I woke up at 5:30 this morning running work through my head so I decided to just get up, get ready, and go. It’s a good thing I did because I got a shite tum and even managed to get my invoicing done before my pedicure appointment at 2 PM. This sounds so luxurious and it was, but it was also extremely necessary as Throbby Bobby has been hurting since Saturday night. it was funny to come out of the office excited that April was done and all my filings were done and it was snowing on the last day of April, of all things.
I have been putting off my responsibilities to garner food donations for the performer and volunteer hospitality tent at Kootenay Children’s festival on May 11. once my pedicure was done I grabbed my list and hit a bunch of locations, some who generously donated at the moment and others who promised to give the information to their managers who would call me in the morning. Cranbrook is a very generous town.
Once I was done that I went to the Shell station beside Safeway and used my AIR MILES bonus for $.15 off a litre before the price went up at the gas station and managed to fill my tank for 157.9 which is a miracle these days. And then I popped over to Encore to celebrate my last day as a founder and get my 10% off my food and beverage, which was a great choice because I met one of the performers who is in town with Dino, which I unfortunately will be out of town for, Kevin and I had a great chat, performing and touring and theatre in general I am always happy that I chat with strangers
Ever since I got home, Missy has been driving me crazy miaowing to go in and out and in and out. I’ve never heard her this vocal since she was injured and couldn’t go out at all and am not entirely sure what’s going on with her, but I have been curled up watching For all mankind and just relaxing, enjoying a lovely evening 
I did laundry, etc today while I watched For All Mankind and waited to go with Bill and the boys to pick up a lovely dining room table from my friends out in Kookanusa. Lukas, Will, Sawyer, Bill and I took Roger’s truck and off we went. I didn’t mention until we were turning up the driveway an hour later who we were going to see and it turns out Bill knows Lance, lol. We loaded up and grabbed my Willys hood that was out there as well, Bill had a good visit and then we headed back with a stop at the DQ drivethru where Nana treated us all to ice-cream treats.
I also gathered some glass blocks that I bought from Addie and the spare Jeep tailgate before heading home to make a tasty meal and continue watching For All Mankind
I crocheted and relaxed and binged Severance until it was time to get ready and be at the Colombo Lodge for 4:45. Tonight was our amazing Rotary Gala with a Moulin Rouge theme. It was breathtakingly beautiful. The decor and st up crew did an amazing job. The food was perfection and being the ninth at a table of new Rotary friends made my night.
I was surprised when Rae-Anne showed up as she had been given a ticket last minute. She looked beautiful in spite of throwing an outfit together. We had fun sharing the event. There were many familiar and unfamiliar faces and everyone looked to be having an amazing time. I was comfortable and complimented often on my attire. It felt good to feel the love.
Lovely Lallah
Darcy Kennedy and I sold 50/50 tickets on our side of the room while Brian and David did on the other side. Between us all we raised over 8K! It was one of our Rotarians who won so that was awesome. There was an incredible amount of money raised on the silent and live auction. The local businesses were very generous in their donations and in their bidding. I look forward to hearing the final numbers raised.
President HeidiHeidi & JordanNadine and JordanLallah, Errol, SteveJason and Darcy
My feet were hurting as I made the mistake of sitting down. I was wearing my beautiful shoes that I bought on Carnaby Street in London and I clearly haven’t broken them in yet. As long as I was walking they were perfect, but then ached once I sat for a time. I chose to wait until I won the two GC I had bid on, both of which are for things I buy anyway, for the salon I go to, and the liquor store. I am now home at a reasonable hour, having had a perfect day and am watching more of Severance which is a brilliantly odd show.
I have to admit that the best part of today is that I had filed all of my T1s and only have one GST filing to do on Monday as soon as the client gives me the last last of his information. That pretty much means that tonight is me celebrating April being over. And then my cousin reached out last minute to ask if I could do her return as it is more complicated than usual. Of course, I said yes.
After work, I came home and made dinner so that I didn’t waste any of my HelloFresh this week and it was delicious. I then headed to Encore as it was the one year anniversary of the business being officially open and Pretty For The People was playing and a new brew was on tap, to which they added sparkly confetti.
The evening was perfectly lovely as I hung out with friends and family, danced and had a great time. I do love the community that has developed around this business.
I was pleasantly surprised to see a parcel had arrived for one of the guys that works in our space as it is the one that I have on my wishlist and I’m waiting for the big sale on May the Fourth. Seeing it in person made me realize how much I want it. it should take me a while. It is expensive so I hope there is a good sale. 
Or date night with Rhonda. I was to drive the Bellamy Brothers a half hour out of town for a video shoot so I showed up at the theatre to pick them up at 3, only to find out that Howard (probably needed a nap) wouldn’t even available until 4:30. Cris Schandl, their promoter was awesome when I explained I had plans at 5:30 and was fine to do it along the tour some other time. It was odd to say no to icons, but I had made plans with Rhonda for sushi and the show. It was to be her first night out after the death of her husband, Gordon. She of course felt I should go make a memory with them, but time with her was more important. We had a fantastic night. I only knew the last three songs of their set, but thoroughly enjoyed it. At 73, and 78, David and Howard still have powerful voices and great energy.
