Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Well we are one week into the second half of this NEW YEAR.

It certainly has been a roller coaster kind of ride thus far.

Who would have thought on New Year’s Eve when everyone is thinking about the New Year – that we would have a worldwide Pandemic?

Not me that is for sure.

This year has been stressful, caused anxiety I would say for most people on the planet.

Of course, certainly some more than others.

 

Children were disrupted in their school  year.

Likely the middle school aged children were the happiness to be away from school.

The little ones and the ones graduating not so much.

Although I believe that most schools did offer some online schooling which was great.

 

Parents losing their jobs or working from home adding to the household stress.

Children and their parents home together, 24 / 7 for months.

Not something we see everyday.

 

Then there are single folks and folks without children.

Some working and others not.

Whether you have a house full or not, we have all given our heads a shake in disbelief as the days pass.

By now most of us that are working from home have settled in, I have for sure.

Alvin loves having me at home and I really enjoy being here with him.

We have somewhat of a routine although I find that I am changing things up a bit here and there.

Which is likely a good thing.

 

Parents with school age children are likely happy that it is summer vacation.

Now they just have to worry about keeping them entertained for the summer months.

Although that is a word when used in this context, I am not fond of.

Children should be learning to do things on their own to some degree.

Bringing forth that imagination and such.

But this is a topic for another day.

Reading …. they should definitely be reading more.

 

This pandemic has given the human race much to ponder and consider.

I believe that we have learned so much and have even more to learn for the future.

The nature world has certainly enjoyed the respite from us pain in the butt, human beings.

 

On this Tuesday, we should pause and be think about things that we can do to make life for all.

Picking up trash.

Keeping your yard and neighbourhood clean.

Planting trees.

Being kind and respectful to yourself, to others and to nature and the environment.

 

Well time to head out on the long tiring commute to my workstation.

It is oh so far …….. away …… so far …… at least six inches ….. oh my!!

 

Enjoying my days and nights with me Alvin.

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. thought there was a storm a brewing last night so I carefully placed most of  my potted plants into the garage.

What – no storm!

Oh well, better to be safe than sorry.

AND

I somehow managed to break off the arm on my glasses while doing yoga after work yesterday.

HOW?

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well can you believe it …. Wednesday June 17th, 2020.

I seem to remember last week it was June 1st.

Half way through 2020.

WOW, that is just crazy.

Totally a good reason to ensure that you live your best life every single day.

Every day is counted in the same manner.

24 hours.

60 minutes in an hour.

60 seconds in a minute.

So why does it sometimes feel as though a week or a month or six months can pass in the blink of an eye.

For me, it is because I have so many things that I would like to do and then the time has passed.

But we cannot give up.

Keep dreaming and making those lists.

 

I know that with working from home …. I am challenged with staying away from the job during off work times.

As I am keenly aware of how much work keeps coming in …. it is difficult to leave it alone.

I am stressed and anxious about the never ending “mail”  that keeps arriving in my inboxes.

Daily or at least weekly we receive additional direction and added responsibilities.

I do know that I am not alone.

 

There are so many folks out there working from home.

Depending on what your job is …. during this Pandemic …. you may be swamped.

The neverending INBOX, that dreaded email.

Our life line to the outside world.

 

We also realize that we are blessed and fortunate to have employment during this pandemic.

I am great appreciative to be employed.

Knowing that I can continue to be financially responsible for me and Alvin means the world to me.

However, that does not stop those moments of sheer anxiety of how am I ever going to get this all done.

Then I begin to second guess my skills, intelligence and even my memory.

 

Time affects us all.

Whether too much or not enough.

This pandemic affects us all whether directly or indirectly.

We, you and me are not alone.

 

Just because you are working and do not have the virus.

Does not mean to say that you cannot be anxious and scared and have feelings of loneliness and dread.

So we have to be aware.

Aware of everyone’s feelings and know that is is okay.

Okay to be nervous, anxious and fearful.

 

We will get through this pandemic.

When, I have no idea.

But we will.

The human race will endure.

Things will be different as they are already.

Will we ever go back to the way things were?

No, I do not believe so.

Why would we want to.

We have learned so much in these past few months.

Time to build upon that knowledge moving forward.

 

Well my work desk is calling my name.

It is inches away.

See what I mean.

My coffee is ready for me in a to go mug on my workstation.

 

I hope that you have an awesome day.

