Where has the time gone?? And I really should get rid of those nasty snow pictures, the weather here has been beautiful the last few days. Looks like indian summer time. Not that I've seen it, except from the window. I've been like a mole. I have not poked my nose outside since I got here, I'm hoping to get a walk around in sometime today, just to make sure I remember what outside air smells like. It has just been SOOOOO busy this week it's crazy. All I can do now is hope the weekend will be quieter so we can get sort of caught up. Rooms have been in short supply, and we've housekeeping has been working overtime like mad to get rooms turned around so we can put bodies in them. Even had to turn people away the last two days. Amanda has postponed her days off for a week, thank goodness, although I feel terrible that she had to do it.
I forgot to mention that I found out what the little explosion sounds that I've been hearing are. There are what they call "tailings", which look like a pond, around the process sites. Even though they look like a nice pond, good spot for a drink and a rest for various wildlife, they are not. There's a layer of water and underneath is bitumen. I'm not totally sure what the process is from there, although I know the area does get reclaimed (cleaned up) as I've seen it passing by other camps. Anyway, it does look inviting to wildlife and if they get in there, they die. So there are water cannons continually going off to scare them away. Now that I know we're not under attack, I can rest easy :)
I worked 12 1/2 hours on Tuesday, and 13 yesterday and I've been awake since 4:30 am thinking about things that I didn't get done and have to do. I'm going to go in at 6:30 and hopefully get a half hour undisturbed in (hahaha - just won't be possible but can always hope!) before I'm actually on duty. I'm expecting to hopefully get it back down to regular hours today, after the initial extra half hour haha. I have definitely come to look forward to "slow" times!
Well I've sure seen all sides of people this week. Unfortunately, the unhappy and angry ones are the loudest and easiest to remember. However it sure makes our day when someone gives us good feedback. We all appreciate it! Makes me realize how important it is recognize someone for positive things. It seems to take extra effort to do that, but I know that service people, and anyone for that matter, love getting an unexpected pat on the back or an acknowledgement that what they do is appreciated. I will be making an extra effort from now on to do just that!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Back to work for a rest??!!???
Not a chance. I had MAYBE 5 minutes, possibly less, to arrive for work at 7 am with that rush of being refreshed and ready to tackle things when I was told that I was cross-training for another job, actually for Amanda in reservations, and Amanda is leaving for her days off after her shift on WEDNESDAY. So, yes folks, I am allotted a total of 3 days to learn a job that actually has responsibility (haha) and changes all the time at the same time as the week from you-know-where is happening! There is some kind of top-secret VIP function happening this week - important guests that are so important I'm not allowed to know who they are - plus the fact that the front desk is short-staffed because of people on days off AND this place is overbooked by many rooms and as of yesterday, nobody had a backup plan. Welcome back!!!!
Of course, I have always loved a challenge and this time next week....it will all be a bad memory. :)
So my days at home were a blur; running all over the place and putting many kms on Aimee's new car. I told her not to be too distressed when she looked at the odometer. It was great to see my grandbabies!! I miss them, and they are just changing so quickly. Caden is just talking up a storm, and quite precocious I might add, an unbelievable computer whiz at just 3 years old. Kylee is really beginning to talk now and smart as a whip as well. We had fun for the short time I saw them!
I arrived back here after 12:30 a.m. on Monday morning. My shift started at 7 a.m. so not much sleep for me, not that I ever get much anyway. I had already been checked into my room, and it was the same room I left! That was a nice surprise, I like this room. I also had lots of stuff waiting for me. Aimee and friends left for their days off (actually we crossed paths at the airport in Ft. McMurray, me coming in, them going out). Aim asked if it was ok if they stored some stuff in my room, so one side of the under bed storage is totally full, plus I have a fridge! They'll be gone for 2 weeks so I can have cold drinks and snacks in my room until they're back :) Also, Lena had put the box of stuff I had stored in her room in there for me already so all I had to do was unpack. That didn't happen until after work yesterday, of course. And I couldn't believe it when my ten hours were up, the time just flew. Of course, I am in panic mode here, thinking of the next few days....but I will survive, like that 70's song.
Anyway, I'm off to get some breakfast and dive back into the day!
Of course, I have always loved a challenge and this time next week....it will all be a bad memory. :)
So my days at home were a blur; running all over the place and putting many kms on Aimee's new car. I told her not to be too distressed when she looked at the odometer. It was great to see my grandbabies!! I miss them, and they are just changing so quickly. Caden is just talking up a storm, and quite precocious I might add, an unbelievable computer whiz at just 3 years old. Kylee is really beginning to talk now and smart as a whip as well. We had fun for the short time I saw them!
I arrived back here after 12:30 a.m. on Monday morning. My shift started at 7 a.m. so not much sleep for me, not that I ever get much anyway. I had already been checked into my room, and it was the same room I left! That was a nice surprise, I like this room. I also had lots of stuff waiting for me. Aimee and friends left for their days off (actually we crossed paths at the airport in Ft. McMurray, me coming in, them going out). Aim asked if it was ok if they stored some stuff in my room, so one side of the under bed storage is totally full, plus I have a fridge! They'll be gone for 2 weeks so I can have cold drinks and snacks in my room until they're back :) Also, Lena had put the box of stuff I had stored in her room in there for me already so all I had to do was unpack. That didn't happen until after work yesterday, of course. And I couldn't believe it when my ten hours were up, the time just flew. Of course, I am in panic mode here, thinking of the next few days....but I will survive, like that 70's song.
Anyway, I'm off to get some breakfast and dive back into the day!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Home for a rest....
Ha Ha Ha! My schedule is so tight for the week I'll be home, I'll be coming back to work to rest up! It's a strange feeling, I'll tell ya, to be heading home. These three weeks have passed by so quickly it makes my head spin.
I have been meaning to share the dining room rules here; they amuse me.
No headgear
No coveralls/overalls
No bags/backpacks
No muscle shirts
No bare toes
No laptops
No cell phones
No workboots without booties
No dirty work clothes
No outdoor coats
Be Courteous to others
So there you have it. I may have forgotten something, but that's basically it. Funny thing is, I've never seen anyone "enforcing" the rules, yet everyone abides. I do see the odd cell phone, but I can't say I've ever heard one ring. I particularly like the "no muscle shirts" one, hehe. And be Courteous to others. With a capital C.