Cris SchandlHis bass is so high!
The openers were from the Kootenays! Son of John were so great and the father and son duo set the tone for the night.
Some days I just choose to do all the things and then come home and be done with communication. This is one of them. Tomorrow promises to be a lot. Resting up, night night.
I met a group of powerful, amazing women at Firehall to celebrate Ash’s birthday and play Disney song bingo. I didn’t buy cards as I already had an appointment to have my hair cur at 7:30 and didn’t want to miss it. It was awesome to hang out and I ran out for my appointment with the lovely Karissa who took my hopes and made them true. I made it back for the blackout round and had fun with the ladies. We are a group of well range of age and life experience and there were many laughs.
and I love her to the moon, my mini me. She can get under my skin faster than anyone else, and I am pretty sure it goes both ways. When she sees me and smiles all the way to her eyes… it makes me so happy. This morning I got that smile at the door when I dropped her present off.
My work day was not without its complications and was broken up by volunteer work, but I still managed to get a lot done.
It was good to have a subcommittee meeting today and get some things sorted. It was better to get home and relax as my ribcage hurts when I even breathe deep from lifting that fence by myself yesterday.
This morning I tried to think of something I wanted to say about my friend Gordon Sheridan at his Celebration of Life this afternoon. I felt a strong need to do so and it was driving toward anxiety. I decided to do some chores and think on it. I stepped out to call in Missy and saw that my fence had blown over into the neighbour’s yard. The wind was strong, but I suspect there was more at play and my first reaction was to laugh and blame Gord. It reminded me of the day I was supposed to take him for a ride in the Willys when the neighbour stormed over and threatened to burn my fence panels if I didn’t get them stood up properly. I cancelled the ride and got it done and then we never did get that drive together. I came back in the house when I was finished rebuilding it and looked up what day it was that I first built it. It was a year ago exactly !! That made me laugh as I realized Gord had written the final chapter for us.
I got myself cleaned up and headed to Key City Theatre where the Celebration of Life was in the lobby. It was a lovely setting and a beautiful tribute. I did get up and tell my story of today and how we had a shared love of Red Dwarf. I ended by saying that I only wished that he were in stasis. It was nice to see so many familiar faces from so many areas of the arts.
I came home and made a good meal and will go to bed early as I am bone weary now.
I had a relaxing day. There was a VIMF coordinators meeting (me by zoom) at noon which was informative and then I settled into a lovely bath and watched Leave The World Behind. It is a pretty intense, interesting movie with several big names. The young girl playing the 13 year old daughter was specifically good. I did some yard work and then Tracey and I headed to Fire Hall for dinner before heading to The Stage Door for the CCT production of Clue. I was especially impressed with the Set and use of the very small stage for such a ‘large’ show. I was happy for the performances and especially impressed with Will and Matt. It was a good day.
I spent a good part of my day on bookwork, filings etc. That was, I did what I needed to do and then I did a lot of what I wanted to do. At 1 I went to a lunch with three other Rotary ladies. It was at Judy’s house and she had made amazing clam chowder and corn bread. Her birthday is tomorrow and we had a delicious raspberry chocolate cake and a great visit.
I stopped at the post office and sent off my cousin Deb’s birthday present and then it was back to ground floor where there was another delicious cake. Steve had stopped for FPPAS business and joined us. By now I was about to explode as though I had had a full turkey dinner.
Diana had dropped off a bevie of gifts while I was gone and I was overwhelmed. She is so dear and generous and I always feel completely spoiled by her.
I did some more filings and then headed to meet the family and friends like family at Taco TIme for dinner. It was my choice and I had a good meal and fun. The manager (owner?) brought over churros for everyone when he saw it was my birthday.
We all went back to the Guedes house and played a game called Outsmarted. It was a fun combination of Trivial Pursuit and Who Wants to be a Millionaire. There was a board, die and figures. We had to download an app for the trivia part of the game rather than cards. It was so much fun. I highly recommend it. Ashlée won with Jeff and I close behind.
I was completely spoiled with gifts today as well. So much to be grateful for. I had fun opening my gift from Mark over FaceTime with him. He made some very special fun things for me. I can’t wait to iron on my transfer to a T-shirt. He even made a card game and sent me the beta version to test out with family.
I posted on Facebook my feelings about the day but I want to remember it here. Every little message, text, email was so much a part of filling my tank. Every one lead me down memory lane of how I know the people, how much they have added to my life. I had people sing to me! It really was a fabulously awesome day! I am a lucky woman.
Or so Google tells me that the day I was born was that many days ago. Heck of a way to spend the last day of being 60… hungover from a lack of sleep. I didn’t go right to sleep last night and the last I saw it was heading towards 2 in the morning. I woke up with a start sometime after 5, took a long time to get back to sleep and then at 7 am my Roomba, James II woke me with a cheery tone as he set about cleaning under my bed. By that point I was so annoyed, I just got up and sat in my chair with drivel on the TV as I drank coffee, had a smoothie and crocheted. I finally felt awake enough to shower and leave. I dropped my recycling, stopped at the office to check my email and then headed to Rotary lunch. I didn’t want to miss it as Jordan Nering was giving a talk about AI. He showed us the live workings of several versions of software. I admit it was pretty informative and scary in the same breath.
