Sharing Thoughts on Covid, Hockey and Other Things (Warning TLDR)

-DLC- · August 6, 2020

I was thinking a lot today as I soaked in every second of hockey...both on the radio and TV. Sitting outside in the sunshine in August with....hockey on? How weird is that?

The following is an "all about me" deal that comes with the hope that some of you might share your thoughts, feelings and experiences too.

When Covid hit, I was in a very stressful job carrying much of the load at work. The more I did, the more my boss piled on and it was a thankless job with little appreciation ever shown. I didn't mind the workload as I'd rather keep busy than be idle....but the expectations were starting to be unreasonable and his attitude was awful. He was very stressed and that was starting to impact me. It wasn't unusual for him to have screaming matches on the phone with clients...all within earshot of me.

I ran the office over Christmas and into January when he went "home" to Italy for a vacation for a month and a half. When he returned, COVID was just starting to get going and rumblings about it spreading had me concerned. I immediately took a proactive stance with it...just in case.

I tuned in early on when precautions were being set out...one of which was to keep our distance from one another. Our small office was difficult to facilitate that in and I had to establish boundaries and set some rules. My boss reluctantly agreed to them, but often forgot to follow them. The final straw was him coming at me at my desk in full on open mouth coughing fits. This happened regularly. I'd remind him to please cover his mouth and he'd snap back that "he didn't have COVID". He did have asthma....but he'd also travelled to Italy, so....how the heck did he know?

Long story short, we butt heads for awhile and then he let me go very abruptly in March. He was already agitated and my "nagging" him to be safe during COVID was obviously too much. His ego had inflated and he said "I don't need a damn secretary anymore". I could have likely fought it, but it was exhausting to think of and I also was caring for my father who is immune compromised so just didn't have it in me. See ya.

So I lost my job in late March.

I also had a 10 year old bunny....my BFF...who'd been going downhill since November, 2019. Thing is, he was a fighter and would always improve and surprise us. He was so resilient. Until he no longer was and I lost him, too, recently.

At the best of times this would be super rough. But COVID is really emphasizing how much my life has changed in the past 6 months and it's a bit daunting at times. Very weird. I hate change but am learning to embrace it as a challenge as I move into something new.

The job stuff is whatever...I'll get another job (and just tested for a good Gov't job...fingers crossed). I've always been super upbeat but, at times, it's a bit of a facade and I battle depression (on a minimal scale). Nothing serious, as I recognize it and am aware of what to do. But it's there, smouldering and needing to be extinguished at times. Like during COVID.

Anyone who knows anything about me knows I am a sports NUT. I have not missed a single Canucks game in.......well over a decade. I even had a small portable colour TV that I packed around when a game was on and I HAD to go somewhere (like a wedding once). A little obsessive.

My car broke down last year in the snow and I had to take transit home...there was a game on and so I hopped off the bus at the mall, bought a small shower radio (LOL) and listened to it on the next bus until I got home. Can't miss a game. Ever. Come hell or high water. Or Covid.

Although hockey's my number one passion by FAR, all sports are my thing. I love going to "the track", I love football - both NFL and CFL, tennis, curling, golf, even poker (btw it isn't a sport...it's a game).

So when COVID starting stripping sports away, that was presenting a huge hole for me. I wasn't really seeing family much (as we were all wanting to protect my Dad). and so it was just me at home. Trying to find "stuff" to do. I'd always find sports on TV to occupy my time and be in my zone, but they were falling away, one by one. It was so weird as all the things that make me feel "whole" were suddenly gone. The only thing I really could do was workout, but that leaves a lot of empty hours in the rest of the day to fill.

My bun was the final blow. The house was suddenly eerily empty. He was all of two pounds but he filled my entire world and my days were busy tending to him. He'd been on medication every 2-4 hours....so it was a constant thing.

Then it wasn't.

So what now? No job. No family. No bff bunny to tend to. No sports. What kind of empty hell am I in here?

And so, just at the very right time, hockey has returned and it feels like it has almost saved me. It was sink or swim time and I was sinking. Fast.

It's obviously no secret how stoked I was for the exhibition game and the build up was incredible. I know we all are feeling this...it's not just me. I love it here because I've found "my tribe". Other people as crazy about this team/game as I am.

And so hockey's back and it's so damn good...something to be hopeful about.

