It's all downhill from here... ?

It's finally September!

In fact, it's already over half through--that is a very comforting thought. I knew if I could just make it to September, I could make it to October... then November, then I could finally leave this place behind knowing I stuck it out regardless!

This summer was unfortunately, well not a favourite of mine. Very high stress, lonely, and frustrating to say the least.

As it gets colder things change around here; changes I welcome! On August 31st we had our first snowfall (see pic) and it got me pretty excited! We had a few chilly weeks, with snow all over the mountains, and I found my new snowboarding jacket that I can't wait to put into action. I've been saving all of my pennies for my perspective 2009 goals; moving to Vancouver.

I've been advised that worrying is the opposite of faith, you can't practice both at the same time, one is evidently more positive than the other and either can make or break you! Not saying I've stopped worrying about everything completely, but I'm able to (more often than I used to) sit back and tell myself that worrying is not going to get me anywhere, especially worrying about the future. That being said, even though I do not have a place to live or a job opportunity for Vancouver in January, I'm not about to worry about it just yet. The plan is to be financially stable enough once I get there, that in case I DON'T have a job waiting for me, I'll be able to at least survive for a few months on money I've saved this fall alone. Of course, I'm not sure I could mentally go a week without working or being employed, and I also don't think I'd have too much trouble finding someone who would hire me.

Vancouver is in my future because David has moved there, and by that time it will have been just about a year that him and I have lived in separate provinces, working at a long distance relationship. As confident as I am that we've done VERY well over these past 7 long months so far, it would be very nice for once to be able to take a city bus or a nice walk to my boyfriends house, whenever we wanted. I believe I've more than proved to myself, and anyone else who cares (mom), that I CAN be independent, not having to rely on someone else to make/keep me happy or financially stable.

All that being said--this fall is going to be FUN! Snow is in this week's forecast, as well as a quick 4 day vacation to Vancouver :) This will be my very first time on the pacific coast and I do not doubt for one minute that I will be just as glued to the plane/bus window as I was when I flew into Calgary 7 months ago!! Possibly even more excited than then, since not only are their mountains in Van, but also the ocean, big bridges, and a gorgeous city (one thing I find myself craving most these days--a city).

When I come back here at the end of the week, it will again be just over another week until I get to fly home for Thanksgiving, where I will be able to spend ample amount of time with my family and with David's!

Quickly after thanksgiving, when I fly back to Banff, I will be then looking forward to the arrival of my Dad at the end of October! As short as a visit it will be, it will be a seasonal highlight for me. Then, I have 10 days off in November that will be spent again in Vancouver... then a few more weeks of work here at the Springs, then DONE! And home for Christmas.

That sure is a lot to look forward to--not to mention snowboarding and the like!

Sorry this was so long but there was much to say!

Until next time,
missing and loving always,

Alison

It gets tough

more and more... every day it seems.

Right now I'm working 6 days a week, 8 hours a day, up at 5 every morning to make my 6am shift. The hotel's numbers are very high right now, so our numbers for breakfast in the morning are also very high. I say good morning and ask approximate 500-700 people a morning, what their last name is. On top of just being the door hostess, there are a million other things that I have to take care of that I didn't quite expect to be part of the job description--but its okay.

I'm continuously being challenged day to day with this position, some days being more durable than others. I'm making a whole lot of mistakes, but working very hard to only make them once. Since our shifts start so early in the morning, its very likely for colleagues to not always show up on time or even miss a shift (which in the Fairmont world, is incredibly unacceptable). Therefore, it is my responsibility to document them accordingly. This is one thing I'm trying to get used to, its not incredibly easy to remember who is where doing what and how and when they should stop... who didn't show, who's missing, are they on a suspension now or not? Especially once breakfast starts, because its very difficult for me to leave the door--in fact I'm not really supposed to.

However, like I said, I'm learning and really doing my absolute best.

There are so many outside circumstances that will sometimes distract me from remembering certain things, or even just the stress and business of the restaurant can deter me from following through with something. It's HARD to keep up with everything, when you have to focus on colleague audits, performance reviews, personal development interviews etc... and when you have 600 guests coming through the door all wanting a window table, and then your 25 colleagues all want or need to leave early because of this and that.

Some people I work with can be discouraging, especially when it seems the only things they see me doing are the mistakes I'm making. How does that motivate me at all to want to stick around? I would rather positive recognition, than negative. Ah well.

The pretty pictures are of the surrounding area: One night there was a storm and the sky looked pretty awesome... The river is an sweet colour... Lake Minnewanka is nice around dusk... And Norquay looks so snow barren, HOLY MOLY I can not wait for it to be COVERED.

It's been awhile...

WOWWWW.

Has it really been over 2 months since I last posted?? How very un-awesome of me!

I do apologize! I know my few readers have contacted me and asked me whats up, and why i haven't been posting--I can attribute most of it, to life stress in general haha.

How about a brief update to get us all caught up!

