triumphgal

December 31, 2022

At the office early after my very good sleep that was busted by the alarm. Ran two payroll and then headed to Arby’s for a shift. Once I was done I was supposed to go to a client but he was not ready for me so I went back to the office to pick up a pay that one client had missed and then went there. I was there until 6 and then back to the office to keep working on it for another hour before heading to pick up Steph and go to our poker night at Landon’s. I was happy to be one of 30 invited and was really looking forward to it. I did well until the downstairs tables were amalgamated to our upstairs ones, leaving 14 of us. One of the people, whom I know well and doesn’t really know how to play just kept going all in without even looking at her cards because she wanted to leave. It threw off the whole game and when I had an Ace Queen suited, I finally went all in to call her and was beat by a straight. I was sad to be out but more so as it was due to the frustration of her game play. I should have just kept folding but the potential of doubling up was there. I did meet one of the other players, Shawna, and we sat on the couch and had a great get to know you. I hope to meet again.

My phone continues to bring me joy with the images it share. My eldest is my heart. She is brave and strong and caring. Her smile lights up a room and my heart

There were funny bird prints by my car today. Not sure what it was but it amused me with it’s wandering path around the parking lot

The sad part of the day was learning that I was fucking right again. I have a friend that the last three times I have seen him I have been struck by the knowledge that he is not well, that he is wasting away. I ask him how he is doing, gently comment on his weight loss and am told that he is just watching his diet. The problem is… I know sometimes when someone is going to die. It turns out he was just diagnosed with late stage, terminal pancreatic cancer. He has a young teen son and a lovely wife. My heart breaks for them. I hate being right in these cases.

December 29, 2022

It started with a manicure which I love and a good visit with Minh as he did it.

I walked across the mall to Northern Reflections as I noticed they had a 50 percent off sale and I was still seeking a new outerwear vest. I usually find it to be too old lady for me but there was one vest in my new size so I decided to get it. Just as I was heading to the till I see my cousin Donna approaching and we decided to try on clothes. I ended up getting three good quality shirts, a night shirt, my vest and two lotions for a 218 dollar saving, costing only 171! I talked her into getting a less large pair of shirts as we all default to how we think we are. The smaller sizes looked really flattering on her. After that we went and grabbed some lunch together which was very enjoyable.

Back to the office I went and didn’t leave again until well after 9 but I got a lot done ready for January 1st. Stacey stopped in and we had a great visit. She said the roads are very bad out her way and I am grateful she was in the big truck with a heavy load of tires so she would have better traction.

I was wonderfully surprised to find a gift from the UK on my doorstep when I returned home and am chuffed with the innards. A new mug, who doesn’t love a good pun?! Two gorgeous decorations, they know me so well. These will likely be hung all year, just need to find their perfect home. The magnet is from their trip to Svalbard, which has a fascinating history to it. Look it up, seriously!

I made stuffed mushrooms when I got home and enjoyed the even more as they were made from part of yesterday’s gift. It was a productive and relaxing day, all in all, a good one.

December 28, 2022

I had a toss and turn night exacerbated by the heat of an all too clingy cat. Missy curls up and snuggles and demands attention and pets since I got home from Christmas. I give in to her demands but also wish I could lock her out of my room for the night sometimes. She was supposed to be my standoffish cat!!

It had been super windy in the night apparently and the gang all look like they laughed themselves silly. Mr may even have peed a little given the colour of the cat

First stop of the day was the office to get payroll done, another one set up in QBO for a client and answer email before heading to a client for the afternoon. It seems the drain with a hose was a good idea as that is what I found when I got there.

Fortunately my last Christmas gift arrived and another worker brought it to me. It was the gloves I ordered for my neighbour and for Gene. Although they appear to be very good quality and both of them are happy with them, I sent a complaint to Wagjag that they are not as described. It clearly says, even in the fine print that they are rechargeable but they are in fact battery operated. 3 AA in each glove!

Before I left this morning, I asked Tracey if she would like to join me at Avatar: The Way of Water for the 4:45 show. I bought the tickets and snacks online. Right after that a shift came up at Arby’s but once again, this week, I was ok to say no, sorry, can’t do it. I am covering a shift on Friday though. Glad to, actually.

