Bailey went riding

It seems to be an impossibility but Bailey actually asked to ride Sonny the other day.

This is my little timid girl...wanting to ride a green horse rather than her well broke - well behaved mare.

Interesting hey?

She didn't ride for long but it was long enough for her to realize that as long as you keep yourself in control and don't show your fear then you will be fine.

She even rode IN THE YARD and not in the arena which seems to be the only place she will ride her mare.



So this is a boost for her and one for Sonny. He was very well behaved - even reversing for her when she has no body weight to put behind the request in the saddle. LOL I would say he is coming into himself as a well behaved man.

Carrie

p.s. I know she needs a helmet - now that she is really showing an interest we will go get her one this weekend.

One week under my belt

I made it - at least through the first week.

It was quiet for the most part. Spent the first day in orientation. Then the next two in the file room. They are very behind due to the number of employees...so it has been great for them to have us three new girls there to help them get caught up.

We, meaning myself, Eve and Rhonda (the other two new timekeepers), are doing individual training with the head timekeeper which is great. Eve went down to the live site on Tuesday as she already has her CSTS course (Construction Safety Training System). Rhonda took hers on Tuesday and went to the plant site on Wednesday while I took my course.

I went to the plant site on Thursday and had a blast. I forgot how much fun it was there. So relaxing even when swamped. The guys were all great and very understanding when I got a big flustered and had to figure out where I was in the system (Pat was helping someone else). But I managed.

The computer system so far seems easy - only 4 screens that I really have to worry about. One is to move men from crew to crew. One is to find out what their time was for the day - and to check to see if they have been paid properly. The other is the "employee information" page...you see when they started, payrate etc. The fouth is the paycheque page just in case you have to print off a new stub for them.

Most of the work seems to be straight forward. If a foreman comes in and wants a man moved from his crew to someone elses, you do that. You also help the foremen put in the guys time every day. they do it but you help if they get stuck - mostly getting stuck is forgetting their passwords. LOL

Thursdays seem to be the busiest though as that is paycheque day. All the guys get is just a printed paystub (all direct deposit). So if there are problems, we go into the computer and see if we can figure it out. If we can, then we send a copy of the paystub to payroll for it to be fixed.

So all in all, I think the job will be great.

Doyle's (hubby) work trailer is also only about 10 feet away from the one I will be in so we will be able to see each other throughout the day. He is also going to spoil me compared to some of the other employees I will be with. I have use of his fridge, microwave and he will be stocking up with pepsi for me as well so I won't have to buy it from the vending machine!! Guess it can't hurt to have connections. LOL

Carrie

New day - new job

Well, my first Monday of getting up early didn't start off so well. We had a small power outage on Saturday and I thought I had set my clock right last night - but NOPE - not me. If anything will go wrong and can go wrong - it will - to me. LOL

So I slept in until 6. Supposed to be gone by 6:30 but I have 45 minutes of routine stuff to get done. So I was a little behind.

Melissa had to go to St. Albert this morning and while I got her there - she was 15 minutes late. I then had to go back all the way across the city to get back to my job.

The wildcat strike is still going on so the company I am now working for only has 15% of it's workforce there right now. So at least I am going to get lots of good training instead of "here ya go". LOL

I am working this week from 9:30 - 5:30 - instead of 7 - 5:30. But we are still being paid for the full 10 hr day - which is great.

So tomorrow is another day. Hope it goes as good as this one.

Carrie

Weekend activities at the Ranch

We spent Saturday on fall cleaning. Leaves are turning faster than you can say "boo"...so that makes us want to get all the outside stuff done as well as some inside stuff done quickly.

I cleaned the house on Saturday morning and got a good supper going. My sister and her family (including her MIL and FIL from Nova Scotia) came over for supper. My 2 year old niece is just adorable.

She had to go and see the "baby kitties" and then she had to go "ride the horsey" with Melissa. So up she got on Sonny and round and round the yard she went...first by herself and then with Melissa. I was amazed - she has NEVER been on a horse before - and just wanted to keep going. She even told Melissa - "let's go ride that one now"...and was pointing at Gidget.




On Sunday, I had a webdesign client come over and we worked on his website. Got a few pictures up and made some design choices...so now just a matter of entering text, pictures and pedigrees and we will be good to go.

It was also a weekend of "steel toed boot" wearing. I did really well - wearing them for 6 hours on Saturday and 7 hours on Sunday...and NO blisters.

Carrie

YIPPEE - I'M DONE

Friday was a nice day - both weather wise and work wise.

