YEAH!!

Well, I got here safely. I have been in a few foreign countries before but never in one that spoke little to no english. This feels very strange and I'm almost still in disbelief that I'm actually here.
It is now 7:20 am on Wednesday morning, so let me get you up to date on how things have gone so far.
Got to the airport in Toronto and things went very well. Boarded the plane and got ready for a very long trip. The plane ride was better than some others I have had but it was still very very long. I ended up taking something just to put me to sleep cause there was no way I could occupy myself for that many hours. I was able to catch a few movies and watched some tv but I mostly slept and at one point, lost complete track of time.
Finally I arrived in Hong Kong which was very beautiful from what I could see through the huge airport windows. Even before landing, looking over the city, you could see all the buildings on top of buildings. That was truly amazing. While in the airport in Hong Kong I got something to eat and then it was on to another plane. I had a short flight from there to Guangzhou and had a bit of a longer layover there. This was a little painful becuase this is when I really started to get tired and sitting in the waiting area for my plane to board was making things worse. I couldn't get very comfortable but I began to doze off as I waited, then I didn't want to really doze off because I was afraid that someone would take advantage and maybe mess with my belongings.
Finally the plane boarded and I was on my way to my final destination, Wuhan.
Small side note, I was the only non-chinese person on that particular aircraft and it was somewhat of an odd feeling.
So the plane finally lands in Wuhan and I really had to go before I went to pick up my bags. When I entered the bathroom I was surprised by the mere hole in the ground that they wanted me to go into. I don't think so Tim. I used the handicapped stall that had an actual toilet.
Anyway, I picked up my bags and when I came out I saw my name. It's a funny thing though, the people from the school that came to pick me up, for some reason already knew it was me before I even saw the sheet with my name. Boy do I stick out like a sore thumb here!
Anyway, I was met by Sandra and Mr Yim (I think that's his name) and an unidentified driver. Sandra and I chatted for a bit while on the way to the school. The people in China are such bad drivers and the pedistrians are even worse. But just as I have seen on tv and in movies, there are alot of people on bikes and scooters.
Unfortunately it was dark by the time I arrived in Wuhan so I couldn't see much on the bus ride to the school but in some of the busier areas you could see the bussling life and the many neon signs that light up the streets.
We got to the school fairly quickly (even though Sandra told me that it was an hour away from the airport) and I was set up in my apartment.
My apartment is basically an average sized room with a single bed, desk and computer, tv and dvd player, mini fridge, water cooler, closet and a bathroom. There is a kitchen but it is a common one that is located elsewhere in the building.
A few minutes after I got in, there was a knock on my door. It was the other english teachers greeting me and welcoming me to the school and China. There was Briana and some other girl (her name escapes me right now) and they were very nice. We chatted for a bit and I met another guy Damon. Then I insisted that I had to go to bed which they understood.
I haven't completely unpacked and I don't think that I ever will but I finally hit the sack at around 11:30 pm.
My bed is a little hard but I can sleep on it so that's good. I thought I would have slept more last night but I was up pretty early this morning. I think my body is still adjusting so I may get a better nights sleep tonight.
I have a meeting today with the other teachers and then I start school tomorrow.
I'm feeling pretty good and I'm looking forward to where this adventure is taking me.
That's pretty much it for now.

Tish.

Well...

So much to tell so little time. This was another amazing weekend at renn faire. I was surprised by many and touched by many as well. Tent city was another amazing little hub of excitement where our official motto is "Why pay for it when you could get it at tent city for free"
I wish I could say more but I am very exhausted. I have 27 hours of traveling ahead of me and I must get some sleep.
Well boys and girls this is the moment we have all been waiting for. My next entry will be when I'm in China.
Wish me luck and I look forward to my return.

Peace, love and soul.

