My friend posted in WhatsApp ‘ Oh how would derf that you got away for a bit! ‘ I don’t know why it hits my funny bone just right, rather than wonderful I shall enjoy that new term. And today was a would derf day. I concentrated on getting many things done for Monday in case I have a reaction to my vaccine tomorrow. I discovered a tax calculation error for a new client and we set to making it right. I like to be bullet proof for audits so I only record what I know to be true and can prove if asked. Today I also dealt with two personal tax reviews and had no problem backing up my entries. I took time to just enjoy and mingle a bit in the co-work space as well. Once I was done the day I dropped off a card in the mail, a puzzle to Rae and Sean’s stolen rainbow balloon to Emmy who LOVED it. I then headed to do one last mystery shop and was stunned to experience the ultimate stereotype Albertan in the store. He was arrogant and rude and belittling and I wished I wasn’t working or I would have given him a piece of my mind. Instead I built up the two young men working there and complimented them on their calm handling of it all. I had my first Hello Fresh order in the car and finally got home to unpack it and make dinner. I must admit I enjoyed the whole process. It was like being back at my restaurant, prepping and creating deliciousness. I had three meals in the box, each in it’s own bag on top of cardboard with the meat next on top of ice packs. They threw in a gift of two Strawberry Perrier to try. I had ordered one meatless meal and decided to make it as I was eating so late. It was Mushroom melts on ciabatta buns, two of my favourite things. There was tomato jam which was not the best for my system but delicious going down! I even made sweet potato fries in the oven. All in all I wished I had had someone to share it with but I won’t mind having the second serving tomorrow. I was busy chatting with Rae who had had a terrible reaction to her vaccine but is feeling better now, when I saw subtitles on the TV from a show that was just happening in the back ground and it made me laugh. I also couldn’t believe what I was reading on CBC. Turns out it was ‘Bon Cop, Bad Cop 2’
It was a very full day again, much was accomplished but by the time I made it to my naturopath appointment I was a bit of a mess. Dr. Lisa agreed I need to go back on my medication and we will slowly work at desensitizing me to the foods causing gut issues which in turn cause inflammation. I have had a hard time the last few days as I am right back where I started in 2015. I have the left ear ache again that is tied to my heartburn. Sigh..
Came home and concocted the spray bottle of vinegar, Epsom salts and dish soap that Julie had suggested last year, and so did many of my hive. Sprayed the weeds out front and we shall see how it works. It is supposed to be a warmer day tomorrow so that should also assist.
While I was at work I received an email that my pergola I ordered had been delivered. It was leaning against the front of my house but the box has some damage and I hope it is ok. I was not feeling well enough to deal with it so I managed to bring it in and lean it in the yard. I got the lawnmower running but it seems to be puking oil. I am hoping it is nothing serious but will take it to the repair shop tomorrow if possible. I need to mow before the pergola goes up.
Came in and grilled 14.61 worth of Wagyu sandwich steak which I cut some of into strips and had with sautéed veg and leftover rice. It was hard to swallow but tasted so good it was just what I needed. And there are plenty of leftovers. I would cook it a little less next time. It was more than done at only 4 minutes in the Foreman style grill.
Today had a rough spot as I had to let someone know they had dropped the ball. I immediately felt like they were throwing me under the bus. I was assertive and placed no blame, just presented facts. Then crickets… I am sure that is what caused some of my inflammation as it is brought on by stress. I did ask Dr. Lisa to test marijuana to see if I have a reaction but I do not so I am going to take a gel cap and have a good sleep tonight. The last few have been riddled with nightmares and workmares. Tomorrow will be fresh and fulfilling, as I intend to manifest it.
Treadmill, shower, makeup, feed George, feed Missy, mist the stick colony, pick up CCT coroplast sign, grab soup and sandwich for lunch at Max’s, decide co-workers need cinnamon buns from Max’s, read through and triage 3 days worth of email (over 150), upload audit info, relearn Payworks payroll system, have photo taken for paper promo for theatre, enjoy delicious soup and sandwich, do some training on Sage, prep work load spreadsheet for the rest of the month, call Mabel for advice on Payworks (which I originally trained her in), have a lovely long conversation with my dear friend Mabel who I have not seen since beginning of December 2019, receive call from dear Jenny in Bella Bella who needed me to send her my email so she could send me a picture of her blooming Rhodo, finish one payroll for the first time, do HAPPY Dance, file PST, leave work at a decent time (6), drop off sign at theatre, drop off Diane’s dishes from our trip, drop off puzzle for Rae to do, have quick yard visit with Rae, Gene and Ashlée, home with a container of special ‘Hot Mess’ dinner Roger made (Uber delicious), picked up junk mail, watered garden, felt chuffed as things are coming up, put a call out to the FaceBook hive to see best method for getting rid of plants that are ruining driveway (boiling water and vinegar), fed George, misted Colony, played cat door in and out game for the evening, worked on Star Trek puzzle, watched shows (cried over The Good Doctor).
The best thing of all is I watched my Facebook stream fill up with reports of my family and friends getting their vaccinations. Roger was today and Rae tomorrow!! Mine is Thursday and so many others that it gives a tremendous sense of hope. I long to flick the hug switch in my brain again. It has been so difficult to FEEL when someone needs one and not respond, to hold back the life sustaining energy of a good and honest hug.
Oh, yeah and apparently I have trained Missy to say please when she wants out. She meows to go out. I go to the door and ask, “What do you say?” And she lets out a soft mew in response.
I woke up this morning remembering a funny moment from last night when we were watching the movie and they were at the St Louis Arch. I said, “Hey I’ve been to the top of there!”, to which nearly 14 year old Gene replied that Père had been too. I laughed and said yes we were there together. We had a good laugh that he forgot we had been married.
I spent most of my day intermittently doing chores, puzzling and watching my stored episodes of Saturday Night Live. Last night’s was epic with Elon Musk and Miley Cyrus. They were both great and I always love the Mother’s Day episode when we get to see the cast with their Mom’s. It was nice to have the tradition back this year. I do have a crush on Miley. I just think she is talented and brave and authentic. Her voice is uniquely recognizable as well. Elon was most entertaining right from the monologue onwards. He told the world he has Aspergers Syndrome and he was adorable with his awkward Mom. What an incredible mind.
I am ever so grateful I made the choice to filter my whole house water supply when I see what a difference the in is to the out…
Between chores I began one of the puzzles Rae leant me and I am quite enjoying it. I am making it last longer by not looking at the picture on the box. It has tiny pieces and all sort of shapes. It also has a different picture on each side. I do like it.
Around 4:30 Danika brought Emmy over with a picture she’d made her mom draw and a pinecone. She gave me a hug around the neck and didn’t let go for a long time. As they were leaving she turned and said, “ Happy Nana’s Day!” It was just what I needed. Her Dad called me a little later and we had a good long catch up about his upcoming move closer to his job, how well it is going and the hope that he will next be up for Father’s Day. I can’t measure the gratitude I have to hear the joy in his voice. We were talking about which of the three of them is like me and he broke in to say all three of them had good parts of me. Genetics truly are amazing. It has been a wonderful weekend to fill my tank back up!
The rest of the evening involved me making a nice dinner, watching my shows and continuing to enjoy my puzzle. Gene called to tell me he loved me and wish me a happy Mother’s Day, and to let me know they were disappointed I wasn’t there when they woke up. I told him I would have a sleep over after I get my shot. That is happening this week! Yay! He’s a good boy. A teenager, for sure, but a good boy. He reminds me a lot of Jake at that age.
Today I awoke fully aware that on this exact day, a Saturday in May, sandwiched between my Mom’s birthday and Mother’s Day, the sole remaining member of my ‘core’ family crashed his float plane and died. What I have come to realize over time is that family has a deeper meaning than DNA connections. My ‘Mom’ who’s birthday was yesterday day is the extraordinary woman who took on the raising of a 2 year old Aries child. She married the man who set the standard in my life for adventure and huggery. My Dad taught me to laugh and love and work and hug with deep passion. Whether it was genes or environment one can only look at our lives led to see that I am his daughter. We approached it differently but both sought to get the most out of this life leant to us. I wonder often if it is due to the losses suffered.. the death of my mom and sister impacted both of our lives, his to process and stow away the pain and move on, mine to experience and not process until I was much older. On this day I honour his life and am grateful to be here and his daughter. I wish I could hug my (half) (FULL) brother and share the moment we are both experiencing in these remembery days. Even my ‘Mom’ (MOM) texted today to see if I had toasted my Dad with a scotch yet as is my custom.