I had a lot on my plate to get finished before my job was completely finished though. Got ALMOST everything done that was on my "to do" list so I was happy with how I left.

But, of course, not all can go smooth.

As we were leaving the office, Amber went to lock the front door for me and BROKE IT. Well, almost. LOL the latch at the bottom of the door dropped too soon and the door was stuck. Took 3 social workers and one admin (me) to fix the problem.

We then all headed out to the Bullpen Sports Bar for an evening of drinks and gossip.

It was a very nice way to end my sojourn at that job.

Carrie

Heavenly Angels

On Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 2 pm, Semi Sweet Doc (AQHA chestnut mare) and Copy Roan Bar (AQHA red roan mare) and Odie (unkwown pedigreed dog) crossed over the rainbow bridge.

All three went extremely peacefully...for which I will be forever grateful.

Semi was my "pretty lady". She was also my "grain pig". She will never be forgotten for her toughness in the face of adversity - and she faced lots this year (go back to the earliest posts of my blog to see her injury). Her whinny everytime you went outside was just so joyful - and made my heart sing everytime - even though I knew it was more because that meant she was getting grain - but it still was a beautiful sound.



Copy, my "copper kettle" as I called her. My poor old lady. She lived the life of a queen here. I never asked of her more than she was willing to give. She also had a lot of firsts under my ownership - she wore blankets in the winter. Had her halter changed to a nice one from a ratty old thing. She also got to feel what a brush felt like at times. she also lived her last 3 summers WITHOUT a foal at side - got to be just a horse - not an incubator.




And little man Odie. What can I say. He was a cool old dog. 12 years old when we inherited him along with the purchase of our farm. He taught our dogs how to protect the property, how to accept all the CATS with dignity. And was always the first to meet my parent when they came for a visit - even if he was deafer than a doornail for anyone or anything else.



All three were buried together on the hill out back - friends forever.

I have spent the last couple days in quiet contemplation. Looking out the windows at the horses...walking amongst them just patting and hugging those that will allow.

I know I did what was best for all three of my cherished friends...and while it will be hard for a long time to go out and not see them...I know I can go out to their grave and talk to them.

Carrie

2nd last day

at my old job was today.

It was a relief to go in and not have anything "up in the air"...no "nastiness" to deal with about anything.

It was pretty relaxed which was perfect after yesterday.

We had a "good-bye potluck" lunch for me...and people I hadn't worked with for a long time came...it was a great time.

And I got a fantastic going away gift...something I never expected. Montana Silver Horse shoe earrings. they are beautiful.

Then I got the story behind them.

Apparently, Betty Ann and STacey sent Amber out to buy me a gift. Told her to go to Cole's Western Wear...and to buy me SPURS AND A WHIP. Poor Amber!!! She said "absolutely not" as she blushed. But off she trotted and picked out these stunning little earrings.

Everyone was very pleased. And then the question started "Does Carrie have pierced ears?" Can you believe that after 2 1/2 years, no one knew for sure. It was "I think so"..."maybe not"..."can't see her ears because of her long hair". Connie's comment was the funniest though, she said "well, the rest of us do so why wouldn't she". LOL

In any event, I do have pierced ears. Just never wear anything other than my little diamond studs. Guess now that I have these I will switch them out every once in a while. They definately won't just sit on my dresser with my belt buckle I got for christmas (that is actually very nice - i just don't wear belts). LOL

Carrie

UH OH - strike???

I have been a little concerned this week with my new job.

There is a "wild cat" strike going on with all the trades here. And one of the job sites affected and one of the companies affected is where I am supposed to be on Monday.

After calling the HR department on Tuesday, I finally got a response today on what I am to do on Monday.

I am to report to work at 9:30 - not 7. And work until 5 - not 5:30. At least on Monday. They will assess the situation for tuesday at that time.

Apparently the workers have been told to GET BACK TO WORK.

I hope things work out...otherwise I am in a bit of a spot for finances. EEPS

Carrie

Wednesday Woes

Wednesday dawned dark and dismal. Forecast called for cold and rain for most of the day. My first though on hearing that on the radio before I got up was "typical".

After the kids went off to school, I played on the computer for a bit...then got BUSY on the house. And it just sparkled by noon. I did the kitchen, family room, living room, dishes, cleaned the fridge and the stove.

And all to keep myself busy so I wouldn't mope while waiting for the vet to arrive at 1.

Doyle came home early from work and my girlfriend Sharon came over so I would have some support.

