triumphgal

I volunteered to go set up lights for a local Ktunaxa project for Truth and Reconciliation. It was important to have privacy so I went early and got everything ready for them and then left for the office for most of the day. The woman who was doing the interviewing is an indigenous police officer and before I knew that her first impression was very strong, full of grace and so grounded. I want that calm presence she gave off. Not sure I got her name correct but it sounded like Eldene. I also met Eldon who was the videographer and he is hoping to buy some lights from us and take some of the equipment that needs work and someone to figure out how it works. Very nice gentleman with a vision. Janice arranged it and she and I know each other as she is on the Board of one of my main clients. Gary was there to act as tech in my absence and he has a good amount of experience but it is not on our new LED board. He is very kind and friendly though. I am pleased out theatre is being used for such important things. When I was done my work for the day I headed to Shopper’s Drug mart to get my Makeup that was on for a good deal and found a super cute figure for the season. Will take a Picture when it finds it’s home. At 5 I went to Maureen’s for such a delicious meal and good company. She had made chicken kebabs and they were soooo good! Sometimes food tastes so good in flavor and texture that I just want to keep eating! After dinner we met at the Theatre so I could be ready to shut everything down when they were done. I showed the lights I am selling to Eldon and he and I will meet on Tuesday for him to pick what he wants. This makes me happy as I am making a little money for the Theatre and supporting a local small business.

Home to relax but I wish I had a tub. My back is sore and I am not sure if it was the shoveling yesterday and today or the Wii games last night. I suspect it is a bit of both, Hopefully it won’t disturb my sleep like last night. Did get a couple loads of laundry done and love my new machines. All in all a very productive day with good people.

It is nearly tomorrow and I have returned home safely, shoveled my way to the door and am tucked on the couch listening to the wind shudder my home. I love Friday the 13th because I embrace the superstition and turn it into a positive for me. that seemed easier today as it was to celebrate Diane for her last day at the Firm and her birthday. I seriously got so much crazy shit done today and then joined the Campbells and Watsons who I trust to be aware of their bubble because they care about my health as well as their own and Jill is expecting soon. Being able to enjoy a roast beef dinner and a romping game of Wii Trivial Pursuit was so much fun. we also had fun with bowling, boxing (exhausting) and golf before it was time to head home. I think Diane enjoyed her day and I hope someone besides her reloads the dishwasher!!!!

The better part of my day was spent on not making money stuff but that is ok. First off was dressing for the part of an agent for a scene I had to film. Trevor Lundy sent a two person scene to me, asked me to film my part and he would combine it with another’s. I don’t know who that will be so I look forward to the result. Took a few tries but I was pleased with the ultimate result and sent it off. Part way through the day my new order of masks showed up and I love them! They are the kind that have ear and neck loops. So great for keeping clean and handy. Eshakti for the win.

When I got home I was quite surprised by the amount of snow as I had shoveled this morning. I have to say it was great to see Maureen and Sheila about Theatre things today and order Christmas trees for the Ground Floor and myself from the Bay on their crazy one day sale, as well as work over the phone and through the new technology of bookkeeping software. It pleases me how far the medium has come and I just have to keep up! There is still a wee part of me that is feeling the pressure of catch up but I am good with that and know I will accomplish all I have promised. I am ticking off the list and feel good about that.

Throbby Bobby is making himself at home at the moment. I suspect it is a stage of healing but it is 6 weeks tomorrow and I am sure the break is healed but something weird is happening with the nail. They say it won’t heal in place but it really feels like it is and that it is just tingling in a reconnect kind of way. Maybe wishful thinking but for now I am grateful it is not loose at all!

I have a very unusual desire to have a pet again. I have only truly fallen in love with rescue pets and there may be one coming down the line as I seem to be mentally preparing for that. I wish I knew if it was going to be a dog or a cat…. or maybe a Llama!!!

