I woke up way too early as I think I was stressing about a client call today. She seems to think I offended her some way by setting my own boundaries. I was prepared to address it, but it still caused me stress.
I relaxed and watched 90 Day Fiancé while having breakfast and then took a shower and headed off. I still love my new hair which is great.
I took her call at 10 and I was able to show her the areas that were causing me grief with her file. We worked through a lot and an hour and a half later I had to beg off as I still had payroll to run.
I worked until it was time to go to an Ed Fest meeting at 4 and we got a lot done as it is less than a month away. It is a very productive group we are working with. I feel that the only weak link is the organization I am on the Board for. I am more there on my own, trying to make big picture things happen.
Next stop was Encore to drop off a poster. I ended up staying and enjoying rib night and a couple bevies. Amanda is an awesome bar manager and I am always happy when she is there. She seems to have recovered well from the fire.
In the course of only 24 hours the smoke has settled in an it is eye burning outside. I am so grateful for the clear air and coolness in my home.
Missy was extremely happy that I picked up her favourite food today.
This picture doesn’t even show how eerie it was this morning
I dedicate this day in remembrance of my cousin Kelly. She was like a sister to me, the thing I lost when I was only 3 months old and then at 54, I lost my dear Kelly. Life goes on.. and so does the grieving.
I did not like the mood I ended yesterday in. I realize it was a weird form of grief. I am sad for my cousins losing their Dad, my Aunt for the loss of her husband and most especially feeling the sadness that tomorrow is the anniversary of them losing their sister, Kelly, 6 years ago. She was a large light in my life and for all of them, I am sad. I had a complicated relationship with my Uncle and Kelly protected me from it. I know he loved me as family and probably never knew how much his words hurt me. It is a complicated grief. My brain can’t just light on it and move through it.
So, this morning, I got up and put on a pretty dress and high heels and decided to have a different kind of day. I would honour both of them by being me and loving my life. I worked hard on payroll, went to my waxing appointment and then sat myself at Encore Brewing, enjoying delicious food and beverages. Lukas came down and we played some skeeball and basketball as the arcades are free on Tuesdays and then he joined me at my hair appointment where he got a cut before mine. Our friend Karissa had a salon before she had her daughter and then twins. She now has a small clientele three nights a week out of her garage. I didn’t know what I wanted but I knew I didn’t like that my grey is predominantly in the centre of my head. My natural colour is very dark still so she did lowlights, the money piece as she calls it and did a nice pick up trim. It was so nice to hang out and visit while she was at it and the result makes me so happy. Unfortunately as I stepped into her house my pretty shoe came apart, lol. I came home barefooted, but got to enjoy them for the day, especially the confident walk and popped calves the give me 🙂
I decided I am going to go to the Gerow Family reunion in Salmon Arm in a week and a half and am going to take Lukas and Will with me. It is my step-family but have I loved and been loved by them nearly my whole life so I am looking forward to it. It will be fun having the boys along as well.
I couldn’t get to sleep last night, set my alarm for late and hit the ground running when I got to the office. There was so much stuff to get through and I plowed through but for the second half of the day I was working on a client’s laptop. I didn’t realize it was set an hour earlier and suddenly realized that I didn’t have time to get to Rae-Anne’s 39th birthday dinner at the Pedal and Tap in Kimberley and back in time for my board meeting. I decided to get ready for the meeting and then do my mystery shop at a cannabis store where I picked up some treats. From there I drove through Popeye’s as I hadn’t been there yet. Back at the office I enjoyed my meal just in time for the meeting, hoping to end at a decent time to join Rae when they texted me that they were at the Firehall for a drink. The meeting was painful and I never got a text so I could leave. I drove by Rae’s and dropped off a card and the rest of her gift but didn’t see her. Would have liked to hug her, but I probably have this angry mood around me anyway so no point.