Since the end of May, I've continued with my new position as Door Supervisor, it becoming ever so difficult and challenging along the way. I flew home for a week at the end of June, and flew back in tears and heartache over leaving home/David. I almost made the decision to stay in Banff for only a month longer, at least until David visited me one more time (which we had planned to be for the end of July). Every day was a teary one, and not very good for blog writing to say the least!

My good highschool friend Kendra had moved with her boyfriend Brett, to Calgary during this time, and we've gotten together and visited a few times since. She is a blessing in my life--we're quite opposite in some areas, personality wise, yet, we've seem to grown into thinking on the same level in terms of life morals, and dreams and goals for ourselves. We're both over the partying and irresponsibility, we both want to focus on our relationships and our current/future careers. I'm really thankful for her and stoked she lives in Calgary now!

I've also acquired some new dreams and goals for myself over the past few months: I can't stop thinking about being a flight attendant for WestJet, and how beneficial it would be for me and where I am in my life right now!

Let's look at the pro's:

• I would live in Calgary, rather then Banff (which I have unfortunately grown to dislike very much this summer, due to all of the raging party kids who I happen to have absolutely nothing in common with--for the most part), which is amazing because I need a city again! Calgary is a growing community with hard workers and a minimal party scene--unless you're looking for it.
• I would still be independently living out west, but have the opportunity to experience other cities all over North America at no cost.
• I'm not the most stable of people, and I think being a flight attendant isn't the most stable career--hopping around from city to city and never working with the same person twice (at least not often)!
• I could fly home to see my family at no cost
  
• I could fly to Vancouver to be with David at no cost
• I could fly my family/friends out here, at a minimal cost
  
• I would be working with people, and serving people--one of my passions.
  

I believe I am fully capable of being one of their best employees. However, I know that in order to get this current dream job of mine, I need to put my time in at the Fairmont and finish up with them on good terms. Sure, almost everyday I want to pack up and leave, go home and/or follow David around... but that is the easy/irresponsible/short-term-pleasure way. I know that if I want what my heart REALLY wants for myself in the future, then honoring my contracts, and continuing to get through this challenge without quitting, is the only way to go.

I mentioned earlier that David will be in Vancouver--it's true, he's moving there at the end of August to take part in a college program for cinematography. His passions are filming and snowboarding, so he really doesn't need to be anywhere BUT Vancouver I think! I'm happy that he'll technically only be just over an hour away... by plane.

I'll leave you now with the link to my Dad's new blog, 'Finding Freedom'. Take a look and bookmark it, cause I guarantee it will only be beneficial to your life!

tonyten.blogspot.com

Oh, and that's a picture (kind of dark) of me hard at work!

Back in action...

Hi there.

So I haven't been updating lately because I've been in the process of potentially receiving a new position at the BVG within the hotel, and I was wary of writing about it in case it didn't all follow through! However, I officially got the position and started last Friday.

So now (after only being here for 3 months) I'm the newest Door Host Supervisor (there are 3 of us) at the Bow Valley Grill. I stand at the entrance of the restaurant, and I greet the guests and take their name and information (for billing purposes...). I pass the guest off to one of the many host's that I have under my supervision (the original position i started as here!) and they proceed to take them to a table!

The main focuses of my position are to A) control the flow of the restaurant; for example if i were to let more tables in then the servers, bartender, then kitchen, could handle, then that is not controlling the flow... For breakfast that doesn't really matter because we don't take reservations, but for lunch, dinner and brunch, it's reservation only. I can take walk ins, but I have to be wary of how much the server's can handle!

My second focus is B) my staff; signing them in and out, conducting PDI's (personal development interviews) auditing their performance, and keeping their work level up to standard. I'm obviously there for them as well and answer as many of their questions as I can.

So far so good, I'm really enjoying the position (and wearing a suit to work!), I fully believe it's meant for me right now because I'm confident with the leadership and extra little responsibility.

Anyway, David FINALLY came back this past weekend (after almost 2 months!) and we had FUN!! We went to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise... and took fun fun pictures! Actually, the picture at the top of my blog of the mountains backing the title, are from Moraine Lake! So it was cool to see, even though it was rainy and cloudy.... So David only stayed for 3 days but, it was really really nice. The pic's posted are from this weekend!

I'll be back soon...

I'm still here I promise!

Alright... so the few of you who read this, will already know that I have been deciding whether or not to stay here a few months longer than intended, in order to have an opportunity for a supervisor position here at the hotel, at the restaurant I already work in.

Here is the deal--the position has opened, and all of my management have approached me, telling me that they want me to apply and that they think I would be a great candidate. I met with the manager of my restaurant yesterday, to go over specifics, and he told me that it WOULDN'T be another 6 month contract, it wouldn't be on a signed contract at all--however if I were to leave before 6 months I could be screwing them over and he may not give me a good reference in the future... haha. Also, it is an incredible opportunity for career advancement working in the hospitality industry, and as a team leader. Apparently my name has come up a FEW times from many people in meetings and what not, talking about this position. He finished with saying, "I'm looking forward to seeing your application".