I can't begin to describe how "normal" it feels to hear the sounds...the commentators, the radio banter. Like familiar friends. I am watching every second of every game...because I can. I am lapping it all up and feel so grateful that it's back. You start just taking things in life for granted until...they're no longer there anymore.

When I heard hockey would return I was pretty skeptical of what that would look like. I think many of us were. What it would feel like. No fans? Are you kidding? I imagined silence and awkwardness. How would this work? WOULD it even work?...I wouldn't believe it would be "game on" until the very day it actually arrived and WE MADE IT! I kept waiting for the bubble to burst...for that dangling carrot during planning to suddenly be yanked away because it wasn't doable. I think I held my breath for weeks.

It's amazing that it's actually here...that it's back!!! It's different, sure....but it doesn't feel a whole lot different. It isn't glaring...it's familiar and good. It's also exciting to see how it's all being put together. I take none of it for granted and have a new appreciation for every single aspect of the game. The efforts being made...the community pulling together. The joy that people are sharing....the enthusiasm about it all. The togetherness. The uniqueness of it all...although it's something terrible that we've been forced into accepting, it also shows strength, patience and resilience as we find new ways to do things. Together.

Suddenly things are even starting to feel normal again. I am comforted by this thing we call hockey. I have always loved playoffs and watch if we're in them or not.....and that will be no different. I'm loving every second of this deal and feel optimistic and hopeful again. I honestly didn't think we'd make it "back" to hockey....as the uncertainly swirling around covid isn't dissipating and everything is a wait and see deal. One day at a time.

I feel blessed to have this community....hockey really is something special and this "family" we have here is testament to that.

Cheers to play ins and play offs and friends and hockey. Here's to our team...win or lose, they give us something really special to cheer about.

In closing, I'll use Dr. Bonnie's words: Be kind, be calm, be safe. And our words: Be(at) the Wild. GO CANUCKS GO!!!!

Thanks for listening. How are you feeling about hockey during this weird thing we're stuck in called COVID? Are you enjoying it as much as you expected? More? Will you watch whether we're in it or not?

NucksIn50 · August 6, 2020

4 minutes ago, debluvscanucks said:

I was thinking a lot today as I soaked in every second of hockey...both on the radio and TV. Sitting outside in the sunshine in August with....hockey on? How weird is that?

The following is an "all about me" deal that comes with the hope that some of you might share your thoughts, feelings and experiences too.

When Covid hit, I was in a very stressful job carrying much of the load at work. The more I did, the more my boss piled on and it was a thankless job with little appreciation ever shown. I didn't mind, the workload, as I'd rather keep busy than be idle....but the expectations were starting to be unreasonable and his attitude was awful. He was very stressed and that was starting to impact me. It wasn't unusual for him to have screaming matches on the phone with clients...all within earshot of me.

I ran the office over Christmas and into January when he went "home" to Italy for a vacation for a month and a half. When he returned, COVID was just starting to get going and rumblings about it spreading had me concerned. I immediately took a proactive stance with it...just in case.

I tuned in early on when precautions were being set out...one of which was to keep our distance from one another. Our small office was difficult to facilitate that in and I had to establish boundaries and set some rules. My boss reluctantly agreed to them, but often forgot to follow them. The final straw was him coming at me at my desk in a full on, open mouth cough. This happened regularly. I'd remind him to please cover his mouth and he snap back that "he didn't have COVID". He did have asthma....but he'd also travelled to Italy, so....how the heck did he know?

Long story short, we butt heads for awhile and then he let me go very abruptly in March. His ego had inflated and he said "I don't need a damn secretary anymore". I could have likely fought it, but it was exhausting to think of and I also was caring for my father who is immune compromised so just didn't have it in me. See ya.

So I lost my job in late March.

I also had a 10 year old bunny....my BFF...who'd been going downhill since November, 2019. Thing is, he was a fighter and would always improve and surprise us. He was so resilient. Until he no longer was and I lost him, too, recently.

At the best of times this would be super rough. But COVID is really emphasizing how much my life has changed in the past 6 months and it's a bit daunting at times. Very weird. I hate change but am learning to embrace it as a challenge as I move into something new.

The job stuff is whatever...I'll get another job (and just tested for a good Gov't job...fingers crossed). I've always been super upbeat but, at times, it's a bit of a facade and I battle depression (on a minimal scale). Nothing serious, as I recognize it and am aware of what to do. But it's there, smouldering and needing to be extinguished at times. Like during COVID.

