triumphgal

May 26, 2021

I think my intuition about the treadmill may be correct as today was not as unbearable when I woke up. So I am double down committed to walking every day. Treadmill on weekdays and outdoors on days off. I had fun today at work, and Keri agreed we should get Subway for lunch. I was craving chips and they forgot to put them in my bag. I called and right away she said to swing by later and she would give me them and 2 cookies. I did swing by after work and the guy working gave me my chips and 4 cookies, lol. This afternoon I did a happy dance when I completed the first month of my new client and then met with then met with my newest and final one. They were very good for my psyche with their appreciation of what I bring to the table and their complete trust in me. I made time to get things mostly ready for tonight’s board meeting and then ran to Home Depot to pick up the black paint I needed for my trim as Danny, the handyman is supposed to be coming Friday to trim out my kitchen window and discuss the bathroom reno. Back to the office for the meeting and it was actually fun as they guys have healthy debates and discussions and everyone gets involved. To me, even when Robert’s rules are not exactly followed, it is the best when everyone is passionate about what we are doing. We are making plans to bring music fest back to Cranbrook. I came up with a fun idea for stickers that relate getting vaccinated to having live music. Once I got home I made my last meal from Hello Fresh for the week as the new box comes tomorrow. It was saucy Ragout with Olive Tempanade and it was so delicious! Way too late at night but so good. After that I cleaned everything up and then put the first coat on my picture frame after I cleaned up all the trim, ready to be painted tomorrow. I think it looks exactly as I hoped! Definitely not stuck in the ‘80s now. That was a very fulfilling day and it’s only Wednesday.

Something has been sitting on the back of my brain all day. I am sorry to use you this way but it really does help me to let it go if I talk about it. I was talking with a young lady yesterday and asked her if she has watched Dear White People. She hadn’t and asked me the premise. She then started talking how there would be an uproar if there was a show Dear Black People. I took a short breath and explained about the need for the pendulum to swing. I related it to the way I used to feel about special rights for ‘gays’. I was never disturbed by the sexuality of my friends so I never understood why they needed special rights. All people deserve not to be beaten up walking down the street, it’s a human right. But what I realized is that the difference is that a straight man can get mugged but a gay man is a victim of a hate crime. The mugger under regular rights gets penalized for robbery. The other has chosen his victim purposefully for who he loves and his sexuality, thus special rights must be invoked to make it a hate crime with stronger penalties. As human beings we must give up our right to a smug little safe world to make others feel safe and grounded and…. Human. I am rambling now but it makes me sad that young people today still don’t get it. She actually had intelligent comments after and I think I may have ‘teached’ her just a little bit. One Cranbrook kid at a time.

May 25, 2021

I’m kidding, tonight was actually a good meeting with many things that needed to be said and decisions that were positive. Tonight shall be a short message as my iPad decided it was time for an update and I’ve been waiting for it to finish although it is now 1058 and I need to go to bed. It was a long day and my hip and knee were very bad again this morning which led me to wonder if it has to do with the fact that I don’t do my treadmill on nonwork days. It seems like it’s always the worst on Monday or today which was Tuesday after a long weekend. We’ll see how it feels tomorrow. it felt good to have the heater blasting on it under my desk during the day. I popped out for quick waxing of eyebrows and armpits after work and before the board meeting. I’ve never had pits done and I can tell you it is painful. My skin seems extremely sensitive right now though and the shaving was not working and whatever is going on everything was itching so decided to give it a try too much information LOL. Yeah I think I can’t afford to do it as often as you need to. personal upkeep is expensive, on the other hand how cheap do you want them to have to do your daily ablutions for you. Came back to time that is weird because it’s so late light right now that I’m not ready to go to bed by 11 but I know that I need to if I’m going to get up and get on the treadmill tomorrow. I have much to accomplish in the next three days. as always the last week of the month holds a lot including another board meeting tomorrow night. Catch you later.

May 24, 2021

It is a holiday Monday, but for those of us who are self employed with deadlines, it is really just a peaceful day at the office. I woke up unbearably sore this morning. I had to use my hands to move my leg, did stretches and got it moving. It now makes me wonder if some of the breathing, inflammation issues are tied to the pain. Once I got moving I had a coffee and Bailey’s on the couch trying to relax and get motivated. I then had something to eat and was at the office by 11:30. There was no one else there although I scared Brett the IT guy when I said hi when he arrived an hour later. I filed a couple tax returns, responded to a client and logged in to fix her remittances and prepared all my CCT books up to date. I made sure I was home before 6, to have dinner at a decent time. I made a beautiful salad with home made dressing, boiled egg, feta and pan fried scallops. I made sure there is enough for lunch tomorrow. It was a lovely paced, productive day.

