Was in earlier today and worked on one file exclusively to get it as ready as possible for audit at this stage. Was good to just concentrate on one thing and move on to the next tomorrow. I left around 3 and met mom back at my place. She is staying over tonight and heading home tomorrow. We watched all the available episodes of Modern Love that I hadn’t seen in season two yet and ordered from Family Thai. I went to pick up our food and we settled in. Once dinner was done I popped to Safeway to pick up some fruit and veggies and… chips. I have been craving salty snacks. When I got back we watched Spencer. I was more than half way through when I realized it was Kristen Stewart. After this and The Batman, I am done with the Twilight actors, lol.
I really had a hard time at work when my system decided to try to purge. The whole experience was exhausting and I barely had energy to get back to my desk. Surgery really takes it’s toll on everything autonomic. And by this evening, now a week after, the stitches are itching and the bruising is fully at the surface. It is so hard not to scratch!!!!!!
It seems Missy is obsessed with the stick bug colony as she never has before. I think it is because some are so big that she notices them moving for the first time.
I was super happy when my Wookiee the Chew prints showed up today. Thanks to Colleen and Mike in Oregon who let me have them sent to them and forwarded them on.
I had a better sleep, a rough morning and eventually ended up at the office. I have come to understand that those who I don’t see think I am working from home and those who see me at the office don’t all understand I shouldn’t be there. I should have blocked off this whole week but I am too obligated to my clients. I worked until 3:30 and then knew I had to head home to rest if I was going to make it through the hockey game. It is game 4 of the first round playoffs against Prince George, the place where my Mom and sister are buried. That is a dark thought but it did keep creeping in the last two nights. I once again enjoyed my time with the Fam, chatting with Ash and watching out team win 5-3. It was an exciting game. I was able to sit through it as I wore different clothes with the waste bands in a better spot. My back has finally stopped hurting. Every day seems a bit better but I still wear out easily. I hope not to work too long tomorrow. Mom is going to come stay overnight before heading home.
Today is Emmy’s 5th birthday. It is funny to realize that people talk about her the way they did me when I was young. I look forward to seeing what she will take on in the world.
I didn’t set an alarm and was still at work at my usual time. I had 3 companies payroll to do but got lost in the minutiae and suddenly (it seemed) it was nearly 2, my body was hurting and I was hungry. That spoke to the level of concentration I had to make sure there were no errors. The brain fog is lifting but the body is still weak. I know, I know, it is too soon to expect more. It is just the way that I deal with things. I came home and had the other half of the sandwich Rae-Anne had sent me, got into comfy clothes and put my feet up and watched a couple episodes of the second season of Bridgerton.
I realized I needed to get ready to go to the first playoff game of the Bucks against the Prince George Spruce Kings and I almost didn’t. I knew I could take it easy and really wanted to go so I headed off. I am glad I did as I had a great distanced visit with the family and we won in a shutout! It was exciting and I look forward to tomorrow night. I was getting sore by the third period but managed okay. Ashlée brought me my birthday present early and it cracks me up. The perfect puzzle was found for me!
Ash in the penalty box
I think I will sleep well tonight and I have hope to accomplish much in a short visit to the office tomorrow. It is odd to not set an alarm on a work day but I am allowing my body what it needs. I have faith that I will get through this tax season month in a timely manner.
Uncle Lawrence made my favourite cookies and dropped them off today. I shall need to monitor my intake!
Slept interrupted again last night, am going to try on my side tonight. My morning was enjoyed hanging with Mark playing some games before he had to take off to do some errands and head home. It was nice to have home here and he was a good guest and helper. After he left I used an aid to make it possible to have a bowel movement as I was cramping up very bad and didn’t want to end up back at the hospital. Thankfully I finally did but it left me quite exhausted for the rest of the day. Mom showed up for a visit and then Jeanne who brought along muffins and soup and other delicious items for the fridge. We all had a nice visit and then they headed off. I watched some shows on my PVR and then got a message from Rae-Anne that she was sending me dinner from Arby’s. Enough for two arrived and I couldn’t even finish one serving but it was delicious and I will have more for tomorrow. My plan is to go into the office and run payroll for a few companies and then come home. I intend to take it easy but do have obligations I am happy to meet.
