Today was super productive and relatively calm. I took time to go for lunch with a client who I am quickly coming to call friend. I met her at Family Thai and we spent over an hour discussing her business and life and she really appreciates my guidance and opinion on things. There is a deep satisfaction in that and I can’t truly explain how much it means to me. She respects me and wants to spend more time lunching and talking. She is about to take her business to the next level and I am excited to be a part of it. Back at the office I focused on getting the ‘ugly’ things off my list so I can get on with this busy month more easily.
I did take time to send material out for the show I am promoting to my friend at the radio station and the marketing person for my main sponsor. A few more tickets have sold so I am hopeful for a good house.
I went to Mom’s complex around 6 to move her car back to her permanent parking spot. Thankfully it is within sight of her apartment. I grabbed her mail and went to visit her. The nurses had good news that physio is off for the next four days but have encouraged her to use her walker often as long as someone is following along with a wheelchair just in case. That is a big improvement. I did ask for the results of her biopsy and it is concerning but I am going to put the thoughts into a little locked box in my brain until I can talk to the Dr next week. It was weird to not even have to put on a mask at the home today as the mandates were removed provincially. A big leap from every 48 hour testing. Apparently you don’t even have to be vaccinated to visit there any more.
I came home knowing I should reach out with a Mom report, check on my sick friends, etc but what I really needed was a no people period of time. I watched my shows and did a whole puzzle and just relaxed. I have plans to do more of the same tomorrow as there are going to be 23 of us for Easter Hunt and dinner on Saturday. I have much to prep! I am glad Emmy can come and spend time with her cousins though.
Today my youngest grandchild turned 6! How did that happen so fast? She was the first born in my first year after moving to Cranbrook so will always be a marker of time for me. She is a big personality, talented little girl who will go far if she channels all her gifts.
So much stress and work today but I did take time to have a glass of Prosecco with all the lovely people that work in the Ground Floor Coworking space in honour of it being open for 5 years now. A great success.
I went and moved Mom’s car to the back lot as they are sweeping. I love the time of year when the gravel gets taken away and the dust begins to settle. After that I went to Key City for the evening to host and emcee the next in the Winter Ale series. The opening act came down sick today and we were fortunate to have a local band, Slow Joe Crow step in to fill the void. They did great and were well received. The headliners, The Heavy Lighters from Nelson were a whole lot of fun with their energetic Bluegrass style. The band leader is Paul Hinrichs who runs Kaslo Jazz Festival and it was nice to make connections about our mutual friends.
So, yes, the snow did stick for the morning. I was glad to give it a quick sweep and not have to shovel. It was gone by morning’s end. It did make me not to want to leave in a big hurry as I had woken up early so I enjoyed my coffee a finished another
I treated myself to Taco Tuesday and was wishing I had a big sandbox to play in with the vehicle parked outside
I was very grateful for my chiropractor appointment today although it is clear I haven’t been since October 2018! Kevin Roberge did a lot of tests on my and did some work towards getting rid of my neck issues that are contributing to my Max Headroom moments and upper body issues. I am glad to be back and look forward to next weeks appointment.
Stopped to see Mom after that and she seems to be doing a lot better. Donna brought her a blanket and more books, she was dressed in the clothes I brought and the stripper pole was gone. For some reason the proximity to the bed really disturbed her. She wheels herself down to meals and tours around the facility so I am sure even that level of freedom is wonderful after nearly a month.
Came home and did another puzzle while watching the voice. It’s kind of nice to do some easier ones. I had done these three previously but I thought I would work my way from the small ones to the largest. It is relaxing and makes me not check my phone for email.
The funniest part of the day was that I had a friend request from Michael Weatherly whom I love watching on TV but am shocked any scammer would think I could be fooled that easily. It’s complicated… lol
I was up early and off to the office before it even opened. Much to get done and a stomach to quell as I had made a big appointment for 4 pm. I did hear from mom that she had a better night and had her first physio today.
