Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Hi, Heidi,
This article just came up on one of my home pages. Pretty interestingConsidering everything I’ve been through, I think I’ve handled stress pretty well, but this article confirmed some things I was doing and gave me more pointers. Thought I’d share.
Smiles,
RhondaGood morning, Heidi,
Thanks for your thoughts. It’s interesting what this quarantine (solitary confinement) is doing to me. I’m finding it difficult to focus on anything, a lot of trouble keeping track of time and what day it is and what I need to do. I just have to do planning now as I don’t have screws, don’t have a saw, don’t have an edge trimmer (may have to use just a little tiny shovel to clear the grass growing under my fence), don’t have boards to make another kayak rack. Lots of things to do but no materials.
I guess since moving around is something I do every 1-2 years I forget how stressful it is. But it has been a lot to deal with in the last month. Losing my job, moving, having to clean out that storage shed, the long drive, all the new hire stuff, including a background check (they were having problems verifying employment with Jacobs as the part of Jacobs I worked for was bought out by Worley and doesn’t exist any more), finding new living accommodations. So actually, two moves in one month. Plus quarantine and all this testing.
I don’t like movies because I get too involved. Its like I’m living the movie and that puts me totally out of touch with reality and my own life. I actually feel a lot of tension from watching movies. I can remember scenes from Man from Snowy River that I watched in ’86 like it was yesterday. Took me 2 weeks to come out of that movie as I identified so closely with it. Now I do like some documentaries. Same with books. I would get so involved in what I was reading I would be totally unaware of my surroundings and living what I was reading. I still can remember scenes from Call of the Wild I read in 6th grade. I didn’t like the feeling of being in a fog and a daze when I came out of living the book so I quit reading. I read the Bible and self-help books and not much else.
Well, Jay has disappeared on me. He was writing a couple times a day. I answered his message yesterday morning and have heard nothing since. He was calling me “sweet lady” and then disappeared. No clue. Pretty baffled as we had a lot in common and he seemed to be enjoying our conversations. I’m still getting an email a day from Nick.
Gotta go call my tax accountant. The accountants that did my 2019 taxes really messed them up so I need to call my new accountant and make sure its all straightened up. What fun.
Melaleuca is the largest on-line health and wellness company in North America. All their products are totally natural and they were pioneers in essential oils, including the Melaleuca oil. Here’s the link to their ingredient philosophy https://ca.melaleuca.com/about/ingredients-philosophy. I like that the products are all natural and healthier for you and healthier for the environment. Check it out. I think you would love the products like I do.
Have a wonderful day!
Smiles,
RhondaOh, Heidi,,
Thank you for checking. I’m fine. I’m sorry I came across as distant or cold. I didn’t mean to. I probably had other things on my mind and since I agreed with your thoughts I didn’t have a lot to comment on. I’m not a movie watcher at all. Don’t enjoy them at all, but do agree with you that I have choices to make and can choose what I focus on. I’ll have to admit sometimes that takes a lot of energy. 🙂 Still struggling with being brain dead and in a haze and feeling like a zombie and computer rather than a living human being. Nothing seems real and I know I’ve talked about that before. Don’t know if that’s mental or a physiological issue. I suspect its from stress and not being able to get out. One more week!Got out and swept up my little back deck. Got some thoughts on how to build a 2nd kayak rack as I don’t like my kayak laying on the ground. Got some other thoughts for flowers, etc. I’ve also been doing some camera shopping and did some car shopping yesterday. Had a call with the Melaleuca trainer so I have some homework to do to start that business. That’s way out of my comfort zone, but will really help me learn how to connect with people so I’m thinking it will help me with more than just additional income. So I’m finding some things to keep busy.
Thanks again,
RhondaGood morning, Heidi,
Yes, I am getting a feel for what it was like for the Jews during WWII. I also am understanding what its like for animals to be caged up.Today is sunny and no frost on the ground so will head to the back yard to clean it up.