I pushed all of this aside to go to the theatre today and strip the tech booth. Amy had asked Sanjay to join us to do the strike and catalogue. he requested we meet at 10:30 so he could be there but never did show up or let us know why and that is the rub right there. If you forgot and made another plan, just acknowledge it, don’t leave us hanging. As it was the two of us were there for 3 hours and got it all done, worked well together and learned more about each other. I was grateful for that time, masked and distant, getting it done. I created a system to label all cords so as to put it all back together and it seems to have worked well. Amy and I had some great conversations and got to know each better. She is new to the board and directing the show that will occur first when we reopen. We share the same frustration with many things and yearn to just make art on stage. I am in her debt for showing up and assisting, we got soooo much done.
I must admit I had a moment that left my younger self thrilled. We were talking about neither of us being techies and I laughed that I was, once upon a time, having run sound for ‘The Belle of Amherst” at Granville Island’s Arts Club. It was part of my training at Studio 58, Langara. I was the youngest person accepted there and parts of me regret only doing half my degree. I would not have the huge family that I do now though if I hadn’t met Bill and decided not to go back so that is the way. It was then that she told me she did not know I had gone to theatre school and had auditioned twice for that school as it was her dream to go there but she didn’t get in. I wish I had thought to say it must have been a very competitive year. I wanted to make her feel better but my brain was not there, I just let it ride and later realized what a compliment that was. I went to her dream school.
When I left the theatre I stopped to see Rae-Anne and we sat out int he yard and had a good visit. she gave me a huge stack of puzzles to do that are her favorites, based on the promise I give them back. She also gave me a puzzle she got at a garage sale for the Girl Scouts, a lily plant, a wooden animal puzzle, a comedy book, and a KICKASS sticker for Mother’s Day. There was also a box of KD to prove that it has gone back to the original recipe as the last couple times I have had it, I was not impressed… Rae is very good at thoughtful gifts. Jake has sent something in the mail and Ashlée has a plan for us next Friday night that I look forward to.
Rae, Sawyer and I walked down to Pharmasave on Baker and then over to the Mission Thrift store which I had not been in before and it was wonderful. Such good prices! Was fun to hang with them and she wanted to go to have something to eat on a patio but I am still not up for that so I said no and came home. I thoroughly enjoyed my leftovers from Diane. It wasn’t long before Roger got home from getting wood and called to see if I would like to come over and watch a movie with the family and have our traditional scotch together in honour of my Dad. I was picked up so I wouldn’t have to worry about driving home. We had such a great evening. It is the first time in 14.5 months that I have sat on the couch between my family and watched a movie, 6 on the couch and one on the floor curled up with the dog on his bed. There were bevies, and popcorn and cuddles and a fabulous movie, The Mitchells and the Machines. Highly recommend it!!!
Sawyer asked if I would come put them to bed and I did. With such pride I learned the boys listen to the Vinyl Café with Stuart McLean to fall asleep. Apparently the 3 oldest love it but Sawyer, at 6, is not as interested. It makes me so happy to share this love with them.
Once the boys were settled I joined Rae and Rog to play Mario Cart on XBox. Holy crow, has that game improved, I had so much fun! We played a few rounds and then decided Rae would drive me as she had skipped the margarita round. I mentioned I was interested in the stick bugs and ended up coming home with them. Rae thinks there are around 75 of them! I think I will find a nice tank for them and take them to the office. They should keep everyone entertained.