People come and go. One of the girls was cleaning up one of the desks and found a phone list from 2007, and we only recognized one or two names on it. Just a handful of long-timers. Aimee's one of them and she's been here just over two years. I did meet one of the camp attendants who has been here since this place opened, around four years ago. She said she knows "everybody". She was quite astonished to find out that Aimee was my daughter, and said she already loved and respected me :) Aimee is quite a highly thought of individual here. When someone tells me that, I always say "Yeah, I kinda like her".
I'll start my journey back this evening, leaving Ft. Mac airport just before 11, get to Calgary around midnight, leave Calgary just before 1 am and get to London just after 6 tomorrow morning. I'll sign off now, and check in again when I get back. I'll be sure to give the verdict on whether the first turnaround is hard!
I have been meaning to share the dining room rules here; they amuse me.
No headgear
No coveralls/overalls
No bags/backpacks
No muscle shirts
No bare toes
No laptops
No cell phones
No workboots without booties
No dirty work clothes
No outdoor coats
Be Courteous to others
So there you have it. I may have forgotten something, but that's basically it. Funny thing is, I've never seen anyone "enforcing" the rules, yet everyone abides. I do see the odd cell phone, but I can't say I've ever heard one ring. I particularly like the "no muscle shirts" one, hehe. And be Courteous to others. With a capital C.
People come and go. One of the girls was cleaning up one of the desks and found a phone list from 2007, and we only recognized one or two names on it. Just a handful of long-timers. Aimee's one of them and she's been here just over two years. I did meet one of the camp attendants who has been here since this place opened, around four years ago. She said she knows "everybody". She was quite astonished to find out that Aimee was my daughter, and said she already loved and respected me :) Aimee is quite a highly thought of individual here. When someone tells me that, I always say "Yeah, I kinda like her".
I'll start my journey back this evening, leaving Ft. Mac airport just before 11, get to Calgary around midnight, leave Calgary just before 1 am and get to London just after 6 tomorrow morning. I'll sign off now, and check in again when I get back. I'll be sure to give the verdict on whether the first turnaround is hard!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Freaky Nature
OK, apparently it was just a freak storm yesterday. Today was sunny and blue skies. There was frost, but no snow. Maybe that's it for a while!
It was slower at the front desk today, so the catch-up started. I was still going like mad, trying to get the mail caught up and all the confirmations. It was nice not to have a long lineup of people waiting to check in/out/complain/threaten to quit etc.
I can't believe only two more sleeps and I'll be on my way home. When I first thought of 21 days in a row of 10 hour long days, I was a little scared, thinking how am I ever going to be able to do this? But it went by so fast. Now I can't imagine not being here for a whole week. And I have so much to do in my week at home.
So there is work going on 24 hours a day out in the camp. I hear the trucks moving around and some sort of banging, not sure what that is, sounds almost like little explosions?? Far away and muted. Sort of like there's an active war zone within a few miles, haha. I'm sorry, that's nothing to joke about, please excuse.
Yes, there are church services here. I saw a notice posted listing several different denominations. I think that the different companies provide the services for their employees, but I'm not entirely sure about that.
There was entertainment at the Albian Lounge, some fellow who was really impressive at karaoke. I guess management offered him a gig for a few hours. I only heard him sing one song, and it was good, but he was really good on the harmonica. He would jump in on the musical interludes for other people singing with his harmonica, and was quite entertaining. I was going to go for a listen, but I was too tired and had a nap instead.
OK, I think I bored everyone enough for one night!!
It was slower at the front desk today, so the catch-up started. I was still going like mad, trying to get the mail caught up and all the confirmations. It was nice not to have a long lineup of people waiting to check in/out/complain/threaten to quit etc.
I can't believe only two more sleeps and I'll be on my way home. When I first thought of 21 days in a row of 10 hour long days, I was a little scared, thinking how am I ever going to be able to do this? But it went by so fast. Now I can't imagine not being here for a whole week. And I have so much to do in my week at home.
So there is work going on 24 hours a day out in the camp. I hear the trucks moving around and some sort of banging, not sure what that is, sounds almost like little explosions?? Far away and muted. Sort of like there's an active war zone within a few miles, haha. I'm sorry, that's nothing to joke about, please excuse.
Yes, there are church services here. I saw a notice posted listing several different denominations. I think that the different companies provide the services for their employees, but I'm not entirely sure about that.
There was entertainment at the Albian Lounge, some fellow who was really impressive at karaoke. I guess management offered him a gig for a few hours. I only heard him sing one song, and it was good, but he was really good on the harmonica. He would jump in on the musical interludes for other people singing with his harmonica, and was quite entertaining. I was going to go for a listen, but I was too tired and had a nap instead.
OK, I think I bored everyone enough for one night!!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Yes.....September 16
Still officially summer. Yes, that is snow today in Albian Village. When I came out the end of August, I didn't bring any winter gear because I would be home before winter set in, and could bring back the coat, boots, gloves etc when I came back. So here I am with no coat or boots, and snow on the ground!! Most of it melted away and it turned to rain as the day wore on, but those pictures were taken about 1 pm.
So I got to see some of the camp and some of Ft. McMurray yesterday. Unfortunately, it was from the back window of an ambulance. I had some nasty heartburn happening, and it was actually incapacitating, so I had to go to the medic. I had Aimee and the GM accompanying me in the pickup truck over there. They of course assume a possible cardiac episode, and did as much testing as they could there, then transported me via ambulance to the main camp medic area where they have a doctor, and he decided even though the EKG was fine, I needed more testing, so again via ambulance into Ft. Mac. I objected, as by that time I was starting to feel better, but they had me captive by then so away I went. Spent a few hours with more testing and everything turned out good so they sprang me. Except now I was in Ft. Mac, all by myself, no money, no cell phone!!! I called Aimee and said HELP!! So she sent a taxi to pick me up and bring me back to camp. The driver was very nice, very chatty. He had to stop for gas and wanted to get a drink of juice, and asked if I wanted one, and I told him I had no money or anything, so he bought me one. Very nice gesture, I thought. Then he said he'd put the value x 20 on the company's tab, haha.