It is cloudy and raining here in Edmonton in my neighbourhood.

Wishing you a day and a life filled with kindness and respect.

 

Living this life, my life, every DAY with kindness and respect for all life.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well HELLO FRIDAY, April 24th, 2020.

 

I have long since forgot how many days exactly that I have been working from home.

To be honest 95% of the time it is wonderful.

I love the “short” well actually no commute to my work.

I love sharing more of my time with Alvin.

I love being able to walk for 1/2 hour at lunch and then right away after work.

I love arising a bit later (truth be told even Mr. Alvin is starting to wake up a bit later).

I love being able to stay up a bit later to enjoy the evening light.

100%, I absolutely adore having more time at home.

Who doesn’t like working in their sweats and a tee-shirt and no makeup.

Bad hair days …. who cares.

It does not matter …. whatever you are comfortable in.

Some days it is office attire with makeup and others it is not.

More time for walking.

More time to get housework, yard work and exercise done.

It is nice being able to have more free time on the weekends.

I am off work at 4:00 p.m. (not granted some days I leave 10-15 minutes later but that is okay).

I can have supper and dishes done well before 6:00 p.m.

When working at the office by 6:00 p.m. – Alvin would have his supper etc, we would have walked and I may have started supper.

Usually it would be 7:00 by the time supper and dishes were done and sometimes later.

So even though there are moments throughout my day that I could honestly pull my hair out by the roots, I do love being at home.

I know that there is no separation between home and work.

But I have come to terms with that fact.

Life is meant to live.

If we continue to wrap ourselves in the negative before too long it is over.

What a waste.

 

I am off today at 3:00 p.m. (took one hour off).

The plan is to go for a walk right away, then come home and start the laundry and then rake the front lawn.

I have been raking the back out of necessity for Alvin.

Luckily the mucky mess is drying up (in the back).

The front needs some TLC.

Tonight will be the second of the three meals from HELLO FRESH.

Excited for that.

Tomorrow Mr. Alvin needs a haircut and bath (yup again).

My daughter is dropping some items by and for a visit (miss her).

Whether Saturday or Sunday – we hope to visit with our friends in their backyard.

Tomorrow is supposed to be really nice so I want to take advantage of the warmer temperatures.

 

Well almost time to grab that cup of java and start work.

Technically I do not start until 8:00 a.m. but I like to get things started and I have a contest to enter (matching pets through work).

Have to submit my entry.

Wish me luck.

 

I hope this finds you and your family in excellent health, safe and having lots of giggles.

Happy Friday.

 

With Kindness and Respect,

I/We Remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Sunday morning.

Well shortly after I wrote my post yesterday the sun shone brightly.

It was a lovely day.

Lucky me, I went to shovel the driveway and there was no snow.

It had melted.

That was a first.

YAY.

Alvin and I enjoyed a beautiful walk in the afternoon after several loads of laundry.

Ended the day watching the newest STAR WARS movie “The Rise of Skywalker.”

Thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

This morning it has been lightly snowing since we were first up at 5:00 a.m.

No worries we did not stay up but I can tell by the amount of snow that it did not stop.

Actually it appears to be coming down with more intensity at this time.

Oh, last night we had a good show with the rabbits.

Alvin watched them intently gathering and having a snack out front.

At one point there were four of them.

Happy to report they are getting pretty brown.

We have so much snow which is not great for the wildlife.

 

I was thinking as I walked to the computer this morning.

List of things that change when staying at home / working from work during a PANDEMIC

