triumphgal

05-12-23 Family Dance Night

May 12, 2023

I had a zoom meeting with a new client from out of town at 10 this morning, dealt with all my email and VIMF invites to new applicants and then I headed to Rotary Park to see what was happening with set up for the children’s festival. I arrived just as they were struggling to put together the big party tent for the Green Room and joked that the Foreman was here. I promptly whipped out my phone and found a diagram and told them the layout of all the poles. It went up in no time at all and everyone was grateful. Timing is everything. I will print the directions for next year. I left then to go see mom and read the paperwork they had left about the Power of Attorney and Health Directives, etc. while she was in physio. She had read it too and we ticked off the things she needed to ask the Notary to draw up. We had a nice visit and made a plan with the nurse that I will pick up Mom in my car to take her to the ENT at the hospital next Thursday and if it is too tough on her they will bring her back by ambulance. It will be a good test run as they think she will be able to go home on the 26th. They also think she will need a walker for the rest of her life now. She seems in good spirits and is eager to get back to her community at Joseph Creek.

I picked up more beverages from Selkirk which I dropped at home and then headed to the park again. The weather is perfect and I helped put together some cool wood trees with Velcro on them for messages and then just made myself useful wherever I was needed. It is a great team to work with. It was fun to sit in the chill out tent and blow up balloons with Monica and learn more about each other.

Tonight was Pretty for the People playing with the Amuse Troupe performing in between, There was a stilt walker and hula hoops and all kinds of fun that all the little kids just loved. After the band played their second set to a well packed crowd, the Troupe did a fire show and it was a lot of fun for everyone. The music was great and sounded fabulous through the new equipment that Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society loaned to them as a major sponsor. Matt was the Audio guy and he did a great job even with us panicking him by changing the speaker set up with half an hour to go before show time.

I like being the ‘see a need, fill it’ person. I was able to observe and assist where needed. I even got to make an announcement and welcome the band back. Everyone was in such a good mood and I can;t wait until tomorrow. I do have to get up early to pick up food at Safeway and ice at Arby’s by 8:30 and be down there to help set up the hospitality/green room for the 10-4 Festival.

05-11-23 Generosity

May 11, 2023

I spent good chunks of the day reaching out to local establishments for donations to feed the volunteers and performers at the children’s festival this weekend. I was overwhelmed at the kind response by so many. I was able to gather Pepsi products from Selkirk Beverages, a gift card from Safeway to buy fruit trays, yogurt and mini muffins from my friend Ward, the Gordon Food Service guy, and promise of 5 pizzas from Canadian 2 for 1 on the day of. My co-gatherer, Amy, also had Domino’s Pizza promise 19 pizzas and Cobbs will treat us to scones and buns. Along with coffee and a water station, I feel our volunteers will be able to fuel up easily during the day. It really was nice to take the time to chat at each location and show appreciation directly. We will also thank them on our socials. Honestly, this is a lovely group of people doing something fun for children and families and even the weather is promising to cooperate!

In between, I also got some work done and all my necessary reports done for our next Board meeting which will be that much closer to Summer Sounds debuting on its new night of the week.

From 5-7 I pulled a shift at Arby’s. My last one was February 12th so I was a bit concerned I would be rusty. It was not too busy but I was necessary so I was glad I accepted the shift. It always makes me happy working the drive-thru window, taking payment and giving back sustenance and smiles. It was nice to work with two new guys as well, They seemed quite serious but I managed to make them laugh along the way.

I came home and heated up some gyozas which are light and delicious and then watched The Voice and Canada’s Got Talent. A little light entertainment was just what I needed.

I followed up for the third week in a row with the notary’s office about Mom’s power of attorney. The last two times they said they would have the person working on the file get back to me. This time she said she couldn’t tell me anything so I had Mom call them. They said they were swamped and would have someone get back to her. How ridiculous. She then called me later to say they had dropped off the paperwork during dinner and it was a book that she wanted me to come go through with her. I will do that tomorrow. Funny how they came out of the swamp so fast….

05-10-23 volunteer time of a day

May 10, 2023

I had much interaction with people by phone and email today as I dealt with clients and volunteering responsibilities. It wears me down some days more than others. I feel bad for ‘the guy’ as I have nothing left in me and he is not especially good at recognizing that which is somewhat fair as he doesn’t know me well enough. I had to tell him that I need to push pause this week due to my commitments. Next week doesn’t look a whole lot better but I haven’t even made it to see my Mom the last two days. Tonight I am watching shows and playing Candy Crush and trying to put the world away for a moment.

