this month got away with me and although I managed to get the last necessary file done today, I have had low grade anxiety that is hard to ignore. I have overpromised a bit and am afraid of dropping balls again. this is the most negative part of my personality. I didn’t finish and leave work until 8 tonight. I had things to take care of before work and I had to go grab something for lunch and am having trouble keeping the weight off never mind going down as I don’t have any fruit or healthy snacks so I went to Safeway and picked up a few things. I made myself get up and walk around as well every time I felt overwhelmed. It was nice to celebrate Nigel’s birthday over the net with some good laughs. I had sent a journal and pens styled just for him. tomorrow will feel better, i will make my lists for June and feel more on top of things. I have much to accomplish for July. For now I will try to live in this moment.
I slept a full 10 hours last night, had some breakfast and reached out to see if any of the grandsons were available to help me beat the rain and get the yard tidied up. I need to set up the Airbnb as the reservations are rolling in. Rae dropped off Lukas and Will shortly after I started mowing. They started weeding and I finished mowing which took a long time as everything was so tall. It is the first time the yard has been worked on this year. I promised to take them for dinner of their choice when we were done. Lukas asked if sushi would be to expensive. What a considerate young man. We got as much done as possible, made a fire to burn sticks and pine cones and the the rain began so I showered and off we went. Sakura was a closed so we went to Sushi on the Strip and got our own little room. The server was odd but we ordered lots to share; gyozas to start, 4 special rolls and then Deep Fried cheesecake. We were all so full as it was so delicious. It was not cheap, but enjoyable and I know the boys don’t get a feast like that very often. I had to remind them not to eat so fast. There was enough, they didn’t have to eat fast in case it was all gone as I am sure happens with 8 of them in the house. I really love these individual times with them. I am also impressed with how well they worked and how much we got done. I am ready for another 10-12 hours sleep now though!
Chelsea, a woman who works in the Co-working space heard me mention I needed to figure out a second screen for my laptop for working away from the office. She came the next day and gifted me with a brand new one that fits in a sleeve and works fabulously. It didn’t work with her system but is perfect for mine. So grateful!
I was at the theatre for 10 am to attend a directing comedy workshop conducted by Kevin McKendrick. There were 9 of us, 8 friends and one new person to the circle got to spend the day together learning so many great skills. Many things I use as a director were confirmed as useful and I also learned some great ways of working with business, adding to the script without text. It was really a joy to spend 6 hours with people of a like mind, doing what we love. I was inspired to Direct again, maybe in 2024 as the next season is already set. Kevin is a very good instructor, and actor as we saw in his examples. He accepted everything we threw out there and ran with it, fine tuning the thought or suggestion. I really wish to be directed by him but he is in Vancouver. At lunch it was missed that I am allergic to peppers and every single part of it was loaded with them. I popped out to Sakura Sushi for some tempura and edamame. The part that made me sad was that the smell was so strong in the lobby where everyone was eating that I had to go sit by myself on the stage to eat. I didn’t like missing out on the conversation and connection but Kevin did come and sit with me for a while and we found quite a few people from the time I was at Studio 58 with that he knows or knows of and we had a few good laughs. It was nice to talk to someone who understood how special it was being taught by the instructors there at the time, especially fencing from Antony Holland.
I left as soon as we were done to come home and change to head to Key City Theatre as they were very in need of volunteers. It is a good thing I did as Sandra and I ran the bar and wow can those Dance Moms put it away. We went through a great deal of wine, lol. I was glad to get home and have something to eat and have been sitting puzzling and watching the Survivor Finale. I can’t believe I have been watching it for 21 years! It used to be the thing Jake and I would do every week, Taco and Survivor Thursdays.
I really need to mow my lawn tomorrow and weed but it is supposed to rain. If it does I may go into work for a while so that I can take time to do it during the week. It will also take the stress off Monday’s deadlines.
I decided I had better get my laundry done so I have something to wear to the Comedy workshop I am attending tomorrow. I forgot how long the washer takes and waited until it was done so I could throw it in the dryer. In the meantime I decided to frame the card I purchased at the Atlas Coal Mine in the frame I picked up at IKEA. It looks lovely and now I just have to find wall space for it.
