Episode Transcript
Speaker 0 00:00:00 Good morning, Fort McMurray, wood, Buffalo, and the rest of the world. You've tuned in to the Mac city morning show. I am your host, Elliot Pierre. And as per usual, we're going to start the show off with a moment of gratitude. I know you could be doing a million other things with your time, and the fact that you spend with us truly does mean the world to me. So thank you on that note, Tanner hit him with the intro
Speaker 5 00:00:30 Hey everybody, Keith Simpson here from neuro Toyota. Uh, just quick chat about, uh, the wonderful community we live in here. As you guys know, we support the El Behrens. We've joined the drive-in movie theater. We're involved in the marathon here in Fort McMurray and make sure we're taking care of the kids and all the local businesses, all the local charities and all the local foundations guys. That's what makes this community such an amazing place to live.
Speaker 0 00:00:57 Okay. And we're back big shout out to neuronal Toyota key fad. Nehmer all the boys girls down at neuronal Toyota. They're the title sponsor of the show. Thank you very much. We do appreciate it. It helps the lights keep on and Tanner are sitting behind that computer. So thank you nor I'll tell you, um, now on with the show, as you guys know, I do not introduce my guests. I let them do that themselves because they can do a better job. So on that note, can you please tell everybody at home who you are and what you're about?
Speaker 6 00:01:25 So my name is Natalia and, uh, I own the mini miracles. Do you hope? Uh, we, uh, healing in Fort Mac movie for 16 years and I've been operating my day home for 15 years and, uh, I have two kids ages 60, and my daughter she'd be turning 70 in the summer and then I have an 18 year old son.
Speaker 0 00:01:48 Okay. Very cool. Okay. So let's just get started right away. I guess I have a few questions about the day home. So how did you start the day home? Why did you start the day home? Where do your passion for that begin?
Speaker 6 00:02:02 So, um, I started a first job in, uh, 2007 and, you know, I mean just a little, you know, babysitting kids. And then I just found, you know, that was my passion, my calling, because all y'all, you know, before we came back to Canada, I had my secretarial diploma. So I sat in a desk and I was, you know, typing and writing, you know, I mean notes and it was like kind of boring, but I thought, okay, you know, that was my career. But when I started like babysitting kids and being involved in their lives and, you know, being like a child, I realized that was my calling. That was my gift. So of course, you know, I went to Kiano and, uh, got my childcare, so to recap from
Speaker 0 00:02:46 There. Right.
Speaker 6 00:02:48 And then, uh, you know, I just, you know, started my daycare, you know, back in 2007. And then, you know, I've been doing ever since, and then, uh, 2009, because I wanted to get some experience, you know, more in, what is this really? You know, I think it's called childcare. So I worked up, we attend the 40 teacher, me and my husband were there. So, uh, I worked in back then. It was Alliance day. I know with sports city. Uh, so I worked at the, uh, city, uh, they open up a childcare center, so I worked with 48 kids. Oh, wow. Yes. So from infant to preschool for one year, you know, so that, you know, I can, you know, get some, you know, experience and, you know, working with, you know, different age group of kids.
Speaker 0 00:03:37 Wow. Okay. Very cool. Now you said you obviously immigrated to Canada, where have you immigrated from?
Speaker 6 00:03:44 Uh, we directly came from Sri Lanka and the most beautiful thing is about, you know, I would say it's, it's our calling, you know, like, like we directly became to Fort McMurray.
Speaker 0 00:03:57 Yes.
Speaker 6 00:04:01 My husband, you know, he's a fan he'd been, uh, called, you know, by Boston pizza at that time. And we directly in OB, you know, uh, immigrated to Canada and it was, uh, for us to the city that they gave us was Fort McMurray and Elliott. Uh, I think in all, I mean, of course, you know, that is a part of, I want to discuss more, is like, I love, love this community. You know, I have like, you know, establish our roots, you know, and, and, and for me and my husband and my kids, like this is home for us.
Speaker 0 00:04:36 That's right. That's interesting. I normally, I don't speak to too many immigrants that directly come to Fort McMurray. Usually they like it's Toronto or Montreal or Vancouver, and then they eventually hear about Fort McMurray and come here. That's how my parents came. That's really cool that this was like the first stop for you. Interesting. So what time of year did you arrive?