May 24, 2021

I had found my hummingbird feeder yesterday so I made food and put up the hook to hang it before I left for the office. The rain had begun so I thought to go get some work done. I did enjoy just getting some work done that needed focus and I will go in tomorrow to finish it off as well as get my volunteerism taken care of. I didn’t come home until after 8 but it was satisfying and I had good leftovers. Missy was hysterical, wanting to go outside and barely making it to the bottom step before running back in. I went out and covered the jeep and was drenched in no time. It will be good for the gardens! This evening I did a primer coat on an oak frame around one of my cross-stitch pieces. I plan to paint it black to bring it out of the 80s. Started working on a fun Marvel puzzle as I watched ‘Dear White People” I always hope these type of shows are honest as I learn more, hoping to become more ‘woke’ from the media I view.

May 23, 2021

I spent the afternoon and evening getting my 46 Willys running and out to the front of my property. It was so satisfying once it cranked over and Emmy enjoyed the first ride along. Once I got it out front there was a lot of cleaning to do as it has been parked for two winters leaving it full of leaves etc. The day that was only supposed to get to 16 degrees got up to over 20. Danika was needing a nap so she asked me to take Emmy for the afternoon. We had fun and she is really something. As I was getting ready to go to my nail appointment I asked her if I looked ok to go to the mall. She looked me up and down and then said I was beautiful but that my hair could look more beautiful. She is very diplomatic for a 4 year old. It was nice to have the company as I was puttering.

I gave my old gazebo to my Neighbour Tracey and it fits perfect to give her some shade. When I finished having my nails done, I headed to Lordco to drop off my old battery. I started thinking a lot about hanging with my dad and having a beer so I stopped at the liquor store and as I was craving a lucky I was sad they had none in the fridges. As I was about to grab Pilsner instead a woman working there asked what I was looking for and it seems she had 3 cases left only in the back. I was super grateful and gave her one as a tip because she said she’d never tried it. She was very surprised.

When I got back Tracey was out in her yard and we got chatting which led to sitting in my yard enjoying a couple beer together. She is easy to talk to and I am glad she is my Neighbour. It was 8 pm by the time I came in and started dinner. I made my next Hello Fresh but realized I had used the turkey in the last one so I used beef. It turned out delicious but the seasoning did give me upset stomach and heartburn. It was worth it but I won’t order that one again. I’m not going to waste the second serving and will have it tomorrow.

I picked up a lovely flamingo solar light at Shoppers with my PC points.

I used the AC for the first time tonight. Just cooled everything down to comfortable. It’s supposed to be rainy and cool tomorrow. My body aches a bit, I am off to dreamland…

May 21, 2021

Ok so the brains that keep track of these things say this is the 21st day of the 21st week of the 21st year of the 21st century. really it is just another number series that means nothing but is cool to recognize as it happens. Did this day mean anything special to you? Well… yes.

First : I went to Physio today and we think it is my hip causing the problems in both legs. I fell down a 12 step run of plywood stairs in Sept of 2015 and took most of the blows bouncing down on my right hip. I was always afraid that would catch up with me and it seems that my fall on April 1st may have been the catalyst to failure in my right hip causing the pain in my right knee and shocks in my right calf. I have stretching exercises and a follow up appointment before we know for sure the prognosis.

Second: I fell into the groove working on a file today. This is the moment that occurs when i feel like I know the file, it had become kin and I will find the rhythm to complete it regularly. It is an Ah ha moment.

Third: My Di (C) came over for games night!! I kicked her butt the first game of Patchwork over much honest conversation and then part way into the second game my eldest knocked on the door. They both have had tough weeks and it was such a blessing to download, laugh and cry together. Women together form a bond of honesty that is supreme. I think we should be aware of that and always not only cherish but seek it. We gather nothing by cutting each other down and so much by acknowledging our similarities, our struggles and our triumphs.

This made me smile today…and honestly I found it hard not to lean once I got up to the counter! (Picked up a $227 battery for the jeep today!)

May 20, 2021

I have been watching Snowpiercer on Netflix and I find it curious for many reasons. I really love the cast, the over the top bits of it but am annoyed by the impossibilities of it. There is no way they get as quick as they do from one end of the train to the other. It is over 1000 cars long… There are parts of the train that are very thin, the tail and engine for example and others that hold a circus, an aquarium, a ball room. Yet when you see it from the outside it is the same all the way along, even the lights are the same although there are stretches with no windows.. and so much more. The single most annoying thing though is that the women wear very high heels, even the super busy workers in hospitality and the men wear ties. I was just watching Rebel and was struck by the same thing. The power camera shots scan from the feet with women in stilettos up to the men in their ties and suits. How is it that these things are seen as a sign of power, or respect demanded or given? Why is it still a thing in the very distant future? Now, for those of you who know me, I am a shoe woman. I can find myself attracted to an average guy in a good pair of shoes. I walk differently, carry myself differently and feel all the feels and power in the right pair for the job. I do not however believe any longer that I can only look professional and powerful in stilettos. I actually think always wearing heals feels a little like giving in to the stereotype. And don’t even get me started about the wearing of dress shirts and ties for men. I have often felt sorry for the up and coming accounting student working in a corporate environment who may only own one suit. It is so unfair. I do love a nice button down shirt with no tie though.

