I have come to a mind shift. I have just decided it is work whether I get paid or not. If I constantly watch the dollar clock I am robbing myself of the joy of doing whatever it is that I am not getting paid for. Today I looked at my list and triaged the workload. One of the things I needed to take the pressure off was to get the slideshow done for the Grand reopening and open house this weekend at the theatre. I finally just stopped the clock, and got working on it. Several hours later the file was complete and I was happy with the result. I was very grateful that I had put the file on a stick and was doing it on my work desktop as when I returned to the theatre laptop to put it back on there and make sure it worked, the laptop wouldn’t come out of sleep mode, nor turn on at all as if the battery were dead yet it had been plugged in all afternoon. I decided not to fret over it as I needed to get home and make some dinner. There is a computer shop a block over so if it doesn’t boot up in the morning I will take it there. In the meantime I will set up the software on my new to me laptop and use it. I made a heavenly smelling and tasting dinner. I just have to get better at eating earlier again.
A funny moment in the day was when I was dropping pictures into the show and saw my ex. It wasn’t him but I may have sworn in court it was. I even texted the picture of the painter to him and we had a good laugh. Chris still lives on Salt Spring Island and I think of him often. Our inner children were best friends and I miss him still.
It was dark when I got home so I will have to take a picture tomorrow. I noticed the tree people across the way. They were likely there to take down the two trees in the cul de sac that I managed to protect while I was on the strata board… sad if they are gone.
A productive day culminated in a very productive Board Meeting. I was very proud of my girl, Ashlée who calmly, firmly and assertively explained a tenuous situation and then asked for help to make her first motion. Team CCT did not all agree on everything but people stood for the right things and heard each other out and decisions were passed. Always moving forward in the Society’s best interest is what we are there for.
Sheila was so pleased with the chandelier she found for the lobby and she had very right to be. This one is beautiful and suits the period. I thought the first one she picked was gaudy but it was not up to a vote. So glad it was not CSA approved, lol. This one is spectacular in the space and I love the Edison flame bulbs.
I needed to speak to the fire department about using sparklers onstage today. Murray, the Fire Prevention officer was awesome and he said had googled smokeless sparklers and there were such a thing, We talked about me making a fire safety plan and emailing it to him, and then I got off the phone and googled ‘smokeless sparklers’… sigh.
The single bestest moment of my day was when I went to put my recycle in the car and noticed Missy. I went back in the house for my camera as I literally laughed out loud. She didn’t move, sitting there as if she was 100% camouflaged.
Do you ever just feel caught between gratitude and disappointment? Today was my final appointment with my GP. She is moving on, closing her practice and I am left without a Dr.
The funny thing is that I am more grateful for having had her in my life, for the acceptance and support she has given than I am worried about no longer having a doctor. I am terribly disappointed overall but understand that she is young and needs to make healthy choices for herself. I was grateful to have had a last appointment with her, to go over all the results, get prescriptions and to give her the gift I ordered the day after I got her letter saying she was leaving. When earlier in the year, she was removing an angry mole, stitching me up, we had a great conversation about the concert we were both at. It turns out that she is the biggest fan of Chantal Kreviazuk. I found a bag with lyrics and gave her a card that expressed what she has done for me, that she had made me a better person for seeing and accepting me just the way I am. She was moved and gave me a big hug. I will miss her.
I next met with Tanner and we FaceTimed Kimberly who was home with sick kids to work on the show poster which is very exciting. They both have a good feel of the vision of the show. Both of them are lovely young ladies who are so talented and I am thrilled to watch the talent in action.
I also booked with Kimberly for my next tattoo in January. I am excited as it will be my Kelly memorial and make Deb and I sistas.
I got home in time to meet Diane R here to have me cook dinner and enjoy a great evening. She bought a great truck, a 2022 Tacoma! I wholeheartedly approve! Before I could get far on dinner she gave me an awesome gift. There was a time when we were kayaking and chatting and I was telling her about the Christmas party when there was a battle over scotch rocks and I was disappointed to have them stolen. I had always thought I would get some as a gift after that, but no. She is such a good listener that sure enough she brought me rocks. Not just any rocks, beautiful little ones that won’t bang my teeth, with a bag, a box and tongs. So thoughtful. She hears my love language, time spent together and proof that she is listening. I think that is why we are friends, a lot of time can pass but we know nothing is wrong… and then we connect and play games and catch up.. as if no time had passed at all. Much to be grateful for!! Although she did kick my butt at Patchwork….
