triumphgal

December 26, 2022

Today was very full of all sorts of gifts and love and moments but as I tuck in, I can say that the most fun was playing games at the end of the night with Bill, Rae-Anne and Ashlée. First was Disney villains Sorry and then a Rudolph Christmas game similar but better than Snakes and Ladders, both of which involved drinking and fun and it was great to share the moment with these family members that involved so many loud voices and belly laughs.

The day began with Sawyer snuggling in to wake me up from a terrible sleep. It was time, Santa had been here. We all settled in to open presents taking time to acknowledge the giver. I was spoiled as usual and enjoyed seeing what others got, especially R&R getting birdhouses made by their boys. The highlights were Bono book from Ash and The incredible addition to my Stephen King collection crafted by Rae, created by Addison and painted by Roger. I can’t wait to add it to my bookshelf. I also received the fanciest rubber gloves ever that I can’t wait to use at work. There was so much more and I was happy to get breakfast made for all. This was Rosemary Maple Bacon, banana bread from Diana and Breakfast loaves as well as toast with Cinnamon spread. Everyone seemed full and happy and there were snacks through the day. I really do like coming up with something new each year

Emmy showed up and then I went home to shovel and feed Missy. Came back to pack up and all go for a walk in the Community Forest to Mistletoe Lane. It was long and the kids were amazing. The older ones took great pleasure kicking trees to knock the snow down. Jesse and Nesta, owners of Arby’s and their family, along with Jen and Cherry from the Philippines who I love working with, joined us and we all had a lovely long March through he decorated forest.

I stopped to pick up Mom open the way back and then off to get Judy, Roger’s mom , for dinner as well. We had a delicious turkey dinner thanks to all the hands involved and then there was puzzling and visiting before I brought the Grandma Polar Express tour to drive the ladies home . Once back was when the games and fun truly began for me 🙂

It seems my snow peeps had a few family members over that couldn’t handle their alcohol

Oh, I forgot Emmy’s present from her cousins that made me laugh

December 25, 2022

I was up at a decent time, preheated the oven and was ready to make nuts and bolts for a few gifts when I realized that on my odd shopping trip last weekend with mom I forgot to get butter. Can’t make them without a pound of butter. Got ready, tended to my Snow Peep story after shoveling, filled up with gas, only 155.9 a Litre!, and then stopped at Safeway. While I was there I also grabbed a platter with bread and spinach dip and dropped it off at Arby’s. By the time I was home it was after noon and I had much to get done. While the snacks were baking with stirring intervals at the 30 minute mark, I watched a Dan Levi and Kristen Stewart Christmas movie while I sorted and wrapped the last of my presents. I then whipped up a couple loaves of egg, bacon, chives, buttermilk and cheese for tomorrows breakfast and had a shower while they were baking. Once I was finally loaded into the car, I headed over to the Guedes house where 11 of us are staying overnight. We had a lovely ham dinner and then all loaded into cars to go to Bill and Deanne’s church for a lovely service before going to check out a light show and then candy cane lane. It was time to drop off Emmy with her Mom for the evening and then we started looking for Santa who drives around Cranbrook. Ash said, Mom I think he is going to your house, so we booted there to get parked before he came around the corner. I don’t know why we are on the route but it is a real blessing and I was as excited as the kids. Funny that we don’t get garbage or recycle pickup because it is considered a private road, but we get Santa!! After that it was back to the house so the boys could open their jammies and head off to bed. Love Gene’s Arby’s ones and Lukas’s Boba Fett! Then the adults got all the stockings stuffed, I beat Roger and Deanne at Rummikub, and finished the frame of a puzzle before deciding that this head cold is enough! Off to bed.

Mr and Mrs had someone come between them but Sandy Claws came to the rescue and restored peace in time for the holidays, Merry Christmas everyone!!

