Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Monday, December 10, 2018
Monday, October 29, 2018
Dim Sum
I went for dim sum with some old friends. It was a wonderful lunch, and we talked and chatted for over 3 hours!
Monday, March 6, 2017
what do you do?
What do you do when your Chiropractor is sick? My back has been bugging me for a while, but my chiropractor cancelled my last appointment due to him having the flu. Well, I thought I could rebook the appointment this week, but I found out that my chiropractor was sick with the flu, but was feeling really dizzy with vertigo. So, he went to his doctor. He has a tumour in his brain, and had to go in for surgery (he had surgery the day I flew home from Houston). He will be off work for another 8 weeks or so. I'm so worried for him. And sad. And I really hope he is ok. He does have someone filling in for him a couple days a week at his office. But, I've had some bad experiences with chiros in the past, so I'm anxious about going to anyone new.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Everything in Pink
I have a girlfriend/co-worker who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She's going to be going through chemo in a few weeks, and will likely lose all her hair 2 weeks after starting chemo. In the meantime, she's decided to dye her hair pink! It wasn't all pink, or even bright pink. It was only done on the ends, and very subtle. I love it...
And while I probably won't die my hair pink anytime soon, I was thinking of getting it coloured in January.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Dim Sum
Yesterday, I had lunch with a good friend of mine. We went for a belated birthday lunch to a small Chinese restaurant that serves dim sum. It's one of our favourite places to go, and we've shared many dim sum meals over the years.
Friday, March 20, 2015
phone conversations
I got a text message from a girlfriend in Dallas yesterday. She broke up with her boyfriend, and she sounded quite upset. So, tonight after work, I called her.
We chatted for 4 hours.
We had a lot to catch up on.
Summarized version: He was an idiot, she kicked him out.
She lives miles and miles away from me, and we don't talk very often. But I still consider her a great friend. She's a strong woman, so I'm sure she will be fine. But in the meantime, it's nice to know that she can reach out to me, and I'll be there for her, just like she's been there for me many times. That's what friends are for, right?
We chatted for 4 hours.
We had a lot to catch up on.
Summarized version: He was an idiot, she kicked him out.
She lives miles and miles away from me, and we don't talk very often. But I still consider her a great friend. She's a strong woman, so I'm sure she will be fine. But in the meantime, it's nice to know that she can reach out to me, and I'll be there for her, just like she's been there for me many times. That's what friends are for, right?
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Sad day
It's a sad day for me. Today, I found out an old friend of mine passed away at the beginning of the month. His name was Mark West.
We met when I was 16 years old. He was 6 or 7 years older than me, and at that age, that seemed like a lot of extra years. But, as we got older, we became closer in "real age", and became really good friends. We spent a lot of time partying together, and hanging out with our group of friends. He had a reputation as being a "bad" boy, but he was really just a big ole teddy bear. He was always the one I could count on to get me home safe and sound, and to take care of me, no matter where we were.
He had a rough life, often succumbing to the lure of the bottle, so alcohol was almost always part of our get-togethers. When I was 16, I thought it was great that one of my friends was able to buy me beer legally. But later in life, the drinking became the wedge in our relationship. As I moved on, got a "real" job, serious relationships, and bought my first apartment, he continued with the parties, and lifestyle I no longer seemed to enjoy. Our relationship took a turn then, moving from him protecting me, to me protecting him. I spent many hours, days and weeks visiting him in rehab centers, bailing him out of jail, joining him at his AA meetings, and lending support when he wanted to "change his life around".
As time moved on, our lives just drifted apart, and we slowly lost touch with each other. We now had little in common, except for a love of the old times. In fact, the last time I saw him was like 10-15 years ago. I had half-heartily tried to get a hold of him over the years, but never really took it to the next level to find out where he was or what he was up to. I regret that.
Today, a mutual friend mentioned his passing to my ex-boyfriend... and my ex called me. I didn't want to believe it at first. There was still time to find him, I thought to myself. There was still time to tell him how much I appreciated our friendship, and that I miss him. But, a search on the internet proved me wrong, when I found an obituary for him. I know now that he is gone, and I can't ever tell him how much I cared.
