Driving during rush hour and eating patties

Last night after work, I drove across the city to pick up an order. The drive during rush hour going westbound was a bit crazy. It's never fun having the sun in your face!

Driving back home was far more enjoyable in the dark. It was my usual drive home early two years ago, before this pandemic. It wasn't busy, which was nice.

I bought a dozen beef patties after I had picked up my order. They were so good. They were hot. I ate two of them in my car before heading home.

Thank goodness I bought a dozen. At the rate that Imm consuming them, they won't last long!

Visiting a mall and a restaurant after a decade

On Saturday, I visited a shopping mall that I haven't frequented in nearly a decade. It has changed quite a bit.

I used to go to a Vietnamese restaurant located in this mall with co-workers when we all used to work nearby. We all don't work at this company anymore.

I was pleased to learn that this restaurant is still alive and kicking. I went back to get some takeout. I felt the need to support it and find out whether the quality is still there. It is!

The food was delicious. I was relieved and happy.

I will try not to wait another decade to drop by this eatery and mall.

Ordered takeout from the wrong location

I did something odd last night. I ordered takeout with my app, which isn't all that weird. I didn't realize that it defaulted to a place roughly an hour away from where I was. I drove to the closest restaurant where I thought that I had placed my order.

I had already paid for my meal and it was ready. It was too far away for me to pick it up. So, I had to cancel and forfeit my purchase. I was oddly okay with it and hope that someone else orders the same meal.

It was so weird. I normally am pretty careful about location. I'll need to pay more attention next time.

Less sleep than expected

Last night, I woke up at 5:30 pm. It was a weird combination of my being warmer than normal, having my right foot start to stiffen up, and my bladder wanting some relief.

I ended up turning on my fan, even though the air conditioning was on. It has been extremely humid lately, but the humidity must have risen overnight for me to sense it. I also took some potassium for my usual right foot issues and attended to my bladder.

After 1.5 hours of being away, which included placing an order for pair of compression socks to help with circulation, I went back to bed and woke up at 9:30 am. I had roughly five hours of sleep. I tend to be functional with five hours of sleep, but crave more of it.

When I came back from running a bunch of errands, I had dinner and took a nap. It explains why I'm still fairly alert, but I'm ready for bed.

Here's hoping that I sleep better tonight.

Mr Men = Spongebob

Yesterday, I decided to get a Happy Meal from McDonald's. I haven't had one since I was a kid.

Why did I get one? It's offering Mr Men as the toy. I grew up with the Mr Men series, so it's a nostalgic thing.

Well, I specified the Mr Men Happy Meal. What did I get? Spongebob. Ugh!

Apparently, Mr Men all got a facelift and became Spongebob. I will try again soon and hope that the folks at my local McD's get my order correct!

New panties and vibrator order

My panties subscription came in the mail. I got this black mesh one:

The waistband is comfortable and satiny. The mesh feels smooth and soft. I'm happy with them.

I also got paid and bought my Womanizer Liberty vibrator in lilac. It has been shipped, which is impressive. The place where I normally get my spanking implements, PinkCherry.ca, is having a Valentine's Day sale. I'm pleased with an extra 20% off.

I am looking forward to receiving my new toy and wearing these panties.

Being a panelist and on vacation

I had a fun evening being a panelist in a Zoom meeting. I am normally an attendee. It was different being on the opposite side. I had a good time and enjoyed being with cool people.

My vacation is going well. I slept in till 9:30 am. That's late for me.

I went out briefly to pick up an order that I had placed over the weekend. I also got some bubble tea.

It has been relaxing. I love it.

Packaging and waste

Last week, I placed an order for five items. I received four packages with lots of packaging. It's such a waste of materials, among other things.

It makes me shake my head when it comes to how over-packaged things are. I then ordered a cell phone case from Pela. I got one for free and the packaging was minimal. It was quite the contrast.

A different kind of Monday

I am taking Monday off from work in lieu of working the hours late last week. I have a relaxed, yet somewhat adventurous plan.

I do need to vacuum my car. Here's hoping that I can do it safely. I suspect that it won't be all that busy.

Last week, I was hoping to venture into the city. I never made it. Instead, that's my goal for today. I'm now picking up two food orders. I also hope to take in the new Toronto sign that was recently installed.

After that, I may visit either a cafe that is offering a free beverage or visit my old neighbourhood where I grew up to reminisce.

Assembling cube storage, being achy, and releasing the hold on items

On Sunday, I did a fair amount of work at home. I put together some cube shelving, which has made a huge difference. I decided to order more cube storage shortly after putting it together and organizing my stuff in it.

