So how's everyone doing?

[momof2gr8kids]

Yes, big hug emoji to all of you that are hurting.
We're doing ok here. Lucky to have had continuous jobs throughout the pandemic. I changed jobs last April and have been working from home since then, so that is getting to me, especially with the cold weather and things closed. Been drinking more wine and eating snacks at night out of boredom so I need to get out of that rut!
My 20 yr old DD just got into an eating disorder program after a 10 month wait. She has taken a pause on her schooling but is excited to go back in September, so I'm glad she's looking forward to something again. We luckily have benefits and she has found a counsellor that she has clicked with and is keeping up with that. She's working 2 jobs for now and has a good network of supportive friends so that helps.
My son is working a part time job, graduates this year and has no clue what he wants to do. Can't blame him, it's not like he's seeing his friends do anything exciting as they go to college or university and stay home on screen.
Planning to do more exercising and walking soon! I know I will feel better once I get back into the habit. I told DH we need to get back to our 5K a day and build up our walking. Planning a Disney trip next Christmas and every 2nd year after that because I bit the bullet and bought some DVC points. It was something I've always wanted and and went back and forth and did the math twenty seven ways since Sunday, but in the end I just wanted it and it was money I set aside from some of my mom's inheritance for future family travel. So I look forward to taking our kids and grandkids over the years and saying your great grandma got you this.
There are so many suffering right now, addictions and overdoses are running rampant in our community. I am grateful we have resources and benefits if we need it. So many do not.

 

[vegs1]

Hello everyone,

Our MPP does a weekly newsletter and this week, she included a link to programs from the CMHA which are for coping with life’s stresses. There is no cost to join and it may help someone who is waiting for one on one care.

https://ontario.cmha.ca/programs-services/living-life-to-the-full-covid-19-online-support-course/
https://ontario.cmha.ca/news/cmha-self-help-program-now-available-across-ontario/
I also wanted to add that I appreciate the openness and honesty of everyone here. We truly never know what someone is going through. Sending hugs to everyone.

 

[bababear_50]

You are definitely the teacher I so, so wish I had in school. I had some very bitter and tired elementary school teachers who should have hung it up years before. Some were downright mean and would crouch down in my face, and that of the other little girls, and taunt and make us cry. And these were women. It's constantly saddened me how some women can be so brutal to little girls and young women. But when I reached high school, I found some wonderfully supportive teachers who encouraged me to save for university. Good teachers make such a wonderful difference in kids' lives. Your students must know how incredibly fortunate they are to have you!

Hi Hon
Thank you for your kind words.
Well I am actually an Educational Assistant and I was going to say not a teacher but over the years I think I have taught a thing or two.

So many of us in our lives have been teachers and not even realized it. The shop owner at the *Old X Shoppe Antique Store* taught me so much about the love of books and reading,,(I used to hide out in the store's basement and read for hours).

I was also one of the kids that was on the receiving end of some pretty ugly mean spirited teachers and administrators.

I truly think this is why I got into the education field. For years my peers said you know you could be a teacher eh?
I would reply yeah I know but I'm already good at what I do.

Children with special needs has been my calling and I am proud of that and will miss them but hope I've brought some joy to their world.
I tell new teachers all the time to *Remember To Teach To The Moment* & bringing joy to kids is your most important job.

I've re read your post about Disney and the changes and just want you to know that your thoughts and feeling are something I am also thinking about. Let's hope we find some solutions to all the changes.

Hugs to you
Mel

 

[samsteele]

over the years I think I have taught a thing or two

Yes to this. You are most definitely a teacher. And a great one.

We'll find a way to puzzle out the new changes and enjoy WDW again. Or we'll find a new place to love. I'm keeping an open mind about everything. Because when I become so negative about WDW and it's cost cutting that I don't want to even look at another vacation, I need to step back and really ask myself what I most enjoyed about my vacations and if I can still enjoy that again. If I can, then its more about budgeting and I can deal with that by reducing the length of my trip, staying off property, etc. So there's always a path forward if I care enough to search for it.

 

[bababear_50]

Ok People
I just turned 62,,,I was 60 when the Pandemic started.
Is anyone else fed up /confused with the advise always being given in the media is

To quote"
"If you are over 60, you are at risk of a severe COVID infection, especially as new variants arise. Stay on top of your vaccinations and boosters, follow the public health fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others.

It's the ***** Don't Travel*** one that has my Nickers in a Knot.
But then the new wave of advice is *We have to learn to live with this Virus*.

Such confusing times we live in..
Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.

Hugs
Mel

 

[Madame]

Ok People
I just turned 62,,,I was 60 when the Pandemic started.
Is anyone else fed up /confused with the advise always being given in the media is

To quote"
"If you are over 60, you are at risk of a severe COVID infection, especially as new variants arise. Stay on top of your vaccinations and boosters, follow the public health fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others.

It's the ***** Don't Travel*** one that has my Nickers in a Knot.
But then the new wave of advice is *We have to learn to live with this Virus*.

Such confusing times we live in..
Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.

