In 17 days, I will be leaving Whitehorse. I have accepted a full-time, permanent Dietitian position in my home town in Manitoba. Although I am thrilled about this, I feel sick every time that I think of leaving Whitehorse. I have been in Whitehorse for 18 months now, minus the three months that I spent in Edmonton last summer. Throughout my time here, I have made amazing friends and memories that will be with me forever! There are so many more things that I have wanted to do and see before leaving the Yukon-experiencing a Yukon summer, finishing off the Alaska Highway, going to the Dawson City Music Festival, visiting Haines, Alaska, and so much more! I never thought that I would be leaving so soon.
On the other hand, however, I know that I would also regret it if I would have turned down this job to spend a bit more time in the Yukon and do everything that I wanted to do. This job opportunity is pretty much my dream job, and although the timing couldn't have been worse, I am excited about beginning my first real career as a Dietitian. I also look forward to being closer to my family and friends, being home for the summer to go camping at Blue Lakes, being able to take part in all of the activities leading up to the weddings of my two very best friends, and just getting some good retail therapy!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
2009 So Far
I knew that 2009 was going to be a defining year. The first year that I would start as a professional. I didn't expect 2009 to be this big, however...and it is still only April!!
So some of the highlights:
1. We bought a truck-our first vehicle that we have bought together, and my first vehicle ever!
2. Ryan and I both started businesses-mine a Nutrition Consulting Business and Ryan's a Home Renovation Business. Ryan took off flying and has been busy non-stop since his very first contract! Although I have not been actively pursuing business for myself, I have been able to pick up a few contracts which have definitely helped out financially! It is also nice to have Ryan making money while being close to home.
3. I got my first Dietitian job-a casual position in Long Term Care.
4. We took our first trip to Dawson City-visited Diamond Tooth Gerties Casino and did the Sour Toe Cocktail-I even have the certificate to prove it!
5. We bought a cargo trailer-Ryan's new mobile home while he is working!
6. I got my second Dietitian job-a full time permanent position in Dauphin, Manitoba (both Ryan's and my home town). The position is in Diabetes/Chronic Disease Management and Renal/Hemodialysis.
It is amazing how much has happened in just 4 short months. I am both excited and nervous to see what the rest of 2009 brings us!!
So some of the highlights:
1. We bought a truck-our first vehicle that we have bought together, and my first vehicle ever!
2. Ryan and I both started businesses-mine a Nutrition Consulting Business and Ryan's a Home Renovation Business. Ryan took off flying and has been busy non-stop since his very first contract! Although I have not been actively pursuing business for myself, I have been able to pick up a few contracts which have definitely helped out financially! It is also nice to have Ryan making money while being close to home.
3. I got my first Dietitian job-a casual position in Long Term Care.
4. We took our first trip to Dawson City-visited Diamond Tooth Gerties Casino and did the Sour Toe Cocktail-I even have the certificate to prove it!
5. We bought a cargo trailer-Ryan's new mobile home while he is working!
6. I got my second Dietitian job-a full time permanent position in Dauphin, Manitoba (both Ryan's and my home town). The position is in Diabetes/Chronic Disease Management and Renal/Hemodialysis.
It is amazing how much has happened in just 4 short months. I am both excited and nervous to see what the rest of 2009 brings us!!
Friday, January 30, 2009
HireMICHAELforHamiltonIsland.com
I don't think I have to say much. The website says it all so check our www.HireMICHAELforHamiltonIsland.com for yourself.
Our neighbour Michael has applied for the position of Island Caretaker, as part of Tourism Queensland's "Best Job in the World" campaign. I cannot think of anybody that would be better at the job! Michael is a pro at marketing as you can tell from his application, and would attract the attention of people around the world! Michael wouldn't consider this work, however. Hiking, exploring and discovering are all things that Michael loves to do anyways. Plus he would bring his entire family and loyal blog readers along with him for the adventure (and I know I would love to see the Great Barrier Reef even if it is only through Michael's blogs, videos and masterpiece photographs).
Michael is already a local celebrity , but he still needs more help and support to make this happen! So please check out his application video and rate it 5 out of 5! I know that he will make Whitehorse, Yukon Territory and all of Canada proud!!
Just a sneak peek!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
A Hurried Update
I have not had the opportunity to blog as often as I would have liked to over the past few months. My days consist of working, sleeping and then getting up at 4:45 am again to go back to work. I had intended to catch up on my blogging while at home for the Christmas holidays, but these attempts proved fruitless as my parents only have dial-up internet. Here is a quick update on what has been going on with me:
1. Ryan and I are finally settled into our new place and loving it. It is great to have a stove again, and we have definitely been taking advantage of it!
