One of the things that excites me about my new job is the ability to walk to work. On the other hand, one of the things that challenges me the most is the need to find the appropriate walking gear.
The first two weeks were fine. I could wear my wide open sandals. My feet were unencumbered and happy. I walked to and from work, twice a day with no foot complaints.
Last week (dress codes are in place now that school has started) was another story.
I wore my dressiest shoes (rather ugly black, size 8W, Dr Scholl's) for two days. Despite using up half of a box of blister bandages, I ended up with a blood blister (half the size of my little toe) that prevented me from wearing any other shoe (except my sandals) for the rest of the week. I missed a dance lesson because it would have been impossible to wear any shoe which touched my tender toe.
My bunions were red and raw, but it was my little toe that took the brunt of the two days in shoes.
Healed and ready to go for another week, yesterday I pulled out my running shoes so that I could walk to work in those and change my footwear once I arrived. I thought that would be the answer.
After one day, the corns on my tender foot were tender and inflamed.
I have an old pair of (uglier) Dr Scholl's, with holes in the soles that I shall dig out (when I find a pair of shoes that does not irritate my tender tootsies, I tend to keep them around) in an attempt to get through the week.
I am saving a small fortune in gas because I can walk to work. The wear and tear on the car will be minimal as it remains parked throughout the week. It would be crazy to start up the car in -40 degree weather to drive five minutes. So I must solve this minor dilemma.
Winter is coming. I will need protective foot gear to get me through snow, ice and cold. I will need to invest in a pair of shoes that will not only protect me from the elements ... but not irritate my feet.
I am need of 'Snow Tires' for my feet. As challenging as shoe shopping is for me, I am beginning to think that tire shopping would be a lot less stressful.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
A Perfect Weekend
This past weekend was a perfect mixture of fun, friendship, family and free time to work in what needed to be done.
Last minute tickets to a sold-out play provided an evening of friendship, laughter and a short drive out of the city.
Checking out the grid road map of our province resulted in a purely spontaneous day-trip.
A phone call led to a thoroughly enjoyable visit with a friend.
There was time to run errands, time to wrap up the memories of the week and mail them off to my mom, time to spend with my family and time to appreciate a 'heroic' moment when My Youngest was the one to find a lost dog.
When we discovered the dogs had escaped from the yard, I felt utter dismay and dispair. One dog was home before we even knew she had been gone. It was the little one that was missing. My son's girlfriend's dog. It was akin to the feeling of losing someone else's child.
We took off in different directions. I asked each and every person that I saw out on the street, if they had seen our missing dog. The trail was cold. I was losing hope.
Then I got the call. My Youngest saved the day and was returning home with the Lost Pup when my son's girlfriend found them.
The lost had been found and the weekend ended as perfectly as it began.
Last minute tickets to a sold-out play provided an evening of friendship, laughter and a short drive out of the city.
Checking out the grid road map of our province resulted in a purely spontaneous day-trip.
A phone call led to a thoroughly enjoyable visit with a friend.
There was time to run errands, time to wrap up the memories of the week and mail them off to my mom, time to spend with my family and time to appreciate a 'heroic' moment when My Youngest was the one to find a lost dog.
When we discovered the dogs had escaped from the yard, I felt utter dismay and dispair. One dog was home before we even knew she had been gone. It was the little one that was missing. My son's girlfriend's dog. It was akin to the feeling of losing someone else's child.
We took off in different directions. I asked each and every person that I saw out on the street, if they had seen our missing dog. The trail was cold. I was losing hope.
Then I got the call. My Youngest saved the day and was returning home with the Lost Pup when my son's girlfriend found them.
The lost had been found and the weekend ended as perfectly as it began.
Monday, September 5, 2011
An Accidental Day
There is nothing I like better than a spur of the moment day. Yesterday, looking at a grid map of Our Province was the catalyst for a most excellent afternoon.
My Middle Son commented that he had recently driven down the highway to my childhood farm. I immediately tried to pinpoint where I had once lived. I wistfully commented that we should go for a Sunday drive out there before the weather turns on us. He replied "What about now?" I answered "Sure!"
It was that easy.
Conversation was easy. As we turned onto the minor highway that would take us back home, I got quiet as I tried to orientate myself and grasp the few memories I have left from that piece of the highway.
Then we came to (what used to be) the country store at the top of a big hill. The landmark that told me that we had arrived.
The next right was the road to where Dad's oldest brother had lived ... further along to the left is where my cousin and wife have made a home ... just beyond where we turned to drive to our family farm is where my childhood friend (that had recently joined me on an Alaskan Cruise) had grown up.