It is 8:50 at night and i have only been awake for 7.5 hours. I find my self barely able to keep my eyes open. I don’t know why but yesterday I had 8.75 and today 11.5 hours of actual sleep. I barely even rolled over in the night. I am not sure if it is the seasonal change or what. At least I am tired tonight so I won’t throw off my work schedule. I will try to go to bed so I don’t get a second wind. I had coffee, puzzled a bit and then headed to the afternoon hockey game. I felt like putting on some Ducks gear and was really glad that I did when I found out Josh Niedermayer was playing with the Penticton Vees. He is the son of Scott who is one of Cranbrook’s favourite sons and an Anaheim Ducks star. I thought it especially fabulous that he plays with the Vees since the Ducks favourite move, in the movies was the Flying V. It was puck toss night to raise funds for Jr Hockey. Lovely to see Paula and her grandson Ezra. We know each other because our Moms were good friends growing up.
I love that it is decoration time!!! 4th St has some great decorators and it makes me smile in the darkness
puzzled most of the day away… once I got up that is… And there were two pieces missing. I found one but so far, not the other. I did catch Missy on the table one day so suspect I will ultimately find the piece under a piece of furniture or something one day. Very disappointing though! I did enjoy reliving my Brighton Pier memories.
I took a break to repair my inflatable man. He stood watching me for the afternoon but I decided he had to go outside once I started talking to him. I think the Mrs. was a little pissed off that he was gone so long.
I decided I had better cook a good late lunch/supper or lupper as Jake and I used to call it. Unfortunately the burger fell out of the package and splashed hot oil up my arm. I ran it under cold water but it bothered me most of the evening and I can’t lean on anything. I have never done that before, lots of oven rack burns and other more horrific ones but hot oil was new… not the type of new I was hoping for in my life.
Just before 6 I dropped off my hockey ticket at Rae’s as I was to volunteer at Key City Theatre. Tonight I was to tend bar and was fortunate to get to see a lot of the show. Mike Delamont is a comedian who makes me laugh out loud. He did not disappoint. I mean he is PG but not raunchy. There were some very current references to the state of things in the world. It is very intelligent comedy. He does his homework. I highly recommend his show. And who doesn’t live an ‘80s power suit?!
Stacey gave me a tree that I took to work for outside of my office. It is a bit misshapen out of the bag but Cindy came and did an awesome unfold and fluff service. It will get more decorations soon and I will take another picture. I love that it came with lights, berries and cones.
Today was pretty productive on the paid and unpaid front. I arranged Lukas to come help at the theatre tonight, handing out stickers. He did such a good job. I wish I had taken a picture. I was there with several hats on tonight. I scanned tickets at the door, took pictures and videos for our archives, tended bar during intermission, emceed during the last break and then stuck around to clean up the green room afterward. Got home at 11:30 after Dave graciously took all the things to return to Maureen. I have zero complaints as it all went so smoothly and the whole crew that put it together was awesome, from the planning at Board meetings to the gathering of supplies, staging for the bands to charming intros by Dave, crewing by Jamie and cleanup by all. The bands left happy and the audience even happier. I must say it was lovely to hear the audience hoot and clap for our sponsors as I read them out. I am so grateful to the team members who apply for grants that allow us to put on these concerts. To have the theatre sold out at half capacity for free to eager, music loving folks is such a thrill after all this time.
I also had a great highlight when my besties in England filmed themselves with the seasonal items I sent. Gosh they make me smile. So much love both ways.
Woke up this morning to snow and a bunch of inflatables laying down on the job. They also make me smile. Cheerful things take the sting out of any darkness, brighten any week filled with loss, make a day better.
