Today was my first shift at Ricki’s/Bootlegger here in Spruce Grove. When I came in, the first thing my manager did was give me a run through of both stores. We started in Bootlegger. The target customer base for Bootlegger is guys and girls from age 16 to 25. It’s more casual, lets-go-party style stuff. She gave me a rundown on jeans styles and brand names and how to fit people. (I derived much amusement from her constant "Over here is our new line of wicked, wicked [Silver/Brody/Guess] jeans. I just love them – they are so awesome wicked!" What is with the word wicked anyway? I don’t think it used to mean that. Oh well, my manager is a very enthusiastic and convincing sell.)
Then she took me through the Ricki’s side, which is where she wants me to be based, as she thinks it’s more my style. Could be, I dunno. Hey, I haven’t even figured out what my style is. So I will be helping people mostly in the Ricki’s side, with some cross-over to Bootlegger. My manager went through the different styles in Ricki’s with me then. Ricki’s is geared towards the "working woman", age 22 to 30. They have three lines: Her Time – clothing for women when they are at home, playing with the kids or walking the dog (though I wouldn’t do either of those activities in some of the outfits); Every Day – what a woman could wear to the office every day, more like business casuals; and Professional – things like suits that are necessary for special professional occasions. (YAY – Now I know how to shop Ricki’s!)
Next my manager gave me a headset and a lanyard with a name tag. She explained how to use the radio and earpiece, which either falls off constantly or makes your ear ache. The idea is that then we don’t have to always be yelling across the store. I’m actually kind of glad to have it while I’m in training, as I can just press the button and say, "I’m lost – what do I do??!!"
She walked me through all the stuff in the back room, all the storage areas, alteration containers, manuals and bulletin boards, etc., and then we started on the associates handbook. I say started, because there was a sudden rush. So I got plunged into the middle of things right about then. It’s a good things I have frequented clothing stores before, or I would have been lost.
Altogether, it was a good first shift. My manager and the other girl on were both good to me and not too terribly strange. I think I’ll be ok there.
(Reading this post over, I realize it doesn’t have much appeal for my male readers (if any). Too bad then. *thumbs nose* :-D )
28 July 2005
21 July 2005
20 July 2005
short history
What was I doing 10 years ago: Wow! Ten yesrs ago I was 12. Living in Smithers, homeschooling, playing War with my brother and sisters, 4H, feeding baby goats, trying to grow my hair out
5 years ago: Working for Inheritance Publications, finishing school
1 year ago: Working still, deciding whether to go to school or take another job opportunity
Yesterday: Cleaning my room and listening to Michael Card, going to a meeting, and talking on the phone till all hours
5 Snacks I enjoy: anything chocolate, Miss Vickie’s Lime & Black Pepper chips, any kind of Dutch dropjes, liquorice allsorts, fudgesicles
5 songs I know all the words to: In Christ Alone – Newsboys; Arise My Love (Song of Solomon) – Michael Card; All I Ask of You – Phantom of the Opera; God Will Provide a Lamb – Michael Card; I Could Never Promise You – Don Fransisco
5 Things I would do with a $100 million: Pay my parents back for my expensive upbringing ( :-) ), go on a one-year tour of Europe, take my family on an extended vacation, buy a better vehicle, do some more travelling
5 Locations I would like to run away to: The Netherlands, Smithers, Ontario, the Rockies, Paris
5 Bad habits I have: Being lazy, saying "I dunno" too much, not being confident enough, letting my room look like the after-effects of a tsunami, a slightly heavy foot
5 Things I like doing: Talking with friends and family, reading, calligraphy, using the computer, scrapbooking
5 TV shows I like: Sesame Street? (I never watch TV – how about favourite movies?): Phantom of the Opera, Pride & Prejudice, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Inspector General, Sound of Music...
5 Biggest joys of the moment: I’m done with school!, developing relationships with special friends, having time to read more (esp the Bible), the wonderful family I was blessed to grow up in, the smell of flowers from friends
5 Favorite toys: Computer, books, iTunes, the Internet, CDs
5 next victims: good question. I think most of you have had this one. :-/ Well, in case they ever read this: Rita, Jake, Alex, Bethany, anyone else want it?
