Awoke to swollen spots on my hands from many slivers off the pressure treated post I was using for leverage yesterday. I stopped by my daughters but she was showering for work so I arrived at the Groundfloor and asked the manager, a Mom of 4 if she could help. 7 or 8 pulled and they were all out. Great full service there!
I stopped by my daughters both this morning and after work. It is so good to get Grandkid hugs again! I miss Emmy a lot I was used to seeing her once a week but her mom is being very considerate of my health because her boyfriend works with a lot of different people and she doesn’t want to bring his bubble into mine but that just extends it further and I look forward to the time when we are also in the same bubble and I can hug and snuggle Emmy again.
It was going to be so hot today that I brought my red wine bottles to the office so they would be in a more neutral temp. They may have been calling me. I was given a little Grandma style stool for a footrest under my desk but it really wasn’t very comfortable until today when I took two of the legs off. Now I’m styling.
It was hot when I got home from dinner and crib night but I have a crazy good fan over my bed and for most of the night sleep under my duvet. Security trumps heat.
Up and at the chores, had been way too long since I’d even done my dishes. Diane was a huge blessing, coming to help me roll the nearly empty pool over and take all my recycling away. Off we went to Home Depot to pick up another section of fence and the missing screws from one I already had. We are also on the search for a mirror for her office wall so she can see the mountains from her desk. It used to be my office and I always thought that would be a plus. I got back just in time to have a shower and remove the dressing from my tattoo, and have a bite to eat before Roger arrived to bring me out to the Perreault Family property out on Moyie Lake. I had only gone years ago across a scary old bridge and once since by boat so I was quite surprised and thrilled at the ride out. It is very much a slash trail through the forest and was so beautiful but it was also shocking to see how close the fire had gotten to their property.
The first thing that had to happen was the boys showing me how they can run the backhoe. Gene, 13 and Will , 8 set right to showing me their skills and then Gene taught his Dad how to use it. Right proud of them!!
We had some food off the bbq and all headed down to the shore. I was disappointed not to be able to swim due to the fresh tattoo but it was perfect temperature and it seemed we would settle in with our beer and books. There quickly became a new adventure as it was time to get the dock off the beach. When the water was higher it had managed to settle too far up to even push it with the tractor. Many methods were used to get it closer to the water and then a combo of the quads pulling it back and forth and Roger and I on the pushing end, pyramid style finally launched it. We were all exhausted by then but it was very satisfying.
Took a lot to get them all packed up and I was invited by Sawyer to join him and Lukas in the back of the truck for the drive back out to civilization. Gene and Will were going ahead on bikes with the dog, Obie. It was fun and bumpy and I got them to wolf howl. The riders made it a long way ahead of us and we only had to cart Will for a short bit at the end of a big climb. I was filming when I heard loud crying and we came upon Will who had lost control and crashed. He had a bleeding elbow and a scrape on his belly but nothing broken. Just another adventure!
Eventually we met up with Gene and Obie, all of us settled into seatbelts in the trucks and headed in to town. All and all a most excellent adventure!
I got home and a short time later received a message from a friend who it seems had just moved at the end of June, into the apartment I moved out of in August 2018. She had received a cheque for me from a job I did. Sure love small cities! Booted over to pick it up and then came home to relax and watch some 90 Day Fiancé before heading to bed.
I woke up this morning thinking about my boy. He turns 26 today and I love all my children completely but Jake was my absolute choice. I did not choose to have him in the first place but I definitely chose to keep him. Not everyone has a story like Jake and I but all of it leads to gratitude I will not choose to change a moment of it if that would mean not having him in my life. I was in the middle of my tattoo when he called about a watch that we were ordering for me and I was able to have a great conversation with him and find out that I would get to see him next month when he comes to stay with his daughter. I look forward to that very much. They will stay with me which makes it even more special.
