It was super windy last night so I went outside early to find chaos
Mr & Mrs Snow were up to their old antics.
Looked like there was a big driveway party
I hung my wreath which always pleases me when I come home
It was lovely to get to the office and find a card from a board member who sat with us on Friday night.
Mid afternoon I got a text from Bejea asking if I could pick her up to go for a beverage after work. She had fallen last week and it was too far of a walk. I did and we had a good visit with Bob, catching up. It was Bob 67th birthday today so the three of us had a volcano shot in honour. Baja Rosa and Black Sambuca which tastes like tiger ice cream! I also had the Yorkies, which are new on the menu and they were delicious 
Funny enough the best part of my day may have been getting my teeth cleaned because my hygienist is eight months pregnant and several times while she was cleaning ended up with her belly up against the side of my face. Praying that the baby would kick. It seems so intimate and lovely and she is a lovely human who is looking forward to her first.
I was awake at 5:30 for the second day in a row not sure what that’s all about but I know that it leads to a very long day. I did manage to wrap up some files and that pleases me because one of them in particular was starting to worry away at my Zen mood. It started to snow again, which complicated things as far as the fact that we were driving to Kimberley at the end of the day. Mid afternoon, we took some photos and then decorated the tree outside my office. I came home and got changed picked up Rayann and then went to Groundfloor to pick up Bryan and James the two janitors and we all added for the CFEK Christmas dinner. This year it was at UVA in the Larix hotel in Kimberly, which used to be the Cominco Mine office building. They have done a beautiful job of renovating it. The restaurant was spectacular and we had the whole place to ourselves with a family style service of food. The courses just kept coming and they were fancy and delicious., big city quality. I had a great time getting to know the board member Tracey better and we agree that we need to get together for martinis in the near future. I took my time driving home dropped everyone off and I’m settled in for whatever weather the weekend brings.
Today was different. I did something that I have never done before. I can’t say there are a lot of of those moments left in this life. I filed my middle child’s divorce papers for her today. It was bittersweet. The end was long ago and yet the end it was now.
After Rotary, which was interesting as Milo did the last of his time on the cruise ships presentation, I went to mom’s and picked up her credit card that needed to be activated. I went to shoppers and bought her the things that she needed and mailed off my cards and a parcel, which made me laugh because it was so tiny and the smallest most economical way to send it was a prepaid box.
I had an inkling to stop in at Ella’s for a beverage before trivia and was thrilled to see that my friend Marcel was there playing music in a trio. It was good to see his wife and two kids there as well and it was such a nice vibe to sit at the bar and have a beverage and just enjoy the Christmas music and lovely atmosphere.
I was super thrilled to find out that Jill and Brett came out to play trivia tonight and we had fun being the 3 jolly old elves. We were in first place after the first round, but dropped to fourth after the second the music was really hard. It seems that none of us are very good at country.
My poor car is so dirty from being on the road only one side of it mind you
My adventure puzzle is coming along. It’s actually a little too easy doing it this way, but I am enjoying it.
I wish I’d remembered to take pictures of the spread of food that was so ridiculous. Today was the Groundfloor Christmas lunch for all of the members and Ashley and Shannon put on an incredible Mediterranean style luncheon. It was nice to visit and take some time out of the busy day. I did some errands and then stopped for wing night at Fenwick & Baker before heading home to catch a good night sleep
I had a good day in the office again. Then I went to see Ireland for waxing and Minh for nails. He was running late so it was around seven when we’re done in the mall had closed at six. When I left, he closed up behind me and I went to the main doors of the mall which turned out to be locked and then I went to the gates and they also were locked so I went back to his store and fortunately, he hadn’t left yet. We went out the back way and he gave me a ride in his Mercedes around to my car in the front parking lot. I was very grateful because it would’ve been a cold long walk around the mall to get to my car. He’s a good guy. I’m glad I tipped him well lol
My stats are not very good this week you can tell I’ve been mostly working, but I am slowly losing weight so that’s good. Cutting out day drinking helps ha ha
Rae-Anne had messaged me to pop by as she had an advent gift for me. It’s 1008 piece puzzle in 24 little boxes.