Today was me caught between all my obligations. It wasn’t stressful, I was just aware that I did not earn much no matter how much I accomplished. I took care of all pressing needs and just pin-balled through the day. There were so many amazing moments that I was grateful to take from; good deep conversations with Sean and Layla, a FaceTime from my Jackie, a messenger session with my friend Pauline in Bella Bella before going to the post office to mail off her gift of a painting that I did a while ago that she loved. I am ticked that I didn’t take a picture as the packaging was quite spectacular. It will be interesting to see how long it takes to get there. I have been bringing plants back to life, so I guess my thumb is green after all!

I had a lovely visit with Sheila, the Vice President of the community theatre board when she came to sign cheques. I love getting these moments to learn more about people. She is a scrap booker and is looking to do an autobiography type session in January which I would love to do.

I told Sean and Cindy that I am potentially moving from the GroundFloor and it went very well. I am not saying who may be moving with me as it is their news to share should it all be solidified. It is really a tough decision as there are many pluses about staying where I am but I need more space and am ok with having to shovel, be more responsible for my space. Oh, on that note, I looked up recovery time for Hiatus Hernia surgery and it says up to 3 or more months before labour or heavy lifting. I can work around that, I just want it done and then I can maintain it. There are no guarantees it will stay fixed apparently.

It is my sister-in-law’s 60th birthday today. I hope she is embracing it. She was not happy when I announced her age at 50 but I want to believe that life is worth embracing at every stage. I called the florist on Salt Spring and ordered 60 carnations to be delivered, one for every year of joy. She really is a joyous spirit to be around and it is too bad we are so far apart. She has two sisters and yet calls me sis, it means a lot.

Mid afternoon, Jackie FaceTimed me and it was lovely. We had some good laughs and I could tell when she was understanding me and when she was trying hard to say something. I wish she would have gotten therapy as planned before all this. She says she isn’t bored but I don’t know how she isn’t. It is still hard to tell what the entire damage of the Brain Aneurysm was. She didn’t drool this time but her cough was more noticeable. I wonder what stage her lung cancer is at… I should probably reach out to her son Reid to get at update.

Right when I was thinking about Diane’s birthday tomorrow and what risk I was willing to take to spend it with her I listened to Dr Bonnie who said straight up “if you have a doubt, don’t do it” I am very conflicted as I want to spend time with my family and my framily but need to be super protective of my own health. No one else is as responsible as I am for my own safety. I would love to see several people right now but need to be Uber cautious. I will see her for sure tomorrow as I have had her give for a long time, and it is also her last day at the Firm. AND IT’S FRIDAY THE 13th!!!

I came home and when I went to get something out of the fridge I knocked the small container of Feta out and the lid wasn’t secure. Big mess and am still not convinced I got it all. Bring on the perpetual sweat sock smell…

There are so many subjects running through my head, too much to deal with tonight but know I am aware you are out there. I care that you are reading along, no matter where you are. And if English isn’t your first language, or maybe more importantly, if it is, I apologize for my grammar skills. I don’t often go back and parse my writing, let me know if I should!

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada and the US. I honour the sacrifices of the ancestors and those who this day are protecting and serving. There was a time in my life I felt I would go military but realized soon that my personality would probably not suit that endeavor. I doubt I would survive as a grunt and know that my empathy would have destroyed me. I don’t know how the gentle souls make it through unharmed mentally, how anyone does. And that doesn’t even account for the physical damage. The men and women serving and the families at home coping. It is unimaginable what the human mind and body can deal with, survival sometimes is not the end result, over there or later, back here. So, I say thank you, to the survivors and the generations of family feeling it.

Today was the first time I had to shovel. It didn’t take long as the snow was only mildly damp. It is so peaceful and clean out there. It’s pretty. I do love snow.

I went in to the office while it was closed to get my volunteer book work done. There were only two guys there and I was getting a lot done. First one Peter stopped to drop off paperwork and then he was followed immediately by another Peter, lol. He and I spent a couple hours sorting through the issues with a file and got to a good point where I should be able to go forward. It is important to keep ahead of the need for Funder Requested Reports. I look forward to catching the file up to the point of just maintaining on the regular.

