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...