5 years ago: Working for Inheritance Publications, finishing school
1 year ago: Working still, deciding whether to go to school or take another job opportunity
Yesterday: Cleaning my room and listening to Michael Card, going to a meeting, and talking on the phone till all hours
5 Snacks I enjoy: anything chocolate, Miss Vickie’s Lime & Black Pepper chips, any kind of Dutch dropjes, liquorice allsorts, fudgesicles
5 songs I know all the words to: In Christ Alone – Newsboys; Arise My Love (Song of Solomon) – Michael Card; All I Ask of You – Phantom of the Opera; God Will Provide a Lamb – Michael Card; I Could Never Promise You – Don Fransisco
5 Things I would do with a $100 million: Pay my parents back for my expensive upbringing ( :-) ), go on a one-year tour of Europe, take my family on an extended vacation, buy a better vehicle, do some more travelling
5 Locations I would like to run away to: The Netherlands, Smithers, Ontario, the Rockies, Paris
5 Bad habits I have: Being lazy, saying "I dunno" too much, not being confident enough, letting my room look like the after-effects of a tsunami, a slightly heavy foot
5 Things I like doing: Talking with friends and family, reading, calligraphy, using the computer, scrapbooking
5 TV shows I like: Sesame Street? (I never watch TV – how about favourite movies?): Phantom of the Opera, Pride & Prejudice, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Inspector General, Sound of Music...
5 Biggest joys of the moment: I’m done with school!, developing relationships with special friends, having time to read more (esp the Bible), the wonderful family I was blessed to grow up in, the smell of flowers from friends
5 Favorite toys: Computer, books, iTunes, the Internet, CDs
5 next victims: good question. I think most of you have had this one. :-/ Well, in case they ever read this: Rita, Jake, Alex, Bethany, anyone else want it?
18 July 2005
Well, I have time for my blog now, so here goes. This weekend was totally busy for me. And it was definitely a hodgepodge of emotions. I’ll try to outline it for those of you I haven’t already told about it. (I hope to have an album up soon for most of the stuff.)
Thursday our class went to the courthouse in Edmonton. A tour guide took us all around the whole place. She showed us where each department was, which court handled what, and where all the documents are filed. It was actually really neat to have this trip now, so we could sort of apply all of the stuff we learned in class and see how it actually happens. The guide even took us downstairs to see where all the documents and files are stored, which is not part of the usual tour. There are miles and miles of shelving from floor to ceiling in the basement, running the length of the courthouse, full of files. A file is stored there for ten years, and then it is taken to outside storage somewhere in Edmonton, and then after another fifty years (I think) it is brought to the public archives, where it can be seen by anyone. We also got to see the special underground courtroom, B201, which was built to try that gang in Edmonton a few years ago. It is equipped with all cutting-edge technology. The judge and clerks have special desks with computers and there are about 35 stations for the counsel, all with room and plugins for computers. Then there is the bench for the accused. They were trying 32 gang members, so there is quite a large spot for them. It is on the right side of the courtroom, with bulletproof glass between it and the courtroom. At the back there is an entrance for them. They had to dig a separate elevator shaft for this entrance by hand (like with shovels), as it was not possible to get the usual equipment down there. Each bench is equipped with shackles. The guide said that before the courtroom could be approved, they had to do a trial emergency run to see if they could get the prisoners out in time. Some of the supervisors and managers and a few judges were shackled down in the seats, and I think she said it took them under a minute to get them all out. The opposite end of the courtroom has four little soundproof rooms with windows, where the interpreters sit, as some of the gang members did not speak English. They have headphones to hear the speakers, and then a microphone to translate to the prisoners. The prisoners also have access to their counsel the same way. According to the guide, sometimes the counsel get worked up and talk too fast. Then the translators can press a button, which flashes a huge red light on each of the four speaker’s podiums, one after another. They also have a thing (can’t remember the name of it) to enter exhibits digitally. It’s basically a sort of scanner, on which you lay the exhibit. Then the image is broadcast to the huge screens at the front of the courtroom, so everyone can see it. Another system in place is for far away witnesses to testify. That way, they can have a witness in China without inconvenience or expense, or even just a doctor’s statement, so he doesn’t have to waste a day hanging around court. The original gang case they designed the entire courtroom for was split into two smaller ones, and then eventually dropped altogether. Since then they haven’t used it for any other large cases since. Really the only thing it is used for is that far away witness testify thingy (I know it has a name, but I can’t recall it). Anyway, that was really fascinating to see. Afterwards we went up to the fourth floor and visited the law library. It has many books that are hundreds of years old in it, even a good many from Britain. Most lawyers now use the Internet for a lot of the research, but I think it’s neat to still have all the actual books there still.
