triumphgal

January 8, 2022

The absolute best part of my day was chatting with the ABCs who were available to Zoom meet. It feels like forever. There is talk of a desire to meet in the UK when Good Health allows. I would not be able to do that this year so it is hard to hear but I was ‘just’ there. Have to manage my hopes and dreams within my budget and redoing all the major things within my house have me paying down debt for now. Travel is not off the plate, just hanging on the rim. It was lovely to awake on a spectacularly sunny winter day to no further shoveling and then good company. There were more sad things happening than usual, but also some great things as well. The one picture I took looks like we are having such a serious moment. I believe we were listening and supporting each other, which is the best gift we all give each other. I have never made a better impulsive decision than to have decided I was going to Peru in 2013. It is the trip that turned into a lifetime journey!

I decided to go to the hockey game tonight and the same team that we apparently beat in OT last night won 5-0 tonight… sigh. The numbers are really down at the games too. I wonder how much that has to do win the virus spread happening. I heard a rumor that could affect an area of my life but until I hear from ‘the horse’s mouth’ it is just that, a rumour. Water off a Duck’s back

January 8, 2022

Sad news today that we have lost another icon. Sidney Poitier died today at the age of 94. It really is extraordinary how long people live now. His movies are some of my earliest movies. To Sir, With Love is one of may favourite, especially belting the song at the top of my lungs on the bike. It was on my mind ever since I hard the news.

I volunteered for Key City Theatre tonight and as much as I am so tired, I enjoyed the evening. It is the weekend of the Banff Centre Mountain Book and Film Festival. There were 7 short films this night with the shortest being only 5 minutes. I have to say they were all amazing but one took the cake. I defy anyone not to be moved to a good mood immediately upon seeing a Grizzly Bear Cub with the hiccups sitting on a log.

The day was full of shoveling and working. It is warmer now at least.

January 6, 2022

I imagine there is much stress this holiday season in the Ukraine. It is so hard for me to imagine that there is any war going on in the world at all. To imagine that Russia is trying to take over land of another country forcefully is so strange to me. I am sure I am oversimplifying it but seriously? How are there border wars for actual ownership. Here we are in Canada dealing with truth and reconciliation as well as Land Treaties and in other places in the world they are still taking ownership of others land… My family has roots in the Ukraine. I have never been there but would love to go some day. I only hope there is a beautiful place to go to.

On the home front, there was much shoveling again. The snow is still acting weird, hanging way out and also not melting in my car on the short drives I am making. Mr and Mrs Snowman are not speaking, seems he brought home something that is causing oozing sores.

Brett made a new item with his 3D printer that absolutely baffles me as it moves and has hinged joints. It printed as is with only the red added later. I don’t understand how the negative space works. It really is incredible.

Tonight was the first dinner I have had as a repeat as I loved it the first time. The only difference is that I left out the zucchini due to it being frozen in transit. Finished the 3rd of 4 puzzles in the collection and started sorting the last one.

I got my flu shot today and although my arm hurt for a bit I have no other feelings except joy at getting it done.

I sent the info to the printer for the posters and to the media outlets today. Tanner of Harbinger Design Co. has done a fabulous job of putting each different size together and has had a lovely nature through it all. I suppose it helps that I have been more patient than ever. These are trying enough times and she is volunteering a great deal of time.

I finished the evening sipping a lovely caffeine free tea out of my new mug. It works just as well for that as it did for Gin!

January 5, 2022

Today was very productive. I got a full 8 billable hours in, took down the work Christmas tree, packed away my office decorations, worked on theatre things, went to the rehearsal to drop off the e-cigs and meet Barry from the local paper to take photos for the press release I sent for publishing next Tuesday and set up Missy’s new drinking water fountain. I am hoping it keeps her from drinking out of George’s fish bowl. After that I made dinner and nearly finished my puzzle.