We met when I was 16 years old. He was 6 or 7 years older than me, and at that age, that seemed like a lot of extra years. But, as we got older, we became closer in "real age", and became really good friends. We spent a lot of time partying together, and hanging out with our group of friends. He had a reputation as being a "bad" boy, but he was really just a big ole teddy bear. He was always the one I could count on to get me home safe and sound, and to take care of me, no matter where we were.
He had a rough life, often succumbing to the lure of the bottle, so alcohol was almost always part of our get-togethers. When I was 16, I thought it was great that one of my friends was able to buy me beer legally. But later in life, the drinking became the wedge in our relationship. As I moved on, got a "real" job, serious relationships, and bought my first apartment, he continued with the parties, and lifestyle I no longer seemed to enjoy. Our relationship took a turn then, moving from him protecting me, to me protecting him. I spent many hours, days and weeks visiting him in rehab centers, bailing him out of jail, joining him at his AA meetings, and lending support when he wanted to "change his life around".
As time moved on, our lives just drifted apart, and we slowly lost touch with each other. We now had little in common, except for a love of the old times. In fact, the last time I saw him was like 10-15 years ago. I had half-heartily tried to get a hold of him over the years, but never really took it to the next level to find out where he was or what he was up to. I regret that.
Today, a mutual friend mentioned his passing to my ex-boyfriend... and my ex called me. I didn't want to believe it at first. There was still time to find him, I thought to myself. There was still time to tell him how much I appreciated our friendship, and that I miss him. But, a search on the internet proved me wrong, when I found an obituary for him. I know now that he is gone, and I can't ever tell him how much I cared.
Goodbye Mark. I will miss you.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Old friends
Ran into my old boss today. It was so nice to see him again! Retirement sure has been good to him. He looks great!! But I miss him! I worked with him for 13 years. You know... Saw each other every day for that long... you get emotionally attached. It sure was good to catch up for the short time we had together today.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Where were you?
Where were you 15 years ago today?
It was a Sunday morning and I was at a local pub, like I was most Sunday mornings during that time in my life. The local pub had a pool tournament every Sunday morning, and a group of us used to get together, shoot pool, talk, drink, and have fun. In fact, that is where I met my husband. But that is a different story for a different day.
That particular Sunday I was at the pub, and when I walked in, someone mentioned to me that Diana was killed in a car crash. I was totally taken aback. I remember the somber mood in the pub that day. I remember walking down the road to the local Ma and Pop grocery store to pick up a newspaper (which I think I still have somewhere in the house). I remember talking about it with my friends. There was no Twitter, or Facebook then and no-one texted anyone. We talked face to face, or called each other on our cell phones. The mood remained somber the rest of the day, and I remember leaving the pub early that afternoon.
I remember that Mom had let us stay up all night ("camping" in the living room) to watch Diana get married. So, about a week later, when they had her funeral, I again stayed up all night "camped" in my living room to watch. It was a sad time... because I remember that Mother Teresa died around the same time too.
It was a Sunday morning and I was at a local pub, like I was most Sunday mornings during that time in my life. The local pub had a pool tournament every Sunday morning, and a group of us used to get together, shoot pool, talk, drink, and have fun. In fact, that is where I met my husband. But that is a different story for a different day.
That particular Sunday I was at the pub, and when I walked in, someone mentioned to me that Diana was killed in a car crash. I was totally taken aback. I remember the somber mood in the pub that day. I remember walking down the road to the local Ma and Pop grocery store to pick up a newspaper (which I think I still have somewhere in the house). I remember talking about it with my friends. There was no Twitter, or Facebook then and no-one texted anyone. We talked face to face, or called each other on our cell phones. The mood remained somber the rest of the day, and I remember leaving the pub early that afternoon. I remember that Mom had let us stay up all night ("camping" in the living room) to watch Diana get married. So, about a week later, when they had her funeral, I again stayed up all night "camped" in my living room to watch. It was a sad time... because I remember that Mother Teresa died around the same time too.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Human friends
While in Dallas, my good friends
took me to real authentic Texas BBQ
It was really good!! The ribs were to die for.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Texas in June?
I'm off to Houston for work in the middle of June. Not exactly the best place to go in June. Hot, humid, and the start of hurricane season. But, it's for work, so what can I do?