Which brings me to my tattoo. I was very excited to be able to share what I hoped for and have quick design revisions to end up with my Vancouver Island MusicFest tribute tattoo on my right leg just above the ankle bone. When I am at music fest I have a great deal of pink. I try to have everything is hot pink as I can so people can find me easily and my cart is decorated with that so no one will drive off in it. so, of course, that will include pink flamingos over the years, thus, that’s my choice for my tribute tattoo. it happens that last year was my 11th year at music fest, this is the missing year, but it is also my 11th tattoo. I chose to get it done by Kimberly Frixel who played my daughter in the tin woman as that’s when we became friends and since then she has opened her own business, The Tattooed Unicorn. we sat and chatted, she made some drawings, I adjust them and then suddenly I knew it was exactly what I wanted and today I went and spent 2 1/2 hours under her gun. She is new and takes longer but is also a little obsessive so I don’t have to worry as I think she is her own biggest critic and pays extraordinary attention to every little detail. I was very happy with the result.
Afterward I decided to treat myself to fish and chips as I had a gift card to the hideout. As I was pulling up to park, I had a phone call from my mom, who told me that uncle Toni is being transferred and treated and it may not be the end after all. I’m so confused, my emotions don’t even know how to handle it, so I told her just to let me know one way or the other if something should change. Don’t get me wrong I am grateful that he is not dead it’s just that yesterday I thought he was so I have already processed his passing and now it seems he has not. It’s weird, trust me. The fish and chips were almost as good as the Belgian Wit.
I continued working on getting the pool empty which is green and gross and then putting together the sections of my fence although there were screws missing and I will deal with that tomorrow. Next I came in and got my sewing machine working properly and fixed Diane‘s mask and mine and took off to deliver it to her which of course led to drinking wine and playing crib and enjoying many laughs. there is talk of Ireland in 2023 for some landmark birthdays!
Today was a struggle. I honestly believe that my brain thinks my heart is physically broken so it is sending fluid to try to heal it. This week especially each time I take an emotional hit the inflammation gets so bad that I couldn’t even swallow some rice for lunch and my breathing gets very laboured, my voice gets gruff and I feel like I am drowning. I had a quick telephone appointment with the doctor picked up a prescription, talked things out with friends, had three good hugs and things started to settle down.
I popped home to change before heading over for dinner with the Campbells. I slid open my closet door to get comfy pants and as I turned away I noticed something on the floor inside the closet. Now, understand that no one but myself has been in my bedroom for a very long time and there, on the floor was a Picture of a child, a head shot. On the back it identifies that it is 7 year old Evan in 2012.
Yes, I will admit to being a little freaked out. It is no one I know and even if it is from the people who owned the place before me it has been mine since August 2018 and I disturbed nothing this morning taking my dress out of the closet that should have produced that picture lying on the ground. First the bot print in the kitchen and now this… poltergeist?! Maybe the heat will cook it out
In a mad, mad world, I often wonder why I am where I am. I believe truly that the reason for every movement in my life will come clear eventually.. ok, maybe not some of those late night bar choices, although sometimes I wonder if they remember me fondly..
My day started overwhelmed as the first time I saw a person I started silently weeping or as I call it, leaking. It seems my feelings about my uncle Toni did not completely hit last night. It was human connection this morning that kicked in my grief. This was exacerbated by the fact that there was talk of taking him off life support today. It occured to me that I couldn’t remember the last time I heard him laugh or say my name. I want those memories.
Uncle Toni
I pushed it all aside and concentrated on work, taking time out to design my sign for the front of the building (exciting!), go to the Theatre to sell some lights, stop at the old firm to drop off a client cheque and listen to someone I don’t know complain about their boyfriend.
My eye was on the prize.. early in the day Diane texted that she booked us pedicures together at one of the higher end spas in town. I couldn’t wait. When I stopped at the office she made me a latté and gave me a hug, both of which I needed. We had talked about having our first pamper session together and I was so happy when she made it so. She would also appreciate what I was working on, that always makes me smile
After work I raced to pick her up and head there. We entered masked up and all the staff was as well. Honestly, I can’t say it was the best pedicure I have ever had but it was satisfying in that I hadn’t had one in so long.
And then there is Diane, a true gift in my life. Funny thing was I knew that when I met her but she didn’t. She had been off for extended periods while I worked at the firm and I was always so disappointed not to stay connected but this year that all changed. Whatever made the difference, I am so crazy grateful. She really is like a sister. They have welcomed me into their family and for the most part I have managed to fight the feeling that I am wearing out my welcome. It is a fault I have, not sure where it’s root lives or I would use Round-Up. I always feel that people are going to get tired of me because they are just being polite inviting me and I say yes. It should be called Imposter Friend Syndrome. IFS is real! I enjoy being a part of their life and worry they will weary of me. Then I pull back and kill the friendship. Fucking patterns are to be broken. I am going to trust that if I am invited, I am welcome. Pretty much going ot assume that I am welcome when her husband orders pizza while we are at the salon and makes sure one doesn’t have peppers which I am allergic to. His assumption that I would come home with her was good. Even if the pizza choices were a happy accident I am going to take it as a win.