That younger black guy is gone already. He immediately came across that he was a playboy and looking for sex and a few conversations pretty much confirmed that. Definitely not relationship quality. Still hearing from both Jay and Nick, the two gentlemen from the Edmonton area. Nick is very good looking and has that magnetic smile. Both have potential. We’ll see.
Smiles,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
H-E-L-P!!!!!! I’m going crazy! What is going on!??Zoosk has suddenly come alive. Talking with two really nice gentlemen from the Edmonton area (2-3 hours from here). Both say “spiritual” instead of Christian so we’ll see. Also just got messages from a 39-year-old who said he’d date me. He’s super good looking with gorgeous eyes and a mesmerizing smile. Black. He’s got a pic of a cougar on his profile and said he took it up north. I can tell from the way he talked about that experience he’s in touch with nature and loves animals. Got another smile and contact from a guy in his 30s. What??
One week almost down. Can’t believe its already been a week since I got home. Quarantine is messing with my mind big time, really big time. Been up till midnight the last few nights, which I never do. But sitting around all day I don’t feel like going to bed and my brain is totally fried and not sensing any reality at all. Keep thinking of those poor Jews who had to stay inside for 2 years. I couldn’t imagine! Think I got all the paperwork done. Apartment is ready. I’ll get in a couple days early to find out where training is and where the site is. So I should be good. Think all my paper work is done.
Been spitting snow today so not a good day to get out to the yard. And I’m missing some supplies to get some of my tasks done around the house. So frustrating!!! Have to call in symptoms every day. Take another test on Friday. They’ve called me once and asked if I’ve left the house, if I’ve had visitors, etc. I feel like a criminal.
Smiles,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
I’m so paranoid I’m going to miss something or answer something wrong or go to the wrong place for training or something. I’m so brain dead right now. Yes, and the landlord said something about “cliffs” there.I think I let Dean know what my schedule is. I doubt he’ll ask me out, but he might schedule a meetup for the 21st and/or 22nd and I’ll go to that. Got a hair cut and an electrician coming in on the 21st. When was the last time I was on a date? Hmmmmmmm. Mar 2019 had breakfast with Rod and later that summer went on a walk with another gentleman. Really nice guy from Pakistan, but he disappeared even off the meetup. Said he was focusing on getting his house set up and I know he was working nights. So its been 2 years?
I’m so blamed frustrated! Been on chat for over 5 hours with Verizon. Wasn’t able to download multimedia messages so after trying everything else they had me back up to my email then reset factory settings. Now it won’t restore. I’m grumpy! Good thing I’m in quarantine and can’t be doing anything else!
Smiles,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
All I’ve got to say is God is so good to me! Far better to me than I deserve! So….
1) All employment paper work filled out. My head is spinning and fogged! LOL.
2) An all-furnished, all inclusive apartment rented, downtown, 2 blocks from the marina. Comes with parking and can rent kayak storage at the marina. Super wonderful landlord that is extremely helpful. He was just going to advertise it with a realtor later today, but I got it just in time. Referral from the Brunel (employment agency rep). He came down $200/month for me, but I’ve also got it for 18 months, so a long-term for him.
3) Flight and car booked. I’ll fly out April 23 and return May 16 to pick up my car. Have that week off so will have a few days to enjoy home then the 4-day drive back.I can’t believe how everything has fallen into place. I think everything is taken care of. I may not be able to get into the rental till the 24th, so may have to book a hotel for one night, but that’s minor. Have to find ride to the airport, but my neighbor is a taxi driver or Dean would probably take me. Again, minor.
Yes, I will, I THINK be able to see Dean before I go. It depends on if he schedules a walk on the 21st or 22nd, but he schedules walks almost daily. We’ll see. Once I get settled in Sarnia, I’ll start thinking about dating again. (big grin) A man with a flexible schedule and lots of money would be AWESOME!!!! I really want to go visit Algonquin Provincial Park while I’m there and it would be fun to have someone to go with.
Ok, now to finish unpacking and putting everything away. I won’t have to repack except clothes, so that will be nice.