One of the things I introduced another Board to was Doodle.com as it is a good free site for creating polls and I think would work well for voting and discussions, scheduling meetings, etc. In the works of email, zoom etc. It gets complicated following email trails so I hope both of the organizations I am involved with find it useful.

The last couple hours of my day was spent assisting a new volunteer Treasurer with setup and reconciliation of Quickbooks Online. It seems to have become my niche. It was fairly easy with the way you can import bank info.

Once I got home I tossed the chicken breast I’d left to thaw into the Air fryer for 20 minutes and made a delicious salad with it, a little romain, avocado, cucumber, feta and Tsatziki. Delicious, healthy and quick as a wink!

I have been thinking a lot tonight about the minutia of my life and wonder what it is all for. Going through the motions.. are there people out there that are for the most part satisfied with their lives? I suppose there must be genuinely happy people, I think overall two of the ladies at the office are. I, for the most part, am happy. I find joy in the lights in my tree, the softness of the snow, even shoveling. It just feels a little wash, rinse, repeat.

I meant to post this last night. Have you figured out I love trains?

Today felt a little all over the place but also full of promise. Viola and I popped out to Staples when I got the email that my scanner had arrived. On the way back we stopped at Safeway and I dropped a plant and M&Ms to Rae who was having a bad day.

Later I popped out again to go look at a place for an idea I have. More will be revealed. As much as I want to talk about it a lot, I know I need to take a breath, look at all angles and make a plan as it involves other people.

The work day ended up with volunteering to pour drinks and pre-set them for two Chantal Krevaciuk shows at the Royal Alexandra Hall, sponsored by Huckleberry Books. I was super impressed with the precautions in place for between shows, especially Galen and his Ghostbusters outfit. Once again Chantal owned the room with her singer songwriter tales of origin.

When I came out it had snowed but was more crystals and I was able to sweep it away when i got home.

At the last minute I decided it was a beautiful evening and walked down to the mailbox. There was junk mail and an envelope from The UK!! Dang that Mrs. H though, the packet was so well sealed I almost had to put a return to sender on it as I couldn’t open it. It did put a huge grin on my face when I opened it to find a postcard and sheep from Stonehenge. That day with them last year on Friday Sept 13th was on e of the brain scar moments of my life. That they were there and thought of me… well that is the true gift of friendship isn’t it. Miles, minutes nor pandemics can keep us apart. I miss my UK Framily and just rest in the knowledge that someday we will meet and hug again, somewhere in the world.

It was a low key day of good work, good food and taking care of my throat. My new chair arrived and it takes a little to figure out where it is the most comfortable. It goes very well with my lamp and keyboard. Thank you to RM Office for the good deal and delivery!

After work I came home and had some delicious leftovers before heading over to challenge Diane to a few games of Patchwork. It was a nice visit which we haven’t made time for with all the changes in our lives. They were close fun games and she didn’t kick my butt at my own game for a change.

Pretty busy reading email from the various things I volunteer(ed) for. The minutes from the strata blow up meeting finally came out and I have to give him credit for all the details. There was no mention of why I actually left but most things were close to accurate and I am ready to answer to anyone who asks. Funny to be next reviewing a Code of Conduct to be voted on for another organization I am involved in. I am sure they couldn’t even imagine one of those meetings going that way. Grateful for being out of one situation and into the other. I still have to review the technical aspects of CCT putting on a streamed repeat of a Christmas show from a previous season. That and a promised video of me doing one side of a two person scene without knowing who I am acting against until it is all cut together by Trevor Lundy is keeping my toes in the theatre world. Unfortunately, Chantal found another way to get to Cranbrook tomorrow. I hope she has safe travels and I look forward to being the bar service for her two shows tomorrow night. It’s unusual as people pre-order their drinks and we have them left on their tables for when they are seated so there is no moving around or bunching up. I am looking forward to it. Not taking a 6 hour round trip gives me more time to earn money, so there’s that….