I got home and decided to fix the elastic on both Diane and my masks. Hers was just elastic bands and hurt her ears, mine, the elastics are too short. I had gotten a new sewing machine some time ago but not used it yet so I threaded a bobbin, set it all up and tried to make it work but I seem to not have the bobbin threaded in the machine properly and I was getting frustrated as it is still 25 degrees in here so I gave up for tonight. It is supposed to be cooler this weekend and I am planning to set up my tent trailer bed which will be cooler to sleep in as well.
No word tonight, last thing I knew was they were planning to take Uncle T off the machines. I hate dreading my phone ringing. I am sad for my brother, who is close with him, that he is the one to let us know.
Also known as Toni with an i. He’s my dad‘s kid brother. Growing up, my uncle Toni and his family had the life I thought I wanted. They lived in the area of town poised on the edge of rich neighborhoods. Crescent Beach was the spot to hang out. they had a trampoline and a pool table in the room with the jukebox and eventually even a hot tub. Whenever we visited there we cousins were allowed to stay up late and do dangerous things; Lawn darts, dish soap bubbles on the trampoline, hit up the parents for money when they have had just enough to drink. They were the ultimate 70s family, really, straight out of that 70s show the living room that you couldn’t sit in, the family room with the big box TV , they had freedom to roam until the street lights came on. One thing about my Dad and his siblings, there was so much energy! I couldn’t wait to go there. I wanted to live there and once we got there I was glad when my parents drank too much so we had to stay the night. Of course they always told us they were staying just so us kids could have a sleep over together.
Uncle T had fun toys too, a boat and The Judge, I believe it was a 69 bright orange GTO. He also owned and ran Crescent Heights service, a Shell station that smelled like oil and tools and had a pop machine with the real glass bottles in it and German shepherd guard dogs. Eventually it even became ye olde pop shoppe with the cool stubby bottles full of every flavour you can imagine in a case.
Of course I was too young and silly to realize that I was living the dream of other people, growing up on a houseboat with boats to play in, water to frolic in and a Fraser River community that I am always going to be grateful for.
Uncle T was a terrible practical joker and he scared the crap out of us kids in a big fur coat with an air horn, coming down to shock us when we are playing in their basement. One time I hurt my thumb and came in crying and he stomped on my foot and said I bet your thumb doesn’t hurt anymore. I was very clearly not amused however it has stuck with me all these years and I must’ve been all of 10 at the time when it happened. Sometimes your family characters are bigger than the life you got to lead or you don’t stop to notice the influence they’ve had on you. I think if people had all known my dad, Gene, his brother, Toni, his sister, Trish and the parents that raised them, Ernie and Juanita, they may understand a little bit better who I have turned out to be. The good and the bad. You have to be strong to be a Bellavance
These memories are washing over me today because I was at my desk late when my phone rang and I could see it was my brother calling and I was afraid to answer. We semi joked later when I said it was indicative of how seldom we talk to each other when I was afraid to answer his call. Before I pushed answer, it ran through my head who he may be calling about and I was afraid. It turns out my uncle T isn’t long for this world. There’s been a great deal of unkindness dealt out to him in the last few years especially, that makes my heart break. I only wish my auntie Dee had lived out her life to be here with him now. She would’ve looked after him and he would be with us longer. I know the call wasn’t to say he had died but it likely won’t be long and I’m so sorry for my cousins Joe Tammy and Kim, my first best friends, and his sister Trish. She is stuck on the wrong side of the border. I hope she finds out that this is a reason that would let her come across it. on the other hand, we don’t know if he would survive the 14 days she would need to be in quarantine. So tonight, in many ways I feel like I’ve already said my goodbyes. my heart is trying to find a place to settle In and remember the good times Of boats and hockey rinks and summertime backyards, camping and road trips. I love you uncle Toni, thanks for the love.
