I was in bed so early last night that I woke early. I sat with my coffee slowly working on the challenging puzzle and watching WandaVision and the YouTube Easter Egg videos. I am sad the show is over as it was very good and entertaining. At some point Rae messaged me that I was invited to her Dad’s with them for late lunch and to bring my side pork from the freezer. That is what we call the delicious bacon sliced from a large slab of pork belly. Bill BBQs it and although not terribly healthy it is delicious. The kids all played together outside and we had a great visit. Roger came home with me to assist with taking down my upper cupboard. I am glad I did as there is some strangeness happening in the ceiling and wall. I think I shall put plates over the electrical outlets and put new panel on the wall and some decorative tiles along the ceiling. I will have to go to Home Depot to see what they have.
When I checked my mail yesterday there was a prepaid postage card to send out. Canada Post put one in every mailbox. I went through the top of the recycle bin near our super box and grabbed a couple more. I sat and wrote them this morning. As I went to drop them at the Post Office boxes I saw another laying on the ground and sat in my car to write it out as well. I love getting happy mail so thought 4 other people may as well.
Enjoyed a break with Keri today, doing a little day drinking. Then everyone was gone and I was at my desk as always. It was my choice though, wanted to get ahead. Got home to notice there are things popping up in one of my gardens. Spring is coming. Made something to eat and started the last puzzle I haven’t done. I gave it to my Mom years ago. Pretty sure it’s been done by someone but my oh my it’s challenging. Too tired tonight, will see what I can do tomorrow.
This morning started out as usual on the treadmill which I will pat myself on the back for doing every week day since February 1st. Good habits have formed. Just as I was finishing I received an incoming Video message and it was 9 year old Will in a spiffy button up shirt. It was his Concour day at French Immersion school. He practiced on me and I was able to pick up enough of what he said due to his clear accent and timing to know it was about his dog Obi. He was so cute and I wished him well. By the end of the day his mom let us know he won a Gold Medal for his presentation!
Terrible screen shot, he was much more handsome than this
I was so happy when I got word that my friends in England received the book I made. They loved it and I love them, win win. Maybe tomorrow I will share bits of my copy with you. I am too tired now as I had an emotional day and became obsessed with finishing my puzzle once I got home. I was glad it was marked on the box that there was one missing. It is sad when you get to the end to realize the piece you were looking for all along just wasn’t there at all.
Something occurred some time ago now that had the means to damage my reputation and lose me friends. Today I dealt with a phone call that stirred up all the emotions around that again and I had to finally reach out to my Ashlée this evening to talk through it all. She has a good perspective and knows exactly what I need to do to let it go and remember that those who love me, love me and I can’t worry about those who don’t. And as the book reminds me, I am well loved, around the world!
I did take time to get my eyebrows done professionally for the first time in over a year and I got a pedicure. She removed the last of the polish that had been put on less than two weeks before I broke my toe and had the nail sewn back on turning it into Throbby Bobby. Ireland, the young lady who did the work created a lovely bit of colour even on Bobby so I will be able to see the growth. It was nice to relax and chat.
It seems like some days have their own plan for me. I started out doing regular things and ended up saying no and can we reconnect tomorrow to too many people. I had a surprise request from a company to help with their year end adjustment entries and GST filing. 5.5 hours later, barely stopping to eat my sub and I was done. The problem was I was logged in to their desktop so I couldn’t really take a break, just had to get it done. And it was weird knowing she could watch as I was doing it. The stranger thing was I could see her email notifications pop up and I saw one from the name partner at the first big firm I worked for in Richmond. I texted the client to mention I had worked for him in the past and then it just was weird as I would see the pop ups with the beginning of responses from him but she must have been answering from her phone as I was on her desktop. Not once, but twice I saw him say that I was quite the character but a great bookkeeper, lol. I choose to take that as a positive. Apparently I have managed to keep my quirky personality along the way. High praise indeed from a Board Member of CGA Canada. Funny the way life shows you degrees of separation.