Friday was graduation. My parents and Julie and Rosemary were able to come, as well as Alison. It went well, although in my opinion the speaker was a little long-winded. She ended with Dr. Seuss’ Oh the Places You’ll Go (I think that would have made a satisfactory speech on its own :-P ). After that I had to speak on behalf of my class, which I think was ok too. Then they had more speeches – the teachers, the college owner, some other staff, and then certificates were given. I don’t actually get my transcript until I am finished my practicum and it has been evaluated. Most of us went out for lunch after that, but my family had to go home agan. Then Alison and I went to Columbus Park and later to Dog Rump Creek in Stony Plain and took some photos. My parents gave me a dozen pink and yellow roses, which you will see on the photos later hopefully.
On Saturday I worked a seven-hour shift and then went out for coffee with my parents before dinner. Later we went to the Swiss Chalet with some family and friends to celebrate my graduating. Spending time with loved ones and looking at photos is always enjoyable. My family was able to meet some of my friends in St. Albert before they went back. It was a wonderful evening.
Sunday was wonderful, time spent worshipping and talking with friends.
This morning I woke up at about 9:30, a first for a very long time. It was a little strange not having to get up and rush off to school or work. I actually did go to school today because I am finishing the advanced Word course still. Tonight we are going to pick up Mike and Trish, whom I haven’t seen now for a couple of weeks, from the airport. So I have to go and get ready.
(I just realized the longest part of this post is not necessarily about the most important stuff. :-/ )
Thursday our class went to the courthouse in Edmonton. A tour guide took us all around the whole place. She showed us where each department was, which court handled what, and where all the documents are filed. It was actually really neat to have this trip now, so we could sort of apply all of the stuff we learned in class and see how it actually happens. The guide even took us downstairs to see where all the documents and files are stored, which is not part of the usual tour. There are miles and miles of shelving from floor to ceiling in the basement, running the length of the courthouse, full of files. A file is stored there for ten years, and then it is taken to outside storage somewhere in Edmonton, and then after another fifty years (I think) it is brought to the public archives, where it can be seen by anyone. We also got to see the special underground courtroom, B201, which was built to try that gang in Edmonton a few years ago. It is equipped with all cutting-edge technology. The judge and clerks have special desks with computers and there are about 35 stations for the counsel, all with room and plugins for computers. Then there is the bench for the accused. They were trying 32 gang members, so there is quite a large spot for them. It is on the right side of the courtroom, with bulletproof glass between it and the courtroom. At the back there is an entrance for them. They had to dig a separate elevator shaft for this entrance by hand (like with shovels), as it was not possible to get the usual equipment down there. Each bench is equipped with shackles. The guide said that before the courtroom could be approved, they had to do a trial emergency run to see if they could get the prisoners out in time. Some of the supervisors and managers and a few judges were shackled down in the seats, and I think she said it took them under a minute to get them all out. The opposite end of the courtroom has four little soundproof rooms with windows, where the interpreters sit, as some of the gang members did not speak English. They have headphones to hear the speakers, and then a microphone to translate to the prisoners. The prisoners also have access to their counsel the same way. According to the guide, sometimes the counsel get worked up and talk too fast. Then the translators can press a button, which flashes a huge red light on each of the four speaker’s podiums, one after another. They also have a thing (can’t remember the name of it) to enter exhibits digitally. It’s basically a sort of scanner, on which you lay the exhibit. Then the image is broadcast to the huge screens at the front of the courtroom, so everyone can see it. Another system in place is for far away witnesses to testify. That way, they can have a witness in China without inconvenience or expense, or even just a doctor’s statement, so he doesn’t have to waste a day hanging around court. The original gang case they designed the entire courtroom for was split into two smaller ones, and then eventually dropped altogether. Since then they haven’t used it for any other large cases since. Really the only thing it is used for is that far away witness testify thingy (I know it has a name, but I can’t recall it). Anyway, that was really fascinating to see. Afterwards we went up to the fourth floor and visited the law library. It has many books that are hundreds of years old in it, even a good many from Britain. Most lawyers now use the Internet for a lot of the research, but I think it’s neat to still have all the actual books there still.