I went off to the client’s and got things ready to continue at the office tomorrow, then it was off to the Mall for a quick shop for a calendar, bras and underwear. I also like to scope out Christmas shirts for next year while they are on sale. Found a cute one, and one for a gift to put away. I got a new Banksy calendar to replace the one I have enjoyed this year. Tracey met me for the movie and I have to admit, I really enjoyed it. It was the 3D one and I felt so peaceful when I came out even though there were moments when I could hear my heart beating. I sure do love my Loops. There were predictable moments but I just loved being in the water world. The words they say to calm their breathing are the way experience SCUBA diving. My peaceful calm happy place is under water and I hope to experience it again soon.

Once home I poured a bath complete with a THC bath bomb and continued watching She-Hulk. Cheesy as hell but lighthearted and fun. I was sorry when The Crown season 5 was done last night. I am not sure at all how I feel about it, how much is accurate. I need to talk to my besties in the know, although I suspect they don’t watch it. Planned to watch Harry & Meghan, but just felt like tuning out for a bit.

I completely forgot one of the best moments of the day was when a friend called my who is the area managers for one of the bid food supply companies in the area. sadly his supply truck had rolled off the road today and he had food to part with as it was all written off by insurance and thought of me with all my family. He dropped off a case of fresh mushrooms, half a case of fresh tomatoes, three bottles of Heinz ketchup, a container of Hollandaise, big bag of shredded cheese and many bags of cereal. I dropped it at the Guedes house, coming home with smaller portions of cheese, tomatoes, and mushrooms which will soon be stuffed mushrooms!

December 27, 2022

I headed into the office, got most things done on the list that I could while just down the hall, the roof was pouring down melt. I am fortunate not to be in the wake. After work I was I voted back to the Guedes house where Roger’s sister and family had arrived. After a delicious Turkey Caesar salad dinner, Jonas came back to my place to clear all that had slid off my metal roof. I teased him about being Canadian as he was in short pants and sleeves. I am very grateful to have it all cleared away. Back at the house it was lovely to sit and puzzle with Deanne before playing Jack Box with the gang. It was so relaxing and fun and just a really great day over all. I had been asked if I could come help at Key City, painting the floor for Cabaret opening on New Years but the family fun was more important. I look forward to watching the 5th Harry Potter movie with Will and Autumn, continuing where we left off last Christmas. Ugh, I just heard another drop off the roof, best go deal with it.

December 26, 2022

I was up relatively early deciding to unload and reload the dishwasher, wash the remains and get some breakfast pinwheels and bacon made before Rae-Anne needed to go to work. Sayer and Emmy were up and struggling to find common ground for play but they did. Had a bit of a visit and then realized I was suffering from serious sensory overload so took Emmy and headed back to my place. I cleared the snow off most things in my yard including my car which I had found frozen this morning. It is now snow free and good to go. It has been melting most of the day and freezing at the same time, if that makes sense. This has created havoc on the roads, closing those west of here. Thankfully Roger’s sister and family made it through from Olympia Washington and I hear, are happy at the Guedes house where I dropped off an air mattress after bringing Emmy to her Mom staying at her Grandma’s house. Emmy and I had a great afternoon playing Wii Games, she always knocks me out at Boxing and is pretty great at Bowling as well. She enjoyed the bit of breakfast I brought her home for lunch, loving the face on her plate, very Wilson!

I have been doing laundry, settling back home and sorting my Christmas goodies. The fresh bed is going to feel divine when I tuck in. I have been watching season 5 of The Crown although it may not hold a candle to watching the original Charlie Brown’s Christmas with Emmy. She was quite impressed that I was 2 when it came out. After that we started watching the Snoopy Show on Apple TV which is really lovely. She saw pictures I have and asked who they were. Once they were established to be me and my brother when very young, she said he was very cute, asked it I had a sister and then asked very many astute questions about my deceased Sister, Rae-Anne. She was saddened that I never met her enough to to remember her. I think it means more now that she has a baby sister.

I keep revisiting the favourite time of Christmas for me, playing the game with Bill, Rae-Anne and Ashlée last night. Man did we laugh with abandon. It was good for the soul. I only wish poor Deanne had been puzzling on the dining room table where we were playing rather than in the kitchen. I was really struggling with the heat in the place, especially that near the fireplace so we were playing in the cooler room. I didn’t like leaving her out there as I know how it feels to be left out even unintentionally. But I will admit, after a bit, there was so much laughter (and drinking) I was selfishly just soaking up the moment.

