I realize now that my problem breathing yesterday was stress. After my misadventure I stuffed down the response so I could be present with the family. I woke up early, made the bed for tonight’s guests and headed to the car wash. Up until the moment I exited and did a full inspection of my car I had been holding in my reaction. That is super unhealthy for me and as it happens I had very good reason to react. The top of my car is very damaged as well as other spots down the side of the windshield and on the hood where I couldn’t fully support the weight load as I was moving it all off yesterday. I am only 5’3” and although strong, it was at least 100 pounds, best guess and over my head with the most of the load on my non-dominant arm. I suspect adrenaline aided me at the time but today my neck and part of my left arm really ache.
Once I saw the true damage That was done, The emotion completely overwhelmed me. I drove straight to the Hyundai dealership to see what they would do about it. I bought the car with the roof rack installed and I have never heard of a Tulle system failing. All I remember is them giving me the key to remove the racks should I choose to and there was no instruction otherwise. The guy in the service department came out to look and was very dismissive telling me to call my insurance company. I told him I was not willing to put it on my insurance for the next 10 years when it was their installation that caused the problem. He said it was on me to make sure it was tightened. I check the security whenever I put my kayak on, pulling back and forth to make sure it is secure, never in my wildest imagination did I think the whole thing would come off. He said he would email the Gm, Josh and see what they were willing to do. I started to leak tears as I was so terribly disappointed that my shiny new car is so damaged and they were not willing to take any ownership. I reminded him they were lucky I didn’t die, or have it come off going down the highway. …. No considerate response whatsoever. I shall return tomorrow morning and every day until they are sick of me. Should I not get a satisfactory response, I will contact Tulle and let them know what happened and that the dealership is selling them without proper install or instruction.
The rest of the day was very challenging as I was recovering from the emotions, very tired and needing to concentrate which makes me have tone. I don’t mean to and I have to explain and apologize in advance to my clients as I really have a hard time faking it when I am that deep in the feels.
I did get all my necessary payroll done and then came home to welcome my new guests. A lovely man from Olympia Washington and wife from Ecuador who now live in Saskatoon! I did eventually ask them if they had a K1 visa as I am addicted to 90 day fiancé but they got married in Ecuador and apparently it came with it’s own shit-show.
I am about to head to bed after a delicious meal. They forgot to put in the tomato but I have crown so i will survive. I hope tomorrow is a better day.
I got up this morning and got ready while the ladies were checking out. After they left I stripped their bed and got laundry going before finally throwing my clothes and snacks in the car, stopping at the liquor store and heading for Moyie lake. It is my eldest child’s 38th birthday today and I was invited out to her Dad and step-mom’s cabin to spend time with them all. I was really looking forward to playing in the water, kayaking and possibly tubing behind their pontoon boat. I had been invited to stay over so even threw in my jammies.
All started getting complicated when I missed the turn off towards their place which is down a 7 km gravel road. I was instead on a different forest service road and ended up way out of the way, searching for a good spot to turn around. As I was coming down, suddenly my kayak shifted way forward and I got stopped as soon as I safely could to find the kayak was still perfectly attached but the rails had come loose and were scratching the roof of my car. I am fortunate to be as strong as I am as I had to lift the entire set up all in one down and place it on the side of the road. The kayak itself with my gear in is at least 55 pounds plus the Tulle j racks and the rails, well over my head was a lot for me to maneuver but I had no option as there was no cell reception to even call for help. I had to leave it in the grass on the side of the road in hope no one would come along and take it and head down to find reception and assistance. Bill and Lukas came to meet me on the quads once I got back to the turn off to their place that I had missed. We arranged Roger to come with a pick up and Will and Deanne who met us to so Roger and I could go retrieve the kayak, Deanne took my car to the cabin and the boys drove the quads back with Bill. Ultimately it took 4 hours to get to the cabin and it usually takes an hour at the most… sigh.
