Today I took the time to clear out the airbnb, strip my bed and do laundry for hours. In between I watched my shows and began papering my bathroom. First I had to move the electrical outlet so I could install the back splash. It was a little tricky but I got the box moved and installed a new GFCI. The wallpaper is more beautiful than I hoped but I sort of wish I had filled everything with a thin coat of plaster since every little flaw shows through. It is still better than it was and I will hang things to cover the worst bits. I wasn’t willing to put new wallboard up so this is an acceptable alternative. I did take my time and there is still much to do but at least I got more things off my list.
I made a delicious dinner and then did some more. I was hoping to get the medicine cabinet installed but will take my time. I don’t want to hurt myself and doing things above my head hurts my back. I am sitting on the heating pad now. Soon I will make my bed and tuck in.
I had an experience with a Buck in my yard. Missy was funny and I was lucky it wasn’t an angry Buck and headed on it’s way.
I awoke 10.5 hours after falling into a deep sleep. So much sleep that I stumbled out of bed. I started the day with apologies for the week I have had if I was less than gracious. I then settled in with a mug of coffee and my Chicago shows on PVR. I had intentions to do my wallpaper in the bathroom so I did take the time to measure from different points in the room. And then i watched more shows until it was time to shower and go get my nails done. Minh shoes such a gentle and good job that I relax into it and find my zen. I also love the artist that he is.
After that I calmly wandered the fairly quiet mall, picking up stocking stuffers and comfie pants, earrings and PPE. Then it was time to come home for leftovers before inviting Tracey to join me at the game. It was great to sit between Rae and Tracey, having chats and enjoying the game. The bucks were beat by this team last night 4-1 but tonight we won 3-2 and it was an exciting game! It ended and one second later there was a glove dropping brawl. That is not something we see often anymore which I appreciate.
I came home and watched more shows and relaxed. In all today was lovely and I worked hard to just relax and separate the things that stress me out from the things that don’t. Tomorrow I will accomplish more but I can only do that when I have had days like today!!
Tootsie roll in my pocket, you keep me going. I find you in the early hours of my day, you cause me to pull up my big girl panties, today has many hurdles yet to come. I keep reaching to see if you are still there, anticipating the moment I will need your comfort the most. The day slogs on, living up to its anticipated nightmare, you lurk in the shadows. I deal with others, trying hard to get things done with out placing blame. Steps forward, trips back, over and over and over. Technical difficulties, bulbs blown, people to disappoint, disappointment in others and still you wait. Missed hockey game, computer updates, how to find a bulb…. Argh. Home again, English lamb stew made, Hendrick’s G&T drank, 10:15, too late, no room for you.
Oh sleep take me away and tomorrow dear Tootsie, we shall meet again.
On an up note, I did a nude photoshoot for FB today, lol
It really is a wonderful phenomenon that a good visit with friends who share good scotch and pumpkin pie over a never ending game of crib can wash all your troubles away. I had grown accustomed to missing my friends and there we were sharing laughs and theory and pie. We honestly took hours to play one game of crib. It was fun and exactly what my soul needed.
Today had overwhelmed me starting before I even got in the shower with email, questions and demands. I was struggling to meet everyone’s needs, the fear of dropping a ball racing behind me like a wildfire. I was grateful that Stacey dropped by for a quick visit, I finished the file that will be passed on to the Firm, I had a lovely joking time with my dentist, Dr Mike as he worked on the top and bottom right of my mouth. I was feeling terrible after the dentist as my Hiatus hernia had flared up from the stress causing terrible bile to flow while in the chair. I had asked him if I could go to MMA tonight and he said yes, just make sure they hit you on the right side, it will be frozen for a while and you won’t feel a thing. As it happened I really enjoyed Shield Maidens as we actually had contact fighting tonight and I needed that!! I was told by two of the women that I was one to be feared now. I like that. I do wish my contacts would get here though as I can’t fight in glasses.
I stopped by the theatre between the dentist and more work to see where things were at and found some disappointments and some improvements. Ben was there working on the light hang. I put together the computer caddy and installed the new keyboard and mouse. I feel confident the lights and sound will be ready even if not the speakers I paid for as they are in transit still. I am assured the currently owned speakers can be flown if they don’t show up. I hope no one else has held back any information. I can not let this fail.