Friday was graduation. My parents and Julie and Rosemary were able to come, as well as Alison. It went well, although in my opinion the speaker was a little long-winded. She ended with Dr. Seuss’ Oh the Places You’ll Go (I think that would have made a satisfactory speech on its own :-P ). After that I had to speak on behalf of my class, which I think was ok too. Then they had more speeches – the teachers, the college owner, some other staff, and then certificates were given. I don’t actually get my transcript until I am finished my practicum and it has been evaluated. Most of us went out for lunch after that, but my family had to go home agan. Then Alison and I went to Columbus Park and later to Dog Rump Creek in Stony Plain and took some photos. My parents gave me a dozen pink and yellow roses, which you will see on the photos later hopefully.
On Saturday I worked a seven-hour shift and then went out for coffee with my parents before dinner. Later we went to the Swiss Chalet with some family and friends to celebrate my graduating. Spending time with loved ones and looking at photos is always enjoyable. My family was able to meet some of my friends in St. Albert before they went back. It was a wonderful evening.
Sunday was wonderful, time spent worshipping and talking with friends.
This morning I woke up at about 9:30, a first for a very long time. It was a little strange not having to get up and rush off to school or work. I actually did go to school today because I am finishing the advanced Word course still. Tonight we are going to pick up Mike and Trish, whom I haven’t seen now for a couple of weeks, from the airport. So I have to go and get ready.
(I just realized the longest part of this post is not necessarily about the most important stuff. :-/ )
13 July 2005
Last Final!
Yippe-i-yay! I just finished my last final exam!
It was totally not hard, except that I had a mind-block one one question.
This afternoon we will just be finishing our last file, and then packing up our things.
Today is Tacky Toursit/Hawaiian Day, as well as our potluck lunch. Alison and I scared up an outfit for me the other day - I'm wearing a scratchy grass skirt, sandals, a flower in my hair, a very loud shirt, and a lei. All the girls have dressed up. One girl from the Medical class looks absolutely hilarious. I just caught a glimpse of her, so I didn't get the total effect, but even that was funny. She is a hillbilly: blackened teeth, ratty hair, etc. She flashed me a smile and made me do a double take. My teacher Lola is wearing a bright pink straw hat with ties, an even brighter vest, and shorts. Tammy has a grass skirt too, and enormous sunglasses. I think we make a rather interesting crowd. I made sure to take proper office clothes along in case I get a call to come to an interview today. Wouldn't that make a perfect impression now! "Hello... uh, no, this really isn't the way I dress everyday for the office..."
Sometime today we have to finish the oversized card we're supposed to be making for Lola. We got her a plaque thingy with her name engraved on it as a parting gift. To my classmates, I'm just going to give a pen that is an ostrich with a grad cap. It's enough that I have to speak at grad for them.
Tomorrow we are going to the courthouse and the law library in Edmonton, and then we will round off things here.
And Friday is grad! I'm really excited because we will finally be free of homework in the evenings, and I will be able to get a good job (hopefully). Now I'm even more glad than I was when we began that the course is only half a year. The two-year program at Grant MacEwan would have been a bit much. It's going to be a more casual grad, not prom dresses and all. My class voted me to speak for them, so I'm glad I'm not going to have a formal dress, or I'd probably suffocate. Some of my family and Alison are coming, so I'm sure I'll have photos sometime soon.
I probably won't be able to post again till after the weekend. Hope to see more of all of you then, my friends!
It was totally not hard, except that I had a mind-block one one question.
This afternoon we will just be finishing our last file, and then packing up our things.
Today is Tacky Toursit/Hawaiian Day, as well as our potluck lunch. Alison and I scared up an outfit for me the other day - I'm wearing a scratchy grass skirt, sandals, a flower in my hair, a very loud shirt, and a lei. All the girls have dressed up. One girl from the Medical class looks absolutely hilarious. I just caught a glimpse of her, so I didn't get the total effect, but even that was funny. She is a hillbilly: blackened teeth, ratty hair, etc. She flashed me a smile and made me do a double take. My teacher Lola is wearing a bright pink straw hat with ties, an even brighter vest, and shorts. Tammy has a grass skirt too, and enormous sunglasses. I think we make a rather interesting crowd. I made sure to take proper office clothes along in case I get a call to come to an interview today. Wouldn't that make a perfect impression now! "Hello... uh, no, this really isn't the way I dress everyday for the office..."
Sometime today we have to finish the oversized card we're supposed to be making for Lola. We got her a plaque thingy with her name engraved on it as a parting gift. To my classmates, I'm just going to give a pen that is an ostrich with a grad cap. It's enough that I have to speak at grad for them.