I dislike that I made anyone uncomfortable with my emotional responses the last two days. I was happy to be there and glad to get home. I hope we take some family picks when next Jake is up as that was the most disappointing part of him not being here..

December 26, 2022

Today was very full of all sorts of gifts and love and moments but as I tuck in, I can say that the most fun was playing games at the end of the night with Bill, Rae-Anne and Ashlée. First was Disney villains Sorry and then a Rudolph Christmas game similar but better than Snakes and Ladders, both of which involved drinking and fun and it was great to share the moment with these family members that involved so many loud voices and belly laughs.

The day began with Sawyer snuggling in to wake me up from a terrible sleep. It was time, Santa had been here. We all settled in to open presents taking time to acknowledge the giver. I was spoiled as usual and enjoyed seeing what others got, especially R&R getting birdhouses made by their boys. The highlights were Bono book from Ash and The incredible addition to my Stephen King collection crafted by Rae, created by Addison and painted by Roger. I can’t wait to add it to my bookshelf. I also received the fanciest rubber gloves ever that I can’t wait to use at work. There was so much more and I was happy to get breakfast made for all. This was Rosemary Maple Bacon, banana bread from Diana and Breakfast loaves as well as toast with Cinnamon spread. Everyone seemed full and happy and there were snacks through the day. I really do like coming up with something new each year

Emmy showed up and then I went home to shovel and feed Missy. Came back to pack up and all go for a walk in the Community Forest to Mistletoe Lane. It was long and the kids were amazing. The older ones took great pleasure kicking trees to knock the snow down. Jesse and Nesta, owners of Arby’s and their family, along with Jen and Cherry from the Philippines who I love working with, joined us and we all had a lovely long March through he decorated forest.

I stopped to pick up Mom open the way back and then off to get Judy, Roger’s mom , for dinner as well. We had a delicious turkey dinner thanks to all the hands involved and then there was puzzling and visiting before I brought the Grandma Polar Express tour to drive the ladies home . Once back was when the games and fun truly began for me 🙂

It seems my snow peeps had a few family members over that couldn’t handle their alcohol

Oh, I forgot Emmy’s present from her cousins that made me laugh

December 25, 2022

I was up at a decent time, preheated the oven and was ready to make nuts and bolts for a few gifts when I realized that on my odd shopping trip last weekend with mom I forgot to get butter. Can’t make them without a pound of butter. Got ready, tended to my Snow Peep story after shoveling, filled up with gas, only 155.9 a Litre!, and then stopped at Safeway. While I was there I also grabbed a platter with bread and spinach dip and dropped it off at Arby’s. By the time I was home it was after noon and I had much to get done. While the snacks were baking with stirring intervals at the 30 minute mark, I watched a Dan Levi and Kristen Stewart Christmas movie while I sorted and wrapped the last of my presents. I then whipped up a couple loaves of egg, bacon, chives, buttermilk and cheese for tomorrows breakfast and had a shower while they were baking. Once I was finally loaded into the car, I headed over to the Guedes house where 11 of us are staying overnight. We had a lovely ham dinner and then all loaded into cars to go to Bill and Deanne’s church for a lovely service before going to check out a light show and then candy cane lane. It was time to drop off Emmy with her Mom for the evening and then we started looking for Santa who drives around Cranbrook. Ash said, Mom I think he is going to your house, so we booted there to get parked before he came around the corner. I don’t know why we are on the route but it is a real blessing and I was as excited as the kids. Funny that we don’t get garbage or recycle pickup because it is considered a private road, but we get Santa!! After that it was back to the house so the boys could open their jammies and head off to bed. Love Gene’s Arby’s ones and Lukas’s Boba Fett! Then the adults got all the stockings stuffed, I beat Roger and Deanne at Rummikub, and finished the frame of a puzzle before deciding that this head cold is enough! Off to bed.

Mr and Mrs had someone come between them but Sandy Claws came to the rescue and restored peace in time for the holidays, Merry Christmas everyone!!

