Quest for Christmas First!

When I get in "the" funk it really is difficult to get out... but sometimes...there is one thing that can draw me out, often its the sights and sounds of NoDak.  They definitely out weigh the negatives...like last nights sunset, as I watched it transform from a fiery lava sky to fluffy cotton candy clouds I had to smile, and say, its not so bad!  I may not be all the way out of my funk but am on the mend! :) I thought I would give you all a little more info on our Quest for Christmas First!

By now some of you know that the only Multi-Item shopping type place in town is Walmart, .  So you can imagine how busy the place is.  Keep in mind it is the ONLY place for Black Friday shopping, unless you want to head out of town, stay in a hotel (if you can find one) and head out to do your Grey Thursday, Black Friday Deed! 
In the past, have gone with my Sisters and Nieces to do Black Friday and we would have a ball.  It would put us all in the Holiday Spirit and we had the opportunity to shop any type store for any type gift, because we were in the Newport Beach area.  There is every store imaginable, Ikea to Pier One...Target to Walmart...Old Navy to American Eagle...Bed Bath and Beyond to Bath and Body Works as well as the Top of the line Shops like Apple store and Tiffany & Co! 
Now we have Walmart, Albertsons (Groceries) and Cash Wise (Groceries) to chose from when we do our stocking up.  Can you say culture shock?  The one good thing that came from not having family or anyone to entertain, is that we were able to take advantage of the Grey Thursday situation here in Williston because, we sure as hell didn't have anything else to do. So we had our Turkey Dinner and set out to wait in lines for Holiday Gifts...The kids had a great Christmas this year, they got most everything they wanted, and we spent all Day Thanksgiving in insanely long lines to purchase things like XBOX ONE and iPad Minis, then waited in additional lines to pick up these items.  Noon to 10pm... Yay Thanksgiving

and this is what the aisles at Walmart look like often, make sure you bring your Spyderco; Open the box, Get your item out, and Re-Stack the Boxes, SIMPLE!

 

Then Christmas Eve/Day, it seems it went just as fast as it came.  None of us had the Christmas Spirit.  It had never ever happened that way before!  The kids were just kinda…well Meh…Ray had to work that day and it really did put a damper on things. Everyone got up, opened gifts and Ray was off to work.  We all treated the day like any other.

The mood of the evening changed, thank goodness,  I cooked all day (Prime Rib and all the trimmings) and we had plans for the next door neighbors to come over to join us.  At least that was lovely.  We all had a nice time sharing stories, the kids were setting up new electronics and the new Air Hockey Game was in full swing.  We had a wonderful evening BUT everyone was in bed early because all of the adults had to be at work the next day. Aaargh! 

I also felt like we were out of sight outta mind.  I thought we were a much bigger presence in my family's celebration back home. I really had a rough time with being here and knowing that everyone was having their holiday ritual without me and they didn’t skip a beat!  Total pity party on my part but I got past it (If I am going to be honest with myself it took a lot longer than I want to admit)

 

I didn't know until I moved here how much I had relied on my retail therapy.  It was really apparent when I was looking for gifts that are unusual or unique and realized...DAMN, I did not prepare for the lack of retail and certainly didn't give myself the extra time to use the awesome tool called the Internet!  Because shipping is a whole other obstacle that we have to deal with!!! There is no such thing as "True Overnight" or Fed Ex Overnight in the town of Williston.  The price of "Almost Overnight" is outrageous! Mail gets delayed by days and shipments can be delayed by even more!  It is something the powers that be are working on BUT it is not immediate and we all just know we have to accept and deal with it.  Its just part of the package! (NO pun intended)

 An inscription on one of the Post Offices in New York says: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" I know our postal worker delivers the mail at 10pm some nights. He is appreciated by our household! (Thank you Postal Guy! You really are part of the heartbeat of NorthWest Willy) He takes this saying very seriously. I see him out there in the 30 MPH winds with Snow pummeling him...I make the mental note: It could be so so so much worse!!! I have my health and the love of my family really what more does one need?

 

 

 

 

 

...and the Oscar goes to

ok, ok...I know a Blog is a responsibility, and I have been terribly negligent!  I am so sorry, someone told me the other day that I was being completely irresponsible.  So I will start being responsible and updating you all. 

