Long Long Long Hiatus!

Hellooooo Faithful Readers! (Mom and Noor HAHAH jk)

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So you might be wondering... WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN HAILEY? There is a long answer and a short one that I can choose from. I will choose the shorter. I haven't had steady internet since the middle of November. Staff accomodation internet is awful! I am currently sitting in a lovely coffee shop overlooking this tourist stop featuring a bobsled and an olympic podium. My roomies and I have signed up for Telus internet which should start hopefully by the middle of January -then you will have SO many posts you won't even know what to do with yourselves!

Thanks for holding on! Hope everything is well at home in Ontario. You are all always in my thoughts!

Lots of Love,
Hails

Dead Season

Hey everyone!

Keeping in tradition with what we like to call over here "Dead Season", there really isn't too much to report. I have a few pictures that I've scrounged up from the past 3 weeks but not a whole lot of news! My roomies are still away so it is a bit of an odd feeling having the place ENTIRELY to myself. Sort of fun too!

I've been spending my time just working and sleeping...mixed in with a little bit of boozing, just a little. The last few nights have consisted of an evening of cheap appetizers at a chic place called "21 Steps", a ping pong tournament at a local bar, going out dancing, and seeing "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" (which was HILARIOUS by the way!). Everyone around here has either left to go home/holidays or is getting ready to do so. Luckily, I still have a few girlfriends who've decided to stick around.

Our schedule at work begins on a Friday and ends on Thursday, just to set the scene for you. I found out my schedule for the week and was none too pleased to find out that I only work Fri, Sat and Sunday! Luckily today my supervisor asked me to come in on Monday and I'm pretty sure I sounded alllliiiiiiittttle too eager. Also, my Thursday is an "on-call" day so basically I have to wait around on Wednesday for them to call and say if they need me. Thank God I was able to pick up some extra shifts...seriously living here is NOT cheap. I just paid $4.99 for a bottle of Ragu pasta sauce.... I have it MUCH better than some others I've talked to - some haven't had shifts for two weeks because they close a lot of the hotel during November - two of our main restaurants are closed and we have hardly any banquets. I'm one of the lucky ones! Most people take their vacation now and those who've been here for a bit have saved up their cash for this time because it is the inevitable. I'm definitely not going to complain because at the Fairmont we have it REALLY good...they are honestly SO good to their employees...its almost too good to be true. Many of the people who are coming to work for Whistler Blackcomb (they run the lifts and skiing/boarding) don't have housing nevermind having shifts in this crazy rainy month. Oh another reason I haven't been able to take pictures is because it is pretty dark at 4:30 pm when I'm done work and dark when I catch the bus at 6:50 am....

Actually now that I think of it something really neat happened today. I was sitting in the cafeteria having my lunch with a co-worker Sophie. We started talking about where we're from and all of that. She said she's from just outside Manchester, and I asked where, Sheffield she said. "Sheffield?!" only the hometown of my absolute FAVOURITE band of life. Anyone who hardcore knows me will know that I am SUCH a fan of this band. "Oh I know where Sheffield is, the home of the Arctic Monkeys! My favourite!" "Oh cool, I actually dated the bassist for three years.." HAHAHA Small world. As the weeks progress I'm meeting more and more interesting people.

I haven't hit the homesick stage yet either...which is worrying me because it will probably hit pretty hard in a few weeks. I think the novelty of it is still present. I'm just going to ride it out and not make myself feel something that might just be a natural progression anyways.

My computer is being its normal piece of junk and won't allow me to open my photos to upload them. Grrrr I'll try sometime tomorrow! Wow, for having absolutely nothing to say... I sure did alright! HAHA

Have a great night!
Hails

Don't Forget to Tip Your Waitress.

Ok well actually I am not lazy, I've been having the time of my life, and that is why I haven't posted in over a week! So much has happened I don't even know where the best place to start is.

My mom has been keeping my informed that I have a few more readers than I thought I did! WOO! If you would like more pictures, me to jump off a cliff and make a video or any old thing crazy be sure to sign in and let me know!

On Thursday night a bunch of my friends and I went to Fairmont's staff Halloween party. Good times were had by all! We each got two free drink tickets for Kokanee beer (only $4.25 at the bar so it is pretty much everyone's first choice!) and then whatever else you decided to have was on you. The costumes were pretty great - I went as a goth again this year... I was going to go as a vampire but I had a bit of a costume malfunction as in when I went to mix the mould for my fake teeth it felt like a combination between flouride and caulking (or what I would imagine the mix to taste like HAHA).