Smiles,
RhondaThanks, Heidi,
Today is another day of cleaning and organizing. Will probably book my flight. Looks like I’ll be flying out the 23rd and returning May 16. Have that week off so will have a couple days to get things done and even a day or two in the mountains, then a 40 hour drive. So fun! Obviously dating is back burner for a few weeks. 🙁 I’m married to my job. Big reason I’m still single!Smiles,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
Yes, a lot still going on for me.Canada is very restrictive. Even if I was fully vaccinated I would still have to quarantine for 2 weeks if I went to the States for even one day. Sucks. Canada is totally paranoid, over reacting and making totally ineffective measures and rules. Ontario just went into tight stay-at-home restrictions for 4 weeks. Their measures aren’t effective at all and they aren’t looking to find more effective measures. Pretty stupid and frustrating.
I’m heart broken I can’t go to Trav’s graduation. But I did make it to his community college graduation a couple years ago and I did pay for a flight and car for Dustin and his wife to go (Trav’s brother) So Trav will have someone there for him. I will find out if the U will also be streaming the program and make sure I’m where I can watch it on line. If not, Dustin has Skype on his phone and its a free Skype to Skype call, so I can watch it through his phone.
Ha, got through the border ok. Took an hour. Have to call in every day with COVID symptoms. Had to give them my address where I’m in quarantine. They’re supposed to call and check on me every day and make sure I’m behaving. So much fun!
House is filthy. Dead flies all over the place. So doing major house cleaning this morning. The outlet the fridge is plugged into failed, so the fridge has been of for I don’t know how long. Will have to clean that out. Fortunately I ran an extension cord to another outlet and it does work. I am going to take stuff out to the garbage. Its 50 feet from my door and I’ll wear a mask and make sure I go when no one is around. I could get by except for all that stuff in the fridge. Having spoiled food around and lots of mold is a health hazard, right?
Still don’t know if I’m driving or flying initially. Would be better to drive, but that’s a 4-day trip. Shortest route is through the States, which I can’t do, so have to take the long route, costing almost another full day.
Oh well. Not much I can do about it. The contract will go through October 2022, which is 4 months longer than I was originally told. And I got a $5 US raise. I can’t complain.
Gotta go. Still haven’t ordered groceries. This laptop decided it had to update this morning. Took a couple hours as it was a major update.
Hope things are going well for you.
Rhonda
Good morning, Heidi,
I’m sitting in Phoenix right now. Will leave here early Monday morning. Yes, I will have to turn around and leave almost immediately after getting out of quarantine. Still need to figure that out. I will have to find my own living arrangements in Sarnia, but they do give me a living out allowance (per diem) to cover my living costs there. I also get a monthly travel allowance for trips home. So a pretty good arrangement. I am so grateful to God for this good job, even if it is away from my mountains. I will talk with Patti, a girl I worked with on the previous project and ask her about the kayaking and hiking and ask if she has suggestions for where to find an apartment. Patti has a foldup kayak – or is it a blow up kayak. One of the two.My next hump is the COVID test and crossing the border. Once I get past that, it will be a big relief and I can focus on planning transition to Sarnia. Am looking forward to getting home occasionally during the next year!
My youngest boy graduates from NDSU in Fargo in May. Its looking like I won’t be able to make it. I wasn’t fast enough in Louisiana to get a vaccine. By the time they opened it up to everyone, it was too late for me to get a 2-dose and I found out 2 days before I left one of the other people got a one-dose in New Orleans (50 miles away). But without a vaccine, I seriously doubt I’ll be able to go. And it will be May or June before I’m eligible for vaccine in Ontario. I’ll have to check Alberta. But again, probably won’t be in time for me to go to Fargo middle of May. I paid for flights and a car for my oldest boy and his wife, so they will go to his graduation, so at least someone will be there for him.