Let’s begin…It is winter, in Williston North Dakota.  Duh you say, well winter here is sort of a prison sentence. Its too cold to head outside and too dangerous to travel!!!  Remember we didn't get here until the beginning of February, so I had very little time in the horrendous conditions.  I had myself convinced it was going to be a piece of cake this year, well...NOT! 

We all have Cabin Fever.  Its real, totally and completely real. We are so sick of each other.  The kids are ready to kill each other.  I am kind of tired of being inside of my house and its worse being inside my own head!  I am tired of seeing snow and the sight of sand being dumped on top of snow or ice is even worse…because I know that it is going to take the month of April and May to wash all of that dirt, sand and grime off of the entire town.  Yuck...No double Yuck!

Sometimes, its nice to go shopping and get something new for a little pick me up.  Remember,  if we want some retail therapy we must go to Minot (the nearest Target)a 2 hour drive and we are kinda over the stores and stuff there so the trips out of town are starting to get longer and further away.  Which means more time together. Uuugh, Yeah, I totally want to get in the car with my crabby pants family!!!  More togetherness is not the answer. 

This holiday season was an eye opener.  We were her for Thanksgiving and it was the first time ever that we have been without extended family for really any holiday.  What an adjustment, I don’t suggest it to anyone, unless you are in Hawaii enjoying a sunny day and an umbrella cocktail.  I have a whole other post about Holiday Shopping and Spirit so stay tuned...

                                               Here is our Little Thanksgiving Dinner...Just us!

 

Christmas was even worse, It didn’t really feel like Christmas, more like any other day.  We opened presents then Ray went to work.  It was kind of a miserable day, I don't think I was prepared for it and the kids definitely weren't. It was just strange, thank goodness for our next door neighbors they came over and enjoyed our Prime Rib Dinner with us and cocktails, many, many cocktail...
Not really for the faint of heart. 

Ray and I are both used to a busy time,during any holiday.  Visiting both families, Christmas Eve,was always at Rays family and about 15 people for dinner and package opening.  The following day spent traveling to my family and about 40 people eating drinking and package opening for HOURS… Thinking Wow this is crazy and boring etc…Nope that was not boring at all.  Christmas at our house in Williston ND was the epitome of boring!!!!  

I guess that’s when the fever set in….I have found that I am more sensitive than I ever have been, take everything personal and really sort of bitchy at home.  I fell like I am becoming quite the actress because I can certainly fake it at work… Its impressive.  I am counting down the days until we leave for California!  Its going to be awesome, visiting friends, hiking the “Bump and Grind” laying in the sun from the moment the sun comes up til the sun goes down!!!  I am so ready.  Until then…The academy award goes to… Mrs. Senior, Queen of the Bakken!

Winter Willyland

So here it is.. Winter!  When we arrived in February it was -45* and snowing.  I swear it didn't bother me in the least! It helped that I couldn't wait to get through the 1600 miles of rainy and snowy roads during a terrible storm the entire way!!! Not to mention all of us wanting to get out of the car that had 4 kids and 2 cats in it.  Snow Drifts everywhere and it was cold, cold cold. 

Now on the first day of snow, I turn into a basket case.  A little snow accumulates on the ground and I can't function!  I drove home from work, white knuckles, radio off, heater on high and defroster going!  OMG I was a mess. I cancelled plans to have dinner with a friend because I was afraid of the conditions...Hello, I have 3 or 4 more months of this... I cant just shut down and go from work to home and vice versa! Right?!

So now I am forcing myself to embrace it, easier said than done... my hair is full of static, my skin is dry and flaky and I have NO idea how to dress.  Some mornings are below zero and some would say cold is cold, is it really any different if it is below zero?  OH YES this girl will tell you the difference.  Your car does not want to start, and if it does it takes forever to warm up.  I started my car (and poor Daisy whined for 10 minutes, much like the kids when they don't want to get up for school) 20 minutes before I was to leave for work.  Threw my jacket, in the back seat with the mittens, hat and scarf in the pocket and started on my way.  Thinking the heater is going to kick in any minute!  UUUH NO! I traveled for an additional 20 minutes and it was like driving with the AC on.  I was a human Popsicle when I got to work.  Friggin Freezing! But on a day it was 3*, I started the car 10 minutes before I left and by the time I was ready to leave the heater had already kicked in when I headed out.  There is a big difference in the above and below zero temps!  You don't want to head out without emergency supplies because you never know that you might break down or have an accident.  You could easily be in a life or death situation if you get stuck in the snow! 