This was a lovely Mother’s Day in advance as I finally got to feel normal with the loves of my life, the next two generations
Today started with messages to the special people in my life who were celebrating birthdays including my Mom who turned 80 today. I the picked up Diane and we headed off on another round of Mystery shopping. Today’s route took me all the way to Golden and then I hit up 5 gas stations on the way back. They were for 3 different companies and it was interesting how similar and yet how different each was. The weather was ever changing, including rain so hard I couldn’t hear myself think and wind. There were deer and mountain sheep and goats and osprey and geese and bear warnings although none were seen. Diane, who is very gifted in the kitchen, made us delicious food. I felt spoiled! Glad there are leftovers for tomorrow. The new round about in Radium is something else. Traffic was heavy as the Trans Canada is rerouted at the moment. I don’t like to be Provincial and judgy but the only vehicles that raced up to ride my ass and then pass me in not always the best part didn’t have front license plates… they are mandated in BC..
On the way up to Golden we passed a smoldering semi trailer in a rest stop but there was no opportunity to stop and gawk so we watched for it on our way south, hours later. There were still active flames and no one around! I guess no one is worried about forest fires. Pulled over to take pics to discover it was full of canned cat food, Friskies and Fancy Feast. There must have been some big flames as it was melted.
In Canal Flats we stopped at the store front for J2 Ranch to buy meat. Diane had bought there before and I decided to give the Wagyu Beef and the Bison a try. The lady was delightful and stayed over hours to serve us as well as racing up to the ranch to pick up some more ground for Diane and meeting us at a pull out. Love love love small towns.
All in all a lovely but tiring day as I don’t drive big highway distances much anymore and I don’t spend time with people that much and I had to act to do my job all day while remembering so many details. That is a lot for this old brain, lol.
Today was pretty awesome, I got a lot done, had a great visit with Stacey when she brought her info to drop off and I sent her home with trial bevies I bottled. We made a plan to bottle together at the end of May. She took home the bottles I got free from the you brew and will soak them to get the labels off. I will then go there and we will sanitize them together. The weather was spectacular today, showing 25 when I left the office before 4.
I went to the theatre to put on the stage lighting for the dance group. We played with some colours and got the stage ready for the young dancers to have their performances recorded. I feel sorry for them as they usually get to have a crazy loud crowd and so much attention for year end. I realized this would be the last time anyone would be using the booth as it is currently. On Saturday we will begin stripping it for renovations. I took a bunch of pictures as it is where memories have been made but I also can’t wait for the new command centre. Thanks to a grant from Columbia Basin Trust we will be getting some new equipment as well.
While I was there I got a text from my newest client that she was leaving Fernie and could she drop off her paperwork. As we had not met together yet, I offered to meet her when she got to town. It was perfect timing for me to drive thru Wendy’s for a salad and enjoy it at the GroundFloor while I waited. Laurie and I ended up having a lovely long chat about many things including the people we both know. I am so happy to be part of team EON.
Came home for a while and watered my outdoor plants which were showing signs of being out in the hot dry sun today. Pretty impressed with how many are already coming back from last year. I will have to get my lawnmower fixed soon! The grass is getting too long already. I can’t wait for my gazebo to arrive. Was working on my puzzle which I was ready to give up on due to the fact more than one piece could fit in the same spot when I got a text that they were done at the theatre. I hopped in the car and went to shut it all down.. for the last time, that way. You see part of the uniqueness of our system is the fact we have ‘Frankenstein’ switches to throw to turn on and off the power supply. All of that is being removed and replaced in this redo. It was not without a moment of pause that I threw the switches for the last time. It is a silly thing to get emotional about, change is definitely good but theatres have a certain cachet, a sense of history and continuity in a community. I am proud to be a part of it all and am excited to design and set up the new booth. Soon I will get to go shopping for gear!!
I arrived home to spot a big fat bumble bee on my new lavender plant! So grateful for bee keepers.
Finished the damnable puzzle, with or without all pieces in the right place!
I know there are many people who recognize today as Cinqo de Mayo but it is also something much more serious and important – a Day to remember Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women. Red dresses were hung in honour. Something must continue to be done to prevent the terrible losses.
I spent 4 hours with the bookkeeper for a file I am taking over. It was truly enjoyable as she is as fun as she is smart. I was stressed about taking this one on but I can do it, one step at a time. The only problem was, I didn’t have breakfast and we weren’t done until nearly 3 when I could finally grab some food. My brain was beginning to check out by then. I had some leftover wonton and got back to work for a while. The others in my wing headed for a bevie on a patio together but I decided to pass as it is not my bubble group and I had much to do.