So what it comes down to now is me applying, which I am going to do! I've decided that this IS a great opportunity for me, especially because I've only been employed here for 2 months and they are offering this to me. It ultimately means that yes, I will be here for longer than I had originally intended, but it will be for the better in the end. Other things that are also incredibly important to me, will work out, if God wills it. Time to have some faith!

In other news, it snowed here ALL DAY yesterday!! I swear we got 20 cm. And it's May??! Also, the power in all of Banff/Canmore/Lake Louise went out at 12am until 9am last night. Chaos!! Exciting though :)

The next week ahead of me is going to be extremely exhausting, because I am working at 6:15am and 6:30 pm every day, for the next 4 days, then on tuesday and wednesday I am working mornings at Quiksilver, and evenings at the Fairmont. UGH.

Mom--look out for something in the mail for you!

Dad--you too!

Love and miss everyone!

2 Months In...

Well, more than 2 months I've been here now actually... which means, 4 more months to go! Seems like a really long time to me.

I've had more and more mini-revelations since I've been here... just things that are either new to me, or things that confirm things I have previously wondered about, concerning myself.

Anyway, over the past 2 days I've worked 10 hour days... 5 hours in the morning downtown at Quiksilver, and then 5 hours in the evening at the hotel. The past 2 evenings, I hostessed at the Fairmont Pub called the Waldhaus Pub, which is maybe a quarter of the size of the Bow Valley Grill, the restaurant I usually work in (the Waldhaus is located apart from the hotel, behind it, right before the golfcourse, right on the river). The Waldhaus just recently opened, for it IS a seasonal pub. Their hostess hasn't started working yet, so they needed some help. I took to it quickly, and it was a nice change of scenery. Wonderful little Bavarian styled, old looking pub house, with quite the view, and lots of elk just wandering around the hills/golf course surrounding it.

I'm really enjoying my new roommate, she's a super nice and bubbly girl who is really excited about everything haha. I really have realized, that as social as I am, and as much as I love people and love working with them, there isn't a lot of girls who are a lot like me. Just in terms of likes and dislikes even... add morals and beliefs in there too. I think I like that though, I'm glad to be one of a kind. Hopefully someone special thinks that about me already and thinks I'm worth holding on to... sigh.

Anyway, a LOT of new staff are arriving, because a lot of university students (a heck of a lot of them are coming from the UofG, surprise surprise) are obviously done for the summer, and will be on 4 month contracts out here. That being said, it's a major reason why more so in the summer, Banff is a KNOWN "party town". Yet another reason I've found, why I'm not sure I will fit in here 100% this summer... I'm not a university party girl. Lots of people already have had completely surprised looks on their faces when I tell them I go out and 'party' only once or twice a month... As if that is even POSSIBLE??!?! Of course I love to have a good time, however, while I'm out here, if im going to spend my money on something, I want it to be on exploring this place as much as possible, and enjoying my surroundings. If i want to have drinks and dance, I can do that anywhere in the world. I have yet to find many people who ACTUALLY share that mentality with me... ah well.

I'm sure I could go on... maybe I am just a little bitter this evening...

Till next time...

Love alison

harrooo

(that is 'Hello' in the japanese accent)

Sooo I just thought I would update again...

I forgot to mention in my last blog, some recognition that I've been getting at my Fairmont job.

There is this thing called a "Bravogram", which is a written letter of recognition given to you by a supervisor or fellow employee, who believes you've done a good job. So far this week I have received TWO of those, for doing a great job on Expo (my new position) and for always smiling and having a great attitude. Then LAST night, I received a "Service Plus" award, which is worth $5 to the in-hotel 'convenience' store. I was given that for going over and above and helping out, doing something that wasn't necessarily my job.

Yesterday I picked up some new headphones for my ipod. I haven't had working headphones for aWHILE now, so I haven't been able to listen to loud music, with good quality audio, which has been bugging me SO much! There is not much I love more than good quality audio, especially when its a good song :)

So then I took it upon myself, after work last night, to sit myself at the most inconspicuous piano in the hotel, where no one could really hear me, and teach myself some songs I have been wanting to be able to play for awhile now. I successfully learned "A Song to Sing" by Hanson... which none of you will know is a BEAUTIFUL piano only song. I was happy about that.

This weekend we FINALLY have some warmer weather, I have to work later this evening, but I think today I will play some more piano (it's located in a room called the 'conservatory', which is kind of a sun room'ish place, overlooking the side/back of the hotel property... quite beautiful if you ask me!), and then perhaps watch "Sharkwater", a documentary on sharks that I just downloaded.

Anyway, until next time!

Love Alison

Little promotion :)

Update tiiiiime!

