Where do I begin...
Let's start with the boys. Jason came home for Christmas. He's excited about his new job. He had accepted the position of professor at the Augustana Campus of the U of A in Camrose. He starts July 1, but doesn't move there until mid-August. Shelley, his fiance, will complete her internship in Ottawa by the end of July. She's being helped by the Dean of Augustana in finding a job in Camrose. Their wedding maybe in the fall of 09 or the summer of '10, in Regina!
Scott is still in England. He's off school now until January, so the 3 of them, have decided to go to Paris for Xmas! Hmmmmm, I wish I could be there with him... They're planning to hit all the touristy spots, plus take a boat ride down the Seine, nice! His classes are going well he tells us and he's not complaining about the length of year too much (done mid July). He's looking forward to backpacking Europe next fall.
Debbie is still a secretary at Rosemont School, but she's talked about retiring in '13 and then sub for awhile after that. She's really enjoying her hobbies of scrap booking and greeting card making. She's taken over a spare bedroom for all of her 'stuff'.
Me... I'm still at the airport, but not for long. The job has been interfering with my social life, so it must go! My last day will be on the 27th of Dec. I've said that I will still do the occasional escort duty, only if during the day shift and I'll be back for the summer, as there will be plenty of escort and relief for holidays. Deb spends much of the summer at Manitou, so I will work pretty much full time and more for them. My new job is days only and not as many either, because I've decided to go back subbing. 6 days subbing equals to 13 days at the airport. I've subbed 3 days already in Dec. and it wasn't all that bad. I'm sure that I will get at least that much or more for Jan, Feb and March. I'm still into photography and I have a chance to do 3 wedding this year.
Merry Christmas and may 2009 bless you with good fortune!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Wow, it's been a long time....
Well, it's almost the middle of Nov. and it's been awhile since I have added anything to this blog. Sorry, I know some of you would like to keep up with the Goertzens.
First, the boys. Scott is still in England. We have received several emails and pics of his visits to various places. It appears that he's having a great time there and teaching is going well, too. They've been to London and Wales so far, with plans to go to Paris for Xmas, nice... Would love to go with them. Amy's found a job and I believe Devin has found one too. Sooo all is well in the "Jolly Old". Jason is writing his dissertation and has almost completed the first part to submit to his adviser for approval. His next portion must be completed by Xmas(approx.) to submit to the panel for approval and revisions. He wants it done by late spring so he can defend it before he goes to his new job. He has sent out a few resumes to possible universities, and he has gotten his first interview for a job, which he likes. The university is located in Camrose, AB. It's connected to the U of A in Edmonton. They will have the advantage of living in 'small town' community, yet still connected to a big university. His interview is later this month, so we are sitting on pins and needles until then. Shelley has completed a few months of her internship and Jason tells me that she has had some pretty long days, but it is going well for her. She is excited about Jason's interview and says that he must land a job first and then she'll either get hire on at some clinic or put out her own 'shingle' She'll only need to get a few clients weekly to make some decent money. I sure do miss the boys! Would love to have them both home for Xmas, but it looks like only Jason and Shelley will be here.
Second, ourselves. I'm working still 1/2 time only. We finally got a decent raise, and this will mean that we are getting closer to the norm. We were the lowest paid commissioners in the city, but now we are only a bit behind the average. My sign language course is going well with only 2 weeks left. My birthday gift was a brand new iMac!! Nice. This machine will definitely help when I work with large picture files. My old one was a bit slow when uploading shots to a photo centre on the web to get developed. Now speed is definitely not a problem. This one is FAST!! Deb is working (not very hard) at Rosemont still. Some days she finds it boring (she's so efficient that it doesn't take long to get the work done!). She spends a bit of time every day on the web, researching our spring cruise to San Juan. Yes you read right. San Juan Puerto Rico in April. 7 days of sunshine visiting 6 different islands, one per day. Sound like it will be a great trip.
