event and it would be great if we planned a fall Chapter event so that we could all get together again soon!

Hugs ~Sue~

Hello All,
My name is Andrea Ducharme and I joined the Sorority last year after a few years of many of you wasking me to join. So i finally did! and I wish I joined sooner as I met some great people that I miss now.

Lets see... I graduated this year with a Bachelors of Geography and plan on specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This will take me either to Edmonton, Calgary, Nanaimo or Vancouver for a further year of schooling. Then after that I plan on working for local governments (hopefully)

I have developed a new hobby, that is photography. If you see me sometime you will likely see me with my SLR snapping away lol as a result last year we got a lot of pictures of our events. (well the ones that I could make it too lol)

Currently I am working here in Prince George at London Drugs in the (where else) the camera department lol. ( I swear this is where all my money goes :). )

I unfortunatly have not been able to partake in a lot of the volunteer efforts the Alumnae is involved in due to having to be close to home as my mother is ill.
Last year she was diagnosed with lung cancer that has since moved on to her brain. She has had 2 chemo treatments and just finished up brain radiation. But nothing has really worked. The last round of radiation has left her feeling pretty weak, but she has her good days and bad days. It is just not knowing when the bad days are that is hard. It has been tough but we are hopefull something will work.

I am glad that I know I have such wonderfull sisters to call upon for support. You are all such a wonderful group of people and I cant wait to meet all of you during the next retreat which will be up here in PG.

Thats all for now, I shall try to keep you all updated on what is happening in my life. Take care
~Andrea

Lisa's update

Hello to all of my sisters, I know it's been a long time since I've posted an update so here we go:

We have been so busy this year, starting a helicopter business - DueNorth Helicopters Inc.,

raising two kids (Sarah is 3 now, Ty is 20 months),

ranching (16 cattle, 4 horses, 14 chickens, dog and cat),

maintaining a house with 100 acres,

working (my 8 year career with Geoterra, forest consulting),

and trying to grow a garden (my only source of constant recreation).

And now we've purchased a small wilderness resort 4.5hours from our house in Northern BC. It has been empty for 3 years and needs some TLC, but surprisingly it is in good condition and has lots of potential. For now Clint is excited to use it as a hunting camp for himself and his friends, but in the future we may open it back up as a resort. So we're busy busy, but happy too.

Hope all is well with everyone else. Lisa

update from Mrs. Schepens

As per Susans's last request (my goodness, sounds like you're dying!) a little update from Carrie land. Last few months have been busy with running the preschool and teaching full time. But super rewarding too. The business side of things have been very successful and I've filled the program to where I want it to. Teaching is awesome as I just love being with the kids! I really should clarify, in Montessori we call ourselves guides as we don't teach the children, we guide them to the materials that will teach them. I feel so much responsibility for these little ones and that can get a little stressful but it's so wonderful when you reach the end of the school year and take the time to reflect on how much they've grown, how responsible they are, and just how much they love to learn! It wasn't an easy year as I went through 3 assistants (they all leave on good terms, just for family reasons) and it was difficult training someone new all the time, having the children get use to them too, and not having someone to share in the daily joys/struggles of where the chlidren had been for the whole school year. The stressful part of running the school was mostly trying to balance my time between being in the classroom and doing all the administrative in the evenings. So this coming school year things are going to be little different. I'll be the guide in the morning class and have an assistant with the same training as me. So in the afternoon, she'll be able to guide it and I've hired a second lady to be her assistant. That leaves me free in the afternoon to do administrative, which I think I'll really need as there will be 32 children at my school. Phew! That's a lot of families!

I'll also have time to move into my new house! Shane and I bought a brand new house (hasn't been finished being built yet) and we'll move into it at the end of October. So right now we're just trying to sell our townhouse. Here's the link to the floor plan as I don't have photos yet. http://www.hazelwoodestate.ca/floorplans/lot20.pdf We've done some modifications to the basement which they'll finish for us and we'll rent it out. We'll need some help with this mortgage! I'm very excited about my new house as we just fell in love with the showhome and it really is a dream house for us.