December 23, 2022

I stopped at Canadian Tire before work to pick up a present for Emmy (a super cute Flamingo case of Polly Pocket) and then got Jake to sign a note to her and email it to me so I could print it for her. In exchange, he is going to take a very nice bottle of wine from me to the friends he will now spend Christmas with. I got a great deal done at the office, popped out to buy Nikki and I lunch as I needed to eat before covering the 4:30-9:30 shift at Arby’s. Sickness is making the rounds again. There were only a couple of us actually working today, it was more a festive gathering of folks making Christmas presents on the laser cutter. I am glad I got mine done early. I am still waiting for one parcel with two people’s gifts, my neighbour’s and Gene’s. I got a notice this morning that it was out for delivery but it did not arrive. I tracked it tonight and says it won’t be here until the 29th or 30th. Booo

The other sadness in the day was knowing Jake wouldn’t be arriving tonight and I was reminded of it once again when my phone notified me of his arrival time.

The snow peeps decided to celebrate Tibb’s Eve and invited a bunch of friends over. The cat is already Lit! I wasn’t sure what I would come home to and sure enough they didn’t disappoint.

Great bits of the day were my advent, and finding a gift on my doorstep from the lovely Diana. Jake will be sad to miss out on her banana bread. She is extremely good at gifts and for the second time found the perfect card. I shall enjoy the project.

My mind wanders while I am doing dishes at the restaurant. I inwardly curse when I find containers still thick with sauces, spoons and servers coated in butter, pans with fries, etc still on them in the soap water. It takes only a few seconds to wipe them out or scrape them off but instead I end up with gross water that has to be changed to do a proper job. Don’t even get me started about leaving the date labels on the containers, lol. I know it’s not a big deal but the dish washer is the one seen as too slow when all these things weigh down the task. I think I will make sure my phone is charged and listen to music instead of the inside of my own brain as the one who washes gets to play their music I found out last night! I enjoyed tonight as I got to take a 14 year old under my wing and get him fine tuned on a few things. I wonder if I can now take the ‘in training’ off my name tag, lol. It really is lovely to get to say Merry Christmas to all the customers out the drive thru window as you hand them their food.

December 22, 2022

I was up and ready for the Culligan Man this morning. It is my annual service and the guy who comes to do it is really quite lovely although a bit of a bull in a china shop. I was anxious for him to get finished so I could get to the office, finish a payroll and head to a client before my 5-8:30 shift at Arby’s. While he was working, I braved the cold to continue the story of my snow peeps. He bought her a new scarf and surprised her with a pet. It was a heart melting day for her.

When I got to the office even my computer summed it up perfectly

I was wonderfully surprised by a young man who stopped his truck, threw on his gloves and assisted me with my recycle when I couldn’t lift the lid that was frozen and laden with snow. It was a lovely moment.

I had a great day at all my jobs and really am impressed with Ashlée as a trainer and shift manager. She has a good over site of everything and offers us options on jobs before our shift is complete. I never feel that because I am a fill in, I should do the ‘dirty’ jobs. I do try to take the ones that others don’t love, like cleaning the bathrooms, like cleaning the bathrooms. I do have an extensive amount of experience at it after working for BC Ferries, lol.

Today was a good day and I liked the latest treasure in my advent

The very negative part of the day was finding out Jake’s plane is cancelled and he won’t be making it for Christmas. We are still going to have Emmy with us but I know she will be missing her Dad as much as he misses her. Of course it is all due to the weather event and that seems to be the timing Jake has for visits.

December 21, 2022

I am watching highway thru hell and Jamie Davis has his young kids out working with him. It is stirring all kinds of thoughts about my dad as my kid brother, Greg and I were often his helpers. At a young age we were taught not to question just to respond. As I watch the show I am reminded of the abject terror I often felt but followed through, I was not actually afraid of my Dad as much as I understood that this is what family does. I think I have accomplished, or experienced as much as I have in my life because it was instilled in me early, to just overcome and get it done. I don’t think I raised my son the same way. He is successful and I always knew he would be but I didn’t think it was because of me in any way. I do see though that he applied for a job that on paper he was no way qualified for but in the end is a huge success at. That is pushing the fear of rejection or failure aside to do what you want or need to accomplish. That is the trait passed down by my father. He, as I learned later in his life had many fears but as a true Scorpio acted as though he could do anything if he set his mind to it and his Aries daughter has done the same. It is good to have a respect, a response to those who want you to be fearless in spite of fear and succeed at all you truly want or need to do. Thanks Dad.

