My latest LinkedIn post. #truestory #wordstoliveby The key to success is having no qualms about failure! (Read that again. Let it sink in.) |
Friday, April 19, 2024
Q IS FOR QUALMS
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
N IS FOR NOTABLE
Thursday, April 11, 2024
J IS FOR JOY
Well, it’s that time of year again.
When after months of waiting, I arrive at my destination of choice to celebrate another trip around the sun.
This year has me nicely perched next to the ocean, in a luxury home we've rented, in the Bahamas.
Once again, I packed a #petrocanada glass so I could watch the sunset ...and have a drink with my Dad. TAKEN: APRIL 10th, 2024 |
Yesterday was an OK travel day. The airports are always hectic but we have learned to navigate them with a ton of off the cuff comedy and a boatload of patience. Afterall, I know where I am going to land, and I realize that in itself is a privilege most never get to experience.
As our taxi zipped along the highway next to the beautiful blue green ocean, I felt myself become overwhelmed with emotion. I found myself fighting back tears. Tears of joy.
Joy that we can afford to travel as we do, and joy at the best life I have been obviously blessed to be living.
In a nutshell, I will leave you with this. Life is short people. When in doubt, please always refer to Rhondi Rule #779:
Make sure you don't celebrate your 75th birthday.... by living the same year 75 times!
Friday, April 5, 2024
E IS FOR EPIPHANY
Me, dealing with a terrible situation after my hairdresser unexpectedly turned me into a blonde! (I just keep on keepin' on!.) TAKEN: MAY 25th, 2023 |
Rise above the bullshit.
Flick your light back on.
Shine it brighter than ever.
Fall so deeply in love with your own life
that anyone who tried to wrong you
becomes a laughable,
ridiculous, distant, memory.
~ Unknown
My epiphany last spring was to finally stop giving others more latitude than they could ever be granted by others on a good day.
Instead of focusing on the colour I was dealt, I fired my hairdresser.
...And it felt really good!
Saturday, March 23, 2024
SQUIRRELING MY NUTS
It's that time of year again, where I look to the jar of nuts I have squirreled away all winter and decide how many of those precious gems I am going to spend on each venue, creating a great 2024 concert season.
Since starting my newest position two and half years ago, I have gotten into the habit of transferring the monies I am paid to do site visits and inspections into a savings account. Knowing full well, that those dollars/nuts will be earmarked for more bucket list tickets.
Because he is in such demand, and focuses primarily on playing football stadiums, my No Shoes Nation buddy won't be headed north of the boarder anytime soon. So, I knew eventually hopping a plane to see him perform was going to be a must.
Then, shortly after Jimmy Buffet passed, and he and fellow parrot head Zac Brown decided to join forces for their Sun Goes Down Tour. I immediately began making plans to head to into downtown Chicago for our wedding anniversary in June.
Though not a concert, the next tickets to be added here will be for my hubby. A 1pm start on June 14th at Wrigley Field (Cubs vs Braves) TAKEN: MARCH 21st, 2024 |
Saturday, February 17, 2024
TAMING MY TRESSES
You never know who you're going to want to kiss walking Broadway in Nashville! #imabigfan TAKEN: OCTOBER 10th, 2024 |
Not the most earth-shattering news I have ever shared here - but in this instance, my hair was the longest it had ever been in my life. The truth is I hadn't allowed anyone or anything near my tresses (except my very dull kitchen scissors) since that tearful day last May when I fired my hairdresser.
To be honest, I did wait a couple of days after a Edweena Scissorhands and her barrel of bleach did their deed, before posting about it here. All these months later, my disappointment in what was promised versus what was delivered still really pisses me off!
Anyway, because my hair was already frail, I took a step back and except for root touch up spray to kill the glare, I let it rest for more than two months. Then, through online research, I discovered a natural gloss that washes out which I could apply to cover the blondeness; until my grey could grow out and be blended in with highlights.
You can tell by the picture I am sharing today that by last October, my hair was brittle and because of the overall weight of the length, it looked like crap. It didn't matter what I did. The thing that was once my best accessory, was looking like that super annoying cousin no one wanted to admit they were related to.
Wait, it gets worse. Without notice, my hair started coming out in large clumps in the shower and by the end of January it was significant. My buddy Google said that by repeatedly pulling my hair tightly on the top my head, it was most likely a type of hair loss called traction alopecia.
I knew it was time. My hair was so damaged that most everything below shoulder length needed to go. So it did. I told my new gal to get rid of everything that needed to go when she very diplomatically said, 'you can come back in a week and we can take more off, it really is best to do this in stages so you can get use to it.'