So now, instead of having my typical wonderful relaxing summer traveling and visiting my nieces and nephew, I'm back at school. This time it's Montessori from conception to age 3. Still not sure what I'll end up doing with this training but definitely be able to work with new parents, helping them to understand the development of their baby and what we as adults/parents can do to help them develop to their full potential. It's quite different as they don't use a lot of typical baby stuff but provide very simple things instead. It's also a very intense course and I'm barely sleeping and stressed so much with all the work I have to do, hence why I'm only making the time to do this now because of Susan's encouragement.

And one last thing, most of you probably know from my excited facebook post, but my sister had her baby on June 25 (two weeks early) and named her Elizabeth. Here's a picture of her with her big brother James (who'll be two in September). And just 'cause I'm a proud auntie, here's a photo of my nieces in Calgary. They're both going to be big sisters pretty soon as my sister-in-law is due the first week August, with another girl! And no, Shane and I aren't trying to get pregnant. We've decided to wait a little for that. Although I was warned in my course to be VERY careful as there is a lot of baby energy going on!

Cheryl's Update

Hi there Ladies -
So sorry for never keeping in touch - I realize how terrible I am!
Well, guess what- I am returning to Prince George for a one year training position with the Intergrated Land Management Bureau and will be working as a Land's Officer. AND - I am going to take some courses again at UNBC part time as I pursuing a second degree in Forest Ecology & Conservation & Biology. AND the most exciting - I am moving in with Pam and renting her basement off of her. Is that fun times or what?! I can hardly wait.
Bruce has moved up to Houston for work - and to be closer to his kids. I sure miss them - and miss him! At least with this posting in Prince George we will be closer. So much has been going on. Bruce's ex-wife has been battling cancer this past year - it has been such a hard time. She is currently recovering from surgeory in Vancouver still. It's been a tough hall. At least with this PG job - I can see him and the kids on the weekends. My poor doggies are going to be waylayed to mom and dad's for a month - as Bruce does not move into his new rental place officially till August.
I am in the midst of working very late hours - finishing work projects & of course packing. I start my new job on Monday - my last day here in the Chilcotin Forest District is Friday. No break! That's ok.
I am very busy finishing up some courses and studying for my RFT course - which I write in the fall. I am kind of nervous about that.
This past April we went to Mexico - it was great fun. We want to go to the Dominican this Spring coming up. =) No house - no babies of my own yet - my stepkids keep me busy. Besides, we need to figure out where we may settle eventually - and if there will be suitable work.
Facebook me or call me on my Cell- I loved reading everyone's postings. Sarah - what a doll your little girl is. Gina - you look fabulous! Cathrine - love the bike!!!! Take me for a ride! Susan - you did such an awesome job at organizing us all - I wish I could have made the retreat!!
Now off to work - enough of a break. Soon new job -----soon if you can believe it I will be wondering the halls of UNBC again - my gawd I will feel like a DINOSAUR -
Take care ladies, love you
Me

Leadership Changes for Alpha Pi Beta Alumnae

Times are changing… we are growing, developing and evolving as an organization.
We have more active Alumnae members than we have ever had before, and we have all our Chapter Cities active (Alpha, Beta, Gamma & Delta). The group has good leaders in place on the board… Carrie, Lonnie, Jamie, Laura & Gina are all great leaders for our Board and dedicated sisters.

Our Retreats are always fun, exciting and well attended!
We have a strong, good committed sisterhood that we all know we can count on.

The APB Alumnae have been successful in working together as a group to establish many committees, accomplish fundraising goals & support our local communities.

But most importantly we are able to support, and encourage one another in good and hard times.
We are a group of well educated, well accomplished, outgoing, strong independent and confident women.

I think it is amazing that we have young APB Alumnae members who are just graduating and have so much energy and drive, while at the same time we have members who graduated from UNBC almost 10 years go (yikes… are we that old). Some of our more senior Alumnae members have gone on to accomplish wonderful and impressive things. And it is so comforting to know that no matter what stage you are at in your life you have support. If you are an Alpha Pi Beta Sister you have a family of sisters who will support you and encourage you no mater what you do or where life takes you.

As you all know today is my last day as the APB Alumnae Coordinator and I am so excited and proud that a younger sister from a newer generation is taking over this role.
It is so important for the success of our group that the younger sisters get involved, take on leadership roles, host events, attend Retreats and are active in the Alumnae. While at the same time the senior sisters remain involved, active and in touch with the group no matter where life takes them! The younger members are our future, and the senior members are our foundation. Every member plays and important and vital role in the success of our group.

