So long Edmonton

Although the routine of things was simple, living with someone took some getting used to on both side of the fence. Each of our personal habits were to start, pretty adaptable, but within a short period of time, we had obvious tensions between us. We did, however manage to work through them and learn to overcome these things. It was definitely an adjustment; one I'm certain that most couples have to get through.

When I started back working as a plumber, I knew I still didn't really enjoy it. In fact as time went by, I realized that not only was the fellow I worked with a jerk, but the repetitive nature of what I was doing was leading towards the end of it all with me. Fortunately, a fellow that was working the service side of things was removed and I was placed in his stead. It was like putting on a new pair of socks. I found that not only did I enjoy the trouble solving nature of working as a service plumber, but I was actually quite good at it. I've always been good with people. My background in sales helped. Finally, I could not only enjoy my job, but I could make a decent wage at it as well. Not enough to reach my goals, but a good start.

Beauty is timeless.

I was in Edmonton for two years with Nadine, till we finally decided to move to Calgary and make a fresh start. I needed to be closer to my Grandmother. She wasn't getting any younger and I knew she was on borrowed time. As most people do, I have feelings of regret that I carry, knowing I could have spent more time visiting with her instead of working as much as I do. It's messed up. I can hear people I know telling me that I shouldn't worry about such things. What's done is done. It's my baggage, and I 'll cart it around if I want to. Even if it is unhealthy.

When Nadine and I moved to Calgary, I started with a small service company. The owners ran it out of their home. I lasted there for about a month. I wanted to tell them that I had decided to work for a larger company in person. I drove over to their home and sat with the owners wife at their kitchen table. I thought I was polite enough when I told her that I was handing in my notice. She simply stared at me and started to cry. She excused herself from the table and locked herself in the bathroom, leaving me with her 7 year old son. He sat there and continued to stare at me. "You made my Mommy cry." Very weird and awkward.

I went to work for canyon Plumbing for 3 years and once again had itchy feet. I needed a change of scenery. One other company lasted a few months, then finally I moved to the company I have been with for nearly 6 years. A record for me. During these transitions, Nadine and I moved a few times. We left our four-plex in Raddison Heights and moved to Tuxedo Park. Ironically, we found a half duplex in Tuxedo Park, less than one block from where I lived with Tracy. We moved to 1st street and 27th Ave N.W., I used to live 1st street and 28th Ave N.W.. I walked a few times nervously past the old place to see if she still lived there. I've seen her once at a distance over by a nearby mall. I've avoided her like the plague which Nadine thinks is just plain silly. She wasn't there.

Nadine was pregnant once while we lived in Tuxedo, but the nature of things didn't go as planned and we lost the child at 3 months. It was a tough few months. I still wonder what he or she might have looked like. We had no idea at the time of course that another was on the way a year or so later.

 We bought a house out in Airdrie a few years back and now and have a pretty great kid. Sawyer. Funny how having a child changes your perspective on everything. I'm guessing I'm not the first to make note of that. It's a simple home, that needs a ton of work, but it's ours (the banks).

We've been to Italy a few years ago which I'll post the journal entries in here later, as well as a trip to Maui to attend my sisters wedding. Trips to Seattle, trips to Vegas, and plenty of road trips. All posted later. For now. Some sleep is in order.

Goodnight my friends.