In other news, my right leg nearly kept me in bed this morning. I couldn’t get on the treadmill. I see my Physiotherapist, Mark, tomorrow. Hopefully he will have some idea of what is going on and some relief.

My naturopath appointment tomorrow is cancelled due to her dog having died. I feel sad for her and am glad she made the choice to cancel as she was to do some hands on treatments. Not sure why but my inflammation issue seems to be on the low end at the moment. I am back on my pills full time though. And I guess I am eating better and more regularly. I always thought meal services wouldn’t work for me due to intolerances but Hello Fresh has so many options I don’t think I will get bored.

May 19, 2021

I can’t even believe that after the heat wave of Sunday night I awoke to my vehicle covered in frost. I hope my plants all survive it.

I laughed to log in to Facebook and find that according to my shopping history I am in need of a new boat and diamonds. Champagne taste on a Budweiser budget, my friends.

I got a lot of work done and then skipped out for a bit to get a deluxe pedicure. It was very relaxing and I read my Cher magazine while i was there. A good relax was just what I needed. I paid dearly for it but it was worth it.

I went back to the office and got a bunch more done before driving Chance home and borrowing his battery jumper pack. I wanted to get my 46 Willys CJ2A running. It has been parked in my yard since Fall 2019 so I am hopeful. It is very dirty and needs some love. The pack didn’t do the trick and I am pretty sure it needs a new battery. I dug around until I found my trickle charger and plugged it in for the night. I will try again tomorrow. With my leg issue it is very challenging to get in and out. I can’t wait to get her on the road again though.

On my way home I was thinking that Jake had used air quotes around “it’s in the mail” about my birthday and Mother’s Day present. I was going to rib him about it but when I checked my mail there was a wee parcel with a beautiful necklace holding all three of my kids birthstones. I confess, I have always been jealous of women with that type of jewelry but it’s not something you buy yourself. I was thrilled that he took the time to get me such a personalized gift. He’s a good lad.

My second Hello Fresh order arrived today and I was shocked because I thought it was Tuesday! I enjoyed my take out lunch from The Cottage. Quite the great deal: a huge half of a BLT on think homemade bread, Turkey noodle soup and Bread Pudding for only 10.99. I started late but made the HF meal for dinner and it made enough for another lunch and dinner as well as tonight. A little bit gassy for my tummy as it used Montreal Steak Spice but it as so nice to have something a little spiced for a change.

It really is a shame not to have anyone to share it with!

May 18, 2021

When I awoke this morning I thought the most exciting thing for the day was going to be the fact that I was getting my Air Conditioning hooked up. Don’t get me wrong, being that I live in a tin box, that is a blessing but there was bigger news to come by days end.

I had a day of ear buds in and focus. Got so much done which always makes me happy. After work I planned to take Sean’s last balloon to Emmy. Unfortunately it immediately escaped her and there were many tears as it floated away.

the tears were replaced with happy to tell me the news.

It is an awkward time although I am happy for Danika and Malcolm, and I asked if I was to be Nana to the new baby too but Emmy decided I am just hers. My backstory will never let me leave that child out of events involving Emmy but we shall see how close we all end up. It is a complicated and yet comforting world that we all stay connected. I feel for those who do not have this level of connectedness.

I got home to find there must have been a harsh wind as my hanging plant had blown down as well as so much blown around the yard. I had a quick clean up and came in to make dinner and do puzzle time. I received my new ruggable for the den/guest room and will show it off when I put it out. I also arrived to my new fencing having arrived. Once the weather changes back to the better I will deal with installing it.

Life is good.

May 17, 2021

Before I get on with my day I must express that I just saw a commercial where a woman was shaving her bikini line… is that really the level of detail we need to understand that a razor works to do that? I just need to be told, if anything, I do not need to watch it… just my 2 cents and why I PVR everything I can and fast forward through the commercials. I HATE the Charmin bear ads to such a degree, I will not buy the product. Ok, rant over, moving on..

Today began with the glory of riding my Triumph to work. It was beautiful and the perfect temperature. I wasn’t even nervous as I sometimes have been the first ride of the season. It was just glorious, although I dislike that my speedometer and odometer are broken. I know the feel of my bike and can judge by other traffic for speed but the odometer lets me know with great satisfaction how long I have ridden each season and how many kilometers I have put on her. It is also a fuel gauge as I know how much I usually burn by the number ridden. I need to find a good mechanic to help me out.