Tomorrow we are going to the courthouse and the law library in Edmonton, and then we will round off things here.
And Friday is grad! I'm really excited because we will finally be free of homework in the evenings, and I will be able to get a good job (hopefully). Now I'm even more glad than I was when we began that the course is only half a year. The two-year program at Grant MacEwan would have been a bit much. It's going to be a more casual grad, not prom dresses and all. My class voted me to speak for them, so I'm glad I'm not going to have a formal dress, or I'd probably suffocate. Some of my family and Alison are coming, so I'm sure I'll have photos sometime soon.
I probably won't be able to post again till after the weekend. Hope to see more of all of you then, my friends!
05 July 2005
This bog is getting boring - a record of how busy I am. :-/
Take this past weekend.
On Friday my aunt and uncle who are moving to Ontario came to see us at Doiges before going on. It was really wonderful to see them again. In the afternoon, Alison and Steve and Henry and I went to Ikea in Edmonton, so Steve and Alison could start a registry there. I love going to Ikea and just wandering through, looking at all the displays and the different combinations of styles, and testing out the couches and beds and chairs and everything. We had pasta for lunch at the in-store restaurant. After Ikea we picked up Alyson and went to the Legislature grounds, where we met some more friends, and then had a sort of picnic on the hillside over the river. There were thousands of people there for the Canada Day fireworks. At 11:00 the fireworks started. I have never seen such an enormous and colourful display of fireworks before. As it is Alberta's Centennial this year, they went all out and got a prodigious amount of them (I tried to describe them here, but failed miserably, so whoever didn't see them is outta luck :-) ).
Saturday I had to work until 4:00, and then I went home with a few friends for the weekend. That evening we went to the Pembina River near the Freedom bridge where we often swim in the summer. Usually there is a fairly wide sandy beach. Most of the river is about a foot deep, and then there's a sudden drop off. We hoped to sit on the beach and maybe wade a bit, but the river was so high there wasn't even a beach. Instead we went bushwacking, also lots of fun.
On Sunday we celebrated Steve's birthday, which is today (Happy 24th, Steve!). Being able to spend the day with and worship with my family and friends again was wonderful. After the evening service we drove home again, as Henry and Alyson had to fly or drive to Ontario the next day.
Now it is already Tuesday. We have to finish our current segment of law, Wills and Estates, and have our final exam on Thursday. Then we will start the final part, Dependant Adult Law, with the exam for that next Wednesday. Thursday we are going to the courthouse and law library in Edmonton for a field trip, and Friday is graduation. I can hardly believe 6 months is almost over. The time has gone way too fast. :-/
Take this past weekend.
On Friday my aunt and uncle who are moving to Ontario came to see us at Doiges before going on. It was really wonderful to see them again. In the afternoon, Alison and Steve and Henry and I went to Ikea in Edmonton, so Steve and Alison could start a registry there. I love going to Ikea and just wandering through, looking at all the displays and the different combinations of styles, and testing out the couches and beds and chairs and everything. We had pasta for lunch at the in-store restaurant. After Ikea we picked up Alyson and went to the Legislature grounds, where we met some more friends, and then had a sort of picnic on the hillside over the river. There were thousands of people there for the Canada Day fireworks. At 11:00 the fireworks started. I have never seen such an enormous and colourful display of fireworks before. As it is Alberta's Centennial this year, they went all out and got a prodigious amount of them (I tried to describe them here, but failed miserably, so whoever didn't see them is outta luck :-) ).
Saturday I had to work until 4:00, and then I went home with a few friends for the weekend. That evening we went to the Pembina River near the Freedom bridge where we often swim in the summer. Usually there is a fairly wide sandy beach. Most of the river is about a foot deep, and then there's a sudden drop off. We hoped to sit on the beach and maybe wade a bit, but the river was so high there wasn't even a beach. Instead we went bushwacking, also lots of fun.
On Sunday we celebrated Steve's birthday, which is today (Happy 24th, Steve!). Being able to spend the day with and worship with my family and friends again was wonderful. After the evening service we drove home again, as Henry and Alyson had to fly or drive to Ontario the next day.
Now it is already Tuesday. We have to finish our current segment of law, Wills and Estates, and have our final exam on Thursday. Then we will start the final part, Dependant Adult Law, with the exam for that next Wednesday. Thursday we are going to the courthouse and law library in Edmonton for a field trip, and Friday is graduation. I can hardly believe 6 months is almost over. The time has gone way too fast. :-/
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