Alright so, I'm completely aware that it's +20 degrees over in Ontario and surrounding area these days, however, Banff on the other hand has had about 50 cm of snow in the past 3 days... and its negative 12'ish today!! I'm actually not too stoked, because, if I had a little more spending money, it would be nice to be able to go snowboarding with all of this snow... case is, I DON'T have the extra money, and I'm working too much anyhow!

This past week I worked around 30 hours at Quiksilver (store downtown), because they needed some extra help, so I pitched in extra hours here and there! I haven't had a day off for 2 weeks now, because any day that I DO have off, from the Fairmont, I will be working downtown. This past friday and saturday I worked doubles.. totalling 10-11 hours each day. I'm not too stressed about it though! I've enjoyed working a little more, and I KNOW I will enjoy my paychecks as well (but not too much dad... haha).

So, I was kind of promoted at the Fairmont! And when I say 'kind of', it's a definite kind of haha. Meaning, 'mini'. I'm still working at the Bow Valley Grill, but instead of hostessing in the mornings, I am expo'ing in the evenings! Which means, I start at 4:30 and usually work until 10:30. We're open for dinner from 6 until 9, its by reservation only, and instead of a buffet like breakfast, its all 'A La Carte' or, for those who don't speak french, 'Off the menu' hahaha. SOooooo, this position requires me to communicate with the chef's and the servers, and serve the entree's to their appropriate tables. I REEEEALLY enjoy it, because its pretty much the next step to serving, and I get to look at the dishes! And holy moly, I feel like I'm IN the food network when I see the prepared dishes. I didn't really realize until i started this position, how much of a fine dining restaurant I'm working in. Made me pretty excited! I almost want to take pictures of the dishes, haha so that I can show you guys.

On another note, I have ANOTHER new roommate, because the one I had before got a bigger room that she was on a waiting list for. This new girl is from Mississauga, she is my age, and her name is Elyssa! She is also working in the Bow Valley Grill, like me, and is hostessing. I was worried at first, before i was promoted to expo, that it could be weird living AND working with the same person, but, thats obviously not the case now since I will be on nights, and she will be on mornings! However, we've clicked right away, and I think our relationship over the summer looks promising :) She goes to Western in London, so she will be leaving here around the same time as myself!

Anyway, i have some stuff to take care of before work, I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things, but I will try to update sooner than later!

Love and miss everyone

Alison :)

Spring is a comin!

Hi again.

So this past weekend, as I already told a few of you, it was a high of 16-18 degrees C. It felt pretty awesome to walk down the street in flipflops, but still have the opportunity to go snowboarding if i wanted to! It helped me to really enjoy this place, and kind of gave me a view of what this summer could be like... I'm pretty excited. I've decided that I'm going to pick up a longboard and use it as much as possible!

So, being Banff, after the beautiful weekend, it absolutely PUKED snow all day Monday. However, it was incredibly beautiful. The only camera i have is the one on my phone, as soon as I was finished work, i took a walk out back and got some little pictures. (click on the pictures to make them bigger/see more detail)

It was gorgeous because the clouds were so low, you couldn't see any of the mountains, but just their shadows... Everything was black and white!
It wasn't cold, it was about +5.

Out back behind the hotel, there is a hotel pub called the Waldhaus, and the golf course, and the Bow Falls. I'd never been back there to see any of it, so i thought yesterday would be a nice day to do so.

This week I am just working lots, and thats about it!

Speaking of work, I should get going.

Take care
love alison

finally an update

hi hi.

I suppose I've been a bit distracted over the past week or so, starting my second job and settling into my new room, and David was also here for the past 6 days--which were all wonderful. I was very sad to see him go today.

On Saturday he arrived in the morning with his mom and sister, and we took a little trip to Norquay to go riding for a few hours, which was awesome because it wasn't too busy, and it was great to see some of his family again. We went out for dinner afterwards, and then Rebecca and his mom drove back to Calgary.

On Sunday I had to work early until about 12noon, so David went back to Norquay to spend some time in the park while I was at work. We met up later on, got some groceries (chicken specifically!) and had some dinner.

On Monday we got up early and took the 45 minute bus ride to Lake Louise, to go riding for the day (since I had 2 free lift tickets, and I'd never been there before). It was SO beautiful there, and there are so many options as to where to ride... since there are like 3 mountains to choose from. Here are some quick pics.

I think the day at Louise took a lot out of me, because I wasn't feeling so hot on Tuesday after working early in the morning. That day I hooked David up with my friend Scotty, who had asked me a few weeks ago if David could do some filming of his riding, and perhaps throw together a little video for him to send off to some potential sponsors. I was glad it worked out, since I had to work most of Tuesday and wanted to make sure David was busy doing something while I worked. They hiked backcountry at Sunshine, and ended up having a nice time.

Wednesday I felt sick still and was a little bummed about it, but I only ended up working just over an hour.

Today is Thursday, and David flew to Whistler to visit some friends and enter the 72 Hour film festival that is going on there, with a friend. I was more sad that usual to see him go.

