Hello admin pros. I hope you’re doing well. In today’s post, I’m going to give an update on my first 8 months in canada as an EA at Amazon.
Work
You may recall I transferred to a new team last February then moved to British columbia, canada in late march. By Mid-october, one of my Directors left Amazon. His team was pushed to another leader temporarily until they decide to backfill his role or shift the team under another leader.
My manager’s team was re-orged and his team nearly tripled, with 2 Directors reporting to him. This makes me a Lead EA and there is one other EA in the org.
We’re in a bit of a holding pattern at work. Everyone is Getting to know each other and focus on 2024 goals while we wait for the Q1 re-org.
The Home Front
the Mister and I are settled into our apartment. We’re getting around New West and finding our favorite shops. We spend a lot more time at Canadian Tire than either of us expected. It has everything and is in the same mall as our favorite grocery store.
Malls. Have I mentioned that Canadians love their malls? Seattle malls are a ghost town, at least they were when we left. There are a lot of malls in British Columbia, from small strip malls to huge, sprawling malls in downtown Vancouver. The Metropolis Mall in Metrotown is a vast network of stores.
The Bulk Barn is amazing. Mostly candy because it appears that Canadians love bulk candy. they also have kitchen stapes: flour, beans, rice, spices, tea.
In place of Starbucks on every corner, we have Tim Horton’s. The baked goods are lovely and the carrot cake muffin is divine. Their coffee is really good – the double double has just the right amount of sugar and half and half. I’m officially addicted to London Fog – That’s an Earl Grey Latte. Delish!
I’ve found a great hair stylist near my home – Kaleigh is not only a Hair whisperer, but she’s also a big Doctor Who fan!
I’ve finally got a primary care physician and am catching up on the various tests and screenings that were on hold until I could get orders and referrals. Still need to find a dentist.
I’ve mastered the art of cramming into the Sky Train with a couple hundred of my new besties for 40 minutes twice a day, three days a week until the new year.
After 6 months, I think i can spell New Westminster rather than New Westiminister. It’s much easier to follow the locals lead and call it New West.
In December, my sister is coming for a visit and we’re going to explore the winter-themed offerings around the region.
downsides
Just two right now. our apartment is next to the building generator. Every couple of months, it goes into what I like to call Bone Shaker mode that can last anywhere from 1 to 24 hours. my noise cancelling headphones blot out the sound but our apartment vibrates, rattling pictures against the walls, monitors and chairs shake.
Canada Post went on strike. Luckily, there are plenty of fedEx and DHL shops around for our shipping needs.
Thanks for spending some time with me today.
Drop a comment and let me know your favorite coffee or tea beverage, your plans for next year, or topics you’d like me to cover.