Ben Banky - a friend. He attended SVI last year. Part of my community. One of my people. My facebook friend.
Kirkpatrick - my neighbor. Like next door apartment neighbor
Shock. Tears. Confusion.
Watch this news report: http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20081213/christmasparty_shooting_081213/20081213?hub=BritishColumbiaHome
The apartment building in the news clip is mine. The news crew interviewed the dude outside just before I walked out. Then they started asking me questions. I didn't know the man, but that didn't keep them from shoving the camera and mic in my face and asking more questions. at the time I didn't know what had happened. They were just asking about something something Kirkpatrick. I did my errand and went home to look it up to find that he was the shooter in a murder last night. A murder that killed a friend of mine. Granted we were not close. But we know each other. We are in the social change community here. It is small. We had a great, great connection last year at SVI and ran into each other a few times since I moved here. We became facebook friends. He was invited to my work holiday party tonight. I noted last night that he had RSVPed 'no' and was sad to hear this. He could just make people smile. Chill. Wonderful. Full of life. One of my people. I noted to send him a message to say we would miss him at the party. And then this news...
Senseless violence. why? To good people. I don't understand. It is a sad day. A day when horrible reaches too close to home. It reminds you that... life is precious.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Snow!
It snowed today!
It was so amazing. right out my window. the snow was falling. It didn't stick, but it was beautiful to watch as I commuted to work.
I hear we are headed into a cold spell (thank goodness for the winter gear I bought over Thanksgiving in the states).
It turns out, where I live is slightly higher elevation than work, so I am more likely to get snow than at the office (like a mile away). They say it snows like 3 times a year here. I hope for more! But the Vancouverites say they are all freaked out drivers in the snow, so it gets a bit scary. I guess kind of like LA drivers in the rain, hey?
Well it was an exciting morning to wake up to the beautiful snow. It is now really winter! And soon I will be heading to the mountains and using my season pass (5 lessons, rentals and one night a week of night skiing/boarding). woohoo!
It was so amazing. right out my window. the snow was falling. It didn't stick, but it was beautiful to watch as I commuted to work.
I hear we are headed into a cold spell (thank goodness for the winter gear I bought over Thanksgiving in the states).
It turns out, where I live is slightly higher elevation than work, so I am more likely to get snow than at the office (like a mile away). They say it snows like 3 times a year here. I hope for more! But the Vancouverites say they are all freaked out drivers in the snow, so it gets a bit scary. I guess kind of like LA drivers in the rain, hey?
Well it was an exciting morning to wake up to the beautiful snow. It is now really winter! And soon I will be heading to the mountains and using my season pass (5 lessons, rentals and one night a week of night skiing/boarding). woohoo!
Christmas in Vancouver
I have decided. I am going to spend the holiday season in Vancouver. I am so excited!
There are so many great events to do including the lantern ceremony for the winter solstice, a xmas eve cocktail party, xmas dinner with my friend Mark and his fam (same family as Turkey day, so it will feel like going home in a way) and then a Boxing Day Brunch at a friends.
I will miss being home. I will miss seeing friends. I will miss my family. But I am really looking forward to challenging myself to doing this alone. I think there is tremendous growth for me in this decision and I look forward to the challenges it brings and the rewards.
Back in October I thought long and hard - if I had to pick one holiday to go home for, what would it be? Knowing that my older sis and nephews weren't going to make the trip to Cali this year, it was an easy answer. My fav holiday - Thanksgiving. So I went home. It was wonderful and so good to see everyone. But I don't think I am ready to go back. I feel like I just left. So I am banking my 2008 Xmas trip for one in 2009 - like for all the awesome weddings or a birthday or when I get really homesick and need my Bay Area fix.
Since I will being spending the holidays here, I have decorated my apartment in true Trojan Holiday spirit. I bought a wonderful smelling tree from the lot a few blocks away and carried it home. A coworker dug out their 2nd tree stand for me and Mark came over to help set it up. It has all my USC coloured ornaments, my Russian ornaments and a smattering of old ornaments that have my name and a date on them. It is decked out with red LED lights and my window has white LED lights. Mark (the film lighting guy) brought over plugs and things so I have a key chain button that I push to turn on/off my lights. It rocks! I have a little Rosie the Reindeer hanging and a couple of poinsettas adding some colour. It is all very cozy and festive.
So long story short... Christmas will be in Vancouver this year for this one. And rumour is it is supposed to snow on Christmas Eve.... :)
There are so many great events to do including the lantern ceremony for the winter solstice, a xmas eve cocktail party, xmas dinner with my friend Mark and his fam (same family as Turkey day, so it will feel like going home in a way) and then a Boxing Day Brunch at a friends.
I will miss being home. I will miss seeing friends. I will miss my family. But I am really looking forward to challenging myself to doing this alone. I think there is tremendous growth for me in this decision and I look forward to the challenges it brings and the rewards.
Back in October I thought long and hard - if I had to pick one holiday to go home for, what would it be? Knowing that my older sis and nephews weren't going to make the trip to Cali this year, it was an easy answer. My fav holiday - Thanksgiving. So I went home. It was wonderful and so good to see everyone. But I don't think I am ready to go back. I feel like I just left. So I am banking my 2008 Xmas trip for one in 2009 - like for all the awesome weddings or a birthday or when I get really homesick and need my Bay Area fix.
Since I will being spending the holidays here, I have decorated my apartment in true Trojan Holiday spirit. I bought a wonderful smelling tree from the lot a few blocks away and carried it home. A coworker dug out their 2nd tree stand for me and Mark came over to help set it up. It has all my USC coloured ornaments, my Russian ornaments and a smattering of old ornaments that have my name and a date on them. It is decked out with red LED lights and my window has white LED lights. Mark (the film lighting guy) brought over plugs and things so I have a key chain button that I push to turn on/off my lights. It rocks! I have a little Rosie the Reindeer hanging and a couple of poinsettas adding some colour. It is all very cozy and festive.
So long story short... Christmas will be in Vancouver this year for this one. And rumour is it is supposed to snow on Christmas Eve.... :)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Vancouver Municipal Elections - Go Gregor! Go Vision!
So check it out online.... http://www.visionvancouver.ca/
I won't go into much about Gregor's bio or the Vision platform, cause you can read about that on 100 other places, but rather you will get my take on it and why I am excited!
When I was weighing out the options of moving to Canada there was many great things and many challenges. One of the great opportunities that helped tip the scale for me was to be involved in a campaign to hopefully elect a strong values based business leader into a political position with some power and see how effective their organization, their values and their entrepreneurial spirit would be at effecting change. So here I am, living out my very own experiment.