Speaker 6 00:05:01 So luckily we came in summertime
Speaker 7 00:05:05 And
Speaker 6 00:05:05 I remember, you know, I was just saying, you know, I mean, do you know a new mom? You know, my daughter was like 19 months at that time, you know, and I remember my first winter And I like, literally, like, I, you know, like locked myself in the room and I cried. It was like, minus, you know, 45, you know, you come from tropical. I learned, you know, beautiful weather, right. Then you're like, you know, I mean, experience minus 45
Speaker 0 00:05:33 Deadly.
Speaker 6 00:05:34 But of course saying that, you know, I mean, do you know what I mean? We have, you know what, man, I adopted, you know, everything he does, you know, like even my daughter, like, you know, she will go out in open, it's like minus 25 sweater. And she was like, oh, you just, you know, this minus 25
Speaker 0 00:05:53 That's right. No. Um, when my parents immigrated here, my mother didn't know what snow was. They come from Guyana, Guyana, south America. And so the first time she saw snow, she was totally dumbfounded. And she said she ran and cried and she's like, what's happening. And to this day, like my dad came to Canada, I think in 74, 75, around that time, he still doesn't like the cold. So this day he's just like I could do without the cold weather. So he loves Canada. He loves forming wearing, but the winter for him is like, no, not happening. So in regards to your daughter, she's getting a little bit older now, turning 17, you said, what are the plans for her future? What do you think she's going to go down and do?
Speaker 6 00:06:37 She is, you know, she's already, you know, ambitious, uh, very determined girl. You know, she is always, you know, studying hard, you know, and, uh, uh, she wants to do medicine.
Speaker 0 00:06:50 Okay, fantastic. Okay. Now jumping back to your day home for a second. Now, if people wanted to get in contact with you to come into your day home, like, um, how do they get in contact with you? Me, it'd be through Facebook phone number, email, and then what are the age ranges that you kind of take care of as well?
Speaker 6 00:07:09 So I'm allowed to have six kids. Uh, so it, you know, it depends on each age, right. You know, under one and two kids on the two and three kids on the trip. So, because since I love, I love working with kids. I, you know, so, and I always, you know, I mean, keep like one sh one room for an infant. I love loving funds.
Speaker 6 00:07:35 Hard work too, so that I can give one-on-one time as well. Right. So, and then the other, you know, five kids, they will be like 18, 19 months, you know, like, you know, so that, you know, walking and talking time. So I would have, like, my age group will be like from 18 to 19 months older and mainly, uh, I would like to discuss as well. Uh, that is something very personal to my heart. Uh, I have so much respect for the teachers over here. I love like, you know, I mean, they do a marvelous job, you know, with our kids, right. Taking care of our kids and, you know, I'm, and, and back in, like, you know, back at home, you know, I'm from Sri Lanka. Like we have so much respect for our teachers. Right. And, um, and like, you know, like half of the day there'll be them. Right. They take care of our kids. Right. So I'm like, you know, what can I do? Right. You know, so I worked according, you know, to be the school calendar. So my day home, it closes in summertime. I keep only like, you know, two weeks, uh, open, you know, because I have some parents who are not teachers as well, I have, but all the rest of their teachers.
Speaker 0 00:08:43 So
Speaker 6 00:08:44 Then I keep one month closed. And then of course, you know, I really reopened my day home two weeks before school starts and any be a teacher, they have to go to school one week before.
Speaker 0 00:08:53 And
Speaker 6 00:08:53 Then of course I'm close, like during spring break and during Christmas break,
Speaker 0 00:08:57 Oh, that's a huge book added bonus for teachers. Cause they're off. Yeah. That was the same with my little boy Keegan. We had him in a day home when he was much younger. Now he's grown up so fast it's I hate it. But, uh, yeah, that's really beneficial. Um, for day homes to have that kind of schedule for parents who are educators
Speaker 6 00:09:19 And I'm like, you know, they take care of our kids, you know, take care of their kids.
Speaker 0 00:09:25 What, uh, what schools have your children.
Speaker 6 00:09:29 So why do you have like, from, you know, like public school, Catholic school, and then I had fun family from the Christian school as well. Right. You know, so yeah, from all over in for school, like, you know, with the school school board, right.
Speaker 0 00:09:43 Uh, Tanner just gave me a signal. He's ready with his questions for the Mac city morning show. I don't know what he's going to ask you. I wish you nothing but the best of luck, but before he asks you the question, the title sponsor for the Mack city minute right now is Napa big shout out to Napa. Thank you very much. Um, if you guys don't know who Napa is, definitely go check out their website as well as their Facebook page. They have an upcoming event. Um, so definitely sign up for that. Thank you very much, Napa for sponsoring the Mac city minute honor, hitter with the max any minute.