December 21, 2022

I was awake very early this morning so I got rolling as I needed to clear the snow from overnight and get cash from the bank for dinner tonight. I opened the hatchback to throw a bag in and it wouldn’t latch again. I kept trying until my toes in good winter boots and fingers in gloves were hurting from the -25 C temperature. I had to drive to the Hyundai dealership with alarms going off and was assisted to unstick the latch so I could head to the bank. Once there I walked in to the ATM vestibule to find a woman huddled on the floor trying to get warm. I asked if she had gloves and she showed me her bare hands tucked in her sleeves. I took off my now warmed ones and gave them to her. She was lovely and asked if I had any spare change or another layer of clothing I could spare. I had none but gave her a 20 and suggested she go get a hot breakfast and find a warmer spot. She said she was trying to find her boyfriend who had wandered off and I was left very saddened. There have been a few deaths from the cold in our underhoused community and I just want to do what I can. Once I was done what I needed to at work, I headed to Mom’s to help get her set up with mobile banking as she has cheques she needs to deposit but is with a credit union at the coast. It turned out to be quite the ordeal as she doesn’t have email on her phone and needed the access code. Finally got done and she was stunned to see her accounts on her phone and how easy it was in the end. I was there for her Friends and Family Christmas dinner at Joseph Creek, and was worried as it was to be a buffet, given we still have to temperature scan and wear masks there. I should have known better though as they had a line of servers who loaded our plates with whatever we wanted. There was no contact or chance of transmission over the food. The full turkey and ham dinner was delicious and the dessert table was amazing! Before dinner I mentioned to mom that the warming centre was open overnight at the Alliance Church and they were collecting blankets, socks, etc. She filled a bag with warm clothes, two blankets, a towel and lots of socks and I went to drop them off on my way home. It made my heart so happy when our student, Jonas came out to meet me. I also dropped a couple boxes of disposable masks from the over supply from wag jag and he said the response was overwhelming. All evening people had been dropping stuff off and the RCMP had gone to Safeway and brought a load of food. What a great community. I hope all the people, that need to, find their way there tonight as it is now -30 according to my outdoor gauge.

Unfortunately I left Mom’s not feeling well as they have put new carpet in the hallways and the off-gassing smell is very strong. I am sure it is not aided by leaving the buckets of glue in the hall.

The fun parts of the day were finding out The H family had received their Christmas PJs and they may want to kick me for this but the pics are so sweet, they lit up my day so I hope they make you smile too. These are my peeps who bring me nothing but joy.

My snow peeps were caught in the act of his nibs trying to convince her to cheer up, he would take care of the shopping. My advent was another flowering tea to look forward to. I have a glass pot made special for them and will post when I use them.

December 20, 2022

Today is my second grandchild’s 13th birthday. So hard to believe this lovely youngster is a teenager now. He is our water boy for Summer Sounds and is loved and appreciated by many in the community. I was so glad to get a crazy, demanding day out of the way to go celebrate him over dinner with friends and family. We had a delicious spaghetti dinner thanks mostly to Jeff Crozier and enjoyed our ice cream cake. As it grew time for me to head home I invited Chris, Ashlée’s beau, to join me and give him his crib board. I could tell he really loved it and we ended up having a very good visit before I left while he was waiting for Ash to get off work. A good hug later and I was off to shovel my way in only to find my neighbour had already been there with her snow blower for the lion’s share of it.

This morning’s advent was something I look forward to trying and I was thrilled when Lourdes, a woman who works out of the Groundfloor, commented on my extra chair and I was able to offer it to her. It doesn’t work for my posture and she loved it and was thrilled to have it. Paying things forward always fills my cup.

It was nice to have fulfilling moments with friends and family, I shall go in with a refreshed attitude tomorrow. I only hope the last of things I am awaiting delivery for gifts arrive before the end of the week.

I have a feeling that I am allergic to my house right now. Missy has been indoors too much and is shedding like crazy. I am awaking stuffed up and am currently sneezing like a maniac. Time to make time to vacuum and dust!!

December 19, 2022

This morning’s advent was super cute, my Spotify wrapped showed my son’s podcast as second on the list and my day was quite productive.

The best part of the day though was the synchronicity of the crib pegs I ordered arriving today instead of Friday and a half hour later, Chris, the guy who knows the most about the new Laser cutting machine in the Makerspace showing up at the office after his arm surgery eager to help me design and make a crib board for Ashlée’s beau. His name is also Chris and he is only in town tomorrow as he lives in Castlegar and works away over the holidays. He and Ash got to know each other in person over hours of crib but he doesn’t own a board so I wanted to make a custom one for him. I raced to Winner’s and found an Acacia wood cutting board, came back and picked a round template that we modified to hold the pegs on the side and then worked at finding a mountain template that resembled Fisher Peak. The original was a range of mountains and Chris M taught me how to remove the parts I didn’t want and taper it out more like our range. Once done it took an hour for the first run, There was a glitch in the template that we figured out and did a second run to pick up the missed bits and drill the holes a little deeper. I am blown away by the finished product. I hope Chris likes it.

Dinner was late again but tasty

December 18, 2022

I woke up too early because I forgot to turn off my ringer. Fell back asleep for a while and then got up to get laundry and cleaning done before shoveling out to go pick up Mom to get groceries. I had some lovely teas in my advent which reminded me of the besties in the UK who got home from their trip it Iceland to my gift for their puppy, Morgan. The pics made me laugh.

The snow peeps were up to their usual antics with her complaining about his embarrassing need to dab even if his arms are too short to make it happen.

After picking up Mom and doing groceries, I dropped her home and went to the pet store for cat food and to pick up another beta. It was love at first sight when I saw Sir Matthew the Magificent. He is a Super Delta Beta and so gorgeous. I hope he acclimatizes well, and was impressed to see him even swim in and out of his house checking everything out.

I had a shift at Arby;s and it went so well and I enjoyed it completely. Ash is a very good shift manager. She makes sure everyone carry’s equal share and gets things done.

It has snowed most of the day and overall I shoveled 4 times, and am glad for Tracey with her little electric snow blower which twice took the most of it away.

I bought all the he groceries to make several breakfast items for Christmas morning which has been my gig since I moved back. It was clear that food costs have gone up!

December 18, 2022

I was up a decent time doing chores and received a message from Rae-Anne that Arby’s was on fire and she was on her way there. I don’t think I have ever gotten dressed so fast after replying OMG. I was about to pull on my boots when she explained that she meant it was crazy busy, not actually on fire. My heart and mind were racing! Brat! I did like the lip moisturizer in my advent though so I forgive her.

I realized suddenly that I was moving on from the loss of George the 3rd, began thinking about replacing him and mulling what I would name the new fish as I cleaned the bowl and accessories and readied the water. I decided on Sir Matthew as I have never met a Matt I didn’t love and miss my friend, Matt Steffich, who we lost too soon.

I laughed when I went outside and saw how much Missy has used the Pretty Litter boxes as her scratching post now that winter is here. I am glad she isn’t using the furniture.

The first stop of the day was to pick up Diane and go for lunch at Mr. Mike’s before going to bottle wine. I was so proud of myself for finding and remembering to bring a $10 gift card I had and then I forgot until we were leaving that it was game day and on the back of my tickets was a 15% discount, day of game only. We had a great visit and a good laugh over that, making a plan to go again on a game day and use the coupons this time. We had so much fun bottling my Raspberry Peach Sangria and visiting with Elva. I am glad I made the switch to Kootenay Winecrafters and we were even treated to delicious snacks. We were glad that Elvas daughter came along to help finish it as we had just eaten so much.

We dropped my gift off for Natalia and Maria and then headed back to Diane’s for a visit. Wade, Nikki, Hunter and Keaton stopped to deliver Diane’s vehicle which had been worked on and we had a bevie together. The boys are so cute and polite. As I was leaving I noticed again that Sean had not quite gotten the lights all the way up. I had an idea and came home to get my little dog decoration and went back on my way to the hockey game to finish the display.