Work has been really good recently. I'm still slow as molasses, but one of my many trainers after telling me the beds I made look like crap, went off to show this BEAUTIFUL one I did to EVERYONE! It made me smile to think I was finally getting the hang of it.
One message I would like to send off to everyone is: PLEASE tip your maid.

We do all kinds of extra things for you...such as cleaning up from your party, disposing of your weed crumblies so you don't get charged (You're Welcome young man who had a party in his hotel room!!!), and picking up your crumply sweaty gym clothes...yes I have to do that. I WISH I could post some of the things I've heard while cleaning a room...but I won't. Its that good! Kinda interested now aren't you?! Sorry, I need my job for beer money and perhaps a snowboard!

Another pretty funny story that happened on Sunday night just goes to prove you can never really leave home. Off we went to our favourite local's spot, Longhorn's. Lets set the scene:

I am lining up at the door, hand the bouncer my ID...and then the wait begins as they scan it and then scan you...he's holding it for much longer than normal, and looks up. I'm thinking "Greeeat. I knew I shouldn't have straightened my hair!!!" But I get something unexpected," You're from Burlington, on Abbott?" "Yes...lived there all my life...(thinking and the point of this is?!" "Oh well, I grew up on Regal!" "What? Thats hilarious! What's your name?" "Matt Dawson"

BAHAHA I couldn't believe it. I really had never met him I don't think but I knew who he was and his whole family. It was a riot. We compared neighbours we remember, talked about the Ahonens etc...but then realized there was a line behind me. TOO FUNNY! It just goes to show that you can never really leave home, pieces of it will follow you everywhere.

It came to my attention via my mum that I hadn't posted pictures of my apartment yet. The next section is going to be me playing a little catch up on things I had meant to post but never quite got around to it.


This is behind the Fairmont, going up one of the ski hills. It is one of my alternate routes to get back to staff housing, although I won't be able to use it in the winter unless I board down.


This is behind the Fairmont, overlooking the hill I have just shown you.


A small (very small) view of the front of the Fairmont. The green canopy in the front is where the Guest Services guys come to greet you!


I took this yesterday as I was walking to the bus stop to get home from work. As you can see the snow is half way down the hill, and this morning I awoke to find lovely snowflakes coming down! Also, it is approximately 4:25 pm...and look how dark it is... It has also been especially dreary and rainy lately.

And now for the apartment pictures! They really aren't anything special, but my mom let me know that all the people I don't have on Facebook won't be able to see them.


Our lovely kitchen! Notice the lack of stove and just a range top...you've got to get mighty creative!


My bedroom! I've got top bunk and Meghan has the bottom. Both of my roommates are going away on vacation this week and won't be back for 2 weeks... our apartment will be filled with...no laughter and no fun...HAHA


I think this speaks for itself.... This is obviously our home gym.


And our lovely living room. We have cable!!

Alrighty, so I think this is enough catch up for now. I am going to try to keep up with posting a little more frequently. I have the next two days off and will probably have three off next week! I'm off to the reuse centre tomorrow to buy a board, boots and bindings that the rich have cast off because they've only worn them one year. How sweet it is!

Don't forget to speak up if you're reading and post on the comments page!

You stay classy San Diego,
Hails

Fitting the Pieces of the Puzzle

After a really great night of spontaneous drinking and dancing (went to locals night at Longhorn's again), it feels like I'm finding my place in this chaotic village. I've found out just how easy it is to get lost in the shuffle. There are so many people constantly coming and going that you really need to maintain some independance within the turnover.

My roomie Tiffany had lost her cellphone lastnight. I called it and some guy called my phone back from her phone and told us we could meet him at Longhorn's to come and get it. This is a perfect example of even though in a place where there could be a lack of community and kindness. This simple story of a guy going out of his way to be true to a moment of honesty and help out a perfect stranger, is what I like about here. We are all alone. Each of us is here for a reason whether it is to fuck around, to work, or to just enjoy a different pace. From our vast backgrounds and reasons to be here comes a common bond. Friends are easily made and you don't really need to explain yourself much (this is a good and bad thing). People are very accepting here of what you have to offer to the mix. Staff Housing is like residence without the fake IDs, and its fun to be back in that state (well first year uni mindset...we all know I didn't live in res).

It is the little moments I've had on my journey that I wish my mind was a camera and I could just upload all my memories. For instance, after closing time at 1 am, where else can you find some guy turning up with a guitar and random people crowding around to listen to an acoustic version of some Tom Petty song (atleast I think it was Tom Petty...) and then look next to you to see a guy rolling a joint right in the village? Pretty classic.

