Gold River Buzz

People have suggested that I do a Resident Spotlight on the person I know best in the world – me!  Although I think even at 38 I’m still learning new things about myself each and every day.  (Like last month I learned that no matter how much time and effort I put into a rib recipe, ketchup and brown sugar still wins!)

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

We came to Gold River in the Summer of 2003 for my husband Jason’s work.  He was the lone Constable up in Kyuquot (when Kyuquot was still part of the Nootka Sound Detachment) and would fly back and forth every week.  We were only here for a year however, as he was promoted to Corporal in September of 2004, and we moved to Ahousaht where we spent two years.  After Ahousaht, we spent a year in Kaslo (in the Kootenays) and when the Sergeants position in Gold River came open unexpectedly, we knew we had to go for it.  We’ve been back in Gold River since the Summer of 2007.  Gold River is classified as an LDP (limited duration post)  in RCMP terms, and it’s a four year post.  Four years will put us due out in the Spring of next year, 2011.  I’m not sure what will happen, but my husband is allowed a one year extension, and then the RCMP really does want you to move along.  A one year extension would enable Mikayla (our oldest) to graduate, but would leave Kristanna (youngest) facing entering Grade 12 in an unfamiliar community.  I don’t want to leave, and it is honestly not something I plan to consider until both girls are done school.

What do you do for (paid) work?

Currently I am the Program Coordinator for the Nootka Sound RCMP Victim Services.  I’m employed through Campbell River Family Services, but most of my referrals come through the RCMP.  No, my husband is not my boss – and I remind him of that daily!

I also still do some contract work for my old boss from Kaslo – he’s a business consultant, and I maintain his CRM software.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

I was the secretary for the RWES PAC years ago, and have been on the GRMHA executive for the past two years – again in the capacity of secretary.  For the 2010/11 hockey season, I’ve stepped down as secretary, and now have the new title of Equipment Manager.  My husband will be the President, so as soon as I heard that I dropped my secretary position like a hot potato!  (I know him all too well.  He’s all yours now Barb!!)

Please tell us a bit about your family.

Jason and I have been together for 18 years and have two beautiful daughters, Mikayla (16) and Kristanna (15).  Jason and I met in Cranbrook (his hometown) as we were both attending College there.  Our story is really not all that romantic – we met in the bar on Pub Night.  I’m still pretty positive he slipped something into my drink….

Do you have any pets?

Oh yes!  The love of my life, our Great Dane Mattie!  He is a brindle Dane from an excellent breeder in Washington state.  In fact, three of his relatives appear in the new Marmaduke movie.  Two of which actually share the lead role!

We also have a ten year old cat named Missy who sleeps all day and coughs up hairballs wherever she pleases.

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun we like to spend time with family and friends, and over the years have spent a great deal of time out at Muchalaht Lake.  This has proved both good and bad in the past as many people assume that my husband should be dealing with whatever shenanigans go on out there while he’s on his holidays or days off.  I have used the explanation that were a Doctor to be out camping, I’m sure no one would expect him to be running around bandaging every scraped knee, but should something more serious occur, he would of course step in and help.

(Whoops – little bit of a rant there.)

We have also been blessed with being able to travel quite a bit the last few years as a family, and have enjoyed a few trips to Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel and Jamaica.

I will also be spending two months this Fall in Puerto Vallarta at a Spanish Language school.  I’ve always wanted to learn a second language (high school French doesn’t count), and we’d also like to retire in the PV area, so learning the language is the first step.  The condo I rented for the two months has internet, so nothing will change with the Buzz website.  It would be great however if y’all could keep a eye on my family (and pets) while I’m away – if any of them start looking unusually thin or dirty, please let me know.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

I agree with some of the other past remarks about needing a vet in town.  It would be comforting to know that in an emergency situation, help is close for your pet.  The other thing that I can think of is needing somewhere to buy more computer related items – flash drives, labels, ink, etc.

And just for fun – if you were invisible, where would you go / what would you do?

Honestly, I’m pretty snoopy.  I didn’t babysit much as a kid, but when I did, I was that babysitter who would go through your photo albums.  So I know if I were invisible I would want to snoop or spy.  (Hey – at least I’m being honest!) It’s not like I have anyone in particular in mind really, but you never know – the invisible me might be lurking at YOUR house soon!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would really like to thank the residents of Gold River for being so supportive and positive about this website.  I always feel that I’m not doing enough on it, but none of you ever make me feel that way, and I appreciate it very much!  To all of you who send thoughtful emails – THANK YOU – it means the world!

Kyra