Thanks,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
I spoke too soon. Just got an email from the rep at Brunel with my hiring details. Looks good. I got a good raise above what Worley was paying me – even considering the exchange rate. 🙂 I think it will be a good year. I don’t remember Darren very well from the previous project I worked with him on, but I’ve been impressed with the interactions we’ve had so far. And I know the project manager is very good to work for.Smiles,
RhondaHi, Heidi,
Last few days have been crazy. Ended up sleeping in my car (which I was set up to do) in a truck stop Monday night. Moved my reservation up one night at the KOA. Was planning on camping in Sedona Wednesday night but got into Sedona and everything was full and the place crazy packed. Insane. So bummed an extra night off my kids and got to Phoenix a night early.Darren did call me and offer me the position at Sarnia Monday night. He wants me on the project April 26. Have not gotten any employment forms yet from Brunell so will text Darren tonight. Found out Bruce Power, the huge Canadian project Worley had turned in a proposal for went with another company. Huge loss for them. Worley doesn’t have a good reputation in Canada and its falling in the States, so I’m not terribly sad about leaving. I’m not impressed at all.
After several tries, my daughter-in-law was able to make me an appointment for COVID testing. Trying to get a vaccine is a joke. What a gong show. All kinds of rumors and confusion about what I actually need at the border, but LOOKS like just a COVID test within 72 hours of when I get to the border. Then probably a 2-week quarantine.
Dwayne certainly isn’t flashy or exciting. My focus isn’t on dating right now and probably won’t be for a month or two till I get settled in Sarnia. Could be my dream man’s in Sarnia, but he’ll have to follow me west. 🙂 No way am I moving to Ontario. Just flat out isn’t going to happen.
Smiles,
RhondaThank you, Heidi,
I like your suggestions. Right now I’m too tired and depressed to do much of anything. Focused pretty much on just getting back to Canada. Sarnia will probably kill any dating life, but I should be grateful to have work. I’m just letting God take it and show me what He has in mind for me as I sure don’t have a clue. Right now my biggest problem is just getting home. Once I get home, then I can figure out other things. Haven’t heard from Dwayne in 2 days. He never suggested meeting and while he was sending a sentence or two every night, it was rather distant. I don’t think he was ever that interested.Just got back from a really nice walk around LSU Lake with Zulay. She’s the automation lead on this project. She’s lots of fun but from Venezuela and has a really heavy accent so sometimes hard to understand. We did almost 6 miles around LSU Lake then she bought me ice cream at Marble Slab. They have the best ice cream! Nice to do something with a friend instead of by myself for once.
Smiles,
RhondaSo, sigh. My trip plans just got totally turned upside down. The friend I was going to stay with Monday night emailed me this morning. Her mother went into kidney failure so she’s going to be with her mom and sisters. That poor lady has been through so much. I really feel bad for her. I have no clue what I’m going to do. I guess see if I can cancel my hotels and replan my trip.
I’m finding I’m really dreading the thought of going to Sarnia. Per the usual, anything decent is a 2-5 hour drive away. There seems to be a few nice small nature preserves and wetlands close by and birding should be good. There are a few places to kayak, but not many. Four hours to the north is Blue Mountain. I’m not sure I’d call it a mountain, but they do have a ski resort there and its at least not flat. Five hours NE is Algonquin Provincial Park. Lots of rock cliffs and rivers. Supposed to be one of the prettiest parks in Canada. I really wanted the job out at Kittamat on the BC coast, but that project seems to have gone silent. Sarnia would definitely be better than here, and MAYBE better than Ohio. The team I’d be working with would definitely be better and there seems to be more places to walk and more wetlands for birding. And its only a year and its possible I would be in a position where I could retire after that. Dunno, dunno, dunno, dunno. Guess just keep praying and see what doors God opens up.
Have a super day,
Hi, Heidi,
So here’s another gentleman out on Match I’d be interested in. Match occasionally gives free messaging to top pics. This man is 59, has a wonderful smile says his faith is important. He’s active, loves the outdoors, traveling and has a passion for musing. Lovs being in the mountains hiking or snow shoeing. He says he can be a practical joker. Looking for kindness, fun, adventure and a friend to start with. Sounds perfect to me. So I have no clue how to start a conversation…… Hi, your smile initially caught my attention, but reading your profile I see we think alike…. your faith is important to you and you could probably keep up with this adventuring mountain girl. 🙂Dunno. I’m teasing a little bit. What do you think?
Smiles,
Rhonda