December 23, 2022

I stopped at Canadian Tire before work to pick up a present for Emmy (a super cute Flamingo case of Polly Pocket) and then got Jake to sign a note to her and email it to me so I could print it for her. In exchange, he is going to take a very nice bottle of wine from me to the friends he will now spend Christmas with. I got a great deal done at the office, popped out to buy Nikki and I lunch as I needed to eat before covering the 4:30-9:30 shift at Arby’s. Sickness is making the rounds again. There were only a couple of us actually working today, it was more a festive gathering of folks making Christmas presents on the laser cutter. I am glad I got mine done early. I am still waiting for one parcel with two people’s gifts, my neighbour’s and Gene’s. I got a notice this morning that it was out for delivery but it did not arrive. I tracked it tonight and says it won’t be here until the 29th or 30th. Booo

The other sadness in the day was knowing Jake wouldn’t be arriving tonight and I was reminded of it once again when my phone notified me of his arrival time.

The snow peeps decided to celebrate Tibb’s Eve and invited a bunch of friends over. The cat is already Lit! I wasn’t sure what I would come home to and sure enough they didn’t disappoint.

Great bits of the day were my advent, and finding a gift on my doorstep from the lovely Diana. Jake will be sad to miss out on her banana bread. She is extremely good at gifts and for the second time found the perfect card. I shall enjoy the project.

My mind wanders while I am doing dishes at the restaurant. I inwardly curse when I find containers still thick with sauces, spoons and servers coated in butter, pans with fries, etc still on them in the soap water. It takes only a few seconds to wipe them out or scrape them off but instead I end up with gross water that has to be changed to do a proper job. Don’t even get me started about leaving the date labels on the containers, lol. I know it’s not a big deal but the dish washer is the one seen as too slow when all these things weigh down the task. I think I will make sure my phone is charged and listen to music instead of the inside of my own brain as the one who washes gets to play their music I found out last night! I enjoyed tonight as I got to take a 14 year old under my wing and get him fine tuned on a few things. I wonder if I can now take the ‘in training’ off my name tag, lol. It really is lovely to get to say Merry Christmas to all the customers out the drive thru window as you hand them their food.

December 22, 2022

I was up and ready for the Culligan Man this morning. It is my annual service and the guy who comes to do it is really quite lovely although a bit of a bull in a china shop. I was anxious for him to get finished so I could get to the office, finish a payroll and head to a client before my 5-8:30 shift at Arby’s. While he was working, I braved the cold to continue the story of my snow peeps. He bought her a new scarf and surprised her with a pet. It was a heart melting day for her.

When I got to the office even my computer summed it up perfectly

I was wonderfully surprised by a young man who stopped his truck, threw on his gloves and assisted me with my recycle when I couldn’t lift the lid that was frozen and laden with snow. It was a lovely moment.

I had a great day at all my jobs and really am impressed with Ashlée as a trainer and shift manager. She has a good over site of everything and offers us options on jobs before our shift is complete. I never feel that because I am a fill in, I should do the ‘dirty’ jobs. I do try to take the ones that others don’t love, like cleaning the bathrooms, like cleaning the bathrooms. I do have an extensive amount of experience at it after working for BC Ferries, lol.

Today was a good day and I liked the latest treasure in my advent

The very negative part of the day was finding out Jake’s plane is cancelled and he won’t be making it for Christmas. We are still going to have Emmy with us but I know she will be missing her Dad as much as he misses her. Of course it is all due to the weather event and that seems to be the timing Jake has for visits.

December 21, 2022

I am watching highway thru hell and Jamie Davis has his young kids out working with him. It is stirring all kinds of thoughts about my dad as my kid brother, Greg and I were often his helpers. At a young age we were taught not to question just to respond. As I watch the show I am reminded of the abject terror I often felt but followed through, I was not actually afraid of my Dad as much as I understood that this is what family does. I think I have accomplished, or experienced as much as I have in my life because it was instilled in me early, to just overcome and get it done. I don’t think I raised my son the same way. He is successful and I always knew he would be but I didn’t think it was because of me in any way. I do see though that he applied for a job that on paper he was no way qualified for but in the end is a huge success at. That is pushing the fear of rejection or failure aside to do what you want or need to accomplish. That is the trait passed down by my father. He, as I learned later in his life had many fears but as a true Scorpio acted as though he could do anything if he set his mind to it and his Aries daughter has done the same. It is good to have a respect, a response to those who want you to be fearless in spite of fear and succeed at all you truly want or need to do. Thanks Dad.