Oh and mom, I have a picture for you... This guy was just taking a leisurely walk on the sidewalk in front of the hotel... this is a normal sight...

Well tomorrow I have to work at 6:15am, so I'm going to get to bed now.

I'll try to update more often, hope there are still some people reading!

Miss everyone a lot.

Love Alison.

new celly, new numba!

I'm definitely feeling a little more 'at home' now.

I went to Telus, and set up a brand new plan, thats actually under my name! I was worried that I would have to put a large credit deposit down, because of my past history with Rogers, and would therefore have to use my fathers credit card then pay him back (thanks for being there in case dad!), but THANKFULLY, Telus just put a spending cap on my monthly bill! Which actually works out really well for me, because it will force me to keep an eye on my bill.

I decided to go with an LG Shine, a newer phone that is getting really great reviews, and SHOULD outlast my 3 year contract. I also bought a 3 year full warranty for it, so that it's 100% covered free of charge, if anything at all happens to it.

Soooo, if anyone feels like sending me a text, send it to 403 763 8449!

There's also a pretty decent camera on this phone... for example...

This is a picture of Spray Ave, my building is to the right, on the other side of the trees (you can't see it) and a part of the Fairmont is on the left.

David is coming again this Saturday, with his mom and sister, who will be here visiting for a day... I'm pretty excited about that!! I think the plan is to do some snowboarding, and then dinner at my restaurant in the fairmont... we'll see.

Well bedtime for me... work early tomorrow morning

I'm still here

Yikes... lots of stress this week.

I'm phoneless, but trying to set up a landline... Turns out I got impatient and ordered a line, but we only have one phone jack, which the internet is already set up to. All i need is one of those double jack thingy's... my old roommate had one.

Thursday when i get paid, I'll be getting a new cell phone. So hopefully I'll be able to contact anyyyyone!!

I had my first shift at quiksilver tonight, and that was definitely nothing special, since I worked at west49 for so long... should be some good extra money for a few months. I'll probably only work there until June.

I really miss everyone... I know im just being a big baby but, i do miss everyone

oh by the way, here are some phone shots of some mountain goats just hanging out on the side of the road on the drive to Sunshine the other day...

a little update

I suppose I haven't written for a week or so... sorry about that!

I've been going through getting my paycheck sorted, moving into a new room with a new roommate, and working out a new job...

My new room/roommate is pretty sweet, her name is Candace, she is 25, aaand happens to be a lesbian... however, i've been told she's really respectful in terms of straight people, like she wouldn't try to hit on me or anything haha. She's nice. & keep the place looking clean and tidy, and its chill. She works in Banquets.

I'll be starting at Quiksilver next week... the hotel is VERY slow this week and next, but I've been told it will pick up by May. I don't mind having a bit of a break before it starts to get real busy.

David and his mom AND sister are coming to visit me next saturday!! We're going to do a day of riding, then dinner possibly, then if i get the next day off as well, David and I are going to drive back to Calgary saturday evening, stay at his cousins maybe, and then explore Calgary on the Sunday! That would be AWESOME.

I went riding with my friend Sandrine from Montreal yesterday at Sunshine Village, which is always a nice treat, it's such a beautiful place. AND is open until My 19th! Tonight I went to Norquay by myself... it was the last night of the season there. I've been feeling pretty confident about my riding, and am therefore excited for next year already.

Anyway I'm glad things are settling a little better for me this week, I appreciate everyone's cares and prayers! Keep 'em comin.

Love alison.

job # 2!

Met with some nice people at Quiksilver today, their company is actually a WHOLE lot more laid back than I had expected, they're very business oriented BUT, more so people oriented, since the clothing pretty much just sells itself...

They really liked me and I'll be going back on Monday afternoon to fill out the necessary paperwork, and then start workin!

It's REAL busy this weekend here in Banff, especially at the Fairmont, because it's Easter weekend etc... we have a brunch going on tomorrow that right now is at 1300 people... yiiiikes.

I ran into a familiar face today downtown, a girl that goes by the name of Jenna Kahle (one of Hilary's highschool girlfriends)! Haha it was hilarious and awesome to see her, we exchanged numbers and its good to know I have another source of support around here, just incase of an emergency etc.

For now I'm going to go back to my room (which is internet-less) and have a sleep, and then im meeting up with the other staff of quiksilver at the store because they're having a little get-together which they invited me to!

I'm a tad lonely this weekend, it being Easter and being 'kicked out' of my original room, and not being with my family... so don't hesitate to email/text/call/facebook... pleeeease!!

love love love

holy moly

So I've officially moved out of the original room I had, with a girl named Dana.

Last night she flipped on me, accusing me of doing all of these inconsiderate and disrespectful things, since day one that I moved in..... :|

As far as IIIIII knew, we were getting along pretty great... she hadn't had a problem with me, we were sharing both of our stuff, even though she was becoming a tad hard to deal with... but i dealt with it anyhow.