Getting around the camp is very bumpy. VERY bumpy. I was strapped to a stretcher, but wow, good thing I wasn't having a baby or something like that...it would have been a ride to remember! I was treated very nicely, and I think they were just bored and over-reacted but it did give me the first ambulance ride of my life.
Other than that....we had almost full capacity here at camp, meaning almost all 2,950 rooms were full. People were coming in droves that didn't have confirmations or reservations, and we were putting them wherever we could. So the next few days will be straightening out the mistakes. Some of the men will be very happy, (the ones in the trailers that are supposed to be inside) and others are rather irate and threatening to quit their jobs (inside and have to move to the trailers). Wah wah. It's not us that decide where they have to go, it's an agreement between their company and Shell, but they don't want to hear that. They just want to hear that we really made a mistake and they are really supposed to be inside.
Well, three more sleeps and I'm heading home. To pack my winter coat and boots, haha!
So I got to see some of the camp and some of Ft. McMurray yesterday. Unfortunately, it was from the back window of an ambulance. I had some nasty heartburn happening, and it was actually incapacitating, so I had to go to the medic. I had Aimee and the GM accompanying me in the pickup truck over there. They of course assume a possible cardiac episode, and did as much testing as they could there, then transported me via ambulance to the main camp medic area where they have a doctor, and he decided even though the EKG was fine, I needed more testing, so again via ambulance into Ft. Mac. I objected, as by that time I was starting to feel better, but they had me captive by then so away I went. Spent a few hours with more testing and everything turned out good so they sprang me. Except now I was in Ft. Mac, all by myself, no money, no cell phone!!! I called Aimee and said HELP!! So she sent a taxi to pick me up and bring me back to camp. The driver was very nice, very chatty. He had to stop for gas and wanted to get a drink of juice, and asked if I wanted one, and I told him I had no money or anything, so he bought me one. Very nice gesture, I thought. Then he said he'd put the value x 20 on the company's tab, haha.
Getting around the camp is very bumpy. VERY bumpy. I was strapped to a stretcher, but wow, good thing I wasn't having a baby or something like that...it would have been a ride to remember! I was treated very nicely, and I think they were just bored and over-reacted but it did give me the first ambulance ride of my life.
Other than that....we had almost full capacity here at camp, meaning almost all 2,950 rooms were full. People were coming in droves that didn't have confirmations or reservations, and we were putting them wherever we could. So the next few days will be straightening out the mistakes. Some of the men will be very happy, (the ones in the trailers that are supposed to be inside) and others are rather irate and threatening to quit their jobs (inside and have to move to the trailers). Wah wah. It's not us that decide where they have to go, it's an agreement between their company and Shell, but they don't want to hear that. They just want to hear that we really made a mistake and they are really supposed to be inside.
Well, three more sleeps and I'm heading home. To pack my winter coat and boots, haha!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Big Day
Well, it was for some of the Albian Village ESS Dene West staff. Not us peons, but the managers were all a-flurry. Things did look very nice, even all of us front desk staff in our ironed matching blue blouses. There were even fresh flowers at the front desk. Chef prepared a very nice luncheon, which was delicious, so I heard. We never really saw the head honchos....they passed by the front desk area, and one of the men did walk around a bit, but the rest toured the place minus our area. Oh well. After all that preparation too. At least the whole place got a good sprucing up.
We had another ton of people checking in that had no confirmation of reservation. The reservation system is complicated, outdated and not user friendly. Hopefully they'll come up with something better soon. There were also quite a few people expecting management rooms, and we had none available. Some of them were really good about it, but others were quite irate and wanting to demand something be done about it. That type of person really gets my blood boiling. It's like they think they are better than everyone else and it's going to KILL them to share a bathroom for one night. We told them that they should come back to check today, and if rooms were available we'd transfer them in. One of the gentleman came by tonight and I found his confirmation, and transferred him over to a management room. He was very kind and appreciative. Actually he saw me at the Tim Horton's getting a tea and an oatmeal raisin cookie, and paid for my order. Then there was the woman that came down to the desk at least three times to ASSERTIVELY stress that this situation was UNACCEPTABLE and she demanded that she be able to voice her complaints with the RIGHT PEOPLE. Made me a little embarrassed to be the same gender. Oh well, all in a day's work. Then there are the guys that were used to be housed in the trailers and are now "in the village" as the lingo goes, and they are so happy. Then there are the ones that showed up a day early, no confirmation, no record of them, and we put them up "in the village" only to find out they were supposed to be in the trailers. So the co-workers that showed up today were put in the trailers, and were jealous and upset because their buddies got to be in the good rooms. *insert eyeroll here* Some of the men that have been in the older camps are really impressed with this place. They walk in and say it looks like a shopping mall, haha. All in a day's work.
When I said the heat had been turned on earlier, I was wrong. I guess I was just having hot flashes. The heat has NOW been turned on though. Right in time for the official start of autumn in a few days. It's eerie how quickly the days are growing shorter!
We had another ton of people checking in that had no confirmation of reservation. The reservation system is complicated, outdated and not user friendly. Hopefully they'll come up with something better soon. There were also quite a few people expecting management rooms, and we had none available. Some of them were really good about it, but others were quite irate and wanting to demand something be done about it. That type of person really gets my blood boiling. It's like they think they are better than everyone else and it's going to KILL them to share a bathroom for one night. We told them that they should come back to check today, and if rooms were available we'd transfer them in. One of the gentleman came by tonight and I found his confirmation, and transferred him over to a management room. He was very kind and appreciative. Actually he saw me at the Tim Horton's getting a tea and an oatmeal raisin cookie, and paid for my order. Then there was the woman that came down to the desk at least three times to ASSERTIVELY stress that this situation was UNACCEPTABLE and she demanded that she be able to voice her complaints with the RIGHT PEOPLE. Made me a little embarrassed to be the same gender. Oh well, all in a day's work. Then there are the guys that were used to be housed in the trailers and are now "in the village" as the lingo goes, and they are so happy. Then there are the ones that showed up a day early, no confirmation, no record of them, and we put them up "in the village" only to find out they were supposed to be in the trailers. So the co-workers that showed up today were put in the trailers, and were jealous and upset because their buddies got to be in the good rooms. *insert eyeroll here* Some of the men that have been in the older camps are really impressed with this place. They walk in and say it looks like a shopping mall, haha. All in a day's work.