Roger had a group of coworkers, friends and family in a corporate box at the hockey game and I was grateful to be included as Tracey had a headache and wasn’t feeling up to going. I took all the unused tickets from our group, two seniors, two adult and a child and went to find people in line to buy to give them to. It felt so good to say Merry Christmas and hand them out. I stopped for 50/50 tickets on my way tot he box and the old Rotarian gentleman who took my money did make me laugh. The woman ahead of me handed him a 10 and then I did the same. He said you are easy to please and I said yes, but would be even happier if I won. He replied, Well, you are a girl child so not usually easy to please (or some such wording, I was stuck on the girl child part) He did laugh and say he probably shouldn’t have said that and I did say it was dangerous words. Honestly, I wasn’t offended, just very amused. The game was fun from the box, we won and I cheered and danced during the Arby’s minute. It was funny though that Ash and I were both relieved they didn’t score as we both work the next two days and if they’d scored people could show their tickets in the next 48 hours and get free curly fries. I am grateful to Applied Industrial Technologies for the opportunity to watch from above.

I drove Gene home from work after the game and then came home and settled in for the evening. I am taking mom shopping tomorrow and then work at 4 so off to bed I shall go soon.

December 17, 2022

i was well awake before my alarm, opened my advent and wondered if I should learn to shade at this age…

Headed in early and just soaked up the blessings. The lovely Keri, in one of my favourite movie sweaters, spoiled me with a Mandalorian set for my kitchen.

The mail arrived and there was an awesome card from Mark and Mary Lynn on Salt Spring Island (sealed with a kiss) that held a gift card to my favourite pub there. If that isn’t saying I am missed and need to visit soon, I don’t know what is. Hard to believe I haven’t been there since 2019. I need to visit my family and friends soon.

Received scans from a client that actually made me snort coffee out my nose, and there was special whiskey in it…

Enjoyed a ‘staff meeting’ at 3 that involved great catering and a drink as well as hilarious TikTok attempts by the others. No photos on my part to protect the ‘innocent’

And while we were enjoying ourselves my parcel from wag jag was delivered. I had ordered one Box each of N95 and regular disposable masks for future travels but apparently they really thought I should be protected and I am now the proud owner of hundreds of masks. I hope that’s not a sign!

After work I popped home for a wee break before heading to Key City Theatre to volunteer bartend for the Pretty For The People Christmas concert. I am thrilled to call many of the people on stage tonight friends as they were incredible. Cranbrook is overflowing with talent. I was able to hear the first half and watch the second. I took the liberty of filming a few songs but the single most spectacular part I didn’t film as I was so caught up in the moment. Ward Morton, the drummer was joined by a young Ethan Sawatsky and they did the Little Drummer Boy in unison, rock style. It was flipping unbelievable. What a treat. I will share the links to what I uploaded on Youtube. Sarah Turk has a phenomenal voice. I would actually love to see her on The Voice.

I drove Rae-Anne and her friends home and stopped for a scotch. Vanessa had been to the states to see family and brought me back a bag of bugles for my nuts and bolts. A simple gesture that is huge!! Gene came up behind me in the kitchen and said “Nana, did you lose weight, you look great” Gotta say, that was the icing on the cake for this great day.

The only negative was the pain and tingling I am experiencing in my right arm and the nerve twinges in my left shoulder. I am going to have to make an appointment to check it out as I have been ignoring it… or I will just wait it out and hope it goes away soon. Must have options lol

December 15, 2022

It was an interesting, kind of fun, day. I took care of many things work wise and enjoyed many lovely conversations. It didn’t hurt that there is a silver fox working in the space and I am enjoying seeing him daily lol. Sean gave me a gift of Bumbu rum which I was super happy about and a book that leaves me wondering if there is a message behind it, ha ha. He is the GM for one of my bigger files and I do appreciate he got me a gift. Natalia was here for the last time this year and also stunned me with a gift which I will open at Christmas. I want to find something for her and her daughter Maria but haven’t found the just right thing yet. I will and I will drop it at their home in time.

