The Drive

Aptly named after my favourite radio channel from Kingston that I miss oh-so-much, this blog entry will consist of realizations that I've had during my commute to and from Beaverlodge this week, in my car listening to sub-par radio. Seriously, if anyone wants to prove their love to me and send one of those car iPod docks that plugs into the cigarette lighter thing, then please, be my guest. My musical well-being is dyin' here. 

Realization #1: I've just finished my first [short] week of work. That's right, August 29th was my first officially day under contract with the Grande Prairie Public School District, and I'm a real working woman. HOORAY! This week has been relatively easy with day-long PD sessions, workshops, staff meetings, and paperwork -- all of which require sitting and listening -- and then a few trips between schools for classroom setup. Unfortunately, I feel as though it's the calm before the REAL storm hits. Once the students come, it's going to be insanity. Well, I'm trying to enjoy it while I can.

Derek Taylor, one of the 3 schools I'll be working at

Realization #2: I really do live in a gorgeous place. I was at first really sad to be moving away from Kingston, with its limestone buildings, beautiful waterfront, and unique shops downtown. But fortunately, I'm starting to realize that although I'm not located on a body of water (which I thought was going to be a huge issue for me), I'm surrounded by natural beauty. On a clear day, you can see the mountains. I tried to take a picture of my drive between Beaverlodge and GP but my phone camera sucks, so I'm not even going to post it.

Realization #3: It sucks to live West of wherever you need to commute every day. Mornings = sun in the eyes. Evenings = sun in the eyes.  Don't get me wrong, I do love the sun, but it's just that...well...It's blinding, really. Thanks for the Raybans, Britt - they're proving to be very helpful!

Realization #4: 8 keys don't fit very well on 1 keychain. I have both indoor and outdoor keys for each of my schools, and was at least smart enough to keep them separate from my car and house keys for bulk rating, but I'm seriously going to have to go back to the dollar store and get some more rings for those puppies. They're outta control.

Realization #5: Small town = better manners/nicer people. From what I've noticed, there are more drivers who actually drive the speed limit, more smiling people on the street, and I rarely have to hold a door for myself. In addition, there's something called courtesy here. Our cab driver gave us a free fare after we had to wait for 45 minutes for a ride; a worker at the mall gave me complimentary key-identifying coloured rings (see above), and people are great for helping with directions.

Realization #6:  I really DO suck at playing the flute. I borrowed a few instruments to practice on before I demonstrate to my grade 5 class in order to help them choose their instruments. I know the correct fingerings for flute (at least the notes the students will need to know) but embouchure-wise, I'm struggling! Luckily, I have a whole slew of helpful flute-playing friends who were readily available to take pity on me and help.

Strugggggggle! One thing's for sure, I'm NOT a natural flautist.

Realization #7: Just because it's August doesn't mean you don't need an ice scraper. That's right, my Southern Ontarian friends. Today, August 31, 2012, required ice scraping off my car in the morning. And I didn't have one. And upon trying to defrost using the setting in my car, realized that when the defrost is on, my radio doesn't work.

Realization #8: I miss listening to the Drive Mornings with Reid and Jenn-O. I sent them an email to tell them, I'll be curious as to whether they reply! Radio stations here are slim pickin's. There's one rock station, one Christian station, one pop station, and about 20 country stations. Needless to say, my essential alternative craving has been left unsatisfied by any of these and I resorted to streaming The Drive online today.  I highly recommend it.

Realization #9: Being 2 hours behind most of my friends and family is annoying. They get to finish work 2 hours earlier than me - boohoo! I also find lots of funny things to say/do at nighttime and as anything after 9 or 10 gets too late to contact most of my Ontarian pals.

Realization #10: Alberta tax is awesome. I have a habit of guessing my bill, with tax, whenever I'm purchasing something. I guess I'm still not used to the 5% tax (as compared to Ontario's, what, 13? 14?) because I've been way over-shooting lately. One moment came when I was with Libby and she was buying Settlers of Catan. The game was 49.99 and I estimated it'd be around $57-$60 with tax. Then it came up to $52.xx . WHAAAAT? So sweet! It's like free money!!

Had the same feeling after seeing tonight's sushi bill.

Realization #10.5: Libby is turning me into a sushi-lover. This could be dangerous for my bank account.

Realization #11: As lovely as the scenery is between here and GP, I will NOT miss the 1/2 hr commute. This morning I got stuck in nasty fog, it's a gas-guzzler, and it means I get 35 minutes less sleep per day.

Realization #12: I have no idea how full serve gas stations work. I usually try to avoid them because 1) I hate feeling like someone's serving me, and 2) It's unfamiliar to me and my middle name is awkward, so I try to avoid putting myself in that situation.  Anyway, so I pull into this gas station, I get out of my car to try and pump it myself, and a young guy comes over and asks how he can help. I tell him I just want to fill up the car and he goes ahead. Meanwhile I'm just sitting in my car, with the driver's door half-open, wondering how I'm supposed to pay. To him? To the machine? Inside? I didn't know, so I just waited, and then when he was done, he said something incomprehensible and walked away, so I just went inside and paid. It was awkward, as you can tell. I still don't understand it.

Realization # 13: I've been living out of a suitcase for 2 weeks now. It's not so fun.  Can't WAIT to move into our new apartment tomorrow and get a real bed and get settled!!

 

Realization #14: That really is a huge-ass beaver. Look at the size of the house beside/behind it...

 
Until Next Time*,
B 

*Which may be a long time, thanks to moving day, planning, and the beginning of the school year. Eek! Wish me luck!