I was well into doing payroll when I received a call that truly filled my tank. I paused everything to take in the moment and listen to my gut. Back story: In May of 2016 when I was getting ready to leave Bella Bella at the end of the school year as I was the payroll person for the school board, I began applying for jobs in Cranbrook. I had a conference call interview for a job with a branch of an umbrella organization here in town. It went really well and they were interested but they wouldn’t hire me without an in person interview. I had committed to completing the job until the end of June so was unable to do as they hoped and they ended up hiring someone else. Jump ahead to me working for BC Assessment and I get a call asking if I am still available and interested. It would have been a lateral move financially so I decided to stay where I was at the time. Another jump and I have just started working at an accounting firm. I get another call and due to my recent commitment, I decline. While I was mowing my lawn this weekend for some reason that whole experience crossed my mind about crossed paths and unfortunate timing. Well you guessed it, today the same boss called me again and said he really wanted me and wondered where I was working or if I was interested…. After a good long chat while I was checking my gut as to whether I had capacity, I got a funny feeling again and asked who the current person was. Turns out it is the person I took over for at the accounting firm and it seems they are up to their same old non communication tricks. When I told him I was familiar with the work and what would need to be fixed, he said, he knew I was the one. It was lovely to be head hunted for 5 years and finally end up in a contracted position that will work for both of us. As he said, this is what was meant to be. I do believe this will be my last client I take on unless someone leaves a spot along the way. I am at a good level of manageability. it feels good to be wanted, and appreciated.

after work, Roger met me at Top Crop where I had picked out a Romeo cherry tree and a second blueberry bush. Seem the cherry is self propagating but my lone blueberry is not. I had already got a Rhododendron, a rose bush and some strawberry plants yesterday so once I got digging I just kept going. It was hot work as it was 25 degrees in the shade but there was a breeze. I got everything planted and named my tree Stacey after my friend who inspired me to start my own wee harvest garden. It is only a couple feet taller than I am so i look forward to seeing it grow. I am inspired to stay in this spot which is a good sign. I was supposed to find my battery charger and get the Willys ready to move up front but I was tired and hungry by the time I finished planting.

I decided to follow the model of Hello Fresh and gather ingredients in preparation and then throw it all together. It was so satisfying! I made delicious Tiger Prawn tacos. Every thing about it was satisfying, the making and the eating. I am even enjoying the plating.

A moment of fun today was when Sean set his birthday unicorn free to float around the building. It ended up in my office and I have permission to bring it to Emmy who will LOVE it! Tomorrow is AC day! I am thrilled as it will bring a level of comfort to my home whether I am sitting under a fan or not.

Ok, alert, I am going to talk about aches and pains, so if you have had enough of that, I will talk to you tomorrow, otherwise..

I have been having a couple leg issues that are likely completely unrelated but have been getting worse so I called and made a phone call appointment with my Dr. She called at the end of the day and is concerned with what I am describing. She wants me to start with Physio which I was fortunate to be able to get into on Friday. Left leg has been experiencing what I can only describe as electrical shock pulses from the ankle up my calf. Sometimes it is uncomfortable and sometimes it is tortuous. My right knee has me nearly shrieking when I kneel and twist at all. I am like a 90 year old trying to stand up once I kneel down. The knee has been aching for a while but I didn’t really notice it as I wasn’t kneeling much. Now that it is gardening time, I feel it. It doesn’t make a difference to walking or standing or riding, just kneeling and sitting. I did fall hard back on the day the furnace was being installed when I tripped with the litter box in my hands. My Dr mentioned that we need to take care of my knee right away and that may involve surgery….Good thing I can work from home and will have air conditioning! All things in the right timing, I am blessed. I am not worried though, just grateful to get it checked soon as it aches bad in the mornings.

May 16, 2021

I woke up this morning still thinking about the movie I watched last night, My Octopus Teacher. It was so lovely and calming and reminded me of all the peace and joy I find underwater. I want to dive again. To do so I will get healthy. I was mostly impressed with the fact that he was basically free diving for the whole year. Pretty impressive. The kelp beds reminded me of the ones on the west coast but clearer water.

I was up and at it at a decent time to go put more of the pergola together before it got too hot. I then got ready, had some delicious huge strawberries for breakfast and headed out to Kookanusa-West to finish cleaning and sanitizing bottles with Stacey, ready for bottling at months end. It was nice to visit and stroll around the Ranch, experiencing shop envy. They really do have a wonderful spot out in the countryside. I spoke to Jordon, their son about working on my ‘46 Willys and he would love to. I will get it running soon and bring it to the front of my property and they will pick it up on a trailer. I trust the work he will do and that I won’t get ripped off for the job. I look forward to driving it back to home on the backroads one day. I didn’t know much about Lake Kookanusa and was stunned at how low the water is. Apparently it will be back up to levels by July. Reservoirs are so strange.