05-09-23 A Beautiful Day for Walking

May 9, 2023

I was highly amused when I got to work and read the fun board on the fridge. Nikki updates the puns regularly and this one was cute but I actually laughed out loud when I read the note at the bottom as ‘have a lonely day’. I am sure it was to say lovely but it was so appropriate.

I got caught up on email and then it was time to head to Baker Hill Dental for a CT. Modern dentistry is quite amazing. The intention is to make a plan for what to do with my broken off tooth.

When it was done they gave me the images on a flash drive and I took it to my dentist across town. As the first dentist was only a 6 minute walk from my office and it was a sunny day, I decided to walk. I decided to walk to my own dentist after and had a nice loop through town. After I dropped off the drive I was making my way back and realized I hadn’t put my jewelry back on so I stopped on the sidewalk, put my earrings in and attempted to put my nose ring back in. It was not going easily and I realized I looked like I was picking my nose. I stepped into the pawn shop and asked to look in a mirror to put it back in but suddenly it was gone. I didn’t find it anywhere so I stopped at Hemp 2000 and bought a new one and put it in while I was there. Back to the office and much work to do until I was just done and wrapped it up for another day.

I brought home my Amazon package and was not happy to see that the box of alcohol free Pinot Grigio had clearly been broken open when it was put in my parcel. I unpacked it and was happy to see they were all there but some were banged up or dented. I made a plan to go for a walk with the guy later and then made some dinner.

It appears that Missy likes the long grass but I will have to get mowing it soon before it becomes too difficult.

He showed up and we walked over to and around the far side of Elizabeth Lake. It was the perfect temperature and the birds were in abundance and loud. I have enjoyed some of my time spent with him but I worry that we are already running out of things to talk about. Keeping it casual is great for the short term but there definitely is a gap in our life experiences and interests. I am trying not to overthink it. Just enjoy it for now. And it was a nice day for a walk.

05-08-23 19 Years!!

May 8, 2023

I climbed into a bath with a book this morning. This is something I have never done before work before. I knew the day could be vulnerable for me emotionally so I started off kind to myself. It was a tough start to begin with as I had realized far too late that I forgot my special pillow at the Airbnb in Calgary. It would cost too much to ship it and it is probably time for a new one… but I missed it terribly last night. Once I got myself together I packed all Mom’s treats together and headed to Green Home to drop them off. She was in Physio so I just set up everything for her to enjoy; 2 new spy novels, baby cucumbers, Baby Bell cheese, Green grapes and slippers. Off to the office I went.

The day was so full and so much needed intense concentration. I was especially not happy to get a call from one of my dear client friends that he is in hospital with pancreatitis and we were trying to do his payroll confirmations over the phone. I pray he recovers quickly as he is a fair and successful businessman, one whom I want to see succeed.

I worked on MusicFest things for an hour before heading to see Mom, knowing her dinner would be done. We had a great visit, even getting to see the NHL Draft lottery together. Sadly my Ducks came second so miss out on Bédard who everyone wants. I will have to watch in June for the actual draft to see how it all pans out.

Once I got home, I made a meal from HF and was about to sit down for it when the guy called. I wanted to visit with a good man tonight as is my tradition but I am not sure he got the depth of feeling I was having so I declined his invitation to come over. This was not a booty call night. It has been 19 years tonight since my Dad crashed his float plane and died. Not a year goes by that I don’t wish I could have had more time. The closer I get to his age at death, 64, the more I think I feel it. As I was making my dinner I received a forwarded message via Rae-Anne from Morgan Turner who I had completely forgotten took pics of me on my 60th at the Encore preview night. He happened to send them today, how perfect was that!?! Pics of me, in my Dad’s Willys, on the anniversary of his death… and I love them!!

Dinner was delicious and I love the new cutting board and accessory dishes I scored at Ikea

With my Hello Fresh came tea samples from the UK that profess to be the most popular. I shall leave it up to the besties to weigh in and will try it soon to know how I feel about it

It was nice to come home tonight to the beautiful flowers I bought at Costco and to have enjoyed some at the office.