The three bands that played tonight were Shiva, Tall Timbers, and Pretty For the People. Three cover bands that covered from the 60s to the now.
Worked on getting a lot done today as I listened to CBC reporting on the current state of emergency in BC. Hearing the stories of the people rescued from the mudslides etc was heart wrenching. A man was choking up telling how he was only rattled when he was able to continue on his drive and saw that where he had sat trapped over night was only a few hundred feet from big danger. They are saying the Coquihalla Highway won’t reopen for some time. That will send all transport trucks on winding Hwy one or Hwy 3 with 4 mountainous passes. It is going to be a tough winter for long haul drivers. I am still so grateful Jake avoided any serious danger.
Part of my day that I really enjoyed was making Christmas party invitations for a client. Paperless post is such a great App. Nice to do something different.
It was knife play night at RMMA. There are getting to be nearly too many women there now. I liked the more open feel in the space. At least we are all wearing masks and they take our temp when we get there. I am so freaked out by knives, swords and axes when I watch fights on TV or the movies but seem to be doing ok with them in fake fighting
I had my Hello Fresh arrive a day late and my Good Food which I forgot to cancel was supposed to arrive today but didn’t. I hope it shows up tomorrow or it will be bad by Monday.
It’s snowing at the moment, will be curious to see how much there is by morning….
I am having trouble swallowing again today. I wish I could figure out what is causing it right now because I think I’m handling my stress well and I’m eating normal. Oh well, I shall survive.
My Mom called mid morning to let me know that her Uncle Keith had passed away. It as not a surprise, he had been fading. Just two weeks after his 74th wedding anniversary and 5 weeks before his 102nd birthday, he left his dear Pat and large family of sons, grandkids and great grandkids behind. Many will mourn his passing, such longevity garners many who love and respect. He was a gentle man, always kind and welcoming to me. He raised good men. It doesn’t matter that it was not a surprise, it matters that he was a part of our family and we were blessed to know him.
I wonder that anyone still follows along on this silly blog. I feel that so much is negative. There were very positive things in my day..
I found a sponsor for the play I am producing for the community theatre and that is a huge weight off as well as an exciting move forward for the marketing plan I have. I completed the books and financials for the upcoming board meeting and just have to do my director reports which is an even bigger weight off. I enjoyed apple pie made by a co-worker, mmmmm. I treated my inner 4 year old with Pogo for dinner, which is a corn dog on a stick… mmmmm. I got a bunch more puzzle done this evening.
An odd moment happened tonight as our janitor in the building was telling me that most of Hollywood actors have been taken to Guantanamo, cloned and killed and replaced back in LA. This included for example Tom Cruise and Mel Gibson. I couldn’t even argue this but did ask if he gives money online. He said no, never so I am going to let him reside in his fantasy world. It really boggles my mind how this crap feeds the lower IQ folks in the world. I suppose there must be a lack of a rational brain to just believe this stuff. It is sad but I won’t crush him.
I started the day by reliving yesterday and wondering how long it would have normally taken to get to Jake’s house from here. As it happens maps knew there is no way to get to the coast except through the the states but that also is not possible as you would need to have been very recently Covid tested to go that way. I heard today they are planning to change that for BC residents who have to get from A to B.
It was icy and windy still today but not as windy as yesterday. The tarp blew off the roof of my shed but is bunched in the corner by the fence so I can recover and secure better on the weekend. I had a physio appointment at 2 and Mark worked on my right hip again. He told me to come back if I needed him. I am sitting on the heating pad stretching it out at the moment. Who knew that bone spurs on a hip were even a thing? Not me! The cause the muscles and ligaments down my leg, up my side and up my arm to seize but at least I know what it is not and have stretching exercises to help. Knowledge is power!
Part of the stress of the day was knowing I had a meeting at 3:45 with potential new clients. I was referred by an accountant I used to work with and as a favour to him decided to meet with them and maybe assist them in setting up and train them to do their own. As it happens I really liked these two young women who are the ages of my 2nd and 3rd children. They have a solid plan and I look forward to helping them be successful. I can’t say what their business is as it won’t be fully operational until April but suffice to say I have the trifecta of clients in Kimberley now. I am grateful they were willing to have their yearend when it worked best for my workload.
