Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 - A Social Day

I had a very social day today... and something tells me I'll be laying low tomorrow and just taking it easy :) But this is a good thing. I didn't do anything strenuous... just busy today with fun things.

For starters I took a cab to the office today. One of my co-workers is leaving us to move to the island and a whole new life for her. I am so happy for her, but at the same time, it won't be the same with her gone. Waaaaaaaaah! We had a surprise pot-luck lunch for her and it was so good to see everyone again! Pretty much the whole gang was there as well as the FASB gang (waving to the whole gang at 1050 W. Pender if you are reading this).

I also received, in the mail, the application for CPP benefits today. Arrrrrgh! I so hate all the paperwork that has to be filled out. Yes, I know, I know, it's necessary when dealing with insurance companies, but it's enough to make my head spin (and that doesn't take much these days!). First there is the short term illness forms that have to be filled out by the doctor every month... which justifies to the employer the reason for me being off and they pay my wages/benefits for this time period. But then there's the Long Term Disabilities forms, which need to be filled in for after the short term period. The LTD forms must be filled out at least 3 months before you need them because that is how long it takes to process them and get them approved. Once I go on LTD then it is no longer the employer that is paying my benefits but the Insurance company. BUT, of course, they want you to make a claim with any other company you might have benefits through, which the only one I would have is CPP (Canada Pension Plan). So that was the forms I got today. I'll have to sit and figure out which ones I do and which ones the Doctor has to do. If CPP approves me, then the feds pay part of my benefits and the insurance company pays the rest. LTD doesn't kick in until April 13th, but I have to have all the claims/forms filled in and approved before they are actually needed. Ack! My head is spinning again!! :) Anywho, I made some copies of forms and figured I'll try and decipher them at home.

After lunch, I made my rounds to make sure I got to see everyone... and said my goodbyes. Like I say, it was sooooo good to see everyone from work. You all are the best!

I was starting to get a little tired... not exhausted but time to head home and back to the security of my little apartment. Besides, I was going to have 3 friends (again, from work from days gone by) come over later this afternoon. So, I took a cab home and before I took off my coat and shoes, I took Bridget out for a short walk ... just long enough to do her business. Besides, it was a gorgeous day out there and here it is still January and we've had some pretty wicked weather... but today it was sunny and (gasp) the crocuses have started poking up out of the ground everywhere!! Say what??? Spring in January???

Bridget and I got home and got settled in. First one over was Charmaine... Charmaine and I are partners at work. Shortly after Charmaine got here, the intercom rang and Jolanta arrived... and it wasn't too much later and Michael arrived. The three of them bought me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers... gorgeous colours!! Oh my... when the four of us get together, we laugh way too much!! And today/tonight was no different! For dinner, we ordered in Pizza which (grrrrrrrr) the three of them would not let me chip in to pay for, and Jolanta brought juice and diet coke, so we were set for dinner!

I'm now having a hot cuppa tea while chatting here on the blog and watching American Idol at the same time... and just relaxing. I think I'm going to sleep like a baby tonight... curled up to that little furry, in-need-of-a-haircut, diva schnauzer of mine :) It's great to know that I actually could go through all of today, enjoying myself the whole way, and doing well! I purposely have not planned anything for tomorrow... it won't hurt to have a day of quiet, and will probably do good :)

Awwwww... and this just came in from my dear friend, Stephanie.... it is so appropo and what I believe in!!!

How special you are

Your presence is a gift to the world,
You're unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be -
Take it one day at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles,
And you'll make it through what comes along.
Within you are so many answers,
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don't put limits on yourself,
Your dreams are waiting to be realized.
Don't leave your important decisions to chance -
Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.


Nothing wastes more energy than worrying -
The longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously -
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way -
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment,
Life's treasures are people... together.

Have health and hope and happiness,
Take the time to wish on a star.
And don't ever forget for even a day...
How very special YOU are,

by: Unknown


Cheryl