Tag: school bus

Still here

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It’s been a while since I’ve updated this blog. Was on medical leave for anxiety for 6 weeks. New meds are settling for now. Have Dr appt on May 3. Will discuss next steps.

The creative business is struggling because I am struggling but I have orders so I’m going in the right direction. The other supporting business I just need to get out there and start inviting people to meet my mentor so he can help me build up.

My DTF Printer finally arrived. Some minor damage so far. Haven’t printed with it yet. I am fighting anxiety left right and centre.

Went back to driving bus last week. Kids are glad I’m back. I love being with them. I’m not getting my energy back like I used to when I drove. I don’t want to feel like that around the kids. They should feel I want to be there. This is difficult for me.

I feel like a whiner which is not my intent. I felt the need to update. Hopefully over the next few weeks as I get the printer up and running and I get back in the pool I’ll be more myself.

1st Week Back ✔

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So we went back on Tuesday. Mostly the same as usual. Road work, silly drivers, great kids, stressed out on the silliest of things…

I have 2 of my students back from online learning and 3 new students. One of them I have not even met yet but I know he will be on the bus. I’ll be doing up the name badges tomorrow.

Vera and I are sharing the driving from Ottawa back and forth between bus runs. We are helping each other at the store. I spoke with her today to let her know that if she feels crowded or imposed upon to let me know. She told me that was not even a thought. We found out we both have the same internal self speech and anxieties. We will help each other grow.

Charlene flew to Edmonton this morning. I made sure she knew that my saying that I won’t miss her was just a facade and in fact I will miss her dearly. I feel like another Sister has left me. I want what is best for her. I feel that being with her family out there will be such a great blessing for her. How lucky she is to have Grandchildren and the opportunity to be with them as they grow. She has her daughters in-laws welcoming her with open arms. She will finally have the love and support of family that she completely deserves.

Fred has brought me some backgrounds for my displays and things are starting to look much better. I need to focus on my website this weekend but tomorrow getting the space cleaned up and visually pleasing again.

I spoke with Jon and told him to go ahead with any resin art that he wants and if he needs anything to let me know. I want to focus on the CNC skills right now. Get that going before the Christmas rush.

I lost a sale today. My Square would not connect and as we were trying the lady put her card away twice. I had Vera come and try with hers and the customers card failed. I think she purposely put the wrong pin in. It was a spontaneous order so… I think the delay made her change her mind.

I have a tumbler that a customer gave me the art it was from a teen daughter that is now deceased. I decided not to contact the family to ask permission to sell it as it as it was ordered as a gift to the mother of the deceased as a gift.

So I will offer other possibilities to the person wanting it. Not sure if this is the best action but I believe so.

I’m mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted.

Back to School

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My last night before going back to work as a school bus driver. Feeling excited, and nervous. Have not had to wake early for about 9 months. Hoping I’ll be ok in the morning. So excited to see the kids.

So many emotions!

I have been working on my website as I changed servers. It is quite daunting as I need to redo all my products. I am lacking in product descriptions but I will figure that out.

So my busy days are starting again. 7-10 bus, 10:30-2:30 Store, 3-5:30 bus

This is Charlenes last week here. She flies to Alberta on Friday. She is staying here with us.

Our house is full. Dylan and his dog Sid are also staying here till he figures out what he needs and gets sorted.

John is feeling a bit overwhelmed but we are managing.

Ok time for bed

August

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Well that went fast. Next Tuesday I go back to work driving the bus again. I can’t explain how excited and happy I am to be with the kids again.

I have 3 new students that I’m excited to meet. I am going to do up the name tags this weekend.

I have switched hosting sites for my website so I am going to work on building it over the weekend. I am happy I will be saving some money but wish I didn’t do this switch at this time.

I am building healthier relationships which is great.

I am working on my mental health with the Bounce Back program. I did the first couple workbooks and am going to work through the next one on being assertive and building healthy boundaries.

