Jan 29, 2006

A last retreat for mom-to-be


We just got back from 5 days at Harrison Hot Springs resort!

Mark was there as a delegate for CUPE 391 (for those of you who don't know he is one of the union's vice-presidents and has been active in his local for years!) at this year's Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Winter School. While he spent his days learning about collective bargaining, I went for long walks and spent lots of time standing near beautiful waterfalls like this one - taking in all the beauty :)

I learned a lot this week through Mark and the other folks I met. I joined everyone at meal times - taking advantage of the buffet breakfasts and lunches (lunch also included desert buffets! so much for my nothing but healthy eating this week...those deserts were too much to resist!) and three course dinners... mmmmm! - and asked lots of questions about what they were learning in their classes. Mark and I sat with different people at virtually every meal, giving us a chance to meet some great people. All the conversation was fascinating, and I also got to know his fellow 391 exec member Laura which was super.

At night we would spend a little bit of time in the hot spring pools. They have 3 outdoor pools which very in temperature from mild-hot. The hottest one I only stayed in a few minutes, then I moved on to the medium pool which was just right. I had checked with the midwife that it would be safe and then thoroughly enjoyed it while I was there!

On top of my daily long walks, I also enjoyed lots of reading and writing time, a few nice afternoon naps and general relaxing time overall. Taking advantage as I know things won't be quiet for me for a while after baby arrives! :)

The next year brings many contract renewals in the labour world, so Mark is now feeling better about representing his workers after a intense week of learning...and I am feeling calm and replenished!

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