The backhoe arrived at noon and went to work.

At 1, the vet arrived and she did a thorough exam on Lucky - who was scheduled to get her teeth done. Vet determined that there was nothing we could do for her teeth. Suggested a mush grain diet for her and just hay in the winter for "something to do". Vet also determined that her overall health is fantastic for her age (31 years old).

Then it was on to Sonny (black gelding that I have for sale). He needed his teeth done as well. Vet really liked him and his personality.

then it was on to the rough stuff. We went into the stall with Semi and Copy and they were given a small shot of tranq. Then it was Odie's turn (our old man dog).

We lead them out to the pasture (after getting a couple pictures of the old girls). Both were good on their final walk. They went very peacefully over the rainbow bridge. We stayed with them for a little while and talked about them with the vet - told her their life stories...the good and bad parts that we knew. And she cried a little bit with us.

We went back to the barn where Odie was slowly slipping away. The vet helped him cross over too. It was extremely peaceful for him as well.

It was a very hard day for us all...but we know it was for the best. All three of these loved pets were here until they showed us that they just couldn't be anymore. And I think we gave them the best there was to be right to the end.

We will never forget them!!!

Carrie

Friends and Foes

The internet sure has a lot of great uses. It helps bring people together...is great for information gathering too.

But sometimes, it can hurt.

It is easy to remain anonymous in everything you do online. If you have enough "online personas"...you can do and say anything you like...to anyone you like...with no one the wiser.

I think those that do that are some of the nastiest people on earth.

If you are not "human" enough to do it up front and personal...then there is something wrong with you. If you are doing something that would not "make your momma proud"...there is something wrong with you.

In this day and age of all the violence, at home and abroad, you would think that people would try to be more humane - nice - to others.

Maybe I am just not very realistic in my thinking. I am definately not a "church goer" but sure preach to my kids and to friends "do unto others as you would have done unto you".

Karma is a bitch and sooner or later it will get us all for things.

Carrie

New website

Well, it is up and running.

http://www.acutaboveperformancehorses.com

Many thanks to Paige for helping edit things - even stuff I have had wrong for a couple years. OOPS

And even more thanks to Belinda for helping with the background and for making my cool logo.

I will be playing with that to get some business cards made and putting it on some stationary.

Carrie

V Day

is tomorrow.

The Vet will be here at 1 pm.

She is scheduled to do Sonny and Lucky's teeth and then put Semi and Copy down.

Backhoe will be here at noon to dig the hole.

We have decided to bury the girls next to India - my 2 year old that broke her leg 2 years ago. I picked out a couple nice big rocks to be moved over there as well...Doyle figures he will be able to move them on the weekend after we get the graves leveled a bit better.

My girlfriend Sharon is going to come over so I have some emotional support during all this. Doyle will be at work and the younger two kids will be at school. Melissa isn't sure if she can handle this so I would imagine she will be inside the house or will take Skeena out for a good ride during all this.

I will be taking a pile of pics tomorrow of these two wonderful old horses.

Carrie

New job and boots

Well, I went and completed one more part of my new job today.

Had to go and do a D&A Test (drug and alcohol). Didn't take very long and was absolutely painless. And was passed with flying colors.

I also took my boots back and got a new pair. Couldn't find anything smaller than a ladies 5 so will have to do with that. But these ones are a little wider so no more pain in the toes and the heel portion is built different so even with my huge blisters, I can wear these.

I also found "heel guard" things that you would normally put in the back of a ladies dress pump shoe and will try those if I need them.

Carrie

Finally some video

After trying to get video uploaded here at Blogger for over a week...I gave up and went to Youtube.

While it did finally load - it took 45 minutes - and completely shut me out of every other internet thing I could possibly do. LOL

And all for an EIGHTEEN SECOND video.

But here it is in all it's glory.

It is of Hyde and Dale working one cow.



Now to hope this works.

Carrie

New website

Well, as I can't get any response from my website host company as to what the problem is with my website (can't upload any changes), I am very quickly building a new site.

New name is "A Cut Above Performance Horses".

I have played with 4 or 5 different ideas and keep coming back to the same basic layout - which isn't good. Paige calls it my "default". LOL

I really need to take some courses and learn how to make graphics and backgrounds.

Many thanks to Belinda for making my logo. It is great.

Carrie

One almost gone - one almost here

Times are a changing.