TTFN,
Tish

Some kinda something

Well I actually got some packing done today. I packed most of my shoes (and believe me there are plenty. I'm a girl, what can I say). I also packed the majority of my supplies. I still have to pack the books I'm taking as well as my actual clothes. I can't pack any clothes, however, until I wash and sort. I thought I was going to be cramped in my suitcases but it looks like I'll have room for everything.
I'm glad I was able to atleast get some kind of packing done. My bedroom looks alot better as it no longer looks like a tornado went through there.
In other news, my dad is in town. Battling all the odds he come up to see me before I left. Now I can give him my 'to do' list of things to do around the house. I'm not going to have time to do anything before I go.
Today was ultimately uneventful but tomorrow might be better because I'll be picking up the visa. I did manage to fax the examination record to the school last night so I'll wait for the confirmation email from Emily.
I'm getting super psyched in addition to having about a million other emotions.
Well I'm off to wash some clothes and I gotta get something to eat.
TTFN

Hee hee hee

Today I'm just giddy.
I started the day pretty good. I have my laptop bag packed with all related odds and ends. I got the suitcases out and almost started packing. I got distracted and I'm easily distracted. Then I went out and helped my friends do some moving then I went straight to my doctor's appointment.

I'm happy to report that I'm HIV free.

Yeah!

This makes me even more giddy. But the important thing is that my doctor signed off on my examination record so that I can fax that to the school tonight. It's probably morning there now so Emily should be getting it as she starts her day. I pick up the visa on Friday and now that my physical exam is done, all paperwork is completed. All I have to do is pack and go.

I guess I got it going on.

I'm just that much closer

So yesterday I had my doctor's appointment which was basically a high speed physical. I also went to have a chest x-ray done. I have another appointment on Wednesday just to ensure that all tests come back ok and to actually get him to sign the form.
I called both CT's yesterday. First my location, where my supervisor was unavailable, so I decided to call back. Then I called the other location and told them about my plan. The manager was happy for me and suggested that I come by just to say hi or whatever. I said I would (I had more shopping to do anyways) and then I called back my store. I got my supervisor and told her the plan and naturally she didn't seem very happy.
I apologized profusely but she seemed to have an "oh fuck I'm screwed" sound in her voice. Frankly I don't blame her, 4 or 5 people quit over the past few weeks and they are really short handed.
Today I went down to the Chinese Embassy to get the visa. I was hoping I would get it the same day but I'll have to pick it up on Friday. This sorta sucks but is cool at the same time.
The Embassy was a very odd visit. I was expecting this big sort of office (almost like a bank) where there would be an area to sit and wait and then the area where you wait in line for the next available person. It's downtown and is in a very small room with 3 little wickets and it's very crowded and the line is very long.
Luckily I had no problems with the paperwork and it's a good thing I downloaded, printed and filled out the application before I got there. All I had to do was wait wait wait in line and then when I got up there, they took everything and told me to come back on Friday.
I came back home and did some more shopping and actually went to the CT at Airport and Queen to see that manager. He seemed perplexed to see me even though he told me to come by. I guess he didn't think that I would.
I think I have finished all my shopping. I was checking my list and there is nothing left to buy. All I have to do now is put some of my important documents and cards on a 2 separate discs. One to keep here in Canada and another to take with me. Once my doctor signs off on my examination I can fax that to the school. I have my ticket already and then I pick up the visa on Friday. I think I feel comfortable enough to start some packing.
I purchased a new suitcase, so I may start with that one first. I'm gonna may be start packing my shoes and my hats. Possibly some winter wear as well.
So just a few more things left on the "to do" list and I should be fine.

BIG NEWS!!