I was at work relatively late but got my CCT tech business finished which took a weight off my list. After getting a myriad of things done, I settled to finish the last file I had to do before month end when a client showed up unannounced for assistance and 3.5 hours later she said want to go for a drink since I have kept you so late on a Friday. I shut everything down and met her at the Blind Pig where where we had food and bevies and a great long evening of getting to know each other. It was great as there was no work talk and much getting to know each other. As someone was passing my to leave they recognized her and had big hugs and then he turned and saw me and said hey and gave me a big hug too. It was Tom Shypitka, the East Kootenay MLA and I was surprised he remembered me as I have only met him once at the CCT Gala for our big renovation. He and his wife stayed for a good chat and then Alex and I finished our visit before heading home. I, again am grateful for where I live and who swims in this pond. There are good people here. Alex gave me a hat from her company and I look forward to sporting it around town. Alex is Metis and has a strong feeling that I am as well and would like to help me research that. It is not the first time someone has planted that seed. I am curious.
I am very tired but had a good time and will get some rest for the full day tomorrow as I agreed to volunteer at Key City tomorrow due to the shortfall in volunteers for the Dance academy night.
This morning I was up and tidying in anticipation of Erin coming for a home visit to go with my application for a college homestay student for the Fall term. She seemed to like my place and me and said she would be doing placements soon. Unfortunately she emailed me later that she found out it wouldn’t be possible as I have a door on the bedroom that doesn’t go to the floor. It is decorative and has about a 6 inch gap. I was disappointed at first but then relieved and I also figured I would still make a nice space in the den and use it for Airbnb in the winter months. That way I will still have my alone time which is healthier for me. The universe knows what I need.
I can barely stand to listen to or watch the news as the pictures and stories of the precious children and teachers murdered in Texas are shared. 19 children in grades 2-4 and 2 teachers were gunned down by an 18 year old heavily armed male. It is beyond comprehension and I just want to hold my grands close. What kind of human shoots his own grandmother in the face and then announces on Facebook every thing he is about to do and then does it? There is so much of no sense going on in the world. I just want to live in the bubble I am in, but also need to not give in to fear.
I got a great deal done today, even spent a few hours on my volunteer work without stress about the last file I have to complete and file this month. I am really doing ok finding my balance. I have come late to the game of saying no. There is so much to say yes to with aplomb, it is getting easier. I still have a bit of guilt that I didn’t come back to go to the Board meeting on Tuesday night but I had provided reports in advance and the time with family was precious. I have never taken a vacation with them and it still fills me with joy to think about all we did together.
This morning was a tough get up and function as I did not sleep well last night, seems my brain was trying to process all I needed to do today instead of catch up after all that fun.
I had to really focus as there was nothing simple about anything I had to do but I got it done and toward the end of the day my client, now friend, Matt stopped by to give me my own hoodie from his company. I had admired his with the zip neckline some time ago and he remembered and brought me one, saying, girls like pink. That made me smile. We then had a good long chat about nothing work or book related and it really was special.
I got home to have a lovely long visit with my neighbour. She liked the puzzle I bought her to thank her for looking after Missy while I was away. We were sitting on the couch and Missy snuggled her without coming near me… I guess I am being punished for leaving her.
I was going to do a really deep clean tonight as the lady from the Homestay program is coming for a home visit at 9 am but I am truly too worn out and so I did a quick tidy and will just let her know this is as bad as it gets. What with the surgery and then the trip I haven’t mowed my lawn even or weeded. I usually have pride in my place. I guess I will hope she understands. It is still very habitable and not gross so it shall be what it is. I am at the moment too tired to care but I am a bit anxious. I think I shall take a pill and get some much needed sleep.