I made it in time for my nail appointment, the second one in a year. As I am going to see Mark, I had M put on both hands in tribute 🙂
I have found I am less likely to reach out once I am home. It is like I have shields up against communication from the outside. I know that makes some friends feel hurt but ask my Mom, we don’t even communicate very often, I have always been this way. It was easier pre 2007. I am just so concentrated on being connected during the day that I have to draw a line. So I come home to my cat and my puzzles…
The day held a heaviness I could neither figure out, nor shake. I am pretty sure it relates to the pain of others. So many people in my circle are hurting emotionally or physically at the moment, I think I carry some of it with me. I wanted to nap all day.
First thing this morning I read a post about a young man I met through my son. He now lives in my daughter’s suite. I did not know his back story. I remember a horrible situation a decade ago when a toddler drowned in a bathtub. The woman looking after her was charged and went to jail. It turns out that was Isaiah’s mom. He shared a link to a story in the paper and a documentary that shows she was wrongly accused of causing the death. At the time it all happened he was only 10 and had younger sisters. They ended up in foster care as she had to go to jail after admitting guilt or face life in prison. There is an investigation currently into the extreme failings in the case. I feel for every one in this situation except the person who did the autopsy and stuck to their mistake. In spite of it all Isaiah is a lovely young man striving to be his best. I sent him a message telling him if he ever needs a Nana moment, I am here for him.
I did get a great call this afternoon that the theatre had received another grant we’d applied for from Columbia Basin Trust. I am one happy Tech Director now that we have 13000.00 to put towards new sound and streaming equipment and more lights. The best investment though will be a communication system so he stage manager doesn’t have to run up and down three flights of stairs from the stage to the dressing rooms. I am so incredibly blown away by the hard work Maureen and Peter put in to get us money that is out there for the taking. If it is turned down, Maureen just tweaks what was incorrect and tries again. So incredibly grateful for her and Peter.
Yesterday Ashlée had reached out about a potential Mystery shopping tour through the east Kootenay. I guess she decided no and suggested to the recruiter I do it. Christina reached out to me and I returned her cal today. After much discussion and negotiation for remuneration I decided to do it. The missions all have to be completed by the 15th. I planned my route which would necessitate an overnight somewhere. The first request was a lunch meet on Saturday the 13th with my friend in Kaslo and then I reached out to my friends in the Slocan Valley to see if they would be comfortable with me staying with them that night. They of course said YES and I was so happy. They are in an out of the way part of the world and I am able to be safe until I see them so it all works out, especially since travelling for work is allowed. After I contacted my Mark we texted back and forth and I am going to leave on the Friday now and stay at his place. Couch or air mattress, I don’t care, I am just so excited to see him. He is my Sackboy and it has been far too long. To have a platonic friend that makes me laugh, stimulates good conversation and appreciates the little crazy things in life is a blessing. It will be an evening of Board Games and fun. I can’t wait. What a wonderful way to end my day, with tears of joy, and anticipation of a mini working holiday.
Today’s special treat was a call from an old friend on Salt Spring. The advantage of doing personal taxes is that at least once a year I reconnect with people. Kelly and I had a good long chat as I was working on my annual tracking worksheet. It was great to hear his voice and reminisce a little.
Today was a lot of getting ready for the year ahead, making lists, spreadsheets and plans. I also decided to throw part of my savings into RRSPs before the deadline. It’s time for me to go on a budget and start tax planning. No more shoes!
It’s funny, it crossed my mind that it was Marnée Monday. Back in the early 90’s I would bring my laundry and enjoy dinner at the Bennett’s on Monday nights. I had met Sherry in grade 10 and we became fast friends. And eventually along came Dan and they had three amazing kids and their house was always so full of energy and love. It was wonderful to experience. I guess I was missing some of that tonight. I should have let them know I was thinking of them.
I had recorded the Golden Globe Awards and finished watching it tonight. There were some very moving moments between the awkwardness. I think it was the first time I knew very few of the shows. There are now new ones on my watch list. I forgot I have a crush on Christian Slater, lol.
I committed to 21 of 28 days sans alcohol this month. I raised 165.14 for the Cancer Society. I made it all the way on my schedule and then had a beverage tonight…. I learned or confirmed that I am not an alcoholic. I like to check in on that every once in a while. I also learned that alcohol is not what is causing the inflammation in my throat. I did learn to enjoy tea and my soda stream.