I had no intention of talking to anyone tonight. I am peopled out and was planning to go to bed early but… here it is nearly midnight and I have been Facebook responding, messaging and FaceTiming. Seems the universe, or my guardian angel Dad, knew what I really needed. Love you all… good night.

05-07-23 Happy 82nd mom

May 7, 2023

I did not have a good sleep as the bed was hard and the air as hot. Got myself up and showered and when the girls were ready we all headed off to Nellie’s Break The Fast. It was in a new location and is one of two remaining of what once was a thriving bunch of 7 restaurants in the Calgary area. Back in 2002, Lee (my husband at the time), Jake, Ashlée and I were part of Trading Places, a novel reality show in Canada. We traded lives with the family who owned and ran the restaurants. They went to Salt Spring Island. I have all the show on my YouTube Channel. It is broken into chunks where the commercials were. Geckosgal is my channel. I was not surprised to see new owners as the previous ones had many health violations and due to many other circumstances, including Covid-19, they were either sold or shut down. The surprise was the same menu. When we arrived in Calgary, this menu was laying on the dining room table to give a hint about what I would be doing.

Breakfast was delicious and we had a nice chat with the current owner about our history with the business. From there we three walked around and discovered some interesting art. I would love to take part when it is open. I was posing under the crown doing a selfie, when a young lady walked by and said I looked gorgeous. That was a great moment in the day.

Next stop was Costco where KC was happy to let us shop with her on her Dad’s card. I picked up some beautiful plants, all my favourite things and a bunch of items for Mom. We had the nicest lady, Maureen, help us through the self serve and even though it was a very busy Sunday there, we had a good experience.

From there, we said goodbye to KC at Ikea and Ash and I meandered our way through. I picked up a lovely basket, another of my favourite bath mats and we both picked up some lovely plants.

By now I am beginning to get citied out and we still needed to go back to Chinook Mall as one of the two La Vie En Rose items I bought was not a good fit. We both chose a meal at the food court. Mine was Pad See Ew and I can safely say that our local Family Thai makes a far better version. I had my first experience at Marble Slab…. OMG

The washrooms there were cool with soap, water and air dispensers at every spot. So bougie!

Now it was time to get gas and head home. Ash knows of a cheap spot and I am so glad we went there! Over 45 cents a Litre cheaper than home!

We visited a lot and then Ash had a nap as I worked our way home. The rain kept pounding down intermittently and the only spot we stopped was to see the ‘part’ on the back of a bucket we saw on the way there. We took some pics and talked to the driver who said he was waiting until Midnight to bring it to the mine. It is 2/3rds of a rock bucket and the other third is already in place awaiting it.

The rest of the drive we chatted and shared life and advice and perspective with each other. I think this is the best time we have spent together since I went to Newfoundland to visit her. I am so glad we had this time to spend together and remember how much we love each other. It was a really great weekend!! But boy howdy, I am peopled out!!!

It was too late to see Mom on her birthday but I will take her a gift and care package tomorrow

05-06-23 Shanneyganock!

May 7, 2023

Was up and at it in time to enjoy a couple coffee and casually be ready to load the car and go. I picked up Ashlée, and enjoyed the bagel and cream cheese she had ready for me. We got coffee at McDonald’s with some full free sticker cards and then hit the road. It has been nearly a year since we have travelled in the same vehicle together and it was lovely to chat and catch up. She even shared her Japanese Oreos with me!

She took a nap while I continued listening to A Beautiful Boy on Audible. We stopped at a gas/service station with and A&W just out of Calgary to use the facilities and get something to eat and then headed to the Chinook Mall. Once we got parked we found that our entrance was right at the temporary location of Victoria Secret and we both came out with a beautiful bounty of bras, and for me, panties. Next was La Vie En Rose where I purchased a very pretty night slip. I actually got two but will be taking one back as it just doesn’t feel as awesome of a fit. I wandered up to the Bay while Ash checked out the mall. After scouring the racks I had almost given up on finding a new jean jacket when I saw a rack with a sign reading, All Women’s Levi Products 25% off with HBC Rewards card. There was only one left that fit me properly and they had my card on file by my phone number so win-win. I love it!

We drove to the AirBnB I had booked to meet KC who was down from Edmonton and already settled in. It is so nice to see her again as it has been since last July. We got ourselves together and headed to the Rec Room for the concert. In line ahead of us was a lovely lady named Diane who had brought her 85 year old Father to the concert and was going to be taking him home to Newfoundland for a visit in September. When we got in the girls noticed he didn’t have a chair so I made it my mission to find him one and it was quickly supplied by the bar back when I asked and mentioned who it was for.