Actually, I can call my ex-co-worker in Dallas, and ask if she wants a house guest for the weekend. So, on my way home from Houston, I can stop in Dallas, and spend a couple of days with her. We can go shopping, eat out at our favourite restaurants, and chat up a storm about the old days.
I called her this weekend, and she agreed. We are all set. Now, I just have to book my flights.
Yeah!! I can't wait!! I get to have some time away from the office, and spend quality time with a good friend.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Christmas Concert
I went to my first Christmas concert this year at my sister's church. It was a play, intermixed with songs. The church really does quite a job on their productions. The church looks more like a theatre than a church, and has a stage, lighting system, and sound board to rival most play houses. The choir and band were really good, although the songs were 'jazzed' up a little for my liking. I tend to like my Christmas carols somewhat more traditional. I really like the woman who played the harp though. She was great.
The play was well done. It was the story of the Birth of Jesus, with a modern twist to it. Shephards with cell phones, and people with iPads. You know... kind of like the Brady Bunch movie, where the people are set back in the time, but the story takes place in present day. The actors were really good, and it was really quite funny in spots.
The best part of the night though, was being with family and friends. There was a group of us that went, including 8 adults, and 6 kids (although some of the kids were taller than the adults, right D?)
The play was well done. It was the story of the Birth of Jesus, with a modern twist to it. Shephards with cell phones, and people with iPads. You know... kind of like the Brady Bunch movie, where the people are set back in the time, but the story takes place in present day. The actors were really good, and it was really quite funny in spots.
The best part of the night though, was being with family and friends. There was a group of us that went, including 8 adults, and 6 kids (although some of the kids were taller than the adults, right D?)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday update
As of 5:00pm today, I am on vacation!
It's a much deserved week off of work. I've been busy all week cleaning up old issues, and finishing up projects for the boss. I've worked late a few times this week, but also took a long lunch yesterday to meet up with some old friends. We had such a good time!!
Good food. Good friends. Good fun!
For my week off, I don't have a lot of plans. But, I am getting together with friends, and actually have a funeral to go to as well. And I don't plan to be at the computer too much this week. Sorry, but blogging takes a back seat to vacation mode! But, I'll be back in November! Stay tuned!
In the meantime, have a safe and happy Halloween everyone!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday recap
Do you notice I don't blog much on the weekends? It seems that I'm always out and about on the weekends, and rarely get time to sit at the computer to blog about anything.
This weekend was a great example of that. I spent the better part of Saturday visiting with friends and relatives. I started the day by going to a "play-time" with my sister-in-law and my niece and nephew. It's a drop in program at the school, where for 1-1/2 hours, the kids get to run around the gym, playing with equipment, toys and each other, and the parents kick back on the sidelines and drink coffee and chit-chat. Although it was VERY NOISY!! Not exactly a relaxing way to spend the morning, but it was fun, and great to spend time with the kiddies, and catch up on all the family gossip.
I also spent time with my sister and her kids on Saturday. The oldest, is going on 13 now, and acting oh so much like a little grown up. She speaks to me, and the only thing I can think is "how did she get to know such big words?"
Then there was the shopping. I visited the Body Shop (one of my favourite stores). I had one product that I returned for a store credit. And everything was 40-50% off. So, all this...
...only cost me $5.46!
Then there was the trip to the garden shop. I decided I want to plant bulbs this year. So, after spending time chatting with the 'experts' at the store, and wandering around looking at all the pretty color options for daffodils, tulips, and other bulbs, we got this...
Now I'm just waiting for the rain to ease up a bit so I can plant my bulbs. The weather is supposed to clear up, and be sunny and dry for a couple of days this week. That's good. I don't like gardening in the mud!
This weekend was a great example of that. I spent the better part of Saturday visiting with friends and relatives. I started the day by going to a "play-time" with my sister-in-law and my niece and nephew. It's a drop in program at the school, where for 1-1/2 hours, the kids get to run around the gym, playing with equipment, toys and each other, and the parents kick back on the sidelines and drink coffee and chit-chat. Although it was VERY NOISY!! Not exactly a relaxing way to spend the morning, but it was fun, and great to spend time with the kiddies, and catch up on all the family gossip.