She was very empathetic to my journey, and she was absolutely amazing.
I guess as I sit here and type I wonder how the hell I went from holding my hand up to my ear saying loudly, 'Sorry so-in-so, I can't hear you over the volume of my hair!' To trolling Amazon for hair growth oils and hair thinning solutions.
Three little words.
Middle age sucks. That is all!
Actually, that is six words... but I think you catch my drift.
Sunday, January 7, 2024
MY EMPTY CHAIR
A very powerful photo of reflection snapped as the sun began to set on December 25th. TAKEN: DECEMBER 25th, 2023 |
Thursday, October 26, 2023
MY COUNTRY MUSIC QUARTET
I have always appreciated all types of music, but for the last six or seven years, I have found myself gravitating to the channels offerings country on my Sirius satellite app. Suffice it to say, not many were surprised to discover that we landed in Nashville.
I think what might surprise most, is that all tickets purchased for my country music quartet were purchased with less than a month of them all landing on stage. All (except Chapin Carpenter at the Ryman Auditorium) were purchased off Ticketmaster - resale.
Now, I am not proud of what I paid for the tickets, with Old Dominion being the least expensive at a little over $100 each, and Chris Stapleton being the most expensive at just over $1,500 for the pair.
My first three experiences, were so high energy that I headed for the exit with little to no voice from yelling so loud, the fourth (an intimate acoustic presentation) moved me to my musical core. All of them left me completely and unequivocally entertained. Honestly, concert dollars very well spent!
I have always been an avid concert goer, and no genre is off limits. For instance, when we were in Nashville, we toured the Country Music Hall of Fame and explored some of the roof top honky tonk's on October 9th. Then, walked back to our condo off Broadway just in time to sit on our balcony and watch the sunset.
On a whim, I logged onto Ticketmaster and purchased two stage left Jonas Brothers tickets at Bridgestone Arena (where the Nashville Predictors play). With less than an hour left before they hit the stage, we took our ten minute walk to the venue. They too brought down the house.
Ramping up to perform (Joe's hit) Cake By The Ocean to a packed Bridgestone Arena. TAKEN: OCTOBER 9th, 2023 |
Anyway, I remember having a conversation with my brother this summer and he felt the need to point out that my dogs were a luxury. Though I understood his point, I told him that 'my dogs were a necessity that my husband and I couldn't live without'.
Which in a nutshell, aside from being a mega fan, is why I clicked the Ticketmaster button and bought the Stapleton tickets; exactly three days later.
My dogs a luxury? Nope.
It is my concert going habit that wins his specific label. All the monies spent on tickets, hotels, flights, food and spirits?
THEY... THEM....THOSE. Will always be the biggest luxury of my life!!
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
SIMPLY, UNFORGETTABLE
Last week, when I posted photos of my Canadian Thanksgiving travels on social media as they were happening, I was proud to share that we had included experiencing the spectacular 'Mother Church' of country music in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.
What I was somewhat surprised to admit (after leaving the building) was that my amazing and intimate musical experience presented at the Ryman Auditorium was simply mind blowing!!
My beautiful exterior shot from across the street, and our third row balcony seats preshow. (No video or photography is allowed once the show starts.) TAKEN: OCTOBER 8th, 2023 |
He's right, this is hallowed ground filled with her spiritual sounds. It truly is a sacred place for any music lover, celebrating all music genres in every sacred pew.
Oh, and the Mary/Shawn duo literally brought down the house.
The entire evening was... Simply, unforgettable.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
HAPPY CANADA D‘EH
Poor Miya Maria. She drew the short Canada Day photo op straw. (Don't feel too bad, she had a chunk of roast chicken as her reward!) TAKEN: JULY 1st, 2023 |
When the Canada Day long weekend was
approaching, it is safe to say my Weather Network app was getting ten times more screen action than
everything else installed on my phone.
I will compare it to a flip of the coin scenario.
Rain we stay in town. Sun we stay at the cottage. Well, sunshine prevailed for
the entire weekend marking the fact that I officially got moved in.
It has been several years since I have lived
here for 100% of the season. I am glad to be back and am very grateful that this is the first time
in my entire career, that I only commute to the brick-and-mortar office with the
fancy sign out front just once a week.
When I changed jobs a year and a half ago, I
negotiated that I would work from home two days a week. Two led to three, then
three led to four. I am hoping by the end of the year, everything will be done via ZOOM.
Though I manage my time well and my boss is
pleased with my productivity, my workdays definitely last longer when working
from my home or cottage offices. Why? This doggie daycare/obedience school thing-a-ma-hoochie I am running has a very strict schedule that must be adhered to.
