Things I'll Miss...

Well, its a given that I'm going to miss my friends and family very much. Especially Jeremy for the 4 and half months that we'll be apart. But I think that it will be a good thing for the both of us to grow on our own. Its going to be painful, but in the end I'm sure it will only make us stronger.


About Calgary:

1. That time of year, when winter FINALLY ends and spring is just a hint away, you can feel it in the air, you can feel it in everyone's attitude. To me, it's the best time of year. (Although, the Autumn we're having right now is amazingingly beautiful!!!, haven't seen one this nice in a long time. I was watching a little girl the other day making a pile of leaves and jumping in it. How innocent and carefree is that?!)

2. The yearly ritual. I won't be here for those things that mark a Calgarian's calendar and make the year go by a little faster, the festivals that make you think, "wow, is it that time of year already?".
Gay Pride week, however pathetic it may be in Calgary, Stampede, Carrifest, Jazz Fest (I never get a chance to go!), Marda Gras day in Marda Loop, etc...

3. Traffic's not so bad here compared to other places, we just take it for granted.

4. The feeling of home. I always sing that song from a long time ago on Channels 2&7...

"Makes no difference where I go, you're the best home town I know, hello Calgary, hello Calgary, Channels 2&7 love you!!)

I always replace the Channels 2&7 with Dean Estrella instead.



About Chapters:

I've been with this company for over 5 years and of course there's been complaints along the way, but I have to admit that I don't have any regrets working there.

1. The customers.

The good ones who really appreciate your help and walk away happy and in turn make me happy. The bad ones, those really bitchy, complaining, yelling bastards that really make your day hell, if it weren't for them I wouldn't have any excitement at my work. The stupid ones that ask the most idiotic questions, they just make me laugh.

A little old lady by the name of Mavis Joseph has been one of my customers for the whole time I've been working with Chapters. I used to provide her with her monthly subscription to "Science of Mind" magazine. When I moved to Chinook, she kind of moved there as well, she lived nearby and would come in almost every day. She would always have something thoughtful to say. She almost made me cry on my second last day at work, when I told her I was leaving. If you're reading this Mrs. Joseph... thank-you for being you.

2. The staff.

At Macleod trail there was a sense of family. I knew what was going on in everyone's lives and we all helped each other out. I loved the fact that every time someone would quit there'd be a farewell party at some nearby pub where the servers knew our faces. I was actually at a going away party for a couple old Macleod staff just a little bit ago and its amazing how many people come, even if they've quit a long time ago, they find out about these things and and join in the old fun.

At Chinook, the management team was great. We all worked together so well and knew how each other functioned. We could ask each other a question and know the answer by facial expressions, we would use the facial expressions because we didn't want other staff to see the answers. We would finish each others sentences because we were all on the same page. I'll miss how when I would want to change something around, Tracey and I would walk through my section and come up with these HUGE plans to change everything. I learned to become a great manager while working there.

3. The knowledge.

Ok, its well known that I don't read a lot books, I NEVER used to read at all. I used to bug Lillian how she read too much. I've taken up reading as a small hobby, I try to read a novel or a biography every now and then. I've bought lots and lots of books in my Chapters days. I've probably read about 15% of them. One day... hopefully, I can proudly say I've read them all!

I'll miss the fact that I know about books, it makes me feel important I guess. I'm kinda like an avid reader poser. I pretend to be very well read, but in reality I can only tell you titles and authors of books and maybe a tiny blurb about what they're about. I love the fact that I can see someone on the bus with a book and not fully see the cover and know what they're reading. It kind of gives me some kind of information about that person... "oh they're they like those kind of books".

When people used to pick up books at work, I wouldn't always be able to give a reccomendation because I hadn't read it, but what would happen all the time would be..."Oh... I own that book, but I haven't read it yet, but I'm hoping its really good."

4. The leadership.

I'll miss being the guy that people go to with questions. I love having control of things and seeing plans implemented. Being able to help out when I can. Being able to motivate staff and take them under my wing and see them change. I think that some of my favorite staff were the ones that caused me the most grief, but deep down you know they're good people so you put that little extra effort into helping them out.

Other things:

1. My music!!! I'm used to having my 600 or so CD's at my fingertips whenever I want to listen to a specific song to fit my specific mood. Music is my companion for good and bad times. Well... I've been working very hard this last week trying to fit as many songs onto MP3 CD's, but I can only do so many. I think I'm going to narrow it down to 12 CD's, and that will hold about 1100 songs. Its not the same though. I'm also not going to be able to buy very many CD's when I'm away either because I won't have room for them. I guess I'll buy really important ones that I come accross, like some Live Stevie Wonder album that's like some rare collector's edition (doubtful I'd ever find that, but you get the point)

2. A permanent residence. I'm not too fond about living out of a backpack for a long period of time, but I should really be complaining since I'm the one travelling.

3. Tap water.

4. Mom's cooking.

5. Western toilets.

6. English!!!