Last night when I was trying to go to sleep, she had her laptop with her in her bed (which is right across from mine) and was watching a movie, and refused to turn it down when I (actually) politely asked her to, and reminded her that I had to work early in the morning... She responded with, "well maybe you should have thought about that the other day when you and David were watching a movie on HIS laptop on YOUR bed, and I could hardly even hear my tv"..... i almost laughed.

Lots of little things like that were said, from me 'locking' her out the other night (because she left without saying anything about where she was going or if she had her keys or not...david and i were meeting some of his friends for some drinks downtown, so I locked the door behind me, after calling her and not getting a response)... so of course it was my fault when she didn't have her keys and couldn't get inside... ahhhh well.

Now im on my own, staying in an 'overflow' room until they find me a new roommate... even though, Dana is on a 5 day suspension right now and is most likely going to get fired soon, says a lot of people. Thankfully i am sneaking an internet connection right now!

I have to work later this evening, and tomorrow morning/lunch, and sunday morning/evening... which is good for hours, and grats, and also because HR screwed up my paycheck and i wont' be able to be paid now until at least tuesday when the banks re-open. Darn.

Anyway, i REALLY have to nap...

I'll be back soon with hopefully a more positive update

Internet is dowwwwn

Temporarily, at my place... It's being fixed though.

Right now I'm downtown with my laptop at an internet studio. It's not too expensive.

Just wanted to update whoever reads this that David's visit was WONderful, I was sad to see him go, but I am just that much more excited for his next visit.

Also some good news, I have an interview at Quiksilver on Saturday, which is a LOT earlier than I had expected! I was told I probably wouldn't hear back from them for a few weeks... Having that job would be very sweet.

Things around my place are getting interesting to say the least, haha, trivial drama is so easy to laugh about these days though. If only people would choose to be content with some things and take some RESPONSIBILITY for their actions and mistakes! Looks like even I have come a long way...

David's 2nd Visit

David got here Sunday afternoon, and it almost felt as if he'd never left!

So far we've had some cute adventures... Yesterday we took a walk to what people call "Surprise Corner", which brings you alongside the Bow River to a beautiful view of the Fairmont. We had a little photoshoot and got some great shots.

I've decided to take the route that apparently a lot of fairmont employees take, which is finding a second job downtown. With my extensive retail experience I've figured it wouldn't be too difficult for me to obtain this, NOT to mention evvvverywhere in Banff is hiring. The only problem people have, is finding an affordable place to live, if anywhere.

So a Quiksilver store just opened a week or so ago, and I went in and talked to a manager, later brought in my resume and filled out an application... Of course we got a long really well, which for me I think is a given because I'm a very easy person to get a long with and am not at all shy! :) They're definitely looking for part-timers, which is exactly what I want--up to 3 shifts a week or so.

I think it would be a pretty awesome opportunity; it would give me a reason to get out of my apartment and go downtown after I'm done work at the fairmont, it would engage me with a different crowd and more people, and it would balance out my work in terms of working in an extremely professional environment/restaurant, and then also in a more laid back/relaxed "easier" environment. Also would provide me with a paycheque to save, and one to spend. I'm really hoping this works out.

Tonight David and I may meet up with his friends Kyle and Lindsay from Canmore for a few drinks. Then he goes home tomorrow :(

ps... I got season one of Dexter in the mail?

Norquay

The only place to ride at night around here, is on Friday night, at Norquay.

This hill is visible from downtown Banff, and therefore downtown Banff is visible from the top of Norquay. There is only run lift open, but it's okay because they have their park open, and a nice straight run.

I took a few photos with my phone (my only camera source right now...) because the view IS quite spectacular.

This first photo you'll see Rundle Mountain, and downtown Banff below...

The second one, is the same mountain, yet there is a storm cloud hitting it, making it hard to see--was cool to watch this cloud pass by though! Just full of snow.

I had a really good night of riding, I hit a flat/down box, slamming both of my knees off of it my first try (resulting in some nice swelling/bruises today), but then tried it more times and got comfortable with it.

Stoked on progressing and hitting a bigger box next time!

TOMORROW DAVID COMES... and i can NOT wait. holy moly.

I bought a whole whack of groceries today, a definite step towards growth and independence, $80+.... yikes. Today I'm cleaning my apartment--actually stripping it down and wiping everything with cleaners. Then maybe some laundry... could be a good idea.

I did end up having a cute little birthday.

Myself and 4 other girls had some dinner and drinks at the Rose&Crown downtown Banff, and they even had a cake brought in before I got there so that our waitress could bring it out later! Everyone in the place ended up singing happy birthday to me :)

Because I had to work early today (6:15am) I was glad to have been home early last night so that I could get some decent sleep.

Tomorrow I'm working again, then snowboarding at Norquay at night.

Saturday--nothing planned.

Sunday-- a REALLY long day of work with the worst supervisor ever, but then I'll get to come home to David being there! Glad to have something to look forward to.