I also spent time with my sister and her kids on Saturday. The oldest, is going on 13 now, and acting oh so much like a little grown up. She speaks to me, and the only thing I can think is "how did she get to know such big words?"
Then there was the shopping. I visited the Body Shop (one of my favourite stores). I had one product that I returned for a store credit. And everything was 40-50% off. So, all this...
...only cost me $5.46!
Then there was the trip to the garden shop. I decided I want to plant bulbs this year. So, after spending time chatting with the 'experts' at the store, and wandering around looking at all the pretty color options for daffodils, tulips, and other bulbs, we got this...
Now I'm just waiting for the rain to ease up a bit so I can plant my bulbs. The weather is supposed to clear up, and be sunny and dry for a couple of days this week. That's good. I don't like gardening in the mud!
Friday, September 17, 2010
sad
I'm sad. I got some bad news today, about a friend (I'll call him JO)...a guy I used to work with. He passed away suddenly yesterday while on a trip to Tokyo with his mother. He was only 56.
We worked together for over 13 years, and I had a lot of respect for him. He was very knowledgeable about the business we were in, and he taught me a lot about that business and about working relationships. He was a great friend, and was extremely well liked by all that met him. I hadn't seen him much lately...a few times at luncheons, retirement parties, or funerals over the years.
The strange thing is that I had a dream last night about a woman that also worked with us. (I'll call her AV). She worked with us for many years, but passed away from cancer about 9 years ago. In my dream, she came to me, and was talking about someone who was dying. I couldn't quite hear what she was saying, so I thought that she was talking about my Grandma. In the dream, she said that "everything was going to be all right" and she hugged me, and smiled and walked away. I woke up shortly after that, but the dream stayed with me. I even made a point to go to Grandma's for lunch today, because I was worried about her.
But, when E called, and told me that JO had passed away, well then I knew what AV was trying to tell me. I guess JO is wherever AV is, and they are once again working together. I'm glad. And yet sad at the same time.
We worked together for over 13 years, and I had a lot of respect for him. He was very knowledgeable about the business we were in, and he taught me a lot about that business and about working relationships. He was a great friend, and was extremely well liked by all that met him. I hadn't seen him much lately...a few times at luncheons, retirement parties, or funerals over the years.
The strange thing is that I had a dream last night about a woman that also worked with us. (I'll call her AV). She worked with us for many years, but passed away from cancer about 9 years ago. In my dream, she came to me, and was talking about someone who was dying. I couldn't quite hear what she was saying, so I thought that she was talking about my Grandma. In the dream, she said that "everything was going to be all right" and she hugged me, and smiled and walked away. I woke up shortly after that, but the dream stayed with me. I even made a point to go to Grandma's for lunch today, because I was worried about her.
But, when E called, and told me that JO had passed away, well then I knew what AV was trying to tell me. I guess JO is wherever AV is, and they are once again working together. I'm glad. And yet sad at the same time.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Happy Birthday! - and foot update
Happy Birthday D!!!
Hope you have a wonderful day today!
Meanwhile....my foot is doing better. The swelling has gone down quite a bit, although it's still a wonderful shade of blueish purple. Problem is...with all the hobbling around, I managed to throw my back out! I'm off to the chiropractor today, so hopefully, I'll start to feel better in time for the long weekend. If not, I guess I'll be spending the long weekend lazing around with my foot up reading a book! mmmm....maybe I'll do that anyways! :-)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Is 7 lucky?
Today is the seventh day of the seventh month. Some believe that 7 is a lucky number. Well, lucky or not, here are 7 reasons why today has been a GOOD day...
1) Bonus payments were announced today, and will be paid at the end of the month.
2) On top of my bonus, I found out I'm getting a raise too!
3) I met my replacement today. The guy that is taking over my boss's job for a few weeks so I can go on vacation and take a break for awhile. He's nice. I think we are going to get along well.
4) The ferry trip over was uneventful, and nice. The beautiful weather made the scenery so beautiful, it was hard to concentrate on reading.
5) I started a new book. "The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo". So far, so good.