Well quite a few things to tell today so get ready.
Friday.
I got to my doctor's appointment and was kinda pissed because I had to wait a while. I know this is normal but if someone did their job then I wouldn't have even been there on Friday to begin with. Normally I don't mind waiting but I had a lot of things to do that day. So I finally see my doctor and he was happy to see me (especially since my weight loss). He was happy to know that I was going to China and the awesome thing is that he's going to be very helpful in getting my stuff together. It's really good when you have a rapport with your doctor. Anyway I had some blood tests done and I have to go back today for some more tests and then have the complete physical done. So hopefully that can be completed today and I can fax that form back to the school.
In addition to the many things I had to do on Friday, I also got another tattoo done. My best friend Tricia-Leigh and I cemented our friendship with matching tattoos. We both got the words "no regrets" tattooed on our upper thighs. Her on her left thigh and me on my right. We both believed that we felt the same way about that phrase even though they are applicable in different ways for the two of us. So that was painful but really awesome too. Although when we came out of the tattoo shop at 3 o'clock in the afternoon we swore it was 10 o'clock at night. The weather was very bizarre.
Anyway we got to tent city that night and had a blast as usual. Actually we've started these laughing fits that last forever, especially since we are all just laughing at each others laughs. When we all start laughing it sounds like a full on barnyard.
Saturday.
With the overcast weather, numbers were not their greatest at renn faire. Although, that would have been one of the best days to come there. It didn't rain all day (except for the evening) it was just overcast and it was good because there was no killer heat out there, and no sun beating down on you. But as people and weather go, they like to be outside when it's a sunny day. Can't say I blame them but everyone wishes that more people came out on Saturday.
Other than the weather on Saturday, it was still a very good day. What made up for it was an awesome party at my friend Richard's house. He has it every year. This man is such an awesome cook and he had deep fried turkey and baked beans and all kinds of good stuff. We had an awesome time. We got drunk and drunker and had tons of fun, especially when we molested each other as we always do.
Did I mention Chris Kerba's butt? Yeah, nice butt.
BTW, I was looking smashing at that party.
Sunday.
BEAUTIFUL DAY! It was a perfect day. The sun was shining all day and there was a wonderful breeze. It was strong at times but the good thing was it was constant. It made things much easier. With the breeze keeping you cool and the sun shining it was great. I didn't even sweat that day and I was all over the place rather spending the day in the hat shop. The bad thing was we lost alot of cast members to the under estimated heat. It was quite odd actually. Now that we had record numbers for the faire (our best day to date), there was no one to entertain the people. But we did the best with what we had. Trips to the motherland are getting more and more popular. The trips are becoming a bit of a bit at pub sing. I ain't gonna lie and say I'm not enjoying this. It so much fun and is great advertisement for me and now everyone is getting into it. There are still a few other people that have to get trips which will happen next week. I think I'm gonna have to start making appointments or giving out numbers and getting one of those "now serving" signs. That motherland is becoming quite the vacation spot.
Once again if there are any of you readers out there who want trips to the motherland or know someone who could use a trip, please remember that this is my last weekend coming up. You gotta come to the faire though. It aint gonna happen otherwise. Also if you are interested in coming, if you tell me well enough in advanced, I could get you in on one of my comp passes. But you have to let me know and before I run out of comps.
Today.
I was sitting in the kitchen and saw a FedEx truck outside. I knew it was for me. The driver was out there for a little while on the phone and I was watching him. Then he got out and started coming toward the house. I got the official invitation letter. It was very exciting. I've never received a FedEx package and now I got one all the way from China. So there are 2 letters in the package. One from the Chinese government and and the other from the school. Most of it written in chinese. I understood the parts where my name was written but other than that it was gobbily gook. So I have another appointment with my doctor today to have some other stuff done and hopefully complete the examination so that I can fax the form to the school. Now that I have the letters I can go to the embassy tomorrow morning to get the visa.
I wanted to take my car in for service since it's past due and I want it to be in somewhat good condition since it's not going to be driven much over the next 10 months. I wish I could get the brakes fixed and the oil leak repaired but that will unfortunately have to wait till I get back or maybe if I could send some money I could get my mom to take care of it while I'm gone.
So now I really have to get my game face on. My dad is coming from Trinidad on Wednesday, so I'll have some extra company. I have to start packing as well and I have to buy another piece of luggage. I have to try to get as much done as possible and even pack my bags by Thursday or at the latest Friday so that I can just enjoy my last weekend, come home on Sunday, maybe pack any last minute items, go to bed and wake up early to go to the airport.
So that's the big update.
TTFN