Morrisey’s Private Stock opened the show and there was a broken glass on the dance floor before the first song was over. Everyone was having a good time. It was tough to stand the whole night but thank goodness we staked the square post in the middle to lean against, that really helped.

Ashlée stood in line to get us crazy good corn dogs that I am sure were 1000 calories but delicious.

There was quite a long break between bands but Shanneyganock played straight on through and were great fun. It is a shame I did not like the acoustics or mix (not entirely sure which) as it was very difficult to understand them and it had nothing to do with their accents. They also looked a little tired. I think they are at that stage of the tour. Still so great though and the audience was enthusiastic. I texted Bob Pike who played with them when I saw them and met him in St. John’s. He replied right away about being a union light guy now for the movie industry. It’s a shame, would love to see him out this way.

It was such a fun night and to learn that Bud Davidge who was playing with them wrote the Mummers song and Friends and Family made it even more special. So glad we came.

I saw the guy who looked like he may be the guy and asked if he was the promoter. Turns out he is and we talked about discussing bringing them to Cranbrook. He gave me his card and I will reach out soon. I think they will sell out in the Kootenays.

The venue was amazing, I wanted to stay and play. There were so many cool games!

I am not sure the chairs were entirely happy though

We are now all back tucked in, with ringing in our ears. I was very disappointed in myself that I forgot my Loops in my other jacket as I knew it would be loud.

05-05-23 All’s Well that ends well

May 5, 2023

Today was going to be busy and I was up early so I made my Hello Fresh meal with intention to share with a coworker. I was glad she was happy to sit and eat with me and we both enjoyed it.

I went to a client’s to help her with a software transition that I was unfamiliar with but it ended up going well and she is a wonderful personality that I enjoy helping. On the way I was very unhappy though that my Pairs blew off due to them not fitting properly with my new lenses installed. When I was done I parked far from where they blew off and walked both sides of the highway up and down to no luck. One lovely human pulled over to be sure I was okay and ask if I needed a ride or help. I let her know how much I appreciated that.

I texted the guy to let him know that he made my day with his texts each morning and he came over to my place. We had a lovely evening and it took the stress off completely as we are both on the same page about what we want and don’t, leaving no expectations or disappointments out there. Gosh, it’s good to meet someone who straight up communicates the same way I do. We are cool with this being just what it is, at its own pace and without strings. Meeting a grown ass adult and exploring a relationship that fits into our own lives is refreshing.

I am packed and ready to head out tomorrow with Ashlée to meet KC and see Shanneyganock in Calgary. Can’t wait!!

05-04-23 A lovely Evening

May 4, 2023

Today was very productive working with a client’s auditors for their yearend. I was quite moved when they told me that I should charge $20 and hour more than I do for my level of expertise. I have always undervalued my work and need to reevaluate things going forward. I do know what I bring to the table but can’t just hike things that much. I will have to make a plan.

I don’t want to describe exactly how my evening went but suffice to say, my first date with a man went very well and I was grinning like a giddy teenager when he dropped me off. Pizza and a walk in the woods by the lake, great conversation, and good laughs does make me want to see where this goes. It has been a long time since I have let my guard down and been open to the idea of a person in my life. I want to take it slow and not be hurt. I am attracted to him and the fact that I am 14 years older than him only phases me a little bit, lol.

05-03-23 Anticipation

May 3, 2023

Ok, so it was a day that was full of Auditors and actions. The real important stuff was that I received a message from the guy this morning wishing me a good day. It is those simple pleasures that draw me nearer. I reached out after work and we made a plan for tomorrow evening. I feel like a teenager and a dowager in the same breath. I hope the first date will get me over that and settle me into the ‘we are grown assed adults” phase.

I was given a bottle of crown by Tracey and it had a paper around its neck that had a QR code to make a free label for a bottle. I chose to make one to fit the awesome lamp that my friend Shannon made me and it arrived today! Cool.

My Hello Fresh arrived a day late and completely not cold. The ice packs were melted and the meat was only barely above room temp. I messaged the company and they credited me for the box. I cooked the pork tonight to try to salvage it and it seems to have set well. I will see how the chicken goes tomorrow!