When I said the heat had been turned on earlier, I was wrong. I guess I was just having hot flashes. The heat has NOW been turned on though. Right in time for the official start of autumn in a few days. It's eerie how quickly the days are growing shorter!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Rainy days and Mondays.....
Oh wow, it's both today. This must be the rainy season here, haha. So it wasn't all that slow this weekend as it turns out. Even though we have lots of staff on, everyone still had things to do. There's a flurry of activity getting the area cleaned up and ready for tomorrow's big visit. I'm talking major upheaval. Reminds me of the old days when I'd have to change all my furniture around just to make the place look different. But it's for the best, it was in need of some organizing!
The whole weekend we were getting check-ins of guys who weren't confirmed on our reservations list. That means more paperwork for them and more computer work for us. It's not like we can ever turn anyone away, I mean if he got this far, where else is he supposed to go? I had a phone call from a wife asking the questions for her husband, which I thought was really funny. She just wanted to make sure he was going to the right place, checking on directions, etc. Hee hee. And some of these guys had been driving for many hours and exhausted, only to be detained at the security checkpoint because they didn't have the proper confirmations. Then I found out that the company that actually submits the reservation requests doesn't work on the weekend, and this was a last minute change in plans for one of the contractors, guys just got the word on where they were going on the morning they actually left. It was frustrating for everyone involved, believe me, but we tried to keep the good humour all around.
Last night I got talked into playing darts at the lounge. I didn't do as badly as I thought I would, considering it's an aiming game and I don't do well at aiming/throwing. Apparently I throw like a girl. I still can't get used to the lights flashing last call signal at 8:45 pm.
The word came down yesterday that all the trailers had to be vacated. There weren't that many left in there, but again I felt sorry for the guys that are leaving tomorrow, yet had to move all their stuff into the building yesterday :(
Well I'm on the countdown for my rotation. Six more sleeps and I'll be heading home for my seven days off. Everyone keeps telling me the first rotation is the hardest??? I don't get it, but I suppose I'll find out! Time seems to have flown, but I guess it will do that when you are so busy. I have only turned my TV on twice, and I didn't really watch much of it either time. I did catch an episode of True Blood, but I've already forgotten what day it was on to look for it again.
I'm almost afraid to see what special treats Sarah has planning for the Big Visit tomorrow. I still cannot get over the fact that she is this tiny, young little girl and making these delicious creations like cannolis and profiteroles! Oh yesterday was roast turkey and all the trimmings again. People say you get tired of the food here. Hmm. I suppose after a couple of years.
Well, off to work!
The whole weekend we were getting check-ins of guys who weren't confirmed on our reservations list. That means more paperwork for them and more computer work for us. It's not like we can ever turn anyone away, I mean if he got this far, where else is he supposed to go? I had a phone call from a wife asking the questions for her husband, which I thought was really funny. She just wanted to make sure he was going to the right place, checking on directions, etc. Hee hee. And some of these guys had been driving for many hours and exhausted, only to be detained at the security checkpoint because they didn't have the proper confirmations. Then I found out that the company that actually submits the reservation requests doesn't work on the weekend, and this was a last minute change in plans for one of the contractors, guys just got the word on where they were going on the morning they actually left. It was frustrating for everyone involved, believe me, but we tried to keep the good humour all around.
Last night I got talked into playing darts at the lounge. I didn't do as badly as I thought I would, considering it's an aiming game and I don't do well at aiming/throwing. Apparently I throw like a girl. I still can't get used to the lights flashing last call signal at 8:45 pm.
The word came down yesterday that all the trailers had to be vacated. There weren't that many left in there, but again I felt sorry for the guys that are leaving tomorrow, yet had to move all their stuff into the building yesterday :(
Well I'm on the countdown for my rotation. Six more sleeps and I'll be heading home for my seven days off. Everyone keeps telling me the first rotation is the hardest??? I don't get it, but I suppose I'll find out! Time seems to have flown, but I guess it will do that when you are so busy. I have only turned my TV on twice, and I didn't really watch much of it either time. I did catch an episode of True Blood, but I've already forgotten what day it was on to look for it again.
I'm almost afraid to see what special treats Sarah has planning for the Big Visit tomorrow. I still cannot get over the fact that she is this tiny, young little girl and making these delicious creations like cannolis and profiteroles! Oh yesterday was roast turkey and all the trimmings again. People say you get tired of the food here. Hmm. I suppose after a couple of years.
Well, off to work!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Hey hey it's the weekend
All that really means to me is it's slow at the front desk. Time to catch up on annoying jobs that pile up when it's busy. The slower pace is kind of nice for a change, but I'm glad it's just a couple of days!
On Tuesday the top executives of the company are paying a visit to the camp, so everyone and everything has to be spitspot. The long-sleeved company blouse, tucked into black dress pants and of course the shoes with non-slip soles!
Tonight was prime rib, a Saturday staple. I know I keep talking about the food here, but I can't help it. The baker (Sarah) (hey, I wonder if her last name is Lee? Because I'm sure nobody doesn't love her) brought down a plate of lovingly crafted and displayed profiteroles with raspberry cream filling. To my surprise Sarah is a tiny woman. I would have thought someone that bakes like she does might have more girth to her.
Last night was karaoke at the Albian Lounge. I just caught the last 45 minutes, as the lounge closes and everyone gets kicked out at 10 pm. It was good to see people at leisure and enjoying themselves in a group. And the entertainment was fine. And lots of faces are starting to look more familiar all the time. I can't help it, I am really enjoying this so far! Now if I can just get the food situation under control....
It's interesting to find out how people came to be working here. One girl said she found the position advertised on Facebook. Another person saw the job advertised online. Some people had either relatives or friends here and thought what the heck, I'll give it a try. However, like I said, it's not the type of life for everyone, and the turnover rate is very high.
I saw security bringing the drug sniffer (a nice doggie - but no petting while she's working!) through one of the dorms the other day for the first time. It is zero tolerance here. Get caught, you're out. Which is a good thing, under the circumstances.
There seems to be a lot of folks from the Maritimes here. And I'm sure they don't think so, but those from The Rock (Newfoundland) have quite a unique way of speaking. I've wanted to go there for some time, and it just makes me want to go even more. Quite a lot from British Columbia, too. Another goal of mine, both coasts of Canada.