The morning brought Nana making pancakes for the boys as they cleaned the house and built a Lego vase for their Mom whose birthday is tomorrow. Once they were done with everything I gave them two hours of screen time while I got ready and brought my stuff home to ready for tonight and get changed into cooler clothes. It was a bonus that I tried a pair of shorts on that I haven’t fit for 3 summers and they are perfect. I brought cat toys to Williams new kitten, Leia. She is so adorable and has a pompon tail as it was stepped on and broken, healing in a curve before he got her.
I arrived at the site to stand in a long line to get in but it went quite quickly once the gates opened. I scoped out the area where I sat yesterday and saw a spot for one chair only one row behind where I was. I set up my chair and turned to see I was next to Shannon and Teri, the ladies I had bought the tickets for in the first place! Great kismet! And, we had all brought fans today, lol.
The first band up was Teaze who I couldn’t recall at all. They did do Sweet Misery though and that was familiar. They had good energy and were well received. It is extremely hot on the pavement today and I am staying well hydrated. Thankfully there are water stations.
I decided to get a Chicken Caesar wrap from the salad truck and it was delicious but I didn’t notice it was dripping all down the front of my MusicFest shirt I was wearing. I tried to clean it off but it was a mess so I went to the merch tent to see if I could buy one of the fest tanks. They only had small ones left and the only vee necked one left was a white Streetheart one. It was as a matter of fact, the last one, the sample on a hanger. It was a large so I took a chance and bought it. I went into the arena washroom to change and was glad to have it. While I was buying it I also met the lead singer of Teaze who was very sweet.
I settled in to watch Streetheart and they were great. I don’t think the lead singer has the chops but he was personable and I enjoyed them. I decided to get in line for autographs on my new shirt and although it was hot standing in the sun waiting for them, it turned out to be one of the fun highlights. They were all lined up behind tables and I had a chat with the first guy about him being class of 74 and moving to Vancouver when he was 20 and the music scene being great there. I got him to sign the back of my shirt. Next was Daryl Gutheil, the keyboardist, who is a founding member of the band. I got him to sign over the heart on the front of the shirt. After him were the drummer and bass player who also signed the back and then last was Paul McNair, the lead singer. When I stepped in front of him, he said: “well, this will be fun!” I promptly turned around and the drummer told him that the front was for founding members only… there was a huge laugh and I got a great picture. He was a very good sport and gave me a cheek to cheek moment as well.
Honeymoon Suite was next. They were very popular. I don’t know if I was overheated or just worn out on this kind of music but I wasn’t as into them as I thought I would be. I mean, they were fine, just not great. They drew a big standing crowd.
I blew a sandal, but they had a good long life and managed to get me home so I could throw them out.
I enjoyed chatting with people and finding out where they were from. The furthest I met today was from Saskatchewan.
Once April Wine began, I was glad as not only was a long and hot, over stimulated weekend coming to an end, but I had been looking forward to them. I did however get the unfortunate news that my Uncle Jim died at 8:47 our time this evening. I was unable to completely concentrate after that and found the seemingly never ending drum solo to be just too much. I finally decided to leave about ten after 10 and listened to two of their biggest hits while I was heading to my car.
I stopped to make sure the boys had done as they were supposed to and was pretty impressed. They even made a great sign to welcome their mom for her birthday tomorrow. Rae, Roger and Ash arrived home and we had a quick catchup. She was very impressed with the cleaning job, especially the kitchen.
I am very tired but finding it hard to wind down. That was a great deal of stimulation… and sun. I don’t know how more people weren’t wearing earplugs. maybe they have hearing aids from listening to this type and level of sound, and just turn them down. I could not have survived without my Loops. I did have a fun game in my head that I wish I had had a friend to engage with about. I found myself watching the crowd and wondering who were the hot ones in high school. I also felt great about my aging process as there were all kinds of people of all shapes and stages, just enjoying themselves. it will be interesting to see what the plan is for next year.