Anyone who knows anything about me knows I am a sports NUT. I have not missed a single Canucks game in.......well over a decade. I even had a small portable colour TV that I packed around when a game was on and I HAD to go somewhere (like a wedding once). A little obsessive.

My car broke down last year in the snow and I had to take transit home...there was a game on and so I hopped off the bus at the mall, bought a small shower radio (LOL) and listened to it on the next bus until I got home. Can't miss a game. Ever. Come hell or high water. Or Covid.

Although hockey's my number one passion by FAR, all sports are my thing. I love going to "the track", I love football - both NFL and CFL, tennis, curling, golf, even poker (btw it isn't a sport...it's a game).

So when COVID starting stripping sports away, that was presenting a huge hole for me.   I wasn't really seeing family much (as we were all wanting to protect my Dad). and so it was just me at home. Trying to find "stuff" to do. I'd always find sports on TV to occupy my time and be in my zone, but they were falling away, one by one. It was so weird as all the things that make me feel "whole" were suddenly gone. The only thing I really could do was workout, but that leaves a lot of empty hours in the rest of the day to fill.

My bun was the final blow. The house was suddenly eerily empty. He was all of two pounds but he filled my entire world and my days were busy tending to him. He'd been on medication every 2-4 hours....so it was a constant thing.

Then it wasn't.

So what now? No job. No family. No bff bunny to tend to. No sports. What kind of empty hell am I in here?

And so, just at the very right time, hockey has returned and it feels like it has almost saved me. It was sink or swim time and I was sinking. Fast.

It's obviously no secret how stoked I was for the exhibition game and the build up was incredible. I know we all are feeling this...it's not just me. I love it here because I've found "my tribe". Other people as crazy about this team/game as I am.

And so hockey's back and it's so damn good...something to be hopeful about.

I can't begin to describe how "normal" it feels to hear the sounds...the commentators, the radio banter. Like familiar friends.  I am watching every second of every game...because I can. I am lapping it all up and feel so grateful that it's back. You start just taking things in life for granted until...they're no longer there anymore.

When I heard hockey would return I was pretty skeptical of what that would look like. I think many of us were. What it would feel like. No fans? Are you kidding? I imagined silence and awkwardness. How would this work? WOULD it even work?...I wouldn't believe it would be "game on" until the very day it actually arrived and WE MADE IT! I kept waiting for the bubble to burst...for that dangling carrot during planning to suddenly be yanked away because it wasn't doable. I think I held my breath for weeks.

It's amazing that it's actually here...that it's back!!! It's different, sure....but it doesn't feel a whole lot different. It isn't glaring...it's familiar and good. It's also exciting to see how it's all being put together. I take none of it for granted and have a new appreciation for every single aspect of the game. The efforts being made...the community pulling together. The joy that people are sharing....the enthusiasm about it all. The togetherness. The uniqueness of it all...although it's something terrible that we've been forced into accepting, it also shows strength, patience and resilience as we find new ways to do things. Together.

Suddenly things are even starting to feel normal again. I am comforted by this thing we call hockey. I have always loved playoffs and watch if we're in them or not.....and that will be no different. I'm loving every second of this deal and feel optimistic and hopeful again. I honestly didn't think we'd make it "back" to hockey....as the uncertainly swirling around covid isn't dissipating and everything is a wait and see deal. One day at a time.

I feel blessed to have this community....hockey really is something special and this "family" we have here is testament to that.

Cheers to play ins and play offs and friends and hockey. Here's to our team...win or lose, they give us something really special to cheer about.

In closing, I'll use Dr. Bonnie's words: Be kind, be calm, be safe. And our words: Be(at) the Wild. GO CANUCKS GO!!!!

Thank you for sharing... wow that was a read and heart felt. I to lost my job back in late March and has been a tough go for me personally as well. I must say I have been on these boards as a guest for years but finally last night I said eff it I want to join this community because of people like you Deb. CDC has been great for me because I love this team and want to see them win a damn cup in my lifetime ::D and I look forward to celebrating with all of you. Thanks for having me. Cheers

-DLC- · August 6, 2020

6 minutes ago, NucksIn50 said:

Thank you for sharing... wow that was a read and heart felt. I to lost my job back in late March and has been a tough go for me personally as well. I must say I have been on these boards as a guest for years but finally last night I said eff it I want to join this community because of people like you Deb. CDC has been great for me because I love this team and want to see them win a damn cup in my lifetime and I look forward to celebrating with all of you. Thanks for having me. Cheers

Thank you so much for sharing. You too, huh (job loss)? At the best of times, it can be challenging to find a new job...this COVID deal is sending that through the roof. I wish you the very best of luck moving forward.