I slept in, lazed about and then took my recycling to the bin on the way to the office. I wanted to get a jump on tomorrow and do my own billing and recording of income so I can do my own taxes. I fear I will have a big tax bill so I need to get it done and do some proper planning for this year. I found some Dairy Queen coupons in my car that expired today so I decided to have a chicken burger meal for lunch and then swung back on my way home for BOGO .99 deal on Ice Cream Sandwiches which are my fave treat. I appreciate they are trying to cover all their market needs but it’s right there in the name!
I have a client who works for the railroad and she asked me what my name was back when I worked there. It was Perreault. I found and sent her the only picture of me that I know exists from my time with Canadian Pacific Railroad as the first female Trainman/Yardman out of the Cranbrook Station. It was a zillion years ago and at the time I didn’t even realize it was such a big deal, I just needed a job!
The day started amazingly with Emmy crawling into bed with me as she was freezing because Sawyer had stolen all the blankets. She cuddled up and we fell asleep again. Not long later Sawyer wandered in and crawled in on the on the other side. I didn’t comfortably fall asleep again but I was a happy Nana. We all got up just before 7 and had breakfast, played video games and watched a movie. At 10 it was time for my monthly ABC Zoom meeting and the kids were delightful as they introduced themselves and Emmy explained the no rule pull my foot game. While we reminisced about our winery tour that a picture had been shared of, I completed my puzzle. I do love these peeps and look forward to seeing them again some day.
All that excitement was followed by leftover pizza for lunch and then Danika came to pick up Emmy. They were really so great together. I got us ready and Rae-Anne picked us up to go out for a day on the frozen Moyie Lake. The ice is still 12 inches thick so snowmobiling and fun was in order. It was good to be able to be out with the whole family and get fresh air and exercise.
I came home and made some delicious scallops and started a new puzzle when I got a terrible news call. My dear friend and Emmy’s Daycare ‘Auntie’ lost her beloved son to an overdose. So heartbreaking. She is truly one of the kindest, most loving and generous people on the planet. I hurt for her tonight. It is so unimaginable and yet this is the third close friend I know who has lost a child to drugs or alcohol. Honestly I am grateful to have been the do as I say not as I do parent. I am grateful none of my children have had to deal with those demons. I am hoping to find a way to support my friend at this time as I know that no platitudes will do the trick. I just want to hug Diana.
It was a weird day of walking down memory lane. I spent hours entering data for a company on Salt Spring Island where I lived for 15 years. There were so many recognizable names and my mind would wander off thinking of a good story as I auto piloted through the work. I miss the dear friends from my time in that paradise but I know I would not miss how the island has become. The things I read and reports of homelessness and addiction.. it’s so sad.
After work I picked up Sawyer my 6 year old grandson and my vacuum from the repair shop and came home. Rae had sent along Hawaiian pizzas it is his favourite. Just as it was near to done, Emelia my nearly 4 year old granddaughter arrived. We had a grand time, they played tag and hide and seek and laughed as they entertained GG (great granny Barb) on FaceTime and then Auntie Rosie. It was nice to have some energy around the house but I think poor Missy was starving by the time they fell asleep and she finally came out from under my bed. Promises have been made to have the fun cereal in the morning and play Little Big Planet. I’d best get some rest!!
I wonder if I will ever grow out of the dread I feel instantly in certain moments. I received a text from the President of one of the boards I am on asking if I had time for him to come talk to me. Of course I said ‘yes’. then I spent all time up to that arrival running every negative scenario in my head. I hear about imposter syndrome and I wonder if I suffer from that more than I thought. I think a lot of my stress is because I fear that I will forget something, miss a deadline, or disappoint someone. I don’t know why they put so much faith in me. I do appreciate it though and I will always try to uphold all promise. It turns out he just wanted to discuss the spending of the 177000.00 grant w are going to receive for renovation of the theatre and tech booth. So much excitement. When he arrived I had also just finished getting us approved for rebates of GST for 5575.00 from past years. That was money left on the table which we dearly need. A slam dunk kind of day!
I arranged for the Culligan installer who was here the day I had to go to the hospital in December to come and walk me through the maintenance and care of my whole house water softener system. The water pressure had lessened and the filter needed changing so he showed me how. Great service!