I'm getting much better at my job which is a really good feeling. I hated being incompetent...I guess I can't really expect much after only 2 shifts of training...but I feel like I could get a routine going and hopefully pick up some speed too! On a side note, my hands are sooo chapped and red. I don't know whether it is from the weather or just the constant washing of my hands. It shouldn't be the chemicals because I'm always using gloves... that is one balls thing about this job though.

Another upsetting thing about work is that I've been told that after next week's schedule, there is a good chance I'll be getting only 2-3 shifts for a couple of weeks... Its just that time of the year where there isn't much tourism going on at all. American Thanksgiving will begin the season with a bang so I only have to wait a little while until I'll be working back at full steam. I'm going to be joining The Core gym here with my leisure money so atleast I'll have a lot of time to get started on my six pack before I start cracking open the six packs LOL

Fewf...hows that for a novel? More to come later!
Thanks for reading!
Lots of Love, Hails

How I'm Livin'

Thank you MTV for the tagline!

Things have been pretty hectic. I'm slowly but surely finding my way through being an RA (Room Attendant). I'm a little slow but have only had one day so far of "real training" so I'm not going to be so hard on myself! I am amazed by the Fairmont company, their policies, and their eagerness to help new and old employees. You really can't beat getting a free breakfast and only paying minimal amounts for lunches!

I've been spending a lot of time grocery shopping (you can take the girl out of Marilus but you can't take the Marilus out of the girl!) and figuring out where things are in the village. I'm really excited to try different restaurants around here but am trying to watch my money for when all the parties start (around mid-end November). Things are pretty slow around here because it is inbetween seasons so either people are doing A LOT of overtime or not getting many hours ...which translated into no money for booze! I, on the other hand have a large reserve of Malibu, Stoli and Guinness just waiting in my closet...


At the bottom of the HILL of DEATH looking on to the Village.



A creek that flows down around the edge of the village.


Base One behind the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. This is one of the many lifts going up the mountain.


Behind my place of employment. This castle-like place is the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Whistler. It was a pretty foggy/dreary day so you can't really see it's beauty!

More posts to come when I can see the snow. Hopefully I'll have some funny stories to tell...well actually a couple of days ago at Starbucks I accidentally took someone elses coffee and started to drink it when they called mine out ...and needless to say I was pretty mortified... LOL

Lots of Love, Hails

BLACK BEAR!

I feel like an official B.C. resident now. I have seen a black bear! On my way down the hill going to my first day of orientation, I'm walking along on this crisp morning, listening to my tunes, and minding my own business when.... I see a drooly (LOVEABLE!) black bear. Scared shitless for my life I back away and have to go the alternate longer route. I am not a seasonned vet quite yet! I am no Kung Fu Panda!...but I will be!

Orientation was actually really informative. The muffins were great and I met some cool people. A super embarassing thing that happened was when we had to take pictures for our ID cards (being the intense flash induced blinker that I am) our leader literally had to take 25 pictures of me - some sneak attack shots, some with me looking far off in the room....I was thinking "Great, now they think I'm a retard... I'm so fired." Luckily that didn't come out of my mouth but "I swear I have other skills" did. She thought it was hilarious! WOO brownie points!

I get fitted for my uniform tomorrow and find out when my shifts are for this week and next! I'll even get my snazzy ID card (retarded photo included!). I plan on taking some more pictures soon to post. I was going to on my way to work this morning but I got a little sidetracked by trying not to pee my pants! I've met a bunch of really quality people and everyone has been super nice so far. More news to come in the next few days! Perhaps even a snazzy pic in my House Keeping (insert foreign voice here) outfit!

Thanks for reading! Love, Hails

Home Sweet Home!

I've arrived!

After a long day (getting up at 3 am) of travelling - plane, bus, and taxi, I've finally settled into my place. It feels really strange to be setting up my own life, planning what I want to do, which groceries to buy and being on my own to make friends.

I was really lucky to have a fairly seamless transition into my new apartment! After a few shortfalls (...I may have almost left my laptop and all my electronics in my charter bus...) I was dropped off by a Whistler Taxi on the doorstep of my new digs. I was going to have to wait for awhile as it was 2:30 and check in wasn't supposed to be until 4:30 so I set my MEGA LOAD of luggage down outside the office, and was surprised to be greeted by the housing guys (one of which who is from Oshawa!) who got me my keys and helped me settle in. I was going to have to wait a friggin' long time, so I really lucked out!

