Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I had a lovely, low key day. I woke up at 9:15, opened my stocking in my room as per tradition, and Jack threw up on my Dad and the floor. Melissa and Randy came over and we Facetimed with Matt and Kate as Mia opened up her new Bitty Baby (that she loved). Then we got to opening our presents!

Look at my cute lil seester

Let's just get a close up of that cute wrapping paper.

New Mr. Darcy ornament, imported from Bath

Opening up presents is the greatest thing, same with giving them. My Dad picked out this nativity scene  from Peru from the store 10,000 Villages. Nicely done.

 My mom tracked down this crane after my dad spotted it while they were in York. Nicely done, Mom.

My haul- not pictured, 3 months in Europe. Can you spot the two American Girl items? Once a hardcore AG lover, always a hardcore AG lover.

This will do, thank you.

After breakfast casserole and sticky buns, and lunchtime later, I worked on my puzzle and we went to see Saving Mr. Banks (obsessed). But this puzzle is coming along, it is a toughie. 

I've spent two weeks at home now. We leave for Utah tomorrow and I am both very sad and very happy. I love my bed, my room, my own space, and my puppy, but I get to see my family that I haven't seen in 8 months, celebrate more Christmas, and then start school where I'm taking skiing and ballet and living in close proximities to my new best friends. I can say that things are looking very bright!

Merry Christmas from me to you!

Look for the Helpers

After this made the rounds back in April after Boston, I find new meaning in it. There are so many caring people that it buoys up everyone here affected.

I just want to give everyone in this whole area a hug right now. The amount of devastation is well, devastating. Did you hear about the Zoo? A zookeeper risked his life by guarding a window with a rifle in hand so a hippo (the most dangerous animal) wouldn't escape. The poor giraffes might not make it either since they were so exposed to the cold! 

In the way of heartwarming, kindness is everyone. I am seriously so proud of this city.

Today went like this; first day of work which including the first part of training. I'm happy to be working at a place where I'll be able to help people rebuild and be involved!

 I'm orange aproned! 

I came home, took Jack on a walk with my cute neighbor girl, and hitched a ride with some friends down to a different flood devastated area. We went by a few addresses we were given and upon finding the people there had things under control, we went exploring for more people. We ended up in a one bedroom apartment with some other volunteers. The homeowners were nowhere to be found. After that, we came across a cool guy with two 120 year old homes right on the Elbow River. We had a good chat with him and helped him prep for the 10 firemen that are coming in the morning. All the while people came up to us with bug spray, cookies, pizza, beer and coffee for those who like it, donuts, and fresh fruit and trail mix. 

Even though we're surrounded by the ugliest piles of rubble and sludge, I have been finding the brightest and beautiful people. Truly diamonds in the rough. I just happy to be a part of it. 

 Parking within the neighborhoods is a huge issue because there has to be room for the homeowners, the dumpsters, and the volunteers.

 This area was caked with more wet piles of mud that made parking difficult.

 So this is me in the apartment looking semi normal compared to the full shot-

I'm so knock-kneed it is even funny. I seriously thought I was standing like a normal person. Oh what can you do.   on another note...Go Flames Go?

Another day, another amazing humbling day. Keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers, especially those in High River. They haven't even been back to their homes yet and I'm sure nothing is left. For those of you reading this outside of this area, you can help by making a donation to the Red Cross. For those of you who do live close, make sure you just go find something to do and someone to help!

I found this via Pinterest:

Are you dying? I am. This is the cutest. 

Until next time!

Love,

MM

Overwhelmed and Oversludged

Today was spent caked in mud and dirt hauling out ruined belongings, saturated carpet, and drywall from destroyed basements. Throughout the day, the group of us were able to help out in at least eight homes. These houses were actually lucky, no flooding had reached the main floor. I seriously have so many amazing memories of this day. I can't record them all but I'll try!

 I was doubly dirty by the end of the day. Awesome. (That's not sarcasm, it really was fun).

We saw so many books going into the dumpster. This one seemed a little too ironic not to document!