22... the age no one reeeally cares about!

Last night, around 10pm mountain time, I received a fair amount of text messages from some ontarioans, wishing me a happy birthday, since technically I was already 22 there! So, my roommate and one of her friends decided to do a little 'pre' birthday surprise... they improvised, and sang happy birthday to me with a plate of chocolate icing covered marshmellows, with one candle sticking sideways out of it, a bottle of red wine and a big daisy :)

it was mildly hysterical, but very sweet and made me really happy :)

Tonight a bunch of us are going to a place downtown called the Rose&Crown for a few drinks and maybe some snacks. I have to work early early the next morning so, definitely nothing extravagant. I'm hoping that everyone show's up.

It's been an alright day today, best part was probably eating some deli sliced chicken and roast beef and cheese at lunch (free!) because i don't think i've had much meat or cheese since I've been out here.... chicken ONCE, I think, but that's it.

David is coming for 3 nights this Sunday. That will be soooo so so awesome. I kind of miss him horribly. Being as insecure as I am, AAAND on the other side of the country, trust me... it's been hard adjusting.

I would just like to make a quick shout out to BECKY for sending me the cutest card todayyyy!! Thanks beck, that was super sweet of you... :) Mom, Dad and Hilary, I know you've sent me something but I've yet to receive it so I will let you know when I do!

Hope to hear from anyone... as per usual...

Love Alison

Sunshine Village!

Today was sweet because I only worked until 10am, and then I had previously made plans to snowboard at Sunshine Village with some girls who work with me.

This one girl, Sandy, is from Montreal and has a VERY strong accent, and seems to still be learning english haha. She's really nice, and has a car here, always a convenient thing. The drive to Sunshine was only about 15 minutes, and it was REALLY nice out today. Warm sun, warm wind. Made the snow a bit sticky but, it was still lovely.

The girls I went with aren't very experienced,like myself, so they just stayed on an easy hill while i went on a little more difficult one. That was good because I was able to go at my own pace and take whichever way I wanted.

The ski out, completely made my entire stay here so far. For those who may not know what that means (mom), its the run that takes you to the very bottom of the hill, which is about a 15 minute ride. It was beautiful, in and out of trees with the sun shining, and just really chill. I met the girls at the bottom, they took the gondola down.

So tomorrow is my first day off that I've had in awhile, I'm excited to sleep in, even though if i wake up at 9, that will still be sleeping in haha. I don't have any plans. Then wednesday happens to be my birthday, and I have a Food&Beverage orientation at 9:30, then myself and some others that i have met are going to get together around 7ish for a drink or 2 and some snacks downtown.


By the way, in this last picture here, if you look closely you can see the Fairmont sittin in those trees!! At the top of the tree line, and the bottom of the mountain. This was taken with my phone, haha, from the highway. (Click on the picture to make it bigger)

Keep in touch...

Love Alison

Friday

Wasn't too bad of a day!

Minus the fact that my morning supervisor whom I had never previously worked with, was actually a power hungry army general who got incredibly stressed as soon as there were 2 parties waiting for a table and would snap her fingers at me... She needs a new job.

However, I joined my new friend Mike on a little drive to Canmore, got TIM HORTONS (which i haven't been able to do since I left Toronto almost 2 weeks ago...) and I WON a free coffee. Then he invited me to join him and some others to go night riding at Norquay, which I was extremely excited for, since I hadn't rode for almost a week and a half because of my chipped tailbone.

Friday at Norquay is the only place you can ride really at night, since the hills are just so huge. Therefore there was only one run open, well 2 including park. The park is awesome because it has super baby boxes and rails and tiny jumps (for riders like myself!) and lots of other obstacles for the more experienced... haha. It took a few runs to get my confidence level back up (I've been scared to go fast from fear of falling on my tail), but once I did I had a great time. Needless to say it was a successful night of riding. Not to mention, on the drive up Mt Norquay, there were some elk just chilling on the road... no big deal I guess... (???)

From the top of the lift you can see all of Banff, and the Fairmont, it was pretty beautiful. It was 11 degrees yesterday, blue skies, so nice...

I'm feeling a tad more comfortable now that I've made a few friends.

Today I'm tired and a bit sore, I'm going to watch Lost and probably relax.
Oh and I also got audited for REAL today, and I got perfect! I've being told I'm doing a great job. Good to know.

Would love to hear from anyone!

Love alison

First mistake!

Ugh. My 5:15am alarm didn't go off this morning... not stoked! However, I called in and got dressed as soon as possible, made my way over and worked the rest of my shift. Since they have pretty high standards here, it did get recorded, but no one was too angry--everyone knows it happens to everyone.

From now on I will be setting TWO alarms! Just to make sure.

So far, I've been teary every day since David has left... I just really miss home, and being around people I know. It's just taking some time.