I seriously need to be on a reality show

Everyday, every minute there is something new happening.
I went to my doctor's appointment today only to find out that someone didn't input the appointment in the computer and they had no record of me coming in. Needless to say I was very upset. It was a waste of my time to go there and it also means another day of delays.
So now I have to go in tomorrow to get the physical done and who knows how many tests and crap I'm gonna have to do. Hopefully I won't have any problems. Everyday is something new.
I was able to get a few other things done shopping wise and once again getting prepared for another fabulous weekend at renn faire.
On the other side of things, I contacted the Chinese Embassy and was able to actually speak to someone to find out exactly what I needed to do, bring etc.
Thankfully I can get the visa in one day, I just have to pay extra. So that is a small load off of my mind. I just hope I don't have any problems with my doctor and that.
Also I got my contract from the school. So that has to be read and signed and I also have to wait on an official invitation letter from the school in order to give to the embassy or they will not issue me a visa. They are very strict on what they need.
As many of you know, Canadians are regarded as the most friendly people in the world and there are very few countries that require a visa from us. In fact many of them are happy to have us come visit with our Canadian passports and (ironically enough) our American cash and they don't require a visa. Unfortunately, China is not one of these countries. Such is life I suppose.

So I have to call that guy from CT at Airport & Queen and tell him that I have to decline. I'm a bit nervous. I hope he doesn't ask too many questions.
I saw the schedule for my CT and I'm only working 3 days next week. Normally this is good but the last day is Friday. It's not a bad time of day but it just sucks that it's Friday. What I'll have to do on that day is go home after my shift and then call them a couple hours after and tell them that I gotta go.
I was going to tell them something stupid but I think the best thing to do is just stretch the truth on the fact that I'm going to China. I could say that I applied for the job like 3 or 4 months ago and hadn't heard anything and now they've called and want me to start in September.
It's sorta the truth but not.

Anyway, that's the scoop for now, I'm sure there will be more.

Details

I got an email from Emily. Apparently I have been misinformed. I thought that when I sent the info to them in China, they would get the visa and then send that to me. What actually happens is, after I send them everything, they will issue me some documents and then I apply for the visa here at the local Chinese Embassy. Usually they have to have the doctor's record before they can issue me that paperwork but the school has a good record with the government over there, so they will issue it without the doctor's record. I have already contacted the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa to find out exactly what I need, what's the cost and any other necessary details. They were unavailable but I left a message. I will have to call them back tomorrow to make sure I speak with someone.
Emily will now fax or email me the paperwork I will need and then with that I contact the embassy for the visa. It is so very important that I get that visa before I leave as they will not allow me to board the plane without it. I still have to get my doctor to put a rush on things for me but atleast now I don't have to worry about it as much.

I seriously hope everything works out nicely. I haven't lost momentum but I am concerned about getting everything done in time.

Ok that's just weird

So my mom tells me today that CT called. I'm under the assumption that someone was calling to give me a shift this week.
No no. I completely forgot that I applied for work at the CT at Airport and Queen. So it's the manager at that location that was calling me to offer me a job as a SERVICE ADVISOR at that location.
Well it is not very often that I'm speechless but I was at that time. All I could say was "I'm sorry what?" I told him that I was currently working at the one at Shoppers World as a cashier. He was like "that's it?" He had this sorta 'what's the big deal' attitude.
Still in a state of shock I was like "yeah, that's all" Then he said that he could talk to the manager at that store and basically gave me the impression that he could just transfer me over. If I wasn't going to China, it would be no big deal but because I am, I have no clue what to say to him.
Moving from cashier to service advisor is an incredible step up, especially since I have no actual service advisor experience and the only thing that helps me is the fact that I have an automotive background with Ford, so being a service advisor will be fairly easy since I already know what they do and since I already work at CT, he would only have to train me on the specifics of the service department and everything is a go (he knows this). Unfortunately, once again, I can't take this job that's being "thrown at me" since I'm gonna be leaving.
I told him that I would have to call him back and I'll probably do that tomorrow but I'm unsure how to phrase my decline. Mom says that I should just say that I hadn't heard from him and I took things in another direction and unfortunately I'd have to decline his offer. I have no clue how that's gonna work out but I know he would be disappointed. I hope he doesn't ask any follow up questions.

