triumphgal

Up early, watched a few episodes of Umbrella Academy. Am quite enjoying it. Headed off to Home Depot to trade a few plumbing parts as I plan to finally solve the one of my double sinks won’t drain issue. While there I picked up primer for Diane which nicely traded for two bottles of Moscato when I dropped it off. I decided to get the matching set of door handles for my new door as it will arrive soon and they are on half price. On my way to the car I spot a clearance sale in the garden department. Next thing you know my car is full of plants and i am on my way. Even had a grasshopper buddy.

Drive through A&W. Got the fish and chips…nope.

Installed my fence, mowed my lawn, planted the bushes i bought and was so tired I could not do any more. Came in and replumbed under the kitchen sink. I don’t know why it took 2 years to do such a simple fix but now I have drainage from both sinks! I then took a shower and completed my cleaning for my soon to arrive guests.

Maureen showed up and we had nice little visit before Julie showed up after a very long drive from the coast. She brought me an amazing mask. We had pasta with shrimp and scallops and a fab garden salad grown by Maureen!

After a challenge to get it set up as it had been a while, we had the computer projected on the trailer wall and my sound bar working. Tonight’s encore presentation from CCT was Visiting Mr. Green with Jerrod Bondy and Michael Grossman. I enjoyed it. The set was awesome and the guys were brilliant. It was lovely to sit outside with the ladies with fire going watching it.

Just before the ladies arrived I had messaged an old boyfriend to thank him for my very productive day. I had woken early all hot and bothered from a dream about him. I had to thank him for the memories, it was only fair 🙂

https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/characters/

This was no surprise to me

The list is shorter because I get things done. My problem is taking on too much. The lists just need to be shorter overall. I need to leave work sooner and ride longer. Today was lovely. My lunch from yesterday improved with avocado and feta. I love when healthy tastes good

My friend Julie is driving up from the Fraser Valley tomorrow. I offered to pay her for some data entry and co e for a visit. I really look forward to seeing her. She has been distancing for her Mom’s sake so I feel comfortable having her stay. It will be nice to have company and help.

Today I didn’t get as much billable time as I would have liked but I certainly got a lot done. I received callbacks about my liability insurance and Extended benefits. One was from Westland Insurance who I must say has great personnel working for them and good connections for policies. Did you know they were held for cyber ransom for 6 days not too long ago? I can’t imagine how stressful that was. The benefits are through BCAA and I did again have great service and assistance from the woman who emailed me back, suggesting a less expensive package with all I would need. I love not being upsold when unnecessary. I took part in half price deals day through the local radio station although most things were sold out by the time my day was clear enough to go on. I did pick up a couple good coupons I hope to share with Diane and Maureen down the road and half price from Beer Works in Kimberley sounds right up my alley.

My friend Julie, who I’ve known since high school confirmed today that she is driving up for a visit from the lower mainland and I am going to hire her to do some data entry while she is here. I am looking forward to the visit!

Had another small world connection today when the newest nomad renter in the coworker space and I got chatting. He and his wife , Jodi are moving from Cochrane Alberta when they find a place. In a winding conversation he brought up her going to guitar camp and their connection with Doug Cox. I consider him a dear friend, the Big Guy at VIMF and have already recruited them to come work the next festival. Hearing Gerald talk about Linda McRae and Todd Butler was so trippy.

For the second time in as many weeks I have had a male client sit in my office and during conversation say something about if they were married to me or were with me ..such and such. It is a testament to my poker face that I didn’t blush like a school girl and blurt out: Oh, behave! it is challenging being a single professional some days. Especially when a beautiful man in a cowboy hat kneels beside your chair at the desk and asks if he is too close….

Came home to find I had forgotten to turn off the water filling the pool. I just can’t have nice things….

I was nose to the grindstone all day. Diane lured me away from work with a photo of a burger about to go on the grill. I was so tired when I got there it was embarrassing as I was cold and yawning and wan. turns out I was my version of Hangry. After dinner, which I Hoovered, I felt myself perk up. I stayed for only one game of crib and headed home while I was still mellow. I opened the doors and turned on all the fans while I went out to water. First thing I noticed was that the pool cover was half off hanging on the lawn. I didn’t see anything in it so I covered it back up, winched it down and proceeded to water all around it. After I came in I got dressed for bed and thought I’d watch a little Big Brother. As I passed the front door I heard water running and the pool was quickly draining out one side. I rushed out and pulled the side up to discover the upper ring was deflated. I must have hooked the inflated valve when I was covering it. Good thing I noticed before too much was gone. After I re-inflated it I started it refilling. That was quite an adrenaline rush. Poured a glass of Moscato and sat on the couch but my remote wouldn’t work. I looked it up and tested the one in my room to find out the battery life. It has 96% while the living room one was dead. I like the little message at the bottom.

I was reminded when I got home and walked into a wall of heat why exactly I ride a motorcycle to my air conditioned office.

I did have great moments in the day including a repurpose of an old Frame, gifting Diane and Zöe with Norwex masks and remembering with a chuckle Will’s comment yesterday: ‘ So, you have a collection of little glasses that no one is allowed to drink from that you brought from other places…. why?’

The morning started out with a snuggle from William at a decent time because the clock he looked at was an hour early. We settled him in with cheese cake for breakfast and he thinks my voice activated remote for Blue Curve TV is the ultimate in technology. Gene eventually got up for the same. They grind on each other sometimes but really are good and helpful boys. I dropped them off on my way to work.

Once there I had a list that seemed to keep getting longer even as I ticked things off. Much of it was for pay, much was not. I have to get liability insurance and in checking out options also found out that through BCAA I can get manulife benefits at a reasonable cost. this is very good info.

I tried out my new microwave popcorn maker and not only is it stylish but it worked well. A perfect addition to my office.

I worked late as I knew how hot it was outside. And it was 31 inside when I got home. I made dinner in the microwave, aimed the fan at my spot on the couch and proceeded to melt into it. i am watching my 90 Day shows and reviewing the volunteer issues in my day. I hope not to stew in my sleep.

3 years ago an event changed the way I feel about many things. My cousin, Kelly, was the victim of a murder suicide by her husband. The biggest thing learned is that people say ‘he would never’ but he might. Protect and help women in danger. It’s up to all of us.

After 9 hours sleep I got a bunch of chores done and asked Gene to help me put in a couple fence posts. I picked him up and we donned our masks to hit up Home Depot. the intention was to rent a gas powered auger but both of theirs were not working. I did order the back and laundry doors I have been planning for as a sale was on. Next was Walmart for a few items. They mandated masks and are providing them for the transition.

We picked up Will and stopped to grab hand augers from Bill’s house. It was far too hot so the boys jumped in the pool and had a grand time. I installed the new door set I’d picked up half price. It’s the type I use at work. The key is on my cell.

We had a great picnic dinner and then all three of us worked together to get two fence posts installed. Next was a couple hours of Little Big Planet 3 before the6 headed to bed. They are not used to the heat in here. Such good boys though.

Woke up way too early, watched more of Umbrella Academy which I’m really enjoying.

Started my day off with the monthly ABC Zoom meeting. It was so nice to sit outside and visit with friends in three countries. We always meander through some great conversations and laughs. We always skirt round the possibility of getting together again but it seems a pipe dream.

It had been far too long since I communicated with Jackie so she was the next FaceTime I showed her pictures of my new office and toured the garden. Didn’t get to talk long as Diane messaged that our wine bottling was bumped an hour and I still needed to clean the labels off all my bottles.

The bottling was fun as always. I used all my Naked Wines bottle collection as well as my cobalt blue ones.

Tried to nap as it was so hot. Decided to sort and tidy for company. Made up the bed in the tent trailer. Was sweaty when I was finished. Rae showed up first and we had a lovely visit. Kimberly and her pup, Penelope were next, followed by Viola and eventually Diane. We had snacks, I had completed the cheesecake with a topping of Blueberry sauce and chocolate drizzle. we sipped wine and had great conversation. It was good for all of us. And the cheesecake was light and delicious. Rae had brought me a special glass to celebrate my new office.

And now I can’t stop watching Umbrella Academy when I should be going to sleep in my freshly changed bed.

Rae-Anne, Goddess In Training. Sometime, long ago i started calling her GIT. She is my firstborn. We tried so hard for her. 24 induced hours and then surgery and there she was. I was a wife and and a Mom, everything I thought I was supposed to be. My opinion of what was best for me changed over the years but never my knowledge that we had made something special. I could choose to rave on about this woman of whom I am so proud but really I am only completely sure that she is a gift of grace and love. I am grateful that she chose me to be her Mom.

We took pictures today for marketing , that was fun.

I worked hard to get as much as possible done before going to the theatre to deal with Tech Director stuff and then head to the dentist. Although I don’t have benefits anymore I know it is worth getting my crown replaced before it turns into a root canal as well. Dr Mike is funny and takes a good ribbing in stride. 2 freaking hours later I had my old crown in hand and a filling and temp in place. I asked straight up if I could have it, after all it is gold I paid for. He said he was surprised more people didn’t,ask for it. I couldn’t bring myself to ask what happens to it otherwise.

From there I went shopping for birthday gifts for Rae and Viola, grabbed my ingredients for a gluten free cheesecake for tomorrow night from home and Headed To The Campbell’s! Diane had asked me for dinner. I offered to bring Salad and she also suggested I come bake my cheesecake there. It was so fun to have an assistant with a great mixer and a dishwasher! I am so glad they are back and we ate and played crib and visited and life is back on the plus side

Oh and I nearly forgot… check your dry goods. Always. I was pouring some sugar from my canister that I had recently refilled and noticed random spots. I scooped some and took a pic with my insect identity app. It’s all in the garbage now!!!

What a difference today was. I think when my world gets muddy and I recognize it, something shifts. First I checked and my watchband collection fits my new Apple Watch. They were expensive and I love them, it’s a good thing.

On my way to work I stopped to buy stamps and while at the post office I spotted the 2020 Bill Reid collection. It simply had to be mine. A beautiful souvenir of a stressful year.

Over the course of my day, working remotely with some lovely clients, I was able to take the time to pay for my approved Business license and see that my sign was installed on the front of the building . in 26 years of doing this off and on under this registered company I have never needed a license as I always worked from home or someone else’s office. It seems like the picture I posted of me and the sign confused a couple people as to the nature of my business. I think it’s fairly clear but may be lost on some. I really am so very happy.

As I was beginning to wind down my data entry and review in anticipation of the Campbells arriving home any moment from vacation, I was joined by Zoe O. Her Mom, Monica is setting up her practice in the building and I am thrilled as I really enjoy their wee family. Galen is the artistic director at Key City Theatre and has a gentle, kind spirit. Zoe is a good reflection of the best qualities in her parents. She sat and chattered away while I continued working. I offered her the only mildly appropriate page out of my swearword colouring book and it now decorates my office. Soon I was done my file and she had to leave. We look forward to seeing each other again soon.

I stopped at Safeway to get the makings for a gluten free cheesecake for a quartet gathering here on Saturday night for my friend, Viola and my daughter, Rae-Anne who share a birthday tomorrow. To my delight, prawns of various form were on sale. I stocked my freezer. As I was checking out my wrist began ringing and I just missed a call from Viola. I called her back to have her thank me for introducing her to someone in the Ground Floor who’d mentioned they needed an assistant. Seems they are very interested in her. I am so happy for her.

Came home to find out The Campbell’s visit was not to be tonight. They got caught in a big highway detour and got home late. I am sorry for them but will see them tomorrow. for now, I acknowledge a great day and look forward to another.

Today was very full. I was up early to a beautiful cool morning so rode my bike to work. I was glad I wore my proper jacket for the slight chill. Cottage cheese and Creston blueberries made for a delicious breakfast at my desk. Even the hired tech guy can’t get my printer and Dymo to work properly so that’s frustrating. Had a good talk with my Dr. She is referring me for an upper endoscopy. Time to get to the bottom of my inflammation issues. Of course it’s entirely possible that I just need to lose 50 pounds stop drinking and avoid anything that tastes good. I worked for a while again and then was involved in a 2.5 hour Zoom workshop put on by GoodNightOutVancouver about providing safe environments at our MusicFest, dealing with rape culture and sexual assault. It was heavy but worth everyone’s time. A quick lunch and I was back at it. Ashlée dropped off my Series 5 Apple Watch that was delivered to Rae’s house. It was the wrong one but I love it so I kept it. Will be putting my Series 3 and band collection for sale. Ash was working delivering pizza so I arranged to put in an order and have her meet at my place when she was done. We sat out in the yard and enjoyed the food and good talk. I set about to water after she left. Am once again thrilled at the surprise of the rest of my tree trimmings being gone. Sadly something ate two good sized tomatoes from one plant. So far the cherry ones are still there. Fingers crossed.

I only wish I could actually feel an emotion about anything that happened today. Am in a bit of a neutral zone. I was a bit chuffed when a young guy with a big beard driving a muscle car went by as I was getting on my bike and gave me a thumbs up and a nod. He got a nod and an inside smile for that.

There was nothing more important in my day than being the Tech person for Brent Carver’s memorial. I was honoured to be there and moved by the entire experience. it truly is remarkable that the family put together a perfect balance of adulation and good old family connection and humility. The entire thing leaves one wishing he were your brother or best friend. Life goals right there. To be a star, have won a Tony, to be given tribute by ‘eastern friends’ and still have your auntie get up and tell a story about the slaughter house and fishing. To be so ethereal and so human in one soul must have been a burden and a gift. He has left a legacy of art and love. Rest in sweet peace.

My favourite moment was when I was trying to set up the crossfades and his niece said not to use the fill as ‘he was a spotlight kind of a guy’. I will always think of that now.

The day did end with a gift from Emmy and her daycare lady Diana who is a delightful friend that knows me well

I didn’t really want to wake up today so I migrated from bed to the couch for the morning. Continued watching The Umbrella Academy. Quite enjoying it. Jake and Emmy came over for the afternoon with her enjoying going in and out of the pool and trying to show us her skills. Had a nice visit but don’t know when Jake will be back again.

I left to meet Maureen at Home Depot to pick up shelves and bins for the Tech Room. we dropped them at the theatre, checked the rest of the setup going on for the memorial tomorrow and then headed back to her place for a cider and a visit on her lovely plant jungle of a deck. She checked my tattoo for me and said it looking good. It’s the first one I can only see in a mirror. It’s a good friend that will make sure you aren’t oozing.

On the way home I stopped by and had a good long visit out in the yard with Rae-Anne. They have been out at the lake for 10 days. It was good to catch up.

Sawyer really wanted a sleepover but I feel that tomorrow will need me at my best so I had better get a good long sleep. A wee dram should help.

I can’t help smiling as I remember that yesterday my Campbell’s met my Cresslynn! At my suggestion Diane and family went for a meal at the Cumberland Hotel and Cress happened to be there. I love when my favourite people get to meet each other.

I had the worst night in a long time, waking up like I was going to throw up but I did not. I felt the extraordinary burn of acid in my throat and barely felt like I was surviving so I got up, it was a terrible experience and I wonder at the cause.

I Drank water and headed to my tattoo appointment . I have many icons but strangely, I have always had a strong attachment to Bad Robot. I completely enjoyed my time with Kimberly. I still feel very stoned and realize how powerful drugs of any kind are on me.

Next was my attempted recovery, set on my very own map including England where friends are easy to prove. I guess the improves were more impressive over time. I proceeded to nap and next thing we were responding accordingly at the get go. ( I was going to edit this out but it is proof of the state of mind)

A Chunk of my day was taken up with a couple of extraordinary gentlemen, all of us making sure we could connect everything necessary in the booth for Brent Carver’s memorial on Monday which I shall be doing with the assistance of Jordan. I am very grateful to Mark Casey who came to help me out today and I’ll be doing the best we can in the circumstances.

I came home and quickly made dinner for Jake and Emmy. They were lovely but too short of a visit and I hope to see them again tomorrow evening. Jakes visits from the coast are reminiscent of mine back in the 90s I wish him safe travels and much love

Maureen came over for viewing night of confessions of a paperboy but to be honest we were more enjoying our company together and I really appreciate her I read her Gypsy Fortune telling Cards and I’m always pleasantly surprised when a reading ties in with someone’s life so completely

I started watching Umbrella Academy which is recommended and I agree, very enjoyable.

This may come across very rambling and I apologize but honestly it’s just been a great day, I’ve had a couple bevies and I am heading to bed thanks for bearing with me, my constant readers and I really feel for you, good night

I woke up way too early, so early I was at the theatre by 7 am. I had offered to bring totes to the tech room and clear stuff out of the way to enable the guys to put poly on the ceiling for now, preventing stuff from falling in the gear. took me just over an hour with some sorting. I was t wearing a mask as I was alone but wished I had as the dust kicked in further breathing issues. By the time I got to the office I used both my inhalers. Situational asthma is a bitch. Stopped for takeout lunch and breakfast at Kootenay Grounds.

Got a lot done in spite of feeling like I am moving through mud. Was grateful when I got asked to join the ladies for a glass of wine. I worked for a couple hours more then headed home.

Saw weirdness walking to the mailbox. Wonder where the rest of the cat is.

I was glad when friends checked in today. Love from across oceans both ways! Diane was worried about me being alone and suggested I call Shea for company. I watched the rest of The Book of Negroes which was very well done. Shea came by after he got off work at 8 and we played several games of crib and chatted about movies. It was a very good distraction. Watered my gardens, had a wee cookie and will be off to bed soon.

Spent part of the morning setting up appointments, applying for business license, which I realized I probably needed last month, and curating my Facebook page which I have had hidden since 2016! Strange that I did it on the eve of my 53rd birthday. I wonder what trauma… oh that was when I decided to leave Bella Bella I believe.