Back at the office I worked on free and flat rate work so I could go slow and concentrate more carefully. I got enough done to not feel the day was a right off. Actually, Trudy had supported and encouraged me, last night, to just enjoy and have a slack day, that I deserved it. It wasn’t long into the day that I remembered tomorrow I will be 61. It made me laugh with any of the energy I had left that I may have finally aged out of fun into the wee hours unless I let myself sleep as long as I need to afterward.
I came home and made a good meal with turkey meatballs, and roasted potatoes. It was good comfort food and I have been watching my Apple + shows. First was the most recent episodes of Palm Royale and Loot, now I have started watching For All Mankind. It is a very interesting what if scenario about the Space Race.
It’s as simple as, well, manifesting in thought what brings you joy.
I worked like a puppy chasing its tail today. I was not focused but rather multitasking on a ridiculous level.
I was at Key City for 4:30 to meet with the performers and host the Winter Ale evening. I can’t explain how many revelations I had about my relationship to live music. I was fully aware that I am the wind beneath the wings, that I love to help bring people joy. To see the performers connect with the audience brings me joy. I got to sit with my friend Monica and enjoy a beverage as we enjoyed the music. I was invited back to my friends, Dave and Trudy’s for a dram with them and a couple band members afterward. It was so good for my soul. There was much guitar playing and great conversation. It turns out that Jenny Allen, the headliner and I, have 21 mutual friends and we connected immediately. The evening was so great and I finally said, “I have to go, before I don’t” She asked if she could use that line in a song. Of course!
Seriously, my first response should or could have been, no, I have too much to do tomorrow, but the reality is that I was exactly where I needed to be to fill my soul. I have made a new friend in Jenny from Calgary, yay!
Heather Gammel and Dave PrinnJenny Allen bandMatt Kidd, the sound dudeThe prize package for the season
I had an odd night, awake thinking often. My shower thoughts were deep and sort of dark, or maybe light in the realizations. I am not sure where the seed came from. I found myself thinking about how seldom I am surprised, startled, or bothered by pain. I know that a part of me was brought up in a house that showed stoicism. As children we were often… bullied in some ways. We were teased and embarrassed in front of others for entertainment of adults. I learned to laugh it off or at the very least, not show how bad it was. I would leave the table to get something requested, only to return to a meal doused in hot sauce. I would take a bite and then finish without showing sign that it tasted any different, just to not give Dad the satisfaction. Or maybe it was to live up to what I perceived as expectations… that, somehow, I was making him proud. I would get hurt and walk it off. No blood, no broken bones, no complaining allowed. Mom made it clear I was to rise above, to set an example, to always be the best.
I wonder if I pass those same ideals along to my children. I hope they know I love them beyond understanding. I hope they know they don’t have to do anything at all to have that from me. I hope they know that they can be, just be, not be something.
I believe I am coming to that belief in myself finally. I am making good choices. I am finding contentment in my life and purging the things that do not bring joy.
Today I was asked to take on a client whom I have been working with assisting and training their bookkeeper. They want me. This is flattering. I asked to put a pin in it until we talk May 8th so that I can assess my capacity. In April I am more likely to say no.
I did spend time in my yard today installing some solar fun. I have ordered more and intend my yard to be a big source of joy this summer.
All the payroll, all the filings, all the stuff… just took longer today as the entire world is apparently trying to contact CRA and the banks. I followed up that day of frustration with a Board meeting. It went pretty well, a lot was discussed in a very open way and plans were made and agreed to. 5 of us hit up BP afterwards and I will be up for a bit longer as I ate too late. It’s raining, but not snowing, so that’s good. Just want to retain good vibes for what remains of my 61st year on the planet. I am holding onto the idea that I will be 61derful on Friday.
I slept in a bit, did laundry and a bit of cleaning. I crocheted but ran out of a colour and they didn’t have it at Walmart last time I checked. I ran 50/50 near the entrance and although I didn’t get to see much of the first two periods, the third one was action packed! We won Game 6 in OT against the West Kelowna Warriors. I went to Walmart on the way home and found the colour I needed in stock. Didn’t get home until well after 8, but figured I should make food. The corn chowder was delicious even with leaving out the jalapeño. my yard is so nice since Lukas raked it and now my willow is coming out in full force with the nice weather we’ve had.
I was brave enough to take a moment today. There were a small group of maybe 13 year old girls circling the mezzanine. Every time I saw one of them I would get a flash of her grownup self. I stopped her on o e round and said I didn’t want to be creepy old Nana but I saw immense power in her and wish for no one to ever take it away. She was glowing and asked if we could hug and just kept thanking me. I hope she holds that close when she needs it. I’ve never done that with a stranger before, especially a child.
I have enjoyed chores, rest, hobbies and cooking today. I finished my puzzle in the wee hours, got started on a diamond dot and watched up to date Palm Royale and Loot. I am now watching The Diplomat. It has been a huge block of time not talking to anyone and it feels refreshing.
triumphgal 