life after it all

My father leaves tonight for Newfoundland.  I'm excited to get some personal space back again, but the reality is hitting me that I will be living on my own.  I've never lived without roommates before.  and while dad and I have been irritating each other th past 5 days, the thought of being alone in the apt a lot is a little scarey/sad.

I still don't know anyone here.  I'm hoping to meet up with a friend of a friend this week and I will explore Whyte Ave next weekend.  But otherwise, I have my tv to keep me company.  Thankfully, I love tv.  And more and more reality shows are starting up this month.  However, the writers strike looks like it might be over, so I wonder - will shows like the new Temptation Island actually air? (Oh how I miss temptation island).

So people, come visit.  Yes its cold.  But Edmonton appears nice.  And I have space.  And I live downtown - close to everything.  And the Cult is coming in april.  And Tom Petty in August.

Lets come visit Rian, shall we? 

I have arrived.  And I'm settled enough to write about it.

I arrived last thursday morning and before the end of the day I had my apt.  I visited 4 places on the first day and the first place I visited was the best.  I signed my lease and had my keys by Friday afternoon.  The flat is great.  Its a Studio  (which is different than a bachelor because a studio has a seperate kitchen).  Everything is included in the rent - heat, light, power. I just pay the internet, phone and cable.  Its got new carpets and countertops.  And its smack downtown.  I am a 15 minute walk to work at the most.  I guess I'll find out on Friday.

I have shopped endlessly at Ikea.  I love the colors I have in the apt - all oranges, reds and greens.  Very bright - just the way I like it.  I have a double bed and a futon.  I am sleeping on the futon right now while my dad is here.  He leaves on Sunday night and honestly, I'm starting to look forward to having my own space.  I bought a more expensive tv than I wanted too, but I can now say I am the owner of a Sharp flat screen, HD panel tv.  It goes nicely with the cable package I got (also more than I hoped, but I get History and A and E, so its worth it).

The big news here in Edmonton is the weather.  Holy CRAP!  It was good the first few days I was here, but starting Sunday the temps dropped like a hot potato.  Its been below -25 for three days straight and at times the windchill has been -50.  Yes. This is rare, I've been told.  I sure hope so.  Once dad leaves, I will be carless and will be bussing and walking my way around town.

Today we head to the WEst Edmonton Mall.  I'm super excited because I can buy something for me and not the apt.  Not that I have a whole lot of money left.  But I do need shoes.  Black heels to make myself more "provocative" on my first day of work.  (Rachel from Friends would suggest this is the best way to make a great first impression when your boss is a male).

So it may have taken me months to do, but I believe I have resonably caught up on my uploading of pics to flickr.  The last bunch form Cape Town went up this morning.  All thats left are some pics from over Xmas.  And I can tell you I am glad.  Altho I consider myself sufficently over him and Cape Town to sometimes think about some of the better times I had there (SOMETIMES), going back over pics was a little hard.  Thats why I didn't spend too much time cleaning them up in photoshop.  But its done.  Finally.

The enormity of what I'm about to do hit me as I woke up this morning.  I am moving to Edmonton on Thursday.  The past week and a bit I've been excited and caught up in the quest to find an apt.  But this morning I have woken up with a more zen quality about the quest and a more nervous feeling about the whole move in general.  While I'm sure....no positive....that I will do just fine in Edmonton, as my Internist said to me on Friday, "If I had to go through what you went through this past year and then face another unknown like moving to Edmonton, I wouldn't be gaining weight either."  I think that may have been the phrase which is only taking hold right now.  While I've settled that I've come through a very harsh and emotionally/physically exhausting year, I think I looked at this move as simply a fresh start with new energy and the potential to make everything alright in my life.  But while that may be so, I guess I kind of forgot that moving anywhere, especially alone, is frightening and scarey.  I know this.  I've moved ALONE to Cape Town and Calgary before.  And I'm now remembering how scarey the lead up was and the first week alone.  Thankfully my first week will be buffered by having my father there.  But still, the impact of what I'm about to do it hitting home.  It makes me realize what a strong person I am in my life and I've accomplished so much that so many could only dream and I'm about to embark on another journey that some people are to scared to even begin.