The day started around 6 when Sawyer crawled in with me but bless his heart it wasn’t until around 9 when he asked if we could get up now. I made them brunch bologna and cheese melts and then the kitchen got team cleaned to perfection. I had the power to take the time limiter off their games and Lukas helped me set up a Fortnite account. We all played a bit and then Lukas took more time to help me. The problem is I haven’t played XBox for years as I have Playstation. He would tell be to do things and I didn’t remember how to on their system. I think it was frustrating to him but he was a good teacher and I shall sign in at home and try it to see if I catch on using my own remote.
I popped home to feed and visit Missy before heading down to the Festival. Because I was alone, I was able to scout out a spot for my single chair only 6 rows back just to the left ahead of the Front of House tent. Unfortunately there were a couple with tall chairs two rows ahead that the wee lady in front of me and I had trouble seeing around. Eventually we were able to scoot our chairs to see better. Lee Aaron was first and I have always liked her, although not enough to know she has recorded a bunch of new music in the last 6 or so years which I will check out further. She played a few new ones and they were great. I was not disappointed. I was very glad that I found my Loops when I went home to protect my hearing and enjoy it more. Oh and did I mention that she is a year older than me?! (She’s 61)
Oh the faces on her husband, the drummerVerna O-B and Dave Prinn
Next up was Harlequin, who I had forgotten I was into. (Seriously it was the 70s and 80s, what can I say) They were actually pretty good. Very engaged with the audience and clearly having a good time. I enjoyed taking a couple pictures of my friend Morgan, the official photographer, as well.
And then it was time for Prism, not going to kid you, I hadn’t realized how much this was going to thrill me. I was whisked back to my teens, thrilled to stand and sing along. I was very into Armageddon and was wonderfully surprised to get two pics taken by Verna who was sitting a few rows back of me. It may have been my goosebump moment of the Fest. Most of their songs I was able to sing along with and they were fun performers. Trying a little too hard not to look as old as they are perhaps.
Tribute to Jeff BeckPJ from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
The evening closer was Tom Cochrane, whom I have had the pleasure of seeing several times already. I was glad I stayed though, he put on a great show as always. My phone died half way through a song and I was left to just sit and enjoy.
I was glad to get home and see that Lukas had made dinner and cleaned up after, well, the sink is full but the kitchen is otherwise clean. The kids are all camping out next door and I have offered to make pancakes in the morning so I had best get some sleep. there was a lot packed into this day.
What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?
I don’t know if it can really change the world, but I do hope that someone out there needs to read the things that I write; that it may inspire honesty and understanding that all things pass, good and bad. The only constant is change, for real. A walk through my world should show that one is always in control, ultimately, of how they deal with things. I can get goofy over the simplest pleasures and feel like the world is crumbling and impossible over something equally as simple. That is the ocean of my life, I just keep riding the waves, and I hope I inspire others to do the same.
I hung out with the boys for a bit this morning, got them going on their chores and learned about Fortnight.. which I now want to play. Over to the office to get quite a bit done, paid and unpaid before heading to Western Financial Place to pick up my weekend passes for myself and the three I sold to a friend. The line up was long when I arrived at 3:48 (had been open since 2) and I found myself cursing TicketMaster who made only the weekend pass holders do this will call bull. The people who bought day passes were sent them to their phones. It was such a waste of time but I read my book Last Night at the Viper Room, River Phoenix and the Hollywood He Left Behind. I was finally tickets in hand at 4:55. All they asked was my name and phone number. Not very secure. I had texted the woman who bought the others but she didn’t respond for over half an hour and by then I had come and checked on the kids, gone to visit with Missy and changed into runners to survive the concrete. I was able to get good parking in the arena lot which was a surprise as the venue is in the big lot beside the arena. Seems like most people listened to the City’s plea to park elsewhere and walk. To be fair, you can walk from almost anywhere in the city limits to there in less than half an hour. I waited for the other two ladies and then finally went in and waited. They arrived and I handed them their tickets and we set up our lawn chairs in a good spot. Far enough away not to be blocked by standees and center enough to see clearly. Then it was into the beverage and then food lines. I only had two drinks as I was more hungry and once I had fish and chips I was satisfied. I was glad to hang with Shannon and Teri whom I met at a women’s function for Chamber. There were so many people there, a sea of 60 something’s. I was calling it the Geezer Tour 2023
The first band was Helix. I don’t remember being a big fan, and I still am not one. They were ok, and certainly had their fans, but they are almost a tribute band as only the lead singer is original, 3 others are dead.