I did manage to get what I had to do and more done before taking off to the big event. Nought much more mattered today than the desire to make a change. I can’t sell my home, or change my job at this time in life; there’s no one to dump…. So hair it is! I had reached out to Ireland to see if she had the skill set as a relatively new hairdresser to make the change I desired. She made sure that the top person in the salon was at her side and she actually trained her while she cut my hair. I am glad Ireland and I are friends enough to think that was a great idea and that I am brave enough to go for it. I had asked Jake and Will to pick their fabourite of a few pictures and they were similar so that is what I showed them. I was not sure about the shortness at first as it sprung even shorter when my curls kicked in, but now it is growing on me and I do feel lighter and know I will shed less.
I stopped at Encore and talked to Addison about making my missing puzzle pieces so I can see if Roger can paint them and then I will varnish my puzzle into a floor mat and get it off my table.
I enjoyed hanging out alone this evening, cracking open the big box of puzzles and starting with one of the two smallest. It was easy and fun.
Imagine my horror when I heard oddness of sound vibes outside to see snow on the ground. Come on! I didn’t even put my snow shovel away yet, as that is the usual clue to start snowing again. Hopefully it will be gone by morning.
The kids had me up earlier than I would have liked but I love them and was happy to have them here spending time together. Jake and I watched Still Crazy which is one of my favourite movies and I was happy to find it has stood the test of time since it came out in 1998. It was odd to see guys who seemed a lot older than they were supposed to be at that point though. Jake and the kids headed to Rae’s and I got ready, went to mom’s apartment and gathered clothes in a suitcase for her and stopped at Green Home. Had a nice chat with Judy, Roger’s Mom and then found Mom who had not had the best night. It seems that when she rang her bell for the 4th time in the night she was met with “what do you want now?” She was cold and uncomfortable as the bed is very old school compared to the one she had at the hospital. Other things occurred and I had a good talk with the RN and staff on today and let them know that if my Mom was crying in the night she was humiliated and uncomfortable, that something had to change. They were very understanding and I hope tomorrow has a different report. From there I went to Rae and Rogers and we had a visit until Emmy was picked up and then went to Family Thai for my early birthday dinner so that we could have it with Jake. It was wonderful and it was so nice to see Mam again as it has been a while. The meal was delicious and the girls (and Roger) gifted me with my own amazing Brunswick Bowling Shoes which I can’t wait to use at Encore. Earlier, Will asked if he could give me his present which he had found 6 weeks ago and bought with his own money. I love my mug and it fits in my car cupholder. We all went back to there house after dinner and played Gloom and Fluxx which was fun. I was wearing out and came home but it was a lovely birthday most especially by spending time with all my kids and grandkids in the same day
Jake’s phone is trippy. I hope Apple comes out with a version. Even he misses his Apple phone.
Emmy was so excited yesterday to play April Fools on her Dad and cousins that she had a list of things she could do. I woke up and set my bed like I was in it and went into the closet to get her Dad to tell her to come wake me. We had a good laugh when I startled her from the closet. She made a Kick Me sign and stuck it on her Dad. We made cupcakes to celebrate her birthday with her cousins and for me to take for my friend Galen’s birthday at poker tonight. After that Bill, Deanne, and the two international students came and helped move a sideboard to Mom’s that was her aunts and will hold the things she needs to access easily as her overhead cupboards are high. I then went to the hospital to see if she had been transferred yet and was told no but after I paid for parking and went up to the third floor it seems she already had been. I went to the Green Home to find I have to have a Covid test within 48 hours of visiting so they did one and I was finally able to see her in her new space. She has a private room and bath with a nice window to look out at and a nice sized flatscreen TV. She was sitting in a wheelchair when I got there, watching curling. She needed a little cheering up and it was nice that when they came around with snacks we were able to have a coffee and cookie together as we laughed that she got a room with a stripper pole. I have a list of clothes to pick up for her and bring tomorrow as she can wear normal ones now which is nice for her to start feeling on the mend. She will have physio 5 days a week and I was there to help complete the paperwork and history for her with the nurse. I feel she will get the care she needs there and it will be good for her. Next it was to the Guedes house for a visit and to celebrate Emmy turning 6 on Wednesday. I left and went for a much needed pedicure before returning for a lovely ham dinner with the family. Sawyer came to stay over with Emmy at my place. I helped get them settled and then headed to my poker game. I just left, having been the 7th one left at the table. It was a nice night and Galen liked his cupcakes and I sent some home with him for his wife and daughter. I am very tired and hope to catch up a little tonight as it will be a busy week coming up.