I am getting excited about the show now that I mulled over the idea of pulling the plug as the Omicron numbers are climbing rapidly and there was a death in Cranbrook. I decided we are going to keep going until we are told we can’t. We are following all protocols, have a half capacity house and it is being staged for least risk with distancing, etc. I gave the go ahead to start building the set! It was nice to check in today.

The property assessments came out today and my place went up 15%. I paid 128K in Aug of 2018 and it is now assessed at 171800.00 and that would not take in to account the improvements I have made: Kitchen, bathroom, all appliances, furnace and AC, and fence. Truth be told, my mortgage is as low as a decent car payment per month so I would be foolish to sell. The trick is to not leave debt behind. If it can be sold to pay anything I owe when I am gone, that is perfect. I have always thought that way about assets. A little morbid maybe. Oh I also booked my booster for next Friday! I get my flu shot tomorrow sonI will be all protected.

The snow is hanging like an awning off my roof which tells me I am not losing heat out the ceiling. It looks cool but it will all drop on my sidewalk to the front door eventually. I hope I am home so it doesn’t freeze there when it does. It was very fluffy today.

I hope you all had a good day, full of purpose or rest, whatever you need most. Or maybe you just need to know this book exists…

January 4, 2022

Some days I am an extraordinary communicator, others, I don’t even want to listen to the voices in my head. For some reason, I can’t figure out I had brutal insomnia last night. I probably should have started reading. Then the alarm went off and I thought, hmm what was that? Oh, crap, get up, get on the treadmill, back to regularly scheduled programming. I shoveled and cleared and finally made it in. I think there was a stressed air as the building had a leak on the far corner from my office and there was much bustling around. I took the first perceived to be judgy question and snarked back. I honestly got out of my car saying to myself, just smile and say Happy New Year. FAIL! It really was on me for reacting to subtext. By the end of multi-purpose Marnée day, I had worked on 11 paid and 2 unpaid files and put together the press release for the play. We plan to start selling tickets next week!!! That means the show is just over a month out. I will go to the rehearsal tomorrow night to see where they are at. I am so grateful for Tanner and Kimberly who take my slightest changes and run with them. We have come up with some pretty great advertising. It was important to me to make each thing it’s own design on the theme, banners, online poster, in life poster, website banner, and program.

The new advice from the Provincial Health Officer is that people work from home if they can, get all available shots (I booked my flu shot for Thursday, still waiting to hear on the booster) and don’t spend time with anyone outside your home basically. I have opinions about lots of choices people are making but only can do me and mind my beeswax.

I seem to be ripping through this puzzle, maybe my brain is just back in gear. yay!

Brett finished the creation on the 3D printer and it’s pretty cool that contraption.

January 3, 2022

It took me an hour to clear snow before making it to work. It was snowglobulous. Unfortunately the 1 hour payroll turned into 4 hours. I discovered an error the previous person had made in setting up the vacation pay so I took all the time necessary to reconcile it and add it to the 5 employees pay. I am glad I caught it on the first pay of the new year. That combined with the theatre work, left me getting home at 7. That is ok though as I worked on the advertising and paid some bills to get the list shortened. There was another 45 minutes of shoveling when I returned! I made dinner of frozen cordon bleu and brown basmati rice, at and puzzled and watched my 90 day shows. I feel like I am on the other side of the mud pit. I am not exhausted all the time. I am experiencing abdominal pain though so hope I hear from the specialist soon for my next scan. I just looked out the door and it seems there was only a skiff more since I last cleared. Let’s see what the morning brings.

January 2, 2022

I puttered at chores, watched a whole season of SNL and finished my puzzle finally. I also watched a movie that the kids were watching last night while I was with the others watching Goblet of Fire. The movie today was called New Year’s Eve and has very star imaginable in it. It was a very talented hallmark style movie. I enjoyed it very much! I also liked binging SNL, just easy watching and often funny.