My apartment has a kitchen, bathroom, living room and two bedrooms (each containing a bunk bed). I share with one of my roomies...although I'm not sure which one yet LOL I have two roommates (Tiffany and Meghan) and they left me a welcome message on our postboard by the front door saying that they both wouldn't be home for the night... So basically I really have no idea anything about them other than their names and the fact that they work for Fairmont. Fairmont rents two buildings from the big Whistler Blackcomb mountain company who have probably five other buildings to house their staff and there are about 200 of us (in Fairmont Housing). One of the housing guys told me that they're expecting 40 new Australians and 40 Philipinos within the next couple of weeks, so I won't be the only newby around for long!

I haven't really met too many people because even though I've gone for walks around the Village and such I don't want to go to bars all by myself...that would just be stupid. I make a point of saying HIIIIII to everyone around here though so I don't think it'll be too long. I think my roommates will be able to introduce me to people, and when I start work on Tuesday that'll help sooo much.

I've been making a point of trying to get lost, because thats when you find yourself either really fucked or see something you might not have known. I've found out theres a library so once I get my employee card/local card (to say that I'm not a tourist) I'm going to get a library card! Staff Housing is at the top of this GIGANTIC hill and I pretty much almost die everytime I go down it...so going up is absolutely brutal... took me 20 minutes last time and I was heaving so hard! I've found the grocery store (after getting lost!), the TD bank, post office and most of the important stores like the Liquor Store! Carrying my groceries (I only got 1/2 the stuff I needed b/c I could hardly carry it) up that hill was brutal, so this morning I took a cab back up it (cost about $7.50). I'm going to check on the internet and see where the Staff Housing bus goes b/c it is only .50 but it only runs at certain times and like every half hour.

The bane of my existence!

Thanks Mom and Noor for taking my incessant calls! I'm really glad that I have the internet as it is making finding places and things I need a lot easier. More pictures and news to come in the next few days! Please start making signs for my campaign as Mayor of Whistler HAHAHA

Hails

Going Away Party!

Like every monumental occasion (birthdays, anniversaries etc) there must be a party that contains drinking to either open up the floodgates of emotion, or to close them. My party kept them closed and thats the way I liked it! I just wanted to remember having fun with some close friends, eat too much food, and perhaps drink a bit too much. Its not like I'm going away forever, but the fact of the matter is things will never be the same when I do come home.

I have been really restrained this past week with my emotions. I love my friends and family, but am SO excited for this new life I'm going to make for myself, even if just for seven months! I'm just going out there to make myself proud, but also to make them proud too. There are so many people who have helped create who I am (for better or worse LOL) and I feel like there are so many still out there who have to teach me a few lessons also. There were a bunch of people I didn't get to say goodbye to but that now gives them a better reason to come visit me!

Lastnight was three hours of ambiance (loads of tealights) and just a chilled atmosphere. Of course we squeezed in the tradition of "Jager Wednesdays" since it was Wednesday and did Jager Bombs to end the night.

(L-R Lisa, Devin, Melissa, ME!, and Noor)



2 more days until I'm on the plane....

Love, Hails

Getting Ready!

I thought it would be appropriate to start one of those "getting to know you" posts. I'm about 99.9% sure all of my readers are friends, family or curious travellers but I think it is important to know a little bit about me.

First off, my name is Hailey. Good start! I'm 22 and have just graduated from McMaster University with a B.A in English. Being incredibly interested in the world and what I have to contribute to it, I began looking for my next adventure. I had seriously considered going to South Korea, and am still keen on applying to Teachers College in Scotland (once I've got enough cash saved up). It came down to finding some way to see the world outside my own box all while being able to travel and save money.

A few considerations came into mind: Is it a hassle to get a visa? Will I be able to leave my family for such a long time (especially since this is my first move away from home)? And just how ambitious do I really want to be?

Somehow I stumbled upon Whistler. I thought "Great!" - Closer to home? Check! Able to make some good money? Check! Ability to travel while saving money? Check! I started applying to jobs and landed a dream position with the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. I had heard MANY good things about the Fairmont corporation, and they seem like exactly where I'd like to be at this point in my life; an entry level position with MUCH opportunity to climb the company ladder.

With the Olympics coming in February 2010 - I think this is really the chance that I was looking for to add to my life's resume! The point of this blog is to let everyone back home know what I am up to in B.C, post some pictures and tips for other travellers who might be considering doing the same thing. I am expecting a harsh awakening to living on my own, but I have never been so excited or prepared for such independence as I am now. There will be tears, laughs and nastalgic feelings the next four days but I'm ready to do this :D

I leave for Vancouver at 7 am from Toronto on Saturday morning so I don't expect to have much to post before then....but then be ready!

Good night!
Hail