It framed up pretty nice
I read the report online from the surgeon and now understand why I am feeling the way I am. I also know why he had the results so quickly, the cyst broke inside and he had to be sure there was no cancer or further things would have needed to happen. It also explained the whole removal process and the moving around of innards which explains the discomfort, swelling and bruising.
I am watching ‘The Power of a Dog’. Not entirely sure what I think with only 20 minutes to go.
Was super sore and had a hard time getting out of bed but once I did I slowly moved my way to feeling much better. Basically watched shows, talked with family and let myself rest for the better part of the day. Not long after Mark arrived I was in a long hot shower. It was so restorative and I was only able to do it comfortably knowing he was in the living room if anything went wrong. We played Little Big Planet, laughed, endured the harsh wind that blew through and watched Dune and King Richard. We both enjoyed the latter the most. My guts are bubbling with gas but now that the bandages are off I see that there are a few stitches and mostly bruising which will pass. I have to remember not to stretch or lift too much and look forward to a bath after the 14th!! It is nice to have the company of a friend and be over the initial ick. I hope to sleep better tonight so I’d best get off to trying.
I managed to stay asleep on my back but woke super early. I made a coffee and moved to the couch. U an tender and emotional and had an off morning with my Mom. I am afraid she didn’t realize what care I needed from her and my throat is so sore and swollen, my voice is raw and my nose is running. I asked Rae-Anne to drop off the Covid tests on her way to work. This one came back negative thankfully. Mom went for coffee and lunch with a bunch of people after I had a melt down and needed to be alone for a while. Donna dropped off homemade chicken veg soup and whole grain bread. I sat with the eating pad on my back and a pillow on my tummy and watched shows and hydrated. Mom came back and picked up her stuff, we had a good talk and she is going to go back and stay with her brother tonight. I am going to tuck in early. I feel as though I have been run over by a jeep, not pain as such, just total muscle aches and I would usually soak in a tub for that or have a long hot shower for the sadness. I called Dr. Rode’s office and Nicky was so kind, talking me through the sad, making a follow up appointment for the 14th and telling me to call anytime if I had questions or needed to talk. She said I could shower tomorrow and maybe it would help just to sit in the bathroom with the water running and listen, feeling the steam. I got up to pour a drink and fill my water bottle but after I set them down I lost my balance and tipped the table over shattering my favourite nose glass, and making a big mess. I texted my neighbour Tracy and she raced over to very thoroughly clean it all up.
There was a knock at the door and a flustered man came in with a gorgeous plant to put in my garden and a lovely card from the CCT Board. Rae and Tanner stopped by with popsicles just as I was finishing my soup and now I am all worn out ready for bed.
The outpouring of love and support has left no doubt that I am loved. For that alone, I am grateful I went through this. I do hope I can get around a bit better tomorrow as I am seizing up from sitting around like this.
The best part of the day was when Danika asked if Emmy could FaceTime with me. A bit later I answered and Emmy had a very sad face. She said Nana, I am so sad! I have to tell you that Malcolm (her step-Dad) got a new job at the armory and we are moving to Winnipeg. I told her this made me very sad too and was trying to process what she was telling me when she switched to a big smile and yelled April Fools!!! That almost 5 year old deserves an Oscar!! Too funny.
I had just settled and turned on the TV to find this crazy angle nightmare going on.
