Why I'm Not Attending my High School Reunion

(I copied this from my other blog site, not loving it over there.)

I’m not sure what happened, but, somehow, we  have come round to the 20th anniversary of my high school graduation.

When I was in school, waiting to turn 20 seemed like an eternity. Now, I find, 20 years has blown by. And,folks…..I do not feel nearly old enough to be marking this milestone.

My denial of years passing has nothing to do with not going back for the reunion.

When I first heard that some old classmates were organizing  a little something  to commemorate our high school days, I thought: “Well, that’s nice. Maybe I’ll make the trip”

In the back of my mind, I also knew that my Fabulous Running Buddy and I were hoping to get in to the #Seawheeze Half Marathon in Vancouver.

2 reasons to travel this summer.  I was pretty sure I couldn’t manage both.

So. I chose the race.

Some background:
I only went to my high  school for 2 years. I only lived in that town for 3 years of school before I graduated. I got married and left town 2 years after graduation.  (5 years all told,if anyone was adding it up)
I don’t really have roots there. My  parents moved away over  5 years ago. (Although my sister is living there again).

While it would be fun to visit, and there are some people I’d really like to see, one trip is the limit. If I could manage going twice, I probably would.

I have some good memories of my time there, and some not-so-good memories (As  I’m sure most people do about those years). I was hardly someone that would be well remembered by the majority.

I hope everyone who goes has a wonderful time. I hope they all laugh and reminisce about those “Good old days”.

Me, I’m really looking forward to making the trip in August. I can’t wait to see the mountains again, the water (both ocean and lake). I’m so excited to see my sister, her mister and their Littles (I haven’t met the kiddos yet). Taking the kids there after so many years (7) will be fantastic for them as well. And the race of course! Our second Half Marathon! It’s going to be a good trip, if all goes according to plan.

There are some troubles that might be brewing, but, we’ll sort it out. Things have a way of coming together if you want it bad enough.

And hey, it’s 2014….an even number. My favourite kind.

Laundry and Other Thoughts

Winter blahs.

It would seem, that going back to staying home and doing the  House Wife thing is going to take a little longer to adjust to than I thought.

I've considered looking for something part-time, but am worried that it would limit my availability for the bank.

Next month I'll have a few regular shifts at work, so I'm looking forward to that.

As I have said in previous posts, taking this job was a leap of faith. An investment in the possibility of more in the future.

Patience isn't my forte (I'm sure I've also mentioned that). Time flies, and it's really a waste of time wishing away the days.

I should be using this time to organize the house, myself, do all those little projects I was too busy to do.

For today, I'll start with folding the laundry. Not my favourite chore, but better than letting it sit in the baskets until we need it again.

Bright spots for this week:
*I work half a day tomorrow. It'll be nice to see everyone.
*Friday I am taking a day trip into the city with my Fabulous Running Buddy! We haven't done this since August. :)

What's Next :)

I am....I'm not sure.

I'm finding my way.

No work for me this week (out of the house that is). I was supposed to have a couple of shifts, but, things changed. *sigh*

I'm a bit sad about it. I was really looking forward to being there (so,so odd, I know).

On the bright side: I now have plenty of time to make some stuff for the Littlest's bake sale at school, and to prep for Son #2's big birthday on Friday. (Did I mention he turning 13?!?!?!?) Oh my babies, they're so big!

The baking will be an adventure all its own. The oven is dying a slow, painful death. The element crumbled to ash this summer, so we replaced it. Now it won't hold anything close to a steady temperature. Set it to 350F, you'll get anything but that. Last week while making birthday cookies for our girl, it went up and down like a roller coaster! It's no way to bake folks, not at all.

Ah well, watching the goodies in the oven will keep me busy.

Now, if I could just get someone to pay me to bake on the days I'm not working.......a kitchen reno would be good too!

Investments: Not Always About Money

It's a New Year. No real resolutions for me. Be more organized, be nicer to myself and those around me, same as every year since I turned 30. Nothing with a definite deadline.

I am now living my life as a Casual Employee. It's a little scary (not quite the right word for it), and am still trying to wrap my head around this new schedule....or lack of one. I have plenty to keep me busy though. Back to enjoying baking for my own family, training for the upcoming races we're registering for, kids' activities, running our friendly little weight-loss group (to name a few).

Quite a change from this time last year, when I was feeling sick, tired & broken at work.

I feel bad that I haven't been up to the Old Job since I gave notice. I had a wonderful leaving-supper with a few people from there, and they invited me to their Christmas party (fun evening), but that's been it really. During my training at the New Job, I wasn't able to go up at all, since my hours were pretty much their hours. Now that I have time (and a bit of business for myself, as it's a centre I can access for services), I am hesitating.....silly nerves. I'm old news :)

I have bumped into some folks from up there when I've been out running errands, and while at work. Most meetings have been amicable (quick chat, good feelings), so that's a good thing. I tell my kids, you can't control the behaviour of others, only how you act and react.

