Lists

 

Lately I've been dropping rocks again. 

(Painted rocks.) 

Just leaving bits of colour in random places like restaurants and gas stations. 

I'm getting rid of old inventory, (rocks that I don't love), and rocks I haven't the enthusiasm to finish. I've lightened the weight of my condo by 10 pounds I reckon. Downsizing/decluttering is a way-of-life if you're a condo-dweller. 

After scrolling through Pinterest I've been inspired to try something not mandela-like, (which is so 2020), and challenge myself to make an effort at fully embracing 2024. Teensy bit excited to get started. Which is a lovely feeling as not much has sparked excitement in me since last fall. (Marriages ending, cancer diagnosis's, work issues, wonky hip ... ugh. It's been a tough slog.) 

But, painted rocks for the win? Again? Haha. 

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Had the first of three marathon dental appointments this morning. 

Dr. Lee comes to get me from the waiting room. He directs me to the business side of the office, with slight pressure on my elbow. 

"In here?" I guess.

"Oh. Yeah. How'd you know?" he asked.

"This has been my chair since I was 16. Pretty sure my bum has worn a groove in it."

"Fair enough. Any aches or pains I should know about?"

"Yeah, my hip is not working like it should."

"Ahhh. Sorry. I only work from the neck up."

He apologized a few minutes later, "Sorry, sweetheart, I'm going to give you some freezing..."

Him, frustrated 10 seconds later: "Let's sit you up for this. That tongue of yours is extra strong..."

"Oh," I said, "Is this the part where we talk about my tongue? It's size and strength?"

Him: "Yes."

Me: "Oh good. I've missed these conversations."

It takes three people to work on my lower left molar: One to press his pointy, spinning, buzzy, sharp tool onto the tooth that needs attention. Another one to spray water into, then suction the water out of, my mouth. And a third person (assumingly less skilled) to use the retractor to hold my tongue out of the way. 

At one point I was tempted to ask everyone to stop for a sec so I could take an ussie. 

(Ussie = a selfie + extra people)

(I think I learned this from Ted Lasso)

Does anyone else find 2-hour long dental appointments exhausting? Well, the dentist and his assistants probably do, but as a patient? Do you just feel like you need a nap afterwards? I mean, all I've done is lie there with my mouth open, breathe through my nose, think happy thoughts/pray for everyone in my life who needs me to pray for them, fight the urge to yawn or cough and remind myself to unclench all the clenched parts. How is that tiring? 

As he helps me up off the reclining leather chair I've been lazing on, he asks, "So what are your plans for the rest of the day?" 

Me: "Picking up some somasas for lunch with a friend. Then a pedicure. And then over to see a lawyer about updating my will. How about you? What've you got planned after this?"

Him: "Oh, you know. I'll probably stick around here and ...

Me: "...freeze, drill, poke and peer into open mouths all afternoon?"

Him: "Yeah."

My dentist, by the way, is about 80, maybe 100 years old. He's retired. But he comes in on Tuesdays and Fridays to make sure his favorite people have pretty smiles. 

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So yeah, I've updated my will. And my Power of Attorney. And that other thing to do with medical wishes. It wasn't on my Master List of  101 Things to do in the next 1001 days, but it should've been. 

Let's insert it in the #83 spot. Because, come on. Let's be real. That Elvis thing in Vegas is not likely going to happen til 2028. 

Also not on the list was this whole "Have a Hallmark Movie Filmed in Your Bedroom" experience. I should've left a few spots empty so I could slide fun To-Do's like this in. Let's squeeze it into the 24th spot. With a hip that is violently protesting any movement, going on walks is just a lovely memory, so let's use that as an excuse as to why I gained the 5 pounds I planned on losing. 

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Books I've read: 

(To be completely honest, I'm finishing up Atomic Habits and just starting When the Body Says No.)

So here's my list. And my progress thus far:

1	Paint 50 rocks 10 done so far
2	Paint 50 watercolour cards Made 20 Valentine's Cards
3	Empty last 3 moving boxes
4	See dentist about crowns FIRST of THREE appointments done
5	Buy three more trees for deck
6	Get eyes checked Done. Prescription glasses (progressives!) purchased. I am officially old.
7	Learn how to make ham and pea soup with Kim
8	Learn how to make goulash soup with Val
9	Blog: Klassen family trek from UK to CAN
10	Plan 2 craft nights this Winter Did a painting afternoon with Donna. Another one with Kim. That counts.
11	Plan 3 craft nights in the Spring Two DONE. (Painted with KimNav. Painted with Donna P.)
12	Plan 3 craft nights in the summer
13	Download wall Pilates or indoor walking app (See rant above re: hip)
14	Buy a headboard/frame for my bed DONE. Thanks, Donna E.
15	Buy a rug for my living room
16	Plan a trip with kids for 2025
17	If I haven’t used outdoor gas fireplace in the next year; sell it
18	Sign up for three free months of Apple TV DONE
19	Discontinue Shaw cable DONE
20	Get curtains hemmed DONE
21	Physio? For hip. Deal with it Turns out it's arthritis; might need to be replaced. :(
22	Keep blood sugar at 6.5 through 2024 So far so good.
23	Keep cholesterol at 2.5 through 2024 Ooops.
24	Lose 5 pounds Gained 5 in January
25	Lose another 5 pounds Gained another 5 in February
26	Lose a different 5 pounds Annnnd, gained 5 in March
27	Read 25 novels this year Read 10 so far
28	Read 6 Business/Management/Self-help books in 2024 Part way through 2 ...
29	Buy 100 more ducks. Print messages on bottom. Hide/place DONE
30	Eat a green thing everyday Broccoli. Peas. Cucumber. So far, so good.
31	Window blinds to be cleaned at condo Three windows done. Two to go.
32	Buy new screens for lake house
33	Blog highlights of Italy 2023
34	Blog highlights of Portugal 2023
35	Blog first 6 posts re: 60+ Wisdom
36	Get Britbox subscription
37	Read through the Bible in one year Plodding along
38	Go to six local/BC scenic spots I’ve never been
39	Learn to make Veggie Beef (barley) soup with Wendy
40	Buy a new bra if goal of losing 15 pounds is met Pffft.
41	Meet with a counsellor as many times as it takes Five sessions isn't enough. Apparently.
42	Splurge on feet; monthly pedicures/foot massages Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
43	Research hot beverages. Find one I enjoy for social situations I really don't like hot drinks. Not going to do this one.
44	Make borscht with Clint
45	Make buttazup with Julie
46	Learn iPhone 15 Pro photography tips from Terry
47	Give Yoga a try
48	Get moles removed
49	Write an article (?)
50	Reorganize hall closet at condo
51	Reorganize spare bedroom closet. Get rid of stuff I haven’t used/touched since I moved in
52	Repot indoor plants DONE
53	Buy a case of Coppertone 8 Just checked Amazon. They don't carry anything less than SPF 30.
54	Celebrate being cancer-free on Aug 1 (Five years since diagnosis.)
55	Finalize project with Sandra
56	Learn how to bake a pie with Shelly
57	Make a batch of stew with Maxine
58	Join Andrea on a sunrise photoshoot Did one on my own. From my deck. Breathtaking. Then I went back to bed.
59	Write letters to Compassion kids; two letters for each child
60	Become acquainted with the businesses in my village Visited the other coffee shop and the optometrist. And the little grocer who sells chocolate bars, milk and butter.
61	Get together with Vern. MB or BC
62	Visit 5 new-to-me parks
63	Join Northview
64	Plan a reading weekend for winter 2024 Done
65	Plan a crafting weekend for fall 2024
66	Clean out storage locker DONE
67	Hang 2 more pics in condo
68	Wear earrings Remembering to do this once a week ...
69	Attend Hymn Sing 4 times in 2024 Feb, March, April
70	Use up Audibles points then cancel subscription DONE
71	Listen to one book per month Sigh. Haven't listened to anything so far...
72	Replace filter in closet. Ask M to help. Again. Clean closet first DONE
73	Transfer from Telus to Koodo DONE. Saving $55 per month
74	20,000 steps per week Feb NOPE
75	20,000 steps per week March NOPE
76	25,000 steps per week April Another big pile of NOPE
77	25,000 steps per week May
78	30,000 steps per week June
79	30,000 steps per week July
80	30,000 steps per week August
81	Sign up for iCloud DONE
82	Learn how to do something with hair besides putting it in a pony tail
83	Get married in Vegas with an Elvis impersonator providing the background music wearing a light green linen dress and tan coloured flip flops
84	Attend a concert of a new-to-me band Tix purchased
85	Get Mitzi detailed and replace windshield.
86	Download new game on phone Pikmin Bloom
87	BayDays. Apparently these need to be a part of my life MEH. Checked out BayDay today. Didn't buy nothing.
88	Drive a scooter through the hills of Tuscany at sunset
89	Go to another Formula One Grand Prix
90	Visit relatives in Germany
91	Do a cooking day with Heather
92	Make up next year’s To Do list while slathered in Coppertone on a pool deck in Hawaii
93	Go back to posting Three Things I’m Thankful For at least 3 times a week Argh. THIS should be easy...
94	Discover something healthy to become addicted to Not sure if it's healthy: Sunumono Salad
95	Stick my toes into a body of water that is not the Pacific Ocean or Cultus Lake
96	Write to the Altoids people and thank them for the new strawberry flavor DONE
97	Start using an electronic/phone calendar I've started ...
98	Finish sending Christmas 2023 cards DONE
99	Get excited about something new. Not pickleball. Or beets. Maybe birdwatching? Or piano bar sing a longs?
	Get rid of Delta Ceramcoat paints that are ugly colours DONE Three things I'm thankful for:  1. Pretty toes, soft feet, massaged soles. I love pedicures.  2. Appliances. Having the washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher all running at the same time, is just the loveliest background soundtrack to my life.  3. Sitting at a picnic table on Friday night at the local Food Truck Extravaganza, listening to the Dueling Piano Guys with Sandra and Sue, who exclaims, "It like we're living in a real Hallmark Movie! Here we are, at a community event on a warm Spring evening, under pretty trees, singing Sweet Caroline, eating yummy food, watching our neighbours walk by!" 4. Thankful for this son who had a birthday this week. Remembering his early days when we were first getting to know each other. Being a mom. What a wild ride. So much love.  Thanks for reading.  Be nice in traffic, don't litter, feel your boobs. xo

Gonna Be FAMOUS!