I called Jake when I got home from buying cat food. I am not sure if that is the next hoarding thing but the shelves were picked nearly clean in the reasonable price range at Safeway. He told me all about the route he had to take that caused him to be on the road a total of 27 hours rather than the 9 it should have been. He has a good outlook though and said he saw a gorgeous part of the Province and wants to go explore it once the weather improves. He said we shouldn’t have worried as nothing could happen to him, he’s the main character in this story. I am impressed with his boss who responded to a tweet he saw with a personal message to get him accommodation or have him stay at his place if he could make it that far.
Sat and puzzled, the sort usually takes the longest for me but is so worth it. This one brings happy memories of Brighton Pier, the first place I was taken in England to dip my toes in the channel.
That is what they are calling this torrential horror show. Jake left late yesterday afternoon and by 1 am he had texted that he was stuck as both hwy 3 and 5 are closed for mudslides. I messaged him when I woke up and got no response at first. I can only imagine he was catching a nap or out of cell reception. I also noticed he had forgotten his car blanket. When we finally heard from him it was just after 9 and he said he was between a mudslide and a flood and that they said it might be 24 hours. At least he had the 3 bananas, 2 Wonder Woman waffles and 1 wee can of coffee I sent along with him. Wish we’d thought of water. Finally heard from him again at 5:10 saying he had gone a long way, to lillouette and down through Pemberton. I heard after that that all roads to the coast were cut off. Sounds like he was lucky to get through at all and at 8 pm we got the message that he was home. I love my kids sense of humour.
I tried hard to concentrate but was basically annoyed by all office noises. I even skipped through 3 podcast episodes and finally just turned on CBC to listen for updates. It was a heavy payroll day and that takes a lot of concentration which helped. It also took a lot of effort to stay focused. I came home in time to make soup before heading to a Board meeting. Before I left I got thinking about my ABC friends and messaged them about the storm in BC. It turns out that one of the houses in the pictures I’ve been seeing all day is my friend’s rental in Princeton. The tenants were evacuated but it looks like the damage will be major.
Our meeting was productive and we will have our concert on Friday at Key City. I am doing the marketing in the lobby, thanks to another board member for getting things ready for us. I am going to try to get enough work done to take off a bit early that day.
The wind is intense.. and of course I put up my inflatables this weekend…..
I am looking forward to sleep, it’s been a long day. Friends are suffering all over the Province today.
For 15 years Jake and I lived on Salt Spring Island. Many of our best memories were captured by local photographer Derrick Lundy. He was even the photographer for my wedding on January 1st 2000. I remember the first time I saw him driving around the island in his jeep and asked an acquaintance who the Magnum looking guy was. At first they didn’t know who I was talking about and then the response was ‘oh that’s just Derrick!’ I still chuckle about it all these years later as there were so many great moments when he would just look at me with his sparkly eyes and speak in his gentle voice and even though he became a friend, I never saw him as ‘just Derrick’. Exactly a month ago he had trouble with his vision and was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had already spread and the day before his 65th Birthday he died. Today, on that day that should have celebrated the beginning of his senior years, we instead mourn his loss and I know I am better for having known him.
On a happier note, my morning started with Emmy and Jake again. I made waffles and did Emmy’s hair before they headed out. She loved my salon which was only possible because Jake helped me rehang my mirror. I still need to clean it though!
After they took off I poured a hot bath and used one of the bath bombs I’d been gifted. Turns out it was a glitter one… the tub is still leaking somewhere and now there is glitter everywhere, lol. I enjoyed the second to last episode of YOU before moving to the table to start working on the Gala Photo Slide Show. I finished that show and then moved on to binge MAID. Andie McDowell and her daughter are both very good actors. I had heard a lot about the show, so many people had gut responses to it. It sure covers a lot of familiar places, out of context but familiar, from Fulford Harbour to Goose Spit and more.
I saw Emmy kissing Santa Claus, underneath the Willow Tree today. She didn’t see me creep on the porch to take a pic…
Jake drove Emmy to meet Danika in Fernie. After they left I found her letter. Jake dropped the booster seat off on the way back through town. We had a good hug and off he headed back to the coast. It was nice to have him here.