I was up early and finishing cleaning and readying for my company today. I went to the office and got a crap ton done before meeting Rae-Anne for my free burger month beer at Fire Hall. The DinoSour is very good. I was thrilled to turn and see Danika with Emmy and Gwen at my office door to drop off papers for their taxes. I got a huge hug from Emmy and then Gwen kept grinning and blowing me kisses. They went to visit my Mom and when Jake hit town he also went to visit her before picking up Emmy and coming for dinner and to stay for the weekend. One of these times I will have to have Gwen stay too. A bonus granddaughter with so much joy is a good thing. Jake showed up in his new Tesla. I will get a pic of the inside tomorrow as it is crazy. I made dinner and then left them to visit as I headed to the first game of the playoffs between the Bucks and the Wenatchee Wild. We won, 3-1 and it was a very energetic game.
Birthday gifts
The singer of the anthem was only 7 and blew me away for his bravery and solid voice
One year ago I was prepping for surgery in the morning. I was terrified. It was that fear that changed me. The good news the next day, that it was not Cancer, made me reevaluate all that my life involves. I have purged many things as far as people and work but I still have to work harder at clearing out the things literally. Last night I built my home desk and today I reorganized the den in anticipation of Jake and Emmy coming tomorrow. I have stacked totes ready to go through that have moved with me over the years. I think I am emotionally ready to go down the memory lane that I will find in them. With all that is going on with Mom, I don’t want to leave the mess for my kids.
Today I had a good deal more energy and took the time to go start Mom’s car, pack some extra clothes for her and bring her her mail. I had calls all morning from the Interior Health transition liaison and the Physiotherapist who has been attending Mom. It seems she is going to be moved to Green Home for rehab as she still falls backwards. They may have her for 6-8 weeks until she can move properly on her own. She seems happy with that and looks forward to getting out of the ward she is in.
The side of her face is quite swollen and bruised from where they did the biopsy but I was assured that is normal. I skunked her at crib and then she beat me one game. She is definitely getting better.
I did make a nummy dinner and puzzled a bit between chores.
Technology has allowed me to be a paperless bookkeeper. No longer am I a slave to one desk, a printer, a supply of pencils, and someone else’s schedule. Just today, my new desk for home showed up, ready to be built so that I may go into the office or stay in my jammies and get stuff done. I am self-employed, so there is that going for me. The ability to be anywhere and take calls, answer email and texts, and provide service to clients has expanded my world in a most pleasant and successful way. I have also learned to turn it all off or ignore it when I need or want to. Saying yes has become easier and so has saying no. Next year will be my 30th having my own business and it just keeps getting better and better!
How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?
I have been ignoring the prompts for a topic on Jetpack but today’s spoke to me. I did not often enough say ‘no’. I followed the bouncing ball and wound my way through my life. I had dreams and goals and don’t get me wrong, I accomplished much, but as I cruise into the likely last third of it I have become much better at being focused on the prize. I have always wanted to travel; to see the grandness of nature and cultures all over this globe. Part of my weight loss goal was to get healthier and gain back the self esteem I was losing, but mostly it was to get the energy and health to feel confident to explore. I have worked over the last three years to establish myself in a career with independence, to become a paperless bookkeeper, to keep the clients who I respect (and they respect me) and let others move along. That has been the biggest change in my life, learning to say ‘no’ to that which does not move me forward and throw off that which holds me back.
I have had a good day, including another dental appointment. Dr, Mike fixed my food catcher and I took a funny pic to send to a friend who was messaging me while I was there.