The wind here is brutal! There are days that the wind chill adds an additional -20 degrees! So the temp might be -8 but the wind chill brings it to a "feels like" -28 temperature.  You find many people speak very differently, than in other areas, about the weather in a conversation.  You hear alot about  'feels like' temps and the 'wind chill'.  But honestly... it is just effing cold! 

So here I am embracing it, well actually bracing for it, today it is going to be 32*, I caught myself saying to someone that it was a beautiful day!  I guess it is all relative! With this warm weather maybe all this white stuff will melt...I crack myself up!

When in Williston do as the Willys do!

It is getting chilly here and I have no idea how to adjust!  In Rancho Mirage CA, it was 85* at 9am the other day.  Williston, 9* at 7:30am, pitch dark and still...we see our breath in the air and have to start the car at least 15 minutes before you head to town. Do that or stand outside in the freezing cold and scrape all your windows! 

Logan my oldest HATES the cold, he now knows if I don't get that car started he is out there doing the scraper.  Thank goodness we have the auto start on the car...Being from California I had NO idea what good this function was!  ...I have started saying "Defrost Activate" and press the button on the car remote and Daisy (the Durango) is toasty warm when we get inside!  Love this feature! Sheila the Rover doesn't have this and having to traipse through the snow and start the car was not my favorite thing to do that's for sure!!!!

It still hasn't snowed yet so it is a little strange to me that it is 'tongue stick to the flagpole' cold but you look out the window and it looks like it should be 60*...Now there are days it warms up to a beautiful 55* blue skies and sunny, there are others that it is Cyclone windy and you need gloves, Parka, hat and face cover just to get to your vehicle, the locals are all bundled up but this Cali Girl still isn't quite embracing the Chilly Willy state of mind! 

They dry air is turning us all into flaky people...I don't mean the type of people who don't show up for appointments... But our skin is such a mess.  The only thing in the world that helps is Grateful Garden Pure Shea Butter.  But man oh man, I have no idea how the farmers or oil workers can stand the chapped cracked skin.  You gotta slather your body with moisturizer to get through the day.

I am embracing the cold this year.  I am a little worried about the driving aspect of it but what the hell, When in Williston do as the Willys do.  Drive slow and let the car stop on its own.  If you end up in the ditch, just drive out the other side (and have a tow strap, just in case) Don't go out, unless you have to, or you are out of wine. Hope for a "beautiful day" one that is above zero.

Most of all, don't let it get to you, enjoy the adventure, you never know what might happen next!

Gastromical Delights in Williston

I thought I would update everyone on the changes in beautiful Williston.  First and foremost, I am enjoying every single minute here.  I have never had the enjoyment of seasons.  When Spring "thaw" happened (I have never EVER referred to spring as a thaw) it was like the prairie came to life.  We had NO idea we had so many children in the hood.  It was like someone set out a picnic and the ants came running.  Kids on bikes, Moms with strollers and of course the young studs on their dirt bikes flying down our street heading to the "hills".  (The Hills are a big pile of fill dirt from the basements they have dug out of our subdivision.)  Guys take their jeeps and trail bikes out there and get muddy!   There were people everywhere!  Funny how during the wind and snow everyone goes from their cars to their houses and vice versa!  Its like everyone says when they get out of their car "Heads down everyone...get inside, Go go go!"

The nice months are the only time people have to get their main building done.  During this Summer we had some new eatery's open.  I am a self described foodie and love a good meal!  In turn I have created little foodies who know the difference between a mediocre meal out and a gastronomical delight!  We also like to have great ambiance when we go out.  We are not looking for a Wham bam Thank You Ma'am meal.  We like to enjoy our surroundings, as well as go with our friends to enjoy these places with them. 

We had a few new restaurants open here, and in my book that is reason to celebrate...

"Basil" is in walking distance of my office and they have amazing Sushi and Sashimi,  You can't go wrong with anything on this Asian Cuisine Menu.  Yes I said it...I am eating sushi in a land locked state.  But I also know what day they get delivery, and have researched their supplier and I am not concerned about getting, the least bit ill, from the food. 