Gregor is a thoughtful, smart business man. The company he founded was Happy Planet Juices (the Odwalla or Naked Juice of the North). He has a great history in sustainable agriculture and business. His values are deep. And his support groups (including those with some wealth) are rooted in mission based work. As someone termed him the other day, he is the catalyst for change in the North, he is Canada's Obama. He has a great group of people running under the Vision umbrella.
Since I can't vote, I am donating my time and my energy to this campaign. I have volunteered at several events, will be doing some phone calling this evening, but my favorite was mainstreeting. I wasn't sure what it meant, but basically I stood on the street corner with some of the candidates and other volunteers (and Libby Davies - a Rep. on Parliament from Van) and danced around with Vision and Gregor signs. The carnivale band was even out playing (I brought my trombone to play, but chickened out). It was sooooo much fun! Waving at everyone, Talking up the Vision platform, Smiling, Dancing and just plain ol' having fun. Shoot - if I wasn't a vision fan already, I would have been watching all these people having so much fun on the street.
So if you know anyone in Vancouver, tell them to go vote this Saturday, November 15th!
Some articles about the election and the candiates:
General Info --- http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/election2008/index.htm
Recent article on Homelessness -- http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20081110/BC_homeless_mayoral_race_081110/20081110/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome
Long article with both candidates bios -- http://www.canada.com/vancouvercourier/news/story.html?id=bb20f405-56fe-4b1b-a6f4-ab3ecaec2d8c
I won't go into much about Gregor's bio or the Vision platform, cause you can read about that on 100 other places, but rather you will get my take on it and why I am excited!
When I was weighing out the options of moving to Canada there was many great things and many challenges. One of the great opportunities that helped tip the scale for me was to be involved in a campaign to hopefully elect a strong values based business leader into a political position with some power and see how effective their organization, their values and their entrepreneurial spirit would be at effecting change. So here I am, living out my very own experiment.
Gregor is a thoughtful, smart business man. The company he founded was Happy Planet Juices (the Odwalla or Naked Juice of the North). He has a great history in sustainable agriculture and business. His values are deep. And his support groups (including those with some wealth) are rooted in mission based work. As someone termed him the other day, he is the catalyst for change in the North, he is Canada's Obama. He has a great group of people running under the Vision umbrella.
Since I can't vote, I am donating my time and my energy to this campaign. I have volunteered at several events, will be doing some phone calling this evening, but my favorite was mainstreeting. I wasn't sure what it meant, but basically I stood on the street corner with some of the candidates and other volunteers (and Libby Davies - a Rep. on Parliament from Van) and danced around with Vision and Gregor signs. The carnivale band was even out playing (I brought my trombone to play, but chickened out). It was sooooo much fun! Waving at everyone, Talking up the Vision platform, Smiling, Dancing and just plain ol' having fun. Shoot - if I wasn't a vision fan already, I would have been watching all these people having so much fun on the street.
So if you know anyone in Vancouver, tell them to go vote this Saturday, November 15th!
Some articles about the election and the candiates:
General Info --- http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/election2008/index.htm
Recent article on Homelessness -- http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20081110/BC_homeless_mayoral_race_081110/20081110/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome
Long article with both candidates bios -- http://www.canada.com/vancouvercourier/news/story.html?id=bb20f405-56fe-4b1b-a6f4-ab3ecaec2d8c
Canadian Elections... too many to count!
Four elections in three months - for real!? I don't know if I could do it...
The first election was small, but still an election. It was some weekend day mid-September (just after the Hollyhock SVI that I put on). It was a chance for people in their 'parties' to select who they would want to run for city council and other municipal positions (the municipal elections are this Saturday). The turn out was small, but the candidates were selected and have been campaigning ever since (it turns out I could have voted in this election. I applied, but never received information about how to vote, so I didn't and went to Ikea instead - not a proud moment, but the truth all the same).
The second election... this is the one that really irks me the most. Since I moved to Canada I am trying to learn and understand as much about this place as possible. At first you think it is just like the states, but trust me it is not. Far from it. Any time you see a similarity, something comes out to bite you to remind you that it is not the home you know, but rather a foreign country. So they Parliament (excuse my layman terms.). They have Prime Minister. They do note elect the Prime Minister. The PM gets the job based on who has the most seats in Parliament. They do not have set federal elections every four years. It some how works where the PM can call an election anytime. Stephen Harper, the PM of Canada, called for new elections in September. Last year, he passed some legislation or signed some paper guaranteeing that there wouldn't be another election until 2009. But he broke that agreement and called one anyway because his party didn't have a majority in the Parliament and wanted to get more of his people in there. So another incredibly wasteful election took place (not that I have an opinion or anything). All the parliament seats were up for re-election - there were the two many parties to count (CON - conservative, LIB - Liberal, BQ - the Bloq, NDP - New Democratic Party, IND - Independent, GRN - Green) Phew - that was a lot to remember! The CON party is Right and most everyone else is left of right. So as you can imagine, Stephen Harper and his Right friends of the Conservative party are pretty much a shoe in. No one can decide on which party to stand behind... Then there is talk of strategic voting... (my head is spinning trying to think and remember all this, so look it up if you want more info and probably more factual info). Needless to say, millions of wasted dollars later, the second election happened on October 15th (see results at http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/map/2008/) and Stephen Harper is reappointed (is that the right term?) and they still don't quite get majority. one word - frustrating.
The third election was a couple of weeks ago and this was to fill two interim seats in the Provincial elections. This is the one I know the least about. But based on the reaction in my office, the people they wanted elected were elected. These roles are only held until March when the full on Provincial elections happen (Provincial elections are like state elections).
The fourth election will be held this Saturday - which is sooooo exciting! This is for the Municipal elections. And this election I think deserves its very own blog... so stay tuned for more on Vancouver's Municipal elections.
The first election was small, but still an election. It was some weekend day mid-September (just after the Hollyhock SVI that I put on). It was a chance for people in their 'parties' to select who they would want to run for city council and other municipal positions (the municipal elections are this Saturday). The turn out was small, but the candidates were selected and have been campaigning ever since (it turns out I could have voted in this election. I applied, but never received information about how to vote, so I didn't and went to Ikea instead - not a proud moment, but the truth all the same).