I have 2 days left at my old job. They are having a pot-luck lunch on Thursday for me and have invited people from the other offices that I worked with. This, if the other ones are anything to go by, will be a "speech and gift" thing. And then, on Friday, a few of us are heading out to the bar for a bit of a bash - more relaxed and only those closest to me coming.

I have said good-bye to some of my co-workers as I won't be seeing them and that was hard enough one on one - I can't imagine saying good bye to a bunch at a time.

While there are parts of my job that I definately won't miss at all, it will be a week of needing kleenex for sure.

Less than a week to go for the start of my new job. Haven't been told what time to arrive for my orientation but expecting that anyday...if I haven't heard by Thursday, I will call them. Am a little nervous but also excited.

Have been getting the kids used to doing things on their own in the morning as well as myself - up at 5:45 today. By Friday I will be up at 5 am - YUCK. Not a nice thing that's for sure.

Carrie

Halfway to Heaven

Well, we have one part of "d-day" done. I have booked the backhoe for Wed am to come and dig Semi's grave.

Now to call the vet to come as well.

This is alot harder than I thought even though I know it is for the best.

Semi has been such a love the last few days.

I turned her out into the pasture with the other horses on the weekend and bring her in in the am and pm for her grain. This morning she was waiting at the gate. She is such a sweet old lady.

I will really miss her

Carrie

Sonny's success

Sonny has been "working" his "fat off" for 2 weeks now.



Melissa has been riding him. She has gotten over her nerves on him once she realized that if she gave him shit for being a jerk, he would cave and be a good boy.

They have graduated from lunging and then riding in the arena at a walk and a trot...to doing the basics (circles and reverses) in the arena and then heading out on the roads for a mini trail ride.

Melissa even braved our "circle" which is actually a rectangle. LOL It is a 2 mile long by 1 mile wide circuit around our roads here. And one mile of it is a major highway. Sonny apparently acted scared of absolutely everything - the hay bales that could be hiding a moose - the trees that may reach out and grab him - and the long grass the is harboring horse eating gophers.

She said he was hilarous. But never balked once she asked him to go past all this scary stuff.

She took him part way tonight and she said he was fine with everything.

I am sooo proud of my black man. He will make someone a great little horse with some more miles on him.

Carrie

Boots and Blisters

Well, in getting ready for my new job, Doyle found me a pair of steel toed work boots. I have worn them off and on for a couple of days with yesterday being a long day in them - at least 5 hours - which is nothing when you think that I will be working a 10 hr day or so.

This morning I paid for it big time. Didn't realize it until I put the boots back on...but I have BLISTERS on the backs of my ankles. Right where the top of your running shoes would hit.

I tried everything I had at hand here at home. Thicker padded socks...bandaids under the socks. Nothing helped.

I didn't realize you could be that sore.

When the boots were on - I couldn't even pick my feet up off the floor and FORGET ABOUT WALKING. That was a stiff kneed - pick the feet straight up and down - frankenstien walk if I ever had one.

Doyle came home early from work and we tried everything with the boots themselves. Switched insoles...longer laces so we could tighten them up more (thinking that if they were tighter my feet wouldn't slid in the boots). No go. I couldn't even handle the boots on by this time.

So the next plan of action is to go and try on different brands and styles of boots tomorrow night with Doyle. Maybe we can find one that will work better. And maybe fit better. Doyle figures the ones I have are too big.

I have "itty bitty" feet. Normally wear a girl's 3 1/2 runner but buy a 4 1/2 to get my wide and high arches in them. These boots are a 5 in ladies and we think are just too large...lol So we will try a smaller pair tomorrow.

Carrie

Travelling man

Dale has been taking Hyde on field trips.

He has made one trip to Claresholm to a clinic. It was a day trip so he could get used to being away from home. She said he was a very good boy...and she even used him as a turn back horse for one rider.

The next trip was just this past Sunday. It was a competition in which her assistant was showing. Dale used Hyde to pony her show horse - just to show him it was okay to be doing that kind of work. She said he never batted an eyelash.

Then it happened - Hyde showed some SPUNK AND ATTITUDE. Dale thought she would take him for a little tour of the place and was out in a green belt. There was a group of mares and Hyde started talking. Well, that is just not allowed so he got in trouble. Normally he stops right away...but not this time. So he got in even more trouble and he rebelled.

Going so far as to REAR STRAIGHT UP and almost over backwards. Needless to say Dale was stunned and furious with him...and he got a huge tune-up.

I am glad it happened when he wasn't showing!!!