I received a real letter in the mail yesterday! Imagine my surprise as I was sorting the mail, to have an envelope in my hand with my name on it! I was confused for a few seconds...I couldn't imagine I would ever really get mail. Thank you for the long newsie letter, Suzanne! It certainly made my day :)
Well, the HVAC system has been switched from air conditioning to heating. I guess that means it's the start of it. And the days grow shorter.
I still enjoy the peeks out of the windows on my daily room check rounds, and I'm going to try and sneak a few pictures in here, as long as security or health & safety doesn't catch me and confiscate my camera.....
On Tuesday the top executives of the company are paying a visit to the camp, so everyone and everything has to be spitspot. The long-sleeved company blouse, tucked into black dress pants and of course the shoes with non-slip soles!
Tonight was prime rib, a Saturday staple. I know I keep talking about the food here, but I can't help it. The baker (Sarah) (hey, I wonder if her last name is Lee? Because I'm sure nobody doesn't love her) brought down a plate of lovingly crafted and displayed profiteroles with raspberry cream filling. To my surprise Sarah is a tiny woman. I would have thought someone that bakes like she does might have more girth to her.
Last night was karaoke at the Albian Lounge. I just caught the last 45 minutes, as the lounge closes and everyone gets kicked out at 10 pm. It was good to see people at leisure and enjoying themselves in a group. And the entertainment was fine. And lots of faces are starting to look more familiar all the time. I can't help it, I am really enjoying this so far! Now if I can just get the food situation under control....
It's interesting to find out how people came to be working here. One girl said she found the position advertised on Facebook. Another person saw the job advertised online. Some people had either relatives or friends here and thought what the heck, I'll give it a try. However, like I said, it's not the type of life for everyone, and the turnover rate is very high.
I saw security bringing the drug sniffer (a nice doggie - but no petting while she's working!) through one of the dorms the other day for the first time. It is zero tolerance here. Get caught, you're out. Which is a good thing, under the circumstances.
There seems to be a lot of folks from the Maritimes here. And I'm sure they don't think so, but those from The Rock (Newfoundland) have quite a unique way of speaking. I've wanted to go there for some time, and it just makes me want to go even more. Quite a lot from British Columbia, too. Another goal of mine, both coasts of Canada.
I received a real letter in the mail yesterday! Imagine my surprise as I was sorting the mail, to have an envelope in my hand with my name on it! I was confused for a few seconds...I couldn't imagine I would ever really get mail. Thank you for the long newsie letter, Suzanne! It certainly made my day :)
Well, the HVAC system has been switched from air conditioning to heating. I guess that means it's the start of it. And the days grow shorter.
I still enjoy the peeks out of the windows on my daily room check rounds, and I'm going to try and sneak a few pictures in here, as long as security or health & safety doesn't catch me and confiscate my camera.....
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Another day in paradise....
Haha! Anyway, the new picture is of the front desk staff. There are a couple people missing - night shift person was sleeping, and the supervisor is away on his turnaround. I guess we were all supposed to be wearing the ESS blouses, but they couldn't find enough for everyone.
So on my room checks today, as I was heading out to the trailers (where the map shows a ball diamond is actually where the trailers are) I caught a glimpse of one of the mammoth 400 ton trucks, along with a normal-size bulldozer. From the distance I was at it looked like a big Tonka truck compared to a wee little matchbox dozer. I wish I could get a picture (not allowed) because the size of these big trucks is unbelievable. They're like a whole building.
So my daughter is back today, and I've seen her for a whole five minutes. She's busy catching up with her "buds". I'm sure she figures she'll see enough of me when we're working!
Well I'm baked...I'm going to turn in and recharge my batteries a little. I'm working a noon-10pm shift tomorrow so I may not post, but there will be more!
So on my room checks today, as I was heading out to the trailers (where the map shows a ball diamond is actually where the trailers are) I caught a glimpse of one of the mammoth 400 ton trucks, along with a normal-size bulldozer. From the distance I was at it looked like a big Tonka truck compared to a wee little matchbox dozer. I wish I could get a picture (not allowed) because the size of these big trucks is unbelievable. They're like a whole building.
So my daughter is back today, and I've seen her for a whole five minutes. She's busy catching up with her "buds". I'm sure she figures she'll see enough of me when we're working!
Well I'm baked...I'm going to turn in and recharge my batteries a little. I'm working a noon-10pm shift tomorrow so I may not post, but there will be more!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The busiest day of the week....
Is Wednesday....hands down. Holy smokes, I put in 11 1/2 hours today and RAN the whole time. Sure makes the time fly, but my feet are just a-throbbin'. I think I need to find a different pair of shoes. Hmm, anyone have any ideas?? They have to be officially "non-slip sole". It's a health & safety thing.
So, when you are checking in/out hundreds of people in a day, you come across a wide variety of personalities. And that's all I'm going to say about that.
Two days have gone by and I haven't been outside once. I think it's cool out, but I'd never know it, since I was racing around which of course triggers the old hot flashes, haha. It's kind of embarrassing having my face burning red, but I've learned to deal with it. I want to hurry though, I just feel sorry for these men either checking in after having spent much of the day flying in for some, or 6 or 7 hours driving in, and then having to stand in line to check in, then having to stand in line to get into the luggage room to pick up the stuff they left here. And there's the guys that have worked all day, and now have to stand in line to check out, then stand in line to leave the stuff like tools & such that they don't drag home. There's only so much we can do when a flight of 150 people all gets there at once, and we try to be as prepared as possible, but there's always people that we don't have the reservation confirmation for, and that holds things up while we do what we have to do to get the guy into a room. Then maybe he needs towels (have to get them, and get him to sign them out.) Then maybe he wants a remote for the tv (take a deposit, more paperwork). Then maybe he gets all the way up to his room and his key doesn't work....lots of things to deal with.
Anyway, life here is kind of like a family of sorts, since most people are away from their families. Even though there are over 2,000 here at any one time, faces start to look familiar very quickly. The servers in the dining room are trying to make me fat, and give me man-size servings, even if I say "Just a little, please!" I'll blame it on them, anyway.
Most people count down until their "turnaround" - which is the lingo for the time off between rotations. When it gets under a week, you can usually tell. I've only put in half of my time and I can well imagine by the time I have 15 days straight put in I'll be really counting them down too. The time so far has gone by really fast, anyway.
