I love my new job – it is so much fun!

He said

When we left off last week Emelia was at her first shift at Silver City. She was all done by 8:00pm, and came out all smiles when we picked her up and we were delighted. That shift was basically orientation and then, on Wednesday this week was her first training shift which went from 5:15pm to 11:15pm which we wondering how she’d make out after a full day of school (she was tired, but fine). And then, Saturday she up and off to work for 10:00am for training shift number two. And, on this one she got to fly solo and even got to deal with a somewhat elevated customer, which got resurrected and she handled it well. She’s really loving the job and the new people she is meeting. And, we couldn’t be prouder of her!

One of the big things with Christmas approaching that we have been working on is getting ready to host the Teeter get together at our for Christmas Day. We’ve had a couple of real bummer years of getting together as a family and when it finally seemed like restrictions of get togethers being in the past, Emelia was adamant that she wanted to host our get together this year. So we put her notice out to the family and she was happy to find out our bid won out. Over the last week as we get much closer to the day we’ve been working a lot more diligently at getting the details ironed. While, by this time next week, we won’t be posting because that is the day, we’re certainly be able to share how it went on Boxing Day!

This week I got in a few rides in between more winter-like weather days. On Monday, I managed to beat last year’s record with an eighth ride in December. But, then with rides on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday I blew right past the record taking it to eleven rides this month. Yesterday, Danielle was able to get out with me too, and that ride ended with her first real winter experience of riding while the snow flakes were falling. If the weather stays as such for the rest of the month, I am happy with having made it to eleven rides this month, as well as eleven months where I was able to do at least one ride.

And, lastly–still–on the topic of riding, this year I entered in my first ever bike race at 50. And then, I ended doing a whole bunch more events after that one this summer. Well, I had so much fun doing that, I am going to keep that going next year too. The one that got it all started for me is a bit of a legendary race with a long history of being the race to do in your plans: Paris To Ancaster race. Registration opened this week and at the same time it was announced that it was also going to be the Inaugural Canadian Gravel Championships. I mean they didn’t need to do anything other than host another race, because literally seconds after crossing the finish line this year, I had already decided I would do that race again. So I have my registration completed, and what’s better is a bunch of biking friends are also signed up so the starting line will definitely be merrier!

She said

This week was a super busy but great one. Things at work have been so hectic as we wrap up for the year and the students finish up their final exams. Everywhere at work is just trying to make sure we wrap things up before we close over the holidays. Everyone is busy but in the holiday spirit. It is hard to believe I am almost at my one year at Western. It has been the best career decision I have ever made.

As John mentioned this was a very big week for Emelia. She started her training sessions at work and is absolutely loving it. She is working with kids her age and making fast friends. We could not be happier or more proud of her. She had really come into her own over the last few years, pushed herself far out of her comfort zone and even taking on leadership roles in all areas of her life. Other than starting her first job Emelia is also wrapping up her projects and tests before the head into the winter break. She continues to do well in school and has been more and more involved with committees.

Friday, I decided to book a vacation day off work so I could get a chunk of our Christmas shopping done. It also allowed me one more morning in the week to not have an early alarm! I am so happy I did as I was able to get so much done in those few hours that left only wrapping to be done which John and I got done while Emelia was at work. Emelia had a fun and full weekend planned so it was great to get Christmas mostly wrapped up.

Over the last few years Emelia has been fortunate to make some really strong connections at cheer. And in the last few months she had become incredibly close with two girls who have been on her team since she started. Emelia, Emma and Ashlyn are so close now, they talk for hours daily and even before the competition in Guelph Emelia stayed at Emma’s house and drove down with her to the girls could get ready and spend more time together. On Friday night Ashlyn slept over here and the three wanted even more time together so hung out at the mall together for a few hours before heading to cheer. I adore their friendship, the have each others back, there is no judgement at all between them, just pure friendship! I am so happy to see Emelia find these strong bonds.

So between work, Emelia’s new job, Emelia’s training, getting ready for Christmas and Emelia’s social calendar it has made for a busy week.