It was a pretty great day! Got files finished, onsite training for 5.5 hours in masks and survived just fine, returned to go shopping for Motorcycle gear for a retiring Board Member with one of my clients, celebrated a son-in-law for his birthday with delicious ice cream cake from a local small business, had good laughs with our family of 11 (missing Emmy & Jake), came home to water the plants and try to cool the house before Gene (13 year old future astronaut grandson) and I went seeking the perfect dark place to hopefully spot comet Neowise.. and we did, even with my glasses off I could see it! Looked amazing through Rogers good binoculars. Couldn’t capture a picture but tried and enjoyed the time in the middle of the night with my Gene. Now it is tomorrow and we are tired and happy.
I want to write a long and very interesting blog tonight but really I’ve just had a day of work and play and heat. It is 10:58 PM and 27°C in my home because I was enjoying myself too much trying to plan a vacation in August with my bubble extended family and didn’t come home to cool the place down. I want to stay up late enough to see the comet that is streaking across our sky but I don’t know if I can do that either because I’m tired. Mondays always come with a lot in bookkeeping world because people do things or think about them over the weekend and then present them to you in a way that is urgent on Mondays. Slowly over time I am notifying my clients at my past firm I that I no longer work there and I’m contracting for them and that I’ve chosen to keep them and the response is amazing. There is a world of support and cheers to stepping out on my own again. Some of my previous coworkers have been equally supportive and informative and gracious and kind the way everyone should be. I am still there to support their team and assist where I can but I also must be honest when I can’t because my word means everything to me and I try hard not to over commit myself. I know that I will do that no matter what. My dad crashed his plane while my partner and I were in the middle of building a deck as a surprise for a man’s wife at their vacation trailer. I became obsessed with finishing the deck for her even though laying under it every whirrrr of the drill felt like I was building my own coffin. That deck was built with tears and love and I hope that they have many happy memories on it. But my whole point is that once I commit to some thing it is very important me to finish it. If I quit something I can promise you there was a straw that broke the camels’s back. It did not come easily.
Before I went to bed I posted a picture of the lights at the Theatre on my Facebook wondering if anyone was interested. Three friends shared it and I awoke to interest from a person in Kamloops as well as further inquiry later in the day. I got permission from the Board to make deals as I see fit and sparred back and forth. Seems most people are seeking free gear for the take-a-way. I understand the plight of small arts groups and it may come down to that in the end but for now I will continue to try to sell them at a reasonable price to bring in some funds for our small group.
I joined my friends for pancake breakfast complete with Mimosas and it was delish! Next I was off to Home Hardware to see if the fencing on clearance was still available. There wasn’t much left but I picked up all the supplies I needed (I hope) for only $321 which is a good deal indeed. I managed to fit it all in my car even to bring it home. As the project progresses there will be more pictures.
On the way to Home Depot I saw the newest art installation in town. I didn’t capture it from the best angle, nor does the picture show the way it gleams in the sun but it is quite the detailed work.
After mowing the lawn in the heat and unpacking the car it was time for a bit of lunch and a break so I started watching Horrible Bosses. I am pretty sure this would have been most men’s favourite Jennifer Aniston movie but honestly with a cast like it had I was sadly disappointed. And oh no I just saw that there is a Sequel.. I shall be skipping that.
Headed over for dinner and many games of crib, few of which Shea and I won tonight. It’s funny with cards, often it is an on or off for one team or the other. When I got home I watered my garden and noted Tomatoes growing!! Simple pleasures are wee harvests and I have been enjoying my strawberries and now am looking forward to cherry tomatoes.
I decided I should bring the day trundle bed in that Danika had given me and put it together which turned out to be a challenge single handed and on top of it the thermometer reads 28 Celcius in my house. I was exhausted and boiling when I was done so settled on the couch with cold water to research the cost of an exterior door with a sliding window with screen. May have to order one in to get airflow as it is much cooler outside at the moment. Looks like the door only will be $315 and will take up to 8 weeks but at least I will be ready for next year.
When it was time to shut it down and come blog I couldn’t find my iPhone. My iPad was in the middle of an update so I swung for the fence and said, “Hey Google I wish you could find my iphone” there was a pause and then it said, “would you like me to call your phone ending in 9432?” I said yes and finally found it down between items in the room where I had been putting the bed together! I love my automation! Didn’t even know that could happen.