Speaker 8 00:10:15 Alrighty. Question number one for you. What is your favorite dish to make yourself while at home?
Speaker 6 00:10:22 Oh, it's easy. It's Sri Lanka and authentic calories. Right?
Speaker 8 00:10:29 Question number two. What is the most inspiring thing you've learned from working with children?
Speaker 6 00:10:36 Oh, it's they are life. They are so creative and energetic and uh, just, I like, I feel like, you know, I'm a child when I'm working with them, you need to like, you know, get into the attributes and yeah.
Speaker 8 00:10:53 Question number three. What is the most interesting thing you noticed when you very first got to Canada?
Speaker 6 00:11:02 The interesting is number one, it was the winter. And then, uh, it's like the different seasons that we come in all, like we have the four seasons. Right. You know, like, and then you'll, you know, get adjusted, you know, to the different seasons as well. And uh, then the food. Yes. Yes.
Speaker 8 00:11:24 Question number four. What is one thing about the community that you love the most?
Speaker 6 00:11:31 Oh, it's, uh, the people and as well, I like to, uh, uh, mentioned, uh, my day home, like, uh, a big hit is, and we'll have Christmas concert and party. So I have a music teacher who comes and teaches music to the kids and also an art teacher. So a big highlight is our Christmas concert. So I will book, uh, at the facility at the, or somewhere else. And we will love have kind of like a potluck with the parents. Right. Right. And then, uh, the kids, you know, they will perform a concert with the music teacher and then I will do the nativity play. And I would have like come in and up the last two years we want, you know, hosted because of COVID. But I would have like, you know, uh, local, uh, business shops who will donate, uh, local gifts for the kids at our Christmas party, chocolate term, Campbell, light, little Caesars save on food, Canadian tire, dairy queen, and so much love and all like the local businesses, you know, they really know. I mean, and I'm in support and, you know, and, uh, give kids gifts. That is, I think something I find very unique and beautiful about our community.
Speaker 0 00:12:47 Very cool.
Speaker 8 00:12:48 And your final question, what is one thing about Fort McMurry that reminds you of where you're from?
Speaker 6 00:12:55 Reminds me of that right from, uh, it's I think a people it's the people, they are very generous and, uh, uh, very kind and, um, are very helpful and support each other, you know, and families here in RCT. I think that is, yeah.
Speaker 8 00:13:13 Okay. And those have been your five questions.
Speaker 0 00:13:15 Good question center. Thank you. Big shout out to Napa for sponsoring that segment. We do appreciate it. Now you were saying the food surprised you when you came to Canada. What about the food was surprising in regards to north American Canadian type food?
Speaker 6 00:13:31 Uh, number one, I was very fascinated with Tim Horton's
Speaker 6 00:13:39 I was like, no, like, I mean, of course the donuts. Yeah. I knew what, like, you know, looking at the little team pants, I was like, what's that
Speaker 6 00:13:48 And then the second one is the pool team.
Speaker 0 00:13:51 Right.
Speaker 6 00:13:52 You get through the code blue cheese on the gravy and I'm like, what's sad. Like you get to know me. Do
Speaker 8 00:14:00 You like it?
Speaker 6 00:14:01 Yes, yes, yes. But off course, like I love enjoying spicy food. Right. You know? So you wouldn't be the Putin. I'd be like, you know, put hot sauce.
Speaker 0 00:14:11 That's a nice addition. Why have I never thought about that?
Speaker 8 00:14:15 I never thought about that.
Speaker 0 00:14:16 No, I've never put hot sauce.
Speaker 6 00:14:20 It's so good.
Speaker 0 00:14:20 Yeah, I do.
Speaker 8 00:14:21 I'm a little surprised honestly. Well, I just thought you were a poutine purist.
Speaker 0 00:14:26 I am a poutine purist. Right. So myself and Tanner, the last two years, we've had, um, big brothers, big sisters, their event. Um, they have had poutine weeks, so we've went and we've tried a bunch of poutines. Um, now I just like normal poutine, like all the additions. I'm not into it, but I would be into mixing it up and putting some hot sauce in a poutine.
Speaker 6 00:14:48 It's so good. You need to try it?
Speaker 0 00:14:50 I will try. Okay. Yeah. The, um, the donuts are interesting. Like the, the love that this country has for Tim Horton's in particular is nuts. Yeah.
Speaker 8 00:15:00 I think, uh, I think the love for it, his died down just a little bit.
