Week 20 - Work, Calgarian sites and 'A True Canadian'

I can't believe that Christmas is this close. Time seems to be flying by. When people said the year here would go quickly, they weren't kidding.

This week was slightly more eventful for me as I started work! Ahhh, to be back in the work force felt good. Monday I arose early with Pete and leisurely got myself ready for work. When I had dressed acceptably (sadly track pants were not going to cut it), and had applied make up (I had to look good for the kiddies) I walked to work. That's right ... walked. I have never had a job where I could walk to work. Once I arrived, I was introduced to the team (who were all lovely bar one) and got straight into it. My job title is an assistant. This means I clean (toys, tables etc), take kiddies to the washroom (toilet for us kiwis), play with the kids and help the teachers any way I can. As only my boss knew of my teaching background, I was asked by a colleague who had showed me the ropes if I was overwhelmed. I said nope. I revealed I was a teacher and she commented with a surprised look on her face that this would be a piece of cake then. It wasn't a piece of cake, but it was definitely easier than teaching. I worked 8:30 - 1:30 and then made my way home.

Tuesday was another work day except I started at 1:30 and worked til 4. The day went smoothly and I was asked to help out the next day for the kids Christmas performance. I gotta say, I love this part time business. That evening I had sewing. For this class I was finishing up a jacket I have been making for a while. I expected it to be a piece of cake, but it took a little longer than expected. Let's just say that buttons look great but the process of getting button holes and buttons on the jacket are slightly tricky.

Wednesday I walked to work (love, love, love that I can do this by the way) to arrive at 8:30. The concert started at 9, and I was not expecting it to be a difficult day. It wasn't as all I had to do was help the kids make a photo frame (with their parents help) and generally make myself known. I'm glad I was working though as I developed a huge respect for the teacher I assist. Her heart is so in the job and she loves the kids. It was so touching to see her thank the parents for sharing their kids with her. I left work at 12 and made my way home.

Thursday and Friday were days unlike others. Thursday night we went late night shopping to find a secret Santa gift. We selected a Disney Alice In Wonderland mug which was a favorite.

Friday night was a young adults event that involved eating, socializing and pressies. We played the secret Santa game where you selected a number and picked a pressie from under the tree. You un-wrapped it and then had the opportunity to steal anothers present if you weren't satisfied with your pick. I selected a candle and I was completely happy with that. Pete got a box full of kinder surprises. He was stoked too. The evening was a late one, but one we thoroughly enjoyed.

A snap shot of the Christmas from outside. The picture was one you would see on a movie.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny, so after spending time in bed doing a devotional together (something I love) we got ourselves ready to spend some time at the Heritage Park experiencing Christmas there. We arrived to a full car park. As the weather was bright, Pete donned his customary singlet and shorts. He received several comments. While waiting in line, we were asked if we wanted to go in as a 4 to get half price off our tickets. I think you can imagine our response. "Heck yes" was my response to be precise. The park was the same park we went to when we first arrived in Calgary. We went into a huge house to sit in front of an open fire and sing carols (magical) and entered shops selling wares from yester years. Pete picked up a wood plain which he was thrilled about. We then grabbed an apple cider and a coffee and sat basking in the beauty of the people and the park.

Pete in his 'Canadian attire.'

Awesome fires around seating outside.

Beautiful Edwardian house.

Snap shot of the river that surrounds the park. I think it was partly frozen.

I had the best seat. I think you can see my knee in this shot.

Pete and his plain. He was over the moon with this.

We arrived home to have a couple of hours to toy with before we had to embark on our trip to Pete's work party. John (Pete's boss) had given us the option of having a room for the night or $100 for a taxi. We opted for the room and I am so glad we did. John didn't talk the place up, but I was thoroughly impressed. The place was newly renovated and was so cool to stay at. We arrived to have a few drinks in Pete's colleagues (Shayden) room, then made our way downstairs to a buffet and a comedy show. It was one of the best Christmas parties I had been to. The food was awesome and the comedy show, though at times crass, was really funny. We then made our way to Shayden's room for more drinks, snacks and chit chat. We departed at 1am for our room.

A snap shot of us ready to head out. Pete scrubbed up really good.

The shower was massive and so something we are going to have in the place we build when we get back to NZ. Except ours will have a shower head at both ends.

The room with the bed un-made.

Sunday we slept in. We then decided to go to a diner that we had gone to when we first arrived in Calgary but had not been to since. The wait was on again, but the line moved quickly. We were not disappointed with the meal. After breakfast, we made our way to a couple of shops and then made our way home. As I wanted to pick up a pressie for Pete and visit my special place (the library), I headed out on my own while Pete watched DVDs he had picked up a local thrift store. I loved getting out and about by myself. After arriving home, we settled in for a quiet night in front of the box. I had picked up a Hallmark movie at the library (a Christmas one of course), so we were set for the night.

Me enjoying a hot choc.

My spunky monkey ready to devour his meal.

My first eggs benedict since arriving in Canada.

And that sums up another fun filled week here in Canada. It really feels like home now. Pete has been told 3 times now that he is a true Canadian as he does not dress for the conditions. He then opens his mouth and says "Yep, all the way from New Zealand." So I guess we are locals, well, up until the part where we open our mouths to speak.