This month has been singularly trying so far and it is not even half way through. A sure sign for me that something has to give is a very bad stress habit I have. When I was young I chewed my nails. Now…. Well it’s bad… I will have to call to get them done, hopefully on Saturday.
Today is most remembered in its moments. It would seem that I lost all solid grounding, all touch points in my world. I suppose part of it is that I have not been alone in a while. I have had company for 4 nights, first Emmy and then my friend, Those were both very good things but I am very much better at being alone. My Dr on Salt Spring, back 25 years ago, told me that I should probably choose not to have roommates. That rings true today. If I am not lost in love with someone, the minutia of daily life catches up with me. I am overwhelmed by you. If I am merely spending time, no matter how close we are, I will be overwhelmed by you in a different way. My own self is too straight up so I do work hard to control my impulses, my thoughts, to be a friendly host. What generally happens though is I eventually think you love me enough to hear whatever I have to say. I share my thoughts… sigh.
I started the day getting ready and putting on the necklace I was wearing on my motorcycle trip to learn more about my birth mom. When I got to Prince George, to the Friends (yes that is their last name), he ran on out to his shop and soldered it for me. Every time I wear it, I remember that and the memories made as they shared their memories of my mom and even introduced me to one of her best friends from high school. Feeling connected to my past I said goodbye to my friend as he headed home to Kaslo hoping to beat the snow, and headed to work.
I had one call after another, email and texts in between. And then I saw the message on Facebook that my Dad’s cousin, Marnie, had died.
It was seriously trippy as the Friends are Alice and Greg and their daughter is Marni
Dad’s cousin Marnie has a son, Greg
I am Marnée and my brother is Greg
It would seem that the only name every one could decide on the spelling of is Greg!!!
I was feeling all the feels, so I dug in my purse to find an ancient lipstick and decided to doll my self up for the afternoon.
A positive was that I was randomly invited out of no where to come play crib at the Campbells tomorrow night. I have Shield Maidens but hope Diane is feeling better and that it won’t be too late as I would enjoy a visit but can’t risk a cold being that I am going to be interacting with cast and crew Friday night for Tech night at the theatre.
I was tired but up and at it, on the treadmill, showered up and out the door to get my payroll clients taken care of. I needed to be done and ready to pick up my friend and bring him to the hospital for his MRI. He was very stressed and I was trying hard to keep him calm and ready. There were drugs taken, prescribed by his Dr to reduce the anxiety. As I had been for and MRI recently I was able to give advice. I got all necessary things done and then picked him up for a short shuttle to the hospital. While he was busy I popped off to take care of a bunch of errands for CCT and me. My new glasses finally arrived! As I headed down the strip I say on several corners, men holding signs… The Messiah has come. I will say it left me curious…
I stopped to get gas and there was a stink bug inside the glass!
Oh my word… when he texted it was time to pick him up. I have no words to describe how interesting it was to experience him stoned. His first request was pizza as he was ‘’fucking hungry”. We had a full afternoon and evening playing Super Mario World on my Wii and then a few fun games like ‘a little wordy’ and then I introduced him to Patchwork which i hope he will want to play again via the app in the future.
earlier in the evening I asked if he would help me fix my vanity as the tap was off center. When I went to pull the vanity out for better access, I noticed a leak that was substantial. Several hours later all is fixed, the vanity is reinstalled and the tap is centred! It also now has a slight slope down left to ensure no water heads against the wall. It was good to have a second set of hands for that project.
Many deep conversations occurred this evening and I am grateful for that. Every moment brings us closer. It is easy to have a platonic friend that I would say is more like a brother. I can beef at him, we can both be annoyed with the other and yet feel the love.
It was a second day of time to celebrate today and I took advantage to sleep as long as possible. We played some Little Big Planet and then got frustrated enough to go for a walk. It was a spectacular day and the perfect temperature for a walk to Elizabeth Lake. I loved sitting and chatting on a bench, enjoying the sun and the breeze and the passerby’s.
Danika stopped by as Emmy has something for me. Big love
I do love talking about life and random plans, sharing the things that shall not be shared, with Mark. He does annoy me sometimes with his need to explain everything to death but at least it is not mansplaining. It is just his need to explain himself. I long for the day when he will know and trust that I get him, that I know him, that he doesn’t have to define every second. When we got back to the house I knew that I need to do some yard work and he immediately offered to mow the lawn which allowed me to start burning off the tree cuttings and start getting things ready for winter.
Once I got back in the house, completely exhausted and aching beyond belief, I took a shower and got in my jammies, ready to make dinner. There was a knock on the door and it was my neighbour, Tracey, ready with her truck to load up my renovation scrap to take to the transfer station for me. We popped out and loaded it all, and I gave her $20 and a coupon for a DQ sundae as a tip. I am so grateful and I know she is grateful that I am cleaning up along our fence line. I made a delicious dinner which unfortunately
I did make a delicious dinner which
was not interesting to my guest as he does not like vegetables. I decided not to own it and just package it up for lunch. It was tasty!!
We spent the evening playing crib (I kicked his ass) and watching Alter Ego and The Voice. It is fun to have someone else to talk judges with. Having a buddy is awesome.
I want to share all the amazing moments I had today with the grandkids but I am so tired, I have waited too long..
I will share a great time I had with Emmy by sharing a Facebook post I made. She was so much fun this morning and we dressed her up pretty and sent her to church with Auntie Ashlée
I spent the next whole bunch of hours cleaning my place and yes, vacuuming! I had to get down on my knees with my goo gone to take off the sticky glue mess from the renovation as the many layers of flooring left terrible residue that was tracked out. I also installed the grab bar in the shower as I don’t want anyone using it to feel unsafe.
The wind kicked up and I heard a loud bang. I looked out the door to discover a big plank had blown over. There seems to be a good share of leaves on the ground now which I will have to deal with soon.
Mark arrived and I was surprised to find he didn’t realize we were going to Guedes house for dinner. It all was delicious and the pies were well received. We played JackBox after dinner and then the game he brought, Poetry for Neanderthal which was fun,
The evening ended perfectly with a time of Little Big Planet and an episode of The Voice.
Really only three things major happened today… I spent time working getting the counters and gear installed in the tech booth for the afternoon, spent time getting supplies and then I have Emmy for the evening.
The theatre 4.5 hours was so dang rewarding. I trained the renters for when they come back in next weekend, installed the countertops on the tech bench, set up all gear ready to be connected, met with Matt to approve the MacBook he has rebuilt for our QLab software, and seriously left with a huge sense of accomplishment. Matt was blown away saying how professional it looks and that it actually left him with a sense of nostalgia. I get that as his Mom and I were in theatre together back in the 80s and it is a space he grew up in. When all is complete I will post before and after but for now…
I went off to Home Depot to return a bunch of items from my renovation and pick up a floating shelf for the booth. From there it was off to Walmart to find parchment paper but I ended up doing a good shop of many different things. I grabbed DQ as I hadn’t eaten all day and headed home to get my recycle loaded up before going to pick up Emmy at her grandparents.
Emmy began to count all the surprises. I think we got up to 6 and she was thrilled with it all. I had the yard decor, new toys from Auntie Rae, necklace and hair clips, a new bathroom, stickers to put in my new tub, and cookies that her Dad loves to make
She is such a lovely girl and after a couple cookies and a story she fell right asleep. I am sad Jake can’t make it but we are both happy Emmy is spending time with Nana.
It was below zero and crunchy out this morning. Today was super productive, even filed a charitable tax return. I covered the front desk in hope of my Amazon order arriving…but no. Came home and had some dinner and then headed to the hockey game. It was the season opener for the Bucks against the Trail Smokeaters. What a good game! Those guys at this level play good hockey. There were some serious hits, a couple major penalties and some great puck handling. It was fun to share it with Ashlée, Maddi, and Deanne. Had a great catch up with my bestie when I got home, making the plan for the weekend. I am so happy he is coming for Thanksgiving. Jake unfortunately doesn’t seem to be able to make it as he had to have work on his car. This has now created a problem as his winter tires are here. It is actually illegal for him to drive on the highway after October 1st without them. I am sooooo looking forward to no alarm tomorrow.