I picked up several cases of used wine bottles from Bill at Grapes and Suds. I need to soak the labels off them and sanitize them ready for bottling my next batches of hard lemonades. It was nice of him to let me have them. Will be a bit of work but free!
Got home at a decent time, made something to eat and attempted to finish the puzzle I am working on but honestly, it is so frustrating that I may decide to pack it in. Too many pieces fit this same and the details are so similar… if it causes stress, it needs to go…
I don’t know what caused it but I was up and done on the treadmill, showered and ready to head out by 8:15 which meant I was waiting to turn left to work when I saw my grandsons walking towards me. I pulled through the intersection and over to the curb by them. I grabbed my light saber shaped bbq tongs and leapt out of the car saying: “may the fourth be with you!” There was much glee and I took pics of and with them and their friend Aiden. Lukas was afraid they were going to be late and Sawyer wanted a ride the remaining 4ish blocks. It completely made my day as I embraced Star Wars Day. I was wearing my Star Wars shirt and lanyard and enjoying all the posts of my friends on Facebook. The Hearnden’s were especially entertaining as usual but I am envious of the fact they have been to the Star Wars experience in Disney World.
I was thrilled to get to have a good long visit with Ferdy Belland today. He is one of three owners restoring the Armond Theatre here in Cranbrook from a 1950s movie theatre to a decent sized performance venue, keeping the heritage aspects including the neon signs out front and the large Pepsi logo painted on the outside concrete wall. He was one of the original Board that created Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society and I needed him to sign over authorization for CRA for me. It was a 5 minute chore that ended up in and hour and a half, getting to know you. I only knew he is the Bass player for Bif Naked, his wife owns the local awesome bookstore, Huckleberry Books, and that he and she acted in the last play I worked. Now we both know much more about each other and our shared passions in this city. I finally had to kick him out so I could get some work done and go pick up a book I had ordered that had arrived at Cole’s in the mall. I have been looking forward to it as it was written by Max Baca, the soul of Los Texmaniacs. As soon as I learned of it, I ordered it and look forward, not only to reading it, but having him sign it when next we meet! While I was at the mall I ordered Wonton and had to wait 15 minutes as they make it fresh so I wandered in to The Source and had to buy the last remaining Chewie BopIt game that was there on sale. How could I resist?!
I enjoyed other moments of the day, like ordering a gift for my Mom and my dear friend and having them sent direct, enjoying the knowledge that I counted myself in on the 2021 Census, meeting with Maureen to clarify income streams for FPPAS, seeing TRAINS and being welcomed home by my cat who appears to watch for me to get home and then follows me like a puppy to go get the mail. All in all a glorious 4th!
Got up and exercised, took out all the garbage and got Sean’s birthday present ready. He is 50 today and the ladies he manages went all out. I think my favourite was the cake made of depends. They even got a second cake when the first one was too plain and not what they ordered. I got him a music quiz game and a mini record player, that actually played. I stopped for cake but I wished I hadn’t as my stomach reacted to it. Other than that I worked on payroll and remittances for most of the day.
I love my wee rose and it seems to love my window sill. it has 9 buds/flowers at the moment.
Came home at a decent time and pretty much ignored my phone. Made a little dinner, worked on my puzzle and watched my 90 day friends. Feel a little stuffy so I made a wee pot of tea and it was a package I have had for a while but just finally tried. The smell alone was heavenly. Off to bed, peopled out, tomorrow is another day.
I still find it slightly shocking that someone born in the seventies is 50……
Bill Gates is apparently on the market… I could do with a sugar daddy…
I did some chores over the course of the day, and finished the puzzle Ashlée leant me that I had given her for her birthday. I twas 90s icons and fun to do. Just as I was finishing Rae asked if today would be a good day to get my dining table back from them. I have been using the one that used to be Jackie’s but it isn’t very solidly put together and I do not want to glue it if I am going to refinish it or return it to Reid.