I remembered to take the steak out of the freezer that I have been waiting for the right day to enjoy. I don’t remember ever having Bison. I just pan fried it and it was so incredibly tender and tasty. Well worth the price for the rare time I eat steak. I am mostly a seafood person which is good as I signed up for Noom the other day. It allows me to eat anything but has recommended foods for calorie control. So far I like the program. It is motivating, easy and factors in all aspects of my life. I will start meal planning and cooking from my own kitchen rather than the Hello Fresh and Good Food programs. That will also save money. I will let you know how it goes.

It is snowing again….

January 2, 2022

My cat has gone bonkers. Should you not hear from me tomorrow. Pleas send help!! I think she took a year to become playful around me. It’s that or the catnip mouse has more kick than I thought it would. She is funny.

One of my favourite things is a fresh calendar. I sit and transfer important dates over and try not to look ahead at the pictures. Each month becomes a surpris on the wall. It was 17 in and -17 out!

I spent the afternoon using what I had on hand to make 7 layer dip. After that I Decorated the gingerbread house that a friend gave me before I tidied up and headed to Rae’s. First Will and I watched the 3rd Harry Potter and then Roger cooked up a delicious Seafood meal. The prawns I had were what I enjoyed the most. Third we watched the 4th Harry Potter with a living-room full. It wasn’t over until nearly 10, but I enjoyed snuggling with Autumn and having my hair braided by Annika. They are heading back to Olympia tomorrow, very early. All three of the girls were much more fun to be around this time.

January 1, 2022

I enjoyed my day at work, running payroll, reconciling, assisting clients over the phone and getting to see Brett’s new toy in full action. I understand why rich people buy whatever they want. There are so many cool things available if you can just afford them. I am not griping, I have more than I need, I just see toys I would love to try sometimes. I heard from Danika that they were finally able to take baby Gwen home. Such good news.

After work we all went to the last hockey game of the year. We won 4-0 and our goalie was first star of the game against Trail. Once again I did not win the 50-50 draw. I drove Ashlée, Gene, Sawyer and Autumn home as it was way to cold to walk back.

It was nice to see all the kids but it was also nice to come home after, sink into a lavender bubble bath, smoke a cigarillo, sip a G&T out of my new mug from the besties in the UK and watch Don’t Look Up. It was one of the best movies I have seen in a while. I totally enjoyed all of it. It was lovely to hear the fireworks while I texted friends and family a Happy New Year as the movie was ending. All in all a lovely day.

The sad thing about today was that Betty White died just before her 100 birthday. She is the definition of a life well lived.

December 30, 2021

Nose to the books. That was my day. Didn’t get home until nearly 8 pm. I have to really concentrate and am glad for few interruptions. Even when the actual workspace is closed there still are some though. It’s ok, both were good. Brett came to see if I wanted to see his new toy. He got a high end 3D printer which he had started making a dinosaur skull. It won’t be ready for more than a day but I am jealous and look forward to seeing what it looks like. I was really concentrating when a client showed up at my office door to drop off paperwork. She startled me to say the least as the front door was supposed to be locked. Seems it isn’t closing properly when people leave. I called the manager to let her know and made sure it was closed when I left. Dinner was good even though I got distracted and burned the bacon. I took time to puzzle and unwind my brain. I do need to clean house, my eye is itchy from the dust and hair. I usually do a deep clean before the year ends but I have much to accomplish at work tomorrow and there is a hockey game which I intend to go to if I am feeling well still. They tried to take Gwen off oxygen today again but no go, it’s another night in hospital. The weather is still crazy cold especially for December. This is February weather. At least it is beautiful.

Today is my friends birthday and I miss her a great deal. It’s funny how the time when we were together in the same community it just felt easy. i’m pretty sure I took it for granted that we will be friends forever, but I think I was right. And happy birthday Sarah.

December 29, 2021

Emmy slept all night. She told me though that she had gotten stuck in the bathroom because she turned off the light before she opened the door and then she couldn’t find the switch again for a while. She is one awesome 4 year old in that she didn’t even call and wake me up, just kept trying until she found it. And believe me it is complete darkness in there. We were watching a show that was making me a little veklempt when she said, I have a little bit of tears, but they are happy ones. I told her I did too and we had a moment. That is a lovely depth of emotion.