The whole time I did manage to stay calm and was grateful to finally get there and go swimming with the boys and play on the big yellow mat. It was pretty windy so when there was a calm moment Lukas and I headed out on our kayaks to go from one Moyie Lake to the other through the narrows. It has been on my bucket list of kayak adventures. We had such a great time! It was incredibly beautiful, we had great conversations as he is one smart and observant 12 year old and overall we were out for over two hours.
I picked pretty Lily pad flowers for Deanne. We made it back for a delicious bbq chicken dinner and cake for Rae complete with a fake candle made from a napkin. Ash had arrived while we were gone and only Gene was missing who had to work late. After dinner Bill took Lukas and I tubing as we had missed it later. We had a blast and Sawyer even joined us at one point. He is a brave little swimmer. They stopped the boat at one point and I swamped over as I had just pulled myself forward. I was wearing my kayaking life jacket and it boxed me to the surface easily but I could almost fall out of it and it was very heavy to swim in. I ended up taking it off and paddling toward the boat but I had an asthma attack and they ended up backing up to me in the end. I was ok, just done in.
I tried to reattach my racks so I could bring the kayak home but the roof is so damaged that I want the dealership to see it as they sold it with them attached. I loaded all the peripheral items into my car and Bill is going to bring it out for me on Wednesday when they come back to town. In the meantime I will go to the dealership and let them know what happened and see what they will do to solve it.
Over all it was a good day with the grandsons but I am exhausted and saddened that my 2022 vehicle is worse for wear. I decided to come home as I just need a sleep in my own bed.
I got up at a reasonable time today and discovered that my guest had not actually checked out. His stuff was all still in the trailer and his food was in the fridge. The problem was that I had to clean and wash and remake for the guests arriving tonight. I texted him asking his intention and found out he was at work and asked if he could stay in my spare bed as he hadn’t made other arrangements after being asked to stay and work. By now it was after noon and I had mowed the lawn etc getting ready and got permission from him to move his stuff. I set up a bed for him in a crowded den and then made busy getting the rest ready. I borrowed the neighbour’s weed eater as mine wouldn’t start and got the yard tidied up. Next was cooking a decent meal as I was living on coffee only. I packed it up to take with me to the park where I was the DIC (director in charge) and Booth Director. It was an interesting evening with fewer people than usual but they really enjoyed the last band especially, Turtle Valley from Salmon Arm who had everyone up dancing. I left the site after 8 to check in my guests, two lovely young ladies, who came to the park first to enjoy for a bit. The night went long but was most enjoyable and I was surprised to get home and see that Sheldon wasn’t here yet. I began to wonder if I had once again misunderstood his plans when I got a text and then he pulled up. We had a good talk and agreed on a weekly rate for him to stay through until next Saturday morning. After that he is hoping to get an apartment with a co-worker. As nice as he is, sorting these things out and trusting he will pay next week is a lesson in trust… ah week, off to bed.
I was up and at the office at a decent time to get things done before heading to my dentist appointment at 11. I have been having pain and bleeding in the lower right and there was likely some food caught around my crown. Dr Tom took care of it and put fillings in the ‘trenches’ forming on my bottom two teeth. They are wearing in the same way my Dad and Grandads did. he did the fillings without freezing which is always unnerving. It went well but I felt like I had done Pilates when it was over from holding in the stress and running through my head was: No matter what, don’t hit him. It was funny to read later one of my Facebook memories that I had freezing less fillings 8 years ago today as well! My Pair rim that was the wrong one in my original order arrived last night and I love the flamingos
I went back to the office for about an hour before signing out and heading to Studio 134, my friend Jills studio in her basement. I decided yesterday I wanted to get closer to my true colour without getting rid of all the grey, and have a health trim. We had a great visit while she did an awesome job that I am thrilled with. 3 inches lighter and a lovely depth of colour, I shall be back!
BeforeAfter
After that I popped home to have a quick bite to eat before heading to my onsite client to finally get his 2020 year end ready to send to the accountant. We high-fived when it was done tonight and I shall be back to move on with the 2021.
The day was challenging as the AC is down at the office, for the third day in a row and there is none at the clients. It was good to get home and relax in the cool. I should have mowed my lawn but will do so tomorrow. Sheldon is leaving and Emily is arriving tomorrow night.
Part of the win for the day was asking my friend Bear if he had a friend who would like to join him being paid security overnight for the Friday of our Peak Music Fest. It was stressing everyone out so that is a relief to have off our plate and I know he is super responsible.
Today was productive, met with people and got shit done. Then I came home, made a tasty dinner and after eating, headed to my martial arts class. Keith was running it tonight as Guru Joel had company from out of town. There were only of us there but it was fun and we learned some new moves. One was especially good for taking the legs out from under someone trying to punch you on the street. I really need to practice more outside of class as I do want to go for a belt in Escrima. It is a Philippine style. I know me well enough that I need a goal and a prize. I am proud of me for getting involved at all and that will be the next perfect step. For now, I am worn out and it was warm in the gym so I am literally chilling on the couch.
I slept right through my alarm today but that did not panic me as I have the tent trailer ready and things organized for my day. A quick shower and off to the office. There was much to do but this month is mostly fixing other peoples stuff and finishing things I put off last month. There is not as much pressure at this point.
I decided to head to my recently acquired client’s shop as he is still struggling to complete 2020 so he can send in his year end and continue on. He is kind and thoughtful and I agreed to take his case. I worked for an hour or so and then headed home to meet my guest, Sheldon. Once he was checked in, I headed back to the shop and worked until 9. Two more months to go and a review before sending it to the accountant and then on to the 2021 file. We agreed that me going home from the office first and having a break and dinner before going there is the best idea. I have a board meeting tomorrow night, plan to go on a group kayak Wednesday and then have my Shield Maidens class Thursday but I will get it done… soon. I have to remind myself that someone else’s falling behind doesn’t make it my emergency. At least he’s a nice human that I am happy to assist and he pays the second I send him an invoice.
The wildfires are kicking in around us but at least not too close to be feared. The air quality goes from bad to okay dependent on the wind direction. It is later in the year for the most part.
Again there is so much to tell but I am pretty done as it is 1:36 am and earlier this evening three members of one of our local bands were hit and run on their bicycles. A guy is in custody. We think they will all be fine but one was airlifted to Nanaimo.
I had amazing moments with Taj Mahal, Jim Byrnes and so many more that want to remember. I will try to recall them in the coming days. Tomorrow is already here, must sleep.
Be safe out there and hug someone you love.
Oh, and Eric apologized and said he was mean and drunk and very wrong, so there’s that.
Doesn’t work as well when working at a festival. Today was very full. Things were running behind but ended up successful in the end, grateful am I. Many hands came together to build this village, set up all the gear, feed the hungry (physically and spiritually), and give the people what they want. I am grateful for all the people that made it happen, the crews that jumped at everything they were asked to do and the people that are above me and yet somehow supporting me in all I need to do. I met some artists who made me smile and laugh and none who brought grief along with them. It was a day of triage and putting out wee fires. The performers this evening were incredible with HER Majesty finishing out the evening in glorious style. I will post pics and videos when I have better wifi and hope you are as entertained as I and thousands of others were. It is 1:30 am and the alarm rings whether I want it to or not. There are 5 more stages to get all up and running by 10 am.
The only thing I am trying to shake off is drunk Eric telling me ‘you just slide in, don’t you Marnée, after all the work is done.’ I simply replied, ‘I guess that is your perception’ and wandered off to bed. As usual, I guess I made it look so easy, it doesn’t look like I am doing much at all… sigh.
I was up at 6 with mom’s good old clock radio and after a couple coffee and a shower headed for the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal arriving around 8:45 and assured I would be on the 10:15 to Nanaimo. I enjoyed a traditional breakfast, read my book, napped a little and mostly stared at the beautiful Salish Sea. It has been 2.5 years since I have seen the ocean and it was good for my soul. The trip was uneventful and we were in fact ahead of schedule when we docked. The drive up island was busy as always through the outskirts of Nanaimo but cleared mainly as I hit the Freeway. The closer I got to Courtenay, the more emotional I was getting in anticipation of seeing friends that I have only texted, emailed or had brief chats with since MusicFest 2019. I parked, took my, I’m Here! Photo, picked up my credentials and hitched a ride with Tiny (after a big hug) to find Doug, Marcy and Cresslynn. It was raining but the public camping was lined up and beginning to fill as Doug and I sat in his cart and caught up (if that is possible). At one point a young lad came and stood in front of me and said Hey, I know you. Lincoln! I exclaimed and we took our Fest Face pic. He has grown so much and I was so happy he remembered me. I spent the rest of the afternoon getting little rides around the site, having great discussions and settling in. I set up my car camp in the site crew spot and they ran me power for my CPAP and charging. Blair picked me up and bought us dinner from a great food truck, the Phat Parrot, which we took to his place for a visit and I completed a payroll before he helped me put the binders for all the stage managers and tech crew for each stage. We had a nice time and then he dropped me back at the site where I promptly ended up at Val’s camp spot for a few too many beverages and great catch up with her, Mike and Jackie. I rarely got opportunity for good visits in the few years previous but I am very ready ahead this year in fear of forgetting anything (only my Fitbit so far).
Random: I discovered a little light switch above my visor and the bathroom lighting is odd in Superstore here
I am busy after midnight finishing the set up of my bed because I have been ignoring all else and spending time with my long lost friends. I promise to fill you in tomorrow morning
had a terrible sleep last night as I had dinner that inadvertently had spices that do not agree with me. Rosie tried to get the air mattress to stay inflated but it would not so she suggested I just climb in with her. We started watching the Jeffrey Epstein documentary and it started to get my mind reeling. Next thing you know I headed out to the living room to let her sleep and tried to get comfortable on her loveseat. I did manage to get some sleep and still be awake a decent time. Hung out and had coffee with the fam jam and then packed and showered before taking some pictures. I really love these people. It. Is weird when I think that Sarah and Michael are my generation of first cousins and yet their kids are 13-17 and my grand kids are 5-15. I learned this morning about FlingGolf which I hope to try once back in Cranbrook. Rosie made me a delicious breakfast of Egg, toast and back bacon. I was glad to get fueled up before doing the payroll I needed to do and heading out. I did have trouble accessing the software and that set me behind but I got what I needed to done, packed the car, hugged goodbye and headed down along the lake, winding my way up to Highway 1.
I had not travelled far when I noticed trucks flashing their lights at me. There wasn’t much traffic coming and then there was and all of them were fast flashing their lights. I came up to a curve and saw cars stopped. I could see, not too far ahead, what appeared to be a very serious accident. We had not been stopped for too long, just long enough to get out and stretch when a woman came out of a side road and drove slowly past us near the beginning of the line telling us if we went down that road, we would by-pass the accident. I was so grateful as it was just a long block length of a road that perfectly went around it and I was on my way. By now the line heading East was very long. I found out later there were 3 fatalities.
My CarPlay would not reconnect after I got going so I pulled over to try all the things Google recommended but no luck so made a beeline for the Hyundai dealership in Kamloops. Of course when the woman came out to assist, it worked. I apparently had done the correct thing, just had to walk away with phone and keys and then get back in and it started, connected and all good. I thanked her for being my lucky charm and off I went down the Coquihalla Highway. It was still very obvious in many spots where the storm damage happened last year. Often long slower stretches of undivided highway. I made good time and stopped for gas in Hope where it was the. Cheapest I have seen so far. $2.09/Litre
I finally made it to Mom’s just before 6:30 where she and Julie were waiting for me. We made a plan and headed to Red Rose Restaurant. The calamari was delicious and there was plenty left over from my Chicken Neptune for Mom to have tomorrow. We had a lovely visit and thanked Mom for buying. Once we were back, we put my car in the underground parking as I have my life in there right now and mOm had received a note in her door that thieves were targeting cars in the parking lot including smashing windows. Once back up at the apartment Julie changed a lightbulb and got Mom’s twilight working and then we had a good laugh when as she was explaining how her cochlear implant works (no MRIs due to magnets under the skin) I stuck one of my Pair frames to the side of her head. She is magnetic and now has eyes in the ack of her head. We had a good laugh over that.
I am very very tired and had planned to go to bed long ago, must get a ferry in the morning.
I got myself up and showered, took out the garbage and finished loading the car. Fed George and Missy and the Stickbugs and headed to the office. I paid client bills, ran payroll and hit the road by 1:15.
The most exciting thing before leaving though was that I got a message that my glasses were in Cranbrook via UPS but were not to be delivered until tomorrow. I called the head office of Alopex, the local delivery for UPS and got a lovely lady who called me ‘hon’ and said she would see what she could do. Within half an hour my new Pair shades were delivered and I LOVE them! I took some blurry pics and proceeded to get my work done.
The drive was in and out of rain and lightening and 6.25 hours later I was in Sorrento enjoying a meal with so much family that I haven’t seen in years that I forgot to even check my phone or take any pictures. My cousin Mark and Elaine with his daughter Sarah and her boyfriend Hunter, cousin Sarah and Kevin with their sons Owen and Emery, cousin Michael and Shanna with son Parker, Uncle Bryan, Auntie Lynne and my cousin Rosie who’s side of the house I am staying in were all here! It is funny that I hadn’t seen Mark in forever and this is the second time this year. Parker, Owen and Emery are lovely young men from 13-17 who are such a joy to be around, even though they barely or don’t remember me. There was much good catch up and funny stories. I miss these folks and no matter how much time goes by we all feel the love.
It was so strange driving with so much traffic as the last time I came this way was May 2020 when I went to pick up Jackie’s table on a quick round trip to 100 Mile. There were many asshat drivers and close calls but I love my alerts and safety features in my car and it was all good in the end. Rosie and I sat and had a good visit after everyone went to bed. I am now about to tuck in with her as the air mattress is not holding air, lol. Good thing we are both deep sleepers! I have payroll to do in the morning before heading to the coast. Next stop Ocean Park to see Mom.
Of course I woke up to pouring rain. This was the day I was to empty my car, clean it and pack for the trip. I got everything ready inside and then when the rain stopped for a while, I started loading. I was stressing what to bring for clothes that would fit in my carry on luggage but realized I could take another bag as I have room. The weather is sure to be variable as rain is in the forecast so I am taking clothes for all seasons, my raincoat and 3 pairs of different weather shoes. I spent time making the reflective letter signs for in lock-up, putting my master binder together and doing the household things like litter box, plant watering etc. I showed Tracey how I water my plants so she will Leo it while I am away when she comes to feed Missy. The stick bugs will survive on the lettuce and George has a time release fish food. I think I have remembered everything. All I have to do in the morning is pack my toiletries and pillow, turn off the AC, pack the cooler and go to the office. I have two payroll and some payments to make and then I will head to Sorrento to stay the night.
I spent time trying to decide what ferry to take on Wednesday to get to Courtenay in time for dinner and there are too many options and no reservations for any of them so I shall just show up early and see which one I can get on. I decided it was not a stress I needed today.
As I was redoing my binder, I found a Stage Plot that made me smile. I also discovered the damn deer got in last night and ate all the flowers and buds on my beautiful rose bush. Thankfully I had recently taken a picture. The other flowers are coming along nicely, the first blooms on my Peonies and lilies!
When I was looking for something I found Jake’s Christmas present from Emmy that had fallen down in the den. I will bring it to my Mom’s where he can get it and the mystery is solved
I started gathering things into a pile to load the car tomorrow. I now plan to leave as soon as I finish my payroll and payments on Monday. I also stripped the trailer and spare room beds and did laundry. Next it was off to pick up an electric kettle from Ash to take with me so I can make myself coffee and tea on site. After a short visit with Rae, I headed to the mall to find a few things including a charging station. I got a good one on sale at Canadian Tire, some hot pink clothes at Rickis, and sunscreen and bug spray from Shoppers. When I came out there was a terrible big accident at the main intersection outside the mall. It looked pretty bad. From there I went to the office and worked on the last of MusicFest before I leave and the ran a payroll and made some payments to lessen the work Monday morning. I didn’t get home until nearly 10. It was good to get it done though. Tomorrow I will fully empty my car, vacuum it out and then set up my bed and be sure it will be comfortable before loading up and being ready to go from work on Monday.
