You are currently browsing the Maple MOLE weblog archives for September, 2008.

The old place

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

We lived in the apartment for a year. It was close to transport, shops and school. It was different living 3 floors up an over looking a 6 lane highway, but we called it home. At times it felt like living in a hotel, the entrance and hallways were tastefully decorated, and an entry system that worked via our phone, a gym and a swimming pool, and a gated car park. All sound very nice. However there were some draw backs, the highway I mentioned earlier, taking the rubbish out was interesting, not a 2 minute job more like 15 – it became rather a chore. The apartment was well insulated, some may think that’s good, however in the summer it felt like living in a sauna. One of the things you have to remember when you are 3 floors up, is that you have to add an extra 10 minutes on to your planned leaving time, because by the time you have waited for the lift and got to the car and then out of the car park time has flown by. This also adds time and effort when you return home with the months shopping – how many times do you go to and fro the car!!!!! I never really worried about these things until it was time to move and I realised life would be simple with the garage attached to the house. The trips to and fro the apartment also meant when we moved would have been quicker but we spent sooooo much time walking the hallways and waiting for the lift it took as twice as long to move!

Malibu 08

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Having been on the school retreat last year I just had to go back to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. So a year later it still has amazing views and breath taking scenery. This year I was part of a team of 12 who served in the dining room. We had to prepare the tables, serve the food, clear tables, for around 250 people. Easy compared to last year as I didn’t have to get up so early. It also meant I did have a little bit of spare time so I was able to go cannoning and do the hike. The “hike” I was told is a 25 minute ‘hike’ and they views would be stunning. Well the second bit is right, they views are breath taking (see picasa) but ‘hike’ it is not, it’s a rock climb. Climbing up an almost vertical rock face with a rope to help. But hey I made it, and going back down is always easier!

It was good to catch up with people who I had worked with last year and make new friends this year. Although Elliot is no longer a student, he was still able to come as he now works part time at the school and collage didn’t start until the week after Malibu, he was very happy about this as last year he was restricted to calm activities as he has stitches in the palm of his hand.