Aimee comes back tomorrow. I'm anxious for her to get back, and maybe get into Ft. McMurray for a look around next week. I'm interested to see the city, and another sight besides the camp operation!
So, when you are checking in/out hundreds of people in a day, you come across a wide variety of personalities. And that's all I'm going to say about that.
Two days have gone by and I haven't been outside once. I think it's cool out, but I'd never know it, since I was racing around which of course triggers the old hot flashes, haha. It's kind of embarrassing having my face burning red, but I've learned to deal with it. I want to hurry though, I just feel sorry for these men either checking in after having spent much of the day flying in for some, or 6 or 7 hours driving in, and then having to stand in line to check in, then having to stand in line to get into the luggage room to pick up the stuff they left here. And there's the guys that have worked all day, and now have to stand in line to check out, then stand in line to leave the stuff like tools & such that they don't drag home. There's only so much we can do when a flight of 150 people all gets there at once, and we try to be as prepared as possible, but there's always people that we don't have the reservation confirmation for, and that holds things up while we do what we have to do to get the guy into a room. Then maybe he needs towels (have to get them, and get him to sign them out.) Then maybe he wants a remote for the tv (take a deposit, more paperwork). Then maybe he gets all the way up to his room and his key doesn't work....lots of things to deal with.
Anyway, life here is kind of like a family of sorts, since most people are away from their families. Even though there are over 2,000 here at any one time, faces start to look familiar very quickly. The servers in the dining room are trying to make me fat, and give me man-size servings, even if I say "Just a little, please!" I'll blame it on them, anyway.
Most people count down until their "turnaround" - which is the lingo for the time off between rotations. When it gets under a week, you can usually tell. I've only put in half of my time and I can well imagine by the time I have 15 days straight put in I'll be really counting them down too. The time so far has gone by really fast, anyway.
Aimee comes back tomorrow. I'm anxious for her to get back, and maybe get into Ft. McMurray for a look around next week. I'm interested to see the city, and another sight besides the camp operation!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Red sky at morning....
No! Not more rain! Well at dawn it was a very red sky, but at least that meant there were some breaks in the clouds. Now it's all overcast again. It rained pretty much the whole day. And there were some gremlins in the fire alarm system. Luckily not in the core building where I was working, but I feel for the poor guys on nights that were trying to sleep. I was advised to make sure I had my shoes, a coat, and sweat pants at the ready when I went to bed tonight....just in case. Luckily, no alarms in the night.
A guy came to the desk yesterday to ask where the "extra large" booties were, because the ones at the door did not go over his size 16 work boots. Yikes. The most he could do was put them over the toe.
I was awake early, so went down for breakfast before 7, then came back to bed for another hour :) These 10 am to 8 pm shifts are not all that bad.
I am going to attempt some exercise today, maybe even brave the workout room. Well, I'm giving it a 50/50 chance. Yesterday the afternoon snacks that came out included some fresh, soft, just out of the oven cookies. First I tried the smartie cookies. Yum Yum like eating a candy bar. Then I heard they had oatmeal raisin. Mmmm, double yum again.
I need to dash off to work now, I may check in again later!
A guy came to the desk yesterday to ask where the "extra large" booties were, because the ones at the door did not go over his size 16 work boots. Yikes. The most he could do was put them over the toe.
I was awake early, so went down for breakfast before 7, then came back to bed for another hour :) These 10 am to 8 pm shifts are not all that bad.
I am going to attempt some exercise today, maybe even brave the workout room. Well, I'm giving it a 50/50 chance. Yesterday the afternoon snacks that came out included some fresh, soft, just out of the oven cookies. First I tried the smartie cookies. Yum Yum like eating a candy bar. Then I heard they had oatmeal raisin. Mmmm, double yum again.
I need to dash off to work now, I may check in again later!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Still raining at Albian Village
Yep, it's been raining and raining. As you can well imagine, there is pretty much a sea of mud around the camp. Thank goodness I'm not responsible for that clean up! There are disposable booties to put over your shoes/workboots at every entrance, and they do help, but sometimes the guys with big feet can't get them on over their workboots. And sometimes they forget. And sometimes there just aren't any because they haven't been delivered yet. But all in all, it helps a great deal. I'm not looking forward to being out on the room checks today! I'm hoping someone has an umbrella. I need a tool apron, or a change apron like bartenders wear. When I do the room checks, I have stuff falling all over the place. I take a clipboard, key cards for all the rooms that need to be locked out, a pen, (had to get one from one of the camp attendants once), the master key card for the rooms in the village, the hard keys for the rooms in the trailers, metal "boots" to lock out the doorknobs of rooms in the trailers (if needed). The walkie-talkie, in case I get attacked by a bear or something (just kidding!). My cell phone (I use it for a watch, since I forgot mine at home) for the time, so I don't miss lunch :). Also my own ID card, since I don't have a lanyard to put it around my neck yet.
No, people aren't necessarily too tired to do anything. Guys come to the counter all the time for the equipment like pool cues, ping pong paddles, squash or racketball rackets, golf clubs, badminton rackets etc. They leave their ID until they bring the stuff back. Since you can't get anywhere without ID, it ensures that all equipment gets returned. Also there are various workout classes and activities at the bar etc.
No, my room is not in the main building. There are no living quarters in the main building. I am in Aspen (or A pod, as it's known around here) dorm E. All the pods are connected to the main building by interior walkways. It is a lot of walking, but that's good for those of us that can't stay out of the pastries :)
Most people that work here also stay here. There are a few people that live in Ft. McMurray, but that's an hour commute each way, not accounting for traffic problems. And apparently the road into "town" is notorious for traffic backups etc.
My topic of conversation when I meet someone is a) where are you from and b) how long have you been here. I still feel this life is like being on a cruise ship, except you're not going anywhere, haha. Plus you get to go home every so often. Some of the union guys will work straight through for a couple of months, but pretty much everyone else leaves for their "turnaround". People should have their hometowns on their nametags. Oh yes, I got my nametag yesterday so now I look like a real employee. Yes, the weekends are slow at the front desk, but we did get lots of things cleaned up and ready to go for the week. As it's Labour Day today, a lot of the union guys won't be coming in, so tomorrow will be a big day with arrivals. Wednesdays are the busiest days for arrivals.