A special delivery arrived with some client info. I’ve been warned to only have one before bed…

after I put the bag in my purse hanging on the coat rack I glanced up to see an I age that made me actually laugh out loud and talk to an inanimate object. I said drunk at the time but now realize it was likely stoned

Sad news today about someone I very much admired and was inspired by. The nation lost one of it’s greats, Brent Carver. A gifted actor he was. As it happens my girls grew up in the same house he did , in Cranbrook. Many years later of course. It has been touching to see all the great theatrical places sending out tributes today.

I thought my day was complete and settled in to watch ‘Being Black in Canada’ followed by ‘The Book of Negroes’. The first was informative and real. The second has me hooked 3 episodes in. I stopped watching when I got a message from my Auntie Trish that it was near the end for her brother Toni. A little while later his youngest daughter, Kim messaged and got me crying as I knew that meant the time was near. She said our Dads would be together soon. It is so difficult to know those kids couldn’t be with their dad in the end. The loss is big, I remember it well. I shall always be grateful for having him in my life. I wish I could be by his side to let him go. I am a transitioner, or an ‘angel of death’. It is a gift and a privilege. I know I could help him so I am about to go meditate and try to reach him. He needs to stop holding on and be free of his pain and aloneness. I love you Uncle T, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest

Worked away this morning and had a lovely lunch as a treat from Viola. We both love Family Thai and had a nice visit followed by an introduction to a guy in the building looking for an admin assistant. She had a good long interview and I hope it goes well. She has the right personality type for that type of job. It would also be nice to have her in the same workspace.

As I was buckled down getting things done in the afternoon, a man from Sidekick Stickers arrived to remove the logo of the previous renter from my office door and replace it with mine. I will admit I got a little choked up when it was done. He finished up and then said, ‘there, you are official, welcome to the ground floor’ and it felt so good, I am another step closer to calling my own shots. I am still currently contracting to my previous firm and my preference will be to accomplish independence in the future. I do not wish to disappoint the clients I have through them at this time so I am not pulling the pin yet.

At the end of the day Danika messaged if she and Emmy could bring pizza and play in the pool. It was lovely to come home to them and share my celebration. Emmy loves olives, unlike her father.

While they were here I realized Matt, my garbage guy, had actually come into my yard to get my garbage as I had forgotten it was Wednesday and didn’t put it out. I texted him to say thank you and that’s when I learned he had also taken half of my tree trimmings. So nice! And that is why I do his books even if it keeps me late, relationship. The difference between a job and a career.

Next I FaceTimed with Diane and we both wished I was on Vancouver Island with them. I attended our Strata board meeting and then went to check on Diane’s flowers. Looks like her stepson Shea has been watering as they look great. Stopped at the liquor store for a little Air Conditioned shopping and then came home to set myself up in a foot peel treatment while drinking chocolate wine, eating real cheesies and watching BIG brother Allstars!

A delightful addition to the evening was a messenger chat with a talented (& hot) bass player in Texas. I miss seeing him at MusicFest and it was good to hear from him.

First I will address my battle with expectations.. as an empath I can often sense the possibilities in a person rather than the life they are choosing to lead. I want to believe they have my best at heart as I have theirs but too often I am disappointed. This has been a lifelong struggle. How do I tell you the moment I know that you are using me, that your interests, no matter how small, will always be more important than mine, that this is not a friendship but a user-friendly situation. How do I set boundaries and let you go. Why too often does this leave me looking like the bad guy? I am 57 years old. I need to fish or cut bait. This is no one else’s life. I seem to have always done what I wanted to if you look at a glance, but I feel that most choices were emotionally driven based on others need of me. At this moment in time I am making better choices. I choose family , by blood and by choice and I choose work that uplifts, not demands. I deserve to be appreciated for the knowledge I have gathered along the way. I appreciate those in my life who value me being in theirs.

I redesigned my brand today in advance of signs at the groundfloor. I look forward to the reveal. At the end of my day I got a call from my daughter Rae. I love our rambling commuter catchups. I used to call her whenever I was heading somewhere on a highway. This time she called me as she was walking across a field while on vacation at the cabin. It was good to chat and debrief the day. I look forward to them all being home and coming to play in the pool.

Spent time as Tech Director today as well. Making plans to get even further organized. Peter and Thom are super-volunteers, the Community Theatre is lucky to have them. I was somewhat amused that a single washroom needed this sign…

Many people hate these tags around town but there is something very poignant that strikes me whenever I see them