Next was Headpins and I was prepared not to like them as Darby Mills was my singer in the day. Rosa, however is awesome and channeled all the rocker moves. They were good and I was relieved.
Last up was Kim Mitchell, and at 71, he blew me away. His voice is still great and can he play that guitar. His band is tight and it was a fun way to end the night.
I came home to the boys all still up watching TV and the kitchen had not been finished as promised. Off to bed with all of them, being sure to let them know I love them but they need to listen better if they want to have some fun together tomorrow before they go to a sleepover camp out next door.
The hard part of the day and evening was getting messages from my cousin Debbi letting me know that her Dad, one of my three remaining uncles, had had an aneurysm, and a brain bleed. He had not regained consciousness and they were just waiting by his bedside and saying their goodbyes. Such a tough time of year already as next week marks 6 years since his daughter, Kelly, was murdered. I have very mixed feelings. I am sad and yet, my Uncle Jim was not always kind to me and that has been hard to let go of. My lack of emotional response to the news is telling. I am more sad for my 4 cousins than any loss to me. I will have to plan to go to his funeral, I suppose. It will be good to see my cousins but the last time we were all together was at Kelly’s funeral. Sigh. A very conflicted day.
I noticed something in Ashlée’s apartment that I have wondered what happened to it for years. So glad she has it. I was a super coupon clipper in the ‘80s and sent away for the little green sprout flashlight. It makes me happy she has it on display
I slept in after my alarm went off and had to rush to the office to meet a client. She was great, a text held her off long enough and we got the work done. I worked and prepped for Summer Sounds, then headed to get ice for the cooler and water from Arby’s. While I was there I took the time to have the Wagyu Burger that is on for a limited time and it was really good. Will called me that he wasn’t feeling well so I suggested he lay down and drink lots of water. Lukas and Sawyer came to the park, helping with the fencing and then Sawyer did his water boy gig. He is really good at it and gets lots of positive feedback, and tips. I am proud of the parents for raising such good, hardworking boys. The evening was different than usual as we had two hip hop style groups that were really good. The park lost quite a few people a few hours in but those who stayed really loved it and it was worth opening up our genres.
I am now tucked into the spare room in Ashlée’s apartment while the boys are all settled upstairs. Gene is packing to head to a camp in the morning. Will seems to feel better and Sawyer is fast asleep. Lukas has his friend Jude over and they have been tasked to clean up in the morning as the kitchen is a disaster. I probably should have swung by home to check on Missy but I left her food and she will be fine. Tomorrow will be full, sleep I must.
Today had several intermittent downpours but the accompanying thunder this evening was ominous. I hope it rains, really soaks things.
Today was work, chiro, work, mammogram, mystery shop 4 places, work, work, work, home, snack for dinner and sink into the couch.
I have been texting with Rae to get details of them going away to a wedding at the coast this weekend as I will be responsible for the boys. I have summer sounds tomorrow night and then a ticket to Rocking the Kootenays with concerts the next 3 nights. I will be staying In Ash’s guest room though so I am in the same house but will be comfortable while all the adults are away.
I found myself at odds with my day. I did get a lot done, but was overwhelmed by the thoughts in the background about my mortgage renewal. It is due on the 24th and yet I have had mostly negative response from my broker as to her being able to pull it off. I reached out to the bank I am currently with, yesterday. I was to have a call back, but nothing today. I had to go to Mom’s for a Dr’s office call with regard to her last blood test. It seems she is able to lower her hyperthyroid meds, which is good news although they can’t figure out why so she is to go for tests again once she has lowered for 2-3 weeks. We had a nice little visit and then I headed to Galen’s to talk about EDFest and FPPAS’s contribution. We had a great catch up and then Monica invited me to stay for dinner and we had delicious Buddha bowls with smoked tofu. I finally lift at 8:30. While I was leaving Mom’s and heading there I received an email that I was approved for enough to pay off everything. Although my mortgage itself would double, all other debts would be paid off and my actual outgo each month would be far less. This was such a great surprise, and now all that is necessary to set my rate is an appraisal. I hope this happens soon and it is all put to bed for another 5 years.