My poor Texas Posse is experiencing a little winter weather
The saddest news of the day was finding out that rock the Kooteney’s is canceled. I was looking forward to working it next year. Apparently it lost $14,000 this year and isn’t feasible going forward. I hate to say that I think it’s the lineup and things could’ve been done differently, but I don’t have the money to promote this one.
A good part of the day was that a guy was looking for TV boxes as he ships pictures in them. I will bring mine to the Ground Floor tomorrow and he will pick it up complete with all the packing material materials. Saves me an annoying trip to the transfer station because of the Styrofoam.
Today I finally unpacked my suitcases and put them away. Did some laundry and a few other chores before picking up William to come help me take down the new TV off the wall and repack it. We took it back to amAndre‘s and explained that it had the blue screen of death. I decided to spend the extra $150 to get the 65 inch LG rather than the 55 inch Samsung. We stop that Arby’s to grab milkshakes and mozzarella sticks before heading home to unpack and hang the new TV. Unfortunately, the bolts for the wall mount did not fit into the new TV so we just set it on it stand for now. I dropped Will off at home and went to Canadian Tire to get some machine screws that would fit properly and picked up a lovely poinsettia while I was there. Once I got home, I made a nice taco dinner and then programmed the TV. I am happy with the picture and the size. It’s nice to finally be sitting in my little La-Z-Boy with my feet up taking a break and enjoying my shows.
Tracey’s daughter, Sandi, was in the Frank Slide liquor store when An apparently drunk taxi driver piled into it! Sounds like no one was hurt at at least
I slept in, went to the office for a while and then headed to Andre’s to buy a TV on the Black Friday deals. I chose a 55” Samsung and the guys put it in my car. I picked up Sawyer who came and helped me hang it and then headed to the Heidout to meet other Rotarians to work the Santa Parade. It was fun n and I am always happy to work it. It is so nice to hear friends n folks as they are leaving that I rocked it and kept them safe. I also rocked flashing antlers and red nose
We all hung out for a bit of food and beverages after at the hideout and then I came home to set up my TV. Unfortunately, there is something wrong with it, and I have to return it tomorrow. I called for support and they agree. Dang
The morning didn’t start out that great when I realized I’d fallen asleep before getting the message that Lukas and Kael were in a car that went off the road and landed on its side last night. They had been sledding with the youth group and were being driven home by one of the leaders. I guess they were just shaken up, but are all OK
It’s really such a simple thing, but when I left work, I had to superstore intending to get some groceries. I had found a gift card in my wallet so I put it towards the bill and using my PC optimum points valued at $70. The bill was cut in half. As I walked out of there, I felt good making some smart choices for lunches, etc. in the upcoming week as well as picking up quite a few Christmas presents/stocking stuffers. And it felt like it was practically free.
I was happy that it didn’t snow more today so I didn’t have to shovel when I got home. It is odd how the driveway is melting in a couple of places, not sure where the heat is coming from. Maybe the payment is still curing. 
I’m going to sleep now as I took a special beverage in order to have a nice long sleep
Today was very good in spite of the snow. I did manage to get a lot done and feel confident that I will finish everything tomorrow in anticipation of the month end. I did take the time to go to Rotary lunch for the first time in a long time and it was an interesting presentation by the RCMP about the community program. One of the things that they are trying as a pilot project is the industrial area neighbourhood watch.
I worked my Tushka off and then just as I was leaving the office around 8 PM. I got a text from Bejea that she was at Fenwick. Did I want to join her for a drink? I said sure, and then walked outside that it had snowed a fair amount. I’m glad I went though because I sat between her and Blair and had a great chat about my trip. Also got an opportunity to talk to Dave who I have not seen in a long time and said he misses me and that we should get together when he’s back after December 8. I was glad to make that connection as I felt like he had been avoiding me, but I guess it was just missed connections.
