That's it folks! Camping is over for us! For this year, anyways.
I'm glad, in a way. It's been a great summer, but I'm more excited about getting into fall. This year, fall means hard workouts and weight loss for me and John! As I am typing, he is setting up my Tread Climber, and then most likely tomorrow night he will set up his Bow Flex. I am so excited to get started on these things! Time to kick it into high gear!
This weekend was pretty good. John and my dad went out hunting a few times, but didn't see anything that they could shoot. There's an early start to the season up here for bull moose (male) of any size, but unfortunately it seemed like they knew it and they were in hiding. Mom and I got a good chance to read our books, and just relax. We got rained out today, but it was ok because I was dying to come home and have a shower. We have one in the trailer, but if we're just gone for the weekend I usually don't worry about showering until we get home. It's nice to not have to use an outhouse though!
I should get back to cleaning up the house. I want to get as much done in the next few days as I can so that this weekend and next week there isn't much to do. We're starting on our deck next weekend, and then the Thursday after next we're leaving to head to Calgary for John's hockey tournament. Gotta keep up!
Anyways, back at it. Have a good one all!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
HST Referendum Results
So, today we found out the results of the HST referendum in BC. Last July, HST was introduced into BC HORRIBLY. The Campbell government basically gave no notice of it, and didn't properly explain what HST was, and what impacts it would have on the consumer, and the benefits.
Former Premier Bill Vander Zalm began the referendum debate, travelling all over BC with a petition to send to the government to stop the HST. Personally, I didn't think it would make it, but with backing of a former Premier, it went right up and was taken seriously.
Then came the referendum. By mail in ballot, the people of BC were asked whether they wanted to keep the HST, currently at 12% with a reduction to 10% within 2 years, or to scrap it, and go back to 5% GST and 7% PST, with no reduction in sight.
Today it was announced that with a 55% vote, BCers voted to scrap the HST.
I'm definitely disheartened by this. Honestly, I didn't notice that huge of a change when the HST came in. Maybe it was because John and I make enough money that a few extra hundred dollars a year didn't matter much to us. What I'm really upset about it that now that BC is going back to GST/PST, we have to pay back $1.6 billion to the federal government. It was given to us when we introduced the tax, and since we're scrapping it, we have to pay it back. All in all, we have about $3 billion going onto our deficit because of this.
If you're interested, you can read more here.
Personally, I think the people of BC made a huge mistake. Though, most likely, this will lead us to another election in the fall, so we can get rid of Christie Clark, and change up the government a bit.
I know I don't usually talk politics, but I'm giving up on my silence. I'm mad. I want some change.
Former Premier Bill Vander Zalm began the referendum debate, travelling all over BC with a petition to send to the government to stop the HST. Personally, I didn't think it would make it, but with backing of a former Premier, it went right up and was taken seriously.
Then came the referendum. By mail in ballot, the people of BC were asked whether they wanted to keep the HST, currently at 12% with a reduction to 10% within 2 years, or to scrap it, and go back to 5% GST and 7% PST, with no reduction in sight.
Today it was announced that with a 55% vote, BCers voted to scrap the HST.
I'm definitely disheartened by this. Honestly, I didn't notice that huge of a change when the HST came in. Maybe it was because John and I make enough money that a few extra hundred dollars a year didn't matter much to us. What I'm really upset about it that now that BC is going back to GST/PST, we have to pay back $1.6 billion to the federal government. It was given to us when we introduced the tax, and since we're scrapping it, we have to pay it back. All in all, we have about $3 billion going onto our deficit because of this.
If you're interested, you can read more here.
Personally, I think the people of BC made a huge mistake. Though, most likely, this will lead us to another election in the fall, so we can get rid of Christie Clark, and change up the government a bit.
I know I don't usually talk politics, but I'm giving up on my silence. I'm mad. I want some change.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Reading At Work
Yup, that's what I did pretty much all day today. I freaking hate this job. I can't wait to be done.
That's about all I did today. Sad, eh?
