4/8/2020

Looked it up, today is my 24th day of self-quarantine. Since March 15th.

We cut our trip to Vermont short, Boston was getting hit pretty hard and even going was a little nerve-wrecking. Half our plane was empty, which hadn't happened since I can't remember.

We're sharing an office, my hours have been cut and 20% less pay, but I still have a job and insurance..so that's good. I'm really not sure how long that can hold out.

Needless to say - I get that this is unprecedented, but it was not a total surprise. I was starting to prepare when I heard about it in January.
I loathe how my Republican representatives have handled basically everything. The "hands off to keep making money" approach is not conducive to a pandemic. People are dying and the snarky shit comments from them are vile.

I didn't think I could be further resolved to get them out - now someone (not them) needs to get us organized.

Calgary Banff

We just got back from Calgary/Banff - it's strange going back to a city you grew up in as a child. Everything seems so much bigger in a child's memory.
Ate/drank at Briggs then we went to the hockey game - in the same Saddledome that was there 25+ years ago. I liked the feel. And first time on the glass...i liked it, and didn't. Couldn't see anything going on, on the other side of the rink.

Off to Banff the next day - we paid for the shuttle to pick us up - i think if we were ever to do it again we'd either rent a car, or just uber to the airport and take that bus direct. No uber but Taxi's were readily available (and reasonable).
We loved the Juniper hotel - a little bit outside of city center was perfect - i think Banff town itself is just on that verge of being a little too touristy.

First day we got dressed and just went to the Fairmont (the castle) yes touristy but gorgeous views - their waldhaus pub was a gem and the dinner at Vermillion was wonderful. Sit at the bar for the view. Went up the 8th floor - rumors that the Shining was inspired by that ghost story. Didn't see a ghost bride. 

2nd day - Breakfast at Juniper yum (and lovely) Greg A. from tours by locals was great - picked us up at 8:30...Lake Louise is super tourist spot, maybe because it was iced over there was nothing that really stood out...several other spots in/around Banff felt better. Minnewanka...ate lunch at the art centre, great view otherwise meh.
Dinner at Bison was pretty good. And we decided to rent a car instead of taking the 6:45 shuttle back. Best decision we made AND the shuttle graciously refunded us back 100%.
Back to Calgary - Viv and Mark picked us up - curling, sitting at the bar upstairs, dinner downtown - we tried to go to a speakeasy Betty Lou's but it was a no go.
We had a great time - will we go back? Probably not... but so glad we went.

Q1 '19 pc chair mexico city

wanted to keep up with this at least once a month to refer back to - i'll try for once a quarter.

Recap:
I’m now my precinct’s precinct chair- it feels very...American…i'm okay with less tangents and drama though… holy moly talkers, and drama…

Took Jamie to see the Book of Mormon - not bad. Can't say there wasn't a lot of truths
 I've figured out I'm not a musical gal (and Jamie definitely isn't a musical guy). I feel like I should've liked it more, I'm just not much of a "shock value" type gal.

I was passed out dead asleep on a Tuesday a few weeks ago and Jamie walks in to ask if I want to go to Mexico City on Friday - i said sure! Easy/cheap flight. Once you get over the traffic and that there are millions of people in a Very large city to take it for what it is -we really enjoyed it. Me, surprisingly...I never had any interest. Food tour was a MILLION times worth it.  Tacos and Pulque and crickets. There's a LOT of history too (some of it mine)...but we practically ran through the Aztec Templo Mayor for want of time...so glad we took our uber drivers suggestion to do this. Definitely rideshare. We stayed in Polanco, next time we'll try a little closer to the city...Roma, Condesa? 

I've seen lots of really good old bands, read lots of really good books -  really want to've kept up on my quick reviews so I can remember - but with the library and elections stuff I'm totally distracted.

Not gonna lie, I love the self stuff...but it's a solid foundation feeling - ? -  (for lack finding a better way to describe it)  getting involved in things and meeting people i NEVER would've out of my bubble.

We met with a financial planner - i think thats a good plan - while at the same time mind boggled that people do that. Privileged indeed. It certainly helped Jamie, he's always stressed out about retirement, I can't get on his page regarding retirement.... - but he's never had to wonder if he'll have enough money to eat/pay bills either...so...i'm not sure i'll ever get on his page when it comes to this.

We leave for Calgary/Banff next week - it's been over 25 years for me...should I call it a home town if i only lived there my elementary years? i dunno...