2. I finally got the results back from my registration exam, and I PASSED! They have taken my money, so now all I have to do is wait for my membership card and I can officially call myself a Registered Dietitian!!
3. I will be training throughout the next month for a casual Dietitian position in Long Term Care. I am excited to finally start working in a dietitian position, even if it is not guaranteed hours.
4. I have put in my resignation from my position as Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator at Skookum Jim Friendship Centre. This has been bitter-sweet as I have truly enjoyed the position there, but feel that I have not had the time to fully commit myself to any of my work over the past few months, which is hard for me as I like to give everything I do 110%. I also think that it is important to keep myself available for actual dietitian work that may come up, possibly in consulting, which is something that I would really like to venture into. My boss at the Friendship Centre has been great (although disappointed) and has offered me the opportunity to consult with them in the future for various program related activities.
5. The weather here in Whitehorse has been frigid over the past few weeks, averaging around -35 degrees without the windchill. I am getting used to the cold, but my car is not, and I pray that "she" will make it through the winter!
1. Ryan and I are finally settled into our new place and loving it. It is great to have a stove again, and we have definitely been taking advantage of it!
2. I finally got the results back from my registration exam, and I PASSED! They have taken my money, so now all I have to do is wait for my membership card and I can officially call myself a Registered Dietitian!!
3. I will be training throughout the next month for a casual Dietitian position in Long Term Care. I am excited to finally start working in a dietitian position, even if it is not guaranteed hours.
4. I have put in my resignation from my position as Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator at Skookum Jim Friendship Centre. This has been bitter-sweet as I have truly enjoyed the position there, but feel that I have not had the time to fully commit myself to any of my work over the past few months, which is hard for me as I like to give everything I do 110%. I also think that it is important to keep myself available for actual dietitian work that may come up, possibly in consulting, which is something that I would really like to venture into. My boss at the Friendship Centre has been great (although disappointed) and has offered me the opportunity to consult with them in the future for various program related activities.
5. The weather here in Whitehorse has been frigid over the past few weeks, averaging around -35 degrees without the windchill. I am getting used to the cold, but my car is not, and I pray that "she" will make it through the winter!
Several Reasons Why I Will NOT Fly Air Canada Again.....
Several misadventures throughout my recent trip home to Manitoba for Christmas have drawn me to the conclusion that I will not fly with Air Canada again:
1. When purchasing my ticket from the airport, the woman at the front desk did not know how to enter my Aeroplan Miles number, so I did not collect any Aeroplan miles. It is now MY responsibility to call the company and ensure that my account is credited.
2. After connecting from Whitehorse to Vancouver to Calgary to Winnipeg, all that I was offered on the plane was a bag of pretzels. The justification was that I had not had a continuous flight, however, I did not have any time between connections to even grab a snack.
3. Upon arriving to Winnipeg, I discovered that one of my bags had been left behind. I did not recieve the bag for two days (luckily I had planned on staying in Winnipeg for a couple of days and not going straight to my parents' which is 4 hours away).
4. Air Canada did not offer me any compensation for the lost bag. It was only after I researched their policy on the internet and specifically asked to have my interim expenses covered did they authorize me for interim expenses. They offered me $50.00, which I must claim by submitting my baggage slips, boarding passes, reciepts and identification to their baggage claims office.
5. IF the bag had not been returned to me, Air Canada WOULD have provided me with compensation of up to $1500 but would not cover any of the following items:jewellery, silverware, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, samples, liquids, food and other perishables, computers, prescription drugs, photographic equipment, video equipment, cellular telephones, cameras, electronic equipment, artistic items, artwork, chinaware/ceramics/pottery, electronic and mechanical items, glass, musical instruments and equipment, paper (includes photographs/negatives/prints, historical documents, maps), recreational and sporting goods (tennis rackets, scuba gear, fishing rods, surfboards, sporting trophies such as animal antlers and horns), garment bags, articles attached, tied or strapped to the exterior of checked baggage, perishables, fragile or articles that are unsuitably packed or baggage which is packed in damaged or unsuitable containers. To me it this doesn't leave much that they WILL cover.
6. I had originally booked my return flight from Winnipeg to Whitehorse. However, once home a friend that was travelling to Edmonton offered me a ride to Edmonton. I decided to switch my flight as I would then not have to deal with the hassle of getting from my parents farm back to Winnipeg. I thought that since the flight from Edmonton was significantly cheaper than the flight from Winnipeg, I would recieve credit with Air Canada. However, they stated that since my ticket was non-refundable, I would not receive any credit, and that I would in-fact have to pay $75.00 more to switch the flight. They were generous enough, however, to waive the $25.00 service charge for handling my call (which took me over an hour to get through)! It must have been the Christmas spirit!