Lastly, parents. Dad continues to be a concern to us. He sleeps continuously during the day and is having more and more bad days than good. There are some days that I'm sure that he doesn't recognize me, which is hard on me, but I keep talking to help him to orient him into who he's talking to. Which is very hard since, his hearing is getting worse. Leon has purchased a gizmo which we hope will improve this situation. Mom has finally decided to move out of the house. She filled out forms, to be put on a list to move into a senior's apartment, either at Benson Manor (where May, a friend, lives) or into Highland Manor (Eileen and Helen, friends, live). Because mom's pension is small, she moves up the list, but since narrowed the places she wants to be, it may take longer. We are hoping for her to stay until spring and then get her moved. Mom and Dad Bott are doing better. Mom is adapting better to the long term care home and Dad is more relaxed because she's there.
I'll try to post more often as time permits, but c'est la vie. It will happen when it happens.
First, the boys. Scott is still in England. We have received several emails and pics of his visits to various places. It appears that he's having a great time there and teaching is going well, too. They've been to London and Wales so far, with plans to go to Paris for Xmas, nice... Would love to go with them. Amy's found a job and I believe Devin has found one too. Sooo all is well in the "Jolly Old". Jason is writing his dissertation and has almost completed the first part to submit to his adviser for approval. His next portion must be completed by Xmas(approx.) to submit to the panel for approval and revisions. He wants it done by late spring so he can defend it before he goes to his new job. He has sent out a few resumes to possible universities, and he has gotten his first interview for a job, which he likes. The university is located in Camrose, AB. It's connected to the U of A in Edmonton. They will have the advantage of living in 'small town' community, yet still connected to a big university. His interview is later this month, so we are sitting on pins and needles until then. Shelley has completed a few months of her internship and Jason tells me that she has had some pretty long days, but it is going well for her. She is excited about Jason's interview and says that he must land a job first and then she'll either get hire on at some clinic or put out her own 'shingle' She'll only need to get a few clients weekly to make some decent money. I sure do miss the boys! Would love to have them both home for Xmas, but it looks like only Jason and Shelley will be here.
Second, ourselves. I'm working still 1/2 time only. We finally got a decent raise, and this will mean that we are getting closer to the norm. We were the lowest paid commissioners in the city, but now we are only a bit behind the average. My sign language course is going well with only 2 weeks left. My birthday gift was a brand new iMac!! Nice. This machine will definitely help when I work with large picture files. My old one was a bit slow when uploading shots to a photo centre on the web to get developed. Now speed is definitely not a problem. This one is FAST!! Deb is working (not very hard) at Rosemont still. Some days she finds it boring (she's so efficient that it doesn't take long to get the work done!). She spends a bit of time every day on the web, researching our spring cruise to San Juan. Yes you read right. San Juan Puerto Rico in April. 7 days of sunshine visiting 6 different islands, one per day. Sound like it will be a great trip.
Lastly, parents. Dad continues to be a concern to us. He sleeps continuously during the day and is having more and more bad days than good. There are some days that I'm sure that he doesn't recognize me, which is hard on me, but I keep talking to help him to orient him into who he's talking to. Which is very hard since, his hearing is getting worse. Leon has purchased a gizmo which we hope will improve this situation. Mom has finally decided to move out of the house. She filled out forms, to be put on a list to move into a senior's apartment, either at Benson Manor (where May, a friend, lives) or into Highland Manor (Eileen and Helen, friends, live). Because mom's pension is small, she moves up the list, but since narrowed the places she wants to be, it may take longer. We are hoping for her to stay until spring and then get her moved. Mom and Dad Bott are doing better. Mom is adapting better to the long term care home and Dad is more relaxed because she's there.
I'll try to post more often as time permits, but c'est la vie. It will happen when it happens.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
The Summer of UP's and DOWN's
Well, this summer wasn't what I expected.
First, the family, a downer. My father was placed into long term care at the Pasqua Hospital. He has had good days and some bad days. Has suffered with an urinary tract infection, but recovered nicely from it. He spends most of his days sleeping. They do get him up and walking for a bit, but he tires quickly. He also has had some brief moments of dementia, but only when he's been disorientated from waking from a sleep or just after his UTI. My mother is now using a walker full time. Her thighs and hip not treating her very well, but she is managing to get around fairly well. It helps that she is getting Meals on Wheels. My mother-in-law was also placed in a long care home. With father-in-law unable to lift mom around anymore and with her diabetes running amok, it was best for both of them. I think that now mother in law is in the care home that father in law will become healthier. He was losing weight and he was plagued with sore hips and legs (from lifting).
Secondly, work, another downer(sort of). I was hoping for a relaxing summer, I was so WRONG. I ended up working over 380 hours in 2 months. The money was nice, but the hours were long. The airport had lots of construction, mostly to the aprons(where the planes parked) and thus they needed escort for all the construction workers.
Sarah's and Spiros' wedding was beautiful, an UPPER. I'm posting pictures pictures below, so have a look. Sandy and Sarah were both beautiful (as usual) and little Iliana was so cute as the flower girl. Spiros' parents were so friendly, we felt very welcome, both at the church and the ceremony.
Debbie, an UPPER. She had a great summer, she spent much of it at Manitou Beach, entertaining company that she had invited. She also went on a casino bus trip to Winnipeg with a friend near the end of August. She had a great time and yet only spent about $100 for 4 days, so it was all good.
Another wedding, an UPPER. Our best friends'(Perry and Debbie) daughter got marriage in August, they wedding was beautiful too.
I'm hoping that things will begin to slow down. I'm back volunteering at Buck once a week. My shifts are down at work 10 to 15 per month(as promise from the guy who does the scheduling). Bowling starts this coming week and I had several chances over the summer to practice so I'm looking forward to the season.
First, the family, a downer. My father was placed into long term care at the Pasqua Hospital. He has had good days and some bad days. Has suffered with an urinary tract infection, but recovered nicely from it. He spends most of his days sleeping. They do get him up and walking for a bit, but he tires quickly. He also has had some brief moments of dementia, but only when he's been disorientated from waking from a sleep or just after his UTI. My mother is now using a walker full time. Her thighs and hip not treating her very well, but she is managing to get around fairly well. It helps that she is getting Meals on Wheels. My mother-in-law was also placed in a long care home. With father-in-law unable to lift mom around anymore and with her diabetes running amok, it was best for both of them. I think that now mother in law is in the care home that father in law will become healthier. He was losing weight and he was plagued with sore hips and legs (from lifting).
Secondly, work, another downer(sort of). I was hoping for a relaxing summer, I was so WRONG. I ended up working over 380 hours in 2 months. The money was nice, but the hours were long. The airport had lots of construction, mostly to the aprons(where the planes parked) and thus they needed escort for all the construction workers.
Sarah's and Spiros' wedding was beautiful, an UPPER. I'm posting pictures pictures below, so have a look. Sandy and Sarah were both beautiful (as usual) and little Iliana was so cute as the flower girl. Spiros' parents were so friendly, we felt very welcome, both at the church and the ceremony.
Debbie, an UPPER. She had a great summer, she spent much of it at Manitou Beach, entertaining company that she had invited. She also went on a casino bus trip to Winnipeg with a friend near the end of August. She had a great time and yet only spent about $100 for 4 days, so it was all good.
Another wedding, an UPPER. Our best friends'(Perry and Debbie) daughter got marriage in August, they wedding was beautiful too.
I'm hoping that things will begin to slow down. I'm back volunteering at Buck once a week. My shifts are down at work 10 to 15 per month(as promise from the guy who does the scheduling). Bowling starts this coming week and I had several chances over the summer to practice so I'm looking forward to the season.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
It's still going...
Well, things are going along. Summer is here and I'm working, but not too much. 12 shifts which is just 1 shift short of normal. Heading to Winnipeg soon for Sarah's wedding. Will try to get to the lake one weekend this summer to visit with friends.