We were almost there. To the left is where another childhood friend had lived ... and then we turned into our approach. I was home.
The house is gone and the playhouse has almost completely fallen over. There are a few buildings left from when we lived there but for the most part, all that is left is the memories.
We lived in a spot where we were surrounded by rolling hills. We climbed The Big Hill and appreciated the view.
My Son looked into my past and saw what it could be. I looked into the same horizon and remembered what was.
Memories. The place where Mom & Dad started out and raised a family. Home.
We drove down the trail that led to where Dad's brother once lived. This is the same farm where my grandparents lived. It is the place that Dad's brothers fondly recall as 'home'.
We managed to cross paths with my cousin and chatted for a bit. We drove up the road and visited with another cousin for a while.
It was so easy. It felt so right. I'm so grateful that My Son appreciates these roots and his family. It not only felt like I belonged in this scenario ... but My Son felt like another important piece to the puzzle. He gets it.
Roots. Family. History.
Embrace your past, cherish your family, appreciate your history and make your own way.
My Middle Son commented that he had recently driven down the highway to my childhood farm. I immediately tried to pinpoint where I had once lived. I wistfully commented that we should go for a Sunday drive out there before the weather turns on us. He replied "What about now?" I answered "Sure!"
It was that easy.
Conversation was easy. As we turned onto the minor highway that would take us back home, I got quiet as I tried to orientate myself and grasp the few memories I have left from that piece of the highway.
Then we came to (what used to be) the country store at the top of a big hill. The landmark that told me that we had arrived.
The next right was the road to where Dad's oldest brother had lived ... further along to the left is where my cousin and wife have made a home ... just beyond where we turned to drive to our family farm is where my childhood friend (that had recently joined me on an Alaskan Cruise) had grown up.
We were almost there. To the left is where another childhood friend had lived ... and then we turned into our approach. I was home.
The house is gone and the playhouse has almost completely fallen over. There are a few buildings left from when we lived there but for the most part, all that is left is the memories.
We lived in a spot where we were surrounded by rolling hills. We climbed The Big Hill and appreciated the view.
My Son looked into my past and saw what it could be. I looked into the same horizon and remembered what was.
Memories. The place where Mom & Dad started out and raised a family. Home.
We drove down the trail that led to where Dad's brother once lived. This is the same farm where my grandparents lived. It is the place that Dad's brothers fondly recall as 'home'.
We managed to cross paths with my cousin and chatted for a bit. We drove up the road and visited with another cousin for a while.
It was so easy. It felt so right. I'm so grateful that My Son appreciates these roots and his family. It not only felt like I belonged in this scenario ... but My Son felt like another important piece to the puzzle. He gets it.
Roots. Family. History.
Embrace your past, cherish your family, appreciate your history and make your own way.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
You Can't Have It Both Ways
I miss my rut. I miss feeling like I'm in my place of comfort. I miss being in my groove. I miss knowing the answers or at least the ability to know where to find them.
I have been lamenting a lot (too much) lately that I do not enjoy this state of transition. The state where I feel like I know 'nothing'.
This morning ... I read this quote:
I have been lamenting a lot (too much) lately that I do not enjoy this state of transition. The state where I feel like I know 'nothing'.
This morning ... I read this quote:
"You can get sympathy or you can get better but you can’t get both.
You can be in your comfort zone or you can have growth, but you can’t have both.
You can be interested or you can be sold-out-committed, but you can’t entertain both.
You can have excuses or have results, but you can’t do both.
Choose the path that develops your visceral fortitude."
- Mario Cortes
To attain growth, I must step out of my comfort zone. I am on the right track! This feels too darned uncomfortable to be anything but 'right'.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
High School Dayz
When I walked back into a high school for my first day of classes in 36 years, I found that not a lot has changed.
The first day ... I was anxious, nervous and apprehensive. I was able to keep my emotions from overwhelming me much better than I did at age 14. But they were close to the surface. I consciously inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly to keep those child-like emotions at bay.
Once I was face to face with school-as-I-will-come-to-know-it, I have been unable to mask my fear. It has been in my voice, my body language and in the entirety of my being. I have felt like I have surrounded myself in an aura that has been repelling my allies.
Then came the little things ...
School pictures. We lined up and awaited our turn. Sitting on the stool with the mottled background, tilting your head in odd contortions and smiling. I felt like I did when I was a kid.
Then came the scariest moment of all. I was called into the Principal's office.
Oh. My. Gosh. I have never been called into the office. I was having a particularly bad day. I thought 'this is it'.