December 21, 2022

I was awake very early this morning so I got rolling as I needed to clear the snow from overnight and get cash from the bank for dinner tonight. I opened the hatchback to throw a bag in and it wouldn’t latch again. I kept trying until my toes in good winter boots and fingers in gloves were hurting from the -25 C temperature. I had to drive to the Hyundai dealership with alarms going off and was assisted to unstick the latch so I could head to the bank. Once there I walked in to the ATM vestibule to find a woman huddled on the floor trying to get warm. I asked if she had gloves and she showed me her bare hands tucked in her sleeves. I took off my now warmed ones and gave them to her. She was lovely and asked if I had any spare change or another layer of clothing I could spare. I had none but gave her a 20 and suggested she go get a hot breakfast and find a warmer spot. She said she was trying to find her boyfriend who had wandered off and I was left very saddened. There have been a few deaths from the cold in our underhoused community and I just want to do what I can. Once I was done what I needed to at work, I headed to Mom’s to help get her set up with mobile banking as she has cheques she needs to deposit but is with a credit union at the coast. It turned out to be quite the ordeal as she doesn’t have email on her phone and needed the access code. Finally got done and she was stunned to see her accounts on her phone and how easy it was in the end. I was there for her Friends and Family Christmas dinner at Joseph Creek, and was worried as it was to be a buffet, given we still have to temperature scan and wear masks there. I should have known better though as they had a line of servers who loaded our plates with whatever we wanted. There was no contact or chance of transmission over the food. The full turkey and ham dinner was delicious and the dessert table was amazing! Before dinner I mentioned to mom that the warming centre was open overnight at the Alliance Church and they were collecting blankets, socks, etc. She filled a bag with warm clothes, two blankets, a towel and lots of socks and I went to drop them off on my way home. It made my heart so happy when our student, Jonas came out to meet me. I also dropped a couple boxes of disposable masks from the over supply from wag jag and he said the response was overwhelming. All evening people had been dropping stuff off and the RCMP had gone to Safeway and brought a load of food. What a great community. I hope all the people, that need to, find their way there tonight as it is now -30 according to my outdoor gauge.

Unfortunately I left Mom’s not feeling well as they have put new carpet in the hallways and the off-gassing smell is very strong. I am sure it is not aided by leaving the buckets of glue in the hall.

The fun parts of the day were finding out The H family had received their Christmas PJs and they may want to kick me for this but the pics are so sweet, they lit up my day so I hope they make you smile too. These are my peeps who bring me nothing but joy.

My snow peeps were caught in the act of his nibs trying to convince her to cheer up, he would take care of the shopping. My advent was another flowering tea to look forward to. I have a glass pot made special for them and will post when I use them.

December 20, 2022

Today is my second grandchild’s 13th birthday. So hard to believe this lovely youngster is a teenager now. He is our water boy for Summer Sounds and is loved and appreciated by many in the community. I was so glad to get a crazy, demanding day out of the way to go celebrate him over dinner with friends and family. We had a delicious spaghetti dinner thanks mostly to Jeff Crozier and enjoyed our ice cream cake. As it grew time for me to head home I invited Chris, Ashlée’s beau, to join me and give him his crib board. I could tell he really loved it and we ended up having a very good visit before I left while he was waiting for Ash to get off work. A good hug later and I was off to shovel my way in only to find my neighbour had already been there with her snow blower for the lion’s share of it.

This morning’s advent was something I look forward to trying and I was thrilled when Lourdes, a woman who works out of the Groundfloor, commented on my extra chair and I was able to offer it to her. It doesn’t work for my posture and she loved it and was thrilled to have it. Paying things forward always fills my cup.

It was nice to have fulfilling moments with friends and family, I shall go in with a refreshed attitude tomorrow. I only hope the last of things I am awaiting delivery for gifts arrive before the end of the week.

I have a feeling that I am allergic to my house right now. Missy has been indoors too much and is shedding like crazy. I am awaking stuffed up and am currently sneezing like a maniac. Time to make time to vacuum and dust!!

