triumphgal

January 13, 2024

Tonight was so much fun that I don’t even recall the entire day. It was ridiculously cold, -31 when I woke up at 8:30 an according to Google, felt like -39 by the time I got home. My fingers were frozen just trying to open and close my metal gate when I got home. I need to make a better practice of wearing gloves.

I met the group of Rotary peeps at Fire & Oak for dinner at 5:30 and had a delicious Mushroom Risotto along with the good conversations especially with Robin and Karen at my end of the table. It was funny when Laurie and Rob showed up and were seated at the booth next to me. We had a good laugh as we had rescheduled our dinner to last night so I could attend this one tonight. I really am happy to be part of this social service group. Seems that I may have finally found my groove.

We went to the show at Key City and it was very interesting. It was very well done, especially for a community production of non-professional actors. There were several roles that I was especially entranced by including that of the very talented humans playing Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Judas and Pilate. The guy who played Pilate moved me with his rendition of “I dreamt I met a Galilean” as it is one of my two favourite songs from the show. The young woman who sang “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, killed it. I am so honoured to know these humans in my daily even if peripherally. It was fun to see the sewing work I had done as well, including the brocade on the dresses and the scarves and gold accents around the black gowns. Ben Phillips stole the show as usual with his over the top portrayal of Herod. I was very judgy though and found it hard to just get lost in it. It is not one of my fave musicals. I find myself filling in the blanks and wondering if someone didn’t know the Biblical story, would they understand it. It was all in all a lovely evening watching old friend with new ones.

January 11, 2024

I enjoyed today, well.. except the temperature!! Started cold and ended colder, and we aren’t nearly the coldest in the province.

I split the workday up with a Rotary Lunch at the Heritage Inn. I had a very nice group at my table and the whole room had a good laugh when I was presented with my name badge. They had worried so much about getting the accent on my e that they must have stolen an L

The presentation was fabulous. Two ladies from Community Connections came and showed us a PowerPoint of the project in the works for Cranbrook. There will be a Hydroponic Growcer (that is not a spelling mistake, look up Growcer, very cool!) and automatic composter in a converted Rail Boxcar. The business model is solid and will go a way towards locally sourced foods and sustainability. There is so much more to it, but it will be quite the project.

At 5 I met Laurie at Ella’s Jamaican for a lovely long visit and dinner. She really is an amazing client become friend. We had so many funny little random conversations in a lovely atmosphere over ridiculously good food.

Once home, out of the cold and the wind, I puzzled a little more and watched the last of season 1 of The Last of Us. Laurie told me that it had been filmed in Alberta. She did not know who Pedro Pascal is though!!

January 10, 2024

I took all the time I needed to feel ready to face the day. I am finally sinking into the appreciation of being self-employed. Boy that too a long time to let my mind understand and let go of the pressure of the 9-5 work day. By definition it is structured and inefficient for me. I need to let the things that are wrong with my system work themselves out in the morning, I need to let my night owl self be happy, I need to not stress that I meet the world’s expectations of a bookkeeper. It works better for me to go in late and stay longer.

Today I worked, then I picked up Rae-Anne and we went to FireHall for lunch. I was gifted a bunch of gift cards and she eats there free as an employee of the greater owners. We had a great catch up. It had been sitting with me since our Christmas Eve discussion. Seems all is good and the food was too. I redeemed 200 points from my Ale Trail App to get a glass which I love. It snowed big fluffy snow while we were there.

Back at the office I got so much done, including my volunteer stuff and then decided to call it a day. I have been puzzling and watching The Last of Us and now finally feel tired.

January 8, 2024

This day was so full, I was stressing out. I was also weirdly fragile and exhausted after the fear of what went down with Gwen yesterday. I have this weird line I walk between need to know and respect privacy. I wanted to reach out but knew so many would be that I tried to be patient. It was such a relief when Danika texted that Gwen was walking around and had more energy and they were going to release her so that the family could get home before dark. Such a huge relief!

I did get a lot done today in spite of interruptions and stayed to get more volunteer work done as well. Once I made it home, I puzzled and started watching ‘The Last of Us’. After the first episode, I wasn’t sure it was a good choice before bed. At the end of the 3rd episode I was feeling the poignancy and it was a good mood to retire on.

It has been challenging to start so early on VIMF recruitment with all that is going on but already over 20 have responded positively. That’s awesome! Now I just need to make manuals for the different positions in order to have all the questions answered in advance.

Good night, all!

January 7, 2024

I finally slept my cold away, mostly. I got up and had a shower, stripped the bed and did a few more chores. Thankfully I did as I got a call that darling Gwen was brought by ambulance from Elkford and is in the ICU. Last night she managed to climb up on the counter, get in the cupboard and open the child proof caps on Emmy’s meds. She managed to get a lot of them down and things were very scary for a while. Poor Malcolm was at work in the coal mine and raced down as soon as he got the call. They all ended up here as they were, dirty clothes and all. Thankfully the worst of it passed and she is still very tired and under observation but it will all clear her system and should not have any lasting effect. She is clinging to her Dad and the whole family is exhausted. I visited with them for a bit at the hospital and then stopped to see Emmy and Thea at their other grandparents. Emmy and I have a plan to stay in Fernie at a hotel next Saturday night as a trial run for the trip. We are both looking forward to it.

After the visits, the shock wore off and I was shaking but stopped at the office for a few hours to get my spreadsheet work done for FPPAS new website and send out the invites to past volunteers for VIMF. It cheered me up to get so many responses so quickly. This is very early for me but the online volunteer registration begins on the 15th of January, earlier than ever.

Once home, I finished my chores, started a new puzzle as I finished the last one that was surprisingly more challenging than I thought it would be. I got the message that Gwen is doing better and there will be an update tomorrow. Now I can rest. Oh, and there was a decent amount of snow in the wee hours. It was so pretty when the sky was blue.

January 6, 2024

I think Gin Martinis cured my cold, but may have made me stumble. I have spent the day eating as necessary, giving empties to Lukas for his Disney fundraiser with the help of Bill, and puzzling. After a certain time, I poured Gin Martinis and found my nose stopped running and I felt better. I may pinball off the walls to my bedroom, but I am settled in just after 7. I thoroughly enjoyed watching ‘You Are What You Eat, the Twin Experiment’ on Netflix. It truly hit me in the feels as I have battled with this for years.

The funny thing about Gin, it hits like marijauna, suddenly, supplely, lovely. Good night dear followers

January 5, 2024

I had set my alarm but still felt like dirt, so I slept a little longer. I then dragged myself out of bed and made it to the office by 11. My phone had blown up with texts and email by then. I responded to what I could and then buckled down to get remittances finished for the year. CRA was down for part of what I had to do. That was frustrating. I did make some folks very happy and feel good leaving it at that for the week. I am going to take the time this weekend to just rest and sleep as I need it, drink plenty of tea and maybe make soup. For tonight I am enjoying Gin Martinis and watching The OA, sweet dreams to you all.

January 4, 2024

I just finished Part 1, 8 episodes of the OA. It was intriguing and now I shall begin the next Part, 8 final episodes. Today was heavy concentration work broken up by a zoom in to the Rotary Luncheon. Missy was happy to see me home by 7. I made a good Hello Fresh soup and tried to puzzle but my brain is done. Bed it is….2024, this better be the first and last sick of the year. Can’t believe I didn’t get sick going to Vegas or all the other parts of the world I visited and managed to get the family contagion.

January 3, 2024

Sneeze, work, sniffle, work, grab the Kleenex, work, go home, rest, sleep

January 2, 2024

I suffer a lot of things relatively easily, but I get undone by a runny nose. I am so tired of this head cold and am manifesting clear sinuses and good health SOON. Danika and I are trying to make a plan for me to stay with Emmy at a hotel in Fernie soon as a trial run. I have to get the back broken on both my cold and my work to do so. I did get 4 big payroll done and that feels good. I got home after 7:30, puzzled a bit and am tucked in to try and sleep this nasty away.

January 1, 2024

I am not feeling well, too run down and have been around germs. I am still fighting the feeling that I have a bad cold but also just never felt awake today at all. I went to the kids for a seafood party with Croziers and Greys. It was nice to see everyone and they enjoyed the prawns and beverage I brought. I wasn’t great company though as I am too tired so I came home by 7:30 and am tucked in early, a good start to what will be a busy year. All the best to all of you!

