Wonder how tent sales are doing in Whistler?

Okay, so living in a tent in Whistler for the winter might not be the best idea, but the housing situation there is definitely dire. I spent the weekend helping my sister look for a place in Whistler, and we're still unsuccessful.

There are a small number of new "housing for rent" postings on Craigslist each day and double to triple that amount in "housing wanted" postings. So first, there seem to be way more people in need of a place to live than actual rooms, and second, many of the places available are being advertised through word of mouth. As one guy said, "why would I bother posting on Craigslist and having to deal with 30 or 40 calls when I could just put the word out to my friends?"

In fact, the housing situation is so serious that the Whistler Housing Authority is considering setting up containers to solve the problem.

Something definitely needs to be done, especially with the Olympics coming next winter. Many owners of condos / houses that are normally rented out seem to be planning on renting for only the Olympic months. Afterall, why rent out for the early winter to a bunch of young, seasonal workers who may wreck the place, when you could easily earn more in rent during the Olympics than during the entire winter season? I hope someone on the organizing committee has it all figured out...

Introducing O...

O is a husky-lab mix and is an adorable puppy. When we first got him, he was more baby than puppy. But he has grown so much over the past few weeks and is now a full-fledged puppy, complete with iron-strength jaws (a.k.a. he bites a lot).

He's gotten pretty used to the peeing-outside-routine, although he did soak the comforter the other night. No more lounging on the people bed!

I love his puppy smell and enjoy cuddling with him, but am definitely looking forward to biking / running / walking with him once he gets bigger. And the ultimate plan is to train him to run along while we ski, which is totally cool.

Below, check out a video of O playing with his favourite ball. It's so cute!!

Time to Twitter

So I joined up with Twitter a few months ago and have slowly gotten into the flow of things. Although I only have a small group of people I follow (and followers), I've gotten used to reading people's posts and have found some great links and new people to follow. The majority of content I listen / comment on is related to either skiing (come on winter!!) or marketing.

But today, I took a big step into the Twitter world. I created an account for the company I work for and listed myself as the current user. Then I started searching for people who seemed involved in technology, both in Vancouver and around North America, and took some time to judiciously add them as people I'm following. And now I feel like a kid at Christmas - wondering if I'll end up with presents or just a lump of coal. Will people add me? Will they talk to me? So far, I've had one person add "me" a.k.a. the company. I've actually had to sign out to help fight the urge to check for new posts.

My first marketing conference!

Tomorrow I'm going to the IMC (Internet Marketing Conference). Looking at the agenda, I can tell it's going to be two days full of lots of information. I actually attempted to print out the entire agenda, but stopped when I realized it would be 21 pages long!

I'm a few months into my new position as marketing manager, and have been doing a lot of research into what the company's online prescence should look like. Tools I'm enjoying using are delicious, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google reader, Google analytics, Twitter, and now blogger!

Up until now I've been using my own accounts and preferences (such as setting up RSS feeds in Google reader to track Twitter activity for the terms "skiing" and "Whistler). However, I think it's just about time to get my ideas up and running for the company. Plans include a blog, Twitter account, and more interesting content for the company website. As well, the website needs tweaking (I hate thatword...) in regards to keywords, subject content, and outgoing links.

I have found a lot of good websites, e-books, and blogs and feel like I'm backed with lots of research. And after the conference, hopefully I'll have more ideas and confidence so that I can actually put my plans into action!

Recycling - Why is Vancouver lagging behind?

One great thing about Nova Scotia is the province's extensive recyclying program. You name it, it can be recycled, including food and organic waste (which is actually collected in big green bins and composted). Not only that, every town, city, and organisation is on board. Whether you are at the mall, the airport, or walking around downtown Halifax, there are separate receptacles for paper, bottles, and compostable materials.

Over here on the West Coast, it's a very different story! Sure, they recycle paper and bottles, but to recycle all those plastic bags I get from the stores (despite being very good about bringing my reusable bags, I still end up with plastic) I have to drop them off in the bin at the grocery store. It can be very difficult to find a recycling bin for bottles on the street or at a public place, and absolutely impossible to find a way to recycle papers. The worst, however, is what happens to the recycling bin in the lobby of my building, where residents throw their junk mail. The other day, I discovered that the concierge in my building takes the recycling bin and THROWS THE CONTENTS IN THE GARBAGE! Disgraceful!

There is hope, however. The latest issue of Granville (a city magazine with an eco twist) contains an article entitled, "Green Box Envy", which addresses the issue of Vancouver's reluctance to adopt an organic recycling program. The author examines the program that exists in different areas of Canada, and talks about the strides that Vancouver has taken so far in establishing a working program.

Bottom line: it's time for individuals to take action. Recycle everything you can, try to ensure that when you recycle it doesn't just get put in the garbage, and send emails to your local councillors telling that you want an organic recycling program now!

Jill of all trades?

Skiing and music have always been my two biggest interests. However, during high school and university, I always tried out lots of different activities, and since moving to Vancouver, I've gotten back into the routine of being really busy most of the time. I have band practice, flute ensemble, skiing (in the winter), yoga class, and I recently bought a bike and have been biking the seawall a few days a week.

I also decided to take tennis lessons a few months ago, which was really fun, and have since started playing once a week with other semi-beginners I met in class. Last night I played with a friend who actually plays on a pretty regular basis, and wow! There were balls whizzing by me, and it was all I could do to whack them back across the net. I really like playing and would like to get better, but I wonder if I have the time? Is it better to try out lots of different things and be kind of good at them, or be really good at just one activity / sport?

Very first post!

I'm so excited to write my very first blog entry. As the title suggests, I'm now a full-fledged West Coast Chickie, and have been living in BC for one whole year! Having spent most of my time living in Nova Scotia (with the exception of a few summers in Ontario, a season at a shi resort in BC, and a year in Montreal) I am loving the fact that I now live somewhere that combines my two great loves: the ocean and the mountains.

It has been a great summer full of swimming, suntanning (not too much though, we all know how bad it is), and even a little bit of kayaking. Now it's starting to feel a lot like fall, and I'm looking forward to skiing again!