An Alberta Adventure

So here I am. I'm in Alberta. It's very different here. At times I miss Nova Scotia. I miss the ocean, with the sea breeze blowing through my hair. I miss the long walks along the Halifax Harbour. I miss the city, I miss the Valley.

I stepped onto the airplane, excited for my future. I didn't know what to expect. All I know is that I was doing something I have never done before. Yeah, I was scared...terrified even. But I was also nervous because I didn't know if I could make it out west. I was happy that I was doing something for my future, instead of working endlessly at some dead-end job without any chance of real success.

I stepped off the plane at the airport in Edmonton and there I was, in the big city. It was too late to turn back, but I still had doubts this would work. Maybe I underestimate myself, I don't know. All I know is that it was too late. I had to do it.

We had a few days off to get settled. We spent some time getting a lay of the lands in St. Albert, the neighbouring city. Then on Monday, we headed to work for the first time. I had spent the last four months unemployed, so I was not used to work. I got frustrated easily. I even felt like crying at times. Could I really do it? I didn't think I could. I thought that maybe it was a mistake to come. But then I remembered I made a commitment to come and work towards a bright future. The road was going to be long, and have many a winding turn, and many bumps, and ups and downs, but that didn't mean I couldn't somehow make it out on top.

The people I work with (all of them) have been nice and understanding that I was still in the learning process. I started to believe that maybe it wouldn't be so bad. It was a really good opportunity, so it's not like I lost interest. I just thought I didn't have the ability. Will I do it good enough? Will the people I work for be glad that I came to work for them? Will I be able to do everything I need to do without having someone stand behind me telling me how it's done? Only time will tell.

It's only been a week. A six-day week for me. Just one day off, and back to work for five more days. I tell you, I have never been so exhausted as I was on Friday, getting home. My back was so sore I had to lay on the floor to work the kinks out. My head felt like someone dropped a bowling ball on it. My legs were so numb I thought I wasn't going to be able to walk all weekend. But there was also this sense of satisfaction. When one of my co-workers told me that it was a great first week for me. I started to believe that I could only improve with time. A few other people I work with have also told me I wasn't as bad as I thought I was.

And Steve. What would I do without him? He helped me get through this first week more than anyone can. And for the first time in my life, I started to believe in myself. Maybe I CAN do this. Maybe I CAN forget about my hangups and so-called limitations. After all, tomorrow is a new day, and is also the first day of the rest of my life.

The future looks bright. I can't wait to see what will happen. I still miss Nova Scotia, and yes, I will admit, I miss my family and my Shadow...oh, and I can't forget my tarantula. But Alberta is a cool place. I'll be here for eight months, and it will be one continuous adventure. I will learn a lot at work, and in my spare time I will visit all kinds of places around here. I look forward to seeing the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, and the busy Calgary. I can't wait to explore this beautiful province. I can't wait to learn more at work.

People have been asking me what West Ed Mall is like. It's cool for about an hour, then it gets old. I spent the day there, and it was hardly different than a regular mall. It has an indoor amusement park. One roller coaster is called the Mindbender and it is crazy fast and has tons of hills and loops. No, I didn't brave that ride...yet. They have a sealion show, but I think of it like a circus. Just another way to exploit the poor animals for amusement. There's also a water park with all kinds of waterslides. Then there are tons of stores for every taste. I liked the book stores and any store that had wolf things, swords, or mystical items. I still had fun at the mall.

So anyways, that was my adventure in Alberta so far. I hope that these eight months are filled with fun and learning. Before I know it, I will be back home and enjoying the ocean in no time! If I could pick one thing I miss about living in Nova Scotia, I would definitely have to say the ocean. I took Her for granted, but never again.

Well, let the adventure continue...