I am so proud and excited that Natalie D will be taking over as the Alpha Pi Beta Alumnae Coordinator. It is a privilege to pass long the position to such a dedicated and out going APB sister.

I am sure that the next two years hold wonderful and exciting things for our group with Natalie D as our Alpha Pi Beta Coordinator.

Please join me in welcoming Natalie D to the APB Alumnae board as our 3rd official Alpha Pi Beta Alumnae Coordinator.

It has been a pleasure and an honor to hold this position for the last two years and I am excited to watch the group grow and change under new leadership.

Your Sister Always ~Susan Grimmer~

New house, new job, kids growing quickly

I'm loving all these new blog posts! we really shouldn't go so long between updates! But who am i to talk, it's been a while for me too - basically since Ollie was born - and now he's almost crawling!!

In march we moved...again. Yah yah, we said the last house would be the last place, but I'm sure of this one...we will be here for a long time! We moved from North Vancouver to Cloverdale - and no it doesn't smell like cows, that's Chilliwack, really we're not that far out! HAHA. For those of you who don't know, Cloverdale is an area of Surrey on the border of Langley. We moved because the market was awesome for buying, and we were able to get a brand new build house for a steal! Thankfully we have an amazing real estate agent who was able to sell our house in 2 weeks, in a market where houses were sitting for months on end! The new house is huge and great for our growing family. It's nice not having a list of "fixer-upper" stuff to do every weekend, and for the first time...ever...we've been able to just enjoy our weekends and do fun family stuff. Not to worry though, Curt won't get bored, there is an un-finished basement for him to play in when he's missing "work" to do, haha ;)


The kids are getting big and growing up so fast! Ollie is rolling around everywhere and on the verge of crawling. He's eating all foods now and hasnt seemed to not like anything (including avocados and peas, which were major yuck foods for Robyn). Robyn has started Highland dancing, to the delight of her g'ma! She took to it like a fish to water and her first class you'd think she'd been doing it for months! I'm also thinking of putting her in gymnastics, since she's quite the monkey at the playground and can scale the monkeybars like no one's business!

As for me, I've started up Mary Kay and I'm on my way to growing my business pretty quickly! About 2 months ago I was at a very low state of mind and I needed something to pull me out. A gf was doing really well in MK and suggested I start too, and I am so glad I did. If anything, it gets me out of the house, doing my own thing, having fun and feeling good about myself again. My goal for the end of fall is to become a Director of Sales.

I've included some pictures of the new house, the kids and the family recently at a wedding.

Update... a long time coming.. Sorry!!!

Hello all of you wonderful ladies!!!

Sorry I have not updated at all. I feel like things have been crazy for me and I keep saying "when it calms down I will post"... well that seems like it will never happen :o)

Well Aaron and I have been living in Delta together since March 2008, so just over a year. It has been nice living down here. I am really enjoying it now. At the beginning, and up until about 4 months ago, I was not doing so well emotionally. I was not happy living down here, missing my PG peeps, and hating my job b/c of a horrible TL. Well I am doing better now (thank god), still miss my PG peeps but doing better with support of my BF Michele and her beautiful daugther, Arianna; as well my TL still sucks, but whatever :o)

Aaron and I are not sure about purchasing a place yet, but I did buy a brand new motorcycle :o) I love it!!!! I went on my first long ride ever this weekend. We rode to Peachland for father's day weekend and visited Aaron's dad and my dad. It was really fun, but cold and wet and now I am super sick :o(

Levo is doing great :o) We joined an American Eskimo club and we go to puppy party's once a month with other Eskie owners. It is really fun and after 2 events levo already knows what Puppy party means when I say it :o) It's really cute!

Aaron and I still do not see children in our future (despite what Shannon wants). But I have a new baby in my life, Arianna. My BF Michele gave birth to Arianna on March 16th. I was Michele's birth coach. Being there for the birth was the most intense and amazing event I have ever been a part of. I got to cut the cord and that was super cool!! I am happy I got to experience that. I love being an aunt and Aaron is doing a great job at it too :o) He adores Arianna, it is really cute to see. i have included pics of Michele and Arianna.

