The value of something is based on what someone is willing to pay, it is said. For me, the value of the things in my home is in the sentiment, the memories, the joy they bring. Part of my decision to apply for a homestay student (did it today) was that I was gifted with my Great Aunt Ollie’s bedroom set. Roger, Golan, Lukas and Sawyer took me to pick the pieces up in Kimberley and we had a nice visit. They have scratches and wear but bring me joy and will always remind me of my Auntie. The younger boys had fun exploring the property and thought the root cellar, or bunker as Lukas called it, was pretty cool, literally.
There are a lot of deer around these days but I had to pull over and take a picture when I saw this wee herd in the sunset.
Today the full lineup for MusicFest came out when the poster was released on Facebook and then I received a picture of my coordinator pass to prove it was made and it couldn’t have made me happier.
Phew, that was a long busy day. And then I got home to check my mail and find a letter from the government. Apparently when you turn 59 they let you know your pension options. Clearly I will be working until I am 70 so no rush there…
I worry that I am letting people down. It seems I am falling behind in the check in with friends and family who are going through a lot right now. I want to be there for all of them but only have so much time and energy. I believe they know I love and care but I have been shown so much love I just want to respond in kind. It just seems like so many are having surgeries, relationship issues, illnesses and stress. I shall continue to do my best, it’s all I got.
I worry most at the moment about my poor daughter who has found out today her deep tiredness and lethargy are from long Covid. This of course means I need to be cautious who I visit and won’t be able to visit my cousin Donna recovering from surgery in hospital. I promised to make her soup when she gets home as she has done for me.
I have been asked by the coordinator at the college if I would apply to be a home stay host next fall. I decided today that I will give up my room and move to the den and see if a match can be found. The more I thought about it I realized it would be a good mortgage helper and it would be healthy for me to have a roommate for a bit, especially if it pays down debt so I can travel in the future. If anything the last two years has shown it is that I can handle anything for a duration. I am going to apply tomorrow and ask for an early interview. Once they see my space and determine it will work, I will begin the purge and sort with a plan to paint the room and mount the TV on the wall, etc. To get ready. That way if it doesn’t work out, I will have my bedroom done the way I wanted it anyway.
It is good to have something to look forward to. I already have two Airbnb bookings so far as well. I will have to get it all set up when we return from Drumheller.
I was blessed by my volunteer experience tonight getting to see and meet a truly gifted individual. I am left with such good feels and much desire to read and hear more. Yes, I bought two of his books.. please enjoy this
I woke up at 3:15 am and had fitful sleep for the rest of the night. When I was finally ready to get up for work, my right lower front and back quadrant really hurt. It was painful to the touch and moving around was awkward and pain filled. I met Galen and Doug at the theatre with my car full and let them unload it, then it was off to a very full day at the office. I spent half of it on paid and half on volunteer work. My back was aching sitting at my desk so Keri went into Sean’s office (he’s away on a work trip) and borrowed his vibrating obusform, Cindy gave me robaxacet and I was good to stay and work. I got up as often as I could to walk around and stretch and by the time I got home I was feeling slightly better although I have spent the evening with a heating pad on it. My hands are also bruised. I think it all happened when the wind took control while we were taking down one of the circus style tents on Saturday. I was supporting the centre pole and didn’t want to drop it. I wasn’t thinking about my surgery and recovery and that I hadn’t done much for the last 5 weeks. I had a good laugh today when my Linda in the UK sent me a message she saw that she knew would make me laugh and I replied with a photo saying I was feeling fiery hot and maybe I need my chimney swept. It is fun to giggle across the miles.
I connected today in a major way with my first best friend, making plans to girl trip together to fill in the missing years. It seems our brains have experienced similar things through the years. I can’t explain how important it is to me to reconnect with Kelly. She was the first non related person who just loved me for me and vice versa. I look forward to making a real plan and following through, it would be a blessing to have that close relationship again.
Is it just me or does Marg look like she is doing the sprinkler???
Every day arrives with baggage. One can feel all the feels, or acknowledge them and not let them overwhelm. I choose to acknowledge, to realize and to live in the moment that is this day and all that it brings. Today is the 18th anniversary of my father crashing his plane and leaving us but by now I am am able to sit in the sad of losing him and remember all that he taught me, genetically left me and soak up the gratitude of being his legacy. That does carry weight. But it also carries the joy, this Mother’s Day of my legacy. I have three amazing humans on this planet who move me in a way no one else can. I was treated to messages and phone calls today that fill my tank. As I putted through my day of chores and relaxing I received lovely messages from each of my progeny and even a lovely text from my Grandson, Gene who bears the name of my Dad. I had a call from Jake that left me very connected and laughing. We got talking about the genetic possibilities and I was left in laughter when he said, “ so we only have mental health issues carried down which means we will live a long time but be really sad about it.” He may have hit the nail on the head but really we can only laugh about it now.
I did enjoy spending time playing Lego this afternoon, building the Mandalorian and Grogu that my friends sent me for my birthday. It was a nice thing to do after cooking up a meal for the next couple days.