The alarm rang at 5:45 and I made a black coffee and A live Facebook video explaining what today is to be all about. I had not shared it across the Friend list and wanted to ultimately share what the results would be either way. It was hard to do but I am really glad I did as the love and prayers, wonderful tributes came pouring in. seems a great number of people I know see me as tough, and special. That filled my cup. I weighed in and have lost 28 pounds now which took me 5 years to put on and just under 3 months to take off. Only 35 to go! I cleaned as instructed, packed for the two nights over and got my CPAP machine ready, watered my plants, fed the pets, put on my WonderWoman Shirt and Space llama socks and was ready for Roger to pick me up at 6:45. He dropped me off with a big hug as the sun was rising. I checked in and was promptly given a bag for my clothes and two gowns, booties and a cap. After I got changed they gave me a couple Ativan which began to work right away. I was there for a while before they rolled me to the operating room. It was cold in there! The mask to put me under didn’t work until after the extremely painful installation of the IV in the back of my left hand. Sigh.
Sackboy came along
The next thing I knew I was waking up with my friend Paula holding my hand. I was told I was moved back to the Day Surgery ward as I was going to be released that day. This was super confusing and I hadn’t talked to the Dr yet. It was 2 and I was thirsty and starving, even to get up to go to the bathroom was difficult as I was lightheaded. The nurse didn’t seem to have much information. I began to panic as what was happening didn’t match any of the information I had asked about. A lovely nurse, Heidi made me a coffee and brought cookies and cheese before leaving shift. There was also too much chatter and I couldn’t reach my bag with my earbuds and IPad. Just as I got them the nurse came and explained they were really busy as it was the overflow but she did bring me a popsicle. There was a sticker on the end of my bed that said Bed in Hall! I asked for more Ativan and she said it wasn’t on the chart. I asked if I could have food as I was also getting hangry. She came back shortly with Ativan and said Dr. Rode would be here in half an hour. I then messaged for Mom to come. Tracy came to visit for a bit and then Mom showed up as she was going back to work. Dr. Rode showed up and was almost giddy as he explained he had thought it was Cancer but it came out easy and faster than expected which meant I could go home. He showed me pictures of what he did and said to follow up in two weeks with him to remove the last of the dissolving stitches and sooner if I see any signs of infection or anything. Mom went to pull her car up and I got dressed. My bag was over the 10 pound limit so the nurse put my stuff in a wheel chair and I walked slowly beside her down to the car. We stopped for a quick moment at the store and then came home to make a live video to let everyone know the great news. I am completely exhausted at this point. We had a bevie with Tracy and then I went in to start responding to messages which were overwhelming. Mom and I hung out on the couch after I put on a nightgown, drank some Ensure and sucked on lozenges for my very sore throat.
The stowaway wore grey Only three small access points amazing
Dinner was leftover salad and shrimp with edamame and watching Young Rock and Beyond the Edge. My system feels better now. I shall head to bed to relax and sleep as needed. I have 4-5 or 6 weeks before I am supposed to be completely healed and can lift heavy things again but I can drive after tomorrow. I am told to just listen to my body and rest when needed.
I am very calm now but am feeling so much relief and joy. As freaked out as I was I truly didn’t believe this was how my story would end as I am going to make it to 105 and I have many more adventures to take.
I awoke stupid early so decided to get on with the day. I was thrilled to see I have lost 28 pounds now but was aiming for 30. I hope the stowaway has some weight to it. The first chore was to drop off my car for a list of things that should have happened when I bought it. The service guy tried to mansplain to me the importance of oil changes… that did not go well for him. I kept in mind ‘be kind or be quiet’ but seriously, I tried to book my service at the 6 month mark and was told by his predecessor that 6K was the marker. I calmly told him that I had my mechanics apprenticeship and was fully aware of the importance of oil changes.. and just do it.
The rest of the day was sketchy as I was constantly checking lists, taking care of last minute things and running payroll. I think much of my stress lies in hoping that this whole situation doesn’t make me miss any deadlines. One of my main clients had a pizza and bevie lunch to celebrate getting through another year end and I was grateful to be included but paid with stomach pains for the afternoon.