I got up at a decent time with great plans for the day. I read my messages to see Diane had found a stainless steel range hood for sale for only $10. I contacted the seller and went to pick it up. It looks in great shape and is the same type I installed in a previous kitchen on Salt Spring. I emptied my car and got ready in case I do go to Trail. I also took my recycle to the bin and dropped my refundables for the SPCA. Next was to go do two Gas station missions for the mystery shopping company I work for on the side. They took a long time start to finish but I did need gas and my car needs to be on empty to get two missions in with gas purchases. I actually enjoyed both of them as the staff at both were so great. It is such a treat to find super nice and helpful people in service level jobs. There were two young people who really took pride in keeping the cleanest store bathroom I have ever seen. I was happy to report that and hope management rewards them. I have 3 more to do but have until the end of the month. I think one of them will need to be done during the week as it is a card lock.

Came home tired out and my throat a little sore so made some food and watched another episode of The Drew Barrymore show. I really want to like it but I just don’t. I have always adored her but just can’t handle her style in this setting. I feel the same about Kelly Clarkson. Treacle is not my taste. Ellen has come to be more of the opposite. She is generous, or her sponsors are, but her humour seems mostly based on humiliating others. No more Daytime TV for me. I switched to something completely different and watched the first two episodes of ‘NEXT’. It stressed me a little bit, will have to see if I stick with it. It’s a sort of Alexa takes over the world theme. Don’t trust your devices and after watching the documentary on that subject recently… oh who am I kidding, I am not going to get rid of my devices but then again there is nothing in my life they will care to take over.

There was a knock at my door and it was Rae-Anne with holiday ice cream sandwiches which is a treat I look forward to. Fudgesicles and ice cream sandwiches remind me of time spent with my Granddad and are my fave treats. Sweet of her to bring them. My throat is sore still so I shall have one and then a lozenge and take myself to bed early. Sleep heals.

I had bought a new mask last night and will wear it through to Wednesday for sure, Lest I forget.

Slept with no alarm which is always my favourite. Stayed laying in bed and listened to the news about the still undecided election. Made a meme and posted it just before hearing it had been decided and Biden is the new President of the United States. My throat is sore today, I suspect I ate while it was still numbed yesterday. Rae messaged asking if I needed anything and one of her besties, Vanessa showed up with Cepacol to help take the pain away. They really work well. I really didn’t accomplish much but watched the last of Queen’s Gambit and Shtisel. By late afternoon I started feeling better and realized I had accomplished nothing I had planned to in beginning my kitchen renovation in anticipation of the appliances arriving next week. I showered up and headed over to Diane’s for brows and nails. We both masked up and had a good visit. While I was there I received an email that my appliances weren’t going to be here until at least the end of the month. That worked out well. I was on duty for The Kenny Hess show at the Royal Alexandra for Key City Theatre. I sat behind a plexiglass wall confirming names and phone numbers for contract tracing and welcoming everyone to the show. Two great things potentially came of it. I was asked if I would be available for and interested in driving to Trail on Tuesday and picking up Chantal Krevaciuk to bring her back to Cranbrook for two shows that night. It is supposed to snow and I have a good vehicle and experience driving the area. It will be confirmed tomorrow. I had to call Ashlée to let her know and I got the exact reaction I expected as Chantal is married to her favourite singer, Raine Maida, the lead singer of Our Lady Peace. I hope it happens. I have a feeling she will be interesting. The other great thing revolves around an option to rent the Historical Elko station for office space. I love, love, love that space. I think I will have to revisit it and think about who I could get to share the space if I were to make that kind of move. I have a plan to rip out my shower tomorrow and get going on my bathroom Reno since the kitchen is on hold. We will see, it may be a good read a book day as well. I love how my Christmas Cactus is reaching for the light.