Scott, my youngest, landed a job in England! He's leaving in August to Bicester, 1.5 hours northwest of London. He and 2 friends will work and live in Oxford. Flat will run around 500 pounds ($1100/month) and Scott will commute 30 minutes by train to Bicester. He'll work 1 year and then Devin and he will backpack around Europe for 3 months.
Jason and Shelley are moving to Ottawa. They are both in their final year. Shelley will intern at a clinic/hospital while Jason will finish his dissertation. He landed yet another scholarship so that he won't have to work while he finishes it. After Ottawa, who knows. Jason will have to find a teaching position in some university, while Shelley can put up a 'shingle' anywhere. Both deserve a good clap on the back for all their hard work.
Debbie will spend the summer at the lake. Work a little, tan a lot. She is also planning a bus jaunt to Winnipeg sometime soon with a friend.
All is right in the world.
Scott, my youngest, landed a job in England! He's leaving in August to Bicester, 1.5 hours northwest of London. He and 2 friends will work and live in Oxford. Flat will run around 500 pounds ($1100/month) and Scott will commute 30 minutes by train to Bicester. He'll work 1 year and then Devin and he will backpack around Europe for 3 months.
Jason and Shelley are moving to Ottawa. They are both in their final year. Shelley will intern at a clinic/hospital while Jason will finish his dissertation. He landed yet another scholarship so that he won't have to work while he finishes it. After Ottawa, who knows. Jason will have to find a teaching position in some university, while Shelley can put up a 'shingle' anywhere. Both deserve a good clap on the back for all their hard work.
Debbie will spend the summer at the lake. Work a little, tan a lot. She is also planning a bus jaunt to Winnipeg sometime soon with a friend.
All is right in the world.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Not much....
Not much has been going on since my last entry. I did work my very first, second, third and LAST night shifts for the commissionaires. NEVER again. I was physically sick after the first day, so I will not be doing them again. I even gave away 2 of my night shift at month's end.
I took pictures at a friend's wedding on the 17th of May. I was disappointed at some of the results, but I'm going to try to fix that for next time. I will definitely have extra batteries for my flash, as by night's end I was having difficulties with it charging up the flash. My outside shots were much better, so I'm hoping to do more of those in the future.
My friend and I went to Minneapolis for 3 days and watch 3 Blue Jays games. Wow, couldn't have planned it better. The weather going there was crappy. Warm up for our sight seeing day. Used my new 75 x 300 mm lens at some of the players out on the field. Work great! Will have to plan a trip to Seattle next!!
I took pictures at a friend's wedding on the 17th of May. I was disappointed at some of the results, but I'm going to try to fix that for next time. I will definitely have extra batteries for my flash, as by night's end I was having difficulties with it charging up the flash. My outside shots were much better, so I'm hoping to do more of those in the future.
My friend and I went to Minneapolis for 3 days and watch 3 Blue Jays games. Wow, couldn't have planned it better. The weather going there was crappy. Warm up for our sight seeing day. Used my new 75 x 300 mm lens at some of the players out on the field. Work great! Will have to plan a trip to Seattle next!!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Back from Cancun
Had a terrific week in Cancun. We ate, drank, and had fun! We visited the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, did a Captain Hook Cruise Show, and went to Isle of Mujures (Island of Women) where Deb swam with the dolphins! We snapped 900+ pictures and met many different people. We'll definitely do this again sometime! Check out the shots below!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
After Last Month's Bad Luck, Some Good Luck!
I got a surprise phone call on Monday. Sask. Tourism wants to purchase the rights to one of my photos!!!!! It's below in my shots from Manitou. The one with the sailboat in the sunset. They are going to pay me $300 for it!!! My mouth dropped a foot and I did a little dance. I sent the photo to them today and will probably get the money in 1 or 2 weeks.