I was thrilled that today the sweaters I had ordered for R-A and I finally arrived. I asked her to come to the office and gave it to her early as I wanted to wear mine tonight for my shift. I got so many compliments at the drive Thru and I was wearing an apron over it. She will get to show it off fully and I am sure will experience even more joy. The funniest moment of the night was when I upsold a guy from one strawberry cream pie to the 2 for $4 deal. I had to ask him to pull up as they were being made fresh. When I went to take the bag to them, Stu said to warn him that they were hot like me. I went out to the car and saw it had Idaho plates and thought, ‘what the heck, go for it” so I told him I had been dared to say ‘be careful, these are hot like me’. We had the biggest good laugh together and I am sure I left a memory.

Today, the knowledge that Twitch killed himself yesterday still sat with me. I enjoyed all he had to offer as a human, the joy he brought and am reminded that we must remind our friends that we love them. I was blessed with messages from friends today to let me know how much I matter. These messages are all ones that I will cherish and hold close. This world can beat us down, we must hold close the positive vibes and let go anything that doesn’t bring us joy.

My cat brings me joy, much to my surprise. I still miss George but Missy has been very cuddly. It’s as if she knows what I need.

This morning’s advent was something I almost bought myself!

December 14, 2022

Awoke well rested, dressed in my Christmas gear in anticipation of the GroundFloor Pancake breakfast, opened my next advent surprise and shoveled my way out only to find Mr and Mrs were still sleeping from what was probably a long night of raucous behavior.

It was fun to have some pics taken especially with my friend and city councilor Lynnette Wray. I have enjoyed getting to spend time with her off and on at the GroundFloor and we had a great moment discovering our matchy matchy moment today.

I downloaded and played with an AI app today and was stunned to see how much the pics looked like Rae-Anne. I have many more but these were some of my favourite Christmassy ones

I did get a lot done and then came home to much gratitude as my neighbour had snow blown my drive clear. I had to roust the party animals

Waiting for me was a delicious looking box of Christmas baking from my friend Maureen which was payment for a purse I traded to her. I may have won that transaction! There’s more than one layer!

My dinner was especially good although I may regret a little bit the pickled shallots, but seriously, let me repeat.. I made pickled shallots, and they were sooooo good that it was worth it.

I gave out my wee gifts at the office and they seemed overall, well received. It was a pleasant day and I was able to confirm my commitment to one organization having stepped away from another. It feels like a good way to be going into the new year. Maureen did a fun post of the pics she took yesterday. I was happy to be the General Contractor in Peter’s stead the last few months and it was good to see it being celebrated complete.

December 13, 2022

I was having a very strange dream which culminated in waking up at 5:50 am in the throws of a very strong anxiety attack. I could barely breathe in as my muscles were so tight, felt like throwing up and couldn’t stop pacing and sobbing. I posted Good Morning on Facebook hoping to find someone up to talk to me and then opened Messenger to see Rosie’s green light on. I messaged her, ‘You up?’ And she responded right away as she is an hour before me and knew something was up. She FaceTimed me for an hour until I was even able to joke about the message as that is the first time I have done that and it wasn’t even naughty. I now know clearly that it was stress induced due to my struggle to quit doing the books for a society I am involved with. I didn’t want to leave them in the lurch and had made a commitment to the end of June but they changed the parameters of the job and I was no longer able to keep pushing aside good paying work to do it. The upside of my Fb post was all the glorious messages throughout the day from all over the world, in many different time zones and even on different days. I was reminded that I must listen to the many who love me and let go the few who do not. I was especially uplifted by another friend closely tied to the organization who gave weight to my feelings and choices, and by an employee of one of the companies I do books for who I always enjoy chatting with. She gave me a Christmas gift that helped my heart soar. I would not normally share so many compliments but it highlights how sharing your thoughts about someone can really affect change. Near the end of my day I heard from a friend I knew years ago on Salt Spring Island who now lives in England and she also had so many encouraging words that I almost feel bad telling her I was going to get Sushi which she has missed for the last 10 years. Reminder folks, listen to the positive and believe it, Marie Kondo your life, retain that what, and those who, bring you joy.