The second election... this is the one that really irks me the most. Since I moved to Canada I am trying to learn and understand as much about this place as possible. At first you think it is just like the states, but trust me it is not. Far from it. Any time you see a similarity, something comes out to bite you to remind you that it is not the home you know, but rather a foreign country. So they Parliament (excuse my layman terms.). They have Prime Minister. They do note elect the Prime Minister. The PM gets the job based on who has the most seats in Parliament. They do not have set federal elections every four years. It some how works where the PM can call an election anytime. Stephen Harper, the PM of Canada, called for new elections in September. Last year, he passed some legislation or signed some paper guaranteeing that there wouldn't be another election until 2009. But he broke that agreement and called one anyway because his party didn't have a majority in the Parliament and wanted to get more of his people in there. So another incredibly wasteful election took place (not that I have an opinion or anything). All the parliament seats were up for re-election - there were the two many parties to count (CON - conservative, LIB - Liberal, BQ - the Bloq, NDP - New Democratic Party, IND - Independent, GRN - Green) Phew - that was a lot to remember! The CON party is Right and most everyone else is left of right. So as you can imagine, Stephen Harper and his Right friends of the Conservative party are pretty much a shoe in. No one can decide on which party to stand behind... Then there is talk of strategic voting... (my head is spinning trying to think and remember all this, so look it up if you want more info and probably more factual info). Needless to say, millions of wasted dollars later, the second election happened on October 15th (see results at http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/map/2008/) and Stephen Harper is reappointed (is that the right term?) and they still don't quite get majority. one word - frustrating.
The third election was a couple of weeks ago and this was to fill two interim seats in the Provincial elections. This is the one I know the least about. But based on the reaction in my office, the people they wanted elected were elected. These roles are only held until March when the full on Provincial elections happen (Provincial elections are like state elections).
The fourth election will be held this Saturday - which is sooooo exciting! This is for the Municipal elections. And this election I think deserves its very own blog... so stay tuned for more on Vancouver's Municipal elections.
Poppy's, Poppy's Every where there are Poppy's
Last weekend, my friend Tony was in visiting from SF. We were wandering around the Granville Island Public Market and everywhere we turned there were kids in kilts giving out Poppy pins. Everyone was wearing them. They even had them out on the 7-Eleven counter where we bought bus passes earlier. But no one had them the day before. I had never seen a red poppy on a coat, until this day. It was Sunday, November 2nd. And now they were every where.Turns out these young men in kilts were collecting donations for Royal Canadian Legion to provide assistance to ex-service people in financial distress and giving poppy flower pins for people to wear as a symbol of rememberance for soldiers who have fallen in combat. Then everyone wears their poppy with pride. It is a-mazing to see the unity in supporting their service people. You can't turn a corner without someone else wearing their poppy.
Today is Remembrance Day. There are ceremonies happening all over. So today we remember...
Money raised through poppy donations helps the Legion provide assistance to ex-service people in financial distress.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Canadian Turkey Day
It is October...
October...
And I just celebrated Thanksgiving. It is before Halloween. Where am I? I am stuffed. I am happy. I am grateful. But I think most of all I am just confused.
So Canadian Thanksgiving is on Monday, October 13th or is celebrated on Sunday the 12th. No one really knows, but you do get Monday, October the 13th off for the holiday. It is up to your friends and family to pick the day to gather, celebrate, eat and be grateful.
For this Canadian Thanksgiving, I was even more grateful because I was invited to two Thanksgiving dinners. They were on the same night, so I had to pick, but being a new kid in a new town, being invited into someone's home for Thanksgiving day is huge. Especially in Canadian (reference blog about Making Friends).
So one was to my coworker Tara's place with her GF and friends for a Mustache feast (everyone had to wear mustaches) - hilarious. And the other was to my friend Mark's place, to his parent's condo about an hour from Vancouver.
I opted for the meal with Mark's family and boy was it fun!!!
Mark picks me up and allows me to stop to pick up some flowers for his folks. Then we drive out to Langley (think from SF to Concord) to his parent's condo. His parent's moved out here a few years ago from the Toronto area to be closer to their two kids (Mark and Tricia). Trust me - their kids are that cool, that nice, that fun, that thoughtful - I would move closer to them too.
Mark's dad, Murray tours us around the condo and showing us some of his paintings and creative art from a class he is taking. (he is really good!) He appreciated my enthusiasm about it all because his daughter Trish (an artist - www.triciaaviss.com) always has some feedback for him. Murray is nice enough to make me feel at home by putting me to work (ie putting the flowers in a vase, dishing up snacks, etc).
Soon Mark's mom comes home from work to wrap up the meal that had been so far prepared by Murray (his first time doing it on his own, I suppose). She is relieved that the house is not burnt down, but really the apartment smelled wonderful and just like Thanksgiving.
Soon Mark's sister, Trish and her husband Sean arrive. This city is absolutely too small. Two weeks before when Lisa Susan was in visiting we went to a thing called Portobello West - it happens the last Sunday of the month and a place for local artists and designers to sell their goods. So I remember checking out this stand and thinking it was funny for a la
rge bald man to sell and paint cute bunnies and things, but thought - hey, it is Canada! Turns out the big bald guy was Sean selling Trish's paintings (she had gone for a walk or something) SMALL WORLD!!So the food prep continues and eventually we all sit down to a wonderful, wonderful meal. I am one of the few at this table who is eating the gravy, which is funny cause so far all I have seen is that Canadians love gravy on everything, especially french fries (look up Poutine).... mmmm... (Grace - you know what I am talking about!) It is everything just like at home - Turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes... mmmm.... so good!
After the wonderful meal they pull out the games - at this household it is Mexican Train! Which I became the resident expert at playing while being stationed at my Aunt Barbara and Aunt Cathy's in Bend, OR during the wait for the work permit... They were a competitive bunch. Funny as all heck. But competitive. We laughed a ton - like to tears laughed. Mark has horrible pictures of Trish and I absolutely losing it after his mom is sweetly inquiring about Mark 'playing with is little Mii.' (Mark had been talking about creating a Mii character 
on my Wii, so it was totally innocent, but turns out she is known for these innocent innuendos). Seriously. It was like being home with my own family. It was awesome! We played maybe 5 rounds (which I won 3 of them!?) I swear they didn't let me win - I just had mad skills. :)After all the laughter, we pack up left overs and start the drive home. It was after midnight when we left. I was so full, so happy, so satisfied, so grateful... I dosed in and out of consciousness on the drive home. Mark dropped me off, I put my yummy leftovers in the fridge and climbed into bed feeling quite content.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
.4% Vacancy Rate - The apartment hunt
You decide to move.
You pick the moving date.
You pack your things.
You have farewell parties.
You plan for the trip.
You plan for your new life.
You dream about the new place where you will life.
You move to your new city.
You discover that there is .4% vacancy rate.
.4%...
at least it is not 0% right?
So apartment hunting you go. Originally this was supposed to be the one piece that just fell into place. But at .4% vacancy rate of apartments. It is not just piece that will fall into place.
So the networking begins - I send out a email to the list serve connected with my work. No one has any leads. No one. I am glued to craigslist every day. I wake up to craigslist. My lunch break is craigslist. My evening is craiglist. Everything that isn't work is looking for a place to live.