We had a great visit with Grandma and took the dogs with us. The trailer was comfortable for the most part. We were in a heat wave so it was a bit hot in the afternoon but thank goodness for AC. Rusty and Sasha are great travelers.

Daryon and Taylor looked after Ester and Dylan looked after Mya, Rio and Copy Cat. Everyone survived lol

So now onto working the store and driving the bus. Getting my bookkeeping up to date with Wendy. Starting singing lessons to build up my confidence again.

Really trying not to overload myself as I am not wanting a crash. So I am trying to build a safety net of support to help me through this.

Covid 19 continued

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Hi so I finally went back to work on Monday Feb 1. Very happy to be back, however we are still in lockdown till the 11 th I believe then things will open again with restrictions.

I’m hoping for the Gym, Restaurants and stores. I need to have some of my coping tools back.

So since Christmas I’ve had a few orders here and there. I’ve been distracted so had to redo a few of them as my application fails me. I did finally make a shirt for myself. The stars represent my losses this past year. Trooper July, Harriet Sep, Fern Dec and Rosie Jan. I have had a rough go with staving off my depressions but I am lucky to have the friends and family I do have to help me get through.

We have added a new family member his name is Copy Cat. He is a brave love bird lol. Except he is not hand tame. He will fly to me and sit on me, give kisses but as soon as I try to touch him he moves away. Working with him to gain his trust. Only had him for a week now.

As far as the store is going we’ve been in lockdown but I’ve gone in and worked on stuff and it’s coming together. Uniquelyys.ca is continually being updated. Need to work on the paperwork side of the business this month. Hoping we can open up to the public again soon.

Copy Cat in converted cage setup

Mya and Copy Cat
My Shirt representing my losses

End of September

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Last week of September. So far I’ve had 1 student off bus to be tested (negative) because he doesn’t go to school on his moms week. I have another 3 being tested because their parents are teachers (expect negative). Jeremy and I have already tested each other. So school is off to a great start. I have a new little she is 4.

Getting in some orders and working on Tumblers. Trying to figure out how to do a few things with the programs. I like learning new things and testing my abilities.

Chris is going to work on the website and build it up. I think T-shirts are going to be a big seller and I’m not completely sure I want to go that route but I will if I can Sublimate them…

Mom is supposed to move tomorrow but the new owners have asked for an extension on the sale of the farm and so she is stressed. Find out later today what they will be doing.

I finally got myself back in the pool today. Was so sore this weekend but now I feel better. Swimming for the win!

September

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So far I’ve been home over a week and back to work for a week.

House is crowded and unorganized of course but John has been doing a lot of upkeep. It is my own failing to be honest. I am so drained.

I’ve had a few orders to complete and most are done and shipped or delivered. Tried the convection oven method and it works great.

Having a hard time getting to sleep and not getting the rest needed. So going to go back on Trazadone to get myself sorted again. I just started the toprimate as well and it is helping with the anxiety and picking.

I’ve been having issues with allergies and asthma. The asthma is due to the disinfectant we use on the bus. So far I’ve not gotten to the gym in between runs because I’m exhausted and go home to nap. Going to try getting there tomorrow and Friday.

I have Troopers ashes in the urn now just need a picture on it. Then I will be settled with that. I’m not ready to put him outside. Not sure if I’m going to.

We are looking at trying to get a mortgage for a house we saw on Garden of Eden Rd. It would suit us perfectly. Our credit rating with Equifax is poor so will need to find a lender that will work with us.

As for the bus the McEvenues are homeschooling but everyone else is back. I’ve added a couple stops but that is really only 1 extra family as I have Coda no matter which parent he is with now.

Wearing a mask is not an issue. Only problem is trying to look down and not trip on things or when I’m writing it blocks my view but driving is fine.

We spray the bus after each run before leaving the bus. As I mentioned it is aggravating my lungs but I’m hoping to adjust or get permission to use Soluguard.