I reached out to my friend who works with the homeless in town to find out where to drop off the cookies from yesterday and went to drop them off at the hotel housing the homeless in town as there are many Moms and everyone had a Mom. They were very grateful to get them and I am thankful for being able to make that happen.
Dinner was at Rae-Anne and Rogers, shopped and cooked for by Bill and Roger. The brought Rogers mom From the home she is in for dinner as well and it was bitter sweet as we know that tomorrow she will be told she is moving to the Green home where her husband is because her mental issues have made it that she cannot stay where she is any longer. It will be a big and stressful change for her. While we were all visiting, Chevelle, the lovely young daughter of the friends next door brought over flower baskets that she made at school as gifts. She was sad because the deer got to them but I told her it would be a surprise what colour the flowers would be when they bloomed again.
Bill didn’t realize ahead of time it was the anniversary of Dad’s death but he did remember once he became aware that I like to have a scotch on that day so he went home and got his good scotch and set it up for us. It was lovely to share that tradition with the family.
Lukas had fun with my phone
Once most had left or gone to bed, Roger lit a fire and we sat outside and payed Rummikube with Aymo, who of course won the first game he has ever played. The students have agreed to come on our trip to Drumheller on the long weekend and we are all looking forward to it.
Up early and picked up by Danika to buy breakfast for her and the girls at Denny’s. Emmy was quite chuffed that she brought me a gift of pottery pieces she had picked out that “Only cost $5!!”. They are very cute. We had a nice visit and called my Mom to wish her a Happy Birthday. Gwen is a little sweetie as well, nice to have a bonus grandchild. I got a weird text after we left.
When we were done, they dropped me at home to get my car and I headed to Rotary Park to take in the seasons first Farmers Market and Kootenay Childrens Festival. I wandered the market and ran into a few friends I haven’t seen in a very long time. Eventually I found Rae, Roger and the three youngest who were being followed around by a camera and film guy for documenting the Festival which was kind of cool. I found Danika and the girls in the Face-painting line which was very long but thankfully near the playground. We made it under the tent with Emmy in the chair just as the hailstorm began. Fortunately it turned to rain and then dissipated fairly quickly.
From there it was off for crazy hair with Sawyer and Will.
I then left them to start my volunteering time and spent time setting up the Merch Tent for Fred Penner. He and his road manager, Dave were very organized and I sold a ton of stuff for them. I did buy a t-shirt which Fred signed for me after the show. It really is powerful to see the response to him. Kids from 2-82 were giddy in his presence, singing along and dancing. He took time to sign books and posters and CDs and even hats. We had a nice chat about the fact he won’t get a chance to fit into the lineup at MusicFest this year but that I will see him there, visiting backstage and enjoying the shows.
It was herring weather all day, changing every time you turned around. We managed to get good and wet taking down all the tents and then dry out again loading cars and taking everything away. I currently have a car with 8 8’ tables, 4 stools and other bits in it to be dropped at Key City Theatre on Monday morning. I also brought home 3 totes of leftover cookies made by the college to put in bags and deliver to Street Angels Monday morning. I am glad that is what they choose to do with the leftover food. Unfortunately I didn’t drink enough water today and am dehydrated leaving me with sore lips and a headache. I have spent the evening chilling from a very full day. I am grateful for the network I have that allows me to be involved in such a fun activity that provided joy to so many.
hey Mom, I am making friends! Seriously, today was extraordinary. I have had so many deep and meaningful conversations I can’t even tell you! from clients who appreciate what I am doing to help them show the government how much they contribute to our country so they can stay and thrive (spoiled me with one of their great products), to a heartfelt conversation with a fellow board member who understands that we don’t always agree but we always support and care about each other, to great chats with other organizational members that feel real and not forced, to being brave enough to ‘refriend’ a person who hurt me in the past and both of us realizing we miss our friendship and want to put it all in the past, to a casual friend asking to hang out in the future because we are learning we enjoy each other’s company. These are all things that seemed so impossible not so long ago, I honestly feel that letting go and being open to all is the secret. I am manifesting all positives in my relationships and the universe is providing in abundance. All in the same day… so much love. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I probably should flag this post somehow so I can come back and reread it when I think I am alone in this world. I mean, I know you are out there reading and observing the ups and downs that are the life I lead, you see the cycling. I am aware that I am a study in contradictions but I have to be aware that just because my perception of relationships or lack there of changes, it doesn’t always mean others have left me, in fact, I may have pushed them away, for now. For now I am embracing all the good in this day and looking forward to tomorrow.
Today was super productive at the office and I enjoyed getting invited to join a small group over a beverage for Cinco de Mayo. It was pretty tasty. I worked for a bit more before coming home to make dinner and head to the Theatre where I had promised to tend the concession for this evenings show. It was nice to do that for the first time at our theatre and I liked the chats with patrons and other volunteers. I came to realize that I need to get the tech equipment inventory done as some things are not known to those who need to know. It is raining harder now and it is good for the yard and the cisterns, helping to keep the fire season from starting early. It looks like it will do that for a week though which would be a shame for the Children’s Festival on Saturday. I hope there is a break in the weather for it.
