I made it to the office in time for a long Zoom session with a client. It went well and over the day I knocked many things off my list. I also booked a hair appointment with Karissa a few days before I leave. I decided to try on short hairstyles and it made me laugh.
This may be the one
I gave Kirsten a duck for her jeep today.
I stopped at Encore for one drink and ended up eating and visiting with my client/friend , Chris, and his adorable son, Liam.
We had such a good visit while Liam and his friend were playing. We talked pretty straight up about relationships and cheating and apps and desire. If only I was 15 years younger lol. As I was leaving I chatted with an interesting man, Mark, at the bar. Should have dropped my number, just saying.
Oh, did I mention there is fresh snow on the mountains?!
I started the day going to Delamont Jewellers and getting Don to cut my ring off. Two reasons: I have been obsessed about the possibility of getting mugged and losing a finger due to the big one being stuck on, and I need to get a sapphire replaced in the small one that was behind it.
My elephant arrived for the art installation I am doing for Edfest and I can’t truly describe how squishy and wonderful it is
I had an Edfest meeting with the entire planning committee at 4 and I was in the middle of talking when my front magnetic clasp on my bra popped open. We all had a good laugh.
It was back to the office to run my last payroll of the day as the timesheet arrived while I was out.
I came home and unpacked my frozen Revive order, throwing the dry ice in the sink. I did enjoy the haze effect while I was making dinner
One of the best parts of the day was discussing a potential girls trip with Wendy for next September to London, Morocco and Portugal. I hope Colin thinks it would be a great idea and that we can make it happen.
Today was , once again, very productive. It started with a stand-off between me and Missy as I wouldn’t let her out without her new collar on that has a bell on it. Two reasons, for the birds, and so I can hear her coming. Turns out, had to wait until I got home when Tracey came and cuddled her while I put it on.
I line the temps in the southern hemisphere currently
This is a sweet gift that Jonas brought me from his trip to Sardinia
There came a time in the day when I asked Sean if it was Friday beverage time. We headed off to Heid-Out and enjoyed charcuterie and bevies on the patio, in spite of the wasps
It was nice to catch up, I miss our friendship
From there I headed to Encore with intention of grabbing a couple Growlers which I get included with my ‘Friends With Benefits’ membership. I ended up having a nice visit with many and stayed out the huge storm that passed through. I also bought a hat which will come on my travels.
The evening was spent playing Outsmarted with Mark. Games were much closer than normal
I had a very productive day. I got lots of work done, enjoyed Ukrainian lunch and Doug McPhee bio at Rotary, got my meds refilled before trip, bought a rechargeable whipper snipper for only $48 on clearance, and my auto cat feeder arrived which Missy seemed to take to right away.
Ooooh a new wish list item
I received a lot of info about the trip today and things are getting real!! I decided I had better try on my new bathing suit today and it will be fine, phew!
This morning and over the course of the day 13 clients already replied very positively to my rate change. The love was overwhelming. Most said that it was about time!
Ashlée stopped to drop me off some pink poppy and columbine seeds. It was great to see her.
I arranged cousin Donna to be Mom’s assistant in a pinch while I am away and Tracey’s son, Jesse is going to feed Missy. It is all coming together.
The EdFest meeting was long but we are Getty’s close to September 6 and it is really coming together.
I stopped at Safeway for popcorn and came home with two big bags. Tonight I am making Tiger Prawns and corn on the cob
This was a pretty good Monday. I got a great deal done in a good mood. At the end of my day I did the one thing that I have been putting off from a point of fear. I sent a letter to each of my clients explaining that I would be raising my rate substantially come October 1 and that I would be away for the middle of September and not taking a laptop with me. I reread it several times and then pushed send and got out of the office as quick as I could. Before I had even gotten my car started, I had three very positive and encouraging, dare I say, loving responses.  Tomorrow I will reply to each of them to let them know how much their support and continuing business means to me. Over the years many people whom I respect have told me I undervalue myself. This was a big step in moving towards the proper value if I am going to have good work/life balance. 
I suspect a good part of the depression or brainstorm that I have been going through is the fact that I have been mulling this over and I am glad that I set my deadline for today to send the emails out. I always feel better once the decision is made and communicated
Another positive part of today was hearing from my daughter that Lukas does not have skin cancer. Roger had to take him to a specialist in Vancouver because of all of the very large moles that he has but they cleared him. That was very stressful for everyone waiting to hear as he is not quite 15 yet.
Slept in, got many chores done including finally putting away my tent which has been on my clothesline for all the weather since I got back from travels. Also mowed the lawn and washed 35 shirts from my history. They were in a bin in my shed and began to smell old so they are now clean stacks of sizes and activities through the ‘80s-2000s. Concerts, festivals, tournaments and employment through the years. Some are wearable, some will become pillows or a memory quilt.
I crocheted until I ran out of a colour I had to order and after dinner, played two games of Outsmarted with Mark. I have also managed to binge almost all of Narcos. 3 episodes left, one of which I will watch before bed.
Ash remembered to give Rae the present from Jake and me.
My alarm came through the fog and the fog never left. I picked up Mom and brought her home, cleared out the fridge and got her to make a shopping list for her brother before I headed to Safeway to sort out her prescriptions. It was 11 by the time I made it to Moir Park for my 9 am volunteering. Everyone was super cool about it as so many had shown up. The lunch was amazing, prime rib and all the trimmings including au jus. I brought a serving to mom as beef dip is one of her favourites. And then I came home and gave in to the general malaise.