We got ready, had breakfast and then played Mario World while the Culligan Man was here. Daniel is a great guy and I appreciate him when he comes to service my softener and drinking water system. He is always so respectful. Emmy is getting better at the game and it is hard as it is on Wii and the contrôler is harder to handle for her. She was sweet Ain her outfit from Bill and Deanne.

I dropped her at her grandparents and headed to the office. I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t get done yesterday and I had a mani-pedi booked since last month as my present to me. I really didn’t want to cancel it. I was concerned about keeping it as I am now segregating myself but know that they have barriers, masks and good hygiene procedures. It was a wonderful choice even if I was still answering email and texts while enjoying it all. I wish I had dealt with my hairy toes though, lol. Gosh, I am sooooo single. It is also the first time I was really aware of my age showing in my hands. I remember telling guy friends, if you really want to know her age, look at the hands. And now, here I am, all 58 years of me. Oh well, still here, that’s good.

I picked up a new mask for my CPAP, $225! Oh well, it saves my life nightly. Also picked up the stuffing to finish Obi’s bed. It was on 50% off, great saving. I bought one extra so I could make sure it is easy to fluff up and will last a long time. On the way home I stopped to pick up my Christmas present from Rae that had arrived. Loop Earplugs. I look forward to seeing how well they will work at the office and in movie theatres.

I hooked up my Apple TV, made my Hello Fresh dinner, and settled to watch Finch with Tom Hanks. It was charming as all of his movies are. After that I sewed the Dog bed and watched Twas The Fight Before Christmas, a documentary about a real life Clark Griswold and his battle with the HOA (home owners association) in Idaho. It was…. Bizarre!!!

I fit a lot in the last few days but there is so much on my list I am dreaming about work and am feeling the pressure of the list to get through in the next two days. I have had to triage, that’s for sure.

It was a cold day but glorious. I do love living in a postcard.

December 28, 2021

3:30 am was when Emmy climbed in with me and then at 5:40 she was fully awake. The therapists who say you shouldn’t have a TV in the bedroom don’t have kids in their lives. Thank goodness for Netflix, bought me a little more rest. Up and having breakfast, we watched the JoJo Siwa special who Emmy says she is the big fan of. It was interesting and I can say she is a good influence. Her hard working, happy, age appropriate style is a good role model for young girls. Thankfully we were done breakfast when my watch buzzed one hour until my car was to be in the dealership. I had forgotten. We got ready and headed out and it took a bit to warm up the car as it was -23! The plan is to install my trailer hitch and wiring, the decals and software update for my all terrain tires. Sean, the person I have been dealing with since the original sale was very sweet and got Emmy a blue balloon. She was thrilled. We were driven to work with a promise to get us back as soon as possible.

Emmy was set up with her own little workstation so that I could do the Zoom training I had arranged. It took over 3 hours but I rounded down to 3 for the few interruptions from her. She was such a good little 4 year old, we even managed to play crazy 8s while I was zooming, lol. Once the training was over I messaged Danika to see how baby was and see if it would help to have Emmy one more night. She mentioned it would be good to FaceTime so we did. It was sweet to see Emmy kissing the phone and saying she wished she could hug Gwen. The hospital won’t let her in though. I wish I could wave a wand and make everyone healthy. It is hard to see a 17 day old baby on oxygen who can’t come home until she can be weaned off it. It is also hard to hear Emmy with her deep cough.