I try everything. I post in the housing wanted space (it worked in San Fran!). I talk to everyone I meet. I check every other apartment rental site. I check craigslist again.
I had my heart set on a one bedroom so I could have guests come visit with no problem. I looked everywhere from Point Grey to Nanaimo, Downtown and the Drive, Main Street to Granville. My asks weren't over the top - a one bedroom between $800-1200, south facing windows (to get any sun that might be available), a balcony, near a cool neighborhood with easy access to public transportation and pet friendly, just in case I decided to get a cat. Just in case. I soon learned that I was going to have to give up most of my hopes if not all of them.
Don't get me wrong - there were apartments available, but the competition was over the top. Housing is in its highest demand in Vancouver in July and August as students are returning back and looking for apartments. They come with their parents who can beat the single lady moving from California credit score any day. There are basement apartments that are dark, low ceilings (like I had to duck low or should have just worn my helmet low), right under a happy family with toddlers running around, and often times the smell of mold sneaking through the stringent cleaners that were just used. Or there were the one bedroom lofts available for some $2000 plus. Outrageous!
Thank goodness for my scooter. I would schedule 3 -4 apartment visits in an evening. I met so many people. I saw so much of the city. I learned the streets, the neighborhoods, discovered hidden hole in the wall restaurants (and as most of you know, that is like gold in the making Heidi happy category), met random strangers, had drinks with them, made alliances in trying to help each other find a place to live.
Three weeks I searched and searched. I did have a vision of the apartment that would find me. And I had faith that the moment I walked into the apartment that would be mine, I would know. And I convinced myself, no matter how desperate I was to hold out for that feeling. My home is going to be the core of my comfort and foundation in this new city. I must love coming home.
I gave up on the one bedroom idea and started to looked at shared space. I found this awesome apartment in the West End that looked over the water and you could watch the sun set over the ocean. Amazing! The girl and I connected in great ways. The challenges were that the apartment was small and my room was tiny. There was no way I could fit all my stuff plus two bikes. I left there feeling good. I then went to Kitsilano to meet another woman offering a room in a two bedroom. It was cozy with a back yard and oh so green. The kitchen was open and inviting and she had a funny cat that made me laugh. She was a musician and we got along splendidly. The challenges were that it was in Kits (think a weird mix of Marina and Haight - hippies that are into their labels and shopping!?), but cute hood, the room was a little dark and it all came furnished so I would have to store all my stuff. Then I went to check out a huge flat on Commercial Drive at 11th. The apartment was huge and the rent dirt cheap. There was even a spare bedroom for guests. I was there for 3 hours chatting with the lady drinking beers with a splash of Klamato juice (yum!). The lady was cool, she had some issues, but cool. And there was the hugest of huge patios! The challenge was that I could tell she had some funny issues and didn't want a bunch of stuff. I would have to keep all my stuff in my room, though there was no furniture in the living room. To get compromise would be a challenge.
I walked away from that day of shared apartments with my head spinning. They were all great potentials, but still had their challenges. I was desperate to find a place and needed to decide. I told them all I was interested, but they could keep interviewing. I went away to the wedding in Houston. The Downtown girl emailed saying - 'You are awesome. I have never connected with such an honest, candid, fun, positive person. I would love it if you moved in here.' Kits woman emailed - 'Great to meet you. Our values totally align and would love to have you as a roommate.' But I for some reason had decided on the Commercial lady's place, so I emailed and put the others on hold. No word. Called. No word. Emailed. No word. My first time in Canada really feeling the nicety they can put on, but the follow-thru is not so great.
Meanwhile I heard back from the other two saying they had filled their rooms. So once again, still looking for a place to live. I finally counted... 45 apartments in 3 weeks. I visited 45 apartments in 3 weeks and no promising leads. I was tired. I was feeling beat up. I was frustrated. But I continued.
I decided I would focus on the one neighborhood that I was the most excited about - Main Street. I searched and searched. There were few leads on craigslist. I spent my weekends scooting up down the streets in the neighborhood looking for vacancies. I would stop and call right away. Usually never hearing back. There was one place I saw with a vacancy that was great. I called. They called back to say that someone was playing a prank on them and that there weren't any units available. The next day I found a post for a unit near Main Street. I emailed. They emailed back. It sounded great. It ended up being right across the street from the apartment I liked the other day.
August 13, 2008: There was a couple leaving who had just toured the units (if it wasn't college students it was couples. And two incomes is always better than one in a landlord's eyes). So I become doubtful again. But as I chat with the Property Manager, Jason, I learn that he has been more discerning with who he is showing the apartment to than any other place I have seen and it turns out that there are two units available, not just one. One on the top floor (third floor) and one on the second floor with south facing windows. We go to the top floor one first. It was nice, interesting shape. Solid one bedroom. Best I had seen. Then we go to the second floor apartment... it has big south facing windows, great wood flooring and open kitchen that connects to the living room, a decent size bedroom, 3 closets and a storage locker downstairs for bikes and what not. This was it. My apartment. I knew it. I got chills. The windows were what I had envisioned. It was home. I told Jason I was very interested, gave him my references and to please keep me posted. He called my boss. He called my old roommate Colin. He called Bree. (there were 6 people and he chose those three). He called me. 'You having glowing reviews and get first pick. Which apartment?' The second floor one I say. I am shaking. I am so excited. I almost tear up. Turns out it was perfect. The other person they picked wanted the top floor. Later that night (8/14), I go back to the apartment, give my cash deposit and sign on the line. It was one of those days, better than a birthday. You know those days when you work so hard for something and you almost give up hope and then the dream comes true. It was one of those days. It felt amazing. Amazing! I had an apartment to live in come September 1st. phew. what a relief. All of a sudden I was lighter. much lighter. Happy. Relieved. At peace with my decision. All was right. All was good.
I found an apartment. I beat the .4% odds. 45 apartments in 3 weeks. I played the number game and won! I can't wait for September 1st!
You pick the moving date.
You pack your things.
You have farewell parties.
You plan for the trip.
You plan for your new life.
You dream about the new place where you will life.
You move to your new city.
You discover that there is .4% vacancy rate.
.4%...
at least it is not 0% right?
So apartment hunting you go. Originally this was supposed to be the one piece that just fell into place. But at .4% vacancy rate of apartments. It is not just piece that will fall into place.
So the networking begins - I send out a email to the list serve connected with my work. No one has any leads. No one. I am glued to craigslist every day. I wake up to craigslist. My lunch break is craigslist. My evening is craiglist. Everything that isn't work is looking for a place to live.
I try everything. I post in the housing wanted space (it worked in San Fran!). I talk to everyone I meet. I check every other apartment rental site. I check craigslist again.
