Testing out the trailer

We decided this past weekend to take a chance with the weather, and take the new trailer out to Paddy's Flats campground about 30km's from here.

The weather had been changing everyday so we were unsure what it was going to do, but with the new trailer that is decked out with air conditioning and a furnace, we decided to take the chance.

Mom and dad finished work early Friday and we headed out at about 1:30. We found a site we liked and set up camp. It took a while to get the trailer in place, but once it was, it didn't take long to get set up. However, I did hear a leak in one of the trailer tires, and sure enough the next day when we checked it, the tire was near flat. Awesome, take the trailer out for the first time, and we get a flat. When we got home today we found a piece of wood in the back that had a nail sticking out of it that we must have ran over when we pulled out on Friday. That piece of wood is now no longer to be found!

We went for a short walk that afternoon as the weather was alright. It was cool, but the sun was out and there was very little wind. Sarah was in her glory as there were chipmunks everywhere. She was on guard duty all weekend! We had yummy barbecued chicken, potatoes, peppers and corn on the cob for supper, and pumpkin pie for desert! I hadn't had pumpkin pie for ages - probably since before I left for Australia, and it was awesome! We played cards and sat around the fire, running away from the smoke!

We played a lot of cards over the weekend as well as crib - which I kicked ass in the first round! Saturday after breakfast we went for a nice long walk along the Elbow River. It is so beautiful along the river and we saw very few people so Sarah enjoyed walking, or should I say running, along without her leash. In fact, I think she is still recovery from the walk even today! The weather was cool but sunny, so not long into our walk, my sweatshirt came off and it was gorgeous! Once we got back from our walk, we got into changing the flat tire. Of course we didn't have the appropriate socket to remove the lug nuts, so Dad and I took a trip into Bragg creek where luckily they had a hardware store that sold what we needed. Once we got back, we grabbed a drink and changed the tire. It didn't take too long, just a pain in the ass!

We had an awesome supper Saturday, steak and shrimp! Sometimes I like camping food better then home food!! LOL I was so full from supper, we didn't even think about desert! It started showering just was we finished eating; we had the picnic table under the awning, and that is where it stayed until we left this morning. We got out the cards and tried to keep warm from what heat we could feel from the fire, and it even started hailing at one point. Once we started losing light, it got quite cold, so we moved in doors. We put the nice furnace on and we were toasty and warm while we played cards and drank! It rained on and off all night and was raining when we woke up. Not much, just drizzling, but enough that we made pancakes in the trailer and started packing up right away. No point in hanging out in the rain!

It was a great weekend and we have a list of things we need for the trailer for next weekend. It is the long weekend so we are heading out Thursday night and will come back Monday. I can't wait and there is a nice hike on the other side of the highway that we are going to tackle, weather pending!

Dad and the new trailer

Far left: Gotta love the storage!

Sarah keeping an eye on the chipmonks!

On our hike along the Elbow River

Mom watching the fire!

Me and my baby, she was keeping me warm :)

New car!

Well, in order to get a job, I'm going to need a car - transit to the PLC is just not feasible, so earlier in the week I went shopping with my mom and dad. I was leaning towards more of a family car, trying to think "ahead", even though I don't know what's planned for me. So when we went to the ford dealership, we were looking at the Ford Fusion, a very nice stylish car. The test drive was nice as well and I didn't mind the look of it. While talking to the dealer, the word 'sports' car came up, and he told me he could sell me a brand new Ford Mustang at a smokin' deal. Then the gears started turning in my head and after talking to my mom I realized that I need to live in the moment, and if its a mustang I want, maybe I should just get it. God forbid I say this, but you just never know what is going to happen in life. Look at just what happened with me going back to Australia?!

So, we started looking at Mustangs, what's available, and prices. And for $2500 more then what I would be paying for a Ford Fusion, I could get a brand new, 2011 Mustang V6. WOW!!!! How could I say NO!

So after some phone calls, the dealer Tyler found a silver Mustang in Lacombe that was for sale. And just what I wanted, nothing too fancy, just the basics. Power locks, power windows, AC, traction control, CD and a whole lot of power. 320 horsepower to be exact, with a V6 engine, 3.7L. So I signed the papers and as of 5:00pm tonight I was, and am, the very proud owner of a Ford Mustang. I have ALWAYS wanted a Mustang and actually never thought that I would own my very own. It is such a nice, sophisticated car, runs superbly and has wicked power! I haven't been able to sleep for the past 2 nights I've been so excited, and I am still so excited that I actually own this car (well, in parts with the Royal Bank!!) that I still might have problems sleeping tonight!! I'm sure the novelty will wear off, but I seriously think it will take some time. And now not only do I really need a job to pay for this amazing car, but I want a job so I can drive the thing! Haha!

Enjoy the photos :)

I think it works!

I think my new blog url is perfect. I tried blogging when I was in the north, but never really got into, but after blogging about traveling around Australia, I think I'm hooked! And seeing as I can't change my australia url, I've decided to come up with one that will apply no matter where or what I am doing in the world! I've enjoyed blogging so much, and not only is it great for people to see what I'm up to, its a great reminder of what I've done. In fact, a friend/blogger gave me the website where I can print off my Australia blog and make it into a book. I just tested it out and it will come close to 300 pages!! I think over the next few weeks all my spare time will be going into editing my book, and when I get my first paycheck, I will be sending it away from printing!

As for what is happening with my life now, well I need a job and a car! The car is in the works and I pick it up tonight - pictures to follow later! (I can't friggin' wait!) And due to my absence from the Calgary Health Region, I have been terminated. They could not afford to keep me on their casual list if I was going to be gone for a year. SO, I have to start from the bottom, with no seniority. I have made a couple calls and of course 2 of the 3 managers I want to talk to are on holidays till Monday. I have submitted my resume within the Alberta Health Services career website and have applied for a few jobs. The worst though, is I have no seniority, so anyone within the region, will most likely get the job over me. Boo. On the positive side, I have had a wide range of experience in home care, medical and surgical over the past 3 years. Also, once I can get a job, even a casual position, it will be easier for me to move around within the region. It is frustrating, but at the same time there is nothing I can do, so I am thankful that I am able to stay with my parents until things get all worked out.

As for Rob, he is still in England trying to do the same thing!!

Mom and dad just bought a new trailer, so weather pending, I think we will head out this weekend and test it out! I might as well take advantage of it while I can as once I start work, I get the joy of working weekends.

I have also started doing more cooking, well, I guess baking. Today I tried a granola bars recipe. I get frustrated at such the limited options I have at the grocery store, and I like to stay away from as many processed foods as possible. They are cooling on the stove at the moment and they look delicious!