This is the card Emmy made for Diane yesterday. She wrote my name for the first time, hers and her Dads. Pretty great for 4
I woke up to a delightful ‘Hi Nana” and a crawl in cuddle from Emmy. 4 is such and interesting age, she definitely is showing that 2 with a better vocabulary side of things today. Jake is so calm and consistent with her, I love seeing him parent in action. I got up and make us all brunch of ham, eggs and Pillsbury biscuits. I have to admit sharing breakfast with others will always be my favourite meal to share. After breakfast Emmy tried on a costume in the tickle trunk, put on her Dads glasses and said “I am Jake”. I am pleased to know she saw the same face in breakfast as I did.
Once we were all ready we got dressed and went outside. First chore was to put my motorcycle to bed for the winter and then put up the inflatables. Sadly as night fell I noticed most of them don’t light any more but I leave them up all day anyway.
We all came in and I rented Paw Patrol the Movie as Emmy and I both felt Jake needed to see it. I enjoyed it just as much and may have even noticed more the second time. Emmy was funny asking Jake if she could tell him a spoiler about Rubble’s luggage. He said no but she laughed and pointed out what she was going to say when it happened. I took Emmy and Sawyer to see it when it came out and she remembers all the small details! After the movie she was hungry so I got making dinner and even though it wasn’t anything Jake would like.. he did! Win!
After dinner Emmy asked if she could give me a make-over. Make-up and hair. Of course I said yes and she did her finest. She then chose a picture she had coloured and signed earlier with her Dad and her name to give to Diane for her birthday. I had explained earlier that my friend was having a birthday and I wanted to go give her a hug. She added my name to the picture and together we went to give it to Diane in our fancy makeup. It was too late stay but we had hugs and wished her a Happy Birthday. I was happy to see the Dance Party was about to begin and I hope she won.
Once we got home a bath was in order complete with Minion science bath bomb in a container. I made it explode inadvertently. She got some in her eyes but it was more hysteria than an actual injury. Bed soon followed and then I finished my puzzle while Ashlée showed up to entertain Jake in a few games of crib. I entertained them with Alter Ego. We all felt the same about this cheesy CGI music show. With Will.I.Am at the helm, I wanted it to be sooooo much better. I then introduced them to The Masked Singer which in spite of the hammy acting of the judges we enjoyed much more.
I had barely gotten underway on the treadmill this morning when Jake called that he was at my front door. It was so good to see him as I was intentionally ignoring the fact that he was driving from the coast in the shoulder winter season which can be some of the worst driving conditions. We had a quick hug and off to bed he went to catch a few hours before being on work time. I headed to the office and once again made good work of the time in my day. Another call with CRA ended in positive news for a client again. While I was on hold waiting for an agent to answer Lance and Jordon went to check out my motorcycle and then came to talk to me to make a deal to swap it for the work on my 46 Willys. We had worked through the history of her when the agent came on the phone so they left. I called when I was done and we made a verbal handshake on it. I guess I have officially ‘sold’ my Triumph. My heart is sad and happy at the same time. I am glad it is going to friends, and sad it will no longer be mine. I bought her on May 13th 2009 and have put most of the Kilometers on her. I will store it for the winter and hopefully be able to ride it out there in the spring but if not that’s ok too. It is the end of an era but not necessarily the end of me riding. I have been licensed for 41 years, this may be the end of this bike, not the end of me being a motorcycle enthusiast.
After work I popped home before heading to the hockey game. It was fun to be there with the crew. The Alberni Valley Bulldogs won 4-2 which is no surprise as we looked a lot like we were tired or frazzled. It was still fun though as it was the turkey night. A 20 dollar donation would give a turkey dinner to a family in need. A guy in a turkey outfit raced against Stagger the mascot during the first intermission. Our prices are very reasonable especially compared to the Seattle Kraken at $16 US a beer.