I decided to sleep in, therefore I missed breakfast and will have to go to Tim's for a bagel and hot chocolate. It's just a small coffee shop that features Tim Horton's products, and they only carry donuts, muffins, bagels and the beverages. No breakfast sandwiches, any sandwiches for that matter, or soup or anything like that. They do a booming business though! Everybody seems to need their timmie's.
I am on 8 days of the 10am to 8pm shift. After that, I get some early ones. REAL early ones. Like the 4am to 2 pm shift. Can't wait for that one.
Love hearing from people....thanks!
No, people aren't necessarily too tired to do anything. Guys come to the counter all the time for the equipment like pool cues, ping pong paddles, squash or racketball rackets, golf clubs, badminton rackets etc. They leave their ID until they bring the stuff back. Since you can't get anywhere without ID, it ensures that all equipment gets returned. Also there are various workout classes and activities at the bar etc.
No, my room is not in the main building. There are no living quarters in the main building. I am in Aspen (or A pod, as it's known around here) dorm E. All the pods are connected to the main building by interior walkways. It is a lot of walking, but that's good for those of us that can't stay out of the pastries :)
Most people that work here also stay here. There are a few people that live in Ft. McMurray, but that's an hour commute each way, not accounting for traffic problems. And apparently the road into "town" is notorious for traffic backups etc.
My topic of conversation when I meet someone is a) where are you from and b) how long have you been here. I still feel this life is like being on a cruise ship, except you're not going anywhere, haha. Plus you get to go home every so often. Some of the union guys will work straight through for a couple of months, but pretty much everyone else leaves for their "turnaround". People should have their hometowns on their nametags. Oh yes, I got my nametag yesterday so now I look like a real employee. Yes, the weekends are slow at the front desk, but we did get lots of things cleaned up and ready to go for the week. As it's Labour Day today, a lot of the union guys won't be coming in, so tomorrow will be a big day with arrivals. Wednesdays are the busiest days for arrivals.
I decided to sleep in, therefore I missed breakfast and will have to go to Tim's for a bagel and hot chocolate. It's just a small coffee shop that features Tim Horton's products, and they only carry donuts, muffins, bagels and the beverages. No breakfast sandwiches, any sandwiches for that matter, or soup or anything like that. They do a booming business though! Everybody seems to need their timmie's.
I am on 8 days of the 10am to 8pm shift. After that, I get some early ones. REAL early ones. Like the 4am to 2 pm shift. Can't wait for that one.
Love hearing from people....thanks!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Saturday night.....laundry detail.
Just mine, no I am not doing laundry for the camp. I'm sure that's a union job. Wow, a person really has to be careful about what they do here. I can't replace the light bulb in my room lamp, because it requires a Job Safety Analysis form to be filled out and maintenance has to do it. I can't empty the overflowing recycling box in the office, as that's a union job. I can't spray and wipe down the counters and desks, because that's a union job....Yikes! I'm not complaining, just trying to get my head around what is and isn't allowed here.
I was not supposed to take pictures, only Health & Safety people are allowed to do that, especially outside, so one of the H&S guys went ahead and took these photos around for me! It gives an idea anyway.
Weekends are generally quiet at the front desk, so I've been told. It was today, anyway. But there was still a lot to do, catching up on things that nobody has time for when it's busy with arrivals and departures.
The baker here, I'll call her "Sarah", is AMAZING. Today she made cannollis and they were scrumptious, melt in your mouth delightful. No wonder people gain weight here!
About the rooms; when I leave, I check out, just like a hotel. I could put my room on hold up to 4 days, but no longer. Since I have 7 days off, I have to check out. People here deal with it by storing stuff at a buddy's who will be there while you're gone, or storing stuff in the locked storerooms. The lucky souls who have the management rooms are allowed to keep their rooms on hold for 7 or 8 days but not the rest of us. It's ok though, all the rooms are the same. At least in A pod, where I am.
Tonight the rain has started. Yuck for the room checks tomorrow....this will mean booties before going in to each of the trailers outside. I guess they are called the 49ers, as each trailer is a 49-man trailer. Should be a nice sleep though!
I was not supposed to take pictures, only Health & Safety people are allowed to do that, especially outside, so one of the H&S guys went ahead and took these photos around for me! It gives an idea anyway.
Weekends are generally quiet at the front desk, so I've been told. It was today, anyway. But there was still a lot to do, catching up on things that nobody has time for when it's busy with arrivals and departures.
The baker here, I'll call her "Sarah", is AMAZING. Today she made cannollis and they were scrumptious, melt in your mouth delightful. No wonder people gain weight here!
About the rooms; when I leave, I check out, just like a hotel. I could put my room on hold up to 4 days, but no longer. Since I have 7 days off, I have to check out. People here deal with it by storing stuff at a buddy's who will be there while you're gone, or storing stuff in the locked storerooms. The lucky souls who have the management rooms are allowed to keep their rooms on hold for 7 or 8 days but not the rest of us. It's ok though, all the rooms are the same. At least in A pod, where I am.
Tonight the rain has started. Yuck for the room checks tomorrow....this will mean booties before going in to each of the trailers outside. I guess they are called the 49ers, as each trailer is a 49-man trailer. Should be a nice sleep though!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Later on that same day....
OK, I have a website for you to visit to see a little bit about the camp. Go to http://www.beourguesst.com/ and from the dropdown menu that says "visit" choose Albian. From there you can click the Dining tab and see what's on the menu each day. If you go to the photo album, and choose Halloween, you'll see a picture of Aimee from Halloween 2008. I'm also going to obtain some pictures of the camp, as they don't like photos being taken, and none at all outside. It's a security thing, as this camp is "Closed", meaning nobody gets in without proper authorization. NO visitors, in other words. Hopefully I'll get the pictures this weekend, as I've heard it's slower on the weekends, and I'll post.
It was an absolutely beautiful day here today, the temp actually reached 25 last time I checked. Way above normal for this time of year here. I enjoyed doing my walkabout in the sunshine. Of course, I won't be saying that when it's -40 this winter!
It was an absolutely beautiful day here today, the temp actually reached 25 last time I checked. Way above normal for this time of year here. I enjoyed doing my walkabout in the sunshine. Of course, I won't be saying that when it's -40 this winter!