1. Transportation to work, no bus tickets or payment for carpool.
2. No need to carry a purse, cause I do not use anything in my purse
3. More snacks
4. Changing up exercise routine
5. More television
6. Baking more
7. More snacks, did I say that already (very important)
8. More time spending with loved ones and in my case, my dog Alvin
9. No commute time to work (ten steps from bed to laptop in office in my case)
10. More time to clean the house
11. Less time actually spending cleaning the house
12. Less energy the longer at home
13. Overthinking everything
14. Trying new recipes
15. Waistline expanding
16. Need to start wearing button up pants instead of the stretchy ones
17. No gatherings
18. Quietness
19. Having television on during work hours for background noise
20. Routine, trying to keep work and home separate
21. Time spent looking out of the window
22. Did I say changing up exercise routine, gotta start that ….
23. Walking more (when weather allows)
24. Hoping for sunshine
25. Happy when receive texts from family and friends
26. Learning new things
27. No coworkers
28. If you have school age children at home, then you have now become a teacher
29. Trying to remember what day of the week it is
30. Resting, maybe too much (depends on who is in the house with you)
31. Excited to see the rabbits gathering out front to have a snack (no social distancing for them)
32. Happy to be alive and well
33. Wondering how long this will last
34. Nervous about going back to work
35. Staying away from news and social media for a time to be less stressed
36. SNACKS, so important for one or more in a household
37. Food has become so important
38. Realizing that one’s leaking tap is going to be this way for some time before can get fixed
39. Supposed to be spring now, why more snow?
40. Anyone at home that has folks bringing by groceries and supplies, we are grateful, realizing this will end someday and I will be shopping again
41. No going to the mall (I did not go much, anyway)
42. Thinking of how much the world has changed over the past month or so
43. Thinking of how much things will change going forward
44. Realizing that this would be retirement minus the working Monday to Friday
45. Getting stairs in several times per day (if you live in a multiple storey home)
46. Getting close to 50 (points to make)
47. Making a list that never gets completed
48. Day 3 cleaned the junk drawers
49. Day 6 cleaned the front closet
50. Day 18 cleaning the junk drawers again, and the rotation begins.

NOTE:  two things enjoying being with Alvin all day everyday and having my own perked coffee in the mornings.

 

Well time to hit the shower before having breakfast and enjoying some perked coffee.

 

Happy Sunday everyone.

I hope that you are smiling …..

 

Remembering we are living in kindness and with respect.

 

I/We, remain

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  trying to decide if I should just cut my own hair.

That could have been point 51.

My hair is much longer than this photo.

Am thinking I could put the long clipper attachment on Alvin’s hair cutting machine and cut my hair.

What do you think?

If in household with children ….. cut their hair.

If in household with a dog that needs a haircut ….. already done.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Well it is a bright, sunny morning here in Edmonton, Alberta.

Alvin actually slept until a reasonable hour this morning and then of course we hit the sofa for a few more hours of sleep.

Sometimes it is even nice to just lay in the quiet and just be.

No voices or sounds but our breathing.

 

Yesterday we had a good day.

My decision to stay away from SOCIAL MEDIA and leaving my cell upstairs in the office was a great decision.

Before I went “dark”, I sent quick texts to my daughter, sister and a few friends that I usually have daily contact with so that they would not worry if they did not reach me.

Also did not wish for my house phone to ring off the wall either.

It was a good decision.

I think it was cutting off the demon before my body and mind could not stand the constant barrage of opinions, news and such.

I no longer feel as though I am going to implode.

I felt wonderful yesterday.

The majority of the massive feeling of anxiety was bringing my job home with me.

I have always felt as though my house was my safe place away from the madness, the stress, that is sometimes my job.

Not really in a bad way as I am grateful to be employed in a time where folks do not have work and I am grateful to be working from home.

But at the same time, now work has invaded my space, my sanctuary, and my phone.

We have our phone system set up with an APP on our mobile phones, so we can call out without giving out our personal phone numbers and people can call in.

So now my cell phone is not just for personal use, I have to use it for work.

It was less than a year ago that I did not have a cell phone, who would have known.

Anyway, we shall see how tomorrow goes.

I guess I will have to adapt and ensure that I step away when I or if I am feeling anxious.

Thankfully I have Alvin here with me.

 

Yesterday the good day that I started to tell you about.

Well I even cleaned out the “junk drawers” in the kitchen.

Those spaces where every little thing goes to hide.

It always amazes me at how fast they fill up and with the most interesting items.

Checked that off the list and it was not even on the list.

 

I did some laundry.

Alvin and I went for a walk.

Cleaned the bathroom.

Washed the main floor.

My neighbours in the other half of the duplex and I chipped away at the ice out front on the street and managed to drain the lake that was out front.

We are so proud.

It took us just over an hour despite the interruptions by passing vehicles.

Funny how most people slowed down and some did not.

Would they think that we are out doing this for our health and that we wanted to have dirty water splashed all over us?

I guess they must.

Anyway, it was nice to chat with them while we worked.

Alvin watched out of the window.

We had a quiet night after supper.

 

I watched a movie called “Dark Waters.”

I heard the name but did not know what it was about.

DUPONT ….. I learned some things. C8 and Teflon.

This all happened during my lifetime and even recently but I do not remember.