I did the final walk through of the project at The Studio/Stage Door and was so pleased with Colin who went above and beyond, even getting back on a ladder to wipe the sills and frames way above the stairwell and changed a dead bulb for us. Such great service and all with a great big smile (and a cute bum, lol)

This morning started with a cutie pic showing up of Emmy and a delicious breakfast courtesy of my advent.

After saying see you on Thursday to Natalia, I shut everything down and headed to Sakura Sushi for takeout. I came home and had delicious food, a Peach Crown and a relax and am now ready to hop in a tub and try out the Bath Caviar I received the other day. Bed can’t come soon enough.

December 12, 2022

Today started lovely with my advent gift

And a smile on my phone which I have changed my wallpaper to show people pics. Always good to wake up to a dear friend

Also grateful that I knew my trailer would sink in the winter, or the walk would heave, in any case, my gate still opens

The rest of the day was a whole lot of “ do you not know I have paid work to do?”, which exasperated me completely. The best part was that Sawyer was suffering a cough from a cold and couldn’t go to school so R-A took him to work and I picked him up at lunch and brought him to my office to watch Netflix and hang out. he is such a good little tyke and I enjoyed having him. He often told me he loved me and just brought calm. He really wanted a sleep over but it wasn’t possible tonight as I stayed working for a while after he was picked up. His mom was very encouraging in the choice I need to make about my volunteer time and the frustration I am feeling there. It is hard for me to let go of things I have done for free even if they are taking time away from my employment responsibilities and causing me stress. The fun thing was my phone kept showing me great photos of Sawyer as a wee one.

I made it home and made myself a meal and enjoyed a few Crown Peach when I got a message from my neighbour, Tracey and she came over and gave me a big hug and we had a good vent session that now leaves me ready for a peaceful sleep. I am grateful to the good women and wee men in my life. They keep me smiling.

December 11, 2022

I was up early and off to meet Danika and the girls for breakfast at Denny’s. First I had to shovel my way out and take my snow couple to task.

We had a great visit and wow what a big meal I had which turned out to be my one of the day. Emmy liked the lip gloss pack I brought her and Gwen enjoyed her toy dog that makes sounds and the nose lights up.

Came home after and did laundry, watched my shows and got ready for my 5-9:30 shift. After a long debrief with R-A this afternoon, I was fired up to bring joy and had a great shift. It was interesting as one of my co-workers was in a mood and I made her laugh hard and loud when she splashed herself with fryer grease. I told her to be careful as I didn’t want to have to give her first aid, especially since I always start with mouth to mouth. While I was washing dishes at the end of the night I noticed my arm started to bleed and I quickly stopped and got the manager to put a bandaid on so I wouldn’t contaminate the water. At the end of the night I sent the picture to my other co-worker and told her I was disappointed that I didn’t even get mouth to mouth, and to R-A to tell her I may need to go on worker’s compensation. Got to have fun, right?!

My advent was most curious. It’s an adorable little sticky note pad. R-A really did great with all the gifts so far!

December 10, 2022

Awoke before my alarm and got some chores done. Headed into my shift for 11. I was in an incredibly good mood but there was something wrong in the Force and I picked up all those vibes, felt overwhelmed by an exuberant co-worker and was embarrassed to have my shift superviser have to tell me to walk away and gather myself. It was hard to bounce back from. I know people will tell their manager every ting is good and I am doing fantastic but they don’t realize I can feel what they are really thinking sometimes and if they can’t make eye contact or smile when I do, it is even more clear that something is wrong. The good thing was I had a split shift. When I left at 2, I went to pick up the pictures I had ordered from Cranbrook Photo and bought a frame for the one for mom. I know she is going to love it. I got a smaller version for my wall as well. From there, I went to the mall to mail a gift to my friend Mark and pick up some stocking stuffers at Shoppers. After that I felt like just wandering the mall and soaking up the atmosphere. In the end I bought proper work shoes so I don’t have to wear my Fluevog boots anymore, purchased a way smaller pair of black jeans and decided to port my phone back to Telus as I am tired of the Shaw mobility. It likely works better in the city but here, not so much for me. The difference is ridiculous, so much faster. Can’t wait to see how it is in my office for reception by comparison. And then suddenly it was time to head back to the restaurant for my 5-930 shift. I took all my managers advice and went in super happy again, addressed the young person I was struggling with, explaining my brain issues and he was so understanding, and said to remind him if he mixes me up in the future. I super appreciated that and we had a good hug before he left at the end of his shift.