When I got home Ashlée had left after playing games with Jake for the evening. She is going to pick him up in the morning to get Emmy and drop his car to get the winter tires put on and then I am going to make us breakfast buns. Jake and I had a good visit and catch up and then he all but insisted I open his Christmas present. I am so glad he did as it made me have happy tears on the perfect day for it. I have a tattoo of a few of my defining things.. my zodiac sign, my motorcycle and my motto for life. He found the most perfect gift, what a good boy. I had to hang it immediately. It will always remind me of this day of a tough decision.
1 hour and 50 minutes can change a life, chart a different course, save a soul. That is the length of one phone call tonight. I had had a good day, much was accomplished. Awake before my alarm, I got ready to head down to the cenotaph for the Remembrance Day ceremony. I parked at work and walked over just in time for Oh Canada. I stopped as soon as I heard it, singing softly to myself as people passed me and looked back to see why I stopped walking. I watched as each realized, stopped, removed hats and respected. One of my favourite things is watching all the people converging from all directions. I moved closer, watching for family in the usual places. I had been standing watching for a bit when I recognized Deanne’s amazing long grey hair and her bright red and orange jacket. I moved up beside them to find myself standing beside Kimberly, my tattoo artist and friend who played my daughter in a show. It was so lovely to see her again. We also saw Emmy with her Mom and Grandparents. There was a super awkward moment when Jamie mentioned that his wife’s hair was just like mine.. she and I looked at each other, struggling for words so I just commented on the Covid grow out and let it go. He is so… uncomfortable some times.
I did take opportunity to ask Kimberly if she would be interested in designing the art work for the show posters if the directors friend was not able or willing to. She was excited about the opportunity and I hope it happens. I may ask her to do a mock up just in case. After the service I walked back to work where I had parked my car. I wanted to get a few things done and planned to meet with Tanner who was eager to design all the media for our show in exchange for recognition and promotion. I am so excited as she was the one who previously worked on CCT shows media to get it modified and ready for print when she worked for our printing company. We had a great meeting and I feel that she gets the vibe we are seeking, she is our target audience after all! When we were finished I headed over to the theatre to take care of some business including making the projector accessible as the bulbs have finally arrived and Ben will go reinstall it and aim it for the rental use we have coming up. I also was given one of the banners from the last show to use as a tarp to further cover things for the winter. I like to repurpose. Once back at the office, I dug in and got over 20K of subsidies for a client, reconciled march to Sept for another and ran payroll for yet another. Those were all good things to get done in peace and quiet.
I realized suddenly that it was time to rush home and grab my stuff for MMA. When I got home I quickly made up the beds for Jake and Emmy, tidied a bit, checked the bathroom leak (yep it’s leaking out from under the tub and Scott is away for a few days..), and then grabbed my gear and headed to RMMA. It turned out to be Stick and Knife night which did not involve running or crunches so I loved it! The only thing is that my right side feels very worked out and my left feels very left out. I did have a great moment when I took a swing and broke my stick although that would be bad in a fight! I have such a problem with knives, swords, etc. But did enjoy the whole thing. The other women are so awesome. There is a sense of dedication but not competitiveness or judgement. I am so grateful to Christi for sticking to it with me as I didn’t feel like going but messaged her to see if we had a date tonight and when she said yes, I was in.
I got home and started making my shrimp dinner. I suddenly got an overwhelming thought of Kashy, the woman who lives in the apartment above the one I used to own in New Westminster. I was cooking but felt strongly that I hadn’t heard from her in a while and I needed to call. The phone rang for a long time. I was about to give up when she answered. For one hour and 50 minutes I mostly listened. I believe there may have been a life saved tonight. She admitted that she was sorting things to get rid of, purging because she saw no reason to keep living and didn’t want to leave a mess. She told me all the stories and there was some madness, no doubt but mostly I knew when to make listening sounds and when to respond with advice that was needed. I find in dealing with her that I understand what it is like to be a councilor, there is a certain detachment necessary, a certain balance between care and skepticism. I know some of her stories were from a mind that lives in fear. She believes that neighbour’s are stealing TV by watching hers so she closes her curtains. I know from living there that there are no apartments that can see into hers, but she believes it. I only really worry that some day no one will answer her phone and I will never know what happened. She has no relationship that she could let know to tell me if something happens to her. What I do know is my gut, my spider senses, my radar.. is accurate. This does not make me special, it just makes me grateful for those who have come before, for those who truly served this country. I pray we all do our little bit to serve and love, in their honour and our own.
