triumphgal

I had a pretty peoply day. Jumping from one thing to another, working hard to concentrate and prioritize. Assisting with new ways to connect for the two board meetings I have Monday and Tuesday, being highly aware of the crack down necessary at the space I work in. I really worked hard to not snap at anyone who felt the need to say, but the kids are still in school, or the restaurants are still open. I just want us to be sheep for a little bit. Let it pass and then celebrate all the freedoms. I was grateful to lock up and go home at 4 to meet my plumber to discuss putting in a new furnace as mine is the original from 1980! It really is a miracle it is still running and there are big rebates on high efficiency ones at the moment so I am going for it. I am pretty sure my furnace is older than my plumber…

While I was waiting for him I finished putting up the decor in my yard.

A little fun for the season. And then I came in and set up my tree. At first I just plunked it together and wondered how it could look great but as the evening progressed I started shaping the branches and it really is beautiful. I am glad I was able to take advantage of the crazy sale on The Bay website.

I really am feeling over stimulated or over called upon, or something approaching, I need a break. I pretty much stopped checking email and Facebook etc and sat in the pretty changing lights of the tree with a glass of red wine and my iPad and started watching The Long Way Up with Ewan MacGregor and Charlie Boorman. It was like catching up with old friends. I watched the 2004 Long Way Round and 2007 Long Way Down. I own the books as well and was so happy when Ashlée asked me if I knew about the recent one. She gave me access on her Apple TV and I am so enjoying it. They are riding from Patagonia, the southern tip of South America all the way to Los Angeles, California, The real twist this time round is they are using prototype electric bikes and trucks. Very futuristic machines. Short range though for what mileage they have to cover. It is interesting to see them getting older and how deep their friendship is. I have enjoyed my down time but after 4 of 10 episodes i had better stop for the night. It is really windy again..

I really struggled with inflammation this morning, coughing up a lot of phlegm. I always need to get it under control before going out in public, especially in these ‘Rona Days. It is exhausting when it is bad, I want to laze around, not try to concentrate. I did, however, go in to work and actually got so much done. I found a mistake I made and fixed it, gave council to a young man about his business, did a little volunteer work and debated what the answer to 8/2(2+2) equals. It is apparently creating arguments on the internet. I know it to be 16 but using different order it could be 1. I also competed a file and filed his GST. A

nd then I listened to Dr Bonnie’s briefing and learned that what has been mandated for the lower mainland has now become Province wide and more restrictions are back.

New Public Health Orders as of today, B.C. WIDE

• Masks are now mandatory at all indoor public spaces.
• Weddings and Funerals are a MAX of 10 people.
• No traveling outside of our own communities.
  (Unless for work or essential travel only)
• NO visitors at our homes, UNLESS you live ALONE
  (1-2 [max] visitors if living alone, but they must be the same 1-2 people throughout)
• Keep to our own households.
• No gatherings what so ever.
• No church services or events – the previous max of 50 is suspended.
  (See virtual alternatives)
• No high-physical indoor group activities – eg. No hot yoga, no spin class
  These are all for the next 2 weeks, when they will reevaluate.

I already had plans to go to Sean and Diane’s for dinner. When I arrived I confirmed they would be my people throughout. We will see how it goes. Dinner was delicious although it contained peppers in the seasoning and my guts are not happy. We played crib and discussed how the new rules would look to our work and play times. Already there had to be changes to the two board meetings I am involved in next week. It was interesting to find out one of the members does not have a cell phone nor a computer that will work for Zoom.

We watched the episode of SNL with Dave Chappell. I was seeing it for the second time and still marveled at how edgy and uncomfortable it was, exactly as SNL used to be. Comedians are often the ones to shed light on what needs to be seen.

I am trying to be calm and kind, and safe. It’s the best I can do.