Makes me want to check my pots and pans.

Anything coated with teflon is not going to remain in my house.

I know that the list is likely long of the items that we use on a daily basis.

They gave out a staggering and very frightened statistics at the end of the snow.

One being that 99% of the world human population have C8 in their bodies.

C8 causes cancers amongst other things.

I urge you all to watch this movie, it was disturbing in places but informative.

 

Well it is Sunday.

Time to go put on some coffee and have some toast.

Then I am going to give Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath before vacuuming the upstairs and washing the floors up here.

 

I hope that you are having a good day.

Be safe and I hope you remain in good health.

Practice the social distancing and stay home when you can.

I would think we will have the cleanest homes and will have all of our odd jobs completed by the time this is over.

Who knows how long that will be.

 

I am grateful to have supportive, generous and amazing family and friends.

Take care.

Remember we must be kind and respect to all our human counterparts and also to all of the animals and life out there.

We need each other now more than ever.

Maybe the reduction of manufacturing will help the environment.

Maybe we will learn to do with less.

We should.

 

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

Alvin is ready to go back downstairs and I need some COFFEE.

 

Take Care.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,  good morning to you.

The sky is beginning to lighten as hopefully the sun will rise shortly.

YAY, today is Saturday.

Master Teddy slept over last night as his parents went out to the farm for today.

The boys well Alvin is curled up on the blue blanket beside me and Teddy is just sniffing about at the moment.

After work on our walk we walked or actually Alvin pulled me over to Teddy’s house.

By the time we arrived my shins were aching.

Oh, yes.

We had a little visit and then were on our way.

Me and the boys walked around by the lake in our park to home.

The grass is still very much green amidst the partially turned leaves on the trees.

Some trees are still very green.

The water is flowing.

Oh, how I love this time of year.

We enjoyed our walk home.

The boys spent a bit of time in the backyard but mostly they were right beside me as I cooked my supper.

Alvin is motivated by food …. I think you know.

So even this morning at 5:00 a.m., Alvin, after he ate his food wanted to eat Teddy’s.

Yup, we were up eating well they were eating.

Deep sigh.

What can you do?

Teddy is wanting to get up onto my lap but it is not easy to type/key with a puppy on your lap.

He always slides down.

 

I was just thinking last night and earlier this morning …… about being more proactive when it comes to my job.

Instead of being reactive …..

Hard to explain without getting into details which I cannot.

But I am excited to try these ideas in my work life to see the results.

Perhaps giving folks ideas how to make processes easier instead of reacting to them.

I will get back to you about this.

Life is way too complicated and I want to make it easier.

Life is short so why not make it as easy as possible.

If you have to work why not enjoy it.

Even the most demanding, frustrating of jobs could be made easier and less complex.

Simplify.

We all need to simplify our lives.

Our work  ….. our home.

Life balance.

We have over the years made things way too complicated.

Complicated = Stress

Or at least that is my opinion/my view after being on this earth for 62 years.

I have seen this first hand.

 

If we look to the Animal Kingdom we could learn so much.

Instead of destroying them …. learn from them.

 

Well I have two puppies that are ready to get downstairs.

I need some COFFEE.

Time to get going on the laundry.

I have changed my bedding and gathered the laundry.

And the COFFEE.

Yup, simply a cup of coffee and I am in heaven.

Nothing better than to be sipping on a mug of hot perked coffee surrounded by pups.

Life is good.

My life is great.

 

Happy Saturday.

If we continue to learn and live our lives in kindness and respect, we will live great lives.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 18th day of October, 2018.

Dark outside, guess we have to get used to it once again.

It will be several months before we see light at this time of day.

But that is okay.

 

Everything is equal in the darkness.

Meaning you can not see anything so everything is equal.

No divisions or egos or opinions to get in the way in the dark.

What you cannot see, still is, but is equal until it is not.

Isn’t that funny?

Strange thought?

We place too many labels on people, things, and situations.

We place too much stress on ourselves and then onto others.

We need to relax and just be.

Do your job.

Write your book.

Live your dreams.

One moment at a time.

Just breathe.

See the darkness not for what it is but what it can be.

Meaning the light will come and then you can see things as they are.

 

This morning once again Mr. Alvin in his way gave me a very important moment.

In the bathroom (no details) and he wanted me to massage his neck.

He sits there enjoying the moment.

Then he stands up and wants me to massage his back and upper tail area.