Back at the office I wrapped up two files I need to get done, ran payroll and made my to-do list for the next few days. I called Mom to let her know it was well after 6 and I needed to come home and make dinner as the erratic eating times were giving me issues sleeping again. She didn’t answer but called me as I was about to sit and eat. It seems she is doing much better as she is back to her usual non-sharing of information. I wonder if I would have heard the good news of today if I hadn’t called and texted her. She had her biopsy on her Perotid Gland today and that is a very good thing. They won’t have results for 4 days, she says, but I am just very grateful it has been done. Fingers crossed that the mass is benign. It is the last on the laundry list of issues to be taken care of. Now she just has to get fully mobile on her own to be released.
Missy was funny this morning, hanging around me, sticking close by and purring constantly. Maybe she has Spring Fever.
I was in the dentist chair this afternoon when Rae-Anne called and it rang through due to my settings. Those in the office around me had a good laugh. I found the machine that did a full panoramic X-ray quite fascinating and I am told everything is in good shape considering how long I have had these teeth. The crowns and root canals show up well.
I was heading to the hospital to visit Mom and passed Encore to see Rae-Anne’s vehicle there so stopped to find out what was up. She was busy interviewing potential staff so I took some pictures and marveled at how far it has come since I was last there. I love the lit signs!!
It turns out the call was to let me know that they recovered the computer with the software to run the lanes!! Best news ever.
I came out to find a creepy request on FaceBook to a post from 2018.
Mom was in good spirits and we had a nice visit. She is glad I wouldn’t sell her car before she could make a clear decision as she now has hope she will be able to drive again in the future.
I popped my car through the car wash, a thing that brings me joy. I was so happy to see my shiny ride, even if it has a battle scar.
I came home and made dinner, puzzled and relaxed. I had a good day.
So, yesterday afternoon I squatted down to pick up a Kleenex I had dropped and felt a pop and had sharp pain up the back of my leg from the calf to the butt. All signs pointed to a pulled hamstring. I brushed it off, found going down stairs and walking level ok but going upstairs and bending, like sitting for a long time, not my friend. It was no worse nor better when I woke up thankfully. No bruising so I didn’t go seek help. I rested and periodically walked around. I went to watch Disney + and got a message it wasn’t connected so I logged out and when I went to log back in on my TV it was in another language. It did work on my iPad so I cast it and watched Mandalorian. I am still enjoying it very much. I heard from the people selling a lift assist recliner chair and made arrangements to purchase and pick it up. Gene, Lukas, Bill and Deanne met me there and we loaded it up and went and rearranged Mom’s apartment. Afterward I went and showed her the video of Lukas demonstrating its features which include heat and massage and all for $240! She seemed pleased. I found her energy odd today but I could be wrong. I suspect she is antsy to get out of there. Then it was home again to just watch my recorded shows and puzzle before I head to bed at a decent time to be prepared for the week ahead.
I also late last night heard from a potential buyer of my couch and chair, who asked such weirdly phrased questions and said his driver would have to pick them up as he was out of town. I searched and know them not to be from here so I blocked and was done with that.
Today was a day of chores and relaxing, making food and visiting with family. I took soup for Donna & Hogie and met them at Mr.Mike’s for dinner with Jeanne & Barry, Danny & Terry. They are Mom’s first cousins and my closest family from that side here in the Kootenays. It was lovely to catch up and I had the Burger Month burger sans peppers and onions. It was delicious. From there it was off to the final game of the regular season for the Cranbrook Bucks, playing against the Prince George Spruce Kings. The Kings scored twice almost immediately and then we ultimately won in OT 3 on 3. Noah Quinn scored and the place erupted in glee. It was a great way to head into the playoffs with the first game to be next Friday night. We wait until Tuesday to find out against whom. I was very glad I decided to go to both dinner and the game. It was a bonus that Jeanne and Barry’s grandson Kai and his coach Dad, Adrian were honoured for winning the U13 championships.
I also made pretzel sticks which aren’t pretty but tasty.