Los Texmaniacs, that is what I am listening to and I was blessed today to be asked to share that on a live stream for Key City Theatre. They do a regular item on Wednesdays and not long before today’s I was asked to fill in for the time slot. That was exciting and I said yes because a special band of men was on my mind. I will let it speak for itself. https://www.facebook.com/621672395/posts/10157190367002396/

I watch it back and am pleased to share my love for these fine musicians but it is so hard not to judge myself, I see all the pounds gained, the fact that I am growing out a shaved half of my head and allowing the grey to ‘shine’, owning the crone. I am me and as a woman in the building said today: “this is a compliment, no one can ever say you are boring.” All that and yet I cringe, I think those who love me don’t see me negatively, or they may be shocked if they haven’t seen me in a while. All I know is that growing older, expanding the world with loving relationships around the globe, worshiping the gifts of my friends and acquaintances, and loving the life I am creating in this Pandemic World trumps all negative feelings I have about my current appearance. (I used to love the word trump…)

I love that after the interview I go online to realize it is Noel, the Bass player’s birthday. A great day to pay tribute to the band.

Do you ever meet people, effectively in passing, and think you would be great friends in another universe? Sometimes I just know I would happily hang out with people I meet and wish we didn’t live so many states and provinces and oceans and countries apart.

I did a little Christmas shopping for the grands today. It is time to get the orders in if they are going to get here in time. My Christmas tree I ordered through The Bay arrived today. I was going to set it up tonight but it turns out I just needed to relax and watch The Good Doctor. I did get in the mood earlier today by going in early and decorating my office. I know I border on tacky but it brings people to the door to chat and enjoy it and that is the ultimate goal, connection.

I worried that both my and Diane’s new jobs would interfere with out time together as friends. She did contact me tonight to come over for dinner and crib (ok that was my insistence). I suspect Sean may have had something to do with that as I mentioned my concerns that we were all drifting apart. I don’t care how it came to be I look forward to getting together while we still can. The world is experiencing a full on second wave and things are tightening down again. I support this, I just want to see friends while I can. I gave the IT guy, Brett, my laptop to update today so I will be ready to work from home again should it become necessary.

At the end of the day, my other friend Diane messaged to ask if I wanted a lovely tea set. I did want it and more importantly I wanted to see her. She came to the GroundFloor and we had a lovely masked visit. It as been too long. It is hard to stay connected when everything needs to be planned in advance and you need to trust the other’s concept of The Bubble. She is worried about going back to work at BC Assessment and I don’t blame her as it is an open concept office. Not much set up for spacing.

I had fun at the end of the night going through my photo album from just before I left Cranbrook at the end of the 80’s and finding pictures of the guys who were my support and friend posse when I went through my divorce. We all met and hung out at Stringers Racquet Club. I have only the best of memories from that time.

It really is people that get you through the moments, people that share moments and people that leave you with the negative moments. Those guys were the first and my cousins Kelly and Debbi were the second. The third type don’t bare mentioning. Debbi pointed out it has been 8 years since the three of us went to Scarsdale Arizona together. That was one of the best bonding trips I have experienced. me and my two cousins like three sisters on the road.. oh and there was our GPS whom we named as she kept telling us where to go.

The other fun thing I did today was go to the theatre to sell some gear. We have all the old Incandescent theatre lights and I am slowly selling it all off for a good price to people who are working in the arts and need a deal. Any takers??? Lol

Started the day rescuing the blow up decor from the unusually heavy and wet snow. I also needed to knock it off my Maple where I could reach as two years ago a huge branch broke off from a dump of early snow. Shoveled the whole parking area as I don’t like when it freezes in tire ruts and is danger out to walk on. I learned a long time ago to stay ahead of it even with only a small amount so it always gets down to pavement for safety.