I got the call that the car was as ready as it could be today. Sean was straight up with me about the way my deal has gone down and that they have dealt with Josh about making sure things are followed up on. Because he couldn’t find me a rental car, he said they would give me my car back with the tire software fix and the hitch but not the wiring installed and no decals yet. They will have me bring it back in the near future and have it overnight to do the decal work so it will stick properly. I appreciate dealing with Sean as we are beyond the game playing, I feel. He even wrote was is left to do on a card and told me if I don’t hear from them in 7 days to follow up. He also had an even bigger and better balloon for Emmy and she was mightily impressed. From there we drove through Arby’s although there was disappointment that Auntie Rae wasn’t working. It was back to the office for a while as I had payroll to complete and I am now falling behind on what I hoped to accomplish this week.

Emmy asked if we could stop and pick up her bath scrubby duck as I had told her she could have a bath in my deep tub. Nancy had nicely thrown some fresh clothes and books in a bag as well. Rae also had some cold and flu relief that I picked up. Emmy was laughing so hard as the text sound I have for the girls are two different Yoda sayings. She asked me to keep texting them so she could hear them. We had good giggles as my car would send funny texts. She is such an intelligent, observant young child. It is a joy to be around her. Even her negative moments are relatively easy to turn around.

When we got home we played salon, she did my hair and we watched half of Space Jam the new legacy. It is great!! I am glad she recommended it. We stopped the movie so she could have a bath bombed bath and have her hair done at Nana’s salon. Then it was time to tuck in which went very smooth, and she was asleep in no time at all.

The decision to have her was hard at the moment but I am glad Rae pointed out that once I have her, I may as well have her as long as I can since I will be distancing with a vengeance for the next 7 days.

December 27, 2021

I was just happy and heading to bed when I realized I hadn’t blogged. After all this time I can honestly say that is a first. So, coles notes on the day in no particular order….

Got a call from Sean that he forgot his phone at home and was in the Winnipeg airport so had to find a way to approve payroll so there was no sense worrying about it today.

Put away all my Christmas presents, hung a few more ornaments and the lights I was gifted from Roger and Ashlée

Went for a walk around the quarter section block with Tracey., stunned by the huge icicles on the complex next door, challenged by the extreme -19 temp.

Laid out the material with a plan to make Obi’s bed as requested by Roger, only to find Missy liked it.

Got a teary call from Danika that Gwen had to stay in hospital overnight as her blood oxygen was too low. She hoped I would take Emmy to give her parents a break. The problem is that I had to make a choice to take her and then not see the family until next year as there is no way for me to know what Emmy is sick with and I can’t run the risk of passing on anything to the visiting family or they wouldn’t even be able to go home. I went to Rae’s for dinner and games and puzzles for an hour before Jamie (the other grand) showed up to transfer her. I took E for a drive around to see the big light show and then we came home. While we were driving she got suddenly sad and told me tonight was the night Malcolm (her sister’s Dad) was going to tell her scary bedtime stories. I promised I would do my best.

I was very conflicted about taking her as it would mean me spending New Years alone and I had purposefully chosen not to volunteer this year so I could spend it with family. I was in tears when I arrived at Astaforoff’s to pick up their Apple TV 3rd Gen that I had purchased. Kathleen was so kind and listened and prayed over us all. Her littlest one was draw to me and he sat on the stairs and listened and looked at me with so much love. Seems that was unusual so I am taking that blessing.

Emmy told me a Zombie bed time story which was adorable and I pretended to be scared and needed saving by Bobot, a stuffy we have. She finished and then said. It’s ok nana, it’s not real. You don’t need to be scared.

I sewed a dog bed for Obi. Roger had bought the material and I think it is turning out well, except it needs more stuffing. I have some but it is where Emmy is sleeping and I don’t want to disturb her so I will finish it tomorrow. I forget that I love sewing. I looked up a pattern to make him boots as well and I need to see if I have Velcro tomorrow.