And we sure will all celebrate that cup win here together. Hopefully, sooner rather than later! (This year??)

Glad you came on board with us...the more, the merrier and it's a pleasure to have you here.

NucksIn50 · August 6, 2020

6 minutes ago, debluvscanucks said:

Thank you so much for sharing. You too, huh (job loss)? At the best of times, it can be challenging to find a new job...this COVID deal is sending that through the roof. I wish you the very best of luck moving forward.

And we sure will all celebrate that cup win here together. Hopefully, sooner rather than later! (This year??)

Glad you came on board with us...the more, the merrier and it's a pleasure to have you here.

You are awesome

Shirotashi · August 6, 2020

Wow and I thought I was crazy with my need to watch the Canucks. You Lady take it to a whole nother level.

I mean that in the best way. I tip my cap to you setting the bar that high. Good luck in your job hunt without

a doubt you were meant to leave that place and move to something better. Some people would call that

a blessing in disguise.

brilac · August 6, 2020

My job is very toxic, and people in leadership have no idea of what goes on in the company, and assume and look down on people. I am constantly underestimated. This week was the final straw, and I have a job interview tomorrow, and I hope it goes well. I need to leave the job I am at. I casually said today that I was was so done, and I was laughed at. It is no laughing matter, and especially when I am saying that calmly without emotion. Depending on how things work out tomorrow, if I am offered the job or not, and I am still at the job I am at, I am thinking about quitting, and taking a wellness break. I know that of what is happening right now with COVID 19, etc, that I'm supposed to hang onto the job I have, but this job has damaged me mentally. I have a really nice savings account, and I am also taking an online college course. I could always use the time to go back to college by taking more classes.

-DLC- · August 6, 2020

Thanks NucksIn50 & Shirotashi.

Bri....sounds familiar and like you're in a bit of a similar situation to what I was in. Good for you for exploring other options and not feeling like you're "stuck". Our jobs are to create income and pay bills but they should NOT drag us down. Laughed at is really inappropriate. Especially at the hands of people who sound so out of touch and ignorant. I wish you the best of luck...you're a very smart, well spoken young woman and you'll be just fine whatever you do.

NucksIn50 · August 6, 2020

4 minutes ago, debluvscanucks said:

Thanks NucksIn50 & Shirotashi.

Bri....sounds familiar and like you're in a bit of a similar situation to what I was in. Good for you for exploring other options and not feeling like you're "stuck". Our jobs are to create income and pay bills but they should NOT drag us down. Laughed at is really inappropriate. Especially at the hands of people who sound so out of touch and ignorant. I wish you the best of luck...you're a very smart, well spoken young woman and you'll be just fine whatever you do.

Well said Deb and yes you do you Bri... fingers crossed for ya and hope you land the new job.

-AJ- · August 6, 2020

Thanks for sharing Deb. I always appreciate someone sharing about some of the deeper things in their life. Personally, I've been fortunate, as aside from Canuck hockey, COVID hasn't taken too much away from me that I need to function. As an extremely introverted person, my social life changed very little. I'm blessed to still be working and continue to have strong job stability and a very supportive work environment, even if it's a bit of a dead-end job with mediocre pay. I'll take a healthy work environment over a strong pay day every day of the week.

I'm not sure how much I'll watch if the Canucks get knocked out. Traditionally, I've been a Canucks and Canucks only kind of guy, so I wouldn't follow the playoffs much once we were out, except maybe for the finals. This year might be different if I can get over my butt-hurt when/if we're knocked out. I'm definitely a jealous fan and that interferes with my ability to watch other teams succeed and enjoy it.

coho8888 · August 6, 2020

Well, you'll always have us Deb! Thanks for sharing. Things work out for the best. I was in a similar situation. Accounting manager for roofing company. The boss/owner had a really bad temper. So much so that there were pictures hung up on the wall in the weirdest places, in an attempt to hide the holes he made by throwing his cell phone at the wall (remember the phones the size of bricks back then?). I worked there for 9 years before I moved on. Best thing I did. Got a govt. job and 18 years later here I am. Looking at retirement. This forum is like therapy for me coping with Covid. I sometimes go onto other forum sites and get into arguments with ignorant people (mostly anti maskers down south) and come back here for some sanity. Glad to see Hockey back though its been an adjustment for me not seeing fans in the stands and not much in the way of fan noise. I was at the arena for the last game before Covid. The atmosphere of the arena when Miller scored in overtime, man I'm going to miss that.