Hugs
Mel

Given that this (below) is true… …. I say enjoy retirement and travel to the fullest.

 

[bababear_50]

Given that this (below) is true… …. I say enjoy retirement and travel to the fullest.
View attachment 642852

Seriously I looked at the numbers for a minute and said "say it isn't so"!!!! OH My Gosh!
Time to re-think this plan.
Thanks Hon
Hugs Mel

 

[jcourtney]

The transformation of the WDW experience has also been difficult. Most of us are DIS Board vets, repeat park visitors and had our touring plans down pat. We knew what we wanted. We knew what we loved. And WDW was an old comforting friend. But with covid, the sweeping changes began and still continue to upend our experience and plans. It also messes with our memories as some of us look back on our recent trips and have to wonder how long many of these changes were in development before covid opened the door.

Look, we all know that some change happens. But wouldn't it have been lovely if - while dealing with covid and family struggles - we all could have said, "well, at least we can count on Disney." Disney had been our safe place. Our fun place. Where no matter what we were dealing with at home, we could escape to every year and just be a kid again even for a week. It's shaken many of us. We knew that Disney was a business. What we didn't want to know was how quickly the guest experience could be gutted based on calculated decisions that loyal customers were more like addicts than valued guests. Being taken for granted. That we will always throw money at the corporation regardless. Less for more is not pretty. I'm sure many of us are mourning the loss of this old friend when we should have been able to count on WDW's support during a global tragedy. Many of us feel that WDW should have had our back and returned our support. Now, we are reevaluating whether its worth it and what our alternatives are. Talk about ripping off the bandaid. I'm trying to see the upside to this as I look seriously at Universal or returning to cruising or European bus tours. I don't think I'll ever again just say, "I'm going to Disney." Now, I'm carefully and coldly considering all travel options.

I'm 100% with you on the need to stop the "change" train. I've had all the change I can take. I'm full up. Someone please tell the world to just hold up for a minute.

However I do want to share a super interesting video I watched on youtube this weekend:

It sort of opened my eyes to how us Disney veterans/experts have been unfairly advantaged and a lot of what we are dealing with right now is loss of privilege. Now for sure Genie+ is not the only problem with what's been going on at Disney lately but it did sort of help me check my attitude a bit. Maybe others will also find it interesting.

 

[bababear_50]

My weekly check in.,,,
Strange week.... just get feeling safe and comfortable at work ,,,,, then I get an email that another staff or student have come down with Covid and my anxiety levels go way up again.
I am so happy it's just the weekend and I can focus on being in my own home safe.
I was listening to a podcast about clothing and how we buy way too many clothes.....Hmmmmm maybe it's time to go through my closet and give it a clean out.
I cancelled my Westjet credit card as I finally decided if I haven't used it in 3 years why am I holding on to it,,, plus they now want to charge me a yearly fee even if I am not using it.

Have a relaxing weekend everyone.

Hugs Mel

 

[samsteele]

Just started my first garden seeds of the year. Rosemary and lavender because they are so slow to germinate and grow plus onions, leeks, celery and a variety of brassicas, kale and swiss chard. Tried a few pansy and violet seeds too as flowers are a big mental pick me up and the later summer season ones (that I'll start in a month or so) attract our pollinators for the veggies. I have the pollinator song from 'It's Tough To Be A Bug" in my head now. Stay warm, everyone!

 

[vegs1]

My weekly check in.,,,
Strange week.... just get feeling safe and comfortable at work ,,,,, then I get an email that another staff or student have come down with Covid and my anxiety levels go way up again.
I am so happy it's just the weekend and I can focus on being in my own home safe.
I was listening to a podcast about clothing and how we buy way too many clothes.....Hmmmmm maybe it's time to go through my closet and give it a clean out.
I cancelled my Westjet credit card as I finally decided if I haven't used it in 3 years why am I holding on to it,,, plus they now want to charge me a yearly fee even if I am not using it.

Have a relaxing weekend everyone.

Hugs Mel

What is the name of the podcast on clothing, Mel? I’ve been looking for some to listen to and can’t find too many I like. I definitely need to purge. My clothing, my parents things which are all in my basement. It’s just so hard to part with some of it.

 

[bababear_50]

Hi Hon
I am not sure how to explain what I listen to,, maybe its not a podcast exactly... I listen to i=heart radio 1010.
Chatter that matters
Tony Chapman
https://www.iheartradio.ca/newstalk-1010/audioI am getting better at parting with things but my kids and grand daughter still struggle with it.

Hugs
Mel

 

[vegs1]

Thanks, Mel. I will try to check it out. Have a great weekend!

 

[podgirl]

My weekly check in.,,,
Strange week.... just get feeling safe and comfortable at work ,,,,, then I get an email that another staff or student have come down with Covid and my anxiety levels go way up again.
I am so happy it's just the weekend and I can focus on being in my own home safe.
I was listening to a podcast about clothing and how we buy way too many clothes.....Hmmmmm maybe it's time to go through my closet and give it a clean out.
I cancelled my Westjet credit card as I finally decided if I haven't used it in 3 years why am I holding on to it,,, plus they now want to charge me a yearly fee even if I am not using it.