I decided it was still cool enough to go out and mow the lawn. I got all ready and then the mower wouldn’t start. The pull cord wouldn’t budge even a little bit so I will need to take it to the mower guy. Now that I was out enjoying the day I decided to start siding the shed. I spent time digging away from the side of it and planning then screwed two screws in to be holders and got the first piece in place. Fortunately I have a scoring blade in order to snap the hardi plank and the previous owner had left a bucket of screws that won’t rust. I still need to get some tin to keep animals out from under the shed and to create a rain lip at the top but it is coming along. It sure was a good deal to buy the material from a friend who is a contractor. I will have to go pick up the shingles he has for me as well so I can do the roof. I have been fortunate that it hasn’t leaked thus far!
I found it interesting how quickly a situation can be misunderstood. After I got the first piece up, I texted Rae a picture and asked if someone in their household could come hold the other ends so I could finish. Ashlée replied that she could come do it and would bring the table. We brought it in and then she seemed in a hurry to go and hadn’t understood I would need her for a bit. She helped me with 4 boards and then said she had to go and get Roger’s truck back. I was left feeling disappointed that she couldn’t have helped me with the one last one but I managed to get it on anyway. As I was hanging my clothes on the line I was mulling the fact that I have so many kids and grandkids and yet still end up doing things solo that are easier and faster with two. I then received a text from Ash that she had just made it in time to the drive-by baby shower she was going to. We had a good talk about that being the detail she had left out. If I had known she had plans at a set time I would have done things differently and not been sad.
Awoke to a text from a client which followed not long after by one from Diane R who wanted to know what time I wanted to leave to drive to Elkford for Mystery Shopping. She kindly agreed to join me in the adventure today and offered to make chicken wraps for lunch to bring along. That was the icing on the cake! I did my morning chores, showered and headed to the office to print the paperwork I needed before picking her up. We had a lovely drive up to Elkford, the furthest point I needed to get to today and then worked our way back down with stops in Starwood, Fernie and Jaffray, 6 jobs in total. It was nice to have company and it is so strange that we are so opposite in many ways and yet can adventure well together. We were just relaxed and enjoyed the journey, noticing elk and big horn sheep and geese and gophers along the way. I was blessed by meeting and appraising many wonderful and friendly Service people at all the gas stations. Once again Small Town BC rocks.
Incidentally, the lunch Diane prepared was way better than any take out we could have bought along the way!!!! I came home and watched The Leftovers as I finished my puzzle. The opening credit pictures move me every time. I also ate my smarties which came in a new strange shaped box. It bugged me.
Today was amazingly calm and I was able to take care of a lot of things off the list that were ultimately for next month. Everything that needed to be filed by today was done a couple days ago and today was gravy. I was able to spend time on volunteer work to get further along catching up the past. I had this moment when I suddenly realized I was now Jackie. I have moved to next level in my career, there is an innate sense of what feels right or wrong, what should be investigated further, and just what I know to be true. It feels good! I am being asked more and more to address things that are process and procedure related. Sometimes it seems obvious, other times involve research and discussion. In either case I appreciate being asked. At 3:30, my clients that work in the building were invited to join me for a mug of sparkling Rosé. It was the last of my Angel wines from the states. I chilled it all day and popped the cork to celebrate the end of my first tax season as a sole-proprietor, all on my own.
I came home after doing my billing for the month and made a curried chicken pizza and poured a Hendricks and Tonic. I do love that gin, because it is delicious but also because I was introduced to it when I took a hot air balloon ride in their sponsored balloon at the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. I felt so sad for my girls, they were on the way here to bring me treats to celebrate when the truck in front of them hit a dog that ran out in front of it. Apparently it was quite gruesome and the person who hit it was a young lady who is the daughter of Rae’s close friend. I do believe we are where we are supposed to be and that the young lay was supported because there were witnesses that vouched she could not have avoided it. Rae dropped off a care package of a puzzle to do, a pretzel made by a friend, more of Gene’s homemade Oreo and reusable straws that can go int eh dishwasher and have soft tops so my teeth don’t get annoyed. So thoughtful.
All in all, it has been a good day and it is the 6 month mark for my own business 100% of the time. I am succeeding at life. Remind me of that when I need it please!!!
triumphgal 