I had a nice chat with a co-worker this morning, Matthew, who is from England and has quite the proper accent as well. Through chatting we found out we are both equally obsessed with Hanson! Which is hilarious, because he is 28. He has all the cd's, dvd's, books, calenders... Amazing. He proceeded to tell me that I will get used to it after awhile, being out here... and that if I'm ever teary or lonely, I can join him and his girlfriend at their place for 'tea and scones'. Haha... awesome.

I forgot to mention before, that last week at a little 'Host' meeting we had, involving about 10-15 people, we had fake audits done by our supervisors just to see where we stood. I was the newest hostess there, but I had the second best audit and won a bottle of white Fairmont branded wine! Pretty stoked on that.

Anyway, hope today pans out better than it started!

miss everyone

love alison

Another little update...

So, this evening I took a little trip downtown Banff, with the intention of figuring out some cell phone business, butttt radio shack was closed....ah well.

I bought this book that was recommended to me by a co-worker, called 'Twilight' by Stephenie Meyer... hoping for it to be awesome! It wasn't too expensive, so I figured a book would be a good investment for out here.

Tomorrow i have an all day hotel orientation that i DO get paid for (!!!), then i am working wednesday and thursday morning... then i have to wait for the next schedule to come!

As for now, I think I'll throw on some O.C. season 4 dvd's.... who doesn't love the O.C.??!

By the way, I DO have a personal mailing address here (for those who want to send me a 'lil something something! pweeeease.... :) :) )

its,

Alison Tenwesteneind
Box 5000, 405 Spray Ave, Suite 516
Banff Alberta
T1L 1J9

Hope to hear from, anyyyyyone!

<3

Video update!

While David was here he got some footage of some exploring we did around Banff... It's pretty cute, he did a nice job putting it together! Click on the link and enjoy!

Video of me in Banff!

Surviving

Today I said a sad farewell to David.

It's his birthday tomorrow, so today we went up Mt. Sulphur on the Banff Gondola, and it was incredibly mind blowing! I got some pictures developed and I put them in a nice little picture frame for him, so that he doesn't forget about me :) (not that he will!)

I'm feeling pretty lonely and mildly uncomfortable being here, but I have been advised that I should give myself some slack, and that it's normal to feel the way I'm feeling, in this kind of situation!

I've yet to meet anyone that I can see myself developing a solid friend relationship with, but hopefully that person will come into my life out here sooner than later.

It really is beautiful here, even still every time I walk outside from being inside, I'm taken aback by the mountains surrounding me. I'm excited to make some money, and buy some SWEET CLOTHING!! (just kidding mom, dad... :)

My actual job is pretty intense. I start at 6:45 am, working the breakfast shift. I have to greet each party using their last name, welcoming them back if they've 'dined' here before, or if not, I have to take them on a small buffet tour, explaining each station. I'm pretty sure I have it down pat already... then I have to place the serviettes on the guests' lap. We have black ones for guests that are wearing black pants, so that the white ones don't leave white lint on them. Craziness.

Tonight I think I'll clean up my place a bit, watch Across the Universe, and have some hot chocolate or something. I don't have a busy week ahead of me...

made it!

So, it's day 4 for me in Banff so far.

It's been preeeetty amazing. The view everywhere you look is spectacular, and completely mindblowing. My job is fairly intense, in the fact that it's extremely professional and quite classy haha. My uniform is awesome...

David and I have done lots so far, from snowboarding at Sunshine Village, to hiking up Mt. Sulphur to reach the upper hot springs. I'm going to be very scared and lonely when he leaves.

I can't say I'm in the happiest of moods right now, because my roommate is proving to be a little, well sketchy to say the least, and I don't feel to comfortable or welcome. I suppose I'll have to give myself a few more weeks to get used to all of this. I miss home really badly.

I'm going to try to update this a little more frequently...

If you're reading this, message me with some positive affirmation, I could really use some right now!

<3

Last day in Ontario

As of right now, I'm packing my bags for a 6 month escape to Banff, Alberta!

My flight leaves tomorrow morning at 7am, weather permitting! My boyfriend David is taking an 8:30am flight with Air Canada so that he can come along with me and help get me settled, and of course to do some amazing snowboarding for a week.

Thankfully, he gets cheap flights since his mom works for Air Canada--meaning he'll be able to visit me a LOT! (For this I am hoping!!).

I'm fairly nervous/scared/excited/anxious/worried/pretty much any emotion you can feel, right now haha... I've never really been away from home, let alone all by myself on the other side of the country, in a place I've never been, with people I've never met. However, I have this great feeling that I'm doing what's right for me right now in terms of following my dreams and reaching for my goals, and personal growth!

It's been about a month's worth of applying and interviews, waiting etc, in order to get this job, which by the way, is hostessing at the Bow Valley Grill, within the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel.

I'll be posting pictures as SOON as they are taken, of where I'm staying and working and anything else exciting!

Make sure to keep in touch, and you can email me if you want my contact # or mailing address there!

I'll update this as much as possible as well, for those who are interested :)

<3>