I had a great long talk with my friend Mark tonight and he is such a good sounding board from a Man’s perspective about any red flags I may have about tomorrow. It is always good to have a friend of the opposite sex who shares so many of your virtues and perspectives.

05-02-23 Guardians of my Galaxy

May 2, 2023

The Dr from where Mom is staying called me today to fill me in on all the details. It is confirmed that she has small c cancer. There is not radiation needed and we expect it can be removed easily but will be confirmed when we see the ENT on the 18th. Turns out her hip is broken from her fall Wednesday night but in the same best case scenario, the orthopedic surgeon says it is a minimal crack above her bionic hip and will heal itself. She is already weight bearing but will need therapy in house for an extra couple weeks. So, bad news, GOOD news.

I had a busy day at work and then jumped in the Willys to go do an errand at the far end of the strip. For those of you who do not know, the ‘strip’ is the divided highway through town. The day was perfect and I was scooting along in the fast lane, preparing to turn left. There was a pickup in front of me that I was pacing for speed, a few car lengths behind me in my lane another truck and beside it, a semi. Suddenly, the truck in front of me switched to the right lane and all I could see was a big Dodge Ram’s grill coming toward me. The poor woman driving was on the wrong side of the median. I checked my mirror, slammed on the brakes and raised both arms straight up over my head like goal posts to signal those behind me. Everyone managed to get stopped and she made her way across the traffic and turned left into the mall. I was slow to get going again and the semi came up beside me, tooted his horn and gave me a big thumbs up and wave out his window. I pulled into where my errand was and then when I got back in the jeep to leave, my brakes were frozen. I called my friend to ask what to do and he said he would try to send his son to help. In the meantime, a guy pulled up and was very excited about my ride. Andy was so enamored of my ride that he asked me if I was married. I think he was in that 40s range too which made me smile. He hung out with me for almost an hour while I let her cool down and then I started her up again and all was well. I think there may have been an airlock in the master cylinder. All in all, I thank my motorcycle training to always be aware of my surroundings, the ability to remain calm in a crisis and not to stall her out. I also gave my Dad’s little stuffed dog that travels with me a squeeze of gratitude for all of us being safe in that situation. I feel sorry for that poor lady who made the mistake. She must have been terrified. I should have thought to follow her and make sure she was okay but honestly, I was probably in shock myself.

05-01-23 Cracks and Complications

May 1, 2023

I made myself get up an hour earlier. Today was the day I committed to not smoking and to getting back on the treadmill. I had let my own health slip while dealing with the stress of Mom’s. That is not to blame her or even the universe. I make my own choices. I just choose my battles and to protect my mental health I let a few things drop through the cracks. I have been still weighing myself every day and recording most of what I eat and drink. I am still over 40 gone and want to continue to feel I am on a good trajectory.

Speaking of cracks, it turns out Mom does have a crack in the bone above the ball of her bionic hip. Apparently the Dr is supposed to come talk to her tomorrow and I asked if they can FaceTime with me so I can get a clear understanding. She can weight bear now she says, so that is an improvement.

Today was a bitch at work, I apparently couldn’t figure out the correct way to set up something in the background of the payroll software and I pushed play before seeing the big error. All of the employees were sent notice of the incorrect payroll and I was in the middle of someone else’s when they mistake was realized. It took me a while to make it right but I did and then ran three more payroll. I super concentrated on them to make sure there were no issues. The funny thing is part of the reason it went wrong was I am finding myself quick to anger. There is no slow burn, other’s annoyances make me want to run screaming away and say Fuck it All. I won’t of course but I need to get a handle on what it is that sends me that way. Maybe I need to pay a professional… wait, I just remembered that council comes with my benefits. I may just take advantage of it.

There was a lovely moment in the day when I got a text from the guy. I am so stressed to not read into anything so decided to not text him first. It made me smile when he asked how my day went. I did tell him that he made me smile and it was a pleasant short conversation as I was still at the office and didn’t feel up to getting together this evening. It is nice to feel the nervousness of making a new friend. I am open to seeing where it goes. I did suddenly realize that I don’t even know what he looks like except that he has nice eyes, as I have only seen him in a mask. I may have to ask him for a picture, making it very clear I do not accept the other kind, lol.

Gosh my Willys brings me joy! I have so much fun driving it and am smiling most of the time. Many people wave and smile. It feels good to respond. I never wanted to be one of those collector car owners who stare straight ahead and are too cool for school.