December 26, 2021

First thing on the schedule was to go with Ashlée so she could purchase a big screen TV on a Boxing Day Sale. Lukas tagged along and we headed to The Brick. There were some good deals and she found one she liked. Roger came to pick it up with the truck. Once back at the house we unloaded it and then hopped in his truck to head to Walmart. I need a new Keurig as mine is starting to fail.Ashlée was looking for a dog bed. I found a screaming door crasher deal on the coffee maker and a half price cat to match my Christmas dog as well as a few other 50% off items. No dog bed unfortunately. I headed home after that to drop off all my stuff, clear the drive and walks and take a shower. It was a bit harder shoveling as it was cold and the berm from the plow was heavy and hard. I really just wanted to crawl into a bath but had promised Will that I would be back to watch the second Harry Potter with him. I did go back and we took a long time to get through it as there were chores interrupting and then the Knights arrived. They are Roger’s sister, Margo, and her husband Rob and three girls, aged 8-16. They live in Olympia, Washington and went through all the tests and protocols to cross the border where they didn’t even ask for them! Bill and Deanne cooked a turkey and we all had a wonderful dinner together at Rae’s. After dinner some of us played the game I got for Christmas, Exploding Minions. It was fun but we are all so tired… I have much to clean as I have just been popping in and dropping things off. I enjoyed myself very much but am peopled out. And all those people in the house are loud!! It was a blessing to get a picture of Judy with her kids.

December 26, 2021

Awoken at 7 which wasn’t too bad with a house full of kids. There was so much going on, so many thoughtful gifts. Gene and Lukas and the two teen international students were particularly great at buying thoughtful gifts. Everyone was ridiculously spoiled. We have much bounty. I was blown away by the thoughtfulness of my friends as well. I had brought my gifts from under my tree and took particular joy in seeing how much they ‘get me’. Rae was disappointed that the main gift she got me didn’t show up yet and I will say I am really looking forward to trying Loop earbuds. I will share more once they arrive. Once the general mêlée was over, the guys all went out to clear the over a foot of snow that had dumped, the gals cleaned up the chaos and I made breakfast. I had bought Dungeness crab from Haida Gwai when my friend went there on a fishing trip and I made crab puffs with them. They were truly delicious and a big hit with everyone but Sawyer. I suspect it was the curry he didn’t like, but as the saying goes… more for us. After that I took Aymos, Golan and Lukas and we went to clear the snow at the theatre and my house. When we arrived at my place, my neighbour Tracey had shoveled half for me as she was worried I wouldn’t be able to by the time I got home. All my inflatables were buried and Missy freaked out when I opened the door and she saw the guys. She took off across the years like a dolphin, trying to keep her belly above the snow that was far taller than her. Unfortunately she would not come back before we had to leave. We dropped off Emmy’s Christmas presents as there is sickness in their house. She opened them and I took pictures to show the givers. She is gracious and thankful but her poor little nose showed that it had been blown many times. Once we were back, we all settled on the couch to watch the first Harry Potter. It seemed right to watch an Alan Rickman movie on Christmas Day even if it wasn’t Die Hard. There was much puzzling going on and they really wanted me to come help. I did for a bit but needed to go let Missy in and have a quick visit with Tracey. When Roger heard I was leaving he asked if I could take his truck and do the recycle and garbage. I grabbed Gene and we headed for Roger’s work. The berm from the plow was a bit intimidating but we managed and the Dodge handled well in low 4×4. I dropped Gene and the truck back at the house and grabbed my car to head home. It handles the best of any vehicle I have owned. It has drive modes and when I switch into Snow mode I have no problem with getting stuck or sliding. I do know that won’t help on ice but great on snow. When I got out of the car at home and called for Missy I heard her meow form the railing of the porch. She was cold and very grateful I was home. It was as if she knew I was coming as she has some hiding spots out of the weather. I popped over to Traceys and had a good catch up before heading back to finish the evening working on the puzzle as Rae had pretty much given up. We had good visits round the table and at 10:30 at night Roger whipped up delicious soup for us as we hadn’t really eaten a meal but nibbled through the day. I am glad as it has taken away the headache I was getting. That left me with only one headache… the fact that there was a piece missing in the brand new puzzle!

