Hi Everyone!

Hello Everyone!

I hadn't realized it's been almost a month since I've written. A lot of things have been going on so this'll be a long posting. Once I've got you caught up, I'll be more regular in my posting (and avoid sitting at my computer so long remmembering everything that's happened).

Stampede

Stampede wrapped up on Sunday. Each night they set off fireworks to end the show but I noticed this year it seemed later - I'd be in bed and the noise would wake me up! I went out on Friday to watch them and I'll admit they're pretty impressive. Went down to the grounds on the first Saturday. I was planning to watch the cow herding competition but when I entered the grounds, I had a strange urge to go on the midway. I haven't been on a midway in years and I've got to admit, it was a lot of fun. I only went on 4 rides - they're quite expensive (about $5/ride) After that, I spent 3 hourse in the Stampede Market watching infomercials demos and learning about all sorts of interesting products. It's a weakness of mine - I especially love the food prep demos because although I know I won't eat the vegetables, it seems like such a wonderful idea. I ended up getting a popcorn maker pot. Basically, you heat the oil in the pot and then add the corn. There's a crank that turns a metal blade (which moves the kernals so they don't burn). It's quicker and yummier than microwave popcorn.

I've found that I have a different Stampede experience each year. My first year was rodeo - I went 3 times and learned all about it. My second year was competition - working horse, cow herding, stock dogs. My third year was amusement - a lot of fluff but a much needed day of relaxation and fun.

I also experienced my first Stampede Breakfast. Basically, throughout Stampede, businesses, community group and neighbourhoods put on free breakfasts (pancakes, sausage) for everyone willing to stand in line. I went to the one in Marda Loop and although I felt ill after eating 1/2 a pancake (such a lovely food but my stomache hates them), it was wonderful to sit with other people on straw bales and enjoy a free breakfast. The church also hosted one so I had a day of firsts - first time cooking breakfast sausage, first time preparing a pineapple, first time buying cantelope. It went really well and I think I may buy cantelope again.

Why have I been so busy?

This story goes back several months so some of you may know it. Back in January, Phil pulled me into his office to talk about my future. Basically, he wanted me to consider taking over the sales supervisor position in a couple of year. I told him I would need to think about it. This got me thinking seriously about where I see my life going. I didn't see it going in Phil's direction. (I turned him down last month) I considered all my previous jobs and what I enjoyed about them. The common link was speaking/relating with people, sharing my knowledge, and helping others. I found that I was being drawn toward ministry. I didn't want to make any rash decisions so I spent the spring thinking about this and getting more information. Although I don't feel prepared to go through the disernment process (a year long assessment with the congregation to see if I am suited and, if so, in what type of position). I decided that I should get more schooling. I have decided to attend Alberta Bible College (ABC - I'm not kidding!) in January. They offer a special two year program in Counselling & Ministry. It is an accelerated program designed for adults and offers class once a week and runs throughout the year. It is a BA program and this is achieved by using prior education to meet BA standards. I gave them a copy of my transcript to get an initial idea if I needed more courses and, from their initial assessment, I should only need to take one extra course (in psychology, which can be done through Athabasca Uni). Also, because of its courseload, I would be considered a full time student (which means my tax return should pay for most of the tuition for my 3rd semester. Semesters are 6 months long). I don't want to take on any more debt so I will use a portion of my RRSPs. A government incentive states that you can use your RRSP to pay for education, without penalty, so long as you replace the money within 10 year. I'm setting up an appointment with my financial advisor to figure all this out. I'm really excited and a bit nervous about everything. Rev. Clint is very supportive and he told me he'd be happy to help with any topics that come up in class. I'll give you more details as I know them - if you're interested, their website is www.abc-ca.org

Apartment

As much as I love my apartment, I'm giving it up. Between the leaking, flooding, and construction going on in the neighbourhood (we're likely next to be torn down for infills), it's just not worth having the worry that I'll be evicted with 2 month's notice because it's being bulldozed. I mentioned this to my friend Wendy (from chuch - she's been very supportive of me since I moved out here) and a few weeks ago, she told me about an apartment her friend has. It's a two bedroom basement suite that's right by Walmart/Safeway (I often go to shop in this neighbourhood). It will mean getting a roommate but I'll save over $100/month and pets are ok. The vacancy rate in Calgary is about 1.5% and the prices are getting steep so I was really amazed to hear about this opportunity. Wendy spoke to me on Sunday and told me her friend will hold the apartment for me (my lease runs out at the end of September but I'm willing to take the new apartment early and pay the extra rent - it's worth it in the long run and perhaps I can persuade the management company to refund part of the rent if someone else moves in). They're going to clean it over the next couple weeks and then I'll get a chance to see it. I trust Wendy's judgement - she wouldn't recommend a crappy place. Transit connections are amazing. The upstairs apartment belongs to her friend's mother (an older Greek lady) and they were wanting to find a reliable tenant. I also don't have any problems help out, such as snow shoveling, gardening etc. This savings in rent will really help cover costs for school. I've been praying hard to figure out my finances so maybe this was an answer.

I'm going to miss this place - I put a lot of time and effort (and money) making it look like a home. My flowerbeds are looking beautiful.

Work

With the changes that are going to be happening in the next few months, I don't know if I want to stay for another season. This is my 3rd season working there. In the Spring, it's such a stressful time (and long hours) that I think this will make things difficult with my schooling. As well, there are job openings that I'm qualified for that pay about the same without the extra hours. I won't make my decision until sometime in November. If I do decide to leave, I'll give my two weeks notice at the beginning of December, fly back to Ontario for holidays and start a new job in the new year. I'm not concerned about finding a new job - the job market is booming. I've been having the feeling of change over these past months and I think change would be good. I'll be thinking quite hard about this and will let you know my situation when winter comes.

Other

I'm very excited about Shannon's upcoming visit in September. I booked off time at work so we can do all sorts of things. I love playing tourist!

I also got an e-mail from Corey (my friend I met a Bordon) and she's coming home soon (she's over in Afghanistan). I'm going up for a visit at the end of September.

Lori, Sylvia and I are also going up to Edmonton for the weekend in August. We've booked a suite (the theme is Western) at the Fantasyland Hotel (in West Edmonton Mall), and Sue (who works at the Edmonton office) will join us for a girls' weekend of fun.

Whiskers has been acting nice! I bought some Tasty Twigs (a favourite of Gilberft) and she's willing to hop over to eat them. I've also been able to pet her! Mike's been very demanding. We have a new toy - the laser pointer. He loves it! Gilbert has been loving the watermelon I've been buying lately but he's not a cantelope fan. I need to clean the fish tank more often (Buddy the snail is getting big but he can't keep up with it all).

Anyways, it's bedtime for me!

Karen