Flu shot, dentist, and Somebody Feed Phil

On Saturday, I'm getting my flu shot at my local drugstore. During this pandemic, you must book an appointment online for your flu shot. In the past, you could just walk in.

In a couple of weeks, I have a dental appointment. I haven't been there for a year. I was supposed to have my appointment in June, but it was rescheduled, as it needed to prepare its safety protocols. We'll see what happens.

It's the weekend. I am currently watching new episodes of Somebody Feed Phil. I enjoy it.

Team name with a spanking reference

At work, we have a health program where there are exercise challenges every quarter. I like that someone created this name for a team:

I wish that I had made that suggestion. Next time!

Getting HR involved to tell my manager that he's using the wrong field for my start date

It has been 1.5 months since my manager ruined a perfectly fine discussion on our team with my hitting a milestone. It was my ten-year work anniversary.

In our human resources application, there are two dates. One is my start date. The other is my contract signing date. To normal human beings, the former is the one that you go with to calculate how long you have been with the company. My manager went with the latter.

Naturally, I am an anomaly. Because I was involved in a company acquisition, my contract date is roughly two year after my start date. To me and HR, this discrepancy wasn't an issue. To my manager, it was. He insisted that I get it fixed.

He is a jerk.

So, after 1.5 months dealing with HR who said that it was fine and wouldn't make these fields the same, it took an HR generalist to contact my manager to let him know that there's nothing to change. The start date is correct. I actually had to reinforce it by saying that going forward, he should be using the start date.

It is ridiculous that I had to basically tell him that everyone on the team got an e-mail to sign my virtual work anniversary card. He simply ignored it and ultimately looked like an insensitive idiot.

My hitting such a service milestone happens once. I expect a manager to get on board and acknowledge it instead of telling me to get HR to fix an issue that really isn't one.

Starting a conversation with a condescending tone doesn't get far with me

It's interesting dealing with various departments and people to get things done. Well, sort of done.

Let's start with getting my retirement savings accounts (RRSPs) transferred from one bank to another. I need to open two new accounts with my primary bank. One is a regular RRSP account. The other one is a locked-in RRSP account where the money can't be touched until I retire.

I had to deal with another financial representative who called me after I was done work. The conversation did not start off well.

"Do you know that you have a locked-in retirement (LIRA) account?" he asked.

"Yes. I don't appreciate your condescending tone," I replied.

The day before, I had sent two completed forms back to my bank. One was for my regular RRSP account. The other for the LIRA. I knew exactly what I was doing. He had all forms in his position. He was just too lazy to look at them. 

I did a questionnaire a couple of days ago to determine what type of LIRA account would suit my needs. He did the same thing again, but did a cross reference between my answers over the phone and a previous one from a week ago for my regular RRSP account. I didn't get it. Wouldn't you want the get the results for the LIRA questionnaire that I did recently, as they are for this new LIRA account? It didn't make a whole lot of sense.

I was civil. I did say that we should get things over with by doing this questionnaire and thanked him at the end. He did apologize for being condescending. I think he let up when he asked me how much was in my LIRA and I told him right down to the cents.

I have more to unleash about my manager and our human resources department. I'll save that for tomorrow.

My friend's status

My friend, who is going through a trial in Houston for her cancer, was hoping that she'd be in remission. Sadly, it's not the case and she's continuing to do treatments.

She was diagnosed with Leukemia in June. I last saw her in March. If it weren't for a pandemic, I'd fly out to see her.

One of her friends has set up a GoFundMe page to help her out with expenses. I have contributed.

I am so pleased with my financial situation. If you had asked me to contribute last year in October, I wouldn't have been able to. I'm glad that I can help out a bit.

I am hopeful that she will be in remission soon.

Spiralized butternut squash is yummy!

I cooked up a storm on Sunday. I don't normally enjoy eating squash. However, I bought some spiralized butternut squash and made a stir fry with it. It turned out great and I liked it!