The beautiful part of today was so many people reaching out and offering love and prayers. There were glorious gifts of flowers and candles and bath treats. So many messages of support and love. It really filled my tank and took away the anxiety.
I got my car back and am happy with much of it, including the spiffy decals although you can tell up close that they were not put on by the professionals. I plan to take close up pics in case there are issues.
Rae-Anne came by with a lovely light dinner of salad and shrimp skewers that Roger made. Her kids are sick so I couldn’t go there. She showered and didn’t hug them before coming here, where we kept a good distance and had a good visit. Poor Ashlée is also sick. After tomorrow I won’t care and we will hug at will.
The rest of the evening was spent sipping Scotch in a candlelit bath while watching the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It was only interrupted by a quick visit with my neighbour Tracey who will come feed Missy in my absence. I really am grateful for the team around me whose support makes this easier.
I am so grateful for all the messages and love thrown my way that I am ready to tuck in for a good sleep knowing that no matter what I am now alone in this.
This day was (plug your ears/eyes) fucked up. I am rapid cycling panic attacks and getting things done. I called the booking number from home and left a message. Got a call while I was at work to tell to be at the hospital at 7 am on Thursday, ready to go. Of course that just triggered all the shit. Had a hard time focusing on a lot of client miscommunication today. Filed what I could, did what I was asked and felt like falling in a heap all day. I kept getting out of my chair and wandering to try to blow it off. I just want to lay in a hammock and cry, or take the anti-anxiety meds I have but i need a clear head as I have a board meeting tonight… yes obligation will always trump me.
The Board meeting went smoothly, I feel like I came up with a few clear thoughts in spite of turning off my video to cry on occasion.
I was stressing an hour before the meeting wondering through the list in my brain who I could not bother by reaching out when I got a message from my dear friend Sarah, whom I called and had the perfect thing that I needed. I miss her dearly and hope her world ends up closer to mine in the future as Bella Bella is sooooo far away!!!
I have nothing polite to say at the moment, I honestly want the world to know how afraid I am, how strong I am and…. How weak I am.
I had a pretty good sleep. Not sure if it was the oil drops or just exhaustion but I am grateful. I was also grateful that I remembered to take out the garbage.
First stop in the day was at the Urgent Care clinic to see about Bobby. I saw there were only a few people in the waiting room, was taken in quickly and met with a nurse practitioner who explained that he would be pre-screening to be sure they could help. Once that was done he said ok, just wait in the chairs and it will be about an hour. I was stunned and promptly kicked in a panic attack. I told the front staff that I just needed to go walk it off and would be back. I walked down the length of the mall and when I got back, they were waiting to take me in, bless their hearts. I saw Dr. Paula Dubois and she was simply wonderful . I hope I get assigned to her eventually. She was surprised to see that Bobby was looking like that but does not hurt or look infected. I am to keep doing what I have been, soaking in Epsom salts twice a day and if I see any signs of infection come on back. She did tell me not to worry as even if it was terribly infected and needed IV antibiotics, it would not interfere with the surgery so that is a relief.
I stopped at the dealership and confirmed that Wednesday I can drop my car off at 8 in the morning and they will shuttle me to and from the office in order to get it finished. The decals and towing wiring harness are being installed and they will figure out why the tire warning is going off again. That will be a big one off my list. I was super excited to see they had a display of the type of tent I have on my Amazon cart, waiting to push checkout once I know I will be able to camp this summer. It made me want it more.
The rest of the day was spent trying not to have panic attacks, they seem to come easily these days but I don’t want to take anti-anxiety meds if they will cloud my mind right now. I am crossing more things off the list. I purposed to get home and finish what I needed to do before I am too busy. I made up the spare bed with the fresh linen, and put George in a jug of water while I seriously cleaned his bowl and its contents. Emmy had mentioned Patrick looked like he had fur and she wasn’t wrong. He and George are much happier now.