A wee sidebar to my day was a phone call from someone in the know just to let me know to take all precautions seriously these days in Cranbrook. I feel that my clinic and the hospital may being going through something if I read between the lines. I was even wearing my mask in the park so I shall continue to be diligent.
Over the course of a day as I am on the treadmill, in the shower, pumping gas, making dinner, I have deep thoughts that I want to share. I write blogs in my head on different subjects and then because I didn’t make any notes, I forget by the time I go to actually type. I fear that the truly interesting topics are left in ashes in my brain. They are purged by the action of thinking them. Sometimes the subjects that are left at days end are the ones I am choosing not to share lest someone is insulted or strongly opinionated about.
Today began as always, on the treadmill, watching Netflix. I am nearly done season three of YOU. It is a quirky show and completely fantastical. In some ways it is honest in its portrayal of relationships, the twisted thinking that is there. Work was calm and smooth again and much got done. I did take some time to go to the post office and send off my parcel to the UK. Can’t wait for my besties to get the package of festivities. I do understand why shipping is so expensive when you order something on line as Canada Post is very expensive. I am grateful to have saved some money through using my small business discount card. All worth it to share the joy of the season though! And such a festive box, don’t you think?! While I was there I remembered that Mark had told me about the CP Rail holiday train collector coin. Of course I had to have it. I was showing it to Emmy when I realized it shows day and night views, how trippy is that?
Just before three, Danika dropped off Emmy so she and Malcolm could go to the midwife. That was an experience. She is quite entertaining, including taking a bunch of pictures in the bathroom. She did ask me if my bobble had a glow stick sword which by far is my favourite definition of a light sabre ever! All went well for her baby sister’s impending arrival. I look forward to Emmy staying here with her Dad when he comes to visit this weekend.
I came home and had some leftovers, enjoying the thought of wearing my new boots tomorrow that arrived today from Marks. What a good deal! I also had messaged conversations with both the director and the person I reached out to to design the poster we are imagining. I will meet with Tanner tomorrow and Duncan is reaching out to his friend who is an artist to do the centre work for us. All will be revealed…
I was sitting on the couch enjoying my shows when I realized I had meant to go to Safeway on my way home. It was the last day of some airmile deals and 2 for 1 specials. I jumped in the car and headed there to actually enjoy the peace and quiet and my cashier was lovely. I got gas first with a 15 cent off per litre coupon and then took the coupon from that to use on the groceries. I was glad I went as I picked up things for the kid coming to visit this weekend.
On my way home I remembered I had left things in the fridge at work that I wanted at home. I stopped to pick them up and startled poor George, the janitor. A family of deer crossed in front of me and when I stopped I realized they were in a crosswalk. I was glad to have stopped long enough to take a picture as a small dawdler happened along shortly after.
Once home I settled in to watch my 90 day shows which I can’t seem to let go.. I see new shows pop up but am refraining as I really need to start reading again. I have so many good books calling my name!
I found myself crying in the shower this morning trying to wash away the sadness of the season that tries to overwhelm. Suddenly I realized I needed to turn it around so I chose my unicorn leggings and built the rest of my outfit around them. If life gets to be too Feelzy, just dress like a 4 year old and head to the office. It worked! I got a crazy amount done and fully maintained my joy and calmness. My friend Zoey came to visit and although I hadn’t seen her in a while we had a great laugh at our unicorn outfits, although hers was far superior. I had a good meeting after work with the stage manager and director of the show, clarifying roles, discussing stage plots, set, posters and overall vision for the show. It brought back the joy of the project. While we were in the meeting it began to snow heavily but passed on thankfully. It was 9 by the time my car melted and I got myself home to make dinner. My Pampered Chef order was waiting for me and I am so excited, looking forward to using the meat chopper. The bamboo spoons are exquisite. Dinner was delicious but it was 10 when I sat down to eat. I must break that bad habit again!