December 25, 2021

I slept until 8:30, got myself relatively organized and dressed nice, make-up and all before heading to the office. Once there I recorded myself reading Hookers and Blow Save Christmas. Then I migrated a clients file from Sage to QBO so I could be ready to work on it on Tuesday. I then did a short video of my photo books to share with the ABCers as many of them were a part of the two trips, one to Santa Fe and the other to Santa Barbara. It was a peaceful way to spend the day and get things done. I then headed out to drop off a gift, pick up some things including a white turnip to substitute for the water chestnuts which town seems to be sold out of. I gathered all my things at home and dropped off stocking items to Emmy at her grandmas. She gave me an adorable stuffy to which I said, Oh a Falalallama and she said quite sternly, it’s an Alpaca Nana. Of course she was right, no getting anything past her. From there it was to the Guedes household for Raclette before heading to Bill and Deanne’s church. It was lovely and old fashioned as it should be. I took the three teens in my car and we headed out to see the lights at Candy Cane Lane and then go find Santa on his rounds. Back at the house we organized stockings and played Family Business, a fun Mobster Card game. The two exchange students love it. And then it was midnight and time to sleep as the boys will be up early.

That was the sugar coated story of my day. In actuality, I was up early and had it confirmed that as long as Emmy was sick she wasn’t welcome to visit, fell to my knees, sobbing, unbearably done with all amounts of stress and disconnect. I did not throw myself together but took time to paint on the spirit of the season. I was wonderfully graced with a video from the H’s in the UK. They always know the right thing to say and do. I really did not want to engage with anyone, feeling like it is easier not to live here than make uncomfortable choices. Danika was lovely and told me Emmy wanted to stay with her so I didn’t need to feel bad. As it turned out, her baby sister, Gwen has RSV and Danika spent the evening at the hospital with her. That is scary, and Malcolm is at work for two more days so I am glad she is with family. Diane loved the snowflake I gave her that matches the one I got. It really sums up the way I feel. I shoveled a couple times today, my cat was very cold because she would not come when I called and I had to leave and come back later. She kept rubbing against my legs in what i can only imagine is gratitude. I didn’t realize we were going to church, the one I went to in the 80s so didn’t rush over for raclette, thus didn’t have a lot of time to eat. The service was fine, freaked me out a little that they were using the same microphones. My experience with performers and announcers is we have our own foam covers to swap out. The church are very accommodating to Deanne’s wish to stay protected and allow them to sit at their own spot in the back of the sanctuary. They even had reserved signs on the chairs for our chaotic bunch of 12. I did like being the kids at the back of the bus. It struck me that times have definitely changed, It used to be that the main focus behind the pulpit and pastor was a large, usually wooden, cross. Now it is a TV screen, much like a living room where all chairs are facing it.

It is time to sleep, visions of sugar plums or not, I am grateful this day is over. I am biting my tongue, as my button says… be kind or be quiet. Actually, to be clear I am going to bed happier than I was at the start of the day. Part of the fun was sharing it with the students. So many things were new and exciting to them.

December 23, 2021

It was easier to get on the treadmill this morning. I am still doing it faithfully but some days, it feels easier to stay tucked in. I was out at a decent time and found myself shoveling again. It is very melting and heavy. The roads are sure to be bad later. A quick pop in to the office for a coffee and email check before heading to Tanglefoot Veterinary Clinic to assist with their payroll setup and other items. It was nice to spend some time with Darrell, the bookkeeper and Jeff, the boss. I played Jeff’s Mom in The Tin Woman and we haven’t seen each other much since. He’s a good guy and I am pleased they contacted me for assistance. I enjoy those onsite jobs, and having the time to do them. From there I returned to the office and started working on an ongoing payroll reconcile which I managed to finish off today. I had a beverage with Sean and Nikki at the end of the day. It was nice to sit and chat. Rae called to warn about the roads. I left work and headed to walmart to pick up some stocking items for Emmy and even the strip (highway through town) was glare ice. Everyone seemed to be taking it patiently though and Nikki texted to say her drive home was the worst she has experienced for ice ever. I picked up a few things, including cereal that Santa traditionally brings the kids. I also was looking for a drink for Emmy but everything was too big so I grabbed some juice boxes for 1.97 and went looking for a drink bottle. Found a cute llama one and asked an employee to scan it. It was .02! I made my way home to shovel again.. someone had pulled into my drive and back out! It was also very strange that although there were no footprints, my wreath was off my door and placed on my storage box, covered in snow. I made a delicious shrimp dinner and then poured a bath. I am getting used to the relaxation and am mellowed out for bed. Dishes and laundry are done. Things are ready by the door for tomorrow. The main ingredient for breakfast is thawing and I am missing only one thing for the recipe. My kingdom for water chestnuts.