December 19, 2022

This morning’s advent was super cute, my Spotify wrapped showed my son’s podcast as second on the list and my day was quite productive.

The best part of the day though was the synchronicity of the crib pegs I ordered arriving today instead of Friday and a half hour later, Chris, the guy who knows the most about the new Laser cutting machine in the Makerspace showing up at the office after his arm surgery eager to help me design and make a crib board for Ashlée’s beau. His name is also Chris and he is only in town tomorrow as he lives in Castlegar and works away over the holidays. He and Ash got to know each other in person over hours of crib but he doesn’t own a board so I wanted to make a custom one for him. I raced to Winner’s and found an Acacia wood cutting board, came back and picked a round template that we modified to hold the pegs on the side and then worked at finding a mountain template that resembled Fisher Peak. The original was a range of mountains and Chris M taught me how to remove the parts I didn’t want and taper it out more like our range. Once done it took an hour for the first run, There was a glitch in the template that we figured out and did a second run to pick up the missed bits and drill the holes a little deeper. I am blown away by the finished product. I hope Chris likes it.

Dinner was late again but tasty

December 18, 2022

I woke up too early because I forgot to turn off my ringer. Fell back asleep for a while and then got up to get laundry and cleaning done before shoveling out to go pick up Mom to get groceries. I had some lovely teas in my advent which reminded me of the besties in the UK who got home from their trip it Iceland to my gift for their puppy, Morgan. The pics made me laugh.

The snow peeps were up to their usual antics with her complaining about his embarrassing need to dab even if his arms are too short to make it happen.

After picking up Mom and doing groceries, I dropped her home and went to the pet store for cat food and to pick up another beta. It was love at first sight when I saw Sir Matthew the Magificent. He is a Super Delta Beta and so gorgeous. I hope he acclimatizes well, and was impressed to see him even swim in and out of his house checking everything out.

I had a shift at Arby;s and it went so well and I enjoyed it completely. Ash is a very good shift manager. She makes sure everyone carry’s equal share and gets things done.

It has snowed most of the day and overall I shoveled 4 times, and am glad for Tracey with her little electric snow blower which twice took the most of it away.

I bought all the he groceries to make several breakfast items for Christmas morning which has been my gig since I moved back. It was clear that food costs have gone up!

December 18, 2022

I was up a decent time doing chores and received a message from Rae-Anne that Arby’s was on fire and she was on her way there. I don’t think I have ever gotten dressed so fast after replying OMG. I was about to pull on my boots when she explained that she meant it was crazy busy, not actually on fire. My heart and mind were racing! Brat! I did like the lip moisturizer in my advent though so I forgive her.

I realized suddenly that I was moving on from the loss of George the 3rd, began thinking about replacing him and mulling what I would name the new fish as I cleaned the bowl and accessories and readied the water. I decided on Sir Matthew as I have never met a Matt I didn’t love and miss my friend, Matt Steffich, who we lost too soon.

I laughed when I went outside and saw how much Missy has used the Pretty Litter boxes as her scratching post now that winter is here. I am glad she isn’t using the furniture.

The first stop of the day was to pick up Diane and go for lunch at Mr. Mike’s before going to bottle wine. I was so proud of myself for finding and remembering to bring a $10 gift card I had and then I forgot until we were leaving that it was game day and on the back of my tickets was a 15% discount, day of game only. We had a great visit and a good laugh over that, making a plan to go again on a game day and use the coupons this time. We had so much fun bottling my Raspberry Peach Sangria and visiting with Elva. I am glad I made the switch to Kootenay Winecrafters and we were even treated to delicious snacks. We were glad that Elvas daughter came along to help finish it as we had just eaten so much.

We dropped my gift off for Natalia and Maria and then headed back to Diane’s for a visit. Wade, Nikki, Hunter and Keaton stopped to deliver Diane’s vehicle which had been worked on and we had a bevie together. The boys are so cute and polite. As I was leaving I noticed again that Sean had not quite gotten the lights all the way up. I had an idea and came home to get my little dog decoration and went back on my way to the hockey game to finish the display.

