Welcome to Alberta!

It seems appropriate to finally write about our move, now that we are settling into our Albertan lifestyle. It felt like a quick transition from work, to packing, to moving, to unpacking, to vacationing and back to working.

Let's start off with finding out we were being posted to Wainwright! Initially we were told that Alex was staying in Gagetown for another year - yippie! While he was in the field, he received news that this wasn't the case and our next destination was Wainwright. We immediately made appointments with Brookfield and sorted out the details, all while Alex was in the field. We met up several times a week on the Base to sign papers and sort out details. A few weeks later we were on our house hunting trip in hopes of finding a half decent place. The stars were aligned that day; the first place we saw was a keeper. To amuse our rental agent and to abide by our agreement with their agency, we looked at a few places anyways. The rental opportunities are scarce in this small town so we were sure to snatch up the first place we saw. Although it is far too big for just two of us, we are managing to fill the place with new toys.

Packing our gear

I had a couple weeks of work-free time before packing things up for Wainwright. I was able to visit with friends and family, which is exactly what I needed. After nine days of driving, Alex and I arrived in Wainwright. Unfortunately, our items were split up into two loads and we were living with only the essentials - bedroom, kitchen, love seat - for a week or so. Just before we headed off for the Rockies (to come in another post), the rest of our belongings showed up. I was thrilled to have them here before we left for vacation.

I started working as a Fitness and Sports Instructor with PSP here on the Base. I initially applied for a position that I was NOT qualified for with hops that it would turn into something better, and it did! I am being trained as the reconditioning specialist, so I am constantly learning new information and stepping outside of my comfort zone. In addition to working with military members, I also teach two different fitness classes at the Communiplex (community recreation facility) 2-3 times per week. I do enjoy what I do but I have to admit that over 40 hours a week of fitness and sports instruction and I am beat.

I am told that winters are long here and that I should keep busy. As if work doesn't keep me busy enough, I am hoping to join a mixed curling league this winter. I am not a curler, but I think it'll be a good time. The community has tons of youth activities but lacks adult engagement. Most people around here have kids so we've opted to try hunting... yes, that's right, HUNTING! We'll see how that one turns out.

Thumbs up for adult activities!