8. When checking in in Edmonton, the lady informed us that they had oversold on seats, and that she could not assign Ryan a seat. It was only right before we boarded that they found a seat for him.
7. Our flight was delayed almost 2 hours in Edmonton, merely because another plane which was having mechanical difficulty was attached to the gate which our plane was supposed to depart from.
8. After the 2 hour delay in Edmonton, we had to rush to catch our connecting flight in Vancouver (again not leaving any time to grab a snack). Once at the gate in Vancouver, they advised us that our flight was delayed 10 minutes...then 10 minutes more....then 10 minutes more...then 10 minutes more! Once we finally got on the plane we sat there for another 40 minutes while they loaded the baggage before we took off.
9. On our final leg home to Whitehorse, which was a 2 hour and 9 minute flight, we decided that we would pay the extra to get someting off of the menu, as we had not had a chance to eat all day. There was a fairly decent menu that is offered on flights over 2 hours which included fruit, sandwiches, etc. When we asked for the items that we had selected, but were informed that since we were flying on a Jazz flight, we were not offered anything off of the menu. On a Jazz flight, menu items are only offered on flights over 3.5 hours. I guess we didn't read the small print. We were, however, offered a small bag of pretzels.
All in all, we have never been fond of Air Canada, but since we thought it would be easier to have them transfer our baggage for us, we booked with them. In retrospect, it would have saved a lot of stress to fly with Air North and then transfer ourselves to WestJet. We would have also not have missed out on the wonderful deli trays and cheesecake that AirNorth offers! Oh well...there's always next time!
1. When purchasing my ticket from the airport, the woman at the front desk did not know how to enter my Aeroplan Miles number, so I did not collect any Aeroplan miles. It is now MY responsibility to call the company and ensure that my account is credited.
2. After connecting from Whitehorse to Vancouver to Calgary to Winnipeg, all that I was offered on the plane was a bag of pretzels. The justification was that I had not had a continuous flight, however, I did not have any time between connections to even grab a snack.
3. Upon arriving to Winnipeg, I discovered that one of my bags had been left behind. I did not recieve the bag for two days (luckily I had planned on staying in Winnipeg for a couple of days and not going straight to my parents' which is 4 hours away).
4. Air Canada did not offer me any compensation for the lost bag. It was only after I researched their policy on the internet and specifically asked to have my interim expenses covered did they authorize me for interim expenses. They offered me $50.00, which I must claim by submitting my baggage slips, boarding passes, reciepts and identification to their baggage claims office.
5. IF the bag had not been returned to me, Air Canada WOULD have provided me with compensation of up to $1500 but would not cover any of the following items:jewellery, silverware, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, samples, liquids, food and other perishables, computers, prescription drugs, photographic equipment, video equipment, cellular telephones, cameras, electronic equipment, artistic items, artwork, chinaware/ceramics/pottery, electronic and mechanical items, glass, musical instruments and equipment, paper (includes photographs/negatives/prints, historical documents, maps), recreational and sporting goods (tennis rackets, scuba gear, fishing rods, surfboards, sporting trophies such as animal antlers and horns), garment bags, articles attached, tied or strapped to the exterior of checked baggage, perishables, fragile or articles that are unsuitably packed or baggage which is packed in damaged or unsuitable containers. To me it this doesn't leave much that they WILL cover.
6. I had originally booked my return flight from Winnipeg to Whitehorse. However, once home a friend that was travelling to Edmonton offered me a ride to Edmonton. I decided to switch my flight as I would then not have to deal with the hassle of getting from my parents farm back to Winnipeg. I thought that since the flight from Edmonton was significantly cheaper than the flight from Winnipeg, I would recieve credit with Air Canada. However, they stated that since my ticket was non-refundable, I would not receive any credit, and that I would in-fact have to pay $75.00 more to switch the flight. They were generous enough, however, to waive the $25.00 service charge for handling my call (which took me over an hour to get through)! It must have been the Christmas spirit!
8. When checking in in Edmonton, the lady informed us that they had oversold on seats, and that she could not assign Ryan a seat. It was only right before we boarded that they found a seat for him.
7. Our flight was delayed almost 2 hours in Edmonton, merely because another plane which was having mechanical difficulty was attached to the gate which our plane was supposed to depart from.
8. After the 2 hour delay in Edmonton, we had to rush to catch our connecting flight in Vancouver (again not leaving any time to grab a snack). Once at the gate in Vancouver, they advised us that our flight was delayed 10 minutes...then 10 minutes more....then 10 minutes more...then 10 minutes more! Once we finally got on the plane we sat there for another 40 minutes while they loaded the baggage before we took off.
9. On our final leg home to Whitehorse, which was a 2 hour and 9 minute flight, we decided that we would pay the extra to get someting off of the menu, as we had not had a chance to eat all day. There was a fairly decent menu that is offered on flights over 2 hours which included fruit, sandwiches, etc. When we asked for the items that we had selected, but were informed that since we were flying on a Jazz flight, we were not offered anything off of the menu. On a Jazz flight, menu items are only offered on flights over 3.5 hours. I guess we didn't read the small print. We were, however, offered a small bag of pretzels.
All in all, we have never been fond of Air Canada, but since we thought it would be easier to have them transfer our baggage for us, we booked with them. In retrospect, it would have saved a lot of stress to fly with Air North and then transfer ourselves to WestJet. We would have also not have missed out on the wonderful deli trays and cheesecake that AirNorth offers! Oh well...there's always next time!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Omnivore's Hundred
A recent newsletter that I recieved from the Dietitians of Canada Student Network mentioned the Omnivore's Hundred, a list developed by British blogger Andrew Wheeler of 100 foods that he thinks all omnivores should try at least once. I found it pretty interesting and thought that I would share it. I was actually surprized that I have only tried 27! Here it is.
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/ linking to your results.
The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Heuvos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
1o. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J Sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/ linking to your results.
The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Heuvos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
1o. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J Sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made with something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Saurkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat's milk
45. Malt whiskey from a bottle worth $120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51.Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald's Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S'mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs' legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose hariss
94. Catfish
95. Mole problano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Basic Rules/Courtesies of Self Checking
After standing in line at Superstore for an hour today waiting for Self-Checkout as the people ahead of me self-checked their 2 overflowing carts of groceries, I think that there are some basic rules of self-checking that everyone should follow.
1. Self check is supposed to speed up the checkout process, so if your transaction is going to take more than 5 minutes, do not self-check.
2. Do not self-check if you have more than 15 items in your cart/basket (unless you can do so in under 5 minutes).
3. Do not self-check if you have more than 5 items without barcodes (ex: produce) (unless you can do so in under 5 minutes).
4. Do not self-check items that have been marked down with stickers.
5. When self-checking, follow the instructions on the screen. If the computer tells you to place the item in the bag, do not stare at the screen blankly or start talking back to the machine.
6. If you run into difficulty, seek out the help of the associate in charge of self-check. Do not stare at the screen blankly or start talking back to the machine.
7. Do not expect the self-check associate to stand by you and help you with your transaction from beginning to end. This is not the purpose of SELF-checking. Go to an actual checker.
8. When self-checking, give your transaction your undivided attention. It is not courteous to other waiting customers to be talking on your cell phone while trying to one-handedly check your groceries.
9. Make sure that you have gathered all of your items before begginning to self-check. Do not, under any circumstances, leave your self-check station to get that forgotten item off the shelves.
I think that Superstore must be commended on their efforts to try to deal with their ongoing problem of mile-long line ups. We all want to get out of the store as quickly as possible, but we must also be courteous to our fellow shoppers. The new self-checkouts have replaced the express lanes, and under ideal circumstances 4-6 self-checkouts should be able to operate quickly and efficiently under the supervision of only one employee. This will free up those other employees to operate the regular checkouts, which are still the best option in many cases.
1. Self check is supposed to speed up the checkout process, so if your transaction is going to take more than 5 minutes, do not self-check.
2. Do not self-check if you have more than 15 items in your cart/basket (unless you can do so in under 5 minutes).
3. Do not self-check if you have more than 5 items without barcodes (ex: produce) (unless you can do so in under 5 minutes).
4. Do not self-check items that have been marked down with stickers.
5. When self-checking, follow the instructions on the screen. If the computer tells you to place the item in the bag, do not stare at the screen blankly or start talking back to the machine.
6. If you run into difficulty, seek out the help of the associate in charge of self-check. Do not stare at the screen blankly or start talking back to the machine.
7. Do not expect the self-check associate to stand by you and help you with your transaction from beginning to end. This is not the purpose of SELF-checking. Go to an actual checker.
8. When self-checking, give your transaction your undivided attention. It is not courteous to other waiting customers to be talking on your cell phone while trying to one-handedly check your groceries.
9. Make sure that you have gathered all of your items before begginning to self-check. Do not, under any circumstances, leave your self-check station to get that forgotten item off the shelves.
I think that Superstore must be commended on their efforts to try to deal with their ongoing problem of mile-long line ups. We all want to get out of the store as quickly as possible, but we must also be courteous to our fellow shoppers. The new self-checkouts have replaced the express lanes, and under ideal circumstances 4-6 self-checkouts should be able to operate quickly and efficiently under the supervision of only one employee. This will free up those other employees to operate the regular checkouts, which are still the best option in many cases.
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