I should really be on a reality show.

TTFN

Today

Well today was a bit busy. I had an appointment in the morning but then I spent the rest of the day running many errands and doing a lot of shopping. Translation: I did a lot of driving around town. I'm pooped.
Atleast I was able to pick up a lot of the things I needed. I wanted to get some stickers and some stamps that say "good work" "excellent" and all that, and I was able to. So that has made me happy.
I became friends with a girl in my certification class at Oxford. We've been keeping in touch and she'll be leaving for Japan on the 22nd. So when she gets there I'll pick her brain for what happened and stuff to sorta get an idea on what to prepare for. I'm really starting to get nervous but at the same time I feel like it's a dream that I'm going to wake up from soon. I guess when I actually get closer to D-day it'll really start to hit me.
So I have a dentist appointment tomorrow just to make sure everything is all good before I go. I wish I could get new glasses but that will have to happen when I get back. I did actually make my appointment at my doctor's, so I will be seeing him on Thursday. It's kinds close but it'll have to do.
I got a very important phone call today when I got home as well.
My ticket is ready for pick up.
I will be going to the travel agency tomorrow.
Everyday is a new story with me.
I guess that's why I have the blog.
Keep reading.....things are only going to get more interesting.

TTFN

Yet another fantastic weekend

Well this weekend at renn faire was another great one, except for the fact that Sunday kinda sucked because it rained all day and my feet were wet the entire time. The sun did come out eventually but only in time for pub sing.
Well I'm starting to get things ready for the trip (almost). I still have to call my doctor. I was going to do that today but CT asked me to come in for a few hours and after that I was out running some errands. After I finish this entry I think I'll call the doctor for the appointment because I've been procrastinating way too long. I really hope I don't have any problems with getting the full examination done. My doctor is sometimes so busy that he may not have time, nonetheless, I seriously hope I don't have any problems.
I'm getting a little bit nervous, excited and also a bit sad. I'm really going to miss everybody. Lately I've been getting so close to my friends at renn that it's really gonna hurt to leave them. In addition to my mom and my sister, mostly I'm gonna miss my best friend Tricia-Leigh. We've really started to cement our relationship over the past year and now I'm gonna be leaving her. I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt.

On another note, my ticket has been paid for and I'll just have to wait a few days for it to come in. I'm just a few steps away. Things are starting to happen.

Anyway, it's 2 weeks to the day. I'm going to be leaving soon. I just want to let anyone know that chances are I may not see you before I leave, but if you want to see me, you are more than welcome to come to the renn faire. That way we can see each other and have some fun too..

Well that's it for now.

I'm counting the days.

TTFN

Nice!

Ok, so I heard back from Emily and she says that the flight delay isn't a problem. Translation: I don't have to leave on Sunday and I can continue with my travel arrangements for Monday to arrive on maybe Tuesday. I will be going to the travel agency later today to book my flight. As I've said before, all I have left is my doctor's appointment. I got an email back from Emily and she received the fax without a problem, so I'm very happy about that.
Actually I'm very happy with how many things are going. Right now I can concentrate on purchasing a few other things that I'll be taking with me and begin packing. I have a checklist going and there are a few things marked off already. So I'm almost there. I have to buy another piece of luggage so that I can have 2 big pieces and one small one. Actually I have the small one at renn faire's tent city, so I'll have to bring that home this weekend.
I think with the suitcase I have I can start packing winter clothes. I will only have to pack the one coat but a few other jackets and sweaters may be necessary. China does have winter but it is much milder than the winter we know here in Canada. So I will start that next week and I think I will call my doctor for an appointment next week as well. The odds of me getting an appointment today are very low. Plus I have to make sure that he has the time to do a full examination.
Things are moving along nicely (so far).