"Williston Brewing Company"...This has been needed here for a long time.  The Decor, fabulous, the proof is in the details, from the Main door handles that are replica antique Rifles, to the light fixture that has been constructed from amber beer bottles and make up the lighting at the bar seating area.  A lovely stone fireplace gives you the visual and physical warmth required here!  Delicious!  Everything we have had there is so very good.  I love having a little craft beer every once in a while and it brings us both back to being a little homesickness!  Every Monday was Beer appreciation night when we lived in Cali, We would enjoy the local brewery and new beers on tap during happy hour at home... As an aside restaurants and bars don't need to offer Happy Hour... ever... because it is busy every minute of every day in Williston. Burgers are incredible and if you want a great steak this is the place to have one.

"Doc Holidays" is another Steakhouse with a small bar but a very inviting atmosphere.  It seems like you have more families that head here than the other new restaurants.  It has a smaller menu and the staff just keeps up but if time isn't an issue I would at least try the food.   It is really cute and has a little Stuart Anderson Black Angus feel to it. 

We keep our eye out for anything new and have been lucky enough to visit these new places during their soft openings and have been loyal customer since!

When going out to dinner (or any meal for that matter) in Williston expect to pay a little more than you would in other NoDak small towns.  With the Oil Boom you have to pay your employees (especially service people are hard to keep) alot more than minimum wage per hour and even in some cases supply them with housing or affordable housing to get them to stay!  It is a different world here and it is reflected in the cost of living.  I refer to Williston as the Manhattan of NoDak because everything is so busy and the prices of many things remind me of the City.  You see it across the board, groceries, eating out and real estate to name a few...but that is the subject for another day!  I am starving now, I am going to visit one of my favorite foodie finds now! 

Boomtown Family Williston Nd from Palm Trees to Prairie Pipelines: Celebrate with me! Its my Birthday!

Boomtown Family Williston Nd from Palm Trees to Prairie Pipelines: Celebrate with me! Its my Birthday!: So it is my Birthday...Yes I know it explains alot!  Born on Halloween, Red Hair, the whole package!  I celebrate the whole entire month of ...

Celebrate with me! Its my Birthday!

So it is my Birthday...Yes I know it explains alot!  Born on Halloween, Red Hair, the whole package!  I celebrate the whole entire month of October, yes the whole thing!  I was never really like this until later in life. 

Some times it takes an event to make you realize how blessed you are.  Many of us run around taking everything for granted...when I was 33 I found out I was adopted, it's a long story, but it was a surprise.   In true Redhead fashion I was pissed, very angry.  I think I went through all of the emotions you go through with grief.  It took me a long time to come to terms with the whole thing, but in hindsight it was a good thing and helped me stop and take a second look at things! 

What I did finally come to realize, is that my birthday is a very special day, a day for celebration!!!  I was chosen by my parents to become their child and a part of our family that was already 6 people, and I am sure quite chaotic.  I wasn't planned or thought out, There was never the discussion is the timing right?  ...I had 2 brothers and 2 sisters at the time.  I was the gift on that special day, to them.  I was one of the luckiest people in the world!  If I would have been kept by my biological mother I would not have had the blessed and gifted life I was given.  She was a 16 year old twin, the father went off to Vietnam and never returned and her parents were very hard working people who were struggling to make ends meet for their family of 4.  A baby, much less a grand baby, was not in the big picture for them.  I firmly believe that if I weren't given up for adoption I would have very possibly ended up in the system anyway!

I was never able to tell either of my parents Thank you!  Thank you for always making me feel like I was special. Thank you for giving me everything I ever wanted and more. Thank you for being loving but stern parents. Most of all Thank you for making me believe I could do ANYTHING.  I was taught at a very young age that whatever I wanted to do or be, I could make happen.  It didn't matter what, I could do it, and I am still testing that theory!  (And pushing the envelope at times)