Work was very satisfying. My new timer software is working very well. It allowed me to easily jump from file to file as necessary and even take breaks without worrying I would lose time which equals money. I got a lot of big file work done. Found out my garbage man who saved me from the Lion client had another girl. Nice to see their lovely family growing. I started decorating bit by bit at the office. I don’t have lots of room so have to figure out what goes up and what doesn’t. I am working us gently into the season. I talked to Sean to see if there was an option for me to move into the new section of the building with CFEK. I then spoke to Chance about putting a pin into the idea of moving into the station until after the dust settles on his purchase of the business and until the new roof is put on the building. I think it will be too loud to work there while it is being done. I will let Valerie know and ask for us to have first option should someone else be interested as we do really like the space.

I forgot to mention that I had a talk with Lukas over scrambled eggs yesterday morning and he clarified that he could see she was trying to use makeup to hide her age. It had nothing to do with what she was wearing but more that she looked like she was trying to hide something. We had a good talk about image.

After work I picked up Rae-Anne and we had a great date night. Like, really, it may have been the most relaxed fun night out on the town in as long as I can remember. We started at Boston Pizza for a great meal and ridiculously good Peach Long Island Fishbowl. A best friend from the ‘80s in Cranbrook was there with his wife and we got into a crazy conversation about Covid. Tony is a good guy but he has always been a little bit stereotypically Cranbrook. Back in the day when I started my Mechanics Apprenticeship he commented that he was happy for me but he wouldn’t let a woman work on his car! And now I guessed correctly that he is an anti-masker. We let him talk about all the people he knows that were exposed and didn’t get it but he didn’t want to hear about the people I know personally that have it. It was very amiable though. I didn’t get close with him and wore my mask in the restaurant except when we were at our table eating.

After BP we walked across the parking lot to Shopper’s and checked out the deals.

I needed cords and multi plugs for the rest of my decorations so we headed to Home Depot before it closed. From there we had to check out Walmart and the Superstore. I picked up Corn Syrup for baking as I heard there will be a shortage.. good grief what next?

Honestly, we had so much fun and I picked up some Christmas presents for two of the boys which I paid for with PC points and 2.57! Gosh we giggled, it was just so easy. On the way home we stopped at the liquor store and bought a box of wine each and Rae got Roger a beer Advent calendar to complete our Big Box night. She gave me my advent gift calendar as well. It is going to be hard to wait!

I got home and hung my wreath on the door

I reached for a Kleenex and heard a rattle in the box. I moved the tissues into an empty box I kept that my grandson had given me last year to find an earring I had lost three years ago. I had gone to a costume fitting at the Stage Door and when I got out of my truck realized an earring was missing. I had only gotten them a few weeks before and it was a splurge at the time. I was so disappointed. I tore apart my truck and then went back to the theatre and retraced my steps but no luck. I hung the single on the flamingo light I have in my bathroom and there it stayed. Two years or so ago I traded in my truck and brought in all the stuff that was in it. I admit I haven’t gone through it all but I grabbed the box of Kleenex out of the bag a while back. Seems my seat belt probably hooked it off and it landed in the box!! I am soooooo happy to have it back. Another Box!!

All in all a very grand day full of fun boxes!!

I wonder if everyone in the States isn’t in mourning by now. Surely with the death rate from Covid-19 and everything else everyone must know someone who has died. 245789 have died in the US as of today compared to 11027 in Canada. Population comparison is 328 million to 37 million so the numbers are still very skewed towards horror in the States. The numbers in our province are going up in a very disturbing way but no absolutes as far as lockdown yet. I am getting worried that Jake and Mom won’t be able to come up for Christmas. Jake and I considered the possibility of driving up with his Granny and flying home. At least he would be safe to be around when he gets here.

Chance, Viola and I met Valerie at the Elko Station this afternoon to see if it would be a good fit for our office. I think it would be. As expected the parking seemed to be an issue but I don’t think it is something we couldn’t overcome. I would love to make it work but don’t want to pressure him into anything he isn’t ready for. Taking over a company on his own was already a big commitment. I would like to move in for January 1st as Val said we could move in between Christmas and New Years and go from there. Chance came back later in the evening after talking to his parents and had some good questions. We will have to make a decision by the end of the month in order to give notice where we are. I feel I have everything I need to set up and get rolling and the rest can follow.