I did what I always do. I confessed. I admitted my failings. I invited the principal to confer with my supervisor and she would confirm the truth. If he had any preconceived notions of talking to me about my shortcomings, I beat him to the punch.
Instead, he asked me if I enjoyed the position. Was this the right fit for me?
Of course I want to stay! I want to learn this job so well that I could do it in my sleep. I know I have the ability. It is just that there is so much to absorb all at once.
I was told that starting to work at the beginning of a school year was the most challenging time of all. I was reassured. I wasn't in trouble.
Yesterday, I walked home with my school picture proofs in my hand. I have put the first week of school behind me. I felt young again.
As I glanced at my photo, I appreciated my clear skin. I'm back in high school ... without the acne that goes with it.
Last night? I received my final gift. A zit. Front and centre ... on my chin.
High school dayz ... here I come (again)!
The first day ... I was anxious, nervous and apprehensive. I was able to keep my emotions from overwhelming me much better than I did at age 14. But they were close to the surface. I consciously inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly to keep those child-like emotions at bay.
Once I was face to face with school-as-I-will-come-to-know-it, I have been unable to mask my fear. It has been in my voice, my body language and in the entirety of my being. I have felt like I have surrounded myself in an aura that has been repelling my allies.
Then came the little things ...
School pictures. We lined up and awaited our turn. Sitting on the stool with the mottled background, tilting your head in odd contortions and smiling. I felt like I did when I was a kid.
Then came the scariest moment of all. I was called into the Principal's office.
Oh. My. Gosh. I have never been called into the office. I was having a particularly bad day. I thought 'this is it'.
I did what I always do. I confessed. I admitted my failings. I invited the principal to confer with my supervisor and she would confirm the truth. If he had any preconceived notions of talking to me about my shortcomings, I beat him to the punch.
Instead, he asked me if I enjoyed the position. Was this the right fit for me?
Of course I want to stay! I want to learn this job so well that I could do it in my sleep. I know I have the ability. It is just that there is so much to absorb all at once.
I was told that starting to work at the beginning of a school year was the most challenging time of all. I was reassured. I wasn't in trouble.
Yesterday, I walked home with my school picture proofs in my hand. I have put the first week of school behind me. I felt young again.
As I glanced at my photo, I appreciated my clear skin. I'm back in high school ... without the acne that goes with it.
Last night? I received my final gift. A zit. Front and centre ... on my chin.
High school dayz ... here I come (again)!
Friday, September 2, 2011
If It's Not Broken ...
Our downstairs computer broke around the same time that summer holidays started.
The budget was not in a place to finance a computer repair. We were going to be going away for a holiday. I worked all day so it left the upstairs computer free for My Youngest to use. Plus ... at least he would be sitting in a room full of windows verses the sun deprived basement. Fixing that computer never became a priority.
I have been seriously considering moving the TV out of the living room.
Since the TV has taken up residence in centre of the house, I have wasted more time in front of that box than I care to admit. Granted, I can rarely stay awake any longer than a half hour ... but still. If I could bank all of the extra hours that I have slept in front of the TV since it moved into the living room, I believe that I could probably stay awake for at least a week.
I'd been toying around with the idea of getting the computer fixed but I kept weighing the pros and cons. I have seen more of My Youngest since the computer broke.
I thought of moving the TV out of the living room. If the TV was gone, I would rarely be in the living room at the same time as My Youngest.
So I have done nothing.
Last night, My Youngest was at the computer. I had just sat down to watch TV. He looked over and said, "Have you noticed that after 7:00, it seems that we are always within eye contact of each other?"
We may not chat up a storm. We may not be doing something together. But we are sharing the same space. Breathing the same air. We are each doing what we want to do and not intruding on the other's space. Within the same room.
"If it's not broke don't fix it"?? What if it works better when it is broken? Don't fix it!
The budget was not in a place to finance a computer repair. We were going to be going away for a holiday. I worked all day so it left the upstairs computer free for My Youngest to use. Plus ... at least he would be sitting in a room full of windows verses the sun deprived basement. Fixing that computer never became a priority.
I have been seriously considering moving the TV out of the living room.
Since the TV has taken up residence in centre of the house, I have wasted more time in front of that box than I care to admit. Granted, I can rarely stay awake any longer than a half hour ... but still. If I could bank all of the extra hours that I have slept in front of the TV since it moved into the living room, I believe that I could probably stay awake for at least a week.
I'd been toying around with the idea of getting the computer fixed but I kept weighing the pros and cons. I have seen more of My Youngest since the computer broke.
I thought of moving the TV out of the living room. If the TV was gone, I would rarely be in the living room at the same time as My Youngest.
So I have done nothing.
