dystopian

Bill, at Calaway Park, Calgary

I feel so bad for Bill.

Not only is his boss being a dink about his salary, but he's stressed out trying to quit smoking and trying to get the gazebo built on our deck.

On Monday his Doc gave him Champix and Ativan, and last night he was very preoccupied and quiet. At this point, it looks like he is the only employee of seven to have his texting capabilities removed from his work cell.

These small Alberta oilfield companies are almost always the same. They were often started in the 80's during the major oil boom, and have two to three divisions. Each division is managed by a different guy, who uses the company money to his best advantage - the company truck, the cellphones, travel. When the recessions hit, everybody else gives up everything, except for the managers (who usually have their wives involved in some minor role, but they have the same perks.) It's all so Animal Farm.

At any rate, he's applied for eight jobs, so I hope he gets at least two calls. He's also trying to use his time-off-in-lieu, so if they approve that, he'll have Thursday and Friday to apply for more.

Today I'm taking him something special for lunch, but I'm not sure what. He loves the smoked meat sandwiches from Costco, so maybe I'll take him that. Afterward, I have to pick up Jamie and take her to the labs for a blood draw, and pay the gas bill. Exciting day!

Hope yours is a good one.

canadian lynx

photo borrowed from The Lioncrusher's Domain

Bill was three hours northwest of here near Edson, delivering an enviro bin for a service rig, when a lynx walked across the dirt road he was on. He slowed down, thinking it was a dog, then came to a complete stop when he realized it was a huge cat taking it's time! The kitty had long legs and no tail, with the trademark points at the tips of it's ears.

It sauntered across the road and sat on the slope of hill in the ditch, watching him. He was really freaked out because he has a fear of cougars.

I said, "holy crap! Why didn't you get a pic with your phone?!" and he replied, "I was gonna! But then he stood up and I realized my window was open and he could get me. Ack!" LOL.

I'm so jealous - I never get to spot wildlife anymore.

This morning I have an interview with a placement firm, for a Store Manager opening. They wouldn't disclose who their client was over the phone, so I'm not sure if it'll be something I'm interested in, or not. I suppose if it's a regular paycheque, I'll probably be interested! I just hope it's not a shit job.

Happy Humpday!