January 1, 2024

I puttered and puzzled and finished Better Call Saul, enjoying one of my new breakfasts.

I then took down all my inflatables and got ready to go to the theatre. I dressed in my new embroidered bell bottoms, snakeskin boots and sparkly eyeshadow and threw my original roller skate key on its shoestring around my neck.

I was there just before 6 and rolled into home around 1:30. It was a good party and my feet are killing me! I enjoyed watching friends and acquaintances having a good time and came home with some delicious leftovers from the Heidout catering which I can’t wait to share with my family tomorrow.

My only resolution is to do more of what made me happy in 2023 and that was travel. So far, three great trips will make that happen. Whenever I get down at work, I will remember that is why I do it.

December 31, 2023

I finished binging Beef last night and it was good. Today I discovered there was a season of Better Call Saul that I hadn’t watched and it became my watch of the day. I made good headway on my puzzle as I watched. I tried on my outfit for tomorrow night’s 70s themed gig at Key City, did chores and then made red lobster biscuits to take to the annual big poker night at Landon’s. There were 30 of us and it cost $25. I had a great night, came out with 32.50 as I had so many bounties for taking out others, and split 8th place with Tyler. That was pretty great for 5 hours of good company and entertainment.

It ice rained while we were in there and I took things very slowly on the way home once I deiced it. Now I am finishing my show and sipping some Crown as I drank my nonalcoholic bevies at the game.

One of the funnier moments was when Rob Amsing came over to our table and saw my big stack and called it the Marnée Curse. I suspect it is because I do manage to take out a lot of people without rebuying at all and the pot gets bigger for the end 3 people to split. Also, every one I take out gets me a $5 bounty chip to cash in at the end. I usually manage to at least get my buyin back.

December 29, 2023

Stayed up until the wee hours finishing watching The Watcher. I didn’t realize that it is based on a true story. It is an odd Hallmark/Horror movie in 7 segments.

Didn’t wake up until 10, started watching ‘Beef’. It is very very different from the other.

I got ready and headed to Encore as I knew the kids would all be there bowling. It was great to see the Knight girls. I left and went to the car wash on the way to the office to run the last payroll and do my billing. After I finished, I ran home and got the shampoo and conditioner I’d won to give to Margot and the Harry Potter collection of Wills to watch later.

I got there and everyone was on computers separately playing a game together. Margot eventually came down from a rest and 6 of us all played a fun bubble tea game. After that we watched the 5th movie in the HP franchise. Most of the way through thankfully, it was time for the kids to get antsy and so it was annoying to try to hear until someone yelled ‘Hush’

I was home by 8:30 and ran a hot bath with a CBD bath bomb. I watched 2 episodes of Beef and am now in bed watching more. I am very much enjoying it.

December 29, 2023

I went in to the office and looked at all the info from the Travelbestbets site and emailed back and forth with Shayla, the very helpful agent. Once I had all the info together, I sent it to Tracey and she committed to going from September 12-22. Then it was off to the Rotary lunch where as of yesterday I am officially a member. It was a nice social time and I even got a fine on my first day as we all did to wrap up the year. The made up fun fines, often $2 and the Happy Bucks that people put on their accounts to pay to make announcements are a cute way of raising funds and entertaining everyone. I look forward to what the future brings serving with this group. A

fter the meeting I dropped off my recycling and took Mom’s clothes to the Mission Thrift. Then, it was back to the office to finish booking the trip and apply for my passport renewal as it expires in July 2024. I will get photos and send it in after we are back from California as I don’t want to risk not getting it back. I used my Avion Visa to put the deposit on the trip and Tracey will pay me as she can as she is waiting for a refund from her cancelled cruise. She kindly offered to pay towards any interest we accumulate, which is awesome.

I managed to get the last two files done for GST filing for 2023! Also got a jump doing one of the two payroll due tomorrow. Once I was done James was also finished cleaning at the office and we headed to Encore to shoot some pool. It was great to see Roger’s sister, Margot and her husband, Rob there, up from Olympia Washington. I hope to see their girls tomorrow afternoon.

James and I played 6 games of which I won two, he won two and he sewered and lost two. It was fun and the place was noisy and busy. I offered to buy him dinner at East Side Mario’s and it was delicious. I dropped him back at Encore and came home to puzzle and watch more episodes of The Watcher. It is impossible not to watch. Thank goodness there is only 7 episodes all together as I seem to be on a binge.

I am so very excited to go on both big trips next year. Something to look forward to is very important to my mental health.

December 27, 2023

I was at acupuncture for 10, working mostly on brain calming. Over to the office for a bit to clear the email out, but not actually work. Noon was armpit and eyebrow wax with the lovely Ireland and then off to Creative Souls where Melissa spent nearly two hours giving me a full body relaxation massage, facial and eye treatment. AND! I won one of their month of December gift baskets! They made the draw on Friday and let me know when I got there. I cried. The whole day was so perfect to that point. I then went to the office and printed all my California trip info and put it in an organizer I bought. I also called WestJet and confirmed that I could add on a suitcase, and pack my CPAP in it as I am not using a battery with it. After that I came home and snacked and puzzled and watched Friends from College season 2. I then reached out to Tracey about the Ecuador/Galapagos trip and she is good to go!! I sent the email to travel Best bets and will wait for them to call to book it for Sept 2024. I am so happy that she is game to go and do all the Add-Ons. It will cost much less than Disney I suspect and is the only for sure on my bucket list. Ever since I read Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut, I have wanted to go there.

December 26, 2023

This morning I slept until 10 and then puzzled and got ready to go to the office. I went in to run a big union payroll but after getting very frustrated waiting for info, I later received a call that he had fallen leaving the office and had to go to the hospital to make sure he hadn’t broken his tailbone. While I was waiting, I met the fam and friends at Encore. We had a nice visit, I returned to the office to run the pay and then headed to the Bungay Bash. It was a lot of my musician friends and it was great to catch up as well as make smalltalk with acquaintances. Jake and Yumi kindly blame and picked me up to get my car home for the morning.

I reached out to Alan Doyle to see if they would join us for a kitchen party after their show here in February as my host from this party is from Labrador.

It was a good day and I know it was good that I came home and felt grounded. I made a plan with Emmy thanks to Malcolm and Danika, to spend a night in Fernie at a hotel and get used to being away as she is very attached to her Mom at the moment

December 26, 2023

Merry Christmas

Sawyer came and woke me up some time after 7 with a good snuggle. We all headed down to the living room and began with coffee and stockings.

We were all spoiled beyond measure. I was especially moved by a few things including a mug that their neighbour and my friend Addison saw and thought of me, even though we don’t usually swap gifts. There were also cool things from the UK Besties. Hard Rock Reykjavic pin and unique salt and pepper shakers. Roger found some awesome Jack bath bombs, Rae, a wicked fun calendar, Ashlée, some beautiful feather earrings, Jake and Yumi, the perfect puzzle and Danika, a vintage cup set. There was also a perfect shaped mug from Bill and Deanne, and just so much more.

I made breakfast of pork sliders which were mixed with shredded gala apples and topped with a mixture of BBQ sauce and maple syrup and cheddar cheese served in a Red Lobster biscuit. It was a hit, phew!

Bill went and picked up my Mom and I went for some time out in Lukas’s room. There is some weird ass energy this year and it is not just me. Rae is struggling, she and Roger are sniping. I think we are all at a place of stress in our lives and bumping off each other. Everyone was pleased when Mom (GG) give us all $25 gift card for Disneyland.

We had a delicious dinner with The Greys joining us. I enjoyed sitting with the kids in the kitchen as there was no room left in the dining room. We had good conversation.

I took Mom home and when I got back, after finding Emmy asleep on the couch and her deciding she didn’t feel well and wanted to be with her mom, I settled into a game of 5 minute Dungeon with Demitri, Emilia, Lukas, Roger and Ashlée. It was fun, but I was fading and decided to come home to sleep tonight. In spite of all the drama, it was a decent Christmas and I will go to the office tomorrow before meeting everyone at Encore at 3 and then of to the Bungay Bash after 6. I look forward to no alarm.. or noise and Missy seems happy that I am home.