Leave comments! Send mail!
Haha, I feel like a kid at camp, or working away from home for weeks at a time. Oh yeah, I am! Yes, I would love to hear from you, either snail mail or leave comments or e-mail. Just in case, my mailing address is:
Shelly Denomme
Albian Village
PO Box 5328
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 3G4
Not that I'm begging or anything.
I was just too wore out to blog last night. I can't believe how the ten hours fly by! There is always something to do, and I just love it! I love being busy and feeling like I'm accomplishing. Bring it on! It was a gorgeous day yesterday. I only got to enjoy a bit of it during my first fire alarm. Everyone has to leave the building and go to the designated "muster station" and wait for the all-clear before you can get back in. It happened during the dinner hour, which meant that the kitchen staff had to clear all the trays left on the tables and re-feed everyone. I had already had my dinner, so it just affected the long line up at the front desk. Luckily, most of those waiting were patient, as we were doing the best we could to get everyone checked in, out, or fix their room key.
I'm trying to gather some pictures of the local wildlife here. I'm hoping I get to see some first hand! One of these days I'll spring the blog thing on my co-workers and see if I can get permission to get some pictures to post. I don't want to step on any toes though, so I'll tread carefully :)
Shelly Denomme
Albian Village
PO Box 5328
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 3G4
Not that I'm begging or anything.
I was just too wore out to blog last night. I can't believe how the ten hours fly by! There is always something to do, and I just love it! I love being busy and feeling like I'm accomplishing. Bring it on! It was a gorgeous day yesterday. I only got to enjoy a bit of it during my first fire alarm. Everyone has to leave the building and go to the designated "muster station" and wait for the all-clear before you can get back in. It happened during the dinner hour, which meant that the kitchen staff had to clear all the trays left on the tables and re-feed everyone. I had already had my dinner, so it just affected the long line up at the front desk. Luckily, most of those waiting were patient, as we were doing the best we could to get everyone checked in, out, or fix their room key.
I'm trying to gather some pictures of the local wildlife here. I'm hoping I get to see some first hand! One of these days I'll spring the blog thing on my co-workers and see if I can get permission to get some pictures to post. I don't want to step on any toes though, so I'll tread carefully :)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sore feet
....does not begin to describe my poor tootsies. I really wish I had a nice pail of cool water to soak them in. I think I'm going to get a pedometer and see how far I walk in a day.
Oh yeah, I started my day with a one mile walk, LOL. If only I'd have known I could have saved myself the trouble.
So, my first full day at work, basically no training, and I pretty much did everything from checking people out (easy), checking people out with rooms on hold (next easy) and checking returners who were on the list (next easiest) to people that aren't on the list or first timers. Oh yes, and I did a room check. First I did probably 2/3 as a tag along with one of the guys, then I did the remaining 1/3 on my own. So pretty much covered all the residential areas, including the trailers which are not on the map because they are only "temporary", however have apparently been here about 3 years. Room checks have to be done when the system says one thing (like the room should be vacant, or the person has checked out) and the camp attendants (the cleaning crew) saying something else, (like someone is sleeping in the bed, or there are belongings in the room). Then we (front desk staff) have to physically go and check the room and depending what we find, there are various courses of action to take. Luckily I did not come across any bodies. I did get my first trip outside today though, going from one area to another outside to get a breath of fresh air instead of taking the interior walkways. Well, the trailers aren't connected by walkways so I guess you have to go outside for those anyway. I did get my first glimpse of one of the big dozers....these dozers have a bucket that holds 100 tons of earth. And it puts it in a giant truck that holds four of those scoops, or 400 tons. The tires on these trucks are 11 feet tall and hold 3,000 pounds of pressure. I heard that each tire costs between $60,000 and $70,000 and when one blows it sounds like an explosion. I got kind of a very general idea of the process here. Once they dig up the sand, it goes through several types of "spinning" and crushing to separate the bitumen from the sand. Then the bitumen gets pumped by pipeline to another facility not too far from here, where it undergoes "diluting" which I guess if further processing, then gets sent back here. I think when it leaves here, it's diesel, but I'm not entirely sure about that. The actual process parts are just now getting operational. At my orientation on Tuesday, we were told they've put about 80,000 barrels through so far. So now the construction crews are moving out, and the operations crews are moving in.
Anyway, I think this is long enough for one day....later!
Oh yeah, I started my day with a one mile walk, LOL. If only I'd have known I could have saved myself the trouble.
So, my first full day at work, basically no training, and I pretty much did everything from checking people out (easy), checking people out with rooms on hold (next easy) and checking returners who were on the list (next easiest) to people that aren't on the list or first timers. Oh yes, and I did a room check. First I did probably 2/3 as a tag along with one of the guys, then I did the remaining 1/3 on my own. So pretty much covered all the residential areas, including the trailers which are not on the map because they are only "temporary", however have apparently been here about 3 years. Room checks have to be done when the system says one thing (like the room should be vacant, or the person has checked out) and the camp attendants (the cleaning crew) saying something else, (like someone is sleeping in the bed, or there are belongings in the room). Then we (front desk staff) have to physically go and check the room and depending what we find, there are various courses of action to take. Luckily I did not come across any bodies. I did get my first trip outside today though, going from one area to another outside to get a breath of fresh air instead of taking the interior walkways. Well, the trailers aren't connected by walkways so I guess you have to go outside for those anyway. I did get my first glimpse of one of the big dozers....these dozers have a bucket that holds 100 tons of earth. And it puts it in a giant truck that holds four of those scoops, or 400 tons. The tires on these trucks are 11 feet tall and hold 3,000 pounds of pressure. I heard that each tire costs between $60,000 and $70,000 and when one blows it sounds like an explosion. I got kind of a very general idea of the process here. Once they dig up the sand, it goes through several types of "spinning" and crushing to separate the bitumen from the sand. Then the bitumen gets pumped by pipeline to another facility not too far from here, where it undergoes "diluting" which I guess if further processing, then gets sent back here. I think when it leaves here, it's diesel, but I'm not entirely sure about that. The actual process parts are just now getting operational. At my orientation on Tuesday, we were told they've put about 80,000 barrels through so far. So now the construction crews are moving out, and the operations crews are moving in.
Anyway, I think this is long enough for one day....later!
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