Here we are – it is Autumn 2015, the Pan Am Games are done and all of the volunteers have been invited to a Volunteer Appreciation Night – food aplenty, desserts and Raffle prizes. I’m excited to reconnect with those Fleet Drivers that I spent time with in the summer.
We gather under the big white tent once again. I got there just before they ran out of cake!. A raffle is being held and my name goes into the box……Prize after prize is drawn. I’m taken aback by the generosity of those that made these prizes available to us.
I Won!!!!! – $100 Gift Certificate for Via Rail to be used within the year!!!! How ironic is that? I want to travel by train for my vacations and now I have $100 to spend!!! I am SO GRATEFUL. I will use it for my 2016 vacation plan…..
Not so fast………
Early in January 2016, whilst driving home from the pool, late at night, my car started to shut down and the battery would cut out…….Appt at the dealership – $750 repair bill. OUCH…..
January 16 – the anniversary 2 years ago, when we lost our uncle, my dad’s favourite brother.
February 2016- my best friend and her husband lost his son to a brain aneurysm.
I decided then to use my Via Rail $100 Gift Certificate towards the trip for a spa day at Ste. Anne’s Spa in Cobourg Ontario. I needed a day of pampering and indulgence.
So with money rec’d from my ex boyfriend the year before, I planned my day.
In February, it’s cold, dreary, lots of snow and driving is such a hassle. I would do the entire day using just transit… Hassle free travel, snow capped trees and landscape, kind and pleasant staff, serene surroundings, hot tubs, cool mist, warm terry cloth robe, body pampering treatments, chocolate tea and lovely desserts…..The day was the therapy and self care I needed.
Early March, I had given up on some of my other charitable work. I wanted to run for the Board of Directors for the Co-op where I live. Well, I was nominated, I accepted, I voted, I was elected.. A two year term – monthly meetings, additional meetings, letter writing, committees, etc.
Well then!! The Housing Agency holds an Annual Meeting in June and I was asked to attend. A week away from work and home – I had to use my vacation time for this trip.
Alas, no more vaca time for a trip to Manitoba……..
That’s the thing about setting goals and working towards them – sometimes life happens and you have to re-assess, re-plan and most importantly; re-commit to the goal.
Summer 2017 – trip to Manitoba will happen and NOTHING WILL STAND IN MY WAY.
Stay tuned, won’t you? Thank you for reading, thank you for letting me share my journey.
One must always have a goal or a dream to look forward to.
Joye
Single Older Woman - Living Life Passionately 