Took the time to do some more chores before heading to the office. I got access to Mom’s benefits and submitted a bunch of receipts. Sadly they don’t reimburse a lot but anything back will help. Spent some time on a file and then headed to work a shift at Arby’s. The first hour was insane and I am thrilled we all got through it. Unfortunately we ran out of roast beef and had to close early. This was also good as we were able to clean and get out of there early. Rae-Anne and I went to Boston Pizza and Ashlée joined us for some food and a visit. We were all too tired to stay long but it was nice. I came home and watered my garden and flopped into my chair to wind down for a good sleep.
I did chores, got a call from Auntie Trish that Andrea insists on going with her, and made a promise to call Princess Cruise and swap our names. Rae-Anne picked me up and we went to see Oppenheimer which is long but brilliant. I experienced anxiety while watching it, for some reason. Next stop was to see Mom and get her documents for Health Care. She seemed ok but didn’t sleep last night. Rae dropped me at home and I did a few more things before I called Princess and swapped Andrea in to my spot. I sent them the info and Auntie is stressed that I will have to help them claim insurance if her passport doesn’t arrive in time. Part of me wants to just let them figure it out but the rest of me will be the grownup here and do what is necessary. I am sad not to be going but am going to put all my energy into my October trip to Vegas. I FaceTimed with Sonia this morning and spent some time on a route which I sent this evening.
Today I managed to get my lawn cleared of all the blown down branches and get the lawn mowed for the first time in a long time. I had to borrow my neighbour’s lawnmower for the last of mine when I think I flooded mine and it wouldn’t start. I was losing momentum and needed to get it done. It is a relief. I have not spent the time looking after my yard and gardens that I have in the past. I just had time to shower and dress to head and pick up Rae-Anne. We went and had lovely pedicures and manicures together for her birthday treat. It was great to visit and catch up. We went back to her place for a short while and then headed to The Heidout for dinner. While there, we played one of the games I got her, .59 Seconds. It was fun and easy to learn. We split all our meal.. deep fried pickles, Schnitzel and Tiramisu. It was all so delicious and it was nice to spend time with her. By 7:47 we were both tired out and I made my way home with expectation that I won’t stay up very long.
I feel that today was pretty productive in spite of my weariness.
The best part of it was that yesterday I had reached out to Emmy and then her mom let me know that Emmy and Gwen were going to be in Cranbrook at their Grandma’s for the weekend. I went there at 6 and we played Barbies until after 7. The most fun was that she had made a shop that the Kens ran, a shop for misfits. None of the clothes or shoes could match. I suggested that I close my eyes and she give me clothes and accessories to dress while eyes were shut. She loved the result (I put a jacket on as pants, purposefully) and that was our new game, taking turns. It was a lot of fun and I got a kiss from Gwen when I left, and many big hugs from Emmy.
The worst part of the day was letting my cousin know that I was going on the cruise with her Mom as Auntie Trish said it was ok to tell her. I assumed they had talked. Turns out Andrea had been lied to by her Mom for some reason. She was told about the cruise but was told she was going with no one. Andrea was super aggressive and rude, saying it all was shady as fuck. I finally had to tell her I was no longer going to talk about it and have basically ghosted the conversation. Why can’t people just be honest!!!!!
Up earlier than usual to get things done and be at the Notary for 9 to sign the papers that officially make me Mom’s Power of Representative and Power of Attorney. It is bitter sweet as it will make things officially easier, but also carries big responsibility to care for the woman who took me on at only 22 years old when I was under 2. It is the least I can do under the circumstances. I went to the office and took care of some personal things and was working on a file when Rae messaged me through Slack to ask if I could come to Arby’s right away and help cover lunch. I was all dressed in pink, but when you get called in it is ok to wear what you are wearing. I threw on an apron and a hat and my work shoes and enjoyed working the drive-thru. It has been a long time since I worked but I managed to be helpful. I actually enjoyed it. Which is good as I am scheduled for two longer shifts next week.