I had my heart set on a one bedroom so I could have guests come visit with no problem. I looked everywhere from Point Grey to Nanaimo, Downtown and the Drive, Main Street to Granville. My asks weren't over the top - a one bedroom between $800-1200, south facing windows (to get any sun that might be available), a balcony, near a cool neighborhood with easy access to public transportation and pet friendly, just in case I decided to get a cat. Just in case. I soon learned that I was going to have to give up most of my hopes if not all of them.
Don't get me wrong - there were apartments available, but the competition was over the top. Housing is in its highest demand in Vancouver in July and August as students are returning back and looking for apartments. They come with their parents who can beat the single lady moving from California credit score any day. There are basement apartments that are dark, low ceilings (like I had to duck low or should have just worn my helmet low), right under a happy family with toddlers running around, and often times the smell of mold sneaking through the stringent cleaners that were just used. Or there were the one bedroom lofts available for some $2000 plus. Outrageous!
Thank goodness for my scooter. I would schedule 3 -4 apartment visits in an evening. I met so many people. I saw so much of the city. I learned the streets, the neighborhoods, discovered hidden hole in the wall restaurants (and as most of you know, that is like gold in the making Heidi happy category), met random strangers, had drinks with them, made alliances in trying to help each other find a place to live.
Three weeks I searched and searched. I did have a vision of the apartment that would find me. And I had faith that the moment I walked into the apartment that would be mine, I would know. And I convinced myself, no matter how desperate I was to hold out for that feeling. My home is going to be the core of my comfort and foundation in this new city. I must love coming home.
I gave up on the one bedroom idea and started to looked at shared space. I found this awesome apartment in the West End that looked over the water and you could watch the sun set over the ocean. Amazing! The girl and I connected in great ways. The challenges were that the apartment was small and my room was tiny. There was no way I could fit all my stuff plus two bikes. I left there feeling good. I then went to Kitsilano to meet another woman offering a room in a two bedroom. It was cozy with a back yard and oh so green. The kitchen was open and inviting and she had a funny cat that made me laugh. She was a musician and we got along splendidly. The challenges were that it was in Kits (think a weird mix of Marina and Haight - hippies that are into their labels and shopping!?), but cute hood, the room was a little dark and it all came furnished so I would have to store all my stuff. Then I went to check out a huge flat on Commercial Drive at 11th. The apartment was huge and the rent dirt cheap. There was even a spare bedroom for guests. I was there for 3 hours chatting with the lady drinking beers with a splash of Klamato juice (yum!). The lady was cool, she had some issues, but cool. And there was the hugest of huge patios! The challenge was that I could tell she had some funny issues and didn't want a bunch of stuff. I would have to keep all my stuff in my room, though there was no furniture in the living room. To get compromise would be a challenge.
I walked away from that day of shared apartments with my head spinning. They were all great potentials, but still had their challenges. I was desperate to find a place and needed to decide. I told them all I was interested, but they could keep interviewing. I went away to the wedding in Houston. The Downtown girl emailed saying - 'You are awesome. I have never connected with such an honest, candid, fun, positive person. I would love it if you moved in here.' Kits woman emailed - 'Great to meet you. Our values totally align and would love to have you as a roommate.' But I for some reason had decided on the Commercial lady's place, so I emailed and put the others on hold. No word. Called. No word. Emailed. No word. My first time in Canada really feeling the nicety they can put on, but the follow-thru is not so great.
Meanwhile I heard back from the other two saying they had filled their rooms. So once again, still looking for a place to live. I finally counted... 45 apartments in 3 weeks. I visited 45 apartments in 3 weeks and no promising leads. I was tired. I was feeling beat up. I was frustrated. But I continued.
I decided I would focus on the one neighborhood that I was the most excited about - Main Street. I searched and searched. There were few leads on craigslist. I spent my weekends scooting up down the streets in the neighborhood looking for vacancies. I would stop and call right away. Usually never hearing back. There was one place I saw with a vacancy that was great. I called. They called back to say that someone was playing a prank on them and that there weren't any units available. The next day I found a post for a unit near Main Street. I emailed. They emailed back. It sounded great. It ended up being right across the street from the apartment I liked the other day.
August 13, 2008: There was a couple leaving who had just toured the units (if it wasn't college students it was couples. And two incomes is always better than one in a landlord's eyes). So I become doubtful again. But as I chat with the Property Manager, Jason, I learn that he has been more discerning with who he is showing the apartment to than any other place I have seen and it turns out that there are two units available, not just one. One on the top floor (third floor) and one on the second floor with south facing windows. We go to the top floor one first. It was nice, interesting shape. Solid one bedroom. Best I had seen. Then we go to the second floor apartment... it has big south facing windows, great wood flooring and open kitchen that connects to the living room, a decent size bedroom, 3 closets and a storage locker downstairs for bikes and what not. This was it. My apartment. I knew it. I got chills. The windows were what I had envisioned. It was home. I told Jason I was very interested, gave him my references and to please keep me posted. He called my boss. He called my old roommate Colin. He called Bree. (there were 6 people and he chose those three). He called me. 'You having glowing reviews and get first pick. Which apartment?' The second floor one I say. I am shaking. I am so excited. I almost tear up. Turns out it was perfect. The other person they picked wanted the top floor. Later that night (8/14), I go back to the apartment, give my cash deposit and sign on the line. It was one of those days, better than a birthday. You know those days when you work so hard for something and you almost give up hope and then the dream comes true. It was one of those days. It felt amazing. Amazing! I had an apartment to live in come September 1st. phew. what a relief. All of a sudden I was lighter. much lighter. Happy. Relieved. At peace with my decision. All was right. All was good.
I found an apartment. I beat the .4% odds. 45 apartments in 3 weeks. I played the number game and won! I can't wait for September 1st!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Move...
It was good, wonderful, longer than planned, but I am truly a believer that all happens and works out for a reason.
Monday, July 14th:
So after an amazing weekend farewell in Brentwood (Cornfest Style), I picked up the truck with Grace around the corner from my folks place. The whole family then went down to the storage unit for some great 'team' effort to muck out, pack up and just get rid of stuff. It was soooo hot, but everyone worked so hard to be as efficient as possible. 2-3 hours later, the first layer of stuff was in the truck and all robed in (thanks to Daddio!). So after an hour or so for lunch and shower at the folks place, Grace and I loaded in the bright yellow penske and said farewell to Mom, Dad and Camille and headed for the city.
We pulled in the city to have Ken, Tony and Melanie join us to start loading in the boxes and most importantly - the scoot! Tony was the task master and got 80% of the truck packed, strapped down and ready to go before he had to run. Then the back up troops came with little to do, so we finished loading and took off for some grub and drinks at the Hukilau (the last supper....). There was such a great turn out!!! (Marissa, Pops, MCB, Erik, Erica, Jason, Wendy, Christina, Tony, Jiri, Sherri, Matt and Andy) It rocked and I felt so loved!! A few headed back to the apartment, packed up the last odds n' ends and secured it all for the big move. The farewells were getting harder and harder...
Tuesday, July 15th (aka D-Day as in Departure Day):
Grace and I woke up (on the floor - thanks Ton for the pad!) and began fulfilling our check list of things to do (including Goodwill, Post Office, final pack up, Lo Cubano, and just driving the truck around the city...). We were productive and were on the road by late morning, I think. We drove (I actually drove the whole way!) until we ate lunch then drove some more... Let's just say the Lo Cubano action did some fun stuff for Grace and me (I know, I know - TMI!), but it was funny! The drive to Bend was not so bad and we pulled in the 8 o'clock hour just in time for yummy BBQed chicken for dinner with Auntie Barbara and Aunt Cathy. Then early to bed (I picked the room with the second most comfortable bed in the world - after mine of course!)
Wednesday, July 16th:
Grace and I had a lazy morning, but when we made it downstairs Cathy prepared us made to order pancakes. (Let's just say, this is the best B & B in the world. If you ever get a chance, you should check it out and the price is just right!) Grace and I then headed into town to have some lunch with her friend Jess, which was cool and did a Costco walk-thru where Grace bought me a super fantastic moving gift.... the complete collection of Pixar films!!! Totally rocked! Then back to the house for some chilling. The theme of Bend was Sleep, Eat, Play Games, Eat, Sleep, Run into Town, do some planning, etc. It was a tough life. We learned to play Pegs and Jokers this day... It was awesome! (Barbara and Cathy - yes, I would like one for Xmas. please?) :) We had another delicious meal and BBQed up some Brentwood Corn and had Suncrest peaches and ice cream (oh my!)
Thursday, July 17th:
This was the day we were supposed to head north and stay in Seattle, but since there was not work permit, well... plans changed. Once. Twice. Three times. And then some. Grace was a great sport about it all. So we played more games (including Mexican Train), played the Wii, and tried to help as much as we could around the house. We also got to go to Redmond for dinner at Barbara and Cathy's friends' restaurant - oh so good!!! Like yum. Seriously yum! Also the IronMaidens were having a meeting (which is pretty much a bunch of awesome women in the Bend area who drive supped up sweet old cars and make your heart jump when you see them. They rocked!) Also on this day I learned that Canada does not allow people to import second hand or used mattresses unless they are cleaned and fumigated. Bleck! So I was trying to think how to get around this (because, well let's just say I had three things I needed/wanted to come with me 1. the Scoot; 2. My bed; 3. The wine collection). And so far I was pushing it with the other two, now my mattress was not allowed too!
Friday, July 18th:
"Heidi. Heidi. Time to get up." "what? uh? 7:30am? I miss sleeping in..." "Heidi - I have found a someone to clean your mattress. You have to confirm by 8am" "What?! You What!? You rock! I am up. Let's do this!" "Oh you will come to the house, okay. See you at 1:3opm. This was another day we were going to head north (I had a check in call at noon...) So we ran errands around town and made it back just in time for the cleaning. To no surprise to any of us, the 12noon check in proved to be unsuccessful. Still no permit. So another night in Bend it was! (oh twist my arm, our life there was so horrible - HA! Let's just say, we were spoiled!) So we got the mattress cleaned, played more mexican train, ate more delicious food and I finally had my first glass of wine in this crazy ordeal (and boy did I enjoy it. One glass after another after another) :) Also that night we booked Grace a flight out of Seattle on Sunday, since there was no way we were making it into Vancouver by Monday afternoon to get her on her original flight.
Saturday, July 19th:
Mid morning, we load up the truck and finally start heading north again. This time our end goal is Tacoma, Washington to hang out with Camille's good friend (and practically another Hartman sister) Kelly and her husband Jesse. We had a beautiful drive up past Mt. Hood and down to the Gorge. On our way down we called the Pat's to see if they would want to meet us at McMinniman's for lunch. They were busy loading up Matt with 'wonderful things' to move to Texas. So we eat lunch, then drive a half a block to meet them all at the storage unit. We see the Pat's with their G
reat Race car, Matt with his bright yellow Penske, and Matt's friend Harrison who is helping with the move. It was random, crazy, fast and so perfect. A great sign that all was working out the way it should. After the quick stop, we continued heading to Tacoma. We arrived in time for Margaritas and BBQed salmon. Yum! We also were able to meet Jesse's parent's who were in from Minnesota (their flight left later that night). It was good times! Then in the later hours we introduced Kelly to the Wii.... Let's just say, it was all down hill from there!
Sunday, July 20th:
Kelly was incredibly generous and helped drop Grace off at the airport in the morning (now that was a hard goodbye!) and then she took me in to Seattle to explore. We hit up Pikes Place, did some shopping, learned about the 'Bite of Seattle Festival' so we headed to the 'pointy thing in Seattle that I can't remember it's name' where the festival was taking place. Oh yeah, the Space Needle (or something?) I also gave a little text to Lisa Susan who I knew was hanging out in Seattle that weekend so
she and Russian host student met up with us and adventured around. The festival was cool (who can complain about fair food and funnel cakes!?) Then eventually we parted ways and Kelly took me by her Coast Guard boat - it Rocked! I saw where she works, the little boats she drives, her bunk where she stays when they are deployed... It was awesome! Then back to the house for some dinner, more Wii time and some movie time.
Monday, July 21st:
This was day I was to get my permit. I knew it. I was sure. But I was wrong. Kelly and Jesse left at 5am putting Java (the coolest, cutest chocolate lab ever) and Cody (? - a rockingly cool cat) in the room to cuddle with me (which was awesome). I now totally want to get a pet. Kelly after hanging with me you want a Wii and a Scooter... Well now I want a pet. We will see what kind of apartment I get. So I woke up, packed up and waited for the call... that didn't come... that didn't come... that didn't come. So I called. No permit. I had hit my limit. I was tired of being on the road. My truck was due in Bellingham, WA the next day. I was tired. I was ready to be there. But it was not time. So I did what any sane pe
rson would do. I cried for a moment to get out the frustration then on to next steps planning. Kelly happened to come home in the middle of this and was incredibly patient and was so helpful in thinking of solutions. If one thing is true - I am so blessed with being surrounded by amazing, generous, thoughtful people. So we resolved that would book a storage unit in Bellingham for Tuesday and that I would drive up there, unload all my stuff, drop off the truck and bus over the border as a tourist. Great. Done. Coordinated it all and then back to playing the Wii with Kelly. (oh yeah, she gave me this delicious chocolate covered marshmallow that seemed to melt all my worries away. so random and so cool!) later that evening we actually ventured out to have dinner on the town and I drank a margarita the size of my head and boy was it delicious!