SOOOOO, out with the camera again to take some more shots this spring! And take my wife out for supper! The rest will be going to my ROAD TRIP to Minneapolis in May to watch the Blue Jays play! Ian is coming with me, so we are leaving the women behind (to save money from shopping!) Looking forward to it as much as I'm looking forward to the trip to Cancun on Sat.
SOOOOO, out with the camera again to take some more shots this spring! And take my wife out for supper! The rest will be going to my ROAD TRIP to Minneapolis in May to watch the Blue Jays play! Ian is coming with me, so we are leaving the women behind (to save money from shopping!) Looking forward to it as much as I'm looking forward to the trip to Cancun on Sat.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Not Too Bad!
Sorry for not writing sooner, but things are hectic around here. I got news that SGI will NOT fix my car, but between my insurance and what SGI gave me, totalled $2600, not too badly. The bruise on my arm from the accident is now all, but disappeared.
They also charged me for the accident so my insurance will probably take a hit. I have a RCMP friend who said that I should challenge it in small claims court, but I don't think will. No one was hurt, it won't affect my SGI insurance, as it was my first ever accident and finally, if I happen to lose, I will be out the cost of small claims court as well.
I haven't been out much with the new camera, but intend to do so sometime in March here as I'm not scheduled to work so much this month. Maybe will try to head to Qu'appelle Valley on Sunday with the wife and take in the sights and take in a quiet dinner in Lumsden.
They also charged me for the accident so my insurance will probably take a hit. I have a RCMP friend who said that I should challenge it in small claims court, but I don't think will. No one was hurt, it won't affect my SGI insurance, as it was my first ever accident and finally, if I happen to lose, I will be out the cost of small claims court as well.
I haven't been out much with the new camera, but intend to do so sometime in March here as I'm not scheduled to work so much this month. Maybe will try to head to Qu'appelle Valley on Sunday with the wife and take in the sights and take in a quiet dinner in Lumsden.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
WOW!
The total damage to my car was $2900! Don't believe that, but there it is. Now I have to wait to see if the other guy's will get charge for the accident. I'll know by next week. If it's equal at fault or I'm charged, I think that I will fight it. I've got nothing to lose. But let's not put the cart before the horse! We'll wait out the week and see the results.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
My First!
No, it has nothing to do with THAT! I was in my first car accident. I was doing my usual u-turn on Dalgleish to head to my sign class and BAM! Some kid? 18 or so, hit me on my driver's side door! I ended up with a bruise on my left shoulder! But hopefully my car won't get totaled off as I can't afford another. Oh well, could have been worse I guess. I walked away from it, which is more than what I can say about other accidents that I've read about. Will meet with the adjusters on Thurs of next week. Keep your fingers crossed.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Well......
This is my first day of 5 in-a-row working! I suppose this will occur regularly now, but hopefully not too often. We experienced an alarm today, but it was false! I had to RUN from outside, up 2 flights of stairs and to the area, just to find out that it was false. That's life. My sign language class starts in a couple of weeks, I'm hopefully for both of them to occur. It should start near the end of the month (19th??) and go for ten weeks.
Friday, January 4, 2008
New Year's Eve and more...
Well, the wife and I had a quiet evening at a friend's house. Played cards till 10 and returned home to bed... YES, bed! I still had my cold and wasn't feeling all that great! I had to work New Year's Day and the next, too. The wife spent much of this time working on invitations to a friend's daughter's wedding (which I'm taking pictures for in May). We even had to move Scott out to his new apartment(located in Uplands) on New Year's Day. We are now officially "empty-nesters"! We'll miss him, but the lower cost of running the house will help ease the pain a bit more!
Deb's holidays are coming to an end and she's not looking forward to them ending. Hopefully, the days of work will seem less as she realizes that there's only 2 months until our trip! Cancun, here we come!
Deb's holidays are coming to an end and she's not looking forward to them ending. Hopefully, the days of work will seem less as she realizes that there's only 2 months until our trip! Cancun, here we come!
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