The problem with my day was that i did not eat properly and after he left I found myself ready to pass out. I was overheating, and shaky and nearly fainted. I made some food and sat to work on my puzzle. A little while later Diane R messaged to see if I would like to play Scrabble. It is out last opportunity for a while as her son and Sean’s son are good friends. Sean’s son has just been to Calgary and her son wants to get to get her with him tomorrow. We will wait a week or two before we get together again. We are both tired of other people’s actions changing our worlds. But we shall be kind and patient and play again soon as we ended the game with her winning by only two points. It was so good to play, I can’t remember the last time! we drank nummy tea, ate popcorn and danced to my phone tracks. Kitchen dance party!
Today I pulled my Ice Jersey off the wall and wore it for the day to bring awareness to Anti-bullying. I realized I looked like I was related to the Hanson Brothers from the movie Slap Shot. Sean has their picture on his office wall so I snuck a pic when I was able.
I worked all day and made exactly 12.50 for me but over $5000 in GST rebates for the charity I do the books for. That, my friends, made it a very good day. At one point Diane C stopped in to see Sean and I was thrilled she stayed for a short visit. I hope she gets well soon and finds her dream job. Keri and I had food fromFamily Thai that I love very much but for the second time my system didn’t. I am not sure what it is in Pad See Ew that my guts hate. It’s so delicious I am sure I will have it again. I got a call my vacuum is fixed so I will have to pick it up. The power head had stopped working and I bought a half price deal through the radio for a full service. That was opportune timing. The other coupon I bought was for spa service. I had an appointment at the end of my day for an hour long rejuvenation massage at New Wellness Spa. It did not disappoint! Alison did a great job in a very relaxing atmosphere. Even the mask didn’t ruin it.
Before I went in I saw the gorgeous skyline and thought of my friend Julie who lives near the coast and her love for the mountains. I took a picture and popped it off in a text. when I came out of my treatment she had replied that my shadow looked like Darth Vader. I can’t decide if I look more Jedi or Sith.
Came home to a relaxing evening with my silly cat and a lovely cup or two of tea as I did a new crazy puzzle. I am making a plan to have my two youngest Grandchildren for a sleepover this weekend. Danika says yes, Rae says yes but needs to talk to Roger. That’s fair. I am ok either way but it would be nice.
When out of nowhere your 3 year old granddaughter FaceTimes you to read her new book to her, nothing else can possibly matter. She was wearing a beautiful dress and was thrilled it matched my earrings. She is OneinEmelia all right. I can’t wait to have sleepovers again soon. I may ask Rae-Anne if she …
My new driver’s license arrived on Friday but I actually liked at it closely today and it’s not horrible. I know, I know, high praise indeed.. everyone hates their DL and Passport photos, but I have mastered the art of making my eyes smile when you aren’t allowed to smile. It was strange to see …
Had a good long sleep and then got a message from Danny that he could come at some point this afternoon to see the scope of work at my place. I decided I need to hire a finisher. I hate doing trim and am sure it will stay unfinished at this rate. The bathroom job …
I am am just going to blog early tonight as I want to be relatively on the ball. I have once again spent my Saturday as I please, watching my shows, puzzling and doing chores in between. I woke up running work through my head and spent hours trying to relax and not feel guilty …
The day started out with a paper spree. Maureen came and shopped through all the boxes of paper and card stock that was being given away by one of my clients. I love seeing stuff find a purpose and the Community Theatre will make good use of it. The rest of it is going to …
I have been getting up still to walk on my treadmill and watch Shameless. It really does help me to get up and on with my day but I may have to start going to bed earlier. The problem with that is I didn’t even get home until after 9 and then I had to …
My grandson Sawyer turns 6 tomorrow so I asked permission to mask up and take him shopping for a birthday present. I haven’t spent much time with him in the past year and he hasn’t been to Walmart in as long so off we went to discover what cool toys were out there. On the …
I was mentioning to Sean that I wanted to find a modern, close to the ceiling fan to match my kitchen. I went into my office and searched LED ceiling fan and the first pictures to pop up made me giggle uncontrollably. I sent pictures to Rae and Diane and asked what they thought. They …
triumphgal 