6) Air conditioning. Because I'm in Victoria, I'm on the ferry (air conditioning) or in the car (air conditioning) or at the office (air conditioning) or in the hotel (air conditioning). With temps expected to reach 90+ degrees today, tomorrow and Friday, I'm very thankful for air conditioning.
7) Emails from friends. In particular, I got an email from a girlfriend who moved to California last year. I haven't spoken to her much since. But, she's doing great....new job, new boyfriend, and enjoying life. Couldn't happen to a nicer girl.
OK...so it's not the end of the day yet....it's only 3:00pm. But, I've been up since 4:30 this morning (had to get up earlier than normal, because I had to stop and get gas on the way to the ferry). Trust me....it feels like 10:00pm right now. I'm sooooo tired!!
1) Bonus payments were announced today, and will be paid at the end of the month.
2) On top of my bonus, I found out I'm getting a raise too!
3) I met my replacement today. The guy that is taking over my boss's job for a few weeks so I can go on vacation and take a break for awhile. He's nice. I think we are going to get along well.
4) The ferry trip over was uneventful, and nice. The beautiful weather made the scenery so beautiful, it was hard to concentrate on reading.
5) I started a new book. "The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo". So far, so good.
6) Air conditioning. Because I'm in Victoria, I'm on the ferry (air conditioning) or in the car (air conditioning) or at the office (air conditioning) or in the hotel (air conditioning). With temps expected to reach 90+ degrees today, tomorrow and Friday, I'm very thankful for air conditioning.
7) Emails from friends. In particular, I got an email from a girlfriend who moved to California last year. I haven't spoken to her much since. But, she's doing great....new job, new boyfriend, and enjoying life. Couldn't happen to a nicer girl.
OK...so it's not the end of the day yet....it's only 3:00pm. But, I've been up since 4:30 this morning (had to get up earlier than normal, because I had to stop and get gas on the way to the ferry). Trust me....it feels like 10:00pm right now. I'm sooooo tired!!
Friday, May 7, 2010
friends from long ago
I got an email from my brother yesterday. An old high school friend of mine found him on Facebook, and asked him to put her in touch with me. He sent me her email address and contact info. Wow! I haven't seen this woman for 25 years, and here she is wanting to hear from me again. I sat down to compose an email to her. But what do you say?
"How the heck are you? It's been so long!"
After that, my mind went blank.
I'm not on Facebook. I have never really wanted to join, and never really saw the appeal of it at all. I know what it's like, because I have friends and co-workers who are on Facebook. But I have never felt the need to join myself. I'm a very private person. That's why my first name is not on my blog, and I always refer to people by their first initial on my blog, and not their names. There is already too much information floating around cyber-space. I don't want to add to the mess. Besides, I have enough problems keeping in contact with the friends I know I have...never mind the friends I can't remember I know. :-)
Anyways, I finally compiled something to say, and sent her an email. It will be interesting to see where this goes. We were best friends in elementary school, and into high school. Until she moved away around grade 10 or so (I can't really remember). I know our lives have most likely gone in 2 different directions, so I'm curious to see if we have anything in common anymore. Although, I have a tendancy to think that we don't have anything in common. I've changed a lot in 25 years. I'm sure she has too. I'm just not sure we've gone through the same changes.
"How the heck are you? It's been so long!"
After that, my mind went blank.
I'm not on Facebook. I have never really wanted to join, and never really saw the appeal of it at all. I know what it's like, because I have friends and co-workers who are on Facebook. But I have never felt the need to join myself. I'm a very private person. That's why my first name is not on my blog, and I always refer to people by their first initial on my blog, and not their names. There is already too much information floating around cyber-space. I don't want to add to the mess. Besides, I have enough problems keeping in contact with the friends I know I have...never mind the friends I can't remember I know. :-)
Anyways, I finally compiled something to say, and sent her an email. It will be interesting to see where this goes. We were best friends in elementary school, and into high school. Until she moved away around grade 10 or so (I can't really remember). I know our lives have most likely gone in 2 different directions, so I'm curious to see if we have anything in common anymore. Although, I have a tendancy to think that we don't have anything in common. I've changed a lot in 25 years. I'm sure she has too. I'm just not sure we've gone through the same changes.