Today was full; full of theatre meetings with Ben who we hired to install all the tech, file work, salon appointment and Shield Maidens class. I didn’t get anything more done around the house but am getting lots of other things done and my hair makes me sooooo happy. You can really see on the right how much my shaved side has grown out since Feb 2020.
I really am loving Shield Maidens and it was much easier tonight although I did avoid anything that would hurt my hip. I learned how to elbow and uppercut tonight. Simple pleasures! Snow on the mountains!
I got up with full intention of having a bath and getting on with my day but decided to have a shower instead and head in early. I got so much done just focusing past the tired and achy. I even forgot to bring my lunch so worked on through and got more done than expected of me. One of my clients was shocked to have so much of his September reporting already. I suppose some of it could have been because Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, What’s App and who knows what else, all went dark! It was eerie, and I was concerned as I was in communication for payments with two people via messenger. I was fully done and I mean DONE with focusing by the time it was time to go get my friend from the airport. We headed straight to Mr Mikes to enjoy our gift card from the last meal. Once we were stuffed, we had a quick stop at Home Depot to get a shower curtain rod. Then it was home to kick back and play Little Big Planet for a few hours. Following that was The Voice. It is fun to discuss the voices with someone!
Jake was finding it may not be possible for him to come up next weekend as he has brake problems. I told him I would help him pay for now to get him up here. He made an appointment for Thursday, so fingers are crossed.
I started the morning with a walk round my garden. Fall turns so many things even more beautiful!
I took a moment in my crazy day to go pick up the new masks I ordered for the theatre and then do a trip through the booth checking things out and asking questions of the electrician. Tomorrow is the day that Ben starts reconnecting the equipment at the theatre, ready for the church and the show. Exciting times!
I really am so impossibly tired that I can barely blog…
I do want to express that I am fully aware that I am a jealous person. It is weird to be a cheerleader and a green monster at the same time. my eldest said she wanted to hang out and I was waiting for that to be possible as her husband is hunting and then I see posts of her out in Kimberley for dinner with her sister whom she sees every day. I was disappointed and in the same breath, I was so tired that I was glad to have a night off. It is a complicated feeling.
Roller frickin’ coaster again today. I awoke to remember Mark was here. Got on the treadmill then took a careful shower as I can’t find my new amazing shower curtain yet, Then it was quick goodbyes and off to the office I went. The problem was I had had a glance at my email and I saw that I had a client leaving to go back to the Firm I used to work for who are their current accountants. I was actually ok in the long run and they did give me a months notice as per our contract. I only wish I knew exactly why. Not the, you are being polite and kind reason, but the, who threw me under a bridge reason. It sat with me, a simple obsession. Once again I carefully chose my response, filed their remittances and got ready to do the last month of entry. Then I checked in on my UK Besties and all the love. It is Linda’s birthday and they are frolicking in the Yorkshire area. No rain kept them down. How could I let anything get me down, I am Marnée, the gatherer of friends, the one who loves with abandon and would do anything to see her friends smile. They smiled today and all is right with my world. My day was insanely multitastic and in the middle of a GST review/audit with CRA, a client from another town stopped in with his paperwork and news. He is on his way to Alberta to see about purchasing another business, a plan to expand his already booming business and just when I had a wee gap in my capacity, he asked about online payroll and remittances and set me up to access his bank so I could do it all for him, taking some of the load off. To have that kind of trust from a man who went through a nasty divorce, who lost a good deal to a woman he trusted, and yet gave me full access to his finances… that is worth gold. I am filled with gratitude and honoured by his trust in me. And that, my friends, made up for all things earlier. It seemed to be a reason for all that happened, as a matter of fact.
There was much flurry of email, text and calls re volunteer things but so many good results. I have deadlines now for getting back into the theatre and all will be met.
After work there was much joy as I picked up my neighbour, Tracey and headed to meet family at the special Bucks game. I had seen the tickets available right away and jumped on them to grab 3/4 of a row 9 rows up from the ice, between the benches for the Bucks vs Canadas National Women’s Hockey Team. This exhibition game was intended to keep the ladies practiced before the ‘real’ game. I had no idea their birthdates ranged from 1985 to 2001, so much fepower! They got their butts kicked by our Bucks but it was so much fun and they seemed to keep a good head about them, It may have helped that everyone was loudly cheering for them and sidebar cheering for the Bucks. My fave moment was honestly when they all threw down their gear and fixed their hair into ponies before the group photo.
Unfortunately, during the second intermission, I stood and stepped sideways to go up to the loo but suddenly I had excruciating pain in my right hip. I could barely walk up. I spent the third period watching from the mezzanine level. As soon as I got home, I ran my first bath, took a couple gabapentin and watched an episode of YOU. It was a good soak and I hauled myself out with gratitude that I could stand. I had a hard time deciding what my bevie of choice was though….
One of the biggest highlights of my day was getting a spontaneous, comforting hug from my friend Keon just before the women caught a goal as the clock ticked down.
I got up with full intention of having a bath and getting on with my day but decided to have a shower instead and head in early. I got so much done just focusing past the tired and achy. I even forgot to bring my lunch so worked on through and got more done than expected of me. One of my clients was shocked to have so much of his September reporting already. I suppose some of it could have been because Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, What’s App and who knows what else, all went dark! It was eerie, and I was concerned as I was in communication for payments with two people via messenger. I was fully done and I mean DONE with focusing by the time it was time to go get my friend from the airport. We headed straight to Mr Mikes to enjoy our gift card from the last meal. Once we were stuffed, we had a quick stop at Home Depot to get a shower curtain rod. Then it was home to kick back and play Little Big Planet for a few hours. Following that was The Voice. It is fun to discuss the voices with someone!
Jake was finding it may not be possible for him to come up next weekend as he has brake problems. I told him I would help him pay for now to get him up here. He made an appointment for Thursday, so fingers are crossed.
I was excited to get notice that I made Superhost for Airbnb!
730 came way too early. I rushed off to work to use the loo, brush my teeth and wash my face before getting home to meet Scott. I think it was only a two trip to Home Depot day, although I have lost track over the last three days. I am bone weary. We got it done, even though the tub was a lot of fittings to get it installed. As each thing was installed my vision began to emerge. There are still a few small things to take care of and I am awaiting the wallpaper I ordered. I also have decided to not use the curtain rail I ordered. I was so thrilled as each thing was installed, from the floor up, like pieces of a great puzzle. At the end of the day we toasted with a fine scotch.
I also took the time to clean up the yard, start cleaning out some flower beds and winterize my kayak. I also sold the leftover peel and stick tiles and my old vanity on the Cranbrook Bid Wars page.
I really am so grateful to have had Scott working on this project. He was great at the job and listened when I had an idea.
Omg, I was so excited to get going this morning that I headed off to the office to use the loo, brush my teeth and wash my face before grabbing coffee and donuts for Scott and I and getting back to the house before he arrived. My first reaction was Brrrr and Awe. There was thick frost and a gorgeous skyline.
We worked well today but I don’t feel we made the same progress as there were issues at every turn. There are two factors against us… a 1980 manufactured home and a 1980 manufactured home renovated along the way by the previous owner…
We were always just ready to move on to the big ticket items when we would discover small annoying problems that would send me back to Home Depot where the staff are about to call out NORM! When I walk in the door. It turns out that we finally found the mystery drips and the reason for all the water out the side of the place. There was a reason the grace was always greener!!!
I really appreciate Scott, I only wish we had gotten along further so both of us could have tomorrow off. I am not happy to have to set an alarm on a Sunday morning.
AND I am tired of going to the office or Home Depot to use the loo during the day. I will fess up to popping a squat in the yard come sundown for the last two days. Tomorrow, it all must be reinstalled!!!
I am finding it odd that I get overwhelmed when I share that I don’t have cancer. I think it is because there was so much fear that I was not acknowledging that I am caught off guard by tears and relief when I share with my closest people. I didn’t want to worry people and I know not all of them read this and that I may not have been as clear as I could have been that I was terrified. I will continue to let the tears flow as necessary and get on with living my best life. God, that is so trite but true!!
Gosh, the world is good when a friend shows up on time, coffee in hand for both of you and the back of his truck full of tools. I made a plan with Scott to pay him to work on my bathroom renovation and he stayed committed to it. He was great, worked hard and was a great problem solver when it came to the crazy we found under my shower once it was ripped out. I was so confident in him that I left to go to work for a few hours to run payrolls etc. I returned to so much done, I was doing a happy dance. I was the runner for parts and as always, it takes at least three trips to the Hardware store when one is doing plumbing. There were 4 layers of flooring! The shower had been installed over a big hole that went out to the crawl space without even vapour barrier, never mind insulation. By 5 it was time to call it a day. Unfortunately one leak hadn’t been solved so tomorrow that will be the first line of attack and for now, no water. I ordered a gorgeous wallpaper from Wayfair again. It won’t be here for a few weeks but it will match everything so well. On one of my runs to Home Depot I found my perfect vanity that is narrower than the current one and will allow more room for the toilet in its new position. It was about 300 more than I intended to spend but I think it is gorgeous. When I got out to the parking lot I couldn’t help but take a picture of the truck a couple spaces over. It was so Cranbrook.
I had every intention to stay at Raes tonight after the Bucks game but I felt too bad about Missy who had been outside all day and was sure to be hungry. Golly, it was such a good game. The stick handling was reminiscent of the Ducks in the early 2000s, they took a lot of hits but didn’t retaliate in a negative way. The Wenatchee Wild got a few major penalties for head shots!! It was so strange that there was an American team playing here. Not used to that. It was a big upgrade that this year that we have a screen with a telecast and replays. The commercials I could do without though but I am glad they are finding a revenue stream. The loudness of the horrible music I could definitely give a thumbs down to. I hope that gets leveled out. Hey we won!!!
I love that October is Machu Picchu! Also love that my sunflower keeps trying.
Today is the first official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Most of us were working at the GroundFloor as we are not federally regulated. It is not an official statutory holiday in BC. The space itself was shut down so I am glad my clients that showed up were able to text to be let in. There was a big part of me that didn’t want to work at all, that wanted to go to the walks, to sit in contemplation of all the wrongs those before me and those currently are forcing upon our First Nation Peoples. I needed to meet my obligations and I feel that a good part of my day was spent in contemplation. I sat in the memory of my friend in Bella Bella. She has since passed away but I learned so much from her about the atrocities of Residential School. She was a part of the ‘60s scoop and her stories of her early life, she usually tried to keep light. There came a time though when payments were being made to survivors and I knew that the amount was based on how many things happened and of what variety. Her payment was large and it was at that point that I realized how truly horrific her early life had been. She told me, now well into her 50s, that she still slept with the lights on as she and her husband were both afraid of the things that happened in the dark. I cried hearing her stories. I had no idea, I had not been taught the significance. I think along the way I related the schools to orphanages, that only good was happening. I should have been taught the truth. Now I must reconcile my upbringing with the atrocities thrust upon these families in the same era I was growing up in. There is nothing I can do, but listen. There is nothing I can do, but acknowledge. There is nothing I can do, but ensure it never happens again. I will always honour my friends by recognizing the terrible wrongs done to them, the systemic racism, the generational damage and the need to be heard, accepted and loved.
It is so odd to face my own privilege. I am Caucasian. I grew up in a very multicultural area. My Dr was a black man. I had no idea that was a rarity. My Dad’s company employees were first generation Canadians from India. I had no idea that was something special or different, we all just socialized together and I loved the delicious food and exotic clothing. My closest friends were Japanese, Chinese, Indian and European. I had no idea how blessed I was. I think I may have grown into my racism as I moved into a very white world of Theatre school, born again Christianity and ultimately, Small Town BC. I make no good excuse for forgetting my roots. I know ultimately that I love regardless of colour but I see it. It is still different from me. I will continue to celebrate that and hope I do no harm. I will continue to ensure others do no harm as well.
This is a ramble of a blog but there is just so much to unravel. After work I had something to eat and went to Shield Women where I struggled to breathe. I worry it was because I ate too late so I will be more careful next week. I bought my own gloves and signed up for a month.
My task when I got home was to strip the bathroom in anticipation of ripping out the shower tomorrow morning with Scott and finally getting on with the renovation!
It doesn’t help that I feel judged every time I open my cupboard
triumphgal 