Tuesday, July 22nd:
So Jesse and Kelly put the pup and kitty in the room at 5am. I give them big hugs goodbye and to say thanks. I sleep in some, load up the truck and hit the road by 10:30am. The drive is smooth and easy. I am counting down the exit signs... 9 away from the storage unit and the phone rings. "Heidi, guess what?" "What?" "We have your permit" So I pull into a parking lot in Bellingham and find a Postal store that has everything... mail, fax, internet, printer... all I need to get all the paperwork in order. 2 angels (Tari at Hollyhock and the lady at this Postal store) and 2 hours later, I am ready to hit the border. I am more nervous than I have ever been. I try to eat, but I nearly vomit it all back up. So I go for it. I am expecting 2-6 hours there with extreme interrogation about my work, my stuff, etc. People have said the Canadian officials are just plan ruthless. So 15 minutes later after pulling into the border patrol, I am leaving with a work permit
in hand and all my stuff. I was called up, gave them my papers, they reviewed them (told me to wait til they called my name), they called my name and said "we need you to pay $150 Canadian for your permit", I paid it, they gave me my permit and said to follow the other cars out, "don't you want to check out my truck", "will you take it all with you when you go back?", "yes", "well then, no. Go on and be sure to follow the other cars out that way." And that was it. I turned the truck around (all by myself) and went on. Meanwhile, I had called Ian about this chance of me crossing the border and asked for help in finding a storage unit. He found one that would be open later so we could unload that night, paid for it and arranged all the details. I picked him up and we hustled to be done by 8pm when the elevators would stop working, but we were just too slow (like 2 minutes too slow). So we waited for the manager to come and she let us stay longer. We got it all unloaded, went ate some delicious sushi and then headed to the sublet near Main and Broadway. We unloaded, got me all set up and then he took the bus home. With all that... I finally made it and I finally had a great nights sleep.
Wednesday, July 23rd:
This day was originally to be my first day at work, but... well... So now was the day to return the truck back south of the border in Bellingham. You know how fast the border was the day before, well this was 2 hours of traffic day to head south of the border. Eventually I made it to the truck rental, took a cab to the airport (another helpful person) and call to get Quick Shuttle to pick me up. Too late to catch the 3:10 bus (since it was 3:45pm) and too late to book the 6:10 bus (I would have to ride stand by if available). But the nice lady on the phone pushed the rules and booked me on the 6:10pm bus and gave me a confirmation code. Literally 15 seconds after I got off the phone with Quick Shuttle, a bus showed up. Is it headed south? North? It was head north! Do you have an extra seat. Yes!? Uh, okay. You mean I won't have to sit at this little airport for 3+ hours?! Let's do this! Next thing I know I am headed north and crossing the border for the 3rd time in two days. Back to Vancouver for my first solo dinner and drink in my new city and early to bed for the first day of work the next day....
Monday, July 14th:
So after an amazing weekend farewell in Brentwood (Cornfest Style), I picked up the truck with Grace around the corner from my folks place. The whole family then went down to the storage unit for some great 'team' effort to muck out, pack up and just get rid of stuff. It was soooo hot, but everyone worked so hard to be as efficient as possible. 2-3 hours later, the first layer of stuff was in the truck and all robed in (thanks to Daddio!). So after an hour or so for lunch and shower at the folks place, Grace and I loaded in the bright yellow penske and said farewell to Mom, Dad and Camille and headed for the city.
We pulled in the city to have Ken, Tony and Melanie join us to start loading in the boxes and most importantly - the scoot! Tony was the task master and got 80% of the truck packed, strapped down and ready to go before he had to run. Then the back up troops came with little to do, so we finished loading and took off for some grub and drinks at the Hukilau (the last supper....). There was such a great turn out!!! (Marissa, Pops, MCB, Erik, Erica, Jason, Wendy, Christina, Tony, Jiri, Sherri, Matt and Andy) It rocked and I felt so loved!! A few headed back to the apartment, packed up the last odds n' ends and secured it all for the big move. The farewells were getting harder and harder...Tuesday, July 15th (aka D-Day as in Departure Day):
Grace and I woke up (on the floor - thanks Ton for the pad!) and began fulfilling our check list of things to do (including Goodwill, Post Office, final pack up, Lo Cubano, and just driving the truck around the city...). We were productive and were on the road by late morning, I think. We drove (I actually drove the whole way!) until we ate lunch then drove some more... Let's just say the Lo Cubano action did some fun stuff for Grace and me (I know, I know - TMI!), but it was funny! The drive to Bend was not so bad and we pulled in the 8 o'clock hour just in time for yummy BBQed chicken for dinner with Auntie Barbara and Aunt Cathy. Then early to bed (I picked the room with the second most comfortable bed in the world - after mine of course!)
Wednesday, July 16th:
Grace and I had a lazy morning, but when we made it downstairs Cathy prepared us made to order pancakes. (Let's just say, this is the best B & B in the world. If you ever get a chance, you should check it out and the price is just right!) Grace and I then headed into town to have some lunch with her friend Jess, which was cool and did a Costco walk-thru where Grace bought me a super fantastic moving gift.... the complete collection of Pixar films!!! Totally rocked! Then back to the house for some chilling. The theme of Bend was Sleep, Eat, Play Games, Eat, Sleep, Run into Town, do some planning, etc. It was a tough life. We learned to play Pegs and Jokers this day... It was awesome! (Barbara and Cathy - yes, I would like one for Xmas. please?) :) We had another delicious meal and BBQed up some Brentwood Corn and had Suncrest peaches and ice cream (oh my!)Thursday, July 17th:
This was the day we were supposed to head north and stay in Seattle, but since there was not work permit, well... plans changed. Once. Twice. Three times. And then some. Grace was a great sport about it all. So we played more games (including Mexican Train), played the Wii, and tried to help as much as we could around the house. We also got to go to Redmond for dinner at Barbara and Cathy's friends' restaurant - oh so good!!! Like yum. Seriously yum! Also the IronMaidens were having a meeting (which is pretty much a bunch of awesome women in the Bend area who drive supped up sweet old cars and make your heart jump when you see them. They rocked!) Also on this day I learned that Canada does not allow people to import second hand or used mattresses unless they are cleaned and fumigated. Bleck! So I was trying to think how to get around this (because, well let's just say I had three things I needed/wanted to come with me 1. the Scoot; 2. My bed; 3. The wine collection). And so far I was pushing it with the other two, now my mattress was not allowed too!