I stopped at Top Crop to look for a cherry tree which Roger will help me pick up tomorrow. I came home with a beautiful rose bush that Missy seems to like. I also just caught the insurance company before it closed and insured my bike. $137/month!! So much money… It was extremely hot today but my place stayed manageable with the ceiling fan over my head. I waited for the sun to move along a little before I went out to put some more pieces together, water the garden and tidy up.

I made my third meal from Hello Fresh and it was so good. The second portion will go to work with me tomorrow. I ate later but it was light and delicious and portion controlled. I am so glad I decided to try this. It works well for me.

I could have done more this weekend in the yard but I enjoyed the pace I went at. Things are coming together!

May 16, 2021

It is International Fluevog Day and I was very good at avoiding the site all day but now with only 40 minutes left I did go peruse and then cut myself off to do this rather than spend more on shoes… it’s just that they are so beautiful and they make me happy to wear them!!

I awoke to a text from Di asking if I was available to come bottle her Moscato with her. This made me very happy as I wanted a catch up and was glad she reached out. It also got me motivated to get out and mow my lawn before meeting her so that it wouldn’t be too hot. I ran out of gas when I was nearly done. It was looking so scruffy! Had a quick shower and met her there. It was fun to do with her and Zoë, just like the first time.

Afterwards I headed to Home Hardware and Home Depot looking for a mat for the yard, bits for my fence, etc. I was impressed that there was an employee handing out bottles of cold water to the shoppers in the garden department. I picked up a few plants including a pretty hanging basket, a Rhododendron and some strawberries. I pulled up near a car with a very obscured license plate, have never seen anything like that before. Apparently my phone thinks all roads lead to the Guedes House. I passed by some protesters again. One of these times I should stop and ask questions.

I stopped for groceries at Save-On, liquor store for cabinet updating, gas station for filling of Jerry can and then came home and stayed out of the heat for a bit before going out to finish the lawn. After dinner I began building my pergola. Two pieces were damaged by the freight company so that is annoying but I am doing a work around. It was good and hot and tomorrow is supposed to get up to 27!!!!

May 14, 2021

I forgot to post two of the fun things of last night, the first being the intense rain just before 6pm

And the second was the moment I noticed the sun had come out and was providing the perfect light for a photo shoot with my eldest. She is beautiful inside and out!

Today involved a good deal of supplying info to Canada Revenue Agency to prove amounts claimed on several returns. I started the day popping across the street to Jackson’s to ask when my AC unit would be hooked up. Bruce kindly booked me in for Tuesday acknowledging that mobile homes get hot. He also swung by to be sure where we would put it since the usual spot would block the exit of my 1946 Willys from it’s secure spot in my back yard. That is lovely small town service. It is still 23 degrees centigrade inside with the windows open and it is only the first really warm day of a stretch. A few of us ordered takeout from Hot Shots and I had a delicious teriyaki chicken bowl. After lunch I walked the block and a half to the repair man and picked up my lawnmower. Turns out it was choking as oil had been overfilled and likely tipped to wrong side. He replaced the air filter, charged the battery for the electric start and got it running smooth. I am grateful and know what tomorrow holds! I enjoyed the walk in the sun and Sean allowed me to put it in his truck to be dropped off later.

I got what I could done and headed home to be here for 5 as Ashlée said she had a Mother’s Day surprise for me. I made my second Hello fresh meal of spicy bbq salmon on a delicious salad. It was ready just in time for the Jim Cuddy livestream. We really enjoyed it.

Ashlée brought this crazy delicious dessert. She got it at Save-On and I am a big fan of the two I tried. And now I have a coconut shell dish.

After the concert and dinner we settled on the couch to finally watch Hamilton. It really is not my thing, but it is beautifully choreographed and I love several of the stars including Daveed Diggs, Okieriete Onaodowan and Christopher Jackson. There were some great moments and I suspect I may have liked it better if I had done my homework. It was nice to hang with Ash and I am grateful Sean and Diane dropped off my mower. All in all a lovely day.

There are many of our ABC crew that are unable to zoom tomorrow so it may be rescheduled. Nigel and Linda sent me the most touching video in messenger.

https://fb.watch/5v4rv5jGOd/

So sweet, made my day.

May 13, 2021

I told my alarm to give me another hours sleep and then got showered and ready in my ‘pink’ outfit complete with my Dr.Henry shoes so I would be ready to rock the jab appointment. Went to work and again made sure everything was done that had a hard deadline before Monday. I will admit to having stress stomach but had a great quick visit with Stacey when she brought me her paperwork complete with sausages and home made bread. I am going to her place on Sunday to clean the wine bottles and get ready for bottling at the end of the month. She lives on a beautiful ranch about an hour out of town. I headed to my appointment at the Curling rink and was pleased with all the happy people working there. Everyone was friendly and informative. The woman who gave me my shot was clearly a gifted nurse as I didn’t even feel it. I got the Pfizer vaccine and my little card. I was told by a friend about CANImmunize, an app for tracking and I downloaded it and will add all my current travel vaccines etc. I was thrilled that Paula Craig, a friend from my childhood visits to Kimberley was the nurse on duty to monitor us before we left. She even gave me a sticker!

I can’t even feel a spot where I was shot but know well enough that the next day can be the kicker so I shall not call a shutout. I delivered sausages to Rae and Diane and after work to Danika and Malcolm to thank him for dropping off my lawnmower to be serviced at Jim’s.

I have a Briggs & Stratton so I hope it is a quick and inexpensive fix.

It is sad to hear on the news today that Greyhound Canada is shutting down. I have travelled a great deal by bus over the years. It was often the only affordable choice and I feel sorry for those who will have no way to travel.

Today it was confirmed that a guy from High School died of an overdose. It breaks my heart. he was kind and talented, a musician, a father and grandfather. And he was only two weeks older than I am. Fucking addiction. There are no safe drugs anymore, it is not a fun night out, it is Russian roulette. RIP AK

Rae stopped by for a quick visit to bring me some paperwork. CRA is really doing a lot of reviews so far this year but I suspected it due to all the subsidies so I am ready. I like to be bullet proof, no stress. She is interviewing for a new job these days and it comes with it’s own stress as there are choices to make and there is fear of making the wrong one. I pray she has peace about it and will just feel in her gut which is the right one. I do think the less stressful one will be the right choice.

I have no bad feels from the vaccine but tomorrow could be a different story so I shall take myself to bed and see what tomorrow brings.

May 12, 2021

My friend posted in WhatsApp ‘ Oh how would derf that you got away for a bit! ‘ I don’t know why it hits my funny bone just right, rather than wonderful I shall enjoy that new term. And today was a would derf day. I concentrated on getting many things done for Monday in case I have a reaction to my vaccine tomorrow. I discovered a tax calculation error for a new client and we set to making it right. I like to be bullet proof for audits so I only record what I know to be true and can prove if asked. Today I also dealt with two personal tax reviews and had no problem backing up my entries. I took time to just enjoy and mingle a bit in the co-work space as well. Once I was done the day I dropped off a card in the mail, a puzzle to Rae and Sean’s stolen rainbow balloon to Emmy who LOVED it. I then headed to do one last mystery shop and was stunned to experience the ultimate stereotype Albertan in the store. He was arrogant and rude and belittling and I wished I wasn’t working or I would have given him a piece of my mind. Instead I built up the two young men working there and complimented them on their calm handling of it all. I had my first Hello Fresh order in the car and finally got home to unpack it and make dinner. I must admit I enjoyed the whole process. It was like being back at my restaurant, prepping and creating deliciousness. I had three meals in the box, each in it’s own bag on top of cardboard with the meat next on top of ice packs. They threw in a gift of two Strawberry Perrier to try. I had ordered one meatless meal and decided to make it as I was eating so late. It was Mushroom melts on ciabatta buns, two of my favourite things. There was tomato jam which was not the best for my system but delicious going down! I even made sweet potato fries in the oven. All in all I wished I had had someone to share it with but I won’t mind having the second serving tomorrow. I was busy chatting with Rae who had had a terrible reaction to her vaccine but is feeling better now, when I saw subtitles on the TV from a show that was just happening in the back ground and it made me laugh. I also couldn’t believe what I was reading on CBC. Turns out it was ‘Bon Cop, Bad Cop 2’

May 11, 2021

It was a very full day again, much was accomplished but by the time I made it to my naturopath appointment I was a bit of a mess. Dr. Lisa agreed I need to go back on my medication and we will slowly work at desensitizing me to the foods causing gut issues which in turn cause inflammation. I have had a hard time the last few days as I am right back where I started in 2015. I have the left ear ache again that is tied to my heartburn. Sigh..

Came home and concocted the spray bottle of vinegar, Epsom salts and dish soap that Julie had suggested last year, and so did many of my hive. Sprayed the weeds out front and we shall see how it works. It is supposed to be a warmer day tomorrow so that should also assist.

While I was at work I received an email that my pergola I ordered had been delivered. It was leaning against the front of my house but the box has some damage and I hope it is ok. I was not feeling well enough to deal with it so I managed to bring it in and lean it in the yard. I got the lawnmower running but it seems to be puking oil. I am hoping it is nothing serious but will take it to the repair shop tomorrow if possible. I need to mow before the pergola goes up.

Came in and grilled 14.61 worth of Wagyu sandwich steak which I cut some of into strips and had with sautéed veg and leftover rice. It was hard to swallow but tasted so good it was just what I needed. And there are plenty of leftovers. I would cook it a little less next time. It was more than done at only 4 minutes in the Foreman style grill.

Today had a rough spot as I had to let someone know they had dropped the ball. I immediately felt like they were throwing me under the bus. I was assertive and placed no blame, just presented facts. Then crickets… I am sure that is what caused some of my inflammation as it is brought on by stress. I did ask Dr. Lisa to test marijuana to see if I have a reaction but I do not so I am going to take a gel cap and have a good sleep tonight. The last few have been riddled with nightmares and workmares. Tomorrow will be fresh and fulfilling, as I intend to manifest it.

May 10, 2021

Today:

Treadmill, shower, makeup, feed George, feed Missy, mist the stick colony, pick up CCT coroplast sign, grab soup and sandwich for lunch at Max’s, decide co-workers need cinnamon buns from Max’s, read through and triage 3 days worth of email (over 150), upload audit info, relearn Payworks payroll system, have photo taken for paper promo for theatre, enjoy delicious soup and sandwich, do some training on Sage, prep work load spreadsheet for the rest of the month, call Mabel for advice on Payworks (which I originally trained her in), have a lovely long conversation with my dear friend Mabel who I have not seen since beginning of December 2019, receive call from dear Jenny in Bella Bella who needed me to send her my email so she could send me a picture of her blooming Rhodo, finish one payroll for the first time, do HAPPY Dance, file PST, leave work at a decent time (6), drop off sign at theatre, drop off Diane’s dishes from our trip, drop off puzzle for Rae to do, have quick yard visit with Rae, Gene and Ashlée, home with a container of special ‘Hot Mess’ dinner Roger made (Uber delicious), picked up junk mail, watered garden, felt chuffed as things are coming up, put a call out to the FaceBook hive to see best method for getting rid of plants that are ruining driveway (boiling water and vinegar), fed George, misted Colony, played cat door in and out game for the evening, worked on Star Trek puzzle, watched shows (cried over The Good Doctor).

The best thing of all is I watched my Facebook stream fill up with reports of my family and friends getting their vaccinations. Roger was today and Rae tomorrow!! Mine is Thursday and so many others that it gives a tremendous sense of hope. I long to flick the hug switch in my brain again. It has been so difficult to FEEL when someone needs one and not respond, to hold back the life sustaining energy of a good and honest hug.

Oh, yeah and apparently I have trained Missy to say please when she wants out. She meows to go out. I go to the door and ask, “What do you say?” And she lets out a soft mew in response.

May 9, 2021

I woke up this morning remembering a funny moment from last night when we were watching the movie and they were at the St Louis Arch. I said, “Hey I’ve been to the top of there!”, to which nearly 14 year old Gene replied that Père had been too. I laughed and said yes we were there together. We had a good laugh that he forgot we had been married.

I spent most of my day intermittently doing chores, puzzling and watching my stored episodes of Saturday Night Live. Last night’s was epic with Elon Musk and Miley Cyrus. They were both great and I always love the Mother’s Day episode when we get to see the cast with their Mom’s. It was nice to have the tradition back this year. I do have a crush on Miley. I just think she is talented and brave and authentic. Her voice is uniquely recognizable as well. Elon was most entertaining right from the monologue onwards. He told the world he has Aspergers Syndrome and he was adorable with his awkward Mom. What an incredible mind.

I am ever so grateful I made the choice to filter my whole house water supply when I see what a difference the in is to the out…

Between chores I began one of the puzzles Rae leant me and I am quite enjoying it. I am making it last longer by not looking at the picture on the box. It has tiny pieces and all sort of shapes. It also has a different picture on each side. I do like it.

Around 4:30 Danika brought Emmy over with a picture she’d made her mom draw and a pinecone. She gave me a hug around the neck and didn’t let go for a long time. As they were leaving she turned and said, “ Happy Nana’s Day!” It was just what I needed. Her Dad called me a little later and we had a good long catch up about his upcoming move closer to his job, how well it is going and the hope that he will next be up for Father’s Day. I can’t measure the gratitude I have to hear the joy in his voice. We were talking about which of the three of them is like me and he broke in to say all three of them had good parts of me. Genetics truly are amazing. It has been a wonderful weekend to fill my tank back up!

The rest of the evening involved me making a nice dinner, watching my shows and continuing to enjoy my puzzle. Gene called to tell me he loved me and wish me a happy Mother’s Day, and to let me know they were disappointed I wasn’t there when they woke up. I told him I would have a sleep over after I get my shot. That is happening this week! Yay! He’s a good boy. A teenager, for sure, but a good boy. He reminds me a lot of Jake at that age.

Blessed, I am.

May 9, 2021

Today I awoke fully aware that on this exact day, a Saturday in May, sandwiched between my Mom’s birthday and Mother’s Day, the sole remaining member of my ‘core’ family crashed his float plane and died. What I have come to realize over time is that family has a deeper meaning than DNA connections. My ‘Mom’ who’s birthday was yesterday day is the extraordinary woman who took on the raising of a 2 year old Aries child. She married the man who set the standard in my life for adventure and huggery. My Dad taught me to laugh and love and work and hug with deep passion. Whether it was genes or environment one can only look at our lives led to see that I am his daughter. We approached it differently but both sought to get the most out of this life leant to us. I wonder often if it is due to the losses suffered.. the death of my mom and sister impacted both of our lives, his to process and stow away the pain and move on, mine to experience and not process until I was much older. On this day I honour his life and am grateful to be here and his daughter. I wish I could hug my (half) (FULL) brother and share the moment we are both experiencing in these remembery days. Even my ‘Mom’ (MOM) texted today to see if I had toasted my Dad with a scotch yet as is my custom.

I pushed all of this aside to go to the theatre today and strip the tech booth. Amy had asked Sanjay to join us to do the strike and catalogue. he requested we meet at 10:30 so he could be there but never did show up or let us know why and that is the rub right there. If you forgot and made another plan, just acknowledge it, don’t leave us hanging. As it was the two of us were there for 3 hours and got it all done, worked well together and learned more about each other. I was grateful for that time, masked and distant, getting it done. I created a system to label all cords so as to put it all back together and it seems to have worked well. Amy and I had some great conversations and got to know each better. She is new to the board and directing the show that will occur first when we reopen. We share the same frustration with many things and yearn to just make art on stage. I am in her debt for showing up and assisting, we got soooo much done.

I must admit I had a moment that left my younger self thrilled. We were talking about neither of us being techies and I laughed that I was, once upon a time, having run sound for ‘The Belle of Amherst” at Granville Island’s Arts Club. It was part of my training at Studio 58, Langara. I was the youngest person accepted there and parts of me regret only doing half my degree. I would not have the huge family that I do now though if I hadn’t met Bill and decided not to go back so that is the way. It was then that she told me she did not know I had gone to theatre school and had auditioned twice for that school as it was her dream to go there but she didn’t get in. I wish I had thought to say it must have been a very competitive year. I wanted to make her feel better but my brain was not there, I just let it ride and later realized what a compliment that was. I went to her dream school.

When I left the theatre I stopped to see Rae-Anne and we sat out int he yard and had a good visit. she gave me a huge stack of puzzles to do that are her favorites, based on the promise I give them back. She also gave me a puzzle she got at a garage sale for the Girl Scouts, a lily plant, a wooden animal puzzle, a comedy book, and a KICKASS sticker for Mother’s Day. There was also a box of KD to prove that it has gone back to the original recipe as the last couple times I have had it, I was not impressed… Rae is very good at thoughtful gifts. Jake has sent something in the mail and Ashlée has a plan for us next Friday night that I look forward to.

Rae, Sawyer and I walked down to Pharmasave on Baker and then over to the Mission Thrift store which I had not been in before and it was wonderful. Such good prices! Was fun to hang with them and she wanted to go to have something to eat on a patio but I am still not up for that so I said no and came home. I thoroughly enjoyed my leftovers from Diane. It wasn’t long before Roger got home from getting wood and called to see if I would like to come over and watch a movie with the family and have our traditional scotch together in honour of my Dad. I was picked up so I wouldn’t have to worry about driving home. We had such a great evening. It is the first time in 14.5 months that I have sat on the couch between my family and watched a movie, 6 on the couch and one on the floor curled up with the dog on his bed. There were bevies, and popcorn and cuddles and a fabulous movie, The Mitchells and the Machines. Highly recommend it!!!

Sawyer asked if I would come put them to bed and I did. With such pride I learned the boys listen to the Vinyl Café with Stuart McLean to fall asleep. Apparently the 3 oldest love it but Sawyer, at 6, is not as interested. It makes me so happy to share this love with them.

Once the boys were settled I joined Rae and Rog to play Mario Cart on XBox. Holy crow, has that game improved, I had so much fun! We played a few rounds and then decided Rae would drive me as she had skipped the margarita round. I mentioned I was interested in the stick bugs and ended up coming home with them. Rae thinks there are around 75 of them! I think I will find a nice tank for them and take them to the office. They should keep everyone entertained.

This was a lovely Mother’s Day in advance as I finally got to feel normal with the loves of my life, the next two generations