It was lovely to see Duncan
I did go through the car wash, and even that didn’t lift my spirits. I am also struggling to find someone to feed Missy while I’m away and just take any calls about Mom. Everyone is busy, unable or away. The dinner I made was light and easy. Good thing I hate wasting food as it is making me eat.
I got my payrolls run just in time to join the CFEK crew for a fun afternoon. We were supposed to golf but it was pouring rain so we all went to Encore for food, beverages and bowling. The first game was normal and we managed 8 more frames of Goof Bowl. It was a fun afternoon and I was grateful to be included. I came home very tired and have been watching Narcos and crocheting. I will retire early as I have to pick up Mom and bring her home in the morning.
I woke up to banging in the house and worried that something had gotten in but it was just James II doing his job and knocking things over
Rotary lunch had a most awesome speaker. Keanu Chan, the Mount Baker Valedictorian gave a presentation on his life to date which was bloody amazing. He is an award winning inventor having created a device that allows for Precise spinal surgery. He also gave his speech which was a rhyme like rap. He shall be a surgical specialist someday.
Down at the park, Zumba kicked off the night and then Turtle Valley Band played with Velvet Vixen in between sets. TVB had people up dancing. Matt and Drew had Sarah from Pretty for the People join them and the harmonies were gorgeous
Murray and Steve
The weather kept the crowd smaller but they danced and had a good time.
Mom called tonight that I am to pick her up Saturday morning to go home
On this day, 40 years ago, I became a Mom with the birth of Rae-Anne Elaine. She was named after my deceased sister and Mom. She has brought me great joy, we have shared great sorrows and I love her dearly. She has grown into an amazing human, balancing a very full life and is well admired and loved, as she should be.
After work I came home to make and have dinner before going to New Dawn for a goal setting seminar give by owner, Rick Jensen. He is a very good presenter and I left with the enthusiasm that I need to continue making the positive changes I have begun.
I got a good amount of work done in spot of being in the ‘I just want to sleep’ stage of depression. At around 3:30 I called it a day and headed to pick up pop for the boys on my way out to the Perreault cabin at Moyie Lake. I had a lovely visit with Rae and the rest of the clan that included a boat ride and BBQ. Around 9 I decided it was time to head back home. It was a perfect evening.
The main point of my day was a board meeting where I let them know I would be stepping down at the end of my term. It was well a Yan’s I was asked if I would stay as a member of the talent procurement committee. I agreed to that for now. We all went out for a beverage and appies after. Good, cards on the table conversations were had. It was very emotional for me.
The picture online of Neil and Matt from 54-40 made me laugh
I had a decent sleep in did some chores relaxed a little and crocheted well, I finished watching #blackAF
I showed up for my shift early and then had time to run home and grab my Loops which I wouldn’t have survived without.
I worked 50/50 most of the event and really enjoyed myself. Many people commented on or stopped me to take a picture of my shirt.
First band up was Nick Gilder with Sweeney Todd. Part way through their set we were all evacuated into the arena for 30 minutes due to light within a 10km radius. There were wee kids playing hockey and they must have been surprised when everyone poured in and started cheering for them.
Our Jonas is here for a visit
After that set was finished it was time for Aldo Nova, whom I didn’t think I knew but I did recognize a song or two and I must say he was a class act, treating the fans special including coming out after for auto and giving everyone a pick for their time. he made me a fan
Next up was Headpins who were here last year but with a different female lead singer. They were good but seriously I would love to have seen Darby Mills who was an idol of mine back in the day. the current singer was very good
The night ended with Nazareth whom I always wanted to see, even though Pete is the only original member. Of course I was waiting to hear Love Hurts
Mom woke me up with a call for clothes. She’s tired of her hospital gown. I picked up Monica and we went to bottle our shared batch of Raspberry Rosé. It was my last batch there as Bill is shutting down. he served us our usual snacks and I was shocked that he still had stoned wheat thins. It was the last box. I treasured the snack of my favourite now no longer made crackers.
Monica paid for the wine and I took us out for lunch to Sakura. I do love sushi. After dropping her off I picked up Moms clothes and dropped them off to her.
I made it in time to my shift from 2:15 to 7. The first half was at a booth and the second wandering the crowd. By nights end the pot was huge! when I arrived Chilliwack was doing their sound check and I leaned on the rails until Bill Henderson looked down. He seemed to know me but wasn’t sure. I said I was Marnée at Mouat’s and he said ‘oh of course I recognize you’. It was awesome to see him
First band up was Doug and the Slugs
Next was Chilliwack and I do love them so much
54-40 was next and I was today it to make a connection with Matt who I have known for about 28 years. It was fun to chat back and forth with Tim, their road manager though.
Finally it was time for Glass Tiger, the 50/50 draw and to call it a night
I had a pretty good day, got lots of work done e at a nice pace, managing to stay zen
I arrived at Western Financial Place for my 4:45 Rotary 50/50 shift. I had a great shift working with our MLA Tom Shypitka. We had great talks and laughs when I found out he used to own the bar, Jugheads. Juggies was one of my main hangouts late night in the late ‘80s. I’m sure I must have known him back then. We laughed at who we were then and where we are now.
The music was good although the sound wasn’t the greatest for Prism or Big Wreck. Trooper killed it. Soundtrack of high school night
PrismBig WreckBig WreckTrooperRandom selfie
That Song
We’re here for a good time
Janine
I love my new sun shade
I met a couple from Williams Lake who know my cousins
triumphgal 