So I guess what I'm saying is that while I am trembling at the gates of a new life, I am proud of who is standing there.

Today was my second last day of retail work.  It was inventory day and I was matched up with Danielle - super cool blond chick who kicked inventory ass with me today (and moaned with me when our good will was abused).  But after inventory a few of us work friends were to go out and have a drink or two - including the super cool Linda.  However we are having a storm today.  so while inventory went ahead (albeit cut short because of said storm), drinks could not.  Argh.  I was irritated with the abuse of mine and Danielle's good will and then to have a glass of wine snatched out form under my nose!?  I was put into a bad mood which is staying with me still. 

And the storm hasn't really started - but boy oh boy is there a lot down.  Wait until the wind starts!

But Alberta doesn't have storms really.  Just occasional snow (which stays because its so cold in the winter).  So I should be somewhat happy about the no more snow.  Except I will miss the snow days.  :(

I think I'm also going to have some trouble finding a place to live in Edmonton.  At least in the area I want to live in.  I want Whyte Ave (82nd Ave) area and I'm reluctant to take much less.  Its close to work (close enough to walk in the summer).  And its in a very boho area which Bevin calls Obs-ish/Gardens (ENOUGH with the Cape Town references people!!!).

And I think I may be coming down with a cold.  I've been working with the above mentioned super cool Danielle for a few days and she dying.  I thought I could aviod it, but as I was coming home from work I just felt it.  You know what I mean.  Ugh.  Cold FX here I come.

So I'm also still packing.  I have one bag packed and some clothes picked out for the second (of three).  I'm super excited. 

Yea!

I had a very well informing and long over due chat with a friend this evening who grew up in Edmonton.  It was so great to hear her voice and even better to hear someone say "Edmonton is a nice place".  While I had no real doubts about Edmonton, it was nice to hear someone say it.  Shes given me tips on where I might want to live (actually just comfirmed where I want to live) and has told me I will have people there.  It made me smile.

On a related note, I looked at a rental application in Edmonton.  Holy crap!  I get that this is perhaps normal, but still, rental history, references and financial info!  I'm going to get on the ball about places now via email.  I really want to move in the last of the month!

And I had a sobering experience last night with a friend. A male friend.  I'm astonished at how men can treat their females friends so badly.  Well, badly might be over stating it.  Or maybe I just have high expectations.  I except my male friends to treat me like I'm there sister.  Which to mean means being nice and the occasional complement.  And for the most part, I get that.  And in some cases, I get a lot more - which makes me greatful of those males friends.  And while I advocate that men and women can be just friends, I also am practical and see that theres always the possibility of something else between male and female friends.    For this reason, I advocate positive flirting between male and female friends so as to keep the relationship smooth (cause I also find male female relationships can become dull otherwise).  Flirting involves completments and not saying things that will piss the other person off.  And it doesn't indicate something other than friendship.  Sigh.  How come some men can't understand this? 

I don't make new friends easily.  On my own, that is.  I am socially awkward and I rely on other people to help me meet people.  So this move to Edmonton is slightly daunting considering the only people I know in Edmonton are:

Bevins parents
Heather Shapka

Since I don't plan on doing much interacting with Bevins parents and Heather is a student at U and A, I think I'm pretty much alone.  This doesn't scare me as much as one might think, I'm actually looking forward to some Rian time on an intense level (I need to do some reading, writing and some "get to know yourself" things - NOT THOSE things).

However, Paul (whom i don't really know) has made a very good point about people of my species.  not the female species.  Not even the Canadian species, but the Newfie species.  We are fun to have around.  No one has ever complained about my company and in fact, I know a few non-Newfies who actually love my company. 

I don't know who reads this blog, besides Kathy and Sherrie, but if your looking for a token Newfie up in Edmonton, I just might be it.