It cracked me up when Sawyer, my 8 year old grandson came and said, “Nana, do you have your groupie pen?” Seemed he had opportunity to get an autograph from #17 Kungle. Of course I did 🙂 it also came in handy amusing the young bored child below us.
It was nice to wake up before my alarm and head in to the office feeling awake and ready to take on the day. I finished a big report job, assist a few clients with their files, responded to a CRA request from another and filed 4 personal tax returns. Then it was off to get Mom’s mail and go to visit her. I was happy to have had a call from Home Support today and learn what is likely to be possible. I found Mom in a good mood, very alert and with it and she said she hasn’t had pain and does recognize that her cognitive abilities are better as well. After the visit I came home and picked up Tracey to go to The second to last Bucks game. The play tonight and tomorrow against the Prince George Spruce Kings. It was a decent game although we lost 4-3. It was obvious our guys were not responding to the heavy handed ness of PG as we are second in the league and playoffs are coming. I hope they keep it together tomorrow night as well.
It has been crazy windy today, started with a few snowflakes even. Tonight the place is still shuddering a little. I am happy to be home in my warm jams, cuddled on the couch, watching Bel Air with the knowledge that I have zero obligations this weekend. Having a clear calendar is an unusual thing for me. I am open to options though, lol.
New things are happening at Western Financial Place. Seemed odd timing at the end of the season but I realized the arena turns into a stadium and it will be good timing after all
And the company. Worked, got picked up and went for lunch at Fire & Oak. Had my 6th of 7 to complete my card for burger month. It was a Pizza burger made on a grilled pita and was absolutely delicious. Stacey and I had a great catch up and are making a plan for me to get my Jeep from them and have it home to drive. Back at the office I made headway on getting tax returns done.
I left at a decent time and headed to visit Mom after having a very encouraging call from the Dr at the hospital. Dr Schroeder was very happy about her progression and feels once she is cleared by physio, she will be good to go home. I talked with Home Care to see what I have to do to get her the support she needs to check up on her and get her showered etc. It was a good news kind of day. Mom was happy as she had been visited by her pedicure lady which I had arranged to happen in hospital. We had a nice visit and then I picked up Rae-Anne and we headed to Kimberley to see my client, Grist & Mash Brewery and catch the live music which was the duo that played last night at Key City. It was packed so we walked over to Pedal & Tap for a delicious dinner before heading back to catch the last of their set and enjoyed sharing our beer flights and downloading our lives.
I saw on the socials that Jim Byrne is coming to play in Kimberley at the end of April so I immediately bought a ticket and am looking forward to seeing him. I was his ‘person’ last year at MusicFest and really enjoy the special relationship with him. Something to look forward to. The other thing in the works is that Shanneyganock is coming to Calgary at the beginning of May and I have asked Ashlée and her friend KC as well as Rae-Anne to join me in going. That would be a fun gals weekend. Hope they can all get it off and we can go.
I think it was actually 3 years yesterday that I began doing this every day. I only missed some time last July when things went sideways at MusicFest. I intend to tell all that and share the pics some day, but not tonight. Tonight I will be grateful that I have a story to look back on. I will some day read it and try not to correct spelling and grammar but see the ups and downs of a life well lived. I hope to see that I had more good days than bad and that I loved and was well loved in return. When my mind starts to go, I will have a treasure of words. Until then, I shall continue writing what comes to me, hope I clearly explain the important things and leave out those that will leave hurt in others.
This morning was slow to get rolling as I struggled after eating too late again last night to find an uninterrupted period of sleep. I took time to puzzle a bit and enjoy my coffee before dressing up and heading out. I was able to put on my dress that I wore for Jake’s wedding in 2016 and feel good in it. Win!
I just worked on many things until Rae-Anne texted me that it was time to go for food. She picked me up and we went to Don Cherry’s for their burger month offering. I skipped the jalapeños and it was the best burger patty so far. I loved it so much I even forgot to take a picture! We had a good visit, catching up on all the news of Encore. Much of the equipment has been recovered but the prime item that was special to them and necessary to run the bowling alley was the computer with the proprietary software that has not been recovered. That, the milkshake maker and some tools are still out there. I hope they get it back as they have to get rolling to open and make money.
I was at Key City for 4 pm and oversaw the guest musicians as our past president and ‘the guy’ for these things has let us know he has to take a leave from the Board to have Heart Bypass surgery. It is fixable but he will be out for a while. We are a board in transition so it is necessary to pick up the bits together.
The show was simply lovely. Emma Kade was the opener and I do love a singer-songwriter. She was chosen to open for Dean Brody when he was here and I can see why. She is also a gracious young lady who I hope goes far. Her family were all in attendance and it was a pleasure to watch the joy and nervousness of her Father.
Joel and Lauren Kamps, known as Flint & Feather were simply the most authentic, lovely people I have met in a long time. Their music, reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel, was delightful and their banter and stories of their relationship were even more so. We had many good chats and I feel like I would enjoy being their friend if it weren’t for the fact they live in Calgary. I bought a set of earrings from their jewelry collection which is their other gig.
One of the joys of the evening was surprising Dave Prinn with his lifetime membership and a photo taken by Murray Hayward for his 7 years on the Board. I miss him.
Woke before 2 am and tossed for a couple hours, even walked around the house. My guts were churning and mind was busy. Even had a crazy dream about a friend when I got back to sleep finally. When my alarm finally went off, my back was aching. It has been a while since I bowled. I had to super focus to get the day’s work done, and even nearly missed doing a payroll. That speaks volumes to the state I am in as I do it weakly and somehow didn’t realize it was Tuesday payday. I did get it done in time when I glanced at my calendar before I left office. The terrible part of today was learning that Encore was entered after we all left last night an around $30K of tools including those of the subcontractors, a milk shake machine, and the computer that runs the fancy bowling system, were stolen. Just heartbreaking for everyone involved. Only recently it has been noted that some has been recovered. Thankfully, it seemed to almost be a theft of convenience as there was no malicious damage done. With the first batch of beer brewing, it could have been so much worse. It was just so terribly deflating for those involved and my heart hurt for the friend who was to have locked up. It was locked, I hope he can let it go. Thank God for insurance and if it puts opening further along, small measure. I went from the office to get my nails done with Minh’s brother Lee as the family is away on vacation. It was fun. We had so much great conversation and he worked it out of me that I was single, let me know he was and that he thought I was fun and sweet, didn’t believe I was about to be 60 and still hoped we could go out for a drink for our birthdays next month. I would like to believe it was actual flirting as he was so straight up but it always could have been for tips. I told him I would check in next month. It would be nice to have a date with a cute guy of similar interests. Guys my age around here are… old. We had a good laugh together discussing dating in Cranbrook. I told him I thought someone peed in the dating pool and loved the way he laughed.
Went to visit mom after and she was more like her pre-move self than ever, good energy, good colour and very clear minded. She noticed I was tired, remembered to ask me pertinent things and told me about the Dr coming to visit. I think the meds are starting to work.
It was 8 before I finished making dinner but it was important as I failed to eat at all today. That will not keep me physically or mentally happy.
Got a call from Mom’s Dr for the day today that she had had her MRI and has badly bulging discs at L4 and L5. So far no fracture but should it, she could become a paraplegic. At the moment she has refused surgery options. It is her body, her choice. We will continue to monitor. I got some important work done and then went to visit her for a couple hours. We played crib and she seemed better mood wise but still found crib very challenging. As it is her lifetime game, that is concerning. From there I went to Encore to help clean before the staff party. I am not going to lie, the lanes were covered in layers of sawdust and tape and glue. I made it my chore to remove any stuck on bits and clean the rails. Everyone who could arrived from Arby’s after they closed early and we had a fun bowling party with good food and Phillips beer as the brewery is still processing its first batch. It was good for moral to hang out with coworkers and I had a lot of fun bowling with Fred and Nikki. I have not spent as much time with him and it was relaxed and a good time.
It was lovely to welcome in Spring today, we are in need of more of the sunny days we have had recently.
triumphgal 