I admit my day was stressed by the fact that my gmail (work) accounts would not download into my outlook so I was only able to read and answer on my phone or on the gmail website. Problem is that all email goes into a folder designated for that client. I don’t want to miss anything. I am still trying to solve it or find an easy work around. I had to send a meeting link to the desktop computer of a client to be able to attend at 10 am.
At 11:20 I went to the sleep clinic for a telehealth appointment to check in as a follow up from my sleep overs last summer. The Dr was lovely and he assured me that I could safely go a night or two without my machine. The negative part would be sleep deprivation which causes lack of energy, loss of mental acuity, etc. As I get very sleep deprived at MusicFest, I doubt I will notice and now I can camp without power safely.
Back to the office to spend the rest of the day on one file. I took small breaks and at one point was able to tell the woman who asked me a question yesterday how much it meant to me. I was wearing my Spring day outfit and she asked if I felt pretty because I should. What a great compliment. It really is a great way to lift someone up and it was still on my mind today so I thanked her. Women need to do more of that.
Sweet me at 2 or 3
Dinner was decent today, not my favourite but will be good for lunch tomorrow. My new ring arrived today and I love it more than I thought I would. My jeep grill with my birthstone headlights!
This morning was cold, even my car warned of ice. The forecast was old though so it was time to break out the sundress and flats. It turned out to be a beautiful day with much accomplished. I had to drop off my car to get the tire sensors fixed so I was at the office early. I was able to get a great deal done and even had time for a piece of cake for a clients birthday. I got my car back and was unhappy to see a big scratch along the passenger side. I can’t prove it happened there but it makes me very sad.
After work I was invited over to the neighbour’s for a beer and a visit before Steph showed up for a couple hours sitting outside enjoying a bottle of Prosecco and talk about the upcoming auditions. She is a very educated theatre person and I was grateful to have the feedback and encouragement. She asked all the right questions and acknowledged the direction I am thinking of for the homework beforehand. We both agreed that I need to go for it with everything and protect myself should I not succeed. I think I have my alternative plan and will be good, regardless. I feel really good being excited about the possibility of being on stage again.
Part of my Noom course today was taking a love language test and I am not surprised that it is a near tie between Acts of Service and Words of Affirmation.
The day was long and productive. I received a text invitation to come to my deceased Great Auntie’s for a glass of wine and visit after dinner. I picked up my cousin Donna and off we went to visit with her sister Jeanne and their and my great uncle Lawrence who lives in the house. They are clearing out things before their brother Dan moves in and wanted to know if I was interested in a few things. My place is small but there was a vintage bedroom set I am interested in, I just have to plot out my space to see if it will fit. We too measurements and I will make a plan tomorrow. Every time I see a vanity set I think of my friend Jackie who sat at hers every morning to do her hair. I think I will work hard to find a spot for it.
The mountains were stunning in the twilight coming back from Kimberley. This is truly a beautiful area of the province. All in all it was a delightful evening and a wonderful end to the first Monday in May.
It’s hard to know when someone moves away if you will see them again. I think in my life I have always said goodbye with the thought in my head that it was just ‘for now’. Too many times life has made it so only looking back was left. Today I did some chores and then got ready and headed to the Firehall. There was supposed to be a BBQ here later but many things changed and spontaneously the plan became lunch with just four of us to say goodbye to Varghese. It was lovely to get to chat with Lynda and Melisa. We all worked together at a Firm a few years back and three of us left for other places. Yesterday was his turn to go and he is off on big adventures. First stop will be home to India to see his family as it has been 3 years. He does have plans to come back to Canada as he has his permanent residency but I would be surprised if it was to Cranbrook. At 30 years old he has so many options and I was interested to hear that he never wants to work in accounting again. I look forward to hearing of his adventures and want to trust I will hear from him and hopefully see him again.
Once I got home I went for a good long walk with Tracy and then we sat in the backyard having a beer and a chat. The temperature was perfect and no wind for a change. She got cold though, and I came in to make dinner. The meal of two huge servings means I will have to enjoy the rest tomorrow. I admit I binge watched the rest of The Flight Attendant that is available so far. Now I must get off to bed as tomorrow is a busy day again.
Started my day with a message to my cousin Debbi for her birthday and the off to get a tattoo to memorialize her sister. Kelly was murdered by her husband and the loss was huge. Debbi has a tattoo of a traditional style dragonfly with Free Spirit and the words Free Spirit with Kelly’s initials. I now have my version! I added splotches of colour as Kelly always wore neon if she had the choice. It was a running laugh in the family. Kimberly of The Tattooed Unicorn did a fantastic job. I love it.
After that I wandered the mall, picked up some frames at Winners and hung the card from Debbi as well as one from the Hearndens.
The evening was a good meal and a long bath watching more episodes of Better Call Saul. I have also started watching The Flight Attendant which is very unusual. I have to see it through to the end now.
I got sad news that a previous beau passed away. We had fun oh so many years ago. RIP dear Tony.
triumphgal 