 This space? 

This furniture?

These curtains? 

Is (are?) going to be the setting for Natalie's new apartment in the upcoming movie "Autumn Gift" (a Hallmark production). (Also, apparently, my bed and bathroom will have scenes as well. WHUUUT?)

Insert ten million exclamation marks. 

Hahaha. 

Who would've thought my tiny condo would be 'perfect' for a movie set? NOT ME.

Who would've thought the Hallmark people would be EXCITED about my decorating/style? ABSOLUTELY NOT ME. 

This whole experience has been such an unexpected gift. It's been a rough winter (I've been on an unpaid leave from work since early January) and my self confidence (amongst other things) has taken a hit. Having a dozen people come through my door and exclaim (sounding surprised) "Oh! This? Is LOVELY! So bright!" "This is exactly what we're looking for!" "I LOVE YOUR CONDO." (Earlier today the production designer came through with his team, and while they were measuring up, he said, "I told my wife about your place. I am so jealous of what you've got here. The space, the deck, the layout ... everything. Just beautiful.")

D'ya remember that Sally Field Oscar acceptance speech where she said, "You like me?! You really, really like me!?" Haha. That's how I felt by the time the third group came through my humble abode. "Seriously? You really really like my place?" :) 

Yeah, I know; they need to say nice things to the me if they want to rent my rooms. They probably say it to every potential property owner. But they'd looked at a lot of condos before they got to mine and they all seemed sincere in their excitement once they walked through the door. 

Overhearing a bunch of men (strangers) talk excitedly about my twig table, or weird metal bar, or the built-in cabinets ... well doesn't that just feel like buttercream icing on a chocolate fudge cupcake. (Who'm I kidding? It's like icing on a dozen cupcakes. Fresh, soft, delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes.) 

What makes this all so, so lovely, is that it well and truly is a gift. The location scout was looking for a condo lobby for some scenes and happened to ask our property manager if she had any empty suites or large suites suitable for filming. She said, "Jane's is the best one in the entire village." (Insert incredulous face emoji here. The property manager has never been inside my suite. But I've given her Easter and Christmas treats...) (Never underestimate the power of a good cookie.) 

So far I've met 8 people on the production team from the director to the set designer. A couple more professionals will be by on Monday. AND ANOTHER 18 TECH GUYS WILL BE HERE ON WEDNESDAY. I am stupidly excited and grateful and wish I could hide in a closet while they're shooting in mid-May. 

Anyway, the $ will come in handy (thank you, Jesus) and the kind words are the sound track my brain is listening to this afternoon displacing negative thoughts that were taking up too much space. PLUS the sun is shining. And I've managed to cross a few more items off my 101 Things to Do This Year Master List. All in all, a most excellent day. 

Three Things I'm Thankful For:

1. I am thankful for the whole bloomin entertainment industry, not just the bits of it that'll be crowded into my suite. I've watched more TV these past 3 months than I have in the previous 3 years. (Apple TV for the win.) Grateful for writers, directors, producers, actors, set designers, location scouts and art department guys who wander around the countryside in April picking up bags and bags (40 of them to be exact) of last year's fallen leaves to use when filming an Autumn scene in May. I love everything about this process. So thankful for the glimpses into it I've received lately. (Unrelated to Hallmark gig but still related to the whole Entertainment Industry Thing is the opportunity I had recently to view a yet-to-be-released British independent short film about hockey. And CTE.  Humbled, honored, privileged to be trusted with the chance to see the director's cut. Praying for/supporting the young production team who're arranging funding and the actor who'll bring the story to our screens.) 

2. Also thankful for friends in my life. HOLY HANNAH BANANA. I won the lottery. (The friendship lottery.) (It's a thing.) SO much love and concern and homemade soup dumped over me lately. (Not literally, re: soup). If you haven't started yet, I'd recommend you get working on growing that circle of friends you're gonna need. Life is hard, yo. You need your people to hold you up when circumstances batter your brain. 

3. My fam. They're pretty awesome. Also, oranges. And peach pie. And hearty plants that just keep growing regardless of your knowledge on how to keep them alive. And book clubs. And GREEN LEAVES ON TREES FINALLY. And cherry blossoms. And the energy to write a blog post. 

Thanks for reading.

Feel your boobs, tell your guy to find out his PSA numbers, have a cookie. 

xo