Last night, My Youngest was at the computer. I had just sat down to watch TV. He looked over and said, "Have you noticed that after 7:00, it seems that we are always within eye contact of each other?"
We may not chat up a storm. We may not be doing something together. But we are sharing the same space. Breathing the same air. We are each doing what we want to do and not intruding on the other's space. Within the same room.
"If it's not broke don't fix it"?? What if it works better when it is broken? Don't fix it!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Where Does It Go?
I have been tallying up August's expenses, comparing the actual dollars spent to the budgeted amounts and looking back on previous month's spending. I am aghast.
I have been very conscious of my spending the past few months. I was meagerly successful in July. August? Not so much.
There has been an air of celebration and desperation sprinkled into my spending habits.
I've celebrated surviving July, a birthday, getting my job, working my first day, 'Friday', 'Saturday', the last day of summer holidays, my last paycheque at one job, my first paycheque at another ... you get the idea.
I have felt depleted as I rode the roller coaster ride of emotions as I started two new jobs and the challenges that each brought. The need to be nurtured has been at an all time high this past month. Where do I find that pampering? Take out food.
Back to school, once-in-a-blue-moon expenses and costs related to starting my job have nickel and dimed their way into breaking August's budget.
It seems that I have been spending money every time I turn around. Certainly there were some unexpected expenses. If it isn't one thing, it is another when it comes to the unexpected. I have learned over the years that 'The Unexpected' deserves a spot in the budget.
I have reviewed my spending over the course of the past year and I have been consistently spending more than I have been earning. The varying pay cheque was an excuse. The reality is that I have been living beyond my means.
Despite this, my financial picture isn't as bleak as one may believe. It isn't pretty ... but it isn't hopeless.
I have turned the calendar page to find a clear slate. It is called September.
This month ... I have a job, a routine, a reliable pay cheque and I am slowly making my way through the new-job transition.
This month ... I should have the ability to jump off of the emotional roller coaster that I have been on.
When I look back to when all of this began, I look back to March. Six months.
All of that is behind me. Each and every obstacle that saw before me in those early weeks of March has been confronted, dealt with and life is moving forward.
Enough excuses. My reality is very good. The future is bright.
It is time to rein in the spending and make the most of what I have, respect and adhere to the limitations of my income.
It is time to regain control. Not only my spending ... but my life. Enough is enough.
It is not only money that is slipping through my fingers. I have lost at least two months as I have spun in circles trying to regain my footing.
Where did my time go? That is something I can't get back.
Money comes and goes. Time only moves forward. Once spent ... it is gone forever.
It is time to spend wisely.
I have been very conscious of my spending the past few months. I was meagerly successful in July. August? Not so much.
There has been an air of celebration and desperation sprinkled into my spending habits.
I've celebrated surviving July, a birthday, getting my job, working my first day, 'Friday', 'Saturday', the last day of summer holidays, my last paycheque at one job, my first paycheque at another ... you get the idea.
I have felt depleted as I rode the roller coaster ride of emotions as I started two new jobs and the challenges that each brought. The need to be nurtured has been at an all time high this past month. Where do I find that pampering? Take out food.
Back to school, once-in-a-blue-moon expenses and costs related to starting my job have nickel and dimed their way into breaking August's budget.
It seems that I have been spending money every time I turn around. Certainly there were some unexpected expenses. If it isn't one thing, it is another when it comes to the unexpected. I have learned over the years that 'The Unexpected' deserves a spot in the budget.
I have reviewed my spending over the course of the past year and I have been consistently spending more than I have been earning. The varying pay cheque was an excuse. The reality is that I have been living beyond my means.
Despite this, my financial picture isn't as bleak as one may believe. It isn't pretty ... but it isn't hopeless.
I have turned the calendar page to find a clear slate. It is called September.
This month ... I have a job, a routine, a reliable pay cheque and I am slowly making my way through the new-job transition.
This month ... I should have the ability to jump off of the emotional roller coaster that I have been on.
When I look back to when all of this began, I look back to March. Six months.
All of that is behind me. Each and every obstacle that saw before me in those early weeks of March has been confronted, dealt with and life is moving forward.
Enough excuses. My reality is very good. The future is bright.
It is time to rein in the spending and make the most of what I have, respect and adhere to the limitations of my income.
It is time to regain control. Not only my spending ... but my life. Enough is enough.
It is not only money that is slipping through my fingers. I have lost at least two months as I have spun in circles trying to regain my footing.
Where did my time go? That is something I can't get back.
Money comes and goes. Time only moves forward. Once spent ... it is gone forever.
It is time to spend wisely.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)