Speaker 0 00:15:05 Why do you think that?
Speaker 8 00:15:06 Because Dunkin donuts bought Tim Horton's I think, or American company bought
Speaker 0 00:15:11 American company bought Tim Horton's a while ago, but I think a Brazilian company
Speaker 8 00:15:15 And they, they could, they, cause they got rid of their Arabica beans or whatever it is. Like everybody loves so much. And that's why everybody's on like the McDonald's wave now.
Speaker 0 00:15:23 Nice. Well, fair enough. So tell me about your home country. I don't know anything about it, literally. Nothing about your home.
Speaker 6 00:15:30 It's beautiful. It's I call like it's, uh, it's island. So it's a little small little island close to India. I mean, back in the days it's called like, you know, the pull of the Indian ocean back in the day, it's called Ceylon and now it's, uh, Sri Lanka. Right? So, uh, yeah. I mean also like the beautiful and you know, from mountains to, uh, water rivers and you know, waterfalls and you know, it's, it's beautiful. It's beautiful.
Speaker 0 00:16:00 And since you've immigrated to Canada, have you had a chance prior to COVID obviously it's like go back and visit.
Speaker 6 00:16:06 Yes. Yes. We went back in 2009. Yeah. When my daughter was four years old, hopefully we are planning to make a trip in all this year.
Speaker 0 00:16:16 Yeah. Cause your son hasn't seen no. No. So that'd be a nice experience. I know my parents used to take me when I was younger to south America where they're from and it was such a culture shock. Um, cause you just, Canada is very different from the rest of the world. And I found like most individuals like may travel to different provinces or towns in Canada or maybe to the United States. But then when you get to like leave north America and see how other people live and how they interact, day-to-day it's a huge, I mean
Speaker 6 00:16:46 It's like cultural wise, you know, Wayne, everything. I would find it totally different. It's comparing, you know, to, you know, I mean, not countries like this and you know, Asian countries.
Speaker 0 00:16:56 Yeah, that's right. That's right. So, um, listen, I know we're coming to the end of the show. 20 minutes flies. I know you're a little bit nervous. You killed it. You did a great job. Uh, but before I cut you loose, um, everybody gets a shameless shout out or plug. So you got the mic, the camera and lights. I have fun. So it's yours. Oh, shameless shout out or plug. That means you got to, um, say thank you to somebody or give acknowledgement at the end of the show. We're plug, um, maybe your business. So the microphones on you.
Speaker 6 00:17:27 Yes. So I would like to, uh, first, uh, thank my family and especially my husband. He is my biggest supporter. My backbone. He has helped me through all these, you know, 16 years, you know, with my day warm. And also he is also involved in it. And of course in my two kids, my daughter and my son, and then, uh, my church, like I remember when we came, like we plugged into, we needed to go to a church. And uh, the first church we went to the 40 day church and we have since been there and I call it like that, my village, like they helped me in all to raise my kid two kids, you know? And of course, you know, we don't have family back here and you know, like they have become a family right now. And then 30 is my business, my table. And my parents like, oh, the, they have been always supporting and you know, encourage me. And even like, especially like I would have like special events every month.
Speaker 0 00:18:24 So
Speaker 6 00:18:24 We all just have parties. I taught him a pot to go. So like, you know, what can we do? You know, how can we help you? You know? So yeah. Big shout out for all of them. Yeah.
Speaker 0 00:18:36 That's perfect. There you go. Big brownie points to the husband and to pastor Doug, we had them on the show just a little while ago. So there we go. Well, listen, thank you very much for coming today. Do you appreciate it? Anytime you want to come back, please feel free to be a recurring guest. We'd love to have you again and again and again.
Speaker 6 00:18:52 Thank you for having me. You're
Speaker 0 00:18:54 More than welcome. Well, Fort McMurray wood Buffalo. That's been another episode of the Mac city morning show. So thank you very much for tuning in. It does mean the world to me and shout out to our sponsors title sponsor, neuronal Toyota and for the maxi minute sponsor and Napa, we really do appreciate your help. Really do appreciate your help. Sorry, keeping on the lights and keeping Tanner sitting behind that computer there. So thank you very much for your ongoing support with sponsoring the show. Other than that, I hope everybody's having a great day and we'll see you tomorrow. Hate,
Speaker 9 00:19:24 Uh, Dalio Wade. And another morning show later by us.
Speaker 10 00:19:33 You
Speaker 11 00:19:41 Talk about quenching your ugly thirst.
