triumphgal

December 31, 2024

I had a pretty relaxed day, trying to rest the leg and get healing as needed. Sawyer and I played It Takes Two, Ash and I watched the last of Season one of A Man on the Inside, and I ran my last payroll of the year.

There are currently 18 of us, I think, here for a seafood feast and company. It is a bit much for my worn out self. I am currently resting in the easy chair in Ashlée’s watching Central Intelligence. My guts are very unhappy. Dang pain meds.

I hope to join the others soon.

Today was the day that a friend, Tim O’Connor was to be cremated at 10 am SSI time. He fam had died in Christmas Day and his husband, John, asked us all to light a candle. I did share a picture. I am glad to have known him.

My blood pressure seems to be better.

I hope to make it awake until midnight.

December 30, 2024

I set my alarm and was ready in time for Gene to drop me at the office on his way to take Sawyer skiing in Kimberley. There were at least 4 others there and I was well taken care of. Daryl made sure I had coffee.

Hunter came and sat with me to get their file done and the GST filed and paid. It felt good to get the first one out of the way.

The next few hours were spent processing payroll and setting appointments with the surgeon. My own, Dr Wolff said he is not too worried about my blood pressure but I am to measure it at random times for a week, then bring the machine and see him. He said there was no surgical report yet but that he saw X-rays that showed plateS and screws.

Ashlée spoke with her friend that manages Mr Mikes. I plan to go talk with her about the experience.

We spent the evening hanging out while I puzzled and Ash watched Veronica Mars and then we settled to watch A Man on the Inside with Ted Dansen and many others.

I am now sleepy.

December 29, 2024

I was up early and made my way to the kitchen where I was able to make a coffee and transport it back to my chair with my fancy basket. I watched The Sticky and was served pancakes by Sawyer We agreed that one of them looked like Shrek.

I puzzled a bit, relaxed a bit, Ash took me to my place to pick up more clothes, and the. I took a bath while all the rest of them went for a walk to Mistletoe Lane.

Once back, we all loaded up and headed to Encore. Dave, Deb, Tate and Zach joined us there. Apparently I was pretty cool on my scooter.

Since back at the house I have been aching and hope the pain settles so I can sleep.

I distracted myself by watching Love Actually. I hadn’t seen It since it first came out. It was cute.

December 28, 2024

Today was mostly spent in 4 hour stretches chasing pain killers. I had a good talk with Rae, she will try to listen and I will try to ask. She also told me that I was more in my head about being a burden than I really was.

Played games with Sawyer, read my book, the boys moved a lazy boy from upstairs into Ashlée’s apartment so I could have peaceful comfort there. I also did a little work in advance of Monday.

Deanne came over and we started on the puzzle that I got from her and Bill for Christmas.

They invited me over for steak dinner and we had a very nice visit, reminiscing and telling tales.

Ashlée had given me a ride up the block and Roger came to get me back. The snow today and slight ice on the sidewalk didn’t make for a walk up the block

I struggled awaiting the meds to kick in so have been watching Jackpot, a goofy but fun movie.

December 26, 2024

I woke up at the witching hour again but took my pills and went back to sleep.

I was assisted to take a nice long epsom salt bath to soak all the things that hurt. And then I was dropped at my office to work on my last file of the year. Unfortunately, I was there too long with my foot down and am paying the price for it. A lovely friend in the space picked up lunch for us which I was happy to pay for. Bill came and picked me up which was awesome. I had a bit of downtime and then everyone came home and we had nummy leftovers and good visits while watching Paddington in anticipation of the sequel. Turns out that Caramel Crown and Cream Soda is delicious!!

Dr Ngai called to let Me know that short of sticking out bones in others, I was top of the pile and should fast tonight. I appreciate her letting me know.

December 25, 2024

I woke up at 4:20 my body telling me that I need a painkillers how ironic. As I was fully awake, I moved to the living room and sat in the big chair, hoping to read my book, but couldn’t figure out how to turn on light in the living room. I doom scrolled Facebook until Gene finally came downstairs and that’s when I found out that the coffee had been there on a timer and it was available in the kitchen.

We had a lovely time opening presents, and the guys took over putting together the breakfast I had prepped of burrito makings they scramble the eggs and warm things up, and everyone seems full and happy afterwards.