I have been looking at getting a different job, but in this recession I am leary about leaving my job which is a secure one. I will hang in there and keep on doing child protection until it burns me out, or I find another job :o)

Aaron is doing amazing at his job. They love him. He is going all over the world. He recently has been to Sweden, Brazil, and all over the US. He also has possible visits to Dubai and yearly visits to Rio/Sao Paulo Brazil. Which I will definetly be joining him for. We are going together in mid July to San Diego for one of his work things. I plan on doing some shopping while he is doing work stuff and we will have 3 personal days there to check out marine world and a few other tourist attractions.

My family just came for a visit for a week (my mom, sister, neice and nephew). It was nice to see my family again. It has been a long time since I saw them. My sister and the kids stopped by on their way to Toronto for my nephews big surgery, which he is in right now as I write thsi message. I know he will be fine. He has a rare medical condition that is too complicated to explain, but the main purpose of this surgery is to permantly cathederize (sp?) him b/c he was born with Bladder Exstrophy.

My two year anniversary with the Ministry has now gone by and i can't beleive I have been doing this job over over 2 years now. I can't beleive how fast time goes by. It has been 2 years since I graduated... that is crazy! Sometimes it feels like yesterday and sometimes it feels like 10 years ago.

Anyways, I have no idea what else to write right now. I am just happy that I managed to get a post up here :o) I have included some pictures so you all can see what I have been up to. If you are on facebook, you probably have seen these pics :o) They are of me and my bike, just my bike, me and arianna, Michele Arianna and Levo, and me and Aaron.

Take care ladies and I will hopefully post again soon. Sorry if this post is "all over" the place :o)

Life after UNBC

Hi everyone!

Well now that I've offically graduated I've got a job down in Vancouver working for Peter Kiewit as an assistant business manager on the Port Mann bridge highway one expansion project. Ian and I are renting a condo in White Rock and we are loving it here. I've (hopefully) included some pictures of the condo that we are renting. It's in the Miramar towers 1 bedroom and den and faces West which is pretty awesome. Anyways life is going pretty well and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone is the Vancouver chapter. I'll keep everyone updated! -Robyn

Our Den Our Kitchen

Our Living Room Our veiw from our kitchen

Sunset views from our balcony

The Big New Job Begins!

Hi Ladies,

Just thought I would write to let you all know that I am officially licensed as Mortgage Associate with Verico Trillian Mortgage here in Grande Prairie. I finished up my course in March and my licensing went through last Thursday. I have been busy catching up on all of the programs and rates and getting myself reaquainted with all of the stuff I missed while on Maternity leave. I've started some different marketing and advertising plans and will hopefully be getting in some business soon. I am soooo excited to start and get my career on the move. If any of you know anyone who will be needing a mortgage in Grande Prairie or Alberta in general, please pass on my info...or if you're looking at getting one and just want some info or to chat give me a call :)

On an non-work related front we are all doing well and have had a very busy spring and summer with lots of travelling (we went to Hawaii, Mexico, Van Island for the retreat and lots of PG trips). Marshall just celebrated his 3rd birthday...which floors me and Lainey will be one in August...I can't believe how quickly they grow up! Marshall is playing soccer which is over on Friday and got his first goal last week which was pretty exciting!! Lainey is moving around and the busiest little girl you have ever seen...I have a feeling that she's going to be a bit of a handful once she's walking as she is curious and just wants to touch and taste everything she can find lol but I am impressed with her sheer determination to explore. And Matt got Chetwynd and Dawson Creek as accounts at work so he has been travelling two days a week which makes my job at home a bit tougher but he is loving the new challenge and it's bringing in more money so I can't complain too much.

The weather here has been AMAZING the last couple of weeks so we have been busy outside and at the park...I decided that I wanted a good tan and as much fun quality time with the kids as possible before I get busy with work, and here you never know what the weather will be like so I'm enjoying it while it's beautiful! And we're finally getting a non dirt filled back yard which is super exciting...I'm tired of dirt so we'll be getting sod in a couple weeks which means we can lounge in the back yard! It's exciting to see it all coming together :)

I included some pics from the Vancouver Island trip and some recent ones of the kids. So that is the big (long) Gina update...hope you are all doing well!! I will post on how the business is going soon!!

Your sister

Gina