My  Dad was my biggest fan, and I in turn was his.  I remember walking in parades for him yelling "Minney for Mayor" and he was always there for each and every crowning at my beauty pageants. He always made me feel loved.  There was always a warm smile for me and a definite pride I could see in his eyes.  I stood in the passenger seat visiting job sites on Saturdays as a young girl.  I ate on blueprints because there was always a new project to be bid.  He taught me that I could do anything a man could do, and maybe even do it better!  His laugh, infectious and even a little silly but he had a great sense of humor!  My Dad loved to take us out water skiing and that was the ONLY time in my entire life that I was happy to get up at 5am...to ski glass in Lake Havasu... just he and I.  I am only sorry he didn't get to meet my babies.  24 hours before Logan was born he passed, I think it was so he could grab Logan on his way out and sit down on some park bench in the clouds and tell Logan all of my secrets and the best way to push my buttons.  I swear I see a little more of my Dad in him each year!  My Dad even knew when Ray and I dated in High School that "I should have never let him get away" and when we went on a date 10 years later I never let go!  I am the epitome of Daddy's little girl, in my world Father knows best!

My Mom spent every waking moment doing something for us kids.  She was the driving force behind our family, and a force to be reckoned with.  I know where I got my strength from, she was never ever exhibited and ounce of weakness.  I drew from that everyday and know that I am the woman I am today because of it.  She spent most of her days running me across the "wash" to dance class, or slumber parties or to Catherine's house to hang out and have Paprikash.  My Mom always made sure I had a dinner plate made after dance and would sit with me while I ate because everyone was already done. She was able to meet my babies very briefly...I know they wish they had more time to get to know her.  But they do know that my Mom molded me into the opinionated, resilient, fierce, saucy woman and mom I am today.

I did find out later that my parents spent the early part of their youth as foster parents.  During this journey in their lives they were blessed with meeting my sister Debi, that is when they transitioned from foster parents to adoptive parents.  If you are keeping score my siblings were : Danny biological (deceased 1991) Debi, adopted (63) Donna,biological (60) David (deceased 2010) Me adopted (44) Dana, biological (42) 

I take today and offer it up to the Birthday Gods!  I hope that there is some little soul out there that needs a family and that they are as blessed, loved and delivered to a parents that give them as charmed a life as I have had. 

Bloggers sharing their N.D. oil patch experiences : Energy News

Bloggers sharing their N.D. oil patch experiences : Energy News

Job Search in NoDak Challenges and Suggestions *Have a Plan*

I didnt realize what a responsibility a Blog was!  I have been trying to juggle Work, Life, Family, Politics and a host of other things that get in the way of me expressing myself.  I will do better and try to keep you all better informed and updated!  I love hearing comments so feel free to comment all you want.  I am going to get that other youTube video up one of these days too!  I have some strong feelings when it comes to just dropping everything and moving to NoDak without a Masterplan! 

Yes it is exciting being a part of the BOOM!  We are very lucky to be getting in on the ground floor of all of the novelty.  With growth there is challenges, be prepared for taxed services.  Some don't think about the big picture and take what money they have and jump in thier cars or on the train and head on out to the mecca of jobs... Some dont have the luxury of planning ahead and getting everything lined out, This might be the last ditch effort to try to get out of the unemploymetn cycle... It is not easy and it takes a little research and planning.  Try to do as much as you can BEFORE you head to Chilly Willy!

Some of the most helpful hints are:  Do your best to find housing.  Some companies will not even look at your app or resume if you dont have housing   Make sure you can pass a background check.  For insurance purposes some companies will NOT hire you if you have a criminal background. Make sure your driving record is clean.  If you have a DUI your chances are much slimmer of getting employment right away.  Many Companies ask that you drive their company vehicles, a clean drug test and driving record is a must in these situations. 

There are some good people out there looking for a change and a great job.  Employment isnt immediate.  Many large companies are NOT just looking for that warm body to take that position, lesson learned, they want those who are looking to make this their community, with staying power.  It is expensive to train and hire people, assure them that you are looking to be here for a while. 

 I am including some helpful websites to assist in the job search.  Many of these you have jobs listings that would be great for both men and women.   http://www.jobinventory.com/Energy-Recruiting-Services,-Llc-jobs     http://www.jobsnd.com/individuals/oilfield-jobs    http://regionalhelpwanted.com/296/williston-nd-jobs , Bakken Staffing, Monster.com, Indeed.com.  Dont forget to visit the websites for the City and the County.  Both Entities are loking for good people and may not pay as much as the "Oil Patch jobs" but the benefits/ retirement etc are worth the difference in pay. 