Today was marvelous. It felt so good to finally be doing something that actually makes an immediate difference. Almost all of the people we helped had little to no family or friends available to help so we really could step in. I met so many new friends today and I feel like I have a new little neighborhood to love. This kind of destruction is all over this city and surrounding area, not to mention High River is still a lake. Everyone is really stepping up and smiles and hope is all around!

I'll be back for more!

Extra love,

Megan

PS First day of work tomorrow! Let's sell some construction supplies!

This Bulging River

To help lighten the mood.. I tried and failed to find the clip of "the Bulging River" from Waiting for Guffman. If you happen to have the old relic on DVD I'd watch the quality deleted scene. It really sets the mood here.

I surely have experienced a bulging river with bountiful banks. With the flooding in my city of Calgary starting on Thursday, I had no idea what kind of damage would be done. Keep in mind many parts of the city and area are still under water and there is no estimate on the damage. I've been so fortunate to be far enough away from the flood plain; my life (If I stayed in my neighborhood and didn't watch the news) would be definitely business as usual.

On Friday I woke up, got ready for my second interview at The Home Depot and lo and behold..

I am now employed! I'm so grateful. I've applied to at least 20 places since I got home at the beginning of May and this job is perfect timing. Just a few nights ago I had a real hard time sleeping since I was worrying about not having a job yet! Plus I know the store will be really busy since so many homes have been flooded. Even though people have to buy their own supplies and it is a business, I still feel like I can be of service to those that are struggling.

Friday continued with my dad coming home from work early since nothing was happening, being glued to the screen(s) watching the news, getting steel toed boots, getting pizza, and a bike ride down to see the crazy crazy river, along with the rest of the neighborhood.

{On another note, Saturday brought my extra zeal to get in shape. I bought a pass to the local yoga studio and went to a hot yoga class. I love it and it shall continue. }

Tonight my dad and I took a drive around to see some of the damage. Apparently the river has receded quite a bit so that is better news!

 I have seriously been so impressed by the spirit of everyone in this city. It is honestly a little celestial. Even though destruction is everywhere, there is optimism and there is plenty of helping hands. I am honestly so proud to live here, and I'm going to do my part since I have been so blessed. I could say so much more about this but I gotta get to sleep so I can wake up and clean up!



So here's this cute weirdo

 and how nice is this? This is just one of many kindly deeds.

So check out CNN-

That's our Stampede grounds! Seriously I hope The Big Show can and will go on.

and The Calgary Herald-

Those are just a few I've been frequenting. And honestly I only visit CNN to confirm that this normally under the radar city has made front page American news. Dis is real man.

It's late, I've managed to post on a Sunday night with a now unusual post. I should be back next Sunday night (and before that) with my Short Sunday Sampling because those lists are fun.

Keep it up Calgary, I sure do love you!

-MM

Stampedin' and such!

This weekend was the beginning of the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede. We've gone almost every year since we moved here and this year didn't disappoint! My aunt and uncle came up for the weekend so it was fun to show them the ropes (hah- cowboy pun). My friend Carlee joined me and we went to the Chuckwagon races and the Grandstand show. 

Eliza from The Wild Thornberrys?  

The 90's were alive and well!

 So at the Stampede a few years ago we went with Hank and Emily. The theme song was "This is the big show!" so we sing that all the time.

Paul Brandt was the special guest and he was really good! 

On Saturday we drove out to the Millarville farmer's market.

We also went and browsed through Inglewood. The weather has been so beautiful here once it stopped raining.

 This store had the cutest floor!

I stopped at Recordland and found a glorious soundtrack. But whenever I'm in there I feel so musically inadequate! I need some serious music education,

Tonight we got to see my cousins Hank and Emily and Blakeley! They lived here for a few years and have since moved back to Utah and I've really missed them so it will be so fun to have them here visiting for the week. Our friend's the Dahl's also came over for some BBQ.

 Today also happens to be my brother Matt's birthday! Happy birthday brother, thanks for the love.

Love,
Megan Marie