Have a relaxing weekend everyone.

Hugs Mel

Hang in there, Mel! Schools could not run without people like you. Hopefully things will slow down soon. My school has multiple teachers and kids out with Covid also and I know it’s really stressful. Enjoy your weekend and take it day by day. March Break will be coming soon!

 

[mommasita]

Bumping this up with a check in. How is everyone doing ?

I have had more of an off week than on. I’m not sure why. Work is starting to get to me more lately, I’m not sleeping well. A friend was shot, the media made him out to be the Mafia 3.0, his brother was our close friend, was also shot a few years back.

Today my best friend is coming from up North, we will go shopping and all out to dinner, as her partner has retired. This always perks me up, I have someone to talk to in person, via text.

I hope everyone is doing the best they can. I better get washed and out of my robe before I scare them, lol. I wish you all a good weekend,

 

[hdrolfe]

I am very glad it's the weekend. My job has been more and more stressful lately. I've been in the same position for a couple years now, and normally I try and change every 2 years or so, same employer, same pay, just change the job and what I do. I get bored easily I guess. With covid and all the work from home, it's more difficult to network, and I do feel for my current team, it seems like I hold so much of the knowledge on the team. A friend on the team says if I leave she'll leave too, she jokes the manager wouldn't know what is going on if it wasn't for me. I did just apply for a new position that's a level up, they are few and far between, my current level is kind of it for the most part unless you want to get into management (and I do not). Any way, between that and kiddo still avoiding school so much, it's all just a lot and I want spring to arrive, I want to get back to normal! I gave up my time off in March to cover for my boss since we aren't travelling any way (and he's going to Disney... I hope his family has a blast). I have a trip planned for May but it's so far away. I am tired of my same walls all the time, and the cold, ice and snow.

At least I am still cooking meals more often, I even cooked on my birthday! We are trying new meals, and even kiddo has been trying a few new things. I even tried making burrito bowls at home, though that did not go well with kiddo I though it was very good. Still need to start getting some steps in more. And better sleep. But I guess one step at a time.

Hope everyone is doing well.

 

[ronandannette]

Hello All - Thanks for checking in; I'm thinking of you and when I read your posts in other threads it always brings this one to mind.

I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that national current events are weighing heavy on my heart. I pray for our precious homeland and everyone in it, regardless of their creed or ideologies.

Personally, it's been a bit of a trip lately. My DSister is home from rehab and by all accounts she did very well. She is much healthier physically and spiritually and is working pretty diligently on the psychological and emotional components of her condition. She's been perfectly fine since she's been back; now it's up to me to shake off the dread that creeps into my stomach on my way home from work each day. I'm kind of surprised how hard those few, excruciating months imprinted on me.

I'm packing for Cuba next week; a ladies' getaway where I plan to have a TON of alone time. It seems like forever since I've been apart from DH and DS. Don't judge me when I say I literally cannot wait!!

 

[mommasita]

Bumping this up.
I am so happy your sister did well @ronandannette ! Hope you enjoyed, and relaxed on your trip.

I am a little down, My best friend was coming for the weekend, we made reservations for The Keg in Old Mtl for Saturday, now some stupid freakin snowstorm is coming normally we would just go with it, but they are saying white outs, and she is coming from St, Sauveur so we postponed for 2 weeks.
Anyway, it is what it is eh! I find this working at home, I’m very ”alone” . I dunno, it’s a lot, and I’m hoping they phase us back soon.

My son, my St. Paddy’s Baby will be 26 on the 18th. Holy crap, unbelievable.

Today I had a doozy off a migraine and booked off sick, and got a mass text of a system failure, felt guilt and worked 11-3. So 1/2 day. I can’t even do a sick day right . Ever hear of that. But let me tell you, I’m glad I helped, it was a disaster

Well, I had a lot to say. Hope to hear from y’all

 

[alohamom]

I am a little down, My best friend was coming for the weekend, we made reservations for The Keg in Old Mtl for Saturday, now some stupid freakin snowstorm is coming normally we would just go with it, but they are saying white outs, and she is coming from St, Sauveur so we postponed for 2 weeks.
Anyway, it is what it is eh! I find this working at home, I’m very ”alone” . I dunno, it’s a lot, and I’m hoping they phase us back soon.

I feel you. I am just north of Toronto and we woke up to snow. It was such a sunny day yesterday it was the first time this year that I felt spring might actually happen soon. I started day dreaming about my garden!
I am glad you are your friend are able to reschedule at least.
I am thinking with so many restrictions being modified and dropped I am sure the workplace will be calling to come back soon.
Hope your migraine has subsided and you are at least feeling a bit better physically-hang in there!

 

[ottawamom]

My son, my St. Paddy’s Baby will be 26 on the 18th. Holy crap, unbelievable.

Just got around to reading this post. I also have a son born on the 18th, he's going to be 25 though. I agree it certainly is a wake up call when your youngest (in my case) is that age.