I really am enjoying sharing different details about my trip and it helps me too. Remember the things that I love the most my honest answer when anyone asked me how the trip was is that it was life-changing and it truly was.
I had a good day at work. I accomplished a lot and stayed calm. I decided that I would go and serve for the senior Christmas dinner at Colombo Lodge. It is always such a joy to see everyone so happy and enjoying a nice turkey dinner for five dollars. I think it is. All the money goes to charities as the supplies are all donated. We really have an incredible city here. There were so many people there to help prep ever since Friday and as many again to help serve tonight, including firemen and policemen. The student ambassadors always come out in force to help as well.
It was especially nice for me when John came and mentioned that I was missed helping him set up this year. He knows I am as particular about the table setting as he is, and it caused a lot of stress having to reset things. I assured him I would be there next year.
Feel my negative in the day and really I didn’t let it bother me. Is that a woman that I know from salt Spring Island asked me a couple months ago to join her June’s journey team. It’s a game of seek and find. I told her at the time I was very busy and that I would be away for a good chunk of time, but I will give it a try. It turns out she is very competitive and freaked out a little in the message for space so I decided that it wasn’t for me. I don’t play games on my iPad to add more stress to my life. She messaged me a little bit rudely about how I didn’t have time to play the game, but I didn’t have time to put up all those pictures on Facebook during my trip. I took a breath and just told her that if we were going to lose a friendship over a silly game so be it. She did respond that that was not her intention and she would like you to keep playing with them, but I have already decided. I am not going to. I am only accepting joy in my life if I can control it.
Donna did message me tonight while I was serving dinners that uncle Lawrence fell down the stairs at the house tonight and bang his head hard and is pretty bruised up and he was brought by ambulance to Cranbrook. They are going to do a CT and she is with him. There’s a part of me that thinks I should probably go there and be with her but the other part is tired out and I’m on the edge of getting a cold so I have taken a pill for nighttime relief and I am going to sleep.
Today was another busy but lovely day. I was touched by the thoughtful gesture of an acquaintance who saw a puzzle and candle set and thought of me. Tiffany dropped it off on my porch last night.
After work I met Bejea at F&B to give her the things I’d brought back for her. She loved the pin that Rae had traded for, thought the Disney branded toiletries were a hoot, and couldn’t believe she actually has black sand from Greece.
I thoroughly enjoyed sharing architecture photos that I took as they caused an emotional response in her.
I really do feel a solid place in the world. It was good to go away, and be happy to be back.
It’s hard to explain how great today was. One would think that the busy Monday after returning from 38 days away would be chaotic but it wasn’t. Even waking up ridiculously early to snow falling from the sky let me happy. I just put a show on and got on the treadmill to get some steps in and then got myself ready and went to the office. Once there, I had a lovely chats with the ladies and then go to 6 1/2 hours of work on one company at a common lovely pace. I then decided to do a few personal things that I needed to before heading home. Once I was in the car, I thought it would just be nice to go check in at my local, Fenwick & Baker where I had a lovely visit with bartender Robby as I had a snack and a beverage. And then I came home to relax and watch some more of my shows and just enjoy the calm, peaceful state that I am in.
I did talk to my cousin Jamie’s wife Tracey about taking over future cruise planning and feel good about that choice. I look forward to having something to look forward to.
I relaxed, watched some shows, did some laundry grabbed my mail which included my first Christmas card, from Bea & Mike in the UK, and then went to the office
What I found there made me well up. The women in the co-working space had sone up a royal welcome home. I even had a martini glass of m&m candy and a towel animal!!! Talk about feeling appreciated and loved. It sure made it easier to be back. I managed to clear up my inbox and take care of a few client items
Family dinner was a poke bowl buffet for Wills 14th birthday. I was happy for him that he tanked up to Corporal and he seemed to like the personal smoothie blender that I got him
I stopped at Safeway and gathered a few groceries and then came home to figure out my step count
It was so very late when we finally got checked in and I got settled in bed, well after 3 am
Later this same morning it was up and off to the airport for a long days journey to home which is only a 4.5 hour drive away
I have officially hit the wall….. today was supposed to be my rest with my feet up after a CBD bath bomb bath to soothe my joints day. Instead we are schlepping all over the province. I am trying not to be cranky but I am finally and completely peopled out and my right foot is done. Poor Rae is in a super chipper mood, lol.