Friday, July 18th:
"Heidi. Heidi. Time to get up." "what? uh? 7:30am? I miss sleeping in..." "Heidi - I have found a someone to clean your mattress. You have to confirm by 8am" "What?! You What!? You rock! I am up. Let's do this!" "Oh you will come to the house, okay. See you at 1:3opm. This was another day we were going to head north (I had a check in call at noon...) So we ran errands around town and made it back just in time for the cleaning. To no surprise to any of us, the 12noon check in proved to be unsuccessful. Still no permit. So another night in Bend it was! (oh twist my arm, our life there was so horrible - HA! Let's just say, we were spoiled!) So we got the mattress cleaned, played more mexican train, ate more delicious food and I finally had my first glass of wine in this crazy ordeal (and boy did I enjoy it. One glass after another after another) :) Also that night we booked Grace a flight out of Seattle on Sunday, since there was no way we were making it into Vancouver by Monday afternoon to get her on her original flight.
Saturday, July 19th:
Mid morning, we load up the truck and finally start heading north again. This time our end goal is Tacoma, Washington to hang out with Camille's good friend (and practically another Hartman sister) Kelly and her husband Jesse. We had a beautiful drive up past Mt. Hood and down to the Gorge. On our way down we called the Pat's to see if they would want to meet us at McMinniman's for lunch. They were busy loading up Matt with 'wonderful things' to move to Texas. So we eat lunch, then drive a half a block to meet them all at the storage unit. We see the Pat's with their G
reat Race car, Matt with his bright yellow Penske, and Matt's friend Harrison who is helping with the move. It was random, crazy, fast and so perfect. A great sign that all was working out the way it should. After the quick stop, we continued heading to Tacoma. We arrived in time for Margaritas and BBQed salmon. Yum! We also were able to meet Jesse's parent's who were in from Minnesota (their flight left later that night). It was good times! Then in the later hours we introduced Kelly to the Wii.... Let's just say, it was all down hill from there!
Sunday, July 20th:
Kelly was incredibly generous and helped drop Grace off at the airport in the morning (now that was a hard goodbye!) and then she took me in to Seattle to explore. We hit up Pikes Place, did some shopping, learned about the 'Bite of Seattle Festival' so we headed to the 'pointy thing in Seattle that I can't remember it's name' where the festival was taking place. Oh yeah, the Space Needle (or something?) I also gave a little text to Lisa Susan who I knew was hanging out in Seattle that weekend so
she and Russian host student met up with us and adventured around. The festival was cool (who can complain about fair food and funnel cakes!?) Then eventually we parted ways and Kelly took me by her Coast Guard boat - it Rocked! I saw where she works, the little boats she drives, her bunk where she stays when they are deployed... It was awesome! Then back to the house for some dinner, more Wii time and some movie time.Monday, July 21st:
This was day I was to get my permit. I knew it. I was sure. But I was wrong. Kelly and Jesse left at 5am putting Java (the coolest, cutest chocolate lab ever) and Cody (? - a rockingly cool cat) in the room to cuddle with me (which was awesome). I now totally want to get a pet. Kelly after hanging with me you want a Wii and a Scooter... Well now I want a pet. We will see what kind of apartment I get. So I woke up, packed up and waited for the call... that didn't come... that didn't come... that didn't come. So I called. No permit. I had hit my limit. I was tired of being on the road. My truck was due in Bellingham, WA the next day. I was tired. I was ready to be there. But it was not time. So I did what any sane pe
rson would do. I cried for a moment to get out the frustration then on to next steps planning. Kelly happened to come home in the middle of this and was incredibly patient and was so helpful in thinking of solutions. If one thing is true - I am so blessed with being surrounded by amazing, generous, thoughtful people. So we resolved that would book a storage unit in Bellingham for Tuesday and that I would drive up there, unload all my stuff, drop off the truck and bus over the border as a tourist. Great. Done. Coordinated it all and then back to playing the Wii with Kelly. (oh yeah, she gave me this delicious chocolate covered marshmallow that seemed to melt all my worries away. so random and so cool!) later that evening we actually ventured out to have dinner on the town and I drank a margarita the size of my head and boy was it delicious!Tuesday, July 22nd:
So Jesse and Kelly put the pup and kitty in the room at 5am. I give them big hugs goodbye and to say thanks. I sleep in some, load up the truck and hit the road by 10:30am. The drive is smooth and easy. I am counting down the exit signs... 9 away from the storage unit and the phone rings. "Heidi, guess what?" "What?" "We have your permit" So I pull into a parking lot in Bellingham and find a Postal store that has everything... mail, fax, internet, printer... all I need to get all the paperwork in order. 2 angels (Tari at Hollyhock and the lady at this Postal store) and 2 hours later, I am ready to hit the border. I am more nervous than I have ever been. I try to eat, but I nearly vomit it all back up. So I go for it. I am expecting 2-6 hours there with extreme interrogation about my work, my stuff, etc. People have said the Canadian officials are just plan ruthless. So 15 minutes later after pulling into the border patrol, I am leaving with a work permit
in hand and all my stuff. I was called up, gave them my papers, they reviewed them (told me to wait til they called my name), they called my name and said "we need you to pay $150 Canadian for your permit", I paid it, they gave me my permit and said to follow the other cars out, "don't you want to check out my truck", "will you take it all with you when you go back?", "yes", "well then, no. Go on and be sure to follow the other cars out that way." And that was it. I turned the truck around (all by myself) and went on. Meanwhile, I had called Ian about this chance of me crossing the border and asked for help in finding a storage unit. He found one that would be open later so we could unload that night, paid for it and arranged all the details. I picked him up and we hustled to be done by 8pm when the elevators would stop working, but we were just too slow (like 2 minutes too slow). So we waited for the manager to come and she let us stay longer. We got it all unloaded, went ate some delicious sushi and then headed to the sublet near Main and Broadway. We unloaded, got me all set up and then he took the bus home. With all that... I finally made it and I finally had a great nights sleep.Wednesday, July 23rd:
This day was originally to be my first day at work, but... well... So now was the day to return the truck back south of the border in Bellingham. You know how fast the border was the day before, well this was 2 hours of traffic day to head south of the border. Eventually I made it to the truck rental, took a cab to the airport (another helpful person) and call to get Quick Shuttle to pick me up. Too late to catch the 3:10 bus (since it was 3:45pm) and too late to book the 6:10 bus (I would have to ride stand by if available). But the nice lady on the phone pushed the rules and booked me on the 6:10pm bus and gave me a confirmation code. Literally 15 seconds after I got off the phone with Quick Shuttle, a bus showed up. Is it headed south? North? It was head north! Do you have an extra seat. Yes!? Uh, okay. You mean I won't have to sit at this little airport for 3+ hours?! Let's do this! Next thing I know I am headed north and crossing the border for the 3rd time in two days. Back to Vancouver for my first solo dinner and drink in my new city and early to bed for the first day of work the next day....
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