I have been thinking the last two days about legacies for some reason. I wish there was a way to preserve a digital life like a time capsule. I wouldn’t want this blog to disappear just because I wasn’t paying for it anymore. It is a slice of life during these changing times. It preserves thoughts and feelings for my future generations. Maybe no one will really care but maybe they will. The idea has floated around in my brain for a while also that once someone dies there should be an automatic conversion of their Facebook, Instagram etc to In Memorium pages. How wonderful for people to have the photos and videos and memories for ever. It would make sure the presence was kept but delete reminders of birthdays etc. Just a thought..
I got 11.5 hours sleep last night and still am tired! Really needed to catch up apparently. By the time I was up and about fully it was time to get ready to go meet Travis Bondy who was going to assist me cataloguing and cleaning up the Tech room at the Community Theatre. We got a new lighting system and teh old one had been unceremoniously relegated to the back room. The space was not longer functional as a Tech/Tool room so something had to be done. Travis is interested in purchasing some lights for the studio/sound stage they are creating for filming. It was a perfect oppotunity to get the guy who has worked in the booth in the past to help sort what was there.
We spent 2 hours and 40 minutes and have an inventory of what works and what doesn’t. He was such fun to do it with as we chatted and got it done efficiently and systematically. There was mych to recycle when we were done. It is such a challenge to know what can be repurposed. I did bring home an old Apple II computer to see if I can get it working. There may be a market out there! It was good we were both wearing masks as it protected us from the dust as well as each other.
I had plans for other errands but the first one landed me at my friend Maureen’s and after red wine and home made pizza, I finally got home at 9 pm. What a lovely visit. It is so nice to cautiously expand the bubble to the people you enjoy the most. I came home with elastic to make myself some masks out of my old concert shirts and a varigated spider plant.
Great advice on her wall
Checked in with the Campbells, weird not to see Diane for two days in a row. Got invited for buttermilk pancakes in the morning, better get to bed so that comes soon!
Hit me up if you need any theatre lighting, have an an abundance, including a board!
Today started off lovely. It is Fabulous Friday in my Comox Valley Facebook land. I decided it was heels and a dress day. I feel that if I keep wearing them I will always be able to keep wearing them so it was a good day to do so. Got right to work where the lovely Cindy had brought the round of Starbucks this week including a Chai Latte for me. I realized that I like them but mornings are still made right by coffee.
I had a few email that left me very emotional. A back and forth one made me angry which turns me to disappointment either in them or myself which always makes me cry. It’s a horrible phenomenon to have, especially in a work environment. I have this looming past work experience which I feel leaves me to defend my honour regularly and then this new existance that has brought much praise and support from long and short term clients. I hope the transition time will pass quickly so I can stop feeling so sad.
The crew at CFEK met for a beverage after work and I was invited along. It was nice to visit and defrag. They are a fun bunch.
I came home and had the last of the bottle of red I used for my demo last night and then saw a post on Facebook I misinterpreted and apparently all the pent up crap from the week came out in a two sentence text to my eldest. You always hurt the ones you love most, right?
I calmed myself and reread the situation but can only hope she accepts, sooner than later my apology. There were feelings that were true. I miss them and feel apart. We are family and I need them more but it isn’t all her fault. We will talk. I will make it right. And I also realize that I have to deal with some other things so I don’t do that again.
I finished placing the Tupperware order for last night’s party and am thrilled to have leveled up to get the free item I really wanted, the grater system. I ordered it right away.
I think I should go to bed and awake with a fresh perspective.
I awoke so far ahead of my alarm that I made a coffee and settle on the couch with a book I am trying to read but don’t seem to make the time for. I love reading and I forget that for months and years even before I remember, in my bones, my love of words and travelling through time and space via a good book. I am currently newly into The Book of Joy with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It is a very appropriate read in these trying times and even in my own life story rewrite happening. I need to settle into the love of a book again. Turn off my brain and numbers for a bit. I may bring it to work to take breaks on occasion sitting in the sun.