Roger had a group of coworkers, friends and family in a corporate box at the hockey game and I was grateful to be included as Tracey had a headache and wasn’t feeling up to going. I took all the unused tickets from our group, two seniors, two adult and a child and went to find people in line to buy to give them to. It felt so good to say Merry Christmas and hand them out. I stopped for 50/50 tickets on my way tot he box and the old Rotarian gentleman who took my money did make me laugh. The woman ahead of me handed him a 10 and then I did the same. He said you are easy to please and I said yes, but would be even happier if I won. He replied, Well, you are a girl child so not usually easy to please (or some such wording, I was stuck on the girl child part) He did laugh and say he probably shouldn’t have said that and I did say it was dangerous words. Honestly, I wasn’t offended, just very amused. The game was fun from the box, we won and I cheered and danced during the Arby’s minute. It was funny though that Ash and I were both relieved they didn’t score as we both work the next two days and if they’d scored people could show their tickets in the next 48 hours and get free curly fries. I am grateful to Applied Industrial Technologies for the opportunity to watch from above.

I drove Gene home from work after the game and then came home and settled in for the evening. I am taking mom shopping tomorrow and then work at 4 so off to bed I shall go soon.

December 17, 2022

i was well awake before my alarm, opened my advent and wondered if I should learn to shade at this age…

Headed in early and just soaked up the blessings. The lovely Keri, in one of my favourite movie sweaters, spoiled me with a Mandalorian set for my kitchen.

The mail arrived and there was an awesome card from Mark and Mary Lynn on Salt Spring Island (sealed with a kiss) that held a gift card to my favourite pub there. If that isn’t saying I am missed and need to visit soon, I don’t know what is. Hard to believe I haven’t been there since 2019. I need to visit my family and friends soon.

Received scans from a client that actually made me snort coffee out my nose, and there was special whiskey in it…

Enjoyed a ‘staff meeting’ at 3 that involved great catering and a drink as well as hilarious TikTok attempts by the others. No photos on my part to protect the ‘innocent’

And while we were enjoying ourselves my parcel from wag jag was delivered. I had ordered one Box each of N95 and regular disposable masks for future travels but apparently they really thought I should be protected and I am now the proud owner of hundreds of masks. I hope that’s not a sign!

After work I popped home for a wee break before heading to Key City Theatre to volunteer bartend for the Pretty For The People Christmas concert. I am thrilled to call many of the people on stage tonight friends as they were incredible. Cranbrook is overflowing with talent. I was able to hear the first half and watch the second. I took the liberty of filming a few songs but the single most spectacular part I didn’t film as I was so caught up in the moment. Ward Morton, the drummer was joined by a young Ethan Sawatsky and they did the Little Drummer Boy in unison, rock style. It was flipping unbelievable. What a treat. I will share the links to what I uploaded on Youtube. Sarah Turk has a phenomenal voice. I would actually love to see her on The Voice.

I drove Rae-Anne and her friends home and stopped for a scotch. Vanessa had been to the states to see family and brought me back a bag of bugles for my nuts and bolts. A simple gesture that is huge!! Gene came up behind me in the kitchen and said “Nana, did you lose weight, you look great” Gotta say, that was the icing on the cake for this great day.

The only negative was the pain and tingling I am experiencing in my right arm and the nerve twinges in my left shoulder. I am going to have to make an appointment to check it out as I have been ignoring it… or I will just wait it out and hope it goes away soon. Must have options lol

December 15, 2022

It was an interesting, kind of fun, day. I took care of many things work wise and enjoyed many lovely conversations. It didn’t hurt that there is a silver fox working in the space and I am enjoying seeing him daily lol. Sean gave me a gift of Bumbu rum which I was super happy about and a book that leaves me wondering if there is a message behind it, ha ha. He is the GM for one of my bigger files and I do appreciate he got me a gift. Natalia was here for the last time this year and also stunned me with a gift which I will open at Christmas. I want to find something for her and her daughter Maria but haven’t found the just right thing yet. I will and I will drop it at their home in time.

I was thrilled that today the sweaters I had ordered for R-A and I finally arrived. I asked her to come to the office and gave it to her early as I wanted to wear mine tonight for my shift. I got so many compliments at the drive Thru and I was wearing an apron over it. She will get to show it off fully and I am sure will experience even more joy. The funniest moment of the night was when I upsold a guy from one strawberry cream pie to the 2 for $4 deal. I had to ask him to pull up as they were being made fresh. When I went to take the bag to them, Stu said to warn him that they were hot like me. I went out to the car and saw it had Idaho plates and thought, ‘what the heck, go for it” so I told him I had been dared to say ‘be careful, these are hot like me’. We had the biggest good laugh together and I am sure I left a memory.