Carrie

Fun times

Melissa and I went down to Dale's on Monday to see the boys. We got there early so got to watch Dale work a 3 year old futurity horse. That was neat neat neat. She had to correct him a lot for his head placement to start with but after she really got after him he was awesome to watch.

Then it was on to the boys. She grabbed up Hyde first (her assistant had warmed him up)...and it was off to the round pen.

All FRESH cattle too.

She has gone back to the basics with him as we had been pushing him a bit to see if he could possibly do a futurity class but he just isn't there yet - mentally or trained to that level.

He worked really well...was very attentive and only had to be told a couple times to add some new stuff in to the program. He is very good at rating the cows and moves off them on his own. And man is that boy fast. A couple times I thought he was going to jump right out from under Dale. His turn arounds are very speedy too.




After Dale was done working him...I asked if I could sit on him. Her response "of course, he is your horse". So I up got and she gave me a couple pointers...and then said "I am going to go get Gunner...you have fun". And off she went to the barn.

Hyde and I felt each other out for a few minutes and then it was off to the races. Not literally of course. But we did some reversing, some big circles, some really tight ones...then some trotting - he is either really rough - or I can't ride anymore. More than likely I just can't ride. LOL I also felt comfortable enough to lope. Probably on the wrong lead but we did it.



In watching the video - he sure isn't as comfortable under me as he is with Dale. So I have a lot of work to do.

When Dale got back, she said "sit on Hyde in the middle of the round pen and I will work Gunner around you.

That was interesting - especially considering the first cow she let in came right up and sniffed Hyde's nose. The thought going through my brain was "OMG - I CAN'T RIDE HIM IF HE JUMPS TO CATCH THE COW". Dale called to me and said "put your hand on his neck infront of the saddle pad and he will know to stay still and not work the cow". As soon as I did that, he relaxed. What a cool feeling.

Gunner went to work - rating cows and doing some turn backs. I think that little man is faster than Hyde. But he is funny to watch. He sits on his hind end and pops around the turns...looks like a small rear. But he sure is interested.




And Dale is sooo keen on them both it makes it worth the big cheque every month.

After all was said and done with Gunner, Dale told me to move the cow out of the round pen with Hyde. I laughed nervously. She said "keep your rein really loose and your hand really high and Hyde will know that he is just to push the cow and not work the cow." She then told me what to do with my legs etc. to keep him in position. I sure will learn a lot from her over the next year.




We moved the cows out and Dale asked me if I was going to open the gate. I said not this time - my sidepassing knowledge is very limited so we spent the next 5 minutes learning that. She said that it would be my turn next time.

I then got to ride Gunner back to the barn and around the barn yard. He sure is a little guy but very responsive.



I can hardly wait to go back again.

Carrie

New doctor for myself

I have gone back to my old chiropractor in Red Deer. It is a little bit of a drive - just over 1 1/2 hours one way. But boy am I ever glad.

I saw him for the first time on our first day of vacation and felt great for almost 3 weeks. That in itself is amazing as I normally don't get more than 2 days of relief.

He took a bunch of x-rays (low back, hip and shoulder) to compare them with the results from the people I was seeing in Edmonton.

On Sunday, Melissa and I drove down and saw him. He showed me my x-ray and said there is a little bit of change from the x-rays he took of me 5 years ago but nothing major. Just mostly muscle damage from things never being put back properly.

So he did another major adjustment and I was pretty sore but we were spending the night at a hotel and we made sure it had a hottub. So spent a good hour in it and got loosened up.

Saw him again on Monday and he said things are feeling a bit better joint wise but still not great muscle wise.

He told me to "get active" and I would start feeling better. But it would take a while - maybe a year or so - but I would SURVIVE. I am soo thankful I went back to him.

Carrie

Sizes of the youngsters

Before I turned everyone out after getting their feet done, I thought I would get measurements of everyone.

Now these have to be taken with a grain of salt as they were standing outside on the grass and were not caught. LOL

I am also going to add in Hyde and Gunner as I consider them part of my youngsters (their measurements were takne on the cement).

Hyde - 14 hh at the withers - no hip measurement (he is 3)
Gidget - 13.2 at the withers - 13.3 at the hip (she is 2)
Dusty - 14 at the withers - 14.1 at the hip (she is 2)
Gunner - 13.1 at the withers - no hip measurement (he is 2)
Paris - 14 at the withers - 14.2 at the hip (she is a yearling)
Molson - 12.1 at the withers - 12.3 at the hip (he is a yearling)

What a difference in everyone hey?