I will be very glad when my client’s audit is over. It is hard to take on a file after there have been so many issues the previous bookkeeper is gone. I am stressed to find and to figure out how to fix the issues. I took a break midafternoon to go get a Blizzard at Dairy Queen. $6.30 for a medium! I had no idea they were so expensive. It shall be a treat not a solace going forward. At the end of the workday for the ‘Others’ down the hall there was a recenlty bottled sangria shared round which was a lovely break before getting on with more subsidies. I loathe this side of the Covid-19 disfunction. The government supplies money and we have to figure out how much our clients are entitled to while running the risk of differences found in review. It is new to all of us and I can only show my work and hope for the best. I second guess my self constantly. It was always a problem for me, even in school as I see the result and can’t always clearly show each step to get there. Now I need to as it may be some time before the audits/reviews begin from the government but they will come and I will have documented all I did. Even if I was wrong I will be able to show my work and that there was no intention to get more than their share.
I came home around 6 and there were boxes on my porch of Jake’s baby things that he had left at his sisters when he moved away. I had to put them up in the top of my closet for now. I still miss him being here and am not willing to get emotional at the moment.
I messaged the woman who bought my bed frame, which was Jake’s from when we lived on Salt Spring Island. My friend Russ turned a few bits into a lovely captains bed for my son that has served many family members well over the last decade and a half. He died a while back, I am glad it has gone to a friend. They picked it up and within 10 minutes a huge storm blew in and out again. I suppose I will get used to this eventually. Or maybe not..
Got ready just in time for my Zoom tupperware party for the Building Manager at the GroundFloor. There were only 4 of us but it was enjoyable and I hope she gets enough orders to get some free stuff!
I want to stay up long enough to see the comet that is supposed to be amazing right now but I would have to go for a drive or wait until I am sure I can’t see it from here. I can see Big Dipper and Cassiopeia but no comets. I suppose it could be behind the trees a few yards over but I had some wine and am not going to go driving now. My friends have taken some great pics and if I had an awesome camera, I may be more inclined. So now.. to bed.
Well, that is what my calendar says. MusicFest is over, I have driven home, taking two days to sleep and recover and am now back at my desk. Sigh, if only. Now I say that mostly because I miss the adventure, the hugs, the love of my friends I get to see every year. In reality, my life has changed for the better and that may not have happened so smoothly if it hadn’t been for Covid-19. I am fine tuning the life I have to suit the needs of my physical and mental health and it was really possible because of this break in the world’s broadcasting system. Don’t get me wrong, I am highly anticipating my part in the next Festival, but for now it is good I have been at my new desk the last two weeks. And it seems like every day I am happier for that. My pictures tell a different story…
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
It’s like a game to see what fell off the wall each day!
I had actual client visits and managed to swap between and accomplish what I set out to do without putting too much pressure on myself. Everyone seems to love my office and it was very sweet at the day’s end when the janitor, George, came to my door to say he could see I really respected where I worked and loved my space as I had made it so beautiful. My office has always been a reflection of me, to some people’s scorn. I spend a large chunk of my life there, I want it to soothe me and create a space for doing my best.
Part way through the day I got a notice from Warner Music Goup that they had released the claim on the music in a video I took in December 2016 of Mau on my Dance Dance Revolution Game to Love Shack. Took them long enough to realize that by owning the game I had the rights.
Diane braided my hair and then noticed the soffit was askew so set out to fix it. She used the BBQ rotisserie which has a very pointy end aimed at Sean. Made us laugh for sure.
Played crib, ate good food and finished up the night with a Paralyzer, not bad for Hump Day.
I was at the office again before 10, having done my dishes, a load of laundry washed and hung on the line and everything watered. I love taking my bike on these cool crisp mornings. Apparently there was frost in some spots last night!! I only mention the time I started actually working as it is 10:42 pm and I just finished paying remittances for a client who texted me a little while ago with his bank info. I just can’t file late, no sense giving the government any more than they ask for.
Super productive day including coffee and snacks from Cobbs, nummy. After work I got on my bike and it automatically headed down the strip. I could feel the highway calling so I decided I probably should get gas and that the best place to do that would be in Marysville, a suburb of Kimberley, a 25 Km ride away. Once I got there I swung up in front of my cousin Donna’s place and texted her a pic of the front of her house so she would come out. We had a long and wonderful driveway visit. It helped that I was wearing a full faced helmet. We used to go for lunch semi-regularly but I haven’t seen her since the beginning of March. It was a good catch-up.