Didn’t rest well, awoke at 5. stayed in bed until my alarm at 7:30 thinking about the previous evening and the day to come. Keri picked me up and brought me to work where I set up my office which the things I had gotten at Staples. I love my new Keyboard. The chair should be showing up from RM on Monday. I am happily nesting for the winter and the jobs ahead. I was getting hungry and really missing my coffee by the time we headed to the hospital for 11. Once there I was treated so kindly by all. The Covid protocols were in full force. I let everyone know to watch out for my toe as I didn’t want Bobby to become Throbby again. The hardest part of the whole thing was my usual diving veins so getting an IV to the back of my hand is a big challenge. I had been warned that the spray to numb the back of my throat would be the worst but honestly it was no worse than the inflammation I have been dealing with for a year or more. I dozed in and out but the actual thing didn’t take long at all and when I fully woke they gave me water and cookies thankfully. There was a paper waiting for me with the Dr’s info to call and book a follow-up. The words Hiatus Hernia were on it. Keri picked me up at 2 and brought me home along with all my food out of the work fridge so I can get through it this weekend and not waste anything. I heated up some leftovers and tried out my new AirFryer that arrived. The office called to book an appointment for results and treatment on the 23rd. such a long time. Then I sat on the couch and watched Crazy Rich Asians and started Queen’s Gambit. My chest hurts a little and I wish I had some ice-cream sandwiches. Maybe yogurt will do…

I had a great day at the office. There was so much caring and everyone wearing masks. The coffee cart situation has been addressed and I feel like people are giving everything so much more importance than they did previously. We even took a fun picture together in our custom PPE.

I really felt like the day went well working on the books I had previously caught up 7 months of for a Board meeting. This was the first ‘regular’ month and it was a lot less overwhelming. An accountant clerk that I worked with previously did a solid nice thing, offering a discount on her website to new clients who use me or one other local bookkeeper. That is quite the compliment and smart of her as a way to have us drive traffic to her as well. After work I went to Staples as they are having a tech sale and a scratch and save. I needed a new keyboard. I opted for an awesome mechanical gaming one. When I sent the picture to my son Jake he laughed and sent me a picture of the one he bought yesterday that is a step down from mine. I am the cool Mom, lol. I also came away with a new desk calendar, small boot tray and a gum ball machine! I had to order the small scanner I wanted as there were none left in store. It was good timing as it was on sale.

I had a strata council meeting at 7 and it only took about 5 minutes for it to go sideways. The President quit because twice in 6 weeks I had apparently questioned his integrity over a parking space and trying to purchase trailers in our park. I had merely asked questions and expressed concern that we couldn’t look like we were trying to kick owners out. I felt he could offer to purchase but not do it as a Board member but a letter had been sent out suggesting people sell. This all happened after the last meeting that I was unable to be at. After Bob got up and left, Fred, the secretary decided to school me and ended up bellowing across the table at me “What part of this don’t you Fucking understand?”. He is a large loud man and I said I understand that if you don’t agree with Bob and Fred you don’t count. I calmly stood up, said ‘I guess you need two board members now, as I will not be talked to like this. Thank you for the hospitality”, and put my boots on and walked out the door. Not entirely sure how they can proceed without a President or Vice but then again they may have just called Bob and told him to come on back. I made it across the park to my place and started hyperventilating. I FaceTimed Rae-Anne to talk me down as she knows Fred and had read the emailed letter from him calling me names because I asked questions. I will not play with petulant children. I have done my part in the year and a half on the Board which included bringing in a garbage collection and suggesting getting visitor parking which we now have. I guess that was what I was there to do. Now I am removing some more unnecessary stress from my life. Can’t wait to read the minutes!

I calmed down, made Prawns and rice as I had to have a very mild dinner due to the gastroscope tomorrow. I am nervous, I want them to find something fixable. I want to feel healthy again.

Oh and when I say triggered I mean that all this happened 3.5 hours ago and I still feel anxious, locked all my doors, feel like looking over my shoulder constantly and want to be able to sleep with one eye open. Sometimes the past can haunt the present….

Dead senator

That, to me, defines the state of mind of the nation to the south of us. I squirm when I hear the news at how close the election is. It seems the standard for the Greatest Nation on Earth has created a very low bar. I know so many fine American folks and feel their pain as they go through this period in history. We, as a nation have had our own embarrassments but I don’t believe we have ever re-elected them or given such support in the face of so much evidence that a different choice needs to be made. I guess my perspective may be clouded by the common sense of electing the best people for the job, not just staying tied to a party for life. I reserve that kind of dedication to being an Anaheim Ducks fan.

I worked all day on site at a client’s location. It was nice to hang out with her and get lots done. I woke late and we had a good laugh. I stepped out to go for my flu shot and found C3P0 on the ground beside my car where he’d fallen out in my hurry. I am glad I found him before someone else did!

While at Safeway for my shot I saw a new cereal which I shall not be trying. The Chinese food was a real surprise and for 9 dollars I got enough for lunch and dinner. It was good!

And that was pretty much my day. I have been home trying to make a plan of attack for my Renovation weekend I have planned. The new appliances are supposed to be arriving soon and I hope the countertop as well so I need to start removing the wall board in the kitchen and getting ready. I have three empty totes now that I had been using at the theatre so I will pack them with my kitchen counter stuff. May take my wee Keurig to work since I need it out of the way for a bit. Have to make a decision about my sink as well. I would like a new one but do feel strongly I need to invest in a water softener system first. I should go to the store and see what is recommended and available locally.

Today didn’t involve earning much money but I got a lot done prepping to do so. had to finish getting access to PST and GST and ROE and received a new signed contract with an interesting new business. I think the manager of the space I work in may be getting frustrated with me as I keep bringing up Covid protocols. I am getting nervous about the plans to expand to allow a market cart in with the intention to attract the public into the space. I may start coming in and out the back door that is right next to my office and just keeping to myself. I could bring my Keurig and Sodastream and be pretty self sufficient. So much to mull when there are new recommendations for good 3 layer masks and going back to the safe 6. I feel that there is a bigger threat than ever here and too many believe they are in a safe 6 with their families and friends. There are more than there are 23 and a baby on the way in the group that work and socialize together who all consider themselves in a bubble. That is too many for me and doesn’t allow me to see my family if I am not distanced from them. I also have my scope on Friday and am very concerned I will even get a cold and not be able to get it. The face I am so tired and not sleeping well doesn’t help but I do have an extra sensitive sense of smell so that’s a positive. I kept thinking all day about a friend from back in the hood who has been diagnosed and spent time at the cabin with his elder Dad. It must be so scary for them.

Came home at a decent time and ate an entire flatbread which is contrary to my meal planning. It was tasty though. I watched the newest episode of The Good Doctor. I think they did a really good job of showing what it was like in the early days at hospitals, dealing with the unknown, the fear, the separation from families in the staff and the public. And touching on the fact that we all thought it would pass soon and now… here it is November. I am going to check on the US presidential election and go to bed. Tomorrow is another day to get through.

This was a special Monday. It was the day I began charging out on my own terms, no longer contracted to anyone who isn’t the person I am doing the work for. No more middle women or men, just clients whom I like and like me and what I do. It was a long tiring day as it was end of month payroll and remittance processing day. It was very satisfying though. I have to remember to keep good track of time in the day though as I haven’t found a good replacement timer system. I don’t wish to purchase the accounting software that I used at the firm. Will have to research that more. I spent the evening researching water softener systems for my place instead as I don’t want my new appliances to get damaged and want to take advantage while the plumber will be here to get it installed as well. So many mostly expensive options…

On my way home from work I had stopped by to see Danika as it was her 24th birthday. Jake had asked me to pick up a gift from him and Emmy. Emmy loved the wrap and Danika loved the rum. I am pretty sure she will enjoy the gift card to the Heidout and the offer of looking after Emmy as well.

I got a big jump on CCT treasurer duties today as well. I am tracking my volunteer time now as well because it makes me feel better when I have a super long day to know that I made money and gave back as well. Had a wee chat with my Mom, had to FaceTime nag her to get moved up here. I strongly feel it is time for her to come home. She grew up in Kimberley and all her family is either here or a relatively short drive from here. My brother and family live on Salt Spring Island but she could go visit them and be around all of us rather than live alone and isolated due to Covid.

I am super in my head tonight, didn’t even really think I had anything to say on here but it is so much easier with this iPad keyboard. I just start and my brain filters out through my fingers. I wonder if I am so tired because I haven’t had a drink since Saturday evening. I do have the habit of happy hour after work. Been enjoying that since my construction days with Chris. We would stop at The Local every day on the way home from work. It became just a habit but I am worried that it has done damage to more than my waste line. I don’t think for a moment I have quit drinking but I am going to one day at a time it until makes a difference in my weight loss. I think it may help with the inflammation problem as well. Worth a try.

So, there’s that….

Changed the clocks, did some laundry, checked in with friends. Lots of changes going on in my circle. I want to be supportive, am working to refill my tank so I can be. One of the ways I can remove stress is to get things off my list. As the Tech Director for the community theatre I had started sorting and cleaning out the back room. I am still working on parting ways with old equipment but in the meantime purchased shelves to hold what we are keeping and get things organized. I had a wonderful offer from my friend Viola to come help me this afternoon. I know that my mind tries to convince me I am not capable of things, that I will not get life right and sometimes it just takes a friend to force me out of that mindset, however temporarily. Working together, chatting, getting something accomplished is a gift for a weary soul. I am reminded continuously of the value of reaching out and of accepting love from a friend. Earlier in the day I had met with Maureen to get the treasurer side of things on a roll as well. It doesn’t look nearly as bad as I was concerned. Another win! V and I got so much done I was very excited when I left and just had to send photos to the Board.

Now I just have to find someone who would like our old gear. The Board liked my proposal to pay it forward to a similar group but not many are even running right now. I still have to sort all the extension cords as well. I want to measure and label them all. After leaving there I stopped to drop off my actifryer at Roger and Rae’s as it is bigger than I need and I ordered a more compact model with some of my air miles. Had a cute visit with some of the kids as Sawyer was happy my foot is getting better (no air cast) and they got to have a look at Throbby Bobby. He actually looks pretty amazing this 4th week in . It doesn’t hurt to put pressure on him anymore.

Next I went back to superstore to get another reel of lights to finish my tree but they were out!! The service desk took my info and were going to try to let me know if more come in. If not I will have to do something else. I picked up things for Will for his birthday this month and also could not resist getting myself a talking plush of the child in the Mandalorian (baby Yoda) I will post when I decide to unbox him. As I came out of the store the sky was gorgeous and I was reminded of the way I feel when I stare out across the sea. That see forever feeling of freedom and reminder of how large the Universe is outside of my little box I am currently in.

Of course I had the terrible interrupted sleep of alcohol. That combined with residual stress from October had me annoyed at being up early. I simply made some coffee, searched and found the sunglasses I’d promised Aiden and settled on the couch to watch mindless tv for a while. Leyton showed up to help me put a sealed bag around the mattress out in the tent trailer and add another tarp to get it ready for winter. Sean and Aiden showed up to bring me back to get my car. I headed from there for my first big in person shop at Superstore since the beginning of the year. It was like being at Disneyland and I came away with so much that I got free food. I picked up small toys for the four grandsons, one granddaughter and Zoë. I hid them in plain sight in the yard for when they would arrive later. Made a nummy lunch after putting away all the groceries and settled to watch a few more shows. Did a little book work on line while i was at it. Also stole Dianes ideas and hung my bananas. Everyone arrived within a few minutes of each other and the costumes were adorable. Danika had made Emmy’s from scratch and she was truly adorable even if at first she was grouchy having just woken from a nap.

After everyone left I was feeling a bit at odds as I really really really love Halloween, especially sharing it with others. Over the next 3 hours or so I made a fire, shared some candy with Ashlée so she could hand it out while working, wrapped the lights I bought today around my tree (have to get more), and decided to use my rake as a delivery system to the 29 trick or treaters who came to my house.

One thing I didn’t realize until the end of the night when I dumped the treats was that the Mars bars were in a separate bag as they had been prepared away from Nuts. That is so cool that even in a mixed box there was consideration for allergies.

I wonder how many more kids we will have once the large complex next door is completed! It was an odd evening but I am ok with it. Not sure if it is older and wiser, comfort with my own self, pure exhaustion or a combo of it all, but I am ok to have been alone and now I hope to sleep longer than the time change.