I'm not big on eating zucchini. I find the spiralized version tolerable, but it's not my favourite. I'd rather have spiralized cucumbers or carrots. I can now add butternut squash to the list. I am wondering whether I'd feel the same away about butternut squash soup.

Weekends are far too short. It's back to the grind.

The ex in my dream and an inferior 2.0 version of him

I dreamt about the ex last night. I only remember seeing his name and saying something to him. I don't recall exactly what I had said.

Weird.

I think about our last exchange of texts. I am proud that I told him off.

I do miss when he was thoughtful and loving when we were together. Version 2.0 of him is missing those qualities and more. I don't want a newer version that is inferior to what I used to have.

Nice Friday to call it a day early and fetch dinner

I worked extra hours on Thursday to get a deliverable out the door. I am cutting my workday short on Monday and did on Friday.

It was a gorgeous day on Friday. I decided to go out for a nice drive and fetch dinner. It felt like summer. I had a t-shirt and shorts on. I haven't been out on a Friday for what feels like years, but it's probably more like half a year.

Enjoy your weekend!

A surprise connection dealing with my retirement savings accounts

On Thursday, I decided to call my bank to make an update to my retirement savings account. I got a nice man on the phone who took the time to explain everything to me.

I am doing a couple of moves. I'm updating my savings portfolio within my retirement savings account. I am also transferring two other RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans) from a bank that I despise over to my current bank.

At the end of our call, which was the first phase, he noticed my place of employment and said that his son had finished a year of his internship at the same company. I asked what the his son's first name was. When he said it, I was delighted. I worked with him closely over the past year. We were on the same software development team.

He let me know that his son has a job lined up after he graduates from university next April. I was thrilled, as he was concerned about getting a job and asked me for help. His dad was appreciate.

Small world, huh?

My financial situation is looking better

I am pleased with my financial situation these days. I have a single loan that I'm paying down faster by making additional payments when I can.

It's exciting seeing my progress. It takes a lot of hard work to stick to a budget and plan accordingly.

I have also been contributing more to my RRSP. I borrowed quite a bit out of this retirement fund and am trying to get it back to its original fund level. It will take some time, but I'm determined.

A break from the boss

I am pleased that my manager is taking a vacation day today. We all could use a break from him.

Our team has a daily chat at 4:45 pm. I start my day at 8:15 am, so I technically am done for the workday by then and say whatever is on my mind before I sign off.

Yesterday, I joined in three minutes later than the start time. I'm always punctual. I wanted to break that cycle.

All I heard was our manager talk about work. When I decided to chime in, he changed his tune.

"I don't want to talk about work. I want cheerful stuff," he said.

"You've been doing that this entire chat," I pointed out.

Such a hypocrite.

Luckily, he had to go to a meeting, which was a nice way to end my day at 5 pm. 

My friend and a product manager

My friend, who has leukemia, has provided an update and it's promising. She went through a trial and she may be in remission. She'll know for sure on Wednesday. I like good news!

At work, it's busy, as we are gearing towards a major software release. I have been restructuring a section of our documentation that is long overdue, but it also conforms to changes that we have done recently. 

The review with the product manager and software architect was smooth. I'm pleased.

With the product manager, he seems to like me more than I recall. In the past, he grumbled about an issue in our documentation to my manager. The latter defended me by saying that I delegate the work to students, so the fault wasn't exactly solely mine.

I have worked with this product manager more closely over the past year or so. When we used to be in the office and once had a major meeting where it was standing room only, he actually pushed me in front of him, as he's probably 6'4" and I'm half a foot shorter. It was a nice gesture to allow me to see what was happening.

He does have a girlfriend, so we won't go into any romantic what-if scenarios. However, he does do smileys in his e-mails, more to me than most. Maybe he's just a flirt.

Cookbook and charging adapter from Amazon Prime Days

I participated in my first Amazon Prime Days event. I typically don't have a thing to buy. However, there were a few things that I wanted this year.

One was a vegan recipe book. I'm not vegan. The fact that the recipes are dairy-free suit me, as I'm borderline lactose-intolerant.

I got a charging adapter that has more electrical outlets, including three USB ports. I installed it in the basement. 

This charging adapter is perfect. It has a screw that stays put when plugged into the wall outlet. I needed it and solves my issue with any plug that wouldn't stay plugged in. Yay!

Saturday, Sunday, and self-spanking Saturdays?

I had a nice Saturday. I slept in a bit. I visited a couple of new businesses during the day. It was relaxing and enjoyable.

My area has re-entered stage 2. It means that dining in at restaurants is shut down again. Movie theatres and gyms are closed again. However, takeout and patio dining are still okay. It's important to support local businesses, especially during this pandemic.

Although I didn't get around to my self-spanking yesterday, I am thinking that I should dub Saturdays as self-spanking Saturdays and see if that motivates me more. I don't that it'll happen weekly, but you never know.

Later on today, I'm cooking up a storm. I love Sunday cooking.

The weekend and a cell phone plan change

The weekend is here. I am relieved and happy!

A few days ago, I decided to change my cell phone plan. I am essentially getting an extra 3 GB of data each month for a lower price. Before taxes and a corporate discount, I am saving $40 a month. 

I also don't get charged for going over 10 GB a month. I have yet to hit my former 7 GB limit each month.

As far as phones go, I'd like to get the Google Pixel 4a 5G. It comes out next month. Instead of getting it financed with my cell phone provider, I am opting to buy it from Google directly. Apparently, it's cheaper if you go this route. I am excited!

Enjoy your weekend!

Self-spanking thought while driving home

I was driving home from hanging out with two friends yesterday. I do missing being a bad girl and getting a good spanking.

It was different having this thought while driving home during rush hour. Self-spankings have been helpful, as I don't have a partner these days. However, getting into the mood has been difficult. I don't want to make it a scheduled event. It should happen whenever I feel like it.

This weekend will be a good time to self-spank. It is long overdue.

Cookies, Oomomo, and a day off

Yesterday, I went to pick up two boxes of gourmet cookies for two friends. It was nice that I ended my day at 15:00. I headed out and it was a gorgeous afternoon.

After that errand, I ended up at Oomomo, a Japanese dollar store that is huge. It has been around for well over a year. It does take me a while to hop on any bandwagon. I was in heaven.

Today's my day off. I am enjoying taking a day off here and there.

Weird workweek ahead

I blink. The long weekend is over. Crazy!

I have a six-hour workday today. I have to pick up some goodies for a couple of friends after work. I then have Wednesday off.

Considering that I haven't done any travel since March, I have a backlog of vacation days that I"m considering taking a day here and there.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

It's officially Thanksgiving Day. I'm exhausted from making a feast yesterday. I get to recuperate today.

To my fellow Canadians, enjoy today. To everyone, I am thankful for you. Your support here means a lot, especially dealing with heartache and enduring a pandemic, among other things.

Turkey dinner preparations

Several hours from now, I'll be roasting a turkey and making a few side dishes for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day is on Monday, but I tend to do the dinner a day earlier. It's a bit of work, so I'd rather have the actual day to relax.

On Saturday, I got the turkey. It's a 16-pound turkey. It's huge to me. It was the smallest one that I could find at the grocery store! I got it unstuffed, so it shouldn't take as long to roast it.

After grocery shopping, I realized that I had forgotten to buy mushrooms. I went back to get a box. Yay!

Long Thanksgiving weekend has arrived!

This crazy workweek is over. I have a three-day long Thanksgiving weekend!

Next week, I am taking a couple of hours off from work on Tuesday because I worked extra hours. I am then taking a day off on Wednesday to meet up with a couple of friends. I am so exhausted that I need more rest.

Thank goodness for the weekend. Hope you have a relaxing one!

New panties for self-spanking

My new pair of panties arrived in the mail yesterday. My subscription is a pair of panties every two months.

Part of me wants to get a pair a month. Then again, I don't really need that many panties. They are so cute, though.