Grabbed gas, all $6.86 worth and headed home. I was stunned by the statistic of only 2 of 9 riders I passed giving me a wave or the rubber down sign. I always do that or if I see a woman rider the ‘tits up’ sign. Arm across the chest and big thumbs up. I don’t know if most of them were newbies who either don’t know the courtesy and connection or are too new to take a hand off the bars. OR are they just too cool for school. I am not a fan of that idea. We are a community out there on two wheels and should act accordingly. I really am in the mood for a long ride soon. Watered all my plants, brought the laundry in and planted the raspberry canes Rae-Anne dropped off for me. Then it was time to make chicken nachos, begin to watch a show and then get back to my desk lol. It really is great to be comfortable to work both at home and in the office and access the same info.
I think I will sleep well soon after all that fresh air and a relatively stressless day.
Oh and it is also Bastille Day and my kid brother’s 54th b’day.
I figure that should be the title of this saga for a bit. I seem to be the extra member of their family with my own home to go to after all the fun. Today I woke way before my alarm so got ready and puttered a bit before jumping on my Triumph and heading to the office. It was perfectly cool and still. Felt so refreshed and part of me just wanted to keep riding. I was there before 8:30, fussed at things until around 9:30 and then got 10 solid hours of work in before I got a text from Diane wondering why I hadn’t called her after work. I was still there, lol. She invited me over for leftovers and crib. Two things I enjoy very much along with the good music and laughs.
Rae-Anne stopped by to check out my new office, a client came by there as well today. It feels very good to have a convenient, nice space to welcome people. And I figured out what I want for my door sign today as well. I have other responsibilities to the Theatre and Tupperware but tonight I just wanted to relax, tomorrow is another day.
It’s not that I have a lot of troubles right now, it’s just whenever I experience a strong wind, this song comes to mind and wow, today it blew. There were freakish gusts. I was outside watering and the power of the surges through the trees at first unnerved me and then actually moved me backwards.
It calmed down again and became hot and sunny. I took the requested pictures of my place for the insurance company and emailed them off. Next I went to the Dollarstore and Staples for some office supplies and was actually pleasantly surprised at all the mask wearing happening. Stopped for lunch at Diane’s and then she came with me to put some finishing touches on my new office. I am excited to be there tomorrow and be working on a full client roster from my first ever, outside my home, office for my own business.
We all had BBQ together and played many rounds of crib. At one point the wind picked up and the rain started and I remembered I had intended to secure my pool toys so I popped back home. I parked and walked down the back side of the trailer. As I rounded the corner it was if they were busted trying to escape and froze there. They had made it a good 20 feet together.
Danika and her boyfriend, Malcom had dropped off the daybed with trundle she gave me which will be great for guests, pretty in my den and better than just the single captains bed I have now. I took pictures of it and posted on the Bid Wars site. I have gotten a bid already so that is good and I won’t have to try and take it anywhere. It does have a lot of memories as my friend Russ who has since died made it for Jake back when when he was young and we were living on Salt Spring. It has gone through a couple Grandkids too through the years. It is heavy and sturdy and will last for years. Nice to rehome it.
Still suffering from the inflammation so think I am going to cut out everything from my diet for a bit that could be causing or at least not curing it and see what happens. Worst case I lose some weight, win-win.
The sky was ominous this evening but the sun was shining from the West and lit up the tree I love in our park. A happy sight to end the day on.
Woke with plenty of time to get ready for our ABC Zoom meeting. All of the A, 2 each of B & C attended. It was lovely to catch up. It really is amazing that 6.5 years after the trip we all bonded on led to this lasting friendship. We spent time in Peru in 2013 and are all living in at least four time zones and yet we have for the most part managed to stay connected. Travel really does broaden ones world and mind if you let it.
After that I did a bunch of work and then packed up my home office to get ready to move to the Groundfloor. later in the afternoon Diane came and brought me there with all my stuff. We spent time organizing and connecting scanners and printers and I was grateful to have an extra set of hands.
She dropped me at home and I made fried rice to being there for dinner. Hung out together for the evening with Aiden as my partner for crib. We got skunked! That is not allowed, we usually win. Oh well keeps the competition going.