Today, the knowledge that Twitch killed himself yesterday still sat with me. I enjoyed all he had to offer as a human, the joy he brought and am reminded that we must remind our friends that we love them. I was blessed with messages from friends today to let me know how much I matter. These messages are all ones that I will cherish and hold close. This world can beat us down, we must hold close the positive vibes and let go anything that doesn’t bring us joy.

My cat brings me joy, much to my surprise. I still miss George but Missy has been very cuddly. It’s as if she knows what I need.

This morning’s advent was something I almost bought myself!

December 14, 2022

Awoke well rested, dressed in my Christmas gear in anticipation of the GroundFloor Pancake breakfast, opened my next advent surprise and shoveled my way out only to find Mr and Mrs were still sleeping from what was probably a long night of raucous behavior.

It was fun to have some pics taken especially with my friend and city councilor Lynnette Wray. I have enjoyed getting to spend time with her off and on at the GroundFloor and we had a great moment discovering our matchy matchy moment today.

I downloaded and played with an AI app today and was stunned to see how much the pics looked like Rae-Anne. I have many more but these were some of my favourite Christmassy ones

I did get a lot done and then came home to much gratitude as my neighbour had snow blown my drive clear. I had to roust the party animals

Waiting for me was a delicious looking box of Christmas baking from my friend Maureen which was payment for a purse I traded to her. I may have won that transaction! There’s more than one layer!

My dinner was especially good although I may regret a little bit the pickled shallots, but seriously, let me repeat.. I made pickled shallots, and they were sooooo good that it was worth it.

I gave out my wee gifts at the office and they seemed overall, well received. It was a pleasant day and I was able to confirm my commitment to one organization having stepped away from another. It feels like a good way to be going into the new year. Maureen did a fun post of the pics she took yesterday. I was happy to be the General Contractor in Peter’s stead the last few months and it was good to see it being celebrated complete.

December 13, 2022

I was having a very strange dream which culminated in waking up at 5:50 am in the throws of a very strong anxiety attack. I could barely breathe in as my muscles were so tight, felt like throwing up and couldn’t stop pacing and sobbing. I posted Good Morning on Facebook hoping to find someone up to talk to me and then opened Messenger to see Rosie’s green light on. I messaged her, ‘You up?’ And she responded right away as she is an hour before me and knew something was up. She FaceTimed me for an hour until I was even able to joke about the message as that is the first time I have done that and it wasn’t even naughty. I now know clearly that it was stress induced due to my struggle to quit doing the books for a society I am involved with. I didn’t want to leave them in the lurch and had made a commitment to the end of June but they changed the parameters of the job and I was no longer able to keep pushing aside good paying work to do it. The upside of my Fb post was all the glorious messages throughout the day from all over the world, in many different time zones and even on different days. I was reminded that I must listen to the many who love me and let go the few who do not. I was especially uplifted by another friend closely tied to the organization who gave weight to my feelings and choices, and by an employee of one of the companies I do books for who I always enjoy chatting with. She gave me a Christmas gift that helped my heart soar. I would not normally share so many compliments but it highlights how sharing your thoughts about someone can really affect change. Near the end of my day I heard from a friend I knew years ago on Salt Spring Island who now lives in England and she also had so many encouraging words that I almost feel bad telling her I was going to get Sushi which she has missed for the last 10 years. Reminder folks, listen to the positive and believe it, Marie Kondo your life, retain that what, and those who, bring you joy.

I did the final walk through of the project at The Studio/Stage Door and was so pleased with Colin who went above and beyond, even getting back on a ladder to wipe the sills and frames way above the stairwell and changed a dead bulb for us. Such great service and all with a great big smile (and a cute bum, lol)

This morning started with a cutie pic showing up of Emmy and a delicious breakfast courtesy of my advent.

After saying see you on Thursday to Natalia, I shut everything down and headed to Sakura Sushi for takeout. I came home and had delicious food, a Peach Crown and a relax and am now ready to hop in a tub and try out the Bath Caviar I received the other day. Bed can’t come soon enough.