So, I start an hour earlier everyday to
ensure our 9:30am and 2pm breaks get rid of any excess energy, and they will sleep
at my feet for the duration. With two puppies and a high energy senior on point,
I need to keep them on track, or all hell breaks loose.
I am serious when I share that I will be working
away and balls and toys start getting banged into my legs or dropped at my feet and I must firmly say,
“Stop... It isn’t nine thirty yet!”
And believe it or not, they stop and settle until
my phone pings that it’s time for recess. I’m not complaining just reflecting. Never
a dull moment, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Well, maybe the shitty internet connection because of all the rock that surrounds me, but that’s a post for another day.
Sunday, April 30, 2023
Friday, April 21, 2023
R IS FOR REGGAE
My hubby walking the beach (with me and my Blackberry) taking in this great vibe. TAKEN: FEBRUARY 2012 |
In September 2021, the morning my husband was to be admitted into Toronto General Hospital, he sat on the sofa in our hotel room and sang a loud 'Three Little Birds' with Bob Marley. Needless to say, he was understandably emotional and scared.
As we walked hand in hand to the hospital at dawn, I promised him that our first adventure once all of this was behind us, would be to get him back to Jamaica; his very favourite travel destination.
Monday, April 17, 2023
N IS FOR NOT
At the beginning of my A-Z challenge this year, I came across a poem by Erin Hanson.
As an aside, I began never worrying about how I am defined by others after my father died.
Yet, the poem is so relatable by so many, I immediately knew it needed to be my 2023 letter N.
To my electronic friends... Stay strong and always know your worth!
Reading (with some friendly company) at Poppa's Camp TAKEN: Lake Temiscamng ~ Summer of 1996 |
NOT ~ by Erin Hanson
You are not your
age,
nor the size of
clothes you wear,
you are not a
weight,
or the colour of
your hair.
You are not your
name,
nor the dimples in
your cheeks,
you are all the
books you read,
and all the words
you speak.
You are your
croaky morning voice,
and the smiles you
try to hide,
you're the
sweetness in your laughter,
and every tear
you've cried.
You the songs you
sing so loudly,
when you know
you're alone,
you're the places
that you've been to,
and the ones that
you call home.
You're the things
that you believe in,
and the people
that you love,
you're the photos
in your bedroom,
and the future you
dream of.
You're made of so
much beauty,
but it seems that
you forgot...
When you decided
that you were defined,
by all the things you're not.
Thursday, April 13, 2023
K IS FOR KNACK
When I returned to work last Monday and was asked about my birthday trip to Las Vegas, I gave a one-word answer: Meh. (You could also insert a sarcastic shoulder shrug in there for visual effect.)
My underwhelming response was followed by an immediate, "I’ve been to much nicer places, and had far better experiences."
Reaffirming our thought process which was, "It's VEGAS baby... You've got to go at least once just to see it!"
That said, I did enjoy the varying levels of architecture and attention to construction detail in the grand casinos on the strip, but my solstice of trying to enjoy those few moments was interrupted by the ‘ding-ding-ding’ of the slot machines that were situated absolutely everywhere.
Neither my husband or I have the desire nor ever developed the skill for gambling. We are both smart enough to know that’s
it not there for you to win.
I lost everything and my husband did not. Here's the photographic proof! TAKEN: APRIL 7th, 2023 |
My only attempt at the jackpot was a five-dollar bill in a slot machine in the Bellagio. I did get my investment up to $12.95 in winnings and should have cashed out. Instead, I kept pushing the button, rolling the odds, until it was all gone. The entire entertainment experience lasted less than ten minutes!
My husband tried his luck while
we waited for our table at Tony Roma’s in the Golden Nugget. His investment was
in the three singles he had in his pocket and his chit shows where he landed.
To which I immediately told him, ‘I
thought he may have developed a gambling addiction and may want to seek out help’. We both burst
into laughter and headed into the restaurant.
On a scale from one to ten, the moral of this post is... Our knack for gambling, negative two. Our knack for investing in great running shoes, positive twelve. We walked and walked and walked.
Thanks goodness there wasn't a charge for that. After all, we lost a whopping $7.83 USD gambling.
Which is like $117.45 CDN these days!
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
I IS FOR ITINERARY
When the kids were growing up, there was never an abundance of extra cash lying around for me to get to celebrate my birthday. So, when the nest finally emptied, I decided that every year I would take a birthday trip.
The first couple were week long jaunts but then I discovered I could have a higher end experience for less if I crammed everything into a long weekend.