Okay upper bum area ….. but his tail ….. anyway.

He is loving it.

Quietly standing.

Then after I am finished.

He stands up on his hind legs and gives me kisses.

Something that only takes a few minutes clearly made him feel good.

It is those little things that make us feel amazing.

Good for him and good for me.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

My carpool is home sick for another day.

Sending good health energy her way.

 

I hope that you all have a great day.

I may not always say it but I appreciate you all.

My family and oh my friends.

I have the best friends on the planet.

My sister is second to none.

My brothers, I love them.

All the nephews and nieces and cousins, thank you.

I am grateful to have my own home.

I am grateful to have the best companion, Mr. Alvin.

I am grateful to be creative and to have employment.

I am grateful to see, hear, smell and to touch.

I am grateful for all the experiences of each day.

I am grateful for my life.

 

Special Hello to: my sister, thank you for your wonderful comments and for reading my blog every day.  Have a great Thursday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

PS: yesterday was so beautiful.  Wore capris and short sleeved t-shirt on our walk after work.  WE LOVED THE WALK. Still some beautifully coloured leaves remaining on some of the trees.

Still some green leaves.  Grass is green.  Loved hearing Mr. Alvin crunching the leaves as we walked along.

 

 

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60

Today is Monday, July 3, 2017 and it is the 38th day until my 60th Birthday.

Wow, cannot believe July 3rd already.

Definitely getting closer to that day.

Not sure how I feel about it but I am certainly glad that I am able to feel.

This has been a great daily reminder of the life that I have lead until now …..

I can only obviously comment on on the first almost 60 years and the future one can only speculate.

In so many ways I am more than blessed.

Of course, I would not be human if I did not find something to complain about or stress over.

There are a great many people on this planet who are able to live totally positive joyful lives.

I strive to be one of them.

I am not there but am working on it everyday.

There is always something that reminds me of the path that I want to be on, and really all we can do is try.

If we intend to do something – eventually it will happen.

Intention ….

 

Always, Carol

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 18th day of November, 2016.

Almost the weekend.

Busy and slightly stressful week almost over.

Looking forward to the weekend.

Somedays I feel we are better equipped to handle stress whether personal or professional, home or at work.

There are times I notice when I can shrug a stressful situation off, and just carry on.

Then the next time I feel like my world is crumbling beneath me.

Do you have these times?

Sometimes learning from the situation and other times it was just the way things worked out.

No fault – no blame.

We are all human and even though some may think they are perfect in all that they say and do, it is most times not the case.

I feel horribly when I make a miscalculation or do something wrong, it drives me crazy.

I do not like a person thinking that I am out to get them or to make life difficult for them.

That is never my intention nor will it ever be that way.

There are so many variables at work in the universe when there is stress.

I do however make a point to look for the positiveness in every situation.

So if you are having a stressful day – take a look at the whole picture.

There is always positiveness in any negative situation.

You can always go home and take your puppy for a walk.

If you have no puppy then just take yourself for a walk.

I also write this blog as a means of positive energy and release.

Every morning I also write in a gratitude journal.

All of this helps when you are under stress.

Well I had better get this show on the road.

If you at all wonder why somedays I am a little scattered in my thoughts it is due in part to the time of day, I write this blog just after 6:00 a.m. each

weekday morning and on the weekends a bit later.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to read my blog, thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 24th day of October, 2015.

A glorious morning.

Sky mainly clear.

Sun SHINING.

Coffee made.

Sipping on a mug.

Shared a cup already with my neighbour.

Changed begging on our bed.

Getting some things done.

Alvin has an appointment for his monthly pedicure and other personal items this morning at the Vet.

So we will do that once I have completed writing my blog and getting dressed.

Then it will be to the local grocery store and drugstore.

Time for Alvin to have hair cut and another bath.

In between there will be laundry and other household chores.

All the time enjoyed this glorious weather.

Oh how lucky we are to be having this weather near the end of October.

We are very grateful.

I am very grateful.

Each day it is all about being grateful for everything you have.

Even if you think you are stressed at your job there is always someone who would be happy to have that job.

Always be aware when speaking to others.

What is “terrible” to you might be “joyful” to others.

It is all relative.

I am reminded each day of all that surrounds me.

I learn something everyday.

Happy Happy Saturday ….

Wishing each and everyone a great weekend.

Thank you for sharing your time with me.

Special Hello to: my friends near and far ….. thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin