I puttered I doors and then went out to do a swack of yard work. I only have along the fence line left. The raspberries and Hollyhocks and willow have all been pruned and bagged. I also found my Christmas flamingo lights.
I connected my Apple TV account to my new TV and began enjoying Season 2 of Palm Royale.
At 8:30 I went and parked at the office and walked over just in time for the CPKC Holiday to arrive. the evening was fun with performance by the Bare Naked Ladies. Jim Creeggan was unable to be there so Ed Robertson’s son played bass. He was good and they had everyone singing along.
I came home and finally used the vanilla foot masks that Rae gave me in Florida
I went to my office mid afternoon and built the Japanese Maple that Doug gave me. I put the Christmas songs on blast and had a lovely time.
From there I headed to the arena for 50/50 at the Bucks vs Bandits game. We lost but I had a good time
Lallah gave me some home made cranberry sauce which I look forward to sharing at Christmas
I have circled back to add that I am sad for my friend, Julie, She lost her Mom today and I am sure it is a mixed blessing as her Mom has been struggling for a while. it is sad to lose another ‘Mom’ that helped me get through my teens alive
With the strange weather, we’re having it rained all the snow away yesterday and then woke up to snow this morning with it already beginning to rain again. Apparently there is even evacuation orders in Port Chilliwack again because of the atmospheric river that hit. I did find it interesting the formation that fell off my lights.
I picked up Rae-Anne at 11:15 to attend the chamber an annual fundraiser turkey drive luncheon. It was at Encore again this year and over $65,000 was raised with the amount being split evenly between the Food Bank and the Salvation Army locally. Jason Cavan from one of the local radio stations raised $38,000!
There was a Christmas tree decorating contest as usual and CFEK did their own crazy thing but this year tied for the worst tree, and there was a tie for the Best tree which was settled by rock paper scissors, and we won! Mike from strategic fire control and Rae-Anne and I received gift cards from Dash eatery for our reindeer tree
After stopping at Fenwick & baker for wing night, I came home and wrapped presents. I feel that it was a responsible kind of Christmas with everyone getting something that suited them and I didn’t need to spend a whole lot to find the right things. I am still waiting for a couple of things to come in the mail, but otherwise I am done. 
I started the day at the hospital, getting an x-ray and seeing my surgeon, Dr. Vaile. After checking everything out, she believes it is what I first thought that scar tissue has built up, and the nerve that goes across the front of my leg catches on it or is capsulated by it. She showed me the x-rays from right after the surgery compared to now and everything is exactly where it’s supposed to be, which is a huge relief considering I rolled my ankle a couple of times on the cobblestones on my trip. Her recommendation is that I find a good registered massage therapist or physical therapist who can massage it to break up the scar tissue. When I was on the trip, I did have a good foot massage on the ship and one by Rae-Anne in our hotel and both times and had them immediate positive effect on my ability to walk. She wants me to try and get a massage as often as possible. I am going to have to find someone who could get me in. Next month, her intention is to give me a shot of freezing and I think she said sailing into the scar tissue which breaks it up and that will help as well. It was such a relief to find out that there is nothing seriously wrong. My body isn’t trying to reject the metal or anything like that.
I had a good day at the office, but did find myself getting a little bit grumpy towards the end, which is the first time since I’ve been back. I struggle to not lecture my client that it is most important that when she gets an email she prints and gives me the invoices not when she gets around to it so that it becomes an an urgent thing for me to deal with. Anyway, I shall reclaim my Zen and focus on being kind.
I came home and did a little decorating in my living room, putting out some special decorations that were handy and built my Lego Nutcracker. He’s cute.
I really miss my Texas Posse. I need to make a plan that ensures when I’m going to see them all next. I feel similarly about my UK Besties. It is hard to have such strong connection and memories and not know when you’re going to see someone again, if ever.
When people ask me how my trip was my instant response is that it was life-changing. I have a joked that it was the most expensive therapy I’ve ever paid for but the most effective. It’s not really a joke. Along the way, I learned the value of me. I enjoyed so much spreading love and accepting love and just being me and experiencing the joy when people saw me again when I returned. I need a pin that feeling as a way point for when I start to slide mentally so that I can remember how good this feels right now.
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.
triumphgal 