Yesterday was the last day of this sale on cube storage. It's 40% off. There is curbside pickup, which worked wonders on Saturday.

Unfortunately, my arms are achy from all that assembly. It's almost as if I need a longer weekend to recover from all this fine work!

Although I'm achy, I liked doing my own thing and decluttering. I have had iPod cases that don't fit any iPods that I have owned in the past. I looked at empty boxes that do not need to be kept. It has been a therapeutic process in getting rid of stuff that I need to let go of.

Breaking out of the house twice a week and safely fetching ramen while out

With the COVID-19 pandemic, I only go out twice a week to for groceries and essentials. I go out on Wednesdays after working from home and on Saturdays.

I feel for eateries these days, especially the local, smaller ones. I tend to order online and pick my food up while I'm out getting groceries and dropping by the drugstore.

On Saturday, I found a ramen place roughly ten minutes away. It is offering all ramen at 50% off its regular price. Wow! I love ramen. Not only did I get some ramen, but decided to get two appetizers that would equal the discount.

When I went to pick it up, I was between two sets of doors. A man working there greeted me behind the second glass door. It was cool. He let me know that my food was on the table. I looked and was so happy. I thanked him. He wished me a good day. I reciprocated.

The food was amazing and delicious. I will be back for more.

Thankful for being employed during COVID-19 uncertainty

I am fortunate to be able to work from home during this COVID-19 pandemic. I work in the IT field and have a laptop. Other than spending more time and effort communicating with my colleagues, I can comfortably work from home and get paid.

My employer has asked all employees to work from home till the end of the month. Well, that date got changed to April 10. It will mean that it will be five weeks of working from home for me. Perhaps it will be extended some more.

I look at the restaurant business here in the greater Toronto area. Restaurants have shut down dine-in services. Takeout and delivery services are the only ways that these restaurants can offer their services. Bartenders and servers can't work from home. They are either laid off, or their employer pays them and then suffers the consequences of losing money daily.

I feel for businesses these days, especially local ones. My ordering takeout from them here and there will hopefully help a bit.

Here's hoping that we can resume our regular lives when this pandemic disappears.

My friend, elephants, and a case

My colleague and friend returned home to be with her mom, who was sick, in late November of last year. My friend has been away from work for nearly two months. Her mom is doing much better.

On Monday, my friend returned to work. She got me a present. I let her know quietly that she shouldn't have. She got me a cute bag with elephants on it. She knows that I love elephants. It was thoughtful and sweet of her.

A couple of weeks ago, I ordered a case for my cell phone. Last week, it arrived. I ordered it in rose gold. I got a grey and green one. Obviously, my order was messed up.

I tried putting the case on my phone. It fit. The problem was that the volume keys were on the other side of the case. I basically could not use my phone with this case on.

I contacted support on how I could return the item. The company refunded my money and said that I could keep the case. It was generous, but what do I do with a phone case that it useless to me?

I didn't know what phone model this case was for. It certainly was not for a Google Pixel 2XL.

I brought this case into work. I asked my friend whether it would fit her iPhone 8 Plus. It was like Cinderella's slipper, but for a phone. It fit! I gave it to her. She was happy. So, I was I to have her back.

Optimistic outlook on my finances

It's a long weekend for folks here. Let me tell you that it's much needed.

I am optimistic about my finances this year. A loan that I have had for nearly five years ago will be paid off at either the end of May or early June. This loan was to consolidate a large amount of debt. It frees up money to put towards other debt, which won't be a whole lot when I get there.

The toughest part is getting through the next three months. Last year, my debt situation required that I dip into my retirement savings. For years, I did not touch it. I had no choice last year. You get dinged for taking this money out before you retire, which will be reflected in my income tax return. My thinking is that I had to deal with being behind with my debt payments that it was worth the risk taking money out of my retirement savings.

With the loan payments being over in early summer, I will be able to put money back into my retirement savings and build it up. This plan makes me happy.

I have come a long way. It will be nice to get back to having my finances back in check.

Back from vacation with memories of playful spankings and cuddles

Both my guy and I are back home. We had a wonderful time together. I am frankly sad that my vacation is over.

It was nice seeing him after work for just over a week. We went out for dinner. We also ordered in when he was exhausted.

Our hotel felt like our home away from home. We watched movies and made popcorn. I helped him wake up. We hugged and kissed just before he went to work. We did the same when we came back to our hotel room.

Moments after I entered our hotel room for the first time, we sat down on the couch and cuddled. I liked when he playfully spanked and tickled me. He felt my left bicep and we had this conversation.