I have made lists and believe I have remembered everything I will need but it has been a while since I have headed West. I haven’t been to the coast since early December 2019!!
I awoke after 11.75 hours finally rested. I hope I was honestly just not feeling well and that it has passed but I will sleep with no alarm for he next two days to be sure. I spent the morning making lists so I don’t forget to bring anything with me. I then went in to the office to do some invoicing for clients and then parked at Rae and Rogers to walk down with Roger and the boys to the Canada Day festivities in Rotary Park. I was glad to make it there in time for the anthem which I sung with pride and as it finished the Freedom convoy in very small numbers walked in but as the MP, MLA, Mayor and our local Chief, all gave speeches there was nary a peep from them and in fact I noticed they quite quickly dissipated into the crowd, only proving their cowardice.
There was good food, good beer, great company, all the makings of a fabulous day. I really just wandered around chatting with and hugging many people over the course of the afternoon. Brass Monkeys was playing to start and as they were nearing the end the sky opened up and pounded down, even hailing at one point. As soon as that started MusicFest Marnée kicked in and I ran to offer help to Keon the sound guy. He was shutting his board down and I ran to grab muscle before unplugging the speakers and having them moved up onto the stage. It was then a quick run round the open stage turning off power bars, moving cords and pedals inward. All was well and there was a bit of a break while the clouds passed over and they could begin setting up for the next band, Pretty for the People. I was completely drenched so I walked up to Raes where I had been invited for a BBQ. I had a plate of food and then we all walked back down to watch the band for a while but I was still damp so headed home. I had a lovely day all in all.
The best part was a good long talk with Chief Joe Pierre from Ktunaxa Nation. I told him how much I appreciated his song and how far it adds to restitution as more people see it doesn’t have to be divisive. We had a good laugh about my being shown a Ktunaxa flag in the museum in Cranbrook UK as he knew the woman who probably gave it to them. I told him my daughter Ashlée took he and his sons portrait for her Mountains of Opportunity photo project and he shared that he set up his zoom background all through Covid with that photo hanging in the background. Sweet.
I binged Keep Sweet Pray and Obey which is quite horrifying. It is a documentary about the FLDS and Warren Jeffs. The atrocities to young women, well women of all ages are hard to stomach. It is a real peek behind the veil of organized religions power and especially of cults who breed their own disciples. I get why they were caught up in it and couldn’t see a way out, nor even desire it. I was very engaged in the born again movement in the 80s and know that the power of belief and faith and the knowledge that you are being led down a righteous path is strong. I still have my personal faith but it will never be one that fits in a church again. I was damaged by it and have chosen to shake off those shackles. These people though, it is all they knew. No contact with anyone or anything outside themselves… some didn’t even know who the president was. Sad. And also shows the power of men over women and other men if they are professing to be speaking on God’s behalf.
I can barely process today to write this as I have felt like I am exhausted and walking through the day like a zombie. One foot in front of the other, one keystroke at a time. I have managed to get all the payroll done for today, the remittances all set to file and pay mid July and even redo some payroll where a client had forgotten to put some of the hours on the timesheet. I also got my billing done thankfully as I need the pay for travel. At 1:30 I picked up Aymo to take him to the airport. We were there 45 minutes before the agent was supposed to be there and had a good visit while we waited. His luggage only cost $100 and he was able to get his card to work. We found out his flight was running late so I waited until his travel partner showed up and Christina from the program before having a big hug and off I went. He told me he had the best rides with me, that his favourite time was driving back from the Drumheller/Calgary trip. I am sure it was at least one of the best and I appreciate he told me.