Below is a neat snapshot and snippet of the my born day adventures since 2015.
2015: A quaint cliff top resort in Samana, Dominican Republic
This Gran Bahia was an amazing experience but not a resort meant for those with mobility issues.
One of the main reason I selected it was to walk (daily) the "Bridge to Nowhere" seen below...as taken from my poolside deck chair.
Great food, Salsa dancing at night, and loved experiencing the beautiful Barcardi Island with friends.
Great shot of the 4 km Bridge to Nowhere TAKEN: APRIL 2015 |
Sayulita is a village on the Pacific coast backed by the Sierra Madre mountains, known for its beaches and strong surf.
For this bornday trip, we rented a house with an infinity pool and were joined by friends as well as Jukebox. To this day, my husband says it is still his favourite spot. I snapped this pic in the morning after hiking to Playa de Los Muertos.
In all of my adventures, this is the most time I spent in the ocean. Almost all day everyday. My son was the only one that really got the hand of surfing. I traded my surf board in for a boogie board mid week,
A great time was had by all!
Heading back from Playa des Los Muertos. What a view! TAKEN: APRIL 2016 |
Darin, my hubby and I enjoying a bevie at the Big Band Stage. One of my favourites for the entire weekend. TAKEN: APRIL 2017 |
Out on our balcony, we were joking that there was a storm coming. I said, 'it was the Toronto Raptors landing!' TAKEN: APRIL 2018 |
Jukebox taking in the eerie surroundings of the fallen twin towers. TAKEN: APRIL 2019 |
Born April 9th (seen here at 4 weeks of age) I named her Miya. Because she was Miya Birthday Present! TAKEN: APRIL 2021 |
Me standing on the retaining wall at the Southern most point. Too impatient to wait a couple of hours in line! TAKEN: APRIL 2022 |
By 6pm we had walked well over 24,000 steps. Highly recommend staying at Paris. We received 5 star service. Thanks Air Canada! TAKEN: APRIL 2023 |
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
D IS FOR DECISION
Well, a killer Black Friday deal made my birthday trip decision a no brainer this year. With the intention of only ever going once, I landed in Las Vegas today.
For just over six hundred dollars each, a suite with an Eiffel Tower view overlooking the Bellagio fountains was the purchase, and for the second year in a row I have Air Canada to thanks for a crazy amazing birthday deal.
Landed about 2p.m. today and home Saturday evening about 10p.m., we have a fun fill trip planned.
Heading to TopGolf this afternoon, Cirque du Soleil Beatles ONE at the Mirage tomorrow night, renting a Slingshot to head to Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam Thursday, then Freemont Street for the day Friday.
Lots to talk about and some great pics to share the rest of the month for certain.
Another 'Happy Birthday Trip' but more importantly another passport stamp for yours truly.
Feeling very blessed, as life is good!
Photo courtesy of booking.com |
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
C IS FOR CANDID
A couple of weeks ago I saw this meme floating around the social media platforms and it truly resonated. It was just a picture titled the truth in me, so I must assume the author is unknown.
I have no desire to fit in.
No plans to walk with the crowds.
I have my own mind, heart and soul.
I am me and it has taken me years to realize how important that is.
No matter who you are, you can't be more candid that that. Life is simply too short to worry about what others think; and I don't.
Now when it comes to my dogs? That's another story.
The truth is my goal in life is to always be the person my dogs already think I am!
Big day. Taking Miya Maria to meet her new sister Katie Lulu. TAKEN: JANUARY 23rd, 2023 |
Saturday, April 1, 2023
A IS FOR ASHLEY
May my beautiful friend and coworker forever rest in peace. (Beautiful photo from her LinkedIn profile) |
It was the last Friday afternoon of this past January.
My boss and I had just finished our end of day call, when he empathetically said, “I have some news to share.” Then, after a long pause he said, “Ashley was killed in a car accident early yesterday morning.”
In that moment, it was like I had been punched in the throat. My mind began swirling, and I was in a complete state of disbelief. This girl had the most amazing energy and sense of kindness, I instantly fell into a general state of shock.
Fast forward from that Friday night to Sunday morning. I couldn’t find any information online, other than there had in fact been a vehicular fatality in that area the morning I was told she passed.
So, by mid-Sunday morning I reached out to a coworker to go fishing for facts. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and I wanted to confirm that there hadn’t been some sort of bizarre misunderstanding. She quickly confirmed it was in fact her that had died.
Flash to the next Tuesday, when the rumblings shift to the chatter that her husband was being investigated for foul play in her death. In that moment, all I could do was be angry at the potential small town gossip.