Williston welcomes the workforce, but I can see now that I have been here for 7 months how the transient nature of the workforce makes you a little cynical.  It is difficult to make friends (and keep them) because suddenly they are moving due to a job relocation or thier position has ended.  I wish all of you who want to head to Williston luck, it has been a blessing for our family.  The kids are doing well in school and we are enjoying fixing up our home and the seasonal changes.  We also look forward to heading to California to thaw out during the winter.  I encourage questions and love to help anyone who wants to head to Williston for some hard work and a new lease on life!

Its a Slippery Slope!

I cant believe I let summer go by and didn't update all of you!...even once!!!  What a blast we have been having!  You would not believe the difference between SoCal and NoDak! Talk about incredible sunsets!  I have some rockin' pictures!  Especially from our trip to Glacier Park!  We have had our share of craziness.  We also have a new addition to family, Gunner Foxtrot Senior a beautiful Blue Weimerainer who has stolen my heart!  My job is definitely full of challenges. I just finished a few great projects that I am very proud of:

The County Housing 18 unit Apartments (for Essential workers and Law Enforcement) First of all I find it hard to believe that we have to BUILD housing for our employees, that was my first order of business as Project Manager for Williams County,   The quest to find housing for 1 person let alone a whole family is a hurdle.  We had to build 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.  They are not palatial but they are home to many of my co-workers.  It gives them a chance to find a house or property to build their final nesting spot. 

Courtrooms and Judges Chambers, what a learning experience.  We had an architect that was a challenge to work with (being over 6 hours away) and had to get details ironed out to get the job completed.  In the long run we now have 3 courtrooms and a new Judge who was just sworn in.  I am lucky to have gotten this experience and they turned out amazing! We still have some kinks to iron out but any of you in the building business know... the last of the punch list is the biggest task. 

20 Bed Jail Dorm: Now this was an interesting project in so many ways.  Of course there is the learning curve on any project that might be new.  Jail... I haven't been in one before and certainly haven't been a "guest" before.  I had a marvelous Architect on this project and thanks to their staff made this project a breeze! Other than the excitement of entering and exiting the jail common areas, things went pretty well... coming in contact with the residents and occasionally being locked in a 6' x 6' area with a "trustee"(work release parolee, they aren't in general jail population but they aren't OK enough to release on regular parole) you hope no one does anything stupid! The corrections staff have a very tough job and they never ever get the recognition or Thanks that they deserve! 

Not only did I spend my Summer completing those building projects I had to deal with our own construction nightmares at our own house.  A little history for you... Ray came to the Bakken 7 months before we did and lived in a man camp that was provided by his employer.  Imagine a little room with a bed, desk, TV and shower/toilet... all the while we were waiting for our house to be ready back in California, Ray would come home about every 3 weeks.  You don't find as many stick built homes here and luxury housing is really not an option.  Many people are living with their kids/dogs etc in campers and toy haulers as a permanent option. You have homes that have been here for many years that are relatively expensive and then you have to modernize them (imagine burnt orange sculpted carpet with some mauve and teal wallpaper EVERYWHERE)  You can wait for a stick built house but it takes a bit longer because of our lovely weather fluctuations.  There is always the  manufactured home option that might take less time (you think) and get moved in... (that was our hopes, less expensive and less time, NOT)  We had ours add a basement (a must) and a cute little porch.  Now, we might not have 5000 square feet but will finish that basement one day soon and have another 1700 sq feet to send the kids when it is too cold to go outside to play. 

We haven't finished the basement because it had leaks!  Major leaks and had to have the entire thing re-insulated and all of the window wells (fire escape locations in the basement) sealed and the grading around the house compacted as well as this builder said that we didn't need gutters or any other weather/flood proof items on the house so those had to be added... SO we spent the Summer getting the leaking and damp/dankness taken care of instead of getting the (promised)added rooms downstairs done!  I hated dealing with construction crap all day long at work and then coming home to deal with even more of it!  But I think we are through the worst of it.

Many people are happy to have a roof over their heads.  We are happy to have to roof but we expect it to be done right!  It has definitely put some undue stress on our little family and now we can focus on getting those stinky boys downstairs to their own rooms and maybe even get our living room back! Onward and downward...to the Basement we go!