Carrie

Long weekend

The long weekend dawned bright and sunny - thank goodness.

Doyle and the kids took off early for Doyle's mom's. They took the new trailer and the quads.

I stayed home and did horse stuff.

Farrier showed on time and we did up all the horses. It was great. We did them all outside for the first time...and besides a couple jumps...everyone was really well behaved.

i also managed to get everyone wormed.

After the farrier left, I headed into town and picked up Melissa and we went and did the "school lunch" shopping.

Bought alarm clocks for Shayne and Bailey because once I start my new job they will be on their own to get up and off to school.

Melissa and I watched a movie on Saturday night and then headed to bed.

Carrie

Vet visit and hard decisions

After getting off the phone with the farrier, it was time to go and let the horses go...also time to load up Semi into the trailer to take her to the clinic for her ultrasound to see if she was FINALLY in foal.

Took 3 of us to load her - she is definately back to normal. And then we were off.

Got into the clinic. Talked to Dr. Doyle...the vet who looked after Semi's chest injury. She asked how she was doing. I told her about her face problem and she said they would look at that for me too.

Once I got her inside the clinic and into the stocks, Dr. Doyle did some visual and motor type tests on her and determined that it was not a stroke but some nerve damage to her face. She said it may or may not reverse itself...and that there was nothing that could be done for her to help her out.

The other vet did the ultrasound and found NOTHING. No baby. But also NO problems. She did a very thorough repro ultrasound - even compared the size of her uterine cyst from what it was like 2 years ago when the AI'd Semi for me to have Molson...and it hadn't changed. So no reason that they could see that she wasn't in foal.

When they told me that, I told them that I would probably be putting Semi down due to all her issues. They then did a small but, again very thorough, physical exam - checked her legs (knees, hocks, fetlocks) and said the arthritis would probably really start bothering her. Her knees are the worst. They also said her teeth are horrid (which I knew) but not to the extent that they shouldn't be done again.

So we made the decision that we would be putting her down.

I am still looking for someone with a backhoe to come dig her final resting place and then will make the appointment. Copy, my red roan mare, who is not doing well either (and is medically unmanageable) will be put down with Semi.

Friends forever.

Carrie

Farriers and frustrations

Got up the morning of August 27 and waited patiently for the farrier to arrive.

Had moved Semi into the barn the night before and let the big group meander into her pasture - which they did happily - so that everyone was easily caught and brought into the barn for him.

By 9:30 I had made my first phone call - had to leave a message. Called him again at 10:45 and left yet another message.

At 11:50, he called back and he said "Did we have an appointment???"

I said - umm...yup. We made it after the last time you cancelled on me...with very short notice. You gave me the date and time.

He said - sorry...I forgot to write you in my book. So can we do another day?

My response was that I could only do next monday which is the holiday and I know you don't work weekends. He said that he would come on Saturday for me cause he felt bad. Then he proceeded to tell me that his rates had gone up - to $40 a trim.

Now my frustrations with all this is - he is a great farrier. But turning into not so great of a business man.

I have a very hard time getting farriers out here because I live "in the middle of no where" according to most of them. I am 35 miles to the nearest city. But only 2 miles off one of the major highways in the province.

I don't get it. I pay whatever the farrier asks for because I know I am over a barrel.

I know I will keep waiting and waiting for him - and paying his ever increasing rates - but what else can I do???

Carrie

Back to work

Well, it was back to the daily grind after our vacation. And what a couple of weeks it was.

The other Admin took her days off that she had accumulated while I was away plus a vacation day so that left me holding down the fort for 5 days. During that time, I went on a job interview for Bantrel Construction.

They do "oilsands" construction...building oil and gas refineries.

It was a very interesting interview. Very short and to the point. I then went home and stewed about it over the weekend.

Finally, called them on Tuesday as they had said I would know either way by Monday afternoon if I had gotten the job.

Turns out that their HR department in another city was to let me know. They finally did after they found out that I had not received the OFFER PACKAGE.

So I am off to another job starting the 17th of September. While exciting it is also scary. I hate the "new" part of a new position. But never seem to have problems acclimatizing myself.

It will be an interesting position in any event. The job is at the Petro-Canada refinery where Doyle (hubby) works and we will be seeing quite a lot of each other as apparently, our working trailers are within a 5 minute walk from each other. Not sure exactly whether that is a good or a bad thing. LOL

The job is temp - until mid summer 2008 - with a possibility of being asked to go along to the next build.

So we shall see.

Carrie