rychicken · August 6, 2020

Deb, I know you've shared pieces of your story over the past several months, but reading it all in one post reiterates how amazing you are. Even though we are just strangers sitting at a keyboard, I think (almost, because there has to be "that guy") everyone would agree that you are caring, have tenacity, and never play the victim - you take what life throws at you and you do your best with it, while trying to remain as positive as possible while getting through it. I hope the journey to the Canucks winning the Stanley Cup 8 weeks from now is the start of a period of positive events for you

COVID has had the opposite impact on my work life. I have worked at my current employer for 29 years, and the 4-5 months have been the busiest I have ever been. We are a national retailer, so my work like has been spent revising sales and production forecasts for the next 1-12 months....

Born in East Van in 1970, the Canucks have been my team since the late 70s when i would sneak a transistor radio into bed to listen to the games (8pm start back then!)

I have found the return to play to be better than expected. Like you, I held by hopes in check until the puck dropped, especially after seeing what was happening as baseball started up (I know they are travelling, etc, but it did serve as another reminder that this is so tenuous)

First game I watched was Game 1 vs Min, and found by period 2 that I had adapted to the backdrop, lack of fans, etc (though I am still not used to whatever that animal is on Friedman's face)

IF the Canucks are eliminated, I will have much less interest - I'll watch a game if I am home and not busy, but I won't go out of my way. A daily check in on the scores will be enough most days.

Enjoy the game today - keep cheering for the team! Positive thoughts for your personal future as well.

skategal · August 6, 2020

Wow, Deb and others, thanks for sharing your stories. Mine is similar but different. I retired from 40 years in a corporate job in 2019, started a new career in fitness. When COVID hit I was terminated, laid off or not scheduled any longer depending on the job (I had 3 different ones). Thankfully I still had a pension cheque from my corporate life.

I found the first few weeks really tough, being single and not having family the "stay home" part was tough. Very grateful for the friends who would text or email regularly to make sure I was ok. Given that I had no one to worry about infecting, I volunteered to shop for others so that gave me a reason to be amongst people, even if it was at the grocery store.

I think I went through all the stages of grieving, sadness, anger at the lost way of life, probably at the acceptance stage now that life as we knew it is probably never going to come back.

I'm incredibly grateful that golf never really stopped, I've been playing more than most years because I have the time and the resources to be able to, it gives me a social outlet as I'm on the course for 4+ hours with good friends. I'm back at the gym and have found a new tribe with a private studio that is offering cycling classes and slowly moving back to inperson fitness classes.

Interviewed this week for a role in fitness, will see what comes of that. In the meantime, I'm working as a mobile personal trainer.

Enjoying the Canucks, not sure how much I'll watch if they are eliminated, probably will live with highlights and web coverage.

I've found it interesting that COVID seems to highlight the differences among us, it's reinforced the freedoms that we have that we probably take for granted too much. It's also brought out how we all view the world through our own lens and our actions are generally self serving and not necessarily for the greater good of all. I honestly am shocked at the anti mask movement - it seems like such a minor inconvenience that could benefit everyone by reducing the risk of transmission.

Ghostsof1915 · August 6, 2020

Not sure why jobs (including mine) seem to go out of their way to make life unpleasant for its staff. I see lots of great people run into the ground. I know jobs aren't always easy.

I had a manager who once told me you spend 1/3rd of your life at your job, that's a long time if you're not happy with your job. I get it there are demands and pressures.

But you shouldn't dread going to work. Good luck on your searches for better jobs folks.

I'm glad hockey is back. I'm going through a little anxiety as they want us back at head office shortly. So it will be a one week at the office, one week work from home. I'm just concerned with Covid numbers spiking why are we putting more staff at risk? Guess we will find out shortly.

Stay safe everyone, keep your heads up, and your stick on the ice.

-DLC- · August 6, 2020

@-AJ- Your situation sounds similar to my son and daughter in law's....they, too, are fairly introverted and with the option to work from home, are carrying on pretty much "business as usual". Except that we don't see each other much because my son has had pneumonia twice in the recent past (pre Covid), so I'm pretty protective of that. I was just like you...once the Canucks were out I was too. Done. But I found new life in just watching other teams carry on after elimination because it was easier watching them...without the emotional investment, I could just enjoy the games. And the intensity being through the roof meant it was some really good hockey. So, although I will never cheer for another team and don't care, at all, what happens if we're out....I watch hockey until the bitter end and it's all said and done now. Just makes the off season shorter.

@coho8888 Wow, our stories are similar indeed! My boss, too, would have fits of anger and slam his phone down or his fists on his desk. It's super stressful trying to be productive in that type of environment. Your story gives me hope though!

@rychicken I love the stories you (and a few others) tell of sneaking a transistor radio in to bed to listen to games. I was lucky...my parents had a radio in the kitchen and the games would BLARE out of that thing. I think the whole neighbourhood got to hear them. I get it re no interest in other teams...I pretty much am not interested in the outcome, just the content of the game because it's usually some really fast and furious hockey. I truly appreciate your kind words and your support here. If I didn't have CDC over this strange COVID period, I think I'd be completely lost. This place, as crazy as it gets, helps keep me grounded. Like minded hockey fans feel like family to me.

@skategal Seems like we're feeling a lot of the same things around COVID. I like how you described it perfectly through the different stages...so true. The one thing that was really a blessing in all of this was the ability TO be outdoors in nature. I found that being by the river gave me hope, peace and a distraction from all the news I was taking in. I actually stopped watching the news to give myself a bit of a break because it was overkil and overwhelming at times. All the "what if's?". The though of potentially losing vulnerable family members if others in society didn't do what we needed to was a helpless feeling. So I understand, fully, the shock at the anti mask movement too. But I'm learning not to focus on what I can't control because it used to fire me up and make me angry but it doesn't change anything. I try, now, to just share information. Tough because my brother's being swayed by friends to now think this is a bit of a hoax and the numbers are fudged...which means he's letting his guard down around Dad. That's a super tough situation but I just do what I can, from my end, to take care of Dad and give him information to protect himself.

I truly enjoy the input here. Although we do have the COVID thread it tends to be argumentative and be focused in an us versus them way. I really wanted to tap into how other's are feeling and how something like hockey is such a huge lifeline during this rather catastrophic event.

Always reluctant to "go on and on" (I tend to do that) about "me", I also like to get to know people beyond the surface because we have some really great people here. And I thank all of you for listening (and sharing).

-DLC- · August 6, 2020

18 minutes ago, Ghostsof1915 said:

Not sure why jobs (including mine) seem to go out of their way to make life unpleasant for its staff. I see lots of great people run into the ground. I know jobs aren't always easy.

I had a manager who once told me you spend 1/3rd of your life at your job, that's a long time if you're not happy with your job. I get it there are demands and pressures.

But you shouldn't dread going to work. Good luck on your searches for better jobs folks.

I'm glad hockey is back. I'm going through a little anxiety as they want us back at head office shortly. So it will be a one week at the office, one week work from home. I'm just concerned with Covid numbers spiking why are we putting more staff at risk? Guess we will find out shortly.

Stay safe everyone, keep your heads up, and your stick on the ice.

Stay safe my friend. It would be anxiety inducing for me, too. If there's a way to work remotely, it certainly makes sense right now to do so.

I had a great job that I left because the business was moving and there was no room for advancing or increasing the wages (which were very low). But it was a fun atmosphere that really supported a work-life balance. So I've definitely seen both sides and know how motivating it can be TO ensure staff are happy. Everyone loved being at work and I sometimes regret leaving. Was offered a job that was 2.5 times the pay but there were certainly things that factored in to overall "happiness" with the change.

J.I.A.H.N · August 6, 2020

Not to make this a total gripe post.......but!

I am retired, which was mostly due to my health history of a heart attack, and stress related issue around work. I was fortunate to be able to retire, albeit prematurely, but it was the best avenue for me at the time. Money gets tight once and a while, but there is always someone in a worse situation, so I usually try to adapt and blow it off.

Then Covid came, and I lost on my RRSP's, which took a hit, so I had to reduce my withdrawals, which reduced my over all monthly income. I checked and rechecked with government agencies to see if there was any relief for us early retirees, but no....apparently we are not are not in need.................

So, when put in a jam, I tend to think too much, and started to get depressed. But I have developed a better attitude towards these things and have used the 24 hour clause in my life to be able to handle it better..............basically do not fret about it for 24 hours, then make the necessary adjustments, and get on with life. Which works great except when dealing with a 92 year mother, whose house is falling apart.....................which is another story for another time!