It was getting late and time to come home and that was just as well because my guts were unhappy with something. I know Sean was careful not to put any peppers in the hamburger meat for mine. I really am not sure what’s been going on with my digestive system the last week or two so I’m just going to start drinking more water and see how it goes. i’m feeling a bit better now so will try to head to bed after a couple more tums.
I realized today that I set my own stresses. I have not been put upon in any way by my new contractor but I seem to impose stress on myself to be.. extra. I think it is the office vibe I have been in for the last couple years and I need to relax in to the calmer, more relaxed vibe of the space I am now in. People are grateful that I am there and I need to lean into that and just get it done. I rocked it today and my office is getting more presentable and more importantly, more efficient and organized. I am learning where to concentrate my efforts and that is an important stage in growth of any kind.
I decided to give back the pullover hoodie I was given yesterday as I felt it would go unused and could be put to better use. By the end of the day, the manager had given me his zip up grey one which I really loved in exchange for me having given up mine earlier. Good Karma. I was able to take care of the things that were stressing me for Monday and walk out of there good for the weekend (although I will be back with Diane to decorate tomorrow)
I joined the Campbells for pizza night and then rushed home to set up my iPad to Chromecast to my TV so I could watch the Vancouver Island MusicFest Live stream complete with sent in memories, recorded and archived performances. I had spent a good part of my day preparing an album of memories from 2010-2019 to share on Facebook and then settled in for the watch. Part way in Ashlée and Ken joined me and that was fun. Sharing the last 5 years of memories with my daughter was a bonus. I think we may have created a drinking game as well. Take a drink when you hear Marnée, lol. I was blessed to be recognized. The whole thing left me a little vaklempt as it should have been opening day but I will hold on to all the emotion until I can hug my friends again. And truth be told, it all ws as it needed to be for me. I would not have been able to take this new contract if I had been committed this year to Vimf. There was an allowable amount of joy being able to have a glass or three of wine while enjoying the virtual Festival. Normally I go all weekend without drinking due to my responsibilities.
One of my fave MF pics -Neil Osborne 54-40
Oh and remember that I said there will be Llamas… (he could not find it for a very long time) I put one on all present co-workers apparatus to leave my mark 🙂
I woke up after my second night of great sleep and travel dreams. I often lucid dream to the point of being exhausted when I awake and left wondering when I see someone if the conversation I remember was only in my dreams. Very disconcerting. I have been having some awesome motorcycle trips in my sleep. Even one in England, with my Triumph so that was weird… and pleasant at the same time.
I did get up and at it this morning, feeling very accomplished by the time I headed to the GroundFloor which I will just call my office from now on as it got set up today!!! Yes there was far too much to do and we ended up moving a poop-ton while switching out one office to the other but the manager’s son, Shea was my hero when he showed up to borrow his Dad’s truck and stayed a couple hours to help. I really wouldn’t have come out of it with my sanity if it hadn’t been for him. And Cindy took over fixing up the office I moved from for the guy who was going to be using it. All the while Sean, Cindy and I were finding and supplying paperwork for their audit. The four of us literally moved mountains today. And I was given a new to all of us GroundFloor hoodie which is lovely, as modeled a by the ladies who work there.
I will admit to being exhausted and emotional by the end of it all. I may have been too cocky about yesterday and am earing out a little. Still looking forward to tomorrow. Honestly, I can’t wait to have my name on the door. After doing this for so many years, with a registered name since 1994, this will be the first time with a ‘real’, not in a spare room or corner of my bedroom, office. I feel all grown up!
I had promised to meet with my friend Kimberly who played my daughter in The Tin Woman in the fall of 2018 for Cranbrook Community Theatre. She has started a new business as The Tattooed Unicorn and is a very talented artist. I look forward to her doing one for me. She needed advice and assistance to keep her books and I am happy to take her on as a client.
We had such a lovely time and I want to steal her dog.. dang, could I be a Pommy mom? I could bring her to work…
Seconds after she left, having been chased away by mosquitoes, the sky opened up again. We have had an unusual amount of rain for this area but you know, maybe it is my coastal upbringing speaking but I am ok with it. I am not getting the riding in I would like to but I didn’t the last two years because of the choking wildfire smoke in the air. I do prefer this.
I am planning to personalize my office tomorrow. Will have to get some 3m sticker hooks so as not to hurt the walls. There will be Llamas….
triumphgal 