And now fireworks just went off outside my place. Argh. It’s 11:45 pm

December 22, 2021

My cat didn’t make it far outside before heading right back in. We avoided a lot of the dump of snow and the temperature is bearable, so there’s that.

Lots of full focus things to do in an interrupted day but I was grateful for the nice breakfast start care of Nikki ordering for us from Hot Shots. After that it was full on. Clients in and out for assistance and to drop off a gift. Laurie brought me bath bombs to try from her store, Earth’s Own Naturals, which I am about to do when I finish this. Stacey stopped in previous to that and I gave her some I had bought for her to try. Funny timing. She invited me to come out and visit with them over the holidays, stay over if I like. I may just try to make that happen.

I was invited by Rae to go get something to eat and talk but she was going through the motions and I was very down so it was not the best thing overall. She had dinner ready when I got their place and it was nice to see the boys but I am still feeling very disappointed and that is a tough emotion for me to let go of. It has brought me down again. I have to remember I am the Mom, not the friend. I am on the verge of serious whining again so I will just call it a night and go climb in my tub.

I am reminded how much I am loved when I go to my mailbox and there are several beautiful cards. One held a picture of precious Trinity. They live in Whitehorse now but I was there while her mom was pregnant on the Central Coast. I miss Lisa and Joe. I will make a plan to see them again. I can’t believe Ms T is 6!

December 21, 2021

I waited too long to decide to write tonight. I did without my Gabapentin for the last three nights to see if I needed it and my prescription ran out. I finally refilled it today and it seems just in the nick of time as my hip is aching and it’s like I have a happy leg. I have taken my pill and need to go to sleep.

I was very very very frustrated by someone who kept me waiting until I gave up after two hours and went back to the office. I get annoyed the fastest when I feel that someone thinks their time is more important than mine or others. It is even more annoying when it is someone who already got paid a great deal and I am the volunteer. I also don’t believe there is any excuse, short of death, for not returning at least a text to explain.

At one point while I was waiting I returned my broken boots to Mark’s workwear. Sadly no replacements are available at all. I did get a refund though.

While deeply involved in a payroll reconciliation, my client from Kimberley stopped by with a beautiful gift from their brewery. Natalie and Tyrone are two of the most generous and lovely business owners I know. They really care about their staff and today’s Provincial Health Orders may really hurt their business and their staff. They have to find out if their brewery with tasting room is considered a bar. Bars are shut down until January 18th along with gyms and sports, etc. As of tomorrow.

I headed to Safeway to pick up my prescription and saw Aymos and Golan heading for home across the parking lot. They are funny. They said they went to the store but forgot money and didn’t have enough on a card to pay. I offered them $20 each for snacks and they took a basket and had fun. I said I didn’t know what to get them for Christmas so that was their gift. They were very happy. Golan was excited to hear what we will do as this is his first Christmas. He is Jewish. I had to check my stereotypes as my first inner thought was I didn’t even consider that as he is from Mexico. I offered to get a Menorah and we could teach the kids some of his customs but he said he wasn’t that strict, just didn’t celebrate Christmas at home. I look forward to him experiencing it.