I enjoyed my breakfast beer thanks to Sam from KAST it was a delicious stout.

My moment was giving Gene his first Fluevogs. He, his Pere and this Nana were all teary.

The day was lovely in spite of my achy self. I took a nap, we watched Home Alone, puzzles were started. The Guedes Fam gave me a three day pass to Rockin the Kootenay which is awesome.

Danika, Malcolm and the girls came for a visit. It was the first time Thea responded to me and even blew kisses when they left. Emmy bought me Hot Pink Gummy Bear slippers. she intended to stay over night but ended up wanting to go home which was probably safer than sharing a bed with me.

Judy and Mom were picked up for dinner and we had a nice visit. The meal was amazing

I got super emotional towards the end of the day as I feel like Ash is burdened by me. I am working out the logistics of working from home. It would be best for all.

Roger tried out his whiskey smoker that I got him and it was awesome!

December 24, 2024

I woke up at 5:30, anxious, I suppose to know when my surgery would be. I did notice that there was the picture from Danika of Emmy and her sisters Gwen and Thea sitting there across from the bed. I hadn’t noticed it last night. I finally got up and since I was fasting, got Rae to run me a bath as their tub is perfect for me to rest my leg on the side. I called my Dr and then the surgical ward to ask if I could take painkillers or not and was given good advice to only take 1 Advil as they are a blood thinner. At 10 I heard from the hospital asking me to keep fasting and come see Dr Nye at noon. Gene dropped me off and I was happy to get help from kind strangers to get into a wheelchair and signed in. I wasn’t there long when lovely friend Rhonda showed up and we had a sweet visit. I know it is hard for her as it is her first Christmas since her husband Gordon died. Dr Nye explained what is to come to pull my leg back together and said it was possible I could be the last surgery of the day but maybe not so I opted to wait until Friday and enjoy Christmas. They redid my splint cast and sent me in my way with the news that I would not be able to weight bear for 2 months. I saw Judy Cave as I was leaving. She and my Mom have a long time mutual friend, Pat, who has suffered the loss of her husband Mike and then one month later her daughter, Dana. Poor Pat is now in hospital. I am only sorry that I am not capable of bringing my Mom to visit her. I did enjoy handing out treats to the staff and volunteers that I encountered. Their smiles were worth it. Ashlée picked me up and after she dropped me at her place she went to Pharmasave and rented me a knee scooter. Oh my goodness what a relief on my body

We puzzled and I talked Lukas through making a big batch of nuts and bolts. They turned out great. Unfortunately I stubbed my foot on the threshold and fell to my knees. It was painful but I am glad I did it before the surgery. Greg called to let me know he was going to be a Grandpa, that Maya is pregnant. I am so happy for her. She and I had talked when she was here about her desire to be a Mom. It is odd that Greg will have his first grandchild after my oldest one graduates!

We had a delicious ham dinner and then everyone but Rae, Deanne and I went to church. I did manage to roll outside for Santa coming by.

Next was the annual Christmas Eve jammies and some of the boys watched Nightmare Before Christmas with me. I was surprised when they picked it!

December 23, 2024

I sit tonight enjoying Peach Crown on the rocks which I was gifted from a client.

I sit in a recliner chair with my foot up watching Red One with Lukas and the two exchange students, Elias and Nikio.

I sit tonight grateful that when I was at my lowest this morning, Gene came and brought me to the office. I managed in spite of the discomforts to get even more done than I anticipated

I sit tonight having been picked up from the office by Ashlée and Lukas who brought me to my home to gather my stuff so I could stay in her guest room.

I sit tonight with a full belly and glass as I know I must fast at midnight in anticipation of surgery tomorrow

I sit tonight, sad that I had to tell my Mom of a loss and couldn’t do it in person and give her a hug

I sit tonight so grateful for the incredible support network around me and around the globe

I sit tonight in the discomfort of waiting and the comfort of knowing that I am loved.

December 22, 2024

I got up and ready, picked up Jake and Emmy and then we went to pick up Mom and go to Mr Mikes Steakhouse for lunch. It was a most enjoyable lunch

We left to join the others at the mall for the Santa photo and as I stepped off the curb I slipped on the ice and rolled my right foot sideways before falling to the ground. I knew I had done something very wrong as have a high pain tolerance and it was almost pass out level. I couldn’t get up even though I was laying bin the were and cold and told Jake to go in the restaurant and tell them to call 911. I needed him to make sure that Mom and Emmy got in the car safely. It took a bit for someone to come out and he asked if we had called an ambulance. I barked No and asked him to. When I was finally too cold to lay there anymore he and Jake helped me up and onto a chair he brought out. Yep, a chair between two cars was his best thought. The shock kicked in and I started shivering so I asked to get help to move me inside. This time he set me in the vestibule between the doors. I messaged Tracey to go to my place and grab my wallet and bring to me. I also wanted company so that Mom, Jake and Emmy could go to the photos. I’m glad I did as it took just short of an hour for the ambulance to come and when they removed my boot they immediately gave me ‘the green whistle’ which apparently works quickly in a trauma situation

Once at the hospital I waited a while before getting Xrays and was told the Dr would come out to chairs to let me know what to do about it. I hadn’t been there very long when a nurse came and got me to take off my jeans (I was glad as they were soaked) and get ready for the Dr. It turns out this badly broken and I will need surgery but it won’t likely be possible before Tuesday. Dr Bernard put a plaster splint on it and off I went with crutches.

Gene picked me up, stopped at Safeway where he ran in to get Tylenol and Advil then we stopped to get Ashlée to bring my car home and they both managed to get me in the house and clear things out of the way so I could manage for the night. I sent all my gifts back with them and am glad I wrapped last night.

After a while I Door dashed sushi to Tracey’s next door and she brought it over. While she was here she offered to clean the litter box and take out the garbage. She’s a very thoughtful friend.

I am going to go in to do payroll tomorrow and then go stay in Ashlée’s spare room for the duration of this stage.

I am only sad I missed the Santa pics but am glad Ashlée arranged to get my Mom, all my kids and grandkids in one. I had explained earlier to Emmy the importance of not making silly faces. I told her that Santa photos were Luke a chapter book, that each picture was a chapter in our family story. After seeing the outcome, I messaged her that this was the chapter when Nana had a boo-boo

I am tired from all that occurred today and am not sure how much sleep I will get, so off I go to try. Oh and my butt, ribs and both hands got a little beat up in the fall as well, so I am looking forward to a little CBD cream

December 21, 2024

First stop of this wonderful day was to get brows and pits waxed by Ireland. That does not sound glamorous at all, but I enjoy our visits.

Next up was the car wash and then day drinking lunch at Fenwick and Baker where I enjoyed great chats and good food

Third stop was to see Melissa for a luxurious pedicure and sparkling nails to match my fingers

After that I picked up Jake and Emmy to take in Moana 2 at the theatre. It was good but we all agreed not as good as the first one. did run into cousin Brian so that was awesome

We shopped a bit so Emmy could pick out some gifts for her sisters and two youngest cousins. She’s a good little shopper.

I dropped them off and came home to have to shovel all the snow that fell off the roof

The evening was spent wrapping all my gifts. I am officially ready for Christmas!

I was blessed from a client who sent me a digital gift card to Mr Mikes and decided to take Mom, Jake and Emmy for lunch tomorrow before our Santa photo.

My advent was tasty and I look forward to trying what Rae gave me

It really was a most lovely day.

December 20, 2024

Today was a tough workday, but I finally got out of the office and headed to have dinner and celebrate Lukas. I can’t belief that I didn’t take a picture with him but it was all hugs and love. I gave him a $50 Safeway gift card so he could get lunches and he seemed pleased. I scarfed down spaghetti and ran off to tend bar for the Pretty for the People Christmas show at Key City. I am very tired so I came home as soon as I was done. I started the second half of my Whisky advent. It was quite delicious, and I love the earrings from Rae!

Jake gave me a stunning corkscrew for Christmas

Sam, a guy who works at the GroundFloor, gave me a bottle of his home brew stout complete with instructions to keep at room temperature until the 24th, refrigerate overnight and enjoy on Christmas Day.

December 19, 2024

Today was not without its stress.

I didn’t even feel like trying my whiskey adventure the last couple nights, but I did love my socks from Rae

Rotary was good with talks from Chance and Sven about JCI

I popped over to the Wyatt new home for a tour and visit and was happy that Deb loved the Cranbrook and Kootenay decorations that I got them. I had a great conversation with Tate about his field of study for his physics doctorate.

It was funny to get home to only one piece of mail received since the strike began, a card from the Wyatts

I did stop for a haircut from Karissa and decided to go quite short. I do enjoy my visits with her

I am very tired and worn out with much still to accomplish. I am glad it is only the 19th, but I wish some clients would consider that I need time off as well over the season

December 18, 2024

Awoke to much snow. Handled some client calls and wrapped gifts before finally making it to the office

It was a complicated day but it was nice to give and receive gifts. Gift cards were append I loved my thoughtful gift from Keri

I did order Gene’s shoes as they came on sale. They are for Christmas, Grad, and birthday

5 pm was dinner time at Joseph Creek with Mom.

The roads were super slick coming home.

December 17, 2024

My two daughters are so very different. It is hard for me to imagine sometimes that they have the same mother and father and were raised in the same environment.

I get along with each of them so differently. Don’t get me wrong, I love them both. It’s just that one feels more like my best friend on the regular and the other when we work together.

The difference does make it hard for me to stay out of the middle sometimes. There are stresses of both of their lives and I have chosen to just listen and only offer advice when asked because that is safe. If I felt either needed to hear something from me, I would speak up. Daughters are so complicated lol

I left work at a decent time and picked up mom‘s pills and the ingredients to make nuts and bolts and that’s what I’ve been doing all evening because it takes 1.25 hours per batch. And they are yummy

I forgot to add something that I want to remember because it’s important for my self-esteem. When things are down, I need to remind myself that someone told me tonight that I am living my best life authentically.  to have an acquaintance recognize that and vocalize it, is gold.

December 16, 2024

Today was intense as I did final payrolls that were reconciled for the year and a lot of free work updating the website with events and sending out a newsletter for Fisher Peak performing artists.

My car headed immediately towards Fenwick and Baker to hang out at my local and have a beverage and some food and head home. Much to my surprise, Dave and his wife Kimberley were there!

I enjoyed the evening, chatting and befriending and enjoying myself so much that time had flown by and I had had too many double crowns so I texted Jake and Roger who kindly came down and drove me in my car home.

The best part of the day was hearing from Mark that his cancer is not spread. This is a Christmas blessing. 

December 15, 2024

I had a mostly lazy day listening to the snow thud off my metal roof. The afternoon was spent volunteering at Key City for the My Baker High school production of Shakespeare in Love. They did a great job.

I came home and changed, wrapped Jake’s Christmas presents and picked him up to go for dinner. Fenwick and Baker was closed for a private event so we headed over to the Heidout and had a great visit and good food. He loved his gifts and I realizedI forgot one so we will connect again. I love catching up with him, we have so many ‘remember when’s’

I loved that he was impressed by my blog stats and I was happy to share my YouTube ones to my YouTuber son

December 14, 2024

I picked up Jake and while waiting in arrivals I found my friend, Deb there waiting for her twin boys arriving from Memphis. It was so awesome to meet and introduce our sons. Hard to believe these two little girls who met in pre-k grew up to produce these amazing men.

I slept in after a late night and took some time to build a third of the bookshelf that I bought some time ago for my Lego collection. I admit to watching a great deal of Virgin River, my Netflix soap.

Off to the arena where once again I sold the winning 50/50 ticket and I won a $25 GC to Mr Mikes from the number on my $2 program which is the first I’ve bought this season. The winner was a young guy who was so happy it makes my heart happy.

I was able to see the cold moon and Jupiter tonight, no meteor showers

Tonight’s advent was fun and delicious

December 13, 2024

Up early to be at my 9 am nail appointment. Love them as usual

Got a good amount done before heading to the arena to work 50/50. I sold the winning ticket and the Bucks won. Looking forward to doing the same tomorrow night.

I have been watching TV and trying not to get too tired as I am picking up Jake at the airport at 12:30 am. have to watch for animals and ice. Haven’t tried my whiskey advent but love the one friend m Rae

Got news that my little buddy, Atlas, was badly burned today. His Mom, Nesta, flew with him to Vancouver. Super scary.