Toilet Paper Rolls, Chicken Fajitas and Acne

It was an extremely eventful weekend in Vanderhoof. I went to church, we had our first 'real' snowfall and I got my first punishment in Katimavik. It all started when I wanted to go to the washroom in our newly painted bathroom. I was about to use the facilities when I realized that we were out of toilet paper! Disgusted, I ran down stairs ranting that someone had forgot to change the toilet paper. I made someone else change the roll and then proceeded to use the washroom downstairs. A few minutes later I was at the kitchen table muttering to myself how inconsiderate a person must be to not change the roll when Jessica came into the room and announced that I myself had not changed it in the downstairs bathroom. I will admit that I was slightly embarrassed with myself and in the Katimahouse not changing the roll is a Class-A felony, so I was forced to pick a consequence out of the dreaded jar.
Before I get to my punishment I was not the first to get one of these cruel and unnatural punishments. Tristan, who forgot to turn the computer off at night, was forced to wear a dress for the day and Shoshana, who left her razor in the shower, had the unfortunate experience of having to take a freezing cold shower. The punishment that I picked out was that during supper my hands were to be tied behind my back and I was forced to eat our delicious Chicken Fajitas and Greek Salad (thanks Mik and Fred) with only my mouth. Let me tell you it is not one of the most pleasant experiences. There I was chomping down on my Fajitas with my face right in the middle of my plate and then having to slurp up my water in a bowl like a dog. I thought the worst of my punishment was over until later that night Fred told that the acidity in the salsa and tomatoes would give me acne. I scrubbed my face down as a precaution before I went to bed but low and behold when I woke up the next morning I had three pimples on my chin and cheek. The morale of my story I guess is to not be so critical of others because sooner or later you are bound to screw up and your judgement day may end up being well harsh, mushy and extremely funny.

Cannot believe that it's Ashley's Baby!!!!!!!

Friday brought about the end of our first work week here in Vanderhoof and it finished on a high note. I spent a good chunk of my day calling all the tenants at Riverside trying to introduce myself personally but gave up half way when I realized most of them could not understand me over the phone. One lady even told me she didn't like telemarketers and hung up the phone!!! So instead I began to knock on all of the doors to set up little one on one rendezvous. One of my visits was with Isabel, the painter at Riverside. The first thing a noticed when I walked into her room was a huge photograph of her and her husband in their twenties. The two of them could have easily past as an amazing Hollywood couple. I really wanted to ask her for a copy but I did not want to come across as a creepy visitor. We started to look through my landscape photos (four of which she chose for her sketch book) when we were interrupted by a two o'clock phenomenon called the Young and the Restless.
The Young and the Restless, for those who do not know, is a soap opera of which even my mother is a fan. I have not had the real pleasure of watching the show before, so when Isabel offered me juice and cookies I could not resist. Y and R is a wretched show but for more than half an hour I could not tear my eyes away from the drama. How can Sharon not know that the baby isn't hers, and how cold is Ashley to divorce Victor!!!!!!!! Reluctantly I had to leave Isabel and her soap around quarter to three because I had to set up for Shuffleboard and tea time but she has promised to fill me in :P
Tea time was just as eventful. Helen, also in her nineties is a very fierce competitor when it came to shuffleboard and destroyed me 15-7, 16-1, 15-8. It is not that I am bad but she would just not miss a shot. I am really enjoying my time at Riverside. In my time here I will be running the exercise groups and starting an actor’s group for the residence. Oh how this trimester will fly by.

Landscape pictures I took for Joan and Isabel.

I cannot wait to see the finished product which they will create!

My job at Riverside

Seeing that the Arena/District of Vanderhoof job is only part time I was also placed at the assisted living facility here in Vanderhoof called Riverside Place to help out and plan events for the tenants. There are 32 people living there and the majority of them are 85 plus. Every day is different and full of surprises as many of the tenants have amazing talents. One elderly lady is an amazing painter so I took her out today to get landscape portraits of the area. We took almost 100 pictures and we are going to pick our favourites tomorrow. When she first told me she was an artist I was quite sceptical due to the fact that she is 92 years old and very shaky but when she got a pencil in her hand her skill was impeccable. Another man is a knitter and he has promised me slippers!
Another big hit at Riverside is my piano and vocal skills. They already have a list of songs which they want me to learn which include Blue Moon and Love Letters in the Sand. Although the like hearing me play, they are not so fond for my practicing habits. Coincidently the minister of the United Church here in town was visiting Riverside and told me that I could use their Yamaha piano as long as I attend their Sunday service and help out with music. The minister is quite a character. She is what I would call a “in your face Christian” extremely nice but very prominent in her views. It is sure to be an experience and the bonus is that I will get a chance to use and maintain my musical skills.

First Day of Work at the Arena.

It has been another busy day at the Katima-house here in Vanderhoof. Monday morning meant the first day of work for most of us. For Jessica and I it meant trekking the whole two minutes to the local arena (actually we got a ride most of the way there but that is beside the point.) We arrived pronto at quarter to nine and were instantly given master keys to the rink along with keys for the Zamboni :P. We spent the morning familiarizing ourselves with the premise and I was taught how to use the skate sharpener. Supposedly it is one of the most dreaded jobs at the arena but I kind of liked it. (Then again I'm not six feet tall and I don't have to bend my back while working the machine). Three hours later the machine had lost some of its initial grandeur, but then again it beats trying to put up the new time clock in the freezing cold (hahahaha Jessica).
Our afternoon was spent working for Sarrah and the District of Vanderhoof. Our job description is to help plan events and represent Vanderhoof in the area. Our first task is to design and build the Vanderhoof’s float which is to be used in this year’s Christmas Parade of Lights. The task sounds fun but it is going to be laborious and difficult. (On the bright side we will get to drive into Prince George to buy supplies!!). Overall it was quite a nice first day although I wish I could say that about the atmosphere here back at the house :(. I am looking forward to going to work tomorrow and to making sure I make the most of each day here in Northern BC.

On the eve before I start work!!!!!

Wow what a blast Katimavik has been so far. I have only been here a little more than a week but I have already learnt so much (like not to put 15 cups of rice into a cooker for only 12 people). This experience is going to be AMAZING and I am so glad I get to spend it with ten other people that I really like. Sure were going to fight and it will be over the stupidest of things (cough taking showers cough) but arguing is how we grow. I once had a friend, and I considered her one of my best friends but we never argued. Now that I look back on our relationship I see that having everything kept up simmering inside might have been detrimental to our friendship. Nevertheless I still think she is a great person and hope she gets what she wants in life.
That is the past and I have my whole future ahead of me so basically I am starting a blog so all my friends and family can stay up to date with my travels and katimafirsts (when I do something completely new). I miss everyone like crazy but Katimavik is too good of an opportunity to pass up. I hope everyone is doing well and I will be sure to update everyone about my work placements (the Hockey Arena and Riverside Place) tomorrow!!!
Cya later
Jordan

P.S I have just notice that you can put Katima infront of any word and it sounds good!!!!......Katimacouch, katimatravels, katimacatching,katimaawesome...... its katimacrazy :P
....nm Good night :)

I have decided to get a blog :)

Testing one two three this is my first post!!!!!!