I did some puzzle while I sat with my feet in my foot spa full of Epsom salts and watched the Oscars. I had recorded them last night and found out today about the slap heard round the world. I only have one thing to say, I wish Jada had just stood up and said that hurt and that the comment was unnecessary roughness. Now it is an uncomfortable situation all around. And there are wars out there!! Women hiding in crowded places with their children are in far more need of protection than Jada Smith. What Chris said was stupid and bullying but nothing compared to Ricky Gervais in prior years. The news cycle needs to drop it, there is much too much more important to deal with in the world.
Yesterday evening when I crawled out of the bath, I noticed my toe was not healthy. I had noticed it was not growing as fast as the others as it showed in the grow out of the polish. I suspect there has been a problem for a while but it was hidden by the opaque colour. This morning I noticed it is very cloudy half way up and oozing a bit. I read up on it without looking at pictures as toes gross me out. The recommendation is to soak in Epsom salts several times a day and use polysporin. I decided I will do those things but should probably go to the Urgent Care centre tomorrow to make sure there is no infection and find out what will happen now. I can’t believe it has done so well growing out since it was ripped off Oct 2 2020 and now is a problem again.
The day was mostly spent on chores, trying to get the place mostly ready for company, cleaning out the fridge, doing laundry, etc. I then went to the store to pick up cat food, Ensure and chicken broth for after and bananas and Greek yogurt for the next three breakfast smoothies. When I got back my neighbour, Tracy, was eager to go for a walk and we went down the road and looped the trails at Elizabeth lake. It was so warm out I had a vest over my t-shirt and had to take it off. The new red walking shoes are very comfortable and even Bobby didn’t hurt. The geese and herons were out on what is left of the ice on the lake and even a swan was hanging out on one of the marsh islands. After we sat outside and had a beverage. It is so good to enjoy the Spring that has arrived.
I have not felt well after the walks on each day, drained of energy and having some pain. I keep pushing it away as there is nothing to do until it’s out. Nothing much eases it and sleep has been tricky. Even when I get a long stretch, I am tossing and turning a lot. I am going to take some of the oil I bought tonight and see how it works and if it messes with my brain tomorrow. I am committed to what I HAVE to do but am less worried, day by day about getting ahead. I do have offers from other bookkeepers and know I could count on Varghese to help me if I need it to catch up or meet a deadline. MusicFest is coming along well as far as recruits and I don’t have any stage schedules yet to slot crew to so that is not a stress. I have tomorrow night to clean my fish bowl, water my plants, and make up the bed for Mark with the fresh washed bedding, Tuesday is a virtual board meeting, and Wednesday, Roger, my son-in-law, is cooking seafood for me and then I will snuggle with the grands on the couch and watch the 4th Harry Potter (I think that is where Will and I left off at Christmas) before coming home to prep for the morning. Roger is going to drive me to the hospital before work and Rae assures me he gives good hugs and won’t make me cry.
I apologize for the laundry list of my life but if I see it written out it helps not to stress and to see if I am missing anything. Only 4 more sleeps.
I had a decent sleep, got some chores done including unloading the record collection of ones Sean does not want that I plan to use as edging for my garden. Cody stopped by and picked up the parts for my jeep that have arrived and it was a pleasant weather kind of day. I went for a pedicure and clear polish appointment with Ireland who was nice as always. She has a tinge of Cranbrook bias and sometimes I have to redirect her comments about other races but she is so good to me. Afterward I went to pick up Rae-Anne to go to Kimberley for a stroll in the platzl and some lunch. She was talking to Vanessa, her good friend whom I really like and We ended up inviting her and off we went. First stop was lunch at Creme Cheese shop where we enjoyed delicious Paninis and picked out treats to come back and buy. Next stop was at the Talaria Footwear store and we all fit the same pair of red shoes but there were only two pair so Vanessa and I got them and then Rae found black nonslip ones for work on a 40% off sale just down the street. Next stop was the Moody Bee store for chapstick, a wander through The Old Crow Emporium and then to Earth’s Own Naturals (my client) to buy some CBD oil for any pain and sleep management I may need. It was great to see Chloe and Steph and have a chat. After picking up the items we wanted at Creme we popped over to Grist & Mash Brewery (another client) for a flight of tasters each and I got to meet Rozanne and see the owners. It was really such a lovely afternoon. I haven’t had such a stress free wandering day in a long while.
Advertising failRozanne
Came home and got changed to head to the theatre for my last volunteer commitment. As it happens they really didn’t need me for the upstairs bar as people are still not used to the new license that lets them take drinks into the theatre so only sold two glasses of wine. I did pick up the Heron that one of the ladies, Eveline makes. I had arranged to buy it and it is even more beautiful in person.
Got home and poured a bath and watched the rest of Shang-Chi. I enjoyed it as I do all Marvel movies and look forward to more of the characters.
I didn’t buy it but it was fun to see one of the first albums I ever wore out.
I heard my alarm at 7 and rolled over to say Hey google, good morning to hear Good Morning Marnée, it’s 8:53 am! I don’t know where the in between time went but I was so tired and I just got to the office at the same time as my lovely client, Matt. He is such a great guy and I really have come to love he and his wife, Cass and their two girls. We had a good long chat before we each tackled our work days. In the afternoon a newish client came by whom I had trained to do her books for her sole-prop and we got a lot done. It was nice to see the bountiful fruit of my training. The rest of the day really was a mélange of projects and I feel the list getting shorter with little stress. After work I knew I wanted to call my friend Paulette. We go back to our teen days together where we met working at and out of school care. Over all these years it has seemed effortless to be friends, keeping connected with cards and occasional visits. It was important to me that she not hear any news via Facebook. There are many I feel that should not but I can only do what I can do. We had such a great chat and as usual, just hearing her voice cheered me up. After dinner I FaceTimed with Mark and learned that he is planning to come see me next weekend which overwhelmed me as I know I am one of the few people on the planet he would do that for. He and I hold a special place in each other’s lives. I honour and respect that connection. To have a platonic opposite sex great friend is truly a blessing
That song, those words, have never meant more to me. I treasure deeply the relationships I feel I have cultivated and am broken when they end. A person never knows how much they meant to another. Each of us have a completely different take on the connection we have. All that matters is the love that remains, the feelings when you think of someone. I have been blessed to establish relationships all over this planet and some were in the moment, some for a long period of time, some toxic in the end but all brought joy when they were deep and needed and heartfelt. I can only hope that people remember me kindly, whether I leave this planet sooner or later, I wish that they will know that I loved them.
Today was hard as it started with a dentist appointment for a cleaning that kicked in a full panic attack. There are many details but know that I am okay and tomorrow is another day.
Missy uses her cat door now! That is a super amazing part of this day.
Ok, so I didn’t make much money today but I had many special moments. It started with getting up and on the treadmill, steeling myself for a good day. First good thing was a call from the anesthesiologist to check in, ask and answer questions. He was so amazing, I only wish I had written down his name when he told me. He explained what would happen from his end, told me which pills to take and when and removed my fear of the hard time they usually have putting an IV in me by saying that if they had to put it in the crook of my arm, they would move it while I was under. He has also written that I am to be given Ativan when I get there to take away the stress as my throat and vocal chords inflame when under stress. I will be having a tube down my throat put in and removed while under but may have a sore throat after. It is good to know that will be why. I am allowed to have my clear nail polish as well. I am definitely a need to know person and all that information really calmed me.
I made it to work finally and got some email answered before I received a text from my cousin Donna who was in town from Kimberley getting groceries and she stopped at the office for a good visit. I then managed to get a bunch more done before heading to meet Shannon and Teri for lunch. It was a lovely time, learning about each other’s overview of life and talking about good times to come. It is nice to make new friends at this age! The meal at Cancun was delicious and didn’t upset my innards.
I worked on VIMF and CCT stuff for most of the rest of the afternoon. It is important that I support the new person we have asked to take on the Tech Director job and I was able to set him up for training with Pepijn and let him know he needs to become a member. I am grateful to have a great working relationship with him and an ease of communication. I steered him to the office to be sure he confirms everything with our administrator. The other thing I did was write a blog for the April 1st post and sent it off to Ash for review. She liked it and suggested I read it over again tomorrow in case I want to tweak anything before sending it for posting. Good advice, that.
The evening involved showing up at Key City Theatre to bar tend for the Fisher Peak Winter Ale series. It was a lobby show again and I really enjoyed it. I had seen Dave McCann on a program but couldn’t believe my good fortune to see him live. He was accompanied by Ethan Askey and what a show! I bought the CD and had a great chat with him afterwards. I highly recommend this singer-songwriter if you ever get a chance to see him. I hope we can have him at MusicFest some day.
Now it is nearly midnight and as I look back I am so grateful for this lovely day. My hands are a bit tender from using so much hand sanitizer as I had to handle so much cash, the bar was hopping!
I am working hard at making sure no one is afraid of losing their bookkeeper or tax preparer. I know I will overcome this and I just need to maintain my obligations. So far everyone has been very understanding and supportive. I have a laptop set up to work from home, alternative dates have been arranged for payments and I am quickly ticking off the list of must do before the end of April. It has been a couple years of getting everyone paperless and that is a great relief.
Today I woke up to a text from one of the ladies I met at the workshop last Friday and I am having lunch tomorrow with Shannon and Teri. It is honestly so nice to have something fun to look forward to and she suggested Cancun which is a restaurant I drive by often and want to go to!
When I got home and checked my mail there was a most beautiful card from my cousin Debbi with a gorgeous dragonfly which is the tattoo I was going to get on the 31st in memory of her sister, my cousin Kelly. She saw it and thought of me right away. So lovely.
The Board meeting tonight was very productive and I feel useful in advising and assisting whomever takes on the roll as Tech Director. It is a lot off my plate right now and I am grateful to the Boards understanding and support in this transition.
It’s true that the year 2021 was even a day longer than usual. Leap Years are often fun as you get to celebrate your friends who only get a birthday every 4 years. I imagine skipping one along the way was especially sad. Today marks two full years that I have been blogging every day since coming home from the Firm and eventually changing my work life completely. I have more work/life balance than I have had in as long as I can remember. I have never done anything this long, been this committed to an activity. If I keep at it for not much longer it will have outlasted two of my three marriages. I plan to go back and read the blog. So far I have let the spelling mistakes and poor grammar stand. I am afraid if I go read through it I will be too hard on myself. What I will likely actually find is a lot less to judge and much more to love. I will see how much I love and am loved. I have already asked if I can bring my iPad to the hospital and that may b the best time for a review, it will also give me opportunity to process and share while the news is fresh. I am going to try to do a blog in the morning before the surgery and then at the next available time. I don’t think I will miss a day. I suppose this is just a fine reason if I do.
Today was steady and I even was able to take a break with the crew as it was Nikki’s birthday celebration due to her not being here tomorrow on the actual day. The crazy odds of her beer being the one that blew up and made a mess were… Sean created? She doesn’t like cake, seriously, who doesn’t, so we had cheese, crackers and meat. It was a perfect afternoon treat. I ended up working until nearly 7 to get a file done so I can do the related company tomorrow and get ready to send in the year ends. Had a nice call from Jeanne, Rosie’s sister. I haven’t talked to her since her Mom, my Auntie Ollie died so we had a nice catch up and as always she and her sister Donna just want to know what they can do for me. They are gifted with servant hearts and boy do they. I love them and hope to just have a good visit soon. That is all I need.
I came home and made my last Hello Fresh for this period, which was something I found delicious and will be easy to recreate. Then I sat and worked on my puzzle, it is progressing but soon I will have to clear the table and spread out the full width of 45 inches.
Missy waited until I got home and then I showed her how her door worked again. I am determined to only let her in and out that way until she gets the hang of it. We only have just over a week. She’s smart though, we’ll get it.
My phone was buzzing me around 9 and I just had to see who it was. The first text I read was from the lovely Teri who I shared the table with on Friday. She was just checking in how I was feeling. How kind! I will have to make a point to connect with her in the not too distant future. The next was from Rae-Anne asking if I wanted to join her and Sawyer for breakfast at DQ. I nearly said no, because, well, calories. I am so glad I went. She was there with the two youngest and I ordered the Waffles with Strawberries and Soft Serve Ice Cream. I didn’t eat the whole order, but it was so good and only $6 with a coffee! It may be my new treat spot. There is something about breakfast out that gets the day rolling. I stopped at work and messaged Addison to see if he could come help me put the cat door in. I have had it since late last summer after selling the Air Conditioner out of the wall, leaving a big hole. After 1.5 hours of work I met Roger and the boys and Addison with his daughter Chevelle at the house. Rae showed up and after me describing exactly what I want, we did a beer run. The next 3 hours or so accomplished so much! The yard got raked and loaded on a tarp in Roger’s truck, my new BBQ was built by Gene and their student, Aymo, the kayak hanger was properly installed and the cat door is complete from the outside. I do need to properly finish off the inside but for now, it is usable. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all these things being taken off my list. It had started to snow as they all got going but quickly passed. The sun came out and the kids had fun playing in the park and at the school playground. Some of the lawn furniture even came out and I sat and had a beer with my neighbour before dinner. I do love this time of year. I put Missy’s collar on her with the signal that unlocks the door only for her and got her to go in the door once, she sniffed it and watched it for a while but hasn’t gone out it yet. Fortunately I have 11 days to get her accustomed and no longer have to worry about her if she gets out while someone is here to feed her.
I will paint the perch and ramp when I do the trim on the trailer later in the year. For now I am happy with the end of my counter top we used. Now I am tired from all the fresh air and am enjoying working on my huge puzzle. All in all a great start to Spring. I do love my family and am grateful that I just asked.
Didn’t sleep as long as I hoped after staying up too late last night. Relaxed on the couch catching up on some shows, made a delicious lunch that turned out to be hard on my system. I suspected there was paprika in the spices but it really was soooooo good. After lunch I had a nice long talk with my friend Mary Lynn whom I miss. Salt Spring Island is just too darn far away. I got myself to the office and took care of some more tax returns and data entry on a big file before coming home to change and head to the last Buck’s game of the regular season that I can go to. There is a rescheduled one next Saturday with the Wenatchee team that couldn’t travel back in January. I had already committed to volunteering at Key City Theatre that night so I transferred my ticket to Ashlée. As I suspected, Rob Niedermayer and his family were there again tonight and two of the Grandsons went and asked him for his autograph. He was smiley and nice and personalized them which made this Nana happy. Gene kept offering to go and tell him that his Nana was a big fan but I wouldn’t let him. I already have his and Scott’s autographs on my first jersey and it was enough to have a laugh and quick chat as we were filing out. The Penticton Vees solidly beat us tonight just as we had done to them last night. There were a lot of hard hits, injuries and fighting, including several game misconducts. As we were walking I told him this is how I felt when the Ducks would win in Vancouver, like I was the only one excited. He gave me a huge smile and a laugh. I’ll take that.
Called my mom when I got home to check in and she told me she is coming up. I honestly hadn’t really wanted her to come as she is nearly 81 now and I don’t want to worry about her driving, nor will I have time or energy to care for her. She did say she will stay in Kimberley with her brother and I know she is fretting and needs to be here, so I am putting all thoughts in the box and letting it ride for now. Had a great download with my cousin Rosie and that was good as she just understands.
I feel good and healthy in spite of much although I have a headache tonight which is unusual. I guess i will take a pill and get some rest, lots to do in this next week and a half.
triumphgal 