Low and behold he was formally charged that Friday with second degree murder and indignity to a dead body and is being held without bail.
His charges were then formally upgraded to first degree murder on February 17th, 2023.
Though I want to be angry at the person accused of taking her life, he doesn't deserve any space in my mind. That said, I can’t help but focus my empathy and worry to their two young children, both under the age of ten. Still processing all of this, it is so sad that they lost both of their parents that day.
Not that I am anyone special in the big scheme of all of this, I am just one of many that is extremely grateful to have been able to call Ashley Schwalm my friend. I will always miss my former coworker dearly.
Rest in peace my beloved Schwalmster.
Because if there is one thing you deserve, it's to forever sleep easy.
Sunday, January 8, 2023
LETTER WRITING MEMORIES
I got a call on January 4th from my oldest brother, as we'd missed connecting over the holidays.
When my phone rang, my husband gently cautioned that if I answered, we would probably chat for hours. I acknowledged his comment with a nod, then picked up. I went to bed when my phone died, at 2am.
Through our long-winded catchup, he asked about any old negatives I may have in my possession (pre 35mm film) of photos my mother would have taken. On a mission, the next day I went through all the boxes in my cold storage space under our front entry stairs.
Up to my home office went boxes and bags of photos and negatives, as well as a hodgepodge of items I hadn’t looked at since we moved into our current home in 2002. I did find what he was asking about. I also found a series of handwritten letters from a girlfriend that were decades old.
Holy time warp Batman. When I began reading the letters, it's like I had been transported in a time machine. I had forgotten my college sidekick and I had stayed in touch for as long as we had.
With none of her letters dated nor having a return address, I know I had three children and she and her husband were hoping to try for their first; my only other clue are the 43 cent stamps.
Naturally curious, I headed to the internet to see what she’d been up to. My first issue was all of her letters were signed with only her first name. Though I knew her maiden name, I couldn’t for the life of me remember her married name.
Hours and hours later, and primarily seeking out obituary notices, I managed to find her. Not her specifically, but a website where she'd appeared on the ‘sunshine list’ in Peel Region.
The next piece was I remembered I had a photo of us. (I find it amazing that I have had the photo I am sharing tucked away in a photo album since it was taken.) There were six of us that travelled from Hamilton to Kitchener for the weekend to celebrate Oktoberfest, including the festive parade.
If my memory serves me correctly, it was the fella whose family hosted us that took our picture. And I remember her saying in the that moment, "we have to get a picture of us together." This was it.
I am going out on a limb here but judging by the look on my face, my guess is we were having a blast by indulging in a wee bit of alkohol spirituosen and polka party fun.
That said... I would have to double check my German with Google translator to be sure!
Us celebrating Oktoberfest in Kitchener with one of her letters as the background TAKEN: OCTOBER 1984 |
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
SMARTIE MEMORIES IN NOVEMBER
Smartie getting a driving lesson from his grandson. TAKEN: AUGUST 27th, 2021 |
I am sitting at my home office desk and a wave of varying emotion just hit.
It is 3:52pm and gloomier than usual outside.
I can hear the wind howling and my phone is buzzing with severe weather warnings and the radio's been boasting cancelations all afternoon. All of it reminding me what the next few weeks will offer, which is absolutely nothing special.
As my hump day workday ends, my mind began to wonder. Tomorrow is Thursday. And as I have each week since that terrible day last April, I realized that I won’t be getting my weekly call from Smartie tomorrow; or ever again.
I remember the day we met. It was in April of 2004 and we hit it out of the park from the get-go. Both working in manufacturing, we stayed on straight evenings
so that we could save big dollars on daycare. An eighteen year friendship, that ended with his death on almost the same day in April that it started.
That said, as I type, it’s like I am stuck.
Whenever I mention him to others in passing, I instantly tear up. Which is immediately followed by
an apology disclosing, “I just can’t seem to get over his death.”
I feel a true emptiness, and all these months later his absence is still raw. Each time I get try to process why, I wonder if it could be because I wasn’t offered proper closure.
Because, for obvious reasons, I wasn’t invited to his intimate private service.
I could make excuses, but the truth of the
matter is that I disliked his wife in high school and absolutely detested
her by the time their marriage ended. Not looking to expand on why, other than
to say he was my friend, and she was not. Either way, he’s gone and I truly miss him.
As I stop typing and glance out the window, I see the snow is now blowing on a 45 degree angle.
I guess I should get my ass into the
kitchen, get some grub going, and feed the pups while we still have hydro.
Once again, thanks for listening to me blather.