It was pretty impressive that everyone was up, had breakfast, and was loaded in the cars by 9:30. We headed to Calgary and were at Crossiron Mall just before it opened at 11. We entered through the Bass Pro Shop which was a bit overwhelming and a little like being at the stuffed zoo. From there we split into smaller groups and shopped like pros. I think most of us bought shoes (mine were for the kayak), some of us got puzzles and others bought clothes and goodies. I think Deanne got the beautiful item of the day when she found an expensive designer fanny pack on sale. It really is lovely and it makes me happy that she is happy and blames it on me, lol. Of course I encouraged her to get it as I didn’t want her to think about it and wish she had. I managed to get a few small things but mostly hung out with my buddy Sawyer who once again made me laugh. I went to Shoppers to buy nasal spray as the air is so dry I am clotting blood and I read the three options to Sawyer of the sayings on them. He told me to get the strength one because I am a bit old and when you get older you get strong and then weaker. He’s not wrong. We ran into his friend Audrey. I bought Gene his 15th bday present coming soon in June.
Next was IKEA where I only spent $150 and got so many things including a duvet and bedding for the guest room. That is definitely the least I have ever gotten out of there for.
From there we went to Chine Hot Pots where Roger really wanted to share that meal experience with the kids. Ray and Jan, Jessy and Braeya joined us and it was exciting and complicated but good. I would probably do it again for the seafood.
After dinner it was a rush back to check into our hotel so the kids could get in the pool before it closed. There was much fun and we love our beautiful family room with the Murphy bed and more room to walk. You can see from the picture from the last hotel that room 126 (theirs) was much bigger than 113 (ours). Tomorrow is a big day as we are going to the Zoo before heading home.
I started getting ready to leave tomorrow and then raced to the office to run payroll before heading to St. Eugene Resort for the Cranbrook Chamber lunch as a representative of Fisher Peak Performing Artists society. I had great conversations with people I hadn’t met before, and some I had. The buffet had two options and I asked specifically if there were peppers and was told no for the meat sauce penne. I am going to say they were wrong as I was not feeling well within minutes of eating. The speaker was from Destination BC and it was interesting to hear the plan to recover from the pandemic. I liked the pavilion venue and can imagine beautiful events there. It went long but I hit the books hard when I got back, drank lots of water to calm my upset stomach and wished I had antacids at the office.
I popped home to change and eat some rice before heading to Key City to bartend for the Johnny Reid concert. It was sold out so there wasn’t room to sit in but I bought a great t-shirt, enjoyed my time working with Éveline and Emma, and had a great chat with the merchant guy about how I saw Johnny in 2012 for the Rick Hanson celebration of heroes in Vancouver. Alex said that was before most of the hits and called me an early adopter. We had a good laugh over that.
Once I got home I packed and organized for tomorrow; I am really looking forward to this road trip to Drumheller, Alberta.
I wasn’t feeling good so I took a Covid test just in case. It was negative and the running nose and lethargy mostly wore off as the day went on.
Focus was tough but I spent over 8 hours working on theatre books so I could have them ready for the board meeting in time. I will basically be coming back from vacation to the meeting on Tuesday, weather and roads permitting. One of my client’s forgot to send me the time sheets so I will do that payroll and another in the morning.
I got home late and made dinner which was good but the onions are leaving me hurting. It tastes so good going down…
I cleaned up and readied for not being here for a few days. Probably should go pack… and get sleep.
Ashlée sent me this shot from the fair. Gene and I enjoyed the Ferris Wheel.
It barely matters that I worked and rushed home to make dinner and change to head to Key City to volunteer for The Debaters. The single most exciting thing that happened today was when I heard a voice while I was bartending and turned to see Pete and Jayme, Luc and Colleen, friends I made while living in Bella Bella. I could not keep the grin off my face. I went in to watch the first half of the show and as I was sitting there, I realized That I had worn my Monday socks. That is what I call the ones that P & J gave me when I house sat for them, not long before I left the Central Coast. There was so much synchronicity in the evening, it is overwhelming. Just to see all those smiles, and hug again… joy, joy!
Side note, I didn’t only get socks from them, it was their dog that caused my last concussion. How great is it that I only found out at the fair this weekend that my vertigo is finally gone!!