 Front view:

Backside: 

I love the contrast between the pink lace, and black and white stripes. They feel soft and have a decent amount of stretchiness for comfort.

I may need to have them on and slip them off when I go into a self-spanking session. It is the long Thanksgiving weekend coming up.

Deliverables and research on a new phone

I have two deliverables to complete this week. One of them happens to be that same document that I worked overtime on two weeks ago, but with more updates. Here's hoping that scope creep doesn't happen again.

I'm thinking about my next cell phone. It will be another Google Pixel phone. I'm happy with it. The question is whether to go with the Google Pixel 4a with 5G, or the 5 model with 5G.

I am leaning towards the former. The screen is slightly larger, which is 6.2". It's also cheaper than the 5.

The 5 is the same size as my current phone, which is 6.0". It has wireless charging and some minor enhancements. To me, they aren't huge features that make me want to spend an extra $150.

Thanksgiving plans

Thanksgiving long weekend is coming up. Normally, it's the perfect time to plan a small road trip. With the pandemic happening, I still don't feel comfortable doing one.

Instead, I'll be roasting a turkey, complete with all the fixings. I am a planner at heart. I like looking forward to a good meal with lots of leftovers left over.

I'm now drooling.

Update from my friend with cancer

On Saturday, I received an update from my friend who is battling leukemia. She has finished her treatments at a clinic in Houston. It's a clinical trial.

She is now staying at an Airbnb. She is a high risk to travel during this pandemic, as she has had a liver transplant. As a result, she's not flying home and will likely continue her stay in Houston for a bit.

I hope that her treatments are effective. She has to do a biopsy next to find out. I hope that there is good news.

Taking it easy and cooking this weekend

It has been a relaxing weekend. I went out to fetch groceries and run errands yesterday, which I enjoyed. Today, I have been lounging around. I made breakfast and lunch, which I like doing on an easy Sunday.

I made banana bread french toast this morning. It turned out nicely. It was my first time making it.

I overdid buying dessert yesterday. I have Japanese-style cheesecake and cheese tarts, and banana bread. I'm glad that I thought about making banana bread french toast. It would be more difficult doing it with cheesecake!

Moments of sadness and reflection

I have been sad here and there as of late. I can't help but to think about the ex right about now. We started dating in mid-September. It was exciting and wonderful going into October.

That feeling is long gone. 

I loved the fun, loving guy that he was. He ended up sucking the fun out of our relationship by making up terms. I had had enough when he wanted to be friends only -- no relationship and no sex. He then changed his mind a year later. He wanted the sex and friendship. No relationship.

I had had it. I wanted no sex, no relationship, and no friendship.

Even though I am at peace with my decision, I still have moments of sadness. When we were together and he didn't impose these ridiculous terms, it was magical. When he added terms that appeased him, it made me upset. When he ended our relationship, he hurt me. I felt abandoned and unloved.

For over a year, I have had to rediscover who I am. The person that I was before this relationship. The person that I am after having my heart torn apart, picking the pieces up, and telling him to shove it.

It's okay that I have moments of sadness and vulnerability. I was in it for nearly eight years. I'm entitled.

Maybe someday, I'll be with someone who loves me unconditionally. I'm still not there. I'm okay with it. 

Loans update

Yes, loans is plural. 

For the last two years, I have been paying off a secured loan. The idea is to pay money towards this loan and build equity. The regular payments, in turn, contribute to building your credit history and score.

I realized that I truly didn't need this loan. I was doing fine steadily paying my my debt of regularly. I wanted to simply pay off this loan. It was a huge lesson learned.

Well, I had the opportunity to get out of this loan by taking out a regular loan. I don't get why I needed the second loan, but I did it.

I have officially closed the first loan. I got my equity back, which I immediately put in my RRSP  (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) account. 

I paid off the new loan immediately. Yesterday, I called the loan folks and got confirmation that it is both paid off in full and closed.

As for paying off my debt, it's still going well. I look forward to seeing the amount that I owe go down. It's satisfying to see my progress. It's like night and day between my financial situation a year ago versus what it currently is.