Meh

I feel like this job at CT is too little too late. I'm not going to be working next week but I will be working the week after. The week after is my last week in Canada and I may have some company too. My dad may be coming to visit around that time. I'm really hoping I could get as much done as possible before he comes so that I'm not rushing when he's here.
In any event I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow and see if I can get an appointment for the same day if not then it may have to be Monday.
CT said that they may call me, so I kinda want them to call but at the same time I don't.
Anyway, I kinda think like I'm procrastinating on the dr's appointment because I think that's the last thing I have to do. Once that's done I'm just about there. It's scary and exciting at the same time. But I'm really looking forward to it.
I emailed Emily and told her that I had hoped that she got my fax. So I'll wait to see what she says about that. I also told her that with regards to my flight. I made this sound harder than it is but I told her that it was hard getting flights and the only thing that I could do was flight out on Monday but with the layovers and changes I may not get there till Tuesday night. She better be ok with that. I am taking a flight leaving on Monday not Sunday. That's all I have to say.
Anyway, that's it for now.

I'm getting there

Ok,
I am almost on my way. I may not have to do as many things, paperwork wise, as I thought I did. I have faxed my contract and diploma to the school. All I have left to send them is my doctor's examination document. Once she receives it, I will get my visa about a week after that.
Next thing I have to do is shop, shop and shop. I have many things to buy but that's the happy part.
My mom will be buying the ticket for me so atleast that takes the pressure off. The school will be reimbursing me for the travel expenses, so I can just give her that money when I get it back. I'm really happy with the way things are going now. I don't feel as lost as I did a few days ago.
My best friend Tricia and I made some plans to get a new tattoo done. I can't wait. Plus we've been spending alot of time with each other which I enjoy. I have to stock up now because I'm not gonna see her for the next 10 months.
Anyway, moving forward I'm moving forward. Two and a half weeks to go.
Let me know what you think.

Things are happening

Ok, so I finally actually worked yesterday. It was fun, until I had to count my till at the end of my shift. That was complicated but I got through it. But the actual work was pretty cool. I'm really concerned about getting things done before I go to China. I was supposed to go to Wonderland today to have some fun with my mom and all that but I decided against it. I really should stay here and get some paperwork done. I really keep procrastinating and it is obviously not getting me any closer to get things together. So hopefully I'm going to spend this day getting as many things done as possible. I have to go to the garage and try to find high school diploma to send to the school. I have to print the info that Emily sent me so that I can sort it out and fill out as necessary. I have to get my check list up so that I can see what needs to be done and the order in which it needs to be done before I go. I had three weeks, it's now going down to 2 and a half. My mom is most likely going to be paying for the majority of my ticket since this job, while good almost came too late. It took me so long to get a job that now it is almost pointless. But it's ok, atleast then I know that I'll have some money in my bank account to pay some bills online after I'm gone.
So that's about it for now. Not much to tell. I'm hoping to get as much done today as possible and as usual I'll keep you posted.
My cat just chewed halfway through the cord for my computer. I want to kill her but I can't. Just thought I'd let you know

Tish

I love renn - part 2

TOP 10 REASONS WHY I LOVE RENN AND WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT:

10. The aura is very soothing.
9. Chris Kerba's butt feels awesome.
8. We have 4 pubs.
7. The shopping is fantastic!
6. Have I already mentioned Chris Kerba's butt?
5. We have cocaine corn which some of you may know as kettle corn (it's really good).
4. We have heroine with a twist. This is an amazing coffee milkshake which is to die for.
3. Many men in tights and many women with their tits to the world.
2. The hat shop. Nuff said.
1. Free trips to the motherland.