I miss the morning chats, with co-workers and kids alike, at the counter in the kitchen.  I miss random hugs around my knees from the younger kiddos, watching them learn new things and hitting their milestones.

What I've traded those things for though is an investment in our family. My darling husband will most likely be changing careers in the not too distant future (life in the civvy world! EEK!). I am hoping this job move for me will, in time, afford me the chance to work full-time with some financial security during his transition. I'd like it to be less job, more career. At the very least, I am adding to my skill-set and work experience.

Perhaps I'm still in the Honeymoon period, but.....I really am enjoying this position. I wasn't sure I would. Somedays I feel overwhelmed with all I am learning and still have to learn. Every day has it challenges, and I like how it keeps me on my toes.

And.

I get to wear nailpolish.

and...

...pretty clothes...

and....

....I am not hurting and hobbling at the end of the day.

I guess the lesson I should take away from my ramblings here is this:
     

Hang on to the bright and shiny memories I have from the Old Job, let anything else go. Enjoy the New Job and all the new folks I work with and meet.  Life goes on, and time is too short to worry.

2014.....I Love Even Numbers

Happy 2014 folks! Yeah, a few days late I guess, but within the first week. It counts.

Not really sure where to start, what to share. Things have been busy, if not terribly exciting.

Christmas was really good. We went to my parents' place, relaxed, visited, ate a little more than we should of, shopped WAY too much.We were lucky enough to get together with some good friends as well.  I enjoyed it, but, I always do when we go there.

I made it through the initial 6 weeks of training for the bank. I feel that I am now semi-competent in my position. The most important things I have learned are:
     1. Take my time. Accuracy is better than speed.
     2. If you don't know the answer ASK SOMEONE.
When I made the choice to take this casual position, it sounded great. I was so tired and broken from my other job, I thought it was just what I needed. What I didn't count on was how much I would enjoy this new job! This is my first official week as a "Casual" employee really. I only work Thursday afternoon. Feels very odd, I think I'll miss it.

The kids are back to school tomorrow. 2 are excited and 2 are bummed. 50/50  split, not bad I figure. I think deep down they're all a little glad. After 2 weeks, I know they'll be glad to see their friends and get away from each other a bit.

I am also getting back to taking care of myself. I've let so much lapse....well, nevermind that. I can't change what's happened over the past 6 months. What I can do is start doing the things I love again. Running, Zumba, cooking and creating in my kitchen. So be warned: future posts will include food pictures and long ramblings about my fitness progress.

Some True Cliches

It's easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day, to feel overwhelmed by all the things that seem to pile up....these things that seem so very important. They are to some degree. I mean, the little things, they all knit together and are what make up our lives.
What I'm talking about is the worrying about the things you have or don't have. Comparing yourself, your life to that of others, thinking you don't measure up. It sucks the joy out of you.

Why the moderately cliche ramblings?

Someone our family cares about a great deal lost his Mom yesterday.

It's unexpected, and heartbreaking. This family loved her so very much. I wasn't lucky enough to have met her myself, but I have heard that she really was a lovely and loving woman.

I can barely fathom how they all must be feeling this morning. My stomach gets tied up when I think of how I would feel.

When someone you care about experiences a loss, it does make you sit back and take stock. Makes you want to reach out and hold your own a little tighter. (Harder when there are miles between you, but virtual hugs are good too).

It inspires me to let go of some negative crap that's been weighing on me (literally and figuratively). There have been some big changes around here. Time to appreciate them instead of worrying about them.

I do wish there was something  we could do.







---->Update on What's been going on.

The Impatient Patient

Two and a half weeks into recovery and....well, just call me the Impatient Patient.

I thought that by now I'd be doing more. Not back 100%, but, not as sore and tired as I am. I get so tired so easily, it's nutty!

I decided to make soup on Sunday. (Homemade soup, not from a can.) It's a staple recipe, nothing fancy. It took me well over an hour to make it. Usual prep time: 30 mins.

What an eye opener.

Monday was my first full day solo since surgery. I had to go to Walmart for some pain pills (the OTC variety). Folks, it took me over an hour to shower, get dressed and get out the door. Seriously? Yup, I move even slower than turtles now. (Should have my own shirts made).

Sent an email to work yesterday, just a warning for them....I'm not sure I'll be "kitchen ready" by the 21st.  My boss was very understanding, which I am glad for. I have to listen to my body I guess. (Impatient Patient does not like this).

No fitness, other than short walks at the grocery store. My appetite has returned, which is a blessing and a curse. Trying to make the Good Choices.....but chocolate once-a-day seems to have become a necessity for my sanity.

I will say, I am still enjoying being home with the kids on the morning....and they're liking it too. It will be a hard thing to give up when I go back.