I woke up at a decent time, very dehydrated and chased away a mild hangover with a breakfast of strong coffee and a chocolate cupcake from yesterday. Cleaned and started laundry, watered the plants and headed to the theatre to help with the strike and inventory the tech gear. Pepijn was an invaluable help to make it all happen. We sorted and recorded everything. He created 5 presets for the convenience of renters and I was impressed with how well he was able to create them from what I explained. We also created directions to make it easy for renters to follow. I will type everything up tomorrow and put it on the GDrive as well as make a copy to laminate for the wall of the booth.
One of my favourite parts of the strike was when the chainsaw fired up to take down the tree. Now that was a first.
I took all my recycling to the bin and then came home to finish chores and make a nice dinner of Grilled Asparagus and Portobello Mushroom Salad. I was glad I had fresh lettuce to use as I had let the head that came with the meal get floppy. The stickbugs are enjoying it, so no waste! It is funny that growing up I thought asparagus was slimy rope and now here I am cooking it for myself. Most things are about texture, just had to learn how I really like it, al denté. I look forward to it for lunch tomorrow as well.
I have been thinking today about my conversation with Mayor Don McCormick and his wife Bev while I was in Kimberley yesterday. We were talking about the fact that your bookkeeper has one of the most trusted relationships. It’s definitely true as the person who does your tax return knows the most about you; who you do or do not donate to, what your prescriptions are, who you work for, etc. The other thing I was interested in was that he said fewer and fewer people are going into politics as they are afraid that they will have done something to offend in the past or be found guilty for the awkward choices of their youth. That is a disturbing thought.
This day was surrounded by so many people that I can’t imagine I haven’t been exposed. I threw caution to the wind, did not wear a mask and enjoyed being out in public, accepted and enjoyed so many hugs and just took a calculated risk. Rae let me know that the older kids all had play dates to the fair in town but Sawyer did not. I have very fond memories of my grandad taking me to the PNE every year. I knew I needed to make that memory for Sawyer so I picked him and Lukas up at 11:45 to go. We were so lucky as there was no line to purchase our wristbands and they got to go on most of the rides before there were lines or before they got very, very long. We spent nearly 5 hours enjoying all the fun, including William and his friend Ryan. The boys were great to hang out with and they even got me on rides I never would have gone on due to my vertigo issues in the past which did not rear their ugly head. The only ride Sawyer stepped away from was the Ferris Wheel which scared him. It is my favourite as the peacefulness of it always brings me joy. There were so many perfect moments, I can’t even explain.
I dropped the boys off and came home to use the loo, no portatpoties for me and headed to Kimberley to join in the first anniversary of my client, Grist & Mash Brewery. I was so tired but am so glad I went. I was blessed to come home with a new glass for my collection
On the way home I stopped at the fair to meet with the family again and got in line for one last ride on the Ferris wheel. The people behind us gave tickets to Rae so she could ride with Sawyer who panicked for a moment but ended up enjoying it.
I headed home as I was getting cold and no portapotties for me. Autopilot into my jammies and was about to settle into the couch when I remembered I was to join the cast party at The Blind Pig. I got myself dressed and headed down to have a fabulous evening of theatre friends which of course involved many hugs and deep conversations. It is now 2 am and I am fully exhausted from all the fresh air and good times. I am sure there are many more exciting things to share but am worn out and ready to tuck in. Tomorrow is strike day which I have promised to assist with!!
Today began with sideways rain and sleet, contained many issues with electronics and other people calling for help, and ended with a swing by the fair before stopping at the Market and Safeway where many pleasant conversations occurred. Another lucky day after all.
The value of something is based on what someone is willing to pay, it is said. For me, the value of the things in my home is in the sentiment, the memories, the joy they bring. Part of my decision to apply for a homestay student (did it today) was that I was gifted with my Great Aunt Ollie’s bedroom set. Roger, Golan, Lukas and Sawyer took me to pick the pieces up in Kimberley and we had a nice visit. They have scratches and wear but bring me joy and will always remind me of my Auntie. The younger boys had fun exploring the property and thought the root cellar, or bunker as Lukas called it, was pretty cool, literally.
There are a lot of deer around these days but I had to pull over and take a picture when I saw this wee herd in the sunset.
Today the full lineup for MusicFest came out when the poster was released on Facebook and then I received a picture of my coordinator pass to prove it was made and it couldn’t have made me happier.
Phew, that was a long busy day. And then I got home to check my mail and find a letter from the government. Apparently when you turn 59 they let you know your pension options. Clearly I will be working until I am 70 so no rush there…
I worry that I am letting people down. It seems I am falling behind in the check in with friends and family who are going through a lot right now. I want to be there for all of them but only have so much time and energy. I believe they know I love and care but I have been shown so much love I just want to respond in kind. It just seems like so many are having surgeries, relationship issues, illnesses and stress. I shall continue to do my best, it’s all I got.
I worry most at the moment about my poor daughter who has found out today her deep tiredness and lethargy are from long Covid. This of course means I need to be cautious who I visit and won’t be able to visit my cousin Donna recovering from surgery in hospital. I promised to make her soup when she gets home as she has done for me.
I have been asked by the coordinator at the college if I would apply to be a home stay host next fall. I decided today that I will give up my room and move to the den and see if a match can be found. The more I thought about it I realized it would be a good mortgage helper and it would be healthy for me to have a roommate for a bit, especially if it pays down debt so I can travel in the future. If anything the last two years has shown it is that I can handle anything for a duration. I am going to apply tomorrow and ask for an early interview. Once they see my space and determine it will work, I will begin the purge and sort with a plan to paint the room and mount the TV on the wall, etc. To get ready. That way if it doesn’t work out, I will have my bedroom done the way I wanted it anyway.
It is good to have something to look forward to. I already have two Airbnb bookings so far as well. I will have to get it all set up when we return from Drumheller.
I was blessed by my volunteer experience tonight getting to see and meet a truly gifted individual. I am left with such good feels and much desire to read and hear more. Yes, I bought two of his books.. please enjoy this
I woke up at 3:15 am and had fitful sleep for the rest of the night. When I was finally ready to get up for work, my right lower front and back quadrant really hurt. It was painful to the touch and moving around was awkward and pain filled. I met Galen and Doug at the theatre with my car full and let them unload it, then it was off to a very full day at the office. I spent half of it on paid and half on volunteer work. My back was aching sitting at my desk so Keri went into Sean’s office (he’s away on a work trip) and borrowed his vibrating obusform, Cindy gave me robaxacet and I was good to stay and work. I got up as often as I could to walk around and stretch and by the time I got home I was feeling slightly better although I have spent the evening with a heating pad on it. My hands are also bruised. I think it all happened when the wind took control while we were taking down one of the circus style tents on Saturday. I was supporting the centre pole and didn’t want to drop it. I wasn’t thinking about my surgery and recovery and that I hadn’t done much for the last 5 weeks. I had a good laugh today when my Linda in the UK sent me a message she saw that she knew would make me laugh and I replied with a photo saying I was feeling fiery hot and maybe I need my chimney swept. It is fun to giggle across the miles.
I connected today in a major way with my first best friend, making plans to girl trip together to fill in the missing years. It seems our brains have experienced similar things through the years. I can’t explain how important it is to me to reconnect with Kelly. She was the first non related person who just loved me for me and vice versa. I look forward to making a real plan and following through, it would be a blessing to have that close relationship again.
Is it just me or does Marg look like she is doing the sprinkler???
Every day arrives with baggage. One can feel all the feels, or acknowledge them and not let them overwhelm. I choose to acknowledge, to realize and to live in the moment that is this day and all that it brings. Today is the 18th anniversary of my father crashing his plane and leaving us but by now I am am able to sit in the sad of losing him and remember all that he taught me, genetically left me and soak up the gratitude of being his legacy. That does carry weight. But it also carries the joy, this Mother’s Day of my legacy. I have three amazing humans on this planet who move me in a way no one else can. I was treated to messages and phone calls today that fill my tank. As I putted through my day of chores and relaxing I received lovely messages from each of my progeny and even a lovely text from my Grandson, Gene who bears the name of my Dad. I had a call from Jake that left me very connected and laughing. We got talking about the genetic possibilities and I was left in laughter when he said, “ so we only have mental health issues carried down which means we will live a long time but be really sad about it.” He may have hit the nail on the head but really we can only laugh about it now.
I did enjoy spending time playing Lego this afternoon, building the Mandalorian and Grogu that my friends sent me for my birthday. It was a nice thing to do after cooking up a meal for the next couple days.
I reached out to my friend who works with the homeless in town to find out where to drop off the cookies from yesterday and went to drop them off at the hotel housing the homeless in town as there are many Moms and everyone had a Mom. They were very grateful to get them and I am thankful for being able to make that happen.
Dinner was at Rae-Anne and Rogers, shopped and cooked for by Bill and Roger. The brought Rogers mom From the home she is in for dinner as well and it was bitter sweet as we know that tomorrow she will be told she is moving to the Green home where her husband is because her mental issues have made it that she cannot stay where she is any longer. It will be a big and stressful change for her. While we were all visiting, Chevelle, the lovely young daughter of the friends next door brought over flower baskets that she made at school as gifts. She was sad because the deer got to them but I told her it would be a surprise what colour the flowers would be when they bloomed again.
Bill didn’t realize ahead of time it was the anniversary of Dad’s death but he did remember once he became aware that I like to have a scotch on that day so he went home and got his good scotch and set it up for us. It was lovely to share that tradition with the family.
Lukas had fun with my phone
Once most had left or gone to bed, Roger lit a fire and we sat outside and payed Rummikube with Aymo, who of course won the first game he has ever played. The students have agreed to come on our trip to Drumheller on the long weekend and we are all looking forward to it.
Up early and picked up by Danika to buy breakfast for her and the girls at Denny’s. Emmy was quite chuffed that she brought me a gift of pottery pieces she had picked out that “Only cost $5!!”. They are very cute. We had a nice visit and called my Mom to wish her a Happy Birthday. Gwen is a little sweetie as well, nice to have a bonus grandchild. I got a weird text after we left.
When we were done, they dropped me at home to get my car and I headed to Rotary Park to take in the seasons first Farmers Market and Kootenay Childrens Festival. I wandered the market and ran into a few friends I haven’t seen in a very long time. Eventually I found Rae, Roger and the three youngest who were being followed around by a camera and film guy for documenting the Festival which was kind of cool. I found Danika and the girls in the Face-painting line which was very long but thankfully near the playground. We made it under the tent with Emmy in the chair just as the hailstorm began. Fortunately it turned to rain and then dissipated fairly quickly.
From there it was off for crazy hair with Sawyer and Will.
I then left them to start my volunteering time and spent time setting up the Merch Tent for Fred Penner. He and his road manager, Dave were very organized and I sold a ton of stuff for them. I did buy a t-shirt which Fred signed for me after the show. It really is powerful to see the response to him. Kids from 2-82 were giddy in his presence, singing along and dancing. He took time to sign books and posters and CDs and even hats. We had a nice chat about the fact he won’t get a chance to fit into the lineup at MusicFest this year but that I will see him there, visiting backstage and enjoying the shows.
It was herring weather all day, changing every time you turned around. We managed to get good and wet taking down all the tents and then dry out again loading cars and taking everything away. I currently have a car with 8 8’ tables, 4 stools and other bits in it to be dropped at Key City Theatre on Monday morning. I also brought home 3 totes of leftover cookies made by the college to put in bags and deliver to Street Angels Monday morning. I am glad that is what they choose to do with the leftover food. Unfortunately I didn’t drink enough water today and am dehydrated leaving me with sore lips and a headache. I have spent the evening chilling from a very full day. I am grateful for the network I have that allows me to be involved in such a fun activity that provided joy to so many.