So if I haven't killed you with enough renn faire babble, why haven't you come? You gotta be there and also please remember that I'm not going to be there the last weekend. So if you are putting it off till then, you'll be in for a surprise. I know some of you want to come anyways but if you want to see me there, please remember that I'm only there for 3 more weekends.

Anyway, this weekend at renn faire, was another great one. I wish I could go into all the details but that would be a betrayal of campfire etiquette or something. All you need to know is....I love renn!
There are a few snags, which is to be expected but they are no less annoying. I'm really happy that we've decided to set up camp because, truth be told, "tent city" as we call it, is an awesome and vital part in us bonding. Tent city is like a time warp that speeds through 5-6 years of friendship to the point of where you become good friends. We are all so very close. It's almost strange that it's happened so quickly yet it feels perfectly normal. You may have no clue what I'm talking about but it makes sense to me and probably would for anyone else who's an actor. You have to have a certain level of trust in an ensemble cast (especially in these particular conditions) in order to function properly. We are very lucky to have this here and now because we didn't have it before. If it was there, it was only those members of a particular clique and it didn't spread throughout the cast.
We have said this many times but this is the first time that we have felt so comfortable with people from first year. This is our dream cast. This is one of the reasons why I love renn so much and why I know you would love it too.

Anyway, enough of that.

Had my first shift at CT today. Well not as boring as before but still pretty boring. I thought I was gonna be on cash today...... but no, I have much to learn still. The girl still had to go through millions of things with me (some of which I had done already in the elearning). I got to meet the owner of the store and saw what things look like from his perspective. I've never seen the store from an upper level and it was pretty cool. You could sort of see everything. Almost like a god.
Anyway, she shows me the till, how to use the computer, had another girl show me some stuff. She showed me the warehouse where they keep things, blah blah blah. Finally towards the end of the shift, I got to practice using the register, entering things manually and that kind of thing.
Hopefully tomorrow I will start actually doing something but for now it looks like more training. Gotta remain positive though. I'm getting paid for this time.
I'll let you know how tomorrow goes.
Till then
TTFN

Finally

So I have finally completed all the courses at CT and I can begin working. I saw the girl that is my current supervisor and told her that I was done. It's a good thing I met her today. She'll be calling me next week and letting me know when I should be coming in. I reminded her of the 'no weekends until after labour day' thing and she seems cool. It's not such a big deal anymore, especially for the fact that after Labour day, I'm not even going to be in Canada. YES, I'm still going to continue with the contract and will leave when they need me on Aug 29th.
What's that you say? I'll miss the last weekend of renn faire?
Yes, that is correct. In a matter of speaking, for the greater good, I will take the contract as it is and have no other choice but to miss the last weekend of renn faire.
Many of you know that renn faire is a big love in my life and yes it hurts alot to miss the last weekend but once again, looking on the bright side, I will be back next year and I will have experience under my belt that would allow for me to be more demanding with my contract next year. Also the experience would allow for me to have many more contracts to choose from.
Since Oxford screwed me on placement and this is the only school that responded to my add, I have no other choice but to take it. I have many things that need to get done and I have very little time to do it in.
So don't cry for me. Lets have fun while we can and lets think happy thoughts.


TTFN

This is Deb's Dolls

Some of you may be aware that I have a doll that has been made in my image to commemorate my character. It is the Gabby doll and she is amazing. She was made by a friend of mine (Deborah Shaw) that does excellent custom work in creating dolls and bears. I wanted to show you all a picture of the beautiful doll that she made for me and to also let you know that I would be adding a link to her site from here under my links section.

This is my pretty doll and if you go to her site (www.debsdolls.com) you will see her other wonderful work and also see if she can make one for you.