"You are a strong woman," he said, squeezing my bicep.
"Thanks, sweetie. You're strong, too," I replied.
"Your arms are so strong," he said, marvelling my biceps as he held me.

I like when we are playful and loving. I enjoy when he playfully spanks me, which is a precursor to future spankings.

Reflection on my final vacation day

Today is my last vacation day before I go back to work. It has been a well-deserved period of rest.

Naturally, I have reservations about going back to work. I dread dealing with a new employee who isn't the sharpest learner.

On a good note, I managed to reorder contact lenses, so I ensure that I can see for the better part of this year. I have roughly a two-month supply before placing my reorder, so I wasn't exactly cutting it short.

I have enjoyed cooking more while on vacation. I hope to do more of it on weekends. I find it relaxing and fun.

Fifty Shades Freed on DVD... I can't wait!

The digital release of Fifty Shades Freed came out in late April. My willpower kicked in and I decided not to buy it. Instead, I am waiting for the DVD version, which generally gives you access to stream it online.

I will probably do what I did with Fifty Shades Darker, which is to buy the Target version. I have a way to buy it in the States and have it shipped to Canada. That DVD version has more behind-the-scene exclusives. I can't wait to order it!

I recently found this outtake photo from Twitter. I have no idea who to credit, but thanks to whomever for sharing this photo. I love it!

Ordering lunch for each other and being affectionate

On Monday, our lunch date was a bit rushed. It was still nice to be with my guy.

While my guy was driving us over to the restaurant, he looked over at my thighs.

"Your pants are very purple," he remarked.
"Yes. I have two pairs of purple pants, in case these ones bite the dust," I said.
"I like them," he said, placing his hand on my left thigh as he continued driving.

At the restaurant, we knew exactly what the other person wanted to have for lunch. It was to the point where he got my meal and I got his when our meals were being served! He likes the ginger beef. I like the spicy garlic chicken.

Knowing that we wanted to order shaved a lot of our typical waiting time.

The unfortunate part was that I didn't have a chance to caress his nicely shaved head. At least we got to hug and hold hands during our entire lunch date.

It's nice when he is in the office. We seem like high school sweethearts.

Costco.ca account hacked - fraudulent order

It is another episode of having my credit card compromised. Luckily, things end well.

On Monday evening, I was exercising on my glider and checking my e-mail on my phone. I noticed an e-mail alert from my costco.ca account saying that my account changes went through. That alert was odd. I haven't logged on to this account for at least a month.

I decided to give it a try. Sure enough, I had been hacked. My mailing address had changed, as did my phone number. My date of birth was wrong, too.

I immediately changed my password. I then went back and changed my contact information.

This person decided to order a Samsung Galaxy S9+ phone in lilac purple using the credit card that I had on file. It was a transaction just over $1200 CAD. The only positive thing that I can say is that I concur with the colour choice. That's about it.

I immediately cancelled my order. For the reason for cancelling this order, I stated that my account was hacked. Customer service was closed at 9 pm. I will need to call back during business hours.

I went over to my saved credit cards and deleted the lone credit card on file. I won't be saving any credit cards on this site going forward.

After all of that, I called my credit card company to inform it of this fraudulent charge. Naturally, I won't be charged. I also let the woman know that I had cancelled this horrible order. My credit card has now been cancelled. A new card will be coming my way.

It is sad that costco.ca does not have a fraud department or some after-hours line. I had called support, but it is for their products.

It's not fun being a victim of such an act. I am simply thankful that I acted quickly to undo everything.

Being compassionate is positive

I am fortunate to have three students this term. One of them, before she started her internship, had indicated that she needed surgery in July.

She had her surgery last Wednesday. She stayed in the hospital for a couple of days and has been discharged. She is resting comfortably at home.

I am a sensitive person when it comes to such matters. When my manager injured his eye, I got everyone on the team to chip in for a fruit bouquet. When another writer on my team got injured in a car accident, I ordered a flower and food basket while I was in Montreal training writers over there on behalf of our team.

With my other two students, I made the suggestion to send her a get-well gift. They liked the idea.

As expected, the one student who started in May took the initiative to look up floral gifts and even order it! The other one, who has worked with me the longest, is the youngest, and doesn't exhibit as much initiative, seems to be more comfortable with these two students than the last one that she was with. I am glad, because the other two are slightly older and are mature beyond their years.

We all corresponded back and forth about the floral gift, how to expense it, what to write, and so on. It was a good exercise in being caring human beings.

They will do just fine in this world.