One of the incredible blessings in the day was when the co-owner appeared with a gift bag for me. She explained what each of the handmade chocolates were.. whiskey, baileys, etc filled! And a bottle of Crown Royal. They wanted to let me know how much they appreciate me taking all these shifts. Rae-Anne said I have covered more shifts than anyone, lol. I just got verklempt and thanked her for the appreciation as it means a lot.

This morning I was out to make sure the deer won’t back in my yard like last night as I put all the fence panels up to make it

The advent today looks delicious! I am saving them for that perfect snacking moment.

It was funny to see a set of the updated version of my girls favourite toys at my house when they were little on sale at Winners. Emmy and Sawyer still love playing with them. I managed to dig two of the three pieces out of the toy box. Couldn’t find the mixer but it is old school and after nearly 40 years, these toys still work, popping the toast and making coffee.

December 9, 2022

I loved the advent gift today… Bath Caviar! Can’t wait to make time to try it for a pamper

Was another complicated phone day at work but I struggled through the connection issues and got most of the CCT books entered to date and bills paid for other clients before my google meet with the new treasurer. I had to check my attitude and learn the new restrictions to my position. What I do know is that the scope of service has changed and I will need to address that soon. When I am doing a file for a deep discount it can’t take more time than I have away from paying clients, nor from my evening time which I am fiercely protecting from using for bookkeeping. I hope we come to a place that works well for all of us but know I will have to bow out gracefully, if not. One of my Arby’s co-workers, the owners son, felt unwell and I saw just after 4 that he had put up his shift of 5-7:30 for coverage. I raced home to give my neighbour her ticket to the game and told her I would meet her there and headed to work. As it turns out they were well staffed so I hung and visited with R-A and Ash for a while before trading a but of dish washing for a Crispy Chicken sandwich. I also agreed to take a split shift tomorrow and work from 11-2 for a young man who is going out of town for the weekend. I am already covering Gene’s shift 5-9:30. This would feel like a lot if it weren’t for the fact that I do get my tank filled knowing I am helping out and meeting so many great people. Rae-Anne pointed out to me that I get the same joy from this job that I do volunteering at Key City, but I also get paid. She is right!

I raced home to eat my chicken sandwich and then grabbed Tracey to head to the Bucks game. It was a fast and full of action game with the added fun of the Therapeutic Paws ball throw. The dogs are so cute running around on the ice and the young girl in front of us won first place prize which was a huge basket of dog toys.

I have to note that one of the things that made me happy today was to see my Ashlée happy. She has a new beau, Chris and it seems to have put a bounce in her step.

December 8, 2022

Got to work to answer email and check on things. The wifi is still not supporting my phone and I can’t take calls which is so frustrating. I am planning to check my calendar and move home to work so I can get ahead of this month and not have to work through Christmas. I was glad to take an open manicure appointment at 10:20 where Minh did his magic

Back to the office to finish off a payroll and then it was off to a client to finish his bank recs for 2021. Just had time to finish that off before heading to cover at Arby’s from 4-6 where Gene would take over. I rocked the Drive-thru and had a good time tonight. I was most grateful to R-A that we made a plan to go for dinner after. We went to the Firehall where I hadn’t been for a long time and found out once we were settled that it was her third time today, lol. We shared an onion soup dip and dill pickle wings before having the Big F’n Cake set in front of us. I am not going to kid you that it went very well with my $18 a glass red wine. We had a good catch up visit and it was a nice night out for me. Good to be home at a decent time feeling sated and happy.

I did like the neoprene (?) straw in my advent this morning.

One of the more frustrating things was an email I got late last night saying my delivery to the UK was lost in transit and I was refunded. I went on today and ordered a similar gift but am super hopeful it will arrive before Christmas as it was supposed to show up next Tuesday. Fingers crossed. I am glad they let me know though.