That's about all I did today. Sad, eh?
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Hump Day
It is Wednesday, isn't it? I'm so lost. Hump day. 9 more days left at Grimshaw. Yay!
I'm watching the Sopranos right now. Such a lame show. Maybe if I had watched it at the beginning, it wouldn't be so bad. Anyways. I should go and have a shower and get ready for work, but I'm being lazy.
Yesterday our Bowflex Treadclimber showed up. Monday we got the Bowflex. Now I just need to clean the carpets and then we can get everything set up. I was going to paint the room too, but now I'm too lazy. I'd just rather get it set up so we can start using it - that is why we bought it, isn't it?
And I've been so lazy lately. I made up a plan and haven't stuck to a single part of it. It's getting pathetic. I don't know what it's going to take to get my ass in gear anymore. I've asked for help, support, and I'm getting it, but I'm not doing anything with it. I need to start taking the support, because it isn't going to stay around forever. Sigh. I hope that after this weekend I can get on track. I think camping season will be over, so I can start focusing on other things. All we think about is camping. Soon though, it'll be over.
Anyway. I really should get ready for work.
I'm watching the Sopranos right now. Such a lame show. Maybe if I had watched it at the beginning, it wouldn't be so bad. Anyways. I should go and have a shower and get ready for work, but I'm being lazy.
Yesterday our Bowflex Treadclimber showed up. Monday we got the Bowflex. Now I just need to clean the carpets and then we can get everything set up. I was going to paint the room too, but now I'm too lazy. I'd just rather get it set up so we can start using it - that is why we bought it, isn't it?
And I've been so lazy lately. I made up a plan and haven't stuck to a single part of it. It's getting pathetic. I don't know what it's going to take to get my ass in gear anymore. I've asked for help, support, and I'm getting it, but I'm not doing anything with it. I need to start taking the support, because it isn't going to stay around forever. Sigh. I hope that after this weekend I can get on track. I think camping season will be over, so I can start focusing on other things. All we think about is camping. Soon though, it'll be over.
Anyway. I really should get ready for work.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
New Job
It's official - I've got a new job! Not even 3 months after I started at Grimshaw, I'm leaving!
Remember back when I was on the job hunt, I did an interview with the Oil and Gas Commission? Well, I was put on their short list for the next time an entry level position became available and something just became available! I start September 12.
9 more days! And hopefully I've already found my replacement! It'd be nice to have someone trained up before I leave.
But, now I'm nervous. New job jitters. I know that it will be better for me in the long run, but I wish my job now would have been good enough to stay! Oh well.
Remember back when I was on the job hunt, I did an interview with the Oil and Gas Commission? Well, I was put on their short list for the next time an entry level position became available and something just became available! I start September 12.
9 more days! And hopefully I've already found my replacement! It'd be nice to have someone trained up before I leave.
But, now I'm nervous. New job jitters. I know that it will be better for me in the long run, but I wish my job now would have been good enough to stay! Oh well.
Monday, August 22, 2011
RIP, Jack
Today, Canada lost one of it's political leaders - Jack Layton, the leader of the official opposition, the NDP. He passed away this morning at age 61 due to complications of cancer.
While I was not a supporter of him in the political world, I really believed he would come back strong from this. Unfortunately, cancer beat him this time, but not before he left some inspirational words for all Canadians:
"And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.
"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."
This is an excerpt from his last letter to Canadians. You can find the whole thing here.
Enjoy your evening everyone. Read the letter, whether you are a Canadian or not. It is totally inspiring. I'll be reading and re-reading it for a while.
While I was not a supporter of him in the political world, I really believed he would come back strong from this. Unfortunately, cancer beat him this time, but not before he left some inspirational words for all Canadians:
"And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.
"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."
This is an excerpt from his last letter to Canadians. You can find the whole thing here.
Enjoy your evening everyone. Read the letter, whether you are a Canadian or not. It is totally inspiring. I'll be reading and re-reading it for a while.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)