I have struggled today but we made it to Kelowna which is a far nicer airport than Cranbrook
We decided to use our vouchers from the airline and had some good food and drinks at Whitespot.
I have been struggling with pain so I tried my usual sleep to evade it but couldn’t get comfie. I decided to use my Dads method; a couple of pain killers and belly up to the bar for scotch. I settled on a nummy Japanese Whisky and had great conversation with Mike from Dryden who is heading to Cranbrook to look after his aging parents future. And then it was time to board
I loved when I found out that the last leg was Pacific Coastal as that was my transport for my entire Bella Bella era. when the Captain gave a warning about ice hitting the fuselage, it made me feel at home.
I have been annoyed with the last two trusted travellers lines as they made me take numerous things out of my carryon and take off my belt, etc. They are behind the times in Calgary and Kelowna as that has not been necessary for the entire rest of my trip.
Roger met us at the airport and when he dropped me off Rae-Anne, I pulled all of my things out of her suitcase and off they went. I ran a bath with Epson salts and a CBD bath, bomb and soaked for a bit and now I am ready to sleep, earliest night in a very long time.
Slept a little later. Packed and tried to balance weight between me and Rae’s suitcase. I did leave behind a pair of very worn out shoes. Decided to head to Disney Springs to check things out as we didn’t have to drop off the rental car until 3. It was hot, there was lots to see. I got more stamps in my Lego passport.
We were both getting cranky meaning it was time to eat. We sat at the bar in Wine Bar George and tried to deal with the texts and email flooding inboxes as our WestJet flight had been heavily delayed. (Supposed to leave just before 6pm and just taxiing down the runway now at 10:25) we were sent info for hotel rooms and meal vouchers $15 x 3
The first thing I did was get our car drop off changed to 6 so we could relax a little bit. Once we left DS which apparent has the largest Disney store in the world (it was big!), we set a course for Target on the way to the airport. There I purchased a lovely Cat and Jack kid’s carryon suitcase and we proceeded to pull all our luggage out onto a grassy spot in the parking lot and move things around to make sure we had what we needed for the night and to get more weight out of my suitcase.
Once at the check-in we still had to play with moving things and weighing until I didn’t have to pay overweight fee.
I was using TSA precheck and it should have gotten me through way faster than Rae but I forgot that I had water in my metal bottle. The guard kindly escorted me out the back way so that I could empty it and go through again.
We both took the tram and met near the Steakhouse where we had dinner before heading to the gate
We didn’t take off until well after 10. I did manage to get one last glimpse of the Magic Kingdom
We started a little later but hit Epcot and three major rides before it got too busy and too hot. I enjoyed them all but loved Guardians of the Galaxy
We walked in the heat, continuing to enjoy some of the treats from the food and wine festival, and did the ratatouille ride. I was getting very deflated by the heat though so we decided it was time to head for other shores. The two older ladies that Rae-Anne talked to on the bus in the morning, gave us a clear route to take for the day which included a boat across, a train, a monorail, and a Skyliner 
Next up was Magic Kingdom to make sure that we got to ride Tron again and it was very worth it
Now it was cool enough to go back to Epcot to finish the rides we’d missed and collect our special treat dessert.
Now we hopped on the Skyliner and with one transfer made it to Hollywood Studios. We did Rise of the Resistance, had snacks and fancy bevies at Olga’s, shopped a little and then our last official ride was Toy Story Mania where, as usual, Rae won. My feet are beyond use and I am curious how many steps I have put in over the last 36 days. We are now sitting on a bus heading back to the Ranchos for tomorrow we Pack.
triumphgal 