I logged off last night and then remembered a few other things from the day. Here is the picture of how far I got on the puzzle
When I was cleaning my purses I found the ring I lost at a local bonspiel when I was there watching friends play. I think it was late 2019 or very early 2020. I had even checked that garbage as it was pretty new to me at the time and I was sad not to have found it. For some reason in my life jewelry comes back to me. I still have hope for my earring from Halloween night.
I learned something by reading all the details of my colonoscopy results… the sedation used was fentanyl! Who knew??
Early in the day today I was contacted by a woman who knew Jackie back in her Alberta days and she was out of country when the aneurysm happened. She has been seeking answers and somehow, through my blog, her daughter sleuthed finding me and today we connected. I still have a hard time revisiting those early days and explaining that my friend is there but she’s not there and yet she is, is so complicated.
I wanted to fit more things in than I did today but when I sit back and revisit the things crossed off the list, I have done well. I did not however get home until 8. I had had a large lunch of half my leftovers so I made a warm cup of chicken broth for dinner and enjoyed it so much. I think it is my new comfort food. I think the time change has kicked my butt and I am off to bed.
Awoke at a decent time due to the time change. There was a bit of snow on the ground so I decided once I had a relax and did a whack of indoor chores that I should get outside and finish putting away the Halloween decorations etc. It was windy and cold but I finished putting everything away, clipped the garden, added more dirt around my rose and talked the clippings away. Sadly the lights around my willow tree don’t work. I had left them wound around it since last winter and they had actually begun to be grown into the tree. They were so tight I think damage may have happened. I took them down and just plugged in the ones on the Maple which were fine. Once I was done I came in and started a puzzle and watched shows. My eyes kept watering and itching and I realized I am allergic to my neighbour’s cats. She leant me the puzzle and it is giving me a reaction. It is further proof that Missy is the cat for me as I have no reaction to her unless she scratches me by accident and I get a welt. I had a good long FaceTime with a friend while I made dinner. It was tasty. Huge servings though so there are a couple meals worth left for tomorrow. I tried purposefully to just tune out the obligations in my life today aside from household things. I had planned to go into the office but am glad I didn’t. I continued to do the puzzle. I forgot how peaceful and calming it is for me to do them. I glanced outside and saw that it had snowed again. I don’t think there is a forecast for much yet.
I did get the results of my colonoscopy and apparently everything looks fine, no sign of diverticulitis or cancer or anything else. I have follow up in a couple weeks and will ask what he thinks is causing the distress. I probably have to change something in my diet and drink more water. Good news, in any case.
One of my chores today was to dump three purses out and sort into one. There were 16 pens, $17, missing items and a bags worth of gum and mints.
I am so sad for the deaths at the music festival in Houston. 8 people between 14 & 27 crushed when a crowd surged. That is terrifying.
Oh my, how far is too far with the Llama craze? I spotted these glasses in Winners today and still am not sure how I feel about them.
I got 10 and a half hours sleep last night, watched a few shows over coffee and then headed to the theatre. I met Matt and let him gather his electronics he had leant to the show. I also requested he send me an invoice for the last of the gear we need. We had an interesting conversation about discovering, unknown at the time, reasons for things happening. I like seeing him happy and that we can have deep conversations without having to go into lengthy descriptions of moods, or motivations. We both have experience with the darker side of our Psyches. One of the other fun moments in my morning was my friend sending me links to Bruno Mars and the new album dropping. I do like all the songs and the videos are perfect slices of the 70s. We both like sending each other music and I was happy to share the artist I saw tonight at Key City. Celeigh Cardinal is amazing. Such a powerhouse singer/songwriter. I was happy to be back volunteering, it is a non stress time for me and I am able to help out. Tonight was bar tending.
In between I had my nails done and then went shopping at Winners just for a peaceful wander. I did find a wonderful jammie hoody. It even matches my slippers. All in all a nicely balanced day and now I am ready to get sleep although with the Fall Back time change I will be up earlier tomorrow.
triumphgal 