A hard choice

Well, I'm still waiting to hear back from the school. Hopefully they wont need me before the 29th of August. Unfortunately, I'll just have to enjoy the ongoing partying but wont be able to have a party specifically for myself and my cause. Plus there are alot of things that need to get done and I don't have much time to do it. I have some time if I have time to fill out this blog but things are gonna happen fast and I really need to get my shit together.
I'm really disappointed that I'll miss the last weekend of renn but I am moving on to something good. It's not like I'm going to something bad. This is a good thing.

I don't know who reads these and I suppose it doesn't really matter but if there is anyone out there, please know this. If I don't get to see you for a formal goodbye, please know that I will miss you and I wish I could see you before I go but the important thing is I will definitely see you after and that's the really fun part.

Continue reading and please know that I love you all.

oh wait.........there's more

OK, I emailed back the school and told them that I couldn't be there before Sept 1st and wanted to know if there was anything I could work out. The school is very desperate right now and they really need me to be there. This is one of the worst things that could happen right now. Depending on how soon before Sept 1st they need me, I could miss the last or last 2 weekends of renn fest. That is really going to suck.
Well I know I can't do anything with the school. I haven't received any other offers and I still haven't heard from Oxford. I really have no other choice but to continue on that contract.
I guess I may be able to leave on the 30th or 31st of August, I will only miss the last weekend of renn fest. It's the best weekend but I do have to make the sacrifice.
I truly love the renn fest but I will be back. It's only the last weekend. It would be worse if they wanted me to leave now. The new me has been able to see that there is a good side to everything. While that sucks, it really could be worse and it isn't.
I'll be fine. I'll make it work and everything will be fine.

Is that a run in our stocking?

No dear, that's a snag!

I emailed the contact at the school in China, Emily. I had a few questions and indicated that I was happy for the Sept 15th start time and then she gets back to me saying that they need me for Sept 1st.

This is a BIG problem. They are even suggesting that I come a few days earlier to get my shit together, get some rest and all that jazz. This will complicate my renn faire commitment. I told them that the earliest I could maybe get out there would be September 8th. This is a week after they want me to be there but it will allow me to complete renn faire on schedule and give me a few days to get my shit together. I hope they agree but even though that date is better, it's still going to be tough.
We'll see what happens but I'm hoping they are ok with it. I'm really hoping they are ok with it. There is no way I can leave here before Labour day. Absolutely no way.
Besides, I wanna have a party before I go and I want you all to be there.

I love renn!

Well for some reason (and I'm not complaining) but this weekend felt like a week. I have had a total self realization and have developed into a great person. The people I "work" with at the renn faire are all truly amazing and wonderful people. And I say "work" because nobody is really working. We are all having a good time and laughing it up with friends. It's a great thing and even patrons can feel the love. I truly can't wait to watch the new site grow. It's going to be a wonderful thing.
Anyway, I've still been working at CT, just the training though. This is still very boring. I'm almost done so not too far to go but it still really sucks. i'm sitting in front of a computer going blind and all I really want to do is, stand in front of a cash register and scan people through. Now I know that sounds pathetic but it's gonna keep me awake and I also get human contact. A novel concept!
I have to call the girl at Wendy's again. She fully offers me a job and then I never hear from her. I don't even know if I still have the job. I'm just gonna follow up with her once more and if it's gonna be some other bullshit, then I'm just gonna forget it. I could use the extra cash but it's not a huge deal. The point is I do have the CT job. While the training is a drag, I'm still getting paid for it so I'm cool as a cucumber.
Renn faire is a real blast and I'm stil waiting for some of my friends to make a trip out there. I know it's a hassle to go all the way out to Hamilton, but it is definitely worth it.
Visit the site www.ontariorenaissancefaire.ca for directions and details. Did I forget to mention that Gabby Teller's name is featured on the website?
Cum one, cum all (<--- yes, I did that on purpose)!