Elko Station, the last of its kind

Oh I am tired. Was woken up by a text at 6:15 because I forgot to turn my phone to silent. Yet, that was good because Danika introduced me to my new best work tool, an app called Timeular for tracking my billable time! So far so great!

I started my day making a coffee, grabbing some mandarin oranges and climbing back in to bed to watch the last couple episodes of the Mandalorian and a few episodes of the documentary about the directors etc. Had to make myself stop so I could get out in the sun and get things done. I had asked Rae if one of the older boys would like to to come help me put up Christmas Decorations and stay overnight but Gene had homework and she thought Lukas wouldn’t really enjoy that. I decided I had best finish off my fence to at least close the gaps to keep out the deer. My yard is covered in poop and I want to keep them out of my garden and not have them get tangled in my decor. The only real problem was that each of the front corners was dripping as the sun was melting all the snow off my metal roof.

I was nearly done the one side when Ashlée and Obi arrived to drop off Lukas. That was a lovely surprise. He helped me finish the rest which made it go much faster as he was the tool holder and hander.

The other thing Ashlée was here to do was to sign The 46 Willys back over to me. I had inherited it from my Dad when he died in 2004 and then when I left Salt Spring to live in Vancouver in 2010 I gifted it to Ash and we put it on a trailer that her Dad towed to Cranbrook. It is strong arm steering, strong leg brakes and easy to steal so this was the place for it. For the last year it has been in my yard and I will admit it has been hard not to have it be mine so I could get what it needs done and have it on the road. I brought the subject up recently and was stunned when she arrived with transfer and gift paperwork to complete. She even offered to pay the storage insurance. I am so happy. I wanted to keep hugging her over and over. Short of my selling it, it will be hers again some day anyway.

had a good talk with the Neighbour across the street who’s stepfather ended up being the new President and was happy to fill her in on the rest of the story. She said the other two don’t think unkindly of me and it was time someone told it like it is. That was reassuring that I had made the right choices. She also told me she got a new furnace and there were $1600 of rebates right now if you replace a working old one. I am going to call tomorrow as mine is the original 1980 one I am pretty sure. I want to be sure there is room for a new one. If I have to take any of the bathroom space I need to know before I renovate.

The rest of the afternoon we brought out all the inflatables and set them up as well as decorated the front for now. Seems I do need more multi plugs or a good outdoor power bar. Still have more to do but no power. I put up the multi-lights on the one tree for now as they are end to end. The other one will be done soon.

We came in to the delicious smell of the lasagna I had put in the oven. It was outrageously good for a free boxed PC one that came with my groceries last time. The top four ingredients are cheese I think so it is definitely not Weight Watchers friendly but we sure enjoyed it. We watched Space Jam while we ate. I have always loved the soundtrack but completely don’t remember watching the movie in the first place. I can’t imagine how that pitch session went nor how much they must have had to pay all those basketball stars. It truly was odd as hell but I loved it. Part way through we paused it to get in jammies and Lukas helped me change my bed including the cover on my weighted blanket. I really love the winter cover and I think Chewie does as well. Lukas picked the sheets to go with it.

After the movie there was time for an episode of I Can See Your Voice. We like watching The Masked Singer together as well. Lukas is extraordinarily observant but I was stunned when he said “the lady in the silver dress should not try to look young anymore. It would look nicer if she dressed more like her age”. I will revisit that conversation. I want to know more about what made him say that and also reinforce that people can wear whatever they want but I didn’t want to get so deep right before bed. It was pretty interesting coming from a 10 year old though. I set up the machine from the play for him to have the aurora over his bed and he took next to no time to fall asleep.

All in all a lovely, very productive day. I am trying to find a healthy balance to get all the lists crossed off. I speak to the Internist next Monday and I want to be available to get the surgery without worry that there are too many things undone.

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.