Friends stepped up to get me through this day. there were tears and drama and fun and food and done, just done….

It was my last official day working for the firm and things did not go as smoothly as they could have. I got through the tears, anger and disappointment thanks to Keri, Layla, Sean, Madi, Viola, Chance, Diane, Melisa and Rae. These people at different moments in my day brought me down to earth with their support, encouragement and kindness, I went to my friends after work and was grateful to be there but also drank too much and put a call out to family for a ride home. Bless his heart, my son in law, Roger came and drove me home.

I was happy today to actually apply for and receive my own Business Number. In 26 years I have only used my Social Insurance Number and now I am all official and what not, lol.

I want to share the most wonderfully decorated Halloween spot in my neighbourhood. I makes me happy.

Aiden cracks me up

I am intoxicated… I am free… I shall sleep like a baby tonight. This will be because of the second not the first cause…. Thank you Covid-19 for showing me I can be more than I had settled for.

Today was so much less stressful. Got a lot done in my allotted time even with odd interruptions. I was watching the front desk of the co-working space as Cindy was away and Sean had to go for a meeting. The first people to arrive after he left were the people he was meeting with that had arrived at our space. Pretty funny mix up and everyone got coffee and a good chuckle while they waited for his return. Later in the day he kindly went to get Starbucks and a guy arrived with an attitude. We have stepped up our Covid protocols and there is clear signage to wear a mask and sign in. This gentleman seemed to think none of that applied to him and was challenging my polite requests. I felt disgusted by his attitude and hope not to have him visit our space again. His number was from a neighbouring province so unlikely we will see him again. I did get a call from the Safeway pharmacy that my name came up on the list for a flu shot. I go next Wednesday and confirmed that it will not effect my Endoscopy two days later. I have much gratitude that it is available as it is something I get every year. I really like the people in the GroundFloor. There is camaraderie and caring like I haven’t experienced in a long time and on top of it, everyone understands I am busy now and wait until I come out for interaction rather than interrupting. Turns out the final file I am working on is much more than even I expected so I will just work on the tedious stuff to make it easier for the person taking over.

After work I picked up my oldest, Rae-Anne and off we went to Perry’s for wing night. I have to say that as much as I love the wings I was very unimpressed with the lack of Covid protocols. We were wearing masks going in and everyone just stared at us. The server and Perry were up in our space and were not masked. Napkins were just moved from previously used tables. He brought a basket of chicken bones from another table and stacked them together with ours right in front of us. It is sad to say I won’t go back there but it may be a little too old school and lax for me.

So off we went to the Heidout for dessert which was like night and day. All staff were masked and friendly, the food was delicious and much laughter occurred. Rae and I had a great evening of swapping work stories and catching up. I really enjoyed the wine flight as I discovered I like Siren’s Call. I don’t remember picking up a glass that wasn’t peaty scotch and loving the bouquet so much. And don’t get me started on the Coconut Maple Crème Brûlée! While there I noticed Danila who I know through theatre at another table. As she was leaving I called her name and we did the hi how are you across the way. A minute later I looked up to see her coming towards me with what I knew was a hug to give. We paused and she asked and I checked my gut and much to my surprise I turned my face away and said yes please. When I said I really needed that she just squeezed harder and I didn’t want to let go. It is amazing when you meet someone who can comfortably offer and return a good hug. I often wonder what the awkward quick huggers feel. If they get as much from it as I do from a real energy swapping moment. Thank you Danila.

I am returning my chair to the office tomorrow so Rae brought me to her place to try hers as there is one like it for sale at the business she works at. While in her home office I saw a project Lukas did that is really great. My name and my Mom’s are spelled a bit different (middle name Lyn and first name for her is Mildred) but what a great job. I remember doing that at around his age and finding out that my Mom and sister had drowned when I was 3 months old and that my Mom was my stepmom and my brother my half brother. It was strange to realize the similarities in the curriculum and no wonder I was so effected by that information when I think how young and how old I was when I found that out.