Home at home

Moving

So it's the end of an era. My parents are finally moving south and so ends Prince George. I went home this last week to help with some packing, sort through some more childhood stuff, and say goodbye- to friends, my town, and the house. I've had the same phone number, postal code and street name since I was born. It's totally surreal and sad for me. 

Happy for my mom and dad though. I spent a lot of time at the house and did a couple walks through the neighbourhood. 

(The house I came home to when I was born)

(My treehouse was in that tree)

(that's my name carved in that tire)

And the house I left today

Architectural tour Prince George

Downtown Prince George has suffered for many years. But I feel like I have a strong affinity for the place because my mom hated the mall so we had the deli and bakery and our bank downtown that we went to. The coolest store of all time still has to be Northern Hardware as you can buy grass seed, a cappuccino maker, horse saddle, riffle, scented candle and a couch all at the same place. 

I had a couple walks around town and I really wish it would get revitalized. People try, but Walmart on the side if the highway will always have the better draw I guess. Although besides the prices I don't know know why. Not for me. 

Some pictures from around town- places that hold childhood memories for me:

Where I learned to swim- Four Seasons. Where I worked in high school- the library. The same dodgy hotel to stay away from- the Croft. Favorite gas station that's never been a gas station in my life time. Some down town hotels- nice signage. The original Bay parkade. The office tower my dad worked in. 

Sew Sunday

Last weekend I finally caught up on all the sewing projects collecting in my drawer: I repaired leggings, patched jeans, and tackled a project I've wanted to do for upwards of years. 

I have this dress from my mom- I remember it from childhood and I probably wore it too in late high school and early art school. It would never fit me again in a million years now and I finally feel like I have the tools and skills to visualize a finished product- so I made it into a skirt. 

I warned my mom she might want it back!

Avon calling!... And it's the 1950's

When I was a kid I pawed over those Avon catalogues like it was my job. I knew an Avon lady who gave me the cutest mini lipstick samples you've ever seen. Then when I was in my 20's I had a coworker my age who was an Avon lady herself- say what? Avon lady who was young like me. And years later my friends mom became my lady. Since we don't live near each other the next natural step was the Internet. Because yes, we can now. The technology exists. 

I only use 2 products and I order them probably twice a year. And it works like it should, I place my order, I pay by credit card and in 4-7 days shows up on my door step. 

So imagine my surprise when I go to order this week and something is, different. It's a slightly new website and I have to re register. Ok. Then after everything is in the shopping cart it says I need a rep. Also ok, because I always credit my friends mom. But this time it spits out a random reps name. Hmmm. Then once I click submit it tells me my rep will contact me to discuss and deliver my order personally. What? 

I decide this can't be right.  I want to place my order, pay by credit card and in 4-7 days show up on my door step. So I call them. 

And believe it, this is right. This is the NEW system. I point out all the flaws- they say "this is more convenient for our customers" and I say how? I now have to wait to talk to place an order with a stranger, give some random person my credit card number (who doesn't even have an Avon issued email address) then coordinate with this person to come to my house. How is this better? How is this secure? How do they think this isn't a hassle? 

It's already been 3 days since I started this process and I still have not officially placed my order. No phone call yet. (Ha)

And get this: The only way I can order product and have it directly delivered to me is to become an Avon lady myself. 

Like I need another part time job. 

UPDATE

In the end my order wound up at my front door via Canada Post. Unexpectedly. I already had it stocking my bathroom shelves before I realized I had not yet paid anyone. A couple days later the rep emailed me with my total and I sent a cheque in the mail to her- still documented everything just in case. Who knows- by the next time I order they may be back to the "old" system (aka the Internet)

little thing

This last weekend I met the cutest little thing, my oldest friends new baby! She's one of many babies coming into the world and into my life this year. But the first of a dear friend. Only 3 weeks old, she's a darling. I got to hold her lots and mom and dad were happy to oblige. We also took her out on the town: first trip to a restaurant and knowing CF and I she also gave me advice on a shoe purchase. 

It was a beautiful crisp, sunny, all orange leaves weekend. Filled with love.