Thank goodness I had leftovers as now I am off to bed, very early for a night I get to sleep in but that is just how tired I am and I need to catch up in time for MusicFest.
I slogged through my day, bogged down by tired, headache fueled sadness. After finishing the production budget revisions and sending it out, rescheduling MusicFest again for dropped out crew and doing some client work, I took time to make my appointment for armpit and brow waxing. I guess I was even more fragile than I though as I started to tear up and said I wished I was there for a pedicure, not a painful waxing. Ireland immediately pointed out there was an appointment for that with Allison at 4. I jumped at the chance, went back to the office for a bit and then went for a lovely relax. I was calm and happier when I left. She spent a good deal of time fixing Throbby Bobby and I now have sparkling pink toenails. I came home and called Rosie to see if I can stay with her in Sorrento next Monday when I head to the coast. She said yes of course and that Michael and Sarah and their families will be there to visit their parents. I am so excited as I haven’t seen my dear cousins in a long time. What serendipity. I am experiencing allergies likely from all the pollen so I took a prescribed anti-histamine after enjoying a good meal. I hope to sleep it off.
This morning began with resetting my Airbnb for Katheryn and then rushing off to take care of business as I weirdly slept in for 45 minutes. At least I managed to get all I needed to done before my Board meeting at 6:30. Part of the day was taken up by two breaks, one for a bevie with other workers in the building and the other was when I was stopped by a guy I see working there every day who said he noticed my Peru tattoo. Turns out he lived in Lima for a while! Jesse and I had a great long conversation about the places I went and those he did not. It is funny how visitors often see more of a country than people who live there. I was reminded how much joy I had going there and that it is the reason I work so hard, to earn money to see the amazing places on this planet.
I laughed when after he left my office, there appeared a little llama in the search bar and when I clicked it …. Up came Machu Picchu! So, there are no secrets!
The pollen was ridiculous today!
The Board meeting was mostly productive and I am grateful to be part of and to be leaving this team. I feel my time is truly done. I came home having issues breathing, my esophagus was swelling again. I have managed to control my stress level to avoid that for a long time now. What became clear was that it is a PTSD reaction. If I feel not heard or appreciated, it is as if there are hands around my throat again. I have to protect myself from that.. decisions must be made.
Oh boy this was a Monday. I was up and on the treadmill as usual, grateful that I found my Fitbit the other day when my Roomba got stuck under the treadmill. It had been missing for a couple weeks at that point. Yay Roomba Robot zeroing in on it. I spent most of my getting ready time stripping the bed in the camper, cleaning and doing laundry etc. In readiness for the guest coming tonight for one night. Off to work by 10 to get payroll done and answer email questions that had come in over the weekend. I had no multipurpose Marnée skills. Had to put a serious pin in whatever I was doing every time I was interrupted. I admit to finding it becomes more annoying when clients just drop in unannounced especially on a Monday. There is one who does it regularly and never takes the few minutes she thinks it will. Today was 45 minutes just as I was beginning payroll in hopes of getting home early to meet my guest. I did manage to get here before he arrived and I was disappointed that he seemed stand-offish, or grumpy, not sure which. It’s a shame though as he arrived on a bike and it would have been nice to chat. I chose to just make my dinner and let him be. He will be gone by 8 again in the morning. Katheryn is staying indoors in the spare bed tonight and will be back in the camper again tomorrow night. We watched Dr. Strange Multiverse of Madness. I liked it, but am also glad I saw WandaVision.
I heard of another friend from back on Salt Spring passing today. Betsy was always a lot of fun to be around. I have great memories of a New Year’s together at Moby’s Pub. She had a lot of friends and will be missed. They are dropping like flies this last few years. I suppose it’s the age of my peer group, more risk of that.
After going to bed by 9 last night and up just before 7 I am still ready to do the same tonight. I went to bed with a sharp headache and thought I was fine this morning but the old ice pick migraine kicked in again. I have been dealing with it off and on all day so the barometer must be the cause. Tomorrow is another day..
triumphgal 