Back to the office to get more done before heading to the Chiropractor at 3. Kevin Roberge is very touchy in his methods but it works well for me. He loosened me up again and I will see him next week as well. I am going to try to sleep with a pillow under my knees tonight to see if it helps. Back to the office to finish a file before heading down to the park to pick up the cooler and go get ice from Arby’s for the water and pop. Then it was back down to emcee for Amy Nelson Band and Marshall Dylan Band. They were both very well received and it was a great crowd on a lovely evening in the park. I was able to have some good visits with people I haven’t seen in a while, was thrilled with how polite and well loved Sawyer is as the water boy, and generally just had a good time.
Amy Nelson Jason, Justin and Grace ClelandMarshall Dylan
My back did not like however I slept last night. It took a few hours to make it work properly. It probably didn’t help to sit at a desk for most of the day but I did get a lot done. I am trying to get ahead of all the work for the next couple months what with trips in both September and October. Auntie Trish reached out this morning to apologize for last night. I hope she is pleasantly surprised when the medallions I ordered us arrive at her house. It will be interesting to see how they work with the app for the cruise. I left the office just before a 4 pm meeting at Key City about EdFest. It was pretty productive and I am glad I was there as no other FPPAS board members were. Coming home, I relaxed and then made some dinner. It was delicious. I left out the green pepper but used the chipotle seasoning and am feeling a little gaseous but overall not too bad. I took Tracey to the Barbie movie as her birthday is on Friday. She ran back out to the car to see if my loops were in the console but they weren’t. There were many girls in this audience and I worried it would be overwhelming to my senses. She mentioned to the ticket taker what she had gone out for and was offered a headset with volume control for me. They worked perfectly, blocking out the surrounding noises and letting me listen at my comfort level. I wish I had known sooner that this was a thing! I enjoyed the movie and thought it was very well imagined.
Lots of work, with a trip to pick up Mom’s pills and then go meet with her and the health intake lady. It took nearly an hour and a decision to get extra help. We narrowed it down to what will be the most useful and get her up moving around more. She seemed better today. I will try to get back to have a good visit soon. Back to the office to meet with Genex and discuss, along with Matt, what we hope for in our new Society website. It was very productive. I finally headed home and received an uncomfortable message from my Aunt. Seems she got someplace weird in her head and wondered if I am taking advantage of her and if she could take someone else on the cruise. Although my feelings were hurt I did offer to find out if I could be replaced without penalty. She didn’t take my call to check on her but reached out again to say she didn’t mean it and wants to go with me only. I am sure she doesn’t remember that I let her lead the whole thing, not even reminding her the next morning that she had asked me the night before. She got up and said , Let’s get booking it !
I am mostly sad that anyone thinks that I would take advantage of anyone. We are good now and the trip is still on.. for now.
Up and at the day with a whole lot of fogginess. I wonder if I should have just continued not taking my pain meds as the weariness must be from adjusting to them again. A whole lot of payroll, a few errands done and I was back home having some gyoza and watermelon. I seem to be ravenous and that is making me nervous for maintaining my weight loss. Tracey and I went for a walk down the block and back just before dusk. That is when it is cool enough. Missy isn’t quite sure about the furniture move but she has claimed my old spot on the couch as I now am comfy in my big chair.
I slept in a bit, then took a long epsom salt and bath bomb bath while I watched the end of Little fires everywhere. I was most disappointed that there is only one season but I enjoyed it. The rest of the day was puttering at some chores, watching shows and reorganizing my living room. I would have had to get up too early to beat the hear and mow the lawn. It is nearly 10 pm and still 24 out, and that’s 10 degrees lower than earlier. I like the new layout in the living room as I can sit in my big chair now to watch and play.
triumphgal 