I am pretty active, so I have always used sports to escape those issues ( Both playing and watching) but when Covid came, it kinda squashed the TV sports, and also any hockey or golf I played..............forunately the golf started up again on the Island and I was able to get away a couple of times a week, which really helps, but the darn Covid also closed down the Starbucks, which really put a kink into my day to day.................Thank you Dr. Henry for opening up the coffee shops again! Thank you so, Very, very, very much!

But still there was something missing, and even posting "Trade Boeser" posts did not fill the emptiness, which was remaining.........Then the NHL announced that they intended to re-start the season and playoffs.........to say I was sceptic, is an understatement! But sure enough, here we are! Hockey again, and this time, with our beloved Canucks........

It feels somewhat normal now, and with Golf and Hockey now back on the tube, life is getting back to normal..........now if they would only announce a vaccine!

Thanks for starting this post Deb, as it is good to have a better perspective on how life could get worse, and sharing the stories, cements my thoughts about how much I care for my fellow CDCers......................now if we could just hear from Alf! ...........(who I am honestly worried about!)

Love you all ! Even Coastal! :emot-parrot:

:bigblush:

Edited August 6, 2020 by janisahockeynut

J.I.A.H.N · August 6, 2020

3 hours ago, Ghostsof1915 said:

Not sure why jobs (including mine) seem to go out of their way to make life unpleasant for its staff. I see lots of great people run into the ground. I know jobs aren't always easy.

I had a manager who once told me you spend 1/3rd of your life at your job, that's a long time if you're not happy with your job. I get it there are demands and pressures.

But you shouldn't dread going to work. Good luck on your searches for better jobs folks.

I'm glad hockey is back. I'm going through a little anxiety as they want us back at head office shortly. So it will be a one week at the office, one week work from home. I'm just concerned with Covid numbers spiking why are we putting more staff at risk? Guess we will find out shortly.

Stay safe everyone, keep your heads up, and your stick on the ice.

Haha! Your comment of what your manager said reminded me of this..........

I had a manager tell me repeatedly, that when my deckhand acted up, I should take him around the corner and punch him out! Haha. that was his solution! And would have been the end of my career, if I had acted on it! I did not!

Just like there are good and bad employees, there are good and bad bosses!

smithers joe · August 6, 2020

i can’t say that covid 19 or the loss of hockey has really impacted my life that much. it has been more the things that have happened during it that are the most sobering in my life. first my bleeding ulcer and health scare and then my grandson’s room mate and best friend was hit by a train and killed. between the recovery and alex moving back home, life is different.

i’m enjoying hockey being back but i have it placed down the list of important things in life.

as far as work is concerned, i had worked for years at jobs where the money was good but unfulfilling. life changed when i finally realized what i was good at and made me happy. i found that working with developmentally challenged people, then young offenders and then seniors gave me so much pleasure and the feeling of accomplishment, i wouldn’t change that for gold.

coaching little league baseball and hockey and writing a sports column for our local paper was most rewarding.

thank you big casino for your story. knowing you, i can feel the grief you’ve had. i’m glad your a strong person and can over come any adversity in your life

canuktravella · August 6, 2020

covid changes everything i only get a shift a week bartending has basically been cancelled i dont even wanna go in because its random people breathing inside thous mask wont really stop it if is in air but once cerb ends im gonna need to work a ton i might just apply for a gov job to or something i can do remotely. One good thing is being anle to spend time doing more photography keeping busy is healthy for everyone its not good being locked inside

VforVasili · August 7, 2020

Thanks for sharing all of this Deb. I am happy that hockey has brought some joy as it has for me. I have had a rough go of it as well. My tourism business I started in Uni 25 years ago has been very hard hit and I have taken a beating financially and personally with no end in sight. Went from 100 employees to 2 nearly overnight.

As an employer who is knowledgeable on employment law, I should tell you that your situation would keep me up at night if I was in your bosses shoes. Terminating someone for safety complaints is a one way ticket to lawsuit town. Not my business and I am sure you have considered it but please consider speaking to an employment lawyer to see if you have a case. I suspect you do. That was textbook wrongful termination as you may be owed substantial severance.

I hope that doesn’t come across as mansplaining but often people who are hurting emotionally will fail to stick up for themselves legally. Hate to see that guy get away with that behavior.

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Sharing Thoughts on Covid, Hockey and Other Things (Warning TLDR)

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